Red John

I think navel flogging is a terrible practice . . .

Understanding that the latest handful of Osprey books doesn't count . . . Jewish Pirates of the Caribbean was a lot better in the end that I had thought as I waded through most of the middle . . . a very good insight into some behind-the-scenes power plays that had a very real effect on the Spanish Main, International relations, the Buccaneers and pyracy itself in that time. It's not a book about Jewish pirates per se, other than a few, but very much a book about how things really happened at the national/international level, with actual people, than one is likely to find in the usual books about the era. One of the few books I've found that gave some real insight into Cromwell's time and the English taking of Jamaica; gives good insight into Charlie II as well as a wealth of discussion about the various Spanish leaders. More detail on pre-English Jamaica and the early times there - Spanish and English - than I've seen anywhere else. Bottom line, hang in there, it's good information and a good story, even if not quite as 'rollicking' a read as "Empire of Blue Water" (a good work no doubt, although a bit more on the 'infotainment' side of the ledger to me - but nothing can beat the descriptions of the earthquake striking Port Royal). Another good recent read, "If a Pirate I must Be" (history of Bartholomew Roberts). Excellent balance of serious history with valuable, detailed information, and enjoyable reading. To me, aside from true academic works that have more footnotes than text, it's the best book on Roberts out there. Aye, Happy Thanksgiving friends-

Aye, good news on Ocracoke! Can't imagine a better place; great water, great village, great folks, and with the real history to boot! For those going, there is also the ferry from Cedar Island, just up the way from Beaufort, NC, It may be more convenient for those coming from a southerly direction, depending on where you're coming from. Just check the schedule at the www.ncdot.gov/ferry link. Also gives a chance to see where the Queen Anne's Revenge met its end, and the NC Maritime museum there (NC has a few spread along the coast, one Southport, one in Beaufort, and one in Hatteras (link below). http://www.ncmaritimemuseums.com/

Ugh, almost hate to ask . . . but I really just have two small questions: 1) has anyone ever figured out the deal with the Spanish "Sea Boots" that look to be a near-relative of the bucket boot? and, 2) what about the vast quantities of bucket boots that are reported to have been found in the waters off Port Royal, and dating to the time of the earthquake? The Spanish boots have gotten airplay here in the Pub, and the boots of Port Royal are mentioned in a couple places and also by Loyalist Arms (wonderful folks there I might add!). Anyway, if anyone knows . . . either or both might be the answer that yes, maybe they did wear bucket boots . . . maybe not on ship (very awkward and not useful) but when out on the town in port, maybe so? I mean, even Hollywood has to get their ideas from somewhere, right? And Pyle too, right? Ironically, this is all said as I work my small buckles onto some trimmed-down latchets . . . Thanks Mates!

Two Years Before the Mast is available for free on Kindle downloads . . . lots of books that are old enough to be out of copyright are there, a lot that you see Dover (great folks!) or other houses republishing. Not to encourage not buying repubs from the good folks kind enough to do that for folks like us, but if you have one or two that you wouldn't buy anyway, but want to check out, no harm done and maybe some good gained for those of us in the trade, or, rather, "on the account" . . .

Aye Cutter! I just picked off two, and might pick off some of your others once they are listed. The wee lad will enjoy the Pyle book and I'm looking forward to the British folk habits one. Many Thanks Mate! yours, aye- Red John

Aye! Can't wait to tell me neighbor that he's needin' to get that goat o' his into some decent attire . . . "Aye mate, but see here it's period correct!" . . .

