Mercury Crew
Mercury Crew, Nuntius Mortis
38 topics in this forum
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The Fort De Chartres Rendezvous at Prairie du Rocher, Illinois will be held in early June. The close proximity to Captain Bo, Captain J and the Thatcher family make this a worthwhile and practical event for the Mercury. In this thread I hope to discuss the where, how and when of it all, but I'd like to begin with camp kit. For example, Tracy and I own an 8' x 7' x 9' wedge tent. I have a handful of plates, bowls, cups and a small mix of cooking gear. I own blankets, seabags, nautical instruments, and soon, a seachest. We also have a huge flag in the works. I'd like to get an idea of what we have together by means of shelter, kit, furnishings and cooking gear. It a…
Last reply by Capt. J..., -
- 168 replies
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We're trying to estimate our needs for camp and location at Fort de Chartres the first weekend of June. If you're even considering your schedule for the year and have high hopes of attending alongside us there, please sound off and be counted. Now that we have our foot soundly in the door we hope to enlarge our presence and make ourselves available for living history, the public tug-o-war and other events during the 41st annual Rendezvous at Fort de Chartres. It's a beautiful setting representing the wilderness colonization of the period and it just happens to line up with the year we represent. 1720. If you don't belong to a crew, and even if you do, you are all welc…
Last reply by Scott "SCOOTER" Salmons, -
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- 125 replies
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In the interest of finding and meeting with fellow crew members around the globe, I offer this Muster thread. I will maintain it as a simple list of names and towns of those crewmates who have numbered themselves among us. Former members of the crew may also list themselves if they wish and I'll keep that list here as well. Just to start things off, I use the name William Brand at events, though the nickname Red Wake is attached to my Pub name. I live nowhere near the ocean in a high mountain valley in the city of Logan, Utah and I serve regularly as the Quartermaster of the Mercury Names shall be listed alphabetically by persona surname. Muster of the Mercury …
Last reply by madPete, -
- 107 replies
- 12k views
Now that the Mercury crew has become well established at PIP and the Fort Taylor Pirate Festival, I would like to propose that we take the crew to another event or two next year. I've already been approached by some members of the crew about representing the Mercury at their local events and I think there are enough of us on the East Coast now that we might consider one of three festivals as an addition. 1-Captain Kidd Pirate Festival at Fort Delaware on Pea Patch Island. 2-Lockhouse - Havre de Grace, Maryland 3-Pyrate Invasion in Beaufort, North Carolina These are not listed in any particular order of importance, for all of them have appeal and you all should know t…
Last reply by William Brand, -
- 85 replies
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Many moons ago we discussed the possibilities of a flag for the Mercury. Mostly we discussed my overabundance of designs in this old thread... https://pyracy.com/index.php?showtopic=9836&st=20 Much was discussed. Much was thrown out. Nothing was ever soundly completed. With PIP of 2009 upon us once again, and with the numbers of the Mercury crew swelling to more than we've ever seen in years past, I thought that I would take a new stab at the design. This one is based on numerous period drawings, sculptures, paintings and the like. I researched a wide avenue of examples from the 1700s to create a more accurate feel and style than any of my earlier attempts. I…
Last reply by silas thatcher, -
- 71 replies
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Before everyone panics…the thread is to name a Captain that is never present. Our Captain in the wind. Our absentee Captain. I just need a name for official documents, i.e. letters of marque etc. What should the Captain of the Mercury be called? Let's name this mystery fellow! It's been yeeeeeeeears.
Last reply by madPete, -
- 2 followers
- 52 replies
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Since the Crew of the Mercury has branched out and so many of us regularly visit annual events across the country, I'm going to post an ongoing calendar for the crew. I'll try to keep it updated with links to festival sites, site maps, dates, times, schedules, etc. PAST EVENTS: Nov-Dec 2007 (first official event) Fort Taylor Pyrate Invasion/Pirates in Paradise - November 27th-December 5th ~ Key West, Florida Surgeon's Journal William's Photos - Nov. 28th-29th William's Photos - Nov. 30th May 2008 Santa Maria Pirate Weekend - May ~ Columbus, Ohio Surgeon's Journal June 2008 Blackbeard Pirate Festival - June ~ Hampton, Virginia Surgeon's Journal Nov-Dec 2008 Pirates in Pa…
Last reply by Stynky Tudor, -
Who is What? 1 2 3
by Tartan Jack- 51 replies
- 7.7k views
I was talking (well chat texting) Red Wake and wondered who was what part of the crew. He suggested I make a thread with that question, so as everyone could say (my interpretation).
