Free writing: barrel, purest, drive

"No, Captain Jones, the Portuguese are neutrals! We can't attack the enemy while they're in a neutral harbor."

Jones said, "It's Commodore, Captain. And if you recall, the English had no qualms about attacking us at Santa Rosa when that was a neutral harbor. And it's purest whimsy to think they wouldn't do it again, if they saw advantage. Yes, they'll sent complaints to Court, and letters will swim round the oceans after us, and I may be reprimanded. But if we let this convoy through, they'll land troops and drive on Capetown and station frigates there. Our trade with the Indies will be cut in half—if we're lucky! Your family is wealthy, Captain. Tell me, can they stand it if they have to buy spices by the barrel from Englishmen at the same prices they paid for a tonne around the Cape? Will they pay the insurance rates for merchantmen? Who will buy your linens and silks when they cost triple or more what they do today? And will your family thank you because your delicate sensibility, your nice observation of a law the enemy flouts, made you forego this opportunity? You may indeed bear a public reprimand, in a year or two, when the queries are made; but will your King and your Navy and your merchant boards not know who saved them?"