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Percival Merewether #2
On the Company's service
The second volume in the author's trilogy about the Honorable East India Company during the Napoleonic War era and Captain Percival Merewether of the Company Ship Rapid.
351 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1971
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About the author
Ellis K. Meacham
10 books6 followersEllis Kirby Meacham (September 5, 1913-August 17, 1998) was an American attorney and judge who wrote three Napoleonic era nautical adventures.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 3, 2018
"Captain Percival Merewether of the Honourable East India Company’s Bombay Marine braced himself against the bulwarks, his eye automatically measuring the steady gain on the privateer. It had been an interminable three months at sea, patrolling the eastern approaches to the Hooghly River in the Bay of Bengal, a period of unremitting vigilance and tedious boredom, with the additional weight of responsibility for the Bengal Squadron upon his shoulders. Even the courtesy title of “Commodore,” given him as the officer in tactical command, had failed to cheer Merewether’s spirits. Fortunately, he thought, this day might conclude the cruise..."
"Last year, a pauper, dependent upon his pay as a captain in the Marine, he had been eager for continued employment at sea; now, after a little luck in the way of prize money, he resented this confinement in a ship at sea. He was approaching middle age, he considered. He had turned twenty-nine last New Year’s Day; he had neither wife nor family; and by his own cross-grained stupidity last year had lost to another man the woman he loved."
This is book #2 of his saga of Percival Merewether, captain in the Bombay Marine. If you just want to know if I enjoyed this novel, the answer is “yes.” But this is a book that may please some and not others so I will try to provide my readers with enough to come to their own judgment as to whether it is worth their time.
I have been reading enough naval stories to weigh Meacham’s in the balance. I recently read McDine’s Normandy Privateer and found that he used a lot of care in matching language to place and class. There is much less of that going on here. I have read almost all of Patrick O’Brian’s novels at least twice. All of these authors are focused on the naval conflicts during the Napoleonic Wars. While the O’Brian Aubrey/Maturin novels are by far my favorites, Meacham provides his own delights. The Bombay Marine was the “private” navy of the British East India Company. And, though loyal to King and Country, the “Company” had almost a completely free hand in India and the Far East for about two hundred years when this story takes place. Their navy did not serve under command of the British Royal Navy and their main task was to protect the East Indiamen (ships) that were hauling cargo back from India, and other locales. One of the things that Meacham provides is plenty of the details of sailing ships during this period.
"Rapid hoisted the signal to get under way, and the hands wound in the anchor. She did handle differently, he soon discovered, but adjustments were made, and with the helmsman carrying a little lee rudder, she would lie almost as close to the wind as before." And --- "The schooner still had sternway on, but the bow was three quarters of the way around to pointing due west. The jib filled with a sharp report, and Wilkerson eased off on the sheet, trimming the sail to the wind. Sternway was checked as the mainsail filled, driving the ship ahead."
There are plenty of aspects other than sailing and combat that are also presented: "He had never dreamed that this amount of correspondence was generated by the Marine here in Calcutta, and he was already chafing to be back in simpler surroundings at sea." And --- "Courts of Inquiry in the Royal Navy were designed to develop facts, rather than determine guilt or innocence and inflict punishment, though many a career had wrecked upon their findings. A lieutenant led Merewether aft to the day cabin, and he took a chair in a row along the starboard bulkhead." (Something that McDine also incorporates.) And from time to time there are surprising observations such as: "Merewether had seized upon the unheard-of luxury of immersing his whole body in the tepid water daily."
The plot goes in many directions with some of it directed at Napoleon’s attempts to disrupt trade. While threads from the previous book concerning rebellions and “opening” China are also incorporated. There are diplomatic missions and actions taken by both the French and British intelligence services. But a lot of the book is devoted to what goes on in Merewether’s thoughts and the actions that eventually result.
"Merewether sat quietly for a moment. He had set out to seduce this young man into giving assistance for the escape, and here was the explicit offer; he need only present a logical plan, one that would appeal to the calculating intellect he recognized behind the nonchalant exterior. Misgivings beset him; this American was a neutral, and if the venture failed or Harris’s part were suspected, the French government might inflict harsh reprisals, even some trumped-up charge of espionage or sedition. Still, he justified himself, Harris and Andrews were already tarred with guilt for giving him refuge, and a few more acts in violation of neutrality could hardly make the matter worse."
