Capt. Sterling

It was early when Hazzards and Symms, the captain's steward, arrive to wake Sterling and help him prepare to leave the Archangel and move to a more reputable inn to recover and wait out the refitting of the ship. Taking their time, in spite of their captain's urgency to get the ship into the yards, Sterling is finally dressed and ready to be escorted from the 'Angel. With utmost confidence in his first officer and yet regret that he is unable to see to the business of the moment, Sterling presses into March's hand the necessary letter of introduction for Sir Henry. "Do us proud Master March," Sterling says. "Aye sir, I shall do my best," the first officer replies. "Of this I have no doubts Andrew," Sterling says. He casts one last glance over his ship before he turns and offers his hand to March. "You rest easy sir," March says. "I shall come see ye after I have a bloody good chat with ole Sir Henry then." "Thank you Master March, " Sterling says and finally allows himself to be ushered back to the streets of Port Royal.

As for Caboots... WATCH OUT!!! unless you can purchase something off the shelf DO NOT GO THERE FOR PRODUCT! I had them make me a pair of 17th century boots for a highwayman impression... THEY SWORE UP AND DOWN THEY COULD DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the end result....LOOKED NOTHING LIKE THE RESEARCH I SENT THEM, WERE THREE WEEKS LATE, AND I GAVE THEM A DUE DATE ONE MONTH EARLIER THAN WHEN I NEEDED THEM AND THEY SWORE THAT DATE WASN'T GOING TO BE A PROBLEM AND THEY NOT ONLY DIDN'T FIT BUT TURNED MY ANKLE INTO BLOODY PULP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So I guess you could say I would NEVER recommend them! Just my two cents.... Hector

Mistress McKinney had done as he requested and had retired to The Three Crownes for the night. Sterling, still aboard the Archangel, went over the letters in his head as he laid back to sleep again. The first, a simple letter of introduction for Andrew March to Sir Henry, requesting that the Admiral be so kind as to help Mr. March obtain the necessary letters of Marque in Sterling's temporary absence. With high praise, Mr. March was presented as a man to be trusted to act properly on his captain's and the Archangel's behalf. The second.... he tried to make himself as comfortable as possible as he remembered it, hoping it would get his point across without sounding too much for what it truly was. If only She could understand his situation.... surely she, of all people.... he sighed, his head beginning to ache again.... sometimes he truly wondered why she loved him so much. Mistress Catherine Gray, The Empress Care of The Empress of the Seas Coffee House Two shops down from My Lady's Mantua Shop on the corner of King and James Streets Facing the Great Piazza, Covent Garden London, England Empress, Habibi, it is with urgency that I have someone put pen to paper on my behalf. I pray that this letter finds you and Sarah in good health and security. I would say the same as regards to mine own state of affairs, if I could. Habibi, I am in desperate need of capital as my last endeavor to take some prizes resulted in naught. On the morrow, The 'Angel puts into the shipyards for a much needed refit and I send Andrew March to see to acquiring several new Letters of Marque. It is my solemn prayer that I may be able to obtain said letters on credit as Sir Henry Morgan is more than anxious to fill the needed complement of ships and men to safeguard Port Royal, now that the Oxford is destroyed. Habibi, I know this is the second letter this month that I have written regarding this distasteful theme, but you know that I am not a wastrel with the coin you provide me. Please help me once more as, other than you dearest lady, it would kill me to have to sell shares of the 'Angel to investors to attain the cash needed to not only keep her afloat but in the hunt. Tell Sarah I love her and that I send my apologies that I could not enclose any small token for her or for yourself. Habibi, I know things must soon come about in the Archangel's favour, until then I beg that you be long-suffering with me and forgive me for placing you in such an undesirable place yet again. With utmost respect, As well as my heart, Yours, John He closed his eyes, hoping soon, he would hear from her. Surely she would send the money he needed and perhaps, just perhaps, she would also explain why Mistress McKinney was in Jamaica and why she had not warned him.........

