A character sketch of Lieutenant William Bush

[anteros_lmc]

I'm currently reading a book that nodbear passed on to me by Anthony Price called The Eyes of the Fleet: A Popular History of Frigates and Frigate Captains, 1793 - 1815. Price has the most infuriatingly convoluted writing style but it's an interesting read, if a little idiosyncratic. One of the odder features of the book is that Price insits on treating

Comments

[generals_best]

Bush is the perfect 1st Lieutenant (later on). He has all the abilities that this post requires: He knows his seamanship well up to the point that he can be inventive if need be. He is calm and self-assured by nature and thus can muster stormy situations, he knows how to handle the men with stern yet fair authority, and most of all he is not envious of Horatio's promotions. On the contrary, he sees Horatio's potential and admires it for what it is. He does not desire to be in his shoes because he sees that they are so very different from a pair that would fit him. Probably the most remarkable quality of his character: to be content and thus happy.

So yes, Price does not seem to know William Bush very well at all.

[anteros_lmc]

I agree. I think Mr Price has woefully underestimated William Bush.

Probably the most remarkable quality of his character: to be content and thus happy.
Definitely. The ability to be content and happy is indeed remarkable and is rarely appreciated.

[rikibeth]

I agree entirely.

I can't really provide my own analysis, as I used movie!Bush as a sort of jumping-off point for a lieutenant of my own, who has his own particular virtues and shortcomings. Came up through the hawse-hole, plenty of native intelligence although little formal schooling, stoic and taciturn as well as brave and loyal.

But I think Price is HIGHLY unfair to William Bush.