Returning to The Jellyfish
Returning to The Jellyfish
Captain Peanut Butter • Chapter 27
New to Baron Britpop Blastfurnace? You can read Books 1 & 2 starting here:
In the previous chapter, The Eternal Horizon set sail for Kapri. Andelbert treated the crew to his special bread, and Elise told Britpop about Captain Brun’s attempt to burn the ship.
This chapter returns us to Philadelphia (Ben Franklin’s house) and Captain Peanut Butter’s tale.
Captain Peanut Butter shall continue the telling of his adventure.
Early in the morning, there was a knock on Mr. Franklin’s door. It was a soldier who stated that he was there to escort Lafayette to Valley Forge.
“Mr. Franklin, I thank you for your assistance in my pursuit of a military commission. It was most invaluable,” Lafayette said.
“It was my pleasure. We are honored to have you join our cause,” Franklin replied.
“And thank you, Mrs. Franklin, for your hospitality,”
“It was no bother. You are welcome anytime,” Mrs. Franklin replied.
“Captain and Ana, I consider you my friends. I wish you good fortune in your ship hunting and your future here in the Americas. I shall miss your company.”
“And we, yours,” I replied.
“I have written a letter to my companions on The Victoire. I would be most appreciative if you would deliver it for me when you return to your ship. I have instructed my men to follow my lead and petition Congress for commissions in the Continental Army.”
“Of course. It is as good as done. I wish you good fortune in your military ventures and hope we shall meet again someday.”
“That is my hope also,” he said and clasped my arms.
Ana gave him a hug and said, “Be safe.”
Then he mounted his horse.
“Au revoir, my friends.”
“Au revoir,” we all replied. And with that, Lafayette rode away.
The following morning, a lawyer arrived with a contract for me and the crew of The Jellyfish. It spelled out the terms we had agreed to.
“As you can see, I have listed you as a Captain in the Continental Navy per your request,” the lawyer said. “If you are satisfied with the terms, all that is required is your signature on your contract and a copy of the contract, which the Continental Congress shall retain.”
I looked at Ana. She held my gaze, but her expression gave no hint of her thoughts. I signed the contracts.
“Very good, Captain. Your service begins today.” He took his copy of the contract, rose, and said, “I bid you good day and good fortune.”
“Thank you, Sir,” I replied.
“Well, it seems our time together has reached its conclusion,” Mr. Franklin said. “I shall arrange for horses and a rider to accompany you back to Havre de Grace tomorrow.”
“I am in your debt,” I replied.
“Not so. It is the United States who is in your debt.”
“I thank you, nonetheless.”
In the morning, a young man who appeared to be in his teenage years arrived at Mr. Franklin’s house. He had two horses.
Ana and I had already said everything there was to say.
“I shall see you soon, my love,” I said to Ana.
“I pray it is so, and I will pray daily for your safe return,” she replied.
“Mr. and Mrs. Franklin, I can’t express my thankfulness enough for all you have done and for allowing Ana to stay with you while I am at sea. It is a great burden lifted from my mind.”
“It was and is our privilege and joy,” Mr. Franklin said.
“I shall take good care of Ana while you are away. God speed your return,” Mrs. Franklin said.
I kissed Ana and then mounted my horse.
As we rode, the young man who accompanied me wasted no time striking up a conversation.
“Is it true you are a pirate Captain?”
I smiled, “Aye, it is true.”
“What is it like being a pirate?”
I laughed at his boldness. “Nothing like you imagine, I’m sure. Most men who turn to pirating have no other option, and most pirate Captains are ruthless and cruel. It is a hard life that often ends dangling from the end of a rope.”
“I saw how you treated the Franklins and your wife. You don’t seem ruthless and cruel.”
“I am unlike most pirates. As is my crew. In fact, we came to the United States to end our pirating.”
“I heard you was going to raid British supply ships. Isn’t that pirating?”
“Aren’t you inquisitive?”
“My Ma says my curiosity will cause me nothing but trouble.”
“It can. But it can also make life a grand adventure. What do you do?”
“I help my Pa on the farm. Plan to farm my own land someday.”
“A better life than pirating, trust me. I hope to join your ranks soon.”
“You want to be a farmer?”
“I do. My intended had a farm in Spain. She will teach me.”
“She doesn’t look like a farmer.”
I laughed. “What does a farmer look like?”
“Well, not like her.”
“I laughed again. “What is your name, lad?”
“Percy. Percy Williams.”
“Well met, Percy.”
And so it went for the duration of our ride.
When we arrived at Havre de Grace, I thanked Percy and handed him a gold coin. His eyes grew large.
“This is too much, Sir,” the lad said.
“Nonsense, you have been good company on the ride, and you have a long ride ahead of you. It was well-earned,” I replied.
He smiled and said, Thank you, Captain. Good hunting. Show them British a thing or two.”
“That, I will,” I said.
I found a fisherman who gave me a ride out to The Jellyfish on his rowboat, and I climbed aboard. There were smiles and happy greetings all around.
“Listen, lads,” I said to calm the celebration. “I have news. The Continental Congress has agreed to my offer. Here are the terms.
“We will sail as a naval ship in the Continental Navy and raid British supply ships. Once we have captured three ships, we will take a week off. We will receive one-tenth of the cargo value in gold for each ship captured and will repeat this pattern for one year.
“In addition to the gold for our service, we have been granted pardons for any pirate activity in the past and will receive one hundred acres of farmland each at the end of our year of service. We will all also become citizens of The United States Of America.
“At the end of the year, I will retire. You can continue if you desire or end your service also. Do you all agree to these terms?”
One by one, the crew replied, “Aye.”
“Excellent. Let’s get to work. We have ships to raid!”
The crew shouted their approval.
I welcome your thoughts, questions, suggestions, corrections, etc. Thank you.
Mark
“I am unlike most pirates." ha ha ha And that is a fact. That's a hell of a contract he landed. All those guys are going to get rich ... if the continental congress can keep its end of the bargain.