Rise of the 1630s South America

Chapter 1466 Information Preparation ([-])

The light cruiser "Polaris" escorted several merchant ships of the South Sea Transportation Company, slowly sailed into the Bay of Cadiz, and slowly moved towards the port.Today's weather is very good, with high visibility and fresh air. Herring gulls and seagulls are flying in the sky, as if competing with the Spanish fishermen for the right to fish.

Because it is a sailing ship, the captains are generally very careful when sailing into the Bay of Cadiz. For example, on the right side of the light cruiser "Polaris" sailing on the right at this time, there are two pieces called "Big Pig", "Piggy" rocks.This kind of rock is out of the water during the day, which looks obvious, and it is submerged in the water at night when the tide is high. I don’t know how many ships have been trapped in the past and present. According to Captain Ding Zhen, the captain of the "Polaris", the South China Sea Transportation Company used to be indifferent to this. It was very unfortunate that a merchant ship full of textiles sank when it ran aground.

There are some small islands outside the port of Cadiz (which have been reclaimed and connected to the land in later generations), and there are some solid buildings made of masonry on the small islands.For example, the famous San Sebastian Castle is located on one of the small islands. Ding Zhen looked around and saw that the castle on the island was being renovated, and some coastal artillery guns imported from the east coast were being placed one by one. Replace those old brass or bronze cannons.

The soldiers who operated the artillery also received retraining, and the superiors even sent officials to inspect and assess, although I don't know how effective their behavior of falsely responding to the story is.The reason why the Spaniards spent money and manpower to renovate these fortresses (there are two coastal fortresses in addition to the San Sebastian Fortress) is mainly because they saw the Canary Islands, Jamaica and even Cadiz during the last Anglo-Spanish War. The coastal defense fortress system like paper in other places was actually captured by the British fleet, and the soldiers guarding the fort broke up. Is there anything worse than this in the world?

Therefore, the Spaniards are now ruthless and must reorganize the defense systems of several important commercial ports, including Cadiz, to deal with the French navy that may attack after the outbreak of the Heritage War.You know, after the two treasure fleets leave port, there are basically no decent ships in Spain. It can be said that it is the eldest brother with the French navy, let alone the second brother, and no one should laugh at anyone.It may even be inferior to the French in strength, as evidenced by the Downs naval battle many years ago, not to mention that Spain has been busy with other affairs on land these years, and basically has no effective investment in the sea.

So, although the naval officials of the East Coast Republic of China patted their chests and promised to annihilate the main force of the French navy and blockade its coastline, isn't everything just in case?What if the French navy suddenly sails to the coast of Spain and launches a harassing war against the Kingdom of Spain, this is not impossible!After all, in the port of Toulon, there is still the French "Great Oar Fleet" (that is, the Eastern Fleet, named because it is mostly a galley warship). This kind of ship is especially flexible near the coastline in the bathtub of the Mediterranean Sea. The sailing warships are really inferior to them in terms of maneuverability, so it is necessary to be more careful about this fleet-the number of ships sent to Europe by the people on the east coast must be limited, and they must first assemble a powerful main fleet to find France. In the decisive naval battle, the remaining warships have to undertake multiple actions including blockade, attack, and harassment. Blocking the French coastline is not enough, let alone helping Spain take care of the coastline. Therefore, it is better to think more about everything. The Spaniards are not helpless Brain fool!

A small, faded sloop approached unhurriedly. It was a Spanish quarantine ship, as anyone who had been there knew, very small, and rowed by twelve slave oarsmen.Since the Black Death in the United Provinces and England, people from other countries are now facing the ships of the above two countries as if they were enemies, and the Spaniards are no exception.Of course, in name, the Spaniards have to quarantine all foreign ships coming to Hong Kong in the near future, but in fact, they mainly target the British and the Dutch, and those from other countries will just deal with it indiscriminately.

