Dorian Lasseter

This might be apropriate in a different section, but... What kinds of cheese was around at this time? I can assume Cheddar and Swiss, but there are so many different types of cheese out there... However all those other choices weren't around then. What other 'common food' was there? Aboard ships we talk about salt beef and pork, beans, rice, peas, ships biscuits and cheese. Rarely do I hear of chicken, goose, rabbit, goat or lamb. But there was livestock on many a ship to feed the crew...

Got a room in th' basement... More for contemplation and writing... I do my 'puter time on a laptop, so, it goes anywhere... As for gunsmithing/sewing/etc... that's done in the house, or the workshop or...

As Mister Flint ended the drilling of the marines, Patrick O’Hara called down from his perch as lookout. “Capin, looks ta be some kind o’ trouble on the Watch Dog!” Dorian looked at the man in the rigging for a moment as he extended his own glass. He sighted in on the Frigate and focused the lenses. There was some commotion on deck, but what it was he was not sure. The crew were not running to the arms lockers, nor were they preparing the great guns, but there was a buzz of agitation like someone had poked at a hornets nest. His gut twinged slightly, telling him that there was definitely trouble yet the source of it remained hidden. “Mister Brisbane, alter course ta bring us closer ta th’ ‘Dog…” “Aye-Aye.” Dorian never took his eye from the glass. He was intent on discovering what was amiss on the mother ship. As course was altered, he moved to keep the frigate in his sights. At one point he lowered the glass to cross the holy ground and noticed the four marines stood at the break of the deck standing in formation. When he stopped and looked at them Mister Flint knuckled his brow and straightened further. “Captain, Sir. Do you wish us to prepare for battle?” Lasseter’s right eyebrow lifted. “Battle? Nay… Somat’s amiss on th’ ‘Dog, but not so as ta warrant action from us… least ways not yet… But ye may take up positions on deck, just fer th’ sake of preparedness…” Mister Flint knuckled his brow again and turned to the three others and they took up positions about the deck. Dorian looked at the rest of the crew, all of them had turned out when it was heard there was trouble. All of them stood watching the frigate in their wake. “A’right Lads… To yer duties! No need fer lollygaggin’…

Silkie... He ain't a tiger..... he's a Foxe...

Hap... Happy Neeeeew... Year.......

Patrick my goode man... I do believe that is the intent of this thread! I want a sea bag, a ditty bag, a snapsack, etc.... I had a nice canvas drawstring top bag I used to use... it died awhile back... I have 'created out of necessity' other canvas bags as well... nothing fancy. But..... I want, need, the nifty sailor's bags! and eventually a sea chest, and a ship to put it all in!

26 July, 1704, Aboard the Heron Four Bells of the Forenoon Watch Larboard Watch on Duty Dorian stood on the quarterdeck, watching the crew go about their duties. The morning light had come during the Morning Watch, revealing Saint Lucia off the starboard bow, just as expected. Mister Styles singing out when it came into view and many of the men on deck turned their eyes to the east briefly, hoping to see the land breaking the flat horizon before turning back to work. It would not be seen at that level for another hour or so. Time moved on, the watch changed and Mister Flint again called those marines to assemble in the waist for drilling. Styles and Roche, just off duty and Smyth, just coming from below assembled with their gear in hand. Cartouche belts were strapped into place, cutlass adjusted, muskets held at rest. Mister Flint called out his orders and the marines followed them. The off duty crew had gone below for their morning meal but soon were back on deck to watch, most holding the remains of biscuits and their tankards. These men were on duty when the drilling of the marines occurred yesterday, and were unable to actually watch the proceedings, now however, they had no obligations to keep them away.

Writers of the Wathc Dog... Please pay attention to the timeline... as we have slowed during the Holiday Season William & I have advanced the clock quite a bit... Thankee Kindly....

Aye Royaliste, The field of Fleus on white is a nice, Royal Navy flag... I have looked at many sources and there is the debate of what is the most proper... I have seen the flag you pointed me to, one with just a large Fleur-de-leis in the center, and one of just a plain white field... http://www.allstates-flag.com/fotw/flags/f...mon.html#navens And taken from another site; http://tmg110.tripod.com/france1.htm NAVAL ENSIGNS & FLAGS Prior to the eighteenth century, the French King's ships flew a wide variety of flags, including the Banner of France (blue with three gold fleurs-de-lis) and flags with blue, red and white fields strewn with gold fleurs-de-lis. By 1700, however, a plain white flag was specified as the basic ensign of the Royal French Navy. Up to 1748, the galley fleet in the Mediterranean was separate from the sailing navy, and its ensigns were predominantly red. The royal flag, white, strewn with gold fleurs-de-lis and displaying the full royal arms, was usually flown at sea only when the King or a member of his family was present on board ship, though individual ships and officers may also have been permitted to wear it as a special mark of royal favor. The plain white ensign also served as the admirals' rank flag. Full admirals displayed it at the mainmast, vice-admirals at the foremast and rear-admirals at the mizzenmast. There was also a white broad pennant for commodores. For large fleets divided into squadrons, the admirals of the van displayed a flag horizontally divided, white over blue, admirals of the center squadron displayed the white flag, and admirals of the rear squadron had plain blue flags. So... For our purposes, the plain white field is the way to go.... I appreciate any and all info on the matter!

