Jamaica Rose

'ello All, Misson has alerted me to this discussion. Actually the Pyracy Pub was started by Ford Vox (Angus McVox). Last I knew, he was in Alabama, not California. He had contacted me and suggested there should be a forum for No Quarter Given readers. I had too many other things on my plate to start such a thing. He asked me if he could start the Pyracy Pub in the "No Quarter Given" name. I gave him permission, and for a while he had me set up as a moderator on the Pyracy Pub, along with himself (he was also administrator), and one other I think (can't recall if that was Stynky, or if he came along a short time later). I moderated for a while, but didn't really have the time, so eventually I helped Ford recruit some other moderators (Iron Bess being one of them, I remember). Many months and members later, Ford said he wanted to sell the site. Stynky approached me about the two of us buying Ford out, and then Stynky would manage it, but Ford sold it to someone else (Bloody Buckets). I guess we were out bid. I don't know if he lives in California -- I had the impression he was from back East somewhere. Hope this helps set the record straight, --Jamaica Rose

Look for Captain Michael of No Quarter Given. He'll be there with Captain Blackbeard from Blackbeard's Creations. Yrs in the Sweet Trade, --Jamaica Rose

This L.O.R.E. (March 15 and 16) should be a rollicking time, with lots of good opportunity to hone yer pyratical skills. Here's a rough list of classes for L.O.R.E. -- times are being finalized, and there might still be a little juggling, but this is the line up pretty much as it will be: Saturday - March 15: --Setting up the Pirate Encampment --Pirate Dance: Hornpipe, & Jig --Beginning Drumming: Eastern Styles & Celtic Bodhran (bring your own drum if you have one) --Navigation in the Age of Discovery & Colonization Sunday - March 16: --Pirate Stereotypes: True or False --What Wenches, Doxies & Female Pirates Wore --History of Firearms: Matchlocks to Flintlocks --Beginning Black Powder --Firing Flintlocks without Blowing Your Hand Off (bring flintlocks & powder if you have them) --Rum 101 (suggested materials fee donation $5) --Games Pirates Would Have Played Hope to see a lot of you sea rovers there. More info here: http://www.renaissanceinfo.com/lore.html The schedule posted is still the Oct. 2007 one. I just turned in my schedule list for pirate classes this March, so it might be a few days before they update the class schedule on the website. Yrs in the Sweet Trade, --Jamaica Rose

It was cold enough to be happy wearing our fine pirate coats which we usually don't wear to hot California events, but not so cold that my sandaled feet froze. It was a grand evening out under the beautiful stars, listening to the surf, and dancing to Kaptain Kula's band and the Pirates Charles. A shipload of pirates showed up for it. The promoters say there might be more parties like this at the same location in the near future. Hope so. Safe harbours and full tankards, --Jamaica Rose

The Real Pirates exhibit is scheduled to open in Philadelphia on May 24 through November 2, 2008 at the Franklin Institute. Later it's supposed to go to Phoenix (5 hours from me - will probably take a road trip there), Chicago, Denver, and Los Angeles (yeah - only 45 minutes). Maybe other cities too. Yrs in the Sweet Trade, --Jamaica Rose

May I humbly suggest you come to my presentation at PyrateCon on the "True Look of a Pyrate". For those interested in what sailors and pyrates of the 17th and 18th century wore, I'll give an analyzation of period images and period descriptions of nautical and pyratical types. Safe harbours and full tankards, --Jamaica Rose

We are really looking forwards to PyrateCon this year. We had so much fun at the first one. We drove out for the first PyrateCon. From Riverside, CA, took 30 hours - and that was while pulling a 19 ft. trailer (some of those uphills really slowed us down). We drove straight through, because we got a late start while getting our new trailer up to snuff (two drivers trading off). Listened to several of the Harry Potter stories on audio books all the way (not very piratical, I know). Actually, this was the start of a two month trip on the East Coast visitng several tall ship and pirate events - we listened to all 6 Harry Potters along the way (Deathly Hallows wasn't out yet). This year we'll be driving, and won't have the trailer this time, so should make it in better time. Not sure what story we'll listen to this time. Haven't found many good piratical stories in audio format, though I have found Patrick O'Brian stories in audio format. We'll be bringing a lot of swag to sell in the Vendor's room, so it's not just the price of airfare that makes us want to drive. Besides, I love road trips. And I hate the hassle of commercial flying. Not sure if we'll want to caravan, because my son and daughter-in-law are expecting our next granddaughter in mid-April. We'll have to keep our schedule flexible. Yrs in the Sweet Trade, --Jamaica Rose

