A New Venture: Meshuda's Loss

Attachment 21185

Boy am I ticked! Yes, Mr. Union Jack, I am ticked, angry, furious! I had the game won; the merchant ship had nine boxes of cargo; this was looking like lots of victory points for my privateer. Then boom, that D*mn Yankee made a lucky spin of the helm and got in a lucky shot, and it all went away.

Attachment 21186

Who am I you say? Why not the pirate you claim me to be. I’m Murad Reis, Commander of the schooner Meshuda, Grand Admiral of the Eyalet of Tripolitania, and son-in-law of Bashaw Yusuf. You may know me better as Peter Lisle of Scotland. My story of slave to corsair is well known.
______________________.______________________
28 Dhu I-Qu’da 1218 A.H.
Meshuda, Flagship of the Navy of Eyalet of Tripolitanian
Grand Admiral Murad Reis

Sir:

I encountered an American merchant ship on route to Malta with a shipment of naval stores. The cowardly captain surrendered his ship without a fight. Siyyid Adami ibn Jafra-i-Sfax was given command and told to sail for the port of Tunis. I only hope he completed his journey.

Attachment 21187

The USS General Greene came upon us as our prize crew was taking control of our captive. The American approached us from the leeward side, giving us time to get underway. Adami secured his command and set his course for the Southwest. I took Meshuda into the fight.

Attachment 21188

I used the headwind to push our ship backwards and quickly swung our bow toward the American frigate. The wind was in our favor. Sails were raised as quickly as possible to take advantage of our good fortune. The American fired first causing some damage to the hull and a considerable toll to the crew.

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We two combatants closed and exchanged cannon fire at close range, allowing me to empty my double loaded port side batteries into the opponent’s hull.

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The American’s guns did considerably more damage, causing more casualties and starting a fire.

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I decided that discretion was the better part of valor and to follow the prize ship to Tunis.

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The three ships had been sailing on for hours when some misfortune put the American into the wind. The more she struggled against the irons, the worse it got for her.

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My decision to take advantage of my adversary’s difficulty proved to be my undoing. As soon as I got close enough I made a sharp turn to port and emptied my starboard broadside into her forward batteries. At that moment she broke free of the wind’s chains and fired into my rear guns.

Attachment 21194

The blast shattered a coupling in the rudder and our course began to wobble.

Attachment 21195

The General Greene used the headwinds to present her starboard broadside and fire.

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With all of the damage poor Meshuda had undertaken, I had no other alternative but to strike my colors. I assume the merchant made it to port and I hope to meet up with Adami when this conflict is over.
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Renown Points:
If the merchant leaves the table outside these parameters (1/2 or full ruler length of corner) and you have been driven off (ie leave the table) captured or sunk; then consider the merchantman recaptured.

Attachment 21197

+1. Capture The Merchantman and it leaves the table at point B. (Gain bonus Prize money of 6)
Siyyid Adami ibn Jafra-i-Sfax, a lieutenant of Marad Reis, was successful in sailing the merchant off of the playing surface at the right place.

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Likely Outcomes

The crew of the General Greene would have to ferry the prize crew and a contingent of marines to escort Murad Reis and his officers back to the American ship. This would take a total 8 turns plus the 2 turns between the merchant leaving the play area and the surrender of the Meshuda; a total of 10 turns. The American ship would be at struck sails while the merchant would be cruising at battle sails. The General Greene would take 2 more turns to equal the speed of the merchant and 1 more to out race her.

Questions

1. Could the merchant get over the horizon line before General Greene could reach a speed that would equal the merchant?
2. If the merchant could still be seen, then could the American catch her before nightfall?
3. If either of the answers to either of these questions be no, then could the merchant change course and avoid capture?
There are two islands west of Malta, Linosa (w) and Lampedusa (wsw), each of which could provide sanctuary for the merchant. The islands are halfway between Malta and the Tripolitanian ports of Tunis, Sousse, and Sfax, Adami’s family hometown.

