The Seahorse (22 page)

Chapter Thirty-four

The protective tampions had been removed and the gun loaded as the admiral had ordered.

“General signal,” Anthony ordered. “Shorten sail.”

“Aye, sir.”

Anthony felt the gentle breeze make his hair flutter. The gap was very close now.
May God keep us
, Anthony prayed silently. Barely a hundred yards now separated
SeaHorse
from the lead French ship, which continued to fire her forward guns, smoke billowing out and drifted aft
. That's good,
Anthony thought
. It will momentarily blind the
French admiral
. When the smoke clears, we will have completed our maneuver. Anthony let the French fire the forward guns once more then shouted, “Quick now. Dip the flag.”

The signal was instantly given and Gabe, who had been waiting, shouted, “Now, Mr Gunnells!”

Peregrine
veered to larboard with the xebec following in her wake. The forward guns on
SeaHorse
were now firing at the French double-decker. Then they were broadside to broadside.

“Fire as you bear!” Buck shouted. “Fire as you bear!”

The cry was taken up by Lieutenants Johns and Neal. The cannons roared from both decks, causing
SeaHorse
to shudder and vibrate through the planking. As flames of hell belched forth, the cannons hurled themselves inboard against the tackles. The crews coughed and choked as acrid smoke filled the deck. Neal could be heard shouting encouragement as the gun captains cursed. The Frenchman was firing at
SeaHorse
, the flames flashing through the smoke as ball after ball pounded against
SeaHorse's
hull at a distance of seventy yards or so.

Gabe opened fire to larboard with the xebec following. The two ships had poured complete broadsides into the Frenchman without having returned fire.

“I can't believe it!” Lavery shouted, now back in his first lieutenant's role.

“Aye,” Gabe replied. “But the next ship will be ready.”

The big fifty-gun ship was now firing its forward guns. Again
SeaHorse
and
Dasher
raked the French to starboard as
Peregrine
and the xebec fired into their targets to larboard. The French returned the fire but with less efficiency. The broadsides were ragged with only one broadside to two of Anthony's ships. Nevertheless, the balls were finding their marks as the heavier eighteen-pound ball outweighed the British twelve pounders.

Druett had personally taken charge of the carronades and they were evening up the odds at the close range. They had just come to bear on the third French ship, which was the second of fifty guns. The smasher fired and a moment later a thunderous explosion was heard as the ship seemed to buck in the middle and flames shot skyward. Was it the smasher or a combination of being raked by both
SeaHorse
and
Peregrine
? Regardless, the ship was no longer a threat as it broke in half with both ends sinking quickly.

The French frigate tried to avoid ramming the destroyed French ship by veering to starboard. This sudden move cost her the wind. Several things happened. The frigate behind the ship rammed into the stalled frigate amidships.

Gunnells yelled, “She's in stays!” as
Peregrine
sailed past the unprotected stern and
SeaHorse
the bow. Again each ship was firing gun after gun into both frigates with the second only returning a ragged volley. Seeing the result of the ships ahead of her, the corvette quickly came about. The French flagship
Tourville
, however, had quickly come about and was firing into the stern of the xebec and
Dasher
. Markham quickly veered to larboard to lessen the French ship's ability to bear. Culzean was not as quick to do so. Suddenly the ship's wheel spun out of control.

“We've lost our rudder, sir!” the helmsman shouted.

This news was delivered only seconds before the stern was lifted as more of the French twenty-four pound ball crashed into the ship. Deadly debris filled the air and men were impaled with sharp splinters. The
Tourville
was vicious in its onslaught. Another broadside was poured into the xebec, bringing down the mainmast and the mizzen. Cannons were overturned and screams filled the air as the entire rail was blasted away.

SeaHorse
had come about and now the two flagships were coming together. The
Tourville
fired once more as it passed
Dasher
, who had changed tack and increased the distance between her and the mighty French eighty gunner. Markham was everywhere encouraging his men as ball after ball ploughed into
Dasher's
hull and rail, reaping its toll in human carnage. One of
Tourville
's balls smashed into the mizzenmast.

