The astonished Hitchcock informed Mullins he intended to place the disobedience of orders in his own log for any necessary action by the commodore or Admiralty. Falcon’s captain regretted the bad blood that now seemed to interfere with the smooth execution of their orders.
While patrolling at sea off Brest, lookouts spied several small craft operating in a suspicious manner. The three luggers were maneuvering together in just such a manner that a trio of first-rates might exercise.
Flying the tricolor and a French recognition signal, Falcon approached the craft, demanding, in the French code, they identify themselves. All did so, and hove to while Falcon approached. After they were boarded, it was found the luggers were former smuggling craft that had been seized by the Imperial government, and were now being used to train future commanding officers of the French navy. None of the French officers would explain their activities, but a cook on one of the craft, a Spaniard, explained the officers were learning to exercise a fleet. Several officers were placed on each lugger with its small crew, and by taking turns, practiced maneuvering the little fleet as a battle formation.
Deciding this would make a good story to tell at future parties, he sent a midshipman and a few hands aboard each lugger and sent all three into Plymouth. A day later Falcon met with HMS Valiant, Commodore Harding’s ship.
Harding had already heard of the taking of ‘Terrible’ but was happy to learn of the capture of the three luggers. He felt the taking of the prospective French naval commanders was a useful expression of their force.
He was not so satisfied with Mullins’ report on the incident with Captain Hitchcock. “Damn it all, Captain. Could you not have found another way to make your point with Hitchcock? All I need now is for all my captains to go about blackguarding each other.”
When Mullins offered to apologize, Harding replied, “No Mullins, Hitchcock was more to blame than you were. I will have a talk with the man. If he cannot get along with the other captains, I will just send him home.”
Apparently, whatever Harding said to Hitchcock was effective. When the two met a month later, there was no sign of animosity between the pair. Neither felt the need to apologize and later that year, Hitchcock took a ship of the same class as Mullin‘s Terrible, sending this one back to port. By autumn, the French training program seemed to have dried up. Few training ships were being encountered and those that were, soon fled back to port.
Harding said to Mullins at another meeting, “Now we are the instructors. We are teaching these Frenchmen that whenever they meet us, it is wise for them to flee.”
This was the end of the attempt to interdict the enemy training program. Perhaps they were too successful. The enemy refused to play the game any longer and Mullins must find another area in which to serve.
Chapter Thirteen
This time, when Falcon arrived in port, the post brought a note from Doris. It was short, with no hint of affection. In it she expressed her thanks for all he had done for her and felt sad for the heartache she had caused. Next to her name at the bottom of the note, there was a scrawled X. Under it, Sara had written, ‘Alfred Mullins’, his mark.
Not knowing how to respond to this communication, Mullins merely sent a note, much like one he might have written his banker, describing a few moments of the last mission and reminding her of the trust fund established for her and the child at their bank.
With the ship still well provisioned, she was scheduled to be sent back to sea almost immediately. Mister Jones was no longer in the picture, but Mullins was assured by another official that his seeming demotion to a sixth-rate post-ship was no indications of their Lordships displeasure, and he was certainly to gain command of a more imposing command very soon. This ‘very soon’ was not immediate however, since next morning orders came to unmoor and proceed to Gibraltar, where new orders could be expected to be delivered.
The midshipman responsible for the post returned with the ship’s mail only moments before unmooring. In the frenzy of departing, Mullins had no chance to read his mail until they were well out at sea. In that mail was a longer letter from Doris. She again expressed her sadness at the misunderstanding that had come between them. She indicated that matters were not how they must appear, but she was reluctant to explain in case her motives might be misunderstood. She said that Alfred missed his father and she wished she knew of a way for them to meet.
Had Falcon still been moored in Portsmouth Harbor, Mullins thought he might have taken coach to London to meet with his wife, but now there would be little opportunity for many months. After reaching Gibraltar, weeks had passed and Mullins had decided that portion of his life was over. The letter went into the bottom of his sea chest and he forgot its existence.
In Gibraltar, at a meeting with the acting governor, Mullins was introduced to meet with an ancient gentleman with a beard down to his chest. The man was reputed to be part Moor, part Greek, perhaps with blood of several other races flowing in his veins. What Mullins knew for sure was the person held a commission confirming that he was a duly appointed agent of HM Government and he would be required to furnish quarters to this gentleman aboard Falcon.
He did not know exactly what agency the fellow represented. The acting governor merely told him he had received a strong suggestion from Whitehall to introduce the pair. The stranger, Mister Ibrahim, carried orders alowing him to travel aboard Falcon to such destinations as he could be conveniently carried. One of the acting governor’s aides however privately hinted his purpose had something to do with freeing Turkish-held Christian slaves.
Initially, there was little communication between the pair. Mister Ibrahim, as the man had been introduced, was noncommittal, insisting he must inform himself concerning Mullin’s background before exchanging any confidences.
Weeks passed, with Falcon swinging at the anchor and her crew occupied themselves with watching weed grow on her hull. Ibrahim spent most of his time ashore, but did come on board occasionally to determine if any messages had been left for him. Several hands ran when they had the chance, but by the same token, four more joined the ship voluntarily.
