Home of the Brave

by D P Prouty

  Even wounded, Le Flambeau was still an agile ship and created some distance before we again closed with her. We fired our battery of cannons just as the corsair opened her batteries as well. Smoke obscured the visibility and caused many to gasp for air as they prepared for boarders. A break in the smoke revealed her foremast had been hit again and fell over into the water with several of her crew grasping a yard dragged by rigging in the waves. The ships came close together and the men in the water let loose as not to be crushed between them.

  The captain bellowed for me to tell Lieutenant Baker to throw lines and board. I ran down to him on the starboard and shouted the message. Lines thrown and the ships came close as our cannons again fired into her hull. The smoke was thick as I dropped to the deck and grabbed a cutlass lying nearby. Men were on our ship fighting at close quarters. I saw one of the crewman fire a blunderbuss over the railing before climbing over and onto the corsair. A Frenchman came across and fired a pistol at another sailor just in front of me. He turned and looked straight at me. Time seemed to stop as I looked into his eyes—wild like an animal and black as night. I hoped in that instance he would turn away, but I knew he was coming for me. He pulled a dagger then time seemed to speed up in a fury as he lunged. Without thinking, I swung the cutlass as hard as I could and closed my eyes. I felt the tug of the blade as it slid through the resistance. I opened my eyes to see the man grabbing his midsection with one hand and the dagger in the other. He started again toward me and I stabbed as hard as I could, plunging the blade into his flesh. He fell backward and down on the deck, his hand still grasping the dagger I stabbed him again. I burned with a sense that if he got back up he would take revenge on what I did. I stabbed him again and I felt a heavy pull on my shoulder, swinging me around. It was Lieutenant Baker. He hollered, “He’s dead, kid, no need to keep at it!”

  I ran back to the quarterdeck just as the corsair struck her colors. My heart was racing, I thought it would burst. I didn’t know what to do. Dead—the word rang in my ears. I had killed a man with my own hands. Now I knew how Charlie had felt, a sense of pride and shame at the same time. I felt I had helped the crew defeat an enemy, but at the same time I felt I wish I hadn’t. I was still holding the bloodstained cutlass and had blood on my hands and arms. Captain Shaw was still barking orders to the officers as I stood there. He looked at me and stopped. Coughed into his hand and told me to put the sword down, it was over.

  Lieutenant Baker approached the captain and said, “Sir, I checked the corsair for Mr. Talbert and he is not on board. I did find this though.” He handed him Mr. Talbert’s hat and continued, “He was aboard at some point but none of the privateers are talking.” Captain Shaw summoned all the officers from Le Flambeau to the quarterdeck. Captain Michot and three other men were escorted into the presence of the captain. Captain Michot showed no emotion, just stared as the captain asked about Midshipman Talbert. There was no reply to the questions. The captain again asked about our missing officer and had a man translate his question in French. Again there was no reply even though I knew Captain Michot could speak English. So the captain asked Lieutenant Thorn to bring Dr. Peters to the quarterdeck. Dr. Peters had his sleeves rolled up and was wiping the blood off his hands when he came forward and told the captain, “Sir, with all due respect, I’m in the middle of treating several wounded men. Can this wait?”

  Captain Shaw said sternly, “How many wounded aboard the corsair, Doctor?”

  The doctor said, “I don’t know, maybe thirty.”

  Then the captain replied, “You are not to render any aid to those men!”

  Dr. Peters protested, “But, sir, many of them are critical and their doctor was injured in the fight, they cannot wait for treatment!”

  “That is my order, Doctor! Unless of course one of these gentlemen wish to explain what happened to my midshipman.”

  One of the officers began to speak and Captain Michot lunged at him. The guards pulled him off and the man said, “Sir, one of the injured men is my brother, please help him!”

  The captain replied, “I will allow it if you tell me what happened.”

  The man looked at Captain Michot, then back at the captain and said, “He wanted off the ship—and was disrespectful. So he was ordered off.”

