The Yankee Privateer by Derek Yetman

Author:Derek Yetman [Yetman, Derek]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Breakwater Books Ltd
Published: 2022-07-20T20:00:00+00:00

SIX MERCURY

St. John’s, July 24th

August was very near when the convoy to England prepared to sail. A dozen prizes and an empty troop ship were anchored in the harbour, along with a handful of merchantmen whose holds carried the first shipment of salted cod from the spring fishery. They would sail for Poole under the protection of Cygnet, captained by Commander Peter Baskerville, whose turn it was to provide the escort and to visit his family. For the first few days of the voyage, when the danger of attack was greatest, the little fleet would be accompanied by Maidstone, Independence, and Fairy, all under the command of Captain Keppel and his Vestal. The naval ships formed an impressive squadron. The two frigates and Fairy were a match for anything the Yankees had. The French were another matter.

Squibb knew that he ought to be pleased to quit St. John’s. The summer heat was turning the harbour into a cesspool. Waste from the town and fishery floated thickly and the tide never entirely flushed out the reeking waters. Maggoty Cove, just below Fort William, had the worst of it. It was a wonder that the garrison there had not been struck down by the miasma.

He should have been happy, too, at the prospect of being productive—it would distract his mind from worry. There had been no further news of Ethan, and Squibb’s revived sense of hope for his son’s return had slowly faded. He had not returned to see the Grahams. As much as he wished to share what Harriett had told him, he felt it would be unwise to do so. There was a hint of duplicity about it all—of receiving intelligence from the enemy or of benefiting from contact with the other side. The only person he’d told was his friend William Parker, who’d advised him to follow his instinct.

There was a third reason why he might have welcomed a spell at sea. A busy patrol would ease the tension that had been building aboard the schooner. The crew’s earlier contentment and good behaviour had gradually eroded; of particular concern was the behaviour of Tompkins, the gunner, and Sergeant Parrell, now in charge of the marines in Ethan’s absence. Companions in drink, they had become quarrelsome, given to grumbling and questioning orders from the mates. Squibb had been obliged to speak sharply to both in the presence of the sailors and marines. This was unfortunate, as it was bound to affect good order and discipline. Their behaviour was also beginning to fray his patience.

But despite all the reasons why he should have been happy to leave, he was not. He and Harriett had seen each other often in July. There had been dinners, teas, and even a small ball at Fort Townshend at which they’d danced together for the first time. The governor’s wife had arranged the event, inviting the unmarried navy officers and the town’s eligible young women. Mrs. Edwards seemed to enjoy matchmaking, something he’d learned when he arrived at the ball.

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