Current Briny en Garde Turn Report

It isn't very often that Royalty descends on a vessel such as HMS Belle Poule , and Captain Walker was only too conscious of the poor state of her decks as he bowed deeply to the Duke of Clarence. “There's not a moment to lose” were the Duke's first words, once they had reached the captain's cabin “We're sending out everything that swims. And this time we'll hoist Monsieur Crapaud by his own petard, by Jove! Never thought those scientific Johnnies had it in them, though ...!” – “Quite right, your Royal Highness!” a second voice cut in, and Captain Walker turned his head. He knew that man. Sir Joseph Blaine, head of “Q” branch, one of the most influential men in Whitehall . “It would be as well, however” Sir Joseph continued “to acquaint Captain Walker with the events that have unfolded within the past days and our plans to deal with them. If I may take the opportunity ...?” – “By all means, Sir Joseph. Pray proceed ...!” – “As you may know, Captain Walker, a special meeting of the Royal Society of Science was held yesterday and Captain Aubrey was to read his paper on the nutation of the Jovian moons. This much is common knowledge. Only a handful of people, however, knew that he came to London with an extremely valuable object in his pocket – the famous “Blue Peter” diamond, which his particular friend Dr. Maturin wanted to have reset by a fashionable jeweller in Bond street . You may have heard that Captain Aubrey's rooms at “The Grapes” were broken into while he was having lunch downstairs and only the vigilance of his manservant Killick seemed to have prevented the loss of the precious gem. Later events, however, have led us to believe that the intruder was not interested in the “Blue Peter” at all. Going over his notes once more later in the afternoon, Captain Aubrey found a slip of paper tucked in between the pages, which he at first took for one of those crossword puzzles his friend Maturin delights in, and which he consequently forwarded to my office at the Admiralty at once. To cut a long story short, the message was from one of our agents in France – and I must ask your Royal Highness to refrain from any further allusions as to his occupation or station in life - and it said that the French held three eminent scientists captive in a village not far from Brest . You will know, gentlemen, that after their reverses in the Mediterranean the French have substantially reinforced the Brest squadron and we have been watching this part of the coast with much anxiety. However, it seems that the ships assembled in Brest are in a very bad state and this may be the reason why the French have not tried anything until today. As for the plan I spoke of, the inshore squadron which will carry out the rescue mission will consist of HMS Belle Poule, HMS Halcyon, HMS Enterprise and HMS Sauve Qui Peut – all of them ships with excellent ability to maneouvre in shallow waters. To counter any French attempts to thwart the mission we will also send a covering squadron, consisting of HMS Droits de l'Homme, HMS Indomitable, HMS Waakzamheit and HMS Salisbury. They will station themselves close to the Ponte de Penhir (off Camarez,) while the other ships will pass to the South of Cap de la Chèvre and so reach the port and the village of Douarnenez . The prisoners are Professor André Damelf ( University of Brussels ), Professor Jacques Mitteron ( University of Lyon ) and Dr. Pier Vaste (a physician with an extensive practice in Marseille). All three are held in the local prison on Rue Sémaphore, which runs parallel to the Quai du Grand Port (on the eastern sea front). The plan calls for a small party landing a little to the east of Douarnenez, where they will be met by a local guide. He will supply horses and a number of gendarmerie uniforms. Disguised, the party will proceed to the Rue Sémaphores, spring the prisoners (probably under the guise of orders to remove them to a safer location), return to the place where they landed, and wait for the boats to pick them up. I have provisionally assigned this task to HMS Belle Poule – if Captain Walker has no objection, of course” – “None, Sir Joseph, but I would like to send my 2nd Lt. Barry with the boats – his French is excellent” – “Very well, Captain Walker. This leaves HMS Halcyon, HMS Sauve Qui Peut and HMS Enterprise to create a diversion in the form of an attack on the Quai du Port on the opposite side of town (western sea front). Do you have a map of that stretch of the coast?” – “I'm afraid not, Sir Joseph” replied Captain Walker. “And I would need to know the time of the tides, too. Full moon isn't far away, and the danger of a spring tide ...” – “Quite right, Captain Walker. Is there anything else ... victuals, water, powder and shot?” – “Nothing else, Sir Joseph. We're well provided with everything.” – “Then I wish you Godspeed ... and Good Luck!” And with these parting words, Sir Joseph led the Duke of Clarence out of the cabin. Standing as in a daze, Captain Walker heard the bosun's pipe twittering and the Marines' muskets clash as his guests went down the side. Then he shook his head ... a fine mess he had gotten himself into!