“Look out, look out!” a bosun's mate screamed as stays and shrouds were snapped as the mast fell. The weight of the mast caused
Dasher
to list, and as the downed sails hit the water, the ship slewed to starboard and came to a halt. Markham quickly sent axe men forward to chop away the riggings and cast the mast over the side. Pausing to look, he saw the hulls of the two flagships grind together. Past that he could make out Gabe's
Peregrine
trading broadsides with the French frigate.

She had broken loose from her sister ship that remained still in the water. As Markham watched, the corvette was now closing and firing at Gabe's stern.

“Hurry,” Markham shouted. The corvette's snapping could change the tide. It had to be stopped now.

On board
SeaHorse
, Anthony did not like the direction the battle was taking. The xebec was out of action,
Dasher
at least temporarily out of action, and
Peregrine
fighting two ships. The French's remaining fifty-gun ship was following in her admiral's wake.

Touching Buck's arm to get his attention, Anthony shouted to be heard. “We have to keep the French from hemming us in!” Buck nodded his understanding and spoke to Jepson, who stood astride a dead helmsman, helping with the wheel until another helmsman arrived and the body moved.

As Buck turned, he collided with a seaman who fell to the deck, his face a bloody pulp. On board
Dasher
, the downed mast was finally cast over the side and the ship began to pick up speed.

“Sir, look sir,” one of Markham's men called. On board the xebec Culzean was waving and shouting, “Give us a tow. We've rigged a rudder and we've several of the cannons still workable!”

That would certainly help, Markham decided, and a grapple was quickly tossed with the end of the rope tied to a larger rope or hawser. “Tie it off quickly!” Markham bellowed. They didn't have time to spare. Culzean had his men quickly tie the five-inch cable securely to the capstan and was ready when the slack ran out and the line became taut.
Dasher
slowed as she felt the added weight of the xebec but quickly picked up speed.

The two flagships were now grappled together and the other fifty-gun ship was maneuvering to come up on
SeaHorse's
other side. Markham ordered the forward guns to fire.

“Let's give her something else to think about!” he shouted to his gunner. The mastless xebec followed in
Dasher's
wake. The French fifty now turned its attention to
Dasher
.
I hope the cable doesn't part
, Markham thought. The ships were now almost abreast.

“Fire, fire as you bear!” Markham yelled and felt his ship shudder as her guns fired. The smasher again proved its worth as it spewed a double load of grape at the French sailor. Culzean now had the xebec's guns firing its heavy ball into the Frenchman.

A cheer went up as smoke then flames shot up the French ship. Watching, Markham saw flames leap up the mast and the sails were quickly engulfed in fire. Men were already jumping overboard. Grabbing his speaking trumpet, Markham hailed Culzean.

“Cast off your tow and grapple the French flagship as we pass.” Culzean nodded his understanding. “Hold on, Gabe,” Markham said to himself. “Hold on, old friend.”

On board the two flagships, the battle was now hand to hand. Cutlasses and axes flashed through the air as each ship's boarders tried to cut through the nets to get to their opponents. Finally the nets sagged then fell loose. A bearded French sailor hurled curses at the British only to be shot down. The marines were in the fighting tops and with both swivels and muskets were marking down the French boarders. Thanks to the marines overhead, the British boarders gained
Tourville's
deck first.

Anthony had just made his way on the enemy deck when a screaming sailor ran at him with a boarding pike. A heavy bosun's mate stepped in from the side and, slashing down with his cutlass, severed the man's arm at the elbow. Anthony was soon attacked by another. He parried the man's blow but the heavy sword sent a shock up his arm.

Bart was there and shot the man in the chest. The bullet at point blank range lifted the man as he fell backward. A French marine then lunged at Bart with a bayonet, ripping his shirt and blood started to flow. Anthony swung his blade down with all his might across the man's neck. This all but severed the man's head and blood pumped from the man's arteries as he fell lifeless to the deck.

All about the battle raged amidst the cries and curses that filled the air. Pistol shots rang out as steel blades darkened with blood. A French lieutenant charged with a group of men following. Bart shot the man with his last pistol then turned to meet his next foe but slipped on the bloody deck. The hatchet face man attacking Bart was quickly surprised to find Anthony's sword impaled in his chest. The man shrieked as he realized he was done for. Trying to pull his blade free, Anthony had to put his foot on the man's chest and give a great heave that lifted the dead man off the deck.

