Is there a way to adjust the game speed while it is running.? One of the game text commands is V for acceleration on or off but the speed doesn't change. In DosBox the commands CTRL F11 and CTRL F!2 should slow or speed up the up the game but that doesn't work either.

The V key does work (at least for me). When you press it, there should appear a running Roman soldier and watches (IIRC in upper right corner of your screen) as an indicator of increased speed (2x, probably).

I've played this one and it used to be the V key. Didn't have any problem. somewhere in the bottom of the screen there should be a watch/clock icon you can click to chenge speed..
you might give the following a try as well. Found on google
Type thunder or winter (for v.1.51) during game play to enable cheat mode. An exclamation mark will confirm correct code entry. Enter one of the following codes to activate the corresponding cheat function. This will also unlock all buildings except for the harbor.
View entire map - Alt + F7
Change game speed - Alt + F1 to F6

When you hit the V key the speed clock icon appears in the right top corner of the screen. It can't be clicked.
In GOG.com version of the game the cheat code is WINTER, exclamation icon appears in the same place as the speed clock icon when cheats are enabled. Speed changes with the told Alt + 1 ... Alt + 6 key combinations where 6 is fastest.
Cheats also make it possible to construct another headquarters. In campaign game it acts almost like a warehouse, you don't get any more stuff in there, but in unlimited game it is like a real new headquarters with the same amount of stuff you had when the game started. To create a headquarters you can simply click outside your borders.
Also, as far as I can remember, harbor building is also enabled by the cheat. You just can't see the effects because most maps don't have any coastal castle spots where you could built a harbor and the map editor that comes with the game is unable to generate these. Last but not least, harbor only works in campaign games, so you have to replace DATA\MAPS\MISS_XXX.WLD with your own map. To generate coastal castles you can use the map generator, just open a map you've made and hit Tools > Coastal castle fix and save the map.

I tried both WINTER and THUNDER for the cheat code.
ALT+F7 worked to reveal the whole map.
ALT+F1 to ALT+F6 didn't work and I couldn't see any change in speed.
the V key does double the speed but it is way too slow since I at the point where I waiting for enough coal and iron to mined to build up my army for an attack.

I got it working now.
Thanks for the help.