A customs official took two Cadiz medical students to board the "North Star". He first looked at this light cruiser he had never seen before with surprised eyes-this kind of The design of the forecastle and stern retracted into the deck has never been seen in Europe at this time. After a while, I asked Captain Ding Zhen where the ship came from, what was its name, and what was the captain’s name? , how many people, etc.The last two medical students hurriedly asked if anyone on the boat was sick, and after a few casual glances, they disembarked and rowed away again.The quarantine is really easy, but it may have something to do with them being from the east coast, and Spanish officials dare not make things too difficult. After all, anyone who is not blind can see the dangerous situation facing their motherland.

A goose was placed on the foremast of the "Polar Star" after quarantine, which means that the ship has been quarantined and can continue to sail forward. Captain Ding Zhen and several other merchant ships finally docked in Cadiz On the nearby piers (Cadiz has four piers: Rota, Real, Santa Maria and Cadiz City).

After sending his adjutant to go through the cumbersome procedures for entering the port, it was already nighttime. Captain Ding Zhen and his two confidants changed into a suit of loose clothing called "Casaguillas" by the Spaniards on board, and put on a hat with a wide brim. Hat, then, while no one was looking, descended to the pier in the shadows, and was escorted by a Spanish official onto a remote gravel path.

Maybe this road is naturally less traveled, maybe the Spaniards have "handled it", and Ding Zhen and others walked for 5 minutes, but they didn't see a ghost, which is also strange.At the end of the path was a gate with a drawbridge, guarded by some Spanish soldiers at guns.After negotiating with the guards for a while, they lowered the drawbridge, let a group of people walk in, and then closed the drawbridge vigilantly, making people feel as if they were facing an enemy.

Behind the drawbridge is a group of houses built of stone called "selleria" by the locals.The stone was taken from the sea, a pine stone mixed with shells, clay, and sandstone, which was broken up at the seashore and brought to the city on a barrow at low tide.The stones are relatively soft and easy to cut, and they will gradually harden, so they are very suitable as the main material for buildings or fortresses. It is said that the San Sebastian Fortress used this "hardening turquoise" and It was repaired with imported Dutch sintered bricks. Once completed, it will be very strong. If it is equipped with more than [-] cannons around the port of Cadiz (including the port fort), this most important port in Spain should still be safe. Yes, provided that the soldiers guarding it don't disperse like they did at the port of Santa Cruz in the Canary Islands.

"Captain Ding, I've been waiting for you here for a long time." Nanjiro, who was wearing a lieutenant's uniform, smiled enthusiastically at Ding Zhen. Behind him were seven or eight men in khaki east coast reserve uniforms. They were all officers, and the club was standing there in a somewhat reserved manner, listening to the Shangguan chatting and laughing with the people in the navy.

"There were some storms on the road, and I had to take refuge on Huaiyuan Island for some time, so I came a little late. Of course, fortunately, there was still time, and the French were not mad enough to go to war now." Captain Ding Zhen shook hands with Nanjiro, Said: "All the equipment, military supplies, and supplies have been brought in. Let the Spaniards find a time when there are few people to carry them, and be careful."

"Don't worry, I will save it." Nanjiro ordered a few words behind him, and then an interpreter came out more and more, and went to negotiate with Spain.

It is said that in this upcoming war with the French, in addition to sending the navy to attack the French sea power, the people on the east coast will also send some army troops to attack the French overseas colonies, among which the French Santo Domingo is an important place. The most important.Of course, if there is an opportunity, it is not impossible to send part of the army to grab a grab on the coast of France, and then quickly leave for Quebec.At least, the Joint Staff Headquarters has already formulated this plan before, and sent [-] soldiers of the Fengguo Army to the port of Cadiz, Spain in advance, waiting for the next order at any time. Lieutenant Nanjiro is currently their commander. official.

