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BRINY EN GARDE!Being in the Main a Game of the Life of a Gentleman Seeking Fame & Fortune in the

Royal Navy at the Time of the Napoleonic Wars, and his Several Companions

Webmaster: Terry Crook, e-mail: [email protected] Coordinator: Carol Kocian

Writers: Tony Hinton-West, Chris Wilby, Kevin O’Connor, Peter Kamp Nielsen, Carol Kocian

Volume 3 Issue 4 — April 1796“The human heart is like a ship on a stormy sea

driven about by winds blowing from all four corners of heaven.” ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

News from the Pit By Angus BrewsterWe tend to be patronized by seamstresses rather than ladies here at the Pit, and yet the news of the latter is carried by the former. May I be first to tell you that the beautiful Octavia Marvell has said “enough!” to her former paramour, Sir Shaun O’Leary. The gentleman has not taken her out in months, and she is tired of a collection of new gowns unseen by society. Crueler sorts suggest that he cut off her support; others say that he can barely support himself. I trust Miss Marvell will not lack for hopeful Romeos in the near future.

Other gentlemen intent on improving their own fu-tures have headed out to sea. Sir McBean has taken out the Devonshire for a cruise, including Midshipman Cressac among his crew. Sir D’Ascoyne set sail on the Achilles, with Midshipman Exe and RM Captain

Heywood. Lieutenant Bathurst failed his bid to join the Royal Oak and remains in service on the Caligu-la. Finally, a new arrival has seen fit to go straight for the blockade, Patrick FitzJohn on the Caligula as well. Fitzjohn is said to be the son of a tradesman, one who apparently had more attention for his legitimate sons.

Newcomer William Thomas Trueblood hails from the flatlands of Lincolnshire, with Lincoln Cathedral like a ship on the sea, with his father in the heart of the town, a crabbed lawyer. The elder Trueblood had two great loves in his life, and one weakness. His first love pro-duced William: the weakness a regrettable oversight in having the union blessed by the Church of England. His second weakness, an inordinate love of port. So, rather than William spend his life scribbling in the corner of the office of a disgraced and impecunious lawyer, he has set his sights on a naval career, where goodwill and strong arms will bring a young man fortune and fame.

SIRS, UNTIL VERY RECENTLY I have been observing the French army’s advance through Northern Italy and in particular the continuing success of their young General Bonaparte. Imagine then my distress when, upon my return to London, I am temporarily assigned to the blockade ship HMS Tickler and ordered to report on any actions occurring. Me? Major Sir Douglas Douglas, hero of the Battle of Calicut, scourge of Mysore and first class tiger hunter — reduced to scribbling observations between bouts of sea-sickness and meals that would make a Sepoy vomit, but I digress...

Most ominously, this month the Admiralty has been informed that the Dutch navy has now come under French control. As of this moment however no Dutch ship is in condition to take to the sea — and so here we are, at anchor off the Dutch coast at Vlissingen attempt-ing to keep the Dutch fleet bottled up and out of the fight. As luck would have it, only one action of note took place this month.

At dawn, on the morning of April 14th, a thick sea fog rolled in to shroud everything for miles around and re-duce visibility to an arms length in front of my face. As I slumped against the rail, divesting myself of break-fast and longing for the warm Indian sun, a commotion could be heard from somewhere in the gloom. It could only mean the Dutch fleet was attempting a breakout. I can only piece together the actual events from reports I received later in the day. Eight Dutch ships left port and sailed directly at us. Hornet, Enterprise and Caligula were closest to the action and Caligula in particular was in the thick of the action as the ships manoeuvred to block the Dutch. Several exchanges of cannon fire took place, but the fog made accuracy virtually impossible.

HMS Caligula found herself alongside a Dutch Sloop and Lt. Bathurst, quick on the uptake, had a boarding party across within minutes. Seaman White and Sea-man FitzJohn were directly behind Lt. Bathurst as they raised merry hell amongst the startled enemy, before being obliged to return to their own ship through weight of numbers. For his courage and leadership qualities Lt. Bathurst is mentioned in despatches and I later heard

that a Knighthood is in the offing for the young Lieutenant. Seaman White was directly promoted to Able Seaman upon his return to Caligula and, although not promoted himself, Seaman FitzJohn re-turned with the enemy Captain’s purse - which was so heavy FitzJohn was seen to be listing rather severely to port.

