sandrewn

Home Sweet Home. The circle is complete. I wonder if Caroline will end up explaining about Calvert and Gatling, I think it would be a good thing for George. His meeting with Spencer should prove interesting. Two Honors given (nice out). Does this mean that even if he gets an exchange, he is stuck on land for the foreseeable future, oh dear. If Calvert's sail drill appeared a bit shoddy, does that mean he didn't get Granger's crew? More questions needing answers, good job. A great chapter, thank you.

Gotcha, Mon Ami. Donegal joined up with Granger aboard Sir Horatio's Flag Ship, just prior to the Battle of the Nile. He has never met Calvert.

Kookie / Rosicky / Ricky, all observed the opportunity this chance encounter presents to Donegal. He mentioned before to Granger that he might like to join up with his friend, Patrick O'Higgins in Chile. Santa Clarita would take him in the right direction to do so. Granger might send a note along with him, addressed to his grandfather, asking him to assist Donegal in his journey, via the Caribbean and then across the Isthmus. I don't know if he would want to stay on as servant to Calvert, after working for Granger, who would.

What an inspired set up, to encounter the one person that would mean so much to George and able to fill him in on all that has happened since they parted. Now he will arrive home forewarned and ready for anything. Great, great chapter, thank you.

Once again our Master Weaver has found that one special thread that will help bring things together. Two ships in the night, Calvert off to the west Indies, Granger finally going home. The one person who could fill in all that had happened to both ships, their crews and officers. Also a chance to say good bye. Your good Mark, damn good. Thank you. Now he will arrive home prepared and ready to dive back in come what may upon his arrival.

1. On reflection it should of been obvious to me. The only reason I didn't consider it, was the equivalency. A Lt and a dozen or so men in exchange for a Commodore and all his ships' Officers. It seemed like an insult to the Spanish. 2. Reply from Mark Arbour (author) You know this is fiction when the banks come through for someone. (SMILE). This appears to be a timeless Truism. It could/should be engraved in stone for all the ages. I doubt many if any would disagree (except a Banker). 3. Reply from Mark Arbour (author) Thanks for the review. Well, living in those times was a risky thing, and life expectancy was pretty short, so we'll end up with more mortality in this story. Kill them all off (well, a few more anyways). Just leave Joshua Winkler alone, please. You have worked him into my heart. I mean, Batman wouldn't be the same without Alfred Pennyworth backing him up. Nor would Young Frankenstein have been half as good without Igor (see clip below). ▶ Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein - "Whose Brain I did put in?" - YouTube Please oh great and all powerful Author, spare him. Thank you in advance for your grace.

My bad, I went back and looked, it makes clear they are separate. I wonder how Don Jacobo handled that. That would mean those hundred men and officer he paroled in Valdivia would not be able (in theory) to take up arms until Spain could arrange an exchange, this could take half a year or more. BTW, glad you a had a good trip. I also found the natives (Viennese) to be friendly and ready to party.

Could someone clarify if parole and exchange are the same thing or two separate items. When Roberts was picked up at Gibraltar was that an exchange? Then when George dropped Don Jacobo Stuart off in Roses, was he still under parole until an official exchange could be arranged and if so did that mean he was honor bound not to fight until such time? Or was that an actual exchange? I bring this up because the last para or two of chapter 71 made me wonder about it. This last chapter was a great one, thank you.

Stamford during the voyage, now Robey after safely getting home, both gone. Aurore sunk, Belvidera burnt. It seems only Darby the natural son of the Duke remains (where ever he is) as a physical link to John Travers for George. A true kindness by Caroline, standing in for George for the family of Mr. Robey. Then making peace (sort of) with Calvert and Gatling and seeing their real joy in the news about George. Meanwhile our Captain is getting restless, will his actions help or hinder his return. I think that in his mind to be returned with out being exchanged would be a fate almost as bad as death. This was a really great chapter, thank you ever so much.

I just saw that you posted. I haven't read it yet. Just wanted to thank you in advance. Thank you.

So much for Caroline cooling down from the confrontation. Last time Calvert almost died. I am saddened by her willingness to send him off to the Indies(East or West). Hell hath no furry, like a woman........Now Spencer would attach him to an Admiral, who will make his life a living hell.Double damned, much to the glee of a certain two of your readers. Despite his faults, he doesn't deserve this. Meanwhile George is doing that which he does so well, making whoopee with his last remaining subordinate officer. Calverts' observations to Gatling were well founded. I confess these last paragraphs were a bit of a downer to me. I am glad you posted and look forward to a happier chapter. Thank you.