You'll have to trust me on this. The D___ Thing would not copy. Meshuda filled all of her hull boxes and half of the crew boxes. USS General Greene filled half of her hull damage boxes and 2/3 of her crew boxes.

I am not sure Murad Reis gets any points. The mission was successfully completed, but he was captured in the process.



This picture failed to upload; I'll try again later.

Fabulous adventure! Unfortunately taking on a warship with a schooner is often risky. Bravely done, but I fear foolish!

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Originally Posted by Hjl

Fabulous adventure! Unfortunately taking on a warship with a schooner is often risky. Bravely done, but I fear foolish!

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What you say is truly true, but you must hear more about this unusual schooner.

She was originally the 28-gun schooner, Betsy, who was an American private merchant ship captured by the Barbary States in the 1780's. Her crew was sold into slavery and the ship was refitted as a corsair and renamed Meshuda. The ship was ransomed by the U.S. Government only to be recaptured by the Arabs from Tunisia on her return voyage.

Peter Lyle, a Scot serving as a deckhand on the schooner, was given the choice of conversion to Islam or slavery. He had a religious transformation, married the Bashaw Yusef's daughter and was given command of Meshuda. He took the name Murad Reis and lived a rags to riches life until his untimely death via cannonball in the chest in the 1830's.

This is a truly true account of a truly interesting man.

Please do not confuse him with his namesake from earlier in history. That guy was Dutch, I think.

Welcome aboard,

Rob, thanks for a great scenario:clap: Is there some kind of literature about this interesting sailor or the recapture of Meschuda?
Morten :hatsoff:

Bob, I don't think k you've heard the last of Murad Reid. Watch this space.

Murad Reis thought quick on his feet. He knew he had hurt the Yankee frigate hard. a third of his crew had escaped, a third lay dying or wounded. He decided, "Lower the flag but keep your wits about you. We may yet get out of this alive." His crew smiled back. Turning to his second he enquired how long it would take to rig a jury mast and sail. He smiled, it could be done. Quickly he outlined his plan as most of his men remained out of sight and hid amongst the fallen cordage and below decks ready for the word.

The Yankee hove to and lowered boats, 2 in fact with marines and seamen crammed aboard. Even better he thought. 'dead' crew lay next to loaded swivel guns, he awaited the arrival of the Yankee's.

The boats thumped alongside and it wasn't long before the Yankee officer climbed aboard followed by marines and seamen.

"I am 2nd Lieutenant Josiah Woodbridge of the USS General Greene. Surrendering was wise..."
Before the officer could continue Murad Reis spoke loud and clear....
"and yes I accept your surrender". The American officer and men were surprised when men they thought dead lept to their feet and trained swivel guns on them, more men poured on deck behind the privateer captain.
"What's this...you lowered your flag...... surrendered...you..."
"Yes, I did and for surrendering to me I thank you. Now send two of your men back in 1 of the boats with this message; ' Inform your captain that unless I see his sail disappear over the horizon I will kill all of you and take what ever comes my way. But looking at how many men your captain unwisely sent across I think he has bare enough to man his ship. I guarantee that once I see his sails no more that I will release you into your boat and he may return and rescue you. But if I see his sail then I will surely kill you all'

30 minutes later the American frigate was under sail and sailing away for Murad Reis had guessed correctly that the American frigate was sorely undermanned and was in no position to take on his crew without further loss of life.

It took Murad and his crew a good 8 hours to jury rig enough sail and a temporary mast. Satisfied that the American frigate was not on the horizon, Murad true to his word put his prisoners in the boat and set them free, he gave them water but for some reason forgot to give them any oars!

with night approaching Murad made good his escape and rejoined the remainder of his crew 2 days later.

Check the spreadsheet and let me know if you want to make repairs?

Not only a superb action tale but added history into the bargain plus another very clever summation by Neil.
What more could a Captain ask after a hard day at the port commander's office waiting for supplies to be allocated.
Bligh.

