GAME TURN NINE

Course for Chesapeake
Estimated to Chesapeake-1125 Nautical Miles
Mouth of Chesapeake to Baltimore, providing tide-165 N.M.
1290 N.M. @ 6 knots
Estimated Sailing time 9.5 days at a West by Nor'west heading

Master's Mate Phillips has the watch and sends a seamen below to request permission to shorten sail as the weather has worsened and he is having trouble keeping the flagship in site...
Mr Rhetnug is still aboard although not fit for duty he is conscious; all badly wounded seamen were taken ashore, lightly wounded and walking wounded remained on board. Mr Rhetnug in absence of direct orders to the contrary told the men to leave him aboard.

Bryant sat on the coushioned stern locker that ran under the stern windows of his cabin. He drank his coffee as the ship rose and fell in the swells, and he listened to the patter of rain hitting the glass of the stern windows. Tom savored the warm liquid that ran down his throat, thought, 'this weather may serve...help to screen our approach to the coast from the eyes of privateers, merchantmen and fishing vessels.' He pushed the empty breakfast plate from in front of him, and pulled out, a well wrinkled scrap of paper from his jacket pocket; and and began studying it carefully. For this was the watch bill, and he was over twenty-five men short after his scrap with that American Privateer. A job usually reserved for the First Lieutenant, he was forced to take the duties as Rhetnug was still recovering from his wounds, and Collins, who was his Acting Lieutenant, hadn't mastered the act of setting the watch bill. Before he could act on changing any names, there came a knock at the door of his cabin...."Enter" he said in a calm voice.
A man in duck trousers and blue and white checkered shirt entered, he carried his wool cap in his hands...
"Sir...beg r' pardon...Mister Phillips sends e's compliments and requests to shorten sail due to this 'orrible weather. Says e' can barely see the Watcher Sir."Tom sat the pen down on the table, and stood, doubled over because of the low beams. "Tell Mr. Phillips I'll be right there."
"Aye Sir" th seaman replied and then exited from the cabin.
He reached into the clothes closet, partitioned off from the rest of the cabin by a curtain of sail cloth. Grabbing his tarred raincoat, he pulled it on and then stepped into the waist.
"Hullo lads...the devils own day isn't it." he joked to some seamen crowded under the leeside to gangway as he made his way up the companion.
"G'Morning Mister Phillips." Tom said as he reached the quarterdeck...taking the log slate and reading over it for the second time in two hours.
"Morning Sir, permission to take in the t'gallants and mains'l"
"8 knots" he said aloud to no one imparticular..."Yes...get the hands aloft and bring them in...and reef the tops'ls if you please for good measure." He turned to the midshipman of the watch, "Mister Newton, make signal to flag...and you'd better use the main tackles so they can see over this mist-Am shortening Sail, running on reefed tops only. Get that Newton?, right, send it up." With that Tom replaced the the slate and moved to stand on the weather side of the quarterdeck, gripping the rail, and glancing up at the hands rushing up into the rigging on Phillip's order to shorten sail.

Bryant's gaze was still focused on the yards, where the able seamen were in the process of bringing in the sail. He could hear the along the gangways pulling on the braces, and everyso often, the 'flap' sound of a bosun's mate laying his cat on the back of a slacker. Behind him Newton attatched the correct signal flags to the halliards and began hoisting, the blocks creaking as he did so. "Deck ahoy...signal from the Willow, Sir." "Yes" he roared back over the wind, his hand on his cocked hat to keep it from blowing away as he shifted his eyes to the maintop. "She's shortening her sails Sir." "Very Well" he yelled back, the rain pelting his face, and he pulled his head down, to his chin so that his glance could see under the brim of his hat, and placed his hands behind his back, cocked his head slightly to speak to Phillips, who stood by the wheel. "Mister Phillips...send an extra glass atop so we can have one eye always on the Watcher. I want to know her signals the minute they reach her tops'l." Lookout reports, “Willow signaling she's shortening sail sir.”