HMS Enterprise moved decisively through the fog and was able to close the gap and forestall any chance of an imme-diate breakout. Master and Commander Peter Plain, for his skill in thwarting the breakout despite being outnumbered and

hampered by the fog, is given command of HMS Mer-cury, effective immediately. When a Dutch ship loomed out of the fog determined to break the blockade, during the brief scuffle Lieutenant Julius Octavian Caesar took the opportunity to take several pot-shots with his side-arm and was seen by all on deck to strike the Dutch Captain square in the chest. For his fantastic shot from a pitching rolling deck Lieutenant Caesar is mentioned in despatches and, since there is now a vacancy, he is promoted to Master and Commander aboard the Enter-prise for good measure, effective immediately.

HMS Hornet was invaluable in assisting HMS En-terprise in barring the way to the Dutch ships. Master and Commander James Blonde was kept busy antici-pating not only the manoeuvring of the Dutch ships, but also the erratic movement of the fog. Lieutenant Lindley Barron and his boarding party were desperate to test their mettle against their opposite numbers in the Dutch ships. Sadly for the lads Hornet was not to get that close and the engagement settled in to some-thing akin to a chess match, but Hornet also recorded the most significant loss of the engagement when Royal Marine Lieutenant Culvallion Du Gilbert was reduced to a fine pink mist by the only Dutch cannonball to hit anything all day.

By the time HMS Mercury and HMS Tickler arrived within cannon range the engagement was all but over and seven of the eight Dutch ships had returned to the safety of their port. Master and Commander Codrington and Lieutenant John Bernard Burke, determined to come to blows with the one remaining enemy ship, fired one

A First-hand Account of Naval Actions

last broadside from extremely long range in the worst visibility and were rewarded with the sound of several palpable hits. Master and Commander Codrington was then promoted to command of HMS Caligula and Lt. Burke must now look to welcome Master and Com-

mander Plain to HMS Mercury.The remainder of the month passed uneventfully and

I believe I am slowly getting used to the movement of the ships, as I have only been sick twice today.

Signal — Independent Action!CAPTAIN OGLBY LOOKED the French fisherman in the eye once more. “So, Le Tonnant left Brest four hours ago heading for Sardinia with some upstart revolutionary general onboard, eh? My thanks, monsieur, please allow my cook to purchase some of your mackerel... and do take this bottle of sherry with my thanks.” No sooner had the sailor returned to his tiny vessel, Thermopylae set full sail and set off in pursuit of the enemy.

In the first grey light of dawn, it was Lt Etheridge who sighted the enemy vessel in the cloying mist. “Ship to larboard, one mile away... it’s a French 74 frigate!” Oglby smiled, the crew had done well... but then his sleek 50 gun frigate was more responsive than such a big, ugly warship. “Beat to quarters, and run out the guns on both batteries — we will confound the enemy and make him think we mean to run down his starboard side.”

The captain looked around his crew, heard the rush of feet and felt the rumble of guns being loaded and run out. “Mr Foulcher, be so kind as to station your marines on the larboard side to aid my deception. You are free to engage the enemy’s gun cap-tains and officers once you have the range for it.”

Thermopylae surged through the waves as if the ship itself was eager to close with the enemy. A few puffs of smoke heralded a ragged broadside from five or six of the enemy’s guns. “They have no discipline, men... those shots could never have reached us!” called out the captain. “Now, wear to larboard! Mr Etheridge, take command of the first gun and fire as you bear... let’s make every shot rake her from stern to bow!”

Even as the ship responded to the new command, a groan went up from the nearby sailors as Tonnant tacked to starboard and brought her big 36 lb guns to bear, and a deadly and accurate broadside tore into Thermopylae’s side. One ball smashed a ship’s boat to pieces, splin-ters scything down a dozen seamen and throwing Mr Foulcher to the deck, his left eye a bloody ruin. Then Mr Etheridge had his shot clear and launched the ship’s riposte, a devastating rippling broadside that smashed

Tonnant’s stern to gaping wreckage and gouged a bloody trail of destruction through her gun deck.

One in three gun crews were out of action and the damaged shrouds and lines meant the ship wasn’t as responsive as before, taking too long to come around again and put the larboard guns to use.

But the Tonnant’s captain had turned for safety, now much too close to the impressive shore batteries for Oglby to dare pursue her. As he looked at the battered opponent through his glass, he saw a lone figure stand-ing at the remains of the ship’s stern. The man was dressed in a long grey overcoat, a bicorne rammed onto his head from left to right. His arms were folded behind his back. “That man might be trouble one day...”