Nice job creating something different from the usual scenarios.

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Originally Posted by Union Jack

Murad Reis thought quick on his feet. He knew he had hurt the Yankee frigate hard. a third of his crew had escaped, a third lay dying or wounded. He decided, "Lower the flag but keep your wits about you. We may yet get out of this alive." His crew smiled back. Turning to his second he enquired how long it would take to rig a jury mast and sail. He smiled, it could be done. Quickly he outlined his plan as most of his men remained out of sight and hid amongst the fallen cordage and below decks ready for the word.

The Yankee hove to and lowered boats, 2 in fact with marines and seamen crammed aboard. Even better he thought. 'dead' crew lay next to loaded swivel guns, he awaited the arrival of the Yankee's.

The boats thumped alongside and it wasn't long before the Yankee officer climbed aboard followed by marines and seamen.

"I am 2nd Lieutenant Josiah Woodbridge of the USS General Greene. Surrendering was wise..."
Before the officer could continue Murad Reis spoke loud and clear....
"and yes I accept your surrender". The American officer and men were surprised when men they thought dead lept to their feet and trained swivel guns on them, more men poured on deck behind the privateer captain.
"What's this...you lowered your flag...... surrendered...you..."
"Yes, I did and for surrendering to me I thank you. Now send two of your men back in 1 of the boats with this message; ' Inform your captain that unless I see his sail disappear over the horizon I will kill all of you and take what ever comes my way. But looking at how many men your captain unwisely sent across I think he has bare enough to man his ship. I guarantee that once I see his sails no more that I will release you into your boat and he may return and rescue you. But if I see his sail then I will surely kill you all'

30 minutes later the American frigate was under sail and sailing away for Murad Reis had guessed correctly that the American frigate was sorely undermanned and was in no position to take on his crew without further loss of life.

It took Murad and his crew a good 8 hours to jury rig enough sail and a temporary mast. Satisfied that the American frigate was not on the horizon, Murad true to his word put his prisoners in the boat and set them free, he gave them water but for some reason forgot to give them any oars!

with night approaching Murad made good his escape and rejoined the remainder of his crew 2 days later.

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Murad Reis and what was left of his crew scanned the harbor looking for wives, sweethearts, the prize ship. To Murad's horror he saw Pasha Yusuf Karamanli, his father-in-law, standing on the peer tapping his foot and looking at his watch, scowling. Murad's wife stood next to her father with a look on her face that could fry eggs on an iceberg.

"Didn't I tell you Father was coming to dinner!" she streaked.

There stood Murad, Grand Admiral of the Pasha’s navy, gesturing to his father-in-law then to Meshuda with a look of incredulity on his face. Finally, Murad focused on the space between his boots, hoping that no one saw the murderous glare in his eyes. His wife’s tirades could go on for hours sometimes.

Pasha Yusuf would keep tapping his foot and egging his daughter on because, for his part, he loved that her harpy nature kept Murad Reis at sea.

When asked, later that evening, about the prize ship, Yusuf was very ambiguous with his answers. Did the merchant ship ever make it to port? Were there any profits for the remnants of his crew and himself to share? These were answers he may never know.

When the Pasha ask if he wanted to repair Meshudu, Murad was adamant with his answer, “Yes, of course, but how could I ever afford such a thing.”

Well, Union Jack, do you have any ideas about how this conversation will end? :question:

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Originally Posted by Coog

Nice job creating something different from the usual scenarios.

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Thanks for the comment; it is what makes this game/hobby fun for me.

I have a suspicion that the Pasha will see to it that Murad gets his ship repaired just to get him back out to sea.
I also have an idea that in the Ottoman Empire a scolding wife could be dealt with most severely if she were not the Pasha's daughter.:wink:
Rob.

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Originally Posted by Bos'n

Thanks for the comment; it is what makes this game/hobby fun for me.

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I agree! I am struggling to balance my desire to write and post up an AAR for ever game I play with the realization that I shouldn't swamp the boards with posts.

