Chapters 4 and 5 Summary

Hornblower returns to Princess and wonders how long it will take to be informed of the court-martial through official channels. He is spared the wait, however, when Baddlestone receives the news within the hour. Meadows has been found guilty and will be issued a reprimand—the least severe response with a guilty plea. Still, it will ruin his career, and he will not see another command. Bush and Prowse, the sailing master, are cleared. Within a few hours Meadows, Bush, Prowse and a dozen other warrant officers from Hotspur board Princess, accompanied by about a dozen rated seamen. The Hotspur officers are returning to England to seek reappointment. The rated seamen are injured, ruptured or being returned to England following illegal impress. Baddlestone begins to demand payment for fare when Meadows flatly states the payment rates established by the admiralty...