Phillips was one of the first to board, and took command, getting the brig on course for the home harbor. After the crew had shaken itself down, somebody went below, and released the four crewmen originally captured by the enemy. It was morning when the brig reached its anchorage. Phillips and his boy went ashore in the brig’s boat, and there found Sarah waiting for them in the carriage. She had spent the night waiting for them and was furious with both of them. She remained in that state for the next two days. On the morning of the third day, the post brought an offer of a ship, a 64 gun third rate!
Timothy had his ears open when Phillips gave Grimes his orders concerning loading his sea chests aboard the carriage. Phillips had decided he needed a vacation from the incessant shouting, screaming and expressions of indignation, feeling a tour of duty commanding a ship of the line might be relaxing by comparison. When Timothy asked if he could go also, Phillips thought a moment, and said, “Yes son, you may!”
Trafalgar and Beyond: A John Phillips Novel (War at Sea Book 3) Page 13
