His Magesty's Brig Alert: A Tim Phillips Novel

by Richard Testrake

  Alert’s crew stepped in and began working on the fore chains, while the bosun supervised the repair of the standing rigging. By late afternoon, the foremast had lost its list to port and become erect again. After Wainright and Phillips discussed the matter, it was decided the corvette would be able to make a British port without her mainmast.

  Wainright was eager to take her in, since it was not unknown for a first officer to be promoted to commander after such a battle. Before she left, Captain Phillips had some of her powder removed and placed in Alert’s magazine. Her eight pound balls would fit none of Alert’s guns, but he did have all her grape loads brought over. The bosun and gunner’s mates would break down these loads and use the shot to make charges to fit Alert’s guns.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  After parting, Alert continued northward toward the entrance to the Kattegat, while the corvette sailed south east toward Britain. Having already made the trip once in Alert, Phillips thought he knew what to expect. Rounding the Skaw into the Kattegat, he kept as close to the Swedish coast as he could. He knew the Danish batteries would fire on his ship, but was fairly sure the Swedes would not. Once through the narrow entrance, it was clear sailing, as clear of course, as any could be in the treacherous waters of the Kattegat.

  When Anholt Island appeared, Alert backed her topsails to wait for a boat seen putting off from shore. The Royal Marine lieutenant in the boat delivered a letter and asked it be taken to Admiral Saumarez. The officer reported the anticipated supply ship had never arrived and the garrison was very low on supplies. The people were largely subsisting on locally caught fish and hoped for something better to supplement their diet.

  Phillips promised to bring the matter to the admiral’s attention and in the meantime offloaded a few casks of salt beef and some biscuit for their immediate needs. After wishing the Marine and his men well and assuring him he would stop by on his return voyage, he advised his sailing master of the difficulties of the entrance into the Baltic. The narrow strait between Swedish Helsingborg and Danish Helsingor was only a few miles wide and dominated by guns on both shores.

  The Marine they had just spoken to assured them Sweden was not yet at war with Britain, but Denmark certainly was. After discussing the matter, it was decided Alert would hoist Swedish colors and attempt to pass the strait into the Baltic in the very early morning hours.

  Alert’s captain was unsure how this strategy would develop. The Swedes might very well take offence at their effrontery, but he thought he would just hoist his red ensign if approached by a Swedish gunboat and ignore them. Hopefully, by the time anyone could take any great offence, they would be out into the reaches of the Baltic and out of mind of the Swedish authorities ashore.

  It was a few weeks before they discovered the location of Admiral Sauvarez and his fleet. Alert hailed a British flagged Baltic trader that was waiting for the convoy to form for the homeward voyage. The trader informed them the fleet had been sighted off Tallinn near the Gulf of Finland. Proceeding on their way, they encountered the Camilla frigate who confirmed the location of the flag and gave its probable location.

  Alert made her number to HMS Victory soon after and her captain was directed to repair on board. Admiral Saumarez was anxious for news from home and eagerly accepted his own personal mail as well as the official dispatches. He excused himself while he read over the more important and bade his servant to fill Phillip’s glass and supply him with a light lunch.

  When finished, Admiral Saumarez apologized for his discourtesy, mentioning it had been a long period without word from his family. He got to the point: “Captain Phillips, I see that I am to take Alert under my orders. She will undoubtedly be valuable for delivering my communications.”

  “For now though, I see from the report you just delivered, the garrison on Anholt is short of provisions. It is important for the fleet for that garrison to remain in being. Navigational difficulties in the Kattegat being what they are, it is important the light on the island be kept burning for the safety of our country’s trade, as well as the fleet.”

  “Therefore, I will use your brig to bring immediate relief to the island. I have a contract with a supplier in Karlskrona in Sweden to furnish us with ship’s biscuit. A supply has recently reached us and we will supply you with a few tons of biscuit and some cabbages for Anholt.”

  “Additionally, I am furnishing you a purse to purchase cattle on the Danish Island of Bornholm. A man by the name of Kofoed, in the village of Pedersker, on the southern coast of Bornholm Island, has dealt with us honestly before. While the island is of course Danish, the area is sparsely inhabited and I believe if you refrain from showing the national colors needlessly, you will not attract undue attention.”

  “In your orders, you will find reference to the signal you will fly upon reaching the designated point on the coast. It may be necessary to return several times, in case Mister Kofoed or one of his people does not notice your brig or signal in your first visit. Remember, these are farming people as well as fishermen, with little knowledge of naval affairs. You may purchase whatever cattle you can take aboard your brig, as well as any vegetables they may have for sale.”

  “After taking your cargo on board, you will make for Anholt Island with all due haste and re-supply the garrison there. After completing this mission, you will return to me. Providing you have no important dispatches aboard, you may cause any disruption possible against enemy commerce. Should any British naval officer more senior than yourself venture to order you to any duty to discomfit the enemy, not ordered by myself, you may do so, providing you take measures to inform my flag of the duty required. If you will wait on the quarterdeck, flags will see these orders put in writing and having read and understood them, you may depart.”

