Captain's Order Book      

29  July

 

Cha. Hudson, Esq., Captain of his Majesty’s ship Richmond.

 

Orders to be observed on board and put in execution by the respective commanding officers, the lieutenants and master having each a copy of them; and the master to supply a lieutenant's place till the complement is complete.

  1. The first lieutenant to make out a watch, quarter and chasing bill (latter sea service only) for each event. Events involving host vessels will follow the historic watch schedule from 4 bells into the Morning Watch to the end of the First Watch at night, unless otherwise announced. Watch Bills will be followed for the day's activities.

 

  1. Mates and midshipmen, petty officers and men, to be classed in two divisions (one division if under 5 hands attending); each division to be under the direction of a lieutenant or midshipman.

 

  1. A log will be kept during each watch for each event. The Gunner will enter on the right side of the page and the watch officer/commanding officer on the left side of the log. The Master to write his rough log for the Captain's approval and the writing of his own smooth log, the equivalent of which is the After Action Report (AAR).

 

  1. The lieutenants commanding the respective divisions to see that the clothes and bedding of the men under them are to be adequate for the event's evaluations and weather conditions and berthing areas agreeable to the supplied pre-event instructions and the clothing requirements contained in the Richmond's fit out sections as listed below:

REQUIRED FIT OUT – Sailor Ratings and Warrants:

Shirt. May be plain or small checked in period workman's design made of 100% linen or cotton.

Trousers or Petticoat Breeches. Trousers should be cut above the ankle, front fall or French fly; petticoat breeches or "slops" (fall front or French fly) cut below the knee, in 100% natural linen (natural grey [oyster - slight tan or beige in colour]) or cotton in off white, or vertical small stripes. Plain brass buttons is the first choice (as pewter buttons did not hold up well constantly exposed to the elements at sea), or varnished pewter buttons. Pewter is fine for summer weight linen canvas sea jackets, linen canvas foul weather coats (even preferred for such a heavy duty coat), and on trousers.

Shoes. Round toes with rubber heels (soles too if possible) or non-skid stick-on pads for the soles and heels during events aboard vessels. Under no circumstances are exposed hobnails allowed aboard ship.  Rough side out for ratings, smooth side out for officers, midshipmen, and warrants.

Kerchief. Worn about the neck, 36" X 36", does not have to be black in colour, viz., red and blue backgrounds having white or coloured designs, in 100% real silk, linen, or cotton.

Hat. Tricorn without edge lace binding, tarpaulin out of canvas, or round hat in felt (no brim edging except Marines sea dress), painted, varnished or tarred black.

Jacket. Peacoat, Sleeved Weskit, or other workman’s type coat in blue.

Sea Bag. Canvas in 100% cotton, linen, or hemp fabric (mixed weave fabric of these acceptable) with sewn eyelets or rolled hem for the natural fibber draw rope. 

Knife. May be a sheath knife or a folding knife. The latter, and most commonly used, if worn to be tied to a small stuff cordage lanyard worn around the neck. For a topman persona, or others that would be required to go aloft (Richmond members DO NOT go aloft on host vessels), a sheepsfoot bladed knife with marlinespike upon a belt (1 1/2” to 2” wide in black), having tarred lanyards marline attached to the belt near these tools.

Canteen. The British kidney design in tin, or stainless steel ONLY IF japanned or covered in white or madder colour wool. Carry rope in natural fibber. Alternate canteens may be any design, material (cooper in contact with liquids is considered a health risk, and should be lined with tin or other suitable materials to seal off the copper) or configuration upon which competent primary research shows were in use during our period. Any materials not in use during our period MUST be covered as described above in this paragraph. YOU MUST HAVE A FULL CANTEEN TO TAKE PART IN ANY EVENT.

Period Eating Utensils. Tin cup, wood, tin or cooper (lined with tin inside) tankard, pewter or wood spoon, period knife and fork, wooden bowl, tin plate or wood square plate, &c.

One or more of the following weapons:

Cutlass. Figure-8 Pattern. Also will need a black leather belt with brass buckle with a frog on it for the edged weapon, such as would be issued out of the ship's armoury. A two inch belt with frame buckle of brass with double frog built in for both cutlass and bayonet is correct as is a narrow one {1 1/2"} with slide on frog with the belly box {Seven Years War surplus used by the navy.} is also acceptable.

Musket. British 1770-1780 sea-service pattern.

