Captain Jim-sib

Ahem, Try this EBAY search: http://search.ebay.com/yellowbeard_W0QQsoj...ojsZ1QQfromZR40

At the Charleston Maritime Festival, I had the honor and pleasure to have the author James L. Neslon in the tent next to mine. The creator of the Brethern of the Coast series has a new book, The Only Life That Mattered, about lady pirates Bonney & Reed. A sample chapter can be found at his website: http://www.jameslnelson.com

While down at the NC WOODEN BOAT SHOW in Beaufort this weekend, I encountered this letter in Sunday's, May 8th edition of the Carteret County News-Times paper. Fearing that this letter from Mark Wilde-Ramsing, Director of the QAR Project, would be lost when they updated their on-line edition (& that I could not find an "Archives/Back-Issue" link), I copied the entire letter. Paragraph 4 is especially interesting with respect to the discussion that has been going on in this forum. Their link is: (2nd letter) http://www.carteretnewstimes.com/opinion.htm Best Regards, Jim-sib ********************************************** Morehead City, N.C. May 4, 2005 TO THE EDITOR: With great anticipation, researchers and technicians working under the auspices of the Queen Anne’s Revenge Shipwreck Project, North Carolina Underwater Archaeology Branch, rendezvoused Monday, May 2. This begins recovery operations for the first time since the fall of 2000 when archaeologists completed the rescue of a section of hull timbers and associated artifacts. The expedition is possible due to the development of a professionally staffed conservation laboratory in partnership with East Carolina University. As importantly, an electronic artifact tracking and analytical system for the large volume of artifacts that result from recovery operations is up and running. Finally, over 15,000 artifacts, recovered during assessment and emergency recovery activities at the QAR site, have been processed, stabilized and transferred for display and long-term storage at the N.C. Maritime Museum. This year’s expedition, however, would not have happened without a major grant from the Golden LEAF Foundation, which provided the funding to help reinvigorate the Queen Anne’s Revenge Shipwreck Project through field research and artifact recovery. In turn, the public attention will heighten travel and tourism for those seeking to learn more about the classic shipwreck suspected to be Blackbeard’s lost flagship, and in turn, provide an economic boost for North Carolina and the coast. A second condition of the grant is job training in high-skill fields that include artifact conservation, marine studies, and computer technology, provided through East Carolina University, Cape Fear Community College, University of North Carolina at Wilmington and Carteret Community College, respectively. The opportunity to continue recovery at the shipwreck affords archaeologists a valuable opportunity to test current understanding of site layout, and past conditions and processes that have turned a large heavily armed 18th century wooden ship into a scatter of artifacts lying on the seabed. The detective work continues to untangle the mystery of the infamous pirate ship. Why and how did it wreck on the outer shoals of a seldom-used inlet? Why were many useful items, such as anchors, cannons and pewter plates left aboard to be swallowed by the sea while many other items are absent, most notably personal effects like buttons, buckles, coins and firearms? To get at these and many other questions, archaeologists have developed a rigorous plan to sample areas throughout the site using 5-foot by 5-foot excavation units. They expect to find evidence of the galley stove, explore the officers’ quarters in the stern, search for more cannons and nearly quadruple the number of artifacts recovered over the past eight years. Beyond research, recovering a stratified sample from across the shipwreck will ensure that an important collection has been removed from harm’s way in the unfortunate event of a hurricane hitting the North Carolina coast in the near future. Success of this expedition is dependent on many. At the top of the list is the Marine Technology Program at Cape Fear Community College, which is furnishing their research vessel R/V Martech, captain and mate in return for training opportunities for their students. The U.S. Coast Guard Fort Macon Station, a situation that logistically couldn’t be better, is providing docking and staging facilities. As in the past, the N.C. Maritime Museum, the Institute of Marine Science, UNC-CH and Intersal Inc., who first found the shipwreck site in 1996, continue to make important contributions. Many people, especially our many friends in Carteret County, have quietly and steadily provided their support for the project and without it, the quality of research and efforts to heighten public awareness of this important discovery would not have been possible. Thanks to all for your support. We are happy you can join us as we explore one of the most exciting, internationally recognized shipwrecks discovered to date, which lies in North Carolina waters a short distance off the coast. Watch for expedition updates on the QAR Web site www.qaronline.org to follow our progress during May. And if you want to see things first hand, plan a visit to Fort Macon State Park because looking out from the ramparts of the fort you can easily see the recovery vessels anchored on the site. From that viewpoint you can let your mind wander for it is not hard to imagine a large wooden, three-mast, square-rigged ship flying the black flag sailing directly for you as it attempts to make its way past the treacherous inlet shoals into the protected harbor of Beaufort. MARK WILDE-RAMSING Project Director QAR ************************