{At Sea Five Days}

Marine Sergeant Kenny Quenton with permsission of the officer of the watch had the new Marines going up and down the masts with full gear and musket. Come-on get a move on this is not a bloody ship of the line, step lively, you need to get the fighting tops quickly or be prepared to board on a moments notice. The crew clearly enjoyed watching the Lobsters work up a sweat and smirks and smiles abounded. The Sergeant clearly enjoyed his new found chance to exercise some leadership but led by example being the fastest up and down with a speed to do a topman proud.
Looking fore and aft Tom could see both Willow and Watcher in this clear weather. A fair breeze meant all sail as comfortable and the Janna glided over the sea with everything flying. He stepped aside as the men came by holystoning the quarterdeck...bringing the shine back to the bright whitewashed planks. He clapsed his hands behind him as he watched Newton cast the log, 'poor fellow' he observed, 'only midshipman right now, has to do all the work himself.' In the waist Collins had the men practicing running out the guns, first to starboard, then to leeward. A turn around the quarterdeck and one glance at the log, nod to Phillips, and he was moving down the companion into the waist. Stood behind Collins as the crews worked..."You've got them going at it eh' Collins, well, G'work Lads...before you know it we'll be firing three broadsides every five minutes." Moving back aft and up the companion way, he took his old stance up by the weather side ratlines of the mizzenmast, holding fast on one of the shrouds, as the ship rolled in a corkscrew motion across the waves. "Ahoy Deck," came a cry from the tops...signal from Watcher." Tom turned and read it with his glass-Proceed with Caution-approaching American waters..."Right" he said aloud..."Newton, run that same signal up our Mainmast if you please so Willow can read it clearly. " Then lifting his head to the masts..."You there aloft, keep a sharp lookout!" He then grabbed hold of the weather shrouds once more and watched the workings of his vessel with close eyes Bryant glanced quickly to the tops as the word came down that a ship had been spotted to starboard..."Damn" he said aloud and then turned to Newton..."Signal...Strange Sail to Starboard....run it up the main so both Watcher and Willow can see." "Aye Sir" came the reply, as Newton, already having used the signal book several times already dashed to the locker and began fastening the appropriate flags, pulling on the ropes, the blocks creaking, the signal went quickly up the mast. Bryant paced the quarterdeck as Newton hauled the signal down...then relaxed and caused himself to moved along the starboard side rail, glass in hand and peer out over the open ocean. As he did so the lookout called down again..."Deck ahoy...Merchantman, possibily a brig, under full sail, definitely in a hurry sir" Tom's insides leaped for merchantmen meant prize money, but the higher his hopes rose the harder they fell as he realized the orders meant no contact could be made with the merchant vessels. He cleared his throat and spoke as calmly as he could..."Mister Newton...run another signal up the main-Vessel identified as a possible brig merchantman, making much speed." He closed his eyes not bothering to watch the signal go up...realized then his grip of the rail was whitening his knuckles...a ray of hope did enter his mind...since the squadron had been sighted probably...maybe Captain West would allow one of the sloops to make for it and capture it, it would prevent intelligence to the Americans, and any ship in range would get a share...Bryant, stood, his hands resting on the rail. His shifted his glance from the starboard horizon, turned to glance down into the waist...saw some of the crew gathered around their guns, their eyes focused on him. He cleared his throat and moved his eyes back to the sea, and then up as a voice cried down from the main cross-tree..."Signal from Watcher Sir." His eyes fell aft looking towards the frigate making head way a few hundred yards behind his own vessel, and he almost leapt as Newton shouted beside him..."E's letting us go after him, by God." "Watch your tounge Newton," Bryant fired back, his anxiety boiling over to anger as Newton finished his sentence...:or I'll have the bosun help you to remember the proper way of reading signals." "Aye Sir," Newtons face was red now, embarassed, and he read the signal slowly, "Watcher to Janna, engage at your discretion." Tom blinked once as he heard the news, wanted to shout himself, but refrained...."Mr. Newton, signal back acknowledged, engaging brig. Mister Collins...beat to quarters...clear her for action, Mister Phillips, get the topmen aloft and have them standing by, as soon as the quartermaster puts her wheel over, brace her yards around so we can take full advantage of this breeze, and get an extra man up to keep an eye on Watcher for a change in signal should it happen." He craned his neck again and shouted up..."Where does that brig lie now, and can you tell any more about her?"
Upon the answer from the lookout Janna pulled swiftly out of the squadron line...she cut through the water hull up as the breeze off her starboard quarter laid her over. Bryant grasped the weather shrouds, the excitement building within him...

Bryant gripped the shrouds tighter as the word came down from the top..."Bearing down right on us sir, definitely American Colors; second sail in site, could be a small frigate..." "Newton" he rasped..."Signal up...Second Sail in sight could be small frigate, send it!" He could see the triangular shapes of the brigs sails as it came into view from the deck. The thought occured in his mind that the frigate could be what the merchantman was running from, then again...