Last reply by DSiemens, -
- 27 replies
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Almost two years back I began to tinker with bale marks for the Mercury. This project has always been pushed to the back of my list of projects and the back of my mind, but Mary Diamond's signature contains a bale mark and every time I see it I'm reminded that I need to get one made for the Mercury. Now, a bale mark is a tag, often made in lead, that was attached to large bales of goods to be identified in shipping. Bale marks appear on goods, coins and occasionally, personal items. They often feature a number four for luck and sometimes a heart. I've chosen the M for Mercury and thrown in a few designs featuring fours, the symbol for Mercury and the obvious wings. …
Last reply by William Brand, -
- 25 replies
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We're considering a few new performance pieces at the Fort Taylor Pirate Invasion. In addition to any specific demonstrations such as Mission's fine surgical show and the battle scenarios, the crew of the Mercury has been offered an opportunity to have a 'trial' during the schedule. This could be a trial of one or more of us, overseen by English judges and guards concerning some pirate knavery or we could have a crew trial of some crew member for dereliction of duties aboard ship or ashore. If we do a crew trial it could be for some infraction of the Ship's Articles. We could try one of us for being drunk on duty, theft from a fellow sailor or cowardice in combat…
Last reply by Mission, -
- 23 replies
- 9k views
Winter Rendezvous Fort de Chartres Annual Winter Rendezvous. Nov. 5 and 6, 2011. The Winter Rendezvous is an old fashioned gathering of Natives, "Buck Skinners", French and British Soldiers, Traders, Les Coureurs de Bois, and a couple of "Ne'r-Do-Wells". The time period is 1700 to 1820. Visit the Traders and the primitive camps. The event features a "Woods Walk" flintlock muzzleloading shoot. The shoot has limited access. Does anyone plan on attending this event? I know it's early, and I know that it is close to P.I.P. I was just wondering.
Last reply by silas thatcher, -
- 22 replies
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Taking Hurricane's suggestion in this post to heart... Could we get a show of hands of those willing to help out for the Mercury crew at PiP this year? So far, Iron John, Kate Souris, and myself have offered to help. Mark G also offered to help out in a conversation we had in person over this past weekend. Anyone else care to throw their name out? The above constitutes more than enough helping hands, but it is always better to have more volunteers than is needed, which could provide us all with the opportunity to elect the volunteers rather than being stuck with the few that offer. Anyways, hope to hear from the rest of the crew. Cheers.
Last reply by callenish gunner, -
- 22 replies
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Articles of Agreement can be found at all levels of government and in all walks of life from the period in various forms. There are numerous examples of such articles between proprietors and land owners who shared land rights and adjoining properties. There are also articles of agreement between merchant seaman, trade companies and the Royal Navy. Pirates are no different in this regard and Ship's Articles among pirates are often just as simple or as complex as can be found anywhere else at the time. As we have never discussed Articles for the Mercury, I've taken the liberty of drawing them up, to be approved or changed by members of the Whole Company. Now, when crea…
Last reply by Zingara Carmella, -
- 21 replies
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Welcome to the Crew of the Mercury and Welcome to the wonderful world of Fort Zachary Taylor Pirate Fest and Pirates in Paradise. This is the place for you to ask questions regarding everything from garb to tents. While the Mercury crew does not have garb standards, all attempts to have basic kit are encouraged. Your kit will grow with time and we will make every effort to help you on your way. There are several links to threads below that deal with a good amount of information. This list is not all inclusive so check back often to see what we've added. The Mercury Crew... https://pyracy.com/index.php?showtopic=12579 The Mercury, 1720 Clothing and Weapons... https:/…
Last reply by William Brand, -
- 21 replies
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It might seem too early to start projects for next year, but as detailed as some projects are, and considering the cost of good materials, I believe we should start now. With this in mind, I propose a "kick-my-butt-and-make-me-get-back-to-work" thread. This is the thread where we explain the projects that we want to do for PIP 2009 and we tell them to everyone else so that they can nag us at reasonable intervals to finish them. Reasonable. Intervals. These are just a few of the items I'm going to do for PIP. 1 - Traverse boards. I'm going to finish the Watch Dog traverse boards and add another one for the Mercury. 2 - I'm going to make imprinted bales and bag…
Last reply by William Brand, -
- 21 replies
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In case he doesn't pop on the pub, he's sometimes slow about these things, I can give him a call and report back. If he says no, I will be up there and can selflessly throw my body on the ground and block any other tents from going down til you arrive! Too much? Perhaps... maybe i'll just whine a lot...that works too. OK, talked to Sgt Johnson. He said Do it! We just need to get a tally of how many of us there will be and general tent footprints and he will take care of the rest. Well since we have the go-ahead... I guess this event should warrant it's own topic. So far it looks like the below people are interested.... Edit: And just so the information is handy,…
Last reply by Bos'n Cross, -
- 18 replies
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Attn: Bagsleys... As we discussed briefly at Ft. De Chartres, I went seacrching for my little cutlass for Lob. It is lost and I've no idea where it went. Amazing things do happen when you are searching for "something else" though. I found these little "swizzeswords, all that is left of a set my parents had when I was a kid: If these are suitable for arming the little crewman, I will send them along to you if you'll PM me with your addy. The big Rapier the principal weapon, and the little foil-like blade as the Main Gauche? Anyhow, they're yours if you can use them to outfit your crewman Lob. Bo
Last reply by bo'suns mate, -
- 17 replies
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one of the directors of the st. louis pirate fest has asked if anyone in the mercury crew ( or any other crew for that matter ) would like to be guest reenactors during the festival... our participation is not too terribly taxing, mostly show up, set up camp, and be ourselves... if you are interested, let me know !!
