Thirteenth Dispatch - [written]

[Horatio Hornblower is never unaware of the date, but lately he has been able to note it without thinking about it.

He has been here nearly eleven months. If time does not stop as others claimed... He will have been declared dead, at best, or a deserter at worst. His wife will have given birth. He will have a two-month old child whose mother is sure it will never see its father.

Perhaps it's been subtly looking after Archie this last while that prompted such thoughts. Perhaps its the coming of Spring. Perhaps its the thought of sailing Britannia, feeling the wind in his face.

The last is the easiest thought.]

Monday, April 2nd

Weather permitting, training of the crew of Britannia will begin on Monday, April 9th, at two bells in the forenoon watch.

Nine o'clock in the morning.

The first lesson will be regarding the use of bells to keep time.

Two bells in the afternoon watch will mark the time for a crew meal.

At four bells in the afternoon watch, lessons will resume. They will last until four bells in the first dog watch.

Attendance this first day in mandatory, so Mister Kennedy and I may get a practical view of what is already known and what must be taught. Mister Kennedy will head the actual instruction for the most part, but I will be observing.

This will be only be cancelled for heavy rainfall and strong winds.

[It shouldn't even be cancelled for that, but... As Archie is always reminding him, these are pure volunteers, able to leave at any time.]

Mister Kennedy and I would welcome any further volunteers to Britannia for this beginning of intruction.

Hornblower