Aye sir, and yet another string of flags were hoisted aloft. The Janna was now a good mile away from the Watcher and the Willow was disappearing from view. The brig with all availble sail set was coming into closer view, no gunports, and barely half a mile away. About a 1/2 a mile behind her under a mountain of canvas was another ship cutting a mean streak through the water. The look out a young lad named Carter just barely 15, but with sharp eyesight called out, Three master about dozen gunports and strange colors sir black flag with an hourglass!" Several of the older hands shook their head and looked aloft, the lad must be mistaken.

Janna pulled swiftly out of the squadron line...she cut through the water hull up as the breeze off her starboard quarter laid her over.
The Willow seemly oblivious to recent events started to open the distance as Janna and Watcher cleared for action; the lead sloop was rapidly move out of visual signal range.
More signals went up and the small ensign caught the breeze; the brig swept by the Janna and her crew could be heard cheering; she sent several signals clearly addressed to the ship pursuing, several knowlegable sailors started laughing and young Newton turned to Collins and said is that physically possible. Collins replied, "imaginative use of signal flags eh," now make sure that deck is sanded and the guncrews are ready. The name on brig could be seen as she passed by Amy / Willmington.

As Janna cut through the water opposite the American, Tom couldn't help but smile at the flags that broke out on the American's spanker sails rigging. He leaned over the rail looking at the American skipper, and doffed his hat as their ships passed, and said aloud in a rather jolly voice..."By God, he reminds me of me." He knew though, that the American, as valiant and defiant as he was, was surely doomed, and Tom pointed to the sails of Watcher that were now plainly in view on the horizon.

The frigate was starting to turn but the crew was sloppy and the ship sluggish. Bryant clasped his glass shut from looking at the brig, and turned to Collins "Mister Collins, you’ve the deck, keep us on course for that brig...I'm going aloft to get a look at that three master." “Aye Sir” With that he walked calmly along the gangway, climbed ont the foremast shrouds, and began the climb up to the top. Once there, he braced himself against the mast, pulled the glass from his pocket and looked the vessel over.
Bryant saw a small frigate doing at least 10 knots, 14 guns a side, British lines but older style more common to late 1770-90s, similiar to the Enterprize Class, if so 9pdrs on the maindeck. The ship has definitely seen some wear and her captain didn’t stress spit and polish. Large number of crew on deck. Two flags flying top one is black with a white hour glass, below that is a blood red banner... {Pirate Colors Your Time Has Run Out / No Quarter}

"Pirate, by God" he said aloud...placed the glass in his pocket and slid down a backstay to the deck. Moving swiftly to the quarterdeck, he yelled, "Newton, send up our Ensign followed by, Second Ship thought to be Pirate, am engaging him...Brig is yours." He watched the Large Battle Ensign go up the mast, and then turned as Newton started tying the flags on. "Mister Collins he yelled into the waist...lets have those guns doubleshooted with grape, and I want her masts brought down...understood?" He then turned to Phillips..."we'll hold this as if we're going to collide....then put the helm over, brining her back before the wind and rake that blackard." He was awaare that could be a privateer, but by the looks of it, it was nothing more than a common pirate.
"Sir, Yes Sir!!!"
"E's trying to wear around Sir" came a voice from the tops...
"by, God" cried Collins..."he can't hold his stays."
"And we'll make him pay for that, " Tom remarked as the vessels closed to a range that his 32 pounder carronades would have some bite. "Put her over Quartermaster...Mister Collins, fire a broadside when all your guns come to bare on her rigging." The Quartermaster put the wheel over, and the crew pulled on the braces to bring her yards around.
Leftenant Rhetnug appeared on deck, saw Mr Collins striding down the gundeck; nodded to the young man, then turned to Commander Bryant "my apoligies for being absent from my post, though I see the young gentlemen has...
Further conversation was interupted as the Janna swept across her adversary's bow at a mere 200 yards and as Mr Collins swung his sword from overhead down to the deck a thunderous broadside erupted. At the same time the Janna shook from a massive explosion. The deck shook and most men on deck were thrown from their feet including the quartermaster. Their target was hard hit losing her bowsprint and foremast with additional heavy damage to her sails and rigging. At the same time number three carronnade had burst destroying the gun and its crew and wiping out the guncrews on either side. A small fire flared up as well, a quick thinking ship's boys through nearby powder charges over the side. The Janna swept by her crippled target and the wheel spun freely; her battered opponent crawled forward to return the favor and prepared to rake her stern. Commander Bryant alone had kept his footing on the quarterdeck as the muzzles of 9 pounders began poking out of the enemies gunports. Leftenant Rhetnug regained his feet and suddenly exclaimed, Nightingale!!!, I'll see you in hell Dumas"
{OOC}
Doubleshot was devastating but short ranged, doubleshot with grape even more so; but their was a risk to puting excesive strain on the gun, normally only used by highly experienced crews. House Rules FYI 1 in 36 chance of a gun burst/explosion