Cartridge Box (for Musket). Belly-box with proper belt and buckle.

Boarding Pistol. British sea-service pattern, as available in our era - 1775 to 1783.

Waistbelt. Only if boarding pistol or sheath type knife is carried (knife does not count as the required weapon), 1 1/2" to 2" width in black leather, small brass "D" buckle.

Other Weapons such as boarding pikes, boarding axes, and musketoons (blunderbusses) may be used, as long as their use by the Royal Navy can be documented.

Hammock. If you desire to stay overnight on any of the host vessels the Richmond may be aboard for an event, a hammock of period design and materials will be required. A pattern for making a hammock may be found on the Richmond site as well information on ready made hammocks of surpurb quality and historical accuracy for purchase.

OPTIONAL ITEMS:

Camp Gear. 18th-century shelter, blanket, food, lantern, canvas bucket, hammock, &c.

Waistcoat (sleeveless). Naval design if possible, in solid colours of red or off white, in 100% linen or 85% or better wool.

Overcoat, Watchcoat, or other Foul-Weather Gear. Of period workman's design in 100% natural materials of cotton, linen, or wool (85% or better).

Ditty Bag or Ditty Box. For personal items. Haversacks are not to be worn during shore party events. Only ditty bags, from 7” to 14” tied to the belt (see above) is acceptable. The use of haversacks are not correct usage. Refer to the Richmond’s site for pattern and ready-made availability.

Waistbelt. Not common and only if sheath type knife is carried, 1 1/2" to 2" width in black leather, small brass "D" buckle.

REQUIRED FOR MARINE ENLISTED:

It is important to understand that the highest standards of authenticity and correctness reasonable will be observed by this organization.  All exposed stitching will be hand sewn or hand over sewn.  All materials must be as historically accurate as possible given the availability and proper manufacturing methodology.  The percent of non-historically accurate fiber should not exceed 15 percent. One hundred percent historically accurate fiber is the goal.

The primary uniform of the Marines of H. M. S. Richmond is that of the Marine sea service uniform.  The members may acquire the regimental uniform, consisting of Battalion coat, etc. at their leisure and as funds may be available.  The regimental uniform is not a requirement of membership and is not a substitute for the sea service uniform.

Members should look to the Officer or Senior NCO for the Uniform of the Day for a given event, or any deviation from the stated uniform regulations.

Head Gear:

The standard headgear of the marine contingent is that of a black round hat, the brim of which is to be bound in white linen.  The round hat may or may not also bear a white flume with a red base[i].  The crown should be rounded in the style of the period. (A)

Coat:

The standard coat for enlisted Marines is that of standard British wear, cut in the pattern of a coatee and faced in white.  The buttons shall be placed in twos and the buttonholes laced with marine lace.  All coats shall bear standard red wool epaulettes. The enlisted coat shall bear pewter “fouled anchor” Marine buttons. (B)

Waistcoat:

The standard waistcoat shall be that of the standard military waistcoat made of white cotton or slightly off white wool. Small fouled anchor or plane buttons should be used. (C)

Breeches/Pants:

The pants shall be that of period naval wear. Both breeches and pants will be worn. Breeches should conform to standard British military patterns in white cotton or wool. The pants should extend slightly over the top of the shoe and be loose fitting.  As with the waistcoat, they may be made of either white cotton or slightly off white wool.  The pants should be constructed in a front fall design.  (D)

Shirts:

The required uniform shirt should be of an English period pattern consisting of woven in 1/4 inch red and white checks. English pattern, White dress shirts with ruffled cuff and collar are also required. (E)

Stocks:

The standard black military stock will be used. (F)

Stockings:

The stockings are to be of the standard period pattern of white thread. Wool or cotton is acceptable. (G)

Shoes:

The required shoes are of either left/right or straight last, period footwear in black. Smooth side out is suggested. Brass shoe buckles; rectangular in shape must be used. (H)

Spatterdashers:

The spatterdashers are to be black with black buttons, “v” cut just over the ankle. (I)

Leather:

The cross belts are to be of buff leather.  The bayonet carriage is to have a single frog and bear the badge of his Majesty's Marines in brass[ii], bayonet scabbard, and bayonet.

The cartridge box shall be that of the standard battalion box.  There is no waist belt or belly box as part of this uniform. (J)

Weapon:

The service “ Brown Bess” shall be of the Marine/militia, second pattern, or sea service pattern. No firearm may be used that was not expressly designed and proofed for Live fire with Black powder (K)

Canteen: Metal kidney type, black Japanned (reference the Richmond site for procedure for Japanning). Natural fiber rope.

