'True sir, but I thought myself,' Wrinch laid a little emphasis on the pronoun to indicate his was a position of some influence, 'that the officer most deserving was Drinkwater. His efforts have been indefatigable.' Wrinch met the eyes of the admiral. 'I am sure you agree with me, sir, now that Griffiths is dead, that you will see eye to eye in the matter.' Wrinch's voice had an edge to it which changed abruptly to a tone of complicit bonhomie, 'As of course we have over so much lately: your accommodation at my house with its attendant comforts, the matter of the disbursement to my Arab friends at Al Wejh…' he trailed off, allowing the significance of his meaning to sink in.
But Blankett was unabashed and shrugged urbanely. 'Perhaps, Strangford, but Mr Morris is a pressing candidate, he has some clout with their Lordships though why he is only a lieutenant I cannot guess. I shall consult Ball upon the matter. At all events I am obliged to hold an enquiry into the loss of the Hellebore, the more now that their Lordships are screaming out for her speedy return home.'
The court was convened aboard Leopard on 1st October 1799 under the chairmanship of the rear-admiral. The members of the court were Captain Surridge of the Leopard, Ball and Stuart of Daedalus and Fox, and Commander Grace of the Hotspur, the sloop that had brought Morris out from England.
In his capacity as British consular agent Strangford Wrinch, having some formal knowledge of the law, sat as judge advocate. He wore European clothes for the purpose.
In the absence of her commander, Drinkwater was called first. His deposition as to the brig's loss was read out. In it he outlined his own misgivings about the accuracy of their assumed position. It was followed by that of Mr Lestock, a cautiously worded and prolix document which said a great deal about Mr Lestock's character and little in favour of his abilities. It called forth a sotto voce comment from the admiral that the master seemed very like his 'damned namesake', referring to an Admiral Lestock who had failed to support his principal in battle half a century earlier.
Rogers's statement was then read out to the court who were by this time finding the heat in Leopard's cabin excessive, packed as it was by so many officers in blue broadcloth coats. Rogers was called to the stand.
'Well, Mr, er…'
'Rogers, sir.'
'… Rogers,' said the admiral whose wig was awry above his florid face, 'this ain't a hanging offence but it does seem that you presumed a great deal, eh?' On either side of him three post-captains and the commander nodded sagely, as if men of their eminence never made errors of judgement.
'It was hardly "a misfortune" that breakers turned out to be over a reef, sir, is it, eh? Stap me, where else d'you expect to find 'em? Had you hove-to and found two hundred fathoms and made yourself the laughing stock of the whole damned squadron you could hardly have been blamed. It would certainly have made more sense.'
Drinkwater watched the colour mount to Rogers's face and felt sorry for him. He knew the loss of the brig had been acutely felt by Rogers. It had tempered his fiery self-conceit into an altogether different metal. Blankett whispered to the officers on either side of him. Drinkwater noted Commander Grace seemed to be making a point and looking in his direction. Blankett passed a napkin across his streaming face and addressed the court.
'Very well gentlemen, I see there are mitigating factors. Captain Grace reminds me of Mr Drinkwater's observations about refraction and adds he has been making a study of the phenomena. In the circumstances the court take cognizance of these factors, though these do not relate directly to Mr, er, er the lieutenant's conduct on the night in question.' He looked round at his fellow judges and they each nodded agreement.
'It is the opinion of this court of enquiry that the loss of His Britannic Majesty's Brig-of-War Hellebore upon the night of 19th August last was due to circumstances of misadventure. But it wishes to record a motion of censure upon Lieutenant…'
'Rogers,' put in Wrinch helpfully.
'Rogers, as to the degree of care he employs while in charge of a watch aboard one of His Majesty's ships of war.' The sweat was pouring down Blankett's face and he wiped it solemnly. 'That I think concludes our business.'
The admiral rose heavily and withdrew as the court broke up. Drinkwater found himself approached by Grace who wished to see his figures on refraction while Rogers hovered uncomfortably. When Grace had been satisfied Drinkwater turned to Rogers. 'Well Sam, 'twasn't too bad, eh?'
'Is that it? Does that mean there will be no formal court-martial?'
'I think not. Griffiths is dead and the navigation of the Red Sea intricate enough to mollify this court. By the time the admiral's secretary has dressed up the minutes of these proceedings for the consumption of a London quill-pusher, and by the time it takes for the mills of Admiralty to grind, I wager you'll not hear another word about it.'
They went out into the blinding sunshine of the quarterdeck to bid Wrinch farewell.
'I doubt we will meet again, Nathaniel,' said Wrinch extending his hand which emerged from an over lavish profusion of cuff extending from a sober black sleeve. 'Now that the matter of the brig's loss is concluded Blankett will be anxious to have you on your way. I have done you a little service. I think by sunset you will have an epaulette.' Wrinch smiled while Drinkwater stammered his thanks. 'Do not mention it, my dear fellow. God go with you and do you mind that sot Morris, there's no love for him in the squadron and I think he'll accompany you home.'
They watched him descend into the admiral's barge and were on the point of calling their own boat when a midshipman approached Drinkwater.
'The admiral desires that you attend him in the cabin, sir.'
Drinkwater returned to the admiral's presence. The green baize covered table was swept clear of papers and a bottle and glass had replaced them. The admiral sat in his shirt-sleeves with his stock loosened.
'Ah, Mr er, Mr…'
'Drinkwater, sir.'
'Ah, yes, quite so. Prefer wine myself,' chuckled the admiral pouring himself a glass. He swallowed half of it and looked up. 'The matter of the Antigone. I have it in mind to promote you, subject of course to their lordships' ratification. You will receive your commission and your orders to proceed without delay to Spithead. You will also carry my dispatches. Have the goodness to send an officer an hour before sunset. I understand the frigate is adequately supplied?'
Drinkwater expressed his gratitude. 'As to provisions, sir, she was wanting only her guns when we took her. The French had salted a quantity of mutton looted from the Arabs and we were able to salvage much from the Hellebore.'
'Good, good. Now Mr, er, Mr Drinkwater, as to the conduct of the prize, I understand that Commander Griffiths had no prize money arrangement with Stuart or Ball, is that so?' Blankett's voice was suddenly confidential.
'I believe that to be the case, sir.'
'Good. Well you stand to profit from the venture if you bring her home in one piece.' The admiral fixed Drinkwater with a steely eye.
'I think your eighth will be safe, sir,' he volunteered, forming the shrewd and accurate suspicion that the rear-admiral had some designs on Griffiths's share of the head money on the action with La Torride as well as his portion of the condemned value of the Antigone. Blankett scratched his head beneath his wig.
'You will need an additional officer; best keep that fellow Morris with you. Ball don't want him aboard Daedalus. Damned fellow's got some petticoat influence but Ball says he's a sodomite. I'll send the bugger home before I have to hang him.'