The History of Henry Esmond · Chapter
V: I Go on the Vigo Bay Expedition, Taste Saltwater and Smell Powder explained
Henry Esmond embarks on the Vigo Bay expedition under the Duke of Ormonde, experiencing his first taste of sea and military action.
What happens
Henry Esmond embarks on the Vigo Bay expedition under the Duke of Ormonde, experiencing his first taste of sea and military action. The campaign lifts his spirits and distracts him from past sorrows. Meanwhile, news of Tom Tusher's presumptuous designs on the widowed Lady Castlewood stirs Esmond's indignation, prompting him to rush to Walcote to intervene.
Themes in this chapter
War and Military Life
Esmond's first military campaign, the Vigo Bay expedition, provides adventure and a sense of purpose, contrasting with his earlier melancholy.
Social Class and Identity
Esmond's republican principles clash with his outrage at Tom Tusher's low birth aspiring to marry Lady Castlewood, highlighting class tensions.
Family and Kinship
The rivalry between the elder and younger Viscountesses, and Esmond's protective sense of family honor, drive his reaction to Tusher's courtship.
Characters to notice
- Henry Esmond
Junior ensign on the Vigo Bay expedition; his spirits revive amid the campaign; he is enraged by news of Tom Tusher's intentions toward Lady Castlewood and rides to Walcote.
- Lady Castlewood
The widowed Lady Castlewood, living at Walcote; Tom Tusher is said to be courting her, which provokes Esmond's anger.
- Tom Tusher
Former waiting-woman's son, now a suitor to Lady Castlewood; Esmond views his presumption as an insult to the family.
- Dowager Lady Castlewood
Elder Viscountess, Esmond's aunt; she gossips about Tom Tusher's courtship and delights in scandalous stories.
- Duke of Ormonde
Captain-General of the Vigo Bay expedition; commands the 12,000 troops.
- Duke of Marlborough
Great commander; Esmond attends his levees and receives his favor.
- Richard Steele
Mentioned in a philosophical reflection on friendship and prosperity; his coach and fine house in Bloomsbury drew envy.
- Joseph Addison
Mentioned in the same reflection; he sold Steele's country-house to recover a debt.
Key passages
“The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honor to be engaged, rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain Avory or Captain Kidd, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by generals of rank and honor.”
Esmond's first military campaign felt more like a pirate raid than a formal war between nations.
Sets the tone for the unconventional and adventurous nature of the Vigo Bay expedition.
“Wounds heal rapidly in a heart of two-and-twenty; hopes revive daily; and courage rallies in spite of a man.”
At twenty-two, emotional wounds heal quickly, hope returns each day, and courage revives even against one's will.
Reflects Esmond's emotional recovery and renewed vigor during the campaign.
“Tom Tusher! Tom Tusher, the waiting-woman's son, raising up his little eyes to his mistress! Tom Tusher presuming to think of Castlewood's widow!”
Esmond is outraged that Tom Tusher, a servant's son, would dare to court Lady Castlewood.
Highlights Esmond's class-based indignation and protective feelings toward the family honor.