How about Ambassador to the Americans, he is already well known there. Or Governor General to Canada since he is fluent in French with the added bonus of getting Jardine there as a military adviser.

Sadly you are probably spot on with your comment. God Save The King ( and Lord Arbour too)! However, I do believe that collectively all our comments do have some effect at times on the story's twists and turns (if they make any sense that is). Isn't that what feed back is supposed to be for? We are Marks mob. Lastly, R.I.P. Acting Captain Humphreys, I hope his share of 6,000 Pounds goes to his family.

I was thinking the same thing. However knowing our author (and helper) is that to obvious as the implied forth coming honor(s). Also I worry that the higher he goes (advances within the peerage), the less likely it is that they will give him a ship (frigate / 74) and send him where? He has acted as Captain of the Fleet with distinction and just prior to that on a mission of the highest importance that by its end had him acting as a Commodore to complete said enterprise also with spectacular results. I want there to be a next book to this series.

I still think George will try to make things even (prize wise) with Calvert. I've tried a variety of searches, but I think that I have not found the right question to ask (so far). What are the possible honors they may give George after all that he has accomplished on this voyage? Literally, he has done something positive for every one that counts back home and the mob loves him. Thanks again for the latest chapter that at last garnered the many (the most to date) reviews it (you) well deserved.

Good things come to those who wait. Thank you for another wonderful chapter. As long as Caroline soon receives Talleyrands letter, I think our newly substantiated Capt and Lt might dodge being sent away to far away places and in separate directions. So now George has collected the last of his ducklings (even if he doesn't know it). Now to get himself (them) home as soon as possible. B.T.W. congrats, this is the highest reviewed chapter of all the Bridgemont chapters to date.

Hmm, well you weren't set upon (by them) so perhaps it is safe for me to ask. What about the 5 or 6 whalers and privateer?

Coming from anyone else but you, that would be a worry. With Granger's sense a fairness, I think he will set things right with regards to the sharing of prize money with Calvert. I am disappointed that Calvert could think otherwise. I wonder if Calvert will take what is left of Granger's crew and the officers onto his ship? I can't see Granger(being allowed) going to sea anytime soon. I look forward to George finally getting home, yet dread the fast approach of this Odyssey coming to full circle. Thinking positive, there has to be an end, to allow for a new beginning.

A great chapter that didn't create any new questions, but provided answers to most that we had. You covered all the bases (locations) in one shot, a veritable grand slam. Granger is guaranteed a passage home (eventually). Hopefully he will somehow meet up with Lt Eastwyck and bring him along. I wonder what will come of having Calvert and Gatling in Granger's home? Last but not least (to me anyways) where are the bagpipes?

I hope I am not reading to much into this unexpected but most welcome posting. Yet I have this uncontrollable urge to break out sing ' 'Happy Days Are Here Again '. Thanks Mark.

So even if whalers were vital (or at least important) to the economy, they were still pressed. Sort of like biting the hand that feeds you. Thanks Kookie,may the Force be with you.

Speaking of whalers, how important was whaling to the English economy? Wasn't whale oil at that time the main fuel for lamps (besides candles), also used in the making of soap. Around this time they had about sixty whaling ships. So, where whalers protected from the press gangs? Could St. vincent have pressed the American whalers if not the English ones, especially if Lord Granger had promised their release upon returning to England? I would expect there was trading being done between the former colonies and England. Can any one shed some light on this, thanks in advance.

Of all the supporting characters, Winkler has always been one of my favorites. Loyal, almost to a fault, throughout the series. From waiting tables in his parents tavern, to being entrusted with dispatches that if not delivered, might bring down the Government and cause embarrassment to his Royal Highness. Our self taught Spanish speaking servant has certainly come a long way. This was a fantastic chapter, thank you.

Of the Named three choices you gave us, the Bacchante: H & M, should no longer count as you killed them off and destroyed the ship. It would seem to me that Santa Clarita: Calvert are destined to arrive first. While Granger through no fault of his own (except that he chose to stay with Nelson) will get home last. This means that I and those who voted with me, win. YAY!

The quantity and quality of what you put out this summer and up to now has been an astounding feat to behold and enjoy. Few, if any could have accomplished the same. This of course has spoiled us (again) and now as before the reality of the real world kicks us back to our senses. All those who avidly follow one or both of your series, know of your love of writing and I for one will wait until time permits you to continue. Best wishes sandrewn