HMS Athena: A Charles Mullins novel (Sea Command Book 4)

by Richard Testrake

  It was a week before the trial was held. The testimony of the women was not required since the barrister for the defense did not want to produce two violated and battered women to adversely influence the jury. Testimony was complete at the end of the day and the verdict pronounced early the next. Mullins remained for the hanging, which Mrs. Hancock attended. Jane remaining sequestered in the home of the family that was caring for her. Before sailing, Mullins left a purse with Mrs. Hancock containing funds to pay for passage back to their homes.

  The voyage across the North Atlantic was slow, with the ship meeting foul weather for much of the distance. Mullins had not relished the prospect of reporting in to Portsmouth’s port admiral. Vice-Admiral Colpoy could be a difficult man to face when he was in a bad temper. Athena sailing in to Portsmouth when she was supposed to be halfway to India would be enough to put him into a foul mood. Fortunately, though, mail had already arrived from English Harbor and the admiral was well aware of the battles with the French naval ships, and the new circumstances.

  The admiral did not require Athena’s captain to visit and he found from the dockyard superintendent it would be necessary for the ship to receive some urgent repairs. Copper had not been applied to the old repairs made under her bow and now marine growth and teredo worm was damaging the timber. The hands were removed from the ship and sent to a receiving hulk moored nearby until the repairs were finished. There was no guarantee those same men would return to Athena after repairs were complete. Other captains needing men would undoubtedly draft needed hands to their own ships. Mullins was ruefully aware those captains would receive some exceptionally well-trained hands. At least the ship was not to be taken out of commission. He would retain his command and return to her when the repairs were complete.

  He would have the opportunity to return to London and spend some time with his wife and son. Taking the mail coach, he was able to secure a seat inside. It was a tiring journey as usual, but no unusual difficulties arose and the coach arrived in the posting inn in London early in the morning. A cabriolet delivered him to his London house soon after his arrival and the housekeeper, who, with the cook, were the only servants up at that hour, greeted him. There had been a significant change in the staffing of the house.

  The former housekeeper, Mrs. Cooper, had exchanged places with Mullins father’s own housekeeper, removing to the main family estate in Essex. Mrs. Cooper had become directly involved in some of the marital difficulties Doris and Charles Mullins had been experiencing before the last cruise and embarrassed, elected to move away.

  Mrs. Rogers, the new housekeeper, was perfectly acceptable to Mullins and he had no complaint with her. There was a moment of stiffness when Charles met his wife as she came down the stairs. There had been much disagreement between the two before he left, but that was now gone. She was soon as affectionate with him as she had ever been and Mullins had a delightful homecoming.

  Their son Alfred was not so sure about his father. His memories of him were hazy after this length of time. However, the production of a chest full of new toys brought the boy around and he was soon begging to be tossed into the air as he had done in the past.

  Mullins left his mare and chaise behind when he departed on the last voyage. With no one to exercise her, the mare became fat and out-of-condition. Mullin’s father decided to sell her and store the chaise away in the stable, where it was kept in a high state of polish by the ancient hostler, Simmons. One of the first projects on Mullin’s agenda was to find a replacement for the mare. He and Doris, accompanied by Simmons, went out a few days later to find a new horse. With Simmon’s advice, they selected a five-year-old mare in perfect health and a good disposition. Doris was sure she would be able to handle the animal herself.

  Before his marriage with Doris, Mullins had often squired his women friends about town in the chaise. Now, he did the same with Doris. They began to spend hours driving about London, often taking their son with them.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Eventually, the post brought the packet of orders, with the Admiralty seal. He was to proceed forthwith to Portsmouth and report to the Commander-in Chief there. There were some necessary chores to be finished before he left. Not wishing to lose this latest mare because she could not receive enough exercise, he encouraged Doris to drive the mare and chaise frequently.

  She learned quickly and rapidly gained confidence. Doris was concerned others might view her driving herself about town as unladylike, but her husband persuaded her that she could take Mrs. Rogers with her and perhaps Simmons also, although he did not want that ancient servant required to handle any strenuous tasks.

  A visit to the banker made certain adequate funds were in the household account. Mullins instructed the banker to add additional funds should the account become depleted. Before leaving for the posting inn where he would board the coach for Portsmouth, Lieutenant Sawyer dropped by. He was also on his way to Portsmouth and wondered if Captain Mullins would care to travel with him.

  The Marine officer was travelling in his family’s private coach and he assured Captain Mullins there was plenty of room. His coachman would return the vehicle to the family home after delivering them to Portsmouth. Should trouble be encountered on the trip, the footman was available and both he and the driver were armed. Agreeable to the offer, Mullins had his people carry his sea chest out and load it aboard.

  In their discussions during the drive, Mullins and Sawyer thought it likely they would be sailing together, although this could not be certain. Neither had actually received orders placing them on Athena, although Mullin’s commission had never been revoked. As a Marine officer, Sawyer had no expectation of sailing on any particular ship himself, but the possibility seemed likely. The orders he had received merely required him to report to the Commander-in Chief, Portsmouth.

