1804: Leaving Devil's Island, Ramage puts into Barbados for food and water. He is dismayed to find a fleet of merchant ships waiting for a frigate to escort them back to England. He is prepared for the unending, annoying delays and frustrations of a group of ill-equipped and badly manned ships. He is prepared for their inability or unwillingness to keep up with the main body of the convoy.
He is not prepared for an incident so bizarre that he is sent before a full Naval Court Martial when he finally reaches England.