Peregrine

by Aye, Michael

  “Damnation,” Gunnells growled. “Mr. White, you’ve knocked the admiral on his arse.”

  Lieutenant Lavery, Lieutenant Davy, and Bart all rushed to help Anthony to his feet.

  “I’m…I’m sorry, sir,” White stammered. “I…I was rushing to inform his Lordship the guests (as the previous prisoners had been referred to) were departing.”

  Bart could see the youth was in a state of fear. “Don’t worry about it, snotty. Yew’s just done something the enemy ’as been trying to do for years.”

  Lord Anthony glared at Bart but was unable to be angry seeing the broad grin on his cox’n’s face.

  “My apology, sir.”

  “Apology accepted, young sir.”

  Witnessing what had happened, one of the tars spoke to a petty officer, “Lucky. Lucky ’e is. A lot of officers would ’ave ’ad him kiss the gunner’s daughter.”

  “Aye,” the petty officer agreed. “Now be back to your duties.”

  * * *

  The signal for captains to repair on board was given the following morning. After the captains were given a cup of coffee and pastries Anthony nodded to Buck, who called the group to attention. It was comforting to see the smiling faces of his captains, Anthony thought. After pleasantries were exchanged, Anthony went over the events that had taken place since their departure, although it would have been unusual if word hadn’t spread from ship to ship already.

  “We have a convoy due within the month. It will be our job to escort it on to New York if we still have a foothold there…then on to Halifax.” The pause brought about the chuckle, as he knew it would. “After we nestle the grocery captains in their respective ports, I intend we do some witch hunting…specifically the Tidewater Witch. I want our frigate back as well. I’m sure we can find someone to command her.” Again there was laughter from the group. “If we can’t take her, I want her…them, sunk.”

  Damn, Jepson thought, not only is Bart right, but also his Lordship is out for blood.

  “We will meet again and discuss this in more detail the closer we get to the actual operation. Now, one of the jobs a commander-in-chief hates the most is convening of a court martial. However, as I previously stated, Lieutenant Mahan has lost HMS Rapid. Regardless of cause, when a captain loses his ship, regulations require he appear before the court. I am positive that once we hear of the circumstances surrounding the loss of Rapid, her captain will be acquitted.”

  Damme, Buck thought, whether by intent or not, he’s just let his captains know his wishes. Hearing his name, Buck turned his attention back to the admiral.

  “As I am the convening authority, Captain Buck will preside over the court. In addition, Captain Anthony, Captain Markham, Captain Taylor, and Captain Hazard will also serve. That will give us the required minimum.”

  Humph, Buck thought, Hazard’s confirmation has not returned yet. Oh well, he’s the admiral.

  “Captain Buck.”

  Damme, there’s my name again, Buck thought. “Yes, your Lordship.”

  “It would be my recommendation that Captain Jepson be appointed counsel for the defense.”

  “Yes sir,” Buck acknowledged. If this Mahan ain’t acquitted with Jepson as his counsel, then he’s a lost soul, he thought, and then was relieved when he didn’t hear his name again.

  * * *

  Bart and Dagan stood aft with Bart more or less leaning on the taffrail, enjoying a bowl of tobacco. Bart was examining his pipe between puffs.

  “It’s ’ard to believe but this pipe was once as white as a newborn baby’s bottom.”

  The pipe, a hand carved meerschaum, was now a golden brown.

  “Comes from burning the tobacco and your sweaty hand,” Dagan advised. “Now tell me, Bart, how did Lady Deborah take to Ariel?”

  “Oh, well enough. She greeted her kindly and had a servant girl show her a room. She told Ariel to freshen up while ’is Lordship did the same, and then they’d talk and get to know each other. Only it took ’is Lordship a sight more time to freshen up than it did Ariel, even with Lady Deborah’s help.”

  Bart had a grin on his face as he thought of the previous evening. “Seemed to me like ’er Ladyship was a bit more peaked after ’elping ’is Lordship.”

