The wide expanse of sea made HMS Sauve QuiPeut look like a very small duck in a very big pond, and the iceberg a few miles off positively dwarfed her. The grey-clouded afternoon sky perfectly echoed the colour of the sea and the occasional off-white patches in the clouds found their match in the disturbance of water at the top of each of the waves. She had rounded the westerly tip of the Irish coast two weeks ago in the company of HMS Enterprise , both part of a squadron under the command of Baron Robin T Marlowe, Rear Admiral of the Blue Territories. A few days ago the squadron had engaged a French corvette ( L'Armistice of 18 guns) and retaken her prize, a British merchantman out of Vancouver, and now the whole squadron except HMS Sauve Qui Peut was on its way back to England. The action had been brief and the rear admiral had slept through it entirely – Major Adams, his Aide, had obviously not deemed it important enough to wake him, but had assumed the heavy burden of command himself. However, since he had emerged victorious (and with a MiD under his belt) nobody had said anything. Losses had been very slight, but one of those killed was Private Starbuck (RM), the son of a neighbour of Baron Marlowe. Hence the orders to return to England at once. Or maybe the Admiral (nicknamed “The Scrooge of the Navy”) was simply not a man to take any chances where prize money was concerned.

“Three degrees to port and hold our course” came the quiet order from Captain Marvell. “Aye, Aye, Sir.” came the reply. Captain Marvell continued on his rounds, pausing only when he came to the prow to talk to the lone figure who stood there and which had not moved for the better part of an hour. “Are you sure you understood the Frenchman right, Major Cunnings?” asked the captain, who was fast losing patience with the hunt. “The Fantôme Noir sailed out of Cherbourg three weeks ago, “replied the Major, “and by now she'll be running back to France after having wrought havoc among the whalers in the northern fishery. A richer prize you could not hope for, had you asked the French to open their treasure chests. My source is reliable but this is no easy task, for she has a long history of evading the Royal Navy in order to line Bonaparte's pockets. Black Ghost , she's called in English. But she is as real as the Sauve Qui Peut , and we shall exorcise her.”

“If you say so,” replied the sceptical Marvell, “But I can give you only two more days. Lord Marlowe's particular orders, I'm afraid” - “You'd think that our meeting with L'Armistice would have made him see reason, but even if he ain't convinced, I am! What's more, I'm sure that we will find her today - during the next few hours, in fact. The challenge will then be in the chase.” - “If we find her, we will catch her. Then it's up to you and your men to board her.” – “You catch and we carry?” smiled Major Cunnings, and took up his night glass again. “You'd better,” muttered Captain Marvell under his breath as he moved away to continue his rounds.

The hours went past and with orders to run in silence and, without so much as a single lantern lit, HMS Sauve Qui Peut continued her search. “Did you see that?” asked Mr. Duncan Bisquit, who was leaning on the starboard railing of the forecastle. “I didn't see nothing.” Replied his neighbour, a Marine who had just lost three crowns to Mr. Bisquit in a game of dice, and who now thought he was looking for a way to leave the game and deny him the chance to win it back. “Look over there, that bit of sky is darker than the surrounding bit.” - “Have you gulped down your rum allowance for the whole voyage all in one swig?” asked the soldier incredulously, “or are you just looking for trouble?” - “I'm telling you I know what I saw, I'm going to tell the Major.” - “He'll not thank you for wasting his time. He's not one to suffer fools gladly.” - “I'll take my chance.”

“Major Cunnings? Sir?” - “Yes, Sailor?” - “Sir …um…I think I've seen something … over there …. that bit of sky … is it me … or is it darker?” The Major turned his night glass to the patch and a slow grin spread over his face. “Well done, Sailor. I will see that you are well rewarded for this. Dismissed.” As the Subaltern returned to the forecastel the Major sought out the Captain. “We have our quarry! Now, can you catch her?” The Captain looked at the shadow on the horizon and gave his orders. “Five points to Starboard. Full Sail ahead. All hands on deck. Preventer backstays to the mastheads. And pray the wind holds … belay that!”

