William Brand

This thread is designed to house period beverages and recipes. You may post information on drinks inside or outside the Golden Age of Pyracy, but please list the first recorded use of terms and definitions with sources where available. *FLIP (n.) sailors' hot drink usually containing beer, brandy and sugar, 1695, from flip (v.), so called from notion of it being "whipped up" or beaten. A flip recipe from Daily Lush Magazine 12 oz ale 1 oz brandy 1 oz lemon juice 1 egg yolk 1 tbsp granulated sugar 1/4 tsp ground ginger Heat lemon juice, ginger, sugar, and 2 ounces of ale in a saucepan over moderate heat until the sugar has dissolved. In a bowl, beat the egg yolk into the brandy. Pour the lemon juice mixture into the bowl with the egg. Beat with whisk until well blended. Transfer mixture into a beer mug. Add the rest of the ale, stir well, and serve. *From the Online Etymology Dictionary.

'Tis the song that is uttered in camp by night and day, 'Tis the wail that is mingled with each snore; 'Tis the sighing of the soul for spring chickens far away, 'Oh hard crackers, come again no more!' 'Tis the song of the soldier, weary, hungry and faint, Hard crackers, hard crackers, come again no more; Many days have I chewed you and uttered no complaint, Hard crackers, hard crackers, come again no more!" -from a soldiers' parable called "Hard Times" Let's see those mild variations and personal adaptations of Hard Tack recipes. Everyone who makes it does something a little bit different. A subtle degree in thickness, a dash of salt or a an alteration in cooking time can make all the difference in the world. Here is a Hard Tack Bread Recipe from the Civil War which employs a smaller flour to water ratio than most and the addition of salt, which some recipes do without. Ingredients: 5 cups flour 1 cup water 1 tbs salt Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Knead dough and roll out till it is 1/2 inch thick. Cut dough into 3x3 squares, and poke a 3x3 series of holes in the center, evenly spaced. Bake in preheated oven, 425 degrees until dry and lightly golden brown.

Weather the outfit a bit, add a baldric and a tricorn, and you'll have the look of looks. You already have the "No Quarter Given" stare perfected.

July 20, 1704 - Aboard the Watch Dog Sixth bell of the Forenoon Watch "Come in." William said, barely looking up from Tudor's neat handwriting in the new ledgers made just for the treasure items, but when he realized it was Mister Lasseter and not Jonas McCormick, he stood up from the open book. "Mister Lasseter." "Cap'n." "I did not expect you back again so soon." Mister Lasseter smiled and placed the newly discovered coins on the Ward Room table. He said nothing, for they spoke for themselves. William placed a hand on one coin and examined it where it lay. Then he looked at the Quartermaster. "How many more are there?" "Harold says hundreds...there...near th' wreck." William just nodded slowly, a smile forming along one corner of his mouth. His eyes fell to the one coin under his finger. "Indeed." A polite knock interrupted Mister Lasseter just as he was about to speak again. Eric Franklin ushered Jonas McCormick into the Ward Room. He wore a stern expression and looked around the room at once upon entering. William gestured to a chair, but Jonas seemed to prefer standing. This didn't bother William. He simply poured himself a drink and one for Dorian, passing a third glass to Eric as well. Then he picked up a fourth and held it a moment. "Mister McCormick, do you have any experience with powder?" Jonas narrowed his eyes, but he didn't answer. William filled the fourth glass and offered it to Jonas. When he didn't take it, William handed it to Mister Lasseter who used the contents to replenish his own glass. "Mister Franklin, make Mister McCormick known to the Master Gunner and ask him to assign him to a gunnery crew." William said, picking up a gold coin from the table and tossing it to Jonas. The man caught it, too surprised not to. "Until we make landfall again, sir, you shall work your passage and be paid for it. If you choose to remain with us afterwards you will draw a share from our mutual fortune and enjoy the hospitality of our galley and a hammock of your own." Jonas thumbed the coin thoughtfully, bit it between his teeth and gave the Captain a long look. William had awoken something unexpected in him. Curiousity. He gave the Captain a quiet 'Aye-Aye' and allowed Mister Franklin to escort him out of the room. Mister Lasseter raised his eyebrows to William and William answered this by raising his own and filling the Quartermaster's twice drained glass.

The Pub. Not because of the Pub by itself, but for the many destinations it has lead me to.