Attention Ships Tailor/SailMaker!!!! Eventually you need to make a flag for the WatchDog so we may sail into Fort Royal... We had wanted a French Naval Flag, and as luck would have it said flag is just a field of white, no Fleur-de-leis... That was reserved for Royalty only in our time frame...

Capital idea, Cap'n... We must used what we have....

26 July, 1704 The Heron Two Bells of the Mid Watch Larboard Watch on Duty Captain Lasseter had retired to the Wardroom a couple hours before to write the days activities in the ships log. The Jollywatt had been repaired in a grand manner and set back on the davits aft. He noted how well Mister Flint had drilled the marines aboard the Heron, and was given permission to do so at every Forenoon Watch until otherwise noted. Mister Brocke on the Starboard and O’Hara on Larboard watch would be the lookouts when the marines were drilling. The Weather had remained clear with a small cluster of clouds passing mid afternoon. The island they had passed early in the day turned out to be Saint Vincent, and they would be seeing Saint Lucia come the morning. The servicing of all the great guns was finished just after dark, giving all of the hands idle time, to which Dorian allowed an extra rum ration for all the good work and allowed smoking in the bow til the end of the second dog watch, which he joined the crew in doing so. All in all it was a very good day, with the prospect of the next day looking the same or better. He was in the midst of writing this last piece when the candle snuffed itself, forcing him to locate a new candle, light it so he could finish the entry. That done, he washed up and prepared for some sleep. The evening air was warm, so he stripped to his slops before climbing into his hammock. He lay there for a moment before closing his eyes, his pistol across his waist as always.

Yo Heave Ho!!!

Hmmm... Pastries for the men.... and Pasties for the women.... And Siren with bells on....

25 July, 1704 Aboard the Heron Seven Bells of the Morning Watch Larboard watch on duty The First and Mid Watches had passed in relative calmness, the changes of course taking longer as when the sun dropped below the horizon, Captain Lasseter ordered shortening of sail. Life moved at a slightly slower pace during the hours of darkness. The first sign of dawn, the grayness at the horizon outlined one of the many islands of the Lesser Antilles to the east. Smyth noted this to himself and took some time looking through his spyglass, trying to identify the isle but to no avail in the dim light. He would wait til the golden orb showed itself fully, shedding enough light to bring fourth details of the landscape. His watch would most likely be over by then, so he called down to the deck, revealing the sighting of land to the east. Nigel acknowledged him and tied off the tiller, freeing his hands to add a remark in the logbook. . . . . . . . . Dorian lay in his hammock shrouded in a deep sleep. One leg hung down from the canvas, his bare foot swaying with the movement of the ship. His sleep was not troubled by wicked dreams, nor by any other disturbance. His face was calm as his chest rose and fell with each breath. His left arm curled up around his head, his right lay across his abdomen with his sea service pistol in hand. The wind freshened as the did the illumination of the sky, and just before eight bells his eyes slowly opened. He looked about, stretched, and rolled out of his perch. He walked about in his shirtsleeves until eight bells tolled, then washed up, dressed and headed topside to greet the day… ~Starboard Watch coming on Duty~

Aye Lad, I've had me eye on that ship.. iffn' I ever did win the lottery she'd be mine if someone didn't beat me to her... last she was fer sale for close to half a mil... Worth it I think... but needs more cannon...

Mr. Flint had snapped off a salute and was gone with a lightness to his step. Captain Lasseter watched him for but a moment before turning to other matters at hand. He pulled out the logbook and paged to the last entry. He was about to call for the lanterns to be lit when the powder monkeys made their way aft, each with a ships candle lantern. Godfrey headed to the stern lights, while Kalfkin approached the binnacle. He opened the shutter on the binnacle lamp, drew out the nub of a candle and replaced it with the new candle from his lantern. The boy knuckled his brow and stepped away, heading to see how Godfrey was doing. Dorian watched as the two boys finished lighting the ships deck lights, jostling each other then straightening up as they passed him, and breaking into giggling as they headed to the bow. “Goode Lads…” “Aye, Cap’n.” Dorian looked up at Nigel, not realizing he had made his comment out loud and nodded to the Coxswain. “Goode lads, along with th’ rest o’ th’ crew… End o’ this watch, ‘ave the men retire from workin’ on the Jollywatt til sun up… no use workin’ on such in th’ dark.” “Aye, sir… would hate fer one of ‘em to hurt ‘emselves, bleed all over the fine work they’s doin’.” “Ah hmmm…. Indeed…”

Or, ye just go here... http://seadragon.com/compassrose/ She be a sister hull ta th' Royaliste... Originally named 'Gemini'...

