HMS Belvidera

[Mark Arbour]

Admirals are never court marshaled. It just doesn't happen. put out to pasture? To be sure but court marshaled? Not even on a bet.

 

As for taking command. Had they done it before the act of compliance by Belvidere then it could have been done. Now he could claim that he figured the great Captain Grainger was sent to slow him up, he saw no need to rush into things. So taking command would not work after the fact. No, the only thing that could be done would be a duel of honor against Wilcox. And I'm not sure if men of the military are permitted to duel each other.

 

But something tells me that Cavindish's death or and ijury that would mark the end of his career would seal his disgrace. And God help him when Granger's wife gets done with him let alone Cavendish's family.

 

I get the feeling that he would be better off being hung from a yard arm.

 

Nicely done Mark. Completely enjoyable.

 

On the contrary, admirals were court martialed. Admiral Byng was shot for not doing enough to defeat the French during the Seven Year's War (French/Indian War for Americans) and Admiral Gambier faced a court martial for the Basque Roads fiasco in the Napoleonic Wars. Admirals (like Gambier) sometimes requested one if there was some major event, so they could clear their names.

[ricky]

On the contrary, admirals were court martialed. Admiral Byng was shot for not doing enough to defeat the French during the Seven Year's War (French/Indian War for Americans) and Admiral Gambier faced a court martial for the Basque Roads fiasco in the Napoleonic Wars. Admirals (like Gambier) sometimes requested one if there was some major event, so they could clear their names.

 

I stand corrected. Too bad it didn't carry over into the present. Nowadays they are just put out to pasture.

 

So there is hope for a hasty and verbose execution? Drawn and quartered after being humiliated on the gunners daughter with the fleet? 20 lashes across his broad ass at each ship of the fleet. Or at least by each man in the convoy or wronged on the Belvidere.

[Mark Arbour]

I stand corrected. Too bad it didn't carry over into the present. Nowadays they are just put out to pasture.

 

So there is hope for a hasty and verbose execution? Drawn and quartered after being humiliated on the gunners daughter with the fleet? 20 lashes across his broad ass at each ship of the fleet. Or at least by each man in the convoy or wronged on the Belvidere.

 

No corporal punishment for an admiral. A gentleman wasn't supposed to take a blow (as in a hit, not the kind Granger is so good at). That's why the men were flogged but the officers weren't. They could be mastheaded (made to sit up on the mastheads for a long time), kept awake, discharged, or shot, but not flogged. Only young gentlemen (Midshipman) were subject to corporal punishment, and that was a severe form of spanking (kissing the gunner's daughter).

 

For these guys, though, the disgrace and humiliation that came from being accused of such a crime as cowardice should be more punishment than they can bear.

[ricky]

No corporal punishment for an admiral. A gentleman wasn't supposed to take a blow (as in a hit, not the kind Granger is so good at). That's why the men were flogged but the officers weren't. They could be mastheaded (made to sit up on the mastheads for a long time), kept awake, discharged, or shot, but not flogged. Only young gentlemen (Midshipman) were subject to corporal punishment, and that was a severe form of spanking (kissing the gunner's daughter).

 

For these guys, though, the disgrace and humiliation that came from being accused of such a crime as cowardice should be more punishment than they can bear.

 

Damn Mark, you take all the fun out of it. can't they make an exception in this case? I mean, you ARE the author and ultimately decide their fate.:king:

[KJames]

However. After the second reading. It is possible to be relieved of command because of the failure to reduce sail and permitting conditions that permitted the Indianman to ram him. It was also unsafe as the ships were scattered and they were lucky not to run into the Floreal. During their scattered condition. The real test will be when he tries to court marshal Howard for disobeying. He will try, no doubt to try him at sea and I suppose that Granger will be left behind in a crippled ship and unable to protect Howard.

 

But that would mean that there would be a need to deem Wilcox unfit to command. A serious charge and a risky one as it is mutinous in nature. If it is unsuccessful then it turns that way. To purported Mutiny.

 

So the question is how large the balls are of the other captains. Will he succeed in hanging Howard or will he accidentally fall overboard after the garbage and be culled by the sharks.