July 20, 1704 - Aboard the Watch Dog Between fifth and Sixth bell of the Forenoon Watch William stood for a long time at the rail, watching Mister Lasseter as he watched the Apollo party. Despite the sunlight of the quarterdeck and his preference to remain there, other matters begged his attention. They were small matters against the backdrop of life, death and their combined and uncertain futures, but he had to see to them soon, so he called the Sergeant at Arms to the Quarterdeck. Mister Franklin dropped his musket to his side in his usual manner as he arrived on the quarterdeck. He had a casual, but alert quality about him that William liked. He was never too tense nor too relaxed. A man of even keel. Not that he didn't have a temper or his moods, but it was often remarked of Eric Franklin that he was a 'good man' and one to be trusted. Even now he was smiling as he often did. Casual. Steady. "Cap'n". "Mister Franklin, please invite Jonas McCormick to the Ward Room with my compliments." "Aye, Cap'n." Eric said with a smile that revealed little. "May I ask a question, Cap'n?" William nodded. "The Ilex Fortune..." "OUR...fortune." William corrected, and Eric nodded with that same 'walk in the park' smile of his, but before Eric could elaborate on his question, William finished it for him by answering what was on the mind of all but a few. "The fortune is a large one. You may assure each man that his portion is...significant. I will explain the shares when the salvage of the Apollo is complete, though I imagine the wreckage will yield but a little addition to the strong box." "Thank you, Cap'n." He returned with a salute before leaving the quarterdeck, gathering another man to follow him into McCormick's company. William retired to the Ward Room to await the arrival of his guest.

I've begun diagrams of the fort and maps of the routes one might take to get there. Once complete, I will submit it for approval to those in charge and make any necessary changes. It will be appropriately covered in pyrate imagery.

I could do a poster or two, no problem, but Don Maitz is usually hired to do the promotional artwork. If additional fliers are necessary I am available.

Gerard Butler as William Kidd.

July 20, 1704 - The Apollo Wreckage Even as Mister Pew was taking in the view of the Apollo, a second wave crushed in from behind it, burying the lower hold where he had been. Much of the lower wreckage was awash with water and Mister Pew was glad to be above it all. Then, just as the Master-at-Arms was taking this in, Harold Press did something so bizarre and unexpected that Mister Pew was powerless to explain it. One moment he was lifting a crate into the boat and the next he was diving over the side. He didn't fall over or lose his balance. He planted his feet together and went over the side as if on holiday. The dive itself was graceful enough that it barely disturbed the water, which of itself was not very calm. He just went over the side without a single word. Ajayi, who was otherwise engaged for a moment in the rescue of crates, turned around again and found Mister Pew all alone in the boat. He exclaimed his surprise with some solitary expression of his own tongue that was lost to Mister Pew and almost drowned out by the surf. He joined Mister Pew at the side instantly and they stared down into the frothing sea. Neither of them could see Harold and what followed after was a string of curses from Mister Pew which Ajayi understood without actually understanding. When no explanation could be gathered from standing and swearing, Mister Pew began to strip off his clothes for an unplanned dip. Just then, as he was about to follow Harold into the unknown, a sputtering Mister Press surfaced some seven meters off their stern. They called out to him but he went down again. This time they followed his progress as he neared the boat, but the waves carried the boat backwards a little and he came up near the bow. Harold was overcome by the pitching fishing boat as it came down almost on his head, driving him down again. Ajayi and Mister Pew leaped together but could not catch his one flailing hand. When he came up again Mister Pew yelled for his hand, but Harold just waved a clenched fist wildly about as his other hand grabbed the side. Ajayi managed to grab the man by the shoulder but the rocking almost carried him overboard. "Give me your hand, damn you!" Mister Pew yelled again, but still he clenched his fist and only when both men together got an arm under each of his could they lift him into the boat. Harold half sat half toppled into the boat, and Mister Pew lit into him at once. Now that he was safe, the Master-at-Arms wanted to kill him. "What the devil possessed you to...!" he began, but trailed off as Harold relaxed his hand. Seven large and very round coins spilled out into the bottom of the boat. There could be no mistaking the precious metal by the light of day. Gold. "Hundsss...." Harold began, but a cough cut him off before he could gather himself to try again. After a moments coughing, he smiled up at them through a mop of wet hair and said, "Hundreds".

Must...Own...Album.

July 20, 1704 - Los Hermanos and the Apollo Wreck Between fourth and fifth bell of the Forenoon Watch During the hour that passed aboard the frigate, the shore party was steeped in the labor of repairs and discovery. Rummy found the damage to the cutter to be more substantial than she had expected upon her first examination, but the damage ran along the seams in ways that made her work easier. Individual board lengths were popped along the sides, but these were mended in short order and the Master Carpenter enjoyed the labor of the open air. She preferred the sunlight to the crowded work of caulking and mending below decks. Tudor moved along the beach front facing the Apollo expedition trying to restore some of her notations from memory. The scribblings which she had lost during the cutter damage came back slowly at first, but Tudor was possessed of a good memory and they surfaced again in short order. Meanwhile, the trio at the Apollo continued to scout the wreckage, which was substantial. The keel lay in a long line almost as it had before the wreck, but it was shattered in the middle where the reef dropped away a few feet. The mainmast, too heavy without the ship's displacement, had driven down upon the mast step and keel, breaking the back of the Apollo. The bowsprit had been twisted apart from abuse sustained by the fallen foremast and rigging. Much of the main deck was fallen in upon the lower holds, for the few cannon carried by the Apollo had been too much for the weakened superstructure. Still, the cannon might yet be salvaged, for their materials, if not for their function, and Mister Pew smiled to find them piled neatly amidships.