  Before leaving Victory, Phillips had taken the opportunity to discuss the matter of approaching Bornholm with the flag’s sailing master. This worthy assured him much of the Danish naval forces at present consisted of gunboats. “As long as you are not becalmed or trapped in shallow waters, you should be in no danger. They generally mount a heavy gun in their stern, but understand they can come about in a flash. If you determine they are Danes, take no nonsense from them. Approach them bows on if you get a chance and give them a broadside when you pass.”

  Alert left the fleet bound for Bornholm. Since their destination was on the southern coast, she approached from that direction. From a pair of fishing boats netting herring off that coast, it was learned that Mister Kofoed was indeed located there and he could be notified of their presence for a fee. A few silver shillings to each boat captain got their assurance Kofoed would be notified to watch for their signal two days from hence and no Danish or French military or naval authorities would be notified.

  Alert went back out to sea and patrolled the remainder of the day and the next. No ship was spotted Phillips wished to interfere with and he approached the south coast of Bornholm early on the second morning.

  The agreed upon signal was the Blue Peter with an interrogative, which would be meaningless to anyone other than the recipient. With his sailing master watching the leadsman and comparing the depths to those shown on his chart, Alert crept closer to the shore. Taking bearings from two buildings on shore that had been specified in his written orders, Alerts topsails were backed and she slowed to a halt, waiting to see what developed on-shore.

  An hour after displaying the signal, a small, gaff-rigged sloop left its harbor and put out to sea. When it appeared to be heading for them, Phillips went to his cabin to don his best coat and hat and buckle on his sword.

  Wilcox, the sailing master and now acting lieutenant hailed the vessel as it drew near. A sturdy man of middle years, on the deck of the sloop announced in good English that he was Mister Kofoed.

  Kofoed boarded Alert and Phillips took him into the cabin. Over cigars given him by Admiral Saumarez, Phillips discussed the purchase of cattle and vegetables. Kofoed assured him he could furnish any number of young bullocks, as well
as perhaps a ton of potatoes. A price was settled and it was determined each load would be paid for as it was loaded aboard Alert.

  That afternoon, two lighters came alongside with their loads of bawling cattle. Each animal had to have a canvas strap secured under its belly and hoisted aboard with tackle from the mainyard. The carpenter and his mates were busy fabricating pens to hold the livestock.

  With as many bullocks aboard as could be crowded on deck, one of the lighters made a trip with a load of potatoes. This lighter also carried Mister Kofoed and a well-built young man and a flaxen haired young woman, not yet twenty, judged Phillips.

  Phillips was anxious to get away from the land, in case any Danish patrols came by, but invited Kofoed and his company on board. Inviting them into his cabin, his servant poured aquavit for the men and sherry for the woman.

  Kofoed explained a problem he had. The two young people were his niece and nephew, his dead brother’s children. The man was due to be conscripted into the Danish army, which meant he might soon be fighting in one of Bonaparte’s legions. The woman was being pursued by a French officer who was becoming too persistent.

  It was felt the two should leave Bornholm, but where to go? Another relative, years before, had emigrated to America and it was thought advisable this brother and sister should go there also. Kofoed said he would return the money paid for the provisions, if Alert would carry the pair to Britain, where they could take ship to the new world.

  Phillips waved off the offer of payment, offering instead the advice the siblings might find the money useful on their journey.

  Privately, Phillips was dubious. He wondered how the Royal Navy would accept the news that a young lady had been occupying his quarters, but decided to agree to their request. Kofoed was undoubtedly on good terms with Admiral Saumarez and it would probably be wise to go along. Perhaps he could transfer his guests to Victory when he completed his mission to Anholt and returned to the fleet.

  For now, he had the carpenter install a partition through the middle of his cabin and Hilda, the young woman, was put in one, while her brother Hans slept in the other. Phillips moved into the tiny dog kennel of a cabin Lieutenant Wainright had occupied before he took the prize corvette back home.

  The heavily laden brig worked her way to sea and set course for the Oresund, the narrow strait between Sweden and Zealand. Alert had already traversed this several times before, now she must do it again. This time, knowing Sweden was neutral, he put into Helsingborg and engaged a pilot to see them safely through the Oresund. They made it hugging the Swedish shore and entered the Kattegat without alerting the Danish batteries on Zealand.

  The heavily laden brig was in no condition to seek a confrontation with anyone and Mister Wilcox, their sailing master ordered the lookouts to be especially vigilant. Any sail sighted brought a change of course to put it under the horizon. It was a relief for the entire crew when Anholt Island came in sight.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  A channel through the shallows had been marked with buoys and the brig made her way close to shore. A frigate was anchored farther out and Hans approached Phillips, wondering if that ship might be returning to Britain. It had been intended that he and his sister would return to the Baltic with Alert and travel to Britain at some time in the future. Perhaps they could shortcut the process and journey there earlier.

  Phillips went to shore with his passengers, being met by the Royal Marine officer commanding the garrison and Captain Davis from HMS Dido, 28 guns, 9 pounders. Davis had a request that was more of an order. He was on his way to the fleet in the Baltic, but the Anholt garrison commander had asked him to deliver a Danish official to London.

