The gun crews were, however, already feverishly engaged in preparing for another salvo. So much so that they hardly noticed that the fortification on the point had opened fire.
The gun crews were, however, already feverishly engaged in preparing for another salvo. So much so that they hardly noticed that the fortification on the point had opened fire.
Last edited by Bligh; 07-11-2021 at 09:02.
The Business of the commander-in-chief is first to bring an enemy fleet to battle on the most advantageous terms to himself, (I mean that of laying his ships close on board the enemy, as expeditiously as possible); and secondly to continue them there until the business is decided.
The enemy 50 was still in irons and the devastating broadside had wrought even more disorder amongst the crew. Many of the key hands having been cut down were having to be replaced by other less experienced hands.
Last edited by Bligh; 07-11-2021 at 09:02.
The Business of the commander-in-chief is first to bring an enemy fleet to battle on the most advantageous terms to himself, (I mean that of laying his ships close on board the enemy, as expeditiously as possible); and secondly to continue them there until the business is decided.
Consequently the Essex’s gun crew who were all well trained gunners got in a second round of fire whilst still in the perfect position.
Last edited by Bligh; 07-11-2021 at 09:03.
The Business of the commander-in-chief is first to bring an enemy fleet to battle on the most advantageous terms to himself, (I mean that of laying his ships close on board the enemy, as expeditiously as possible); and secondly to continue them there until the business is decided.
Although it was only a single broadside this one did rake the bows of the 50 gun ship and this time a ball passing down the length of the gundeck damaged the ships steering cables which then had to be spliced.
Last edited by Bligh; 07-11-2021 at 09:03.
The Business of the commander-in-chief is first to bring an enemy fleet to battle on the most advantageous terms to himself, (I mean that of laying his ships close on board the enemy, as expeditiously as possible); and secondly to continue them there until the business is decided.
At this moment the wind veered and strengthened so it was a good thing that both ships were running under battle sails.
Last edited by Bligh; 07-11-2021 at 09:05.
The Business of the commander-in-chief is first to bring an enemy fleet to battle on the most advantageous terms to himself, (I mean that of laying his ships close on board the enemy, as expeditiously as possible); and secondly to continue them there until the business is decided.
The change in wind actually helped the enemy ship out of irons and allowed it to complete its turn as it slowly got underway. Not only did this once again thwart Andrew’s intention of closing the ship whose colours, now in view for the first time proclaiming it to be Tripolitanian, but also allowed its stern most guns to play on the Essex, causing far more damage than anticipated.
Last edited by Bligh; 07-11-2021 at 09:06.
The Business of the commander-in-chief is first to bring an enemy fleet to battle on the most advantageous terms to himself, (I mean that of laying his ships close on board the enemy, as expeditiously as possible); and secondly to continue them there until the business is decided.
Not only did the superstructure take several hits, but a lucky shot took out the Main Foretopsail, and a fire was also started on the upper deck where a keg of priming powder had been split open.
The island castle now added its fire to that of the 50, and Captain Millington was forced to wrestle with regaining steerage way, whilst fighting a fire and trying to keep his ship out of range of this new threat.
Last edited by Bligh; 07-11-2021 at 09:06.
The Business of the commander-in-chief is first to bring an enemy fleet to battle on the most advantageous terms to himself, (I mean that of laying his ships close on board the enemy, as expeditiously as possible); and secondly to continue them there until the business is decided.
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