Birthplace: Toledo, Ohio (the general area)
Birthdate: June 4th 1754
Current Age: 21 years old
Appearance: A rather broad but slender man built by tree climbing, hunting and fishing, the Morgan Family jumped the border into Ohio during the Seven Years war, and had learned a valuable lessons in human ability…now after nearly two years away from home, the Longhunter turned soldier has built his soul for the war and struggles to come.
Stats:
Martial – 10+2=12 ( He has a keen understanding of Frontier Warfare and has fought in several skermishes) Diplomacy – 2 (His people skills were never the best, and he never bothered to improve beyond the basics) Stewardship –7+2+1=10 (He lived alone for nearly an decade, and kept himself in fair shape) Intrigue –11+1+1=13 (Hunting is all about quiet moving and timing) Learning –8 (He can read and write but little more) Prowess – 16+4+1=21 (A robust physical specimen with excellent constitution)
Traits:
"Ohio Longhunter"- Morgan's been a long hunter for his entire life, he knows how to make things last, how to find it and how to beat anything that his rifle had a sight on. (John gains a +10 to all rolls related to outdoor survival, hunting and other activities related to nature, +1 prowess, intrigue and stewardship)
"Indian Fighter"- John Morgan has various fueds with members of the Native Tribes of Ohio and has spent time fighting and quarreling with them. (This character suffers a -20 to all diplomatic rolls with Native American tribes in the Ohio river valley due to various long standing disputes with them, and as he's spent nearly a decade fighting them, he has a +15 to combat rolls when deployed against them)
Skills:
Hunting: This Character is a skilled and robust hunter in the Ohio Valley.
Fishing: This Character has skill in fishing.
Rifleman ship: With a long rifle he'll never waste a shot.
AN: A reality of America, and one of her first heroic archetype, The Long Hunter, the precursor to the Montian men, and cowboys of the west.
Bio: Another song created during the anti-skirmishing campaign, this time near the sea where some ships of the Royal Navy are heading onwards Boston. The story goes that a group of British Soldiers were singing Rule Britannia on during their skirmish attacks against the Army of the Observation. To mock them, a militiaman was said to sing basically what he can think of in the same tune as Rule Britannia. Other militias joined in to create their own song. A similar origin to The Brit' Grenadier.
Verse 1:
When Old George awoke, in his brothel
Arose out a drunken daze
Arose arose out a drunken daze
He lived with much flatter, his mind and his tums
Whilst he sees his belongings gone
Chorus:
Drunk Old George, the Drunk Man that Lays
With the Rabbits, Cows, and other Graves.
Drunk Old George, the Drunk Man that Lays
With the Rabbits, Cows, and other Graves.
Verse 2:
As Old George limped, only in his crown
More pity from each foreign stroke
More pity, shorter each foreign stroke
As quiet drains is all he have
His women left an empty throne
Chorus:
Drunk Old George, the Drunk Man that Lays
With the Rabbits, Cows, and other Graves.
Drunk Old George, the Drunk Man that Lays
With the Rabbits, Cows, and other Graves.
Verse 3:
Wasting Away, That Old King George
Selling his crowns far away
Selling selling his crown far away
The Parliament, that's all he has left
Until he gets thrown in eviction vote
Chorus:
Drunk Old George, the Drunk Man that Lays
With the Rabbits, Cows, and other Graves.
Drunk Old George, the Drunk Man that Lays
With the Rabbits, Cows, and other Graves.
N/A: I got bored, and thus decided to add another song for the Army of the Observation. (Sorry abut asking about OCs earlier).
John Riely could not believe his luck. First, his ship was wrecked by a storm and he and all his crew could not even escape to shore that was just in sight, but now he was captured by a blasted pirate who was, in all likelihood, going to kill him and his men for being loyal subjects of the crown.
He had heard of Arthur Smith, he was that lowly bilge rat who ruined a promising career in the royal navy when he cut off his captain's balls for, in his words, raping a poor girl. Now John didn't care all to much about the girl, she was a French captive and honestly she got what she deserved.
