Chapters 4 and 5 Summary

Aubrey's longtime friend and confidant Heneage Dundas commands HMS Excellent, a ship also attached to the blockading squadron. Although Thornton disapproves of ship-visiting, nevertheless Aubrey and Dundas have occasion to visit. They hold a prolonged conversation and discuss the nature and rationale of the blockade, the state of Thornton's health, and regional politics. This conversation is mirrored by a length conversation held between Maturin and Thornton where Thornton advises Maturin at considerable length about the regional political situation. Thornton puts a special emphasis on the Ionian region and acquaints Maturin with several political leaders in the region. Several days later the inshore squadron's commander, Admiral Mitchell, arrives on station and hosts Aubrey aboard for yet another lengthy discussion of the fleet's situation, British interests in the region, and Thornton's health. During Worcester's blockade duty Aubrey is called upon to sit in a court martial where...