The chase was long and arduous and enough to rattle the courage of most men. Through three watches HMS Sauve Qui Peut followed the Ghost southeast, steadily making up some of the distance. At five bells in the graveyard watch, she was no more that two miles away, and Captain Marvell (who had remained on the quarterdeck for the whole time) was just about to send a message to Major Cunnings when the patch of clouds next to the Ghost 's black sails took on a reddish hue and a sound like a million yards of sailcloth ripping was heard from that direction. A few minutes later a huge wave, coming literally out of the dark, caught the Sauve Qui Peut . Good thing the guns had not been cast loose yet! At sunrise, the distance between the ships had shrunk to barely three quarters of a mile and a shout from the Frenchman indicated that they had been spotted at last. With the Sauve Qui Peut holding the weather gage the French privateer had nowhere to run but, like a cornered rat, she might still turn and fight. And nobody knew better than Captain Marvell that the Sauve Qui Peut was sailing “en flute” i.e. with only half her regular number of guns. “I can get you alongside her, Mr. Cunnings, but you had best overwhelm her quickly or we may take a trip to Davy Jones locker,” warned the Captain. “We will lay that ghost to rest, never fear. You just keep us intact enough to claim her cargo and return to London to spend it.”

The final stage of the chase was played out. Captain Marvell had ordered grape shot for all guns, and for once they fired high, into the Ghost 's rigging. But something was wrong with the Frenchman. His answering fire was uncommon slow, and the number of crew lining the railing fell far short of what a French privateerr usually carried. “There you are, Major. She is still afloat but unless I'm mistaken she is taking in water and will sink before the day is out regardless of our efforts“ said Captain Marvell. “They must have sprung a bad leak during the night which they were busy repairing. Probably that's why they didn't notice us earlier. Why don't you step over and have a look yourself?” – “Willco, Captain!” replied Major Cunnings with a smile on his face, “this is what we do best. Front and centre. First and second platoon, follow me. Last one to the helm buys a round back in London!” The battle was swift and bloody and Major Cunnings raced across the deck with an efficiency and brutality that surprised even Captain Marvell. He was duly mentioned in dispatches for his effort and made more than 1000 guineas in prize money. Captain Marvell's excellent seamanship was noted (MA+1) and he made nearly as much as the Major, but all Duncan Bisquit got was a tot of rum, compliments of Mr. Cunnings..

More than a thousand miles to the South, the E.I.C. Shangri-La had just sunk the Rock and was making good speed on her way to India. Several passengers had come aboard in Gib, among them a bishop in search for a healthier climate and a colonel on the way to join his regiment. Captain Walker had greeted them in person at the gangway and now they were his guests in the great cabin. The champagne was making its round, and the bishop held them in thrall with a report of curious things happening in various parts of the South of England. “Great Balls of Fire!” shouted the bishop “Screaming down like devils come to fetch the damned. And they all seem to come out of the same patch of sky.” A heated discussion followed as to which patch of sky the good bishop meant, its position relative to the tip of the Lion Tower as seen from Threadneedle Street, and sundry details. “But that's impossble” cried the Colonel. I have it on excellent authority – a paper by the Astronomer Royal, published in the latest issue of the Proceedings - that this “patch of sky” is already occupied by the planet Mars. Surely its bulk would stop any number of comets, fiery or not? In fact, the Astronomer asserts that the chances of anything coming from that direction are practically nil - more than a million to one!” – “And would you like to back him up with something more, let's say, tangible?” put in another guest. “A bet, you mean?” replied the Colonel. “ By all means. Here's a draft on the Bank of England, for five hundred guineas. Any takers?” – “I will take your offer, sir” said Captain Walker calmly. “Because there are more things between Heaven and Earth than Horatio ever dreamed of … yes, Mr. Carthew, what is it?” With these words he picked up the paper and stuffed it into his pocket; Then he followed his steward out of the cabin.