But the fact a boy had done it, a loyal sailor, showed arrogance and a traitorous heart even at a young age. The fact he was not executed for his crimes came down to his blasted grandfather, Uthred Smith.
That dammed Welshman was a smuggler and a criminal for evading the king's laws and taxes and there was nothing that anyone could do because no one could prove it. When General Gage had taken command of Boston in response to that Tea Party, he had long hoped that his ships would captured and his captains hanged.
Oh low, but he was the fool now.
He and his men were standing in front of Smith, who was wearing a blue coat like some naval officer who bastardized the Royal Navy's proud traditions. He prayed that it would be a quick death. "Mister Roberts?" He said the words cautiously. "Did we manage to save any cargo from this wreck?"
"Only the crew sir." Was the answer from the man next to him, his first officer beside him, who was eyeing them all. "Where are they from?"
"We are Englishmen!" John found himself saying, loudly and proudly.
There was a pause and Arthur only laughed. "We'll I'm an American, but that doesn't help me. I meant where did you sail from, and what is your destination, sir?"
That was odd. "Sorry?" John asked.
"I get being in a wreck is disheartening and cruel, but where is your destination?" The Captain asked as he looked at his officer. "I leave the Royal Navy and no one can give me a straight answer."
John gulped. "We're bound for Newport." He was lying, he was bound for Boston, and all those supplies that were for Gage and his forces, fresh supplies and arms for his militia. He had heard stories of those Bostonians… and that Putnam bastard stopping foraging parties.
That made Arthur's eyes twinkle as if he caught him. "Mister Roberts, do you know what I do to Liars on my ship? Liars and men who are withholding information from my business?"
That made John Pale. "I do sir." Roberts answered and his men began to stop their work.
"Tell them, Mister Roberts." Arthur smiled.
"I think you flog them first, fifty lashes, and then if they don't answer, you hang them on the side of the ship by their feet. Let the waves loosen his tongue." Roberts said. "And if that doesn't work-"
John broke. "Boston! We were bound for Boston!" He fell to his knees and hugged Smith's legs. "Arms and munitions and food-"
At that Smith blinked once, then twice. "Well, that was easy." He then smiled. "Mister Roberts, where did you read all that from? I never heard of anything like that before?"
"Made it up sir." He said.
John realized that he lost his nerve. "What shall you do with us?"
Smith only clicked his teeth. "How far away from Newport are we sir?"
"Bout a day?" Roberts said.
"Well then, you are all prisoners of a Captain of the Continental Navy. You shall be handed off to constables and stand trial for aiding and abetting the enemy in Boston at Newport."
Arthur Smith, a captain of a navy for continentals? This must be a joke. Who the hell would-
He remembered John Hancock… and Benjamin Franklin.
They wouldn't be foolish enough to give this madman a commission. Would they?
But John Riely heard laughter before he was sent down to the hold in irons. "Continental Navy? You a captain? What blasted fool would make you a captain in any navy? You were just a midshipman for a time, and they threw you out for defending a woman."
"I think we're about to find out if Dr. Franklin's friends are mad enough to make it happen. And if that is the case, I would love to prove him right."
"Prove him right in what way?" Roberts asked.
"That there can be freedom on this continent. Maybe without a king."
AN:More wacky adventures of the Revolutions pirate.
[X] Oh I haven't seen old Georgie for a Heck of a Time
-[X] Press Release: Those young journalists from the Pennsylvania Gazette are still around ready for an interview. With your recent successes, this could be a chance to score an easy propaganda win for the Revolution.
-[X] Audacity Breeds Victory: You have a bold plan, one which others would consider far too risky. But Hannibal didn't cross the Alps by shying away from danger.
-[X] Request Command of a Battalion: While you are an officer, it doesn't really mean much if you're not in charge of anything. See if you can convince General Ward to give you a battalion to lead.
-[X] Frontline Experience: Despite being a major, you've never experienced any combat or earned any scars. Perhaps you should join some of the skirmishers in order to gain some much-needed experience.
-[X] Scout Out British Positions: The British have set up forts on the hills just around Boston. Perhaps you could head out and... appreciate the magnificent architecture.
