Chapter 1 Summary

Jack Aubrey and his particular friend Stephen Maturin are in the naval service of England during the early 19th century. Aubrey is a master and commander of some repute and hopes for rapid promotion to post captain. Maturin is a surgeon of wide renown; he is also a secret agent working for the naval intelligence service. When war with France is declared, Aubrey and Maturin retire to sea and fight against the common enemy.

At dawn Charwell chases a French frigate. The pursuit has lasted through the night. Charwell's consort, damaged by storms, lags behind, and Captain Griffiths weighs the situation carefully. The French frigate is much larger and clearly more than a match for Charwell. Captain Jack Aubrey and his particular friend Doctor Stephen Maturin, passengers aboard Charwell, watch the scene develop with a certainty of imminent action. Captain Griffiths appears to...