24th May 1794 Log of the HMS Nymphe

24th May 1794
The Biscay Cruise

Wind :  Southerly 

State of the sea (wind+sea)

Degree   Height (m) Height (ft)  Description
4            1.25–2.50     4.1–8.2     Moderate

Character of the sea swell

Moderate :  Long The Log: HMS Nymphe Captains Orders for 24th May 1794, Wind southerly. Course ESE. Full sail. Thank you Mr Mudge, your knowledge in these matters is without question but I cannot dawdle close-hauled while that slug Quilp steals a march on us. We shall take the Passage du Ras steering between the Tevernnec rocks and the Ile de Sein. I shall take the watch myself until we are clear of the Pointe de Ras. New orders after we have cleared the Pennemarc rocks: Steer ESE and make for the Ile de Groix with all speed. Dropping anchor we shall lie with its southern promintory to port under furled canvas for the evening. At four bells on first watch (sunset) we shall up anchor and steer ENE and approach the beach at Plouhinec. Making enough sail to arrive just off the beach at six bells. I shall take proceedings from there. Gentlemen we are entering the enemy's dog pit; but we are the better dog. Mr Thatcher make sure the lamps have plenty of oil and then beat to quarters if you please. (aside) Mr Pickwick be so kind as to discover where Mr Mudge has hidden his bottles. Under the cartridge boxes or amongst the livestock are always favourites. 24th May     First watch: 2000 to 0000     Middle watch: 0000 to 0400     Morning watch: 0400 to 0800   Briefing by the Admiral     Forenoon watch: 0800 to 1200  48.70N 5.00W Nymphe clears the Passage du Ras   Midshipman Fylte recommends Topmen, Watson and Graves, for punishment (Insult to an Officer - Midshipman Flyte)  Incident occurred when Nyphe was tacking before the wind in the Passage du Ras, a manoeuvre of incredible precision.  Mr Mudge earned his money today. Afternoon watch: 1200 to 1600  47.50N 4.20W  First Officer recommends that both Topmen were provoked by Flyte,  BUT that you may have to administer a lashing to back up your officer or Discipline will fall.  The Nymphe clears the Pennemarc rocks with her Captain at the helm.  Some movement observed on the cliffs, probably civilians in panic.  Sighting astern.  Mr Mudge reports that the HMS Satyr is on a converging course some twelve miles astern.  She seems to be a slightly crank vessel, and not as weatherly as Nymphe. First dog watch: 1600 to 1800    47.40N   4.20W  Purser Osbourne condemns a meat cask.  First Officer reports having discovered Mr Mudge's supplies of Rum, hidden in the lower cable tier, and refilled them with water. He explains that basically it is a Caribbean Rum, and goes on the explain the history and development of the brand at some length. The HMS Satyr is now out of sight, presumably somewhere astern. Last dog watch: 1800 to 2000    47.30N  3.46W   Ship running silently.  Midshipmen fighting in the gun room.  Mr Ryder and Mr Howe.  Pickwick informs you that the fracas was the result of allegations against Mr Flyte.  "Damn me," he comments, "that idiot Farthingdale may be our best Middie!  At least he doesn`t have the Greek problem." 20.00 46.25N  3.15W    Anchor down south  of the Cats and the Isle de Grois. 25th May The Position at the beginning of the First watch  46.25N  3.15W    Anchor down south  of the Cats and the Isle de Grois. The stern lights of two French ships can be seen in the anchorage beside the Isle de Grois (on the Blue X.  One appears to be a big merchantman.  The other seems to be a small warship.  Mr Pickwick comments that basically it is a French corvette and goes on the explain the history and development of this class of ship.  Young Thatcher is keen to lead a cutting out operation.  "They won`t have seen us Sir!"  You have four Ships boats, which can carry: Launch Forty men Barge  Forty men Cutter twenty men Captain's gig Coxswain and ten Thatcher is also enraged at Midshipman Flyte.  In private he informs you that the chap is unnatural, and has been making suggestions to young Charles Ryder.  He wishes them separated and will take Ryder into his watch.  A fine young Lieutenant Thatcher!  If only he could stop dancing up and down in excitement all the damn time. Lt. Blythswick asks if he may entertain the crew with his latest poem, "How Quincy took her up the Ras, an ode." Your Orders Sir.  Do you rescue the lady from the beach by signalling with your stern lights, or cut out the damn Frenchies in hope of gaining the Admiral vital information on the whereabouts of that French Squadron.  First watch: 2000 to 0000  Middle watch: 0000 to 0400 Addendum and Extraneous Signals Or When the Umpire forgets to note the time of sunset! Captain Q “Mr Pickwick, you really do stretch the bounds of credulity. The beginning of First watch and you can only see their stern lights?! It's not sunset for another hour and a half according to the Day Book. Bring me my glass, I'm going up top to take a good look at these "phantom ships". Mr Farthingdale you come up as well, you might learn something *sotto voce* Miracles have been known to happen.” Uriah the Umpire Ah, a quick consultation of Old Ma Finnigan's Cider Drinkers Alamanc indicates that sunset at 47.25 degrees is 20.56 Rise is 05.29.  Pickwick will explain that basically the angle of the meridian proves him right and then continue to give you a potted history of Old Ma Finnigan and her Almanac. (http://www.dawnsun.net/astro/suncalc/) Doesn't change the fact that you still have some light.  Donning your tweed Dawlish Mast Climbing Pantalons you make for the tops. One thing you see that was not reported is that the HMS Satyr has crept into Quiberon.  He is too far South!  There is a knot of current here running south and he is south of Les Birdivaux rocks, where the chart says "Quiberon."  The bigger question is just what he is doing here! Pickwick should have told you this, and perhaps he is less efficient than he believes. In the anchorage you can still see two French ships, a big Merchantman and a Corvette of 20 guns.  The current running south has them pointing their bows north at anchor.  The problem is that they just may be able to see you too, although they are across the Island so perhaps not.  You allow Midshipman Farthingdale a look through your Telescope but he holds it the wrong way around. It's 20.00hrs Captain.  You have a little light left it seems.  Orders?  Captain Q Haul anchor! Battle stations! Straight at the corvette Mr Mudge then swing across her stern and rake her. Thank God for this southerly Mr Pickwick I do believe we shall have 'em. (aside) Sadly this will put the kibosh on our little rendezvous, the doxie'll bolt as soon as she hears the guns if she's got any sense. Best thing really, wasn't over keen on having a woman aboard. They're bad luck y'know. My father married a woman; never really got over it. Mr Blythswick make signal to Satyr for Assistance. That's No. 9 Mr Howe, page 62 in Mr Edles' book - I'll be testing you on that tomorrow so I hope you've been swotting. Mr Farthingdale - just try to help where you can. For England and for the Prize! Late Note from Uriah the Umpire The HMS Satyr has signaled her intention to cut out the Vessels in the Isle de Grois anchorage.  He asks you if you can assist him!  the cheek of the man!  You are however well ahead of him, although any vessel in sight of an action can claim on the prize monies.   Captain Parker (as Opposed to Quilp) will not have his orders back to me until Saturday.  I will set out the table and show you the overhead views before you have to make any tactical decisions.  Good hunting Captain. How Quincy took Her Up the Ras, an Ode, by Enoch Topaz Blythswick, the Yorkshire Laureate Quincy took her up the Ras, He went at it Full Sail, The Nymphe was shaken violently And pitching on her rail. But the Captain waved his hat on high, and shouted "Yes, Yes, Yes!" He shot out of the lower end And we all were most Imprest!