Haversack: Period size and style. Natural linen.

[1] This will not be held as a uniform requirement until a consistent and accurate supply can be provided.

2 The Coatee is a shortened version of the Battalion coat. For the most part, they were made from older Battalion coats. They are cut to six inches below the bottom end of the lapel. Generally, this will require shortening the depth of the pocket and squaring of the skirt. Marine lace is in the process of Mfg.

3 The currently available oval Marine plate will be used until a more accurate version can be produced. Brass for enlisted, White bronze for Officers.

(A) James Townsend & Son (1.800.338.1665) or Listed Richmond Hat Maker

(B) Smoke & Fire Regimental Coat, SF-201 (1.800.766.5334)

(C) Smoke & Fire  SF-202 or Eagle View PM68

(D) Breeches: Eagle View PM73, Pants: PM73 or Smoke & Fire SF203 (Both Modified)

(E) Checked: Eagle View PM61 White dress: Kannik’s Korner 1750-1800 English Mans Shirt

(F) Any supplier of Quality

(G) Any Supplier of Quality

(H) Fugawee  (1.800.749.0387). If difficult to size, see Captain or Captain of Marines

(I) G. G. Godwin, http://www.gggodwin.com/

(J) G. G. Godwin, http://www.gggodwin.com/

(K) Loyalist Arms, Cabellas

(L) Buttons: Fouled Anchor, Pewter. Jas. Townsend & Son.

(M) Textile Reference: Textiles for Colonial Clothing, Sally A. Queen , ISBN: 1 096 58197-4-4

 

  1. Midshipmen, or in their absence, senior mates, to keep a list of the men belonging to their own division, and muster a report to me before the close of the forenoon watch on the first full day of an event as to the state of the men's clothing, bedding, shelter and mess arrangements.

    Such as are found careless about their clothes or dirty in their persons to be punished through the boatswain's mate by order of the midshipmen commanding them. If habitually so, to be scrubbed in a tub, by order of the first lieutenant; but if any are known to sell or traffic in any way with the clothes mentioned in the report, to acquaint me with it.

    It is recommended to the mates and midshipmen to cause the men under their care to take precautions to prevent infestations of lice; and to get so well acquainted with their character and disposition as to be able to answer, at any time, such particulars as may be required concerning them.

  1. The Articles of War and rules of discipline (Richmond’s Bylaws & this Order Book), as likewise such of these orders as relate to the men, to be read once in every event [publicly and distinctly; to be hung up in some publick part of the ship or camp].

 

  1. To discourage by example and authority every tendency to vice and immorality in those under you, particularly swearing and drunkenness; for which purpose, let a collar be made use of, agreeable to the custom of the navy in such cases.

 

  1. If any Seaman or Marine gets drunk on board or on shore, he is to be taken care of till sober, and then to wear a collar for two hours of the time that the ship is open to the publick. If drunk a second time, the following morning to be ordered in custody of the master at arms and brought upon the quarter deck, where the purser's steward is to serve him, in presence of the commanding officer and the ship's company, a tot of salt water, which he is to drink. If drunk a third time, to be reported to me.

   Warrant officers are expected to show a good example. Mates and midshipmen never to fail in ordering - by permission of the commanding officer - the collar on such as swear, or in reporting such as are in liquor. Whoever is known to countenance of pass over either of these vices, will be looked upon as unfit for executing the duties of his station and be discharged from walking the quarterdeck.

  

  1. Proper respect to be paid to the chaplain. Every support to be given to him.

 

  1. The ship or when on shore duty, the camp, to be kept very clean in the inside as well as without; with each watch detailed to do so as may fit the event evolution and the host vessel's commanding officer or as addressed in the watch bill; and to preserve by frequent visitation of the boatswain and master's mates, from within and in the boats, that appearance which a king's ship or camp ought to have.

 

  1. The ship's ventilators to be kept continually worked - particularly when the weather will not permit the ports to be open. A midshipman frequently to attend to see it performed.

 

  1. The bedding to be rolled and stowed on deck every day when the weather will permit; at other times below deck per the watch bill.

 

  1. Berths are to be as assigned by the host vessel commander; officers not to exceed the size allowed by the navy board. Petty officers to inhabit their own berths; so that the seamen may not be deprived of the space allowed them, which at best is found full insufficient.

