HMS Seawolf tfa-2

by Michael Aye

  Earl had enjoyed Lum's lotz and commented on how like a flute it was but still different in tone. "It has a melancholy sound does it not?"

  "Aye," Gabe replied, "But Lum can make it dance a jig as well." The three had passed it around and made attempts at mastering the instrument with instructions from Lum. Earl seemed to grasp it more readily than Gabe whose talents seemed to be more with stringed instruments.

  Surprisingly Lum did well with Gabe's lute and said he'd played a violin as well. "We have a master musician in our mist," declared Earl, which seemed to please the old black gentleman.

  Even with the distinct separation of officers and crew, Lum seemed to be treated better than he'd ever been treated as a slave. Dagan had told him, "You're a slave no more; you're a free man and will be paid for your labors. The Royal Navy don't pay well but it pays and being the cap'n's servant you'll have more freedom than most."

  As Earl waited for his gig he shook Gabe's hand.

  "Thank you again. Lord Anthony told me you'd thought of me when the corvette was taken." Gabe was touched by the sincereness in his friend's voice.

  "Nonsense, Stephen, you were the only real candidate his Lordship had."

  "Well, I hope I meet his expectations," Earl replied.

  "I'd hate to fail his Lordship in anyway."

  "I had the same concerns," Gabe admitted. "There were some whose whispers were not so silent as not to be overheard. It was said that had I not been the son of one admiral and brother of another I'd never been given command at such an early age. A crib captain was one description I heard. Therefore, it was very important for me to succeed and my appointment not be viewed as that of special interest but be viewed as an accomplishment."

  Hazard, the first lieutenant, approached the two captains in conversation and stood waiting until he was acknowledged.

  "Yes, Mr. Hazard?" Gabe stated.

  "My compliments, sir, and Captain Earl's gig is waiting, sir."

  "Thank you, Mr. Hazard." As Gabe walked to the entry port with his friend, Earl grasped his arm. He stopped suddenly and faced Gabe.

  "The captain's cal tomorrow Gabe…is it something big, something important?" Unsure of what to say but not wanting to make Earl wonder for another several hours he replied, "I'm not sure of what the Admiral's order will be but were it I with a new command and an unproven crew I'd spend time in gunnery drill."

  Earl gave Gabe a knowing look, "Gunnery drill it will be then sir. Gunnery drill it'll be."

  ***

  As Gabe boarded the flagship to dine with his brother he saw Bart smoking his pipe while sitting on one of the huge twelve-pounder cannons.

  "Tell me, Bart," Gabe said, "how has Silas and Mr. Jewell s been doing during my absence." Bart's face broke out in a grin, "Ah…Gabe, it's been exciting at times, it has. Silas made a platter full of pastries for ’is Lordship's breakfast and put ’em on the table. Then ’e went to fetch some coffee. When ’e returned ’is Lordship was sitting at the table and al the pastries were gone. Silas thinks ’is Lordship must've been hungry, but he pour's ’is coffee as be usual. He then goes back to ’is ’ole.

  "Soon his Lordship cal s, ’Silas, is there anything to break my fast?' Surprised Silas says, ’My Lord, I put a whole platter of berry pastries on the table.' ’Well, they were not here when I sat down.' ’But my Lord, they be right there when I went to fetch your coffee.' ’Well, damme man,' his Lordship growled, ’I didn't eat the damn things and I'm hungry so find something for me directly.' ’Aye, my Lord.' Then Silas puzzled as ’e can be see'd me. ’Did you eat ’is Lordship's pastries, Bart?'

  ’Nay, I just come up from me own mess,' I swore. Now Silas is real y fit to be tied but ’e busy's himself fixing ’is

  Lordship's breakfast. No sooner ’ad ’e set it down for ’is Lordship than Mr. Jewell s let loose ’wid a fart that would make a broadside dull in ’comparysum and stink.

  Gaw'd it was terrible. Pure made ’is Lordship's eyes water and ’e gagged like ’e was ’bout to spew.

  "'Damme, sir, but that was foul,' he said to Silas, ’is Lordship thinking it was Silas what smelt up the cabin so bad. Then ’der was a ’nutter fart only Silas was at ’is Lordship's side and the fart sounded from the pantry.