  By the time Bart had finished his story, Dagan was smiling. “When we got home, Faith hugged me and then took Gabe in hand. I didn’t see him again until this morning. Lum and Nanny were there with that big old dog. Nanny finally said, ‘You gots somthin to do, you better go on and do it cause them young folks got plenty catching up to do. I ’spect it’ll take da rest o’ the night.’”

  Bart chuckled at Dagan’s attempt to sound like Nanny. “Did she feed yew?”

  “Aye Bart. That woman can cook. It’s a wonder Lum’s not as big as a whale. After supper, Lum broke out his lotz and played a few tunes.”

  “I miss the days of Gabe’s singing and playing,” Bart said, sounding melancholy.

  “Aye, I remember on Drakkar when he, Stephen Earl, and Markham would get to singing verses. The whole ship would bust a gut laughing. He can’t do that anymore. It wouldn’t be seemly for a captain.”

  Shaking his head Bart agreed. “Yew knows, Dagan, we’s getting old.”

  “That we are, Bart, but the alternative ain’t worth a damn.”

  “No, yew’s right there, mate.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  The court martial was held in the great cabin aboard SeaHorse. It had taken a few days to get the officers and crew together. Lieutenant Lavery loaned Lieutenant Mahan a uniform and sword for the occasion. While most of the crew had been gathered as witnesses, Captain Buck talked with the member of the court. It was decided to keep the crew on hand, but they would only call the bosun, Mr. Murray; the master, Mr. Love; the first lieutenant, Mr. Wesley; and the ship’s captain, Lieutenant Mahan.

  It was 8 a.m. The bells had just signalled the forenoon watch. The hands went about their duties but in a quiet, somber manner. Everyone was aware of the court martial that was about to take place. The signal flags snapping in the wind overhead were enough to remind a forgetful soul. The shrill of pipes alerted everyone the admiral was now on board. The officers who made up the court were already aboard as well.

  Inside the great cabin, a large mahogany table was set up so the court would have the light from the stern windows to their back. A group of five armed chairs sat behind the table for the court’s officers. Off to the right was another armed chair for Lord Anthony, who though not a part of the court would be present.

  Two small tables were set up facing the large table. These were for the judge advocate and defense officers. Off to the side, two rows of chairs were set aside for the witnesses and the few spectators who would be present. Lieutenant Lavery acted as provost and had escorted Lieutenant Mahan on board the flagship. They were standing by the lee bulwark when the marine sentry approached the two officers.

  “They’ve ordered the prisoner to be brought in, sir.”

  “Very well, Sergeant,” Lavery said. He then turned to Mahan and held out his hand. “Good luck, Captain, though I’m sure you’ll not need it. I know each member of the court and they’re all seaman. They’ve all been tested in battle and they all know what you went through.”

  Trying to put on a cheerful face, Mahan shook the offered hand. “In that case, Nathan, I hope to return your sword before the day’s end.”

  Entering the great cabin Lieutenant Lavery remembered his coaching. He walked to the great table, stood at attention, and then placed Mahan’s sword on the table in front of Captain Buck.

  “The prisoner is delivered to the court as ordered, sir.”

  Buck acknowledged Lavery then asked Lieutenant Mahan to take a seat, pointing to a chair just to the left of the defense table. Lieutenant Hazard had been appointed judge advocate. Buck looked to him and said, “Carry on, Mr. Hazard.”

  Nervously Hazard shuffled through several papers. It was obvious he had been studying them prior to the prisoner being call
ed. Once he got the papers in order, he picked them up with his one arm. He read the letter convening the court. Mahan had been given a copy of the letter and was told by Jepson it was routine. Finishing the page, Hazard put the paper down, picked up the next, and read his appointment letter to act as judge advocate.

  Once this was done Hazard reviewed another document. He cleared his throat then said, “It’s time to administer the oath to the captains sitting at the table.”