Our correspondent can reveal that the Mar-quis was so impressed with this action that Captain Oglby is to receive a good purse in thanks. Lt Etheridge is to be mentioned in dispatches, and for his command of the gun deck will be Knighted on return to England!

Meanwhile, to the North west of Le Havre, Captains D’Ascoyne and McBean were enjoying a luncheon of roast beef and fresh greens, washed down with a clar-et liberated last week, when they were interrupted by Midshipman Cressac. “Pardon the intrusion, but the lookout has spied a merchantman trying to slip past us to port... shall we engage, sir?”

The captains went to their commands, seeking to get either side of the vessel and capture her intact... for surely no merchantman would stand against two ships of the line. The wind picked up, spray leaping high into the air as the vessels closed on the merchantman. As all eyes trained their glasses on the enemy vessel, it was observed that she’s most slow in the water, her cargo must be very heavy or she is badly handled. Cressac was instructed to gather his watch and arm them for boarding. Once she sees our guns run out that mer-chantman will stop running and then Cressac and his men were to go across and search the ship for intelli-gence... and supplies.

As they closed on the ship, Devonshire pushed to her starboard as the Achilles closed on the other side. Each ship’s side ran out the guns facing the ship, La Mari-onette, but the boarding parties became ever larger as both crews vied to be the ones who would seize the ship.

At 300 yards, the master gunner exclaimed in surprise “captain, she’s been converted... there are extra guns on her deck!” With a mighty shout, Marionette’s true crew suddenly burst from below decks and rushed to their guns. All three ships unleashed their broadsides at point blank range, the English boarding parties torn to shreds by the enemy’s grape shot. Midshipman Cressac felt the hot rush of lead all around him, but was mirac-ulously spared as the lethal balls plucked sailors from the line all around him.

Recovering his composure, and with a shout of “For England!” he leapt the remaining distance and was the first man on the deck of the Marionette where he was soon engaged in a bitter struggle with three Frenchmen. Smashing the first to the deck with his fist, his sword cut the second from shoulder to hip before he took the third assailant with the point. As other sailors followed

him onto the ship from both English vessels, the resis-tance crumbled and the ship was taken. Both captains joined Cressac on the Marionette’s deck and proceed-ed together to the officers’ berth. The French captain’s quarters were piled with crates of good French wine and a couple of small chests which contained the pay for the ship’s crew. As they took this all in, a dirty sailor burst in, soot and smoke covering his face. “Sirs, you must get back to our vessels now.... the Marionette’s on fire, there was brandy and uniforms in the hold and its all gone to blazes!”

Each officer had time to grab the nearest thing, with the Achilles officers standing nearest the ship’s pay chests while McBean and Cressac contented them-selves with a crate of bottles each (and captain McBean getting the French captain’s purse as well!). Not five minutes later the two crews watched the remains of the Marionette sink between the waves, her hull a roaring furnace from the combustible wares held within.

The First Sea Lord is pleased to report that Midship-man Cressac is to be mentioned in dispatches in the highest terms possible for his courage in being the first man aboard the enemy ship.

In the houses of negotiable virtue ...

By Ben Dover

In SprIng It’S only natural for all creatures to turn their attention on basic, natural urges, and what is man if not a creature of this Earth, blessed with gifts to pur-sue such endeavours with more creativity than any of

God’s other cre-ations? But even if the heart is de-voted, the soul pure, and the af-fection most gen-uine and heart-felt, success with the fairer sex can never be taken for granted and these endeavours may occasional-ly fail. But if the course of love doesn’t always

run true, there is always the eternal truth that affection-ate companionship, if not love, can be certainly rented if you have the coin and the inclination. And indeed this month three amorous activists chose the more direct, if inconsequential, route to fleeting happiness.

The first to step out in search of a full breasted keen wench was Mr Eric Olthwaite, who returned to South-side’s at the beginning of the month to check on Daisy Dawes… after all, those petticoats might have got stuck again and need a strong hand to sort them out. Not heed-ing the fate of other men, or perhaps with more courage than sense, Eric was seen to stride purposefully down the road and turn down the cries from passing carriages looking for trade. He was one of the lucky ones as the nearby press gang had just popped into a coffeehouse after a long, fruitless night. Not even a short shower could deter young Eric, and once inside he was given a splendid welcome from pretty Daisy who soon had him up the stairs hard at work by all accounts. Perhaps Southside’s will need a resident carpenter when Mr Olthwaite isn’t around, if only keep the furniture in bet-ter order!