 

Also begs the question of whether or not the captain of the admiral's ship might get together with other captains to levy that charge of fitness to command against the adimral. The captain did follow the admiral's orders, which resulted in HIS ship getting rammed, given all other circumstances. Our Capt. Granger, along with others, could levy a second charge based on the admiral's 'tactical' decision to send Granger's ship alone against Floreal, knowing full well of it's superior firepower against Belvidera, this one would not only be fitness to command, but carrying personal grudges into battle situations causing the intentional loss or intentional endangerment of life under your command. While it is not mutinous if there are charges levelled, the most they can do is confine him to quarters and drop him at the next port after filing formal charges with the ranking officer there. But, and I'm sure I'll be corrected if I'm wrong--there are enough of you to step up--it would take at least three other admirals to oversee the trial of the admiral. It'll be interesting to see what Mark comes up with now.

Edited February 17, 2010 by KJames

[Enric]

Also begs the question of whether or not the captain of the admiral's ship might get together with other captains to levy that charge of fitness to command against the adimral. The captain did follow the admiral's orders, which resulted in HIS ship getting rammed, given all other circumstances. Our Capt. Granger, along with others, could levy a second charge based on the admiral's 'tactical' decision to send Granger's ship alone against Floreal, knowing full well of it's superior firepower against Belvidera, this one would not only be fitness to command, but carrying personal grudges into battle situations causing the intentional loss or intentional endangerment of life under your command. While it is not mutinous if there are charges levelled, the most they can do is confine him to quarters and drop him at the next port after filing formal charges with the ranking officer there. But, and I'm sure I'll be corrected if I'm wrong--there are enough of you to step up--it would take at least three other admirals to oversee the trial of the admiral. It'll be interesting to see what Mark comes up with now.

 

they were not exactly this much modern in their legal stuff in those days.

Obligations to recusal were not as well precedented as today.

Power was often abused. The thing which prevented some from abusing theirs was their honor, not some formulations in laws - and some others were prevented in some cases by fear of reprisals from relatives and friends of the abused.

And, 'intentional endangerment or loss of life' tastes too much of a modern formulation, in light of them being in an epoch when men received lashes as punishments.

 

Things were much more arbitrary in those days. To be blunt, guys did well if they pre-emptively killed a commander whom they had reason to fear to endanger them....

[Red_A]

they were not exactly this much modern in their legal stuff in those days.

Obligations to recusal were not as well precedented as today.

Power was often abused. The thing which prevented some from abusing theirs was their honor, not some formulations in laws - and some others were prevented in some cases by fear of reprisals from relatives and friends of the abused.

And, 'intentional endangerment or loss of life' tastes too much of a modern formulation, in light of them being in an epoch when men received lashes as punishments.

 

Things were much more arbitrary in those days. To be blunt, guys did well if they pre-emptively killed a commander whom they had reason to fear to endanger them....

 

This is an extract from a 1840 book on the Naplonean wars. It covers a famous mutiny. What is remarkable is that it took this sadisic idiot to make a crew mutiny. People less bad than him survived, without mutinies.

 

I should point out that topyard men were the most skilled highly paid in the crew, and the midshipman in the top would likewise be the top midshipman.

 

Naval History of Great Britain - Vol II

Although our plan has been to be sparing of details in cases of mutiny, especially where restricted to individual ships, yet there was one case of the latter description in the West Indies, too flagrant in its proceedings, and too fatal in its immediate consequences, not to be made an exception. On the night of the 22d of September, while the 32-gun frigate Hermione, Captain Hugh Pigot, was cruising off the west end of Porto-Rico, a most daring and unexampled mutiny broke out on board of her. It appears that, on the preceding day, while the crew were reefing the topsails, the captain called aloud that he would flog the last man off the mizentopsail yard. "The poor fellows, well knowing that he would keep his word (and though the lot would naturally fall on the outermost, and consequently the most active), each resolved at any rate to escape from punishment : two of them, who from their position could not reach the topmast rigging, made a spring to get over their comrades within them ; they missed their hold, fell on the quarterdeck, and were both killed. This being reported to the captain, he is said to have made answer, Throw the lubbers overboard.' " * It appears, also, that all the other men, on coming down, were severely reprimanded, and threatened with punishment.