Ahoay James! Recommend reading "The Republic of Pirates" by Colin Woodard next. Great book, and "IMHO" is even more engaging than Cordingly's book, which is an excellent book itself. And I have to say, as far as fiction goes, "The Price of Freedom", the novel "prequel" to the POTC movies, is an excellent read itself - it's mostly historical fiction until the end part where it has to be tied back in to the movie fantasy bit, which is a bit much for me, but on the whole the book is a very worth it. And as some of the other Pub mates comment in other threads, the 1990's film version of "Treasure Island" with Charleton Heston is great - of course it's the fictional story by Stevenson, and bit later than the actual "GAOP", but the gear they use, the behaviours, all the rest of their kit and so on, are all spot-on. yours, aye-

Wondering what anyone's opinion of the GG Godwin "17th Cent" shoe is? Found at: http://www.gggodwin.com/prod-805.htm Thanks mates, yours, aye-

Not having the source handy on a Sunday morning over coffee, I'll gladly stand corrected. That said, I have noted accounts regarding RN vessels that stressed that the 'japanned' or black or asphaltum painted muskets were kept in the common for the sailors' use (deck boxes or common stowage below, brought out as needed and not personally-issued to individual sailors), while among any Royal Marine contingent on board, they carefully maintained their "armory bright" finishes, even under the duress of sea service, as a mark of distinction of their status and 'separateness' from the common crew. I have to think that also because as Marines and not full-time sailors, they had quite a bit more spare time for such maintenance that your average sailor would never have, what with having to actually sail the ship and all, and likely would not care to invest his dear off-time in polishing a weapon not personally his own. Me, while intellectually enthusiastic about having a PC 'japanned' musket as part of my kit . . . everytime I pick up the brush and then look at me musket . . . I just can't face it . . .I just can't . . . the horror . . . the horror . . .

Aye Mate! Was there last year and had a blast - plan to be there this year too. Can't beat St. Augustine for a great town. The 'pirate battle' got a little confusing . . . but hopefully it will work a little smoother this year. Overall a fantastic weekend in a wonderful place. I wouldn't worry too much on the 'formal' wear - the dress code struck me as more a guideline than a code - and anything you're lacking, you can find there if you need to. Hope to see you there!

Is anyone seeing many of the "Middle Eastern" and similar flinters around? I mean somewhere besides hanging on a wall where they should be? There are a number of authentic antiques, and I'm not really talking about those. What I'm seeing is more and more of the 'new antiques' for sale from folks that are thinking they are legitimate antiques and not the "Afghan bring-backs" that they are - and sad thing is they are looking for real money for them, too, which leads me to believe maybe they actually paid real money for them. Granted, some are offered as "estate finds" but are still being represented as authentic antiques, which nearly all I've seen are not - they are typical Afghan and SW Asia cottage industry made copies of antiques. Interesting pieces all, but terrible fit and finish as far as being a functional firearm, even with the impressive inlays and acid-etched metalwork. More often than not the barrels are soft iron or worse yet "antiqued" electrical conduit. Also interesting is that a lot of them seem to have a few or more original parts mixed in - mostly from the periods of British 'incursion' into the areas during the 1800's. My concern is that I hope folks are on the lookout and that if any innocent sort actually tries or thinks they can shoot one of these that someone more experienced interevenes for the sake of everyone there! As to folks paying too much, well, I guess it beats going there yourself, but I hate to see anyone thinking they have Ali Baba's own blunderbuss or Barbarossa's personal jezail when it's just another Khyber Kopy. I can totally appreciate and enjoy hanging a nice piece of artistry off a baldric or stuck in a belt or over a shoulder for visual appeal as part of a pirate persona, but I do hope no one out there is trying to actually fire any of these that haven't had a thorough reworking by a competent gunsmith. yours, aye-

Excellent question - a jaeger's handy size would be ideal for shipboard use, but then the difficulty of loading a rifled weapon on a rolling deck or in the tops, as compared to a smoothbore, would be considerable, and the advantages of a rifled weapon over smoothbore at short ranges are of course not as great as at longer ranges. I think evidence (lack of mention in much of the historical record) and common sense (the factors above) weigh against using jaegers on board,other than maybe as an expedient until you found something more practical, but it is an intriguing idea. Interested in what the resident experts of the Pub have to offer . . .

Aye, please note that I never said "one blow" . . . all the accounts I've read say two blows, and usually have Teach's pithy quote(s) thrown in as well . . . and as far as swimming around the boat three times . . . I know at least that part is absolutely true . . . . . . the last time I lost my head, I did exactly the same thing . . . well, granted it might have had something to do with finding that bottle of rum just before losing my head . . . (yours, aye, and thanks mates!)

