Issue 43- August 1794
My Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my proud duty to summarise for you this month’s news from the high seas and the fleets of his most Britannic Majesty.
I start with the White Squadron in the Mediterranean, where it is charged to suppress enemy shipping and disrupt the enemy as much as possible.
The Flagship “Droits de l’Homme” tried to follow up on last month’s successful action with another cutting out expedition this time further along the coast.
Admiral Ogle presented his plan for the raid to the senior officers and despite some concerns they sought to carry it out. Thankfully before the raid was initiated the Droits saw a most welcome change of events with the celebrated return of her Captain, Earl Andrew Miller. His return raised the morale of the crew tremendously although the news of Sailor Brock was not to their liking. It could not be denied however that the Captain’s spell of confinement had negatively affected his health, however as the month progressed the fresh air and return to his beloved Droits had an obvious restorative effect to the Captain’s demeanour.
Sadly for all concerned however the French seem to have woken up to the presence of the Droits on their southern coast and despite several attempts they were unable to cut out a single vessel. It was therefore in an effort to disrupt the now effective French communications that Captain Miller sent Colonel Albytross and his Marines ashore to destroy several of the more remote semaphore stations. It was at one of these that an opportunity presented itself to the Colonel when he spied a guarded wagon passing along the road behind the station they were due to attack. Delaying the attack for 30 minutes allowed him to attack both wagon and tower simultaneously and to stop the chance of a rider alerting other French forces to the raiding party’s presence.
The Colonel was delighted when he found the guarded wagon was in fact carrying the personal possessions of the new Admiral for the French Naval port at Toulon. Sadly the Admiral was not accompanying the wagon but we are sure that he will be less than pleased to have personally lined the pockets of the officers and crew of the Droits de l’Homme! Whilst no one can claim this is a decisive victory, it did lead to the gallant Colonel finally being knighted for his loyal service. Admiral Ogle is also thought to have gained a valuable insight into how the enemy organise themselves for war.
Lastly though and by no means least, Captain Andrew Miller has finally been presented with his flag and is made Rear Admiral to the Blue Squadron. Many people have been heard to comment that this promotion is political whilst others maintain it is the admiralty’s way of showing its firm support for one of their own with his recent troubles. Whatever the truth, it is fair to say the popular Earl will undoubtedly relish the promotion, although he will also be sad to leave his ship. A ship, which must be said, is now desperately short of officers, as Captain Miller’s crew, as was, have all gone on to other positions over the last few months. One of the top priorities of the new Captain will have to be recruitment!
HMS Indomitable meanwhile continued its successful blockade of the mouth of the Rhone. Several attempts were made by the French to slip past, but all were skilfully stopped. Sadly though this came at a price as the long serving Captain Gallant was cut down by a lucky shot from a French frigate’s stern chaser. It shot away a yardarm on the Indomitable, which sadly fell upon the unfortunate Captain Gallant below.
Meanwhile the Berwickshire shut down the Port of Nice, and whilst it must be admitted the his Majesty’s vessel didn’t see any real action, the tactical brilliance of Rear Admiral Pavel Pipovitch was noticed and admired so much, that it saw him rewarded with being raised to a Baron by the grateful King.
In the blue waters of the Island of Corsica, the two sloops Enterprise and Ferret continued in their efforts to seal off the French held island. HMS Ferret under the command of her newly promoted Master and Commander Robust had the responsibility to watch the Northern port of Bastia. To his regret however it seems that no enemy shipping was even interested in using it, the only report he made was recognising his 1st Lieutenant Brendan Patrick MacRory for bravery when he dived into the sea to rescue a man lost overboard who could not swim. No doubt such bravery by the Lieutenant on behalf of the men under his command will serve to rapidly form them into a close-knit unit. To the South HMS Enterprise kept a close eye on the Port of Ajaccio and was more gainfully employed when a French Brig tried to break out of the Harbour. The fight was short but vicious with the Frenchman returning to the harbour to avoid being boarded. It was not without cost however as Master and Commander Trelane was cut down by flying splinters. For the second Month running Master’s Mate James Williams had to take control of the helm in the heat of battle and again received a promotion for his efforts making him a midshipman. Newly arrived sailor Zeeland Moule shone out in the eyes of his officers so he was promoted to Master’s Mate to fill the gap left by the promotion of Williams.
