gibbs

Thank you for the replies. It sounds like you know your stuff, and that's what I was counting on.

It would seem I have some formidable reading ahead.

I'm familiar with Keith Wilbur's work -- in fact, I have his New England Indians book on my shelf. I also have "Superstitions of the Sea." Picked it up at a library sale last year but haven't gotten 'round to reading it yet.

I agree it would be good to acquaint myself with the Revolutionary War era ships. It would help with historical context, while also imparting the practical information I inquired about.

And you're right -- things probably didn't change that much give or take a couple decades. It's not like ships of that era suddenly converted to steam power or started using global positioning systems, LOL.

Thanks again.

I was fortunate to receive some valuable answers the last time I posted a question in this forum, so I thought I'd try my luck again.

I'm embarking on a new project, a fictional account of a brig returning from England to its home port in Rhode Island in the 1760s. I have the story itself worked out. But I've run aground on the details. The truth is, I have very little nautical knowledge, especially as it relates to the mid-18th century.

I'm wondering if anyone here can recommend books or any other source material that I might use to familiarize myself with life at sea during the 1760s or thereabouts. I'm interested to know the layout of such a ship (brig), nautical terminology of the day, the crew's duties, the daily routine of sailing and tasks involved, that sort of thing. I value historical authenticity, so I'm willing to put in the research time.

I'm hoping someone here can point me in the right direction.

Thanks.

I appreciate the insights. So, based on your posts, the ship reached the equator, where some members of the crew were subjected to a rite of passage in which one of the older hands assumed the role of Neptune to prevail over some hazing-like activities (although exactly what these were is a mystery). The crewman in question was spared the hazing because he was well-liked by the crew.

It seems to make sense now.

Thanks for your help.

g.

Greetings,

Am researching a sailing voyage that departed Salem, Mass., for India, circa 1790-1800. In his description of the journey, a crewman of this trade ship makes reference to what I assume must be an ancient maritime ritual or custom. The problem is, he veils his reference in euphemisms, leaving me unable to understand the nature of the tradition. Was it some kind of sailors' ritual that accompanied crossing the equator?

Here is the passage in question, with the pertinent text italicized:

It cannot be expected that I can recollect, or is it necessary for me to state every minute circumstance that attended me on this voyage, and I will only remark, that although a fresh hand, and totally unacquainted with seamanship, I succeeded in the performance of my duty beyond my expectations, and I believe not only to the satisfaction of my officers, but gained the esteem and good will of my shipmates on board--in proof of this, there is one circumstances that I ought not fail to mention--when about to cross the line, where sailors generally calculate to receive a formal visit from Neptune, the aged Monarch of the deep made his appearance as usual, and with little ceremony introduced himself on board, and while others (who had never before been honored with an interview with his majesty) were compelled to yield to the unpleasant severities of a custom prescribed by him, I was, by the intercession of my shipmates, so fortunate as to escape.

Any insight will be much appreciated.