Home of the Brave

by D P Prouty

  Passing by, they managed to get two cannons to answer our broadside, both missed their target. The ship was badly damaged, through the smoke I could see her mizzenmast leaning forward and the bottom of her gaff was splintered. The captain hailed the damaged ship after clearing her bow and requested the enemy vessel surrender. Captain Reneau replied, “I will not surrender this vessel to American filth!” Several muskets fired in our direction answered gladly by Lieutenant Baker and his men. We came about and in a position to fire another broadside on her already damaged portside. Again the Eagle’s cannons lit up the morning air inflicting considerable damage. Once clear of her stern the captain looked back and asked, “Did she strike her colors?” No one could see through the thick smoke surrounding La Flechette. Lieutenant Gross was leaning over the side peering at the enemy vessel and said, “Sir, her colors are still flying, and she has a fire on the deck.” The captain ordered the ship to come about when suddenly an explosion on La Flechette sent a wave of hot air and debris over us. Several men standing near the stern were knocked down from the blast. Mr. Freeman shouted, “Sir, the fire must have ignited a powder keg!” The captain steered the ship clear of the French exclaiming, “We’ll wait until there is no possibility of further blasts.” Through the smoke of the burning ship we could hear the screams of men in agony.

  Lieutenant Gross said, “Sir, do you think they intentionally did themselves in?”

  The captain answered, “No, from what I have heard of Reneau, he’d fight till the last man before doing himself in. He would prefer we do it for him.”

  La Flechette vanished beneath the waves as we made our way back to look for survivors but found none among the debris. We took on seven bodies we found floating to give them a proper burial. That afternoon we sent the bodies to the deep. Lieutenant Potts said, “Beware the ides of March.” The men looked at him in wonder. “It’s from Julius Caesar, assassinated on ides of March, today is the fifteenth—the ides.”

  Mr. Freeman said, “All right, lads, let’s get back to our tasks.”

  One of the men asked him, “What’s an ides?”

  Another man replied, “It’s just the middle of the month is all.”

  Mr. Freeman asserted, “Never mind that. Get to your stations.”

  Throughout the day we searched the Mona Pass for Le

  Flambeau but did not see a single ship. The thought of the morning’s activities along with the lack of sleep wore on us all. We sailed for the Danish harbor of St. Thomas and neutral waters hoping to get some rest. We anchored at St. Thomas and got one of Mr. Edwards’s great stews before getting some rest. We had seen calm seas and good weather throughout the day. Bat came by to check on my leg. It was healing well and he took the bandage off. We suffered no casualties during the engagement with La Flechette so the loblolly boys acquired a needed rest after the fight. Frank sat down next to me after Bat left and said, “Everyone on that ship died, Clyde… everyone!” I knew what he meant and we all felt the same. Our desire for revenge was soured by the tragic end of so many. There must have been seventy men on that ship, and in a matter of minutes they were all gone—forever. Although it was a great victory, no one felt like cheering, I certainly didn’t. It wasn’t going to bring Charlie back and I could have done without that memory, one that would certainly remain with me.

  We remained at anchor for the night then continued on for St. Kitts the following day. Word of the fate of La Flechette spread quickly throughout the Caribbean. The only survivors were the prize crew put upon the merchantmen we recaptured. The officers debated whether the news of her destruction would be good or bad. Would the corsairs attack our warships for revenge or avoid contact? As it turned out, we saw no affect. The privateer fleet continued to take merchant prizes and avoid our navy. We put in with the Montezuma and Norfolk as we again conducted convoy support operations from Dominica west to Cuba and the United States. I was surprised to learn that Captain Bainbridge was in command of the Norfolk—he was again sailing in with our squadron. Word spread that when he surrendered the Retaliation, the French took him aboard the frigate Le Insurgente. The two French frigates Le Insurgente and Le Volontaire were rapidly closing in on us that day when the captain of Le Insurgente asked Captain Bainbridge about the disposition of the American vessels. He told them they were following two American frigates, both comprising forty guns. He told him how he looked forward to watching French tactics on an equal force. Upon hearing this, the French commander broke off the pursuit. Captain Bainbridge’s bluff had saved the squadron from sure defeat.