Two weeks later, Captain Walker stood once more in the middle of his cabin, shaking his head. The movement helped to shake off some of his tiredness, but it could not dislocate the deep sense of failure that had settled on him after the disaster of the rescue mission. Everything had gone like clockwork – HMS Belle Poule had won her anchor not ten minutes after the Duke of Clarence had left and she had kept her rendezvous off Scilly with the other ships of the squadron ( HMS Halcyon, HMS Sauve Qui Peut , and HMS Enterprise ) despite contrary winds. They had seen nothing of the covering squadron but Captain Walker was quite sure that they hadn't been spotted by a passing Frenchman. They had reached the Cape de Chèvre during the first dog watch on the next day, helped by strong westerly winds. Little did he dream how the same winds, so welcome at the time, were also filling the much-patched sails of a strong French squadron under Charles Alexandre Léon Durand, Count Linois, returning home from a voyage to Mauritius and the Indian ocean. Finding his way into Brest blocked by a strong British force and unable to give battle on something resembling equal terms (for although his ships were bigger and carried more and heavier guns, their state of repair was parlous and their crews much depleted) Count Linois had given orders to duck into Chateaulin Bay. Not all of his ships had been able to comply – several had found themselves already too fas north to weather Cap Chèvre on a southerly course – but Linois Flagship “Laigle Noir” (50 guns), “La Vertue” (44 guns) and “Marianne” (34 guns“) had made it into the bay – where they had stumbled on the ships of the rescue squadron! The first ships Linois encountered were those which had taken part in the diversionary attack, and despite the fact that they were hopelessly ountclassed HMS Halcyon, HMS Sauve Qui Peut and HMS Enterprise had at once moved towards the French ships – with predictable results, alas! The opening broadside from “La Vertue” (44 guns) had completely dismasted HMS Sauve Qui Peut and killed acting Captain Earbrass. With that, the fight had gone out of the ship and her 1st lieutenant had a signal hoisted asking all British ships for help. Nor had he ask in vain. Less severely handled by the first salvo of the French “Marianne” (of 34 guns) HMS Enterprise had also lost her captain but her masts were still standing. Rallying the men, 2nd Lieutenant Quilp and Subaltern (RM) Parker had immediately gone to succour their sister ship. No doubt the experience of being under heavy fire will make Lt. Quilp a better officer, but Subaltern Parker will have to leave the RM as he had lost an eye in the fight (and the RM maintain that you can't aim a musket one-eyed. Never mind that the enemy is barely five yards away ...!). Aboard HMS Halcyon , things had looked equally grim, with one notable exception – Lt. Plunkett had won his bet that something would go wrong with this voyage and he was now richer by 100 guineas. His captain, however, had taken exception to his inordinate cheerfulness and had him promoted to the quarterdeck of HMS Sauve Qui Peut .

Meanwhile, “L'Aigle Noir” had made a beeline for HMS Belle Poule , which was waiting off Kerleol for the boats to return. At first, Captain Walker had been puzzled by the renewed sound of guns from the west (where he supposed the rest of the squadron to be), but as soon as the lookout had reported the approaching ship HMS Belle Poule had cut her cables and made haste to set sail in order to win some sea room. The first pre-dawn light had revealed the enemy to be Linois' flagship “L'Aigle Noir” of 50 guns, and despite her patched sails she was making at least six knots. A very confident captain, and presumably one who knew these waters well. Captain Walker had taken another look at the chart which Sir Joseph had sent aboard. With a westerly wind HMS Belle Poule might just slip through behind the Pointe de St. Trefeuntec, swing north towards the Pointe du Belleck and tack on the edge of the Chateaulin sands, then run west and shave past Cape Chèvre as closely as possible. Captain Walker had doubted that the „L'Aigle Noir“ would care to cross the Anse d'Ar Vechen to pursue him and the distance was just at the ragged end of her gun reach. She might decide to wait for him off the Île de Sein, but he doubted that she would tarry there long – without the covering squadron had blocked their first approach the French would not have ducked into the Bay in the first place and unless chased off again they would probably run for the safety of Brest harbour. As it turned out, he had guessed correctly. But it had been a close-run thing! Captain Walker shuddered, recalling how HMS Belle Poule had abandoned the boats and slunk away – yes, there was no other word for it, and the fact that her pipers and drummers had crashed out “Johnnie Cope” on the foredeck could not disguise the fact – slunk away with her planks intact and not a single shot fired at the Frenchman in return. They had slipped behind the Pointe de St Trefeuntec, had swung north with the lead going every fifteen seconds, and tacked right on the line. By the time they had Douarnenez again on the larboard side “L'Aigle Noir” had been gone ... but the boats had been there, waiting to be picked up! Which they had duly done, and 2nd Lt. Barry had told everybody how he had found this expensive watch lying on the gendarmerie table – a pity not to pick it up – worth eight hundred guineas at least! But he had not been too preoccupied to notice how Captain (RM) Bishop had commandeered a fishing boat (worth 100 guineas) when his own had sprung a leak, nor how adroitly Mr. Delaford had handled the blue cutter; and his report was now on Captain Walker's desk, waiting to be included in the official dispatches.

