Convinced that he must go aboard the prize to discuss these problems, Mullins had himself pulled over in his gig. After listening to Mister Howard’s explanations, he ordered a space on deck cleared where he could speak with representatives of the victims.
Monsieur Henri Bruyes, an English speaking former free Black, was the chief spokesman since his English was better than any of Mullins’ officer’s French. Bruyes said after the initial decrees granting freedom to most slaves, many of the white masters had reacted violently, with Blacks of any station treated abominably. One day a squad of French soldiers broke into his own home, announcing he and his family were now to be slaves, even though even his grandparents had been free, as had his parents and those of his wife.
The anguished victim pleaded with Mullins for some show of mercy toward his new charges. Captain Mullins explained his difficulty. He was not certain how the civil authorities back at Jamaica Station would view this cargo of captured French slaves. He himself believed they would be regarded as spoils of war and placed on the auction block, there to become slaves to British owners, hardly an improvement in their circumstances.
As he considered his options, an idea to assist this particular person came to him. Monsieur Bruyes appeared to be a mature adult of perhaps forty years of age, seemingly healthy. According to his own account, he had run a successful business in the colony for years.
Captain Mullins had a purser on board that he did not entirely trust. There were many instances of ‘mistakes’ which caused crew members pay to be debited for goods they had never actually received. The purser was not actually a crew member. Actually, he was an independent contractor who supplied crew members with goods and delicacies which they otherwise would have done without.
It was one of Mullins chores to oversee the purser’s account, to ensure the crew members were not being defrauded, a task for which he had never been trained.
Voicing his problem to M. Bruyes, he informed him that any person taking service with the Royal Navy, automatically became free, regardless of previous conditions of servitude.
“Monsieur, if you would voluntarily take service aboard this ship as my servant, you would be free, in the eyes of British law, with no one able to put you back into chains again. Although you would be on the ship’s books as my servant, you would actually be watching over my purser, hopefully discovering the means by which he might be bilking my crewmen. Of course, some will say you have merely exchanged one means of servitude to another, I will say to you this war will not last indefinitely. At some point, your last ship will pay-off and you will go ashore with your pay, a free man.”
Bruyes protested, “But sir, what of my wife. She is still below on the slave ship, in irons. What will become of her?”
Mullins considered. “Monsieur Bruyes, it is not unknown in the Royal Navy for wives to sail aboard ship with their husbands. I take it your wife is an educated woman?”
Assured this was indeed the case, Mullins decreed, “Well then, we have a solution. Your wife will come aboard Athena where she will be provided quarters with yourself. I am afraid it will not be luxurious, merely a curtained -off corner, with hammocks for beds.”
“One of the problems aboard this ship is that none of my officers are fluent in the French tongue. Perhaps we might employ your wife to instruct some of my younger officers in her language. These young men will recompense your wife with a portion of their pay each month.”
With advice from Seaman Bruyes, six other former captives found employment on Athena. Unfortunately, none were seamen, but all were glad to accept landsmen positions once their situation was explained to them. Mullins promised he would do what he could to deter any attempt by shore authorities to send them to the slave auction.
The remainder of the former captives were freed from their bonds and left aboard the prize, promised by Athena’s captain he would make every effort to ensure their safety. Warnings were given to all that any expression of violence would see the perpetrators being put back in chains and handed over to the authorities back at Jamaica Station.
With some semblance of order on his ships now, Mullins directed Mister Cartwright to lay a course up the chain of islands. When they came to the island where they had encountered the fugitive Blacks, a week before, Athena came to anchor in a protected cove.
Several of the refugees were fluent in the Spanish Creole dialect spoken by many of the Spanish Blacks in these parts, and volunteers were asked to go ashore and attempt to communicate with the present residents.
Gifts of various sorts were left on the beach, well away from the landing site of the uninvited guests. Knives, cutlasses and even a few muskets from the prize, although with little ammunition for these. The launch, after landing the gifts and visitors, lay well off the beach, covering the visitors with the boat carronade, in case of any disagreement.
At long length, a pair of aged Blacks emerged from the brush and approached the visitors. When one of these natives proved to be able to communicate with the visitors in Spanish Creole, it was explained to the natives the gifts were theirs to do with as they wished. If desired, representatives from the ship would like to visit with them following day.
On that day, the launch approached the rocky shore and unloaded more presents. Then, the Creole-speaking visitors landed, among them was Mister Gregor. The natives had previously indicated they were afraid of whites and would not come out of the brush if any were present. Midshipman Gregor though, was a slight-appearing youth who, it was thought, would present little threat to the native population.
Gregor had been briefed by his captain concerning his duties and seemed to understand the nuances. Over mugs of rum, from which Gregor had been ordered to abstain, the natives and their visitors discussed their special problems. The natives feared the Spaniard would be landing in force at any time, raiding the island for new slaves. They were in turn informed of the situation of their visitors, who were seeking a place where they could live free from the threat of enslavement themselves.