The other member of the Blockade Squadron HMS Sauve Qui Peut was on an Independent cruise of the West Indies and whilst it had no notable actions to speak of it saw the sad death of Lieutenant Strudwick of the RM from one of the fevers that those islands are famous for. Despite this her Master and Commander, Paul Edward King, has obviously impressed someone with influence as he was promoted for the second month running. This time he was made a junior Captain and from next month he will be in command of the 4th Class HMS Glenmoranie, We wish this rising star of the Navy well in his new command.
Some good news from the West Indies however was received when after a long chase across the Atlantic, HMS Halcyon finally caught the merchantman that had escaped from Brest last month. We are saddened to report the death of Captain Allcock RM who died in the boarding action.
Meanwhile in the channel, the Blue Squadron under the overall command of Admiral O’Groats stuck to it’s task of closing the French ports down with dare one say bulldog tenacity! The Admiral transferred his flag to HMS Sheik Yassouf under the command of Captain Hugo Templeton-Smythe. Together they tackled the not insubstantial problem of keeping the port of Le Havre blocked up. The early part of the month proceeded well with the French too timid to try anything, but later on in the month a unseasonable change of wind meant that the Frenchmen had the weather gauge and several decided to try a run along the coast. Aboard the Sheik they were ready for such things however, and in a daring and skilful display of seamanship they did exactly what the French did not expect and clawed their way into the very approach to the harbour just as the French were coming out. Things were quite hot at first as the shore batteries opened up and indeed were soon using heated shot to try and hurt the British Man-O-War, but the skilful handling of her crew and counter battery fire saw this threat contained. Once the French ships left the harbour of course the shore batteries were terribly hindered and unable to help much as the Sheik got in amongst them.
The chaos was complete as there was nowhere for the French to run to avoid the skilful gunnery of HMS Sheik Yassouf. A couple of brave captains tried to run past her. One was de-masted, whilst the other obviously lost the ability to steer and ran aground upon some rocks about 1 mile further out into the bay. Two other ships seeing the carnage tried to turn around in the harbour entrance and only succeeded in running afoul each other in a most comical fashion. It was the Admiral’s aide Lieutenant Sum Yun Gai who gallantly hailed the two ships to offer them a tow, but with typical ill manners the French refused the kind offer. Meanwhile Major Brian Adams of the Royal Marines was giving a masterful display of musketry by shooting any French officer who came in sight or sailor who was silly enough to try and steer their ship!
However there were more than enough ships to keep the brave tars busy and by the end of the day a total of four French merchantmen were aground, four more were deemed crippled enough to be towed back into the harbour, whilst another three managed it under their own power. With the blockade ensured and the lines of fire for the shore batteries beginning to clear, Captain Templeton-Smythe smartly turned the Sheik before the easterly wind and setting all canvas sailed quickly out of their range and back into the bay triumphant. As great as the victory was it was not without loss. We are saddened to report the demise of Lieutenant Shadwell, the Sheik’s 2nd Lt. who died from wounds received whilst doing his duty. To replace him, the Captain saw fit to raise Midshipman Tim Livonwater to Lieutenant. Admiral O’Groats mentioned the skill of Captain Templeton-Smythe heavily in his report to the Admiralty, as well as his aide Lt. Sum Yun Gai and the skills of Major Adams. Indeed it is reported he offered the Lieutenant a promotion, which was politely refused for the reason that the Lieutenant feels he is currently learning from a master tactician in Admiral O’Groats.
Anyway the Admiralty obviously found no fault with the action and as a result the King has decided to reward such heroism with some well-deserved titles.
Admiral O’Groats has been raised to a Marquis whilst his loyal aide, Lieutenant Sum Yun Gai was made a knight of the realm.
The furthest West station of the Blue Squadron was patrolled by HMS Waakzamheit who all things considered had a lot quieter month than last, with the vast majority of French shipping staying in port. Indeed their only sport of the month came from the easy capture of a French merchantman who, whilst trying to slip past the blockade, managed to run himself aground on one of the many sand banks and was unable to get himself off. When the Royal Navy arrived on the scene it was a simple matter to send over a longboat with a boarding party commanded by Captain Pete Cunning as the French had struck their colours immediately, rather then risk being pounded whilst stuck on a sand bank.