  This ’un smelt worse than the first and set his Lordship to gagging again. Not wanting Silas to have to clean-up spew from ’is Lordship, I took hold and said, ’Come with me sir, let's go topside to breathable air.' We bout knocked the sentry arsehole over tea kettle as we flew from the cabin. The marine looking ill ’is ownself as the smell follered us outta the cabin.

  "It was just a minute or two when I seen ole Silas aft by the taffrail. He was greener than a frog at the gills.

  ’Silas, what's wrong ’wid you man?' ’It were the ape.'

  ’The ape?' I quizzed. ’Aye, the ape what done it. It was him that ate ’is Lordship's whole tray of pastries. He ’ad berry stains on ’is face and fingers.'"

  "Ah," I said, "Them berries gave ’im the farts."

  "Nay," Silas said, "Not farts, shats. That ape done shat al in ’is Lordship's pantry."

  Gabe laughed til his eyes watered at Bart's story.

  "Took a barrel-o-lemons squeezed on the deck two or three times a day for a week for the smell to finally go about. His Lordship promised a flogging if Silas ever brought Mr. Jewell s back in ’is cabin. That night the

  flag captain took pity on ’is Lordship and gave an invitation to be ’is guest for supper.

  ***

  Gabe was still in a humorous mood as he made his way to the great cabin. As he was announced he couldn't help but notice the table was only set for two.

  So this was an unofficial meeting. Brothers, not admiral and lieutenant.

  "Ah, Gabe, I've missed you boy."

  "I've missed you too, Gil," Gabe replied, using his brother's name. "I had times when I worried we'd not see each other again."

  "I worried about that also, but trusting in God and Dagan's lady luck, I wouldn't give up on you." Gabe could see moisture in his brother's eye and feeling it build in his eye quickly changed the tone of the meeting. "I say, Gil, while I was being held I thought I'd starve and the only thing I could think of was Silas'

  berry pastries. Did you and Mr. Jewell s eat them al or is any left?"

  Gil looked blank at first then a smile creased his face. "That damn ape. I ought to have the damn thing set adrift. A menace he is, but now that Caleb's back, I guess he'll be your worry. Speaking of Caleb, he seems changed somehow. Not the rash, glib tongue he usual y is."

  "Aye," Gabe replied, "I think the man has been shot by one of cupid's arrows."

  With the two brothers looking at each other Gil replied, "I understand you may have been pierced by one of those arrows yourself."

  A smile touched Gabe's face and shaking his head in acknowledgement he said, "Dagan or Caleb or both has been talking too much, but I'll not deny it. An angel to look upon but a mouth like a sailor at times. I have lost my heart," a sincere Gabe said to his brother, again feeling moisture return to his eyes.

  Gil stood and walked over to where his brother sat and clapped a hand across his shoulders, "It must have been rough."

  It was then it al came forth, al the pent-up emotions came flooding out. Gil stood silently; hand on his brother's back supporting him and listened as Gabe described his ordeal. A silent Bart and Silas sat in the pantry. Dagan had told part of it but now the true depth of the ordeal came through.

  "Aye," Bart thought, "brothers but more like father and son."

  By the time Gabe had bared his soul, his concerns over his actions as commander in charge of the convoy, his captivity and his lost love he was feeling much better.

  A burden lifted.

  Gil was careful in his wording of his thoughts on leaving the convoy in the hands of someone less experienced. However, the information obtained because of it had proved most important. They would have to wait and see how things ultimately played out.

  Then
the subject changed to Faith. "Do you think it could work out, Gil?" Gabe's voice almost pleaded for an affirmative.

  "I don't know Gabe. I know I never loved ’til I met Lady Deborah. Had it not been for Lord McKean's death by those blackguards, we would have never been as one. Therefore, al I can say is if it was meant to be, it will be."

  The two then dined on cod, green beans, new potatoes, and hot bread and after a light wine, coffee and berry pastries. They talked of their father and family in England.

  Then as the evening was drawing near, Gabe asked,

  "Will you put forth a battle plan tomorrow?"

