Free Across to America: A Tim Phillips Novel (War at Sea Book 9) by Richard Testrake

consider a possible attempt to re-take the ship. In any case, he would lose the crew he put in the ship to sail her back. The American was informed the prize would accompany Andromeda on her voyage.
     
    It was a strange looking prize that took station in Andromeda’s wake. The Lawrence had carried a pair of good Maine spars aboard, just in case of this eventuality. One of them was put to use as her new foremast, with an exotic looking lateen mounted on it. The remnants of her fore topmast did duty as her new bowsprit.
    Before setting out, Phillips went aboard in the now blustery weather to examine the prize. Most of the more serious damage had been attended to. A prize crew just sufficient to sail the ship was present, but Mister Goodrich, commanding the prize, was concerned that in a blow he might be short of hands. He suggested, “Sir, I have served in the Royal Navy for ten years now. I have recognized a half dozen men among the American crew whom I recognized as British seamen that I have sailed with in the past.’
    “I have not said anything to any of them, but I know they will be facing severe punishment when we make port and they are identified as deserters serving against their country. Could we perhaps ask them to serve their country again and maybe have their recent indiscretions overlooked?”
     
    After some thought, Phillips ordered his Royal Marine sergeant to deliver the named individuals to the quarterdeck. All six looked rightfully alarmed when they were paraded aft. He explained to them their secret was out, and they should know the penalty for desertion and for fighting against their own country. None had anything to say.
    To their silence, Phillips offered. “Davison there, I remember you sailed on the Resolve when my father had her. I was a mid at the time. I have not the slightest desire to see you flogged to death or run up to the yardarm. But what in hell am I to do with you men? If I let you off, others will think they too have a right to walk away from the ship whenever they wish.”
    With no reply coming from the men, Phillips told them. “As it happens, I do have an idea. It is foolish, I know, and will probably cost me my commission. However, we will give it a try.”
    “I need hands on my ship. Skilled able seamen who can hand, reef and steer. I am going to ask for volunteers from the crew of the Lawrence, as many of us do when taking prizes. You men can volunteer. You will not use your own names to sign on however. You will be a completely different seaman than the one who deserted from his old ship. You will keep your mouths shut about this, and perhaps we all may just survive. Any questions?”
     
    “Sir, your honor”, Davison began. “There are men aboard Andromeda who know us. Mister Goodrich here was a snotty on one of my old ships. The truth will come out.”
    “Davison, half the men on my ship have names their parents did not give them. Your mates will keep their mouths shut, unless they wish to see you hang. My officers will also, on my order. If you sign on and work with a will you may yet to live to see grandchildren. Now, when you sign on as volunteers, I will put you aboard Andromeda. I do not want your old mates on the Lawrence to tempt you away from your duty. I will bring other hands back here in your place. Now, are we clear on this?”
     
    As the ships continued the search for privateers, the crews began to settle down. When Phillips was sure there would be no trouble with the prize, he had her sail off to port with a good ten miles separation between the ships to extend their search area.
    The British deserters aboard the prize had all volunteered under new names and had been duly logged in. Even a few Americans signed on, to avoid a stint in a prison hulk. Most of the Americans though, were outraged at the perfidy of their former shipmates who had turned on them. Previously, many of these seamen had been employed in doing essential ship’s work on both vessels