 

This most tyrannical conduct on the part of Captain Pigot, operating upon a very motley and, from a succession of similar acts-of oppression, ill-disposed ship's company, produced

 

* Brenton, vol. ii., p. 436.

 

discontent ; which kept increasing until the next evening, when it fatally burst forth. The men in addition to the loud murmurs they uttered, now began throwing double-headed shot about the deck ; and on the first lieutenant's advancing to inquire into the cause of the disturbance, they wounded him in the arm with a tomahawk. He retired, for a while, and then returned ; when the wretches knocked him down with a tomahawk, cut his throat, and threw him overboard. " The captain, hearing a noise, ran on deck, but was driven back with repeated wounds : seated in his cabin he was stabbed by his cockswain and three other mutineers, and forced out of the cabin windows, was heard to speak as he went astern." * In a similar manner did the mutineers proceed with eight other officers ; cutting and mangling their victims in the most cruel and barbarous manner. The only officers that escaped destruction were, the master, Edward Southcott, the gunner, Richard Searle, the carpenter, Richard Price, one midshipman, David O'Brien Casey, and the cook, William Moncrief : those murdered were, the captain, three lieutenants, purser, surgeon, captain's clerk, one midshipman, the boatswain, and the lieutenant of marines

[ricky]

This is an extract from a 1840 book on the Naplonean wars. It covers a famous mutiny. What is remarkable is that it took this sadisic idiot to make a crew mutiny. People less bad than him survived, without mutinies.

 

I should point out that topyard men were the most skilled highly paid in the crew, and the midshipman in the top would likewise be the top midshipman.

 

Naval History of Great Britain - Vol II

Although our plan has been to be sparing of details in cases of mutiny, especially where restricted to individual ships, yet there was one case of the latter description in the West Indies, too flagrant in its proceedings, and too fatal in its immediate consequences, not to be made an exception. On the night of the 22d of September, while the 32-gun frigate Hermione, Captain Hugh Pigot, was cruising off the west end of Porto-Rico, a most daring and unexampled mutiny broke out on board of her. It appears that, on the preceding day, while the crew were reefing the topsails, the captain called aloud that he would flog the last man off the mizentopsail yard. "The poor fellows, well knowing that he would keep his word (and though the lot would naturally fall on the outermost, and consequently the most active), each resolved at any rate to escape from punishment : two of them, who from their position could not reach the topmast rigging, made a spring to get over their comrades within them ; they missed their hold, fell on the quarterdeck, and were both killed. This being reported to the captain, he is said to have made answer, Throw the lubbers overboard.' " * It appears, also, that all the other men, on coming down, were severely reprimanded, and threatened with punishment.

 

This most tyrannical conduct on the part of Captain Pigot, operating upon a very motley and, from a succession of similar acts-of oppression, ill-disposed ship's company, produced

 

* Brenton, vol. ii., p. 436.

 

discontent ; which kept increasing until the next evening, when it fatally burst forth. The men in addition to the loud murmurs they uttered, now began throwing double-headed shot about the deck ; and on the first lieutenant's advancing to inquire into the cause of the disturbance, they wounded him in the arm with a tomahawk. He retired, for a while, and then returned ; when the wretches knocked him down with a tomahawk, cut his throat, and threw him overboard. " The captain, hearing a noise, ran on deck, but was driven back with repeated wounds : seated in his cabin he was stabbed by his cockswain and three other mutineers, and forced out of the cabin windows, was heard to speak as he went astern." * In a similar manner did the mutineers proceed with eight other officers ; cutting and mangling their victims in the most cruel and barbarous manner. The only officers that escaped destruction were, the master, Edward Southcott, the gunner, Richard Searle, the carpenter, Richard Price, one midshipman, David O'Brien Casey, and the cook, William Moncrief : those murdered were, the captain, three lieutenants, purser, surgeon, captain's clerk, one midshipman, the boatswain, and the lieutenant of marines

 

OK, that sounds fair. Let's do that. All in favor of cutting Wilcox's throat raise your hands please.

