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Dorian Lasseter

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    The Watch Dog

    in Fiction

    Posted

    Saint Pierre, Martinique

    The Admiralty House

    As the night wore on, the weather did not improve, nor did it worsen. Lieutenant Martin said it would continue to blow until dawn, unless some odd occurrence in the weather made him a liar. The marines had their fill of food, but not of spirits, but they had been reminded of their duty and it would not bode well for any to be drunk on duty. Instead many got themselves as comfortable as could be and took to resting. Some even were able to find fitful sleep, snoring loudly until a mate gave them an elbow in the ribs, or some other jab to quiet them. The Judge even offered a room in the upstairs of the house for Captain Lasseter and the other officers to sleep until some news or break in the weather occurred. Dorian thanked the Judge but put off the use of the room until a later time. He could not sleep while his ship, the Watch Dog, and all the crews aboard would get little or no sleep being tossed about off shore. He instead accepted a cup of coffee laced with chocolate to warm him and keep his wakefulness awhile longer.

    Five Bells of the First Watch

    The Watch Dog

    in Fiction

    Posted

    Now that those who were rudely dumped in the sea were pulled to safety, some chatter had started among the men aboard. John Black found Adam and was having what looked to be a one-sided conversation. John talking jovially, happy to be back with his friend and Adam moving rather animatedly, talking with his hands. Joseph Aretineson in a gruff manner apologizing to the Master Gunner for missing the ship when she left port. The others, Coipman, Leigh, Howard and Millet were met with a mix of jibes and such for being left behind. The Patricia was bailed out as much as she could be and set to rights, all the men climbed aboard the Lucy and most were sent below. Nigel stood next to Captain Brand with the dry coat tucked under his oilskins and waited for what Mister Whitingford would have them do.

    The Watch Dog

    in Fiction

    Posted

    Saint Pierre, Martinique

    The Admiralty House

    Captain Lasseter paced the length of the parlour several times while waiting for the marines to find their way to the Admiralty house. During this time it was suggested that the meal they had missed earlier might be made available in some form to all those men who had spent the hours out in the weather. Judge Richet agreed with a broad smile, as he admitted the prepared meal would be a waste otherwise. Some tables were brought in, arranged, and clothed. Platters were laid out filled with different meat, cheese and fruit. Much of it was now cool, yet was still a fine course. Part way through the setting up of this small feast the marines arrived, every man soaked to the bone. The officers greeted their men and addressed them, along with the Judge. They were given the main corridor to place their weapons and sundries. Those servants of the House would be put to task taking coats, a couple at a time and using the main kitchen fire to dry and warm them in turn. All were invited in to the parlour to have a meal they all had been kept from earlier in the day. The scene became one of a party, a wet, bedraggled party. Spirits were up and even with the language gap between some of the men, good conversation was had. Somewhat bawdy on occasion as it is with rough men, they were left to their merriment. When the weather calmed some, they would be sent back out to continue the search, to hunt men. To find enemies escaped from prison. Captain Lasseter had shared several short conversations as he milled about his and Lieutenant Martin’s men, but his mind was not focused there. He wondered how the Lucy and her crew were fairing the in the weather, along with the Watch Dog and her crew as well. Since no boats dared to be outbound from shore, none would dare coming to shore as well, unless a grave need caused such.

    The Watch Dog

    in Fiction

    Posted

    It was as if the call to send boarders away was given, the number of men who suddenly swarmed the deck of the Lucy from below. Nigel Brisbane and Charlie Goddon who had been about to receive those from the Watch Dog had been standing peaceably, but were now racing about with lengths of line to be tossed to outstretched arms. Mister Tucker and Adam had stripped to the waist and were about to dive into the water with lines attached to themselves. Nigel saw this and hollered above the wind.

    “Hold fast! No more men in the water! Shut yer gobs, all o’ ya!”

    Amazingly, the air became bereft of shouting for a couple moments. Attention was turned back to those overboard, lines tossed to clutching hands with shouts of ‘grab on!’ punctuating the air with each toss. Empty lines drawn back and coiled for another try.

    Instead of jumping into the water, Tucker climbed down the ladder and was helping to steady the ships boat, imploring those still aboard to get aboard the Lucy.

    The Watch Dog

    in Fiction

    Posted

    Saint Pierre, Martinique

    4 August, 1704

    Once out in the weather, the four men walked against the wind one moment, halting forward movement the next as the winds and rain boxed the compass. They walked down the main thoroughfare out of town to the north and as luck would have it met up with a squad half way out of town. The situation explained, a look of relief passed over faces and acknowledgement given to the officers. The squad moved off to find the next, which they had run into not a turn of the glass ago. Captain Lasseter and the others turned back to the Admiralty house and briskly made their way inside, shook off the rain yet again and retired to the parlour with the judge. Dorian wondered if he would ever be truly dry again.

    Aboard the Lucy

    Nigel had been in the bow when he saw the Ships Master double over and spit something on the deck. He was about to make his way aft when another had come to attend to the man, helping him below. Not sure exactly what had happened, he figured a touch of sea sickness had found Preston. In some respect Nigel wouldn’t be surprised and he himself wasn’t feeling his best, having been on duty longer than normal with the storm on top of that. The dinner served not long ago sat like a stone in his gut, one that kept being tossed about as was the ship in the chop. Once all was checked in the bow and secure, Nigel started aft, passing ‘Cut-throat’ Johnson, the Master Gunner. Not more than nods were exchanged as the man went back to making sure the brass guns were well secured against the weather. He checked all the lashings, tompions, and touch-hole covers as he went. As the Coxswain reached amidships Mister Goddon the Boatswain’s mate approached and cupped a hand over his mouth.

    “Mister Brisbane! Mister Whitingford sends his regards! Captain Brand and company will be aboard soon!”

    Nigel nodded and shouted back.

    “Aye! We’ll do our best ta give ‘em a proper welcome!”

    Charlie nodded and went forward, seeking out others to spread the news.

    Nigel headed under the shelter at the edge of the quarterdeck and peered out towards the Watchdog, seeming to slowly gallop at her anchor.

    Two bells of the First Watch

    Larboard Watch on Duty

    Master & Commander sequel?

    in Pyrate Pop

    Posted

    The ROSE was actually built in a Canadian shipyard...

    Built in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, the Rose operated as a sail training vessel from 1985 to 2001. Thousands of people from all over the world experienced adventure at sea aboard the Rose as she ranged from her homeport in New England as far north as Labrador and as far south as Grenada, into the Great Lakes as far west as Duluth and east to the Atlantic coast of Europe. In 2003 the ship appeared as the HMS Surprise in the 20th Century fox film Master and Commander: Far Side of the World starring Russell Crowe and directed by Peter Weir.

    http://www.tallshiprose.org/

    The Watch Dog

    in Fiction

    Posted

    Admiralty House, Saint Pierre, Martinique

    Captain Lasseter, Master Flint, the Lieutenant and his Sergeant stood near the fire in the parlor as Judge Richet filled them in with what he had found out from the Garrison. Several ships had been searched in the port with nothing to be learned of den Oven, however several small local traders had left the port near the Lucy’s arrival, according to the harbour masters lists. Any one of them might have been persuaded to take men to another island for a price. Some discussion was had on this possibility, and how they might pursue any number of these. They were interrupted by the main doors being thrown open by a gust, the guards scrambling to push them shut, along with the man sent to the Lucy. Now worse for the weather, the man approached and gave a shallow bow and explained that none of the boatmen dared to take him out to the ship in this weather for fear of being capsized in the chop. Dorian took this in and stepped to the doors, boldy unlatching one and nearly being pushed over from the strength of the wind. He grabbed onto his hat and stepped out into the weather for a moment before returning and helped shut the door.

    “Juge Richet, Lieutenant Martin, I believe the weather has beaten us this night. How might we call in th’ marines? I will not risk my men in this weather. I may risk them in a battle, but not to the wrath of mother nature on this island.”

    Some ideas were given and it was decided that the four would head out and when they found a squad, they would pass the word to have them find the others, thus the whole unit would end up together and report back to the Admiralty House. Though they would all get soaked yet again, the course of action was agreed upon and soon they were back in the weather, this time searching out friend, not foe.