Meanwhile, Mr Gene Reeves played safe and hailed a carriage to take him to the Drunken Monkey, of which

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AA BB CC DD EEName Title Att SL Gent

Muriel Merryweather 15.0 SMMFlora de Bries B W 13.0Harriet Hilfinger 13.0Irene Castle W 13.0Julie Scott 13.0Madeline Baxter B W 13.0Elsie Taylor 12.0 EEEOctavia Marvell B I 11.0Rebecca Morrison 11.0Joan (Fullins) Bathurst M B 11.0 GABBeatrice Chippendale 10.0Emily Westmoor W 10.0 PHAllison O'Neil 10.0Justine Kent B 10.0 JOCEvelyn James B I 10.0 RSNancy (Hall) D'Ascoyne Lady M I 9.0 HDALeta (Blair) Boddy M B 9.0 ABPippa Middleton I 8.0 CFAnne Bonny W 8.0Rebecca Dorrit 8.0 WHOBarbara Allen E W I 8.0 FJRSamantha Stevens B I 7.0 JSJChristine (Jenkins) Stanhope M B 7.0 MOSLiza Peterson I 7.0 DLCGwendolyn Hotspur 5.0Mary Lamb 5.0 MSAmy Underhill 5.0Catherine Lane I 5.0 JBBSara Pati 4.0Eileen Roberts W 4.0 BCAgnes Nutter 3.0

April Showers Bring...the fIrSt week of aprIl brought the expected flurry of activity as gentlemen sought the company of ladies. Thomas Ulan Vickers had his eye on Liza Peterson. He sent her a fashionable hat and four dozen hothouse flowers in colors to compliment her eyes. So intent was he as he alit from the cab that he did not notice a finer carriage right in front of his! This caused a discussion between the newcomer and Sir Dai Llwydium-Crystal, the latter of whom was more persuasive at having the chance to knock on the door. The dashing knight proffered a somewhat lesser collection of blooms, but Miss Peterson was impressed and invited him in.

Another new gent in town, Morrgan Soerenson, called on Mary Lamb with a small chest of Indian tea, “Tea and tiffin, tiffing a saucer of tea, but I shall not offer a tiff,” he said. “Or perhaps a tupping,” muttered Miss Lamb’s maid, as she warmed the teapot.

Felix Throckmorton Courted Gwendolyn Hotspur with a poem he found in “Gammer Gurton’s Garland” of 1784:

The rose is red, the violet’s blue,The honey’s sweet, and so are you.Thou are my love and I am thine;I drew thee to my Valentine:The lot was cast and then I drew,And Fortune said it shou’d be youAlas, Gwendolyn decided it would not be her and de-

clined his company.

he had heard amusing and enticing tales from. Gene wasted no time in directing a duo of delightful Danish “dancers” to perform a dizzying display of gravity defy-ing moves involving a pole, a carafe of red wine and Mr Reeves himself. The whole affair must have been quite tiring for the girls insisted afterwards that Mr Reeves assist them to their room as they would never make it there without his strong arms and another two bottles of their favourite tipple. From the commotion that fol-lowed the door closing, the ladies were clearly revived by the wine and through much giggling and squealing several hours passed before an inebriated, but very con-tent, Gene reappeared and called for his carriage home.

As the month drew to a close, the only other gentle-man to seek solace was Thomas Ulan Vickers. Thomas appears to have decided that all he really needed was a drink and the affections of a reasonably attentive, if low-born, adept of amorous adventures. Hailing a

carriage as the skies broke and lashed the streets with rain, Mr Vickers headed to the newly refurbished Bro-ken Drum (should the old place change its name to the Mended Drum – answers on a postcard, please!). Hav-ing entered its painted portal, Mr Vickers appeared con-tent to sit at the bar and look around, but didn’t seem to be in the mood for a party or much conversation with the ladies. Luckily the chief hostess, vivacious Vivien, is used to all sorts walking into the establishment, and knows a thing or two about helping new acquaintanc-es relax and feel at home… mostly, it must be said, through a combination of disarmingly heady perfume, her fantastic cleavage, and the deftness with which she can make a man’s clothes fall off. Thomas may have walked in unsure of why he was really there (dwelling wistfully on another lady no doubt), but we can assure you, dear readers, he left with no doubt in his mind as to the benefits of a drum roll!

News from the Naval Academythe royal naval acaDemy –Alma Mater of the Royal Navy – was again this month filled with interested students eager to hone their skills like cutlasses on the gunner’s grind stone. And to ensure the steel of their brain did not overheat, serious attention was given to whet that item.