Last reply by Capt Thighbiter, -
- 16 replies
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Thought this might be fun to see what the crew has done with the Mercury colors.
Last reply by Mission, -
- 16 replies
- 3.6k views
1 - Keel 2 - Gudgeon Strap 3 - Rudder 4 - Pintle Strap 5 - Sternpost 6 - Tuck Rail 7 - Lower Counter Rail 8 - Fashion Piece 9 - Upper Counter Rail 10 - Davits 11 - Taffrail 12 - Quarter Galley 13 - Tiller 14 - Companionway 15 - Sweep Ports 16 - Timberheads/Deck Stanchions 17 - Porthole 18 - Gunwale/Gunnel 19 - On Board Stairway 20 - Bulwark 21 - Main Wale 22 - Sheet Anchor/ Best Bower 23 - Cathead 24 - Knighthead 25 - Stern Head/Beakhead 26 - Figurehead 27 - Main/Head Rail 28 - Middle Rail 29 - Lower Rail 30 - Anchor Cable 31 - Hawse Hole 32 - Upper Cheek 33 - Head-Timbers/Knees 34 - Lower Cheek 35 - Chock-Piece 36 - Stempost 37 - Rabbet Line 38 - Gripe 39 - Necking 40…
Last reply by William Brand, -
- 14 replies
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I was reading over the history of the Mercury and read the last entry... January 29, 1717 'Mercury' is accepted as the name of the sloop by majority and she is launched upon her career of infamy and fortune. (Posted 29 January 2007 - 08:56 AM, "Creating the 1720 Careening Camp") An inventory of the ship's stores and requirements is made by all hands. Line and canvas are assessed. All barrels, bales, Hogsheads, boxes, crates, casks and containers are tallied and stored. (Posted 29 January 2007 - 09:50 AM, "The Mercury, 1720 Careening Camp") This was 2007. Nigh seven years ago the Mercury was launched upon her career of infamy and fortune. So here be question and the s…
Last reply by Capt. J..., -
- 12 replies
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Well, my fine ladies and lads, we've grown enough over the past few years to merit our own crew forum on the Pub! Raise a glass and let's have a toast for the Brig Sloop Mercury! May she know fortune forever!
Last reply by Capt. Sterling, -
- 12 replies
- 4.8k views
I am going over to London and attending the Pirate Island event which takes place July 30-31 this year. I will be bringing garb and hoping I fit in with my funny accent. It is on the Isle of Wight. As Ed Foxe put it, "The advantage with that is that the Isle of Wight is a short ferry ride from Portsmouth, home of such lovely goodies as HMS Victory and the Mary Rose." Portsmouth is about 2 hours from London. I think it would be really cool to go with a group of pub re-enactors. My tentative plan is to spend about 4-6 days in London and a day or two in Portsmouth. With the Tube (a splendid subway from my experience), you go just about anywhere you like in the city. I p…
Last reply by Mission, -
- 2 followers
- 10 replies
- 455 views
We have enough members of the Mercury crew planning on attendance that we should have a conversation about our crew presence there. For example, who is bringing what...?
Last reply by William Brand, -
- 10 replies
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I'm collecting and sifting materials for our use. This gives us a history to refer to as players to the public and it creates materials for period style publications, as discussed in many threads prior to this one. I've posted some of this before in other threads, but I've been fine tuning it with references to the Pub to create our historical fiction materials and to chronicle our discussions as a crew on the Pub. I did a brief, historical write-up on the Mercury years back as a possible template for her past. It involved the finding of the Mercury under another name after she had been swept ashore in a storm or battle by a previous crew. It also explained her alter…
Last reply by William Brand,