Two hundred nautical miles to the North, another officer was also standing in his cabin, shaking his head. The cabin was quite a bit roomier than the one inhabited by Captain Walker aboard HMS Belle Poul e, because HMS Droites de l'Homme was a first rate of 106 guns; But Captain Rooke (acting captain actually) had the physique to match the cabin's dimensions, standing six feet two in his stockings (“six feet two and eyes of blue” his mother had always chided him). Unlike Captain Walker, he was wide awake and in high spirits (only a little dazed from banging his head against the ceiling beam), and with him were the captains of the other ships of the covering squadron; Captain Gallant from HMS Indomitable, Captain Jorgens (another brevet rank) from HMS Waakzamheit and Captain Dov er from HMS Salisbury . They stood in their places around Captain Rooke's dinner table, all of them had a glass in their hand and upon the signal their voices thundered out: „We'll thumb them, and thumb them again, and again ...“. Down in the gun room , Colonel (RM) Albytross nodded. They had indeed thumbed the French, because instead of the expected sortie from Brest they had met with three ships (two merchantmen and one escort) which had been part of a French convoy returning from the Caribbean . A single broadside from HMS Droits de l'Homme had convinced the captain of “L'Orient” (of 1500 tons Thames measurement and filled with barrels of molasses) that any further resistance would be useless; and when Colonel Albytross had gone across at the head of his Marines, the crew had immediately taken to the lifeboats (leaving a handsome purse of 700 guineas behind). Much the same had happened aboard the “Marie Claire” (of the same measurements) when HMS Indomitable had closed her with every gun run out, although the Frenchmen's regard for the Marines might not have been the deciding factor – as Lt. Keene found out after he had climbed down into the Marie Claire's holds. Not to put too fine a point on it, the ship was laden with gunpowder! Lt. Keene's first order was to have her decks wetted and sanded – which showed considerable presence of mind and earned him an instant promotion. Meanwhile, the two smallest ships had jointly tackled the third Frenchman, “Thalasso” of 60 guns. But for the gallant action of HMS Salisbury , who crossed the Frenchman's bow despite murderous fire, the “Thallasso” would have escaped; but Captain D over never was a man to let a prize slip through his fingers. His report duly noted the death of 1st Lieutenant Huckerback (killed while he rallied the gun crews in the waist) and Mr. Bailey (went overboard with the top of the mizzen mast) as well as the conspicious bravery of Midshipman Brown , the well-earned promotion of Mr. Herkness (who also „found“ a purse worth 400 guineas), and the rapaciousness of Mr. Drake (RM), who scooped up 900 guineas from undisclosed sources (while Captain Dover had to be content with a purse of 300 guineas). Looking at the bottom line, Captain Dov er therefore had good reasons to smile at Captain Jorgens across the table, and the latter had equally good reasons to smile back. After all, there was a new epaulette on his left shoulder (adieu, brevet rank). And what's more, he had just spoken with Major (RM) Cunning , who had developed a very mathematical theory concerning the relation between a ship's losses (dead and wounded) and the amount of powder and shot used up. Major Cunning at least had no doubt that, once he had published his monograph on the subject, an invitation to join the RSS would follow speedily ...!

The political season is upon us and the sound of men talking in loud voices can be heard through out London and beyond. But in-between this can be heard the sound of merriment and drinking as the social scene struggles to be heard too…..

Ah … Earl Goodman's Masked Ball sets the pace and a right posh do it is as well, the following were seen at this prestigious ball:

I must say it was a very high profile party with all the big wigs in attendance, I actually felt rather sorry for Lt Warwick , as he was the most junior there. However it was a very good ball plenty of good food, drink and conversation, not a cross word in sight!

