Hey, Little Hawk, the "fascinating incident" you refer to happened to Captain Lord Cochrane, as did most of O'Brian's first Jack Aubrey book. May I recommend Cochrane's "Autobiography Of A Seaman"? Also, "The Adventures Of John Wetherell" edited by C.S. Forester(of Horatio Hornblower and The African Queen) details the enlisted prisoner's experience in France, and is great background for anyone reading anything dealing with the Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars. Both of these books are in print. I bought them both recently, but can't lay hands on them to cite publishers. Found 'em both at Barnes and Noble,if that helps.