Gregor, when he was allowed by the native elders to speak, assured all muskets and ammunition would be issued to both sides in equal amounts, to hopefully ward off any threats from outside the islands. The numbers of refugees wishing to come ashore worried the original inhabitants, believing the original inhabitants might be overwhelmed by the more numerous newcomers.
Finally, both groups agreed the new immigrants would settle on a neighboring island. The original natives agreed to assist them in building shelters and showing them good fishing areas, as well as teaching them the skills they would need to survive in this new environment. In return, the newcomers would assist in repelling any attacks from outside.
With the decisions made, Gregor returned to the ship with some of the refugees, the remainder staying on the island.
Mullins questioned his midshipman closely, but determined that he had represented the ship fairly. The natives, impressed by the rum furnished for the negotiations, had insisted that a keg of this be also added to the inventory of gifts already promised to cement the treaty. Fearing the natives, unused to strong drink, might be led astray, Mullins ordered the drink be provided, but had the purser dilute the rum with equal parts of ship’s water. Further, the promised muskets, would be delivered a day later. He expected the native would react in a similar fashion to sailors he had known. He thought they would likely finish the rum on the first night, drinking themselves into insensibility, waking with ferocious hangovers.
With the arms arriving after the debauch, he thought they would be unlikely to get into much trouble with their weapons. One of the Creole-speaking interpreters, who was remaining on the ship, reinforced his idea, informing Mullins that many of the native islanders had been born there, having little or no knowledge of white-mans’ weapons. Doubtless the new immigrants would give them some instruction, but it was not likely there would be a sudden blood-bath between the two groups.
HMS Athena left the island chain as soon as all of t
he promised supplies had been sent ashore. He admitted to himself that he had committed many violations of the King’s Regulations, but he was comfortable with his actions, having saved many of the refugees from the auction hammer. If the Navy did not approve, no doubt he would lose his command. He would survive that, having a substantial account with his banker. More than enough to last the remainder of his life, if it came to that.
Athena continued her patrol of the waters in her sector, but discovered no signs of piracy or unwanted privateers. Water was obtained when needed from uninhabited islands, but the day came when Mister Cartwright reported they had opened a cask of beef on the lowest tier, which had a most unpleasant odor. It seemed it was now time to return to Kingstown.
Chapter Twenty-One
Back at Jamaica Station, their previously planned convoy was now awaiting them. Some of the owners were furious at the wait, and it had to be explained to them that it was their own demands to suppress piracy that had led to the delay.
A hired cutter newly arrived from home had been hurriedly turned around, when Athena’s delayed appearance caused some anxiety. There had been thought of sending her back as the only escort for twenty-odd merchantmen, but now two escorts were thought to be sufficient.
Mullins was not convinced. He would have preferred to have a powerful frigate along in case of a strong threat. At least, as senior officer present, he need not listen to the dithering of some senile old fool unsure of how to protect his flock.
In the rapid turn-around, there was no opportunity for his superiors to question his actions concerning the disposition of the slaves from the recent prize. Mullins was quick to take advantage of this accident, harrying the crew unmercifully, to get the required work completed so they could sail before anyone thought to interview him.
Long before any experienced naval officer would have expected, HMS Athena reported her readiness to sail, and with the signal acknowledged, the convoy left port.
It was a varied collection of merchantmen, with the little hired cutter, Asp, as the only other Royal Naval escort. Asp had a total of eight diminutive four-pounder long guns, no threat to nearly any warship. She would however, be able to impress any small pirate or privateer craft that tried to make an attempt on the convoy.
Captain Mullins deemed the present force sufficient to defend his flock from a few of the usual predators encountered in these waters. These usually consisted of whatever small craft might be found in the numerous coves and fishing ports in these islands, manned with swarms of boarders from the waterfronts and armed with any guns locally available.
A problem could arise if more than a few of these predators were present. A nimble pair of corsairs could harass the escorts, while any small craft loaded with boarders could easily take any merchantman it could come up against.
Athena’s’ officers were by now well acquainted with their captains’ ideas on the various strategies best suited for different scenarios. Nevertheless, he thought it wise to go over his ideas of defeating a swarm of smaller enemy craft attacking the convoy.
The second day out of Kingstown found the convoy out of sight of land, with never a sail in sight. With the light trade wind taking them on their way, Mullins ordered the cutter’s captain to come aboard Athena.
Mister Houser was a young lieutenant, barely out of his teens. He seemed to be an alert and intelligent officer and Mullins doubted he would have any trouble with this first-time captain.
After introducing Houser to Athena’s officers he explained his ideas to get the convoy back to England.
“Captain Houser, I hope you know that I am not comfortable with our force. Granted, we are unlikely to come up against a pair of frigates or a ship-of-the-line that might attempt to take our convoy from us.”
What we are more likely to meet, is a group of a few fast vessels, loaded with men and armed only with a few guns. If I were commanding such a force, I would set my most maneuverable vessels to annoy the escorts, while the slower craft would set about their chosen target in the convoy.”