I'm glad to see people are anxious for No Quarter Given to get back on track. I've been very frustrated about being behind. Due to a complex of events and personal situations, NQG has gotten very far behind schedule. I even gave up my day job of teaching so I could have time for No Quarter Given, then things have conspired (like my mother breaking her hip and moving in) to seriously impact my ability to find time to edit and write. The last issue that has come out was the Jan/Feb 2007 issue (sent out in June 2007). I finally decided that rather than trying to catch up, we are going to skip the March through Sept. 07 issues. The next issue (about to come out) will be the Nov/Dec 2007 issue. We will move everyone's expiration date up by 4 issues, so everyone will get all the issues they have paid for. Yr humble editor for the Sweet Trade, --Jamaica Rose

This message is being posted for Braze: THE PARTY HAS BEEN CANCELED! Well ship mates I am sad to say that the party is canceled due to lack of interest. I have about 12 people that have said they want to come and that is not enough to warrant getting music and food and a keg or two of beer. Perhaps we can plan it for another time. To all of you that wanted to come I am very sorry and thank you for your interest. Until next time, Braze." www.myspace.com/aseem_the_moor www.thetortugamutineers.net

We had a grand time at PyrateCon. It was truly a magical event, and they have wonderful ideas for next years' event. ... at a different hotel right on Bourbon Street (Bourbon Orleans) with everything taking place within two or three blocks. True - there were several small hitches, but for an event put on by a crew who'd never worked on a convention before, it was terrific. Aye - the speaker's room was way too small (it was packed to overflowing for many of the presentations). But there were some great presentations. It was wonderful meeting so many friends I had only met on the net before: Chumbucket, Capt. Slappy, Mad Sally, Bilgemunky, Jan and Jim MacArthur, other of the Baratarians, the Reverend OneEye, Phleabag and Stagedive of the Jolly Garrogers, authors George Choundas and George Beahm. Also seeing many other friends we hadn't seen for a few years - Hurricane, Diosa, Syn, Touché and their crew; Cindy Vallar and her husband, and many others. I'll write more later. The cook is ringing the dinner bell. Yrs in the Sweet Trade, --Jamaica Rose

I'm posting this here for Braze and Cascabel. --Jamaica Rose BRAZE AND CASCABEL’S PIRATE EXTRAVAGANZA Calling all pirates! All right you lubbers, the date has been set. We have shanghaied the crew of No Quarter Given and they can make it the 12th of May. I live on eight acres, mostly wooded so there is lots of room. My place is about 45 mins SW of the Atlanta GA. Airport. We will show pirate movies on a big 30 foot screen outside at one end of the party, a pub with beer and food on the other end and music groups in the middle. We have invited a few music groups and so far we have: Rusty Cutlass (myspace.com/rustycutlasspirateband) Terry Lynn (myspace.com/terrylynn) Special guests: No Quarter Given (www.noquartergiven.net/) Cascabel the pirate will be here and he has offered to teach his black powder class during the day light hours and before the drinking starts! This will be followed by blank firing. Bring your own pistols and powder! Anyone that cares to make music, tell a story or put on a show as long as its pirate related is also welcome. If there is anyone that wants to vend that’s fine with me but remember we are all shipmates, keep it cheap. We can also make this a pirate swap meet, so bring your old garb & gear to trade with yer mates. Bring a blanket or a folding table to display your plunder. No Quarter Given has been persuaded at pistol point to set out their swag for sale. I can’t offer any sleeping space; I gave that to the guests from out of state. If you would like to tent camp or park an RV, there is lots of space. As much as I hate to I would have to ask for $5 a head to offset the cost of the beer and food but again its all you can drink and eat (till its gone anyway) so that’s not so bad is it? So let me know what you Georgia pirates think, or anyone for that matter, do you think there would be enough pirates willing to come to make it a good party. This is a costumed pirate event so pirate garb is highly encouraged! RSV Pirate to momba52@yahoo.com for directions.