The Merchantman turned out to be a French slaver full of molasses and cotton for the return to France, it is rumoured that the boarding party in particular returned much richer for the experience!
HMS Glenmoranie however had a much more challenging month than last; it was capped by a short but violent battle with a French 64 gun ship which tried to muscle it’s way out of Bologne. Thankfully the Captain, Viscount Thomas O’Malley commanding the Glenmoranie had the weather gauge and was able to ensure that the French could not make the best use of their heavier broadside and after exchanging shot with them for nearly an hour forced the Frenchman to return from whence it had come. Sadly he could not pursue and finish the job because of French Shore batteries!
For his diligence and professionalism Captain O’Malley was mentioned in the report to the Admiralty and has also been promoted. So from next month he will be the Captain of HMS Fiddlers Green whose story we shall come to shortly. However the action was not without cost, Captain Harry Champion of the Royal Marines was slain most violently by French chain shot whilst directing his men from the fighting top and Midshipman Patrick O’Brien was felled by splinters whilst commanding his gun division on the Glenmoranie’s gun deck. Masters Mate William Marsh thankfully managed to survive the action but not quite as well as Masters Mate Hampton Wick who was promoted to Midshipman to fill the vacancy.
The final ship of the squadron, HMS Alexander again successfully stood post off of Cherbourg but we are sad to report that she lost her new captain, Sir de Ville, to an unknown malaise late in the month. Not having a surgeon onboard we can provide no more details than that.
Most of this was witnessed in one form or another by the East Indiaman Shangri-La who sailed up the channel to London after a long voyage. One man noticed to have done well from the trip is Lieutenant Valentine Carthew, whom it is rumoured to have made a pretty penny from the trip!
Finally we come to the activities of the Red Squadron off of Brest. Having lost the Bellerophone last month the Red Squadron was already short handed and hosting the trial of Captain Miller and Sailor Brock on board the Ferocious was another drain on manpower. Whilst I will leave the reporting of the trial for others to inform you of, suffice it to say that the First Sea Lord was not impressed that such an event was allowed to happen. His view was simply that a political trial should not be held on a warship and that the fate of two men should not override the needs of the service.
Of course other astute commentators have made reference to the fact that this is yet another downside to allowing senior members of the Government to continue to serve as active members of the fleet! We are sure that this political hot potato will continue to spark debate long after the trials of Brock and Miller are forgotten.
In terms of the action however, it was undeniably brisk! HMS Fiddlers Green was particularly busy early in the month because of the trial. The French obviously were aware of the now weakened state of the British Blockade and simply sought to overwhelm it. In the first seven days the Fiddlers Green fought no less then 18 engagements! This was a state of affairs that could not continue and sure enough on the eighth day disaster struck and Captain Samuel Augustus Marvell was cut down in his prime by flying splinters caused by a French broadside. First Lieutenant Tiberius Smith continued to fight the ship magnificently in the place of his downed captain and with the help of Vice Admiral Marlowe, showed his skill in putting the Frenchman to flight. This young man cannot be praised too highly, certainly the Vice Admiral’s report made this fact clear. However it has been decided that now would not be the right time to promote the promising young man. It was the view of the Admiralty however that Vice Admiral Marlowe’s part in the action was modestly underwritten and as such, suggestions were made to his Majesty the King who readily agreed and Viscount Robin Timothy Marlowe has been raised to a Baron in recognition of his fine work.
Whilst all this was going on, Captain Marvell’s life was literally draining out of him and indeed he would have perished like so many others were it not for the skills and tenacity of the ships surgeon Dr. Thomas Mather. In full view of the enemy and with no thought for his personal safety, he managed to stabilise his patient’s life signs and then get him taken below where he operated on the Captain for over two hours. I am most happy to report that his efforts were successful. However despite the good Doctor, Captain Marvell has lost an eye and must convalesce for at least a month. However in a bid to encourage his recovery, his stalwart service has been rewarded with the Command of the Flagship HMS Droits de L’Homme assuming of course he can regain his fitness. In recognition of his personal bravery, dedication to duty and his services to medicine in general, Dr. Thomas Mather is to be knighted by his Majesty and henceforth given the title Sir. For that action and several others in the remainder of the month, other members of HMS Fiddlers Green crew also impressed; Lieutenant Ryan Farrell particularly caught the Admiral’s eye and has been promoted to Master and Commander of the sloop HMS Enterprise. Masters Mate Paul Mountjoy was made up to the rank of Midshipman, as was Masters Mate Paul Edward Ivy. Who, in addition, received a footnote for personal bravery in the report to their lordships along with Sailor James Marshall when the two continued to fight their cannon amidst chaos, confusion and the body parts of dead comrades without a lessening of their rate of fire. Another sailor also caught the eye of those in command and Seaman Jasper Edmund-Fitzgerald was raised to the rank of Masters Mate. It is fair to say that the successful blockade of the Port of Brest this month was due in no small part to the skills and dedication of the crew of HMS Fiddlers Green.
