by Perry Comer
Hornet's bow-chaser fired again followed by two of the six-pounders.
There was no reply from the frigate. The only sounds were the orders being barked to the gun crews and the cries of the wounded. Donland’s ears were ringing and all sounds were muffled as if he was hearing through a hat jammed tight over his ears.
“Look Captain! By God, he's struck his colors!” Honest shouted.
Donland heard and was amazed. In his mind they had not hit her that hard. Damage above the waterline certainly, but nothing below to warrant a sudden surrender. His head cleared and he said, “I can stand.” Honest gingerly released him.
“The gig, Mister Ashcroft, have it lowered and go across,” Donland said hardly recognizing his own voice.
“Honest tell Mister Richards to secure the guns but to stay at their stations,” he said his voice a little stronger.
“Aye Captain,” Honest answered.
Donland blew a long breath. There was blood everywhere. He looked around and saw David bending over Aldridge. “Thank God,” he said seeing the boy safe. “Mister Welles, what of Mister Aldridge?” he asked.
“Splinter in his thigh, not a big one,” David answered.
“Find the bo'sum, the wounded need to be tended.”
“Aye, Captain!” David said and helped Aldridge to his feet.
Turning back to see what was occurring, he saw Stinger's boats in the water making for the frigate. The frigate was also lowering a boat; they were abandoning ship.
“Mister Richards, brail the sails and set the men to make and mend!” Donland ordered. He lifted a glass from the rack and focused on the Stinger's boat. He saw Powell sitting in the stern. He replaced the glass. He was confident Powell would secure the prize and begin repairs.
“Captain, what of the battle?” Major Wainwright asked.
Donland turned, “All is well in hand Major, we have captured the Don and will be making repairs. What of the men below?”
“No wounded, lads bore up well under the test of fire. Can they return to the deck?” Wainwright asked.
“Not as yet, but if you would inquire among them if there a carpenter, I would be in your debt.”
“Yes, yes, quite right, it would be my pleasure to make those inquiries.”
Wainwright went below.
Donland sat at his table making log entries when a tap at the door announced Ashcroft's return. Donland laid down his pen. “Report Mister Ashcroft.”
“Captain Powell sends his compliments Captain, he has taken command of the frigate. She's holed below the waterline and her timbers are so rotten we could have sunk her with pistols. He doesn't believe she can be salvaged and requests to know your wishes concerning her.”
“What of her captain and officers?”
“Captain is dead and his first lies gravely wounded. It was the fourth aboard that cut down her flag, he's a lad of no more than sixteen.”
Donland rose from his chair. “A well deserved victory Mister Ashcroft. What of our losses?”
“High Captain, fourteen killed and twenty wounded, of which I fear another eight deaths. The Don’s aim was poor and I shutter to think of the bill had his gunners been more competent. Our damage will take several days to put to rights.
“Then you have much to see to, I intend to leave Mister Jackson in command of Folly so his duties fall to you. Once Mister Hanson is returned he will act as second. I’ve not time to consider the other vessels and who should have temporary command of them. In any case, we each have much to do. The army major, Wainwright, is inquiring among our idlers as to which have carpentry skills, you should see him and if he as a man or more, set them work.”
“Aye Captain, shall I go across to Stinger and inform Captain Powell of your decision?”
“No, rather Mister Aldridge to me and I will task him with relaying orders to Commander Powell.”
“Aye, Captain, I shall,” Ashcroft said and stood.
Aldridge knocked and Donland bid him to enter. “How is your wound?” He asked.
“Not bad Captain, Abuko pulled the splinter and filled the wound with salve. Bill told me that Aboko said that it should heal in two weeks.”
“Well and good Mister Aldridge, then I shall send you to Stinger. Give yy compliments to Captain Powell, he has done well. If it is agreeable with him I would have the frigate's officers brought to Hornet. I respect his judgment concerning the damage to the frigate; he has my consent to sink her. I would suggest putting a ball through her bottom to make quick work of her. Her remaining crew can be released onto the island to fend with the pirates. We've no need of prisoners. We've so many aboard that adding to those numbers would sink us.”
Aldridge listened intently and asked, “Shall I also recall Mister Hanson and his party?”
“Aye, I’m sure Mister Hanson would relish a swift return. He will appreciate you remembering him.”
Aldridge’s face reddened.
“Before you return, go to Folly and give my compliments to Captain Jackson, he is to re-float Folly. He may use whatever boats Hornet and Stinger have available to haul her off the sand if she has not sustained damage.”
“Aye Captain,” Aldridge answered but hesitated in leaving.
“Something amiss Mister Aldridge,” Donland asked.
The young man pursed his lips then twitched his nose, he slumped but met Donland’s eyes. “Captain it was my first time, I wasn’t afraid until I was on the deck and saw my blood. Then I started to shake like I was really cold. I didn’t know what to do, I thought I was going to die and, well I, …”
The boy stood there wanting to speak but couldn’t find words.
“Sit Mister Aldridge,” Donland said and stood. He went to the sideboard and took out two glasses. He poured wine in each.
“A little wine, Mister Aldridge. I find it helps to steady the nerves after an engagement. You were aboard Hornet before I took command, you’ve been tested by storm and by shot and you’ve not once shunned your duty. You’ve stood when others sought safety. To be afraid afterwards comes to a man as he considers how close to death he has come. Even a strong men shutter afterwards and as you have seen, many a man takes to drink.” Donland paused and sipped the wine. “Drink your wine, turn your thoughts to your duty and do not be ashamed for being a mere man such as I am, for I too have felt the nearness of death and been appalled at my fear. Your wound will heal and by the time it does you will have reflected upon life and death, of your courage and your duty. All will be well again and you will treasure life.”
Epilogue
Hornet, Stinger, Atross and Folly flanked the smaller vessels as they neared Morris Island. Donland’s decisions as to the disposition of masters of the prizes had worked out well and the captured vessels were in good order. Jackson was delighted at the prospect of keeping command of Folly. “It will be up to Admiral Arbuthnot to purchase Folly into service and I’ve made a strong case in my report that he do so and give you command of her. The fact that she is armed should be the deciding factor.”
“Aye, I hope he sees your point of view. I’ve grown fond of the old girl. But, if it doesn’t come to pass, there will be a goodly amount of prize money to give to my lass to purchase the land. So, no matter, a captain or landed gentry I’ll not complain,” Jackson said and lifted the glass of brandy. “To Hornet and all who serve in her!”