Thunder On the Sea: A Tim Phillips novel (War at Sea Book 11) (15 page)

He reminded them he was sailing away and was leaving the Spanish frigates to there own devices. He hoped their future actions would not make him regret the charity. Finally, he was willing to give such aid as might be necessary to save life. Had the Spanish ships any urgent needs?

When he was sure his midshipman understood the written message, he stood by while it was pulled over to the Fama in the jolly boat. Its captain had no needs he wished to express to his enemy and Hera set her course for English Harbor.

Not wishing to rush back to English Harbor, Captain Phillips kept Hera at sea, repairing what battle damage he could. Continuing his anti-slavery patrol, he encountered a suspicious brig flying the grid-iron flag of the United States. It was shortly after sunrise, and the fellow was close ahead, without the slightest chance of escaping.

Bold as brass, the brig’s master sailed right up to Hera and bid her watch officer a cheery ‘good-day’. That officer replied with a courteous request concerning the brig’s cargo.

The American politely told Mister Wainwright what he could do with his request. “T’aint none of your mind what we are carryin’.” We fought you once for putting your noses where they didn’t belong, and I guess we could do it again if we had to.”

Phillips went out on deck after hearing this exchange. Upon first glance, the vessel seemed an unlikely vehicle to bring two countries to war, but tensions were still high after the conclusion of the last one. She was definitely down-at-the-heels, her sails mainly rags held together by patches.

As the two vessels lay near each other, Phillips thought he heard a chorus of wails aboard the brig. When asked his opinion, Mister Wainwright asserted he was sure this brig had slaves aboard. That seemed a reasonable deduction, now the question was, were they legal or not.

While Phillips regarded slavery as a most nefarious practice, there was no question as to its legality in local areas, including neighboring British islands. He had no business as a serving naval officer to interfere in such.

Of course, it had been ruled illegal by both British and American authority to transport new slaves from Africa to the New World. He felt he had the right and duty to determine whether there were any slaves of the illegal variety aboard the brig.

After a brief consultation between captain and watch officer, Mister Daniels picked up the speaking trumpet and informed the brig’s master he was about to be boarded to ascertain whether or not she was carrying illicit cargo.

At that, some crewmen aboard the brig whipped off the sailcloth cover over a four-pounder gun and began to prepare it for action.

Phillips snatched the speaking trumpet from Daniels hand and shouted.

“Mister, if you fire that thing, you and your crew will be hung as pirates. Now, stand away from the gun!”

The boarding party quickly determined the twenty slaves chained below, were in fact new arrivals, brought over on a Spanish slaver and sold to a Georgia plantation owner. The slaves had been delivered to Cuba, then after purchase by the American, loaded aboard the brig for delivery to his plantation.

Many of Hera’s African Blacks had by now learned a little English, at least the Royal Navy sort. Several of them found they knew enough of the newly-freed captive’s language to translate a message to them from their captain.

Having suffered some losses in battle, Phillips wished to recruit more people. He actually had enough trained seamen, men who could go aloft in a howling hurricane and take in canvas. What he could use however, were strong men who could learn to use their bodies at the braces, pulling and hauling.

He began by assuring the newly free captives those who wished would be delivered to the British colony of Sierra Leone in Africa, where they would be free.

Others could be entered on the ship’s books as landsmen where they would learn the trade of seaman. He asked any that wished, to discuss the matter with one of the present Blacks now aboard. At length, after much discussion, six of the freed captives so volunteered and were entered as such in the ship’s books.

Months later, Hera sailed into Portsmouth to pay off. He was unsure of what might be waiting for him at home. There had been a most stressful parting the last time he saw his wife and who knew what might have elapsed in the meantime.

After the long coach ride up to London, he went to the Admiralty and made his report before going on to the town house. He had expected to be raked over the coals for some of his decisions, especially the seizing of the American slave brig, but there was no mention of that. He was complimented on his action with the Spanish frigates, and was told the Spaniards were no longer demanding his arrest, but it would perhaps be prudent if he kept away from Spanish territory for the time being.

At his town house much of the staff was gone. Mary and the children had gone back to Essex. The only servants left were the ancient housekeeper and the young woman who actually did most of the work.

With no horses in the stable, he walked to a nearby livery the next morning and engaged a private coach to take him on home. The long ride was almost unendurable, but eventually they arrived. He sat for minutes in the coach trying to forecast the welcome he would receive. He almost ordered the driver to take him to the inn, but was just too tired to make the effort.

Finally, getting his nerve together he stepped out and made his way to the door. It was a strange servant who opened it. The man barred the entrance with his body until a familiar voice came from inside.

Mary asked, “Well, who is it, Jason. Invite them in!”

Phillips stood motionless. An irritated Mary came over to see what was wrong. She opened her arms in delight and asked, “Timothy, are you here for good?”

Words now able to escape from his mouth, he said, “I hope so darling, I hope so.”

Other books by this author:

War at Sea Series in Kindle e-book format

On The King’s Sea Service; print version also available

For the Honor of the Flag; print version also available

Trafalgar and Beyond

Frigates of War

HMS Dreadnaught

HMS Resolve

His Majesty’s Brig Alert; print version available

Sails Across the Sea; print version available

Across to America; print version available

Ships of Oak, Men of Iron; print version available