Ideas
Trafalgar oct 21 1815
Characters
1st lieutenant, Freeman
2nd lieutenant, Hill,
Midshipmen Moore, Hunter, and Ford.
captain of the marines, Dan Fort,
Master, Rex Baxter,
Surgeon,Chet Page
Portsmouth harbor, England,
April 1, 1800
The HMS Leer
The Leer is a 28 gun frigate. She is made of live oak and still gleams with fresh wood, She was launched 2 weeks ago. Her armament consists of: 28 9 pounder long-guns on the gundeck, 4 6 pounder guns and 4 18 pounder carronades on the Quarterdeck, and 2 18 pounder carronades on the forecastle. She has a crew compliment of 200 men and officers. She has a drought of 11ft. Tip to tip she is 124 ft long. And she has a beam of 23 feet.
Portsmouth harbor, the busiest harbor in all of England, or so it would seem to any onlooker. Within the chaos was a carefully orchestrated act of fishing boats going out for the day or coming back with a full load. Merchant ships being loaded or setting out for unknown destinations, and the Crown Jewels of the harbor, the ships in his majesty's navy. Gleaming in the morning sunlight. Some ships to note were the admiral's first rate Gale and the big frigate Dolphin . The Leer was moored near a sloop of war, and a freshly made schooner. The glare on the sea was so great that one could not look out for long periods at a time.
In the spring sun, the new crew of the British frigate HMS Leer were standing listening to their new captain,John White, swear himself in. Captain White, recently Lieutenant White, knew that on the other ships in the harbor, eyes will be trained on him. After the ceremony was over he made an attempt to meet his officers and petty officers, there was his 1st lieutenant, Freeman who was from a long line of sailors. Then there was 2nd lieutenant, Hill, then the ever so young and innocent Midshipmen Moore, Hunter, and Ford. The captain of the marines, Dan Fort, the Master, Rex Baxter, who has been sailing for his whole life, and the Surgeon,Chet Page. As Wilson looked to his hands he saw the seamen with weathered features, and those unlucky enough to be pressed, with their clean faces. Soon enough they will be like the others.
As Captain John White turned to face his new crew he felt a flash of panic go through him followed by a wave of steely determination. He was determined to lead this crew in service to the crown and to their people.
"Men, I would like to thank you for your service to your people and your willingness to protect your country. I do not know what our orders will be but we will inevitably receive them within the next few days. All I know is that we must fulfill our duties to the crown no matter what they are. I will not ask you to do what I will not do myself, and I will never abandon you in the field of battle. I swear I will fight by your side and if need be die by it. All I ask of you is to follow the orders given to you and forever stay loyal to your country. I will alert you when we have received orders, but other than that report to Master Baxter for your duties and have a good day men."
As the captain finished his speech he gave a curt nod to the gathering of sailors and walked to the stern of his ship where his cabin was located. As soon as he entered the cabin he let loose a sigh and let his shoulders relax from the military bearing he was maintaining earlier. He walked over to his cot and laid down in it letting a smile spread across his face. He did it, he was finally a captain of a ship, a frigate no less. If his mother could see him now she would be so proud. As he let his mind wander it came back to the crew and he started to worry about the state of the ship and the crew. Even though the ship was new he would have to do a complete review of the ship to make sure she was in fighting condition. The crew seemed like a competent lot even though he had just met them. Tomorrow he would take her out on a test run and see how she handles, but for now he had to deal with the dread of all captains.....paperwork.
As Captain White was working on his paperwork, his 1st lieutenant, Freeman, came into the cabin.
"Sir a gig is coming along side"
The Captain stood up with a sigh, and as he looked up he saw that the sun was setting. Had it really been half a day since he had been piped aboard? He climbed on deck, and took in the sight of his command. It looked different in the evening sun, calmer almost. He went to the port side and looked down, as the lieutenant had said there was a small boat pulling in. As he looked closer he saw a man not pulling at the oars, and realized that his uniform is that of a Captain. When this man got on board he watched as the marines went to attention... rather clumsily And that the pipes were off pitch. But the intention was clear.
"I have orders for the HMS Leer" the man said to no one in particular, as he was looking longingly around the ship. In his hand was a sealed envelope.