  Starting with Buck, as he was the acting president, each member stood, put his hand on the Bible, and took the oath. Hazard was hoarse and almost tongue-tied by the time the oaths had been administered to all the captains. Damme, he thought, I’m glad there weren’t thirteen captains as some court martial called for. Then it was Buck’s turn to administer the oath to Hazard. Once this was finished, Hazard went back to his desk and took a long drink of water from a waiting glass. He then shuffled around and picked up another paper. He cleared his throat, set the paper down and picked up the glass and downed the remaining water.

  “Ahem.” Holding the paper in such a way so as to pick up the most light he read, “To Lieutenant Patrick Mahan, Commanding Officer of the sloop, HMS Rapid, of sixteen guns. You are hereby required and directed to appear before a court martial for the loss of HMS Rapid…etcetera, etcetera. Lord Gilbert Anthony, Vice Admiral, Commander in Chief, Windward Islands, West Indies.”

  Lieutenant Mahan was then called and asked to explain the circumstances surrounding the loss of his ship. The lieutenant appeared far less nervous than Hazard had. He requested permission to refer to his notes, since they could not be called official documents. Starting with the date, time, weather conditions, and ship’s location, Mahan cited the first sighting of the French fleet and the approximate time they were fired upon. He continued his narrative to the point the ship was fired upon and then abandoned. He subsequently told of his and the crew’s capture by the Americans and ended his testimony with his being part of the prisoner exchange. His report was so complete that he was not interrupted once.

  When he sat down Buck looked to his fellow captains. “Does anyone have any further questions?”

  Markham leaned forward, “Just one, Mr. President. Captain Mahan, to your knowledge, was the Colonials able to salvage or gain use of Rapid?”

  “Nothing other than firewood, sir.” This brought a chuckle to all in the great cabin.

  “Thank you, Captain Mahan,” Buck said. “You gave a fine report.”

  Wesley, the first lieutenant, was called and asked if he had anything to add to Mahan’s story. “No sir, only that he was very calm during the whole ordeal.”

  Next, the master was called and, other than discussing his reviewing the charts with the captain and deciding on a favourable location to beach the ship, he had nothing to add. Gabe asked the master to explain “favourable location.”

  “The captain had decided to burn the ship to prevent the enemy from using her. He’d already dumped her guns as you recall.”

  After the members of the court agreed that they recalled that part of the report the master continued.

  “The captain is a good man who cares about his people. He wanted to save as many as he could when he fired the ship. He didn’t want anyone kilt needlessly. That’s why we picked where to beach the ship, the most favourable location.”

  “Thank you,” Buck said then had the bosun called. “Mr. Murray, you have heard the testimony given by your captain, first lieutenant, and master. Do you disagree with any part of their testimony?”

  “No sir.”

  “Do you have anything to add?” Buck asked.

  “No sir. They said it all.”

  “Thank you. You are dismissed. The court will recess for fifteen minutes.”

  Jepson had to stifle a yawn and rub his leg, which had fallen asleep. He’d not had anything to do since the proceedings had begun. Of course, he’d already talked to his Lordship and told him the boy captain had done a good job avoiding capture of his ship and saving lives.

  It was less than fifteen minutes when the court martial was called to order. Entering the great cabin, the first thing Mahan looked for was his sword. The hilt was turned toward him. He’d been acquitted.

  “Thank you, Lord,” he prayed silently.

  “Captain Mahan,” Buck spoke. “The assembled captains that make up this court have found that you did act consistently with your duty by setting afire then running His Majesty’s Ship Rapid on shore, in preference to falling into the hands of the French fleet or rebels…and you are hereby acquitted accordingly.”

  * * *

  Refreshments were served after the great cabin had been put back to sorts. Anthony called Buck into a private conversation during this time.

  “Tell me, Rupert, do you think Mahan would make a good flag lieutenant?”

  Buck paused a moment while considering the question. “Aye, my Lord. I think he might. His report was clear, concise, and well put together. You can’t fault his judgment with anything we’ve seen so far.”

  “Good,” Anthony replied. Buck’s evaluation was much as his was. “Now,” he continued, “Pull him aside and put forth the idea.”

  “Me!” Buck exclaimed.

