militarypress Posted January 13, 2017 Report Share Posted January 13, 2017 Aye Tinker Taylor...interesting...in just this one chapter, Thomas has dispatched a young ambassador to conduct diplomacy on both sides of the English Channel; will soon have a navy available with two armed frigates; and, seems to have worked out a supply line between his hidden cove on the Spanish/Portuguese coast and London's maritime shipping center...all told through the eyes of the loyal-to-the-core (and emotionally attached) Morgan kid...you just don't put this story down. Al Norris, dtm180, GCdiam and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dtm180 Posted January 13, 2017 Report Share Posted January 13, 2017 I have to agree with everything that has been said, Yes this chapter is different not only because of the main character of the chapter being someone else but also the pace of the chapter is different then we are used to. I also agree that it is good to get to know this side of Snot, and indeed time wil tell if his part is to become bigger in the story.I too was happy to see that Thomas's family was kept in the loop and i agree that it was very nice of Snot to go down to their cottage to make sure they knew. Ahhh how i am looking forward to next the next chapter. Tinker Taylor Soldier I, militarypress and Al Norris 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SussexBoi Posted January 13, 2017 Report Share Posted January 13, 2017 I love this chapter, Snot has shown his organisational skills;and how he put down the dimwit marine Corporal, not the brightest spark i guess, he should have realised anyone wearing uniform whatever there age and riding a fine horse should be treated with caution. For a aged English guy like myself, the descriptions throughout the story of the Limehouse and dock area of London, is easy for me to understand the rundown tenements and the general chaotic nature of both areas as even after WWII through to the 1970's the area was still rundown and in a poor state of repair. just the ships were different steel rather than wooden. now the docks have gone and been replaced with posh apartment s and offices. dtm180, militarypress, Tinker Taylor Soldier I and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Norris Posted January 13, 2017 Report Share Posted January 13, 2017 While I cannot speak for Arthur, I can say that I thought the last chapter would generate more comments than this one. I'm not trying to dismiss this chapter, as I did think it was essential to bring an end to a couple of dangling plot lines. The other thing it did was to show the power and authority that the Black Hand in general, and the Morgans in specific, held over much of the corsairs of the day. militarypress, dtm180, JohnnyC and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Arthur Posted January 14, 2017 Popular Post Report Share Posted January 14, 2017 Did someone say something about dangling plot lines? I and Loki would never do such a thing nor would I place red herrings for you to be led astray. (looks to the heavens to make sure no lightening strikes are on the way) GCdiam, dtm180, Tinker Taylor Soldier I and 4 others 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dtm180 Posted January 14, 2017 Report Share Posted January 14, 2017 The power that they wielded was already pretty obvious atleast to me, I am certain i read somewhere al be it between the lines, before that the Cane given to Thomas already told those in the know that he was pretty much inducted into the Black Hand and was to be given any assistence necessary. Considering the only ones we have seen with that certain cane before Thomas was given his, were Colonel Cruikshank and Old Henry, and the fact that Mister Percy used to sail under Old Henry already told me that the cane symbolised a certain level of authority. That the Morgans were powerfull was demonstrated in other facts, the fact that even the admiralty listened to a degree to Old Henry was just one of the things that showed that they were well respected. Atleast that is my humble opinion. JohnnyC, Tinker Taylor Soldier I, militarypress and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post R08m4rv Posted January 15, 2017 Popular Post Report Share Posted January 15, 2017 And so it went around the table until all of the men present had agreed. Thomas was now a member of one of the most secretive societies on any ocean. The blood rushed to his face as he blushed but also as he still felt the light trickle of his own blood fall on the bare wooden floor at his feet. It did not last for long as the small man that had called himself Captain Chou came to his side with a fine silk handkerchief and bound up the cut for him as Henry spoke again. "Brothers we welcome Cap'n Toro to our ranks. Cap'n Toro we ask you to take the thirteenth chair and join as a brother of the Black Hand." From chapter 16, "But that can't be Mister Peter. Captain Henry Morgan died many years ago." "Aye that be true young Thomas, die he did but the old man is his grandson from his youngest god son and has title to the older ones lands and fortune. Old Henry was not what you would call a buccaneer as his ancestor was but he did have his ways a long time ago and some should not be repeated in certain company." "But...but how?" "There are many things in this new world that are looked upon as not being in the interests of the King, the Shepherd is one of them so you must keep a tight lip about it all." "You have my word Mister Peter." On 1/14/2017 at 4:41 PM, dtm180 said: Mister Percy used to sail under Old Henry already told me that the cane symbolised a certain level of authority. That the Morgans were powerfull was demonstrated in other facts, the fact that even the admiralty