William Brand

July 28, 1704 - Aboard the Watch Dog Seven bells of the Afternoon Watch Another hour passed with work continuing uninterrupted. Repairs aboard a sailing vessel were common. Common enough that the labor was almost expected, battle or not. Seawater and wood make poor allies, and despite her refitting at La Desirade, the Watch Dog was showing her recent travails. Storm and combat had combined to weaken the 'Dog in a few places. The regional woods which Rummy had employed during her resurrection, some two months back, were stronger and better suited to the worms of this region, but much of the frigate's overall materials were still English oak and susceptible to decay, so the crew did what must be done before they would put to sea again. William watched over these repairs, sometimes up close, and sometimes from the holy ground. He also surveyed the port of Cul du Sac Royal and the many ships at anchor around them. He noted now by the full sun that Le Requiem was anchored not far off and wondered that no envoy should have come from there yet. He made a note to travel there in the evening when the Larboard Watch was returned. Jim Warren came up to the quarterdeck and interrupted his observations. "Beg pardon, Cap'n." "Yes, Mister Warren." "Some of the men are asking after Jannes, Sah." "Ahhh, yes. Jannes." William agreed, nodding. He stood a moment in thought, wondering how best they might dispose of the fallen Dutchman. "With his will dispersed, we shall put to sea and bury him. With the 'Dog under repairs...I shall speak with Captain Lasseter upon his return. You may inform them that we shall bury Jannes no later than noon tomorrow." "Very good, Sah." ~Starboard Watches on Duty

Welcome aboard, Mister Roberts.

Many happy returns, Mate. May the day be everything you want it to be and may all the rest afterwards be above average.

Aye. 250 pages of food, food fights, drinks, dancing, conversation, toasts and everything else which might have come up since the Kate opened here doors. Tonight's special is Roast Prime Rib of Beef.

I'm actually craving some French lemonade at the moment, if it is no trouble.

Welcome, and enjoy the stay.

Welcome aboard, Mister Neede, and thank you for the compliment on our little tale.

Welcome aboard.

"Captain's prerogative." William said, chuckling. They stood a moment or two watching the crew of the 'Dog at work mending and moving materials about the ship. William looked out towards the Heron. "This business of calling the Heron 'the Heron'..." Dorian raised an eyebrow in question. William walked to the side of the ship facing the Heron and gestured towards the cutter with a nod. "She's yours now...as much as she is the whole company's. Do you plan to rename her? That lies within your prerogative as well."

July 28, 1704 - Aboard the Watch Dog Between four and five bells of the Afternoon Watch Murin was not sure how to report at first. She had visited each end of the ship carrying messages to and from the various members of the Starboard Watch, so she simply explained what she had witnessed there. She grew confident with the telling, for the Captain nodded as she went. She explained that Alder Wenge was removing sections of timber in the quarter galley which could not be mended as they were, explaining, as Alder had explained to her, that some of the planks and beams were too splintered to be joined with any replacements. He was therefore in the process of sawing away the damage in sections. She spoke of Eric Franklin at work in the armory, choosing those weapons for the Heron that would be needed aboard the cutter. According to Miss McDonough, Ajayi was still mending in the surgery, and more patiently than most of Tempest's charges did. He seemed content to let Tempest and Chanault tell him what was best, and so the Yoruban was sleeping in the ward at present. Meg Wardell was also content to remain there, and any superficial harm she had suffered was past. Murin informed the Captain that Miss Wardell was well aware of Tawny's escape, but she was already more herself since the incident with the prisoner. She touched on other matters, but since they were merely the housecleaning details of a ship at anchor, William said it was enough. He thanked her for her service, and with work progressing well aboard ship, William released Miss McDonough into the charge of Captain Lasseter, should he require her for work ashore. ~Starboard Watches on Duty~

Road trip. Don't I wish. I am over due for a little travel.

I believe the heaviest thing I brought was my tent. I also made the mistake of bringing along a seabag that seemed perfect when I bought it, but proved to be the most unpleasant luggage to pack around. I plan to streamline my kit considerably before this next PIP.