Two were Greeks, one was a Jew from North Africa and another was an escaping Black slave owned by a visiting Muslin delegate that was present in Gibraltar for a conference.
Soon after their arrival, a subaltern from the garrison visited the ship explaining his difficulty. On the face of it, he was searching for the Black slave. The delegate requesting the search was a representative of a powerful emir on the North African coast. This emir was a most important ally of HM government in these parts and it was important that nothing disturb that relationship. The delegate was said to be furious at the departure of his servant and had been loudly expressing his anger wherever he could find people to listen.
Now the delegate was promising to execute the fugitive publicly in the most painful manner possible when he was taken. The subaltern assured Mullins it would be most embarrassing for the acting governor and the British government should this be attempted. Any such attempt would violate British law, but there was reason to believe this delegate thought himself above that law.
The officer revealed the very best outcome would be for the former slave to fall out of sight and disappear. If Mullins found this fugitive, he should make every effort to keep the fellow hidden, giving no person off the ship access to him.
Making no comment, Mullins assured the officer he would keep his eyes open and sent him on his way. After the subaltern had left, he called to have the fugitive brought before him. While waiting, he wondered how he was to communicate with the fellow. Perhaps Mister Ibrahim could do so, but he had been advised of the importance of keeping this matter secret. Besides, Ibrahim was ashore at the moment.
Minutes later, the escaped slave came to his door, and knocked like a human being. His Marine sentry escorted him inside, then left and closed the door. The man was a tall, well-built fellow without the tribal scarring often adorning the bodies of African natives. Wonderi
ng just how he could speak with this person, he said words to that effect aloud to himself.
To his surprise, the fellow answered in understandable English, although with a pronounced American accent. “Sir, I speak English. We may use that language.”
After exchanging a few sentences, Mullins realized his guest spoke perfectly cultured English, although with that American accent. Thinking to himself, ‘This is a strange kettle of fish!’ he called for his servant and asked him to bring a pair of bottles and something to eat. This new hand looked as if he had not had a decent meal in days. Besides, a discussion with this strange lower deck hand might prove interesting.
A small table was brought in with the wine, a few cigars, the remains of the Warwickshire cheese and some biscuit not nearly old yet.
Mullins began, “I do not mean to be impolite, but it would be helpful if you could tell me something about yourself.
The Black nodded and said, “Certainly sir. My name is Robert Brooks, son of Mary Brooks, a white daughter of an American missionary from Philadelphia. My mother was taken from the steps of her dwelling in Tunis as a girl and never saw her parents again. She was impregnated by one of her Nubian guards and I am the result. For years, against all odds, she kept me with her in spite of her many difficulties. She educated me as best as she could and taught me to read. When our master sold me, she was able to remain in touch with me by means of letters. Now that I am free, it is my intention to help her to escape and take her to America.
Captain Mullins was almost speechless over these thoughts. “First things first, Mister Brooks. Since you signed aboard HMS Falcon as a crewman, you are indeed a free man, subject to no former owner. However, it is sometimes difficult to convince former owners of this. For the time being, especially while the ship is in this port, it would be most inadvisable for you to go ashore. Do you understand?”
After Brooks replied that he understood, Mullins explained the realities of service in the Royal Navy. He informed the hand of the state of war now existing between Great Britain and the French Empire.
“Brooks, I must tell you that you are now, as a crew member of this ship-of-war, obligated to do your part in defeating this enemy. Until this war is over, there will be scant chance for you to search for your mother. However, if you at any time can discover her location, you will please inform me.”
Dismissing Brooks, Mullins went to his chest and pulled out the old message from Doris. He resolved to answer her in the morning when his mind was fresh.
Early that morning, before his servant had cleared the breakfast table, the Marine sentry admitted Mister Ibrahim, who delivered orders from the acting governor. HMS Falcon was to leave Gibraltar and proceed to Toulon, where she would join the blockade. Speed was important and there was no need to order supplies or provisions from shore. Any shortages would be made up off Toulon.
Mullins thought this to be a very strange dismissal, but he did have to agree this was a timely exit. In more ordinary circumstances he might have, after leaving Spanish waters, cruised along the French coastline. It would be strange if he could not flush out some valuable prize. Since there seemed to be a hurry though, he decided to comply with the governors’ wishes and make a rapid voyage to Toulon.
After an uneventful voyage uo the Spanish coast, he entered French waters and sailed to Toulon. There, he made a brief visit to the flagship, where he introduced his passenger Mister Ibrahim to Sir Edward Pellew, in a private conference. Sir Edward’s secretary was present and did most of the talking. He seemed to be current on the various relationships between the numerous nations in the area, It was explained to Mullins that many of the Greek inhabitants of islands conquered by the Turks centuries ago were growing restive. In some lands, actual revolt was brewing. Public opinion at home was on the side of the Greek rebels and pressure on parliament was mounting. HM Government could not openly support the rebels at this time because of treaty commitments, but one could still hope for a satisfactory resolution. To that end, HMS Falcon was to visit certain Greek islands, as would later be revealed by Mister Ibrahim.
