The arrival at this moment of the Mail Coach with the London newspapers [ 2] enables me to send you the information regarding the changed situation without being unnecessarily prolix in this letter. You will gather from what you read in the accompanying copy of the Sun the reasons why conditions of military secrecy should prevail during our very pleasant evening so that I need not apologise for not having enlightened you, while I remain, Your obedient servant, PARRY
By the time Bush had finished the letter Hornblower had opened the newspaper at the relevant passage, which he pointed out to Bush.
Message from HIS MAJESTY House of Commons, March 8, 1803 The CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER brought down the following message from HIS MAJESTY: ’His Majesty thinks it necessary to acquaint the House of Commons, that, as very considerable military preparations are carrying on in the ports of France and Holland, he has judged it expedient to adopt additional measures of precaution for the security of his dominions. GEORGE R.’
That was all Bush needed to read. Boney’s fleet of flat-bottomed boats, and his army of invasion mustered along the Channel coast, were being met by the appropriate and necessary countermove. Last night’s pressgang measures, planned and carried out with a secrecy for which Bush could feel nothing except wholehearted approval (he had led too many press gangs not to know how completely seamen made themselves scarce at the first hint of a press), would provide the crews for the ships necessary to secure England’s safety. There were ships in plenty, laid up in every harbour in England; and officers—Bush knew very well how many officers were available. With the fleet manned and at sea England could laugh at the treacherous attack Boney had planned.
“They’ve done the right thing for once, by God!” said Bush, slapping the newspaper.
“But what is it?” asked Maria.
She had been standing silent, watching the two men, her glance shifting from one to the other in an endeavour to read their expressions. Bush remembered that she had winced at his outburst of congratulation.
“It’ll be war next week,” said Hornblower. “Boney won’t endure a bold answer.”
“Oh,” said Maria. “But you—what about you?”
“I’m made commander,” said Hornblower. “I’m going to be appointed to a sloop of war.”