Not One Shred of Decency

by Bob Brown

  Ganse watched Rogers go to Hayes and apparently he repeated the Captain’s orders, for Hayes started up the Jacob’s ladder. He climbed halfway up and could be heard yelling to the men, “The Captain has ordered all you men down.”

  Barely visible against the rapidly moving gray mist, it appeared that the men were coming down. They stayed as close together as possible and once on deck they assembled in a tight group. Cromwell was saying something but the wind smothered even his strong voice except for those close by. About twenty other boys congregated behind them. Wilson and Green pulled belaying pins from the bulwark rib and held them like clubs, switching them from hand to hand. Cromwell said something and they suddenly made a rush toward the stern where the officers were standing.

  Ganse gasped, “Oh God, they’re coming to murder us!” He raised his pistol and aimed toward Cromwell who was leading the group. “Stop or I’ll blow your brains out.” BANG! Ganse’s loud pistol report, spewing flame and dingy white smoke surprised him as much as anyone, for he had only meant to aim it at Cromwell. His nervous finger had pressed the trigger involuntarily. The ball whistled by Cromwell’s ear. Cromwell stopped and, with his massive outstretched arms, stopped the other men. Ganse froze as Cromwell’s face blackened and it appeared that he was about to lunge toward Ganse, who now held only an unloaded pistol.

  Other officers rapidly assembled behind Ganse with pistols drawn. When Cromwell saw all the officers standing behind Ganse with weapons aimed at his head, he reconsidered and stretched his arms out again to stop the others. Shaken, Ganse quickly retreated back into the crowd of officers. Mackenzie had now joined them. Ganse thought, “My damn pistol nearly killed a man.” He resisted the urge to throw the weapon overboard.

  Mackenzie said, “Garty, arrest Cromwell and Small. Chain them to the bulwark with enough space between them that they won’t be able to talk to Spencer or each other.”

  Cromwell bellowed, “I won’t allow that Mackenzie, I haven’t done anything. I won’t be put in irons.” He yelled in the direction of Spencer. “Damn you Spencer, tell the captain I’m innocent.”

  Rogers came up from behind the group. “Captain, captain . . .”

  Mackenzie said, “Every man hold your pistol on Cromwell until he is in irons.” Then he pointed to the others beside Cromwell. “You men step back from Cromwell and place your hands on the bulwark.”

  Rogers said, “Captain, I ordered these men to report to you on the double. That’s why they were rushing aft.”

  Mackenzie said, “They obviously had other things on their mind, I want them in irons anyway. They attempted to take command of this ship.”

  Perry said, “Captain, we are ill prepared to guard very many prisoners. If they are spread out they will take up a goodly portion of the deck and be very difficult to guard.”

  Mackenzie said, “For now I’m just taking Cromwell and Small. Put the ones who were with him on report and we’ll watch them closely. Tomorrow they’ll be severely flogged. Give orders that if the prisoners are caught trying to talk to each other, they are to be shot on the spot. If any of the crew tries to talk to them, then shoot them also.”

  Cromwell said, “Goddamnit, Mackenzie, you can’t do this, God of the Universe knows I’m innocent. I’ve been loyal to you. Look at me, damnit.”

  Mackenzie did look, “Insubordination will not help you Cromwell. You’re a great disappointment to me. I thought you were loyal and I depended on you to maintain discipline  now this. You’ll receive no mercy from me. The three of you will be tried for mutiny when we reach New York.” He turned and walked aft.

  Cromwell swelled up like a blowfish but made no move to prevent Garty from approaching with a set of irons. The officers kept their pistols trained on him. The irons fit so tightly that the cautious Garty had to press hard to get them on Cromwell’s large wrist and ankles. Ganse watched all this in dismay. Everything was moving too fast for him to sort out his feelings. What if he had shot Cromwell accidentally? If he could hate anyone, he could hate Cromwell, but could he live with himself if he had blown Cromwell’s brains out accidentally?

