Red John

Ahoay me Privateer Friend! Aye, sees in me thinkin', is a double ironic sarcasameeses, as seeings that The Hollywood is generally the reason why everyone thinks that . . . the boot bit, me means . . . Aye! John

Of course I'll have to go find my old sources for this, but, looking at surviving weapons and period accounts, plug bayonets as a general matter lasted much longer on the 'civilian' side than in the regular-ish military forces of the period. Main reason is that they were far more functional for ordinary use as a knife and tool (more than a few had the hammer and turn-screw ends to the guard, etc.). A socket bayonet is only good for one thing, that being a bayonet. Well, ok, two things if you count acting as one of those 'stick in the ground' candlestick holders . . . but I don't. Bottom line, you rarely needed your plug bayonet as an actual bayonet, and then it was often to dispatch an animal, not so much another human in battle, esp. in the style of fighting pirates did, very individual in close quarters, not in a formed line with volley fire like regular troops. And this is a very piratical use - the dispatch and dressing of game, I mean. The dispatch of humans in battle, if aboard a vessel, a socket bayonet would be too unwieldy - just too long to handle effectively amongst all the rigging and what not. The Spanish (individuals, not regular forces) kept them in use for hundred(s) of years after they were militarily obsolete for these very reasons - and they have many finely made and decorated examples as 'gentlemen hunters' and so on would have. Some officers may have had them as fancy side blades as well, but not regular troops after most of Europe gave up on them. And this makes sense, as hunters and so on would not normally require the rapid reload that a military formation giving volley fire would need. The rapid fire a socket bayonet allowed regular troops in formation to achieve - and some disastrous results when plug bayonets were military issue (Killiecrankie, Scotland, is an example) - led to very rapid adoption of the socket bayonet among regular forces once the design was perfected. Aye, I'd have no hesitation to carry a plug bayonet through the early GAOP, some misgiving carrying one the later the time got, and would generally carry it in lieu of a different 'big knife' bearing in mind it would supplant a 'normal' big knife in most all cases (otherwise, why carry both?). I tend to favor the shorter, more 'knife-like' ones too, for the same reason, rather than the really long ones. yours, aye, John

Yeah, that's the problem with Hollywood . . . everyone knows real pirates wore boots!

Came across it by accident, my wife had it on, and wow, I was impressed. Only saw the one episode and part of the next, but would love to see the whole series. Seemed to be very accurate in most regards, esp. for a television/cable show, although the plot and certain scenes were probably a bit over the top. e one thing I have to take exception to is the portrayal of Rogers Rangers as essentially a band of hired thugs and murderers and little else. As far as gear and all that go, as much as the camera would let you see, esp. on first look, it all looked spot-on, but watching it for the first time I wasn't counting stiches either. Ok, the little leather shoulder cuffs on the Ranger coats were a bit silly. Ok, a lot silly. But for the most part it was a very good show and well worth watching. Aye-

Aye mate, just copy and paste into yer FaceBook search browser line and should come right up. There's a few more posts on that page now, so you have to scroll down a bit to find it. On the axe survey, I'm glad they are looking to bring out another model, but if they go by the survey, the currently-leading model looks to be the one with the back-facing hook on the bottom inside of the main edge. Now that one does look way-cool, I'll admit. My reading shows these to be late 18th C / early 19th C and almost specifically American (see Boarders Away etc.). So would be great for all the Rev War and spot-on for 1812 events, but not so great for GAOP or earlier use. Aye, John

Aye, here's to Kevin Duffus! And much looking forward to the new edition - and seeing all y'all at Ocracoke in October! yr mst hum and obt svt, John

Aye, I thought it to be a good article meself. I didn't have a lot of time so I had to read it pretty quickly, but I hope to see it again soon. The article seems to track more or less with the points made in author Kevin Duffy's book, "The Last Days of Blackbeard", although it did differ from Duffy's book in several regards, and to the article's detriment, I believe. I'll see if I can post more on the article once I get to read it again. Duffy's book is excellent, and the best modern book on Blackbeard that I've seen, period. The book does away with many if not almost all of the romantic myths, but gives an even-better real history, more intriguing than the fairly simple, commonly-accepted story originated by Johnson. Duffy has excellent original research and tell you his sources every step of the way, along with making well-founded educated guesses where those have to be. He always tells you his sources and makes it clear when he is connecting dots (educated guesses) that are not directly supported by verified sources. He doesn't have to make very many educated guesses, since his original research is so thorough. Duffy has found new period sources as well as done a great deal of "on the ground" research in the exact locations where Blackbeard was, everywhere from back swamps of eastern NC to tidewater Virginia to Bristol, England, to Ocracoke Island. I can't say enough good about his work. Come see him in person at the next Ocracoke Pirate Jamboree on Ocracoke Island, NC, 31 October to 2 November 2014; his presentations are dynamic and engaging, but reflect serious scholarship. Yours, Aye- John

