1805 by Richard Woodman

Author:Richard Woodman
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Sheridan House
Published: 1985-09-21T16:00:00+00:00

The breeze came from the west at mid-morning. Setting all sail, Drinkwater pressed Antigone to the east-north-east. Then, at six bells in the forenoon watch there was a brief lifting of the visibility. To the north-west they made out the pale square of sails over the shapes of hulls, while to the north-east they saw Calder’s look-out ship, Defiance. Both Antigone and Defiance threw out the signal for an enemy fleet in sight and fired guns. Drinkwater knew that Calder could not be far away. Immediately upon making his signal, Captain Durham of the Defiance turned his ship away, squaring her yards before the wind and retiring on the main body of the fleet. Taking his cue, Drinkwater ordered studding sails set and attempted to cross the enemy’s van and rejoin his own admiral. Shortly after this the fog closed in again, although the breeze held and Drinkwater cleared the frigate for action.

‘We seem destined to go into battle blind, Sam,’ he said to the first lieutenant as Rogers took his post on the quarterdeck. ‘Snow in January and bloody fog in July and this could be the decisive battle of the war, for God’s sake!’

Rogers grunted his agreement. ‘Only the poxy French could conjure up a bloody fog at a moment like this.’

Drinkwater grinned at Roger’s prejudice. ‘It could be providence, Sam. What does the Bible say about God chastising those he loves best?’

‘Damned if I know, sir, but a fleet action seems imminent and we’re going to miss it because of fog!’

Drinkwater felt a spark of sympathy for Rogers. Distinguishing himself in such an action was Roger’s only hope of further advancement.

‘Look, sir!’ Another momentary lifting of the fog showed the French much nearer to them now, crossing their bows and holding a steadier breeze than reached Antigone.

‘We shall be cut off, damn it,’ muttered Drinkwater, suddenly realising that he might very well be fighting for his life within an hour. He turned on Rogers. ‘Sam, serve the men something at their stations. Get food and grog into them. You have twenty minutes.’

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