Seconds later he was leaning over the starboard rails, looking down. “I won't even pretend to know what this is, and frankly I don't care. It's big and grey, like a finwhale, and there's an opening from which it spouts steam. Quick, fetch me a half a dozen hand grenades!” Captain Walker had been a fast bowler in his youth, and the loss of his eye had not impaired his aim. In quick succession, he lobbed several of the deadly things through the opening, their long fuses sputtering. Then he gave orders to make all possible sail in order to put as much distance as possible between his ship and this curious object. Despite his professed incuriosity, he still stood at the rail when a fountain of water shot up where the mysterious object had been. “There she blows” cried several men. Captain Walker just shook his head and walked down the companionway to rejoin his guests.

Captain Steel was elected Speaker of the House, with a large majority including Admiral the Marquess Goodman, Captain Viscount Brock, Lieutenant Colonel Lord Attenborough-Davis, and Mr Oates.

No Deputy Speaker was appointed as both Viscount Brock and Lord Attenborough-Davis declined the post.

Lieutenant Jackson was appointed Aide to Sir Reginald Glasspole, Vice Admiral of the Blue.

Time fleets in but the twickling of an eye! I know that there is no one currently serving with His Most Majestric Majesty's Most Royal of Navies who will even remember who I am but I one, many moons ago although it feels like on yesterday wrote, under a psudenum,. one paregraph of these wonderful publication (I suspect after that introducation I won't be invited back) but still it is a great honour, nay privallage to write her again. In fact I can still see the engraving I did the last time wass here. Sorry I digress on with the news!

At the exclusive White's Club Admiral The Earl (now my notes asy Eal but a Marquess Goodman supported the appointment of the speaker) Goodman and his Dear Countess (is that Marchioness) spent some quiet evenings in the ancient walls following the hullabaloo of the Houses of Parliment . He treated her to fine wine and food, and for once avoided the topic of politics!

The Pipovitch's (Sir Pavel and Lady Prudence) were to found at the Almanack with Mr Baker in attendance. My notes tell me little of their conversation but is said that Mr Baker was very attenditve to his host's every need.

Lieutenant Temple-Smith had the good grace, and good taste, to escort his good lady wife out for a change. They were to be found in Dolphin Club enjoy its fine fare and quiet surroundings.

In the Pit were Mr Pike who caroused with Miss Flanders and lost 10 guineas gambling on the roll of a dice and Lieutenant Trelane and Miss Briquette.

The Opera proved ever popular in the first week. Admiral Earl and Countess Diana O'Groats enjoyed both the performance and their perfect lodge, Lord Miller and Miss Ophelia Gollies (in the week before the week before their wedding) were entertained in their perfect lodge by the knife juggling of their guest Sir Huw Jorgons. Sir Huw wasn't quite as good as he professed and alas his blood caused a little damage (100 Guineas) in the lodge. Lieutenant Sum Yun and Miss Octavia Marvell were also present in a good lodge. The theatre was kind enough to provuide pelasnty of water but despite the pleas of several guests they declined the change to juggle a little fire. They were however enetrtained by Sir Huw and were seen on occasion to stare and wave at their rfiends, the Millers , in the opposite lodge.

Meanwhile Southside was the scene of a rather unusual celebration in which Midshipman Sharp ensured that Dr Lake's evening was Free of all monatray considerations as reward for passing his medical exams. Midshipman Sharp also chanced his arm on the tablesz but left 100 guineas poorer as a result. Lieutenant Jackson was also seen to enjoy the company of the girls of Southside.

In other matters the Navy Academy was visited by both Lieutenant Delaford and Subaltern Scarlett . While a number of you, my readers, took the time to hone their skill at arms: Lieutenant the Honourable Richard Warwick with rapier; Mr Allard with Sabre at Thames Water; while Midshipman King and Captain Champion practiced the puguliustic arts.

Over at the docks three gentlemen of note undertook their duties along side the rest of the navy: Mr Trelawney, Mr Dupp and Mr Baker (although how he managed to be on duty and carousing with the Pipovitch's I can only guess).

