The Threat in the Baltic (The Merriman Chronicles Book 5)

by Roger Burnage

  On arrival at the Admiralty offices, clearly designated by the Admiral's flag flying above, they were ushered by a lieutenant into a waiting room already occupied by several other officers, some of them obviously senior as they wore the two bright epaulettes indicating that they had been Post Captains for at least three years compared to the single epaulette Merriman wore on his right shoulder. The lieutenant disappeared but returned a few minutes later with a message. “Captain Merriman Sir, Admiral Fitzherbert's compliments and he regrets that you must wait until he has seen these other Gentlemen first. However I can tell you that you are required to go to the Admiralty in London as soon as possible”.

  “Very well lieutenant”, replied Merriman, “We are well used to waiting in the navy”. How do you know that we have to go to London? We have only just arrived.” “ Oh, that's easy Sir. With the new telegraph system we can send a signal to the Admiralty in as few as seven or eight minutes and have a reply equally quickly. Sometimes it takes longer due to rain or fog preventing clear sight of a signal tower from the next in line. Orders have been waiting for you ever since your ship was seen in the channel. This new telegraph system is wonderful; you may have noticed the strange construction on the high ground that is part of it”. “Yes we did. Of course we had heard of it but I don't believe it was fully ready before we left for India more than two years ago”.

  Eventually they were ushered in to the Admiral's office to find him seated at a large, chart covered desk. He rose to his feet and welcomed them with a smile and a handshake. “Sit down Gentlemen, I'm vastly pleased to see you back again from your adventures in India, Captain, All went well I hope?”. “Indeed it did Sir, I think I may say that it went very well, the East India Governor in Bombay expressed his satisfaction and thanks for our help”.

  “I know you were sent out there at the request of the Honourable East India Company who had suffered increasing raids on their commerce by pirates on land and sea. As I remember it you were also tasked with finding out what you could about that fellow Tipu Sahib's plans to build the biggest fleet of warships in the East and to tell the Company about Napoleon's plans to attack India. Of course Boney's plan for India came to nothing when his army was defeated in Egypt and his fleet destroyed in Aboukir Bay by Admiral Nelson. I believe he crept back to France with his tail between his legs. Now what were you able to do out there?”.

  “Well Sir, we destroyed many pirate dhows, captured one of the principal pirate leaders and destroyed several larger vessels including some under construction in Tipu's shipyards. The men and ships of the Bombay Marine were of great help in this and we captured two frigates. The Company wanted to buy them both in for the Marine. As I couldn't bring them back here I agreed, the Governor said that payment would be made from the Company's offices in London. I have a letter from him to the directors in London to that effect. Certainly no money was given to us Sir. As far as French spies and their agents are concerned, Mr Grahame can tell you more”.

  “Of course Mr Grahame, that is why you were sent to India, to seek out such people. I apologise Sir for not bringing you into the conversation before, I've been talking too much myself.” Grahame smiled, “There is little to report Admiral, I found several villains and investigated some of Tipu's shipyards, but as you will know, Tipu's death in the battle of Seringapatam put a stop to his dream of building a fleet and there was little left for me to do after that” he said modestly.

  “I'm sure that was not all Sir, but I won't push you further. And now Captain, I want to hear all about the capture of the French corvette you brought in, but first –-----” He bellowed for the Lieutenant who nearly fell over his own feet such was his haste to find out what he was wanted for. “Some wine for my guests Archer, and be quick about it”. When all were settled with a glass of rather good claret in hand the Admiral nodded to Merriman to start, but he said “None of the long-winded stuff you will have put in your report, just give me the main points”.

