GAME TURN EIGHT

Timeline... Lord Rupert's party was cancelled when his aid Lieutenant Sharpe was mortally wounded in a duel with an unknown naval officer the morning following the fireship attack. Many rumors abound.

Two weeks after the Fireship Attack...
The harbor was abuzz with word that mail and dispatches had arrived and been sent aboard the flagship. Signals went out advising each ship to send a boat for their mail
Repairs had gone slowly on the Sunnydale. The past week had seen all outward signs of damage removed and the ship reballested. Captain Giles personally supervised the sheer hulk as it came alongside the Sunnydale to replace the shattered mizzen mast. It was quite clear he was very knowlegable as the work was done in record time.
The new Flag Lieutenant Osborne Green, clearly a sprig of the nobility, reviewed the just received dispatches. There was an Eyes Only for the Admiral. The new Captain's list was out and Captain West while the most junior Captain in HM Navy was indeed a Post Captain. Commanders Bryant and Callaghan's ranks had been confirmed. Then he was thunderstruck with headline of the

TIMES
April 1814 Napoleon Abdicates

British Regulars available for redeployment. Rumor has it Wellington himself has been offered command of the American Campaign.
The young officer quickly rushed on deck, where Admiral Medicus had been watching the repairs as he slowly paced up and down the quarterdeck. He nodded and soon Captain Giles made an announcement to the crew, and signals went out to the rest of the squadron. Cheering erupted from the flagship as Captain Giles announced, "as soon as that mast is rigged double rum and and a Make and Mend afternoon for the men."
{OOC}
Historically Wellington was offered this command but declined

HMS Sunnydale
Flag Rear Admiral Medicus

To Ships and Vesssels of the Bermuda Squadron

Gentlemen,
Captain Giles has expressed a desire to take the Sunnydale to sea for week and I have seen fit to grant his request. As I find this harbor a bit confining myself, it is my intention to remain aboard. Until my return Captain Ponsonby-Smythe Buffonia as senior officer will be in command.
For the Admiral
Lieutenant Osborne Green
Flag Lieutenant

As the Sunnydale cleared the harbor the Crab could be seen dropping a string of empty casks behind her. Suddenly the 74 ran out her guns and cut loose with a thunderous broadside, two more followed in rapid succession. Clearly Captain Giles had been exercising his guncrews as the air was filled by smoke and most of the barrels disppeared in a mountain water spouts. The Crab then returned to the harbor and the Sunnydale disappeared over the horizon.
{OOC}
This will reduce Buffonia's available training weeks by one
Janna's cruize was approved earlier
{IC}
The Sunnydale returned to port and dropped anchor amid the usual fanfare that surrounds the flagship as salutes rang out from the shore batteries and the squadron. It was clear the Janna had seen some heavy action. Dispatches and reports arrived on the flagship bringing the Flag Captain and Admiral Up to date.
Soon the signal "ALL CAPTAINS repair on board immediately !" went up. Any last minute needs necesary for putting to sea should be taken care of immediately. Commander Bryant please see Captain Giles after this meeting as he has agreed to try and provide you with some crew replacements. Make your needs know to him. Especially casualties amongst your officers. After a very brief social visit they received their sailing orders and were dismissed.
HMS Sunnydale
Rear Amiral Sir Harold Medicus KCB
Commanding Ships and Vessels of the Bermuda Squadron
Gentlemen,
The Squadron will set sail at first light tomorow and will deploy as follows:
HMS Buffonia 44 will sail for Kingston, Jamaca where she will link up with a troop convoy of 12 merchant ships and HMS Amber 28. Captain Ponsonby-Smythe will assume command as senior officer and escort them to the Squadron rendezvous off Gopher Island.
HMS Watcher 32, HMS Janna 22, and HMS Willow 18, proceed at best speed to the Maryland Coast and set up a blockade of Baltimore Harbor. This harbor is currently under observation by the Brig Joyce 12 and she will join the flotilla. Captain West as senior officer will be in command. Under no circumstances are you to engage the coastal forts or shore batteries. Privateers and the US Navy are believed operating out of Baltimore to include the USS United States 44 (believed to be at sea) and USS Constellation 38 (believed to be in port). You will maintain said blockade until receiving orders to sail south to rejoin the Squadron at Gopher Island
HMS Sunnydale 74 will follow as escort for eight merchant vessels carrying Dragoons and Royal Maines at a slower pace to the rendezvous off Gopher Island
HMS Crab 6 will remain for one week at Bermuda for any last minute dispatches then proceed at best speed to Gopher Island.
Sir Harold Medicus KCB
Rear Admiral

Gopher Island is a fictional island off the Maryland Coast, approx 30 miles south of Baltimore.