Pirate Madagascar

1824
United Republics: President Hamilton orders National Guard into the disputed regions against the wills of the Barons and Senators from Georgia, Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania. He also promises an end to the pirates – to that end he orders the building of three new warships and an envoy to Madagascar and to New Orleans for help against the scourge of pirates.

England: The Second Boer War continues. The situation along the Gold Coast remains tenuous for the English although no further disasters are felt. Despite the ongoing wars England carries on with flooding Australia with criminals, slaves, and prisoners in the hopes of, if nothing else, out populating the Dutch, Venetian, and French colonies also present.

England – France War: with the landing of forces in Ireland the war focus had shifted from naval battles to terrestrial holdings. Fresh rebellions flare up across the island – much of the countryside is outside of English control, but the cities and most of the ports remain in crown control.

France: War of Expansion continues. First Burmese War continues.

Russian Empire: a few minor engagements – Nickolas still on the run, unable to inflict serious harm on his brother’s forces.

Finland: the worst flooding in a hundred years strikes Saint Petersburg – 200 people are killed. In the aftermath of the flooding a wave of unrest strikes the city and area – cries for a return to Russia.

Spain-Orleans War: Charles hosts a Spanish envoy in New Orleans. The Treaty of New Orleans is signed late in the year – officially ending the war.

Spanish Empire: the Peruvian Rebellion continues – several major Spanish defeats. By the end of the year nearly all of Spain’s holdings in the New World are in rebellion (openly aided by New Granada, Brazil, and although not officially offering help, Dutch South America).

Ottoman Empire: Tehran falls to the Ottomans – the Qajar Dynasty is brought to an end. Although there are Persian armies still to be fought, a few of these turn on each other in an attempt to gain command of the splintering kingdom.



January – February 1824:
The calm continues. Mathew Jones had not left Port Mission since the meeting in October. He was under orders from Grace Kelly to personally see to the safety of the Admiral. Bonny had his own Foremen, but no one was to be trusted around an admiral who had largely lost all the respect of his pirates (1). For the most part Mathew Jones and Benjamin James were able to keep Christopher’s blatant addiction out of the public eye – not that people weren’t aware of it.

English warships capture two Kelly pirate ships near capetown (transporting supplies and weapons to the Dutch settlers and the Lunda).

The English stage theirown raid on pirate lands. A sloop slips into Manakara around dawn, killing a fishing sloop crew and capturing a second sloop carrying a grain shipment destined for Port Mission. The English sloop escapes.

March 1824:
By all accounts Robert Devereaux had not let the issue of ousting the Admiral drop. His journals are filled with an ever angrier list of grievances. The tipping point seems to have come when he hears about the raid on Marakara. He writes that he addressed the city council – gaining their blessings to do all that was necessary to protect the Colony.

It seems as if Devereaux would have acted without the consent of the city council, but there was one opinion he would not go against. He writes about meeting with his father-in-law, Oliver Bonny, to discuss Christopher. To sum up, Oliver was very clear – “Christopher was not to be killed.” (2).

Devereaux arrived in Port Mission on the 29th (3). He was stalled by Mathew and Benjamin – they both guessed at Devereaux’s real intentions. Not that Devereaux made a secret of why he was there – for three nights he boasted about how the Admiral needed to be ousted and why (4). On the night of the 31st Devereaux issued a direct challenge to Christopher – the Admiral would either answer in person or be named a coward.

April 1824:
By the morning of April first the Admiral was dead – overdose.

Port Mission was in panic at the news – there was wild speculation that Robert Devereaux had stormed Mission House and was killing off all of Christopher’s loyalists. Shops closed and ships began to speedily depart the docks.

In truth, Devereaux was called to Mission House by Mathew Jones (on the morning of the first) and presented with Christopher’s dead body. Robert Devereaux immediately staked a claim to all of Christopher’s wealth and goods – to which Mathew and Benjamin denied him. There was no actual fight therefore Robert had no claim to the spoils. Tradition held that if there was no written or expressed will by the individual all wealth and goods were to be tribute to family, first mate, crew(s) – in that order. Christopher had no ship or crew of his own and although Benjamin would have been counted as a first mate he declined a share, so all wealth and goods were given to his son, father, and sisters.

That was not the end of it. Devereaux demanded Christopher’s seat – demanded the admiralty (5). Neither Mathew nor Benjamin would allow it. They would call the Council together and the matter would be settled among them all.

It must have been a tense few weeks while the Council gathered. Devereaux didn’t wait, he continued to gather and buy support among the pirates of Port Mission. He sent more letters, as well as bribes, to other pirates all over Madagascar.

By the fifteenth of April the Council of Captains was in session. In short, Robert Devereaux demanded to be appointed admiral. The vote was not in his favor: Elan Rabboaro of Kaominina voted no; Benjamin Taz of Iharana voted no; Mathew Jones of Jamestown voted no; Yamillio of Morondava abstained; Mia Kahn Manakara voted yes; Rija of Toamasina abstained.

Arguing followed – culminating in Benjamin Taz stating that the north would not be subjected to yet another Bonny and fired his pistol. He missed. Devereaux didn’t. More weapons were drawn – the room quickly filled with smoke – and the occupants fled.

In the aftermath: Benjamin Taz was dead; Mathew Jones was wounded; and Elan Rabboaro was wounded.

There were scattered shots and fighting in the streets of Port Mission, some round shot was exchanged at the docks, but no deaths are reported.

The following day, the 16th of April, the first battle is fought. Benjamin James gave chase to Robert Devereaux and the two ships finally committed to battle near Manakara. Benjamin fried several long shots, and Robert accepted the challenge and heaved to. Although cannon fire was exchanged the real battle was fought by boarding parties – Benjamin James was killed, his crew and ship captured and brought to Fort Dauphin.


May 1824:
Things remained quiet until the middle of May when Port Mission was attacked by a joint Kaominina/Iharana force of six ships. Port Mission had been left alone since the 15th of April and the flotilla under the command of Captain Elan Rabboaro was not expecting any or much resistance.
However, three factions had joined together to oppose the attack – Devereaux supporters, pirates who didn’t wanted anyone to have Port Mission, and Kelly loyalists - led by Claude Henry (6) - who were working to keep Port Mission in Kelly hands, or at the very least, out of the hands of anyone else.

On the 8th, the port was blocked and by nightfall the docks had been lost to Captain Rabboaro’s pirates. For two days heavy fighting would continue.

By the 10th Rabboaro realized that this power struggle would not be won by holding Port Mission. Elan posted two ships to hold the blockade and the docks and left with his other ships for Fort Dauphin.

This would not end the fighting in Port Mission. A mess of factional encounters would persist.

Several days later Rabboaro’s fleet was engaged by four sloops out from Manakara. The Manakara ships were defeated with three captured and one sunk – the captains were killed outright, the crews were given a choice: two gold coins for their loyalty and continued service on ship, or death (most picked the coins).

On the 22nd Rabboaro tired and failed to take Fort Dauphin. Elan’s overconfident plan included several fake assaults, landing of pirates, rockets to blind the enemy, and a direct attack on the docks. Rabboaro did land pirates, but the war parties were quickly overwhelmed. The fakes on the fort were overly complicated and miscommunication ensued between his ships – which left the Rabboaro flotilla unready when Devereaux and a fleet of Fort Dauphin attacked.

Rabboaro retreated. Deciding over the next few days that what needed to be done was to take out Devereaux’s supporters. With that in mind he finally set his eyes on Manakara.

June 1824:
The Elder Council issues orders to its warriors – decrying the evils undertaken by Robert Devereaux and Fort Dauphin. Sakalava armies begin moving south and east towards Port Mission.

Attacks on the Manakara region is bloody although not very effective – Rabboaro sent pirates ashore in several places not knowing if some or all of the area was supporting Devereaux.

King Boabuana sends Rija with a large warband into the Manakara lands to “help”. Skirmishes are fought as much with Devereaux pirates as with Manakara warriors.

King Boabuana is visited by members of the Fort Dauphin city council…and “encouraged” to support Devereaux. Boabuana agrees to the proposal and issues orders to Rija as well as holding up the Sakalava warriors meant to safeguard Port Mission. Boabuana does send his own warriors to Port Mission – which he takes and holds for Devereaux.

With Jamestown ships battling Fort Dauphin ships, and word of the Sakalava warriors moving south, Devereaux sends city council members to both Jamestown and Morondava. Through those envoys Devereaux offered Grace a large bribe as well as assurance of noninterference in Jamestown business (7). To the Elder Council he offered large bribe and a promise to send ship orders their way (although no direct promise was made about staying out of Morondava business).

Both deals are accepted although not without limitations – Devereaux had until the end of the year to settle this matter with the others (8). This causes a bit of a stir back in Sakalava lands – the Elder Council was already looked at by the youth warriors as having lost their way, and now they are issuing orders to withdraw – after rallying the warriors with talk of the evils of Robert Devereaux (there are several pockets of unrest bordering on open rebellion).


July 1824:
Robert Devereaux finally committed ships to Manakara after the deals with Jamestown and Morondava were agreed upon. In early July Rabboaro ships are overwhelmed and he is pushed out of the south (abandoning many of his pirates left on land).

On the 18th of July a major sea battle is fought near Port Mission. Rabboaro was unaware that Port Mission had been taken by King Boabuana’s warriors – he was drawn into the port and then attacked. Only two ships escaped – both Iharana (pulling aboard as many refugees as they could, including Captain Rabboaro).

August 1824:
Devereaux moved north, shelling coastal towns and scattering Iharana ships.

As Devereaux approached Iharana he was met by a white flag – Rabboaro was handed over to Devereaux.

September 1824:
Rabboaro is hung.