Aye Hurricane,-- I know we slipped in the past 18 months or so. I have often rushed the issue, and did what was quick and not what I preferred to do. I have many great plans (themed issues and unusual articles) for the near future. Plus, now I'll be able to spend more time in the Pyracy Pub. I'm aware I've been too focused on West Coast events -- it's where we were going, and I have many more contributors out here where I can meet them face-to-face and apply "pirate persuasion" to get articles from them. Hurricane (and any others) -- we'd welcome any contributions/reports from you. Let us know what's happening in your waters. See our contributors guidelines posted at: http://www.noquartergiven.net/contributors.htm To get a better geographical balance we have planned our two month East Coast trip. Hope to see many of you along the way. We are starting our trip with the brand-new PyrateCon in New Orleans (Jean Laffite's old stomping grounds) where we are featured speakers: www.pyratecon.com Next we'll be at Sail Jacksonville, a tall ships event in Jacksonville, FL (May 4-6). Then two weeks later we'll be at Charleston Tall Ships (May 17-20). Pirates will be at both of these venues (pirate camps, pirate battle sails, etc.) . Memorial weekend we'll be at Un-Con (Dead Pirate's non-convention party weekend) in Atlanta. Then we'll be at the Hampton Blackbeard Pirate Festival (June 2-3), and Norfolk Harborfest (June 8-10). After Harborfest, we hightail it back to California for the 1st Annual Northern California Pirate Festival the next weekend (June 16-17). You can find links for any of these events (and more) in our "On the Horizon" webpage, http://www.noquartergiven.net/calendar.htm We hope to see many of you along the way. Yrs in the Sweet Trade, --Jamaica Rose

Aye lad - we are indeed still alive and kicking. Just got way-laid for awhile, and stuck in the doldrums. But I've cut cable (quit the teaching job), and I've been working hard to clear the decks, so I'll be ready for battle action, and should get back on schedule right soon. The November/December 2006 No Quarter Given issue was just mailed out a few days ago, and I have the January/February 2007 issue almost finished. Problem is, I won't have time to get it out before we go on the road for two months - starting with PyrateCon. We have created the No Quarter Given Pyratemobile, -- portable office and home-- , in the guise of a 19 ft travel trailer, installed computer and printer, so we'll still be able to work on the issue on the road. Lad -- email me privately, jamaica@noquartergiven.net , and tell me your other alias (the name on yer check), and I'll tell you the status of your subscription. Glad to have you aboard with NQG, and hope you'll enjoy the adventure, --Jamaica Rose

No offence taken. I was just posting to add to the discussion, and help set the record straight. I think this discussion is valuable.

Before I begin, let me make the disclosure that Gail Selinger, author of this book, is a good friend of mine, and actually the reason that I am involved with piracy at all. Though I think it is a good book, especially for those new to piracy, there is a lot I could quibble with in the Idiot's Guide to Pirates. There are some mistakes and gross generalizations in the book. Such as the concertina discussion started above -- The Idiot's guide claims "The most sought after-musicians owned concertinas, lyres, and bagpipes". I agree with the bagpipes, but concertinas are too modern, and "lyres"? LYRES? That's a hold over from Greek and Roman times. I would personally would have said fiddlers, drummers, and pipers were the common musicians on board pirate ships. I have even read of hautboys (oboes). In talking to Gail Selinger, she said the "lyre" part was something the editors added, having seen that she mentioned it in the chapter about ancient pirates. They just took it out of context. I didn't find anywhere that said pirates wore ONLY cotton, but the book does mention cotton, linen, silk, and other fabrics. The book says "calico was a popular pattern." (Not GOOD pattern -- whatever that means). From my reading other sources, calico WAS a common starting in the 1690s and early 1700s (printed cotton fabrics from Calcutta were starting to be imported to Europe in large amounts) but the designs at the time were small designs - small diamonds and paisleys with a lot of background color around them, widely spread apart, not like modern calico designs with larger designs crammed up next to each other. It's confusing, because the term "calico" first just referred to fabric from Calcutta, much of which was cotton (though at first the Europeans thought it was linen), and it may or may not have been printed. Printing houses for calico were soon set up in England, Germany and other places. I also disagree with the book's statement that "The one item a pirate definitely wore --- and wore all the time, on ship and off -- was an earring". First - I think a historian should be real careful when saying something "always" or "never" happened. Much better to say "usually" or something was "common". Earrings were discussed at length on the Pirates e-list a while back, and IIRC the general consensus was there was very little clear documentation about sailors or pirates wearing or not wearing earrings, but there was a LOT of speculation. I personally wouldn't make any blanket statements about earrings. On pg. 171 of the book it says how red is an expensive color, because the cochineal bugs from which they got the red dye, were small, hard to collect and process to make a little dye. That may have been true in the early 1600s. But I also know that red was a common color for waistcoats and other garments in the Admiralty Slops Contracts during the late 1600s and 1700s. Perhaps there was a different source for red dye. I've read that someone originally wanted blue for the navy waistcoats, but the red fabric was cheaper, so they went with red. In talking with various authors, I have learned not to necessarily blame an author for mistakes in their books. I brought up several mistakes to Benerson Little of things I found in the "Sea Rovers Practice", and it turns out they were changes his editor made, unbeknownst to him. For instance, in the first few pages, it mentions "Peter Drake" -- pg. 4 "To refer to the rovers as pirates is to insult them. After all, men have been knighted for similar acts -- witness Peter Drake and Henry Morgan, for example, although technically theirs were entirely legitimate (or at least royally condoned) acts of violence in support of material and political gain." Ben told me he had written it only as "Drake" in that instance, and did not give a first name (figuring most everyone would know who he was talking about without giving a first name). Later in his book, he does mention a Peter Drake (another person), and the editor must have seen that, and added the same first name to the first Drake. Ben was furious with his editor when I pointed this out, for it was not that way in the galleys that he approved. Gail not only had an editor, but a co-writer (though she did the bulk of the writing), and she was only given one day to approve her galleys. She told me how they kept wanting to change things, and she had to carefully pick her battles, and decide which changes to really fight against. When she signs books, there is a date she always corrects by hand because the book has it wrong. There is a lot of interesting, new information in Gail's book. I'm frustrated that it is not footnoted and referenced. I would love to know where a lot of the information came from. Knowing there are some mistakes, I'm reluctant to trust new information if I don't know where it came from. Luckily, I can always check straight with Gail if I really need to know. I do think the book is written in a very interesting, easily accessible manner. I think it is a great book for those just starting to learn about piracy. Safe harbours and full tankards, --Jamaica Rose www.noquartergiven.net