HMS Bell Poule under the command of Captain Dover was also busily engaged this month although not faced with the fierceness of the actions seen by the others. One strange incident did occur however, when Rear Admiral Sir Huw Jorgens decided that a ship was special enough to deny the standing orders to take no prizes this month. Indeed the captured ship was sent in under the command of Lieutenant Jack Teague who had distinguished himself during the boarding action to take the merchant ship “Marie Antoinette,” who was trying to sneak into Brest in the dead of the night. What followed was a fiercely contested action that cost Lieutenant Partridge his life! The standing orders had come from Admiral Goodman in an effort to avoid weakening his fleet further, as more and more prize crews are sent off. So when Rear Admiral Jorgens made the decision regarding the “Marie Antoinette” he felt obliged to go aboard the Ferocious to explain. Whatever was said was deemed valid enough, indeed his contribution to the month and the season was deemed valuable enough to raise him from a knight to the title of Baron! The secrecy surrounding the French ships cargo however has started many tongues wagging, it would appear that even Rear Admiral’s Jorgens aide, Major Paul Scarlett doesn’t know what that cargo was!
Finally we come to the Red Squadron Flagship HMS Ferocious. Few can argue that this month was far from normal. With a political trial held on board, the effect of the trial upon the ships morale and indeed the fleet’s morale, cannot be underestimated. Both of the accused have served their country with distinction in the past and were attempting to again when they were arrested. Both are popular figures throughout the fleet. Obviously the motivation of the Attorney General has also been called into question by some and as he serves aboard the Ferocious this too has caused consternation aboard with some taking his side and others against. Finally the Admiral of the Red Squadron Earl Andrew Goodman presided over the trial in his role as Prime Minister. It was into this political typhoon that Master and Commander Clotworthy was introduced as the ship’s captain. Late of the Fiddlers Green, it was a mystery to many how he came to be appointed Captain of the Ferocious. Obviously some people have used influence to their own ends with complete disregard for this young man or the needs of the service. It became quickly apparent that Captain Clotworthy was completely out of his depth. All in all HMS Ferocious was not in the best of shape for a hard month’s campaigning!
Once the trial was out of the way however the Ferocious was able to resume her place in the line of battle and not a moment too soon in the view of those aboard HMS Fiddlers Green. Like the other hard-pressed ships of the Red Squadron, the battles were many and most by no means glorious, however the objective was achieved and the enemy held at bay. Well, until the end of the month when they found themselves isolated from the rest of the squadron and facing a French first rate ship of the line! Normally this would have been considered an even match up, but not only was the French ship fresh, she had extra troops on board. The ship was identified as “Commerce de Marseille” an 118-gun ship of the Ocean class. She obviously had not come to try and break out, and instead bore down upon the Ferocious with all haste. Indeed positioned as she was to block ships trying to escape, meant HMS Ferocious was poorly positioned to deal with this type of attack. Barely half a dozen broadsides were fired before the Frenchman crashed alongside and boarded the Ferocious with her superior numbers of men. No quarter was asked or given by either side and the battle as it was, quickly dissolved into small skirmishes where each man fought for his very right to survive!
Neither was it just on the main deck where the action took place, on the gun deck the French tried to board through the gun ports! It was here where Lieutenants Hackett and Warwick led their men in a desperate fight against the French boarders, thankfully despite minor wounds both men survived and more to the point held the French boarders out of the lower decks.