  Small seemed a bit stunned at the sudden turn of events and looked dejected. He held out his hands for Garty to put him in irons. Perhaps the most stunned person of all was Spencer. If he had pinned his hopes for freedom on Cromwell and Small, then those hopes evaporated before his eyes.

  Perry asked, “At such close range Ganse, how could you miss?”

  Ganse replied, “Actually, I only wanted to stop them. This pistol trips very easy and well  actually, I fired by mistake.”

  Perry said, “Damn.”

  Mackenzie said, “You disappoint me Ganse, for I thought you shot by design. The incident was Cromwell’s making, if you had blown his head off it would’ve been self-defense. He would’ve pulled your bones apart with his bare hands if he had known you were just aiming at him for the sport of it. Never present an arm unless you expect to use it.”

  Ganse said, “It happened so fast . . .” But Mackenzie and Perry walked away before he could explain. Ganse looked at Cromwell, now sitting on the deck, obviously in a black mood. Large wind driven raindrops began splattering the deck. The men and boys not on duty retreated to the berth deck. One boy came back with some sail cloth for Cromwell and Small. Small nodded to the boy and seemed grateful for something to shield him from the elements. Cromwell angrily yanked the cloth from the boy, causing the boy to fall forward on his knees right in front of him. They looked each other in the eye at close range for a second, then the boy jumped back wide-eyed and bolted for the hatch to the berth deck.

  Ganse rehearsed the shooting incident. He imagined what it would look like to see the top of Cromwell’s head being blown away, as if smashing a hairy melon with a blacksmith’s hammer, those tormenting black eyes blown to the winds. Then watching the headless monster wilt to the deck. The men closest to Cromwell would surely be splashed with blood, bone and brains. Was he capable of that, blowing away life, even Cromwell’s, on no more than an impulse? Is that what Mackenzie expected from him? Ugh, he involuntarily clinched his teeth and shuddered his head. With pursed lips he looked forlornly at the blustering sea. Wind-propelled darts of rain stung his cheeks. The unconcerned Somers creaked and groaned, tossed and rolled, to the ocean’s commands and cared not a whit about the crew, or its conflicts. The sea churned, spit frothy white caps, and cared not a whit about the Somers, or its crew.

  CHAPTER 19

  It was Mackenzie’s custom to have the galley deliver morning chow to his cabin at eight bells. After eating, he would study charts and write in his log book for about a hour. Ganse would often join him to discuss the ship’s affairs. This morning Mackenzie said, “We’ll sorely miss Cromwell’s firm hand on the crew.” He nodded his head from side to side, “No one ever crossed him. He was very good with the men. I haven’t seen another man on board who will maintain discipline like Cromwell.”

  “I found him a bit unmanageable at times.” Ganse said.

  “He’d take charge of any man who would allow it. But so much for Cromwell, he’s done for now. I want you to go through Cromwell and Small’s personal things to see if there is anything pertaining to mutiny in them.”

  “Yes sir, I will.”

  We’ll need a replacement for Cromwell. I want someone who will take over with a firm hand.”

  Ganse said, “Gunner’s Mate Collins is next in line.”

  Mackenzie said, “I don’t know much about him, but it doesn’t matter who’s next in line. This is a crucial assignment; I’ll promote the best man for the job. You and Perry make a list for me to choose from. The person must be aggressive in maintaining order, strong, and self-assured. Now, what about the crew. Has Cromwell’s and Small’s arrest properly subdued them?”

  “If anything, they’re more sullen and slow to obey commands than before.”

  “Can you single out any trouble makers?”

  Ganse said, “McKee and Green perhaps.”

&nbs
p; “Two of the names on Spencer’s list?”

  “Yes sir. Perry dispersed two groups huddled together early this morning in which they seemed to be the leaders.”

  Mackenzie said, “We’ll arrest them if we have to, but we have three prisoners in tow now and it’ll be stressful for our officers to guard more. Even so, we’ll arrest more if we must.”

  “We had such high hopes for this cruise. This mutiny attempt will cast a long shadow over the whole undertaking.”

