noon on November 18
You have the word of a German admiral . '' `` Very well I shall acquaint you with other details from time to time . '' This was the conversation that Jack heard that day . At noon on November 18 , Jack , together with other commanders , received word from Admiral Beatty to steam toward Harwich , on the English coast , and to take his place in the long line of ships that would be gathered there to receive the surrender of the enemy fleet . Excitement thrilled the crew of the Essex . They were about to witness one of the greatest events of world history and there was n't a man aboard who did n't know it . Nevertheless , there was no confusion , and the Essex steamed rapidly westward .