“These merchantmen usually have only enough crew aboard to sail the craft. They may have a few guns, but often have little idea of how to use them, or enough men to serve them. Faced with fifty boarders scrambling over the side, that merchant can be expected to be taken within a few moments and be sailing away from the action soon after.”
“To prevent our enemy from using these tactics against us, it will be necessary to cause as much damage to those craft as possible, as soon as possible. We will not be haring off into the distance in the hope of capturing one of these bandits. I can tell you from past experience, if by some miraculous chance you do succeed in overhauling and taking one of these vessels, you will receive little for it in the prize auction. You will however, receive a most unpleasant interview from the port admiral should a merchant be taken while you are off after this chase.”
“We must keep out flock organized, and prevent the individual masters from wandering away from the others as they are prone to do. Some ship-masters will protest at the loss of their freedom to maneuver as they see fit. A log should be kept of the circumstances leading up to that protest.”
“Any ship’s master refusing to comply with orders from an escort commander will be told if the disobedience continues, his ship will be expelled from the convoy and his insurer notified. Of course, should his vessel then be taken, the insurer may well refuse to make good on any damages.”
“As far as our own actions, we will ensure our own gun crews are well trained and as prepared as they possibly can be. Whenever a predator comes within range of my guns, I intend to fire on that craft, if necessary reserving a few guns to reply to another enemy attacker coming into the fray.”
“Our plan should be to cripple every enemy craft possible. If we can disable one or more enemy craft without their taking any of our charges, we will be on our way to success. We must remember, the enemy ship-owners using their privately owned vessels to prey on our convoy, must pay for any damages to their craft from their own purses. If we can make their forays expensive, while depriving them from taking a profitable prize, we shall see enemy attacks against our own shipping decrease.”
“Additionally, I must require any enemy craft we take that is attempting to prey on our convoy to be destroyed. We will have no opportunity to send prizes back to a Caribbean base, and we will not be able to spare hands to man prizes in any event.”
Days later, now nearing their previous patrol area in the waters between Florida and Cuba, a lookout reported, first one sail, then three more. These were small craft, spread well apart and there was little sense attempting to evade.
Signals were hoisted requiring the convoy to close up and for Asp to take position to windward of the trailing ship in the convoy. Although Asp was quick to comply, some of the merchants required persuasion. A cloud of smoke followed the cutter as she punctuated her commands with gunfire.
A brig flying Spanish colors seemed to be the most dangerous opponent. She was pierced for a dozen guns, fortunately seeming to be of small caliber. The others were likely fishing boats of various rigs, hastily armed and given crews to prey on British commerce. None of these flew any country’s colors.
Although ahead of the convoy when first sighted, the brig seemed to be altering course toward the convoy center, while the other three altered toward the rear. It was obvious none wanted to engage Athena.
One of the ships of the convoy, a sugar carrier, tried to swerve out of line when she saw the enemy bearing down on her. Mullins came down on her beam and forced her back into line, giving her a gun as she did so. If she, or any other merchant left the convoy, that ship would instantly become a prime target which the escorts would have great trouble defending.
One of the smaller craft made an attempt upon Asp as she attempted to keep her charges under control. This small gaff-rigged schooner, a former fishing boat, fired her broadside, two four-pounder guns at the cutter, with neither shot taking effect.
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br /> Asp fired her own broadside at the schooner and was rewarded by two hits. One shot struck her hull near the waterline up forward, while the other brought down her fore gaff topsail.
With damage to repair, the enemy dropped away from the pursuit and Asp, following orders previously given, moved up to protect her charges from the remaining privateers.
The enemy brig, charging through the center of the convoy attempted to lay alongside a timber carrier. Adroit handling by that ship’s crew avoided the rush and the brig found herself on the lee side of the convoy, near a brigantine loaded with sugar in casks.
Crashing into the port beam of the brigantine, shouting boarders immediately began scrambling over onto her decks. Greatly outnumbered, the brigantine’s crew withdrew to the forecastle, abandoning any attempt to defend their ship. A few moments of confusion occurred as the boarders attempted to take control of the prize.
Many of these boarders were no seamen, and the confusion continued as prize officers from the privateer attempted to get their hands sorted out. While this was in progress, Athena, fresh from herding a convoy ship back into line, came rushing through the frantic shipping, narrowly evading a large ship carrying hides.
The brigantine’s captors were occupied with their own problems and failed to see Athena until it was too late. The post-ship crashed into the port beam of the enemy brig, the heavy oaken scantlings of the ship causing heavy damage to the lightly built brig, and jamming her main yard into the rigging of the brigantine alongside.
Athena’s guns fired as the ships made contact then she glanced off a few yards. The numerous crew still on the privateer’s deck attempted to jump over to Athena, but the distance was too great. With Athena’s gunners switching to grape, the fire continued, causing dreadful damage to the privateer, as well as to the merchant on her opposite beam.
HMS Athena: A Charles Mullins novel (Sea Command Book 4) Page 14