  Captain Shaw stepped toward the man and looked him in the face, “Where?” The man was reluctant to say and the Captain roared, “Where?!” The man bowed his head and said, “Somewhere out there.” He pointed to the sea. “He was told to swim home.”

  Lieutenant Thorn drew his sword and grabbed Captain Michot by the collar of his coat, “You, bastard, you’ll pay!”

  Captain Shaw commanded Lieutenant Thorn to release him.

  Lieutenant Thorn protested, “Sir, this man

  killed Mr. Talbert!”

  Captain Shaw replied, “We are not pirates—Captain Michot will answer for his crime, but we will not stain ourselves with a murder.” Then he walked up to Captain Michot and peered in his eyes. “You will hang in the gallows under an American flag!” He started to cough and doubled over for a moment before regaining his composure.

  Captain Michot retorted, “I may hang, but it seems I will live longer than you, Captain!”

  Captain Shaw told the guards to secure the prisoners below deck and Dr. Peters pleaded with the captain to sit. Captain Shaw told him, “Dr. Peters, I’m fine, go tend to the wounded.”

  Mr. Talbert was gone. His body was never recovered on a shore or taken out of the ocean by a passing ship, at least none that were ever reported. We had sustained three killed and seven men wounded in the encounter. Le Flambeau fared much worse with twelve killed and thirty-three wounded in the action. That afternoon we buried our dead with honors as the crew saluted their bodies as they slipped beneath the waves to their eternal resting place. The French crew was allowed to prepare and send their dead to the deep as well before returning to the hold. I was still disturbed by the day’s events as we cruised toward St. Kitts that night. I found it difficult to sleep—my mind was racing with thoughts on the man I had killed. I kept seeing his face over and over as he tried to lunge and stab me with his dagger. I woke up in a fever and then I remembered Mr. Edwards words: “The ghosts of things past cannot harm you,” and I calmed a bit.

  The next morning I was retrieving some fresh water for Mr. Edwards when I saw Robert crying as he sat on the deck next to a barrel with Michael looming over him. I put down the bucket I was carrying and asked, “What’s going on here? You all right, Robert?”

  Michael snapped, “This is none of your affair, cabin boy!” I felt an anger building and stepped forward, ignoring Michael, I put my hand down to lift Robert up, “Come on, Robert.”

  Michael swung at my arm and pushed it away, “He don’t need your help, shove off !”

  Enraged, I balled up my fist and swung, hitting him square on the right cheek. He fell backward, grabbing my shirt, and pulling me down with him. We rolled on the deck trading punches when I was grabbed and hauled up to my feet. It was Mr. Richards holding me, and Mr. Edwards held Michael down from continuing to fight. Mr. Edwards shouted, “What in blazes is going on? Not enough fighting the French that you lads have to fight each other?” He shoved Michael and said, “Shove off before I report you to the captain!” Then he turned to me and said, “Damn it, boy, you should know better by now. You’re fifteen, aren’t you?”

  “Aye, sir.”

  “Well, act like it!” He looked at Robert and said, “Get up, son. Go wash your face.”

  Then he shuffled off back to his cooking and Robert scurried down the deck away from us. Mr. Richards let go of me and uttered, “Seems we’ve been here before, boy.”

  “Aye,” I replied. “But it wasn’t my fault. I was trying to help Robert.”

  Mr. Richards gave a sigh and said, “Did you throw the first punch?” I admitted that I had. He expressed how important it is to master emotions and maintain in control. “There is going to come a time when your words and deeds bec
ome an example for others to follow, good or bad. Do you understand?” I nodded and he went on his way down the deck.

