· GAME TURN FOUR

Junior Post Captain George Vickery

I will speak with my officers individually. To Leftenant Hardcourt, I will say that I expect him to drill the crew diligently in seamanship. I am strict but fair in my punishments, preferring stopped grog, extra watches, etc. to lashing...but I will award the lash as necessary. “Aye sir we’ve only a handful of trained men to spread among both watches, but we’ll whip them into shape.”

To Leftenant Snouser, I will tell him that I expect him to drill the men on his watch thoroughly. “They’ll do well sir, they’re green, but surprisingly eager. Better salt air than prison hulk I guess”

I will review the watch assignments, checking to see that there is an equal leavening among the experienced seamen in each division. I will give Samuel Sterns a Warrant as Gunner. Experienced crew are spread quite thin but enough to man the ship, but the Master points out you can man one broadside or conduct sailing maneuvers. I wouldn’t try both at the same time. Sterns when sober proves quite knowledgable as gunner and during several gunnery drills proves a keen marksman as well as having an eye for finding gun crew deficiencies.

During the escort, I wish to work the crew hard in seamanship. I will have the ship handling smartly; I will check the trim, reallocating storage as necessary to produce the best performance. As you gain familiarity with the ship more adjustments needing to be made come to light and are handled accordingly.

I wish to tour the ship thoroughly, finding those areas that need improvement (which is likely all of them).

The Surgeon’s Mate is found drunk and unconscious, with a generous supply of rum in with his medical insruments. I will look into the stores, and take task with the purser for any shortcomings; I expect him to do well with his connections to the Bermuda victualling yard. The ship is well supplied and the books accurately kept.

We will steer SSE, approximately 450 miles to the Mona Passage. Once through, we will bear West approximateley 250 miles for Kingston. The Master concurs.

Approximately 60 nautical miles out from Kingston during the late afternoon the foremast lookout calls out...”Sail in site bearing directly to the east sir.” The Midshipman of the Watch, Mr Fillerton went up the ratlines like a monkey, carefully making the outward climb and avoiding the lubbers hole with most of the senior officers on deck, and watching his progress. He soon joined the lookout in his lofty perch. “Frigate Sir, American Colors, beating against the wind.” The lookout called out after him after briefly borrowing the midshipman’s fancier glass. “I know her, sir, she’s the ‘United States’ a 44.” Leftenant Hardcourt looked at his Captain and said slowly, “heavy metal, if that’s who she is, sir, 24 pounder longs on her main deck with 42 pounder carronades topside. Sailing Master Grunwald added, “Aye the wagon, she maneuvers as well as powder hulk in Portsmouth.” Suddenly the Midshipman’s shrill voice called out, “She’s signaling sir and running her guns out.” Mr Newton glanced briefly at the book “United States, sir, last known commanding Commodore Brock, signal says heave to and stand by to be inspected for illegally pressed seamen.”

Describe your actions as the situation develops, the convoy has the weather gage. Any preparations or maneuvers. If a battle does result it will not be resolved this turn. Player orders and prep will however determine starting set up on the SPI “Frigate” Battle and Maneuver Board.