That's a good point about clean was different then than it is now. Without electricity and washers and dryers, they had to just Febreeze everything and hope for the best . . . I best beg a pardon for my attempt at humour! Please accept a huge thank you for your always-helpful posts of historical information on subjects that few others can match. yours, aye- John

Hah! I would have added it too if it was part of the article I posted! Thanks for the extra info. Looking forward to the USCG report whenever that one gets done. Thanks again- Aye, John

Jib! Couldn't agree more on reaching out to folks. I've had great experiences with folks inviting me and my family to get involved in things - we are very fortunate to have established groups in our area that are very welcoming. It makes all the difference for most everyone, and of those that are going through the effort to participate in whatever fashion they might be, I've learned most of them want to be more period, more authentic, etc., and just haven't had the information or sources some of us have learned about over time and through others. There are those of course that just want to dress up and drink, and that's fine too, but a lot of folks do want to get more into the historical aspect of things, and a little encouragement and engagement is all that's needed. Aye, John

One post script: the author I mentioned about the Cape Fear error is not a regular contributor to this Pub. He's written several lovely illustrated books published by Osprey and similar folks, for the most part very enjoyable. I forget exactly which book had the error, but I think it was a general history of piracy. The error may also be in an original source, but I don't believe so. Mission, thanks for all your excellent work and your contributions to our Pub, too!

. . . and then there is Beaufort, NC, and Beaufort, SC . . . which no one here ever confuses because they are pronounced radically different . . . so no worries, Mate . . . all good! . . . but I still can't quite forgive the author that said Stede Bonnet was apprehended after a running fight at Cape Fear . . . SC!!! . . . really? c'mon dude . . . there's only one! . . . and the fact it was not in SC was very significant, esp. a few months later when Edward had his bad day there at Ocracoke, NC, at the hands of men out of Virginia . . . Thanks for all your contributions, Brit Privateer! and if you ever make it over, first round's on me mate . . . Aye!

Article about just-released NTSB Report on the Sinking of the Bounty Ahoay all- looks like the NTSB report has finally come out; the USCG report is still pending I hear. Saw this article from a few hours ago about the NTSB report. Not saying I agree with all of it, I just wanted to post this so folks could see what the media says the report says and know the report is out there. I'd like to get the actual report for one thing, and then once the USCG report comes out, see how the report differs when an actual maritime entity does the investigation. But for now, anyway, here's the article: "Captain's 'reckless' decision led to Bounty sinking," NTSB says By CNN Staff, updated 2:29 PM EST, Mon February 10, 2014 (CNN) -- What led to the deadly sinking of the HMS Bounty during Hurricane Sandy? Federal investigators point to the captain. Capt. Robin Walbridge's "reckless decision to sail ... into the well-forecasted path of Hurricane Sandy" was the probable cause of the tall ship's October 2012 sinking off the coast of North Carolina, the National Transportation Safety Board said in a report released Monday. The ship, carrying 16 crew members, flipped sideways in heavy seas and high winds, spilling everyone into the Atlantic. Walbridge, 63, was never found and is presumed dead; deckhand Claudene Christian, 42, died. Before the ship left port in New London, Connecticut, the captain indicated he knew the hurricane was moving up the eastern seaboard, according to crew testimony at Coast Guard hearings in 2013. A report from that investigation has yet to be released. Heading into the storm's path "subjected the aging vessel and the inexperienced crew to conditions from which the vessel could not recover," Monday's NTSB report said. "The Bounty's crew was put into an extraordinarily hazardous situation through decisions that by any measure didn't prioritize safety," NTSB Chairman Deborah Hersman said in a statement. The Bounty was arguably the most famous traditionally rigged wooden 18th-century replica ship in the world. It appeared in several Hollywood films, including the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise.

Very moving . . . Thank you.

Aye, there was an encampment, and folks did camp there in their historical set-ups, one large-ish camp fire in the center of camp, cooking, music, etc. There were also the vendors that camped with their shops in the merchants' area by the waterfront encampment (the camp was b/w the merchants and the water). If you're asking about regular camping, not in a historical encampment, there are (at least) two regular ones near/not far from the main area of events, both have RV sites and regular camping, and there's the NPS National Seashore/Ocracoke campground a little outside of town. There may be other options too that I'm not read in on. Be great to see everyone there - once they put out info on this year's event I'll do a post on events and maybe here too just in case. Yours, aye- John

Och Aye, only one at a time Mate . . . cats, that is . . . jees keeps one in reserves for the rats, a fews extras for whateveres winds and such! . . . now no'se ones be touching me dog, savvy!