    Larboard Watch on Duty

    The Watch Dog

    in Fiction

    Posted

    Saint Pierre, Martinique

    Marines searched homes and business in Saint Pierre on what would be considered the worst conditions to have a man hunt. The weather continued to worsen as the night grew darker. Some of the men were rebuffed at the doorstop of many a home, but after a short bit of indignant speech, they would be let in and allowed to do their duty. Even Captain Lasseter and Lieutenant Martin were given such an affront on occasion. On two occasions however, when the Lieutenant showed his face at the door, all were welcomed inside for a drink and to dry off for a spell. Even with this hospitality, they were given full cooperation and allowed to search high and low. Time passed quickly and soon they headed back to the Admiralty House to see what intelligence had been gathered. When the four men arrived, the soldiers guarding the doors were about to challenge them but recognized Lieutenant Martin and the Captain, so they just stood out of the way. One hastily pushed open a door for them, to which all four men tipped their hats. Making their way to the parlor, Judge Richet joined them and waved over a servant with a chocolate pot and had them served. Marines had reported back, but with no findings, and no word had come from the Lucy. Dorian asked for the clerk, and when he appeared, had him write a short report to send to the Lucy stating that no sign of the hunted had turned up.

    The Watch Dog

    in Fiction

    Posted

    Aboard the Lucy

    Mister Tucker had finally boarded the Lucy, knuckled his brow to the Ship’s Master and told him of what Captain Lasseter and those ashore were doing. He then headed below, first to his meager quarters he now shared with Mister Goddon. He took off his new short jacket and shook it out. It was still amazingly dry considering the rain. This he hung on a hanger that his old jacket occupied before. His old jacket was bundled and had been kept relatively dry as well, so would serve him well for the night. His slops were mostly soaked, and his shoes and stockings were worse for wear. He took off his shoes and stockings, wringing out the stockings into a bucket and hanging them to dry where he could. The same was done with his slops and an older, worn pair donned. As the weather was warm, even with the rain, he decided to remain unshod. Tucker grabbed up his oilskins and headed forward, stopping in the galley area hoping he might have something of a meal since they’d not dined ashore. Once arrived, Tjaak handed him a wedge of cheese and a large slice of buttered bread. A tankard of small beer served to wash it down. Once finished he made sure to get his rum ration, for that would serve to warm him once back out in the weather. Heading for the hatch up to the deck he put on his oilskins and hat over his jacket and up on deck he went, out into the weather. As he did so, he was approached by one of the new men, simply known as Adam. Adam knuckled his brow and made some gestures with his hands and pointed out to sea. Tucker was about to say, ‘Speak up man, tell me what you need!’ but remembered Adam was a mute. Instead he looked the man in the face.

    “Show me again.”

    Adam made the gestures again, something like a fish, or no, a ship, then pointed out to sea. Tucker looked to where he pointed and shielded his eyes from the weather. He saw nothing, so looked back at Adam who pointed insistently. Mister Tucker looked again, scanned the sea and was about to turn back to Adam when he saw the faintest of lights come into view, then more lights.

    “Ye see a ship out there don’t ye?”

    Adam nodded and smiled, pointed to the Lucy and to the ship out at sea. Tucker looked again out at the ship, now that he knew where it was. He strained his eyes through the dark and rain. He couldn’t tell what kind of ship it was, but it was of a good size. Tucker quickly turned to Adam.

    “Ye think that be the Watch Dog?”

    Adam nodded vigorously at the Bo’sun and pointed out at the ship.

    “Lordy man, you got some sharp eyes if that be the Watch Dog, let us inform th’ Ship’s Master.”

    They made their way aft to where Mister Whitingford stood and reported the ship sighting.

    Starboard Watch on Duty

    The Watch Dog

    in Fiction

    Posted

    The Lucy, Port of Saint Pierre, Martinique

    As the Lucy’s boat was made fast to the main chains, Mister Tucker stood up in the sternsheets and yelled above the wind and rain.

    “Get aboard before we end up in the sea! Ladies first!”

    Mister Wenge turned and helped Miss Ashcombe to stand, held onto the side of the ship and her arm, trying to steady both the boat and woman at the same time.

    tattoos

    in Captain Twill

    Posted

    A privateer at this time could wind up anywhere - many privateers were both privateering and exploring and there are several accounts of them wandering the world. However, a true pirate (being someone who took any ship regardless of nationality) would seem to me to have less opportunity for travel. They had to skulk about in areas that were less policed - the Caribbean and Africa seem to have been where I've come across the most accounts during the GAoP. Since travel to the South Pacific seems to have been limited at this time, there would be no point in going there.