Despite the capture and hanging of Rabboaro, skirmishes in Port Mission continue until the arrival of Grace and Mathew later in the month.

October 1824:
Robert Devereaux calls for a new Council of Captains. He has brought to Port Mission, by force, a member from both of the city councils of Kaominina and Iharana. Although Mathew and Grace agree to side with the majority they do not cast a vote – the other Council Members favor Devereaux.

Robert Devereaux is named the new Admiral. Robert does not call for a new Council – he maintains the old seats , with the addition of Arthur Pike from Iharana, and Robert Fletcher from Kaominina (no new appointment is made to replace Devereaux as the representative of Fort Dauphin).

November – December 1824:
Robert Devereaux keeps – as guests – the northern representatives.

There are three attempts on Admiral Devereaux’s life: a pistol shot from afar, a dagger from a young pirate, and an explosion – which never had any danger of killing Devereaux as it exploded prematurely at the gates to Mission House…killing the two assassins as well as three Foremen.

Notes:
1)Kelly support: There is no argument that under different circumstances Grace would have agreed with Robert Devereaux about Admiral Bonny. Christopher had become a terrible captain, but the Kellys were enjoying the profits and power in running the Colony without the burden or danger of actually being in charge.

2)Permission: Robert Devereaux may have asked for permission from the city council of Fort Dauphin and the blessing of Oliver Bonny, but there was once source of support he didn’t need to ask. His wife Anne – sister to Christopher – by all accounts she was the driving force behind his push to have Christopher removed. There was actually another voice he may have checked with, that of Adam Bonny – Christopher’s son. The boy was about 12 years old at this time, and although Christopher had all but abandoned Adam to be raised by his father and sisters, it is a wonder at what that conversation between Adam and Robert would have been like.

3)Looking for support: when Devereaux left to confront Admiral Bonny he sent on ahead of him letters to various other pirates, primarily to the region of Manakara where there was heavy dislike of the current Admiral.

4)Gauging support: while in Port Mission was doing his best to test the waters as far as how much support Bonny hand in town – he was also letting it know to his supports where he was and why he was there so that if he were to suddenly disappear they would know why.

5) Ascension through assignation: although the Code allowed for circumstances where this type of social mobility was acceptable, in regards to the position of admiral it has always been unacceptable.

6)The Henrys: a long time family ally of the Kellys. For three generations now they have been the caretakers of the Mission inn and all things Kelly in Port Mission.

7)Devereaux’s offer: despite its favorable features, Grace Kelly almost didn’t accept the deal Devereaux offered. She had received, a few days prior to the arrivial of the envoy from Fort Dauphin, a letter from her half-brother Edward (son of Brigit – Grace’s mother…there is some friction between them as you might remember). In the letter Edward tries to persuade Grace away from taking the family into yet another pointless feud. Out of spite for Edward and Brigit she was very tempted to purposely keep the family in the fight.

8)Deal accepted: in the end Grace accepted the deal with Devereaux for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it weakens her enemies while keeps her family strong – namely the north, into which she was still determined to regain the control the family once had. Secondly, whether Devereaux won or lost he would be in a position to need allies, giving the family a large bargaining chip. Thirdly, the bribe was hefty.
 
Just want to make it known that i'm still reading and very much enjoying this timeline. One thing i'm still not sure on though is that despite the large number of warships and settlements i always imagined the total population of Madagascar being quite low.

If you include all the pirates of Madagascar, their labourers, foremen and the natives; what would the population be, roughly.
 
I estimate the population to be between 2 and 3 million. About a half a million, maybe a little bit more depending on which source you read, higher than OTL at this time.

between 5 and 8 thousand laborers spread out over 5 or 6 camps.

perhaps 50,000 pirates (counting scuttled, active, and nomadic types) - i say with a shrug of uncertainty.

the rest would be native, true-blood, Malagasy.
 
1825
United Republics: President Hamilton’s National Guard initiative is rescinded at the demands of the state Senators involved (although both the inter and intra state conflicts still fester). President Hamilton opens the Pirate War at the news that both New York harbor and Charleston have been raided – word was that both actions were conducted by a group of pirates working for Juan de Vera Cruz, and further, that Vera Cruz was being given safe harbor by the English governor of the Bahamas.

England: The Second Boer War continues, although all parties begin peace talks. At Lokoja the English exploit a breakdown between the Lunda and the Ashanti warriors, retaking Lokoja and dealing a major defeat to the alliance between the Lunda and Ashanti.

England – France War: Peace talks begin, however, a major sticking point is Ireland. Independence is demanded, but with many ports and major cities still in English hands the issue remains unresolved.

France: War of Expansion continues. First Burmese War continues.

Russian Empire: Nicholas retreats to Perm where he takes the town almost without a fight. He gathers his forces and supplies, although he can’t decide on if he should make a major push west, or retreat further east – perhaps to establish his own kingdom in Serbia.

Finland: Unrest in Saint Petersburg develops into open revolt against Finish authorities.

Orleans: Charles meets with President Hamilton concerning the pirate issue.

Spanish Empire: the Peruvian and South American rebellions continue (openly aided by New Granada, Brazil, and although not officially offering help, Dutch South America).

Ottoman Empire: the Persian Empire is slowly brought back into the Ottoman fold.

China: dangerous tensions begin to arise between officials of the open ports and the west. Trade disputes aside, the rise in piracy in the region was directly being blamed on England, France, and Venice.




January 1825:
Vicar Ricchar issues a formal letter to the Council of Captains and Admiral Devereaux reprimanding them on the illegitimacy of taking the admiralty by force.

(No response from the Council or the Admiral is on record)


February 1825:
Although Admiral Bonny’s personal wealth had grown during his time as admiral, the Treasury had shrunk. Bonny had become lacks in tribute collection. He gave large sums of money to friends and loyalists. He had a costly addiction. Admiral Devereaux decided to take the option of tribute shipment out of the hands of the Council members (although they would still be responsible for tribute collection within their region). Ships were dispatched to every tribute paying town, city, and village around the Colony – if the Treasury’s share was not met the Foremen and pirates were under orders to take from the personal holdings of the Council Member and city council.

A bad year for crops puts pressure on the fisheries to provide – also, great wealth to be had as prices begin to rise. A fresh dispute begins to form between competing fishermen along the northern territories (two future Council of Captains members are involved).


March 1825:
Vicar Ricchar steps up his attack on the Admiral by sending word to his clergy to take up the issue in their sermons.

It is perhaps coincidental, that the representatives for Kaominina and Iharana are each killed at this time (representatives that the Admiral had handpicked – practically kidnapped). Robert Fletcher is hung and Arthur Pike is shot and stabbed.

Another attempt is made on Admiral Devereaux’s life. On his way back from Mission Inn the Admiral and his Foremen are attacked by a small gang of pirates. The Admiral and three of his Foremen are injured – what remained of the pirate gang scattered into the night.

Sermons, and an already underlying resentment towards the Elder Council, brings about several youth warrior raids on Morondava as well as the deaths of a number of chiefs rumored to be in line for a seats on the Elder Council.


April 1825:
A small envoy is sent to Antananarivo – it included Council Member Daraganna of the Elder Council, Admiral Devereaux – a contingent of Foremen – and, at the request of the Elder Council, Grace Kelly. They meet with the Vicar asking him to let go of his crusade – the Vicar is unmoved, calling Devereaux a pretender and restating that his rise to the leadership of the pirates did not follow the guidelines of the Code. It was Devereaux who suggested that if the Vicar had a “legal” issue with his command then the matter would be settled in a court (1).

At the start the Admiral was hampered as Vicar Ricchar enforcing the rule that the library was closed to everyone but the acolytes and clergy. The Admiral was further trouble by the fact that although his small quorum were smart and crafty they were not learned in the particulars of the Code and only had a basic education (Grace was the only one among them who had spent any years in the “schooling system”). It looked hopeless. Plans were even being discussed for an outcome where the Vicar – who despite his partiality was sitting in judgment over the case (2) – ruled Devereaux as illegitimate.

The Admiral was saved, however, by Abigail Bonny. She, having been denied by Vicar Ricchar to become an acolyte, novice, or priest, had an axe to grind. She had been left with the privilege to use the library and so was very versed in the knowledge therein (and as she was not a member of the Clergy she was not beholden to the order by the Vicar for Clergy to withhold any service or knowledge concerning this issue).

Abigail, as it turns out, was an amazing orator – shy, withdrawn, some say she even had a stutter, yet with prepared statements she was the equal to Cicero. She made the case that Devereaux had challenge Admiral Christopher Bonny, but no fight ever occurred – therefore he did not take the position of admiral by force. She also defended Devereaux’s actions in the aftermath of Admiral Bonny’s death – framing the battles which followed as just another factional dispute. Devereaux was after all a sitting member of the Council, and, as such, a member of the Elite from which admirals are drawn. He won his feud with the other factions and was then voted into the leadership position of admiral at a legitimate meeting of the Council of Captains.

It was a close vote – 7 for the Admiral and 6 against.

Perhaps for her own safety, Devereaux convinces Abigail to take a sabbatical from her studies and join him in Port Mission for a time (she later goes on to visit with her father in Fort Dauphin before returning to Antananarivo).


May 1825:
Vicar Ricchar falls ill and is bedridden.

Nine months ago Philip “Trippleshot” paid a visit to Jamestown – on the 5th of May Grace Kelly gives birth to Jacob.


June 1825:
The Council of Captains convenes in Port Mission. As well as an official fest for the “legitimate” admiral, they also welcome the new representatives from Kaominina and Iharana – Donel Trueshot and Thomas Crawly (3).