A number of gentlemen felt the desire of the fair ladies of London – well two ladies inparticular. Miss Murriel Merryweather's doorstep was the meeting place for two gentlemen, neither of who stepped aside for the other, and Vice Admiral Sandwich and Duncan Dizzodly have cause for a duel come the new month.

Miss Moll Flanders was the other of London's popular ladies with Lieutenant Smith and Mr Parker calling on her before calling each other out. Matters are further complicated by the fact that Miss Flanders is currently courting Mr Pike who now has cause with both gentlmen. On another side of town Mr Cornwall puchased a house and Captain Sir Ben Dover purchases a fine house.

And that is that for Week 1! Quite a full kettle of fishes, so to speak for that week.

Over at the Almanack Sir Pavel and Lady Prudence Pipovitch treated...well themselves...to a spring party. It followed the traditional czech way with the Prudence dressed in a long dress with flowers in her hair. They served the fruits and vegtables of the season and a small band played folk songs for Sir Pavel and Lady Prudence to dance to before the heavy drinking put pay to that.

Meanwhile at the Dolphin Dr Lake toadied to Captain Sir Huw Jorhens and Lady Elizabeth Doolittle while Lieutenant Jackson drank alone.

At the Pit Mr Pike caroused with Miss Flanders and lost 10 guineas gambling. Lieutenant Trelance and Miss Briquette spent as quite evening cintent only with each others company.

The opera was quiet this week. The only notables in atttendance were Lord Miller and Miss Ophelia Goolies who returned to catch the show that they missed in part in week 1 due to their guest's juggling routine.

Southside saw Vice Admiral the Earl Sandwich, Mr W S Baker and Mr Allard all enjoying the ladies attentions. Unfortunatyely for Mr Allard the Press Gangs barred his progress home and he joined His Majesty's Blockade Fleet!

At the Briny Max Admiral O'Groats practised his rapier. While the academy welcomed Lieutenant Delaford and Mr Dupp was welcomed by his fellow crew members to do his share of duty.

Cupid aim was poor again this week (either that or he has the desire to see a good fight over love) because he led Mr Cornwell to Miss Willimas Door and therefore set up cause with her current beau Mr King .

So week two end with unrequented love, who could ask for more…Oliver put your hand down it was a rhetorical question……..

So what had week three to offer?… Well there ws one even to be seen at (or to avoid) – Captain Lord Andrew Miller's Stag Do.

The staff of the Almanack had played a big part in the preparation of Lord Miller's house for his Stag Do and when the guests arrived people in uniforms similar to those of this venerable establishment greeted them at the door. The serving staff and the Concierge were polite and highly formal in their approach to all the guests, calling them by name and showing them towards the bar. A fine array of wines, beers and spirits, plus fresh juices and ice imported especially from the Alps, were on offer to the men of London served by a bar keep of extraordinary knowledge and skill. This room was rather plain, and the grey curtains that protected the walls made it a rather sombre and formal event. All those gathered followed the somewhat stiff nature of the do and many wondered when they could escape and return to the lives and mistresses that they had left behind. Lord Miller was seen to move amongst his guests and he thanked each of them in turn for attending and promised them an evening they would not forget.

The drink was good and the company diverse yet something was missing. When the Concierge arrived with a small gong, which he proceeded to strike, everything changed. The curtain was dropped to reveal the party!

The dinning room was literally decked out. It had been modelled on the gun deck of the Droits de l'Homme yet the guns were missing and in their place was a rich buffet of food and huge array of games: cudgels, ninepins, shovel-board, stow-ball, ring of bells, quoits, and pitching the bar. Beyond in the garden, through the garden doors, were areas set aside for running, cricket, football and wresting. There were card tables set up with croupiers and small stakes of wooden tokens to act in the place of money while waitresses ensured that every man had food and drink aplenty. Dressed in black, their faces hidden behind masks, were men with one simple instruction – no political debate. Any man who raised the matter of politics would be politely asked to leave and should he refuse he was removed with as little force as was required. Yet none broke this rule and all were said to have a great evening.

