Glory

Preface:-

The period between 1750 and 1800 was one of confusion, of conflict, and awkward periods of peace. Spain, France, and Britain spent much of the time at odds, and fighting occurred on several occasions between the three maritime nations.

The limitations of communication made the task of identifying friend or foe more difficult, particularly at sea. In many cases actions occurred under the mistaken impression that a state of war existed, when in fact the news that the situation had changed did not reach the fighting ships until after the deed had been done.

This also made it possible for unscrupulous privateers to take advantage of this and attack trading ships, using the excuse that they were unaware of the cessation of hostilities. Thus piracy was endemic among the more cynical holders of Letters of Marque. This was also a period where opportunists were able to annex favoured territory, and, in the Caribbean, islands changed hands back and forth, on occasion.

By 1800 the increasing influence of the former American colony began to be felt in the Western Atlantic and the Caribbean. The islands settled under their existing rulers and the European protagonists concentrated most their efforts on local waters. Spain continued to vacillate between French and independent rule, and Portugal hovered between Spanish and French rule.

Britain encountered and dealt with enemies from France and Spain, allying herself with Portugal and aiding her where possible. The importance of the Royal Navy in all this conflict was always paramount. The British Government was, as it always appears to be, the greatest enemy to the control of the waters around Britain, taking every opportunity to reduce expenditure on ships and men wherever an excuse could be found. The recorded size of the Navy at the time included a large number of ships that were no longer fit for service as well as supplies that were years out of date.

Despite all the difficulties, it is a tribute to the dedication and talent of the Captains and crews of our navy who won through despite the odds, and maintained control of the seas around us, denying our enemies access to our shores.

Chapter one

Given that luck plays such a big part in everyone’s life, it could be said that Jonathon was a lucky lad. It could be even if your name was not Jonathon Hope.

The waterfront at Ajaccio was alive with the normal bustling mass of people selling fish, buying fish, and stealing fish. Crew members from the ships alongside mingled with the troops recently landed from the Spanish ships offshore.

Jonathon had heard about Spanish duplicity. As far as he was concerned it meant that the Spanish might go home and the British take over. To a slave this meant little, unless you were a slave still interested in making his escape.

He nudged his next-in-line, Andrew Fox-Gilbert, Midshipman RN, equally in rags and equally a slave.

This rope is frayed through. The next barrel we roll we follow over the edge and into the water.

It’s no good for me. I cannot swim, as you well know.

That will not matter. I will keep you afloat, never fear.

As the next barrel came into the line, Jonathon gritted his teeth, jerked his hands apart.

The rope strands, weakened already, snapped and Jonathon was pushing the keg, as hard as he could at the low bulwark, which had been damaged during a gun action earlier that week. Without thinking, Andrew followed, pushing the barrel. The others in the line also joined in and suddenly the entire 70 barrels were rolling, gaining speed as they reached the weakened gunwale.

The barrels plunged down to the sea below. The slaves followed. Few could swim, but the barrels would float, and anything was better than the life they faced as slaves.

Jonathon looked out for his friend. It was difficult to see properly with the splashing and crashing of barrel upon barrel, and the shouts and shots from the soldiers on the quay. Andrew was hanging onto his barrel with fierce determination. Jonathon, released from his own barrel, dived and worked the rope loop around Andrew’s barrel over the end, loosening it from the ties that bound Andrew to it.

Andrew panicked when his support in the water suddenly disappeared. He gulped salt water and coughed and spluttered, while his friend took a hold of his collar and dragged him away from the struggling melee of men and barrels. Jonathon pulled his friend around the next craft moored and waiting for its turn alongside the quay. Out of sight, in the calmer water in the lee of the moored craft, he managed to hook Andrew to a fender hanging down the port side of what now was clearly to be seen, the captured RN cutter Margaret.

The prize crew were all leaning over the starboard side hauling in the escaping slaves, hooking them with boathooks, overcoming their weakening struggles and dumping them to be watched over by, two armed men.

Jonathon worked his way along the side of the cutter until he was screened by the mast. He then carefully scrambled onto the deck of the small warship. He waited until both guards were occupied hauling two new captives across the deck. Then, armed only with a belaying pin, he stepped out and swung, full-armed, catching the nearest guard across the back of his head. Not waiting to see the effect, he immediately swung onto the other guard, catching him across the throat as he turned to see what was happening to his companion. With both guards down, Jonathon took the knife from the belt of his first victim, and slashed the rope binding the nearest prisoner. Released, the man took the knife of the other guard and turned to release his nearest neighbour. Jonathon put his finger to his lips to keep the men quiet, passed the two firearms carried by the guards to two of the men and grabbed the cutlass from the belt of his first victim. When the next recovered prisoner was hauled over the side, the crew discovered that their prize had changed hands once more. Jonathon kept the crew at it but made sure the men in the water realised that they were in safe hands.

