GAME TURN SIX

In the early afternoon, just at the beginning of the First Dogwatch, the call "Land Ahoy" came from the mainmast lookout. The weather was good and the sails were filled by a light breeze. A lone frigate was approaching the Bermuda Islands with a speed of about 6 knots. Hesekiel Hogarth, the First Lieutenant of His Majesty’s Frigate Watcher stood on the quarterdeck and wondered about the soft colours in which the ship was set despite the scorching strength of the afternoon sun. With the hands clasped on his back he turned around to answer the Second Lieutenants call, ‘Shall we set a reef to the sails, Sir?’‘Not yet, Mr. MacDonald.’, and to a midshipman standing nearby, ‘Mr. Wolf, would you please go deliver my regards to Captain Ponsonby-Smythe and tell him "land ahoy"!‘And just as the young midshipman turned around another call came from above. ‘Ship ahoy!‘ and after a pause, ‚a Lugger!‘Mr. Wolf, will you tell our Captain a ship is approaching us as well.‘Aye, aye, Sir‘, with this reply the young midshipman disappeared in the companionway.’She’s signaling us, Sir!‘, MacDonald announced, a telescope at his eye, ‘we've exchanged numbers, she is the Crab, " signal continues ‘Welcome to Bermuda and gives anchoring instructions, should I have the Gunner begin the salute sir?"
The young midshipman almost came to grief, tripping as he fetched up outside the captain's door and only saved from a gross indiscretion by the sturdy arm of the Marine sentry on guard. Brushing himself down, he entered the stern cabin.

"Mr Wolf" said his captain, "my compliments to Mr Hogarth and he can begin the salute to the Rear Admiral's Flag as soon as we enter the bay. I would also like to see him at his leisure and you may also inform the surgeon, purser, gunner and "Chips" the carpenter that I require their reports on the ship's state of readiness before we anchor. Cut along now, quick as you like."

Leaning back in his chair, Willoughby Ponsonby-Smythe contemplated the remains of what passed for breakfast after some weeks at sea. The ship had worked up reasonably well in their journey from the Channel Fleet and he appeared to have a good set of officers. Sail drill was not all that he wanted but gunnery was coming on leaps and bounds under the eyes of Lieutentant McDonald; still, once in harbour and with the dubious delights of Bermuda available to them, it would be a hard task to keep the crew to their tasks. As he sat at his desk, waiting the arrival of his First Lieutenant and warrant officers with their reports, Willoughby reviewed what he knew of the Admiral and his staff in Bermuda. He was delighted to have saved the bottles of French Brandy that he had taken from the French bloackade runner whilst with the Channel Fleet, knowing, as he did, that it was one of Medicus's weaknesses. He had heard of Medicus's Flag Captain, Giles, but knew little else of his staff; it would be one of his first priorities when he went aboard the flagship. Anticipating, as he did, that Medicus would send for him once the Watcher had anchored, he had the marine sentry pass word for his servant, Russell, and also to alert his cox'n, McDonald, that his barge be made ready.

As salutes began booming out in short order each of the ships Warrant Officers reported
Surgeon Rucker reports the crew in generally good health and Mr Steiners social problem is being treated
Purser Merrick advises the ship needs approx one months stores to be fully provisioned
Acting Gunner Krebs reports that the ship only needs a small amount of powder and shot. The guns are in fine shape He hesitates then says Mr MacDonald said you might submit my Warrant to the Admiral for signature sir....
Carpenter Chase reports we could used some spares sir for the rigging and crosstrees

As the Warrant Officers filed out, Lieutenant Hogarth turned the deck over to Lieutenant MacDonald and reported to the Captain’s Cabin.

"Come in and sit yourself down, Hesekiel. Make yourself comfortable. Russell, hurry up with that bottle of wine, will you. Damn your eyes." As the small weasely servant scurries from the cabin, leaving behind two glasses and the opened bottle of wine, Willoughby pours a glass each and turns to his first lieutenant. "Damn good show with the anchoring, Hezekiel, prettily done. You've settled in well and I am very pleased with both your progress and that of the ship. Sail drill is not quite what I expect but the gunnery is coming on apace under young McDonald. Keep up the good work."

Lieutenant Hogarth replied "Thank you, Sir Willoughby, the crew is doing its best. And certainly they’ll improve every time we set sail. MacDonald is a spirited young officer and the gun drill will still improve as well. We are just around 10 minutes clearing for action."

The Captain continued, "I expect the admiral will call me ashore any moment and, not only will I require all the usual reports, both from you on the state of the ship and crew and I’ll review warrant officers reports I’ve just received as well. I also require to know if we have any men suitable for promotion. I'm sure the old hound will be short of men, as usual, and he is certain to want any well-qualified men we have. Until I know whether we have orders or not, no shore leave is to be allowed and I would be grateful if you would see about getting the water, powder and shot replenished. Keep an eye on that dog of a purser, Merrick. He has the appearance of an honest man but, if he is, he would be the first honest purser I have come across in 20 years at sea!!!"