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Originally Posted by Hjl

I agree! I am struggling to balance my desire to write and post up an AAR for ever game I play with the realization that I shouldn't swamp the boards with posts.

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Why on earth not Hugh.
It is what we all yearn for.
More input.
Rob.

Oh. Well in that case I shall put them up in future.

I am sure they will be most appreciated and may even lead to your gaining Rep points.
Rob.

Ball in my court....Will reply soonest about Murad Reid and his ship.

Pasha Yusuf Karamanli's daughter turned to him and made a face, "What do you mean Murad will be back at sea before the end of the month? That is barely two weeks from now. He has been away from me and my BED for so long."
"Daughter, listen to your father. Murad is the Admiral of my navy and as such must be spreading word of my power and control my sea. To that end..." He paused for effect and turned to Murad who was more interested in what lay at the bottom of his tankard than what his father in law was saying, at last he looked up when he noticed the conversation had stopped, "as I was saying. Murad your ship will be ready for sea by the end of the month. Make what you will of your time ashore. I am also increasing your crew, however you will have to take what I can spare. Once at sea you will rid my sea of all my enemies and be victorious. Anymore lapses and you might find yourself an admiral of my garden pond."
Murad nodded his thanks and went back to his tankard, which had been refilled, as his father in law and wife started haranguiing each other again.

(rolled 1 less than what you nedded for a full repair but 1 over your crew. As you lost more than half you've been given the dregs to mold into a crew. Your crew are rated as poor and as such will fire 1 less chit when firing. This of course will change through time.)

Neil

Neatly done as usual Neil.It is great to get all these back stories to add flesh to the scenarios.
Rob.

It all built up to a very funny story.

What model is that schooner? Langton?

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Originally Posted by Bligh

I have a suspicion that the Pasha will see to it that Murad gets his ship repaired just to get him back out to sea.
I also have an idea that in the Ottoman Empire a scolding wife could be dealt with most severely if she were not the Pasha's daughter.:wink:
Rob.

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Rob,
I am sure that Pasha Yusuf would like Murad Reis out to sea. After all, what self respecting ruler of a semiautonomous region wouldn't like the cash to keep rolling in. Money, money, money. :moneygone::swordleft:

While it is true that people with great power in the world of the early 1800s could find a way to get rid of a noisy daughter, I doubt that the Pasha really wants his daughter out of the picture. What do you think keeps Murad out to sea? T'aint money. :girlieangry:

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Originally Posted by Union Jack

Pasha Yusuf Karamanli's daughter turned to him and made a face, "What do you mean Murad will be back at sea before the end of the month? That is barely two weeks from now. He has been away from me and my BED for so long."
"Daughter, listen to your father. Murad is the Admiral of my navy and as such must be spreading word of my power and control my sea. To that end..." He paused for effect and turned to Murad who was more interested in what lay at the bottom of his tankard than what his father in law was saying, at last he looked up when he noticed the conversation had stopped, "as I was saying. Murad your ship will be ready for sea by the end of the month. Make what you will of your time ashore. I am also increasing your crew, however you will have to take what I can spare. Once at sea you will rid my sea of all my enemies and be victorious. Anymore lapses and you might find yourself an admiral of my garden pond."
Murad nodded his thanks and went back to his tankard, which had been refilled, as his father in law and wife started haranguiing each other again.

(rolled 1 less than what you nedded for a full repair but 1 over your crew. As you lost more than half you've been given the dregs to mold into a crew. Your crew are rated as poor and as such will fire 1 less chit when firing. This of course will change through time.)

Neil

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"Thank you, father sir, your generousity is exceeded only by the beauty of your daughter, my wife," Marad said truthfully, for her 'beauty' was well known. "The new recruits will serve as the frontline of my boarding party. I wish the repairs could go faster, so that I could repay you sooner."

