Man of War – Excerpt No. 142

Six months later, at the tender age of twenty-one, Marc was in a tavern with his senior staff. By now, he should have had a subordinate officer, but the promise of men and equipment seldomly materialised. Instead we are told to make due. 

The fortification that housed his garrison was built for a force the quarter of their size. To accommodate the men, those not on duty were free to go into town, since the kitchen was inadequate for their numbers. The garrison interacting with the locals helped relations immensely. They actually look forward to our return…