The Threat in the West Indies (The Merriman Chronicles Book 4)

by Roger Burnage

  Chapter 24 - Kingston, Jamaica

  Aphrodite sailed into Kingston harbour under reduced sail followed by the prize ship with Lieutenant Laing in command. They anchored as the harbourmaster's boat directed and then the usual and required salutes were fired. A big two decker with an Admiral's flag aloft was anchored nearby with two frigates and several smaller craft. On the other side of the harbour was a large ship flying the American flag and near to it were two small sloops and a bigger ship, like a small frigate really which Merriman recognised to be the style of the French corvette they had fought with in the Irish Sea. Hardly had Aphrodite's anchor splashed down when Midshipman Shrigley called “Signal Sir, our number and Captain to report to Flag immediately.”

  Merriman's gig was already in the water, Gorman and Merriman climbed down into the boat and they were off to the flagship with the seamen tugging madly at the oars at Merriman's cox'n's urgings. Stepping through the entry port they were met by an ageing Captain. “I am Heathcliffe Gentlemen, Flag Captain to Admiral Hawkesby. Follow me if you will.”

  From the first they felt at home, the Admiral's great cabin had none of the female fripperies or high quality mahogany furniture often found in such quarters, but it was plain and almost spartan. Heathcliffe introduced the two visitors and stood by while Admiral Hawkesby, a tall, lean figure of a man with heavily sunburnt features, welcomed them warmly. “Welcome aboard Gentlemen,” he said, eyeing them closely. Of course Merriman was wearing his best uniform but Grahame was simply dressed in his civilian clothes and was the subject of a longer and questioning look from the Admiral. Merriman hastened to introduce Grahame as a representative of Mr. Pitt the Prime Minister.

  “You are welcome Sir,” said the Admiral, “And what brings you to Jamaica?” Grahame explained briefly why they were there and then showed him their various documents. “Hmm, that all seems quite clear so what can I do to assist you?” Merriman answered, “First of all Sir, two privateers attacked my ship, foolishly as it turned out. We sank one, a small brig and captured the other which is a small French built corvette. The mast will need replacing; we fished it to our spare mainyard Sir. Most of the crews of both were killed but we have some prisoners, most of them American, some French and two English deserters, who must come ashore. Perhaps the Americans can be put aboard that American ship on the other side of the harbour Sir. We found various papers aboard and a steel strongbox which has given Mr. Grahame some valuable information. It is all detailed in my report Sir.” He handed the report over to the Admiral.

  “May I know what was in the box Mr. Merriman?” he asked. Grahame interposed “There is no harm in you knowing Sir but I think that all we have found should also be seen by the Governor as much of it incriminates certain people here.”

  “I see, well if it is a civilian matter I don't need to know unless it affects my command. The Governor's offices are behind the main quayside and he should be there at this time of day. If not he will be at his home higher up the hill. Referring back to the prize you brought in, if it is in good order I will arrange for the Navy to buy it, we can always use good small craft for all sorts of jobs. How many guns does it carry?”

  “Only six nine-pounders Sir, my ship's armament completely overwhelmed it, two broadsides killed most of the crews and they didn't put up much of a fight.”

  “Very well then, America is now at peace with us and I don't want to be involved in any punishment the men may suffer. Captain Heathcliffe please arrange for an officer to go with these gentlemen to introduce them to the Governor. Goodbye Gentlemen, I hope I shall have the pleasure of inviting you to dinner soon.”

  Heathcliffe took them up on deck and deputed a Lieutenant Graves to accompany them to the Governor. Merriman's boat was still alongside and very quickly put them ashore on a strong stone built quay, from where Graves took them into an imposing building with the union flag flying above it. A servant appeared and Graves told him that the Admiral had sent these visitors and could they see the Governor at once? The servant scurried off, returning almost at once to usher them into the Governor's office, leaving Graves to wait in the entrance hall.