That cover was drawn by Don Maitz, and is called "Plunder by Thunder". Let me understand this -- you are askin' other pirates to "pirate" a copy of the cover art from No Quarter Given for you? You just need the cover art from No Quarter Given, but haven't any need for the rest of the magazine? What sort of pirate just looks at the covers of No Quarter Given whilst he or she could benefit from all the valuable information within the pages? What kind of pirate are ye then? Ah ... mayhaps yer not the kind wot can read. That would explain why you'd have no use for any of NQG but for the art. But wait ... that can't be true for you are writing in this here Pyracy Pub. Obviously , ya know how to read and write. So, tell ya what lad, -- send me word offline so to speak, with yer best explanation of why you need just the NQG covers, and not the rest o' the magazine, and I might consider helpin' ya out. Safe harbours and full tankards, --Jamaica Rose jamaica@noquartergiven.net

You've been discussing hotels (and campgrounds). I haven't seen anyone mention the Buccaneer Inn in Morehead City yet. We stayed there a few years ago. It's a Best Western hotel -- nothing special other than the name. It was clean and decent, and I seem to remember it was about $85/night. Hope it's still in business. It was towards the west end of town. Not within easy walking distance of the festival, though. For those of you going to NC Blackbeard Festival, if you can, spare a few days to go to Ocracoke. You have to take a ferry ride over -- I think it was about an hour long or so. But it's a great little village. Be sure to visit Teach's Hole, the pirate shop in the village (not to be confused with the actual place out in the water where Blackbeard used to await unwitting prey). Ask just about any Ocracoke local, and they'll probably be able to direct you to the shop. Tell George and Mickey that Jamaica Rose sent ya. For more, see photos from our trip at: http://www.noquartergiven.net/eastcoas.htm Beaufort and Ocracoke photos at the bottom of the page. Blackheartedly yrs, --Jamaica Rose "Pirates! You can't take them anywhere!" --Pirates of the Plains

Estrella War is held near Phoenix. Though it is an SCA war, there are usually several pirates to be found encamping there. The Corsairs might be found about. If you run into Ares, Cap'n Gato, Scarlett Hawkins (aka Mouse), Larry Dillie, Slippery Dick, or Gary Siler, give them a hearty greetings from Jamaica Rose and Cap'n Michael MacLeod. And there is a possibility we might even be there ourselves. Looking into taking a long weekend to drive out there. Blackheartedly yrs, --Jamaica Rose "Late again, Pirate Scum!" --Return of the King

