The Sea Officer: Clear for Action by Edwardson George

Author:Edwardson, George
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-12-28T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

Lt-Colonel Sir George Bingham of the 53rd Regiment of Foot raised his glass to Captain Westropp, on the last day of July 1815, to thank him for his warm reception aboard HMS Bucephalus.

‘We shall know one another well by the time we reach St Helena, I imagine,’ the soldier commented looking around the cabin with approval. ’I am grateful for my quarters in an otherwise cramped ship. What my Shropshire lads will make of their billets when they come aboard tomorrow, I dare not think. I advise you to close your ears.’ Both men laughed at the prospect of hundreds of Wellington’s Peninsular War veterans being crammed aboard the frigate for, potentially, months.

‘I gather that we have Boney safe aboard Bellerophon now. He will be brought over to Plymouth on the ‘Billy Ruffian’ from Rochefort shortly. He’ll be being transferred to the Northumberland over the next day or so while they await our arrival. I have orders to put myself and my ship at Rear Admiral Sir George Cockburn’s disposal and I’m advised we sail for the South Atlantic without delay, wind allowing,’ Westropp said.

Bingham announced ‘I do not know Cockburn, but he is welcome to Bonaparte. Glad you are not having to act as guard and nursemaid to the ‘Monster’?’

‘Very glad, Colonel. When do you expect your men in the morning?’

‘Major Wilkes will have them up at dawn, knowing him, and marching down to Portsmouth Harbour from the barracks by the time we have had breakfast. Each man will carry their own musket, ammunition and pack. We are easier to transport than the cavalry, I am sure.’

‘I must call on Captain Hamilton of the Ceylon over there shortly,’ Bingham waved his arm in the direction of the bow. ‘He is carrying the two other companies of the regiment to St Helena and Major Wilkes has the command of my troops on board. Just a courtesy call, but it must be done.’

Westropp replied, ‘My Purser assures me that we have enough victuals, water and grog for an extended cruise down to St Helena. We are ready for your 53rd. I gather your regiment will provide the garrison on the island. So you will be ‘guard and nursemaid’ to Napoleon for rather longer than Admiral Cockburn. You will be ‘Boney’s gaoler.’

Bingham gave a wry smile. ‘At least I will not be cooped up in the next cabin to the fellow. Admiral Cockburn is though, poor man.’

In the circumstances of the peace, Westropp was grateful to have his command. He had discovered that it was as well officered as Henry Mackenzie had said, the midshipmen as unruly as warned and the Cook was indeed dire.

He spoke to Jago Mindle on the subject of the chef. The Londoner was quite clear. ‘Give ‘im the option of becoming a mate’s assistant in the tops or dismissal from the ship, Sir. That should see ‘im off, I reckon.’

‘Maybe good advice. However, we sail in 36 hours or so. Can we find another chef in time?’

‘With all the ships being laid up, chefs will be three a penny here in Portsmouth.

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