  “Well Sir, It was really all too easy, there was no battle or fighting involved. We sighted the ship drifting on to a lee shore with only the lower foremast and lower mizzenmast still standing, her remaining rigging in tatters and her rudder not working. I rounded to astern of her, they fired one shot for honour's sake and then they hauled down their flag and surrendered. I went aboard with some armed men and was met by her captain who formally surrendered his sword. Apparently he had managed to take his ship out of Brest during an offshore gale. Our blockading ships had been blown off station and he thought he had got away cleanly but a few days later the wind changed rapidly and the ship was taken aback and lost her masts. Very few of her crew were real seamen and I think he and his men were pleased to be captured without a battle which they could not have won with their ship in such a bad state. We found English prisoners aboard, all had been badly treated and half starved. Two of them died but the rest of them are much recovered.”

  An excellent account so far Mr Merriman, but tell me, did you find out where the Frenchie was going?” “All I could find out Sir was that she was to join with a small French frigate squadron going to the West African coast to attack our convoys. The English prisoners were to be sent to some French possession in South America”. “I see Captain, what did you do with the French crew?”

  “I already had determined Sir, to try and take the ship in tow to save her from going ashore on the rocky shoreline. Her surrender made it easier to have a hawser dragged aboard her and secured, indeed the French worked with a will knowing that if we left them they would be blown onto the rocks and many men drowned. Of course my marines were there in case they wanted to fight but none did and as most of their boats were still intact I put most of the seamen ashore, as there were too many of them to guard safely. I kept the officers and most of the warrant officers and fifty seamen as prisoners and they are still aboard the ships now. I hope that I can deliver them into your hands Sir, the Captain and his officers gave their parole but not the others. In fact one of the junior lieutenants turned out to be an ardent revolutionary and tried to kill his captain for surrendering but he was killed by my marines before he could do so.”.

  The Admiral had been listening closely to Merriman's account and remarked “It must have been hard to tow her I think”. “Yes Sir, it was. She rolled like a log and tried to go her own way like a pig, but once my men aboard had managed to repair the rudder and stretch sails from the stumps of the foremast and mizzen mast, it wasn't too difficult. The biggest worry was the fear of more gales or even meeting another French ship of war but the weather was kind and I didn't really expect to meet a French warship Sir. I have my written report here Sir. I have a copy of it together with my detailed report of our actions in the Indian Ocean for the Admiralty.”.

  “Very well done Captain, I think it is safe to say that if your prize is in good order apart from the masts, the Admiralty will buy it in after a shipyard inspection”. “It is in good order Sir, my bos'n and carpenter climbed all round her below decks and she seems to be almost new”.

  “Good, good, Captain, now then, I have orders for you. Both you and Mr Grahame here, are to travel to London to meet Admiral Sir David Edwards and Lord Stevenage with all despatch. I will send your reports to London by the courier who is to leave shortly. Meanwhile your ship will remain here for a dockyard inspection and re-supply but that could take three or four weeks as there are so many ships wanting attention, all supposed to be in desperate need because of the wear and tear of continual blockade duty. Your officers may go ashore and also parties of dependable men. You can start in the morning, my Lieutenant will give you your orders on the way out and I'll see you again when you return, so goodbye for now Gentlemen”.

  Chapter 3 – Merriman hears of the League of Neutrality

  On the steps of the Admiralty building Merriman paused, thinking about all that had happened here on his previous interviews. Each time he had been given a new ship and the last time he had been promoted to the rank of Post Captain.
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  “Come along James, have you gone to sleep? We mustn't keep the Gentlemen waiting” said Grahame turning back from two steps higher where he had stopped on realising that Merriman had stopped. “My apologies Sir, this place brings back memories”. Once again they were shown into the big Admiralty room with the huge mahogany table in the centre and the wind indicator on one wall connected to the wind vane far above on the roof. Admiral Sir David Edwards rose to greet them and asked them to be seated.