[Mark Arbour]

This is an extract from a 1840 book on the Naplonean wars. It covers a famous mutiny. What is remarkable is that it took this sadisic idiot to make a crew mutiny. People less bad than him survived, without mutinies.

 

I should point out that topyard men were the most skilled highly paid in the crew, and the midshipman in the top would likewise be the top midshipman.

 

Naval History of Great Britain - Vol II

Although our plan has been to be sparing of details in cases of mutiny, especially where restricted to individual ships, yet there was one case of the latter description in the West Indies, too flagrant in its proceedings, and too fatal in its immediate consequences, not to be made an exception. On the night of the 22d of September, while the 32-gun frigate Hermione, Captain Hugh Pigot, was cruising off the west end of Porto-Rico, a most daring and unexampled mutiny broke out on board of her. It appears that, on the preceding day, while the crew were reefing the topsails, the captain called aloud that he would flog the last man off the mizentopsail yard. "The poor fellows, well knowing that he would keep his word (and though the lot would naturally fall on the outermost, and consequently the most active), each resolved at any rate to escape from punishment : two of them, who from their position could not reach the topmast rigging, made a spring to get over their comrades within them ; they missed their hold, fell on the quarterdeck, and were both killed. This being reported to the captain, he is said to have made answer, Throw the lubbers overboard.' " * It appears, also, that all the other men, on coming down, were severely reprimanded, and threatened with punishment.

 

This most tyrannical conduct on the part of Captain Pigot, operating upon a very motley and, from a succession of similar acts-of oppression, ill-disposed ship's company, produced

 

* Brenton, vol. ii., p. 436.

 

discontent ; which kept increasing until the next evening, when it fatally burst forth. The men in addition to the loud murmurs they uttered, now began throwing double-headed shot about the deck ; and on the first lieutenant's advancing to inquire into the cause of the disturbance, they wounded him in the arm with a tomahawk. He retired, for a while, and then returned ; when the wretches knocked him down with a tomahawk, cut his throat, and threw him overboard. " The captain, hearing a noise, ran on deck, but was driven back with repeated wounds : seated in his cabin he was stabbed by his cockswain and three other mutineers, and forced out of the cabin windows, was heard to speak as he went astern." * In a similar manner did the mutineers proceed with eight other officers ; cutting and mangling their victims in the most cruel and barbarous manner. The only officers that escaped destruction were, the master, Edward Southcott, the gunner, Richard Searle, the carpenter, Richard Price, one midshipman, David O'Brien Casey, and the cook, William Moncrief : those murdered were, the captain, three lieutenants, purser, surgeon, captain's clerk, one midshipman, the boatswain, and the lieutenant of marines

 

 

Ah yes, the famous Hermione mutiny. Incidentally, that ship was re-captured by the HMS Surprise (of Jack Aubrey fame) and most of the mutineers were ultimately hunted down and executed.

 

Mutiny was much more common in the Royal Navy than was usually believed, but it was not like the Hermione. I was just researching for this story and came across a few, such as on HMS Terrible in the Mediterranean prior to Jervis' arrival. In those cases, it was more like a labor strike.

 

 

 

Also begs the question of whether or not the captain of the admiral's ship might get together with other captains to levy that charge of fitness to command against the adimral. The captain did follow the admiral's orders, which resulted in HIS ship getting rammed, given all other circumstances. Our Capt. Granger, along with others, could levy a second charge based on the admiral's 'tactical' decision to send Granger's ship alone against Floreal, knowing full well of it's superior firepower against Belvidera, this one would not only be fitness to command, but carrying personal grudges into battle situations causing the intentional loss or intentional endangerment of life under your command. While it is not mutinous if there are charges levelled, the most they can do is confine him to quarters and drop him at the next port after filing formal charges with the ranking officer there. But, and I'm sure I'll be corrected if I'm wrong--there are enough of you to step up--it would take at least three other admirals to oversee the trial of the admiral. It'll be interesting to see what Mark comes up with now.

 

 

they were not exactly this much modern in their legal stuff in those days.

Obligations to recusal were not as well precedented as today.

Power was often abused. The thing which prevented some from abusing theirs was their honor, not some formulations in laws - and some others were prevented in some cases by fear of reprisals from relatives and friends of the abused.