  I found out later from Robert that Michael had been ridiculing him for his actions against Le Flambeau. Robert had balled up on the deck and urinated himself when we took on boarders and the fighting was close at hand. I had learned a lot over the past three years, but it was then that I realized my role in imparting understanding upon others with less experience. I told Robert of my first action and of Charlie and Frank. “The fear of dying was as natural a breathing,” I told him. The challenge was to keep focused doing your part while afraid, overcoming the urge to freeze and do nothing. I didn’t talk about killing the man a few days earlier, but I could see he was absorbing the information. I remembered what Captain Campbell had once told me long ago—a inexperienced man who gleans information from others is wise, but an inexperienced man who ignores the counsel of the experienced is foolish. I realized what Captain Campbell meant by all parts of the ship functioning as a whole; should one part fail, the ship becomes vulnerable. As much as I disliked Michael, I may have to rely on him to save my life one day as long as I’m on this ship. Imparting what I had learned to Robert helped me immensely in evaluating my own strengths and weaknesses and I tried to meditate on my own words.

  The two vessels anchored at St. Kitts and Captain Michot was handed over to the authorities. Captain Shaw went ashore with the wounded and returned with Dr. Peters later in the day. Upon his arrival he announced that our next destination would be Baltimore as we were ordered to sail immediately. After setting sail, the captain went below to get some rest. I overheard Dr. Peters speaking with Lieutenant Somers that the captain required medical attention as soon as possible.

  I was unsettled and didn’t get much rest myself on the return journey. Mr. Duffy found me staring at the night sky one evening and said, “Sure is a pretty night.” I didn’t reply and he leaned up against the railing and uttered, “What’s troubling you, lad?”

  I replied, “Nothing,” but he knew better and continued to probe. I explained that I hadn’t been getting much sleep. He listened as I told him of my visions during the night— of the dead men who haunt my dreams. I said, “I killed a man in our last engagement. I didn’t want to.”

  He replied gently, “It was the end of his

  destiny.”

  I explained that I saw the man in my dreams, “Do you think I’m being punished?”

  Mr. Duffy didn’t answer right away. He pulled out his pipe and pushed some tobacco in it and said, “You been reading that Bible I gave you?”

  I expressed that I had on occasion, but not regularly. I thought he’d start in on a sermon, what did my dream have to do with reading the Bible?

  “The Word tells you not to worry,” he said, “You should read a couple of Psalms before sleeping. King David wrote most of them, you know.”

  I didn’t feel like listening to a sermon, I thought maybe I should do what Mr. Edwards told me to do when you can’t sleep—just drink a little rum. But then he offered something I hadn’t thoroughly thought out. He told how King David had killed tens of thousands, and yet was not inflicted with a lack of sleep. Mr. Duffy declared, “Death, lad, comes to us all. We cannot choose the time, place, or how we die. Rest assured your destiny is already written. Always do what’s right and you will have no regrets. Taking a life in battle is not an offense, it’s part of your commitment to this ship and crew.” He lit his pipe and looked up at the stars. I thought about what he had said. I pondered about my future, what was my destiny? I wondered if I’d ruined my chances at an appointment to midshipmen by fighting with Michael. I felt sure one of the men told the captain. I had spent three years as a cabin boy and I was eligible if the captain deemed me worthy, but I didn’t want to inquire of him since he was both sick and I wasn’t sure if he would recommend me. Mr. Duffy took a puff on his pipe and asked, “Is that all that was bothering you?”

  “Aye,” I replied. His perception was keen as he continued to look at me and raised his eyebrows as if expecting me to tell him. Finally I said, “Well, not exactly.” I told him how I thought maybe the captain would not recommend me for appointment. He asked me if the captain knew of my request. I said, “I don’t know. Captain Campbell told me he had the discussion with him, but that was a long time ago.” He told me I should not assume he was aware, he was however not himself well. He recommended I tell him of my desire, “You have nothing to lose by asking.”

  I was extremely nervous the next day and I got up enough courage to see the captain. He had not been on deck all day so I went below to his cabin. I knocked and he was awake sitting in a chair reading the log. He looked pale, but better than he had at St Kitts. “Come on in, Clyde, what can I do for you, lad?”

  “Sir, forgive my interruption but, but…,” my thoughts went vacant as I couldn’t find the words.

  “Come now, what is it?” he asked.