Lieutenant Sum Yun was seen to Discreetly give Miller a small volume of Chinese, erm, "domestic secrets." Apologize that it's written in Chinese but perhaps the pictures will be informative enough.

Elsewhere the Almanack was once more the home of Captain Sir Pavel and Lady Prudence Pipovitch. The threashold of Red Coats was inpassable by Mr Parker who had turned up to meet Captain Steel was was at the Stag Do. The Pit welcomed back the gambling and carousing Mr Pike with the lovely Miss Flanders . Mr Pike was seen to lose again on the house tables.

It pleases me no end that, along with Mr Sharp and Mr Baker, the Honourable Midshipman Oates also turned up to complete his ship's duty. Nothing, it seems is below this MP.

Reconciliation was the name of the game at the Attenborough-Davis mansion. Lieutenant Colonel Lord Attenborough-Davis courted his estranged wife Lady Isabella. It is rumoured that Isabella waited for her husband's courting with mixed emotions; she knows she made wrong decision last month and that Sir Tyler Brook had no real interest in her and in the end she is happy that her MAD husband is not unforgiving.

Mr Cornwall courted Miss Open while her beau, Midshipman Dizoddly, was at the stag night. She took his gifts politely, then showed him the door. Cause for a duel I feel!

Admiral Earl Goodman's Mansion was a hive of activity as it was prepared for Lord Andrew Miller's wedding in week 4. Admiral the Earl and Countess Rosemary Goodman took time away from their work to entertain Vice Admiral Earl Sandwich .

All in all a good nights entertainment, wish there was more of these seemed to be the general opinion as they went home.

Southside for the first time that I can remember outside of the summer campaign season had no visitors!

Admiral Marquis Goodman and Marchioness Rosemary would host the wedding at their meansion but before that could occur there was a wedding to watch – and I do like a good wedding.

The morning dawned fair and there were two squadrons of honour guard out early on two different parade grounds to practice the manoeuvres that they would employ to honour the happy couple. Both guards departed on time to different locations; the first to the house of Mr and Mrs Goolies where the beautiful bride waited and the second to the home of the Groom, Captain Baron Andrew Miller.

The Marines, resplendent in full dress uniform and led by Colonel Albytross, awaited the Bride who departed her father's home, a little late as tradition dictated, wearing a dress based on a romantic look of huge puffed sleeves with a full skirt of ivory silk pure taffeta, old lace and hand embroidery incorporating pearls and sequins. Once Ophelia was seated next to her father the marines formed an elegant guard around the carriage and began the slow walk to the ceremony.

The sailors of the Droits de l'Homme, under the watchful eye of Lieutenant Sum Yun Gai, were clearly determined to give their commanding officer the send off that he deserved. Every inch of metal shone like the morning sun and there was not a crease in sight. Baron Miller of Tresco and his best man Admiral Marquis Andrew Goodman were resplendent in full dress uniform – the Admiral's by far the dressiest – andthey took the short walk to the small church very much at ease surrounded by the men of Droits de l'Homme.

The guests who witnessed the wedding were a mere handful compared to the throng that gathered at the stag-do but the invite had only gone out to very cream of London Society. Lord Miller stood as straight as a mast at the front of the church, refusing to break with ceremony until the wedding march was sounded on the church organ. He took this as his cue and turned to see his bride as she started the slow walk down the Aisle. It was reported later that Baron Miller's face lit up and a huge smile formed on his face; a smile that did not left his face for the rest of the day. The Very Reverend James Hall conducted the service with the right balance of light humour and solemn veneration and soon the happy couple were married and bound for the home of Goodman's and the ball that was given in their honour.

Admiral the Earl and Countess Diana O'Groats (who bought a canteen of silver cutlery and crystal decanter, and a new dress for Diana)

Colonel Albytross, RM, (who lead the Marine honour guard but not invited to the reception)

Lieutenant Colonel Lord and Lady Isabella Attenborough-Davis (RM)(who bought a tea service)

Captain Sir Huw Jorgens and Lady Elizabeth Doolittle attended the service but were refused entry to the reception due to lack of social distinction.