{IC}
'My God' he thought as he looked over the carnage at the number 3 carronade and the nearby guns...Looking over his right shoulder he could see the enemy vessel running out their guns. He heard Rhetnug shout something...it didn't register...he grabbed the wheel and put it over so that her bow pointed to run directly before the wind and away from the opponent...minimizing the damage of both shot and the fire spreading. "Get the pumps started and douse those damn fires he shouted into the waist hoping someone would respond. "And get her main's'ls in so they don't catch ablaze."

Janna came back under control and leaped forward as topmen adjusted the sails and they caught the wind. Several crewmen swiftlt doused the fires. Mr Collins quickly pulled some men from the port guncrews to replace the casualties. Rapidly opening the range as her adversary crawled forward and fired. Only a single shot hit and it appeared to have done little damage. After firing that single broadside the other ship slowly went about clearly intending to try and break off the action. Leftenant Rhetnug was all the way aft yelling obscenities at their opposition...

Bryant stepped away from the wheel as the quartermaster regained his footing and gathered a grip on it once more. He spared a look into the waist to see that order had once more been restored somewhat...though he was shaken considerably by the explosion. As he tried to clear his mind he heard a familiar voice shouting behind him, and cocked his head around to see Rhetnug yelling at the top of his lungs. "Oh, stop it Rhetnug...if you want to really hurt the man get into the waist and oversee the port crews..single shot them this time and lets go for his masts again." He turned to face Phillips who had pushed himself from the deck and now stood beside the quartermaster. "Phillips, have the men man the braces, prepare to tack about...I mean to cross the wind so as to bring my port guns to bear on him and rake him fore to aft while he is trying to make that turn."
"Aye Sir" Phillips hurried for'ard to the railing that bordered the waist and began shouting his orders. As the top men and extra landsmen manned their stations, Rhetnug passed Tom, "I suppose you know that fellow well Mr. Rhetnug?" he said, head nodded towards the other vessel as he spoke...then before Rhetnug could reply he belted out "Helm-alee" and Janna began to turn to make her tack..."Pray presume Rhetnug...that fellow Phillips knows his business in these stays."

Lieutenant Rhetnug commented "aye sir I know him" as he left the stern.
Janna came about much quicker than the other ship. The small frigate was both crippled and had a unhandy, if not down right clumsy crew. She hadn't been able to open the range much at all. Her maneuvers had in fact presented Janna with a potential stern rake. Lieutenant Rhetnug slowly paced the gundeck observing each guncrew as they loaded and ran out. However instead of giving the signal to fire he raised his glass to look at the flag hoist going up the other ships Mizzen Mast. Midshipman Newton spoke up, "enemy signaling, Royal Navy signal, but from an old book sir, Fire again and we'll kill the prisoners" Several women appeared on the enemy's quarterdeck. Rhetnug put his glass down, raised his sword in the prepatory gesture to fire and then looked at Commander Bryant...

Bryant gulped...and a look of deep thought came over his face...he let his chin fall upon his chest..."Mr. Newton" he said after a moment of running possiblities in his mind. His rather softheartedness for the fairer sex won over in the battle that raged in his mind. "Signal..."he paused, not for dramatics, but for the need of rephrasing his words..."signal..propose you send prisoners over, and my ship will retire without any firing further on your vessel."

Rhetnug slowly lowered and sheathed his sword, nodding, but with a pained look on his face. Newton read the next several signals "Agreed if I have your word of honor as a gentlemen that no Royal Navy Ship currently in site will fire on my vessel for the remainder of this day. Captain Gangrel Dumas Nightingale
{OOC}
Watcher is in site, Willow is not
{IC}"Sir"Bryant could speak now through his trumpet as the vessels closed..."You have my word as a gentleman of the Royal Navy of Great Britian that this vessel..." it pained him inwardly to say this. How foolish he thought...all for prisoners who were foolish enough to get captured by a blackard. Still, his speech continued..."in sight of you now shall not fire on your vessel for the remainder of this day. Be so kind as to send the prisoners over in a boat...and then I shall leave you be." He pulled the trumpet aside and spoke to Rhetnug while still keeping his glance on the other vessel..."Rhetnug, back the tops'ls if you please and prepare to recieve guests."

