Independence: The Dorset Boy Book 16 by Christopher C Tubbs

Author:Christopher C Tubbs [Tubbs, Christopher C]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-06-11T00:00:00+00:00

The Ionian Patrol

The Talbot was brought into the drydock along with the Rose, the dock being big enough to take them both at the same time. All her damaged timbers were removed and replaced along with any damaged knees. Her ribs were in good shape, miraculously none had been hit. Her patched and temporary rigging had been removed before she had been towed into the drydock by a small steam tugboat.

James was fascinated by the powerful little sidewheeler and took time to visit it and look around the engines and mechanisms. What a wonderful age we live in, he marvelled at the hissing steaming engine. It was quieter than he had imagined; the only noise coming from the escaping steam and the roar of the fire when the doors were opened.

He imagined sailing against the wind towards an enemy who was constrained by the elements and wondered why the powers were not investing in steam-powered battleships. He had to admit that coal dust and smoke made everything dirty, which was anathema to any navy officer, but that was an inconvenience he would be prepared to live with.

The Talbot's hull was repaired and re-coppered, her broken guns replaced, and she was floated out of the drydock. New masts were stepped and rigging installed.

"She's as good as new!" Ed Pascoe grinned as he came onto the quarterdeck.

James agreed with him but kept his thoughts to himself, he would see how she sailed first. New canvas was being brought aboard on the starboard side and shot on the port. The last stores would be food, fuel and water.

His biggest problem was he was short of men. He had started out with one hundred and eighty-nine men, most of which were rated able with only twenty or so landsmen. Eighteen men had been killed and another twenty-seven were languishing in the hospital on shore. The accepted minimum for a ship of the Talbot’s size was one hundred and fifty the maximum two hundred and forty including the marines.

"We need more able hands."

Ed shrugged. "The fifth rates have taken up all the available men on the island and we cannot press men anymore."

James could see no way out. His orders were to re-join the squadron as soon as he was replenished. Gibraltar was too far away and Minorca, though only two days hard sailing away and a port that the British used, was in part of Spain.

"Send out handbills that we are recruiting and have Mr Harris and the mids scour the bars for anyone willing to pull on a rope."

**

They were about to sail, having only filled a half dozen places, when the Pride of Purbeck sailed into harbour. James was surprised to see her and even more surprised when she pulled up alongside. Captain Dunbar stepped aboard and gestured to a large group of men gathered on the Pride's main deck.

"Compliments of your father," he said and beckoned the men to come aboard. "Every one of them able."

James did a headcount – twenty men! That would help enormously.

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