William Brand

I found this one from the 1640s.

The only mention of a rowing chant that I've found is in the work 'Sar Orain: Three Gaelic Poems', which makes mention of rowing chants and even defines which oarsman makes the chant and when. An excerpt from that work... "Brosnackadh Iomraidh The boat has to be rowed out from the shore, before the sail is hoisted , to be clear of rocks and to catch the wind. lonad seòlaidh is the place where ' sailing,' as contrasted with ' rowing,' begins. Metre The couplet consists of a long line of eight syllables, and a short line of four syllables, both ending on a dissyllable, and the couplets rhyme. This is Sneadhbhairdne, 2{S-+4:^f+' . In this section, however, the long lines of the quatrains also rhyme, except in the first. As dealbhach occurs again in the second quatrain, the first line may have been wrongly transcribed . The emendation dhionach is suggested by "An Duanag Ullamh," two quatrains of which are given below, from Rel. Celt. II. Compare with the "Birlinn" for metre and style. Loingis leathann laidir luchdmhor Dealbhach dionach, Sleamhuinn sliosreidh roluath ràmhach Dairchruaidh direach. Togbhar leo na gealchroinn chorrach Suas le 'nlonaibh, '' ''l^ ^'*^ ^^^ B' iomdha ball teann bhiadh ga n deanamh Nam dhuit seoladh. (This poem was composed by the "Mull bard," before 1558, and may have been known to MacMhaighstir Alasdair. See note on the poem in "Bàrdachd")."

We're considering a few new performance pieces at the Fort Taylor Pirate Invasion. In addition to any specific demonstrations such as Mission's fine surgical show and the battle scenarios, the crew of the Mercury has been offered an opportunity to have a 'trial' during the schedule. This could be a trial of one or more of us, overseen by English judges and guards concerning some pirate knavery or we could have a crew trial of some crew member for dereliction of duties aboard ship or ashore. If we do a crew trial it could be for some infraction of the Ship's Articles. We could try one of us for being drunk on duty, theft from a fellow sailor or cowardice in combat. The trial could also serve as a meeting of business concerning the payment of shares. Thoughts?

Movie Prop Collectors is selling original PoTC stuff from several of the franchise films in their June catalog. Not many of us can afford such collectibles, but I know there are no shortage of fans around these parts. http://www.moviepropcollectors.com/magazine/2012/06/23/screenused-entertainment-memorabila-july-21-auction-pdf-now-online/

The images are excellent. I love all the details shots that show the weathering, stitches and repairs.

Welcome aboard, Mister Goldin.

Another fine mazer...

The Batavia is a personal favorite of mine, so thanks for the pictures!

Welcome aboard, Andy. You need to get your stuff on Bilgemunky Radio if you haven't already. http://www.bilgemunk...well-and-adieu/ You really put the funk in 'Firewalker'.

I use the following anecdote all the time when people are at events for the first time. I remember a moment at the beginning of that event when nothing in particular was going on and you were sitting at a picnic bench with an introspective look, so I asked, 'What do you think of all this? Think you'll do it again?" You just smiled a little and after a long pause you said, "Ask me again when the weekend is over." Soo...four days later I found you sitting at one of the tables again and nothing was going on at the moment and I asked, "So, what do you think of all this?" After an equally long pause, you admitted that until that moment you weren't sure you'd be the kind of person to do this sort of thing, but how you were now convinced you'd be doing it for a long time. It was an understatement of course, seeing as how you've been to nearly 10 times the number of events I've attended.

IT was an excellent read, as always. I was surprised to be included at the end. That took me back.

A very happy birthday!

Thank you. I hated missing this one. I really wanted to touch bases with you and other reenactors I only see at Fort de Chartres.

Did you happen to take pictures?

Some pics from Jack... https://picasaweb.go...eat=directlink# ...his poor tent.

When I asked Kitt about the tallships last night, he said that they were all fine. I've heard no other reports about them.

The power was just restored at the hotel where some of the Archangel crew is staying.

I just spoke with Haunting Lily. They saw the tornado pass their hotel and flatten a whole mess of tents and not a few cars. The power is still out at their hotel and people are doubling up in hotels. Their hotel has offered to move them down the road to a place with power, but they're in the dark at the moment. There are emergency generators at the camp and a tree is laying on Jack's tent, so they'll be bringing out the chainsaws in the morning.

The Hampton Blackbeard Festival just got hit by a tornado. I just got off the phone with Kitt Madden and everyone is fine. The camp was leveled and there was no shortage of debris, but everyone cleared the camp before the tornado came through, so there are no serious injuries reported. A few reoprts from people at the site... "One way or the other we are going to shoot cannons tomorrow. All Pirates are accounted for, No major injuries. But we took a direct hit. All the Crews want to continue with the show. Not much more we can do until day brake. Most of the camping crew members will be spending the rest of the night at the Virginia Air and Space Center. No power but at least it's dry." -Randy Gnatowsky "Well, everyone is fine. But the Camp is leveled. We rebuild tomorrow." -Robert Jack Permenter

Best of luck in your first year!

If I had my way I'd never miss Fort de Chartres. It's a beautiful fort and easily one of my favorite locations for a period event. I wish I was wealthy enough to go where I will.

Huzzah! It will be pleasure to finally meet all of you.

Thank you. I've been through the pictures some three times now.