  Upon reaching the dockside, Athena was immediately visible out in the harbor. She had been freshly painted, her standing rigging was set up and her yards crossed. Mullins pulled his personal glass from his bag and examined the ship. Her deck was well populated with hands, so he saw no problem with approaching the signal tower and asking the crippled sailor manning it to signal Athena and ask her to send a boat.

  Mullins took Sawyer aboard Athena as a matter of courtesy, though the Marine officer had not yet received any assignment orders. They were a day early reporting, so there would be plenty of time to make needed corrections.

  Actually, as soon as Mullins was piped aboard, Mister Howard produced a sealed note from shore. It had been delivered by a staff lieutenant with the request that Captain Mullins would report to the flag officer upon receipt.

  A quick perusal of the note confirmed the message and he turned to Mister Sawyer to see if he wished to accompany him. “You are not specifically ordered to come with me, Lieutenant Sawyer, but it might save some time if you were there. Perhaps Admiral Colpoy might wish to assign you back to Athena.”

  Sawyer did decide to accompany Mullins and the two officers set out in the gig. On board the flagship, since he had no appointment with the admiral, Sawyer was invited into the wardroom while Mullins was ushered in to see Vice-Admiral Colpoy.

  The admiral exhibited not the slightest hint of displeasure to Mullins concerning any of his actions since they had last seen each other, but went right to the point.

  “Captain Mullins, at present Vice-Admiral Cochrane is commanding the blockading fleet off Ferrol. He sent dispatches recently, carried by one of his few frigates which came in to port last week. He specifically requested she be returned to him immediately, since he had very few ships available for reconnaissance purposes. Unfortunately, HMS Diane suffered some storm damage on her way here and it will take some time before she can return. I have explained the difficulty in a message to Admiral Cochrane and in lieu of Diane, will give him HMS Athena for temporary service until Diane returns.”

  “Therefore, you will make all haste to sail for Ferrol where you may find Admiral Cochrane’s blockading fleet
. You shall put yourself under his orders, but in any event, as soon as Diane arrives on station, you shall leave Admiral Cochrane’s command and report to the commander of the Channel Fleet.”

  “Tell me, is there any reason for delay in sailing?”

  Mullins had not had the opportunity to inspect his ship before reporting to the flagship, but Mister Howard and the sailing master had both pressed statements of condition into his hand as he went into his gig.

  He had scanned these papers as the boat was pulled over to the flag, and was able to answer the admiral immediately. “Sir, my first officer seems to be adrift. He put himself on leave while I myself was visiting my family in London. He has not yet returned and I have seen no communication from him. In addition, many hands were taken from the ship’s compliment during her stay in the dockyard. Some were replaced, but I am short fifty hands at this moment.

  Admiral Colpoy nodded. “I must confess to have a hand in the disappearance of your first officer, Captain Mullins. A bomb ketch, HMS Aetna, has been fitting out in this port. Her captain became ill recently and removed himself from command. At that time, there was no anticipation Athena would be needed in the near future, so I had your Lieutenant Farver contacted at his home and brought him back. He was posted to the bomb as her commander and has sailed for service on the French coast.”

  “Notice was sent to you, but apparently went to your home and thus seems to have missed you. It seems I must now find you another officer. Tell me, your second officer. Is he capable to take over as first?”

  Without hesitation Mullins answered. “Yes sir, Lieutenant Howard is perfectly capable to handle the duties of first officer.”

  “Very well, Captain. I have a midshipman aboard this ship who I believe I will make. He has already passed his boards and I know his father well. I believe he will make a fine officer and he will report to your ship this day, to replace your Mister Howard as second officer.”

  “You did not mention your Marine officer. Orders have been sent to Lieutenant Sawyer and as soon as he reports, he shall be ordered aboard Athena.”

  “Admiral Colpoy, Lieutenant Sawyer is aboard the flag at this moment, I believe in the wardroom.”

  “Thank you Captain. As for your missing hands, I will require fifty hands to be sent to you immediately. I regret they may not all be seamen, but we must make do with what we have these days.”

  “This brings me on to another matter. I am told you have only one midshipman remaining in your gunroom. Have you no friends who may wish you to take their sons or nephews aboard or have you another reason to do without?”

  A captain taking young boys aboard as midshipmen, the first rung on the ladder to promotion, would be owed favors by the lads’ parents or other relatives. Most ship commanders actively looked for such boys to enter on the ship’s books. Mullins had a contrary view. Until a mid had made a cruise or two, he was generally useless, a person who could be easily done without.

  Explaining this view to Admiral Colpoy however, brought little sympathy. The admiral replied, “Well, since you do not find it necessary to curry favors from those who could advance your career, perhaps you will not mind if I do a little currying, myself.”

  “As it happens, my grandson, a young lieutenant, wishes his own ship, possibly as commander. Two old friends, retired from the sea, have found berths in Parliament. One has a grandson, the other a grand nephew, both of an age to go to sea. I believe these Members may well be able to cast enough influence in the direction of my grandson to gain him the command of a neat ship-sloop. Therefore, I assume you will not object to taking these two lads into your gunroom?”