Having rescued Andrew and hauled him on board, Jonathon showed him the fifteen men recovered and the nine crewmen who were now prisoners.

"Why are you telling me all this? You are the man that made this possible. It is you who led us to recapture Margaret."

But I cannot command this vessel. I know a little of navigation, none of leading men. You are a ship’s officer. It is you who should take command.

Andrew laughed, It is simple really. He turned to the assembled men. Well, lads. Mr Hope here has brought us this far, and I for one would be happy to follow him out of this bloody harbour. What say ye?

A big fellow stepped forward. "My name is Hazard, sir. I was Bo’sun in Intrepid. Sailing this tiddler is easy for the lads and me. Without Mr Hope, we’d be stuck on that Spanish bastard. So if it’s all right with you, sir, its fine with us."

Andrew swung round to Jonathon, and touched his forelock. What are your orders, sir?

Jonathon shrugged, Very good. Mr Fox-Gilbert, have the bo’sun, he nodded to Hazard. Have the men sweep the ship for supplies and weapons. Keep the activity at low level. After all we are supposed to be a prize crew. Check for any other prisoners below. I will be in the captain’s cabin meanwhile. Please join me there when the watch has been set and, by the way, see if any of the men can cook?

Aye aye, sir. Andrew turned to Hazard, You heard the captain, bo’sun. Send a search party through the ship and join me at the quarterdeck to allocate watches.

***

Jonathon sat in the chair in the stern cabin of the cutter. He had learned to read as cabin boy on the coaster Amy, and by the age of nine knew which way up to look at a chart.

His early days had been marked by the loss of his mother to illness. That had been the reason his uncle had taken him aboard ship under his command, coasting between Newcastle and London, and the ports between. He had shipped out on a foreign-going vessel when the Amy had sprung a plank in a storm off Norfolk. He had been the sole survivor, and at the age of 12 was only able to ship on as cabin boy, though, as soon as the Captain discovered he could read and write, he spent most of his time helping him with the purchase of cargo and more importantly the sale of the cargo.

The capture of the trading brig had been a bitter blow for the Captain, who did not survive the three months of captivity endured by Jonathon Hope. Andrew had joined the captives when his ship, attached to the fleet, had run aground on the Spanish coast during an attack on Toulon. The fact that the Spanish were supposed to be allies of the British at the time seemed to have passed the local commander by.

Jonathon, was now almost 17 and near 5 foot eight tall, still a little thin but deceptively wiry and muscular. He could handle a sword adequately and a pistol well. His fists had been well used ever since he discovered that there were men at sea who used boys from choice. Andrew Fox-Gilbert RN, Midshipman now also 16, slim fair-haired, the son of a Norfolk Squire, was adept at swordplay, adequate with a pistol, and lethal with a sporting gun. Their friendship had been forged in captivity, and they made a formidable pair working together.

Jonathon was still only half aware that he was sitting in the captain’s chair in command of his own ship. He grinned and opened the captain’s log. He entered his name and listed the names of the crew members passed to him by Andrew, who was now seated opposite him with a glass of the wine unearthed from the cabinet beside the desk.

The Spanish have not replaced the boom across the harbour entrance, Andrew said, If we make a run for it tonight, we should be able to clear Sardinia by mid-morning.

It will be a case of where-to next? Do you have any idea where we may find the fleet? Jonathon withdrew the chart for the Western Mediterranean and studied it.

Andrew was surprised, not having been aware that Jonathon could read.

Perhaps Sicily, though I would not be too sure. He noticed Jonathon indicated the island with the dividers he was holding. Otherwise, Gibraltar would seem to be the only safe target for us to aim for. How long do you think? One, two weeks perhaps?

Probably the safest bet. This should be a lively sailor and, if we keep a good watch, we should be able to run if we spot trouble.

We can set the prisoners ashore at the harbour mouth. Now, is there anything we’ve missed?

We discovered clothes in the First’s cabin. I believe the occupant was a lady. With a maid. There was a made-up bed on the floor.

Where would they take her, I wonder? Jonathon scratched his head.

"I questioned our new crew. One of them was on this ship when she was captured. He said the lady was being brought to Gibraltar on their trip out from England. In Gibraltar it seems her son had been posted to Port Mahon in Minorca. The Margaret was taken off Ibiza and brought here as a prize. So where would she be now?"

A Lady and her maid? The Admiral’s residence, I presume, once the Governor’s mansion. Andrew said. We can always slip ashore and take a look. We have uniforms.

Jonathon looked up sharply. Was Andrew joking? He looked very serious. You think?