White took the envelope and returned to his cabin, one he sat down he broke the seal on the letter. The order stated: The HMS Leer is to depart Portsmouth and be underway for a week, then return on the 8th day. You have 2 days to load provisions.
It was signed Admiral Milbanke
So it was a normal shakedown trip, he turned to 1st Lt. Freeman to give him his orders.
"I want the ship and crew prepared to set out sunrise tomorrow, check the ship to make sure all her facilities are up to navy standards. I know she is new, but we will take no chances. Master Baxter, get provisions for 10 days and load them onto the ship within sundown tomorrow. 2nd Lt. Hill get me an evaluation of the crew on my desk sun up tomorrow. I want this ship ready with in 2 days to set off. Good day gentlemen."
The captain walked at a brisk pace back to his cabin realizing he probably wasn't going to get any sleep the next few nights.
April 2nd 1800
With a knocking on the cabin door Captain White awoke from his short and restless slumber. When he opened the door Hill was there with his report.
It stated, that the Leer is fully crewed with 143 sailors and petty officers. 50 marines plus their Captain, Fort, and the 6 officers of the ship. 73 of the sailors have been pressed and thus are green to the ways of the sea. The last 70 have varying levels of experience. Cpt. Fort reports that his 50 marines need to be drilled and need to practice. The Master, Baxter, reports that some drills must be run.
As the sun was low in the sky, the last provisions were being stowed, a very tired Lt. Freeman climbed on deck.
"Sir the shot and powder are in their place, each man is accounted for and the ship is cleared, anything else?" He asked.
“That will be all for now…” But as an afterthought he asked for The Master to be summoned.
Once Baxter was in the cabin the Captain said
“Baxter, help me plan a course.” And motioned to a chair.
Baxter sat down and asked “Where is it you want to go, sir”
“It's not a where, we just need to be out for 7 days and return on the 8th.”
“With a good wind we can sail to Kirkwall then back”
“Lets just stay in the channel”
“Yes sir”
April 3rd, 1800
12:00
With Noon upon them the crew of the Leer departed Portsmouth with a southeasterly wind once outside Portsmouth they set off to the southwest. Captain White came onto the deck and stood by the helm. The Leer performed better than his last posting a lumbering 2nd rate, and it certainly looked better. Turning to the Officer on watch 2nd Lieutenant Hill, White said,
“Beat to quarters, let's do a gun drill, remember we’re at war”
“Yes sir” Hill said and nodded to a marine drummer boy.
The steady Staccato reverberated throughout the ship. Sloppily and in a chaotic order, the men ran to their stations. White took this all in,
“Let's load some round shot” He commanded
The order passed from Officer to Gun Captain, and slowly the 28 nine-pounders were loaded. The 6 eighteen chasers were also loaded.
“Fire the right broadside on my mark” and White lifted his hand
After about 10 seconds he let it fall and watched as the gun crews outside of order let loose. The shuddering in the ship told White that at least the guns had fired. Reload was the next command. White had decided that he shall wait some time to test the men's patience. He let 5 minutes pass and Yelled prepare to come about. This was another test to see how fast the men would react. He watched as men climbed the shrouds and winced as one almost fell. Once the ship came about, White ordered that the cannons should be discharged on his mark and then swabbed and stowed. Once again the Leer shuddered and the thick clouds of smoke rose up around the ship. White sighed and figured that that was enough excitement for the day.
“Resume original course and dismiss the hands”
With that White returned to his cabin and added to his log. Meanwhile on deck the guns were stowed and the course reset. The Captain of the Marines, Fort, started drilling his marines.
“We are Marines, and I shall hold you to that, you must look like Marines, act like Marines, and most importantly shoot like Marines”. That brought out some smiles in the scarlet lines.
April 3rd 17:00
For the first dinner at sea White, invited his officers to dine with him. With the evening sun reflecting red and orange hues, the cabin with its large windows took in those colors. A few topics were covered at the table. The lieutenants discussing the drills, the Midshipmen talking of their men, the Captain of the marines planning out his marine’s shifts, and the Master talking of the weather and direction. As the meal wore on a few light arguments broke out between the Midshipmen on whose men acted the best, till Lt. Freeman interjected with “They still need more drills”
April 4th 01:30
As the new day was still new, the weather took a turn for the worse. The constant wind had stopped leaving the Leer drifting.