There was dissent among the Council because of the Admiral’s use of Foremen to collect tribute from the Council Members – but it was an issue the Admiral would not relent on – chastising them over their constant complaining with the common slur of the time “You sound English.” The Council members and city councils were still in charge of collection in their regions, as long as the Treasury’s share was met that’s all his Foremen would see was carried back to Port Mission.


August – October 1825:
Minor skirmishes between fishing ships opens into a full feud between several northern factions when the Sudden Swell was sunk by a rival.

An envoy from President Hamilton arrives during the month of September. He speaks with the Admiral concerning the difficulties the United Republics are having with their own pirates – also, the attacks on UR ships passing through these waters on the way to and from Asia. The issue of attacks on UR ships remains unresolved as President Hamilton will not pay “protection” money. However, Admiral Devereaux does promise to send two ships under the command of Mia Kahn (Council Member) – entitled with Commodore for the duration of the trip – to help in any way possible.

Archibald Devereaux, 15, (son of Robert Devereaux and Anne Bonny) begins serving aboard the steamship Mercury – main duty was message running and patrol.


November 1825:
Vicar Ricchar suffers a heart attack and dies on November the 26th.


December 1825:
The Clergy begin the process of choosing a new vicar.


Notes:
1) Court: when Disputes between pirates arise there were a few ways the situation could be handled, peaceably, forcibly, mediation. Peaceably happened when the situation was talked out between the parties. Forcibly was when talking failed, or was never tired, and weapons were drawn – depending on how severe the dispute, or how ongoing it was, blood and or death was acceptable. Mediation was a common path taken, especially among the lesser pirates and the “scuttled”(slang for a non-pirate Malagasy). Since the founding pirates or factions could, if they chose, take their troubles before the leadership. And sometimes particularly volatile feuds were forced to come before a hearing. The case against Admiral Devereaux was, however, the first of its kind.

2)13 judges: there has been speculation as to why Vicar Ricchar – a man of organization and rules – picked this number to sit in review of the case against Admiral Devereaux. There is no record of his reasoning, though there is plenty of speculation.

3)Donel Trueshot and Thomas Crawly: for the first time in several decades the city councils for Kaominina and Iharana picked from outside of their own leadership. This was done, mainly, to bypass the seeding of individuals within the leaderships who were loyal, or at the least, bribed to favor the Admiral. Donel sailed as a pirate for two years, before taking over as captain during a failed boarding of an English frigate. She did not stay captain, and was voted out by the time the damaged ship returned to Kaominina. Afterwards she bought a small sloop and converted it to be a fishing boat. Thomas Crawly was an active pirate. His family was originally part of an English settlement on Bourbon before it was taken over by the pirates. His ancestors were brought to Port Mission as laborers. At some point his great-grand father was moved to Iharana for some project. His father, Patrick Crawly, gained favor during the Hizir Purge and was given pirate status. Patrick eventually went on to rise to captain, after his death during the recent feud, Thomas became captain of the Regal Pirate.
 
After spending the past few days' worth of free time reading this, I have finally come to the end... Tynnin, this is fantastic. I've never been drawn in like I have been with this timeline. It's a crying shame that you have gotten so few posts in response to all of your work; it's some of the best on the site. Please keep going!

I have to add that how you have structured the timeline has given me a lot of ideas of how I should approach my own timeline that I've been slowly working on.
 
After spending the past few days' worth of free time reading this, I have finally come to the end... Tynnin, this is fantastic. I've never been drawn in like I have been with this timeline. It's a crying shame that you have gotten so few posts in response to all of your work; it's some of the best on the site. Please keep going!

I have to add that how you have structured the timeline has given me a lot of ideas of how I should approach my own timeline that I've been slowly working on.

Yes, I've always considered this timeline to be one of the hidden jewels AH.com
 
After spending the past few days' worth of free time reading this, I have finally come to the end... Tynnin, this is fantastic. I've never been drawn in like I have been with this timeline. It's a crying shame that you have gotten so few posts in response to all of your work; it's some of the best on the site. Please keep going!

I have to add that how you have structured the timeline has given me a lot of ideas of how I should approach my own timeline that I've been slowly working on.

Yes, I've always considered this timeline to be one of the hidden jewels AH.com


Wow. Thank you. I really appreciate that. :) :eek: :cool:

Next segment should be up in about a week or so.

cheers.
 
1826:
Ethiopia: King Iyasu III dies, being replaced by his son Abeto Azequ. Ethiopia faces renewed raids in the southern “undefined” lands – which has also spawned growing levels of unrest in that region against Ethiopia. From the west Lunda looms, and so does war.

China: Unrest against the West grows stronger (especially against France and Venice). At issue is the flood of opium entering China and the ten-fold increase in pirate activity over the last few decades. There is an incident when two French trade ships are barred from entering Canton – later resolved with the arrival of four French warships.

German-states: The Congress of Vienna helped establish borders, trade, and, in part, halted Prussian expansion – although it heavily favored Prussia and Austria over the individual kingdoms which made up the German-states. The inequity of the Congress, as well as lands taken during France’s period of expansion (and during the French civil war) had drawn the individual states closer together (and away from Austria and Prussia – which, had been part of the Congress’s purpose, to draw the states apart and closer to Prussia and Austria by competition and favoring trade with the larger nations). A prominent figure in the Unity Movement was a man by the name of Karl Ludwig Sand – he was assassinated this year.

The Barbary War: For years the Mediterranean has had its own brand of pirates – based primarily out of Ottoman Algiers. Venetian domination of the Sea, and Constantinople’s ability to leverage influence over the region, has helped stave off the worse of the activity. However, internal problems within the Ottoman Empire and loss of direct control of the region had allowed pirate activity to increase. Venice, Spain, and United Republics – declare war on the Barbary Pirates (and soon after, the Ottoman Empire).

Ottoman Empire: Declares war on Venice after their province is attacked.

Venice: Begins the Barbary War – later develops into another war with the whole of the Ottoman Empire.

United Republics: The Vera Cruz War continues. When word reached King Hamilton of yet another U.R. attacked by pirates in the Mediterranean – and of Venice’s war – he enters the Barbary War: despite Hamilton’s right to wage war there is heavy opposition to the hypocritical action. On the one hand he embraces pirates by putting up with the Malagasy pirates, and even using them to fight Vera Cruz, and on the other he wages war on the Barbary pirates.

Spain: The South American Rebellion continues. Enters Barbary War.

England: The Second Boer War continues, although all parties continue talks. The Lunda War continues. War with France continues.

France: War of Expansion continues (India). First Burmese War continues. War with England continues.

Russian Empire: Battle of Perm – Nicholas’ forces are decimated; Nicholas is killed. Russian civil war is ended.

Finland: The Saint Petersburg Rebellion is put down.

Congress of Lima: A pan-council is held between the various rebellious forces against Spain.




January
The uneasy alliance between the U.R. and the Pirates face their first test at a battle among the islands of the Florida Keys. Commodore Mia Kahn (commanding the Protector, a 26-gun brig, and the Western Raider, a 20-gun brig) and captains Peter Jackson and Andrew Burns of the RSS Justice and the RSS George Washington (both frigates) engage a flotilla of three pirates ships under Juan de Vera Cruz’s flag. Despite exchanging shots for over an hour, the battle is largely inclusive (although the Vera Cruz pirates are driven off).


Donel Trueshot and Thomas Crawly (of Kaominana and Iharana) issue letters calling for a reseating of the Council of Captains. The measure gains little attention among the other Council Members – the city council of Manakara (their rep. Mia Kahn fighting with the U.R.), King Boabuana and his son Rija even send letters to Admiral Devereaux supporting him.


February
The meeting of the Clergy – for the first time calling such a meeting The Enclave – settles on a new vicar. Charles Lagrange, formally a priest from Fort Dauphin, is named Vicar.


March
Vicar Lagrange invites Abigail Bonny back to Antananarivo (she had been living/hiding in Fort Dauphin since April 1825). Abigail does return, accompanied by both her father, Oliver, and her nephew, Adam (who, at just 15, had become Oliver’s right hand). She is granted formal acolyte status in a private ceremony – attended by the Vicar, his advisors, Abigail, Adam, and Oliver (1).


The U.R.-Pirate alliance encounters Vera Cruz himself – captain of the Saint George – at Saint Augustine. Vera Cruz was leading an eight ship fleet against St. Augustine upon the arrival of Mia Kahn and the Republicans.

It was near dusk when the ship-to-ship engagement began. The Protector and the Western Raider moved in from the south, with the two Republican ships sailing in from the north. Mia led her pirates into the thick of the battle, commanding both ships to “Run along the hull!” (2). Although this action set the stage for the capture of two of Vera Cruz’s ships, his numerical superiority led to Mia Kahn’s ships being surrounded rather quickly. The arrival of the Republican ships – late – was the only thing which saved Mia and the rest of her pirates from capture and death (3).

The day would be a victory for the Republicans and Pirates. Vera Cruz lost three ships and was driven off, with little damage to St. Augustine. Commodore Kahn was forced to give up both the Protector and the Western Raider due to damage – replaced by a single ship (30-gun frigate) which is renamed Revenge.


April
Beginning in April Madagascar is hit by several heavy storms; by far the northern half of the island bore the brunt of the damage.


A few minor engagements with Vera Cruz pirates – the bloodiest was a failed attempt by Cruz pirates to raid Charleston (Mia Kahn was not involved in this battle).


May
Several dignitaries arrive in Port Mission at this time. An envoy from King Abeto Azequ (the son of King Iyasu III – recently deceased) arrives searching to renew the relationship Ethiopia and Madagascar used to have in years past. The envoy also comes with payment for services, and a request for the pirates to focus their attention on Shaka’s new lands (4).