  “Yes, you. He’d not deny me if I asked, but if you put it to him, and give him time to think on it and maybe even talk with Jep or one of the others. Then, if he responds positively, I’ll have me a good flag lieutenant.”

  Nodding, Buck understood Anthony’s reasoning. “I’ll put it to him, my Lord, in a genteel sort of way.”

  Laughter could be heard in the adjacent area.

  “That was one of Markham’s and Gabe’s little ditties I believe.”

  “I think you’re right, Captain. Brings back memories does it not? Now let’s go join the group before they drink up my best.”

  “No worries there, sir,” Buck replied with a chuckle. “Bart and Silas are bound to have an adequate reserve stock.”

  Slapping Buck on the back, Anthony couldn’t help but smile. “Aye, Captain. If they didn’t, I’d think something was amiss.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  The convoy sailed into Carlisle, the salute booming off the lead ship. Lord Anthony took his glass and watched the lead ship, a lithe new frigate. As he watched, he saw men standing by, prepared to trim the yards and braces. The shrouds were full of men as they raced aloft, ready to furl the sails.

  “She’s the Phoenix, thirty-six guns, sir.” Anthony’s new flag lieutenant, Lieutenant Mahan, spoke.

  “A beautiful ship is she not, Patrick?”

  “Aye sir,” Mahan replied, still not used to being addressed by an admiral in such a friendly manner. Jep had been right about Lord Anthony and he was glad he had accepted the position.

  “Signal for captain to repair on board.”

  “Aye, my Lord.”

  Turning to go about his duties, Mahan thought, The signal midshipman probably already has the signal waiting.

  Captain Roger Frostbrier was a striking figure. A hearty, loud voice fit his giant muscled body.

  “Had to give me a frigate,” he told Buck. “Otherwise I’d have been bent double by the time I was thirty. Got so many knots on my head from forgetting to duck, it’s a wonder I can still think.”

  Anthony liked the man immediately. After a glass of hock, they sat down and discussed the passage.

  “They’re better than most grocery captains,” Frostbrier said. “War has been going long enough that most have had their fill of privateers.”

  “Did you encounter any?” Anthony asked.

  “No sir, but we did sight a ship off Barbuda. My lookout swore it was a British frigate but when I tried to make contact she hauled her wind.”

  This set Anthony to thinking. He then told of the loss of the British frigate off Chesapeake.

  “Might have been the same one but with two frigates and a brig escorting the convoy. A single ship would not have had a chance,” Frostbrier opined.

  More like
she was a scout, Anthony thought, sent to see when the convoy arrived, and then she’d beat her way back to get reinforcement. There was little doubt in his mind the convoy would be attacked.

  “Thank you, Captain, for your report. The governor, Lord Ragland, enjoys dining with new captains when they arrive. It is a way to keep himself abreast of what’s happening in England, so expect an invitation from him. However, if you will do the honour of dining with me tonight, I will offer you some of the island’s delicacies. I have my family here so we will dine ashore.”

  “Thank you, my Lord. It will be my honour.”

  “Very well, I’ll have my carriage waiting at the dock at say 8 p.m.”

  “That is gracious of you, my Lord, and I’ll be there at eight.”

  Back on Phoenix, Frostbrier’s first lieutenant asked, “What’s our new Lord and master like?”

  “You wouldn’t believe it, Mr. Raleigh. You wouldn’t believe it.”

  * * *

  Anthony had invited Sir Victor, Buck, Gabe, and Markham to dine that evening as well as Frostbrier and Raleigh, his first lieutenant. In addition to Gabe bringing Faith, Sir Victor had invited a recently widowed lady named Olivia Cunningham. Hers had been a May and December marriage.

  Mr. Andrew Cunningham had been sixty and Olivia, known by close friends as Liva, had only been twenty-four. Mr. Cunningham had lived ten years after their wedding but had been a bedridden invalid the last two.

  Buck’s nod and “evening Liva” raised little doubt to those gathered that he was one of the lady’s close friends, or had been at one point.