"The steadiest man in the crew was placed on guard outside. These women-starved prisoners could not be afforded a chance to think about the matter, lest the whole venture founded on these lush Creole charms. Merewether was in command of the ship. He sent the men to quarters, to find in darkness the halyards, sheets and braces that must be manned, the flag bag, the magazine, the pyrotechnics locker. Then he realized his mistake. He and Wilkerson intercepted the group coming out of the commissary pantry, and marched them with their burden of bottles aft to the cabin, there to deposit the spirits under lock and key. He thought wryly of his concern to make sure the women were secure, while ignoring the greater danger of the rum. It was a commentary on his character, he decided."
And Merewether’s love life bubbles up at every opportunity. He is immature at times. Sexist out of ignorance more than misogyny. And often, he is regretful.
"He had slept with her once, and they had bathed in the same pool, but only now was he beginning to feel that he knew and understood her. She, not unlike many a wife, was willing to use her sex to make her way, but she possessed a curious morality, a set of principles of her own, and the fees paid her were never direct." And --- "Truly a beautiful woman, widow or no, he decided, wondering again if the “Percival” of the note meant she considered him a serious suitor. He was by no means sure of his own feelings and desires, he thought, finishing off the glass of dry sack."
An interesting mix that leaves me hopeful. 3.5*
"Last year, a pauper, dependent upon his pay as a captain in the Marine, he had been eager for continued employment at sea; now, after a little luck in the way of prize money, he resented this confinement in a ship at sea. He was approaching middle age, he considered. He had turned twenty-nine last New Year’s Day; he had neither wife nor family; and by his own cross-grained stupidity last year had lost to another man the woman he loved."
This is book #2 of his saga of Percival Merewether, captain in the Bombay Marine. If you just want to know if I enjoyed this novel, the answer is “yes.” But this is a book that may please some and not others so I will try to provide my readers with enough to come to their own judgment as to whether it is worth their time.
I have been reading enough naval stories to weigh Meacham’s in the balance. I recently read McDine’s Normandy Privateer and found that he used a lot of care in matching language to place and class. There is much less of that going on here. I have read almost all of Patrick O’Brian’s novels at least twice. All of these authors are focused on the naval conflicts during the Napoleonic Wars. While the O’Brian Aubrey/Maturin novels are by far my favorites, Meacham provides his own delights. The Bombay Marine was the “private” navy of the British East India Company. And, though loyal to King and Country, the “Company” had almost a completely free hand in India and the Far East for about two hundred years when this story takes place. Their navy did not serve under command of the British Royal Navy and their main task was to protect the East Indiamen (ships) that were hauling cargo back from India, and other locales. One of the things that Meacham provides is plenty of the details of sailing ships during this period.
"Rapid hoisted the signal to get under way, and the hands wound in the anchor. She did handle differently, he soon discovered, but adjustments were made, and with the helmsman carrying a little lee rudder, she would lie almost as close to the wind as before." And --- "The schooner still had sternway on, but the bow was three quarters of the way around to pointing due west. The jib filled with a sharp report, and Wilkerson eased off on the sheet, trimming the sail to the wind. Sternway was checked as the mainsail filled, driving the ship ahead."
There are plenty of aspects other than sailing and combat that are also presented: "He had never dreamed that this amount of correspondence was generated by the Marine here in Calcutta, and he was already chafing to be back in simpler surroundings at sea." And --- "Courts of Inquiry in the Royal Navy were designed to develop facts, rather than determine guilt or innocence and inflict punishment, though many a career had wrecked upon their findings. A lieutenant led Merewether aft to the day cabin, and he took a chair in a row along the starboard bulkhead." (Something that McDine also incorporates.) And from time to time there are surprising observations such as: "Merewether had seized upon the unheard-of luxury of immersing his whole body in the tepid water daily."
The plot goes in many directions with some of it directed at Napoleon’s attempts to disrupt trade. While threads from the previous book concerning rebellions and “opening” China are also incorporated. There are diplomatic missions and actions taken by both the French and British intelligence services. But a lot of the book is devoted to what goes on in Merewether’s thoughts and the actions that eventually result.
"Merewether sat quietly for a moment. He had set out to seduce this young man into giving assistance for the escape, and here was the explicit offer; he need only present a logical plan, one that would appeal to the calculating intellect he recognized behind the nonchalant exterior. Misgivings beset him; this American was a neutral, and if the venture failed or Harris’s part were suspected, the French government might inflict harsh reprisals, even some trumped-up charge of espionage or sedition. Still, he justified himself, Harris and Andrews were already tarred with guilt for giving him refuge, and a few more acts in violation of neutrality could hardly make the matter worse."
