William Brand

I forgot to mention that I snore, but infrequently. I usually wake myself up and roll over onto my side. Still, my curiousity about the snoring stems primarily from the opening scene in Master and Commander. Whenever I see the crew of the Surprise packed in like sardines I start thinking about the combined noise of so many able seamen sawing some 100 logs. While it may be noisy, I imagine that it becomes such a blend of sound, that when it is combined with the din of the ship itself, it is probably reduced to a loud white noise. It may be the same case with the camps at PIP, especially down by the shore where the surf is a steady thrum of ebbing and flowing waves. Not to mention the wind through the trees there, and there is a steady wind. I think in the end that the snoring, talking, late night drinking and singing might all blend in with the wind, waves and...lest we forget...roosters.

Oh yes...I forgot to mention this in my review. I got mine before Mad Dog as well. Evidently he's the man to beat.

Curious. Not sensitive.

This may be a bit off subject, but... ...who here snores?

I received my two bottles from Salty Pots a few weeks back. I was going to write a review earlier, but I've been buried under work. I've posted a review below and photographed the bottles next to other kit items. These are unique, one of a kind bottles. Salty does not mass produce the same size or shape of bottle, so they are guaranteed to be singular items. The first photo shows the larger of the two bottles. It has a good heft to it. It is a sturdy piece with a nice hand finished glaze. I bought it to serve as a table prop as much as a kit item. It was a little heavier than I expected, but I like the larger size. A lot of tableware lacks a presence, but this piece will fit in very nicely at Baconfest, so I'm very happy with it. The smaller bottle was much smaller than expected, but not unpleasantly so. It is a little less uniform in shape and color than the larger piece, but I like it as a more personal sized bottle. It screams...'Take me anywhere and keep me filled and emptied in equal measure'. All in all, I am pleased. I think a deeper red would keep me buying again and again, but I like one of a kind pieces and I look forward to setting the table at my next event with these two items. -William

Mister Greene, aka Captain Midnight, asked me to do an added review of his cartridge box some time ago. I've been busy, so this arrives a little late, but I'll borrow a little from what I said before. Again, the Whydah Cartridge Box Replica has "the look of something that wasn't as much created as it was cobbled, like a well turned shoe. Each piece is well fitted and stitched into place. The craftsmanship throughout is exceedingly fine and the workmanship sets it on the shelf as a true replica piece, worthy of any collection. By the looks of it, it should stand the test of time as an heirloom quality item, provided that I don't abuse it too much while playacting in the hobby." I've had it awhile now and I still feel that way. I've taken a few photos to highlight some of the qualities of this replica box. The picture below shows the cartridge box closed with the all leather enclosure and the stitching which holds the entire piece together. The stitching runs through wooden slats which support and give rigidity to the curve and body of the box. It is a very sturdy piece and masterfully carried off. This picture shows the closure close up. The closure is made of a rolled bit of leather stitched against the lid of the box. A looped piece of leather is stitched against the front of the box itself and it fits snugly over the closure. This last photo shows the upper curves of the wooden interior of the box itself and the individual slats which support the curve of the box lid. Each slat in the box interior is hand stitched through the leather. The stitching is tight, the wooden pieces are well fitted, and the overall look is sound. Above all else, I believe that the finest compliment I can give Mister Greene is this...People are putting this on their kit list. People are talking about the Whydah Cartridge Box. It has and will receive the continued accolades of the average pirate, re-enactor, and historian. -William Brand, Satisfied customer

Eating ice cream and watching Law & Order.

Pirates! I've always wanted to shout that in a crowded room.

Form a line and prepare to receive shares!

William swings the stick in a long slow arc until it touches the pinata, then he clobbers it open with one good hit. It's about follow through.

Will there be categories such as chess club...? Class clown? Most likely to raise a coastal town to the ground?

Kansas THE SCALLYWAGS PIRATE SHOW (Newton) http://www.geocities.com/thescallywagsshow/ I don't know of any others in that area off of the top of my head.

William fetches out a blunderbuss while blindfolded and guests scatter. "I'm joking, of course. Fetch me a stick."

August 1, 1704 - Aboard the Watch Dog William was unceremonious about stowing his gear. He let his hat fall into a chair and collected a large bottle of amber colored liquor from the stern bench. He gestured to a chair and Eric sat down, but William remained standing as he filled the two glasses. "Something against the weather." "Aye, sah. Thank you, sah." William drank a little before saying anything more. He rubbed one eye as he replaced the glass on the table and he popped his neck to one side and then the other. "We signed on some twenty-eight men today." William began. "Sah..." Eric interjected and William paused. "A Frenchman, name of Lefevre, came aboard with the Larboard crews..." "Ah, yes." William nodded. "Christophe Lefevre." "Aye, sah. That's the one." "We'll make him an able seaman, along with most of the men who came aboard tonight. I've sent Mister Greene to Rummy. She'll see what skill he possesses as a carpenter." "Sah...there's a rumor that she and Mister Hawks..." Eric began, but William was already nodding. "A rumor." he said smiling. "Well, if it is a rumor aboard the 'Dog than it is as good as gospel. Rummy and Jonathan mean to put to shore with their shares here at Martinique. Where is she?" "I believe she is repairing the cable tier forward, sah." "The Tawny business?" "Aye, sah. Not much damage there, but she likes her work...unspoiled, as she puts it." "Aye." William agreed, and he thought of article thirteen. 'That none of the Crew shall go on Shore till the Ship is off the Ground, and in readiness to put to Sea...'. "Well...to other matters. With Mister Pew ashore I will need you to pick a 'second' to act as a captain of marines for the alternate watches. I leave the matter to you whether you shall raise another seaman or choose a marine. When you put ashore tomorrow we'll visit Mister Pew and you and he can discuss new marines with him, but you must assign a man to stand in your stead. Someone from the Starboard Watch or one of the new men. Luc or Jean if you feel a mind to. The marines already serving on the Heron will there remain, unless Captain Lasseter decides otherwise. This leaves us with...five Larboard marines... Ciaran, Tribbiani, Woodington, Marchande and...Hingerty. And to Starboard...?" "Four to Starboard." Eric returned. "Five with myself. Thatcher, Morrel, McGinty and Mooney." "With Thatcher ashore." "Aye, sah." "In addition to youself and Mister Pew I should like some eight marines Starboard and Larboard. I would like you to think on that matter and assist Mister Pew in choosing the new marines on the morrow." ~Larboard Watches on Duty~

