For the Honor of the Flag: A John Phillips Novel (War at Sea Book 2) (17 page)

It was a struggle to man all three ships. Mister Peabody was sent aboard the latest prize “Formidible” with a scratch prize crew. Blanche was left with a very small crew to sail back to port and he realized he would be in a bad situation if he had to engage in combat. Injured masts on both Blanche and Formidible had to be ‘fished’ and new rigging re-rove. Seamen and petty officers had to be selected and sent to the proper ships. Mister Landry was made an acting lieutenant and found himself as first lieutenant on Blanche, while Mister Avery was rated as acting sailing master and sent to Formidible to second Mister Peabody.

It was with very thin crews the little fleet set sail toward Gibraltar. Approaching the Spanish coast, a Spanish frigate sighted them, but bore off when she saw their strength. Had she known January 6, 2015their limitations and engaged, she could certainly have taken the lot.

Phillips was on deck much of the time, working watch and watch with Landry, but feeling the need to oversee the youth, he remained on the quarterdeck even when relieved. Nearing the entrance of Gibraltar Bay, a British third–rate, emerging from harbor spotted them and asked suspiciously their business.

HMS Triumph accompanied them to a mooring where they were boarded by harbor officials accompanied by escorting troops. With everyone’s suspicions alieved, Phillips, long since attired in his best coat and hat, got into his gig with logs and reports. Stepping ashore at the quay, he hired a cart to carry him to the Convent. The Acting Governor was with another visitor at the moment, but Captain Hancock had him in his office at once. He had heard an abbreviated mention of Blanche’s victories and insisted Phillips give him the complete account.

Long before he came to the end, the governor came in and insisted he go over it again. When finished, Governor Rainsford wondered about the condition of the ships. Phillips assured him he was sure all were seaworthy enough to reach England, however crews were a different story. None of the three ships had a crew sufficient to fight her way out of any trouble and replacements were desperately needed.

In the end, Captain Hancock placed a levy on all British warships in harbor or those soon to enter. All Royal Navy ships were required to furnish a fair amount of men and the little fleet was able to sail two weeks later, if not fully manned, at least capable to give any enemy a bloody nose.

Once ashore and back home, it was Phillips’ plan to pay a long-delayed visit to his wife and son. He had been away from them long enough, and he wished to spend time with his family. With the prize money earned on this commission, he felt he might well be able to purchase a home for them. A note from his prize-agent informed him of a property in Essex for sale. With any luck, he might be able to spend some time with his family.