Above however things were not going so well. The initial French assault had swamped the Bulwark and pressed the British crew back. Fighting was fiercest on the Quarterdeck. Admiral Goodman was stood fighting back to back with the 1st Lieutenant of the Ferocious, Lt. Jaggard. Sadly the Lieutenant’s skills at hand to hand fighting were found wanting and as a result he was dispatched to the good Lord with ruthless French efficiency! Now outnumbered on all sides, the Admiral was in a hopeless position, protected only by his uniform, he was swarmed under by the mob who had the obvious intention of dragging him back aboard the Commerce de Marseille. Witnesses have confirmed that even after he had been disarmed, the Earl continued to struggle against his captors and given he would be the first Prime Minister to ever to be captured by the enemy, why would he not! After all it would be an infamous epitaph that would haunt him into history, to have been the first Prime Minister captured by the enemy?
Thankfully however, his plight was spotted by Masters Mate Joseph Parker, who, armed with two tomahawks strode into the Admiral’s captors like a man possessed.
For fear that this document will be read by some women of gentle disposition, I will refrain from the gory detail, but witnesses can confirm that six French men died at his hands in less than ten seconds and the rest fled before the blood covered warrior!
In gratitude, Admiral Goodman rated him a Midshipman on the spot!
Meanwhile the Admiral’s aide Lieutenant John Jackson had been tasked with the defence of the Admiral’s cabin and papers along with a handful of marines and sailors. The fight was fierce and bloody, with Jackson and an unknown marine the only survivors behind an ad hoc wall of French dead. His bravery too was noted in the report to their lordships.
Back on the main deck, another soul to cover themselves in glory was the Ship’s Master and Commander Clotworthy! Despite any misgivings about his competency, his bravery was undeniable as he defended the ship’s colours with his life-blood. Wounded in five places he carried on fighting regardless and so succeeded in preventing the French lowering the ships colours and making the crew think they had been struck. So despite the early French successes, the battle was now in the balance and just when things seemed bleakest there was a small explosion from above that cleared the French quarter deck of the living. Those that took the opportunity to look up saw Lt. Colonel Miles Attenborough-Davis braced against the mast on the aft most fighting platform with a smoking Nock Volley gun. No sooner had the smoke from it cleared when he replaced it by drawing his sword and leading his marines and topmen down from above. Their target however was not the French borders at first but the various lashings and grapnels that kept the two ships together. Very soon the French realised they were in danger of being cut off and panic ensued throughout their ranks. This was increased ten-fold when the marines managed to get a swivel gun into action and started sweeping the French deck with grape shot. Soon there were enough ropes parted that the two ships started to pull apart. The current being what it was and the fact that there was no French officer left on the French quarter deck, meant that the Ferocious had the edge. Despite the surrender of over 150 French soldiers and sailors, making it impossible to fire the main deck guns, the two lower decks however started firing almost at once at point blank range. This truly hurt the French even further and soon the Commerce de Marseille was heading back into Brest at best possible speed.
For his decisive contribution, Admiral Goodman wanted to see the Lt. Colonel promoted but that sadly wasn’t possible, so instead the Admirals report was even more complimentary. So complimentary in fact that his Majesty has seen fit to raise the Baron to the title of Viscount.
Once again the fighting traditions of the Royal Navy and the spirit of her sailors have prevailed in the face of adversity and danger. Their actions are not only a credit to themselves but also to a grateful nation. However they come with a cost; a cost on the psyche and the soul. With this in mind it is my painful final duty this month to report to report that Captain Clotworthy, a man decorated for his fierce defence of the Union Jack despite being cruelly used by others to further their own interests, took his own life via pistol once HMS Ferocious had returned to Spithead. His short note made apologies for the fact that he found himself completely inadequate to lead so many fine men and that his honour left him no choice but to take his own life. It is obvious that the strain placed upon him by command of such a ship was something he was ill prepared for and so the blame must be shared by those nameless few whose interests he served. Let him be remembered for the hero he was and serve as a reminder to those that would put there own interests first!
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Trial at Sea!
Dear readers, no doubt all have heard the outcome of the trial; here we offer details based on files retrieved by our investigative reporter. As the rumours and sup-positions fly, remember you heard the facts here first.
First we must address the conditions of the prisoners during their incarceration. Viscount Brock had regular visitors and likewise his voice could be heard from the street, and one assumes he was in good health. Earl Miller’s condition was more of a mystery, as he was silent much of the time. The Earl’s closest friends were at sea, and his wife, heavy with child, was in no condition to visit a prison. Interviews with guards provided vague and inconclusive information, and obviously they wanted to stay on the outside of the cells.