  "Aye," Gil replied. ’I've no doubt in the reliability of those papers; I just fear we will be spread to thin with such a few ships. I've sent a fair copy of the plans to Admiral Lord Howe and Admiral Graves in case Admiral Howe is not reached. But, aye, I fear we have a battle before us. One that is coming from al points."

  "I'll do my duty," Gabe said stoical y.

  "I've no doubt," Gil said, "Not as your brother or as your admiral. But be careful, you've had enough close cal s already. Your mother and Lady Deborah would never forgive me if I allowed anything else to happen to you."

  "Don't worry," Gabe replied. "I'll take care. I've a rendezvous with a blonde-haired beauty in the southern colonies. Say, Gil, what would my children look like

  with a dark handsome father and a beautiful blonde mother?"

  "I don't know what they'd look like but they'd be imps every one, I'm thinking."

  "Aye, imps they'd be."

  "Gabe."

  "Yes!"

  "Happy birthday!"

  "Damme Gil, I'd forgotten, I can't believe I forgot my own birthday."

  "You didn't, it's not til tomorrow."

  "Tomorrow."

  "Aye, tomorrow, Gabe."

  Chapter Four

  The next morning al the captains gathered in the admiral's stateroom. Wanting to start the meeting in such a way as to set the men at ease before delving into the task at hand, Lord Anthony had Bart pass out a paper he'd had his secretary and the flag captain's secretary copy.

  Captain Moffett cleared his throat to get the captains' attention. Most had gathered in a group to congratulate Earl on his promotion and his new command.

  "Gentlemen," Lord Anthony began, "We have some serious business before us today. If you will gather in little groups of three, my cox'n will hand out a fair copy of some papers Lieutenant's Markham and Anthony were able to obtain when they boarded the corvette which is now under British colors and commanded by our own Commander Earl."

  "Here, here," the group said in unison, to which Earl rose from his side chair and gave an exaggerated bow.

  "Now sirs, these papers are being handed out with the full knowledge that each of you, loyal as British subjects as well as naval officers are expected not only to know, but to do your duty." Lord Anthony's voice was very firm as he spoke. "Now Dagan, if you will pass out the papers to the groups."

  Before the last two groups of men had gotten their papers laughter was erupting from the first two groups.

  "Good," thought Lord Anthony, "If they can see the humor in my joke and laugh at it they'll surely be ready to fight." As Bart went topside he met up with Dagan.

  Lighting up his pipe, Dagan asked, "What stirred the captains so?"

  Bart gave Dagan a copy and soon he was chuckling as he read:

  Advertisement in Boston newspaper recruiting crew for privateer Deane

  An invitation to al brave Seamen and Marines, who have an inclination to serve their Country and make their Fortunes.

  The Grand Privateer ship DEANE, commanded by ELISHA HINMAN, Esq; and prov'd to be a very capitol Sailor, will Sail on a Cruise against the Enemies of the United States of America, by the 20th instant. The DEANE mounts thirty Carriage Guns, and is excellently well calculated for Attacks, Defense and Pursuit-This therefore is to invite al those Jolly Fellows, who love their country, and want to make their fortunes at one Stroke, to repair immediately to the Rendezvous at the Head of His Excellency Governor Hancock's Wharf, where they will be received with a hearty Welcome by a Number of Brave Fellows there assembled, and treated with that Excellent Liquor cal 'd GROG which is allow'd by al true Seamen, to be the LIQUOR OF LIFE.

  ***

  After the men had had their laugh, Lord Anthony spoke again in a very grave manner, "I do have in my possession a document that was captured by our esteemed Lieutenants as earlier mentioned. This document, unlike the one you've just read, has warned us of a grave and serious impending threat. This is the thirteenth day of November and if this document is still correct an attempt will be made by a consortium of privateers along with armed soldiers to invade and occupy Nova Scotia the nineteenth of this month."

  "Gawd," growled Captain Buck, "That barely gives us time to get ready."

  "Isn't that an odd time to propose an invasion?" asked Lieutenant Kerry.

  "Ah, to the contrary," responded Captain Pope,

  "When better to attack than at a season when the weather is changing and attention is being given to the weather and not to defense." Realizing he might have spoken out of turn, Pope turned to the admiral, "Am I right, my Lord?'