In week 1, Midshipman Marc Orpheus Stanhope of the Royal Oak and Able Seaman Rory Storm of the Vanguard were introduced to Ship Design, the art of making the right compromises of armament, which means weight; and speed, the sworn enemy of weight. In addition a huge amount of guns meant a large crew, causing a heavy burden on the ship both for berth, and also need a lot of duty to water and victual. Yet a fast ship needed a large amount of sail and thus again more crew. On the other hand a French ship could just fill itself with guns and soldier and save on food and wa-ter to beat a British ship of the same nominal size. Yet the Royal Navy mainly went victorious… so there had to be something else? Part of the reply seemed to lie in the quality of the stores delivered to the ships from the Royal Dockyards, where special machines worked to make light, yet sturdy blocks and the famous rope - marked with a “red thread” to show its origin in case someone pilfered. The one thing remembered by Rory Storm was not try to fiddle the sail stores for rope when good canvas was not marked.

Stanhope was at it again in Week 2 – perhaps one day the Royal Oak will take his book lore to the test? The subject was Tactics: Up-Wind or Down-Wind? – the crucial decision. Until was recently the chosen position of the Royal Navy was Up-wind, where the ships could easily go down-wind and thus force the foe to fight or flee. However all too often the foe first decimated the Royal Navy ships while they had their stern towards

them as good targets and could not themselves fire with full effect – then at an opportune moment turn away and run before the British ships could get into the fight and gain the upper hand.

Lord Howe had only two years ago showed how to have the cake and eat it in the Battle of the Glorious First of June taking seven French ships of the Line by coming from Up-Wind, penetrating the French line and then be Down-Wind and preventing the French ships from fleeing. Stanhope listened very carefully and wrote in his log book: “No captain can do wrong in putting his ship alongside the enemy”.

Stanhope was back for week 3 Peter still keeping his nose to the grind stone, joined by Gene Reeves and Thomas Ulan Vickers, both as yet without a ship, but willing to spend a small party of riches to attend the Royal Naval Academy. The lesson was Navigation: How to find yourself before a shoal does. Dating back to the Longitude Act of 1714 the problem had mainly been solved by clockmaker John Harrison, yet not fully paid or by the nation. The lectures included theories of the lunar declination and springs made of two differ-ent metals in order to compensate for expansion due to variations in temperature – quite a lot to take in even if one were already mathematically minded!

Week 4 found Gene Reeves on his own, so the in-structors opted to re-run the lesson of week 2, Tac-tics: Up-Wind or Down-Wind? Reeves did well in the course, and will no doubt be an asset to whichever ship will have him. Good work, all!

Sports: “Loves Labours Lost”not all runS Smoothly in the pursuit of true happiness, as one of our newest arrivals on the London social scene discovered to some cost this month, when he ran afoul of a prominent member of London’s established elite.

Harsh words were formed on the steps, and the gen-tleman put down his cane, drawing his sabre as if suf-fering some old injury. In response, the newcomer fiercely brandished his daffodils before a look of con-fusion crossed his face and he switched hands to draw

a cumbersome cutlass from his belt. Indeed, he seemed so distracted that his actions were a bit random, the first being to step forward and kick his opponent in the shins! He took a moderate slash to his leading leg at the same time which was swiftly followed by a cut to his left shoulder. These wounds were sufficient to burn through the foggy expression of Mr Daffodil, who in a moment of sudden clarity offered his surrender and shuffled off into the street, clutching his flowers to his chest whilst trying to stem his bleeding wounds.

Merriment on the Second Week of April

aS the raIn poureD Down into the dark corner of the city almost turning brown before it his the streets to gurgle down the cobbled streets, the Pit shone out and up from it’s recess that sound of laughter and bad pianoforte music thundered out into the night.

Having descended the stairs and avoided the dank dark pool of muck that lay beneath the Pit’s main en-trance, patrons were greeted with a wall of warmth, noise, and bluish smoke. The sawdust on the floor had long since surrendered into clumps of wad and the pa-trons avoided slipping purely due to the stickiness of the spilt Harwood Porter’s.

The pianoforte, one of those new fangled ones, was a huge box in the corner, and it was here Gene Reeves and his party were ensconced. As the Beer, Porter Rum and Gin flowed much like the rain in the gutters above, Reeves was in he el-ement.

Lieutenant Boddy and able seaman Storm of the Vanguard made an appear-ance, and merrily sung some sea shan-ties, and a few of the Cockney songs of the evening, as was Eric Olthwaite & Thomas Ulan Vickers.