She again soothed his brow with a cool wet linen. "I arrived just two days ago. I thought it best to leave London and perhaps find my fortune here in Port Royal. It has been a long voyage, but I have found lodgings at the Three Crowns and soon will speak with the local magistrate about opening up a theater here for those longing for a good thespian to entertain them all." The Captain's eyes closed for a moment, then opened slowly as if he once again tried to forcus on the figure in front of him. The silence from him made Lilly bristle. "Do not think that me coming here to aid you in your time of need has made me change my mind, Captain." She whispered. Suddenly his face fell. As if she had struck him straight across the face. "It is just by chance I was in the Pub when you took leave of your senses. I was the only one brave enough to assist you." The Captain quickly grabbed her hand as she tried to take the linen from his forehead. "Then...you feel nothing for me, Mistress?" She froze for a moment. He let go her hand and pressed the heels of his palms against his eyes. "Beggin yer pardon Mistress. Tis the sickness speaking. My head is not yet clear, I think." Inwardly he cursed himself, for such a ridiculous outburst. Had she not already refused him twice? She had always been kind in her let down. Surely he could be just as polite and thank her for her compassion and consideration for taking the chance to see to his well being, regardless of her true feelings. "Would you be so kind as to ask Master March to come see me? I have some business that he must see to regarding letters of Marque from the Govenor. I take it... " he grimaced at the absurdity of his statement but proceeded with it any way. "I take it that the Archangel has not made her way to the shipyards after all?" "She has indeed Captain. As a matter of fact, Master March is out looking for lodgings for you. With out the need of a quarantine, you are to be moved somewhere comfortable to recover while the ship is tended to." For a moment he brightened. He had not caused any major delays. There was still the chance to take up Sir Henry's offer.... "Perchance I may trouble you a while longer, Mistress. Would you be so kind as to write a letter or two for me?" Sterling asked.

We'll just fill in when you're busy but please feel free to jump in when you can.... Sterling suffers from bouts of malaria, which he allows to go to extremes because he's usually busy taking care of others and forgetting about himself.... the disease is something else he picked up in Africa.... So when you can... we look forward to you adding your two cents and more...

Don't you fear none. We're all here to learn as well as have fun. If you be new to the pub, try reading the threads in Captain Twill as well... you will learn a lot.

He opened his eyes and sat up.... slowly. It was dark and as he shifted someone else, close by, stirred as well. "Who is there?" he said. His voice harsh, seemed to stick in his throat, his mouth dry. "Lay back and rest easy," came a woman's voice. "I shall pour you some more of Robert Talbor's Secret Remedy. I've a bit more opium left until the morning. A minute. I must first tend to some light." Sterling, taking the woman's advice gently lowered himself back down onto the mattress. "How long this time?" he asked. "Long enough. According to Mr. March, longer than usual," came the reply. "Mr. March? Skittles?" he asked, no longer able to place the voice He blinked, his eye sight faltering as a candle was brought to bare next to him. He closed his eyes for a moment longer, hoping to see clearer when he looked about himself again. He knew he was on the 'Angel. He was all too familiar with the feel and sounds of his ship. And yet, there were no other women onboard save for the first officer's wife. He looked up and felt himself grow suddenly tense, his heart pounding in his chest. "You? But how...."

Okay, some one take Winston out and box his ears!

captain rolling eyes.... Lilly just smiles back at her Captain. "Very well...so I'm a handful...'tis what you said you liked!" Said I liked a handful with me.... not everyone else... I certainly need to be rethinkin what I said...

captain rolling eyes.... I'm a glutton for punishment, where you're concerned....

Go with sandals or buckled shoes... bucket top boots were about 70 years OUT of style....

Maybe it was the way the sound carried in the "room"... all the other aspects... ship, walls, room size, and water can affect the way the track sounds including sound effects and sound tracks....

Still arguing the harbour master and the tavern owner took up Sterling by hands and feet and carted him off to a room toward the back of the inn. For a moment, everyone in the tavern breathed easier. Without the aid of the doctor, Sterling soon slipped into a coma...

What Is Your Seduction Style? http://www.blogthings.com/whatisyourseduct...ctionstylequiz/ There you go folks, and yes Christine, I did steal your quiz site....

Your Birthdate: February 7 You are an island. You don't need anyone else to make you happy. And though you see yourself as a loner, people are drawn to you. Deep and sensitive, you tend to impress others with your insights. You also tend to be psychic - so listen to that inner voice! Your strength: Your self sufficiency Your weakness: You despise authority Your power color: Maroon Your power symbol: Hammer Your power month: July Seems pretty pyratey....

Some costs, circa 1660s, that may help... from England though... but should give an idea for now until we find more specifics.... 5s bought a pair of worsted stockings 15s bought a pair of silk stockings 19s bought just over 4 ounces of silver lace 20-30s bought a man's hat, unless it was beaver, which cost 4pounds 5s. 1-3pounds a man's periwig 30s bought a pair of boots 40s bought seven pairs of women's white gloves, six plain, one embroidered 45s a "fine Scallop" 4 pounds a woman's country suit 8pounds 10s a velvet cloak 12 pounds a yard was the value of fine Flanders lace (poin) 9 inches wide 17 pounds a man's plain suit and cloak 24 pounds a man's silk suit Food 1d bought 1lb of cheapest cheese, or three red or white herrings 2d a flounder 4d a pound of the cheapest butter, or a pint of cream, or a quart of whey 5d a pound of brown sugar 6d a leg of beef, or a cauliflower, or a lemon, or two oranges (only one in the theater) 8d a pound of sauages 9d a pound of bacon 1s a chicken in a market, or a chop, bread and cheese and beer, in an inn; or a pint of oysters 1s3d was the controlled price of 12lbs of cod 1s6d an ox tongue 2s bought 1 pound of pepper 2s6d bought a pound of coffee (but it could cost up to 6s8d) or a pound of chocolate (perfumed kind cost up to 10s) 3s4d a 4pound loaf of sugar 5s bought a dinner of roast beef for four, in an inn, or 100 eggs, or 100 asparagus at top price 10-16s bought a whole lamb, but it was usually sold by the quarter or side 20s the ingredients for an elaborate twelfh night cake 5 pounds bought the ingredients for an elaborate dinner, and supper for eight 7pounds a month covered Samuel Pepys housekeeping bills