Meanwhile Captain Steel (RM ) was at Red Coats carousing and trying to debate Whig politics to an empty room. Charles McLean was down the Pit sinking the tankards faster than a British frigate amongst a fleet of French merchantmen! Lt Jackson went Southside and returned unharmed, no sign of any footpads, lucky man.

Doing their duty were Midshipmen Blowhard, Snodgrass and Dizzodly, Mr Oates was also seen doing his too!

On the courting front, Lt Sum Yun courted Octavia Marvell with some sort of wrap around silk scarf that covers the whole body, calls it a Sari? (Editor: Sari? more like Sari I can't afford a proper dress!) He was stunningly successful, she loved the sari and agreed to wear it to the Attenborough-Davis ball later in the month. (Editor: some women have no taste you know, just no taste! )

But, oh dear! Captain Champion (RM) and Sailor King both turned up at Joan Fullins door, they both exchange cards (Editor: Cards! Can this King fellow actually read and write? ). Lastly Midshipman Templeton-Smythe purchased a house for himself. Is something in the air?

(Editor: where's all the political stuff then? ) (Deputy Editor: coming stop fretting! )

So the first party was at the home of Captain and Mrs Pipovitch . I did hear from one of the Captains wife's maids that she had pestered him all week for a new dress, which resulted in him spending a good deal of time wandering around London's dress shops and looking bored whilst she tried them on! All those who attended were picked up in buggies, courtesy of the good Captain. Those arriving at his door were:

Rear Admiral the Lord Robin and Lady Jennifer Marlowe (who brought a bottle of whiskey and flowers for the Captains wife).

I must say that the good Captain laid on a fine spread and the ale flowed particularly well as the Butler kept all tankards and glasses topped up! The meal also was spectacular with some delicacies from the Captain's homeland, which every one seemed to find very tasty. (Editor: get me the recipes we can include them in Mrs Wiggins cookery section! ) After the meal the men retired to the drawing room for smokes and Brandy, whilst the Ladies stayed and were refreshed by their maids, a lot of gossip was heard but none we can reproduce here! The night ended and all were again shipped home in the buggies provide by the good Captain.

Not to be outdone Captain Lord Miller held a party at his house for all the officers and crewmen of HMS Fiddlers Green, past and present. Those members were:

Brought some fortune cookies and a pair of white dress gloves as a gift for AM.

The evening went well and was full of remembrance for “The Green” as she is known by these men. Towards the end of the night Midshipman Templeton-Smythe made a short speech:

“I'd like to thank Captain Miller for accepting me into the crew of HMS Fiddler's Green. I gave up a position of a Lieutenant to be amongst one of the best, if not the best, crew available to the navy and it is an honour to serve with you all, and I look forward to standing side by side with you all as we give the Frenchies a right royal roasting.

On a separate note, I have been lucky enough to have been looked after from my arrival in London by my dear Betty, and in no better company could I ask”, and with this he turned to Betty and got down on one knee and said, “ Betty, my dearest, would you do me the honour of becoming my wife?”

She hesitated only a fraction of a second before whispering “yes” and burst out crying with happiness! The room burst into applause, the ladies then rushed her out of the room to ensure she did not get any more embarrassed and restore her decorum. Meanwhile the men were all patting the Midshipman on the back!

Well what an end to the night it was the talk of downstairs I can tell you late into the morning! (Editor: so that's why the story was late onto my desk then? )

Also seen this week were Charles McLean going Southside and returning unharmed. Mr Oates doing his duty. Whilst Admiral Earl Goodman and Major Adams (RM) were seen practising their cutlasses. Baron Attenborough-Davis prepared for his ball. Whilst on the courting scene Lt Champion courted Joan Fullins who said yes, just a tad too quick methinks! Captain Sir Tyler Brock successfully courted Flora de Bries. Rear Admiral Earl Kerr stunned Muriel Merryweather by appearing at her doorstep personally and asking her out, she replied as if in a dream “ certainly ” and promptly fainted. The Earl just managed to catch her I might add before she hit the pavement! Alas Lt Fregate failed to win over Anne Bonny. She was a tougher lady altogether!

Week 3 arrives at the ballot box and I can see the political activists gathering on the street corner already…….