And, 'intentional endangerment or loss of life' tastes too much of a modern formulation, in light of them being in an epoch when men received lashes as punishments.

 

Things were much more arbitrary in those days. To be blunt, guys did well if they pre-emptively killed a commander whom they had reason to fear to endanger them....

 

The other issue, and probably the most important, is the unwillingness of admirals to try other admirals unless absolutely necessary. There is a logical reason for this, and it falls into the "there but for the grace of God go I" category. It was much more likely to gloss over the whole thing and just put the admiral out to pasture.

[KJames]

Ah yes, the famous Hermione mutiny. Incidentally, that ship was re-captured by the HMS Surprise (of Jack Aubrey fame) and most of the mutineers were ultimately hunted down and executed.

 

Mutiny was much more common in the Royal Navy than was usually believed, but it was not like the Hermione. I was just researching for this story and came across a few, such as on HMS Terrible in the Mediterranean prior to Jervis' arrival. In those cases, it was more like a labor strike.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The other issue, and probably the most important, is the unwillingness of admirals to try other admirals unless absolutely necessary. There is a logical reason for this, and it falls into the "there but for the grace of God go I" category. It was much more likely to gloss over the whole thing and just put the admiral out to pasture.

 

Could it be argued that Admiral Wilcox is besmirching the honour of His Majesty's Navy by purposely choosing to make such poor tactical decisions, knowing full well that they were due to a grudge that should have been given up long ago? Something has to give in the story...retiring the admiral might not work, but--what's to say that he chooses to come aboard Belvidera with the captain of his own ship and the other captains? Could those captains do such an act as disposing of the admiral? Then rewrite their logs to refelct that the admiral chose to be on Belvidera and 'ordered' Granger to pursue and engage Floreal alone, resulting in a cannonball to the admiral's head or midsection throwing his body overboard before the other ship came to aid? (Poor unlucky Wilcox, what a way to go...)

[Mark Arbour]

Could it be argued that Admiral Wilcox is besmirching the honour of His Majesty's Navy by purposely choosing to make such poor tactical decisions, knowing full well that they were due to a grudge that should have been given up long ago? Something has to give in the story...retiring the admiral might not work, but--what's to say that he chooses to come aboard Belvidera with the captain of his own ship and the other captains? Could those captains do such an act as disposing of the admiral? Then rewrite their logs to refelct that the admiral chose to be on Belvidera and 'ordered' Granger to pursue and engage Floreal alone, resulting in a cannonball to the admiral's head or midsection throwing his body overboard before the other ship came to aid? (Poor unlucky Wilcox, what a way to go...)

 

You would have to have the unquestioning silence of the captains, their crews, and the captains and crews of the whole convoy. Or if it was supposed to be "an accident", you'd at least have to have the collusion of the captains. Flagg, as much as he dislikes Wilcox's actions, probably owes him a lot. Similar to how Calvert and Travers owe Granger for advancing their careers.

[micky]

Mark, I'm a little late with this as it's from Chapter 10, and I hesitate to bring it up because youy're generally so careful. But at the date of this story I doubt anyone would know what Granger meant by "like a member of the symphony."

 

There were orchestras, of course, but very few established as ongoing institutions.

[Conner]

Chapter 11 was scrumptious!

 

The scene between Granger, Howard and Wilcox was excellent. Go Granger! Go boy! :2hands:

 

Granger has (yet another) new lover! He just can't seem to stop himself. Granger will have to be careful here. Cavendish doesn't have the maturity of Travers or Calvert. He's much more vulnerable to being hurt. Such is the nature of love, I suppose.

 

The teasing scene between Granger and Winkler was hilarious! Go Winkler!

[Mark Arbour]

Mark, I'm a little late with this as it's from Chapter 10, and I hesitate to bring it up because youy're generally so careful. But at the date of this story I doubt anyone would know what Granger meant by "like a member of the symphony."

 

There were orchestras, of course, but very few established as ongoing institutions.

 

 

You're probably right. My editors actually questioned that, but I relied on the sometimes unreliable Wiki:

With the rise of established professional orchestras, the symphony assumed a more prominent place in concert life between approximately 1790 and 1820.

It's not a topic I'm very knowledgeable about though, so I'm willing to stand corrected.

 

Chapter 11 was scrumptious!

 

The scene between Granger, Howard and Wilcox was excellent. Go Granger! Go boy! :2hands:

 

Granger has (yet another) new lover! He just can't seem to stop himself. Granger will have to be careful here. Cavendish doesn't have the maturity of Travers or Calvert. He's much more vulnerable to being hurt. Such is the nature of love, I suppose.

 

The teasing scene between Granger and Winkler was hilarious! Go Winkler!

 

And that is just the issue. All of Granger's lovers have been older than him (Travers, Calvert) or the same age (Caroline). Cavendish may be the first (assuming the relationship blossoms) that is older.

[Tiger]

I had a feeling about Cavendish. He's a very good choice! He's only a midshipman, so he can foreseeably be with Granger for a long time. I know that some are turned off by the departure of Calvert, but I think Granger's new love interest is fine and dandy. Speaking of Calvert, it would be nice for him to run into George some time. Someone showed me the pictures he was modeled after, and I must say he's downright hot. Unfortunately, none of those images are appropriate, and I do not wish to be banned.

 

Admiral Wilcox should definitely be punished. He could easily lose his commission for this one. The only problem is that there other Wilcoxes around. The feud between the Grangers and Wilcoxes seems never ending. I wonder how it can be resolved short of one family being completely destroyed.

[micky]

Mark, my comment on "the symphony" was based not only on the fact that permanently established orchestras were only beginning to exist when Bridgemont takes place, but also the use of the words "the symphony." I'm not an expert, either and I don't have the necessary reference works here at home, but that same Wiki gives 1781 for the establishment of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra as the earliest.

 

Note that the word "symphony" is not in the name and the orchestra is not in England. The earliest established British orchestra listed in that Wiki is the Manchester Hall

[sat8997]

And that is just the issue. All of Granger's lovers have been older than him (Travers, Calvert) or the same age (Caroline). Cavendish may be the first (assuming the relationship blossoms) that is older.

 

Younger.

[ricky]

A great chapter. I like how Granger was unflinching in his approach of Wilcox. He showed no fear and made no threats. He just told him in no uncertain terms that he screwed the pooch on this one.

 

Like a child waiting in the woodshed for what is to come, so Wilcox must stew in his own juices until he reaches port. This puts them into port before Granger though so I hope Howard can survive until his backup arrives.

 

I suspect that getting the name of the port that the Floreal used to supply will make some points and will cause Granger to leave almost as soon as he arrives as someone will need to deal with the nest of Frenchies.

 

I think the King may even have words for Wilcox. He has stepped on a lot of toes on this one. He now has a whole new list of people who will hate him. Cavendish, his family and his family's circle of friends. And imagine if the young Cavendish was favored by the king. Some kids just endear themselves to some. Sorta like Winkler did with Granger.

 

But regardless, I get the impression that "this" Wilcox will not be a problem much longer. Let's not forget that there are others and there are relations that may crop up from time to time. What would be cool would be to find one embedded into Grangers Cadre that has kept his silence because he does not endorse his family's actions. Perhaps one that finagled his way to serve under the mighty, the handsome, the well hung, Granger.

 

Granger didn't go to the Floreal to meet the defeated Captain. A missed chance for two rivals to express admiration for the tactics used in battle. They [the captured officers] were, I assume, treated civilly weren't they?

 

But perhaps that time has yet to come. He [the French captain] may even be questioned at the court marshal of Wilcox.

 

Another well written chapter Mark. Were it not for the delicious sex, these could all be found on the silver screen. But alas, there is the moral minority that has the U.S. in a choke hold by the gonads.

 

But it's completely publishable. If it makes it I'll sure buy a copy. As always, I can't wait for the next chapter.

As stories go, you're hung.

[Mark Arbour]

Mark, my comment on "the symphony" was based not only on the fact that permanently established orchestras were only beginning to exist when Bridgemont takes place, but also the use of the words "the symphony." I'm not an expert, either and I don't have the necessary reference works here at home, but that same Wiki gives 1781 for the establishment of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra as the earliest.

 

Note that the word "symphony" is not in the name and the orchestra is not in England. The earliest established British orchestra listed in that Wiki is the Manchester Hall

[micky]

Thanks for the "cool." I think we are all liable to regard conservative cultural establishments like symphony orchestras and art museums as having been around for a very long time. Ain't necessarily so, of course; what I know of that history leads me to believe that much of the emergence of such institutions has to do with the decline of monarchy and its associated nobility (in whose courts orchestras and arts were supported) and the rise of the middle class (who could afford a ticket to a concert or had the time for a visit to a museum.)

 

I really enjoy both story lines, but, perhaps, Bridgemont more because I like ships.

 

Micky

 

You didn't kick a horse to death, I actually learned something. And that's cool!

 

 

 

 

 

Shit. I even need my editor for my posts.

 

 

 

 

 

I think Cavendish works well too. He's younger than Granger, but he is Granger's social peer (or maybe even a notch up).

 

[Mark Arbour]

A great chapter. I like how Granger was unflinching in his approach of Wilcox. He showed no fear and made no threats. He just told him in no uncertain terms that he screwed the pooch on this one.

 

Like a child waiting in the woodshed for what is to come, so Wilcox must stew in his own juices until he reaches port. This puts them into port before Granger though so I hope Howard can survive until his backup arrives.

 

I suspect that getting the name of the port that the Floreal used to supply will make some points and will cause Granger to leave almost as soon as he arrives as someone will need to deal with the nest of Frenchies.

 

I think the King may even have words for Wilcox. He has stepped on a lot of toes on this one. He now has a whole new list of people who will hate him. Cavendish, his family and his family's circle of friends. And imagine if the young Cavendish was favored by the king. Some kids just endear themselves to some. Sorta like Winkler did with Granger.

 

But regardless, I get the impression that "this" Wilcox will not be a problem much longer. Let's not forget that there are others and there are relations that may crop up from time to time. What would be cool would be to find one embedded into Grangers Cadre that has kept his silence because he does not endorse his family's actions. Perhaps one that finagled his way to serve under the mighty, the handsome, the well hung, Granger.

 

Granger didn't go to the Floreal to meet the defeated Captain. A missed chance for two rivals to express admiration for the tactics used in battle. They [the captured officers] were, I assume, treated civilly weren't they?

 

But perhaps that time has yet to come. He [the French captain] may even be questioned at the court marshal of Wilcox.

 

Another well written chapter Mark. Were it not for the delicious sex, these could all be found on the silver screen. But alas, there is the moral minority that has the U.S. in a choke hold by the gonads.

 

But it's completely publishable. If it makes it I'll sure buy a copy. As always, I can't wait for the next chapter.

As stories go, you're hung.

 

The British usually treated captured officers well enough. The men...not so much. It was life in prison hulks for them.

 

Hung? LMAO.

[Mark M]

^ ^ ^

l l l

l l l

l l l

l l l

l l l

l l l

This is the reason i do not post in the form anymore.....so much 2 read

 

LOVE IT MORE MORE MORE

[ricky]

^ ^ ^

l l l

l l l

l l l

l l l

l l l

l l l

This is the reason i do not post in the form anymore.....so much 2 read

 

LOVE IT MORE MORE MORE

 

Better to ask a writer to "tell" you his thoughts than to give him a piece of paper without an end in which to write it! He'll use all of it!

 

I can't help it! I'm wordy!

[ricky]

The British usually treated captured officers well enough. The men...not so much. It was life in prison hulks for them.

 

Hung? LMAO.

 

Weren't the captured common sailors also often conscripted into service? Or were they distributed between ships to keep their collective power at a minimum or so that the ships stores we not so taxed by the added mouths?

[Mark Arbour]

Weren't the captured common sailors also often conscripted into service? Or were they distributed between ships to keep their collective power at a minimum or so that the ships stores we not so taxed by the added mouths?

 

Yes.

 

The typical English ship usually had many different nationalities on board, only not many were French. The largest "non-native" class of Royal Navy sailors were Irish, a source of concern during the 1797 mutinies.

 

If the prisoners were distributed, it was as you mentioned, to keep their collective power to a minimum.