I believe that with these five hundred soldiers of the motley army, once they appear in the French colony of Quebec, it is estimated that those people will be scared to pee.Well, if you can do such a thing on the coast of France, this is an irresistible temptation for any commander. Of course, this requires the strong cooperation of the navy and accurate intelligence support from the Spaniards.

"Have a good training here." Captain Ding Zhen patted Nanjiro on the shoulder, said "precious", and then left the army's secret camp and went to the residence arranged by the Spaniards, a cold and remote small castle.

The castle is located on a higher ground in the city, surrounded by olive trees, which makes the castle like an enclosed garden.If he stood on the attic on the top floor of the castle, Captain Ding Zhen found that he could easily overlook the entire port of Cadiz. He could see where his ships were anchored, and the merchant ships coming and going. You can also see several silver transport ships moored on the other side.

In every corner of the fortress and even the entire city, wooden crosses are erected, and beggars are everywhere in the streets begging in the name of God or saints, all of which remind Captain Ding Zhen that this is a city full of rich Catholic style, known as the land under the rule of the Catholic king.

It was getting late at this time, and the tide was crashing against the coast. Many Spanish soldiers guarding the fort gave up their accusations and went fishing instead, which made him shake his head greatly.Lazy character, lax discipline, such an army, even if you give them advanced weapons and strong fortresses, I am afraid it will be in vain.Now Ding Zhen can somewhat understand why the soldiers at the fort at the port of Santa Cruz in the Canary Islands dispersed when the British fleet attacked. The port of Cadiz was so scattered, let alone the overseas strongholds far away from the mainland. ——Of course, this may also be related to the poor financial situation of the Spanish royal family, and a large amount of arrears to these guarding soldiers. To live, maybe among the people who peddled salted fish in the alley just now, there are the families of these Spanish soldiers guarding the fortress and fortress.

"Fortunately, the finances of our Dadong'an are very healthy, the annual military expenditure allocation is also timely, and the quantity and quality of military supplies can also be guaranteed, which enables the soldiers to polish their lives in a relatively dignified life Combat skills." Captain Ding Zhen lit himself a pipe with a crocodile match, thinking while smoking.

The location where the "Polaris" was moored was not far from the castle where Ding Zhen lived, and he could even clearly see the dim lights on the ship and the silhouettes of sailors walking back and forth on the deck.They were moored very close to the pier, and several large braziers illuminated the nearby night sky abnormally. Several paddle boats were circling around the "North Star", perhaps some peddlers selling fruits and vegetables, fresh water and fresh meat. , or a prostitute who directly plays "boat shock" with others, Ding Zhen thought.

Of course there are also small boats loaded with gear such as canvas, skins, cables, wood tar, small masts, etc., which must be purchased before their ships go to Bilbao.Because when you get there, there may not be such a complete range of materials to buy, and the price may be more expensive, and the quality may not be good.

For example, the cables produced in the port of Cadiz are famous.Different from the practice of rubbing ropes with hemp and flax in general countries, the Spaniards use a grass called "sparto" to make cables.This grass is a kind of African rush grass, which grows on the sandy hills of Andalusia and Granada. The rope made of it is very strong and durable, and does not need to be tarred, and the cost is also higher than that of cables in other countries. It's cheaper—it's a pity that this is in Spain, where the handicraft industry is extremely declining, otherwise a large amount of ropes, cables, straw mats, etc. can be exported to other countries every year based on this item.

After unloading and purchasing supplies at the port, the "Polar Star" will be separated from the merchant fleet, and then go to the port of Bilbao along the Bay of Biscay to "recluse" and wait for the order to attack.It is not the first east coast warship to go to Bilbao. In fact, two "Jiji" class sail escort gunships have arrived there before, and there will still be a large number of east coast warships in the next few months. The main battleship came to Spain in the name of escort in the merchant fleet, and then drove to the port of Bilbao to gather until the war broke out and quickly attacked to find the main force of the French navy and win the battle.

Now, everything is ready, waiting for Louis XIV to take the lead!

(End of this chapter)