Chapter Text
At the Admiralty
(by esteven)
Muse make the man thy theme, for shrewdness famed
And genius versatile, who far and wide
A Wand'rer, after Ilium overthrown,
Discover'd various cities, and the mind
And manners learn'd of men, in lands remote.
He num'rous woes on Ocean toss'd, endured,
Anxious to save himself, and to conduct
His followers to their home; yet all his care
Preserved them not;
Now that it was peacetime, the regular meetings of the Navy board had become a trifle boring. Lord Melville looked at his colleagues and harrumphed.
'Gentlemen, I have a proposal to make. Should you be agreeable, it will save us continued trouble in the House, and, if successful, may allow the public to see the Admiralty in a more favourable light.'
'Hear, hear.' Some of his colleagues had woken up. Sir Joseph, across the table, sat up straighter and looked attentive.
'Would there be a lot of money involved?' This from a member of the Treasury.
Melville nodded. 'I am afraid so, yes, but do consider my suggestion. For several years now, a certain Member of Parliament has been speaking on numerous issues with regard to the Royal Navy and its administration. Undoubtedly well meant, but disastrous to some of our causes. So I propose that it would be best to remove him from Parliament for the period of a loop year.'
His lordship looked around and was pleased to see that now he really had the attention of everybody in the meeting.
'You would not be suggesting the demise of Admiral Aubrey?' Sir Joseph was deeply indignant. 'He was one of the best, if not the best, of our captains during the wars. England owes a great deal to him! I need only mention the action against Cacafuego in the year one. How he harassed the French in the Med! And then his invaluable work in Chile! The men and women of England admire him still!'
Melville nodded. 'Nobody, myself included, can see Aubrey and not be profoundly grateful for his loyalty to the country, his bravery and courage.' There were murmurs of agreement all round. 'Still,' his lordship addressed himself to Blaine, 'we all know that Admiral Aubrey, though undoubtedly a hero and a great commander of men, is, alas, involving himself in politics – and his talents do not lie that way.
If he were to have a command of a small squadron – and I propose HMS Suffolk, 74, as his flagship – that would keep him from England for the loop year I have already mentioned; well, we might do not only the country but himself a favour. We are certainly of one mind that it will not do to have Admiral Aubrey ordered to sea with one ship alone…’
‘This scheme you will be proposing will need funds?’ interrupted the Treasury.
‘Do hear me out first! I have already mentioned the advantages. Muse make the man thy theme, for shrewdness famed, And genius versatile… Yes, let us send Aubrey on a mission to recreate the travels of the Odyssey, as translated so wonderfully well by Cowper. The admiral’s squadron would be very conveniently placed to protect our convoys and suppress the piracy problem in those Mediterranean waters. Admittedly, a 74 and maybe two or three other ships, brigs will do, would have to be fitted out. Undoubtedly Aubrey will also use his own ships: the tender Ringle and certainly his Surprise.'
Some of the members of the board smiled at the mention of that frigate, old but still a surprisingly good sailer on a bowline.
Melville continued, ‘I am certain he will find many good men to join him, and I expect that he will be joined by Doctor Maturin.’ This with a nod to Sir Joseph Blaine, who showed his agreement with an inclination of his head. ‘Doctor Maturin, a most able physician - we know that he was called in to treat Prince William - is also an eminent natural philosopher. Think what discoveries he may make. Together they may find Troy! And the general public will adore them for it. By this plan, nothing will really be lost, but a great deal gained.’ He looked pointedly at the member for the Treasury, who sighed but nodded.
‘Then it is agreed, gentlemen. I will have the orders to Aubrey and Maturin drafted out presently.’