05:30
As the sun rose on the Leer not much had changed the wind was still dead, and as the watch changed so did the mood. The initial excitement was gone, now replaced by boredom. White climbed on deck and paced deep in thought. At least we have more time for drills White thought.
The as day continued on drill after drill took place the sailors hoping for some wind not only to get them moving but to cool them down. For some time there was a light wind but nothing strong enough to move the Leer significantly. Although the wind was significant enough for a sloop flying the Navy's banner to be spotted. The sloop apparently had been in search of the Leer all day. When the Leer hove to the Sloop provided the Leer with new instructions. The Leer was to return to Portsmouth and load provisions for 40 days. Then depart for Port Royal Jamaica. Once there report to the governor and aid him till told otherwise.
Apparently this was a notable matter for it to require a frigate to be dispatched. But not sizable enough for a 2nd or first rate…. There isn't enough of those to go around anyway.
April 23 1800
After a delayed return the crew of the Leer resupplied and White received his orders. White hoped to leave as soon as possible. For according to the orders there is a flare up of piracy in the area. When the Leer did depart it was late in the afternoon. With good wind with them it should take 18 days to arrive. But in a worse case it could be up to 30 days. Everyone hoped for the best. As the Leer cleared the harbor and turned to the west the sun was just setting. Causing what must've been a beautiful sight to those in the town. Captain White stood by the helm once again loving the feeling of the Sea on the frigate. Somewhere below decks a fiddle could be heard, playing a sorrowful melody the seemed to melt into the feeling of the ocean. As White stood he noticed Midshipmen Ford and Moore watching the Land melt away. White could still remember when he was that young, had it really been 15 years since he joined, since he first boarded a king's ship, since he gotten his first whiff of sea air? He was a captain now and had to look to the future. White shivered, he hadn't noticed how cool it had gotten. He casually strolled to his cabin and donned his Peacoat. From there he went back on deck to enjoy the night. He was free for now, no paperwork left except for his log, he had a good crew run by good officers, his ship was delightful, there was no more to ask for.
April 25 1800
For two nights the Leer had sailed, drilling and making good time.
On the dawning of the 2nd day, sails were sighted on the horizon. The country the ship belonged to was still a mystery but the sail plan looked to be a Ketch, the ship in question was beating towards them. So the Leer had the weather gauge. In maybe half an hour the ship will be known. The tension rose as the flag had been identified as the French flag. Now White had to make a choice, fight this ship and possibly take it as a prize or attempt to manoeuvre around it. White knew that because he held the weather gauge he had an advantage either way.
“Beat to quarters” White ordered calmly
After the drills that the Lieutenants had been running, the crew got to their stations in a quick but orderly way. The order was given for round shot to be loaded in one bow chaser and chain the other,a mix of chain and round shot loaded into the 28 9 pounders, and grape into the 6 pounders. Once the Ketch came within range White ordered the Round Shot in the bow chaser be loosed across the bow of the Ketch then to be reloaded with chain. With the boom and the smoke rising, White knew his orders had been followed. No retaliation shot was heard, nor did the Ketch heave to. “Fire the bow chasers when you bear”, at that both guns fired their whizzing shot into the rigging and sails. A great ripping sound was heard from the Ketch telling that at least one of the shots hit their target. “Starboard broadside fire and reload as you bear”, as the Leer passed the bow of the Ketch the 14 guns spit their shot with a loud boom and the telltale clouds of smoke, the smell of powder rising, as the ships passed damage could be seen along the starboard bow of the Leer. Not much damage, meaning the Ketch must not have heavy guns but enough to splinter the deck. The story was different on the other ship her main mast had been cut and was dragging in the sea by its rigging, multiple holes could be seen along the port side but all above the waterline. A boarding action would secure the ship for the crown, White thought.
“Prepare for boarding” White called from the quarterdeck.
