Read Thunder On the Sea: A Tim Phillips novel (War at Sea Book 11) for Free Online Page B

have escaped Elba in his own vessel, the brig ‘Inconstant’, landing on the mainland near Cannes in early March. Although having only a small number of troops at the beginning, his numbers increased as troops sent to apprehend him, joined him instead. I learned just before sailing that he has now entered Paris and Louis XVIII has fled.”
    Captain Phillips digested this intelligence. “Major, what are the chances of Napoleon pulling this off?”
    “In my opinion, Captain, very slim indeed. The majority of the troops he commanded last year have scattered to the winds. While the new French king did have an army, it was only a fraction of what Bonaparte controlled as Emperor. The few royalist troops have gone over to Napoleon en masse and he must now call to the colors the thousands of disbanded veterans. Some of these are now in the depots, but Bonaparte will have his hands full equipping them and preparing them to take to the field.”
    “The major powers are now preparing to fight. Britain, Russia, Prussia, Austria and Spain are all preparing to engage him. The forces the new coalition can bring against him far outnumber anything he can raise in the limited time he has. We can assume he will win some initial battles, but soon the overwhelming armies arrayed against him will wear him down.”
    “I think Napoleon believed if he could raise a credible army, his opponents, tired of war, would offer peace if he were to promise to keep France tranquil. Of course, he miss calculated. No one in France trusts the word of Napoleon.” 
    “Very well, Major. We will proceed directly to Livorno to pick up your men. Are you permitted to disclose your plans to me?”
    “Sir, all I can say is, there being no likelihood of any naval engagements, it is unlikely there will be any action for us at sea. Therefor my instructions require me to be as much of a nuisance ashore in the various ports as possible. Should we see warships being readied for sea, and suspect they will be used to support Bonaparte’s forces, then we have free rein to commandeer or destroy such. Of course, you will have your own orders covering your actions.
     
    HMS Prince Rupert reached Gibraltar without incident, but found all the King’s ships had sailed. Several of the big casks of salt pork had proved bad on the voyage out, so Captain Phillips took the opportunity to obtain new provisions. In addition to the pork, he found a few Spanish seamen looking for berths. The ship had nearly a full crew, so these men were examined closely before they signed on. Those taken aboard had to prove their seamanship abilities.
    Jacobs, the new captain’s steward had done an exemplary job of selecting and purchasing supplies for the cabin back in Portsmouth, but as he pointed out to his captain, the circumstances were now different.
    He assured his captain he had assumed there would not be much entertaining on a voyage of discovery. Now that they were being sent to the Med though, circumstances might be different. Jacobs wondered if it might not be opportune to take on a supply of Spanish wines while they had the chance.
    Phillips had come to trust and rely on his steward and had no qualms handing over a substantial sum to purchase the supplies.
    The acting governor had no fresh information for them so the post ship set sail for the Italian mainland.
     
    Now in the Med, proceeding on course for Livorno, the topmast lookout reported a sail ahead. Several more came into view, and as these sails were overtaken, Mister Drayer, the signal officer, reported flag signals flying from a little brig off to starboard of the little convoy. Eventually, he was able to read the signals and reported, “Sir, HMS Alastor, 12 gun brig, Captain Laynor, reports his convoy of three troopers bound for Leghorn.”
    “Very well, Mister Drayer. Please inform Captain Laynor that HMS Prince Rupert will join the escort.”
    Normally, the convoy escort commander would have then given the joining ship