by Perry Comer
Donland took the mug and drank; he emptied the mug. “Thank you Honest, now see what food is about.”
“Aye Captain,” Honest replied.
Men were climbing the shrouds; Allen was busy shouting orders. The men, to Donland's eye, seemed practiced and worked well together. He saw Hanson holding to a line and observing the preparations for sailing. Donland called to him, “Mister Hanson, lay aft if you please!”
“Aye, Captain,” Hanson answered.
Donland introduced Jackson. “Lieutenant Hanson this is Hornet's first officer, Lieutenant Jackson, and presently master of Folly. I have matters to discuss with Captain Jackson below, you have the watch,” Donland said.
Hanson's face broke into a smile and managed, “Aye, Captain!”
Jackson led the way below deck; they could hear Hanson bellowing orders as they entered the small cabin.
Jackson asked, “What of Mister Hanson?”
Donland sat on one of two rough handmade chairs. “A good man in a fight, good with the men. He was bound for the Ajax but the pirates captured the packet ship and he was taken prisoner. He will be a credit to any ship's company.”
Honest pushed open the door while carrying a rough board covered with sliced ham, ship's biscuits, mangoes, and plantains. In his other hand was a clay pitcher. “Beer,” he said as he set the food and the beer on the small table.
“How did you obtain beer?” Donland asked.
Jackson answered, “A gift.”
“From a woman?” Donland surmised.
“From the pirates, they welcomed me with open arms.”
Donland was reluctant to ask but he did. “They decided you were a kindred spirit?”
Jackson leaned from his chair and picked up a tankard from the deck. “Aye, it takes a pirate to know a pirate.”
Honest handed Donland a tankard.
“And as for the beer and the other niceties, when I told that man Slaughter than Captain Scoggins had sent me, well he bent over backward to do whatever I asked. When I said I had cannon below and that Captain Scoggins wanted them brought onto deck so that I might rejoin Dolphin, he sent enough men that my lads only had to watch. He was very accommodating.” Jackson poured beer into the two tankards.
“Would seem so, have you power and shot?” Donland asked.
“Aye, mor'n enough for a long voyage of plunder. My tale was swallowed as easily as this beer.” Jackson lifted his beer and drank.
Donland laughed then said, “I've no doubt he believed the drippings of your tongue just as the wenches in Savannah are fond of doing.”
“Aye,” Jackson said.
Donland picked up a thick slice of ham and took a bite. He followed it with a bite of biscuit and then swallowed half the beer. It was only then that he discovered how hungry he was.
“I best see Mister Hanson about our course,” Jackson said and rose from the chair.
Donland only nodded, as his mouth was again full of ham. He ate and listened to the sounds of the ship. Above him, orders were shouted and feet stamped. The hull creaked with every wave Folly plowed into. He felt at home.
“I've a cheroot, if you care for it,” Honest offered.
“Thank you, Honest, but no. I've never acquired the taste for tobacco,” Donland answered with his eyes closed. “I shall just sit for a bit before going on deck.”
“Aye, Captain, a bit of rest,” Honest said softly.
The shout of a hail from the masthead startled Donland awake. “Where away Honest?” Donland asked as he rose from the chair.
“I'd not know Captain,” Honest said as he handed Donland his hat.
Donland took the hat and bounded through the door and up the hatchway.
Jackson stood with a glass to his eye and he said without lowering it, “Two masts! Still to far distance to make out who she is.”
“Let us intercept her, Mister Jackson and I suggest you go to quarters, and load your guns,” Donland said.
“Aye, Captain,” Jackson answered and handed Donland the glass.
Jackson shouted, “To quarters Mister Hanson, lively now!” He paused and ordered, “You idlers, crew those guns, there's power and shot below.”
Jackson was enjoying command. “Prepare to lay her on the port tack Mister Hanson.”
Hanson bellowed, “All hands! All Hands! Prepare to tack!”
The top'sls emptied of wind and then filled with a flourish, Folly began to lie over, gathering speed as she did so.