He looked into his tankard of 'Nectar of Apricots' and thought lovingly of the days before converting to Islam, then the drink would have been stronger. Murat thought about the Pasha's threat about the garden pond.

"How does your garden grow?" he asked his benefactor.

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Originally Posted by TexaS

It all built up to a very funny story.

What model is that schooner? Langton?

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Jonas,

The model you see in the pictures is from GHQ and is the same one I used last year as "Witch" the training schooner for Capt. Decatur. Meshuda will be a Langton 28-gun schooner. I've seen some pictures of the model and have ordered a xebec just in case things don't work out.

Getting things from your side of the pond using an American company as a go between is taking way too much time. I may try the direct approach next time.

Question
Does the -1 gunnery rule mean that a 1-2-1 box becomes a 0-1-0 box?

Meshuda 2-4-2, 2-3-2, 2-3-2, 1-2-2, 1-2-1, 1-2-1, 1-1-1, 0-1-1
to
Meshuda 1-3-1, 1-2-1, 1-2-1, 0-1-1, 0-1-0, 0-1-0, 0-0-0, -1-0-0

If so, then the last 2 boxes mean that Reis can't shoot, but he's still afloat
:happy::clap::talk: and the -1 in the last box represents the healing the enemy gets from the laughter the crew gets from watching the pirates trying so hard. :puke::sick::bleh:

If this is correct I'll have to pick on smaller ships. :wink::happy:


Bligh, can those packets be row boats?


No really, thanks for the challenge. :hatsoff:

Bob, May have made a mistake as touristy loose half your crew as a third was prize crew. So you only lost 3 not 6 crew. I'll get there in the end, bare with me.

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Originally Posted by Bos'n

Bligh, can those packets be row boats?

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:question:
Bligh.

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Originally Posted by Union Jack

Bob, May have made a mistake as touristy loose half your crew as a third was prize crew. So you only lost 3 not 6 crew. I'll get there in the end, bare with me.

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Neil,

1. I am comfortable with with what you've done with the scoring of the last episode of our solo campaign. Don't sweat the numbers, I was only interested in knowing if I understand the rule. Meshuda can handle Bligh's next piratical scenario by confronting 2 packet schooners, brigs, or sloops. In fact I'm kinda looking forward to it. Just don't tell Bligh, he's still trying to figure out how use row boats as packets.

Did Murad Reis ever find out what happened to the prize ship from this scenario? If not then those stout fellows wouldn't be part of the next adventure anyway. At some future time he may learn the outcome of his second in command, but for now don't sweat the small stuff.

This is turning out to be a more enjoyable thread than my beloved American squadron in the Carribean. Then again, you should see the mess I'm making of the March scenario.

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Originally Posted by Union Jack

Bob, May have made a mistake as touristy loose half your crew as a third was prize crew. So you only lost 3 not 6 crew. I'll get there in the end, bare with me.

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Neil,

1. I am comfortable with with what you've done with the scoring of the last episode of our solo campaign. Don't sweat the numbers, I was only interested in knowing if I understand the rule. Meshuda can handle Bligh's next piratical scenario by confronting 2 packet schooners, brigs, or sloops. In fact I'm kinda looking forward to it. Just don't tell Bligh, he's still trying to figure out how use row boats as packets.

Did Murad Reis ever find out what happened to the prize ship from this scenario? If not then those stout fellows wouldn't be part of the next adventure anyway. At some future time he may learn the outcome of his second in command, but for now don't sweat the small stuff.

This is turning out to be a more enjoyable thread than my beloved American squadron in the Carribean. Then again, you should see the mess I'm making of the March scenario.

Cheers Bob. Now you have me perplexed over the Mess in the Caribbean?

Ah! Packets as in sailing ships Bob.
You can have any ships you like as long as the points value of the two ships and the coastal battery comes to that of your own ship approximately.
Rob.

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Originally Posted by Union Jack

Cheers Bob. Now you have me perplexed over the Mess in the Caribbean?

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You'll see. :cannonboom::takecover::cannon: