Capt. Bo of the WTF co.

No way! I'm a Cass County, Mo. (Burnt District) native, and several of my ancestors were gunned down or hanged by the Federals and Jayhawkers. I'd never be able to take my place among them in the afterlife if I lowered myself to wearing the blue-suit! Bo

Looks like all items are sold. Thanks everyone. There was some worry that I was getting rid of all my outfits- no way, these are just extras I have accumulated, still have my stuff to play if I ever get a chance to get out and play someday. Doing War of Northern Agression these days as there are lots of events nearby, and this is the 150th era of that conflict. See ya'll after the war! (if I don't get killed). Bo

Well, no takers for the set. Looks like I will be splitting them up after all. The Jacket is already spoken for, so here are the prices on the rest: Red Linen Breeches by Jas. Townsend (like new condition, see above for size) = $75 Monmouth Cap commissioned by Gentleman of Fortune some time back ( as new, never worn)=$ 35 Prices do not include shipping. Thanks... Bo

Here are the actual measurements: Jacket- Chest = 42-44 Neck to Waist = 21 1/2 Sleeves = 26 Breeches- Waist = 36-38 Inseam =17 1/2 Knee Opening = 14 1/2 The cap is a large size, plus I found a new black silk headscarf to go with the outfit, and I'll ship them for the price stated above. I also still have a Cold Steel Scottish Broadsword for sale or trade for Civil War related stuff like an 1851 Navy Colt (steel-frames only), leathers for musket (cartridge box, cap pouch, belt, etc. May consider trades if it's the right stuff. Bo

I have for sale a three piece seamans set: Reconstructing History 1706 Admiralty Slops Contract shortjacket, gray wool shell with red wool lining, "ready to wear" Size Large (42-44), forgot to measure the sleeves. Like new condition, machine sewed. Jas. Townsend and Son red linen fly-front breeches, 34-36 waist, forgot the inseam but will provide measurements to interested parties. They have the flap/button pockets as well. Also like new condition, machine sewed, sell for $95 in the latest catalouge. Finally, one of Greg's (aka GoF) monmouth caps to top-off the set. These were accumulated for "loaners" to try and get someone to go along to events with me, but have never been used and do not fit me, my sizes are smaller. Don't have photos available nor any way to post them anymore, but you can see what the jacket and cap look like here, ( I am wearing a similar jacket and cap) and by going to Jas. Townsend website to see the breeches. Looking to get $225 for the set, would rather not piece them out if possible. Don't have computer at hoime so PM me and I will check in on Monday with full measurements for those interested. Thanks for looking. Bo

You are evil William! You know I am in the process of building a wheel-lock carbine! Just when I thought I had myself under control too. Bo

Thank you friends for the birthday wishes. 51 trips around the sun completed, somewhat successfully. I don't get out much these days so I appologize for not responding sooner. All the best for the new year. Bo

Mine arrived yesterday. A very generous pyrate santa indeed! The ground cloth was perfect as my ancient one gave up the ghost during deer camp this year. The grenado is very cool and I will have to watch over it closely, Warren has designs to fill it with powder and test it!!! The flints fit the only flinter I have left, my blunderbuss. I will never run out of buttons, and the tankard will be used with Fat Tire. Needles and sinew, goes in the leather/saddle repair box, and I put my .375 bullets for my Remington 1863 revolver in the bag. Wow what a great bunch of gifts! Thanks Santa! Bo

Well, I will not attempt to make it anymore. I so wanted this to be the year but fate foiled the plan once more. First I thought we had work and then after the election, both jobs cancelled out. Now my employer is filing bankruptcy and giving up the business so there goes my part-time work. Then last wednsday, the transmisiion did in fact break down on my truck on my way home from a substitute teaching gig. The second/reverse planetary gears dropped out. That was $1247 I wish I didn't have to spend but better to have it happen here than somewhere between Key West, FL and Warsaw, MO I guess. Sorry but I will never make it down there. Too many times I plan and have to back out. Best just to not plan at all. Bo

I will have to search again, but one of the articles I found while researching colonial smuggling a couple years back mentioned panes of glass. They were expensive to begin with, then taxed heavily on import, and then you were taxed again for the number of windows and doors your home had (figured into property taxes). Bo

My pleasure, I am going to watch my copy tonight as it is raining and cold, so a movie, popcorn, and Pyrat rum are on the menu for this evening. Bo

Finally got the audio for Honeybadger... OK Greg, I think you're nutz!!! (in a good way!) While I see some of the similarities, (he don't give a sh!#) I hardly think anyone is "eating my scraps" as it were. I like to think I bring some things to the table along the way, but there are so many others that helped me up my game over the past few years that I am indebted to, you being one of those. Thanks for the undeserved compliment though, I reall got a kick out of it! As for GoF website, just keep it up, it is and always will be an insipation to old hands and lubbers alike. Bo

