I trust this letter finds you well, and that the Halifax station is
not too onerous. If there is to be a war with the Americans, you will
be well situated, I hope, in the way of prizes.
I would esteem it a great favour if you would consider entering my son
on the books of the Acasta, such that he may have logged ample
sea-time when he should enter the service as a Midshipman.
Please remember me to your family, and I hope they are by God's grace
keeping well.
With much regard I am, my dear Sir
Your affectionate humble servt. C. Bertani
Captain Rob't Freymann, Esq.
HMS Acasta
Halifax Staton
Aboard Acasta, currently anchored in Quebec harbor owing to the occasion of depositing Captain Freymann ashore for the purposes of official business of a nondescript and enigmatic nature and so soon after returning to his ship.
I offer this in my log not a reproach of our good Captain but only as a good council for those in future who may be charged with the cogitation of Acasta’s logs and her seemly singular activities.
Acasta lies six cables off the main docks in the main row.
A most desirable anchorage as the land lay offers shelter from the weather, but the tidal ebb insures putting to sea in a predictable and creditable fashion.
My orders are to provision the ship, allow all or none liberty as I see fit. And to return to independent patrol duty until the passage of 4 weeks at which time Acasta is to return to Quebec to retrieve the Captain.
After my Letter of Temporary Transfer of March from this Present Year, the time has seemed to pass very quickly. I have packed my things and am preparing to report to Navy Hall in York, Upper Canada and then be transferred over to the Pathfinder.
The Pathfinder is to be part of His Majesty's squadron that shall consist of the Pathfinder herself, her sister ship the Playfair, St. Lawrence II, Caledonian and the La Revenante. The Commodore’s own Broad Pendant will be hoisted in the Squadron flagship, Fair Jeanne.
I have since discovered that my own Captain Freymann is to be part of the squadron as well aboard the Playfair! It gives me every confidence in the mission with Robert Freymann added to the group. We will travel to Navy Hall separately, but arrive at roughly the same time to take part in the coming assault.
In an effort to disguise myself whilst traveling overland through what has become 'enemy territory', I shall be disguised as a common sailor. I am especially grateful to Lt. Ramsey for the loan of the slops, as I did not have any of my own to make use of. So long as I am not detained and a close examination made of the state of my hands… and no one asks me about ropes, knots and sailor jargon… I should fare well.
I beg that you and the other Acastas think on me with gentle regard, and know that I most sincerely wish you all health and success; and am, with great respect, dear Friend,
All Navy men are cordially invited to join the crew of the HMS Acasta as they celebrate the life and victories of Lord Nelson at a fine meal in his honour!
All attendees please bring one 'Navy themed' food or drink and dress in your Navy fines. Attendees should RSVP on the page designed for that purpose by selecting the link below:
Other than the great piles of paperwork that I have resigned myself to as a Surgeon in His Majesty's Navy, I also do a great deal of reading. What am I reading here asks you? My well worn copy of The Sea Service Regulations.
Click on the page to see inside the book itself!
Tuesday, May 1
ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS OF HIS MAJESTY'S NAVY!
You are cordially invited to join the crew of the Acasta on a temporary bit of duty ashore whilst we hunt for the enemies of the Crown. Please be sure to study the broadside below:
And you can let Capt. Freymann know that you will be throwing in with the crew by visiting the proper page in the Book of Faces (below) and 'signing on' as it were. Please bear in remembrance that all Royal Navy men must be attired properly in order to serve:
Click here to RSVP!
For all the rules of the SPY GAME be sure to visit the page dedicated to that purpose HERE.
