sandrewn

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

Thank you both for your efforts. In going back to St. Vincent I found the following in chapter 42, George talking about Bacchante; “I think she looks rather crazed and horny,” Chartley corrected. “And she has large breasts.” They laughed again, and then Granger let his eyes move past her, to the forecastle. The snub nose of a nine-pounder poked out at them, the perfect gun for a bow-chaser. They dismounted and walked next to her on the dock. “She seems so much bigger than Belvidera,” Chartley observed. “She is 20 feet longer and five feet wider than Belvidera,” Granger said. “She is rated for 38 guns, so will carry six more 18-pounders than Belvidera does.” They walked back to the stern, where the expansive windows spread across the back of the ship. Her name was emblazoned across her stern. That would seem to indicate that Belvidera did in fact have 32 - 18pdrs., but with only 30 (15 aside) mentioned as being on the gun deck where would those last two have been located. Unless it was originally a typeo, that was missed. Thanks again, I will keep looking for a definitive answer. Let us hope that today we find a new chapter posted to the site. Ta ta for now.

I still don't do song and dance. So to raise this curtain of silence (no posts in 3+ days). I have been confused (not that way) from the start about how each class of ship was rated for guns. Were the bow chasers, smashers or carronades included in the count? For example, Belvidera was rated as a 32, but her gun deck only had 15 -18pdrs on each side. So were the bow chasers counted or were the carronades? I finally found something on this (click below) and I am still not sure of the answer. Can any one out there help me on this? Westie/Mark? Thanks in advance. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rating_system_of_the_Royal_Navy

Given the Royal treatment, are they just good allies or is there some hidden reason behind it all? Regardless his ship has been healed, now to try and find out if there is another reason behind his good fortune there. Great chapter, thank you.

The gauntlet has been thrown, who will prevail, Granger or Wilcox ( a foregone conclusion)? Cavendish another recruit into 'The Club Boy George'. How they be treated in this Portuguese port, the last time was a disaster. Great chapter, thank you.

George doing his duty, seeing his men cut down and ship torn apart, truly agonizing. The Captain of Illustrious doing what he knew to be the right thing regardless of his orders. Wilcox sowing the seeds of his own demise. A really great chapter, thank you.

I think every single person he has bed in this series, is going drop by on this ship the way things are going. Interesting chapter, thank you.

Skill with planning and a bit of luck and the convoy is saved with a fantastic first action. Loosing Mr Grafton really shook him up even though only two dead total was remarkable. Now he has Wilcox to contend with again, truly no rest for the wicked. Great chapter, thank you.

His first action with his new ship, will his luck hold or fail him. Not only his men but the convoy are depending on him. Not the best of odds, but his track record as a gambler is damn good. Great chapter, nice set up, thank you.

George and Travers almost back together. Floreal, some where out there, I smell action in the wind and I worry about Travers facing her alone. Great chapter, thank you.

Happy, not, happy, not, is nothing straight forward for our Captain? There looks to be a storm coming, just to add to his already heavy heart. There must be a silver lining some where at hand. Great chapter, thank you.

Is it George L. (for Lucky) Granger or what. From down and out to over the moon. What does this voyage hold for our young Captain, can his luck last or is some thing brewing over the horizon, time will tell. Great chapter, thank you.