Foster's Letter of Marque

Name: Foster's Letter of Marque
Author: Louis Becke

Set in Sydney in January 1802, the narrative follows Captain Charles Foster, a whaling ship master, who is deeply infatuated with Dorothy "Dolly" Scarsbrook, the daughter of a high-ranking official in the penal settlement. Their relationship begins when Foster visits her father for business, and he quickly becomes enamored with Dolly's charm. However, his courtship is complicated by the arrival of a rival, Sergeant Harry Burt, and a Dutch merchant sailor, Richard Portveldt, who also vies for Dolly's affection. Foster's initial proposal to Dolly is met with rejection, as she expresses her desire to marry an officer rather than a merchant sailor. This rejection is fueled by her pride and the societal norms of the time, which dictate that she should aspire to a higher status. Despite her feelings for Foster, she pretends to be indifferent, leading to a heated confrontation that ends with Foster storming away. As time passes, Foster embarks on a whaling voyage, during which he captures a Dutch privateer, the Swift, commanded by Portveldt. This victory not only boosts his reputation but also serves as a turning point in his relationship with Dolly. Upon returning to Sydney, Foster is welcomed as a hero, and Dolly's feelings for him begin to resurface. The story culminates in a dramatic encounter between Foster and Portveldt, where they engage in a naval battle. Foster's strategic prowess leads to the capture of the Swift, and he is celebrated for his bravery. The narrative explores themes of love, rivalry, and social status, ultimately leading to Foster's triumph both in battle and in love. In the end, Foster's success allows him to secure a future with Dolly, as he uses his prize money to purchase a wedding gift for her, symbolizing his commitment and the resolution of their tumultuous relationship. The story concludes with the promise of a new beginning for the couple, as they navigate the complexities of love and ambition in a colonial setting.

By Louis Becke · First published 1886 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Adventure · 2 chapters · 8,606 words

First lines

One by one the riding-lights of the few store-ships and whalers lying in Sydney Harbour on an evening in January, 1802, were lit, and as the clear notes of a bugle from the barracks pealed over the bay, followed by the hoarse calls and shrill whistles of the boatswains' mates on a frigate that lay in Sydney Cove, the mate of the _Policy_ whaler jumped up from the skylight where he had been lying smoking, and began to pace the deck.

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Foster's Letter of Marque is listed on Textopian as a novel by Louis Becke, dated 1886 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Louis Becke
Date: 1886 CE
Language: English
Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Adventure, Drama, Literary Fiction
Length: 8,606 words
Structure: 2 chapters, 161 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in early 19th century Australia, focusing on the whaling industry and colonial life, reflecting historical events and societal norms.
Romance — The central plot revolves around the romantic relationship between Captain Foster and Dorothy Scarsbrook, including themes of love, rivalry, and social class.
Adventure — The story includes elements of adventure through whaling voyages, naval battles, and the pursuit of personal and professional goals.
Drama — The book explores emotional conflicts, character development, and interpersonal relationships, highlighting the struggles and aspirations of the characters.