Well Gregory King's Scheme of the income & expence of the several families of England' calculated for the year 1688 states Common Seamen had a yearly income per family of 20pounds per year. and the yearly income per head was 7 pounds with yearly expenses per head of 7 pounds 10 shillings.. so they seemed to be spending more then they made ... I realize this is not pyrates but it might help put things in perpective when the pyrate figures roll in....

It did not take Sterling much time before the lass with the beautiful green eyes seemed to relax in his company. He looked her over, she was indeed striking for someone of her class. Surely she could move up quickly in London as a courtesan, he thought. And yet, he noticed her eyes would not fix on his for long. Mayhaps it was the scar or then again, perchance it was the young major making such a fuss over Sir Henry's remarks during the church memorial. That was fine with him. Let her give her treasures away for nothing to the man in uniform, Sterling was willing to pay and pay well... now that he had enough. And the more he spoke with the charming Colleen the more she seemed to soften. And why not? He was tall, slender, well made and despite the marring of his face, he was still someone most of the ladies found very appetizing. And surely only a handful of people here would know he was disinherited, a situation that could always change for the better since Lord William was still very much alive. And unlike the major or any of his ilk, Sterling was well educated, his manners polished, his language refined when he chose it to be, and the Empress had made certain that he visited the very best tailors in all of London. He paused in thought for a moment, pressing his fingers to his brow. "By all that tis Holy, " he thought to himself. "Perchance Andrew March was right." Still his other needs far outweighed his discomfort at the moment. Surely it was just the heat? He placed a gold coin upon the bar top betwixt him and the young lady and waited to see if her eyes would widen. But before she could snatch it up Sterling heard a cheer go out amongst the men in the room. He turned to see Sir Henry enter the Tavern. "Captain Sterling... may I have a word with you, sir?" Sterling watched as the crowd of men parted like the Red Sea to make room for the Admiral. They raised their glasses to him, some even daring to pat him on the back as he passed, like old friends instead of the idolizing fools that some of them were. Sterling brought his hand to his forehead again and then cast a glance at the barmaid. She also seemed to be taken by the likes of Sir Henry Morgan. Yet all Sterling could think of now was the urging in his loins and how to politely tell Sir Henry to bugger off. Instead, out of habit and a good upbringing, he bit his tongue and turned.... his breath catching in his chest as he felt himself shudder. He blinked as a coldness embraced him. Surely anything Sir Henry had to say could keep at least until the morning... or at least until he had... he glanced at the barmaid again. With a sigh he pulled his coat tightly about him, the cold now hugging him like a vice. He continued to watch Sir Henry. "JOHN STERLING!" He heard the voice come at him from a distance. Surely?!? ..... Lilly ?.... and as Sir Henry finally came alongside the captain, Sterling turned once more, shivering violently, to look about for the fair owner of the voice he knew all too well, then, suddenly, he crumbled and fell to the tavern floor....

Excuse me whilst I drool.....