A very tall indivual wearing an immaculate uniform of a French Naval Captain replied in French, "Agreed I shall send over 12 prisoners including Lady Farthingdale in my ships longboat" Rhetnug was about to translate when he realized Bryant apparently understood French. The other ships crew was attired in ragged French and British uniforms. Many appeared drunk.
The longboat came alongside and 4 women and 8 men were helped aboard by Rhetnug's detail. The Lieutenant reported to Commander Bryant with three of the former prisoners, "sir may I present Lady Farthingdale (mid thirties average looks) wife of Sir Agustous Farthingdale Colonel of the 95th Foot, Miss Rebbeca Stocker of Baltimore, and Lieutenant Gardner of the United States Navy; he gestured to the group further back
The other women are the Lady's maids (both mid 20's with above average looks) and the men are all American Seamen. The Americans were from the USS Thunder a 12 gun brig, the women from a large British merchman the Nellie.
The Nightingale rather clumsily hoisted in her longboat and began to set sail with her crew yelling taunts and insults in both English and French.

"Farthingdale," his mind raced trying to place the name, but it didn't register. "Yes...Rhetnug, see to it that they get a proper welcome." He pulled the speaking trumpet back up to his mouth, "Very good..." he replaced the trumpet back into its holder, and then turned his attention to the starboard gangway where the former prisoners would be coming aboard. He desperatly wanted to pace, but for fear of appearing uneasy when the prisoners arrived on board, he just grasped the railing that ran aft of the waist and shifted his weight onto either foot to counter the roll of the ship.
He saw Rhetnug bow to a lady who came up first...waited for another lady and man in a Yankee uniform to come up onto the waist from the boat, then started walking aft towards the quarterdeck with them. Tom listened attentively as Rhetnug made the introductions, and then with as much grace as he could manage, and putting everything his uncle had taught him about manners into play...while keeping a stern look on his face, he put one foot forward, bowed his head forward a good bit, while removing his hat revealing a mop of black curly hair, that fell forward as he did so. "Commander Thomas Bryant at your service m'Lady, a pleasure to make your honored aquatinance." Placing the cocked hat back on his head, he turned his attention to Miss Stocker after Lady Farthingdales reply.

Looking at Miss Stocker, he made a more less formal bow, none of the leg forward business, just a sharp movement of the chin to the chest and then back up. "Commander Thomas Bryant at your service Miss Stocker...I am very pleased to make your aquaintance." There was a trace of a smile on his face as his head pulled back up from the bow, and he made his introduction speech. Letting his facial emotions fall back to serious, he turned his glance to Lieutenant Gardner after Miss Stocker's reply.

The Lieutenant raised his hat in a salute, which Tom doffed his own quickly, returning it to his head..."Lieutenant Gardner. welcome aboard, I'm sure we'll arrange an exchange for you. As for Lady Farthingdale...and Miss Stocker, you ladies have full reign of my cabin...Mister Newton...ah there you are...show these ladies to my cabin if you please, make them as comfortable as possible. Mr. Collings....show Lt. Gardner to the wardroom...get him something to drink if he so desires...and see that those men get billeted in the gunroom, and that they are added to the muster and the books if you please."

Bryant watched Lady Farthingdale go below, sighed heavily for he didn't appreciate the haughtiness of aristocrats especially on his quarterdeck. "Lt. Gardner, I...must insist upon taking your crew, but I give you my word as a King's Officer that I shall deposit your men on American soil before my ship departs to its home station." Tom called over his shoulder to Newton..."Signal to Watcher ...have five freed prisoners on board from pirate frigate...one a Lady Farthingdale...request orders to those regards."

"Please Lieutenant, I assure you I am well short in complement and lost more during this engagement...your hands will serve well aboard this ship." Putting a halt to that conversation he turned to Phillips..."Mister Phillips unback the tops'l's, bring her about to rejoin the squadron." As the ship got under way again, Bryant began pacing, and thinking how he would explain his five guests to Captain West. The wind dropped to a light breeze it soon became very apparent the day will become a scorcher. As the Janna slowly returned to rendzvous with Watcher, a heated discussion broke out on deck.
Lt. Gardner, protests, "Sir, I am indebted to you however these men are part of my ships crew and members of the United States Navy. They are prisoners of war and not subject to impressment."
Miss Stocker looked at Lt Gardener and said, "I would save your breath, that's what started this war in the first place."
Lady Farthingdale looked highly annoyed, "You colonials need to learn your place, perhaps you would prefer to be returned to the pirates?" With a lofty look, "Commander, I shall retire to my quarters now..,"