Felix Throckmorton, Midshipman of the Halcyon, was also Jollying along having a fine time.

Morrgan Soerenson, accompanied by Mary Lamb, toasted the evening away, but Morrgan was tempted over to the Pharaoh tables, a strange game form France rumoured to be corrupting not only the Nobs but their wives as well!

Talk of secret games at recitals and even a visit before the Southwalk Bench made the game all the more allur-ing, however the Pit Banker was far to quick for him and his losses gained him a few jeers, but the consol-ing arms of Ms Lamb seemed to leave him in a merry mood.

Vanguard Crew Celebrates in Week Three

offIcerS anD gentlemen of the Vanguard, friends and Ladies were invited to Lloyds by Lieutenant Andy Boddy. Crew of Achilles were decidedly not welcome, and as they were at sea provided no threat.

The lovely Leta Boddy was his hostess, wearing mint green with deep pink ribband trimming. The couple greeted Midshipman Frederick Jackston Rostenburg, splendidly clad in his Fiddler’s Green uniform.

Able Seaman Rory Storm was accompanied by Eve-lyn James, she clad in a delicate buttercup yellow. The final arrival was Sir Dai Llwydium-Crystal with Liza Peterson, making a grand entrance and presenting the lady to the other guests. Her gown was dripping with pearls and silver spangles.

The seven of them enjoyed a quiet evening of good food and fine wine. The men enjoyed their cigars and conversation on how to deal with those damned Frogs this summer. The ladies enjoyed cordials and small cakes, then went back and begged the gentlemen for some dancing. A serving girl was pressed into service as a partner for Rostenberg, and they enjoyed quadrilles late into the night.

Vanguard Veterans dine at Crystal Palace

aS the month came to a cloSe, the Vanguard’s Captain hosted his usual ship’s company dinner at his own home, opening its doors to all gentlemen of a certain station (less those unlucky enough to be serving on the Achilles!). With campaigning firmly in mind, Captain Lydium-Crystal’s invitation came with a clear focus on sailing tactics and the promise of what success could bring, embodied by the cask of

fine Spanish port given to him as a gift by the Spanish Admiral, Jefe de Escuadra Don Estelle de Santiago, after the actions in December 1795.

First to arrive by coach was Midshipman Stanhope of the Royal Oak, who apologised to his host that his wife Christine was feeling rather delicate so remained at home to tend her fruitful vine. He stuck close to his host all night, keeping their glasses full and nodding in violent agreement with the Captain’s vivid descriptions of the action with the Spanish fleet last year.

Next came Lieutenant Boddy, resplendent in a new uniform with his wife Leta on his arm in a navy blue dress with gold accents to complement her man. As would be expected of a Vanguard officer, he paid his host close attention and ensured his lady had a good view of the table when the Captain used the silver ser-vice to demonstrate the relative positions of the oppos-

ing fleets as he regaled the company with his recollec-tions of the engagement with the Frenchman and their opposing tactics. The French being set on tearing down sail and mast with chain-shot, whilst the erstwhile Cap-tain prefers the direct approach of heavy broadsides to cripple the enemy man of war and still have time to reinforce the Spanish flotilla before the day’s end!

Midshipman Rostenburg of the Fiddler’s Green was most excited by this talk of naval action, and in the spir-it of the evening presented Captain Llydium-Crystal with a bottle of liberated French brandy to be enjoyed after dinner amidst the continued discussion of battle lines and broadsides. Frederick spent the remainder of the evening in avid conversation with the other officers, although our sources say that he appeared occasionally distracted by the sight of Mrs Boddy... was the young man missing Barbara Allen’s charms?

The final guest at the captain’s table was Able Sea-man Storm, who had been graciously excused ship duty to join the Officers at dinner… perhaps the captain sees a spark of talent and potential in the man, to invite him into the confidence of the ship’s officers? Presenting himself smartly at the Captain’s house at the appointed hour, Storm was seen to be moderate in his consump-tion of small beer and red wine, whilst looking on with a fierce concentration as the captain explained how the Spanish had made such a mess of their tangle with the French squadron and it had been all that Vanguard could do to even the numbers and convince the French to disengage.

Despite the lengthy talk of ships and tactics, the cap-tain was gracious enough to ensure that Leta was made welcome throughout the evening, and once the port cask was broached the assembled crowd did their best to put a significant dent in its hold! Another fine Lon-don evening spent in agreeable company and prepara-tion for the coming summer season: well done, Captain Llydium-Crystal!

