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The other half were traders and merchantmen – people hoping to make a fortune.”

From the start it was examined for both military and commercial potential, as a possible telegraph station and coaling stop for warships and merchantmen.

Perhaps he would acquire a few more along the way, if he came upon some likely merchantmen.

None of the merchantmen that called at Lordsport had been allowed to depart again; his father wanted no word of the hosting to reach the main-land before he was ready to strike.

In the course of harassing British ships near the coast of Spain the following year, two French warships seized the Westmorland, a 300-ton “merchantman” sailing home from Italy, as a prize of war.