  It seemed this person was an important personage in the French controlled Danish government, but had decided he no longer wished to serve Bonaparte. The official had sailed his own boat to Anholt, knowing the island was in British hands. He had in his possession quantities of French and Danish government documents HM Government would doubtless like to have.

  Since he could not in good conscience turn about himself and retrace his steps, the frigate captain was asking Alert to do just that. He felt Admiral Saumarez rather have Dido available than Alert. After thinking about the matter, Phillip decided his orders from the admiral allowed for just such an eventuality. He agreed to the mission, but requested Captain Davis inform Admiral Saumarez of the situation.

  While he had the chance, he wrote the admiral explaining his reasons and informed him he had Kofoed’s niece and nephew on board who also wished to go to Britain.

  The frigate off loaded her passenger and set sail for the Baltic next morning, while Alert began unloading her cargo. Only moments after the first beasts were landed, the crew of Alert heard the commotion as the first bullock was dispatched and butchered for the troop’s noon meal.

  The men of Alert were given a few days for a run on-shore, there being little chance for anyone to desert. The Royal Marine garrison kept the men away from the few Danish inhabitants, their commanders not wanting to have any incidents.

  With another passenger to find space for, Phillips moved out of the first lieutenant’s nook and slung a hammock in the little cranny his clerk and servant had occupied previously. With a hard heart, he sent them to the mess deck with the seamen.

  Olaf Lund, the refugee official, seemed astonished to see the tiny space he was to occupy on the voyage back to Britain , but luckily he spoke very good English and Phillips was able to assure him he had lived in that same space for over a week.

  On fair weather days, the passengers spent much of their time on the quarterdeck where they learned a bit about each other and the officers. Phillips learned Hilda was his own age and missed her uncle and aunt. He had already observed the woman was very attractive indeed, but learning of her unpleasant experiences with the French officer back in Bornholm, he tried to hide his interest.

  She was interested in the ship, so he spent time with her, explaining the sails and rigging and showing her how to use the sextant.

  Her brother Hans, became almost an un-official midshipman. He was already well versed on seamanship, having sailed of fishing boats since he was young. Not being on the books, of course he could not engage in any official duties, but he often served as assistant to the deck officer on watches.

  With the extra ammunition gained from the captured corvette earlier in the voyage, he was able now to exercise his people using live fire. Young Hans Kofoed took part in the practice. By the time they reached Portsmouth Harbor, the men were becoming proficient with the guns.

  Alert made her number entering harbor and saluted the flag. When her captain was ordered to report to the flag, Phillips took his passengers along. Admiral Curtis had little to say to the siblings, but Mister Lund interested him greatly. He immediately put Phillips on leave and ordered him to escort Lund to London.

  “You may as well take the Kofoeds there, also. Perhaps someone in Admiralty might want to talk to them.”

  It was a grueling, all-day ride to London. Phillips and Hans initially rode on top, leaving the interior for Lund, Hilda and another passenger. At the first stop though, Hilda insisted she ride on top, also. Hans and Phillips learned the other passenger had been annoying Hilda. Hans and Timothy discussed the matter and decided it was not the time to be challenging anyone.

  The two did discuss the matter with the portly civilian offender and assured him it would be better all-around if he did not speak with the woman for the remainder of the trip.

  Both were well built young men and Phillips of course had his blade belted on, so the individual quickly apologized and assured them he would not speak to Hilda again. The driver became involved in the discussion and it was decided it would be better if Hilda remained inside. Her brother would join her and the offending stranger was exiled to the top with Phillips.

  The coach arrived in London at nightfall, too late to visit the Admiralty. The siblings were concerned with spending their limited supply of money, so Phillips
offered them rooms in his family’s townhouse, which was usually vacant with his father at sea so much. Lund had a lodging warrant from the port admiral and elected to stay at the coaching inn, agreeing to meet with the others at the Admiralty on the morrow.

  A two horse enclosed ‘growler’ coach for hire came by and the trio engaged it to take them to the house. Phillips had to hammer on the door for a lengthy period before the maid opened it. The butler stood behind her with a short barreled musketoon, primed and ready.

  It took a few seconds for the pair to recognize young Master Timothy, all grown and in the King’s uniform.

  Tim explained the situation and was assured rooms would be prepared in a few minutes. In the meantime, they were shown into the parlor and the housekeeper came in with keys to the wine cabinet and produced the tea caddy.

  Hilda was exhausted from the coach travel and asked the maid to show her to her room as soon as it was ready. Phillips found his father’s cigars and trimmed the ends from two. Neither young man was a confirmed cigar smoker, but they lit their tobacco from a shared spill and coughed away. They each had a brandy before the two retired.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  Next morning, Tim and Hans rose early before the rest of the household and breakfasted from the offerings of a street side pieman. From another peddler, they each had a pint of beer and then they were ready to meet their masters in the Admiralty.

  Since Hans was not knowledgeable in the ways of that organization, Tim took the lead. Explaining their business to a porter, they were directed to the waiting room. Even this early, the seats were nearly all taken. Seeing a pair of post captains entering, Phillips steered Hans away from the only two seats left occupied and they stood against the wall.