listened to a degree to Old Henry was just one of the things that showed that they were well respected. Atleast that is my humble opinion. The Admiralty would have Captain Henry Morgan Hanged if they knew of his whereabouts, that is why the " Morgans" did not actually deal with them. That was Mr. Percy's job as a Colonel in His Majesties forces. Tinker Taylor Soldier I, dtm180, Al Norris and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toby Eszterhazy Posted January 17, 2017 Report Share Posted January 17, 2017 Now that Snot is in an administrative position he might be groomed to take over Colonel Cruikshank's role in the future. That being said, I expect him to be stirring up London as shown with the soldier in Portugal very soon. I cannot agree more with R08m4rv's deduction regarding the legality of the Morgan family since they are the only force keeping Thomas afloat after he got tossed to the side at Olivenca. I have also noticed a dislike for the common man. Aside from the 'diamond in a haystack' English characters that seek to aid Thomas, most are shown to be boggarts and plain dumb. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed Snot's moment of mischief. Its just that the moment any English infantryman sees a foreigner, they start seeing red. Or perhaps all the nice ones stay quiet to watch things unfold. dtm180, Al Norris, militarypress and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Arthur Posted January 17, 2017 Popular Post Report Share Posted January 17, 2017 Toby, The attitude of the more titled folk of the day considered anyone below their own social class to be inferior and that is the reason for most of the lack of manners or understanding but also the lower classes had very little time for the upper crust or "Toffs" as they were usually called so it went both ways but I am trying to set the tale from the pint of view of someone that is of the lower classes but is trying his best to do better. The "Toff's" don't like the idea and think everything Thomas does is beneath them so he therefore is due little respect by those above him. Is this a red herring? Hmmmmmm. Parker, R08m4rv, dtm180 and 3 others 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tinker Taylor Soldier I Posted January 17, 2017 Report Share Posted January 17, 2017 There is also the matter of "trickle down" English snobbishness... like the marine guard who believes foreigners who are too lazy to learn the King's English (even in their own country) are beneath him... and the dirt-poor, uneducated, unemployed tough boys on the docks who look down on (and abuse) smaller, younger boys. They all seem to look for someone "lower" than they, so they can feel better about their lot. (all of this is drawn out really well at appropriate points in the story) "Pint of view"... yes, my view is usually a matter of how many pints I've had. :-) I appreciate the reviews of what we read earlier about the Morgans and the Black Hand... I'd forgotten many of those details.. and hadn't bothered (at least yet) to go back and look them up. Al Norris, militarypress, R08m4rv and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R08m4rv Posted January 19, 2017 Report Share Posted January 19, 2017 I really want to know what was on the list that Snot gave to his Father, I would like to see him taking some more "volunteers" back with him or some really good and powerful rockets. I'm sure that Captain Chou would be able to get the correct type for Thomas to do a lot more damage to the French. I had too many pints when a lot younger. (Whiskey and whisky is the only thing I normally drink now) ( I know Loki and he can be very funny at times too) Al Norris, militarypress and dtm180 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Castle Herald Posted January 19, 2017 Author Report Share Posted January 19, 2017 Arthur Drummer Boy: The Road North About Percy Cruikshank Chapter 7 Tinker Taylor Soldier I, militarypress and dtm180 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Jay Posted January 20, 2017 Popular Post Report Share Posted January 20, 2017 WOW, so much going on in just one chapter. Snot's return, a new ship, the PM working on behest of Thomas and three battles. With this you can still follow the story line and not get lost. They are not many could wright such a chapter and it work so well. Arthur my hat off to you, well done. militarypress, dtm180, Al Norris and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
militarypress Posted January 20, 2017 Report Share Posted January 20, 2017 this is great...under his training and planning, this teenage army of Thomas is using cover, concealment, strategic advantage, the element of surprise, the cover of darkness and the weaknesses of human nature to gain a tactical advantage on the battlefield....at this rate, Thomas could have taught tactics at the fledgling West Point.Military Academy.......maybe it turns out he does!...great adventure! JohnnyC, Al Norris, Tinker Taylor Soldier I and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RettaMichaels Posted January 20, 2017 Report Share Posted January 20, 2017 I am going to state how awed I am by your writing. I've fallen in love with the character of Thomas, and the story to the point that I've suggested it to a dear friend of mine who loves great books. He's going to love it. I already know! dtm180, Tinker Taylor Soldier I, Al Norris and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post SussexBoi Posted January 20, 2017 Popular Post Report Share Posted January 20, 2017 Another good story, however I can see problems ahead with regard to the support of the Prime minister ( Spencer Perceval, was the PM) however he dies in May 1812, we can only hope that the New PM ( Robert Jenkinson, 