Renard's Hurricane Ship

Renard forced himself away from his mourning and into town. The hurricane force storm winds moved along the South Carolina coast. People Maria helped experienced extensive damage to their crops and homes. He threw himself into rebuilding efforts.
The violent storm damaged Renard’s ships more than actual combat. His ship all but destroyed.
Renard’s first mate approached him with a paper in his hand. “Report, sir….” He saluted.
Renard took the paper and read. ‘Other ships report three hundred lost…American crewmen froze to death in the sea during Magee's Storm.’
Renard, his face pale, crumpled the paper and toss it on the forward deck. “Merde!” He turned to his crew.