Chapter 8 Summary

After retreating from the harbor Buckland confers with Bush, now the senior acting lieutenant aboard. They rehash many of the same points which have been previously discussed. Buckland wonders how damaging a full retreat might be to his career; Bush suggests that a victory would almost certainly eventuate in promotion for Buckland. The two dependable but unimaginative officers fret about what to do and, following Bush's suggestion, Buckland finally passes the word for Hornblower, now the third lieutenant. Hornblower cautiously suggests that a surprise overland attack, against the peninsular fortress, with a stealthy approach would almost certainly succeed. Buckland argues against such a risky maneuver but Hornblower, with utmost diplomacy, convinces Buckland that such an attack would succeed. Control of the fort would ensure the destruction of the privateers and would likely force the Spaniards to retire entirely from the harbor. Although only...