He was over taken by several of his officers as he left the church. Since he was closest to the door, he had hoped to disappear long before the mob exited but he was hailed by his first officer before he could even turn the corner. He greeted Mistress March with a kiss, then turned his attention to the excited ravings of his crew. "Greetings Captain Sterling." The small knot turned and watched as the gentleman from the shipyards approached and informed them that they now awaited the arrival of the Archangel for their care. The time was set for her to sail to the yards and the man left bidding them a good evening. "See, sir, " Andrew March began. "Did I not be tellin ye things would change for the better for the 'angel?" Sterling fixed his gaze on his first officer. Had he not been waiting for just such news? And yet, "well enough then," was all he could think of to say. There were still Letters of Marque to obtain. He stood, no longer listening to the others as they continued their praises for Sir Henry's challenge. Pompous arse, Sterling thought quietly to himself. Surely he would see to it that the Letters of Marque were denied to Sterling for some reason or other. The captain could already imagine the sting of his own class betraying him yet again. "You will excuse me gentlemen, " Sterling finally said, weary of discussion of the service. Had he not just stood through most of it? Was there a point to hashing it about over and over again this night? "See to it that all unnecessary hands are turned off this evening to find lodgings until the refit is completed, Master Hazzard. They still have time to bed down some where in this town. Give the men some extra money to cover any expenses." "Captain?" Mr. Hazzard remarked, amazed by his orders. "I cannot afford to lose good men to other ships, whilst they lay idle in this port as the 'angel is being treated for Teredo. My word, Sterling thought, what would I not give for a copper hull in these waters. "Aye sir, " Hazzard said in acknowledgment. Sterling turned to Andrew. "I have some extra cash stowed away see that it is dividy up equally." "I will see ye in the morning then," Sterling said and broke away from his officers. He had not gone far when he felt Andrew March's hand upon his shoulder. "Captain, I think it be best yer comin home to the 'angel tonight," March said, keeping his voice low. "I be thinkin ye could do with a rest from the looks of ye." The captain turned to face March, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "Thou hast over stepped thy bounds Master March. Presume not to make decisions over my life!" "But sir...," March continued. He moved closer to his captain and lowered his voice further. "John yer not fit. Can ye not tell?" For a moment, Sterling's features softened. "Tis the heat, Master March. Nothing more." "Then why do ye be shivering?" March countered. "Fool's talk, " Sterling snapped. "A meal is all I need, a drink and some," he heard himself falter a moment as the words caught in his throat. "And some fair company. I'll be back on the morrow to see to the 'angel. Now be off with ye afore ye cannot say the same." He continued on, leaving Andrew March to stare after him. When he came to The Three Crownes, he entered. The place was in an uproar as a toast to King and Country was called for. He glanced quickly at the young officer raising his tankard amongst a crowd of all too eager men. God he could do with a drink himself, twas hot and yet he pulled his coat closer about himself. He made for the young lady at the bar. She was certainly charming enough.

"My dear Master Hand, you must forgive me yet again," Sterling said, hearing the church bells toll. He pulled a card from the deck he kept in his pocket, and scrawled his name and the Archangel's on the card's blank back. He laid it down upon the table next to the suit. "I am truly interested in making the purchase, sir. If ye would be kind enough to send word round to me ship, regardin yer askin price, I would be most grateful and so would the lads. Now I must be takin me leave of ye, as I must away to the church for the service. I knew some of the men lost and it would not do to not pay my respects." With a bow, Sterling glanced once more at the all too necessary red suit and then at the tall man before him. "Perhaps another time, you will tell me yer story." And then he was off. Still uncertain as to the lay out of the land, he followed the bells, pausing only long enough to stop at the goldsmith. Hesitantly, he removed his left glove and slipped the golden band from his third finger. "How much can ye give me for this?" he asked, his voice barely loud enough to be thought even a whisper. The apprentice left in charge whilst his master had gone ahead to the church, picked up the wedding ring and looked it over, then grinned at the captain. "Havin a spat with yer good wife?" he asked impudently. Sterling felt himself bristled, the heat made him uncomfortable beyond normal, and now this pup.... "My wife died. In childbirth along with my son," he said. "I have more pressing needs such as ready coin, than to keep something such as this ring. I do not need it to remember my Anne." A deal struck, he had more than enough for the suit, and then perhaps, .... He skidded to a halt outside the church. He could already hear the service in progress. "Damn, " he whispered under his breath. "Late again!" He moved just inside the church, taking his place close to the door. Already Sir Henry was in mid speech. My word how much had he already missed? He scanned the crowd as best he could and saw several of his officers present along with Andrew March and his wife Skittles. Sterling nodded slightly as the young girl finally spotted him in the rear of the church. He watched as she leaned upward to whisper in her husband's ear and then saw Andrew gently take her hand in his. The captain watched his first officer and his lovely wife, then suddenly felt the horrible sensation of the missing wedding band. He grasped at his hand, through his gloves, where the ring no longer was. "Oh Anne, why did ye leave me?" he thought to himself. And then he could bare the heat no longer, removing the great gray beaver hat, he began to try and move the air about him.

Just purchased The Sea Rover's Practice, pirate tactics and techniques, 1630-1730, by Benerson Little. Looks impressive... has any one already read it? Opinions?? Hector

Forgery???? ME????

Sterling took up the red coat with care and slowly looked it over. "This would do Master Merriweather, the elder, well indeed. It is so skillfully made, that in time it may even come to serve the younger brother as well. I hope we can come to one accord concerning it's purchase price, sir. Tell me, how come ye by it?" He looked quickly across at the other man. "Forgive me, I be not a suspicious man, but just one of a curious nature. I did not mean to be rude. Tis just, such a fine garment, that I would think anyone would be all too sorry to part with it."

Ah now Richards, that is where period correct be better... there arn't no bloomers, or knickers ... what could be more easy access than just lifting a skirt?