-[X] Bunker Hill: General Ward has called an urgent meeting with all his commanding officers, you especially. The reason for this meeting? An informant has give reason to believe that the British are going to invade the Charlestown peninsula and the Dorchester Heights soon. (Leads to a Battle Turn where you fight in a battle. How you fight it is your prerogative.)
Another day passes as the end of the month closes onwards.
The recent days have been filled with constant drilling and continuation of the Army of the Observation's small campaign against British Grenadiers, who were skirmishing for supplies to continue their occupation of the City of Boston.
Despite not being as professional as the British, the Militias suffered little to no recorded casualties aside from a few injuries that can be recovered from. Whilst not a full confrontation, the combination of Drilling and Counter-skirmishing allowed the Miitias to hold onto supplies that would've gone to British hands, and experience on the battlefield, depending on their deployment. Not to mention establishing a new outpost system that allowed quicker response time against the British Skirmish Raids.
This gave more credibility to one Johnathan Halbert, who was promoted to Major for his efforts in the Army. Not to mention credibility amongst his fellow officers and the rank-and-file as a capable planner and worthy of his rank. Still, Jonathan felt unprepared for the responsibilities of command.
At nights over the course of this month, Halbert poured through different periods of battles consisting of The Battle of Cannae in the Second Punic War, The Battle of Breitenfeld of the Thirty Years War, and recently a series of Military Instructions created by Frederick the Great of Prussia.
However, for the young Halbert, this isn't enough.
So as the fifth month dies, Johnathan Halbert began his last research for now. The Seven Years War..
"Great things are achieved only when we take great risks."
– Frederick the Great
Halbert entered his tent after a long day of conducting military drills that one would have confused him to be a Prussian. Indeed, instilling a sense of discipline and professionalism that seems to have been credited with Frederick the Great as a direct inspiration as the specifics worked out over the course of the month.
Whilst many men of the time would be happy to spend time winding down, Jonathan isn't simply the sort.
Once arriving at his chest containing personal belongings and other personal supplies, he encounters the last book that he has not read yet. With great determination to complete this month of study, he rushes onwards to his desk chair and table to begin reading. It was a few minutes later that he forgot his writing equipment.
Ever the diligent man, he flees back to the chest and acquires himself pieces of paper. His ink and quill are already on the desk.
With everything prepared, Halbert begins his last portion of research for the month..
Jonathan flips the book open, grumbling to himself about how he forgot to prepare himself and read ahead without writing any notes or observations he can examine as much as he can pull from the book. Thankfully, after looking through the index, it is related to Frederick the Great and his Campaign in the Seven Years War.
With relief, he would first read the introductory chapters that details the First and Second Silesian Wars. Setting up the stage that would allow him to understand the background and what would boil down into the European side of the Seven Years War. Some mentions of major battles are made in the two conflicts, right up until the actual first few chapters of the Third Silesian War would be mentioned.
Reading the background chapters, he could not help but see the similarities of Hannibal and Frederick in terms of their boldness to head towards enemy territory, not to mention practically not sending a message of a declaration of war before they have started their invasions. While Hannibal's gambit failed in the long term, Frederick managed to guarantee the territory of Silesia for the Kingdom of Prussia in two peace treaties.
He notes down notable battles on the paper under the following categories: The First Silesian War and The Second Silesian War. Once Johnathan manages to hold onto more books to gather additional information about the battle, he'll proceed to appoint himself to conduct research in them specifically.
With his initial thoughts on the matter finished, he would begin reading past the introductory chapters, and into the Third Silesian War.
As the night wore on, Jonathan continued writing more notes of the actions of the Prussian Army and their decisions/situations that have them perform the way they are during the war in Europe. From the Prussian's greatest triumphs at Rossbach and Leuthen, to their greatest defeats of Kolin and Kunersdorf.
He studied them all, nitpicking every detail of war: Strategy and Tactics, and analyzing them with the given information he has in addition to using experiences and connections with the other military studies he conducted. This encouraged him to re-open the books he's already studied and the notes he made.