Elsewhere Around Londonthe DolphIn waS patronIzeD the second week by Sir Dai Llwydium-Crystal, with his lady Liza Peterson. Liza seemed intimidated by the fancy surroundings as she did not speak very often. Perhaps she feared her vowels would give her away?

That same week, Lloyds was blessed with the pres-ence of Midshipman Rostenburg and his fiancée Bar-bara, giggling excitedly as they made wedding plans..

Eric Olthwaite was at the Pit in both weeks three and four. He minded his money carefully and traveled in a carriage, then proceeded to stay drunk the entire time.

The thrifty Morrgan Soerenson spent week three with Mary Lamb, but did not bother to take her out. A word of advice, sir, a lady does like to get out of the house!

Finally, Felix Throckmorton rented a townhouse in Southwark and spent a week arranging and rearranging his few belongings.

DUELING!! Wins Losses NotesSylvester McMonkey McBean 9 2Marc Orpheus Stanhope 4Dai Llwydium-Crystal 3Horatio D'Ascoyne 3 2James St. John 4 3Bertrand Cressac 1John Bernard Burke 1Julius Octavian Caesar 1 1Sean O'Leary 1 1Cleophas Faucher 1 2Royston Darkwing 1 2Dick Exe 1Eric Olthwaite 1Thomas Ulan Vickers 1William Hornchurch Oglby 1 3Edward Ernest Etheridge 2Peter Plain 5

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AA BB CC DD EE FF GG HH II JJ KK LL MM NN OO PP QQ RR SS TTRoyal Oak Indomitable Thermopylae Halcyon Ferocious Fiddler's Green Dreadnought Achilles Nemesis Vanguard Glenmorangie Devonshire Mercury Hornet Enterprise Caligula Tickler Royal

SoL 1st Class SoL 2nd Class SoL 4th Class SoL 5th Class SoL 2nd Class SoL 3rd Class SoL 4th Class SoL 5th Class SoL 2nd Class SoL 3rd Class SoL 4th Class SoL 5th Class SoL 5th Class Sloop Sloop SoL 4th Class SoL 5th Class MarinesCaptain/M&C Coal(N5) WHO Pratingly(4) Trower(N2) Vis. O'Mally(N6) Douglas(N5) HDA Smythe(N4) DLC King(N5) SMM PP JB JOC Codrington(N3) Sir Digby(N3) Albytross(N4) Colonel ROLT 1 Ames(N2) Warwick(N6) EEE SOL Hackett(N2) Smith(N7) Keynes(N8) Povey(N4) Coote(N7) Pratt(N1) Spratt(N8) Ottershaw(N6) Wyndham(4) GAB (vol) Vis. Davis(N10) Lt Col FerLT 2 Oates(N2) Jackson(N5) Marshall(N4) Mountjoy(N7) Roberts(N7) Mulligan(N2) Drake(N5) Hoggett(N7) JBB LB Madsen(N9) Major 1 NemLT 3 Clarke(N4) Moule(N5) *** Dixon(N2) GAB *** Kellett(N6) *** *** *** *** *** Cunning(N6) Major 2 IndLT 4 MOS *** *** *** *** AB *** *** *** *** *** *** *** Carter(N7) Major 3 FGLT 5 *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** Major 4 VanMidshipman Gaines(N2) Wellinboro(N5) FT Parker(N3) Ivy(N6) DE Adams(N9) Wick(N6) BC Capt 1 ThmMidshipman Hall(N4) Carthew(N3) FJR Hunter(N6) Capt 2 DreMidshipman *** *** *** *** *** *** *** Capt 3 GleMidshipman *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** Capt 4 HalMidshipman *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** Capt 5 DevAble Seaman JSJ RS Dipper(N3) BW (vol) PH Capt 6 AchAble Seaman *** *** Lt 1 CalAble Seaman *** *** *** *** *** *** *** Lt 2 MerAble Seaman *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** Lt 3 TicAble Seaman *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** Lt 4 HorSailor BW PF (vol) Lt 5 EntSailor CF (Thm) SubalternSailor SubalternSailor SubalternSailor GV (FG) PrivateSailor PrivateSailor PrivateSailor PrivateSailor Private

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Thanks Tony, Chris, Kevin, and Peter for writing, and as always to Terry for the website. A few players did not include dueling orders, and things tend to go south when that hap-

pens. I roll dice to make the routine in that case.Please look over your character sheet (view to the bottom of the sheet) and let me know

ASAP any errors. Send to aquazoo(at)patriot(dot)net.Remember to get announcements in on of time, and please double check the announce-

ments when you put together your orders. Announcements need to be posted on the Forum thread for that month. If you can’t access the forum, I can post it for you but you have to get it to me ahead of time!