“Atross!” Donland stated. “She’s signaling! Enemy in sight!”
Folly rushed on heeling slightly with the push of wind. The distance was soon halved.
“More ships, small vessels!” Donland said with the glass to his eyes. He asked as much to himself as to Jackson, “What's Monroe playing at?”
“Prepare to heave-to,” Donland ordered. “Have the gun-crews to stand-to!”
Atross reduced sail, the way coming off her.
“Hailing distance, Mister Jackson!” Donland ordered.
“Aye, Captain!” Jackson answered with all pretense of command gone from his voice.
The two ships bobbed up and down on the swells no more than ten yards apart. With the help of sail and rudder, the two ships maintained their distance for just over a minute, more than enough time. Donland called across the distance, “What of the enemy?”
“Don frigate! Forty guns! Giving chase to Hornet and Stinger!”
“Where bound!”
“Anegada! Hopes to lose her or trap her!”
“Gather our ships! Come after us! Understood?”
“Aye!”
Donland turned away from the railing. “Make all sail Mister Jackson, set our course for Anegada!”
“Aye Captain!” Jackson answered.
“All hands!” All hands, make sail!” Jackson bellowed.
To the helmsman, Donland ordered, “Two points, nor'east!”
“Aye, Captain,” the man answered automatically.
Donland turned his gaze to the bow, “Two men aloft, Mister Jackson, sharp eyes!”
Folly set all sail but with the winds as they were, she was managing only a few knots. There was nothing for it but to be patient. Donland reasoned that the Spanish frigate would have difficulty sailing as close-hauled as the sloops. Therefore, Powell would choose a north by east course to allow the frigate to maintain within sight of the sloops. Donland could only hope than Folly could reach the western coast of the island before the sloops could come around the eastern coast.
Donland studied Folly's sails, her deck and how much she was heeled. There was practically not a foot of deck space without a body. Most of the idlers were either lying or sat propped against something. Donland believed they could be put to better use. “Mister Jackson have all the idlers to the port railing and onto the port shrouds,”
“Aye, Captain!”
“Mister Allen, move their arses!” Jackson ordered.
The men rose and moved grudgingly, especially those that were ordered onto the shrouds. Allen prodded; Honest came forward to help and was not gentle in his efforts. The effect of shifting so much weight to port was felt immediately. Folly was only slightly heeled and her speed increased by at least two knots.
Powell's choice of Anegada made sense. He had spent enough time around the island to know it's currents, reefs, and shoals. If there were no mishaps, once around the southernmost reef Stinger and Hornet would have the wind up their backsides. The frigate once around would see her quarry disappearing over the horizon. It was Donland's intention to arrive before any of the three rounded the island.
Chapter Fifteen
In Donland’s estimation, Folly was a poor sailor. Even with proper ballast and trim she would be slow compared to Hornet. Anegada had been in sight for several minutes. Jackson came to Donland and asked, “Shall we heave-to and wait for Hornet?”
Donland considered the question and answered, “No, we'll take Folly back to where she was found.”
Jackson was s
tunned and asked, “Is that wise?”
“Wise or foolish, it matters not, better to rid another of the King's enemy than merely lead them on a chase.”
“You mean to take her?”
“Aye, old son, an opportunity should not be missed. Do you agree?”
“If her guns are heavy guns, we've little chance,”
Donland smiled a tight smile. “There's risk, I grant you, but opportunity. Captain Powell will not shy away from opportunity when he sees it presented. Mister Ashcroft is keen, quick-witted and will understand in a moment what is required of Hornet.”
“Aye, that is so.”
“When we arrive I shall know if what I intend is possible. If it is, we will furl all sail and beach Folly, all idlers will be sent ashore. These six-pounders will come as an unexpected surprise to the Don captain.”
“As those nines were a surprise to Captain Scoggins.” Jackson said and grinned.
“Aye, you will load with chain-shot with extra power and when the Don comes close inshore we will have him.”
“What makes you think he will come inshore, there be no reason if continues the chase.”