New to London, Dr. Haimish Urqhuart requested access to the Earl at the end of July. Per his report, the Earl’s was indeed particular, alternating between hysteria, depression and near homicidal rage, resulting in an assault upon and injuries to the good doctor. Urqhuart concludes the Earl’s condition was not a case of Natural Mental Instability but rather one prompted by pharmaceutical agent dependency. He cited continued exposure, influence and composite effects of the pharmaceutical agents; Rivea corymbosa (Morning Glory), Myristica fragrans (HB Woodrose) and Myristica fragrans (Nutmeg).
Apparently the Attorney General had his doubts that the Earl would have received such a combination of botanicals, and believes it instead to be an opium addiction. Likewise no guards can confirm nor deny that the exam took place. A prisoner known as “Mad Gerald” chattered for days afterward about the visit he received from the pleasant young man and apologized for the bruises. Nevertheless, Attorney General Miles Attenborough-Davis cites Viscount Brock’s connection to the China trade and suggests that he had it smuggled into Earl Miller’s rations. But I get ahead of myself . . .
Due to an outpouring of requests, His majesty granted permission for the trial to take place early. Sunrise on the first saw a cutter transporting armed guards, the two accused and several clerks of the court headed to the Ferocious, which carried Attorney General Attenborough-Davis, who brought the charges and Prime Minister Goodman, who was to judge the cases.
His clothes were neatly arranged and Viscount Brock was freshly washed and shaven; Earl Miller was in a similar condition only appeared a bit dazed, but improved every hour as he took in the sea air and watched the horizon.
All on deck of the Ferocious were in their dress uniforms, quite a sight to behold. The cutter approached to find another tied up alongside, which carried statements of character and defense. One of note was from Admiral O’Groats:
“Once again I find my self defending a man I know to be an honorable man, a man despite his politics I admire, I also find that the other accused Viscount Brock, is also of the same mold.
“Both these men should be doing their duty not incarcerated wasting away, their considerable talents should be employed dealing with the French. This is a sorry excuse for settling a debt, a debt I am sure most will be aware of as the charges in my personal opinion are far fetched and absurd in the extreme!
“If I had any control in these matters I would dismiss them out of hand and let God decide in battle whether they should be punished or saved. Unfortunately I do not have that dubious honor and they must face a trial, one I consider a waste of time.
“If there is any sense of right and wrong then justice will prevail other wise we are doing the work of the French for them and removing two very brave and courageous officers of His Majesty’s Armed Forces.”
The accused were given the opportunity to make a statement, and Earl Miller’s words were recorded:.
“I am surprised to hear that I am charged in this manner. I informed the port admiral of my need for a new draft and I honestly expected landsmen, perhaps a few drunken seaman and maybe, just maybe, if I was really lucky a deserter who might have previous been rated able. I was as surprised as the next man when I found out that I had a press that included a man previously rated Post-Captain before he was turned at the mast for previous indiscretions including a liaison with the Attorney General’s wife.
“I believe that I am here because I still call that man a friend and the jealousy of a husband has been allowed to rule the actions of one of the most powerful men in England and its associated territories. That is what I am guilty of, not of treason. Surely a man cannot be guilty of treason for breaking tradition . . . An error in judgement perhaps (yet in the words of Lt. Col Attenborough-Davis we were in a rush as we had a war to fight) . . . But not Treason.”
Much muttering was heard among the assembled crew, and order was called so that the Attorney General could read the charges:
“Tyler Brock was arrested the first time because he did challenge an officer of his own ship to a duel. This is a crime under several sections of the articles of war. A court martial was duly called in the month of April and Brock was found guilty. The sentence was (quote) “to be stripped of his rank and his offices and to join the blockade squadron for six months, or to join the East India Company for the same period of time.”
“Perhaps in recognition of his former services the court allowed Brock a week to put his affairs in order before beginning to serve his sentence. Brock did not hesitate to take that advice — the week after the trial we saw him carousing at the Singapore Sling. Nothing wrong with that, as far as it goes. However, the first half of following month saw the accused practicing his fencing skills at the famous (and expensive) Tigers’ Nest, when he should have been en route to the blockade squadron under a heavy guard.
