The Thirteen-Gun Salute (Aubrey-Maturin Series, #13)

Blurb

The Thirteen Gun Salute is the thirteenth historical novel in the Aubrey–Maturin series by Patrick O'Brian, first published in 1989. The story is set during the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812. The first edition bears this title, whereas later issues have used The Thirteen-Gun Salute featuring a hyphenated title.
Spain hears that England may be supporting the independence of its colonies in South America, while an envoy is needed in the Malay states to gain an ally for England. These two changes alter Aubrey's mission from his private man-of-war, Surprise en route to South America, to reinstatement on the Navy List and command of HMS Diane, carrying the envoy.
Reviews of this novel follow the plot but are more properly reviews of the series to date, as W. W. Norton began publishing the series of novels in the US. Richard Snow, writing in the New York Times, said they were "the best historical novels ever written." Many in the US took note of his article and sought out the novels.