... To Conduct with all possible Dispatch the Bearer, Mr Henry St John Vansittart, to the shores of Chesapeake Bay, Providing Him with such Comforts and Necessities as may appear Desirable, to Land and Succour Him and Render Him all such as may, in the circumstances, be Appropriate...

Thus ran his instructions and thus far his duty had been light, for poor Vansittart proved a miserable sailor and had yet to make a single appearance at Drinkwater's table. Perhaps, mused Drinkwater, stirring himself and beginning a slow promenade between the windward hance and the taffrail, the seductive aroma of coffee would finally tempt the unfortunate man from his cot.

Reaching the after end of his walk Drinkwater nodded at the stiffening marine sentry posted at the quarter to heave the emergency lifebuoy at any sailor unfortunate enough to fall overboard. For a moment he stood watching the sea birds quartering their wake.

Frey pegged the new course on the traverse board and met Drinkwater as he turned forward again.

'West sou'west, sir,' Frey announced with an air of triumph.

'Very well,' Drinkwater nodded, recalled to the present. He wanted a quick passage, not so much to conform to their Lordships' orders as to avoid the equinoctial gales blowing up from Cape Hatteras. After discharging his diplomatic duty he was under orders to return Mr Vansittart to London and had high hopes of seeing in the new year of 1812 with his family at Gantley Hall, even, perhaps, returning some of Sir Richard White's generous hospitality.

There was also the question of James Quilhampton, who looked to Drinkwater for interest and advancement.