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Post by Elizabeth Harlow on Jul 6, 2014 23:13:20 GMT
Briar Oak Plantation Charlestowne, South Carolina
Capt. Aubrey,
It was a pleasure to have met an honorable gentlemen such as yourself. The gathering in the upper rooms is a fine way to meet people, and I wanted to say that I enjoyed our conversations to pass the time. With all the young and able bodied away at war, the men around are old and pass the time with talk and stick to their safe harvest. How I envy those young men, going off and fighting a war. I know it's not of a young woman like myself to say, but like my mother would say I have read too many books and not hosted enough tea parties. As you may have gathered, I don't wish to live a life of tradition, I crave adventure. Just don't tell my father that. Tell me more about the Intrepid! I have never been on a ship, and I've only read about them in my books. Stay safe, and may a strong wind guide your sails.
Respectfully,
Elizabeth A. Harlow |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 6, 2014 23:31:04 GMT
Intrepid, at sea
Miss Harlow,
I, too, had a fine time in the gathering not too long ago. The pleasure of our meeting was most certainly mine. It has been quite some time indeed since I saw a fair lady such as yourself. Of course, I understand the situation of all the young men going off to war, even though I am by far not a young man myself anymore. As for the craving of adventure, as a man in His Majesty's Service, I too had that. I still do, only I am now responsible for hundreds of people, which means that I need to be careful about over doing it.
Concerning the Intrepid, she is truly a marvelous ship. She is a 64-gun Third rate of the Line. A plum command for a Captain as junior as I am. And built only five years ago. She has a competent crew as well. Only a dozen or two of lubbers and almost half of the seamen rated able! I have the luck of having a prodigious First, too, which is always good.
I will await your reply.
Yours truly,
J. Aubrey, Esq., RN
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Post by Elizabeth Harlow on Jul 6, 2014 23:51:39 GMT
Briar Oak Plantation Charlestowne, South Carolina
Capt. Aubrey,
I just now received your letter, I hope it finds you well. Not many good news come to us these days with the men away. Two of my eldest brothers have signed up and have joined the Infantry, and father was both sided about the entry decision. He is a patriot, and is proud to see his sons fight for our freedom from the King, and yet...as a father he fears of losing them to this war. I have only experienced death once in my lifetime. The death of my mother when I was young. I'm sure it is nothing to how many brave young men you have lost. Today I took a ride around my father's land, and the weather was so perfect. The breeze was fair, and the sun just warming my face as I rode out of the grove of oak trees. If you could see it in mid-autumn, the leaves are just changing the colors, and it is breath-taking. Sorry if I am starting to make you feel home sick for land, but I couldn't help but lift your spirits with something to think of when in times of trouble.
Five years, she is only in her prime, but has the Intrepid seen many battles yet? Can ships like that man so many guns? A ship like that must house one hundred and fifty men or more.
I must wrap up this letter now. My nieces and nephews are stealing every precious moment that I have. They are such dear children. I hope this letter finds you soon.
Respectfully,
Elizabeth A. Harlow. |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 7, 2014 19:24:05 GMT
Intrepid, at sea
Miss Harlow,
While it took some time, I received your letter when we touched in New York for a few days. We had come in a storm, and had miraculously only lost our mizzentopmast, and the studdingsails on our larboard side.
I am most sorry to learn about your mother, and your brothers. I could not care less about the freedom of your colonial brethren. I am a man of the service, and I shall do what the service demands of me. If that means fighting against brothers, then so be it. I am glad I shan't face many, for this puny rebellion has only a handful of ships, the heaviest of no more than 24 guns!
Please, do not apologize. I read about land more often than one might think. The lubbers that my brothers are, serving in the Army, constantly tell me about their tales. And I read books, too. I am a man of the sea, though, and it is the sea where I belong.
Intrepid actually has quite a few more sailors than that. More than thrice as much, in fact. There are around 500 men aboard. A good measure is to take five men a gun, and in total add quite some Marines. These are here because in the event of a boarding, they are much more suited to the fight than most other men are. Of course, anyone that can swing a sword is helpful.
I am afraid I must cut this short, and wrap this letter up. A colonial merchant has been sighted, and we are clearing for action. I hope I will be able to see you when we next put into port again.
My regards,
J. Aubrey, Esq., RN
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Post by Elizabeth Harlow on Jul 8, 2014 1:05:58 GMT
Briar Oak Plantation Charlestowne, South Carolina
Capt. Aubrey
I was happy to have received your letter, and glad to have read that you came out of the storm mostly unscathed. Minus the damaged to the Intrepid. Where were you when the Intrepid was struck?
A single man commanding 500 men on one ship, must be tiresome. I thought that being a role model or leader to two young siblings, and helping raise my five nieces and nephews was a chore. My heart goes out to you Jack. I don't know how I would be able to handle something of that magnitude, even if I am the fairer sex. Don't let that fool you, my father said once I have a will of iron.
