Chapter 3 – The Encounter
As sailing master Cullin handed Dawson the speaking trumpet, a strong voice from the British ship burst out over the water.
"The ship ahoy! The ship ahoy! What ship is that?"
Dawson held the speaking trumpet to his lips and answered for all his was worth, trying to project as much authority as possible under his circumstances.
"American merchant vessel, Odyssey, from Boston, Captain Dawson commanding. What ship is that?"
There was a brief pause then the commanding voice from across the water answered.
"His Britannic Majesty's Ship, Surprise, 28 guns, Captain Aubrey commanding."
"Her gun ports are open, sir." Cullin said low enough for Dawson's ears only.
"We're no threat to them, Thomas. Only a pirate or privateer would fire into an unarmed ship."
"Let's hope this is not a ruse." Cullen said quietly, studying the stranger.
They were close enough now for Dawson to see the familiar blue and gold of the Royal Navy uniforms, the cocked hats on the commanding officers, the black top hats on the midshipmen. Her crew were scurrying about the single deck, many topmen visible in her rigging, and all eyes were trained on the Odyssey.
While it was disconcerting to be the object of so much intense scrutiny, Dawson steadfastly maintained his commanding stance. He would not allow the British to discountenance him. His experiences with the Royal Navy on various occasions taught him that intimidation was one of their greatest assets. With over a thousand sail in their massive navy, who could oppose them?
The British officer continued. "Have you had trouble, sir? You ship is badly knocked about."
The two ships were close enough now that Dawson could clearly see it was the captain who was speaking to him. A very large, tall man with golden hair visible beneath the cocked hat. Authority incarnate.
"We had encountered a squall for nearly two days and were blown off course."
"What is your destination, sir?"
"Naples, Italy. We're bringing in our cargo."
There was a substantial pause this time. Dawson watched as the British captain conferred with his officers. As the silence continued, he could see the British lieutenants with their spyglasses to their eyes, paying rapt attention to the goings on aboard the Odyssey lest the merchant ship be something other than what she purported to be. The French and Spanish had been known to employ such a ruse. Glancing up at the Surprise's fighting tops, Dawson saw the distinctive red coats of the Royal Marines, their muskets at the ready. It was obvious this British ship had cleared for action and was taking this meeting seriously.
The British captain turned decisively back to speak to the American captain.
"Sir, may I send a boat with my officers and repair on board of you? Let us talk, if you please."
Dawson caught Cullin's eye and had to restrain himself from shaking his head in frustration. Damn! They probably did not believe his story about going to Naples and wanted to search his ship to verify the story for themselves. What was worse, Dawson was in no position to refuse them. The 28 guns peeking through their ports at him compelled cooperation.
Despite this reality, he was becoming increasingly irritated with British "policy" of stopping and searching neutral merchant vessels on the high seas, ostensibly for contraband. Because America did not yet possess a strong maritime force to put an end to the practice - thanks to the passive Jeffersonian administration - it continued unabated.
He and Cullin could see no other option but to agree to be boarded. With reluctance, Dawson called over across the water. "Very well. I will receive your officers."
While Dawson possessed the right papers to verify his destination, port of origin, and the cargo in his hold, he had no protection whatsoever against the British helping themselves to several of his best hands if their ship was undermanned.
He turned and spoke quietly to Cullin. "Make sure my daughter stays down in the orlop and out of sight. She is to continue helping Dr. Samuel tend the wounded." He looked around his ship just then and noted with irritation that the repair work had slowed considerably as many of his crew were watching the British ship.
"And get those men back to work! We have serious repairs to make and I'll not have our "guests" cause an interruption. We've lost too much time for nothing as it is."
Cullin turned and bellowed at the hands. "Get back to work, you lot! Damn your eyes! Think the ship will fix itself? You there! Haul in those sheets - on the double!"
Dawson turned his attention back to the Surprise and saw she had already lowered her gig into the water. A typical Royal Navy boarding party was climbing in, complete with six armed Royal Marines.
'May Providence be with us' he offered up silently as he watched the gig row closer to the Odyssey.
End Chapter 2
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