Yes, Jacky, I'm a pirate but I don't like pirates. My wife is a belly dancer, but I don't like belly dancers. And the pirates magazine is exactly like a casino brochure. Please tell me you're kidding.

The real question is, "If the word "Pirates" was not at the top of this magazine, how many of you would have recognized it as a pirate magazine?"

I'm not part of the target audience either. I can't be the only one who sees this publication as a brochure for Treasure Island Casino.

July 28, 1704 - Aboard the Watch Dog At anchor on the Cul du Sac Royal The laborers of the Starboard watch were kept so busy, that as the afternoon progressed, no one was given enough rest to think about the Larboard Watch already ashore. William pushed them to every new duty, from the quarter galley repairs, to the upkeep of the weatherdecks. With the Master Carpenter ashore from the 'Dog, Alder Wenge was called over to serve as a supervisor on the repairs to the frigate. He was a polite fellow and well spoken. William took to him almost immediately and was glad of a second craftsman. Alder went to work so quickly, that William and he exchanged almost no words at all, but this freed the Captain up to move about the ship and survey the work which was ongoing. Murin brought up the clothing which had been gleaned from the Maastricht, 'Dog and Heron during this time. It was placed in the shelter under the forecastle deck, and with that duty done, William gave her the temporary duty of serving as Steward in Tudor's absence. She took to this with her usual mix of duty and awkwardness, passing messages from William to the other crew members and fetching food and drink to the laborers. Petee Youngblood had each of the Apollo guns brought up onto the deck and his gunnery crew cleaned them so well, that one or two of them looked freshly cast. William and he stood around them afterwards, and it was agreed that some extra portion of the profits to come from them, should go to improvements to the other great guns of the Watch Dog, as well as a drink or two for the gunnery crews. "They're fine, Mister Youngblood." William said, still shaking his head and admiring the look of the prize guns. "Thank you, sah." Petee returned, packing the bowl of his pipe for an afternoon puff. "We shall fetch a good price from them, I should think." "Permission t' put the lads t' work on the Maastricht's guns, sah?" "Permission granted." - - - And so the afternoon went, with hard work yielding profit and repairs, all under a sun which fell on one of the fairest ports William had ever seen. The citadel, with its high walls and French banners flying, cast a long shadow on the docks below, but the red roofed town of St. Louis was already in the afternoon sun. The palm trees were everywhere and the high jungle of the surrounding hills made the place so green it hurt one's eyes. It was hard for the laborers who were sometimes on deck, not to look at the many inviting places. The avenues of St. Louis, seen even so far away, looked ever so inviting. William drew out his watch and examined it. He gave a nod to Jim Warren who was tapping out the last of the sand in the glass near the ship's bell. All across the Cul du sac Royal, peeled the bells of many a ship and the 'Dog's bell answered back. Four bells of the Afternoon Watch ~Starboard Watches on Duty~

I sold it to Tor last summer, but I just turned in the final edit today. It hits the real world in Winter 2008. *happy pirate dance* Then congratulations! The best of luck, mate.

Cute little vermin.

