Mark Arbour

On the issue of naval battles, much is written about the impact of splinters. I found and thought it did an excellent job of illustrating battle damage.

I posted this picture in the body of Chapter 29, but thought I'd post it here too. This purports to show Victory 'raking' the Principe de Asturias. In this case, she's crossing the stern of the Principe de Asturias and firing her broadside, probably gun by gun, down the entire length of the decks of the hapless Spanish vessel. Such an attack, if delivered properly, could be devastating. The Victory had a broadside weight of over 1100 pounds, but if those guns were double-shotted, so too would the weights. Visualize a couple of thousand pounds of iron being hurled into the largely defenseless part of the Principe de Asturias. It must have been horrifying for those on the receiving end. As an aside, notice how Victory appears (in this painting) to be firing on the down roll.

That's really cool. I'm glad you liked it, and that you're enjoying it together. I haven't written the next chapter. I have the first few pages done, and a broad idea of how I want it to go, but it's not done. I thought about waiting to post this one until I was finished with the following chapter, but went ahead, and now I'll pay the price in making you all wait a bit. I'm sorry about the delays.

"convey my official messenger..." so he's going to London, but probably not as the official messenger.

New meat. There are grounds for his elevation to the peerage, but there's also the issue of jealousy in the fleet. Granger has risen far and fast, and been given choice commands (Intrepid and Belvidera) and missions. He's already received a knighthood. I think that in a back-biting, fraternal association like the Royal Navy, which was steeped in politics, that might almost be a disservice to him. Good point on Nelson's promotion. The ONLY way to be promoted Rear Admiral was by seniority, hence the usefulness of the appointment as Commodore, since it gave the navy the ability to give senior captains with skill a chance to prove themselves in command of multiple ships. Ah, but we don't know if Granger is the one being sent with "the news." The bearer of victorious news was usually rewarded, so it's a very big honor to be the one to take those dispatches home.

I'm glad you liked the pics! I often forget to put them in, but there are so many good ones available for this battle, it jogged my memory.

I didn't even get nominated for the King of Cliff, so the torture will continue. ;-) Seriously, after I post the next chapter, I'll explain my rationale for using this as a stopping place. The aftermath of the battle is most interesting, IRL.

Well, since I'm not done with it, I wouldn't bank on that! :-)

February 13, 1797 Jervis’ fleet was sailing almost into the wind, as if they were trying to claw their way up to the Spaniards. Belvidera flew with the wind toward the English fleet, with the Spaniards coming along at a more leisurely pace behind her. Granger took a few moments to contrast the two fleets. The Spanish fleet, with crucifixes at the mastheads and bunting in the rigging, looked quite splendid, even though there was no bright sunlight to reflect the ornate gold leaf o

Glad you like it. Divas are fun. Besides, you've just become one of Jeremy's best friends!

They're just saying that he is immature, and he is. Now innocent? We'll have to see about that.

Will and Carl? I damn near got lynched for having him hook up with an 18 year old guy. Even on April Fool's they'd kill me. I'm doing well, and I'm enjoying writing this story. These guys are both maturing, albeit at different rates, and that means they have to renegotiate how they are as they go.

Wade says the conversation was "gold." That's why. Do you know anything about Wade's uncle? Does Matt? If he doesn't know anything, how could he tell Carl?

It would be tempting to go there, but I already did that to Matt, and I'm not allowed to repeat maneuvers like that or "people" bitch at me. (winks at Jeremy) Thanks for that vivid description. I wanted to address the issue you raised with Matt and Gathan, since I didn't expound on that in the story. I think that both of those guys are sexual beasts, and I can see them using something like a blow job to sort of seal a new friendship. That's usually how I do it.

Interesting stuff! Note, on Day 2, I think you meant to say "Box 13", not "Book 13".

I see this series of events (on September 29-30, 2000) as pivotal in how Wade and Matt's relationships evolves. Sorry that time is moving slowly, but in my mind, at least, the story is moving along.

Exercise makes some people horny. Ever been in a steam room? LOL.

LOL. I was laughing as I was imagining Wade's expression when Carl walked in the bathroom. Well, since it's Wade, his external impression probably wouldn't change much, but inside it would.

This may end up being one of the longest weekends in CAP history. ;-) I think that, as Wade observed, Matt's starting to figure Carl out. As for Will and JJ, they're typical brothers. They'll fight like crazy, but close ranks if there's an external threat.

September 29, 2000 Redwood City, CA Wade Matt was still changing, and bullshitting with the guys. “I’ll see you out there,” I said to him. He looked at me nervously. So much had happened in this room and on the ice, and he wasn’t sure where we stood when all was said and done. I looked at him meaningfully and simply said, “It’s cool.” He nodded, still not convinced, but I wasn’t going into it in the fucking locker room, so he’d have to just cope for a little while longer. As for

Happy Birthday!!!

Happy Birthday big guy! If I had a chapter edited and ready to go, I'd post it! I'm glad you're son's reading! How cool is that!

That is so awesome that your dad recommended my stories to you. Who's your father? I'm glad you like them! These have been a lot of fun to write. I've kind of locked myself into a pattern for the next few stories, to parallel history, but then I get to break out again.

Robbie would have no problem eating just meat.

Some excellent advice! You've helped me break some unpleasant grammar habits over the years. One thing I've found that really helps is to re-read your chapters at least twice before publishing them. It's amazing how much you can find, especially in terms of style, with a simple re-read.