  “Good morning Gentlemen, it is a pleasure to see you again. You seem to have had an interesting time in India according to your report Captain, which I received yesterday. Admiral Fitzherbert sent it by courier whilst you were travelling by the mail coach. I'm expecting Lord Stevenage to arrive very shortly and I know he is looking forward to seeing you both again”. They didn't have long to wait before the same harassed Lieutenant knocked and announced the arrival of Lord Stevenage, Merriman's patron. All stood to greet him, the man who had the ear of the Prime Minister William Pitt the younger. Merriman was shocked to see how much he had aged in the time since they last met. He had always had some grey hair and now it was almost completely white and many more lines creased his face. Nevertheless he greeted them warmly, saying to Merriman “I was deeply sorry to learn of the death of your Mother and your Father, James. When I attended your wedding I learned that your mother was ill and not expected to live long, but my cousin your Father seemed fit for many more years. You have my condolences”.

  “And mine also James, I remember your father well. We were young Lieutenants together in the old Terror and good friends. I am sorry to hear that they have both gone” said the Admiral. “Thank you both for that Gentlemen” replied Merriman, “I am hoping that I will have the opportunity whilst I am in England to see my wife and new son and sort out any problems my father may have left with the estate.” As he was speaking both Lord Stevenage and the Admiral smiled conspiratorially and then the Admiral said with a grin “All taken care of Captain, as you know your ship is to receive a thorough overhaul before you leave Portsmouth again which could take up to three weeks or more as they are so busy, so you are free to journey home in that time”.

  “Thank you Sir David, that will be marve------” He was interrupted by his Lordship saying “There is more James, I went to your Father's funeral and told your wife Helen that if she had any problems to tell me as I know many good lawyers and I could send one of my Bailiffs to help with the estate if needed. She replied, thanking me and saying that all seemed to be in order but you have many documents to sign. As you may well know I have been keeping a distant eye on your wife and estate. Helen wrote and told me that she was expecting a child and I wrote back to say that I would be honoured to be a Godfather if she agreed, which she did. The child is not yet christened, she wanted you to be there, but it will happen as soon as you are home”.

  “Thank you My Lord , thank you, I don't know what else to say, I'm taken all aback. Anyway, as soon as you have finished with me here I must go and arrange for a seat on the mail coach”. His Lordship smiled again, “As I am to go to your home for the Christening James, we can travel up there in my coach ”. Poor Merriman was so excited by the news that his attention had to be brought back to matters in hand by a discrete cough from Admiral Edwards.

  “Now Gentlemen, both his Lordship and I have studied your reports most keenly and we are of the same mind that you both have completed your orders far better than we expected. Your exploits have been most interesting. I am pleased to see that you captured two prizes, Indian frigates which the Honourable John Company has agreed to buy, although payment has still to be made. When it is Captain, your share of the prize money will go into your account and their share apportioned to your officers and men. And not content with that” said the Admiral with a twinkle in his eye, “You collected a French corvette on your way home, is there no end to your exploits? If it is sound the Admiralty will certainly buy it in and so you and your men will all receive their share. We are always short of frigates as you know and the French ships are well made, and of course there is head money due to you for the French prisoners. Oh, and the English sailors you rescued have been sorted out and when recovered will go to other ships”.

  Yes Sir David, I have already claimed some of them as replacements for the men I have lost in India, including a Master's Mate. So my ship is fully crewed except that I need another junior lieutenant and perhaps two more midshipmen. Of course it is possible I may lose one or two men if they choose to desert when at Portsmouth, but in the main they are all reliable men”.

  Excellent Captain, they will be waiting for you when you re-join your ship. Now perhaps Your Lordship, you would care to enlighten these Gentlemen about what has been happening here and what their next orders will involve”.

  “Thank you Admiral. Well, the problem nearest to home that we have is the proposed treaty between the Russian Tsar, Paul, and Sweden, Denmark-Norway and Prussia which they will call The League of Armed Neutrality. There was one some time ago and it quickly fell apart. Of course we and the Royal Navy have adopted a policy of unlimited searches of neutral vessels going into French ports in an attempt to cut off military supplies and other imports useful to the French Republic. Those countries naturally object to their ships being stopped as the aim of their treaty is to enforce free trade with France”.