As William read the articles aloud, he touched on several key points within the articles. When he had read them throughout, he returned to one or two items of importance on the subject of shares, prizes and duties. William reminded the whole company that the shares of the Ilex fortune could not be divided until the many separate items within it could be sold ashore. "Any man or woman who does not return again to the 'Dog or Heron in their duty, shall forfeit their shares to the whole company until the Maastricht and the Ilex fortunes have been sold and divided. Any one of you might leave the safety and company of the 'Dog thereafter, but anyone who leaves their duties and fails to return to the ships in their proper revolution shall see neither specie or prize. You are a working crew, and that cost which the Watch Dog herself suffered in the taking of prizes shall be repaid in repairs, so while we are at port you shall enjoy all of the hospitalities of drink and company, but you shall also labor in the repair and refit of this vessel and the Maastricht. It may be that we shall not fully refit the Maastricht prior to her auction, but some repairs, both to edify and to secure her sale will be made in order to assure us of a healthy reward. Mister McGinty and Miss Tribbiani are to step now forward and select arms from among those taken in reward for sighting sail of prizes, for as it states in article III, 'Whomsoever of the said Company shall first spy a Sail and the same prove to be a Prize sufficient to make them a Voyage, they shall Therefore have the best Pistol or Small Arm aboard of her...' and so they shall have first pick, starting with Mister McGinty." John McGinty stepped forward with a grin as wide as the Cul du Sac Royal. He looked at several pieces before plucking up a pistol that was carved all over with hunting scenes and fixed with a lock and springs of fine workmanship. He held it up just a little as he looked towards Ciaran to see what the older lookout would make of it. Ciaran came forward and examined the pistol and they discussed its merits. Ciaran agreed that it was a fine piece, but more for court than purpose and he recommended another. John eventually chose a well made Dutch pistol, which was a little less fair to look at for its carvings, but well made and of a better craftsmanship as a weapon. Miss Tribbiani was more hesitant in her choice, for there were many weapons to choose from. She chose and replaced twice as many weapons as John, going from arm to arm until she had thoroughly examined many of them. Having a very good musket already, like every other marine, she went for something more delicate, choosing a piece that reminded her of Italian designs, though it was of French origins. It was a well made piece of a lighter caliber, fixed with a belt hook and a matching set of tools. It bore a combination of inlay and filigree in subtle geometric and floral patterns. She held it up in William's direction as if to ask 'I think I should like this one, if that is alright'. William shrugged. "It's your choice." There were a few chuckles about the deck which caused her to smile and she tucked the pistol into her belt. "The Doctor shall have all Medicines and Instruments belonging to any Doctor that shall be taken." William continued, returning to the second article, and he looked in the direction of Tempest and Chanault. "I took the liberty of examining Van Zandt's instruments, Doctor, and they were not of such fine craftsmanship as those already in your possession, so I let them go with the prisoners...but for some rare items which have been set aside for your perusal." Tempest smiled, and inclined her head a little. She was indeed possessed of a very well stocked cabinet and case of fine medical instruments. One would be hard pressed to find a better surgery in the theater of the world, and so she simply smiled and inclined her head. "I have also kept some redundant instruments for use aboard the Heron." "Pensif et complet, capitaine." she said, nodding again. "That reward of two shares which shall go to 'whoever enters first on boarding a Prize in an Engagement, and strikes her Colours' shall be divided among the first boarders who went across to the Maastricht together, including our Steward, Miss Tudor who braved the quarterdeck. These shares are to be used for consumption of drink ashore..." he said smiling, then added. "...for I am certain that it shall be used for no other purpose ashore than to drink and dice." There were chuckles at this, and perhaps some nods of approval, for many a man and woman had crossed simultaneously that day and might have thought themselves deserving alone of the two shares. With it spread among the brave first, none could find fault, especially with the Captain's assurance of pubs and gambling. "There, in some tavern ashore, you brave few might drink a toast to one another." There was a chorus of agreement in mixed fashion and William turned to the matter of those men aboard who would not have shares, signing aboard as they did after the battle. "Those of you who have agreed to join us, who were before prisoners, shall not see the greater reward of shares. You shall however have a choice of pistols and clothing for your use along with the rest of the company, but after they have chosen first. No pistol which can be proved to belong to you before will be allowed to go into the hands of another without your consent. You possessions from before are yours." William paused to let the translation pass to the those who spoke no English and to let the matter sink in. Then he turned to the matter of the deceased who was shrouded somewhere below decks. "It also falls to us this day to bury and divide. I am certain by now that all aboard the 'Dog today have heard of the death of Jannes Mijneere. He was killed during the malicious and sudden flight of the prisoner calling himself Tawny. You may also know already that the corpse or living person of Tawny has not as yet been discovered. Misters Pew, Marchande and Flint have gone ashore with Miss Smith to find him and kill him. They may not discover him. He may or may not be dead. Irregardless, Jannes Mijneere's belongings shall go before the mast for auction, that the profit of which might go to the whole company, including those who have recently joined, unless a will shall dictate otherwise." William sent for the man's few belongings. It was then indeed discovered that Jannes had had the foresight to create a will, and indeed, several Dutchmen were the sole recipients of his small fortune. Two good sailors knives, a bible, some small items of worth and mixed coin went to Anthony Coipman, Loures Loerwairt and Klaas Scymmelpenninck, and satisfied that this business of Jannes Mijneere's estate was complete, William proceeded to other matters. First, he allowed the officers and crew to come forward in turn and pick shoes, clothing and arms. Any of the company who did not possess a good knife and one good pistol were allowed to chose one for their use and protection ashore. Many men and women were seen afterwards, carving their names in the newly acquired arms. One such pistol, chosen by Harold Press, had belonged in fact to Simon Dunwalt, but he made no protest about ownership, for he had his eyes on another piece. He explained the distinct properties of the pistol to Harold, who was glad of it. Soon, all of the crew down to the last Dutchman had chosen clothing, shoes and arms from among the sacks, leaving only a third untouched. Some crew members changed immediately into better shirts and slops, unconscientious of the mixed company on deck, and much to the embarrassment of a few ladies aboard ship. Dorian ordered the remainder of the clothes and the ones now discarded to be divided and bagged again. With all of Lawrence Dinwiddle's belongings going to Paul Mooney by will and since Thomas Fitch was possessed of no personal belongings of worth, there were no auctions held before the mast that day. Shares from the Apollo had already been divided in coin and so the business of money and prizes was temporarily suspended until more could be sold ashore. Petee Younglbood was instructed to take the Apollo's cannon ashore for sale at the earliest convenience, depending on which watch should have the prize of going ashore first. He was to secure the best price to be dived as shares, which might be brought again whenever he returned from shore. Murin McDonough was asked to assist the Quartermaster turned Captain in the sale of all clothing, that the best price might be had, though much of clothing was old and past use. They together would determine if any clothing should be kept aboard for laborers or against the day when it might be needed later and sell the rest. "Article thirteen states, 'That none of the Crew shall go on Shore till the Ship is off the Ground..." William continued, "...and in readiness to put to Sea, unless the Ship be abandoned by all for Thrift or some other Purpose'. The 'Dog is well enough that she might travel, but repairs must be made to her and anyone who fails to report again to the ship after having been ashore, shall be punished accordingly. I will allow watches ashore despite the necessity of repairs aboard this ship, but this privilege shall be revoked from anyone who remains ashore in their turn." William waited for this to sink in. He wanted them to understand that rest was allowed, but labor was still required, at least for anyone wishing to stay aboard the two ships in the future. "Those who excel in their efforts to restore this vessel and improve both the Heron and the prize for sale, shall be remembered in mine and the Captain Lasseter's favor hereafter." Dorian nodded to emphasize this statement. "All other articles as they stand shall be observed while on this ship. Please also refrain from such actions ashore which may or can endanger the lives of your fellow crew members and these ships. Keep good council of one another and see to the protection of each other ashore. Tawny, that prisoner who so recently destroyed one of our own, may be somewhere about. You have permission from a grateful Captain or two to shoot this man on sight and claim him a prisoner. Be mindful of him while in any dark or unfamiliar place ashore." William then reached into his pocket and drew out a piece of Apollo in the form of one very round, gold coin. "The first watch ashore shall be determined by the toss of this coin. Watches of all three ships are already divided by Larboard and Starboard to go ashore." There was a quiet then which made William smile, for he had never had so much of their attention altogether as he had now. He placed the coin on his thumb and flipped it, catching it on his hand and slapping it against the other. He left it covered as he said, "Starboard shall have heads and Larboard, tails." He uncovered the coin and looked up again. "Starboard shall have the first night ashore." This was followed by cheers and groans, and for every disappointed face, there was a happy one. William waited a moment and then he raised his hand for silence. "However..." he began. "...the Larboard Watch shall have the day." This was met by some surprised faces and William waited for their full attention again. "The Larboard Watch shall go ashore at eight bells of the Forenoon Watch. They shall have the whole of the Afternoon Watch and most of the First Dog Watch. At the beginning of the Second Dog Watch, the Starboard crews shall go ashore. There you may remain. All night if need be." There were many chuckles and not a few lewd gestures at this. " You must return by noon of the next day, or forfeit your good favor. In this way, each watch enjoys the long privilege of those joys which may be had or purchased ashore, but with the understanding that some small work is required of you each day. Am I understood?" 'Aye-ayes' went up from all quarters. ~Starboard Watch on Duty~

