Horatio Hornblower: The Fire Ship

Acting Lieutenant Horatio Hornblower

Captain Sir Edward Pellew

Captain 'Dreadnought' Foster

Tapling

Bunting

Lieutenant Bracegirdle

Captain Hammond

Matthews

Finch

Styles

Oldroyd

Master Bowles

Steward

Midshipman Cleveland

HM Consul Duras

Commander Morris

Spanish Captain

During the examination, Captain Foster describes a situation "with Dover bearing north two miles" and a "nor'easterly wind" that "veers four points". That would put the wind at east, but Hornblower is told that he would have Dover under his lee, whereas he would, at worst, have Folkestone under his lee and that eight miles off. Unless the wind were to veer a further twelve points at gale force, the tide would never put a dismasted vessel anywhere near Dover.

The real HMS Indefatigable was a 38 gun heavy frigate armed with 24 pounders plus six 42 pounder carronades for a total of 44 guns, razéed from a 64 gun Ardent class ship of the line, whereas it is represented here as a 20 gun post ship.

Acting Lt. Horatio Hornblower: [referring to Captain Foster] He's truly a great man, sir. To be half the man that he is would see my life fulfilled.

Capt. Sir Edward Pellew: Look, you have nothing to reproach yourself with. One man has died. Others may live, thanks to you.

Tapling: A new acquaintance with the cuts of a bullock and the worth of full bellies for the men. Such knowledge will serve me well.