Quarterdeck by David O'Neil

Author:David O'Neil [O'Neil, David]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: W & B Publishers
Published: 2014-08-25T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter fifteen

Decisions

Antonio Ramos with the Sao Paulo was on the other side of New Providence at Andros Island, showing the flag at Andros town, to re-assure the population that the Union flag still flew over the islands. Martin had more or less guessed that the ships under Roger Newton on the former frigate Hasty would hear the news of the arrival of his squadron and withdraw.

The detachment of the Portuguese ship on an independent patrol was a matter of practicality that gave Antonio Ramos the chance to shake down the ship and crew at leisure. Though they had all worked together for several months the ship they had formerly occupied had been old and cranky. The frigate they now had was comparatively new and its characteristics were very different from the San Andreas. The Sao Paulo responded swiftly to sail and wheel, and the crew had quickly learned to react faster.

They were exercising the guns when they came across the slave ship. The smell would have given it away if nothing else. With a broken fore-mast the ship was a sorry sight. The crew were involved in clearing the broken timbers from what was once a deckhouse. It appeared that the falling mast had smashed the frame of the deckhouse allowing the seas to cause a certain amount of havoc below deck. With her cargo of slaves, it was surprising that they were not employed to clear the deck and lend a hand with restoring the damage.

Antonio was wary of the men on the ship especially since there seemed to be something wrong with the whole feeling of this encounter.

He hove-to, and made his mind up not to take chances.

“Run out the guns, starboard broadside.” Raising his voice he called across to the stranger, “I am going to board you. Tell your men to lay down their arms and assemble on the foredeck.”

Lieutenant Da Gama, first Lieutenant of the Sao Paulo, reported. “The guns are run out and ready for action. I believe there are more men than there appears to be in that ship. If she is a slaver, I would lay money that this crew did not bring her from the Gold Coast.”

Antonio nodded. “I am inclined to agree. Get together an armed party. Keep them out of sight.” He raised his voice and called over to the other ship. “Come over, Captain, and bring your papers with you.”

Da Gama returned and reported, “I have 30 men below deck, all armed including the marines.”

“Good! I anticipate they may try something pretty quickly, otherwise they will lose the initiative. I suspect that you may be right about the men on board at present. From here we cannot see the other side of the ship there could be boats full of men hiding behind her.”

He turned to the master gunner. “Perez, send a shot over the bow of that ship. Let us see if there is any reaction.” Turning to the second lieutenant he ordered, “Have the swivel guns mounted to the rails.

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