Red Coats was the scene of the Whig Meeting or gathering as it was termed on the flyer I saw. Those participating were:

I must say that seemed to be more drinking and chatting, although there was debating about the state of the party and what was to be done. Master's Mate Mr Oates stood up at one point and made a short speech about the importance of trade and selling goods and supplies to the French at inflated prices! He insisted that a happy economy is a happier Britain , the Tories are washed up and it must be a Whig John Bull that sails the seven seas once more. I don't think the bit about selling stuff to the Frenchies went down to well, one or two looked around the room to see if “ Old Grouchy ” would appear to lambast him for daring to offer to trade with the enemy! (Editor: mark my words if Grouchy gets to hear this then he will cop it !) Master Oates did not appear to realise his slip as he seemed too red in the face with drink, although Miss Lamb did clap excitedly after he finished!

However the “ bash “of the month must go to Lord and Lady Attenborough-Davis and his strangely named “ Round the world in 80 dances ”!

The ball had all the big guns out in force and it seemed no expense was spared by the major to impress them all!

Admiral the Earl Goodman and Countess Goodman (Dressed like Egyptian explorers)

The Lord and Lady welcomed their guests with great delight in front of the Blue Saloon. Inside, there was a room divider from behind which gentle music could be heard. On the left hand there was a fabulous buffet. The middle of the room was filled with several small tables and chairs. A few chairs were already occupied by young ladies and gentlemen. Several waiters served wine and delicacies to all the guests. Lord Attenborough-Davis waited until all of his guests had a bite or two, then he got up and gave a little speech: “ Your Royal Highness, My dear friends, I'm not a great talker and my speech will be brief. First of all, Isabella and I would like to welcome you all most heartily in our house. The Empire's dominions are far-flung indeed, and in travelling between them a man might go right around the globe. This in turn has inspired the evening's motto: “Around the world in eighty dances”. Tonight, we shall have the pleasure of watching (or even taking a part in) a number of dances, each chosen to represent a part of the Empire. There will be a French Quadrille, a Czech polka, an Italian tarantella, a Polish mazurka, and many others. The selection process has been difficult, except the decision for the very first dance of the evening ... which will be a Wiener Walzer. Gentlemen, please choose your partners...”

With these words, the Lord joined Lady Isabella and they engaged Admiral and Countess Goodman . The dividers were removed, the band began, and the ball was under way...

The dances were many and different some were for group dancing, some for couples. It was noticed that Captain Pipovich and his wife were constantly on the dance floor, even if they were hopeless at whatever the dance was! At one time he even stood with the musicians and played along with his accordion, which he had smuggled in!

Lt Sum Yun demonstrated a Ribbon dance for the benefit of the ladies and gave instruction on it. HRH declined to be taught this dance, she seemed to be gazing at Vice Admiral The Earl Sandwich . After that Captain Pipovich demonstrated the Czech polka, again for the benefit of the Ladies.

All in all it was an outstanding success, everyone remarked on what a wonderful party it was nothing spoiled the evening; I must say Lord Attenborough-Davis's planning paid off! As the guests left, HRH first, she was seen talking to Earl Sandwich . She then left the building! It was later revealed by a source that HRH had invited the Earl to Whites next month. Rumour has it she was mightily impressed with his duelling scars!

Meanwhile the others of London society were out and about: Captain Sir Tyler Brock and Miss de Bries were at Almanacks drinking and discussing Whig politics; she looked suitably impressed! Sailor King was in the Pit drinking and trying to gamble his money away – without success since alas his gambling partners had all been called away to sea. However Lt Warwick and Miss Holmes went to the Opera, they could only afforded an ordinary box, seems the opera was boring as I hear they discussed politics all night!

Charles McLean, Major Adams and Captain Champion (RM) were seen practising their sword plays. On a funny note Lt Fregate went Southside, but alas the Pressgangs were out and he ended up on HMS Salisbury in the morning!

So that was the stunning week 3 - well done to Lord Attenborough-Davis and his successful party!

So week four arrives and I can see the political storm clouds gathering already……

First up was a Royal Marine gathering at the Attenborough-Davies house (Editor: god do the poor servants not get a week off? ) However this was a far quieter affair and few attended, the commander of the Royal Marine Regiment, Colonel Jonah “The Bird” Albytross was at sea. However these did attended:

Next up as the first of the “ Heavyweight ” meetings, the Tory meeting at Earl O'Groats house . Not all Tories attended as some where at sea on duty, those seen were:

Once the members assembled and drinks were handed out the Earl got right to the point. He said that he would not be standing for Parliament himself, but he would throw his entire support and fortune behind the candidates and urged others to ensure that enough funding was in place to ensure success. He stressed that we need to be united and that a suitable plan of action needed to be brought to bear to ensure a Tory victory at the elections. This brought a round of applause and cheers of “hear, hear” Lt Sum Yun was busy taking notes to ensure the meeting was minuted and passed to those unable to attend the meeting.