  The spring and summer quickly passed as we continued to sail throughout the Caribbean. We reclaimed three captured merchant ships and took a corsair sloop without a fight. We had received information that Le Flambeau was operating somewhere between St. Kitts and Antigua passage, but we were unable to hunt her down because of our convoy support operations. I missed Charlie. Frank had lost much of his humor during that summer and seemed surly and withdrawn. Several months at sea had not softened him to befriend Richard much. Richard was agreeable—he learned his job and did what he needed. He was no Charlie though. He did not have his humor, wit, or sense of adventure—but he was sufficient.

  It was early fall when we anchored in Eustatius. There were two merchantmen and a small privateer at anchor in the harbor. Lieutenant Gross looked through the glass at the stern of the corsair and said, “The name is La Polina. She has six guns on her.” Then he wrote the description of the vessel and name in his log. The captain told me to come ashore with him as a group lowered into the ship’s boat and we began to row ashore. The docks had only a few men about as we went to Twilla’s Tavern. Inside there were only a few patrons and Twilla greeted us. She smiled but had a sadness to her eyes. She offered us a table and I sat down with the captain, Lieutenant Potts, and Mr. Freeman. Twilla told how she had heard about La Flechette and that although Captain Michot had been on St. Eustatius during the summer, she had not seen him since. She expressed how she prayed that the wars would end. “The Netherlands are in chaos after an invasion by both the British and the French,” she said sullenly. “The whole world seems to be caught up in this madness without end.” She went on to explain that she knew we were doing our duty, but that she had friends aboard La Flechette. “They were just like you, not all were bad men. When will it end?” She proclaimed as tears began to form in her eyes.

  The captain listened then sympathetically said, “I’m sorry for the loss of your friends, Twilla. I’m afraid it may get much worse before it gets better.”

  She wiped her tears and said, “I know, Hugh, but I’m hopeful it wouldn’t.”

  We stayed and had a drink or two before departing. The captain and Lieutenant Potts spoke privately with Twilla in a backroom while I sat with Mr. Freeman.

  I thought about what Twilla said, there had certainly been a lot of action in the past couple of years. I said to Mr. Freeman, “Mr. Freeman, why do you think men sail to war? Yet after witnessing the destruction, continue to sail back out for more voluntarily?”

  He sat back in his chair and drank from his mug and said, “You see that moth up there by the candle, lad?” I looked up at the candle on a stand by the wall where a moth was flying around it. “That’s us,” he said. “We know it’s hot and there is a possibility that we could get burned, but we just can’t leave it alone—it pulls you toward it.” Then he looked at me, his weathered face and cold eyes looking through me. “You, my young fellow, are not quite as addicted to the light. You are at a crossroads perhaps. But soon you will be like the rest of us moths.”

  Anchoring off St. Kitts, Mr. Duffy went ashore and picked up some mail for the crew. I received a couple of letters from Charlene. I was excited to hear from her and read them as soon as possible. She told how she missed my smile and my hazel eyes. I felt warm that she even noticed that I had hazel eyes. She wrote that Charleston was the scene of quite a stir over a man named Jonathan Robbins. It seems his real name was Thomas Nash and he was a murd
erer and mutineer! He claimed to be an American citizen, but the British asserted that he was a boatswain’s mate on the HMS Hermione and he took part in a horrific mutiny—leaving the officers dead. The United States government held a review in Charleston and decided to hand him over to the British for execution. This decision caused several protests since many thought he was American and should not be extradited. I enjoyed reading her letters. She had a way to make trifling news exciting. I felt distressed that I couldn’t share the news with Charlie and Frank seemed distant—I felt very alone.

  The Eagle remained at anchor for a few days as we resupplied. As we were making final preparations to make way, I saw a peculiar sight—Richard Douglas sat on a box of musket ammunition eating a banana and stroking Green Gato! Frank was standing nearby and looked as amazed as I. “What do you make of that!” I said motioning toward Richard.

