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1779 |
This story is set in 18th century Plymouth during the time of the American Revolutionary War. It highlights thirteen hectic days, when a middle class seafaring family just happen to become involved in the espionage and subterfuge used by American rebels to further their cause. One of their tasks being to destroy Plymouth's Naval Dockyard, the other to check and report on the fortifications surrounding Plymouth Sound. The story starts gently enough, with the Brown family going about their normal day, little knowing what the next thirteen days will bring. The family has a history of trade based upon the shipping industry originating on the maternal side. However, on the paternal side; there is a history of sea service within the Revenue and Excise service. The family titular head is away in the American Colonies and has not been heard off for a while, this leaves Mother Brown to run the family business and keep their position in society. There is the paternal Grandfather who is the Commander of the Watchful, (a revenue cutter) but he is in his sixties and this eyesight is failing. Then there is the son (Billy) and the daughter (Polly), Billy is at an age where he must reluctantly follow his domineering Mother's advice and join the mercantile side of the family, (much to his annoyance), but he still complies. Whilst Polly is a wayward independent young lady, who has just reached an age where she starts to stand up to her Mother. It turns out after many trials and tribulations that the trading side of the business does not suit Master Brown, especially after American spies hide combustibles and gunpowder under his very nose, secreted amongst the many goods waiting to be shipped. Then, when it is discovered, the traitors want it back. Needless to say, after this, Mother thinks William will be far safer at sea with his grandfather as a Midshipman on his ship. How wrong can she be? |
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Author: William Bertram Title: 1779 Billy Brown Cometh the Man... Series: First Published by: Place: Format: Kindle Date: 2 April 2013 ISBN-10: ISBN-13:
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