CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
January 1809. The weather had been surprisingly mild in Europe. The British had entered a new phase of the Napoleonic Wars with the fifth coalition: the United Kingdom and Austria against France. Russian Emperor Alexander the first objected to the British attack on Copenhagen and declared war on the United Kingdom. The face of Europe changed with the growing tide of armies used like pawns to map the landscape.
Napoleon continued his expansion of French territories, declaring war on whoever questioned his authority but the United Kingdom ruled the waves. The Royal Navy had a succession of successful engagements of French ports using guerrilla tactics of hit and run with small ships followed by cannon bombardment of infrastructure. Land bombardment and sea landings of British troops in conjunction with British allied guerrilla forces often failed due to the lack of manpower on behalf of allied forces. Economic warfare continued with the blockade of French supply by sea but land supply of the continental system went practically unchecked with illicit trade from British smugglers filling the gaps. Solid information on the port of Soyo in the Congo had reached British Admiralty and in the confines of his Portsmouth office Admiral Claremont discussed war and politics with Lord Dreyfus of the King’s court.
"So the stories from the Congo are true," asked Dreyfus.
"Yes," replied Claremont. "McMurrin is in control of the port of Soyo. I have spoken with several captains who spoke with McMurrin in person, they recently returned from the area. He has made the place impregnable and influences the Portuguese governors there. They have enforced the slave embargo on British ships, halting the trade in the port and plundering enemy merchant shipping to replace the income. The African slaves have become an army for their own land and the balance of power is changing in a civil war."
"We have received complaints from the church of his conduct. He killed two personal guards of a leading bishop in Portugal on his way to Congo."
"They complain to us yet the Portuguese governors endorse his presence. The Irish ensign flies on all the ships of his fleet. If we are indeed portraying ourselves as a United Kingdom then McMurrin is the Irish Navy."
Dreyfus gathered his thoughts. "Some of these things are unpopular in some circles of Westminster. We are experiencing problems with sugar production and some powerful people are unhappy."
"McMurrin's fleet has gained control of the waters as far north of Soyo as Point Noire and as far south as Luanda. He is sinking and taking ships quicker than the French and their allies can build them, they dare not sail the area. Soyo is now the busiest port on the African coast and our ships can pass through surrounding waters with ease. Do we win a war or cater to a few rich and wealthy who can't get their own way?"
"Careful Claremont, we are dealing with politics. Having a healthy respect for a brigand like McMurrin is dangerous. Sounds like you like him."
Claremont shot to his feet knocking his heavy chair over behind him. "Like him! I detest the man. But yes, I have respect for him. What has he ever asked for other than the freedom of those not fortunate enough to be born to it? The man himself is as poor as a church mouse. He has wealth in the hearts of all who follow him. Give me a navy like that and I will give you an empire bigger than you ever dreamed." Claremont sat down and calmed.
Dreyfus felt the moment. "I apologise, I did not come here to argue or squabble about things. I can explain things clearer to the King now. The King is opposed to the dealings of the inquisition. The church will have to confine themselves to the teachings of Christianity."
Claremont looked down at his desk and spoke softly. "I have something far graver for conveyance to those who run the church. McMurrin has executed all the Portuguese members of the clergy in Soyo bar one."
Dreyfus was silent for a few seconds. "What, did I hear you correctly?"
"The court was convened by the Portuguese officials in Soyo. Evidence was produced by McMurrin and others of grave injustices to the church and the Crown. Support in the area from the church for McMurrin is growing."
"The local government officials sentenced their own clergy to death?"
"Yes, they were executed with several British smugglers for supplying the French with weapons and food. What's left of their bodies still hangs along the port dock. It seems McMurrin has learned more from us than how to run a navy."
"These circumstances will make it difficult for the King to support McMurrin."
"We estimate his fleet to be now over thirty warships. The first merchant ships operating from Soyo taken by McMurrin from the French are currently here in Portsmouth. If he was to return to Ireland with his fleet we could not stop him. He has learnt the art of negotiation whilst holding a sharp sword."
"The King will not warm to this Claremont."
"My opinion is we are too busy to do anything about McMurrin, besides he is an ally and damn good at what he does. I would fall short of decorating him for his conduct but he would be the first I would send into battle. May I suggest if you wish to maintain the heart of this man, place the future of Ireland forefront in any dealings."