"The steadiest man in the crew was placed on guard outside. These women-starved prisoners could not be afforded a chance to think about the matter, lest the whole venture founded on these lush Creole charms. Merewether was in command of the ship. He sent the men to quarters, to find in darkness the halyards, sheets and braces that must be manned, the flag bag, the magazine, the pyrotechnics locker. Then he realized his mistake. He and Wilkerson intercepted the group coming out of the commissary pantry, and marched them with their burden of bottles aft to the cabin, there to deposit the spirits under lock and key. He thought wryly of his concern to make sure the women were secure, while ignoring the greater danger of the rum. It was a commentary on his character, he decided."
And Merewether’s love life bubbles up at every opportunity. He is immature at times. Sexist out of ignorance more than misogyny. And often, he is regretful.
"He had slept with her once, and they had bathed in the same pool, but only now was he beginning to feel that he knew and understood her. She, not unlike many a wife, was willing to use her sex to make her way, but she possessed a curious morality, a set of principles of her own, and the fees paid her were never direct." And --- "Truly a beautiful woman, widow or no, he decided, wondering again if the “Percival” of the note meant she considered him a serious suitor. He was by no means sure of his own feelings and desires, he thought, finishing off the glass of dry sack."
An interesting mix that leaves me hopeful. 3.5*
August 6, 2017
I am a big fan of sea stories of the Napoleonic era. I read Meacham’s first book “The East Indiaman” and thoroughly enjoyed it. I could hardly wait to start book two of the trilogy.
Percival Merewether has been appointed Commodore of the Bengal Squadron. The squadron captures four French ships and the fun begins with trips to the Mauritius and also Persia and lots of non-stop action.
The book is well written and researched. The characters continue to develop and the plot twists and turns. There is lots of action both at sea and on the land. Meacham writes in a way that I can smell the sea, hear the creaking of the rigging and feel the movement of the sea. If you enjoy stories of this era, you will definitely enjoy this book.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book Is just over fourteen hours long. Steven Crossley does a great job narrating the book. Crossley is an actor and multi-award-winning audiobook narrator.
Percival Merewether has been appointed Commodore of the Bengal Squadron. The squadron captures four French ships and the fun begins with trips to the Mauritius and also Persia and lots of non-stop action.
The book is well written and researched. The characters continue to develop and the plot twists and turns. There is lots of action both at sea and on the land. Meacham writes in a way that I can smell the sea, hear the creaking of the rigging and feel the movement of the sea. If you enjoy stories of this era, you will definitely enjoy this book.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book Is just over fourteen hours long. Steven Crossley does a great job narrating the book. Crossley is an actor and multi-award-winning audiobook narrator.
January 12, 2023
A solid followup to the first book in the series The East Indiaman, which follows the exploits of a captain in the East India Company's Bengal Marines.
This book finds the captain a Commodore leading a small fleet of lesser warships to deal with pirates in the Bay of Bengal. He then becomes embroiled in some political work and there is some romance mixed in.
Its a different approach to sea novels, being the company rather than the navy, but the adventures are much the same. I enjoyed it fine but am not so enthralled I'll rush out to read the next.
This book finds the captain a Commodore leading a small fleet of lesser warships to deal with pirates in the Bay of Bengal. He then becomes embroiled in some political work and there is some romance mixed in.
Its a different approach to sea novels, being the company rather than the navy, but the adventures are much the same. I enjoyed it fine but am not so enthralled I'll rush out to read the next.
September 17, 2018
Another pleasant reread from the early teenage days.
In this second novel in the series Meacham has a far better grib of the story and allows our protagonist to show far more of his human side.
The storyline is also far more interesting including, an rescue action from a prison island Straight from "pirates of the caribbean", a horse travel though the desert including a visit to Teheran and of course the mandatory sea battles.
And now on to volume 3 which is new to me.
In this second novel in the series Meacham has a far better grib of the story and allows our protagonist to show far more of his human side.
The storyline is also far more interesting including, an rescue action from a prison island Straight from "pirates of the caribbean", a horse travel though the desert including a visit to Teheran and of course the mandatory sea battles.
And now on to volume 3 which is new to me.