Seeing the opportunity to kill an admiral, another Frenchman charged. Anthony looked up, still trying to dislodge his blade. He knew he was dead. He watched as spittle came from between the gaps of rotten teeth. Then, like a shadow, a figure whirled between Anthony and the charging Frenchman. The crash of steel upon steel was echoed by the screams of pain when Jepson ducked under the charging man's swing, parried his next blow, and then drove his cutlass through the man's stomach and out his back. No sooner was the first assailant dispatched with when another threw a belaying pin at Jepson. A grazing blow caused pain to shoot through his ear as it swelled and turned blood red. Jep turned to face his new assailant, swinging his blade in pain and anger. The blade found its mark and the rogue dropped instantly to the deck in a heap.

The man's death seemed to punctuate the British victory. As the survivors from the xebec swarmed over the
Tourville's
side, the French quickly found themselves in a helpless position. Cheers went up as the French threw down their weapons. Looking about him, Anthony could see the enemy deck was strewn with lifeless forms…men who'd given their last. The lingering smell of gunpowder was mixed with the coppery stench of blood.

Both sides had hacked and slashed bravely at one another. It was Culzean and his men who had quickly changed the tide. Looking about, Anthony saw Jepson was lending a hand to help Bart from the blood soaked and stained deck. A sigh of relief escaped Anthony.

Watching, Anthony realized the man had saved his life…a second time. He had waded into the Frenchman with reckless abandon. His only thought was to save his admiral.
I can't
let this go without reward
, Anthony thought. Yet in his heart he knew Jepson would say he was only doing his duty. Well not this time, Anthony promised himself.

Epilogue

The French prisoners were disarmed and secured. The carpenter had reported to Captain Buck that
SeaHorse
had been holed and there were places that the planking was staved in but she was seaworthy.

“Well that's more than we can say for the
Tourville
. She was in a bad way. Her bilges were already filled as she was settling fast. We'll never get her to port,” the carpenter declared.

“What a victory, My Lord!” Buck exclaimed. “Six against four, out gunned, out manned and still you were victorious. I can't wait to see the gazette.”

“Aye, a victory but at what cost? The butcher bill is high already.”

“Aye, I know,” Buck answered sadly.

Culzean had fallen as the xebec's people had boarded the
Tourville
. On board
SeaHorse
, Lamb was one of those who had fallen.

“I wonder if it was best for him,” Buck said. “He knew he'd never make captain. He should have joined the merchant service where he'd have eventually made master.”

“Aye,” Anthony said. “He did love the sea.”

The French admiral had been killed almost at the onset. He'd never suspected Anthony would split his line. The French flag captain had refused to lower the admiral's flag, thinking it would discourage the others. However, when the guns fell silent, Devereux had fallen as well. In fact only one lieutenant aboard the French flagship had survived. All the other officers were dead.

Bart had been lucky. The bayonet had hit his belt buckle and glanced up, only nicking his abdomen. Only two stitches by the surgeon were all needed to close the wound.

“You could have lost a couple of inches and never missed it,” Jepson had sworn.

“Well, somebody got the last word on Bart,” Buck said.

“Aye,” Anthony admitted. “But Bart's in his cups. I wouldn't bet against him if he was sober.”

The wound must have been painful for Bart to have drunk so much, Buck knew.

“Gabe and Markham did well,” Lieutenant Hazard volunteered.

With Markham's arrival, the frigate surrendered as did the corvette. A prize crew went aboard the first frigate but it was already sinking. Having been raked by each of the ships in Anthony's squadron, the frigate had been doomed from the onset.

“Her captain should never have turned,” Markham said.

“I know,” Gabe replied. “Yet to see a ship explode right in front of your bow might make you react without thinking.”

“You're right, of course,” Markham agreed. “But the move cost the fellow his ship and his life. Maybe it was God's will.”

“I would like to think that,” Gabe said, responding to Markham's remark. “But do you think the Almighty takes sides? We can't all be on the right side in his eyes.”

“Aye,” Markham said. “I try to not think about it.”

***

By the time Anthony's squadron limped into Carlisle Bay, the word of their return quickly spread through Bridgetown. Lord Ragland was at the waterfront to meet the ships. Faith and Lady Deborah rode along in his carriage. The concern and tension on the women's faces were evident as they waited, each hoping and praying their man was safe. Lum had tried to be encouraging but he, above the others, knew first hand the dangers of a battle at sea. He also prayed.