  He paused to take a sip of water then continued “This poses another difficulty as we need many of the exports from those countries ourselves, timber and other naval stores, hemp, canvas, pitch and all the rest, and if they agree to the treaty, as seems likely, it will cut our own supplies. The Government considers that this to be a hostile action and certain steps are being taken to stop it if we can. You will know that some of those countries have many warships, not as many as we do but if they joined together they would form a very serious threat. We propose to send a fleet to make a show of force there, with the intention of trying to detach Denmark from the League by diplomatic means or actual hostilities but it will be the beginning of next year before we can gather a strong enough force, Admiral would you continue?”.

  “Thank you My Lord. Later this year Captain, your ship is to go into the North Sea taking Mr Grahame with you and it will be his task to visit our embassies and our people in each country to determine the development of the treaty. As usual Captain you are in command of the ship but also under the command of Mr Grahame who will decide where he wishes you to go. Is that clear to you Gentlemen? Good, then you, Mr Grahame will receive further instructions from your superiors and you Captain, can go home to your family. A courier will bring your orders”.

  “My carriage will collect you at eight o'clock tomorrow morning James and I hope we have a trouble free journey” said Lord Stevenage. “Sir Edward has despatched a courier with documents to the north and a letter to your wife to tell her that you will soon be home. Two or three days should do it, depending on the state of the roads”. “Thank you Sir, I'll be ready”.

  “Oh and Captain, take your second epaulette on board, right away” said the Admiral, “You look unbalanced without it”. “Aye-aye Sir” responded a happy Merriman.

  Chapter 4 - Merriman home for his new son's Christening

  Homecoming to the family home Burton Manor situated in the County of Cheshire north west of the city of Chester brought so many memories and changes. The house and small estate had been purchased many years ago by Joseph Merriman, Merriman's father, a retired and notable frigate captain himself, who had been very fortunate in the matter of prize money and a small inheritance.

  It was a comfortable, late 17th century gentleman's residence with stabling and coach house and some of the servant's quarters properly concealed round the back of the main house. From the raised position of the house there was a fine view over the wide estuary of the river Dee. The village duck pond was visible from his boy's room. On that pond he used to sail his model ships and fight imaginary sea battles, that imagination fed by the stirring tales
told by his Grandfather, old Elias Merriman, of wild deeds and terrible gales, of fights with pirates and savages under tropical skies, until his mind could foresee no other future than to be a naval officer.

  At the sound of Lord Stevenage’s coach wheels crunching on the gavel in front of the house the door was flung open and there was his wife Helen at the top of the stone steps. At the sight of her, more beautiful if possible than when he saw her last, his heart gave a great throb and he jumped out of the coach and bounded up the stairs and swept her into his arms with no thought of His Lordship or the servants watching. They hugged and kissed for several minutes before Merriman remembered. His Lordship was still standing by his coach with a broad smile on his face and as he climbed the steps up to the door Helen gave him a deep curtsey as did the female servants, the menservants bowed, all of them impressed by the presence of a real Aristocrat with his coach bearing his coat of arms on the doors.

  “You are most welcome My Lord, please come in for some refreshment”. She led him into the largest reception room of the house with a blazing log fire. Some candles had been lit but the room was almost as bright as day with sunlight pouring through the big windows. James had no eyes for anything or anybody other than Helen but he was brought back to his duties as host by Helen's hand on his arm. “My apologies My Lord, please take a seat”. Both men waited until Helen sat and then they made themselves comfortable on chairs near the fire.

  As they sat Lord Stevenage said “It is a delight for my eyes to see you again my Dear, you are as lovely as ever. James you lucky dog, there is no need to apologise, I was young once myself and your meeting reminded me of my own wife's greetings in years past”. A footman with a big silver tray carried drinks round and the conversation flowed easily between them. “Where is our little boy Helen?” asked Merriman, “And who is looking after him?” Fast asleep James, I didn't want to wake him. Annie is looking after him like a mother hen”.