  I said, “Sir, I’d like you to consider me for appointment to midshipman.”

  He leaned back in his chair and murmured, “Mmm, midshipman, huh?” He pulled out a cloth from his jacket and wiped his forehead.

  I felt as though my head was on fire, I started sweating. This was a bad idea, I thought, I should not have asked him, I probably ruined any hope achieving an appointment.

  “So is it your intention to choose sailing as your career?” He leaned forward and said sternly, “Mr. Carter, this is an enormous undertaking, have you thoroughly contemplated your decision?”

  “Aye sir, I have,” I answered.

  “And what of this nonsense I’ve heard about you fighting with a powder monkey?”

  I explained that it was my fault and it would not happen again. The captain rubbed his chin as he seemed to study me then said, “That is the answer of a proper gentlemen. No excuse and a pledge to do better.” He stood up, walked over to me and said warmly, “You’ll make a fine officer, Clyde. I already drew up the appointment orders. My recommendation will go forward when we arrive in Baltimore. I’d like you to replace Mr. Talbert if you’re willing.”

  I was thrilled and honored at the opportunity and told him so.

  I wanted to share the news of my good fortune with Charlene but I didn’t know how she would respond. After all, she indicated that she did not want me to pursue the profession of her father. I wanted to write her the news, but had second thoughts on the matter.

  24

  Captain Sterett

  Upon our arrival in Baltimore, the Enterprise was ordered to dock and take on supplies. The crew was given shore leave after we scrubbed down the ship and cleaned up. The crew was tired and in need of rest. The past several months had been taxing. New replacements were sure to be added and the ship was in need of some repairs. The captain departed the dock and put Lieutenant Somers in command in his absence. I didn’t want to appear selfish, but I anxiously awaited my appointment.

  I didn’t have anywhere in particular to go, so I remained on the docks. The Fells Point workers patched up the hull damage and replaced some of the yards and canvas on the Enterprise. I did not see the captain return and after a week, became concerned that my application was denied. I was summoned by Lieutenant Somers to the officer’s quarters near the dock a few days later. Dr. Peters, Lieutenant Thorn, Lieutenant Baker, and Mr. Lewis stood next to Lieutenant Somers as I entered the room. Lieutenant Somers said, “Mr. Carter, it is my great honor to inform you that you are appointed midshipmen to the Enterprise. Captain Shaw sends his regards and regrets as he is unable to tell you this in person. Congratulations!” The officers greeted me with a shake of my hand and Lieutenant Somers handed me a scroll with my appointment. Mr. Lewis was last to greet me and pronounced, “Now we will go get you a proper uniform!”

  “Aye Sir,” I replied.

  He answered, “Jim. You can call me Jim.”

  Lieutenant Somers handed out six glasses to each of us and opened a bottle of cognac. He poured out the spirits in each of the glass
es and said, “Gentlemen, a toast to the newest midshipman in our navy!”

  Lieutenant Somers told me that Captain Shaw was ill but was optimistic of a complete recovery. Lieutenant Thorn put his arm around Lieutenant Somers and said, “If the captain is not well enough to sail before we get orders, I’m sure Dick will perform splendidly as captain.”

  All the officers responded with an “aye,” as Lieutenant Somers replied, “Thank you for your support, gentlemen. Now to a little business.” He had everyone sit down at a table and he told how he had received word that an envoy from the United States had been requested by the Consulate of France to discuss terms for peace. He said, “I fully expect we will be ordered back out to sea soon, however, if a treaty is reached we will be recalled as soon as the order can reach us.” I felt a strong sense of pride as I sat with the officers discussing orders and intent. I looked around the room and thought how amazing it was to be part of something so significant to our nation. Dr. Peters was the oldest, maybe twenty-five I guessed. None of the other officers were older than twenty-two; all young and prepared to do what was required. And now I was overjoyed to be recognized as an officer on the Enterprise! I wondered if my father would be proud of what I had become and what Captain Campbell would say if he were here.