At the Almanack Sir Tyler Brook entertained Lieutenant the Honourable Richard and Mrs Warwick and Lieutenant Jackson .

Over at the Dolphin , Midshipman Dizoddly and Miss Open enjoyed the club to themselves. While at Lloyds Lieutenant Delaford and Miss Wonderland treated themselves to lobster and French Champagne (captured French Champagne – I do find it tastes better when the French were forced to give it up rather than selling it to us...don't you agree?).

At the Pitt the same scene was played out with Mr Pike losing on the tables before carousing with Miss Flanders.

The Opera proved a draw for Sir Ben Dover who sat alone in his Perfect Loge spellbound by the performance.

Southside saw a rise in the number of visitors with Mr Dupp , Mr Cornwall and Mr Paker enjoy the wares.

Ship's Duty was completed by Lieutenant Smith who returned to HMS Berwickshire as her captain is ill on board ship. Lieutenant Templeton-Smythe who took the press-gang out and Mr Baker .

Midshipman Oates, MP who practices sabre aboard ship, Dr Lakewho practices sabre aboard HMS Waakzamheit and Subletern Scarlet who visited the Royal Naval Academy.

Lastly Harry Sharp (with Lieutenant Trelane as his witness) and Midshipman King (with Mr Trelawney and Captain Champions as his witnesses) were tried and found not guilty. . Rumour has it that Captain Miller influenced Admiral Blunderville on Mr King's behalf.

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 heldaccountable for encouraging such illegal activities, and we strongly endorse the work of the Admiralty in discouraging such events

Our man on the spot brought back the following report and only managed to escape being taken in as he was not considered part of the following proceedings! Read on dear reader, read on, for this is a sensation that will run and run, remember you heard it here first!

The meeting place was a pleasant leafy glade in a discreet corner of Hyde Park . Captain Brock was the first to arrive, with his seconds Captain Sir Huw Jorgens and Lieutenant Jackson. Captain Champion of the Royal Marines came next, acting as the Lieutenant Colonel's second. Champion was looking at his fob watch, as the time was getting late, when a black coach drew up through the swirling early morning mist and Lord Attenborough-Davis stepped out. He was accompanied by three red coated marines with fixed bayonets, who followed the Lieutenant-Colonel as he marched towards Captain Brock with grim determination on his face. He stopped in front of the Captain.

Brock drew his fearsome cutlass, which had defeated so many opponents. In response, the new Attorney-General drew out, not a sword, but a warrant of arrest for treason!

On this signal, another squad of marines emerged from concealment in the trees and surrounded the Viscount and his seconds. Brock was arrested for spying and taken to the Tower of London to await trial.

What a surprise! It has been the talk of London . Papers have been seized from HMS Ferocious and Brock's residence, but is he truly a French spy, or has the Attorney-General's judgement been clouded by personal animosity? The trial has been set for the third week of April, and in the meantime Captain Brock must languish in prison, beneath the shadow of the hangman's noose!

The Earl was seconded by the new Prime Minister, Admiral Marquess Goodman. Sir Huw was to have been seconded by Captain Brock, who sent apologies to Sir Huw for being “ unavoidably detained ” – in the Tower!

It was a short fight. Both were still suffering from wounds from their duel the previous month, with Sir Huw being in the worse condition. Admiral Sandwich wielded his cutlass this time, rather than the rapier, and used it to devastating effect – three swift bloody blows and Sir Huw surrendered.

The conflict was not discreet enough, and charges have been brought before the Port Admiral. The duellists will be tried in April, Week 2.

Colonel Gallop's Political Editorial

First let me introduce myself I am Colonel Horace Gallop of the 17th Lancers and the Royal Society. I have been kept on to write the few political notes that make it to this fine editorial.

So first up we have the election of the Speaker of the House, I must say I expected a fierce fight for this position but in the end it went to Captain Steel in a straight vote. However the Deputy Speaker was turned down by both Viscount Brock and Lord Attenborough-Davis both turned it down!

So that being the main start of Parliament we now progress to the actual meetings of the House.