  Governor Sir George Scarrow was an elderly and a corpulent man, obviously well used to the delights of the table and he welcomed them genially, immediately asking the servant to arrange refreshment for his guests. He asked them about their voyage, their health and what news they could tell him about London, laughing uproariously at some of the anecdotes Grahame related to him. Refreshments arrived and distributed, then an immediate change came over Sir George. His joviality disappeared and his face became serious as he sternly asked them their business.

  Both Merriman and Grahame showed him their orders and documents which he perused carefully before saying “I would know Mr. Pitt's signature anywhere. I know him well from years past. So what brings you to my little fiefdom?” They explained that their principal reason was a trail of bits of information that had led them to Jamaica. The prisoners taken in Antigua, the news in Antigua and Anguilla and the news in both about cheap land sales to a trader from Jamaica and then they told him about the captured privateers and what they had found aboard. “That strongbox is in my boat at the quay Sir, could you send Lieutenant Graves to ask my men to bring it here?”

  Two sweating sailors carried the heavy box in and placed it on the floor, whereupon the governor ordered his servant to give them something to drink, “No alcohol Sir, if you don't mind,” said Merriman “After you men have had your drink then you can go back to the boat and take Lieutenant Graves back to the Flagship then come back here.” “Aye- aye Sir, thank you sir,” said one of them knuckling his forehead.

  Merriman produced the key and opened the box with a flourish. Grahame spread the documents and papers on the desk and then indicated that the Governor should look into the box which was half filled with gold coins and a few items of jewellery. For a moment the Governor stared, speechless then he asked “This all came from that privateer did it and what do these papers tell us?”

  “With what we already know Sir, quite a lot,” replied Grahame. “If I could tell you exactly in detail what we do know it all seems to fit together. In Antigua and Anguilla we found out that land had changed hands in unusual circumstances and all bought at very low prices by a Jamaican trader. Prisoners we took were persuaded to talk, many of them were Frenchmen and they told us that they were sent to various islands by a man they called 'Le Seigneur' to try and make the plantation slaves revolt and force the real owners out. That piece of news decided us to come to Jamaica. We also learned that a lawyer by the name of Meyberg handles all the paperwork for the sales and pays the money over by his agent.”

  “My God! I knew that French agents must be here but who is this trader?”

  “I'll come to that in a moment Governor. We also learned that this trader is wealthy and has a small fleet of armed ships to escort his own trading vessels. Our capture of the privateer and the contents of this box encourages the belief that he uses those ships to act as privateers when not on escort duties.”

  “I'm astounded Gentlemen. I know that lawyer Meyberg; he is a money lender, an actuary and has long been suspected of dealing with stolen and smuggled goods. He has his fingers in all sorts of dubious pies and as I say, he has been long suspected but without proof I could do nothing. And the trader, who is he?”

  “The papers we found on the smaller ship were mostly normal trading papers, bills of sale and such with the same trader's name on many of them. The papers in front of you sir reveal more. They refer to a man called 'Le Seigneur' and it is my belief that that man and the trader is in fact one and the same person, and that man is a Simon Egerton.”

  “Egerton? Egerton? I can't believe it of him, no no you must be wrong. He is a well-respected member of our community, generous to a fault and a more than generous host. He is known to everybody who is anyone here and welcomed anywhere. No I cannot believe it.”

  “Nevertheless we are convinced but, of course we can
't accuse him face to face as yet, we need some more direct proof Governor and I think the place to start is with the lawyer Meyberg.”

  “Right Gentlemen, I will keep an open mind but you can be sure that nothing of what you have told me will be repeated. I am holding a small reception at my house tomorrow evening. Egerton and his wife will be there and I urge you to come along with some of your officers. Admiral Hawkesby is already invited, and you can see Egerton for yourselves. Come to think of it, Egerton holds many small evening dinners for his friends and acquaintances and that would give him plenty of opportunity to learn what is going on.”

  “Yes Sir, thank you, but as for the gold, the navy captured it so do we keep it or should it be kept in your strongbox?” “I will keep it for now Gentlemen but I will give you a letter and receipt to confirm that.”