Andrew shrugged. This morning I was pushing barrels of wine up a sloping gangplank.

Let us speak with our prisoners.

Ben Hazard was sent to fetch a prisoner who could speak English.

The man was worried and sweated a lot, until he realised that it was only information that they were after. It seemed the lady and her maid had been taken to the Admiral’s residence, and the man had seen that the lady at least was being treated properly.

At this time of year the nights were longer. The two young men dressed in the uniforms they found still hanging in the lockers from the officers of the Margaret. Thus Jonathon was now Lieutenant and Andrew Mid-shipman. They wore the uniforms as there was little difference especially at night between the officer’s uniforms in the Spanish, French and British Navies?

There was no security as such in the port. The uproar of the soldiery and the seamen was similar to that found in any seaport in the entire Mediterranean. The prostitutes plied their trade, the thieves and pickpockets operated and the others got drunk if they could afford it. The attitude of the two young men, carrying sword and pistol, carried them through the throng who parted to let them through without question. In the background, following within sight, unknown to the pair, three of the chosen seamen from their ship kept an eye on their progress. ‘Just in case’ Hazard decided.

As they approached the Government house the sound of music could be heard and it became apparent that an entertainment was in progress.

The doors of the ballroom were open, and couples were moving in and out to take the cooler night air, before returning to the dancing inside. It was not difficult for the two British Officers to hide their cloaks, hats, and Jonathon’s sword, to allow them to pass in the garden as guests, seeking, and eventually finding, a lady speaking English to a small group of Spanish officers. The group broke up leaving just one man who appeared to be able to converse in English well enough to carry a conversation. Andrew appeared behind the man and gestured to the lady. She looked, but it was not until he tapped the dirk at his waist, that she realised that he was British. If she was a Naval wife, Andrew gambled that she would recognise the uniform. The lady turned to her companion. I wonder if I can be trusted while you find me a cordial. I would go back inside, but I confess it is so warm I would swoon were I to venture in my present state. If I promise to seat myself here, I will not stir until you return.

The officer bowed. Of course, Madam. I accept your word. I will return immediately. He turned glanced briefly at Andrew and made his way into the ballroom.

The lady looked at Andrew. Quickly now. You are British?

Yes, Madam. Mid......!

She shook her head impatiently. Don’t interrupt. There is little time. I have documents for the Admiral in Gibraltar. Look up. The end window is mine. In one hour I will drop a package to you. You will deliver it with all speed to Gibraltar. She paused, You have a ship?

Yes, Madam. Do you desire passage?

She looked at him as if he was an idiot. Why would I ask you to deliver my package if I wanted a passage? I can hardly gather information if I am not here. One hour! I can see well from my window. If you are trapped, call for Lydia, my maid. Do you understand?

Andrew hesitated for a moment then stepped back and joined Jonathon behind some bushes, as the officer returned with the drink for the lady.

So she does not wish to come with us. She is a spy! Jonathon looked at the watch he had taken from the Prize master. "If we make ourselves comfortable for the next hour, you can collect the package and we will be on our way.

***

The ball was still in progress when Andrew took his place beneath the window the lady had indicated. He stood there for a while before a girl looked over the balcony. She called quietly, I’m Lydia. Did you call me?

No, miss. I’m Andrew. I await your Lady.

I was instructed to give this package to you. I have tied it to my scarf to lower it quietly. There was an altercation at the other end of the garden, then the package descended attached to a silken scarf. As Andrew took it in his hand the scarf fluttered down, obviously released by the person above. Andrew gathered the scarf and the package and retreated into the bushes.

A man appeared on the balcony and looked down, I heard voices. Who were you talking to?

There were people passing below. It must have been them you heard. I spoke to no one. I know no one here. Who would I speak to?

The voices faded and the man withdrew. Andrew joined Jonathon, the scarf tucked under his tunic. Then he passed the package to Jonathon who thrust it into the front of his uniform jacket. Then, in cloak and hat once more, they made the stroll back to the quay and were rowed out to their ship.

Hazard greeted them as they boarded. No ladies, sir?

No ladies, bo’sun. I’ll be in my cabin. Prepare for sea. Rig the decoy lamp and call me when we are ready to leave.

Aye aye, sir. The bo’sun called quietly to the carpenter. You heard the officer. Get moving!

Below in the cabin, Jonathon examined the package, wondering how the lady had managed to conceal it from the Spanish. He shook his head and placed the package in the strongbox behind the desk.

Andrew stood awaiting comment. He was disappointed. Let us have a quiet glass and await the Bo’sun’s call.