..."Miss Stocker, Lt. Gardner, would you care to join me for some cheese and port? I assure you its nothing fancy, but it serves its purpose."
Lt Gardner replied, "Sir, I'm in no position to argue, but let be said I consider your action ill advised for the safety of your vessel."
Miss Stocker nodded, "Why thank you Commander, my uncle and brother have extended similiar hospitality to your countryman" She then glanced at Lt Gardner,
"Yes thank you Commander" ..."Miss Stocker...might one of your relatives be Brian Stocker of the Defender
Why yes he recently captured a little two master from your navy several weeks ago off Baltimore, on his way to France. Lt Gardner cleared his throat, "Ma'm"

Bryant turned red with embarrassment as he held the door for Miss Stocker and Lt. Gardner to enter. Heard Gardner clear his throat, and try to quiet her from saying anything further. "Well ma'am...I have the displeasure of giving you the news then...this vessel captured Commander Stocker and the remants of his crew a few weeks ago. Take no alarm however he is safe in Bermuda and will be exchanged at the first possible chance. He is a capital fellow...a gentleman of the highest degree, and with courage that few men possess."

The wardroom steward nodded toward Commader Bryant and wispered, with Mr Rhetnug respects sir, (Bryant notices several bottles very fine vintages) Rhetnug had taken over as officer of deck and seemed reknewed getting the ship back in order as his Captain tended to his guests.
Miss Stocker continued, "Oh dear daddy will be upset, and Mr Gardner, its hardly a secret that my uncle is commander of the Constellation and will take over the Columbia when he returns to Norfolk.'
Lt Gardner looked positively red as he accepted an offered glass and said, "Miss Stocker...really"

Bryant motioned for the steward to pour them all a glass of a 1780 chardonnay...and whispered back him..."My thanks to Rhetnug." As the wine was being poured he ventured out on a limb to ask her "I had a brush with your United States a few weeks back...marines came damn close to doing me in.
Miss Stocker smiled, "Commodore Brock's ship, he does so like his hunting rifles
So you say the Constellation is at sea also...a splendid vessel she is...a 38 I believe is what Steele lists her as...but does she not have carry more guns than what she is rated at?
"Not likely as fast as she is,” “ And pray is this Columbia a frigate also?" “Oh no much bigger”
Lt Gardner slamed glass down and said "My god Rebbeca why don't you tell him the Pennsyvaina is outfitting in Philadelphia" he paused as he realized what he had said "with your permission sir, I'll go on deck" Bryant glanced up at Gardner..."By all means Mr. Gardner." As Gardner stormed up the companion, Bryant grinned at Miss Stocker as he passed the plate of cheese over to her..."

Why thank you...
Alright, enough of the navy questioniare...how in the devil did you come about to be in the hands of those blackards?" Mr Gardner's ship USS Thunder was attacked by two pirate vessels the Nightingale and another ship. It was awful the Thunder dismasted the other ship, but was badly damaged. The Nightingale came up before she could make any repairs and kept firing when he refused to pull down the colors and eventually she sank. Only a handful of us were fished out of the water. The other pirate vessel sank to, they took off her crew and and a lot of prisoners and loot first
Later in the Evening.
Janna's gig carries Commander Bryant in his best uniform, Lt. Gardner, Miss Stocker, and Lady Farthingdale over to the Watcher for Captain West's dinner party.

Bryant looked back at his vessel as the crew rowed the gig slowly across the water to where the Watcher was hove to. He had nothing to worry about for Rhetnug was in command, and he was very capable.
As allowed his guests to climb up the companion of the Watcher from the gig first, and then followed Lt. Garnder up onto the deck of the frigate. Passing the sideboys and small honor gaurd, he greeted Captain West. "Good evening Sir...my compliments on the prize taken this afternoon" He turned and gave an outstetched hand to Lady Farthingale. "Sir, I have the honor of presenting to you Lady Farthingdale, Lady Farthingdale, Captain West" After the aristocrat made her formal bows and greetings, he turned the hand to Miss Stocker..."And Sir I have the pleasure of presenting Miss Rebecca Stocker of Baltimore, and Lt. Garnder late of the USS Thunderer."
After West made his replies, Bryant spoke in a low voice to him, so the guests couldn't hear. "Sir...I've gathered some intelligence on the where abouts of the Yankee ships in the vicinity."