For the Honor of the Flag: A John Phillips Novel (War at Sea Book 2) Read Online Free Page B

What to do about the other deck officers for Courageous? He had the two midshipmen he had acquired from HMS Careyford to consider for promotion. He had other mids, but they were too young and inexperienced to consider. He had not paid enough attention to them to decide which was the most useful, but he put them on watch and watch with himself and Mullins. Each mid would pair with either Phillips or Mullins, and stand every other watch. Since there was other necessary ship’s work to be done off watch, this put a big strain on everyone. If one of the midshipmen was halfway useful, he would give him an acting commission as lieutenant and make him second officer. If fates were really kind, he might possibly be able to do the same with the other lad, making him third officer.
    Both of these officers-in-training had received quite an education in recent days, and were now much more experienced in repairing battle damage in a ship than they had been earlier. They were both on deck at the moment, so Phillips beckoned them over. He requested them to refresh his memory as to their names. It seemed the eldest, a rather porky looking youth suffered under the name of Landrace. The other answered to Wilson.
     
    He told them they were to learn the trade of deck officer by following himself and Mullins around. Phillips told Landrace to stay with him, while Wilson was to stand watch with Mullins. He reminded them standing watch and watch was difficult but potentially rewarding as to the educational opportunities. He reminded them life might well become easier when they found the fleet. The possibility existed Lord Howe might deign to give them more people.
    Before setting sail, Phillips removed the crew from the Charity Smith, and pressed all the seamen into the service. The two mates were offered positions aboard Courageous as RN master’s mates, which were accepted. The men believed the alternative existed of impressment as able seamen. The merchant ship’s captain refused to even discuss matters with the Navy pirates, as he termed them. He remained in his cramped little box as a semi-prisoner.
    The seamen removed from the Charity Smith were replaced by an equal number of naval seamen, and put under the command of the new Lieutenant Adams that Commodore Laforey had transferred to Inconnue earlier.
    Phillips called the lieutenant to his cabin. “Mister Adams, I realize you are very junior as a commission officer. I am considering giving you the command of the prize, and have you take her to Portsmouth. Would you tell me honestly what your thoughts are?”
    “Sir, I appreciate the honor, and will do my best to deliver her safely to Portsmouth.”
    “Very well, Mister Adams, I have no idea what will happen with you when you reach port. I would be glad to have you back with me, but expect you may well find yourself on another ship. I am giving you a packet of papers for the port admiral. If it appears your brig will be taken, you will drop those papers over the side.”
    “Yes sir.”
    “See Mister Ranson, my sailing master and get our position from him. If for some reason you can’t make Portsmouth, any British port will do. Is there anything you need before departing?”
    “No sir.”
    “Well, goodbye and good luck.”
     
    With the departure of the Charity Smith, the two former French corvettes joined the frigate on her search for Lord Howe’s fleet. They proceeded in line abreast, about ten miles apart in daylight and clear weather. The line would contract at night and periods of low visibility. A light would be shown at night from the main masthead of each ship. The frigate would sail in the center of the formation, and either she or her light should be in view of either corvette at all times. The frigate and two corvettes set sail due west to attempt to locate Lord Howe. By expanding the search line in periods of good visibility, the chances of catching sight of the fleet were greatly improved. Night signals by lantern were