So many pirates and buccaneers came to help us celebrate the No Quarter Given 10th Anniversary. It near brought me to tears o' pleasure. I want to thank you all for the warm, hearty response!! Since we returned from Key West I've had to hit the deck running, preparing for the holidays, big family get-to-gether aboard our ship, many holiday houseguests, and also getting the January issue No Quarter Given ready for the printing press. So I haven't gotten any PIP photos up yet on the website (except for the new one on the opening page). Will try to remedy that later today. Happy Sailing in the New Year, --Jamaica Rose "Late again, Pirate Scum!" ----- Return of the King

Don't go cursin' the Mouse out yet. There are still rumblings from that quarter -- something may yet happen at PIP regardin' the DVD release. Keep yer spyglasses to hand to spot the latest developments. Blackheartedly yrs, Jamaica Rose "Yo ho yo ho, pathetic pirates are we. A sorry tale, you have to agree. Drink up me hearties, yo ho! Mr. Eisner wants money, So we'll all buy the DVD, Drink up me hearties yo ho! Yo ho yo ho, pathetic pirates are we."

Just to bring you up to date -- the NQG 10th Anniversary party will take place in the Schooner Wharf Bar, right dockside on the Historic Key West Marina -- couldn't think of a more atmospheric spot. See you all there, --Jamaica Rose

What day of the Pirates in Paradise Festival will you arrive? Different things are happening on different days. Plus how will we know when/where to meet you? Blackheartedly yrs, --Jamaica Rose "It's better to be bloodthirsty than anemic."

The captain (Michael MacLeod), and I plan to arrive on Saturday, Nov. 29. We are flying into Ft. Lauderdale at 6 am that morning, and plan to rent a car to drive down. If anyone else is arriving in Ft. Lauderdale that morning and would like to share our rental car, let us know. We'll be returning to Ft. Lauderdale Mon, Dec. 8, flying out at 6:45 pm IIRC. We'll be staying at the Fairfield Inn (next to Banana Bay, I'm told, so Cascabel, we'll be neighbors). Oh, and Jean Laffite will be with us too (he's our ship's rat). We were supposed to be there in time for rehearsals for the DVD release party, but that is now water under the bridge. We'll be involved with the Tryal of Anne Bonny and Mary Read. And don't forget No Quarter Given's 10th anniversary party on Saturday, Dec. 6. Blackheartedly yrs, --Jamaica Rose "Arrrrhhh we there yet?"

All three of these are great books to have in yer library. I have the British version of "Pillaging the Empire" -- "Blood and Silver" -- bought while I was in Jamaica. I like the British title much better, more picturesque. It's a very good, concise history of piracy, with little sidebars at the end of each chapter on various related topics (coins of the era, shipwreck salvaging in the 17th c., what pirates ate and drink, etc.). The other two books are BIBLEs of the pirate histories. You should read those two first before reading anything else. Everyone else quotes from them, so you should go right to the source first, and read it all in context. The recent Schonhorn edition of General History of the Pirates, from Dover, is one of the best. It has extensive notes in it, and contains all the chapters from the various editions Johnson wrote. Good reading to you, --Jamaica Rose "It's not the length of the quill, but yer penmanship that counts."

I just finished reading this book a few days ago (advanced review copy), and am writing a review on it. Look for it in the Nov. issue of NQG It's a good book, interesting juxtaposition of the history about Kidd (not much new there though if you've read Zack's "Pirate Hunter") and Barry Clifford's search for the Adventure Galley off St. Marie's Island in Madagascar. It was fascinating to read about and see photos of the harbor where so many pirates took refuge. And to read about Ilot Madame and Pirate Island (and the tunnels thereon), the two islands in the harbor. There's some fascinating material about the "Fiery Dragon" and Christopher Condon (aka Condent, and several other variations). Clifford found this shipwreck as well. It's a frustrating story, though with a good ending, finally. I recommend it to any interested in Kidd, underwater archeology, piracy in the Indian Ocean, and pirates in general. Now, I've just started on Graham Harris's book on Kidd which came out last year. Look for an article by him in the September No Quarter Given, on Oak Island (which is being mailed out this Tuesday -- oh so very late). Blackheartedly yrs, --Jamaica Rose "For my part, I am the innocentest person of them all, only I have been sworn against by perjured persons. --Kidd, after hearing the jury proclaim him guilty