Michael Aye - The Reaper

Turning, Lord Sandwich bid a clerk to come forward. “This gentlemen is Evan Nepean. He is my head clerk. I don’t know what I’d do without him. He has orders for both of you that you can sign for before you leave. But first I want to chat a while and fill you in on what’s awaiting you. I’ve already told you I’m proud of both of you. My political light doesn’t shine as it once did. But I want you both to know if I can ever be of service to either of you, all you have to do is call upon me. The papers have been full of stories of your engagements and triumphs. The papers call you the ‘Fighting Anthonys.’ I can’t count the times you’ve made the Gazette. There’s even wagering at the club as to how fat your purses have grown.”

Sensing Anthony’s need to say something modest, the First Lord waved his hand. “Nay, Nay. Don’t be concerned.

“It’s good. A man should be rewarded for his pains. And by the bye, I almost forgot, not only did you capture a bunch of damn pirates but also I hear you’ve succeeded in capturing a lovely lady’s heart. Here’s my hand in congratulations. I look forward to meeting her.”

‘‘Thank you, my Lord,’’ Anthony replied, sensing the formalities were over and it was now time for business.

“I know you both are aware that we are now at war with the colonies. Several senior officers have chosen not to fight their American cousins. Lord Keppel is among them. Truth be known, I’m not sure I blame them, the way Lord North is running things. However, so many senior officers retiring rather than fighting has in some ways been a blessing. We are now able to promote several deserving officers into commands that otherwise would have been difficult.” Having said this, Lord Sandwich walked over to Anthony and said, “Let me be the first to congratulate you on your promotion to Rear Admiral. I know your father would have been as proud as I am. On your recommendation we’ve promoted Buck to captain and he’s been given command of Merlin, a thirty-two gun frigate. Merlin will be under your flag. Her previous captain is one of those that decided he’d pursue parliament rather than fight the colonials. In regards to Buck, I know you would have liked to have him as your flag captain, but he was too junior to command a ship of the line. Your flagship will be the Warrior . She’s a seventy-four that was launched in 1770 at Chatham. She has just undergone complete overhaul and refitting. She’s awaiting you at Portsmouth. Her captain is an old friend of yours, Dutch Moffitt. A hellish fine officer who will hoist his own flag some day.

“Now for you, my young firebrand,” Lord Sandwich said directing his attention to Gabe. “We have in fact captured a privateer, the SeaWolf . The Americans originally planned her as a slaver, but before she was completed she was converted to a privateer. She was to be a predator as her name invokes. She is a sleek ship I’m told, and mounts sixteen guns. Normally, such a vessel would go to one more senior. However, few lieutenants have seen the action you have, and at this point in time England needs experienced officers to make up for inept politicians. Admiral, Lieutenant, I shan’t detain you any longer. You have my faith and trust. You’ll do your duty as you always have. I know I can count on you. Pick up your orders from Evan on your way out. Now be off with you. Go celebrate with your wife and families, then report to your commands as directed by your orders.”

WE HAVE A WAR TO FIGHT!

Acknowledgments

Special thanks to George Jepson formerly of Tall Ships Books for always leading me to the right research material and for a world of encouragement.

To Charles White, editor and publisher, for taking the time to talk to a “wanna be,” and always challenging me, while never allowing me to get away with mediocrity.

To Tracy Bridges for encouragement and taking the time to critique a very rough manuscript and being honest.

This book is dedicated to a very special lady who spent countless hours poring through hundreds of page of longhand, scratch and strike-outs to put together a manuscript that could be reviewed, then corrected my errors and provided a finished product. Without her labors it would all be still a dream. This book is for her. She made it possible.