The reason for the visit that was to be supplied to Turkish functionaries was the possible location and purchase of Christian slaves held by Turkish owners. To that end, talks would be held on several islands to see what might be done regarding these captives. While these talks were in progress, Mister Ibrahim would engage in secret negotiation with Greek residents.
Once the discussions were concluded, Mullins was approached by Flag Captain John Phillips, who had been one of Mullin’s commanders in the past. After a period ashore, he had recently come back to sea again. Phillips asked Mullins what he thought of the mission.
“Sir, I fail to see how I can accomplish anything that will resolve this matter. I am told I may perhaps discuss purchasing Christian slaves the Turks hold, but I have not received funds for that purpose. To me, this matter seems to be a case of our superiors trying to make themselves feel better about themselves.”
Phillips replied, “No matter what you may feel Captain, it would be wise to keep those feelings to yourself. Remember, this Ibrahim fellow is merely your advisor. He may advise you on certain subjects, but he cannot order you to take any specific action.”
Producing a paper from his purse, he handed it to Mullins. “Captain, this is a list of Turkish islands you are asked to visit. All are primarily populated with Greeks, but have Turkish overlords. It is not desired for you to instigate rebellion, but it would be useful for HM Government to have an accurate idea of the local populace’s feelings on Greek freedom.”
“Should there be opportunity to free certain Christians from slavery at little expense, such measures should be taken. Nothing must be done to anger the local Turks in control, however.”
Glancing at the paper, he noticed the first island on the list was Crete. He asked, “I am to visit Crete first. I assume. May I ask exactly what I am to give as the reason for our visit?”
Captain Phillips replied, “By and large, your Mister Ibrahim will do most of the talking. I doubt if any notables you might meet will speak our language. Ostensibly though, you will visit for the purpose of taking on water and fresh provisions. You will receive a modest purse to purchase such. Your spokesman, should he feel it proper, may well approach certain notables about purchasing certain Christian slaves who would be taken aboard your ship, when prudent.”
“This list of islands you will visit should not be regarded as complete. Should it be discovered a visit from your ship to some other destination might prove fruitful, you may do so, providing you make no untimely promises to the people you meet.”
Chapter Fourteen
After mail and dispatches had been transferred, Mullins ordered his officers to make a last survey of the ship to determine if anything needed to be done before departure. Moments later, his signal officer reported a cutter was in sight, flying her number and recognition signal, as well as the signal for ‘Have Mail’.
Falcon had already taken on all the mail in Gibraltar that was available, but he thought just possibly there might be a missive from Doris. It would be a long wait for her to approach the fleet and Mullins took the opportunity to go into his quarters and dash off a quick note. He told her where he was and as much of the mission as he felt he could tell his wife. He did not refer to any of the previous trouble and signed his note with ‘Love’.
In the previously misplaced bag of mail, there was no letter from his wife, but there was one for Robert Brooks. The letter was addressed in a clear hand, but written on the cheapest paper, now ragged and soiled. It had travelled around the Mediterranean; its last destination had been the Post Office in Gibraltar. Somehow, it had reached the governor’s office and had then been directed to HMS Falcon.
Mullins wondered about that. Supposedly, it was a secret that Landsman Brooks was aboard a British warship, but nothing was to be done about that now. The much-travelled document was put with the seamen’s mail and delivered to its proper recipient.
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br /> With the ship in proper order, she obtained clearance for departure from the flag, and made her way out to sea. Mullins was on deck beside the officer of the deck when he noticed Landsman Brooks, having finished his watch, approach the bosun’s mate in charge. There seemed to be an exchange of words which the captain could not hear. Then, Bosun’s Mate Harkins slashed Brooks across the shoulders with a knotted rope’s end he carried as a badge of office.
Several more blows landed before a midshipman stepped in. A few minutes later, Brooks followed the mid who approached the deck officer and reported Brooks wished to speak with the captain. Before stepping forward, Mullins noted the angry-appearing rope marks on Brook’s flesh and a trickle of blood starting to run down his arm.
When Mister Rainier stepped forward, Mullins held out his arm and stopped the officer. “I will handle this, Mister Rainier. Would you please ask Bosun’s Mate Harkins report to me in my quarters when I have finished with Brooks?”
Once in his cabin, Mullins examined Brooks’ wounds and ordered him to report to the surgeon for treatment after their discussion. Then he asked what the commotion had been about. Brooks answered, “Sir, I received a letter from my mother in the post just before we sailed. The letter has been travelling about the Mediterranean for months but when it was written she was on an island a day’s sail to the east of Chania, a port in Crete.”
Brooks offered his captain his mother’s letter. Mullins scanned the letter hurriedly, not wishing to violate its privacy. Her penmanship was excellent and she expressed her thoughts carefully. From the text of the letter, Mullins understood that she had been separated from her son for many years and had not the slightest idea of where he was or even if he were still alive. She said her latest owner had brought her to the island known to the Christians as Saint Mark’s a month ago.
HMS Falcon: A Charles Mullins novel, Sea Command 7 Page 9