“I'll give him no choice,” Donland said.
Hanson approached and waited to be recognized. “Beg pardon Captain.”
Donland and Jackson both turned and there was confusion on Hanson's face.
Donland spoke, “What is it, Lieutenant?”
“Should we tack or remain on this course?”
“Remain on course Lieutenant, there is a small cove about four points to port. We will beach her there. Mister Jackson will see to it.”
Confusion again appeared on Hanson's face but he answered, “Aye, Captain.”
Honest, select four strong-backed men for the boat,” Donland said to his cox'n.
“Aye, Captain, will you be going ashore?”
“Just do as I order,” Donland replied.
“Aye,” Honest answered and went to do as he was ordered.
Jackson was concerned. “Why the boat?”
“In time Mister Jackson, in time,” Donland said and called up to the lookout.
“Mast there! Any sail?”
“Three sail! Other side of island!” Bill Freedman called down.
“As you expected,” Jackson said.
“Larboard to the beach I would think,” Donland said to Jackson as they neared the cove.
“Aye, Captain.”
Folly coasted in close to shore, sail were being brailed and Donland ordered all the idlers aft that Folly’s bow would ease onto the sand and become fast. The men worked aloft worked furiously to tighten and secure all sail and rigging. It seemed everyone aboard became mute and spoke only in whispers.
“Lines Mister Hanson!” Jackson shouted.
“Aye, Sir!” Hanson called back.
“Mister Hanson over the side with your party. Secure the hawser to that tree,” Jackson ordered and pointed to the largest tree. “Haul the stern around once these men are in the water!”
A dozen men were climbing over the side; a dozen would follow them more. Each man armed with either muskets or pistols to keep the pirates marooned on the island at bay. Hanson had strict orders to chase the pirates to the far side of the island lest they take courage and try to take Folly and foil Donland’s plans.
Donland went to the opposite railing; four men and Honest were waiting in the boat.
Jackson asked, “What if Hornet isn't first?”
“She will be, there is no doubt,”
“All the same, it's risky, one I preferred you not take.”
Donland said gravely, “A captain belongs aboard his command when the risk is great. Remember that for when you next command.”
“Out oars,” Donland ordered.
Bill, the lookout called down, “Sail!”
Donland heard the called and ordered the boat crew, “Put your backs into it!”
They did and pulled with all they had. The small boat launched into a roller just beginning to foam soaking everyone aboard. “Pull!” Donland shouted. He put a hand on Honest's shoulder and stood. Hornet was tacking to take advantage of the wind. He knew she would stay well off the coast, she could pass without seeing him in the small boat. “Quarter of a mile!” He said to the crew. “All you've got leave nothing!” Their pace increased. “Good lads!” He said.
Hornet had all sail set! She was heeled to port and her bow-crest showed white. In his eye, there was no lovelier sight. He clung to Honest's shoulder and took off his hat and waved madly. Stinger came around headland following in Hornet's wake. He was relieved to see her. No doubt she had taken the brunt of the Spaniard's anger. But, the Spaniard was certain to be wise enough not to get too close. Stinger could be lethal.
“Pull! Pull for your bloody soul!” Donland shouted.
Honest stood and Donland almost went over. “Sit Captain, I'll relieve a man.”
Honest practically toppled the man backward and slipped into his place. The fresh pair of strong arms instantly gained the lost stroke.
Donland stood once the oarsman was seated and began waving his hat. “She's seen us!” He said. “Easy all! Catch your breath!”
Hornet adjusted her course but did not reduce sail. She was no more than five hundred yards when she backed her sails. Donland sat down, and commanded the crew, “Take us alongside!”
Hornet still had way on her as the boat bumped alongside. Donland was up and out before the line was tossed down. As soon as his head cleared the railing he shouted, “Make sail Mister Ashcroft!”
“Aye Captain!” Ashcroft answered with a hint of glee in his voice.
Donland shouted down to the men in the boat, “Make fast and come aboard!”
“Captain,” Dewitt said as Donland strode to the helm.