Already he can feel the mental fatigue, but he fought through its earlier signs. He pushes himself to create the foundations for each battle he read through before he could not anymore.
Over the past few days, in addition to joining the Army Drills of the Army, he continued his study of everything the book contained. However, the one he's most fascinated by is both the Battle of Rossbach and Leuthen.
Both battles, in Johnathan's point of view, are Frederick the Great at his greatest. With the combination of decisive command, officers acting independently against the Allied Austrian movements, terrain usage to great effect, usage of maneuver as an important part of warfare, and the importance of artillery in aiding the Prussian army on field.
In fact, Leuthen was a concert of battle if you say so yourself. Artillery, Infantry, and Cavalry working together in sync that drove off the Austrian army – an army he noted to be higher in number than what Frederick fielded.
Honestly, it was a shame that the Army of the Observation did not have access to cavalry and artillery companies and battalions on-use.
He resolves himself to one day develop and train up Artillery and Cavalry forces to be used in concert with infantry. With them available, there is no doubt battles against the British would become much easier to fight – as long competent commanders are on field to use them properly, not to mention the gunners and cavalry officers themselves proving their competence.
Already, the concept of mobile artillery makes his head swirl with ideas of different ways to take advantage of an enemy army, aided by the infantry that would become the bulwark, mix with Cavalry as a mobile force to combat other cavalry forces and other tasks they can be given to alleviate the situation or pursuit the enemy.
Not to mention, utilizing terrain to the advantage of the army is an idea already reaching the top importance in his head. With how Frederick managed to conceal most of his army to create a surprise attack that drove the Austrians to fold quickly.
Decisiveness, Jonathan concluded in his notes of the Prussian side of the Seven Years War, is an aspect of a Commander. However, like Frederick, Hannibal, and the other commanders he's read, Calm-headed Demeanor is also an aspect of a commander.
N/A: Finally finished this Omake. This shalt be the end of the Series of studies by Johnathan until new material can be gained (Say, Books about Caesar's Gaul Campaign or Alexander's Campaign for example). Here, he is introduced fully to the world of Mobile Artillery, Synergy of Artillery, Infantry, and Cavalry, The foundations of War by Maneuver, Terrain importance, and the needed characteristic (in his view) for a commander: Decisiveness and having a Calm-head. He is also introduced to the concept of Independent command on a more tactical level.
"When it comes to maps, always be ready to pick your battles – when not, out maneuver your enemy through knowing the terrain more than they can distinguish between bush and trees compared to your knowledge of hidden passages and valleys that can exploit and win a battle."
– Jonathan Halbert
It was during the chapter dedicated to the Battle of Burkersdorf in the Seven Years War book that showed Halbert another important aspect of warfare: Knowing the terrain you are encamped on to not suffer a surprise attack by the enemy.
In the battle, the Austrians managed to hold up a Prussian charge, until two Prussian regiments discovered a hidden passage that allowed them to conduct a surprise attack against the Austrian forces that eventually forced their commander to order a retreat.
This failure of – in Johnathan's opinion – planning and preparation by the Austrian Commander reached him to not perform the same mistake. It was with a stroke of the feather that he wrote down a list of notes to perform at the day's morn. More for himself to order subordinates to follow through with utmost haste.
The next day arrives with a flurry of actions performed by Halbert. With the impending inevitability of battle, he quickly went about camp to gather a force of adequate cartographers and order them – with a cadre of some Minutemen on the off-chance of an ambush by the British – to gather maps of the region surrounding their camp and Boston, if incomplete, finish them through observation and drawing of places. They are additionally tasked to ask around for any landmarks or passages to draw down on the maps.
At the meeting table with his fellow officers and superiors, he would plainly speak of this as a more cautious attempt to gain more information on the off-chance the enemy were to attack them.
It took over the course of days, reaching weeks, to be able to receive maps that Johnathan ordered to be made. He scoured through the details and witness accounts (said to be shown by locals of the area) with a meticulous and cautious approach. Utilizing overlaps as a psuedo-agreement of what the land formation looked, adding into water formations if they were around the place.