Are congratulations in order on the book?

July 28, 1704 Just before three bells of Forenoon Watch Mister Pew and his shore party waited anxiously in the waist of the 'Dog. Despite little sleep, the duties of the previous day, and a more previous night, they looked well prepared to do a little 'hunting'. They were dressed in a simple fashion which belied no urgency. Mister Pew was dressed plain, but for the fine pistol which had been gifted to him earlier and a one of the better muskets from the armory. Tudor was dressed for travel and it was neither too feminine nor to manly. She carried two crossed pistols sashed in at her waist, reminiscent of times before. Claude was the only one of the three dressed in the fashion of the French, but in a subtle way which did not make him stand apart from the others. William met them amidships and passed a purse of coin from the ship's coffers into the Master-at-Arm's hands. "To your new duty, Mister Pew. I shall pass the charge of the marines to Eric in your absence. Think not of bells or watches. If you must rest ashore until you have discovered some evidence of our prisoner, alive or dead, then do so." "Aye, Captain." William went to say more, but the Maastricht was lowering a boat to bring the crew from there to the Watch Dog. Bill Flint was standing there at the rail of the fluyt near Manus Hingerty and William was reminded of Bill's stature, for he stood half a foot over the man beside him. "Mister Pew, I'm giving you Mister Flint for your journey." Prestion looked passed Tudor and Claude and across to the tall Englishmen at the rail. He said nothing for a moment and there was some reservation in his look. He countered the Captain's offer with a question. "For his French, sah?" William had not considered this when choosing the tall marine, and while it would benefit the shore party, he shook his head. "For his height. It might serve you better than this." he added as he handed Preston the documents that would connect him to the Watch Dog and the purposes regarding the prisoner Tawny. "Aye, Sah." Preston said so casually, that William was struck by how easily the man settled into every responisbility given him. Preston looked no more concerned with the duty of tracking Tawny to his end than if William had put him on an errand against the whole of England. He snapped off a salute and ordered Tudor and Claude over the side into the waiting dingy. The shore party ferried their way over to the Maastricht, where Bill was preparing to descend from the rail there. William watched their interchange from his place on the 'Dog's quarterdeck and for the first time he wondered for Tawny's chances. The prisoner was now faced with Preston's drive, Claude's calm, Tudor's resolve and the newly recruited giant, all who might find him wounded and cornered by the day's end. ~Starboard Watch on Duty~

If we kicked you out, we'd have to eliminate half the tents already owned. Cotton canvas would be fine, although you'd impress a great many people to no end with a hemp one. I'd be jealous. As for weight, talk to Patrick and Silkie about this. They've both built their own shelters.

There are several pirate crews in Texas including... The Texican Privateers in the Houston/Galveston area. http://www.texicanprivateers.com/crew.htm Brotherhood of the Gulf in Hillsboro, Texas. http://pyracy.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=9051 And here is a Yahoo groups site for pirate crews in Texas. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PirateCrewsOfTexas/ Here is a link to several performing groups. http://www.corsairs.com/TheCrew.htm I used to have links to more of them, but I cannot find them.

Oh no, people do this kind of tent all of them time. You do have to buy canvas with a weave and weight that will stand up a bit in the weather, but you can do a simple wedge with a canvas dropcloth. I bought a wedge because I wanted a heavy-duty tent I could use for years, with all of the trimmings. I also got a good deal. Someone had ordered two custom tents from Redhawk and they didn't pay for them. They were not a standard size, so the guy at Redhawk gave me a deal if I bought both of them, which was convenient, because Mike and Andria also needed one for PIP. If you do the wedge out of a sheet of canvas, be sure to talk to Silkie about her experience last year.

I'm not sure how possible it is, but it stands to reason that any company that sells these type of shoes could be convinced to sell them to you undyed. A few phone calls and a little time might be all it takes. And let us know what you learn. I imagine there are a number of people here who would like different colors.