“Mister Aldridge make, “Enemy in sight, tack in succession!”
“Aye, Captain!”
“What of the frigate Mister Dewitt?” Donland asked.
Dewitt grinned and rubbed his bristled chin, “Slow old cow, too much weed on her bottom. We struggled to keep her in sight.”
Donland nodded, he had thought as much. Folly, at her best, should have been late to the island.
“Mister Ashcroft, we will go about to larboard as soon as that signal is up. Send all the idlers below.”
Seeing Richards, Donland called, “Mister Richards load larboard guns, and the port bow-chaser!”
“Aye, Captain!” Richards answered.
“Signal acknowledged Captain!” Aldridge shouted.
“Go about Mister Ashcroft!”
Ashcroft turned and bellowed, “Mr. Dawkins, lee braces there! Heave! Be quick about it!”
“Hard over Mr. Dewitt!”
Hornet began to turn. Her bowsprit came around slowly. Overhead sails went slack.
“Tacks and sheets!” Ashcroft commanded.
Donland waited, his eye was on every movement of sail.
“Mains'l haul!” Ashcroft bellowed.
The yards came round and Hornet's bow pointed into the wind.
Donland shouted, “Luff all!”
The sound of flapping sails was as long as a cannon shot.
“Mister Richards do you bear?” Donland called.
“Aye Sir, bow-chaser ready.”
“Fire!” Donland shouted and in a heartbeat, the gun boomed.
Donland followed the fall of the shot and saw it splash well short of the frigate but close enough that the Spanish captain would know a fight was intended.
Donland checked Stringer; she was completing her turn. The frigate would be bows on to her.
In the next breath, Stinger fired her two bow-chasers. One ball ripped through a sail and splashed behind the frigate. There was no answering fire and the Spanish captain did not appear to alter course.
“Guns bearing!” Richards called.
“Fire, Mister Richards, make them count!” Donland commanded.
The first gun boomed, two seconds later the second and in quick s
uccession the others. Donland saw two balls strike home. He also saw the frigate began to alter course to port and neared the island.
“Ports are opening!” Ashcroft shouted.
Donland watched, the Don had the firepower to wreck Hornet in one broadside.
Stinger fired a full broadside. Balls struck home throwing up great chunks of bulwarks and railings. Hornet's bow-chaser boomed and the nine-pound ball punched a hole between two guns on the lower deck. Then ten of the frigate's guns bellowed. Two balls plowed a path of carnage through the rail and along Hornet's deck. Men screamed as deadly splinters of wood tore into their torsos. Four balls were high and ripped through the rigging snapping lines and splintering yards. Four balls plunged harmless aft of Hornet into the sea.
Donland found himself lying on the deck in a puddle of blood. He groaned and rolled onto his stomach, with great effort he gained his feet. His head was ringing and he heard nothing but his eyes saw the devastation the two twenty-four pound balls had wrought. It was then that he saw the blood was not his but the helmsman's. The double wheel was damaged; he reached for it. Honest caught him before he fell.
Honest said something but Donland could not hear. Dewitt rushed past, took hold of the wheel and steadied it. Donland blinked his eyes trying to clear his head. He heard, as in a well, a voice. He turned toward Honest, “Are you wounded?” he heard Honest ask.
“No,” He said and heard himself. Now he heard, faintly, the cries of the wounded. Ashcroft was shouting orders.
“Keep firing!” Donland shouted.
“Don's turning toward the island,” Honest said.
Donland straightened at that, he saw the frigate, she was turning, almost in range of Jackson's guns.
As he watched, Stinger unleashed her full broadside. The devastation was almost immediate as the six pound balls tore through railings, boats and bodies. He could not tell if any balls struck the hull. Then, Folly fired her two guns loaded with chain-shot. There was no doubt of the damage as the lower sails were ripped to shreds.
“He's done for now,” Honest said.
Donland cleared his throat and spat. “He's got fight left, he's more metal than we.”
“But we can still hammer him,” Honest said.