Halbert drew a "Master Map" of the region around Boston, utilizing the many submissions as guidelines to be worked into a campaign map. It didn't hurt to continue waiting for some more to send more forces to confirm certain places if they were accurate or inaccurate.
It took nights and patience to overcome, but Johnathan managed to complete and create his own Campaign Map of the region, with more details confirmed by subordinates sent to check these many places in the similar maps he was given. In addition, he would visit the cartographers to get to know of their experience, and would invite in his minor expeditions to visit the different terrains.
This effort, in a quick amount of time, couldn't be done without Halbert's team of burgeoning cartographers. In fact, he began planning the creation of an official team dedicated towards gathering, completing, creating (when needed), and confirming maps as a force of dedication to maps and mapping related intelligence gatherers.
In fact, he would give his fellow Officers more accurate maps that he no longer needed to be kept around, not wanting to waste effort placed into work that would be more helpful than not.
With these maps available, Halbert can begin creating plans that allow him to take advantage of the terrain. As it will help when needing to battle the British, advantageous locations to fight on his own terms, not to mention candidates to place supply areas to handle logistical concerns when needed and places where he can conceal armies to conduct a surprise attack to catch the British on the retreat from battle.
Already, a portion of Infantry drilling that has been neglected on the off-chance the British attempts to attack the Army of the Observation can be rectified with new route of a relatively long distance yet close enough at camp to counter the British breakthrough: Marching, and Long Manuevres through Formations.
N/A: Going to be a series of (in my opinion) short omakes like these - after all they can vary in size.
"Americanism means the virtues of courage, honor, justice, truth, sincerity, and resilience–the virtues that made America." –Theodore Roosevelt
[X] Oh I haven't seen old Georgie for a Heck of a Time
-[X] Press Release: Those young journalists from the Pennsylvania Gazette are still around ready for an interview. With your recent successes, this could be a chance to score an easy propaganda win for the Revolution.
-[X] Audacity Breeds Victory: You have a bold plan, one which others would consider far too risky. But Hannibal didn't cross the Alps by shying away from danger.
-[X] Request Command of a Battalion: While you are an officer, it doesn't really mean much if you're not in charge of anything. See if you can convince General Ward to give you a battalion to lead.
-[X] Frontline Experience: Despite being a major, you've never experienced any combat or earned any scars. Perhaps you should join some of the skirmishers in order to gain some much-needed experience.
-[X] Scout Out British Positions: The British have set up forts on the hills just around Boston. Perhaps you could head out and... appreciate the magnificent architecture.
-[X] Bunker Hill: General Ward has called an urgent meeting with all his commanding officers, you especially. The reason for this meeting? An informant has give reason to believe that the British are going to invade the Charlestown peninsula and the Dorchester Heights soon. (Leads to a Battle Turn where you fight in a battle. How you fight it is your prerogative.)
-[X] Bunker Hill: General Ward has called an urgent meeting with all his commanding officers, you especially. The reason for this meeting? An informant has give reason to believe that the British are going to invade the Charlestown peninsula and the Dorchester Heights soon. (Leads to a Battle Turn where you fight in a battle. How you fight it is your prerogative.)
1D100=>70
The Regulars were coming. And you would be waiting for them.
(To be continued in: Battle of Bunker Hill)
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-[X] Press Release: Those young journalists from the Pennsylvania Gazette are still around ready for an interview. With your recent successes, this could be a chance to score an easy propaganda win for the Revolution.
1D100=>38
After all was said and all was done, meeting with the reporters was a nice breath of fresh, relaxing air. Jonathan had sat down with the two–Mr. Hiller and Miss Philips–and had recounted his journey to bring a caravan of supplies all the way from Virginia. If they'd made any kind assumptions, he hadn't bothered to correct them. All in all, it was a nice reprieve from his duties.
And then the Redcoats had attempted to land on the Charlestown Peninsula.
Results: Jonathan has talked with the reporters from the Pennsylvania Gazette and regaled them with his journey to Boston. The interview, however, will quickly be overshadowed by future events...
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-[X] Audacity Breeds Victory: You have a bold plan, one which others would consider far too risky. But Hannibal didn't cross the Alps by shying away from danger.