On the heels of the Ethiopian visit is one made by the French Governor of the Comoros Islands. He brings with him tidings and also payment for services - attacking English holdings in the Far East (5).

Towards the end of the month a Dutch envoy arrives – renewing their payments for weapon shipments to the South African War (Second Boer War), but also, asking for ships as well.

Requests begin to come into Port Mission asking for help in recovering from the string of bad storms this year. Most of these requests were sent in from the north – most of these requests were ignored by the Admiral. He spent his time instead impressing the visiting dignitaries and rebuilding the storm damage to Port Mission (6).

Admiral Bonny also begins seeding the small fortune, which had been given to him by the envoys, to the pirates and Council Members he planned on sending out on the various missions (7).

The Second Fishermen War begins. Although there had been a few flare ups in the usual feuds over the last few years, the storm damage to shipping and crops this year brings about full scale raiding between northern factions. It began when the Killian family (of Kaominina) forcibly removed fishing ships of the Dare family (Iharana) from their fishing grounds.


Commodore Kahn sinks a Cruz pirate ship near Fort McDuff, Florida.

Commodore Kahn takes the Revenge (and Victory, a Republican ship disguised as a pirate ship) into the Bahamas raiding English settlements and outposts.


June - September
The raids on the Bahamas went well enough that Commodore Kahn is ordered by King Hamilton to continue the harassment (8).


For nearly a month, between July and August, Malagasy pirates, under the command of Mathew Jones and the Rampage (captained by Howard Jones), succeed in blockading Capetown (the steamship Mercury is part of this flotilla, giving Archibald Devereaux his first combat experience).


Zululand is raided, although no direct action is taken, the Admiral instead lets it known that a special prizes would be given to any who could prove that they had raided those lands.


The fighting among the fishing ships spreads inland: several homesteads are attacked during this time.


October
The meeting of the Council of Captains was contentious. The city council of Marakara demanded a second seat on the Council as Mia Kahn had been gone for so long – the Admiral didn’t even need to address this issue as the rest on the Council adamantly denied this request (no one gets two seats on the Council). The request from the Fort Dauphin city council to open up the “Fort Dauphin seat” was given more attention, but ultimately rejected for the same reasons (the Admiral, after all, was from Fort Dauphin). The representatives from the north were demanding action to be taken to handle the Fishermen War. The Admiral, however, argued that the affair was still a local issue and that the city councils and Council Members from those areas should take care of the problem.

In celebration of Founders Day several intercity/village lacrosse and broadside games were held – the first use of rubber balls is recorded (9). The lacrosse and broadside games which were scheduled between Kaominina and Iharana (held in Iharana) begins, but finish in a two day riot which sets part of Iharana on fire.


November – December
Grace Kelly directs ships to the north. She issues orders to her captains to begin accepting protection money as well as opening lines of credit to “those in need” (10).


Notes:

1)The Vicar and the Bonny: Although there doesn’t seem to have been any prior connection between Charles Lagrange and Abigail Bonny, their future relationship can be traced to this point.

2)Running along the hull: a command given to scrape the side of another ship. The pirate ship would approach an enemy ship from dead on ahead at the best possible speed – having boarding party at the ready. The pirate ship would then collide, hull to hull, all down the flank of the ship – muskets and deck guns pelting the enemy deck. At a moment, usually of the captain’s choosing (and depending on momentum)– usually as the last three or four cannons are about to pass the aft of the enemy ship, the order to fire those cannons is given. The attack is a first assault tactic. Often so jarring and unexpected that it leaves the enemy open to a swift and brutal boarding attack.

3)Arriving late: Mia Kahn blamed the loss of her ships at St. Augustine to the late arrival of the Republicans. She claims to have been “given the wind” in order to set her and her crews up as fodder. True or not, the Republicans, in their defense, were sailing against the wind and it was getting dark. This was not the only point of contention in the aftermath of this battle. Mia demanded the two prizes she had captured, but Captain Burns (the senior officer), claimed them in the name of the United Republics as it was their war. Ultimately, Mia was given one of the ships. Captain Burns, credits himself with singlehandedly saving St. Augustine and appeasing the “argumentative and ridiculous” pirates.

4)Zulu and Ethiopia: King Iyasu III of Ethiopia had grown to become a very paranoid man. It is perhaps this that prevented him from settling matters with Shaka and the Lundanese, or for that matter the Ottomans. Even his closest allies in Egypt he kept at arms’ length – and a fortified border. King Abeto inherited a southern border which had never been solidified, raids in the west from Lunda and from the south by the Zulu. There was also the Ottomans to the north and east – but thus far their own problems had kept them at bay. The ally Egypt lay to the north, but was militarily and politically weak. Shaka was an angry ruler who blamed everyone for the hardships his people had undertaken and reveled in causing his enemies pain and expanding his borders and control. This had made him many enemies, but also much fear. Ethiopia was in need of allies and the pirates had proven their worth in the past.

5)France and England: England was in financial trouble, having spent the majority of the last century at war, and currently fighting against France, Netherlands, Lunda – and Madagascar. The most prominent war (in funds and resources) at this time is the war with France which had been dragging on since 1821. France was also growing tired of this conflict, but despite several major victories and holding large segments of Ireland, the English would not capitulate. Ultimately it was decided that a tighter noose needed to be drawn around England’s trade routes (via Africa and the Far East). To that end, King Louis decided to call up a resource which had worked well for them in the past.

6)The Bonny School: Built in 1782 – out of the existing school house, built in the 1730’s. Expanded in 1810. Repaired in 1826. Admiral Robert Devereaux probably would have liked to have put his own mark on this family icon, but the man was not a man of imagination. Of himself, he once said, “I am a man of one talent – killing people. And that I have grown weary of.” He was being, perhaps, too hard on himself – he was a direct man, a man of few words, and a man of action. Subtlety was not his friend, when he didn’t like you, you knew it, and when you were his friend, you were showered with praise and gifts. He probably saw the destruction brought by the heavy storms of 1826 as a god-sent (especially the damage done to the school). He could increase his prestige by rebuilding without having to put much thought into it.

7)The Third Mercenary Wars: Generally looked at as the third period of the Mercenary Wars. The pirates are being paid not only to illicitly trade, but also to actively support with ships and personnel against the enemies of France, U.R., and Ethiopia. The first period was between 1754 and 1758, and then again between 1803 and 1810.

8)A tense alliance: Mia Kahn and the Republican commanders continued to clash over prizes, booty, and most usually killing. It seems Captain Burns, especially, had issue with the overzealous nature of pirates when in combat.

9)Schewber Balls: Julian Schewber was the captain of the Adventure (1812). He had a brilliant idea to introduce softer projectiles to the games of lacrosse and broadside. He traveled to and then back from South America with the “bouncy” balls, but he was ridiculed for his efforts. He was later deposed as captain and later drank himself to death, penniless, on the street of Fort Dauphin. He died a broken man, but not a man without friends. His brother, Philip, and his wife, Mary, made every attempt to bring Schewber back from the edge of destruction, but failed. They did take and store the cargo of bouncy balls, giving some to their son, John. The bouncy balls slowly made their way through the children – and laborers – of Fort Dauphin, eventually coming to be used by the children in their games of lacrosse and broadside. In 1826, during the October Founders Day game celebration, the bouncy balls are first used in the “adult” games (in Fort Dauphin).

10) Back in the north: The Kellys once held dominance in the northern part of Madagascar, but after the death of Mary Kelly that dominance slowly faded into nothing. Gracy Kelly has made it her goal to reestablish the Kelly name in the north. The storms of 1826 opened the door and Grace jumped on the chance. She sent her captains north, offering aid and money to those in need.
 
*Bump*

Sorry for the very long delay in posting the next segment - and, I'm sorry to say, that it will probably still be a few more weeks before I get a chance to put together the next few years.

In the mean time, keep reading - and as always, questions, comments, and suggestions are welcomed.

Cheers.
 
*bump*


I'm back and I am currently working on the next segment. It should be up next week. Sorry for the long hiatus.
 
1827
Ethiopia: King Abeto Azequ was neither as paranoid nor as patient as his father. He orders his soldiers to cross the border in to both Zululand and Lunda in pursuit of rebels and raiders. Within months these cross border actions spark war with both kingdoms.

German-states: The assassination of Karl Ludwig Sand the previous year outraged the people – he was the public face of the unity movement, popular and active. While Sand was the public voice, behind the scenes there was also movement, and one of the leaders of the political charge for unification was the House of Hohenzollern – and noble and ancient house. They occupied a political sphere centered in the border city of Berlin. On October 22, 1827 Wilhelm Friedrich Ludwig became the Prime Minister of the German Confederation.

The Ottoman War: The war continues to go badly for the Ottomans. Venetian soldiers and ships pressed in from the north – with victories at Cyprus, although Istanbul continued to hold against assault. From the west, though, Spanish and Republican ships and forces had nearly closed off the Mediterranean to Ottoman ships, and a number of coastal towns in Algeria had fallen.

United Republics: A letter of warning is sent to King Hamilton from the Crown of England – No longer will England turn a blind eye to the invasion of their holdings in the Bahamas. Hamilton agrees to concentrate on the Vera Cruz hunt within Republican waters – lucky the conflict with the Vera Cruz pirates ends about mid year. Relations with the Malagasy are soured. There is much talk in the Congress about punishing the Malagasy as they would any pirate. King Hamilton is put under pressure to make a decision on war with the pirate nation.

Spain: King Philip of Spain declares defeat in South America and concentrates his efforts on holding the Central American colonies in the hopes of holding back, what has become, Orleans dominance in the West.