  Knowing when to keep his thoughts to himself, Mulling agreed. In due course, a boat from the flag hooked on under the entry port. The admiral’s flag lieutenant was delivering three frightened boys, ranging in age from ten to thirteen, each in immaculate uniform.

  When Lieutenant Davis came aboard with the boys, Mullins told him he had understood only two new mids were coming.

  “Oh”, replied the officer. “The admiral had another request to take a lad to sea. He thought you would not mind.”

  Walking Athena’s quarterdeck, Mullins had time to ponder his situation. The addition of an extra midshipman to his staff was neither here nor there. He would merely hand the boys over to Midshipman Archer. Losing Mister Farver was indeed a blow, but he was sure Howard himself could speedily take over the duties. This new officer was another story.

  It was obvious this midshipman was being promoted because of family influence. The question might be, just how much time at sea did this new officer have? If he had spent most of his time in the flagship anchored in Portsmouth harbor, he probably had very little experience at all. One thing was certain, if this youngster could not handle his duties, he would be removed from the ship as soon as it could be managed. If he managed to take a prize on the way out to Ferrol, this new lieutenant might well find himself in command, taking her to some port Athena would not be visiting.

  The new first officer was ashore, arranging the purchase of wardroom stores. As soon he came aboard, Mullins requested Howard join him in his cabin at once, together with Mister Cartwright, the sailing master and Mister Flowers, the gunner. He also wished to see the bosun, but learned that individual had also been reassigned to another ship. That was not important though, since one of the mates was thoroughly experienced and ripe for an appointment. There was no time to get Bob Lasher a warrant, but he himself could give him an acting warrant and try to get the warrant itself from Admiral Cochrane.

  Once the requested individuals were gathered in his cabin, Mullins had his servant bring out a half dozen of the claret he had purchased at a prize auction. After everyone had a glass in his hand, Mullins went through what he had heard from Admiral Colpoy.

  There was dismay when it was learned a new officer was coming aboard. Mullins outlined his wishes. The new officer was to be given every chance to succeed. Should he need initial assistance or training, it would be provided. Only if the lad was incapable of his duties after a reasonable time at sea would the options of removing him be explored. Mullins stressed that he would make that decision. He reminded the others that the new officer would be superior in rank to everyone on the ship save for Lieutenant Howard and himself.

  After everyone understood his feeling on the new officer, he reported the addition of the three new midshipmen. He had not actually met any of them himself, but thought this would be a good opportunity. Shouting through his door to the Marine sentry, he ordered word be passed for the three mids to report to the cabin.

  Mister Lasher himself, the acting bosun, delivered the boys, introducing them to the captain and his guests. “Sir, the oldest one here is Hardesty, then we have Mister Gregor with finally Mister Connor.”

  There was little to be said for any of them. Connor, presumably the youngest, was nursing a cold, continually snuffing back the stream coming from his nose. Gregor seemed to be blinking back tears while Hardesty appeared to be in good spirits, ready to get on with this new adventure.

  After giving them a welcoming speech, he turned them over to Mister Lasher who was instructed to deliver them to the gun room and put them in the hands of Mister Archer.

  He required all officers and senior petty officers on the ship examine the stores and tools needed for them to perform their jobs and report all deficiencies before the day was over.

  After the meeting ended, Mullins went on deck to enjoy a cigar. Halfway finished, he saw first a jolly boat on its way to Athena from the flagship, then a lighter setting out from shore, packed with men. When the midshipman of the watch ran aft to report these sightings, he told the lad to warn Mister Howard to be ready to process the new hands.

  The jolly boat reached Athena first and a slender youth came aboard. Painfully thin, he was clad in a cast-off naval lieutenant’s coat, originally made for someone of a stockier build. After saluting the quarterdeck, he doffed his cap to Lieutenant Howard and Captain Mull
ins, saying, “Coming aboard sirs. My name is Drover.”

  Mullins answered, “Have you all of your kit with you, Mister Drover?”

  “I do sir, alongside in the boat.”

  Turning to Mister Howard, Mullins asked him to sway the lieutenant’s belongings on board. To Drover, he said, “As soon as everything is aboard, ask Mister Howard for a few hands to take your kit below, then I want you on deck in your working rig to assist us to get some new hands signed in. They are on that lighter approaching now.”

  The next hours must have been confusing for Mister Drover, but he took hold immediately without requiring lengthy explanations of his duties. The new draft of hands was a chore. Few were seamen, some of those that had been in the Royal Navy for half a watch were poor specimens that had been picked over before and found wanting. Of fifty men that came aboard, perhaps ten showed some promise. The rest seemed to be dross.

  Nevertheless, at first light, the signal was flying from the flag, “Report when ready to sail.”

  There was something of a problem. The Marine officer had not returned to Athena from the flagship with Mullins. It was assumed he had gone ashore in conjunction with collecting the marine detachment destined for Athens. Likely these men would be a different group of men than those who served on her before.

  Howard had been up all night, working on the watch list with the master, so Mullins ordered him to signal the flag about his missing Marines then to get his head down. Mister Drover was also showing signs of fatigue, but the captain thought he still had some life in him.