Agreed. My yahoo page had a couple of stories running and the comments section had my blood boiling in short order. Makes a good case for ending those comment sections. What a tragic loss of life and history. May peace be with those who are most directly affected. Bo

There is an old movie that has a fairly believable hurricane scene set in the Carribean Islands. The Movie is I beleive High Wind to Jamaica starring Anthony Quinn and James Coburn as 1850's pyrates. The opening scene is of the hurricane and is probably a good representation of what it could be like (as movies go). I have a copy at home and it is a pretty darn good movie overall. Bo

There were no warnings other than those issued by the elders of experience and "holy-men" who knew to watch the signs of brewing storms in the season. Therefore no real preparations could be made. Root cellars and/or wine/rum cellars were the only places that might offer shelter, but even those were prone to flooding in most cases. At sea, as mission has provided, you ride it out and pray/make your peace with the world. It was one of the hazzards that came with the occupation. In the modern Navy we sent all able craft to sea and had any others that were not able to steam under their own power towed out as far as could be before the storm hit. I spent 38 hours aboard a frigate that was OOC. We (36 sailors and three officers) stood watches, drank coffee made on propane stoves and ate MRE's until the storm passed and we were towed back to port. We had two portable generators for operating minimal lighting and radio.This was 1985 during hurricane "Bob" and we were out of Charleston, S.C. Bo

That would be Anna Marie Island, not Santa Maria island. Bo

I just had an opportunity for education in this area. We were doing a Civil War battle reenactment at Cmadenton, MO last month. I was doing artillery working the 6-pounder that weekend but back in camp I went with my "bushwhacker" impression for the public tours to add more "flavor" to the event. While giving a short talk to some interested tourists on the MO-KS Border War and how that played into the overall picture of the Civil War, one of the ladies says: "I really love your outfit. I want to take your picture. Do something really cool like point your pistols at me." I very calmly explained to her and the rest of those gathered that these were fully functional Colt and Remington reproduction pistols, and that not only was it against everything I believe in, it would get me in serious trouble with event organizers. We have a very strict code of conduct that forbids us to actually point our weapons directly at another reenactor or public in attendance. We are trained to make it "look good" but not actually aim at anyone directly. Pre-arranged/staged shots set up by the reenactors and photographers are another story, as long as everyone is aware of and observes all safety precautions. Bo

Thankee all. I have a High-School friend in Holmes Beach, on Santa Maria Island on the Gulf Coast of FL too. If needed I'll give my cell # to any of the crew that wants it, just shoot me a PM. It's been a good ol' truck and I probably shouldn't even worry about it. Bo

Done. I just put brand new tires all around, the mechanic shop is going to give her a complete check-up when I take her in for annual transmission and radiator flush & fill. She still runs out smooth and the fuel pump was replaced in the spring, so I'm gonna cast-off and let the winds blow where they will. Bo

I am having to switch my travel plans from renting a vehicle to trusting my ol' GMC truck to make the journey in. While that means I'll have plenty of room for stuff, I worry about breakdown along the way. It's a long haul from the middle of Missourah to Key West. I'd like to ship the DMC and other items ahead of time in case the worst happens and I don't get there. Who wants to be the responsible party on that end? PM me with shipping adress and I'll be wrapping it up and send it mid-November. Bo

I'm still in, but will have to trust my ol' GMC truck. Rentals are just too darn expensive. I cannot justify the expense of renting when I could make a major repair to my high-milage vehicle if it became necessary. That does mean I can pack a lot of shhhh.. errr, ummm, stuff though. Do I need to bring all me canvas? The Monster Wedge and fly I had at DeChartres in June 2011? In case of breakdown though, maybe better not rely on my tentage. The ol' rig is over 220K . Dunno, whaddya think? Bo

Oh yeah?! I'm driving from Warsaw, MISSOURAH! Now, tell me again that's too far for you to drive right now...(snicker-snicker-haw-haw--ho-ho) I'll pick ya up on my way down if yer on the trail down. Well, now what's yer excuse? (In good fun understand). Bo

I cannot speak to the St. Augustine event, but you are off to a fyne start Oscar Henry. You'd be welcome to hang out at my camp anytime. Well done mate! Bo

Yessir, an escopeta. That has been on my "wish-list" for more than fifteen years. It was going to be my first build project as well until I inherited the wheel-lock. Maybe once I get that done, I will have my confidence up for an escopeta next. 1780-90 Spanish Missouri is my main focus anyhow. It is where I live. Very nice! Bo

Yes he was. Most of the strykers I make are directly from his research. I regret having lived so near and never met him. As for the hard-tack reciept for ships bicuit vs. U.S. Civil War hard -tack, it usually is too hard to do anything with until it has soaked for a couple of hours. We use it for some of our living history encampments and I dread seeing it come out in rations. I always save every drop of bacon grease to make the stuff edible...errr, somewhat edible. There may be some difference in baking but I assure you all that it is too hard for even healthy teeth. Bo