Lieuternant Hogarth thought for a moment then said "Well, Sir, I’ve done this already. With your permission", Hesekiel waited until Captain Ponsonby-Smythe noded and then he gave his captain some sheets of paper, " ... Our Watcher is up and ready to sail if you’ll pass the command. Well, the crew is of average quality. Some of the replacements having trouble to settle in with a seamans life. But the old hands will work’em in very well, I guess."Mr. Steiner is progressing well, Sir. He’ll be ready for the Lieutenants Exam. The other will need some more practice.""As to the 'young gentlemen' of the midshipmen's mess, I think we can safely say that their 'holiday' is now over and we can start to apply a little more pressure on them. I will see their logs tomorrow and would take it kindly if you were to ensure that they get plenty of boat-handling practice whilst we are in port." "Aye, Sir, I’ll pass the command and arrange for everything."

Captain Ponsonby-Smythe finished with, "That's about all for now, Hezekiel. Best bib and tucker for the admiral's dinner this evening and make sure that you are ready for Lord Rupert's ball as well, tomorrow evening. I'm sure we can both be spared for a few hours after our recent months at sea!!!"

With a grin, Hesekiel saluted his captain, "Aye, Sir, best bib and tucker, Sir. I’m sure MacDonald can handle the ships routine." He turned, left the captains cabin and went back on deck. "Mr. O’Hara", the First shouted and waited with a stern face until the Master came into sight, "will you please arrange for boat-handling practice for our young gentleman while our precious crew will hollystone the deck...and tell’em to have their logs ready tomorrow. The captain would like to have a look on them." Then he went below deck to look for the purser. Greeting every sailor on the way to the pursers cabine he wondered about Lord Ruperts ball tomorrow. He found Merrick writing activly in a book. "Would you be so kind to accompany me on shore!? We have to get more fruits and vegetables."

"Midshipman of the Watch to the Captain's cabin" came the sterterous roar from the marine sentry. With a loud clatter, the young mishipman entered the captain's cabin. "Ah! Mr. Wolf. How are you settling to your duties? “Just fine sir,” the young lad replied. Kindly present my compliments to the First Lieutenant, who I believe has gone ashore with the purser, and I would be grateful if he would arrange transportation for the two of us to Lord Rupert's ball tomorrow evening. It may be suitable for us to share with some of the other officers from the squadron who are going. Cut along now!"

First Lieutenant Hesekiel and the Purser Merrick crossed the harbour in the cutter. There seemed to be some commotion along the docks among the Royal Marines training there. it looked as if an officer from one of the sloops was trying to resolve the situation. Mr Merrick seems to know who to talk to in the harbor, he's obviously been here before. If the Captain is willing to spend a few gold guineas to grease the right palms. The First Lieutenant makes a mental note to talk with the Captain.You find a tailor shop run by a retired boatswain's mate who has several skill seamtresses very familiar with naval attire and a good discount for naval officers. One of his daughter gives you a more than friendly smile as she works. She was quite attractive and lieutenant Hogarth returned her smile. Several junior officers in the militia, tell you its a local racket before any fancy dress ball to claim there is a carriage shortage to justify raising rates. The more gold lace the higher they charge. Lieutenant Christy says if you could arrange for him an his fiance to tour a real Royal Navy ship he can get you a carriage from his brother-in-law for a very reasonable rate. It seems his lady has a brother in the navy but has never been on a warship and would REALLY like to see one.
If it is the wish of a lady to tour one of HM Ships I'll arrange it. As First Lieutenant it lies in my competence! Noon on the day of Sir Ruperts Ball is a good date.

Lieutenant Christy is very appreciative and says he’ll make the arrangements for a carriage. Lady Fiona who is very attractive but acts a bit dim witted, also thanks you says her brother is a Flag Lieutenant for the for some Vice Admiral in Channel Fleet. Is that an important job? Working with flags? Lieutenant Christy looks a little embarassed and they take their leave.

Mail and packets arrived including 100 pounds sterling for Captain Smythe and 25 pounds sterling for Lieutenant Hogarth from several prizes taken over a year ago.
The Captain was in good mood, not that money was in short supply, but prize money was always helpful for those odds and ends expenses. When the Marine Sentry told him Lieutenant MacDonald had asked to see him. Captain Ponsonby-Smythe said, “very well tell him to come in.” Lieutenant MacDonald came to attention as he reported “sir, for some the powder hulk passed us by and spent most of the day tied up alongside the Willow. We weren’t able to load any powder and shot. When she was returned back to the warf they ignored our signals. The Harbor Master claims they never saw our signals.”