England: The Second Boer War comes to a close late in the year. Peace terms are given, and a great deal of autonomy is granted (autonomy that is gradually reduced, leading to the Third Boer War). The Lunda War continues, although there is hardly any action this year.

The Anglo-Franco War: A truce is agreed upon and England comes to the negotiation table with very few bargaining chips.

France: War of Expansion continues (aiding in the Great Raja’s consolidation of power). First Burmese War continues.

Russian Empire: Czar Constantine must deal with Nicholas loyalists, but there is no longer any serious threat to his position. He moves the bulk of his armies back west – his eye cast towards Finland.

Congress of Lima: The delegates celebrate their victories over Spain, but factions already begin to form. Bickering over borders, as well as raids, piracy, and a general mistrust of the largest member of the Congress – New Granada – make responding to Spain falling back and fortifying slow.


January – February 1827:
In what was probably the last direct involvement in the Second Boer War; the Rampage and Mercury battle two English warships near St. Helena around the 3rd of January. The battle began in late afternoon and continued throughout the night – eventually the English ships exhausted their shot and tried to run. The Rampage was heavily damaged and had to give up the chase, but the Mercury continued on – running down one of the ships and capturing the payroll for England’s South African soldiers.

Archibald Devereaux is named captain of the Mercury.

Malagasy pirates continue to target English ships and plantations throughout the Southeast and Southwest – French gold paying for the efforts.

Mathew Jones retires from Council of Captains and returns to Nova Island (against the wishes of Grace Kelly, for it left an open seat on the Council and one less spy in Port Mission).


March 1827:
Mia Kahn, and the Revenge, disobeyed orders coming down from King Hamilton and reentered English waters, raiding the Bahamas on her own (1).

The Sakalava Youth War Begins. The young warriors of the Sakalava had been suffering through a growing unrest dating back about a decade. For most of this time only pockets of disturbances have been noted, most with the same claim of frustrations: greedy chiefs, an Elder Council who had lost touch with the traditions of the people, wild use of opium among the people, more ship captains these days than true warriors. Under the leadership of Ihary (about 28 years old) these small groups are rallied. He launches his first strike out from Amboto – his home town. Nearly a thousand strong, Ihary begins marching from village and town capturing chiefs and leaders and growing his army.


April 1827:
After little more than a few weeks of raiding the Revenge is sent a message under flag of peace – it was an invitation to New Providence. Captain Kahn suspected a trap, but was met at Bonefish Bay (around the south side of the island), as described, by a simple barque. The St. George had been completely stripped down and had a minimal crew as to make it less of a target. Aboard was an unofficial representative from New Providence – a merchant by the name of Clarkson. He claimed to represent a number of merchants and landowners – they had taken matters into their own hands. Nassau and New Providence had long been a safe harbor for pirates and English privateers. They lured the unsuspecting Vera Cruz in for drinks and captured him (even they expressed surprise at how easily the plan went off). All the group of merchants and landowners were asking of Mia Kahn was that she take the credit for the capture and stop raiding the Bahamas.

She accepted.

Around the 22nd of April Mia Kahn put in at Fort Michan to celebrate (2). News of the capture quickly spread and soon Mia was confronted by two Republican captains who were also in port. They demanded the renegade pirate Vera Cruz. Mia declined. A bloody bar fight ensued, Mia and her pirates were outnumbered and so retreated. They were assisted by the locals – mostly Seminole population – in their escape.

Mia directs the Revenge home to Madagascar (3).

Ihary continues to spread south through Sakalava lands, capturing chiefs along the way. As news spread, followers drifted to him, and towns began putting up a stiffer resistance. At Kimka (a village about half way between Amboto and Antananarivo along the Ikopa river) the town elders bared Ihary from entering. It is unclear as to who fired the first shot, but the end result was that Ihary had the town burned to the ground (killing about 300).

The following day, drawn by the smoke of Kimka, Ihary encounters a war party of fifty Sakalava. They had been sent by the Elder Council to deal with this latest youth rebellion – both the leader of the war party and the Elder Council completely underestimated Ihary. Within an hour of fighting the war party had been overwhelmed and massacred.

When word reached the Elder Council of the massacres at Kimka, and of their war party, they immediately began formulating a new plan. The Admiral and the rest of the Council Members would hear of this embarrassment in time, so no formal word was sent out. The Elder Council, in fact, only trusted one family with this news – the Kellys. A message ship was sent out requesting help in taking care of this rebellion as quickly as possible.

Grace, for her part, upon receiving this news acted quickly. While she gathered supplies and crews, she sent two ships back north. One to Morondava with weapons and munitions (made from the Kelly’s Forge – and free of charge). The second went further north to the Kelly ships dealing with the Fishermen Wars.


At this time, with the youth revolt still unknown in Port Mission, Admiral Devereaux had sent several ships as part of the agreement with King Abeto, to raid Lunda lands. The ships were under the command of three Council Members: Donel Trueshot, Thomas Crawly, and Rija (4).


May 1827:
Ihary continued to move south, staying inland because he had no ships. When he came to Antananarivo Vicar Lagrange met the youth army outside the city – alone. There is no record of what was said, but after only a half a day Ihary left without firing a shot and a single cart load of supplies given to him by the Vicar.

Around this time news reached Ihary that the Kellys were coming up behind him. In fact, three crews had landed at the mouth of the Ikopa, marched the ten miles inland to Amboto, and captured the village.

Although Ihary had yet to face the full weight of what the Elder Council could gather against him, his advanced scouts were reporting back to him about constant skirmishes between them and other war parties.


June 1827:

On the 21st of June Ihary met the Elder Council army at Miandrivazo. The army of the Elder Council was 5000 strong and commanded by Nirna Fzana. Ihary, and his nearly 2000, assembled along the farmland, unimpressed by what the Elder Council had sent. Ihary met with Nirna – it is said that Nirna hardly said a dozen words while Ihary spoke at length in a grand speech for nearly an hour. By the end of the meeting two things were understood: Ihary would kill a hostage for every hour Nirna delayed him in taking Morondava; and Nirna promised no terms for any of his warriors if a single hostage was killed (5).

After an hour, Ihary followed through with his promise – and so did Nirna. The battle was less a concentrated front and more a series of smaller battles up and down the Mahajilo River with Miandrivazo at the center. Nirna had the superior numbers, more guns, and more canons (of which Ihary had none) and it still took nine hours of pressing, ambushing, and maneuvering to force the Youth Army into a retreat.

There was no rest for the Youth Army, as they fled Ihary led them right into ambushes, and skirmishes with the 700 strong Kellys. At Vinaikala, a small fishing village along the Matsiara River, Kelly pirates delayed a pocket of 200 youths long enough that they were caught up to by Nirna’s main force – none of the youths were taken alive.

It took two days of further fighting, but eventually Ihary battled his way through the Kelly lines – having to cross into the Kingdom of Toamasina (Betsimisaraka lands). He reassembled his army – about 600 – at Antananarivo. This time he captured the city – whose occupants were mostly clergy, novices, and acolytes. He fortified and waited.


July 1827:
The Youth Revolt is given some help in the form of a massive labor revolt in both Jamestown and Morondava (6). In both incidents the gates to the small, overcrowded “prisons” were opened and a flood of angry laborers stormed the streets and broke out into the countryside. In both events the majority of the labor mobs were made up of young men and woman.

By this point Admiral Devereaux had found out about the revolt and was on his way to Antananarivo to see that it was put to an end. He brought with him 200 pirates, but they were mostly there to help haul the 15 cannons and supplies to the battle site.

King Boabuana dies – Admiral Devereaux is delayed in Toamasina by this event. Under an old agreement, dating back to the formation of the Council of Captains, if the heir to Toamasina is unprepared to take the throne the admiral would act as regent. As Rija was away harassing Lunda, Devereaux stayed in Toamasina.


August 1827:

Unwilling to wait for Rija to return, Admiral Devereaux heads out for Antananarivo. Antananarivo, at this time, was a small town of farmers, priests, and students – it was currently fortified by 600 young warriors, a few wooden blockades, and some hastily constructed stone walls, which were little more than rock piles. Upon the Admiral’s arrival he set up a meeting with Ihary. For Ihary, the meeting goes well for in return for the youth’s surrender the Admiral promised the young warrior all that he asked. The only thing that the Admiral asked for in return was that he be given a day to discuss the terms of the surrender with Nirna.

The following morning, August 29th, Admiral Devereaux has the fifteen cannons he brought, and the five Nirna had with him, to open fire on the town. Nirna fzana, for all his bluster about no clemency for Ihary or his followers, did not attack the town for fear of putting the inhabitants in danger. Devereaux, it seems, did not share that ideal. The Admiral does take Ihary and several dozen other warriors captive.


The bloodiest portion of the labor revolt ebbs into relative calm. Although there were several attempts in both Jamestown and Morondava to commandeer a ship, these all fail. Most of the warbands of laborers had been caught or broken up. A number of laborers were still on the loose, most of which would be rounded up over the coming months (7).


September 1827:
Ihary was brought to Morondava. In questioning him and the other survivors of the youth rebellion a rather startling thing was learned. Ihary was able to rally his warriors and supply them with weapons and guns because he had outside help. Shaka, king of the Zulu, had agents on Madagascar – although there was no direct proof, Ihary was of the opinion that it was Shaka’s agents which helped him also by staging the labor revolt.

Ihary is sent to Nova Island, along with several others from the leadership of the youth army. Others were placed on the open market and bought by various captains, who, in return, would then sell them in other slave markets in the Americas, Africa, and Asia. The lucky ones were stripped of their warrior status and given over to one of the labor camps around Madagascar.


Rija returns home. Rija, the youngest, and only surviving son of King Boabuana, in a lavish ceremony is given the crown of his people (8).