Just received the official flyer from the chairwoman of the Bath Maritime Heritage Days, Sept. 23-25, 2005. This has not, as of yet, been installed on their website : http://historicbathnc.com/events.html Will relay more information when it becomes available The Flyer reads: "Don't miss this spectacular fun-filled weekend of pirating mischief & mayhem" "Dress as your favorite pirate (or come as you are) & become a part of this historic celebration!" Friday Events, Sept. 23 Ships at the State Dock (3-5pm) Elizabeth II--17th C Elizabethian passenger barque Periauger-17th C conveyor of supplies Ade Mae -skipjack of Carolina Coastal Classrooms shads & skiffs Historic Site Area (3-5pm) Demonstrations Artisans (model building, marlinespike, seamanship, colonial crafts) Out-of-water Boat Display Roaming Bawdy Singing Pirates Wandering Townsfolk Characters Harbor Activities (3-5pm) Bombardment & attacks on ships Pirate's Cove & Encampment Food--Barbecue Picnic Dinner at Bonner Point (5-7pm) Entertainment (7-9pm) Bonner Point Sea Chanties Concert Simon Spaulding & Back Creek Band (bluegrass) Saturday Events, Sept. 24 Ships at State dock As above, with MEKA II and Capt'n Sinbad Rides on Replicas (9am-5pm) NC Maritime Museum of Beaufort will offer rides in shads, sharpies, & spritsails Main Street Parade (10-11 am) Children in period dress Lecture (11-12n) Visitor Center "Ships & Boats in Bath, First Port in NC"including Blackbeard's Adventure Harbor Activities (9am-5pm) same as Friday Demonstrations (9am-5pm) same as Friday at the Historic Site & Pirates' Cove Food--Fish Fry--Bonner Point (5-7pm) Entertainment (6-9pm) BUCCANEER BASH / STREET DANCE music by: Sammy O'Banion & Mardi Gras Sunday Events, Sept. 25 same as Saturday...activities from 12n-3pm also, "Sword-Fighting Pirates" in Demonstration Area Food--Chicken Dinner (11-12n) Bonner Point

The NC Wooden Boat Show will be held on Sat. May 7th in Beaufort, NC. Will be down at the NC Maritime Museum area. Their link is: http://ncmm-friends.org/onthewater/wooden_...n_boat_show.htm Also, link for the Tall Ships coming into Beaufort next year: http://www.nctallships.com/index.html This sail may hit several ports on the East Coast. Also, Sinbad & the Meka II will be at the Bath Maritime Festival in Sept. They have upgraded their website. Link: http://historicbathnc.com/ Best Regards to ye all.

As announced in the last issue of No Quarter Given, There is a drive to build Blackbeard's Sloop Adventure in Bath, NC. Yes, this will be a large undertaking, and many folks are excited about this project. The venture has been named: "Return the Adventure to Bath." Since the vessel was registered in the Vice-Admiralty Court in Bath in the Summer of 1718, the folks in Bath have a particular kinship with her. This project is not being sponsored by the state, though various state professionals have given their verbal support. A fundraiser raffle is being held with the prize being a cased model of the Adventure. The model is currently displayed at the Bath library, and will be there during the Tri-Centennial Events this year. A similar model will be in the new Teach's Hole Museum on Ocracoke Island in mid-July. This model can also be viewed at the link: http://www.carolinasib.com/images/Frame.ph...TURE&price=CALL The cost of a raffle ticket is $5.00. Raffle tickets can be obtained by sending a SASE to: Mrs. Pat Mansfield Return the Adventure to Bath Blackbeard View IX (9) Bath, NC 27808 (checks made out to Pat Mansfield) The model scale is 1" = 5'. The case dimensions are: L=25", H=18.5", & W=13". The drawing for this prize will be during the closing Tri-Centennial Ceremony on March 8, 2006. Shipping of the prize within the continental U.S. to the winner will be provided by yours truly. Thank you for your support in this project. --Jim--

Via Joshua Red : Posted on Apr 14 2005, 04:55 PM NC's economy will be getting a boost soon. The General Assembly, having documented proof that neighboring SC & Va have been receiving money from NC residents, is working on the state's own Lottery! That shall solve many an economic woes here!