“The fact that he wasn’t shipped out is something not easily explained unless one resorts to the old conspiracy theory of friends in high places and suchlike. Equally surprising is that Brock did not bother to hire a coach, despite the fact that he must be in funds. He can’t be ignorant of the danger he is running, viz. the risk of being picked up by the press gang. He’s too old a hand for that. Clearly, something has happened — more precisely, some personage had put his foot down.
“The name of the personage may not be as shrouded in mystery as the public may believe — letters exchanged between Viscount Brock, Earl Andrew Miller and Tiberius Smith (whose application as press gang officer has been backed by the other two) clearly indicate a plot to pervert the course of justice.
“This is in fact, the second charge: conspiracy and high treason. Because one question remains: Why has Miller always been one of Brock’s staunchest and most vociferous supporters? And the simple answer is: because Miller is addicted to opium, which Brock supplied. As an old China hand he has no problems acquiring the stuff. To rob a man of his free will and sound mind is a heinous crime in any case, but if that man is a prominent member of London society the dark deed amounts to high treason, because the welfare of the nation as a whole is in jeopardy.
“The prosecution submits copies of letters exchanged as evidence concerning the charge of conspiracy; and the testimony of Dr. Urqhuart concerning Miller’s addiction.”
More murmurs were heard amongst the crew, astonished at the evidence (though we all know the Attorney General’s office has their ways). Prime Minister Goodman went into his quarters with the letters, notes, two clerks and a bottle of port and emerged one hour later to read the verdict:
“Viscount Tyler Brock is guilty, because he spat on the traditions and rules of the British Navy! After his conviction he was disgraced and was to serve in the Blockade Squadron! He searched for a more comfortable solution . . . That is spitting on the traditions of the Navy and therefore he will hang!
“I do not see Earl Andrew Miller guilty of treason, despite the coincidences he can only be proved to have forgotten to inform his Pressgang officer that Tyler Brock was not to be “recruited.” This is a case of weakness in leadership, but not enough for a conviction of treason. He will command the Droits de l’Homme this month.”
The two cutters departed in opposite directions. One carried the newly-freed Earl Miller to the Droits de l’Homme, and the other transported Viscount Brock, the guards and clerks back to London. Brock returned to the State area of Newgate prison, and construction has begun on gallows in Newgate Street.
One does not wish to offer false hope, however all condemned have the possibility of a pardon by his Majesty, in which case they go free. Time will tell if those in high places, who were motivated to request the trial occur earlier, will be as interested in sparing the Viscount’s life.
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Mentioned in dispatches
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Issue 43 Your Reporter, Miss Edith e’Deadline.
FIRE DESTORYS OLD CHURCH
According to the parish council, negligence by local blacksmith John Wallace led to the fire which destroyed his smithy and badly damaged the church next door. Mr. Wallace was pulled from the blazing smithy by James Marshall, who’s father’s church was attached alongside.Despite many attempts by the local population, the 400 year old church sustained massive damage.The rector of the church was quoted as saying “if that damn boy had been in his place in the church and not helping Wallace, we could have saved this building. But no, the little sod was absent from here and we all know where he was, don’t we? Trying his hand at the forge.” Father and son have not spoken since the incident and we are lead to believe that James has now taken berth as a sailor on HMS Fiddler’s Green. We wish the brave young man well in his new career.
MARQUES LIVONWATER ESCORTED FROM WHITE’S.
Diners in the top club of London—White’s, witnessed dramatic behaviour from an old navy hero, when Marques Livonwater was “helped” out to his four andbox late last night. His coach driver also had to help restrain the man who was heard all over the area shouting“That’s my boy, that’s a chip off the old block”.We believe that the Marques was overcome after hearing that 3rd son Tim Livonwater had passed his law exams at Oxford and went straight out and signed up on HMS Sheik Yassouf. He is now a Master’s Mate, and we at the paper believe that strings were pulled to give this fellow a head start. Ever since his retirement, Marques Livonwater has been telling any admiral who will listen, how to beat the French, so has friends (and enemies) in high places.
DUTCH BULBS LOST AT SEA.
The loss of the transport ship Jan Willem Omlo carrying bulbs from Holland, to heavy seas has taken its toll in the city. A number of city gentlemen lost a lot of money owing to the fact that the cargo was not insured. Jasper Edmund-Fitzgerald, who’s farther is head of a business importing the rare bulbs, (and is now an impoverished gentleman) stated that “I will go to sea and remake the family fortune.” This paper has great admiration for Jasper Edmund-Fitzgerald, for it heard that he has been signed onto HMS Fiddler’s Green as a sailor. This man has shown great actions in the face of family tragedy.