As the ships tacked and were anchored, the sight of Anthony's flag flying let Deborah know he was at least alive. Lord Ragland was looking through a glass when he spoke to Faith, “I see Gabe, madam. He's standing on the quarterdeck. Here. Take a look.”

However, tears of relief filled Faith's eyes so that she couldn't focus. “Oh, blast the thing,” she hissed.

It took awhile to have the wounded off-loaded and taken to the hospital at Bridgetown. Finally, the admiral's barge was seen as Anthony was rowed ashore. He greeted his wife and assured Faith that Gabe was well and would be along directly. He then shook hands with Lord Ragland, whose knowing eyes were quick to realize this had been a costly battle. He also noted the two prizes as well as what was left of the xebec being brought in under a tow. She was little more than a hulk but the hull was still intact.

Gabe was soon ashore and Faith ran to him, smothering his face with kisses. As the group gathered together, Lord Ragland spoke to Anthony.

“Go home and be with your family. We'll talk on the morrow. In fact,” he said speaking a bit louder, “we'll have a victory celebration at the governor's house.”

***

The days following the battle with the French were easy. The victory celebration was attended by all of the island's social elite. The officers under Anthony's command were treated like conquering heroes.
As they should be
, Anthony thought,
but the jack tars deserved just as much praise
. He had mentioned this to Lord Ragland during one of their many conversations.

Lord Ragland surprisingly held a party for all the sailors in Anthony's squadron. Great bonfires were built and pigs were cooked over an open spit. Several of the local island dishes were available, plus varieties of dessert…and, of course, rum.

Anthony had each ship's captain address his crew and while he wanted everyone to have a good time, he wanted to make sure they knew anyone drunk or disorderly would answer to the admiral. The party went off without incident. Lord Ragland even had food carried to the watch aboard each ship.

Repairs on the ships were completed with the exception of the xebec, which was sailed under jury-mast to Antigua for the dockyard to decide upon repairs or salvage. Lord Anthony had written his dispatches and sent them to the admiralty on the mail packet with requests for personnel and ship replacements. He promoted Ambrose Taylor to captain, placed him on
Lizard
and gave Hayward Hallett the
Alert
. He had considered promoting him to captain and giving him the captured corvette. But in the end, he felt Hallett needed more time on a smaller ship.

He then called in his flag lieutenant, Everette Hazard. He had more than enough time as a lieutenant and he had commanded merchant ships before the war. So he seemed the right choice. He had mentioned it to Gabe, who felt he was the right choice also, one armed or not. Calling Hazard to his cabin, he offered the lieutenant a glass of hock and asked him did he still think of commanding a ship.

“Of course, My Lord. But with my lost wing I have accepted the fact that it would be improbable.”

“Not if you want it,” Anthony said.

Hazard sat there, almost in a daze, not sure he had heard right. “Are you offering me a command, sir?”

“No,” Anthony smiled. “A promotion and a command. The corvette we captured…she's yours if you want it.”

“But what about you, My Lord? Who will be your flag lieutenant?”

“My secretary can fill in until we find someone.”

“Thank you, sir. I…I don't know what to say but thank you.”

Smiling, Anthony shook Hazard's hand. “Before you get her ready for sea you may be cursing me,” Anthony joked.

“Oh no, sir, never.”

“Everette!”

“Yes, My Lord.”

“The prize court has quickly ruled the ship a legitimate prize and I've agreed to buy her in for the Navy. However, this requires admiralty approval.”

“I understand sir.”

“Good. They usually approve my recommendations but if they don't, yours could be a temporary command.”

“I understand, My Lord.”

Later that day, Buck dined with Lord Anthony. “I think it's time we set up an examination board for lieutenant,” Buck said while munching on a piece of cheese. “Do you have any recommendations, sir?”

“No,” Anthony replied. “You as senior captain can convene the board and set up a date. You can have it ashore or aboard the flagship. Do you have a certain mid that needs to be made?”

“Aye,” Buck said smiling. “I'm going to have two of
SeaHorse
's mids take the exam.”

“Have you asked the master if he would like to sit?” Anthony questioned Buck.

