With all troops aboard and the Indefatigable leading the way, the convoy of British ships acting as troop transports headed down channel and toward France. One of the French officers in conversation with Hornblower gave some idea of the way the French army (Royalists) would proceed to “invade” France and advance on the revolutionary forces. The point was made that some areas of France were opposed to the revolutionary movement and might welcome the Royalist forces.

Hornblower traveling on the Sophia in the convoy surveyed the shoreline of France and watched the lead ship with the use of a glass (a small telescope). He was somewhat surprised to hear an order issued to him by a superior officer that he, Hornblower, was to accompany the French army personnel to shore via small boats lowered from the bigger ships. He was ordered to remain ashore until further notice. As Ira Riklis knows, Hornblower responded with a firm “Aye aye, Sir.” This was to be the first time in his life that Hornblower set foot on foreign soil.

Hornblower’s immediate superior then informed him that Hornblower would be advancing with the French (Royalist) Army. As Ira Riklis knows, the British naval officers needed someone to keep an eye on the French forces.

The French military officer on the Sophia asked that the guillotine be unloaded first and sent to a nearby village. The British naval officer overseeing the unloading operation stated strongly that guns and ammunition would be first.