  Chapter 25 - An elegant and surprising party

  Rowed back to the ship Merriman saw that most of the men were staring at the town and natural harbour, drinking in the view. Kingston was surrounded by high land, The Blue Mountains, Long Mountain and the Red Hills. The town itself had many brick or stone buildings and scores of white painted timber buildings. Climbing back aboard Merriman harshly demanded to know if nobody had anything to do. The First Lieutenant apologised and shouted to the Warrant Officers to get the men back to work. “I'm sorry Sir but it is such a lovely view and most of the men are wondering if they will get any shore leave.”

  “I think so Lieutenant, but only if all the usual work is completed and why are the awnings and wind sails not rigged?” “I'm sorry Sir, my fault. I too was taking in the view. I'll have it done at once,” said the startled man.

  Below, Merriman and Grahame sat in his cabin to discuss what they had learned. “Well James, we seem to be no further ahead than we were before. We must go to the Governors reception tomorrow evening to be able to meet the man Egerton. Maybe we are wrong about him” said Grahame dolefully, “I don't know what else to do.”

  “It's difficult Sir, but I have one or two ideas which may help. I shall be letting parties of reliable men ashore at different times to give them a chance to enjoy themselves. If each group has a senior man with it, they can visit different taverns as you did in Antigua and perhaps they will hear some French spoken. The senior man can report back to me. Also, you will remember Jackson who was with you in your adventure in Antigua? I suggest that we give him and the Gunner Salmon, the task of watching the premises of lawyer Meyberg during the evening and overnight. They are both ex-poachers and may see or hear something to help us.” “Yes indeed James, I know that Jackson can move in the dark like a cat.”

  And so it was arranged. The men were told that they would be going ashore the next day but only if the ship was in good order, clean decks, everything in its place and not a single rope's end loose. The men worked in a frenzy to be sure that nothing would be found wanting when the Captain inspected the ship, which he did, looking everywhere before expressing himself satisfied. Groups of excited men were sent ashore with instructions to visit as many taverns as they could to see what they might learn but with the strict reminder that if any man became totally drunk or involved with the local whores he would be very severely dealt with. Salmon and Jackson also went ashore separately to find Meyberg's offices. They reported back later. “Sir, we found the place of the lawyer Sir, it's in Ship road and looks filthy. Not what you expect for a lawyer's place Sir, but it's got a new sign board” “Very well then both of you, rest now until this evening and then I want you to watch the place and take note of who or what comes in or out, all night if necessary, and early morning too. Here is some money, you can take it in turn to find food somewhere.”

  That evening Merriman together with Lieutenants Laing and Andrews all in their best uniforms, carefully brushed, shoes and swords brightly polished until they gleamed, were rowed ashore in the cutter with Mr. Grahame. Other officers, Lieutenant St James, Mr. Cuthbert and Midshipman Shrigley also went ashore with the express intention of finding a reputable place where they could find a good meal.

  The Governor's house was not far to walk but it was slightly uphill and they were glad to reach it. A black footman let them in and asked them to wait a moment giving them the opportunity to quickly check their uniforms. Another servant appeared, a white man this time who asked their names. He led them to a large pair of doors behind which they could hear excited chatter and laughter, flung them open and announced in a loud voice “The Officers of the Royal Navy Sir.”

  Polite applause greeted his words and the Governor came forward to meet them. Merriman introduced Laing and Andrews whom the Governor had not yet met, a servant proffered a tray of drinks and they were soon in the middle of the party which appeared to be of about fifty people, each of his officers surrounded by gentlemen and their ladies all eagerly wanting to know what the fashionable ladies in London were wearing and what was the latest scandal and gossip. Merriman spotted Admiral Hawkesby and his Flag Captain in deep conversation with two army officers resplendent in red and gold. Merriman had instructed his officers not to reveal why they were here, just to reply vaguely that they were here to reinforce Admiral Hawkesby’s squadron.

