Who is Edward Shelton from The Wine-dark Sea and what is their importance? The_Wine-Dark_Sea English & Literature Edward Shelton | The Wine-dark Sea

Edward Shelton is an Englishman who is serving aboard an American whaler that is captured by Aubrey. Shelton had joined the American ship prior to the outbreak of war between America and England and is thus not in legal trouble for being a traitor. Shelton knows who Aubrey is and is impressed with Aubrey's reputation. After he is brought aboard Surprise he volunteers for service, is rated able, and then delivers the startling news that a French privateer is sailing in the area and acting more like a pirate than a privateer. The ship is large and dangerous, but no match for the combined firepower of Surprise and Franklin. Although Shelton is a minor character, his appearance marks a major turning point in the narrative.