  “I don’t intend for that to happen. If we handle this ill-conceived episode in a bold and stern way, we’ll demonstrate that discipline and appropriate punishment are the hallmark of a well managed navy.”

  Ganse said, “But if the Secretary of War’s son is found guilty of mutiny the punishment will be quite severe, possibly death. Obviously Philip was pampered as a boy and the Secretary may not allow him to be punished as severely as some other man. He might even perceive us as more at fault than his son.”

  Mackenzie replied, “Perhaps, but many others of influence in the navy will simply see it as a test of our ability to command our ship. I’ll not be influenced by the conniving of a incorrigible boy and you’ll see that I’ll be rewarded for taking whatever measures are needed to protect our ship, the U. S. Navy, and our flag. You worry me, Ganse. You’re not bold at times.“

  “Oh, I’ll stand behind any decision you make, Sir. Of course this must be handled in a decisive way. Absolutely. Absolutely, indeed sir.” Ganse squirmed. He felt that he could be bold when boldness was needed. After all he had stopped Cromwell’s rush with a shot to the head, had he not?

  Mackenzie said, “Good, now let’s go oversee the morning floggings.”

  Ganse sighed, “Our most distasteful duty.”

  Mackenzie glanced sideways at Ganse with a frown and slight smile. “Of course it is. Let’s go.”

  **********

  Perry approached Mackenzie standing on the stern. The weather had been bad for three days, but at least it was not raining at the moment. The wind was gusty and the sea was still high creating numerous sounds that made it possible for the two to converse without being overheard. “Captain, three days have passed since Cromwell and Small’s arrest. The number of floggings have increased daily and still the crew’s attitude is more suspicious and worrisome than before. I’m very concerned that there is a plan afoot to free our prisoners. Also, our officers are exhausted from guarding the prisoners along with maintaining their usual duties.”

  “Mr. Perry, I’m not blind to the deteriorating atmosphere on board the Somers, I am currently assessing our options and intend to take decisive action very soon to remedy the situation.”

  “The most stressful time is when we must take the prisoners below to the head. We’re surrounded by crewmen who seem sympathetic with the plight of our prisoners.”

  “Have they tried anything?”

  “Not yet, but I fear they might soon.”

  “Have you discussed this with Ganse?”

  “Yes sir.”

  Mackenzie waited, for it appeared Perry was searching for words to say more, but when he did not continue, Mackenzie said, “I understand. Be assured that this matter will be taken care of promptly.”

  “Yes sir. Thank you sir.”

  Mackenzie returned to his cabin. He removed his hat and slowly ran his hand through his thinning hair before pulling up a chair to sit at his desk. Folding his arms he thought for a long while, then he removed several sheets of paper from his desk drawer, pulled the cork from his ink well, picked up a pen, dipped it, and began to write. Over the next hour he wadded up several sheets of paper and started over. A few times he ironed out a wadded sheet to refer to his earlier writing. Finally he leaned back, read and reread his message. Satisfied at last, he lit a candle and burned the wadded sheets, corked his inkwell, and went to the steps leading to the spar deck and opened the hatch door. He summoned the first man he saw and told him to find Ganse and have him report to his cabin.

  When Ganse arrived, Mackenzie picked up his message and handed it to Ganse, saying, “I have decided on this course of action, read it and see if you have any questions.”

  Ganse did not sit down and read to himself:

  S. Brigantine Somers

  28th November, 1842

  Lieut. Ganse

  Surgeon Leecock

  Purser Heiskill

  Acting Master Perry

  Midshipman Rogers

  Midshipman Thompson

  Midshipman Hays

  Gentlemen:

  The time has arrived when I am desirous of availing myself of your council in the responsible position in which as commander of this vessel, I feel myself placed. You are aware of the circumstances which have resulted in the confinement of Acting Midshipman P. Spencer, Boatswain’s Mate S. Cromwell, and Seaman Elisha Small as prisoners; and I purposely abstain from entering into any detail of them.