As the drumbeat changed so did the actions of the men, the movements were faster, adrenaline fuelled, and yet still in order. White could see men grabbing grappling hooks to pull the ships together, he could see the marines lining up along the gangways, and up on the fighting top the swivel being loaded with grape, we shall board from starboard he announced. The port gun crews ran across the deck and grabbed their boarding axes, and pikes. To White, some small parts from the big picture stood out to him, a Midshipman struggling with his dirk, a smug Marine attaching his bayonet, a sailor calling out to his mates mustering as much courage as possible, and a gun captain gathering his crew in one spot and checking them over. White looked down and noticed that without thinking he unsheathed his sword from its scabbard. A new weapon, never used… till now, it gleamed in the midmorning sun. As the Leer came around, the grapples were thrown, and the gap between the ships closed. The men started steaming across between the gap, White watched as two of his men stumbled and fell between the gap to be crushed between the hulls. Then White himself jumped across and found himself on a chaotic, noisy deck. As he looked around a French officer ran at him, fury in his eyes. White took his sword and quickly blocked the charge and pushed back, sending the officer off balance, White then thrust at the man's chest but was parried, the officer then tried to go for White’s legs, opening his upper area. White brought his sword down to the officer’s skull and watched as he fell. By this point as White looked up, the boys of the Leer separated the crew of the Ketch in two, one half on the quarterdeck, and the other on the forecastle. The marines were attacking the latter while the sailors were fighting their way up the rigging and up to the quarterdeck. White moved to assault the quarterdeck and came to a clearing, with the French captain in the middle. White said to his counterpart, in broken French “Give me your sword”. The French captain realized that for him the battle was over, he kneeled and held his sword out just as the Marines took the forecastle. The battle was over and White came out on top. The men looked to White for orders.
To the captain of the marines, Fort, White said “Clear below decks” then he called for Freeman.
To Freeman whe said “Gather a prize crew, start repairs on the ship and stay in close company with the Leer” Then White called for Hill “take the prisoners somewhere and put a guard on them, then let's focus on moving the wounded back to the Leer for Mr. Page to handle.
Lieutenant Durand was thrown into a room with his other comrades, what had led up to this? He remembered leaving Cherbourg a week ago. It was a normal voyage, the Adjoint, his ship was beating up wind this morning, when a sail was sighted. Captain Laurent ordered to continue on the same course. Then the ship was identified as a British frigate but they were already within range. A shot was fired across the bow, but the Adjoint had no forward facing guns to reply. Then two guns fired on the frigate, Durand caught the feeling of fear in the crew. Once the mainsail was ripped Durand knew the battle was over. Then looking up he could see the broad side of the frigate… what the the British call it.. the Leer, and the guns released hell onto the deck. A few of the Adjoint’s guns managed to fire but as the foul smelling smoke cleared, the full extent of the damage could be seen. The main mast was dragging in the water, the decks were stained crimson with horrid body parts scattered, and the Adjoint was holed, not below the waterline, that would mean the she was lost in this immobile state, but below the deck, causing chaos and havoc below. A smell rose into the air, it smelled like defeat to the Adjoint. Then the frigate grappled and as some of the men were attempting to release the two ships they were cut down by a volley from the crimson clad marines on the higher deck. Then with a yell the enemies threw themselves at the Adjoint. The French sailors were surprised from the viciousness of the assault. Durand watched as his fellow Lieutenant charged the enemy captain. Durand, retreated to the quarterdeck and watched as his captain surrendered his weapon. Then he was taken and thrown into this bare and musty cabin with 8 other men. Two marines guarded the door, everything seemed hopeless.
April 26, 1800
Repairs on the Adjoint were underway and a mast had been set up for the time. White had to make up for lost time, this morning a report was on his desk reporting the casualties, 5 men dead including the 2 who fell. 7 more wounded including Midshipman Ford. Also there was 7 captured French plus their captain. The crew of the Leer were still working on getting the splinters out of the deck. The carpenter and his mates were over on the Adjoint repairing the holes left by the 18 pounders, and White was enjoying the noonday sun. His man had fought well with courage and bravery, White had written in his log. The crew seemed to act differently, more willing. White heard his stomach rumble after he smelled the aroma coming out of the galley. Even if it's salted meat, White was still hungry.
May 21, 1800
The Leer cruised into port royal, just as the morning was was rising. As the anchor was dropped and the sails furled, the crew of the Leer relaxed. It had been 23 days since they left Portsmouth. The Adjoint was half a day behind the Leer, and her sails could be seen on the horizon. White was rowed to shore to meet the governor. He strolled through the streets after declining a ride, the smells of the town rose up to greet him. Once he arrived at the Governor's house he was directed to a waiting room.
White had just sat down when he was called to meet the Governor.
