William Brand

I knew it was a long shot. Thanks for a quick response.

I've not heard from him in several years. The email that I have might not be working anymore.

The English barred us in that yesterday and took the shelter of the field away We gave it up with jealous wonting ever and vowed return in some unseen December But as the years went swiftly by we raised a glass in silent cry For corral fields and rampart skies New songs unsung and well told lies Bring back the laughter and embraces Which gather strangers to those places Quick to friendship and romances Brimmed with laughter and stolen glances Riots brewed by auctioneers In tents full filled with privateers Another Solstice come and gone No song, no words, no fort anon - William Brand "That December Fort" February 20, 2023

I never said, 'thank you'. Thank you.

Mission, have you come across any example of the 'cook' or 'mess mates'...how do I put this...'clearing the plates', as in, eating the leftover food off the plates? With finer food being limited among the common man, I've often wondered if it's ever been mentioned.

Thank you for the link. I need to practice a little hand sewing.

February 20 - On this day in 1521, Juan Ponce de León set out from Spain for Florida with about 200 prospective colonists. Also…and this isn’t the least bit piratical…or is it?. On this day in 1673, the first recorded wine auction took place in London. And on this day in 1685, René-Robert Cavelier established Fort St. Louis at Matagorda Bay thus forming the basis for France's claim to Texas. And on this day in 1815, the USS Constitution, under Captain Charles Stewart fought the British ships Cyane and Levant. The Constitution captured both, but lost the Levant after encountering a British squadron. The Constitution and the Cyane returned to New York safely.

Amen. When visiting an event always ask 'What do you need?' or 'How can we/I help?'. You never know, but you you might be the reason that an event survives.

YES! Welcome back!

We need a lot more examples of song from the period. Nothing improves an event, campout or sail like live music.

At one point Ty Coleman and I threw together a Firefly fan film for Can't Stop the Serenity.

Also...please feel free to post as many well researched, time-sucking articles as you want.

I haven't had any issues so far. I'll test one today to be certain.

February 18 - On this day in 1688 the following was recorded at Ile à Vache. "Mathurin Desmaretz, was Quartermaster with Captain Charpin of the ship St. Roze, and quarreled with him over the division of the loot. He agreed in defining the captain’s dividend (ten lots and first choice of any captured vessel) and those of the two surgeons on board, who, in addition to the usual allowance for their chests, were to keep captured instruments which were not embellished with silver details (“qui ne seront point garnys d’argent”). Pillage included gold, silver, diamonds, pearls, musk, ambergris and all sorts of precious stones as well as all bales that were not pierced between two points or at their bases (“tous balots entammez entre deux ponts ou au fond”)." And the Boston Gazette recorded this on February 18 of 1721. "To be sold by Gyles Dulake Tidmarsh at No. 4 on the Long Wharfi, Womens Silk and Braded Shoes, Boxes of Pickels, Castle Sope, Loaf Sugar, Cocoa, and very good Spanish Snuff in half pound Pots."

Beautiful work!

I worked them up into a riot. The convention staff would fight over who got to staff our event, because we were so crazy fun. The next raid is coming up soon.

It's our pleasure!

Utah Pirate Invasion in August of 2018 at Fort Buenaventura.

I should never be given a microphone and 900 people to control.