Thank you for the information and the offer of rides. There is a rideshare thread where you could post as well. I'll add you to the list.

Build it to scale and hire all of us to be on it.

Creating plot ideas for the Watch Dog. Eating ice cream. Pondering on PIP.

"We are in good spirits this evening..." William said, raising an eyebrow to Mister Franklin. "Aye, sah." Eric said at once, turning an additional laugh into a simple, affable smile. "Sorry, sah. May I ask...have you any word of Mister Pew?" William shook his head as he watched the last of the recruits file down the companionway. He removed his hat long enough for the rain to run over his head. He slicked his hair back and replaced the tricorn. "The opportunity did not arise, Mister Franklin. I regret that was kept too busy with this business of recruits." "Os des hommes." Jean said aloud to no one. No one asked him what this meant, but William nodded. "Captain Lasseter was seen returning to the Heron a short time ago." Tudor said at William's elbow. "Excellent." Willilam said looking towards the cutter. "Miss Smith, you have the deck. Mister Franklin, I would speak with you in the Ward Room." "Aye, sah."

I'll add that to the map when I confirm a few other things with Harry tomorrow. As for the ramparts, they are reached by a circular stair near the Pub. There is an archway in the upper right hand corner of the picture below. that is the entrance to the stairs leading from the parade grounds up to the ramparts.

August 1 1704 - Aboard the Watch Dog Manus Hingerty lead Jonah down through the companionway to a gathering crowd of new and old recruits. There was a considerable din as names and origins were shared among the throng. Luc and Simon were vying for the stairs as Manus came down with Jonah. "Who has de deck?" Simon asked Manus. "And vere is de Carpenter?" "VERE...?" Manus mimicked back. Simon ignored this, for his accent was not overly thick, no matter what Manus might think of it. "Are these men from de prison?" "Aye." Manus returned trying to make his way through the gathering at the base of the steps. "New recruits den." Simon said, knowingly. Manus stopped and sneered and managed a derisive little laugh, shaking his head at the Dutchman. "Listen ta him, eh mate? New recruits indeed. Why jus' the tother day this one were a recruit 'imself. Saved 'im and the lot. Twice, some of 'em. New recruit..." Manus shook his head again. "Taint fit enough fer two navies and comes a'courtin' on the 'Dog." Mister Greene showed no signs of sharing Mister Hingerty's unnecessary derision of the Dutchman. In fact, he put out his hand. "Jonah Greene." "Simon Dunwalt." Simon returned, shaking the hand at once. His name came out sounding like 'Done-Vault'. "Man of de 'Dog." he added, giving Manus a look that dared him to contradict him. Luc threw out his hand as well.

So what if we break a little earthenware. Oh wait...I best stow some of these dishes.

The blacksmith shop is so well situated between the main gate, the restrooms, the parking lots and the entrance to the fort proper, that it is bound to be a great social venue for pirates, redcoats and the general public. I'm very excited that we get to use it this year. I'm hoping over time that we can even improve the blacksmith shop by adding the various little 'extras' you would see in a large, working forge. Cooper tools, hoops, some furnishings, period lanterns, tools and craftsman. Time is short this year, but next year we might see a period bellows.

Curse you and your yummy recipe. I am really hungry now.

I do believe that SilasTalbot is from up Boston way. Try contacting Silas here on the pub or on his website... http://www.kimcarrell.com/

August 1, 1704 - Aboard the Watch Dog The recruits came aboard the 'Dog one by one under the downpour of rain and music. They all looked about at the ship which was to be their home and provender for the months and perhaps years to come. Many of them stared forward to the canvas strung out there. "Miss Tribbiani." William explained, though she could not be seen from their vantage point. "Do not be fooled by the voice, Gentlemen. A larboard marine and as able a seaman as most, is our Miss Tribbiani." William turned to Tudor, Alan and Manus who stood hard by and they each snapped off a salute. They looked a bit water-logged despite the oilskins about them, but they smiled ruefully. "Report, Miss Smith." "Sah. Th' rain has made any fine powder above decks of no use whatever. The marines have some muskets for thier use stowe..." "That will do Miss Smith. Mister Woodington, see these men below and have Mister Gage fetch down some hot food while I divide from these men those that shall go over to the Heron." "Aye, sah!" "Mister Hingerty, see Mister Greene here to the Master Carpenter and have her acquaint him with the tools of the 'Dog. He's to have his things stowed there for the time being." "Aye, sah!" "Thank you, Mister Hingerty. Mister Greene, welcome aboard the 'Dog." ~Larboard Watches on Duty~