1D100=>99
So the Redcoats thought they could launch a surprise attack, huh? Well... two can play at that game.
(To be continued in: Boarding Action)
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-[X] Request Command of a Battalion: While you are an officer, it doesn't really mean much if you're not in charge of anything. See if you can convince General Ward to give you a battalion to lead.
1D100=>63
Halbert stood at attention as General Ward and General Putnam both looked at the written request he had given to them for the Battalion. Both men were looking at him with far less skepticism in their eyes as they had when you had made your bold plans for the strategy of raids and skirmishes around Boston. But there were still many unhealthy marks that showed that, while they were trusting you with schemes to save their men and damage the enemy... they were not as keen to see the young upstart lead men into battle, not without a good reason.
The cigar smoke rose even more as Putnam blew and he scoffed. "Awful brave of you to ask to lead New Englanders? They don't take kindly to outsiders, not one bit, and you want to ride on in and try and saunter your way into making them follow orders? Make them fight and maybe die?"
It was cold comfort. They were trying to make that peacock of theirs give up, but Halbert did not budge. he only coughed slightly as he smirked. "No. only to fight and win. they won't die if they follow my orders, and maintain themselves to a standard that will be appropriate for this campaign."
Ward almost let out a holler of laughter, but instead, it came out like a singular grunt. "No."
"Sorry?" The young Major asked.
"I said no. Most of the officers among these companies and battalions are elected by the men, its why it's so hard to get them to do anything. Why do they find it so hard to do work of a military nature." Ward let out a sigh and pushed the cigar out of Putnam's mouth, to clear the air from his smoke. "These men are not soldiers, and they most certainly won't follow some Virginian dandy who has never fought in a battle before, much less won their respect."
"And my strategies didn't win their respect?" Johnathan asked.
Putnam snorted. "Cocky shit aren't you?" He then puffed smoke in anguish. "No, every man knows you by name, and most would buy you a drink for what you have made them accomplish."
"And still they may not elect me?"
Ward shook his head. "You are certainly trying to get your reputation destroyed, I shall say that. I have one battalion that had one of their officers taken ill by slow fever. A commanding officer."
"I'll stand for election then. Where are they?"
That earned a bellow of laughter from the two generals and they escorted you to the battalion.
It was a ragged bunch of Massechucetes militia from Cambridge, boys and men who were less inclined to army life than many others you had tried to foster since the beginning of this long siege. You could see that many of them did not have tents or proper equipment for outdoorsmen-ship. Many just went home under the cover of the night to sleep in their own beds.
This group was insane. They were insane for just going home and escaping under the cover of darkness. But they knew of you, and all you did was say this. "I am going to turn you all into the greatest soldiers this army will ever see."
"And why should we follow you?" One of them asked. "You're a Virginian?"
"I'm here to fight with you, and that should be enough. And if it isn't, I can buy every piece of equipment from every red coat you kill. All of you."
It was a tall order. One that might not be enough, and you certinaly didn't have the funds to make that promise stick. But you had to try.
Some time later...
He won the vote at 2 to 1. Nearly 470 to 250. He had to keep his promise.
Results: Jonathan Halbert has been voted as acting Major of a Battalion in Colonel Prescott's Regiment.
Gain +1 Action per Turn.
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-[X] Frontline Experience: Despite being a major, you've never experienced any combat or earned any scars. Perhaps you should join some of the skirmishers in order to gain some much-needed experience.
1D100=>52
He looked towards the men, and panted in triumph. "Good work, lads, keep it up."
The stick had been quick and clean. Redcoat scouts had been looking to scout out positions that were within Cambridge and the Charleston Peninsula. They were trying to plan for many things, though Halbert strongly suspected that they wanted to break out and needed to occupy the peninsula to make such a move possible.
"Keep moving! Keep moving!" He ordered as the men moved from bushes to cover to keep their pace, to fire at the regulars that were in full retreat. "Pick your targets!"
It was a force of 20 men vs 80, and Halbert had the advantage in every way, but only two redcoats were dead while the rest were fleeing in boats across the harbor.