Chapter two

The topsails of the cutter were drawing well and, with the mainsail and the foresail set, the Margaret was logging eight knots in a strong wind which lifted the waves to over a metre and showered the fore deck with spray as the bowsprit dipped and occasionally stabbed the face of the waves.

Jonathon looked along the deck at the guns, all lashed in place and the clean, neatly secure cordage, proud and pleased with the way the ship was handling. They were three days out from Ajaccio with no sign of pursuit. Their departure had gone off without a hitch. The raft with the riding light attached had deceived the other ships, and they had not, it appeared, been followed. He called to the lookout perched up the tall mast, Any sail in sight?

The lookout did another sweep of the horizon with his glass, All clear, sir.

Jonathon turned to Andrew. Let us exercise the guns. I seem to recall we have sufficient powder and ball to waste a little on practice.

Andrew grinned. Aye aye, sir. Mr Hazard, gun crews, exercise the guns. Find us a few targets if you can.

For the next two hours the intermittent banging of the guns disturbed the peace. The clouds of gunsmoke dispersed swiftly in the fresh windy conditions.

Andrew mentioned that the crew had performed well, despite being short handed. All the targets had been smashed. Speaking to Jonathon after the practice, Andrew said, We have selected two gun crews. Having tried the men we found the best and teamed them for accuracy and speed of operation. They will stay as at team at action stations. With only these popguns ( 6lbs) to play with, it seemed the best solution.

Jonathon smiled and nodded his head. I have no doubt with a full crew we would soon find crews for all the guns. But, in the meantime, well done, Andrew. Let us hope we do not need them, on this voyage at least.

Just when it seemed that the escapees would have an untroubled voyage, they spotted a pirate galley making for the Barbary coast. The Margaret was between the galley and the distant line of the North African coast. The lookout had been joined by Andrew who carried the big telescope with him. Calling from the masthead, Andrew reported, "She has been damaged and is short of oars. Her mast is frapped and she cannot carry much sail. I guess she took on more than she intended, and had to make a run for it.

Jonathon did not hesitate. Load all guns, port and starboard. We will take a look and see if there is anything we can do to make life more difficult. Masthead! Any sign of support for the galley?

No, sir. Though the galley is beginning to turn away. Looks like she is trying to run.

Very good, Mr Fox-Gilbert. Join me on deck and we will give chase. Let us see just how fast our ship can go!

With all sail set full and taut, there was not a wrinkle to be seen, just straining canvas in a great white cloud. It was almost frightening to feel the tension throughout the ship as she settled, heeling on course to chase and intercept the galley.

In normal circumstances this would not have been a recommended practice. The galley, fully manned, would be far too quick and agile for the cutter, and her one gun, mounted in the bows, would only need a single shot to sink any small ship foolish enough to get in range. Jonathon was depending on the damage already done to the galley to make the difference he needed in such an encounter.

The Margaret swiftly overtook the galley which did prove to have been damaged in a previous encounter. Under the threat of the guns, the captain of the galley surrendered, handing Jonathon the heavily jewelled and decorated scabbard with its finely damascened blade.

There were several wounded in the crew of the galley, and both dead and wounded among the slaves on the benches.

Andrew had the able-bodied crewmen and warriors replace the slaves at the oars. He assembled the surviving slaves on deck. Of the one hundred and twenty slaves they had set out with, sixty remained. He looked them over. The reek of the unwashed men seated for weeks in their own filth was choking. Calling for the sea water hoses to be rigged, he ordered the men to strip, and for the next half hour the startled men were battered by the cold waters of the sea and encouraged to scrub their filthy bodies clean. Those who decided to refuse were given no option, as the others turned on them and scrubbed them raw. With clothing taken from the galley and the cutter’s slop chest, the men were dressed once more. The British and Portuguese, numbering thirty-two men were taken into the crew of the cutter to ease the pressure on the escapees.

The remainder took over the running of the galley. The broken mast was braced with four of the unusable oars. Two days later, under sail – with occasional sessions of the oars – the prize galley, Osiris, under the command of Midshipman Fox-Gilbert, followed the Margaret into Gibraltar harbour.

The sight of a captured galley was unusual enough to raise considerable interest. The fact that it had been captured by an undermanned cutter raised even more. The final denouement, announcing that the cutter itself had been recovered from enemy hands under the nose of the Spanish Admiral, created the biggest stir of all.

In the Admiral’s office in Gibraltar, the two figures, Fox-Gilbert and Hope stood at attention awaiting the verdict on their conduct.

When the great man looked up he noted their rigid figures. Be seated both of you. I have to see what this is all about. He waved the letter from the lady spy in Ajaccio.

The two young men sat in the chairs provided, still tense to learn their fate.

Eventually, the Admiral sat back, Do you know what this letter says?

Both shook their heads. Jonathon