  The Governor himself with his wife took Merriman in hand and proceeded to introduce him to many of the guests before Merriman laughingly asked him to slow down, “I'll never remember all these names Sir.” The man smiled at him, “I am sure there are one or two more that you would like to meet, ah, here is Mr. Simon Egerton and his lovely wife Isabella and her father Don Carlos Galiano. The introductions were made, the men bowed, the ladies curtseyed. Egerton's wife was a strikingly beautiful lady of above average height with a complexion hinting at mixed blood somewhere in her ancestry. Both Egerton and his wife immediately started asking the usual questions about London with Merriman racking his brains to remember details of London fashion. Strangely Don Carlos took no part in the conversation, contenting himself with listening.

  “Are you in Jamaica for any particular reason Captain Merriman Sir,” asked Egerton. “We know that the navy is stretched to the limit keeping up its patrols all around the islands and trying to protect our convoys but what will you be expected to do?” “I really cannot say Sir, we arrived only yesterday and I have not yet received my orders from the Admiral,” answered Merriman non-committedly. Mrs Egerton broke in and said “Oh Simon, don't bother the poor man with questions like that. He is here to get away from thoughts of duty and enjoy himself. Captain Merriman, I see that the refreshments are ready, perhaps you would be kind enough to escort me in?” He caught the brief flash of a strange look between her and her husband but thought no more about it at the time. The heat was almost overpowering and he felt perspiration trickling down his sides beneath his heavy coat. He was determined not to take too much to drink and so when he found glass jugs of orange and pineapple juice he drank thirstily.

  The food was arranged on several large tables and the guests were able to move all round them to select their own choices from the finger buffet. Isabella kept offering him small items to eat but he said that he didn't normally eat a lot and contented himself with portions of chicken, meat and fish although some of it was so highly spiced that he found himself drinking even more orange juice. He glanced around and saw his officers each with a heaped plate and obviously enjoying themselves.

  “Have you had enough dear Captain? I am faint with this heat so would you take me out for some fresh air?” asked Mrs Egerton. She indicated a pair of doors leading out to a terrace where she breathed heavily and fanned herself gently before taking his arm and almost dragged him further. Poor Merriman, he was almost sure the deep breathing was to draw attention to her fine, barely concealed breasts and when he felt her breast pushing against his arm he was sure. She wanted to seduce him, perhaps to learn more about him and his reason for being in Jamaica.

  In a gloomy corner of the garden she suddenly swung to face him, flung her arms around his neck and kissed him hard. Shocked, he said “I'm married
Isabella, you're married, we shouldn't be doing this.” He was not yet married but he hoped that the thought would slow down her advances. In that he was mistaken. She took his hand and pulled it to her breasts which she had uncovered. “Don't worry about that Captain, my husband doesn't and it's a long time since I had a real man.” Merriman felt his body begin to respond but determined not to fall under her spell he said firmly, “I thank you for all that you are offering Isabella but I love my wife and I can't help you. I think it is time we went back to the party.”

  Damn you Captain, you've got me all excited now but I hope we may have another chance.” She pulled her dress back up, took his arm and led him back to the house. Her husband was standing close by in conversation with the Governor and Merriman saw her give the merest shake of her head as she looked at him.

  Pulling himself together, Merriman turned to the Governor to thank him and as they moved towards the door he said “A lovely evening Sir, I thank you and your wife, and now I must collect my people and return to my ship. I must go and see that all is in order before I turn in.” “Thank you for coming Captain, I hope you found what you were looking for.” “Maybe Sir maybe” he replied as he caught the eyes of Laing and Grahame, signifying that they should go.

  As they passed the Admiral he beckoned Merriman and ordered him to report to the Flagship at ten o'clock of the forenoon watch.

  The fresh night air was welcome and refreshing and all of them started to talk at once about the evening and their observations of the people there until Merriman stopped them. “Tomorrow Gentlemen, we'll talk it over tomorrow.”