Donland: The Frigate Captain by Perry Comer

Author:Perry Comer [Comer, Perry]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-03-27T00:00:00+00:00

The mouth of the Mississippi opened before them. Donland lowered the telescope from his eye and asked, “Mister Mims, what is your conclusion?”

“The chart shows a mud bank to the left of the channel and another a quarter-mile beyond on the right. I suggest that with this wind we enter under top’sl’s only.”

“Aye,” Donland agreed and called, “Leadsmen to the chains!”

Four small boats were making their way down the channel as Wessex began her northern approach. They began giving way as they neared Wessex allowing the larger vessel the deeper part of the channel.

The young gentlemen were all on deck. Donland had told them that sailing up the Mississippi River would be something that each of them should record in their logs and in their memories. “You’ll not likely do such again.”

Pegram climbed onto the shrouds to get a better view of the river. The twins gawked at the muddy river, the low banks and river traffic. They soon joined Pegram in the shrouds.

Donland concerned himself with observing the river traffic and heeding the callings of the leadsmen. Fortunately for him and Wessex, the wind was from the Southwest. It took the remainder of the afternoon to reach New Orleans.

“I’ll have the launch lowered, if you please Mister Maddox,” Donland said when he returned to the deck dressed in his best uniform and hat just before sunset. “Mister Pegram will accompany me.”

Cox stepped forward. “Captain, may I be permitted to accompany you?”

“For what purpose, Mister Cox?”

“I’ve a sister here, I’ve not seen her in ten years,” Cox answered with a hint of embarrassment.

“Do you know where your sister resides?”

“Aye, Sir, Number Nine, Esplanade Avenue. It is in the old sector of the town called Vieux Carré.”

“Very well, Mister Cox, you may accompany me and spend the evening with her. Be back aboard by sunset tomorrow.”

“Thank you, Sir!”

“More of a current than the Thames,” Cox said to Donland as they were being rowed from the ship.

“Aye, it is something to consider when we hoist anchors. Our passage down the river will surely be at a faster pace than coming up river.”

“Have you been here before?” Cox asked.

“Twice, Mister Fox. It is an enjoyable city and you will find the food to be memorable. The local wines, however, are not to my taste.”

“Starboard oars up! Larboard oars hold!” the bos’n ordered.

“Tie on fore and aft!”

The launch was made secure to the quay and Donland, as was the custom, rose followed by Cox and Pegram.

It was now getting dusk and lanterns were being lit. Donland ordered the launch’s crew, “Remain on the quay, I should return within the hour.”

As they started along the quay Pegram asked, “Beg pardon, Sir, where is the consulate?”

“A short walk, Mister Pegram, on the west side of Tivoli Circle on St. Charles Street. At least that is where it was the last time that I was in the city. It may have relocated and if so, it will not be far.”

The consulate had not moved and the two sentries at the door snapped to attention as Donland approached.

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