Chapters 16, 17, and 18 Summary

Hornblower sends his cutter, with Wychwood, on a diplomatic tour. When the cutter returns, Wychwood bears dispatches which announce war between Russia and France. Hornblower's mission is ostensibly successful. However, he realizes that he must now do all within his power to ensure Russia's defense. Wychwood counsels Hornblower that the definitive stand in the Baltic must be made near Riga, to prevent Napoleon's second army from reaching St. Petersburg. Hornblower again sends the cutter, with Wychwood, on a diplomatic run to England. As the cutter readies to sail, it is loaded with mail bound for home. Hornblower frets the entire time that his actions may not be deemed suitable by the Admiralty or, more importantly, by Barbara.

The flotilla sails for Riga as Hornblower frets. When they enter the gulf by Riga, during July of 1812, Hornblower has a strong premonition that...