Next up Rear Admiral Kerr spoke, saying that he feared the appalling spectacle of a Whig administration squandering the nation's resources to benefit "Fat Cat" industrialists intent on wringing the very blood from the Great British Working Man - but only after they've reduced him too slave-like poverty with cheap foreign imports. At climax of his speech Miss Merryweather appeared dressed as Britannia to rouse the members, and it did, as the costume was very becoming!

Once the applause died down he continued by comparing England under a Whig administration to an orphaned beauty of good family left to the clutches of lecherous and avaricious old men who, instead of protecting her against the wickedness of the world, would ransack her property and sell her honour for a greasy coin or two. This went down rather well with more shouts of “hear, hear” from assembled gentlemen!

Last up was the party secretary, Lt Sum Yun who said briefly that the Noble class is always better at making the decisions for their respective countries …as it always has been!

After some fine food and drink was served, the discussion turned to naval matters a nd the French.

Captain Sir Tyler Brock, not to be outdone held his own gathering, although to be fair I must point out a gathering is more than 4 people! However he and Captain Pipovitch discussed Whig politics together with their ladies. Captain Pipovitch said “ t hat to trade is to have progress! The kingdom must use the progress of the other countries and have great benefit of the markets. With our wisdom and force we have to take the role of the administrator of the world. If we miss this chance our rivals will not!”

Lt Jackson held a small party at the Pit with a very select few - all four of them! They were:

Captain Lord Miller and Miss Ophelia Goolies went to the opera with Commander Sir Samuel Marvell ; he shared their perfect loge box.

Southside was busy with Midshipman Blowhard, Midshipman Snodgrass and Captain the Viscount O'Malley up and around . All three safely returned to their bunks afterwards!

Meanwhile Sailor King and Midshipman Templeton-Smythe stayed ship side and did their duties!

Lastly Charles McLean and Rear Admiral Marlowe went off to practise their sabres!

Colonel Gallop's Pole:

Colonel Horace Gallop of the 17th Lancers and the Royal Society, through advanced actuarial mathematics, phrenology and astrology, has determined the likely outcome of the London Elections, if they were undertaken this month. His scientific methods are thought to be reliable:

Political pundits consider that there is everything to play for (with the more cynical suggesting there is everything to pay for, since the undecided are open to financial persuasion!)

The London Gazette Sports Supplement

Welcome to the 7th edition of the London Gazette sports supplement, in this section of The Gazette we will bring you the latest news of any and all contests and sporting events taking place within the City of London and environs.

As you all know, the taking of matters into one's own hands is something that is frowned upon in this country – and so well it should be, but that is not to say that two gentlemen of good standing cannot settle their differences in the manner of a sporting contest, and it is with that in mind that we at The Gazette have decided to publish reports of such events for the information of our readers.

Disclaimer – The report contained within these pages was viewed by our reporter as a sporting contest and The Gazette accepts no responsibility if it was actually a duel. We will not be held accountable for encouraging such illegal activities, and we strongly endorse the work of the Admiralty in discouraging such events .

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Two meetings were planned for this month, but only one came off, but that was a cracker!.

The damp squib was between Lieutenant JF and Midshipman JTK, over the lovely Miss GH . Both were willing, but the midshipman was, alas, called away by duty so the contest must be delayed.

The fire cracker was between Captain TB and Vice Admiral JS. The Vice Admiral had two seconds, Vice Admiral JOG and Lieutenant RBW (Captain TB's own adjutant!), whereas the Captain had none, as Lt TS (who was to serve as second) had been called away to sea.

Both used cutlasses. Admiral JS began well, defending the honour of the Tory party by drawing first blood, but the strength and skill of the burly Captain soon overwhelmed the Admiral, who surrendered after receiving two bloody wounds. The Whig cause was triumphant, and one must ask if the Tories have the guts to win in the forthcoming elections.

Appointments

Purchased Lieutenancy, HMS Halcyon , Promoted Master and Commander, HMS Sauve Qui Peut.

Purchased Midshipman's place, HMS Sheik Yassouf . Appointed Captain of the Maintop .

Court martial

None!

Duels

Midshipman James T Kirk and Lieutenant Jervis Fregate, for both courting Gwendolyn Hotspur in September

Lieutenant(RM) Harry Champion and Sailor P King, for both courting Joan Fullins in Week 1

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