Unwanted Visitors Approach the Bodkin

His eyes cold with determination he gave the order to fire.  “These Americans will be taught a lesson.”  The rocket hissed through the air as it left the frigate, HMS Menelaus.  More followed the first striking their target- a tranquil stately farmhouse surrounded with ripening corn.  Flames sprang to life as rockets reached the farm.  There was no resistance.  Captain Parker, who is related to Lord Byron, smiled.  He waited for the return of his marines who were dispatched to grab ham, chickens, and any other treasures.

His task completed he gave the order to set sail farther north toward Baltimore.  Sailors scurried to unfurl the sails from the yards and raised the anchor.  The air was hot, laden with moisture.  The threat of more storms hung in the black sky.  Seeking more farms to harass, the frigate caught the wind filling its sails.  “Not a single American ship will cross these waters while I am here,” Captain Parker announced to his crew of marines.

This monster square-rigger, Menelaus, with 38 guns on her upper deck left death and destruction in her path.  Blackened timbers, scorched fields, and cracked foundation stones dotted the Bay’s shoreline where plantations and villages once stood.  Hit and run raids on land were easy from the ship enabling the men to carry off fresh food, wine, and produce.  Fear permeated the hearts of those living on the Chesapeake.

Heading toward Bodkin Creek, he thought he saw something that could be a ship.  He called to his lookout to scan leeward. 

            “There is something, Captain.  It looks like a schooner, a privateer.  She is trying to hide from us, Sir.”

            “Give me the spyglass.”  His eyes took on a steady gleam as indeed a schooner’s mast could be seen in the Bodkin.  Grabbing for the charts he plotted a course with his navigator.

            “Will have trouble, Captain.  Look at those sandbars at the mouth.”

            “We will get as close as we can and then lower the longboats for the marines. “