  "That you are, Captain Pope. Gentlemen, I should not have to remind you of the secrecy of the subject we are discussing but before I go further let me say this.

  Your first officers will be told." Then looking at Bush and Kerry added, "Or those serving as your second in command and no one else."

  "Why the secrecy, my Lord?" Lieutenant Bush asked, "Surely preparations will have to be made that will be obvious to al."

  "Aye, young sir, you are right in part," Lord Anthony answered, "We know the enemy has at least two agents here in Halifax. Tomorrow I will make it known we as a squadron are being summoned to Philadelphia. That will justify the necessary movements required to make ready for sea. Now I will pass this document around for each of you to review then we'll talk about a plan of defense."

  Then he passed the document to Captain Pope who was next in seniority to the flag captain and it was passed on down creating comments as each man reviewed the document as it was passed to him.

  Plans for the Invasion and Occupation of Nova Scotia Knowing the great importance Nova Scotia will be to us and the relief our friends there stand in need of, I am happy to inform you of a consortium of free enterprise merchants have met and the sentiments of the general officers of said consortium have agreed to invade Nova Scotia.

  I had the honor of writing you on the nineteenth of June, and then informed you of having engaged two persons in Nova Scotia on the business recommended in your letter of the tenth.

  I would now beg to leave mention, that the persons sent information favorably of the expediency and practicability of the proposed measure. They advised the men necessary for the expedition can be raised from the Province of Maine.

  Upon these recommendations the necessary men have been easily engaged. They are willing and ready to embark from Round

  Island on Machias Bay the dawn of November 19th. The determination for this date is the season is most favorable in regard to when defenses on land and at sea are mostly reduced due to weather.

  The terms mentioned in their plan were for each consortium member to receive 10,000L for their involvement in the scheme plus favorable consideration in regards to land and other purchases.

  Unless otherwise notified I will assume the terms are agreeable and by the power you've invested in me detach the men and ships as previously stated.

  The attack and invasion has been so planned that when executed the consortium will send men in arms aboard full y armed transports to attack several targets as recommended by those persons in Nova Scotia.

  Men will be landed at Hampton, Yarmouth, Liverpool, Lunenburg and Halifax. It is only at Halifax resistance is expected. In addition to British naval forces, there is usual y a garrison of some two hundred British troops.

  A diversion consisting of two ships wi
ll be made. These ships are at Sable Island and if the British admiral gives chase, this will lessen Halifax 's defense. If the British does not fall for the ruse the ships will support the main attack.

  The command of the leading ship has been given to Jeremiah O'Brian based on his part in the capture of the Margaret a now renamed Machia's Liberty.

  After al the gathered men had read the document Lord Anthony asked, "Any comments?"

  Captain Pope cleared his throat and then spoke, "A question, my Lord. There has long been concern the French may enter the war in support of the Colonials.

  Do you see this capture of the French corvette, Le Frelon, and her French captain as proof of that concern?"

  "Well, I'm not sure," Lord Anthony replied. "I'm sure the French have strongly encouraged these types of activities but for now al we have is a privateer with a letter of Marque."

  "Rogues!" Lieutenant Kerry exclaimed.

  "Rogues they may be, sir, but they've done more to interrupt our convoys and prolong the war than anyone else, even John Paul Jones himself. we'll worry about the French when and if they enter the war. However, for now let's worry about the matter at hand."

  "How do we defend so many invasion sights with so few ships?" Lieutenant Bush asked, and then continued,

  "Even with the gunboat we captured and the corvette Gabe and Markham took, we only have nine vessels and they will not go far in preventing an invasion if we are spread out."

  Captains Pope and Buck were conferring and appeared about to speak when Gabe stood up.

  "Why do we have to defend my Lord?" Al eyes turned to Gabe.

  "What was that?" The flag captain Moffett asked.

  "I said, sir, with al respect, why do we have to defend? I say we should attack. We know from those documents," Gabe said nodding his head at the papers

  laying on the table, "where they will launch the attacks from and on what date. I say we divide our forces." The other captains were very attentive now.