Well spoken mates, and thank ye. But as for interest waning in any permanent degree, Nay I say! All is well and well on the way! I just spent a long weekend on Ocracoke Island, NC, where Blackbeard's last fight was reenacted with three wooden boats, one brigantine, one sloop, and one periauger! (The "Pirate Jamboree" on Ocracoke Island) So much action in the harbor that the USCG had to come and take a look - and lots of pirates, almost all historically-accurate ones, all over the village and the island all weekend. It was a great time, incredible the way the pirates basically took over the island for the weekend! And it was the first year of this festival, no less! So there are new events coming along, and new folks to them, and so I don't despair a'tall. The economy has hit all things fun, educational, historical, etc., very hard, as we all had to focus more on our day to day responsibilities. But things are coming back from what I see. Soon as the next POTC comes out, there'll be the crowds of curious types around more than maybe now. My observations of the recent times are that while there may be fewer CJS's about these days, there are more and more historically-accurate folks coming on board. As always, the dedicated souls at events like Ocracoke and Hampton and the like in other locales make all the difference - can't thank them enough for everything. And those that keep the Pub going for all of us. And, for ye record, thanks to ye all, mates! Yours, aye- John

Nay I say! All is well and well on the way! I just spent a long weekend on Ocracoke Island, NC, where Blackbeard's last fight was reenacted with three wooden boats, one brigantine, one sloop, and one periauger! So much action in the harbor that the USCG had to come and take a look - and lots of pirates, almost all historically-accurate ones, all over the village and the island all weekend. It was a great time, incredible the way the pirates basically took over the island for the weekend! And it was the first year of this festival, no less! So there are new events coming along, and new folks to them, and so I don't despair a'tall. The economy has hit all things fun, educational, historical, etc., very hard, as we all had to focus more on our day to day responsibilities, but things are coming back from what I see. Soon as the next POTC comes out, there'll be the crowds of curious types around more than maybe now. As always, the dedicated folks at events like Ocracoke and Hampton and the like in other locales make all the difference - thanks to ye all, mates! Yours, aye- John

Daniel, Ummm . . . "Aye" to all . . . basic rule is you should only anchor in a depth equal to 1/3 of your anchor line's length. Sooo, a 100 "fathom" anchor line (1 fathom = 6 feet, thus a 600 foot line) would allow you to anchor in a roughly 33 fathom depth, or approx. 200 feet straight down. All of this being the general rule, your basic starting point. Wind, weather, current, bottom conditions, how loaded your vessel may be (weight), etc., all play a role when you are actually going on the hook. Plus, are you putting out only one anchor, or a pair, or more? All in all, "more art than science" is probably best way to describe it. Yes, needs to be an acute angle, and yes, the weight of the whole thing and storage space are all limitations. Not to mention the number of crew, space for them on your capstan, capacity of your capstan, all of that. yours, aye-

You mean paisley-tooled leather baldrics are a no-go? but but but . . . ok, fine, as long as I can keep the yak femur in my dreads . . .

Ahoay All! Wishing a Happy Birthday to Commodore Swab!

"A Pirate of Exquisite Mind" or "The Life of William Dampier" . . . EXCELLENT! (and cheap-ish on Amazon). Give incredible history of a 'normal' pirate/sailor erstwhile gentleman of the Morgan era . . . really gives a context of what all else besides Morgan was going on then, and as he's just a wee bit younger than Morgan, his visit to Panama was 4 years behind Morgan and so on (who knew it had more or less become common for pirates or adventurers to cross the isthmus of Panama just four or five years after Morgan made such fame from it?). It is an invaluable look at the era, the terrain and nautical parts sailing and so on, and a real insight into the Indian culture, the day-to-day pirate/privateer/adventurer mind . . . even logcutters . . . and the Spanish too. Bottom line, every bit as good as the liner notes say it is. And I don't say that every day, if ever. Yes, Dampier is an amazing individual, but a thinking man among 'pirates' . . . educated more than most, yet who chose to be a pirate himself . . . likely more common than not in those days, for all the reasons Dampier shows us . . . Yours, Aye-

Oderless Eye- If ye have a computer, try it there. Sometimes ye can get them to work there. Usually they make ye pick yer region, so they can make sure to get ye restricted on the copyrights, but sometimes a laptop or whatever will still play an out-of-region disc, or give ye a few tries before ye have ta pick. And I don't know, but I'm guessing there's probably some bootleg app out there that will let you do it anyway. All the Best Mate-

There was a guy from the UK that was selling the Pedersoli-style QAs a while back that posted in the Thieves' Market on this site. One of the Rev War Charleville pistols are probably the closest/easiest to find, not saying it's actually easy to find them anymore, but they are post-GAOP and, for me, bigger and heavier than I want to carry all day. But they are way cool, and actually have an internal lock, not just a shortened wood stock with a regular face-plate lock like the Pedersolis have. Boxlock boot pistols are pretty easy to find, but most of them are later period too. Commodore Swab had some way-cool boxish-lock bronze pistols he was selling a while back too. aye-

Perry's of London still available, along with the brass turn-barrel boxlock. Can send pictures via email - I haven't mastered posting to this site and don't have time to study it now. Thanks mates! yours, aye-