Swept Away

Perilous Escapades: Harry Merryweather & David Moreton's 19th Century Naval Adventures from Cornwall to the West Indies and the Atlantic Ocean.

By: Percy Watson

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

A historical adventure book set in the coastal areas of Cornwall, the West Indies, and the Atlantic Ocean in the early 19th century.

Swept Away is a historical adventure novel set primarily along the coast of Cornwall, England, extending to locations such as the West Indies and the vast Atlantic Ocean. The narrative begins with a picturesque autumn afternoon by the Cornish coast, where families and friends enjoy a lively picnic. Amidst the revelry, young midshipman Harry Merryweather makes a dramatic entrance, climbing down a steep cliff and entertaining his friends with tales of naval combat. The camaraderie between Harry and his friend David Moreton is evident as they catch up on their adventures, longing for the sea life that Harry embraces.Their idyllic moment is shattered as the boys, lost in conversation, fail to notice the rising tide, trapping them on a rock outcrop. Harry, a novice swimmer, struggles, but David’s swimming skills save them from imminent disaster. They manage to catch the attention of a passing boat, and with immense effort, David swims to secure a rope, rescuing them both.

Driven by their strong will and courage, Harry and David endure nature's wrath, highlighting the perilous existence of sailors.Later, the story shifts focus to a wrecked ship and a castaway situation involving Captain Rymer, his daughter Mary, and a group of survivors. After a hurricane devastates their campsite, the survivors face the grim reality of limited resources and growing tensions with a group of stranded French sailors. The atmosphere becomes charged with mistrust and desperation as the Frenchmen, initially cooperative, grow hostile, demanding provisions and exhibiting threats.The tension peaks when Mary Rymer goes missing, leading to a daring rescue by Pierre and her English friends. The story unfolds to reveal the subsequent challenges of dealing with the French sailors, who are eventually subdued and taken as prisoners by an English frigate, the Arethusa.

The possibility of the English frigate’s arrival brings hope and a complex rescue mission to retrieve Mary from her captors.Harry and David, now experienced sailors, are given command of a captured French vessel. Their journey back home is fraught with challenges, including a final stand against a French privateer. They achieve a resounding victory, securing the merchant ship and a valuable prize.The triumphant return is bittersweet as the narrative closes, recounting how the experiences at sea shaped Harry and David's destinies. Harry becomes a post-captain and marries Mary Rymer, while David, achieving the rank of admiral, reflects on their shared adventures. Their story, brimming with excitement, danger, and friendship, ends with Harry sharing tales of their youthful escapades with his grandchildren, keeping the spirit of adventure alive.This tale of bravery, camaraderie, and unyielding spirit encapsulates the essence of young men driven by the call of the sea, their destinies intertwined through shared trials and triumphs. The historical setting and vivid depiction of maritime life in the early 19th century bring the story to life, offering a captivating glimpse into the lives of those who dared to embrace the perilous allure of the ocean.