Foxe, thank you for your great work on this site and for your thoughtful comments.

Well said for most cases, but if this man were actually a Highlander - and wasn't forcefully disarmed by the authorities at home - could his attachment to his sword mean he brought it with him out of the dear affection of "that wyld race" for their own broadswords? They were using them well as late as '46 of course, on land anyway, and they generally all had their own, unless too poor to afford one or one wasn't passed down. My reading of the historical accounts, they usually make a point of mentioning the sword to explain how 'just' such a blow could actually take down a 6' plus tall battle-crazed killer like Teach. Only a broadsword would unquestionably have the heft to cleave him like they say was done - most of the usual swords of the day would likely be too light to cause such a dire wound to such a man with so little action behind it. Of course, just speculating on how it could be that a man on a boat in Virginia, sailing to Ocracoke, NC, could reasonably have had a broadsword with him. Me, if I was headed to take down the most fearsome "enemy of all mankind" of the day, in a wee sloop boat with NO GUNS (cannon, etc.) well I know I'd be grabbing me the biggest meanest blade I could to take on that trip at least! And every pistol I could beg borrow or 'appropriate' too. Even if my 'big sword' normally stayed home because it just didn't make sense to have it on a boat every day, I'd feel a need that day for sure. And it might make a difference that this was not an actual Royal Navy mission - it was a private undertaking put forward by Govenor Spotswood. As I recall the senior RN Officer in Virginia refused to do it, as conducting an 'arrest' of a pardoned citizen of another colony, on that colony's turf, and not anywhere near your own jurisdiction, would be of very questionable legality. So as this was a private matter, strict RN rules and standards might not apply as much as they might other times, and someone bringing a big sword from home for just that trip would be both reasonable and possible. But then again, a writer doing wee bit of romantic embellishment to the story makes a lot of sense too . . . broadswords generally being an odd choice for nautical use, looking at the dearth of them being mentioned other than in the Blackbeard accounts. And also as stated above, 'broadsword' refers to the blade, and there were all sorts of 'broadswords' which is why the Scots' swords are usually referred to as either "Baskethilts" or "Baskethilt Broadswords", so it very well could have been a broadsword blade with a very common hilt not so much a baskethilt as thought. Me, I like the first theory best. Just saying . . .

Aye, watched "the Sea Hawk" last night . . . and while I don't normally reference Hollywood movies as a source for much of anything . . . I did notice that . . . . . . in the first boarding scene in the Sea Hawk, the mate that was boarding with the short cutlass in his teeth . . . well, just as he made it to the Spanish gunwale . . . his blade flipped right out of his mouth as it caught on a line, or maybe he just dropped it . . . a case in point on 'still' art as opposed to 'motion' pictures (and real life) . . . it looked real cool until it didn't . . . . . . and all in agreement on the third-hand flashlight holder, done the same and still do at times . . . and as for actually 'going in' on an objective, I have to think they would only hold a knife for a minute or so while they needed both hands for something else . . . and a short minute at that!

Aye! I'll lay to that, just fine! Many thanks!

Ahoay! If a mate were to make his first venture to Fort Taylor, what might ye share with him on how it is, what goes on (aside from what the website says), best way and where to stay, and overall best way to make a good trip of it? Would be traveling from a few states away, more than a few demands pulling the other way as always, so more than a small sacrifice to make it - but most things worthwhile are I've learned. Not a newbie in general, just to FTPI - reenactor exp., pirate exp., black powder exp., etc., with a strong bent on the historical, not the 'glitterati', but strive to be pleasant to all. LIfe's too short to be otherwise. Many Thanks Friends, and much obliged- yr mst hum and obt svt,

Aye, very nice Hand Mortar! My highest compliments - the work is impressive. To those looking for the photo, you can try clicking on this link and then looking at all the galleries - our friend has the Queen Annes in one, and the Hand Mortar in another one. http://pyracy.com/index.php?/gallery/image/6163-queen-anne/ Nice brass work on the barrel. Can just see a grapnel hook blasting out of that one - and I bet the muzzle flash is something to behold. yours, aye-