He had been blooded. And while no one was really impressed with the display, no can doubt his courage.
Results: Halbert has performed adequately in his first skirmish. It's not a breathtaking display of military genius, but it has been carried out competently, and that is all that was needed.
+1 Relations with all Military leaders.
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-[X] Scout Out British Positions: The British have set up forts on the hills just around Boston. Perhaps you could head out and... appreciate the magnificent architecture.
1D100=>20
Trying to do anything to scout the enemy forces was useless, primarily for two things.
One they were coming right at your defensive lines.
Two, you were needed at those defensive lines and needed to run like hell to get there.
Failure.
Author's Notes:
So very sorry for the long delay. Had a whole lot to do and a place to go, but I'm here with the update now. Please enjoy!
Also, special thanks to @Magoose for writing part of this update.
"We should not be doing anything more than what we need to do. General Ward expected these supplies weeks ago." Roberts was pessimistic, but he had a point in the delay, but there was always going to be problems. Just not the problems that were being… presented at the current time. "We should not be playing pirates when they need our help."
The ship at the starboard side was just an unrated cutter, flying British colors, and of course, was lightly armed. However, unlike many other ships, she had a detachment of Royal Marines on board, meaning she had been commandeered by the Royal Navy for some purpose, probably to ferry supplies from Halifax, or other loyalist-controlled ports in America. "But." You paused as you handed over your spyglass. "They have seen us, they know our route. And they are sailing towards us."
"They don't have the guns or the armaments to take us out in the fair fight, and we have the wind." Roberts was always trying to make things more dire than they needed to be in his assessments. "We can easily outrun them, don't have to make this a fight."
You thought for a moment and considered the options that were indeed in front of you. Roberts was right, the supplies to the Army of Observation were dire to their success in maintaining the siege of boston, and the possibility of preventing the enemies' escape.
You were to your knowledge, the only ship that was operating in these waters, and the only ship, in your mind, sailing to the Aid of Boston at all for the Army, and not the regulars.
Of course, that would be the right thing to do. The smart thing, and the thing that any officer in the Royal Navy would have done.
The sane thing to do even. Yet there was the other, less sane thing, that filled you with more dread than you cared to admit. It was about the unknown cargo of said cutter, one that was clearly lightly armed and manned with the cream of the Royal Marines.
That meant they were transporting something valuable, supplies, intelligence, hell even orders from Parliament, you did not know.
But that meant one thing.
You wanted it. Hell, you needed it. There was always the allure of the unknown that drove men mad. It was going to drive you mad. So you wouldn't let it.
"Tell the lads to beat to quarters! I want everyone ready for a fight!"
----------------------------------------
Roberts was not happy with you at the helm, looking as the ship got ever closer. "These men are not… the best at fighting."
"I know." You said.
"You are going to get these men killed."
"Some might, but I won't let them die if I can help it." You stated firmly.
Roberts only shrugged. "Dammit, I may not like this, but this won't end well."
"Nothing ends well in battle." You replied. "But what can end well, is our response to it."
The guns were ready, and you had a broadside ready to theirs. It was not going to be an even fight, they only had 6 guns ready and waiting, while you had… 16. No, 18, you took those 4 pounders from that captured merchantman.
Already paying dividends, your little escapade. "Get ready!" You shouted, feeling for a brief moment, fear for yourself and your men, before you hardened as you saw your men aiming at the enemy rudder. "FIRE!"
The sound of cannons cracking was deafening, but the crashing and the screaming was something that nearly made you scream in terror. But you only saw the smashing of the cannon and the splintering of the wood of the deck to realize two things.
One, they only had guns on the deck, and they were aiming at the crew, not at the hull.
Two, they missed the crew any only caused minor damage.
You ran, drawing your sword and pistol, and ran towards the men as they prepared grappling hooks. "NO GRAPPLES! RELOAD!" You ordered as you knew you had the advantage. You also had time.
The men carried out their motions as they reloaded, and the marines tried to fire a volley.
But they did not, only their shots flying harmlessly over the heads of yourselves and your men, as the ships lurched from a rouge wave. Fortune was favoring you it seems.