 

  1. When at sea, the men are to have canvas bags for their clothes, in which they are to keep their wearing clothes, accoutrements, and when reporting aboard, with bedding wrapped around the outside of the sea bag if not found to fit inside.

 

  1. The commanding lieutenant to keep the security of the Richmond's powder and stores. A midshipman to attend the delivery of all stores aboard ship.

 

  1. After the master at arms has reported fire and lights, a midshipman to observe at least four times in each watch.

 

  1. No officer, petty officer or seaman to have leave of absence, without my permission. When on sea service, none to lie out of the ship without my knowledge. Not more than half of all hands on shore on leave at any one time during event hours, including those who do not return to their time. Such men as do not return to their time to wear a badge of disgrace, so that the ship's company may know to whom, they are indebted for having their leave abridged. Such as attempt to run from the ship to wear this badge during hours the ship is open to the publick .

 

  1. Leave only to men who behave well. Men who behave badly on leave will be punished, and have their leave stopped for the future.

 

  1. Every boat in the care of the Richmond, except the guard boat, to be hoisted in before the watch is set for the first watch.

 

  1. Boats not to be at the calls of men going or coming on pleasure: but liberty men may take the opportunity of boats going on service.

 

  1. No midshipman to appear on the quarter deck in any coloured clothes except blue and white, nor go upon duty out of their uniform. Commissioned officers to show them an example.

 

  1. Men not to take up slops or tobacco in excess of their pay, 'without my order.' Whoever takes up either for the purpose of trafficking or selling will be severely punished.

 

  1. The boats' crews' shirts to be of the same pattern in the check, and all to have caps of the same kind.

 

  1. Marine sentries are to be clean in their uniforms. In wet or bad weather, they may do duty in their sea dress.

 

  1. The marines do garrison duty in port; the duty of the ship is to be done by the seamen, who are exempted from night service, except in extra-ordinary circumstances.

 

  1. The Marine officers are to exercise their men at every convenient opportunity. Men that are not seasoned to be taken out daily until they become expert in their exercise.

 

  1. On each day of an event, the lieutenants of divisions are to exercise their men at the great guns when available, with the small arms, edged weapons and boarding/repelling boarders. Whenever this duty is omitted, it is to be entered in the log, with the cause of the omission. The gunner and his mates to attend in instructing the men in matters of ordinance.

 

  1. The topmen and boats' crews to be exercised at every convenient opportunity in the use of small arms.

 

  1. The lieutenants of divisions to instruct the officers under them: - To preserve silence at all times, and give attention to orders.

 

  1. In firing against an enemy, the guns are to be pointed on the hull, near the mainmast. No discharge of any gun when the opposing force is closer than 200 yards, musket or pistol when the opposing force is closer than 50 feet. Aim is always over the heads of the opposing forces.

 

  1. A gun is never to be fired when out of distance, nor till well pointed.

 

  1. Sponges are never to be allowed to become dry in time of action. A cartridge is never to be carried out of its box.

 

  1. The commanding officers in general, the lieutenants of divisions, to punish lesser crimes through their own authority; by the boatswain and his mates, or by confinement; so as to prevent the too frequent use of flogging.

 

  1. When men are sent to do duty on shore or on board any other ship, the midshipmen, in whose divisions they are, are to be sent with them. Seamen from other ships serving aboard the Richmond during events will pass inspection of their assigned Divisions with regard to fit out and kit gear prior to taking part in the event.

 

  1. No men are to be entered in events that are not complete seamen [cook excepted], active and good in health.

 

  1. Every member of the Ship's Company H.M.S. Richmond will be supplied with a signed copy of these instructions, and will acknowledge receipt in the same manner of receiving it.

 

  1. No woman of any kind to be permitted to continue on board, who are not wives to the officers or men.

 

  1. The coxswain of a boat is answerable for his crew.

 

  1. Any man beating another is to be severely punished by the master-at-arms, 'who is to carry a stick for this as well as the other purposes of his office.' If the man who is beaten attempts to redress himself, he also shall be punished. No fighting nor quarrelling shall be permitted on board or at an encampment.

 

  1. Such men as behave well will have the preference in every kind of indulgence, and in leave. Those who behave badly will not have leave till they reform

 

Given on board His Majesty’s Ship Richmond, off Cleveland 29th day of July

Cha. Hudson, Esq.

Original version, issued 29 July 2001

Making All America England

 

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