“Very well William, see to your investigation into the matter. But come sundown, Mr. Shelton goes into irons and barring any new revelations, he will be hung at dawn according to the articles.” Grimes replied, his voice devoid of emotion.
“Aye Sir. I will see to it personally.” William stated, turning sharply and heading off about his task.
William’s plan was to first question Cobb and see where he could either validate or refute his claim of seeing Mr. Shelton emerging from the hold at the conclusion of the battle. William also thought it would be prudent to see if others among the crew recalled seeing him at his station during the fight. William was suspicious himself; he did not recall seeing Shelton amongst the starboard battery when he had gone down to the gun deck. William asked the watch officer to summon Cobb to meet him in the Captain’s quarters. Waiting in the cabin he reviewed what he could remember of the battle. Cobb was present on deck for the initial encounter, he was the watch officer who had summoned William. He knew Cobb was present for the beginning volley with the French sloop, but after that when the Valor engaged the third rate, he did not recall seeing Cobb on deck. Cobb entered the cabin interrupting William’s thoughts, he appeared flustered before William even had the chance to begin the conversation.
“I was inspecting the repairs underway to the starboard gun port damage Sir. What could not wait?” Guffawed the irritated lieutenant.
“Well, Lieutenant Cobb.” William said, ignoring his insubordinate tone. “I have some questions about crew conduct during our engagement with the French. Mr. Shelton was seen exiting the hold after the engagement. Can you tell me more about that?”
“Why, yes Sir. I can.” Cobb replied, his tone melting as his temperament changed rapidly. “After the hit on lead starboard gun, I did see Mr. Shelton coming out of the hold. He could not have been at his assigned place of duty during the engagement.”
“I see and where were you when this took place Mr. Cobb?” William asked, his tone and facial expression unyielding.
“Well Sir, I went below to the gun deck as we were coming about to lay our broadside on them. I knew if we took any impact every available hand would be needed.” Said Cobb earnestly.
“Very well Lieutenant, you may go and see to repairs. Please do send Mr. Shelton along and also the gun three leader if you will,” said Will. “Do remember Mr. Cobb, I am second in command aboard this ship. If you are summoned, it matters not how inconvenienced you are, I am not disrespectful to you. I expect the same.” William turned to look out the row of windows across the fantail as he spoke, hoping to conceal his awkward manner of dressing down a subordinate.
“Aye Sir.” Cobb replied, a glimmer of anger flashing across his eyes.
This matter of accusation among the crew completely unsettled William, especially now as the French sloop had suddenly broken off contact. She could be anywhere and with good handling and favorable winds, could run out of sight around the Valor and be laying in wait somewhere. France has their spies in London and elsewhere as does the British Crown, anything was possible. This was certainly not a time to be dealing with discipline issues. But there really is no good or convenient time for matters like this. The steady pitch and roll of the ship altered slightly, no doubt a change in course ordered by Captain Grimes. William noted the bright sun was racing toward noon just as the bells tolled out confirming his observation. “This matter needs to be resolved before sunset. Damn it if I’m going to have to slap that shod in irons on Cobb’s word alone,” he spoke to himself. The hatch swung open and Shelton reported in along with the gun leader on starboard gun three.
“Good afternoon men.” William began, bypassing any pleasantries. “Mr. Shelton, I have been made aware that you were seen coming out of the hold immediately after the engagement with the French. More specifically, that you were not at your assigned place of duty when we took the hit to starboard one’s gun port. Explain yourself man.”
“Well, Sir, I was. I was behind the gun line for the whole ordeal. When we took the hit, I myself tipped starboard three’s water over the powder charges laying about the wreckage from the cannon.” Shelton stammered. His face flushed and he looked angry and nervous at the same time.
“Why did Cobb see you coming out of the hold then?” William pressed.
“It was Lieutenant Cobb who ordered me to go there in the first place Sir. He told me to fetch the surgeon and a litter for the wounded.” Shelton answered, his voice steadying.
“I can attest Sir. I heard the order. Mr. Shelton shoved me down when the shot hit Sir, saved me life. Then he grabbed our swab bucket and soaked the powder charges that were exposed, might’ve saved the ship Sir.” offered the petty officer.
“Very well you two. Thank you. You are dismissed.” William replied.
Lieutenant Pike found the Captain on deck and briefly covered his conversations with the three men bringing Grimes apprised of the missing details Cobb had omitted. The two officers shared a concerned look, each knowing what was required to maintain order and discipline on the ship. The Captain was silent, William could see he was deep in thought. Both men knew the accusation Cobb had made, if supported by a witness or some form of evidence was enough to put the young man to