But then the guns were ready, and you could hear. "BRACE!"
But you only smiled. "FIRE!"
And more cannon balls smashed, this time into the hull, and the rudder. You could see it splinter off in half, and the ship lurching away from your own.
They were dead in the water, and you could see that they were soon going to take on water themselves.
They would surrender soon. Strike their colors and beg for help.
To Dr. Franklin, from your most loyal and captive student and friend, who has long since viewed your views and compositions as his own.
I write this letter to you to be forwarded to Congress for the needs and successes that will be made clear in my dispatches and my conduct among the navel matters of our conflict.
I will state this clearly for the record of my and my crew's valiant efforts, that my captures and raids on the Regular forces and the supply ships of the Loyal colonists supplying our enemies in Boston have been to the tradition of the Royal Navy, and that of all navel warfare that has thus far been made clear.
The crews were freed and not forced against their will to serve, despite the offer and inclination of many of my men to make the matters clear, that I should impress men into service to bolster my number. I refused.
Weaponry, particularly cannon, shot, and gunpowder were added to the supply hold that was to be sent to the Army of Observation as per your request.
I hold high esteem to report that, despite many close encounters with the enemy, we have not lost a single man, sick or wounded or otherwise, in our flight up north.
Garrison forces at other loyalist-held towns and villages did not seem to think we were anything more than another ship in the long line of supply vessels given the loyalists and regular forces aid in Boston. After some quick thinking and just our sailing men being scared for our lives, the men and vessels trying to hunt us also did not even think we were that mad pirate taking vessels and leaving the crew to march on land for help.
We held those beliefs because we managed to not only keep our true intentions quiet to the enemy but also, through a series of lucky events from Up North in Boston, gather intelligence on enemy garrisons, the reports of which have been sent to you as well as to the Army of Observation.
The Army of Observation here seems to be directing a Fabian strategy and denying the enemy supplies and I believe that it will cause them great discomfort, and force the Regulars to do a drastic action to save their position.
As for the garrisons at Newport, and other outlying colonies on the coast. Newport garrison is about to collapse and flee to Boston, while other outlying coastal towns are seeing loyalist militias and refugees alike fleeing to boston. They may not make it past the lines and may be resorted to flee.
In other, lighter and better news. The Mars Hope is armed with 18 cannons, and our men are prepared to do battle and raise hell wherever they are.
Your humble servant, Arthur Smith.
-------------------------------
Franklin looked at the letter with a curt smile on his face. "Well, Mister Adams… we may have hope yet on controlling the waves."
This quest is not dead! But it is being put on the backburner for now! Let me explain!
I've been really busy over the past few weeks, and I will continue to be as I've got a lot on my plate. As such, I'm only able to work on one project at the moment. I do apologize for not informing informing all and basically leaving you on read, that wasn't right of me. The project I am working on, linked below, is currently in a competition where the amount of Sun reactions the post on that thread gets determines how far it goes. As such, I have decided to take drastic measures.
For every Sun reaction that my post on the Summerfest thread gets, a +1 will be added to the rolls of the Americans in Bunker Hill.
Now, I know you all might be asking yourselves, "Isn't this just shilling to a disgusting degree?"
YES
Jokes aside, shilling has been directly encouraged by the mods, so I don't think there will be any trouble there.
Once I've found myself with more time on my hands, I will update this quest. I promise. In the meantime, have a nice day and God bless!
Gather close all who will lend me their ears, and allow me to tell you a story. It's a story you may or may not have heard of before, but it is one I know will astound you either way. Yes, even you, Chun Hua. You too, Li. Ahem... Not so long ago, in the distant land known as China, great...
Welcome, Denizens of Sufficient Velocity... I'm sure most of you must be feeling quite alarmed right now. After all, just minutes ago you were probably minding our own business elsewhere on the forum, browsing User Fiction, checking your News Feed, getting into arguments in N&P. And then...
forums.sufficientvelocity.com
Also, omake rewards! I do ask that all omakes be put on hold until the next update.
And +5 to all Martial Actions this Turn.