October 1827:
The Revenge docks at Port Mission. Mia Kahn spends a few weeks in port, uses her fortune to buy a second ship and crew – a 20-gun warsloop which is named Havoc – and then announces that she is withdrawing from the Council of Captains.

The Council of Captains has its yearly meeting. Among that which was discussed: pulling out of helping the Republicans; ending the help being offered to King Abeto; the flare up in the feuds to the north; and the recent revolts?

It is agreed that the Republicans probably didn’t want or need Malagasy assistance any more.

The Council Members were all for ending the help being offered to Ethiopia, but ultimately the Admiral won out in at least maintaining the agreement for the coming year (in truth, he was very happy with the money coming in to his pockets).

The Admiral still insisted that the feuding north was an internal matter, and despite protests that the Kellys were gaining too much influence in the area Devereaux would not offer any help.

Daraganna (rep. Edler Council of Morondava) insisted that funds be diverted to help pay for the damage done during the youth revolt. The Admiral, again, insisted that the matter was an internal one and should be handled by the Sakalava. However, here he was stonewalled and threatened to the point that he had to acquiesce a bit. It is decided that funds would be spent from the treasury to aide Antananarivo in rebuilding.


November 1827:
Little of interest.


December 1827:
Admiral Devereaux decides to reseat the Council of Captains.


Notes:
1)Raiding the Bahamas: The orders were clear, hold in Republican waters and patrol (presumably while King Hamilton decided how serious the English were about defending the group of islands). Mia Kahn and her pirates, although cooperating with the Republicans, were not beholden to them – and were not going to pass up a raiding opportunity. This did not sit well with the Congress or King Hamilton – on top of which, it is learned that she captured Juan Vera Cruz and never handed him over.

2)Fort Michan: Near OTL Fort Lauderdale. It is named after a chief and alley of the Republicans who helped in securing Florida as a State. A barony was even granted to the Seminole tribes – although relations with the Republicans remained tense.

3)On the way home: Perhaps it was out of self preservation, but Juan Vera Cruz is able to charm his way into a relationship with Captain Mia Kahn. There must have been some truth to their expressed love, for Kahn steps down from the Council of Captains in favor of hunting with her new partner.

4)Sending the Council away: Admiral Devereaux did not trust his Council of Captains, most especially those out from the northern cities. It is not clear if he trusted Rija, but he did like him; Donel Trueshot, Thomas Crawly he neither liked nor trusted. If Rija came back dead, the Admiral comments in his journals that he knew it would be time for both Donel and Thomas to disappear.

5)Ihary: For more on this conflict see Albert Kane’s biography Ihary, and also Lisa Moore’s novel Youth in Revolt.

6)Labor revolts: the last uprising on this scale was in 1788 on Nova Island. Since then there had been some changes in attitude towards the laborers. Something close to “regular” hours had been in use – although this varied from region to region and master to master. Also more opportunities were offered to be granted pirate status. Living conditions still remained harsh and the labor camps were dependent on food allotments doled out by the admiral and the Council of Captains. Although the number of peoples being actively captured by pirates had gone down the labor populations had remained fairly stable between 1750 and 1850 as a level of acceptance brought on by multiple generational imprisonment had become the norm.

7)Laborer escapes: There was an estimated 500 laborers at the Morondava camp, and about 300 at the Jamestown camp. Of those 800 only about half actually participated in the breakout. Of those 400 it is guessed that less than fifty managed to sneak away, blend in with pirate society, and otherwise survive the revolt.

8) I think…: I have misplaced my notes on King Boabuana and family. I seem to remember he had three sons, the two eldest having died, with Rija the youngest. I’m sorry if this has become an inconsistency.
 
1828
Zululand: Shaka is assassinated. The kingdom falls into a period of turmoil as Shaka’s half-brothers fight for the succession. Ultimately Dingane is successful – his interests were more about security and stabilizing the kingdom rather than expansion, so he sent envoys to speak peace with King Abeto. He also went on a mad sweep of his kingdom, killing two other half brothers and their loyalists.

China: The Opium War (AKA The Trade War) begins. The Daoguang Emperor cited many grievances: unfair trade practices, cultural infection, opium, and a disastrous increase in pirate activity. Canton was put under full military lockdown – many foreigners were arrested, a number of ships were seized, and the navy was given orders to confiscate cargo on the open waters. The first year of conflict nets the Emperor many victories, however, in short order his forces face the combined might of England, New Orleans, Spain, France, Venice, Netherlands, and The United Republics.

Ethiopia: Although for most of the year the war with Zululand continues, however, the Christmas peace talks establish a truce. The Lunda war continues, with King Abeto’s forces winning a number of victories.

The Ottoman War: Peace is forced on Muhammad II. A major portion of the treaty has Muhammad splitting his Empire, giving his son all the African territories. There were further stipulations on how this new kingdom was to be administered. However, before the elements of the treaty were to take affect, Muhammad II granted Allergies independence, nullifying a great many portions of the peace agreement.

United Republics: The Ottoman War comes to a close, but not before King Hamilton declares war on Madagascar – and then shortly after is forced into the Opium War against China. He is surprised to find few among his allies, so willing to band together against the Far East, willing to help in Malagasy affair. In fact, nearly all of the letters King Hamilton receives from abroad say essentially the same thing: “Pay the scoundrels off and be done with it. They make good pets.” Venice, although committing no warships, does agree to assist in helping to keep UR ships supplied.

England: A major victory is won against Lunda with the capturing of the Luanda port.

The Anglo-Franco War: Briefly the war flares back up when England withdraws from the negotiating table. Four months later, however, talks were back on. By the end of the year a treaty is signed – a major portion of which is an independent Ireland.

France: War of Expansion continues (aiding in the Great Raja’s consolidation of power). First Burmese War continues.

Congress of Lima: as the threat of Spain diminishes, the urgency of the Congress gives way to more local concerns. Less than half of the original delegates are in attendance this year.


January 1828:
Shaka Zulu is assassinated on the 21st of January by Kelly spies.

The newly appointed Council of Captains begins to arrive in Port Mission (2).

Seated on the Council:
Jansy Abbink: Jamestown (3)
Marus Raanno: Manakara
Ruvanno: Morondava
Timbo Tutuarivio: Kaominina
Ava Miora: Iharana
Thierry Rabemananjara: Toamasina (4)

This marks the first time in the Council’s history that nearly all of the captains were native born. The official meeting lasts less than a week before the Admiral dismisses the council. The captains return to their regions and will meet again in October.


February – April 1828:
Antanararivo finally begins to rebuild after the damage done to the town during the Youth Revolt. Vicar Lagrange is very hands-on during these efforts and it is said relies heavily on the advice of Abigail Bonny. Abigail is even granted a special project by the Vicar – to build a school.

What had come to be called the Second Fishermen Wars is concluded. There are no recorded raids by any faction during this year. The Kellys are largely credited with bringing these feuds to a close. Their money, muscle, and outright threats went a long way towards settling accounts.

What turns out to be the last payment from France arrives. The Admiral (after taking his cut) dispenses the monies to various captains with orders to concentrate on English shipping and strongholds. Among the captains was a Tyr Henry (of the Henry Family, allies to the Kellys). Tyr, and two other young captains, would go on to forsake the English orders and instead travel all the way to China where they brazenly raid Canton and coastal towns.


May 1828:
Admiral Devereaux sends word to his Council members that he is sponsoring a Race, which he sets for August (6).


June 1828:
Little of interest.


July 1828:
Tyr Henry returns to Port Mission where he shares his stories of his Far Eastern adventures. When Admiral Devereaux hears of these tales he confronts Tyr at the Mission Inn - very publicly as to make an example out of him. The Admiral not only demands his money back, but also an additional tribute to be paid for disobeying the general order to attack English holdings – refusal to pay, or show proof that the Morgan sacked at least one English ship, would mean being sent to Nova Island. Tyr has little choice but to give back the fee he accepted and an additional percentage of his prizes (by the Code he had already given a percentage to the Treasury upon his arrival back in Port Mission).


August 1828:
As supplies and ships began gathering for the upcoming Race news arrives in Port Mission via a Dutch trader: the captain brought a warning about the United Republican. He had overheard talk of attacking Madagascar. Admiral Devereaux immediately gathers his Council – all of whom were in town for the Race. It is decided that the Race would be postponed and the ships made ready for battle.

Eighteen ships set sail on the morning of August 8th. They were more than a match for the ten Republican ships when they encountered them west of Marsh Island. The Republican Admiral, Thompson, must have thought the initial encounter was going to be a quick victory for he only came upon two of the eighteen pirate ships at first. The pirates were strung out all abreast in a long line in pockets of two, three, and four ships. As battle commenced, and signal rockets were launched, like piranhas, the pirates swarmed towards the battle site. Nearing nightfall, Thompson was dead, 4 of his ten ships were sunk or captured, and those UR Ships which remained were nearly surrounded. The battle broke up as the UR ships began retreating – the pirates gave chase, but most of the Republican ships slipped the net.


September – December 1828:
United Republican shipping became the major target for the Malagasy pirates throughout the rest of the year (7). The Admiral lobbied to have the battle taken to the Republicans, but the Council opted to protect their own waters.




1829
German Confederation: After only two years of cooperation the German states begin armed conflict among themselves. Although there are a handful of factions, the two primary parties are PM loyalists and the opposition.

Russian Empire: Czar Constantine declares war on Finland – the Battle of Saint Petersburg.

Ethiopia: War with Lunda continues.

The Ottoman Empire: Muhammad II is attacked by assassins, but survives.

The Opium War: Continues.