The first week saw the following MPs in attendance:

Admiral the Earl Goodman

Lieutenant Colonel Lord Attenborough-Davis (RM)

Captain Steel (RM)

Midshipman Oates

Midshipman Oates tried to get a vote started that said Fleets for the Blockade should have both seasoned Officers & Vessels from the Regular Fleet on a voluntary basis to beef up any & all future Blockades. However no one was sure if he was proposing or seconding this issue as it seemed a bit vague?

The second week saw the following in attendance (though a much poorer turn out than the first week):

Admiral the Earl Goodman

Lieutenant Colonel Lord Attenborough-Davis (RM)

Lieutenant Colonel Lord Attenborough-Davis (RM) rose and gave his inaugural speech to the house, it is reprinted below:

I have a dream.

As representative of the borough of Southwark I would like to put the development of London on top of our to-do-list. It is a shame to all of us to recognize in which poor condition many citizens of London have to live in. A few buildings are next to ruins; there is not enough room left to shelter all people from ice and snow; families with and without children eek out a miserable existence; lanterns are damaged or not built up; streets are filled with litter, excrements and others that I would not name in that bad condition, it leaves everybody breathless – even in winter. In summer smell it is beyond description. This odor is basis of illness, diseases and epidemics. And this situation is not only seen in Southwark , gentlemen. You can see such impressions in Hackney, Camden and Islington in smaller numbers. Even now one can find some places in Tower Hamlets, too. I know what I am talking about, because I lived in each of those boroughs I mentioned since my arrival in London in summer 1791.

Gentlemen, please recognize the rumor and riots in London last month. These rumors were situated in Southwark, Hackney and Camden – boroughs of really ill living conditions. Today we can stop those riots immediately by increasing the living conditions of all citizens in London . Let us start in these poor boroughs.

Gentlemen, I have a dream of a 5 point plan:

- Inspection of houses / flats and streets

- creating more and new jobs (expansion of fleet, arsenals, etc) to raise income and supply with food and fuel

- Lightning of all streets (reduces criminal rates too)

- building up of a mobile collector-services on a regular basis for litter, excrements and other waste and dump

- cleaning and repairing of houses and streets

If anybody is in question of the reason why, gentlemen, please remember when London was last infected area. Epidemics do not decide who's rich and who's poor. Epidemics kill everybody who gets in touch. But no one is able to recognize epidemics before someone is ill and symptoms appear visible or hearable and then it is too late.

Invest in health of your family –your children's children's children will thank you for your wise action of today.

Thank you for listening.

It was a jolly fine speech and I am sure well intentioned, but I think it may fall by the way side after all who is going to pay for all this? The poor? Certainly not and until they come up with where the money is coming from I see it as dead in the water, but a good speech any way.

The third week was empty due to the stag night being held.

However week four saw the newly elected speaker make his inaugural speech to the Hose and what a piece it was. It was so impressive I forgot to write it down!! However Captain Steel's efforts won him some political supporters in the house which I am sure he will find handy in the future when votes become tight!

Tip of the Month:

Court martial!

Vice Admiral Earl Sandwich and Captain Sir Huw Jorgens

Their conflict was not discreet enough, and charges have been brought before the Port Admiral. The duellists will be tried in April, Week 2.

Duels

Lieutenant Smith and Mr Parker have mutual cause, for both courting Miss Flanders in Week 1

Mr Pike has cause with Lieutenant Smith and Mr Parker for both courting Miss Flanders in Week 1

Midshipman Dizzodly has cause against Vice Admiral Sandwich for courting Muriel Merryweather in week 1.

Mr Cornwall and Mr King for both courting Miss Williams

Mr Cornwall and Midshipman Dizzodly for courting Miss Open

return to top of the page

Ghost Hunt

Colonel Gallop's Political Editorial

ARE YOU LOOKING TO MAKE YOUR

FORTUNE?

Tip of the Month:

Trial for Treason !

&

Admiral the Marquis Goodman, Prime Minister presiding.

Court martial!