Regardless if the wreck is the QAR or not, the dramatic surge in the fascination w/ Blackbeard and Pirates since this particular wreck was discovered cannot be overlooked. The amount of literature and merchandize produced for all age groups on BB/QAR reflects the thirst for historical information on this subject. From my ships-in-bottles sideline, anything relating to Blackbeard is sold first at shows, then privateers, ...and the most requested items from the galleries I provide is the QAR & Adventure (requested more than Confederate vessels & the Hunley model that I put a "re-elect Strom Thurmond" sticker on the rudder ). Joshua Red's April 8th post is noteworthy, though the professional community wants the smoking gun, rather blunderbuss, evidence... which may be waiting in the sands.

There has been research in the ballast stones recovered from this wreck. The report was published in "Southeast Geology" several years ago and is very interesting. It details the geo-chemistry study of several stone samples. Rocks, themselves, do have a specific chemical/mineral-percentage fingerprint. Based upon this study several years ago, the findings were "inconclusive". The basalts come from the West Indies. There is one granite sample with a high concentration of the red mineral orthoclase that is unique in their recovered stone collection. I recall reading about that sample, though cannot recall the exact origin...except that it was on the trade routes commonly used then. There is still much work to do on these stones, & David Moore of the museum pulled out many bucket fulls when I answered his "what do you do" question by saying I be a geologist w/ UNC-C. There is a funding problem, of course, with future investigation of these stones. Professionally, they may hold a significate key. The history of the Concorde, pre-QAR, has her doing time in the Pacific. The key would be finding a rock with a Pacific origin. That may be difficult since ballast stones were often unloaded when filling the hull with cargo. Also, if such stones exist...they would probably be near the base of the hull and may have not been recovered yet. As one of my students inquired, "how could you tell the difference between a Pacific basalt from an Atlantic basalt ?" In hand samples...they look the same. It is from that costly, crush & grind & stick into the machine method that can distinquish them.

The authors' report was based upon older data...and more material has come up since the earlier paper. Yet, though the vessel is of the proper time period, the site will remain in question until something with BB's name comes up.

I'll be at the Maritime Festival mannin' me booth. Stop by fer a hearty hand shake & a dram or two...or three.

Portions of my report from Bath that was sent to NQG: The main opening ceremony consisted of the NC General Assembly meeting again in Bath. They had not met there since 1752. The General Assembly met in the gym of Bath Elementary School. The K-5 students and teachers, population of about 600, were dressed in colonial and pirated attire. School principal Pam Hodges welcomed the Lt. Governor, President Pro-tem, members of the General Assembly, and guests to the March 8th opening ceremony. The gym has a seating capacity of 1120, and it is estimated that overall attendance was 1200(+/-) with approximately 75 in the “standing room only” section. The General Assembly read into record proposed bill HR-497 which recognizes the historical and cultural importance of Bath, NC. The bill includes a history of Bath and three sections. Sec. 1 states that the General Assembly honors the town of Bath. Sec. 2 states that the General Assembly honors the citizens of Bath. Sec. 3 states that a certified copy of HR-497 will be given to the Town of Bath. The Assembly offered not to debate the resolution. The floor was opened for discussion, and the Chair recognized Blackbeard, portrayed by Ben Cherry, who addressed the Assembly and guests to “enjoy the day and celebration.” A roll call vote was held in the Assembly, and HR-497 was passed unanimously with all “Aye” and one very boisterous “AARRRR”. Opening ceremonies began promptly at 11 a.m.. At about 11:30 a.m., the squall line that had been moving across the southeast Atlantic region hit Bath. The 60-foot long circus/dining tent where the catered lunch was to be served was leveled by the tornado force winds, and so lunch was served inside the gym. Many tree limbs fell down, and security barricades were scattered far from their original settings. It was this storm that grounded NC Governor Easly’s airplane at Raleigh, so he was not present at this event. After lunch the festivities continued with period music played by a student string ensemble, local folklorists reflecting on Bath, fencing demonstrations, and the dedication of the John Lawson marker on Bonner Point. John Lawson was the original surveyor of the town. Also, the original 1663 Carolina Charter document was on public display. State Archivists informed viewers that this the first time in ten years that the Charter had left Raleigh. The three large parchments are framed with UV protective glass and reads as it is…a land / property transfer ...with all the lawyers’ “legalease” that are in present land sales. During lunch break a brief interview was held with Blackbeard actor Ben Cherry. He plans to be at the September Maritime Heritage Festival. Also, with the General Assembly and Lt. Governor present that day, Mr. Cherry’s metal cutlass was questioned and inspected by State Troopers and SBI agents. Best Regards to all

From R.E.Lee's book Blackbeard, the Pirate,p. 110. "Gordon was to remain in charge of the more powerfully armed battleships then in the James River." As you summized, he was not at Ocracoke. Lt. Maynard commanded the sloop Pearl, and a Mr. Hyde commanded the Ranger.