    Mission,

    I'm surprised at you statement above about privateers not going to the S. Pacific. Especially since you've done much research with Wafer.

    Granted this is but one ship...

    A Brief history of the "Batchelors Delight;

    About 1680, it was obvious that Charles II would never have any legitimate children and would therefore be succeeded by his loathsome brother James. About 45 or 50 young Englishmen therefore decided to make their fortunes outside the country while they could still leave. They got hold of a ship, which they renamed Batchelors Delight, John Cook (later replaced when Cook died by buccaneer Edward Davis) and as surgeon Lionel Wafer, both of whom had vast experience at sea around the world. When they proposed going “privateering” (meaning “a-pirating”) in the Caribbean, Wafer protested the danger of capture there, and proposed the west coast of Latin America as a safer alternative.

    After about eight years of successful activities from Chile to California (during which time they also managed to discover New Zealand, which they called Davisland), they decided they had enough treasure, and headed for home. They had heard that James II had been thrown out by Parliament and replaced by his daughter Mary with her husband William. Drawing short straws, the various pirates were dropped off in English colonies with their shares of the treasure, so as not to draw attention to themselves. Wafer and Davis and John Hingson had not been in Virginia more than a day when they were arrested under suspicion of piracy (someone had presumably recognized Davis from his previous voyages). After two years in jail at Jamestown pending trial, they were sent to London, where the judge struck a plea bargain: they could have their freedom in return for surrendering half their loot to King William & Queen Mary for some charitable purpose. The monarchs gave the money to found the College of William & Mary in what is now Williamsburg, Virginia.

    They spent eight years, as stated successful years in the pacific...

    Sorry for the slight hijack...

    The Watch Dog

    in Fiction

    Posted

    Saint Pierre, Martinique

    The Admiralty House

    The weather could have been better for a man-hunt such as this. Captain Lasseter and those with him made their way through the streets and to the Admiralty House, keeping out of the weather as best they could. At the door stood sentries who were not there when they left not so long ago. Lieutenant Martin stepped forward and addressed them, finding they had been posted by Commandant Depaul, no one was to pass without his consent. At this the Lieutenant’s countenance changed. His cheery disposition altered and he turned to Captain Lasseter.

    “Capitaine… If you please, may I have the papers from Juge Richet?”

    Dorian nodded and carefully withdrew the parchment so as not to let the weather cause it harm. Lieutenant Martin sheltered it as he took possession of it.

    “Mercy Capitaine…”

    He marched purposefully up to the sentries and took hold of the front of the coat of the more vocal of the two and dragged him further under the portico and into better light. The other soldier was taken aback to the point of being stunned. Lieutenant Martin berated the soldier in his possession and showed him the document penned in the Admiralty Judges own hand. They would not be overruled by the Commandant in their search, nor halted at the doors of the Admiralty House. Dorian looked to Sergent Leveque and Mister Flint. The Sergent had a calm look about him, as if he had seen this done before, Mister Flint wore a face of stone, but a glint in his eye said enough. Lieutenant Martin released the soldier, now being put in his place, and turned to Captain Lasseter, bowed his head and motioned that they should enter the building. Dorian, Bill, and Sergent Leveque walked to the entrance and just as they were about to open the doors, a servant appeared and did so for them. All four men entered and shook off as much of the rain as they could. Moments later, Juge Richet appeared and conveyed as much bon home as he had upon their last meeting. He ushered them into the Parlor and had servants take hats and coats to be dried. Another servant offered spirits to take off the chill. Once those formalities were dispensed, Richet got down to business.

    “As you are well aware, Commandant Depaul is exercising his position to the fullest. I do not believe there will be further complications, but we shall see. Have you any news of the Dutchman?”

    Captain Lasseter explained what he had put in place, all that he lacked was a messenger to relay information from here to the Lucy, to which the Judge offered one of his trusted men. Dorian bowed and thanked the Judge who waved it away and offered the use of one of his clerks to write out any messages to be relayed as well. Once all these matters were in place, and each man was pleased with the satiation, Captain Lasseter begged their leave to join the hunt. The Judge had their coats and hats returned, having been dried almost fully and warmed as well. Soon they hoped some of the men would return with information. They would return by the striking of the ninth hour with what news they might have. That said, the four officers made their way out into the weather to find those enemies of France.

    Just after Three Bells of the Second Dog Watch

    Starboard Watch on Duty

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