title: The Sea Dogs: Privateers, Plunder and Piracy in the Elizabethan Age
author: Neville Williams
description: The Seadogs, Privateers, Plunder And Piracy In The Elizabethan Age
zlib_text: The Reverse Of The Medal
  
  Aubrey - Maturin Series
  
    
  
  BOOK ELEVEN
  
    
  
  by
  
  Patrick O'Brian
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  CHAPTER ONE
  
  The West Indies squadron lay off Bridgetown, sheltered from the north-cast
  tradewind and basking in the brilliant sun. It was a diminished squadron,
  consisting of little more than the ancient Irresistible, wearing the flag of
  Sir William Pellew, red at the fore, and two or three battered, worn-out,
  undermanned stoops, together with a storeship and a transport; for all the
  seaworthy vessels were far away in the Atlantic or Caribbean, looking for the
  possible French or American men-of-war and the certain privateers, numerous,
  well-armed, well-handled, full of men, swift-sailing and eager for their prey,
  the English and allied merchant ships.
  
  Yet although they were old, weather-worn and often iron-sick they were a
  pleasant sight lying there on the pure blue sea, as outwardly trim as West
  Indies spit and polish could make them, with paint and putty disguising the
  wounds of a