Thankee kindly, sirs

While involved researching various nautical themes / vessels, some recurring themes pertain to the political back stabbing, selfish-ego motivation, & government scapegoats. After spending hours reading these historical accounts, I'll pick up the day's newspaper & go: "Hey, I was just reading this!"

Me recently completed model of Blackbeard's Sloop Adventure. Semi-scratch built, solid hull model based on plans by Howard Chapelle. Model will be heading to the Bath, NC Tri-Centennial opening event on March 8. http://www.carolinasib.com/images/Frame.ph...TURE&price=CALL Also, 1) There is a drive to have a full size Adventure built in Bath, NC. Blackbeard received his pardon in Bath and lived there for a while. His last wife was from Bath. More details on the drive after the March 8 event. 2) For those who have considered attending the "Blackbeard's Ball" in Bath on June 4...it is a black-tie fund raising event. Tickets are $250 / person. (The cost is not listed on their website: http://historicbathnc.com/calendar.htm ) 3) The main "Raid" event of the Tri-Centennial is the Maritime Heritage Festival on Sept 22-25. Shall post details when they become known in the "Raids" section. Best Regards.

Lovely Red Beard, gents! Mine used to be that long. Allow me to join this red-haired lot. (scroll down on link to view me evidence) http://www.carolinasib.com/index.php?content=About And now a question fer ye. Do you have RH-negative blood? There be a genetic connection w/ the two. Best Regards.

a Prairie Home Companion

Try this one...though 10 years earlier than your focus Source: Blackbeard the Pirate, by Robert E. Lee, 1974, ISBN 0-910244-77-4, John Blair, Publisher, Winston-Salem,NC Appendix D: "Proclamation under which Blackbeard, Bonnet, Hornigold, and Hundreds of Other Pirates Surrendered". pages 243-244 Proclamation dated: "24th Day of June, in the Year of our Lord, 1715" valid thru: "6th day of September, 1718" This Proclamation is also found in: Woodbury, George. The Great Days of Piracy in the West Indies. New York, W.W. Norton & Co., 1951, pages 144-46

Capt'n William, et.al. Try this link to an article. It has a link to Jamestown, 2007 http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20...1t11morgan.html The Jamestown ships mentioned can be found on the Va. Statehood Quarter. The Susan B. Constant is similar to NC's Elizabeth II

Violins (fiddles), flutes (recorders), & penny whistles were common on ship-life during the mid-18th C. The 4-masted schooner West Coast (circa 1900) carried an upright piano.

Coal dust works nice for stains. Coal can be found along any set of rail tracks it seems. One aging method not mention is lemon juice on the garment & then placed in the sun. Then a season working construction or oil drilling rigs will wear anything out. Another is to soak garmet with leaves and acorns. The tannic does wonders. After soaking, sun dry.

While in Charleston, check out the Queen Anne's Revenge Restuarant. It has lots of antique weapons, a life-size diorama, hugh Howard Pyle prints, and a large, 6 ft. tall "QAR" model. (Model is not a Dutch Flute as the QAR was, yet is an impressive piece of craftsmanship that is worth viewing). Oh yes, the food is good . Their website (with directions) is: http://qarevenge.com (The mouse action is loads fun on their website. Kuddos to their designer)

Capt'n William, Try: http://www.revwarcharleston.com/ And...From the "Events" section of No Quarter Given website: "May 13th through 15th, 2005: 225th Siege of Charleston Charleston, SC. While pirates do not seem to be welcomed at this event, you might wish to go spy on the Royal Navy in cognito. The Royal Navy and Royal Marines will be encamped along the Ashley River at Drayton Hall (c.1738), a National Trust for Historic Preservation site. Drayton Hall was utilized as the headquarters for British commander Sir Henry Clinton in March of 1780. It was also the location of one of the largest joint Navy and Army operations during the Revolution. The Royal Navy would bring nearly 100 long boats, dorry's and plantation flatboats with three British gunboats up to Drayton Hall in order to ferry almost 8,000 soldiers across the Ashley River in order for Clinton to lay siege to and capture Charlestowne. This event will be held in conjunction with the Charleston Maritime Festival 2005. All enquries regarding the Royal Navy and Royal Marines should be directed to Tom Tucker, Royal Navy organizer. His email address is Heartofoak1783@aol.com It is also recommended that reservations for accommodations and lodging be made early (such as now)." Link to Charleston Maritime Festival, though it has not been updated from last year. The festival this year also coincides the Charleston-to-Berumda sail race, so there is a lot going on that weekend. http://www.charlestonmaritimefestival.com/ Jim

Very nice art hand ye have. Do those come in long sleeve ?