United Republics: The Opium War continues. The Malagasy War continues; King Hamilton agrees to have this affair mediated by First consul Napoleon (for the first time in official correspondence the pirates are addressed as the “Malagasy” rather than the “Pirates”). Despite the pressure from large portions of the Congress to pursue war with Madagascar, there were a number of citizens, especially in the south, who opposed this action (it wasn’t too long ago that these same pirates had helped them in their war for independence).

Lunda: With both wars going badly internal conflicts begin to manifest. Offers of peace are sent to both England and Ethiopia.

England: the Lunda War Continues. The Opium War continues.

France: War of Expansion continues (aiding in the Great Raja’s consolidation of power). First Burmese War continues. Opium War continues.

Orleans Empire: Ships are sent to the Far East as part of the war against China. First Consul Napoleon seeks to make peace between the Malagasy and the United Republics.

Congress of Lima: the last battle in the series of revolts against Spain is fought. The Battle of Panama City is a victory for the Congress. It is the defeat of the last major Spanish stronghold in the New World.

Spain: Although peace terms are sought, the list of defeats gives the crown few bargaining chips. In the end, Spain is only able to hold onto a small piece in Central America of the once vast New Spain territory.



January 1829:
Near Luanda the Rampage, Morgan, and the Mercury battle five UR warships. Although the pirates manage to sink one of the Republican ships, this would not be a day won by the Malagasy. All three pirate captains break off the attack and flee in separate directions.

Captain Archibald Devereaux is injured during the attack, suffering from burns to his hands and face (becoming blind in his right eye). He steps down from being captain and passes the Mercury over to his first mate Ehsan Jha.


February 1829:
Admiral Devereaux bypasses his Council and goes directly to the pirates and offers payments from the Treasury to those willing to take the fight to the Republicans.


March 1829:
Admiral Devereaux appoints King Rija as Vice Admiral and then sets sail with thirteen ships.


April 1829:
Brigit Kelly dies at her home in Forecastle – Grace Kelly, nor any of the Jamestown Kelly Faction, attend the funeral.


May 1829:
Little of interest.


June 1829:
June the third, The Battle of Cape Verde. The sun had hardly crested the horizon when Admiral Devereaux began his assault on the UR supply depot at Cape Verde Island. Although the initial attack was a surprise, an inability to maintain lines of communication, or keep his fellow pirate captains from perusing their individual goals, soon gave up the advantage. The battle would rage for six hours before Devereaux was finally able to win the upper hand again and take the fort. The following day, however, scouts reported that Venetian and Republican ships were approaching – having won his day, Devereaux rallied his captains and withdrew.

The Malagasy lost five ships during the battle, both the Revenge and Havoc (Captains Mia Kahn and Vera Cruz) were among them.


July – September 1829:

Little of interest other than the birth of Augustus Kelly to Grace Kelly (the father is assumed to be Jansy Abbink).


October 1829:
An envoy from Orleans Empire arrives in Port Mission. Admiral Devereaux is brought an invitation from First Consul Napoleon Francois Joseph Charles Bonaparte to attend peace talks in New Orleans. Admiral Devereaux agrees to make the trip, he appoints Rija Vice Admiral once more and sets sail – at his request – upon the Rampage.


November–December 1829:
Little of interest.


Notes:

1) Shaka assassinated: although Shaka’s half brother’s blamed Ethiopian, English, and Lundanese assassins in truth they knew it to be the pirates. Grace writes in her journal about the event, although she was not present. She states her two pirates, posing as French merchants, were to gain an audience with Shaka. As his armies were all off engaged against Lunda and Ethiopia, security at court would be low. After a night of wine and food they were to strike – and so they did. They left behind, or so Grace writes, a special coin she had had minted: a K on one side, and the Kelly sigil on the other (the coin, however, has been lost to history).

2) The new Council of Captains: Admiral Devereaux found that he had little influence in this round of elections, so his hopes of seeding the Council with his own loyalists failed. The Kellys, however, got both Timbo and Ava their seats (and were influential in the appointment of Ruvanno).

3) Jansy Abbink: a twenty-something new captain in the region. By all accounts he appeared sometime in the last 4 to 5 years – probably as a result of the Boer War. He found friends in Jamestown, and became a bed mate of Grace Kelly.

4) Thierry Rabemannanjara: He was a young warrior in Rija’s court. In fact, Theirry had only been appointed by Rija’s father to the war council the year before. The surprise appointment of one so young and unconnected at court is seen as Rija – despite his new royal duties – was still an active member of the Council of Captains.

5) Antanararivo School: the school that Abigail Bonny founds is unlike the others around the Island – even the one which her family patrons in Port Mission. The focus of this school will be intellectual and ecclesiastical learning, not fighting.

6) The Race: This year’s Race would have had a change. Admiral Devereaux was instituting a registration fee – or would have, if not for the Republicans.

7) The Malagasy War: No one was happy with this conflict, except perhaps some of the Senators and Barons of the U.R. Many of the European powers views the stirring up of the hornets nests as bad for everyone – besides the fact that half of them were currently using the Pirates. Letters were written to both King Hamilton and First Consul Napoleon regarding the situation. To Hamilton to encourage him to seek a quick end to this affair; and to Napoleon, as a friend of the Republicans, to help them seek a quick end to this affair.
 
Last edited:
1830
German Confederation: German Unification Wars continue. Despite efforts by other factions, Prime Minister Whilhelm is able to keep both Austria and Prussia out of the affair.

Russo-Finish War: After a long series of battles and sieges, Saint Petersburg falls to Czar Constantine. Fresh battles near Vyborg and Sortavala are fought.

Ethiopia – Lunda War: Comes to a close, a victory for Ethiopia.

The Ottoman Empire: Muhammad II begins another series of reforms, this time focused on infrastructure and education.

The Opium War: As part of the deal with the UR Admiral Devereaux sends pirates to join the war.

United Republics: The Opium War continues. The Malagasy War ends; it turns out to be the last action conducted by King Hamilton – he dies on November 20th. Despite all that King Hamilton accomplished while the Head of State he was not liked – especially in his handling of foreign affairs (second only to his other great accomplishment of the centralized banking system). There was a great divide forming in the UR Congress, with most within the House of Barons supporting a continuation of the “Federalist Kings” and most within the Senate looking for a change of leadership. In the end the Congress broke with tradition and did not appoint the King’s suggested successor. After a month of arguing, and ballots, a majority was reached and the Congress instead appointed John Quincy Adams to the High Office. He was another baron, and a federalist, but was seen by both Houses as the best man to mediate the major issues between the Barons and the Senators.

Lunda: The wars with England and Ethiopia are finished, but a month into the peace, the internal issues which brought about the charge for ending the wars now brought about civil war.

England: The Opium War continues. Despite the political leverage used by the African Trading Company, Parliament begins looking for ways to bypass waters chiefly controlled by France and Pirates. To this end, envoys begin speaking with both the Ottoman Empire and the Egyptian Sultanate for the expansion of a canal into the Red Sea.

Vijayanagara Empire: Ranga III successfully concludes his War of Unification (AKA War of Expansion). He is already looking forward to his next war, and begins to redeploy his military towards the Ottoman border.

France: King Louis basks in the success of his French soldiers in helping The Great Raja concluded his War of Expansion. The First Burmese War continues. Opium War continues.

Orleans Empire: Ships are sent to the Far East as part of the war against China. First Consul Napoleon is able to broker a peace between Madagascar and the United Republics.

Congress of Lima: The Congress attempts again to meet as a unified working group, but mistrust, and openly aggressive comments, ultimately result in the utter failure of the governing body.




January 1830:
Little of interest, although a year into the injuries which caused him to step down as captain of the Mercury (see 1829) Archibald Devereaux is drinking a lot – and is a very angry, demanding, drunk.

February 1830:
New Orleans hosts Admiral Devereaux and the United Republics delegation.

Captains Stein and Farafax of the Ruthless and Treasure win a battle against an English and UR warship near the Bowen Islands. They go on to raid Harleem – the first recorded raiding of a Bowen Island port since the islands fell back into the hands of the English in 1818.


March 1830:
On the 5th: five UR warships, under the Command of Captain George Dewey, are spotted by the Marsh Island outpost (1). The following day the UR flotilla is attacked by three Malagasy ships near the Bowen Islands – the battle is later joined by two other Malagasy ships. Despite the even odds the Malagasy are driven off – although sustaining damage, none of the UR ships are sunk or captured.

Fort Hendrick is attacked, unsuccessfully, by Malagasy pirates.

The Rampage, Mercury, and Prometheus attack Cape Town (2). They push their way into the port, and use a barrage of rockets and solid shot to set fire to a dozen ships and dock property. The battle is short, however, as the three Malagasy ships are outnumbered and withdraw.


April 1830:
The New Orleans Agreement is signed – ending the dispute between the United Republics and Madagascar.

Against the advice of the Council of Captains, and a direct order by the Vice Admiral, Captains Stein and Farafax lead a flotilla against Cape Verde. Six Malagasy ships make the attack, two return to Port Mission – both Captains Stein and Farafax are killed.

An American privateer by the name of Owen Burns (sailing a schooner by the name of Dragon Fang) arrives in Fort Dauphin. He passes himself off as a pirate by the name of Samuel King. Two days after his arrival the town is rocked by a series of explosions and fires.

Several days later Burns arrives in Port Mission – again, after a stay of two days, the town is hit by a series of explosions. Captain Burns escapes without anyone knowing (3).


May – August 1830:
There are several minor encounters between UR and Malgasy ships, most noteworthy was the capture of the Thunder (in May) and the Alhambra (in August) – both Malagasy ships were caught by the Dragon Fang.