MILITARIA HUNTING NED LUDD AND ZEELAND MOULE.
The Militaria from Leicester were called to the small village of Anstey, to quell a public order disturbance. On arrival they found a number of people led under Ned Ludd had broke two of the new stocking frames just installed, at great cost at the main textile factory. The troop leader (Major Richard Sharpe of the Leicester Light Horse) stated that “We were clearing the area of men, boys and females using our horses, and a small number were hurt under our mounts. When this happened a number of bystanders attacked us. My sergeant was physically removed from his mount by a very strong individual we believe is called Zeeland Moule, Son of a local labourer. A reward is being offered for his whereabouts”. This paper has heard a rumour that Moule Caught the last cutter headed for the Royal Navy blockade squadron. Well, if Moule Can show the same fight against the French as he does against the peacocks who run our home guard, he should go far.
NEW DOCTOR’S SURGERY OPENS IN HARLEY STREET.
Dr. Haimish Urqhuart is the news again. Through the kindness of Andrew Miller (or perhaps it was the Countess?), Dr. Urqhuart acquired the funds necessary to establish a Harley Street Surgery on the first.During his second week of opening he earned 6g for the amputation of the left foot on Major General Sir Timothy Ellis (retired). Despite the war stories Ellis tells in White’s, his injury was not a war wound but the results of gout.The third week saw him administer his skills on Mrs. Stocker, a midwife. For 2g, he treated her for minor burns which she obtained during her work for Viscountess Jennifer Marlowe.
A SON FOR VISCOUNT AND VISCOUNTESS MARLOWE.
We are pleased to announce that Viscountess Jennifer Marlowe and Viscount Robin Timothy Marlowe are now the proud parents of a healthy son. Despite the very long labour (nearly 48 hours), Mrs. Stocker delivered the new young man. The only miss-hap was when Mrs. Stocker was slightly hurt when the Viscountess (in immense pain) kicked over a pan of scalding water which splashed the midwife’s leg. “She was so brave,” stated the new mother, “she would not go for treatment until the baby was settled down. I am so sorry about the accident and I did pay for her treatment in Harley Street.” This paper hopes that the proud farther who is Vice Admiral of the Red, will wet the baby’s head with some of his friends in the navy at sea.
NEW ARRIVALS ON THE SOCIAL SCENE.
Serena Samuels, Irene Castle and Elsie Taylor are back home, having returned from two years at convent school. As beautiful as ever, Serena has made friends in high places while Irene needs neither with her wealth. Also new among the eligible ladies of London are beauties Janet Carter and Leta Blair, influential Nancy Hall and Catherine Lane, the bewitching Samantha Stevens, wealthy Emily Westmoor, and Helena Troy, as lovely and rich as her historic counterpart.
LUXURY GOODS IMPORTED.
Including several yards of silk received by Elizabeth Dolittle, a gift from Sir Jorgens, no doubt to be much appreciated when the Baron returns to London.
-=Fin.=-
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.
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Due to the majority of the MPs being at sea there was no political activity this month
-Fin-
Letters
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His Majesty announces a
Returning Heroes Ball**********************************************************************
To be held the first week of September. All titled nobles are invited to attend, to include and celebrate those who earn their knighthood at the close of the Summer campaign season.
The occasion will also mark the addition of a new ship, formerly known as the Solitaire, into His Majesty’s fleet, a 4th class in the Red Squadron to replace the ill-fated Bellerephone.
Suggestions for a proper English name for this new ship will be accepted by His Majesty.
Rear Admiral Huw Jorgens and the Lady Doolittle
.......would like to invite all Gentlemen of the Red and any other Gentleman of a suitable standing to a Ball in the 4th Week of September at Kumnaya (“Come in Peace”) our new residence. The Ball will be a Masked Fancy Dress Ball — the theme being Brittania Rules The Waves. We will be celebrating the great Wisdom and Rule of their Majesties the King and Queen and the in the best Naval Tradition the leadership of the Red Squadron of Admiral Goodman. RSVP to Rear Admiral Jorgens.
Trial for Treason !
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