The Treasure Galleon: Better Late Than Never At All

[fredmiracle]

Chapter 4: Endgame

Once more the two combatants squared around for yet another extended gunnery pass.



















As the ships again hove out of range, Maistral rejoiced at the many enemy shells which had fallen short of their targets. Nevertheless, the French commander was also conscious of the still impressive power of the Spanish two-decker, and realized that this exchange was not working to his favor. Desperately he looked for some way to stop what looked to be a steady march to defeat.

As Buca de Plata began another ponderous tack, Maistral decided that a bold move was necessary, and turned his ship into the wind to attempt to cut across the treasure ship’s bows.

















The French gunners continued to struggle, but it was clear that at last the Spanish firepower was dwindling. Racing to push his advantage, Mastral turned to pursue the galleon, as his exhausted and much-diminished crew continued to rain musket and cannon fire onto their foes. It was a close-run thing, and a dying volley from the galleon nearly interrupted Maistral's naval career (he later found a bullet-hole through the skirt of his great-coat). Yet finally the Spanish crew could stand no more. Reluctantly their captain lowered his colors.







As the Spanish captain hauled in his flag, Maistral saluted him—it had been a fight for the ages, and no ship could have been expected to show more courage than had Maistral’s gallant foe. Having paid his respects, Maistral began the long process of securing the prize, rescuing Douville in the drifting Unite, and beginning the slow journey to Brest.

Satisfied that he had done his duty for his country, Maistral still couldn’t help feeling the dull weight of depression, which inevitably descended on him after battle, as he had opportunity to reflect on the many sailors and comrades who had been lost this day.

- finé -