False Prelate

The False Prelate is the naval ship which in 1810 runs aground on a shoal called Horse Sand in Portsmouth harbour. The fortuitous presence of Jonathan Strange in the town means he is able to rescue both the ship and her crew. He does this by using magic to form the sands of the shoal into horses, with the intent they should be harnessed to the ship and help draw her off to safety. But as it happens - sailors being notoriously unskilled in the management of horses - only some one in five can be used in this way. The ship is nonetheless rescued and the Admiralty mighty pleased at the saving of so much money, and indeed so many lives. It is this demonstration which persuades the Government Mr. Strange might be of even greater use if he travelled to a theatre of battle where his magical skills might be employed directly against the enemy. Hence they offer him a place beside Lord Wellington[28].