I have enclosed a small sketch of Briar Oak from atop the hill that I go to when I want to be alone. To be alone with my thoughts, and just try to forget all of this happening. Sorry of it's size, but I it was the only size that would fit into this size letter. Next time when you are coming close to port, let me know. I'll soon be travelling overseas myself to England for one of my grandmother's seasonal balls. It's something of great extravagance, and she spares no expense. Even with this war going on, and with the possibility of being captured, I'll still go.
Hope this letter with find you on safer seas, and in a warm bed.
Yours, Elizabeth |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 8, 2014 9:04:12 GMT
Intrepid, New York
Miss Harlow,
I thank you for your concern. We were cruising in the Atlantic, hunting for colonial merchantmen. We did capture another prize, though. A Merchantman flying the ensign of the East India Company came across our path. As we needed men after the last action, I had several of her sailors pressed into service. After the Omen left our firing range, however, these pressed sailors reported that she was not a ship of the East India Company after all, and that she would hoist another flag as soon as she left our visual range. I quickly ordered the pursuit, and after several hours we gained the weather gage. We beat to quarters, and engaged her. The Captain gave us a good fight, and tried to keep us at distance using grape, to no avail. We closed, and after giving her several broadsides, we boarded. She was sailed back to Boston by my Fourth, while we continued cruising. That's when the storm caught us.
Raising two brothers, and several nieces and nephews is a feat to be proud of, too. I was raised by the Navy, from my twelfth, while my brothers both received the gift of a commission in His Majesty's Army as a present from our father. The lubbers they are.
I thank you for this sketch, and shall put it up in my cabin. It does look peaceful. I will be in New York for the remained of this month, and at least half of the next, until the repairs are complete. It takes quite some time to refit a ship, you know. I hope you will be able to visit here, and will await your next letter.
Yours,
J. Aubrey, Esq., RN
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Post by Elizabeth Harlow on Jul 8, 2014 23:29:31 GMT
Briar Oak Plantation Charlestowne, South Carolina
Capt. Aubrey,
I was glad to have received your letter. I will be soon leaving for England aboard The Dauntless in a few days. I pray for fair weather, and a safe voyage. You never know these days with war going on, my father is fearful for my safety, and to be honest I am a little worried. Where's the fun in an adventure if there's not a twinge of fear in your belly. You have to look at you fear head on, and just laugh.
Reason that I'm going to the ball is because of my grandmother, Duchess Astor. I swear the woman will not slow down, she's feisty and stubborn, and also opinionated. Maybe that's where I get it from. She just does this because she can, and she invites everyone that she knows. I'll probably be the only patriot amongst a crowd of loyals to the crown. A sheep among wolves, my father would say.
Only my journey back, I will indeed be making a stop in New York. My eldest brother is a lawyer there, and lives with his young wife and child. I'll be staying with them before making my journey back home. Should you still ported there, I will call on you.
Yours,
Elizabeth Harlow |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 10, 2014 19:10:05 GMT
Intrepid, New York
Miss Harlow,
Dauntless, you say? I am afraid that I have never heard of her, though I am sure that she sails beautifully and fast, and that the winds blow. Your father should not worry, as long as she sails under British colours. The only real danger should be privateers. We have been doing a magnificent job, though, in taking care of them.
As for your grandmother, I may have heard of her once or twice. Maybe she has heard of my father, Admiral Aubrey, first Viscount Aubrey. He's a Sea Lord of the Admiralty. I wish you joy with this ball, and would like to voice my regrets of not being able to attend. Not only is Intrepid not ready to sail for weeks, I am also tied up on this station. I would be happy to see you when you return to the Colonies.
I look forward to seeing you when you touch in New York.
My love,
J. Aubrey, Esq., RN
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Post by Elizabeth Harlow on Jul 10, 2014 19:51:00 GMT
London, England
Capt. Aubrey,
Your letter has finally found me at last as a I reached London. My journey was satisfactory, and I soon gained my seas legs after a few days at sea. First time on a large ship such as this, and I couldn't leave my quarters for days. When I finally was able to move about the cabin, I woke up at dawn just to watch the sun rise above the horizon, and I felt like a poet. The Dauntless is a fairly new vessel, which is why you mustn't have heard of her. She flew under a British flag because she was in port dropping off supplies for the loyalist militia. Needless to say, I was surrounded by sailors, and merchantmen, and officers.
The ball was a sensation. It happened a few days ago, and I danced more than I probably should have and had worn a hole in my slippers. I had inquired about your father, and my grandmother has met him on a few occasions, but he did not attend the ball. I will be spending a few more weeks here before making my journey back across the ocean, and to New York.