September 1830:
Admiral Devereaux arrives back in Port Mission. He meets with the Council of Captains and informs them of the Agreement(4): the three main portions of the Agreement are 1) a yearly payment – a toll – will be paid for sailing through Malagasy waters; 2) UR ships will not be hunted between Cape Verde and Maldives; 3) Malagasy will send ships to help with the Opium War equal to the number of UR ships which have been captured or sunk during the Malagasy War, and, any cargo or goods stolen would be split 60/40 between Port Mission and Mount Vernon.

Admiral Devereaux also announces that he will be hosting a Grand Games for Founders Day this year – in celebration of their “victory” over the United Republics.

(There wasn’t any word passed down, but this is also looked at as the end of the Third Mercenary Wars. The only foreign payment coming in for services was being paid directly to the Kellys - Dutch living in South Africa paying for weapons)


October 1830:
The Grand Games open up on the 30th of October with a marriage between King Rija and a Rannavalona (the daughter of a high ranking member of the warrior council). (5)

There were a few changes this year: The preliminary games of Lacrosse and Broadside would use the new Schewber Balls, but the finals would use the traditional rounded stones. Also, the Race will see the first use of an entrance fee, and the first time a steam ship entered the competition. It is also worth noting that in 1823, at the last Grand Games, the “official” flag was unveiled – by this year, still fewer than half were flying that flag.

The labor teams this year, usually holding their own against the other town teams, did not do well. Both the Labor team in Broadside and Lacrosse were knocked out in the first round of play. The Broadside prize this year went to the Nova Island team, while the Lacrosse winner was the Jamestown team.

The Race, this year with only ten entries, began in Port Mission as was tradition. The Rampage, with Harold Jones, was probably the most eager for the start cannon – he had every intent on becoming the first ship to win twice in a row. At noon the cannon sounded. The blustery day had the wind blowing in stiffly from the east – giving the sailing ships a lead over the Mercury. By Fort Dauphin that lead had shrunk when the mock attacks began from shore – two ships dropped out, and the Mercury took the lead position. Despite two more mock attacks the Mercury held the lead until near Morondava when mechanical problems forced them to slow – allowing the Rampage and the Rage to close the gap. However, by Kaominina the Mercury had gained back the advantage and held it until the official docking back in Port Mission. The Mercury, and Captain Ehsan Jha, are named the winners (6). Captain Jones of the Rampage came in second, with Tyr Henry and the Morgan coming in third.


November 1830:
The Grand Games finish up.


December 1830:
A whirlwind romance occurs between Ehsan Jha and Jewel Devereaux – on the 12th of December the two are married.

On the 14th of December; scared, depressed, envious, Archibald Devereaux dies – suicide via rum.




Notes:

1) Dewey: The ships under the Republican Captain Dewey did not, actually, have any interest in Madagascar. They were dispatched to the Opium War.

2) Mercury and Prometheus: Both are steam ships and both owned by Oliver Bonny.

3) Owen Burns: It is several years before it become known whom it was who had bombed both Fort Dauphin and Port Mission. Interestingly, Burns is hailed by both the Malagasy and the Republicans as a hero.

4) The New Orleans Agreement: the Agreement isn’t all that different from several over verbal and written deals the Malagasy have with a number of other countries.

5) King Rija: There has been much speculation over the sexuality of Rija. Although he eventually does take a wife, this is seen by many scholars as merely an attempt to continue the line.

6) Captain Ehsan Jha: In 1755 The Mughal Expedition was launched – a highly successful raiding of the Subcontinent. Although there were no exact records, several boat loads of prisoners were brought back to Madagascar. Ehsan Jha is a descendant of those prisoners turned laborers – he himself born around the year 1800. Laborers were considered communal property, although for a fee to the Treasury a pirate could use several for personal projects. Jha’s family, luckily, were in service to Oliver Bonny and it is rumored that Christopher Bonny and Ehsan were childhood friends. This relationship may explain how Ehsan eventually rose to the position of captain on one of Oliver Bonny’s treasured steam ships.
 
Just found this thread, and started reading through it: Looks interesting!

On the 17th of April 1691 along the Gold Coast the Francois came upon the HMS Constant Warwick, a British frigate which matched the Francois mussel for mussel
and oyster for oyster? :p
(Presumably you meant "muscle"?)
 
Just found this thread, and started reading through it: Looks interesting!

and oyster for oyster? :p
(Presumably you meant "muscle"?)


Keep reading, I'm sure you will find other amusing typos. :)

This is why I usually have my wife edit my papers - however, she doesn't enjoy ALT history, so...

I once wrote a paper on horned beetles. I spelled "beatles" not "beetles" and never notice.

I hope you enjoy the story.
 
Keep reading, I'm sure you will find other amusing typos. :)

This is why I usually have my wife edit my papers - however, she doesn't enjoy ALT history, so...

I once wrote a paper on horned beetles. I spelled "beatles" not "beetles" and never notice.
Ha! :D

I once wrote an essay for A-level Geography in which I mentioned that the nuclear power-stations in Wales were sited in remote areas "to reduce the risk of radioactive leeks": Think that my subconscious took over on that one...
 
Ha! :D

I once wrote an essay for A-level Geography in which I mentioned that the nuclear power-stations in Wales were sited in remote areas "to reduce the risk of radioactive leeks": Think that my subconscious took over on that one...

So many great images I wish I could use in my TL.

:D
 
1831
German Confederation: German Unification Wars continue.

Russo-Finish War: Although the Russian attempt to take Helsinki fails, the war was not going well for Finland. Throughout the year Finish official seek help from allies and neighbors – opening the war into the Second Great Northern War.

The Second Great Northern War: Poland-Lithuania, Prussia, and the Demark Union join with Finland against Russia.

The Opium War: Continues.

Lunda: civil war.

France: The First Burmese War comes to an end. To supplement the French forces the French Foreign Legion is formed.

England: a series of uprisings are put down in Wales and Scotland – mostly miners and rural workers.

United Republics: There is a movement within the Senate to outlaw both slavery (which was largely a defunct practice at this point) and the Indentured System (which still flourished, mainly within the Baronies). The Anti-Servitude Movement is given momentum this year when King Adams hears arguments, both pro and con, regarding this issue.




January-December 1831:

At home, for the average Malagasy, it was an uneventful year. The Kellys still traded mainly with African kingdoms and the Dutch. The food and goods shortages caused by the Second Fishermen Wars were now a thing of the past. Raiders continued to ply their trade against shipping and coastal towns – mostly outside of the area of “Admiral’s Protection” – although, towns and shipping around Cape Town remained a particular hotspot of piracy. However, there are two areas of notable activity: The Opium War and the Council of Captains.

Despite his confessions, both written and verbal, about his weariness of battle, Robert Devereaux remained a man of action. He became obsessed with the Opium War, both for its rewards, and also for its bloodshed. He not only sent ships, as part of his agreement with the United Republics, but also ships with the sole purpose of collecting and delivering news on the conflict. He ordered a feast in honor of the raiding of Shanghai. He sent word for the removal of Captains Bowman and Reed when word reached Robert that they had fled during a battle which took place near Qingdua. The Admiral had private meetings with returning captains, and even paid for repairs to the Victorious Mission (Captain Benjamin Mine) when it came into Port Mission (the Victorious Mission was part of several attacks which took place in the Bohai Sea, by all accounts, mastered several successful raids, before falling victim to bad weather). It was his lack of attention to domestic affairs which opened up doors for his enemies.

In the meantime, minor food and good shortages plagued Mission Island. Shortages which would be eased by Kelly intervention – bringing in food supplies before the situation became too dire (and in at least one incident, giving away, for free, whole grain shipments). Robert, it seems, didn’t take notice of these local issue until Tribute payments began to come in late, or go mission altogether. Orders were sent to the Council Members to get their houses in order or face swift action. Once the Admiral made threats the Tribute was coincidentally found (interestingly, but Kelly loyalists) or finally arrived (Captains claiming bad weather for their late arrivals). On a few occasions gangs of Lesser Pirates were the cause – their activity brought to an end by courageous homesteaders or other Lesser Pirates (again, probably not missed by Robert, by Kelly loyalists). Usually, “Piracy against the Admiral” was a hanging offence, or at least the perpetrator would be sent to a labor camp. In these cases, however, the Kelly’s used their influence within the Council to have these Lesser Pirates brought to Nova Island (where they were secretly given rather comfortable lives).

By late May Robert was looking for a way to exert his authority. Once again Tyr Henry gave him that opportunity. Tyr, since his failure during the Race, had been stirring up trouble for the Admiral – among his claims was that the Admiral had given the Americans too much. On the morning of the 22nd Tyr’s cabin aboard the Morgan was raided and he, and several of his crew, was brought to Mission House. In fact, a number of people Tyr was friendly with in Port Mission were collected that morning – although Robert does stop short of hauling in Tyr’s brother Ryan and family. The Admiral orders Tyr out of the city and to join the flotilla in the Far East. Two days later, Tyr, and a number of other upstarts – filling out an additional two ships – set sail for the Far East.

While in the East Tyr, and a few other ships, make side jaunts to Japan – following French and Dutch shipping. It was during these trips that Tyr composes a letter to Grace Kelly. In it he describes an air of unrest and discord among the natives. He goes on to speak of the potential for great wealth by piracy and trade in those waters. So paranoid that his letter would be caught by Devereaux, or his spies, that Tyr had the letter written by one of his crew and addressed to a fictitious family on Nova Island. Even if Devereaux were to get his hands on the letter he would not have been able to understand it – or, rather, he would have found the letter to be about mundane things. Both the fictitious family on Nova Island and the contents of the letter were an old Kelly code used in funneling information to the head of the family.
 
Top