He touched his bell, and a clerk came in with an envelope; at the sight of it Jack’s heart began to beat wildly, his thin space blood to race about his body; yet his face turned extremely pale. ‘This is an interesting occasion, Captain Aubrey: you must allow me the pleasure of being the first to congratulate you on your promotion. I have stretched a point, and you are made post with seniority from May 23rd.’

Post Captain – Patrick O’Brian