Yours,
Elizabeth Harlow
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Post by Deleted on Jul 11, 2014 17:29:39 GMT
Intrepid, at sea
Dear Elizabeth
I am glad the journey to England went well. The Dauntless can't be too big, though. I doubt she carries more than a few carronades. I do not generally concern myself with merchantmen until we close for action. Sailors are nasty folks, though. Especially when they are not disciplined.
All I can say about the ball is that I hope you had a good time. I wish that I could have accompanied you, but I have already told you in my last letter why I could not. I hope you enjoy London. I would like to ask you to stop by my parents to give them my love.
Again, I will look forward to your arrival in New York. We may even meet if we come across your ship. I must say that I am terribly sorry to cut this letter short again. I am to meet the Admiral now, and I would have his Flag-Captain post this for me.
My love,
J. Aubrey, Esq., RN
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Post by Elizabeth Harlow on Jul 14, 2014 1:05:12 GMT
London, England
Capt. Aubrey,
Upon your request, I have called on your parents, and visited them in their home. They received me with warm smiles, at least your mother had, your father was a bit more straight laced and stoic. A bit like yourself, I suppose, but that's what makes him admirable to his men, as your men do to you. They are such pleasant and agreeable people, and I told them that you are safe and in New York at port. They send their love in return and wish all the best. I have included with the letter a handkerchief that your mother has embroidered. Your initials are on the corner, with a red rose under it. She truly does love you Jack, and she tells me to say she prays for a safe return. As do I.
London is so diverting, I have been to many assemblies and galas with Granny, but I do miss the life of the peaceful country. Riding Shakespeare over the fields, and through the creeks in the woods. But who doesn't enjoy a change in scenery? I leave for New York in one month, so I hope to receive a letter from you before then. My passage home shall be aboard The Conquest. Familiar?
Affectionately,
Elizabeth Harlow
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Post by Deleted on Jul 18, 2014 19:53:55 GMT
Intrepid, New York
Dear Elizabeth,
I thank you dearly for visiting my parents for me, and I am glad that they wish me their best. I am also glad that you like them. I also thank you for your concern. The French, or the Colonials shan't take me as easily as they would like. I do bite.
As for London, I so rue the cities. The only reason I would visit London is to go the Admiralty. Of course, as I am currently on the North American station, I report to Halifax.
I digress, however. I have heard of the Conquest. Is it still under the command of Captain Leigh? He was a shipmate of mine, back in '59, when I was still a Mid. Anyway, I wish you a good voyage, and look forward to your arrival in New York.
Yours,
J. Aubrey, Esq., RN
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Post by Elizabeth Harlow on Jul 19, 2014 3:17:46 GMT
London, England.
Capt. Aubrey,
Indeed, he is still captain of the Conquest. Shall I tell him greetings for you? How else do you know the good captain? Now I am more eager to sailing home, knowing that he is a good friend of yours, and is well respected.
Oh my, you bite, I shall have to warn the men to stay clear of you. Who would want to be bitten by Jack Aubrey, captain of the Intrepid! Our boys are good fighters, they have courage and spirit , and a hunger for a county of their own For freedom. No shame or harm in that. Though it pains me to see boys just a few years older than my younger bother off fighting, and most to never return alive.
I shall be setting sail for home next week, my brother has written, and says that Isabella is due in a month, so I am hoping to see a newborn by the time I arrive. It is such a joyous feeling when babies are born. New life to come to the world.
I must conclude this letter short. Granny wishes me to be hostess for the evening for her last party before I leave. I shall write again.
Affectionately,
Elizabeth Harlow. |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 21, 2014 21:33:45 GMT
Intrepid, New York
Dear Elizabeth,
You don't need to send him my greetings, as it is likely that this letter will not reach you until you arrive in New York.
dreams, courage and spirit don't feed a man, though. Not only do they not have any training whatsoever, they also don't have allies. There is truly nothing that prevents the Redcoats from waltzing over them!
I am sure that you will see this child you speak of. Leigh was known as a quick sailor when the both of us still commanded sloops, a few years ago.
I will see you when you arrive in New York.
Yours,
J. Aubrey, Esq., RN.
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Post by Elizabeth Harlow on Jul 30, 2014 2:00:35 GMT
New York 47 Rochester Street
Captain Aubrey,
Your letter has found me arrived and safe in New York. Captain Leigh and his crew were very welcoming and saw to it that I had a safe passage. I had the privilege to dine with him one night, and he told me stories with you involved. He has some stories to tell, but not to worry, none to make a lady blush.
I do apologize that your letter has found me a month to late than hoped. Being out at sea, and not stopping at many ports made receiving a letter much difficult. I had received it as I arrived at brother's home, and just in time for the birth of my beloved little nephew. He has his father's brilliant blue eyes, and his mother's nose. I may be too biased when I say this, but he is one of the most beautiful babies I have seen. Makes me anticipate the day when I become blessed to have one of my own some day.
Now that I am settled back home, I look forward to having the pleasure of your company, and converse some more.
Affectionately,
Elizabeth Harlow |
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