Chapter 1 Summary

Chapter 1 introduces most of the novel's principle characters and establishes the texture of the narrative. England is at war with Napoleon's France and only a strong naval presence allows the empire to survive. Captain Jack Aubrey is a formal Royal Navy captain of fame and experience who has been struck from the list for financial crimes of which he has been falsely accused. His accusers, Ledward and Wray, have been discredited as traitors and spies and have fled the country, leading to his acquittal but not reinstatement. More than anything else, Aubrey craves reinstatement even though past fortunate cruises have made him very wealthy. He lives at Ashgrove Cottage, an ample country estate, with Sophie, his wife of several years, and their three children.

The novel begins with Aubrey in command of Surprise, a letter of marque or private man-of-war. Surprise's first lieutenant...