  Frank uttered, “Never saw that cat take to anyone. Matter of fact, I haven’t even seen Green Gato on the deck much since he lost half his tail.” Frank chuckled and smiled at me as if I thought it was humorous. It was good to see him smile, it had been a long while since I had seen him smile. Mr. Edwards shuffled up in front of us and barked, “What are you two gawking at, get back to work!” He turned and hobbled over to Richard, gave him a handkerchief, and said, “Give him some of this fish, he likes it.” Richard opened the handkerchief and revealed several small pieces of dried fish. He gave a piece to Green Gato and the cat eagerly consumed it. I was amazed, I half expected him to shout at Richard for touching Green Gato, but instead, he appeared to like Richard. Mr. Edwards spun around and complained, “Are you two still here? Get going, this is not your business!” Frank shrugged his shoulders and we scampered off toward amidships.

  We received orders to sail for Charleston, protecting a convoy along the way. I was very excited about the possibility of seeing Charlene. It had been two years since those innocent times when Frank, Charlie, and I first visited the captain’s family. I had received several letters since then, but I didn’t know if she would still like me, after all, I had changed and I was sure that she did as well.

  19

  Pettigrew Plantation

  Upon arrival in Charleston, the captain departed as well as many of the officers to arrange for pay and provisions. He returned the next day and asked for Frank, Richard, and I to meet him on the dock. He told us, “Gentlemen, I’ve arranged for you to stay with Mr. Duffy in town. I would like you to come to supper with me tomorrow night at my home.” I was disappointed in not being invited to stay with him. He must have seen the disappointment in my face because he put his arm on my shoulder and pulled me aside from the others. He said kindly, “Clyde, Mrs. Campbell has determined that it is inappropriate for gentlemen guests.” He went on to express that Charlene was eager to see me. I began to protest the decision of Mrs. Campbell but he quickly stopped me and said, “Clyde, I’m going to give you a piece of wisdom that I learned through the years. When it comes to women, always attempt to minimize strife where possible. If women are happy, chances are so are you. But I assure you that if they are not—neither are you.” He went on to explain that he had a house full of women and, “Although they may be wrong at times, if it causes you no harm to do so, let them be.” I felt better about the situation. The captain was a smart man, I thought, then again, he wouldn’t be the captain if he wasn’t wise.

  The following night Mr. Duffy escorted us to the Campbells’ house. Charlene was waiting on the porch for our arrival and ran out to greet us. She threw her arms around me, squeezing my chest for a moment before releasing. She told me it was good to see me again. Then she embraced Frank and I introduced her to Mr. Duffy and Richard. She had met Mr. Duffy briefly a couple of years before, but had not been introduced. Charlene looked amazing. She wore a red-and-white dress and had her hair tied in the back. She was also wearing the scarf I gave her. Mary and Laura walked down from the porch and greeted us as Mrs. Campbell appeared at the doorway and waved at us. Charlene grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the house as the others followed. The captain stood as we entered the dining room and he introduced Mr. Duffy and Richard to his family. Maybelle had already set the table and came in the room to pour lemonade. She looked at Frank and I and said with a big smile, “My, you boy’s sure have grown! It sure is grand to see you, Mr. Clyde and Mr. Frank!” Then she looked around and said, “Where’s Mr. Charles?” Frank looked down and sadly uttered, “He passed, Maybelle, December last.” Her smile disappeared and she said, “I’m sorry, sir.” Maybelle excused herself and departed for the kitchen. I sat next to Charlene through dinner. The meal was exceptional. Mrs. Campbell’s cooking was just as I remembered. I felt warm—a delight that night that I had not enjoyed in some time.

  At dinner, Charlene introduced the matter of a ball that was going to take place at the Pettigrew Plantation in a few days. The captain had the look of disinterest, but Mrs. Campbell sprung to life to tell how she so looked forward to the social gathering. The captain explained that Mr. Pettigrew, who owned a merchant shipping company and a plantation, was hosting a celebration in honor of the naval officers who protect his ships. He invited the officers from the Montezuma, Norfolk, and Eagle as well as the local plantation and business owners in Charleston. Charlene told how she was going as well as her mother and father and told the captain, “Perhaps Clyde, Frank, and Richard can accompany us to the ball?” At that I almost dropped my glass. I did not want to go to a dance. The captain said, “Charlene, only officers and their families are invited.”