2nd Earl of Liverpool) who showed himself to be a very competent politician. I look forward to how Arthur will write this into the story, I guess it will have percy tearing his hair out. Snot & Jones have shown that they are trusted and reliable members of Thomas's army. I must say that this story highlights how lucky modern armies are with communication and transport being so swift compared back in the 1800's. JohnnyC, Tinker Taylor Soldier I, Al Norris and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tinker Taylor Soldier I Posted January 20, 2017 Report Share Posted January 20, 2017 1 hour ago, SussexBoi said: the New PM ( Robert Jenkinson, 2nd Earl of Liverpool) What? Someone important from Liverpool before the Beatles? :-) Al Norris, dtm180 and militarypress 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post SussexBoi Posted January 20, 2017 Popular Post Report Share Posted January 20, 2017 5 hours ago, Tinker Taylor Soldier I said: What? Someone important from Liverpool before the Beatles? :-) Dont worry Robert Jenkinson, 2nd Earl of Liverpool would have spoken with a posh landed gentry voice, heaven above to think of Robert Jenkinson speaking with a Scouser (Liverpool accent and dialect just listen to the early Beatles talking) trying to talk with Thomas with his Lime house dialect would be like chalk and cheese. As to the Beatles they were a tad important to some but time moves on. Tinker Taylor Soldier I, Al Norris, Jay and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dtm180 Posted January 22, 2017 Report Share Posted January 22, 2017 I have to agree to all that has been said, for yes this is a great chapter, It also does show all the important locations, like Snot staying with Thomas parents for a little over a week. Aswell as the first 3 battles of Thomas new battle-plan. I also loved the fact that the PM is working on Thomas side and it's good to hear that Beresford wil be paying a price for his blatent lies in embellishing his report. I am curious exactly what sanctions wil take place to Beresford. JohnnyC, Tinker Taylor Soldier I, militarypress and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Castle Herald Posted January 26, 2017 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2017 Arthur Drummer Boy: The Road North The Battle of Somosiera Chapter 8 dtm180 and Tinker Taylor Soldier I 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post SussexBoi Posted January 27, 2017 Popular Post Report Share Posted January 27, 2017 When I read in the previous chapter that Thomas and his merry men were going to raid Somosiera, I was confused as I knew that a battle had been held there some years earlier where the Polish mercenaries had won the day. It was a relief that Thomas and his merry men's skirmish into the town was to be in revenge. for the defeat that the Spanish forces had suffered at the original battle. Again another wonderful chapter. militarypress, JohnnyC, Tinker Taylor Soldier I and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Jay Posted January 27, 2017 Popular Post Report Share Posted January 27, 2017 As always am outstanding chapter. Maj. Jones never told Thomas about the new guns nor Snot's seeing his family. Lots of questions left open. Thats why we keep comeing back. I see Thomas as a good commander keeps in mind what he is doing is helping the English. He also keeps the bigger picture in mind, with out hurting his ego. It was the first time I can remember Thomas getting homesick. We all would miss our familys. Him think more of his Mother now says he may bring them to him. We will only hope. It was tuching for the two boys taking his last name. Thomas just accepting as part of his family was very nice. His batman dodeing must get on his last, but still he is accepting. The protectionism of his officers, he is so loved by so many. I just wonder if he knows. None of them have told him how much he is loved, but actions talk lauder than words. There is a deepper story here you just have to find it. I look so foreward to each add chapter. dtm180, Al Norris, Tinker Taylor Soldier I and 3 others 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Castle Herald Posted February 2, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 2, 2017 Arthur Drummer Boy: The Road North Molina Falls Chapter 9 Tinker Taylor Soldier I 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post ken barber Posted February 3, 2017 Popular Post Report Share Posted February 3, 2017 Holy crap what a chapter. Griping is an understatement. Considering the level of detail in the military strategy. I can imagine Arthur with a giant topographic map of Spain and moving monitored soldiers around on it and taking notes as he plans this out. My hat's off to you sir. The depth of the story telling and walking us through so we can see and feel it is not even matched by some professional arthur's. Amazing work. Totally hooked and very impatient for next Thursday dtm180, Mark C., Parker and 5 others 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Jay Posted February 3, 2017 Popular Post Report Share Posted February 3, 2017 I can not agree more Ken. Arthur is showing us what a true artest he is. Can we say this story has been viewed by more people than anyother on CR. We knew it was good way back then and even better now. I will have to say other storys by Arthur are very good and well worth the read. House of Vladd all three book and The Twilight Galaxy Motel. If you have not read those you should. This story always improves it self from one chapter to the other. That is way I am such fan of his work. dtm180, Al Norris, militarypress and 3 others 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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