And our boat is crawling with women.

Heeeeey... I am not cross-eyed.

And what if your Captain is a redhead? Or worse, a cross-eyed, redheaded, clergyman.

July 20, 1704 - Los Hermanos Mister Pew returned the Quartermaster's hail, assuring him that all were well in his company. They had passed the night undisturbed by weather or threat and each man was well rested again. As the Quartermaster steared the fishing boat towards the beach, the shore party went down once more and brought the boat up on land. Provisions and crew spilled out onto the sand and a short interchange followed. While Miss Smith passed out fresh rations from the 'Dog, Mister Lasseter explained the nature of the strongbox aboard ship and the treasure found within. Each man smiled with a self satisfied greed and within minutes they were all spending their portions aloud or in the secret imaginations of their hearts. Questions about who would buy what with their share and suggestions and even jeers passed around the shore party while they ate. The Master Carpenter, already well appraised of the fortune, went immediately to work on the cutter. She was relieved to discover her worst fears were unfounded and by the time Dorian joined her at the boat, she was already in the midst of her repairs. "I shall be finished in no more than three hours time." she said confidently.

William weighed the Quartermaster visually and the man looked the picture of health apart from his bandages. He looked out toward Los Hermanos and the the shattered remains of the Apollo. "Very well, Mister Lasseter. But take the fishing boat. We'll return it to the island and I'll have you ferry over Rummy, Tudor and whatever materials the Master Carpenter may require. She assures me that she can make the repairs ashore, so if Mister Pew is up for it, have him scout the Apollo wreckage before there is nothing left to salvage. We just might get lucky and discover some overlooked baggage worthy of ransom at Martinique." "Aye, Cap'n." "And Mister Lasseter. Brevity. There is nothing aboard that ship worth losing a man for."

July 20, 1704 - Aboard the Watch Dog Mister Badger and the Captain continued to make slight alterations on the Watch Dog's course. Each of them haf become so used to the way it sailed, that Mister Badger sometimes predicted William's next order. William didn't mind. He liked a Bosun that didn't have to be prodded along. The Farthingale's bosun had been little more than a puppet, and everyone aboard that ship had despised taking orders from such a man. William, lost in his thoughts, still noted peripherally that Mister Badger was looking at him whenever he turned away. "Is something the matter, Mister Badger." he said without looking at him. "No, sah. It's just...your neck, Cap'n." William nodded, brushing his hand behind his ear. A scab of blood had reformed where he had washed. It was a small cut. Then he tested his neck where it was roughly rope burned. "It looks much worse than it feels, I assure you." "Then, if I may so, it can't feel too good." William smiled and nodded. "All in a days work."

"Thank you for considering the matter, Miss Murin. When the Doctor has released you to duties we will have work waiting for you." They parted company, not that he asked her to leave. He bid her stay and pass the time with Tudor as he went to the Quarterdeck. There he found Mister Badger and they stood together, sometimes sitting leaning on the raised edge of the poop deck. At first they were content to talk of the ship's progress, but then William turned the matter to the Ilex Fortune, now their fortune. "The Ilex Fortune...no. That is not correct. Our Fortune is considerable." Mister Badger smiled at this. "Aye. Our fortune indeed." "And perhaps at a time when my position might have become tenuous." "Cap'n?" William smiled and swept his hand about the deck, gesturing to the crew, but then he didn't elaborate. He just shook his head. Mister Badger nodded after a moment. They had both served in the Royal Navy at one time and understood that a crew's long term loyalties must sometimes be paid for in fortunes or bounties. William had been fortunate so far with the Danzig and the Ilex Fortune. Each encounter had yielded goods and currency. It was enough for now, but William wondered how long their appetites would be satisfied. Would former pirates like Johnson be content for the infrequent wages of a merchant ship or a petty smuggling operation? He couldn't be sure. The promontory which held the last of the Watch Dog's crew loomed in the distance.

Yes. We had a fire last year. They allowed us to dig up the sod and build a fire pit. We went the extra mile and kept the sod set aside and placed it back over the hole when we were finished. Harry said it filled back in so well they couldn't find the fire pit later on. The fort provided firewood as well. We will probably have two or three fire pits spread out along the line of encampments. And thanks, Jack, for fixing the thread title.