Aye, "Republic of Pirates" is one of the best histories of the pirate account I've read - engaging and a page-turner as said. Just started "Empire of Blue Water" and while it's a non-fiction history of the Buccaneer era, it looks to be even more engaging and interesting than "Republic" was - a high standard to meet. Pleasant surprise too, as for me as for like most of us, the story of Morgan and Company is a pretty well trod path and I didn't think there was much any book could offer in addition to what I've already read in numerous sources. That was until I actually picked the book up and read a few pages, and had to get it! Just getting going on it and have to give it a rousing 'aye!' Next on the line: "If a Pirate I must Be . . ."

Aye Friend, garters is good! Jas Townsend has the leather ones, period correct, along with G. Gedney and most other 18th Cent sutlers. You might want to think about putting a stitch or two in them to attach them to your boots where you want them - that way you don't lose track of them, which can be easy to do. My current bucket boots actually had leather garters already attached when I got them, just for this reason! All the Best Mate, aye-

Aye Mates! A normally historically-accurate minded soul such as I am never thought he'd be makin this recommendation, but in all honestry, "The Price of Freedom" - the 400 or so page novel of young adult, 'lawful merchantman' Jack Sparrow, was one of the best fiction reads I can recall, especially in the pirate realm. Yes, just like with the movies, you have to just go with certain dramatic conventions, but outside of that, it is very very accurate to the times and the trade - how many times do you hear of a traverse board in fiction? - and it is solid throughout. The very last bit, where the very-believable tale has to be wed to the beginning of the movie series is a bit much for me, but not anymore 'out there' than the movies themselves. Good story, good character development of Jack, good interplay of pirates among themselves and the lawful, good insight into the non-pirate culture of the times, a bit of mystery, good intro of characters we see later in the movies (Angelica and others), good sailing. Getting hard to find in stores, but on ebay or amazon for only a few quid most days. yours, aye-

Aye Mate, if you haven't found one yet, there's an outfit selling regimental Continental line frock coats that are like $200 on eBay and look to be quite good. Not HMRN specification, but if you take off little hearts on the turn-backs - and don't turn them back - you're pretty darn close - and you're dead-on for the GW look if you get one with the right colour turn-backs (buff or white, not red). But G. Gedney Godwin sells an actual Naval coat - undress and maybe dress too - that should be spot-on, although it costs a little more. All the Best- yours, aye, -John

I just have to second the caution on using railroad ties - the creosote is a significant fire hazard and would make anytime you're handling your gun very messy indeed - not to mention it just sitting there smelling all the time. Also, most of the ties you can buy are used and have huge voids and rotted places in them, either where the spikes were or sometimes further in. While they may be fine for your yard, there is no way they would stand the stress of firing - and your barrel would be flying free - toward the rear and probably the house! - as soon as the powder went off. On the whole a terrible idea. Second caution - I wouldn't use any 'treated' wood either - the arsenic and copper in the treating is 1) very toxic if you get a splinter, better get it out right away, better wash hands after handling, etc., and 2) the treating makes the wood significantly weaker - like 25-30% weaker. And if it's not 'kiln dried' after treatment - and most all of it's not - you have wet chemical to deal with when you're working it into shape, and then it goes through a shrinking and 'checking' (those cracks running with the grain you see) process as it dries out. Another bad material. Now if you can find an old-style 'ground mill' saw mill, working with green oak wood, they can cut you what you need at likely a decent price too - but it'll be green, and heavy! And you'll have the shrinking/checking drying process too, but much much less than with treated wood - and natural wood gets stronger as it dries. If there isn't one of those around, some old-style lumberyards (not like "sLowes" or "HomeCheapo") can often order custom-cut wood from a mill for you. Not cheap, but for the kind of stresses an operational gun will put on a carriage, the kind of wood you need to make sure everything stays in its place and it's fun shooting it for years to come! All the best, and hope all goes well- yours, aye-