If you have a question about anything, please inquire at the aquazoo e-mail. Thank you!

Deadlines for May, 1796 Announcements: Friday, March 20th

Orders: Friday, March 27th

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AA BB CC DD EE FF GG HH II JJ KK LL MMAbbr Name Title NMR? Wealth SL SP Club Housing NA Rank Ship/Sqd AppointSMM Sir Sylvester McMonkey McBean Knight Poor 13 Asea Button's FH Camden 6 Captain DevonshireSOL Sir Shaun O'Leary Knight NMR 2 Poor 13 20 Button's TH Hackney 5 Lieutenant Halcyon Aide to AdmiralPP Peter Plain OK 13 Asea Button's Apt Islington 6 Captain MercuryDLC Dai Llwydium-Crystal Knight OK 12+ 47 Dolphin Pal Kensington 6 Captain VanguardMOS Marc Orpheus Stanhope Poor 11 21 Dolphin TH Camden 4 Lieutenant Royal OakGAB Gabriel Ambrose Bathurst Knight Comfy 10 Asea Dolphin FH Camden 10 Lieutenant Fiddler's Green Ship's AdjutantHDA Sir Horatio D'Ascoyne Knight Comfy 10 Asea Dolphin FH Camden 7 Captain AchillesAB Andy Boddy Comfy 9+ 27 Lloyds TH Hackney 4 Lieutenant VanguardFJR Frederick Jackston Rostenburg Comfy 8 19 Lloyds Gar Southwk 5 Midshipman Fiddler's GreenPH Peter Heywood Comfy 8 Asea Red Coat TH Southwk 4 Captain RM AchillesWHO William Hornchurch Oglby Comfy 8 Asea Lloyds TH Southwk 5 Captain ThermopylaeCF Cleophas Faucher OK 8 Asea Red Coat TH Hackney 5 Subaltern RM Thermopylae GunnerEEE Edward Ernest Etheridge Knight Comfy 8 Asea Lloyds TH Hackney 2 Lieutenant ThermopylaeJOC Julius Octavian Caesar Poor 7 Asea Lloyds Gar Southwk 5 M&C EnterpriseRS Rory Storm OK 6+ 22 Pit Gar Southwk 4 Able Seaman VanguardDE Dick Exe Poor 6 Asea Pit TH Hackney 3 Midshipman Achilles Neptune's CaptainJSJ James St. John NMR 1 OK 6 8 Pit Gar Southwk 3 Able Seaman Dreadnought GunnerJBB John Bernard Burke NMR 1 Comfy 6 Asea Pit Apt Southwk 6 Lieutenant MercuryBC Bertrand Cressac OK 5 Asea Pit Gar Southwk 3 Midshipman Devonshire Neptune's CaptainCDG Culvallion Du Gilbert KIA Comfy 5 Asea Red Coat Gar Southwk 4 Lieutenant RM HornetGR Gene Reeves Poor 4 10 - Gar Southwk 4 - -JB James Blonde OK 4 Asea - Gar Southwk 4 Br M&C (sl) HornetEO Eric Olthwaite Comfy 3 4 - Gar Southwk 5 - -FT Felix Throckmorton OK 3 7 Pit Gar Southwk 3 Midshipman HalcyonTUV Thomas Ulan Vickers Poor 3 7 Pit TH Southwk 3 - -WTT William Thomas Trueblood Poor 3 NEW - Gar Southwk 4 - -BW Blonder White NMR 1 OK 2 Asea - Gar Southwk 2 Able Seaman HalcyonLB Lindley Barron Poor 2 Asea - Gar Southwk 3 Br Lieutenant HornetPF Patrick FitzJohn Comfy 2 Asea - Gar Southwk 3 - -MS Morrgan Soerenson Poor 2 6 - Gar Southwk 6 - -SCR Shane Charles Ryecroft NMR 1 Poor 2- 0 Pit TH Hackney 3 - -GV George Villiers NMR 2 Comfy 1- -1 - Gar Southwk 3 Private RM Fiddler's GreenWealth Level: poor= 0-250 GC, ok up to 1,000, comfy up to 5,000, wealthy up to 10,000, rich up to 25,000 and filthy is 25,000+SP = social points earned, NMR = No Move (orders) Received, RIP = Dead!

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