"I believe you have misunderstood me, Miss McDonough. You are not working for passage, unless you wish to be dropped off the next port. I need a tailor and a sail maker. When I reach the next port, I will need a tailor and a sail maker. When I leave that port, I will require a tailor and a sail maker." Miss Smith smiled as she made her notations. William sipped his drink a moment, but before Murin could speak, he continued. "If you choose to stay aboard as the ship's sail maker and tailor, you will receive your board, food from the galley and your fair portion when shares are divided among the crew after goods are shipped and sold. In addition to this, you will be entitled to the same joys, experiences, dangers, perils and diseases that all of us come in contact with. I cannot guarantee that every day will be an adventure, but this life comes with the promise of freedom fraught with an enlightening education of life in all of its bounties." William raised his glass, "Slainte mhath!"

Circa when? Is there any estimate on what year this would put the folding chairs?

"Very well, Miss McDonough." William said with a grateful smile. "Thank you for shouldering this new responsibility so soon. Mister Lasseter will see you stowed in new quarters only after the Doctor releases you to duties. Until then, you may keep your bunk in the surgery and you are welcome to draw from the larder in anticipation of your new place aboard ship. Once you become familiar with those responsibilities as sail mender, Mister Badger will require you to learn the ropes aboard ship. Everyone is required to understand the greater duties of the able seamen in addition to their own individual callings." He paused a moment and added, "Do you have any questions, Miss McDonough?"

"Miss McDonough, please allow me to offer my condolences at the loss of Lady Ana." She managed a nod. "We have known our share of recent losses aboard this ship and I sympathize. We have also known our share of other departures in recent weeks." William gestured to Miss Smith who placed a glass filled with dark liquor in front of Murin. This seemed to make Murin all the more awkward and William smiled reassuringly. He sipped from his own glass a moment before continuing. Tudor refreshed his glass and took a seat on his left to continue her tally. "Miss McDonough, let me come to the point. We are in great need of a tailor and a sail maker. We had both in a young woman who recently departed the Watch Dog for other shores." Realizing this might be misinterpreted, he amended his statement. "She departed the ship for La Margarita, not the afterlife." She showed a trace of a smile. "I hope you will not take offense at this observation, but given your connection to Lady Ana and your hands, which have the look of labor about them, would you perhaps have some experience with thread and needle?"

July 20, 1704 - Aboard the Watch Dog Seven Bells of the Morning Watch William sent for Rummy and Miss Smith. The Master Carpenter and Ship's Steward exchanged details regarding the longboat damage. Rummy expressed every confidence that she could repair the boat on site and that it would be unnecessary to bring it aboard for full repairs. William advised her to be ready to return to the island by way of the fishing boat and that Miss Smith should join her with supplies for the shore party. They would anchor the Watch Dog on the Westward side of the island with the anticipation of scouring the Apollo wreck with the cutter while the longboat was under repair. With Mister Lasseter returned and Mister Badger standing hard by, William gave over the deck, excusing himself to eat, wash and change. He went below to check on the wounded. The surgery was as it had been. Mooney was looking better for his stay there and Nathan looked much recovered. He found Miss McDonough standing just inside the galley and asked her to join him in the Ward Room on the next bell to discuss her future aboard ship. William returned to the ward room to strip off his damaged waistcoat and see to his own bruises. He stood naked to the waist examining his neck for a long time before a mirror. It was bruised and burned from the rope. He would have a scar behind his right ear, but not a noticeable one. The neck burn would be obvious for a time, but he didn't mind it so much. Even his knee looked well enough, for much of the ache had gone. He would walk off the remaining discomfort as he always did. He lowered himself into a chair, regarding the closed satchel on the table and the strongbox which had been placed near at hand. He stripped his remaining shore clothes and put on fresh garments again. He left the pistol and baldric in his room and returned to the table. Miss Smith arrived as he was laying out the treasure items for a counting. He showed the Steward the fine pistols and wondered aloud what he might do with them. "Perhaps you might keep them, Cap'n." Miss Smith offered, but William shook his head after a moment. It was easy to covet such a fine pair of pistols, but they were showy pieces, and William thought they might better serve the ship at some future date if they were given as a gift to someone of power or position. "It never hurt to have 'trinkets for the natives', Miss Smith. We might require these as a gift to someone by way of a formal bribe at some unguessed and future hour. I'll have the carpenter change this identifying emblem." William put the box away and he and Tudor ate while they catalogued all of the items by size and value. It was a slow process and the ship's bell rang before they were finished. A polite knock was heard as they tallied and Tudor ushered in Miss McDonough, who stared at the fortune spread upon the table. "Please, be seated, Miss McDonough."