Napoleon: Guillotine by Schlicker Benno;

Author:Schlicker, Benno;
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
Published: 2019-08-23T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

Toulon, August 1793

Alexandre watched the harbour approaching with a flutter in his stomach, which he felt could turn into sea sickness at the slightest wave. The passage from Gibraltar had been rough for late summer. Being below decks was torment for a man who had rarely been on a vessel on the sea. He gripped the timber railing, feeling the sea spay as the frigate crashed through the waves. ‘Thought you might be up here,’ Alexandre heard the familiar voice of Albrecht speak out from behind his left shoulder; his footsteps loud and heavy on the deck. Captain Albrecht of the Alsatian dragoons had been a rock for Alexandre as they had fled mainland France and arrived at the docks of London. It was there that they had made contact with Admiral Hood, the commander of the English fleet that they were currently sailing with. The Admiral had brought them with as advisors; the ability to speak French was a particular advantage.

Alexandre observed the town in the bay. It was nestled on the north-eastern side of the large inlet, with large walls protecting any landward approaches. The lower part of the thick black walls were slanted to slope outwards in an effort to deflect any cannon balls. Upon the walls were large cannon. Not being an artillery man Alexandre did not know the calibre, but they looked large and impressive. Some of the cannon pointed in their direction and Alexandre shuddered to imagine the effects of a barrage upon their wooden vessels.

There were three large piers that jutted out from the shore, which were a bustle of activity. Their squadron of fourteen ships of the line anchored in the harbour was a comforting display of the majestic naval power that he had aligned his future aspirations of reclaiming the world that was stolen from him. Their pristine hulls and sails rose gracefully upon the shimmering waves with dignified, venerable grandeur. Alexandre pitied the other ships crews who would have to row to shore. There was no such hindrance for them on Hood’s flagship which sailed toward the pier. Alexandre heard the naval officers yelling orders and the crew respond with precision as they furled sails and prepared bilge hooks and rods to fend off the solid pier, as they eased into position. Admiral Hood appeared out of the Captain’s cabin to the sound of whistles, so that nearby sailors and marines stood to attention. He was an austere man, with the quintessential English stiff upper lip. His large bi-corn hat was embroidered in gold, and his cloak wafted slowly behind him as he moved to the quarter deck to address the men. His large and distinct nose gave him a serious appearance. It must have been tremendously hot and uncomfortable under the cloak in the fierce Mediterranean sun, but then Alexandre recognised the importance of the powerful image it displayed before the sailors. Their Admiral would suffer with them, all be it in his own dignified way for the glory of the Empire.

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