  Necessarily ignorant of the exact extent of disaffection among a crew which has been so long, so systematically and so assiduously tampered with by an officer; knowing suspicions of the gravest nature attach to persons still at large; and when the difficulty of taking care of the prisoners we already have makes me more reluctant than I should otherwise be to apprehend; I have determined to address myself to you, and to ask your united counsel as to the best course to be pursued; and I call upon you to take into deliberate and dispassionate consideration the present condition of the vessel, and the contingencies of every nature that the future may embrace throughout the remainder of our cruise and enlighten me with your opinion as to the best course to be now pursued.

  I am very respectfully, gentlemen, your most obedient,

  Alexander Slidell Mackenzie,

  Captain U. S. Navy

  After reading the message, Ganse looked up and said, “This is very clear sir. Heiskill and Thompson are on duty but I’ll convene the rest of the men you’ve listed and we’ll begin deliberations immediately. Heiskill and Thompson can join us when they come off duty and two others will leave to serve their duty.”

  “Secure your meeting place so that none of the crew can hear the proceedings.”

  “I understand the importance of that sir. I think we can report back very soon.”

  CHAPTER 20

  Ganse found the marine Garty and told him that he was needed as guard for an important meeting. He stressed that anything he might hear should be kept in the strictest confidence. They went to the wardroom where Midshipman Rogers was already waiting. Ganse had him help arrange benches on each side of the table in the wardroom and he pulled up a stool for himself to preside at the end of the table. He felt their assignment was clear and should not take long. Five officers could meet at all times and two officers would rotate when the watches changed. Ganse did not have a scheduled watch but served as relief when needed for any of the other officers. The remaining midshipmen not invited to this meeting were available to guard the prisoners occasionally but they were now skilled in ship operations and this kept them fully occupied.

  Rogers said, “I hope this is about our prisoners. Spencer is wearisome with his constant puny requests, Small sits like a zombie, and Cromwell looks as if he could burst all his irons in a heartbeat. God, what a miserable man he is.”

  Before Ganse could reply, Perry, Hays, and Leecock came down the ladder. For the next minute, the men removed pistols from their belts, laid them on the table, scraped benches on the wooden deck, made unimportant comments in low tones, and finally quieted down as they tried to make themselves as comfortable as possible. Hays collapsed his head down on his folded arms in a mock demonstration of how tired he was. He then looked up with a weary smile to see if his act had been properly appreciated. Only Leecock shrugged his shoulders and gave an equally weary smile in response.

  Perry asked, “What’s the purpose of this meeting?”

  Ganse did not answer but proceeded, “Gentlemen, I have a letter from Captain Mackenzie. But first I must stress that this is
not to be revealed to anyone outside of this group. In fact, we must keep our voices subdued so that no one will overhear us.” He then pulled the letter from his jacket, unfolded it and read it to the men.

  Rogers said, “So the captain wants our opinion about what to do with the mutiny bastards. I vote to throw them overboard and feed ‘em to the sharks.”

  Hays said, “I’d help, only that rich brat Spencer’ll walk on water and ’ll promptly climb back on board, Small won’t feel the sharks chew’n on him, and the whole crew couldn’t throw Cromwell over without his consent and he won’t give that.”

  Hays and Leecock laughed nervously.

  Perry said, “Men, it’s easy to make light of this, but this is a serious matter and we must treat it as such.”

  Ganse said, “Let’s list our options first. We might construct a more secure brig, for example.”

  Rogers said, “No matter how secure the brig, we’d still have to escort ‘em to the head. That’s when it gets spooky  a thousand eyes watch our every move.”

  Leecock said, “Maybe we could bring ‘em a slop jar and they wouldn’t have to go to the head.”

  Perry said, “I refuse to carry a slop jar to Cromwell.”

  Leecock said, “Some of the boys could do it.”

  Perry said, “I won’t ask them to do it either.”

  Ganse asked, “Is there a place on board the Somers that is isolated and that we could make secure?”

  Perry said, “This brigantine was designed for 90 men and we have 120 on board. It’s only 103 feet long and 25 feet wide. We’re badly overcrowded and every space is spoken for.”

  Leecock said, “What about the Captain’s cabin, it’s the most secure place on board?”