“Not directly,” Buck replied. “But when it comes up in conversation, he usually doesn't voice a desire.”

“It would be hard to be a master one day and a junior lieutenant the next,” Anthony said, as much to himself as to Buck.

“Any word on the frigate?” Buck asked, meaning had it been evaluated by the prize court.

“Not yet, but I don't think it will be much longer,” Anthony said. “Surely you're not thinking of the frigate for the master?”

“Oh no,” Buck answered. “I was thinking of writing my prize agent.” This got a chuckle from Anthony.

***

The following week, a mail packet pulled into Barbados. There were several documents from the admiralty that Anthony put to the side for his secretary LeMatt to sift through. Looking at the personal mail, he saw the usual from his sister, his banker, and solicitors. However, today there was one from Admiral Lord Howe. Anthony read the letter, set it down, and then re-read the letter.

“Bart! Where the devil is Bart?”

Silas ran out of the pantry. “Is there something wrong, My Lord?”

“No. Go get Bart and ask the flag captain to see me at his convenience.”

“Aye,” Silas said, and then scooted out the cabin. Bart made his way into the cabin, quickly followed by Captain Buck.

“Silas.”

“Yes, My Lord.”

“Pour us all a glass and pour one for yourself.”

Excited, Silas hurried to get four glasses and a bottle of hock that had recently been opened.

When the glasses were filled, Anthony said, “A toast to Lord Howe.”

Not understanding what the toast was about, the men toasted the admiral as requested. Once the glasses were placed on the cabin table, Anthony gave the letter to Buck.

“Damme, My Lord, just damme. Bart!”

“Sir.”

“Your admiral has been promoted. He is now vice admiral.”

For once, Bart didn't know what to say. Suddenly the marine sentry knocked at the door and announced, “Admiral's secretary, sir.”

LeMatt rushed into the cabin with papers in his hand. “My Lord, it's wonderful news. You've been promoted.” This brought a laugh from the group, leaving LeMatt thinking,
This is funny
.

***

News of the promotion quickly spread throughout the squadron. Lord Ragland held another party in honour of the promotion.

“It seems like all we are doing lately is partying,” Deborah said. Still, no one was as happy as she for her husband's success. It was getting close to the time she and Faith would be going back to Antigua. She had gotten used to his presence most evenings but knew to stay longer would prove an imposition. Lord Ragland's sister would be coming soon, so the space would be needed.
Damn this war
, she thought. But she knew their time together would always be subject to the needs of the Navy, until…until.

She constantly prayed the Lord would protect him from harm. Having Macayla and Faith close to her helped with the loneliness. She had drawn very close to the girl. It was almost like a mother and daughter relationship.

***

Gabe was on board the flagship, talking to his brother. Dagan and Bart were having a wet while Gabe was telling Anthony he had received a letter from Sir Victor. “His…ah…agents have informed him of a large French fleet, under the command of French Admiral Comte d'Estaing, sailing for America in April with twelve ships of the line and five frigates. It was not known exactly where he intends to land.”

“This along with the politician's ineptitude will cost us the war,” Anthony said angrily. “Mark my word, Gabe, it's the beginning of the end.”

Gabe didn't respond as the sentry had announced the midshipman of the watch.
However
, Gabe thought,
it was a losing war from the start
.

“Ahem…well let's go topside.”

“Sir.”

“Didn't you hear the messenger?” Anthony asked, but continued before Gabe could answer. “Buck has requested my presence topside.”

Once on deck, a smiling Buck handed Anthony his glass. “I thought you'd want to see this, sir.”

Taking the glass Anthony looked, focused the glass, and then looked again. “Look at your old first lieutenant,” Anthony said, handing the glass to Gabe.

“Lord,” Gabe said. “He didn't take long.”

Captain Hazard was returning to Carlisle Bay after being on patrol. Under his lee was a small ship with the British flag over a Colonies flag. A prize…his first patrol and he's already taken a prize, lucky sod.

***

The marine sentry knocked and announced, “The master, sir.”

Jepson entered the cabin, “You sent for me, sir?”

“Aye,” Anthony replied. “Have a seat. Would you care for a glass?” Then without waiting, he called for Silas to bring two glasses of Sangria. “Something cool,” Anthony said by way of explaining his choice.