  “But I’m sure Mr. Pettigrew won’t mind,” she

  pleaded.”

  Mrs. Campbell exclaimed, “I don’t think that is such a good idea, Charlene.”

  “I have to agree with you, Mother, besides, these gentlemen don’t have the formal attire for such a gathering,” the captain responded. The captain changed the subject as not to incite further disagreement in the matter but I could see that Charlene was disappointed in the answer she received. Later that evening, before departing for the night, I arranged to meet Charlene in the market the following day. The next afternoon I hurried down to the market to meet Charlene along with Frank and Richard. Charlene was waiting at the corner near the cobbler shop where I had told her to meet me. Her smile beamed as she took my hand and told me how good it was to see me once more. We left Frank and Richard as they were not interested in walking with us. As we strolled through the market she asked me how Charlie had died. I said, “Why would you want to know that?”

  “Was it peaceful?” she asked. I told her he died in his sleep without pain. I asked her again why that was important and she turned and hugged me and said, “I don’t want you to die too.” I told her I wouldn’t but I could see she was upset. Then I used the captain’s tactic and changed the subject. I asked her if she had the dress for the ball. She said she had and wished that I would be going with her. She said, “Now I have to dance with George all night.”

  “George?” I asked. “Who’s George?”

  Charlene pushed her hair back and retied the bow. “George Pettigrew, he’s Mr. Pettigrew’s son of course.”

  Of course! I thought sarcastically. Who else would it be? Well at least Mrs. Campbell will be there. She’ll ward him off, I thought. Then she said her mother liked George and that not only was he from a wealthy and influential family in Charleston, but also he attended the College of Charleston so he was surly intelligent. It became painfully clear to me why her mother did not want me at their home the entire time I was here. I had never known jealousy, at least I thought I hadn’t, but I was beginning to feel on the outside looking in, and I didn’t like it.

  Mr. Duffy found me walking with Charlene in the market about an hour later. He had already gathered Frank and Richard and said, “Clyde, you need to come with me. The captain wants to see you three as soon as possible.” I bid farewell to Charlene and departed with Mr. Duffy.

  Frank whispered, “I told you to leave his daughter alone a long time ago!
Now we’re probably going to be confined to the ship.”

  The captain spoke with us and said, “Gentlemen, after listening to the pleading of my daughter half the night and a good part of the morning, I consented to talk with Mr. Pettigrew about your invitation to his celebration. He said he would be happy if you would join to occasion.” He then said we should clean up and be on our best behavior tomorrow night.

  Mr. Duffy took us back to the room where we had been staying and presented us each with a package. He said, “These are from the captain. You’re to wear them tomorrow night. Don’t tell anyone were you got them.” I opened my package and it was a new shirt, pants, stockings, and a dress coat. Richard and Frank received the same. Mr. Duffy explained that he would take us to the plantation in a wagon that had been arranged. He needed to pick up the other officers as well. The next afternoon I saw Charlene at the market and she was glowing with excitement. She went on about how beautiful her dress was and what a grand celebration it would be. I listened and tried to look as enthusiastic as she was, but inside I was not looking forward to the occasion. An evening of extreme etiquette among the wealthy and influential people was not my idea of having fun. Charlene did not stay long at the market as she needed to go home and get ready for the evening festivities.

  The three of us stepped up on the wagon and Mr. Duffy took us near the dock to meet the officers. Lieutenant Gross stood by as the other officers boarded the wagon and said, “Have a good evening, gentlemen. I’ll keep watch with Mr. Freeman while you’re having fun.”

  Lieutenant Potts replied, “You’re lucky you got that short straw. Will, see you later.”

  Dr. Batterton pulled a flask from his jacket and took a swig. Then he held it out to Lieutenant Potts. “Would you like a drink, Tom?” Lieutenant Potts waved his hand as Bat said, “Anyone?” We replied that we didn’t and he put the flask back in his jacket.