Barring any unforeseen circumstances, this should be the last direct, written communication you can expect to receive. Further orders or guidance of any kind will be provided by varying means and methods, the nature of which shall be revealed as your assignment progresses. On that note, there are several articles with which you have been provided that will be of specific aid. These items are of great value and should always be stored in the weighted sack provided, for if you should ever find yourself attacked and boarded or taken, you are ordered to make sure by any means necessary that they are cast overboard and sent to the bottom.Do not shun the unorthodox or the irregular, for you will find them both to be fast friends as you go about your purpose. Never underestimate the importance of your efforts, for remember that Britain finds itself endangered and imperiled on all fronts and with ever fewer allies. Though the preponderance of the Royal Navy continues to grow and stifle the e

“I come from a military family. My father was a colonel during the struggle over the Austrian succession and he was also involved in some intelligence-gathering in France during Bonnie Prince Charlie’s uprising. Consequently, I learned a fair amount of French and I’ve... assumed a role or two in order to gather some intelligence in my own right. I suppose it’s a family talent.”“Where did this occur?” Allison asked curiously.“Louisbourg, sir. Within the past year.”A collective gasp sounded from the gathering. That was no easy task, and likely quite vital to British efforts in the current conflict. Allison himself could appreciate the importance of any such mission, knowing full well that fortress’ prominence in maintaining France’s hold on her North American colonies.“Lieutenant, that’s quite an accomplishment. Your talents may prove very useful on this voyage.” Allison was beginning to see the connection Admiral Haig had mentioned between this man and Major Maxwell. They appear

He thought momentarily about the dangers of tracking and subsequently facing a larger, more heavily armed ship – a topic which he and his officers had already touched upon when they conferred about their mission days ago. While taking and capturing a bigger vessel was not necessarily unheard of, the difficulties and disadvantages were glaringly obvious and, as they had all agreed, could not be overcome by any number of special gifts from the Admiralty. Still, Allison could hardly refuse the mission with which he was being presented. Besides, he was not alone in the Caribbean and other British ships could no doubt be employed in the hunt once some reconnaissance was done.“I shall do my duty and, indeed, all I possibly can to pursue this man, Mr. Peele...”The councilor interrupted him by holding up a hand.“There is more, sir,” he interjected. Allison accordingly sat back and resumed listening to Peele’s story.“About a year ago, a seat opened on the Governor’s Council. The new appo

Allison then set off himself, with Caldwell at his side, toward the address Peele had given him. As he had determined earlier, the house was very easy to find and did not take long to reach. It was located only a short distance from Government House itself in a neighborhood which, from its very appearance, suggested that it was not only home to government officials but probably contained town residences of the wealthiest plantation owners in the colony.The house itself was impressive, even if Allison had seen residences that were physically larger. The path of crushed stone that led to the entrance was flanked by rows of squat palms that were slightly taller than a man and surrounded by immaculately manicured grass. The façade of the home was whitewashed to a pristine opalescence and dominated by a wide portico that was actually covered by another level supported directly above it on the second story. The large wooden front door was flanked by two more palms potted in stone urns an

Allison and Caldwell looked at each other dumbly, feeling powerless at that point to offer her any consolation in her grief.“Again, I’m sorry gentlemen,” she finally said, turning back toward the officers after what felt like a long time. “I fear this has just about been all I can bear right now.” Seeing her eyes red and swollen from crying, her guests took the hint immediately.“Of course, madam,” Allison said getting up from his seat and reaching for his sword. Caldwell followed suit. “I believe our discussion has been more than sufficient, and we do appreciate your consenting to speak with us under such difficult circumstances.”“We thank you for your hospitality, ma’am,” Caldwell added. “Most kind.”Just as they were headed out of the room, Allison stopped short, grimacing, as he realized there was one question he had left unanswered. He prayed the lady wouldn’t find him presumptuous for venturing to ask her one more thing.“Mrs. Thorpe, it’s just occurred to me that we perhap