March 19, 2017
Combat on sea and land with spying as an extra., March 19, 2017
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: On the Company's Service (Percival Merewether Book 2) (Kindle Edition)
Book 2 in the Percival Merewether trilogy sees Merewether temporarily elevated to commodore in the Bombay Marine commanding a squadron tasked with sweeping French privateers from the Bay of Bengal. His luck holds and, I think, it's the third French ship (two in volume one) crippled from a lucky, extreme range shot from the long nine equipped with special sights invented and installed by his friend McClellan. But in this volume his luck does not hold in a raid on French Mauritius. However, through luck and pluck, he overcomes the obstacles which fate has placed in his way. I want to avoid giving away plot surprises so I will just say that his personal life also takes a turn for the better. This trilogy continues to entertain with a well written story full of twists and turns, adventure, romance, hardships, death, injury and perseverance.
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: On the Company's Service (Percival Merewether Book 2) (Kindle Edition)
Book 2 in the Percival Merewether trilogy sees Merewether temporarily elevated to commodore in the Bombay Marine commanding a squadron tasked with sweeping French privateers from the Bay of Bengal. His luck holds and, I think, it's the third French ship (two in volume one) crippled from a lucky, extreme range shot from the long nine equipped with special sights invented and installed by his friend McClellan. But in this volume his luck does not hold in a raid on French Mauritius. However, through luck and pluck, he overcomes the obstacles which fate has placed in his way. I want to avoid giving away plot surprises so I will just say that his personal life also takes a turn for the better. This trilogy continues to entertain with a well written story full of twists and turns, adventure, romance, hardships, death, injury and perseverance.
August 29, 2021
Such a likable hero
Merewether’s adventures continue from Calcutta and Bombay to Mauritius, Persia to the border of Russia. He comes to terms with his illegitimacy, struggles with constancy, second guesses his decisions, and endures and overcomes hardship of many kinds. The thing about Merewether is his humility. His accomplishments are larger than life but he never seems to lose sight of the fact that they were achieved through the skills and sacrifices of many people—and he doesn’t forget them. I am eager to read the next book and so sorry that it is the last one in the series.
Merewether’s adventures continue from Calcutta and Bombay to Mauritius, Persia to the border of Russia. He comes to terms with his illegitimacy, struggles with constancy, second guesses his decisions, and endures and overcomes hardship of many kinds. The thing about Merewether is his humility. His accomplishments are larger than life but he never seems to lose sight of the fact that they were achieved through the skills and sacrifices of many people—and he doesn’t forget them. I am eager to read the next book and so sorry that it is the last one in the series.
July 12, 2019
29 year old Percival Merewether is a newly appointed ship's captain for the East India Company. This story chronicles his adventures in the Indian Ocean, chasing pirates and French privateers. His private life also has its up and downs, although he ultimately gets it under control.
December 4, 2018
14 years? Historical interested? Love for the high seas and men of war? -This is a book for you.
February 25, 2017
I thought that this book was a little better than the first book, The East Indiaman, in the series. Good description of Napoleonic era sea warfare, and lots of info about India and the East India company. Reminiscent of CS Forester. I recommend it, but read the first book before starting this book
July 27, 2015
This is the second book in the series. The author continues building a narrative about this very skilled seaman and his adventures while in the service of the company. The story continues with plenty of action and,in this case, improved character development. The only weakness in the entire storyline is the lack of fully developed female characters,although, there is improvement from book #1.
There is plenty of action for every armchair sailor. The details of the naval action, the description of the strategy and tactics all help in building the suspense and action.With this strong a storyline, you want to care about the main character and anticipate the next adventure. The author has found a combination of character and action that is very hard to beat.
There is plenty of action for every armchair sailor. The details of the naval action, the description of the strategy and tactics all help in building the suspense and action.With this strong a storyline, you want to care about the main character and anticipate the next adventure. The author has found a combination of character and action that is very hard to beat.
July 24, 2015
Great Sequel
Interesting story with great characters and dialogue. Sailing scenes are believable. Filled with action. Bellwether is an interesting character, believable and worthy.
Interesting story with great characters and dialogue. Sailing scenes are believable. Filled with action. Bellwether is an interesting character, believable and worthy.
March 10, 2018
Was a very interesting book. I very much like the Merewether series.
Have read 3 of them and was hoping for a fourth, but, sadly cannot find it.
Have read 3 of them and was hoping for a fourth, but, sadly cannot find it.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews