Kookie

Wow, another plum assignment. Not only will the HMS Valiant be one of the largest Frigates afloat, being a modified Ship-of-the-line, it will probably be stouter than most frigates. It is not surprising that 2 such vessels were able to tackle and subdue a 74-gun French Ship of the line (not saying it would be an easy task, but with more guns, 2 ships versus 1, and both with the scathings of a ship-of-line, possible). I sincerely hope the boys at the Abbey form the nucleus of the new crew as they sill serve as an instrument to welding the new force into a crew to reconded with. I have to join others in wondering you the midshipman will be.

Excellent news. I can understand you wanting to wait, but at the same time as a Granger fan I hope the delay is not too long. However, we (the Fans of Granger) will accept what we get when we get it.

I forgot to review this chapter, Oh well.

Excellent ending to an excellent story. The Earl realized his life-long dream, and George's prominent is more enhanced in the world of aristocracy. I look forward to more adventures of George and the world he lives in.

I would anticipate that during the next chapter we will get the new mansion of RYDE, but I also expect Granger to visit the Abbey and his men. However, it the next book and its possibilities that intrigue me. As the latest two chapters of Odyssey indicated Kingsdale plans on returning to Ireland shortly. Right now in 1798-1799, Ireland is in upheaval suffering from the fall-out of the Failed Irish Revolution during the early part of 1798. That fall-out has bands of "outlaws" scurrying the countryside. I predict young Kingsdale and his party to fall prey to one of the roving bands of revolutionaries and George "riding" to his rescue. Not so much as a fighter but rather using his political clout of O'Higgins and Donegal to help the young Baron and assist them in righting the Baron's estates. In the process, I see Granger playing a part in the formation of 1801 creation of the United Great Britain and Ireland.

Granger's education and understanding of the political climate of England has begun. Let us all be hopeful that he can learn the skills needed to navigate politics as quickly and well as he did the skills needed to command a ship and to direct an armada.

It is quite possible that being on shore for extended period of time is just what George needs. He has already expressed the desire to be around his sons more. And William is approaching the age where schooling in how to handle life as a aristocrat and handling court is desired. And a trip to Ireland to assist Kingsdale get a handle on things might be a possibility.

Looks like Granger is giving up the battlefield of the seas for the battlefields of London politics. Hopefully Cavendish, Caroline and his father can give him the guidance needed.

I'm glad to see the series continuing and look forward to the coming chapters.

Mark, I'm sure I am joined by all your fans of your stories in wishing you a very joyous holiday season and a prosperous new year.

Governor of Windsor appears to be a ceremonially post while technically in charge of Windsor Palace, the real duties of that responsibility lied with others. The advantage of the position is the unfettered access to the crown.

I feel sorry for the Custom Lt., but he should have been a bit more diplomatic to a enemy ship, assuredly flying a flag of truce, until he determined what was going on. I can imagine his surprise at finding a British Naval Captain and Peer of the Realm on board. In addition, I am surprise that Mark did not stretch out this chapter so that Granger's return to England was a Christmas present for us next week.

You are correct in that were covered 18 pound cannon in Granger's cabin. But they were pointed either starboard or port (larboard(sp?)) not astern (rear). To fire them astern the stern windows had to be removed and the existing cannon's moved and mounted in their new positions or as happened smaller more easily moved cannon's mounted there.

I echo the sentiment that it is great that George is on way home. A quick visit with Calvert will bring George upto date on what has been happening and allows Donegal a way to avoid England.

Another excellent chapter. Caroline once again shows what a truly understanding and forgiving wife she is. But like Caroline, I yearn for the return of George to the safety of England.

I am glad George finally got with Eastwyck, it will be interesting to see if this is a relationship of convenience or develops into something greater. But atlas, I am patiently awaiting for George's triumph return to England and London. As a darling of the mob and a favorite of the ruling family, I am sure he will receive a warm welcome.

I agree that Maidstone was not a major player in the Guild. A major player would not allow himself to be sent to an isolated island where he would have a limited in the attempted circumvention of the John Company. However, at the time Granger departed, the Privy Council, the Government, and the John Company had little or no information about the guild and what was occurring. They only knew something was amiss. I assume during the George was gone, the Royal Family and the Government investigate and uncovered some of the plot and who are behind it. The red-flag that started the questioning of what was occurring was Maidstone's appointment and the way it was handled. Chapter 15 alludes to this: After they had recovered, the Duke walked toward his window and looked out, then turned back to Granger. “I am unsure as to how Maidstone managed to secure the position of Governor. I have spoken with my father about it, and he was unaware of it as well.” “His Majesty was not consulted on the appointment of a governor, Your Royal Highness?” Granger asked, amazed. “Evidently John Company views Amboyna as a corporate fiefdom, and has forgotten that they operate under a charter granted by their Sovereign.” “This whole thing seems highly unorthodox, Your Royal Highness. I wonder what my trip to Amboyna will be like, and I wonder what I will find when I get there.” “And I am wondering what and who is behind this whole thing,” he said. “I am glad you have told me what is happening. The Prince of Wales tends to overlook Maidstone’s boorishness because the man is wealthy, and my father generally overlooks it because he has other things to worry about. This move will no doubt irritate both of them.” “I am sorry to be the bearer of troublesome issues, Your Royal Highness,” Granger said sincerely. “Yes, but it is important to know, and besides, seeing you is always such a pleasure.” Remember it was disclosed in the last couple of chapters that the guild was composed of some mid-high ranking officials of the John Company, at least in part.

While advancement in peerage is possible, unless his father was advanced also, I am doubtful would happen. However, it possible that Granger will be granted a "pension" for life. St Jervis and others were granted them.

Over a hundred different products were made from Whales. Everything from Corsets to perfume to lamp oil. The British whaling industry was important and even subsidize by the government (prior to the revolutionary war, most of Britians whaling was done by the colonial fleets. While Great Britain boasted 60 whaling ships over 100 whaling ships call Nantucket, MA home plus numerous others were homed in other American New England ports. Yes, at this time there was considerable trade between America and Great Britain. That trade was important enough the British navy offered protection to American merchant ships. St. Vincent could have pressed the American whalers. Pressing of American sailors is the often quoted reason for the War of 1812. Even though in reality that was just the public excuse (similar to the sinking of the Luthusiana for Americas entry into WW I). It should be noted that Britain was courting America at the time hoping to possibly lure them to enter the war on Great Britain's side.

Lady Granger shows how much faith Lord and Lady Granger have in their retainers. By merely accepting that Winkler would have had good reasons for his actions, she took steps to put the Commander in his place and prevent a travesty from occurring. Her quick pervuse of the letters followed by her dressing down of Lord Spencer indicates that she truly understands the situation. It will be interesting to see how Granger's allies and friends deal with this and what affect Mann's appointment to the Admiralty and ill-will Spencer harbors any ill-will to Caroline's antics will have on Granger.

I can not answer were bow-chasers were counted as guns or not. As far a ship ratings, the following is another reference you might find useful: http://www.napoleonguide.com/navy_rnratings.htm

Sandrewn, You may have misunderstood me, Mark's salary for Granger at 16L/month is correct based on what I have seen. What I am trying to figure out is Why the Pay for Naval Officers was not on the same level as the Army? Particularly given the defense of England hedged on the ability of the Navy to prevent incursions on to the British Isles. There has to a political reason somewhere?

Maybe one of you students of history (particularly English) can explain this to me. I would have imagined a Post Captain pay rate to be equivalent to that of a Colonel's in the infantry. Yet according to the 1800 pay scale for British Soldiers it appears, Granger was earning less (16 L/month or 320 s/month (about 11s/day) according to Mark in Chapt.66)as a Navy Captain than even infantry Majors. British Army Pay Rates (taken from http://www.napoleonguide.com/ukwages.htm ) Daily Rate in 1800 Cavalry Infantry Militia Colonel 32s 10d 22s 6d 22s 6d Major 23s 14s 1d 14s 1d Captain 14s 7d 9s 5d 9s 5d Lieutenant 9s 4s 8d 4s 8d

Very interesting approach by Granger to his "room and board". It makes it important to Talleyrand that George gets paroled to England as quick as possible.