MILK RUN

[Cmmdre]

The Packet Trade generally refers to any regularly scheduled cargo, passenger and mail trade conducted by ship. "Packet" can mean a small parcel but, originally meant a parcel of important correspondence or valuable items, for urgent delivery. Please note phrase on hand bill "and a cow on board to supply them with milk."

[Berthier]

Nice image Paul!

[Cmmdre]

Thank you Daniel. I thought members might enjoy this clip of history. :thanks:

[Cmmdre]

The capture of the Jeune Richard was the result of a naval engagement that took place in the Caribbean on 1 October 1807, during the Napoleonic Wars, between the British packet ship Windsor Castle, and the French privateer Jeune Richard. Early on the morning of 1 October a sail was sighted, and by half past eight the mystery ship was piling on sail to catch the packet. Identifying her as a privateer schooner, Rogers attempted to outrun the enemy, but she continued to close and he realised he would be compelled to fight. His enemy was the Jeune Richard, carrying six long 6-pounder guns and one long 18-pounder gun, a considerably heavier weight of shot than the Windsor Castle. The Jeune Richard also had a crew of 92, over three times that of the British packet.

Rogers prepared for action, and stood by to sink the mail should it become necessary to keep it out of enemy hands. By noon the Jeune Richard had closed the distance, and running up the French colours, she opened fire. The Windsor Castle returned fire, at which the French called on Rogers to surrender. He refused, so the Jeune Richard ran alongside the Windsor Castle deploying grappling irons, and attempted to board. The Windsor Castle′s crew mustered with pikes and repelled the boarders, killing or wounding between eight and ten of the French. The Jeune Richard′s crew attempted to cut the lines and pull away but the Windsor Castle′s main yard remained locked in the privateer's rigging, holding the two ships together.
The fighting continued for several hours, but by 3pm one of the Windsor Castle′s 9-pounder carronades had been brought up on deck and loaded with double grape, canister and 100 musket balls. When the French made another attempt to force their way aboard, this was discharged to great effect, sweeping the privateer's decks and causing considerable casualties and damage. Rogers then led five of his men onto the Jeune Richard and forced the French from their guns, driving them below after a fierce fight and securing control of the privateer. With the French crew trapped below but still considerably greater in number than the small British force that had control of the decks, Rogers ordered each Frenchman up on deck one at a time, where they were then placed in irons.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capture_of_the_Jeune_Richard