'But why would he choose me,' Hazard pressed on seeking to confirm his suspicions that Gabe had been instrumental in his appointment.
Bart's reply was solemn and as elementary as Hazard had ever heard. ''Cause us-un's take care of our own.' Stated so, Hazard never asked another question.
This was his first ceremonial task as the new flag lieutenant and he wanted to do a good job and show the admiral his confidence in him had not been misplaced.
The two other footmen, who seemed to appear just at the precise moment, pulled a pair of heavy ornate doors open. Once inside Government House a clerk greeted the pair and ushered them into the governor's office. Anthony glanced at Everette and smiled to himself. Everette seemed awestruck as he took in the pillared corridor, and the huge paintings that lined the walls.
As the usher approached a large painted door he stepped to the side to let Anthony and Everette pass through before he announced, 'Admiral Lord Anthony and his flag lieutenant, sir.'
Governor Patrick Tonyn stood from behind his desk to greet his visitors. He was debonair and elegantly dressed in all white. He had a firm handshake and you got the feeling he was a man qualified for the job at hand. 'A glass of wine, my Lord, lieutenant?' As both officers responded, Governor Tonyn sent a servant for the wine then had the men seat themselves.
When the servant returned Tonyn explained as the two men looked at their glasses.
'Sangria, gentlemen. One of the Spanish wines that I find light and refreshing for the midday. Some may think it sweet after drinking the usual dry British wine.' The wine was sweeter than Anthony was used to, but it did have a pleasant taste and was chilled.
'Have you ever been to Florida, my Lord?' Tonyn asked.
'No, I've not had the privilege.'
'Then let me fill you in on some of the history which I think will better able you to carry out your orders. In 1763, Havana was given to the Spanish for the Province of Florida. Most of the Spanish residents chose to depart for Cuba. However, some stayed. Mostly the very poor, many blacks and individuals of mixed blood. Even a few of the wealthier stayed to maintain their extensive properties. I'm sure most in this group are actually spies.'
'In November 1775, I issued a proclamation that invited loyal subjects who were being harassed by the rebels in the northern colonies to come to Florida and we would give them land to start anew. Since then rebels out of Savannah, Georgia and surrounding areas have raided us. They kill, plunder then make their way back to safety before I even know they've been a foot.'
'I ordered a number of forts built to help defend us from these invasions. I've authorized a force of militia to be raised. A man of considerable merit, Thomas Browne, commands the militia. You will meet him and others at a meeting tomorrow.'
'Now one other thing. Admiral Howe is shipping us prisoners of war. Some of which are well to do. If the prisoners give their parole, I give them the freedom of the city. Others are being kept on the sloop, Otter, which has been turned into a prison ship and still others are kept at the lighthouse.'
Tonyn who had been sitting on his desk while talking let out a deep sigh, then stood up. Glancing at the remaining wine he put the glass to his lips and finished the fruity liquid.
'Now sir, you've heard of the damn privateers taking the Betsy and her load of gunpowder right on our doorsteps. Then another group had the audacity to sail right into our harbour and fire on our ships and town.
Had it not been for Lieutenant Knight, we'd never have fired a shot in return. Now we seem to be in danger of losing all our supply ships without which we can't survive. A day will come when we are self-sufficient.
However, we are not there yet. Your job, admiral, is to make the coast of Florida too hot for these damn rogues.'
Sitting in his chair while letting the governor speak had given Anthony's knee time to stiffen up so he stretched out his legs, flexed them, and then stood up.
'Do you have any idea as to the location the privateers might be using as a main base?'
'Anywhere! Hell man! The Keys is full of coves suitable for hiding. There's fresh water on most of them and deep water anchoring at some. Cuba is only a short distance from the Keys. However, the rogues could just as well be anywhere from Savannah to the Carolinas.' Lowering his eyes and shaking his head, Tonyn said in truth, 'I have no clue where the base is or if there is a specific base. As I said before, I'm sure some of our esteemed Spanish citizens are nothing more than spies, keeping the rebels well informed.'
Then the governor returned to his chair behind the large desk. The meeting was over. As Tonyn shook Anthony's hand he said, 'I will do all I can to support you but without the supply ships we can't even support ourselves. I wish you God's speed and good hunting, Admiral.'
Chapter Six
Master and Commander Sir Raymond Knight had not gotten use to the new title, or to the command of HMS
LeFrelon. The ship was a captured French corvette of twenty guns. However, as per Royal Navy protocol the day he had taken command as master and commander she ceased to be a corvette and became a sloop.
He was also amazed at the attitude and relationship between Admiral Anthony and the other captains and officers under his command. They all seemed to be so at ease and unafraid to voice their thoughts and recommendations when asked, unlike Commodore Meriwether's officers, who were afraid to speak due to his endless ridicule and sarcasm.
Standing in the admiral's cabin, Knight was still awed at the spacious, even elegant place. It had to be over thirty feet wide. The mahogany dining table contained ten leaves. The chairs were of finely tooled leather. He tried to relax, to reassure himself. He would not have been promoted had it not been felt he could handle the job. He had been knighted for his bravery in battle. Sir Raymond Knight, Knight of the Bath. His name and title had been the object of wardroom humor on more than one occasion. Unconsciously, he touched his neck which caused him to wince. The burn had just about healed, leaving the skin thickened and scarred and somewhat darkened. The burn had reached from his neck down to his chest and upper arm. Wearing his uniform made matters even worse. On board LeFrelon, he never wore his coat, except as specifically required by duty. An outcry of laughter broke Knight's revive.
Someone must have said something very amusing to cause such an outcry. Looking up Knight noticed a young, tall, dark-complected lieutenant approaching him.
'I'm Gabe,' the lieutenant said by way of introduction as he held out his hand. 'Looks like Lieutenant Kerry is catching the devil from Lieutenant Bush,' Gabe said addressing the laughter.
'Aye,' Knight replied. 'I'm told they're related so no doubt the banter is friendly.'
Shaking Knight's hand Gabe saw him wince and regretted his momentary absence of mind. However, other than the quick involuntary reaction, Knight gave no other hint of what he must be feeling. Gabe quickly looked at the tall prematurely graying man and decided instantly that he liked him. Knight had given a firm handshake with a quick smile on his face to cover the pain he had felt.
'I understand it was you who captured LeFrelon,' Knight said. 'I'm grateful, she's a good sailor.' Feeling a bit embarrassed, Gabe corrected the commander, 'I was supernumerary on the ship that took LeFrelon. It was actually Lieutenant Markham commanding Swan that took her.'
'Don't you believe a word of that, sir.' This from Markham who had been standing close and overhearing the conversation joined in. 'No sir, it was Lieutenant Anthony alone. A cutlass in his teeth and a pistol in each hand he laid about the damn privateer like a man crazed. Hacking and cutting his way through the
cutthroats with cannon's thundering, blades clinging and musket ball flying through the air like a hive of bees.'
'Were you not wounded, sir?' Knight asked Gabe thoughtfully.
Before Gabe could answer, Markham continued,
'Wounded… wounded you ask? Well, hell no. He was killed. Killed dead, sir, I swear, didn't you know like a cat, Gabe's got nine lives.'
As Markham finished his outlandish tale the group of officers howled with laughter. Smiling in spite of being the
