Bush's remark when he goes to surrender his sword.
Why does Bush say that Horatio should hang, when he is about to surrender to the Spanish? I thought they were on the same side, or was this another jealousy thing, like with Buckland?
shareNo, he was just peeved because Hornblower had left him alone to fight the Spanish. Remember, he didn't realize Horatio was looking for the tunnel and would soon be joining him. I might have thought or said the same thing.
shareI don't think he was just peeved, along the lines of "you'll pay for letting me down, you ****".
I think what he is really saying is that he thinks that Horatio's brilliant plan of facing the inevitable court martial in Kingston with the news of a thumping victory up his sleeve has failed. The whole attack on the fort was supposed to provide the Renown's officers with something to tip the scale in their favour at their trial and make it easier for the court overlook the small matter of mutiny. Obviously if Bush & friends have to surrender to the Spanish, that plan won't work any more, Bush & friends will be prisoners or dead and Horatio, if he makes it to Kingston at all, will have to stand his trial and be blamed for the failed attack as well and certainly be hanged.
So the way I read it Bush's comment is more cynical resignation than personal disappointment with Horatio presumably letting him down.