As Dorian gained the deck, he was approached by Mister Flint, one of the marines aboard the Heron. He queried the captain about drilling those marines aboard. Dorian stood a moment in thought and surveyed the deck. “Aye Mister Flint… On th’ morrow, once th’ lads finish work on th’ Jollywatt. Then there will be space on deck to do so… I would say during the forenoon watch… I’ll have to assign someone else as lookout fer that time…”

Aye, Tis goode ta have ye back... Slainte!

The Heron continued on her course, ranging a mile in each direction from the true line of travel. The Watches changed, the evening meal was served to those off watch, the Watches changed again, the second wave of the evening meal served. As this was in progress, young Kalfkin made his way onto the quarterdeck with a plate and tankard. “Capitain Lasseter, Miss Moore sent me wit her compliments…” “Thank ya kindly Lad… Take it to my quarters, I shall be there shortly…” “Aye sir…” Realizing he could not salute the captain, the boy stood a moment flustered, then ducked his head and turned away, heading below. Dorian turned slightly seaward, hiding a half smile. Turning back, he put on a stoic face and addressed Mister Brisbane. “I shall be below at my dinner… You have the deck…” “Aye-aye,Cap’n…” Dorian turned to head below but stopped. He turned back and looked at Nigel a moment. “By th’ by… How is your eye, Nigel?” Mister Brisbane was slightly taken aback, as none had bothered to inquire of his injury since the doctor had seen him. He appeared to wink a lot when the wind got up, and it was bloodshot, but appeared fine otherwise. He reached a hand towards the injury but did not touch it. “Tis fine, Cap’n… still tender on occasion… Doctor says it’ll be fine, just gonna be distractin’ fer a time is all…” “Very well…. If it is bothersome, ya have my permission ta put another on th’ tiller. Let me know if it worsens…” “Aye, sir.” Dorian nodded and placed a hand on his shoulder and stepped off the holy ground. He was soon below and in the wardroom. The plate of vittles still hot next to the tankard full of rum he suspected. Sitting on the beat up chair he slid closer to the table as the smell wafted into his face. Boiled beef and potatoes, a hint of thyme… rice, a biscuit and a wedge of cheese. He sighed contentedly and stabbed a piece of potato with his fork and began to eat. It was somewhat bland, but not overly so, quite palatable. He ate slowly, looking through the notations of the former captain in the ships log as he did so. Bells rang, another change of watch occurred, along with a change of course. Mister Brisbane and Mister Tucker were doing a fine job at being his officers, keeping abreast of the orders he had given. He finished his plate, but slowly drank his rum for a time. He even closed the logbook and sat in silence, listening to the Heron ‘talk’ to him. He closed his eyes and listened intently at what she was saying, felt what she was telling him through the deck, the bulkheads and overhead. He listened to the creak of the rudder, the footfalls of the crew on her deck, the singing of her rigging and sails. His mind had been turned to the Watch Dog and now he needed to learn a new song, the Heron’s song… He sat this way for some time, listened to the ships bell toll out the time, listened to the sea rush past her sides, the wind pull at all above board. When the ships bell was struck thrice, he opened his eyes. The light was beginning to fade, so he found flint and steel, lit a taper and with that lit the candle lantern on the overhead. Blowing out the taper, he left the wardroom and head on deck. 24 July, 1704 The Heron Three Bells of the First Watch ~Larboard Watch on Duty~

Aye....... He will be greatly missed... I have been lamenting his death since I heard of it... A great actor and human being all around... Now, there be only four left of the cast of Young Frankenstein... Gene Wilder Terri Garr Cloris Leachman Gene Hackman Yes, Peter had other grande roles in film, etc., But as the Monster in YF... He really 'Put on the Ritz'......

The trades had strengthened as the day wore on, and with the tacking to and fro of the Heron she had become quite lively. Captain Lasseter had all plain sail set now, so they could keep ahead of the other ships while on their serpentine course. Young Godfrey had been relieved of his time at the tiller when the new watch came on duty, and he readily gave it over as he was near shaking with fatigue but would never have admitted he was so worn. The exhilaration of being in control of a ship was ambrosia to the young man that he would not give it up until commanded to do so. He wobbled his way foreward and below, made his way to the galley and wolfed down his meal and proceeded to stumble to his hammock. On deck the small ship danced across the swells, her sails taut in the wind. Dorian stood on the lee side of the holy ground and lay one hand on the rail, touching it gently as if laying a hand on a loved one. The light in his eyes, if one were to look into them, said much about how he felt on this Ship he was given to command. He lightly stepped to the binnacle, checked the compass, the traverse board and finally the logbook. With a nod he spoke. “Change course….”

Here's a place to look for a name.... http://www.lowchensaustralia.com/names/boats.htm

If the gods be willin' I'll bring these to PIP next year, and to any other event I remember to bring them to... Sorry for the image size, but I wanted to show the detail... the line on them is 3/4" or so... something I had layin' about....