Artifacts
Well Dressed Men Civilian Extant Garments Gallery
“Dr Maturin is waiting for you, Di,” said Cecilia. “He is walking his horse up and down in a fine new bottle-green coat with a black collar. And he has a new tie-wig. I suppose […]
Primary Sources
Artifacts
Well Dressed Ladies Extant Garments Gallery
“It was a good dress, a light, flimsy version of the naval blue, with white about it – no black, no concessions to Mrs Williams, for it was understood that at a ball any woman […]
Battle of Trafalgar
Lieutenant Paul Harris Nicholas’ Account of the Battle of Trafalgar
This first-person account of the Battle of Trafalgar comes to us from Lieutenant Paul Harris Nicholas, Royal Marines, who was serving aboard the HMS Belleisle at the time. It was given aboard the HMS Bijou in 1829. I was […]
Artifacts
Royal Navy Uniforms: Lord Nelson Album
Lord Nelson’s reputation as one of the greatest naval minds of the Napoleonic Era is not a modern invention. He was considered a hero during his lifetime, long before Trafalgar, to the extent that many […]
Life and Duties
A Contemporary Account of a Ship’s Cook
His knowledge extends not to half a dozen dishes; but he’s so pretty a fellow at what he undertakes, that the Bare Sight of his cookery gives you a Belly-full. He cooks by the hour […]
06. The Fortune of War
Account of the Action Between HMS Macedonian and USS United States
“…Then United States, forty-four, and our Macedonian, thirty-eight, had a fight off the Azores, and Macedonian struck to the Americans. Two of our frigates and a sloop have struck to the Americans, and not one […]
Primary Sources
Sir Joseph Banks and the Art of Tattoo
Sir Joseph Banks was a naturalist who undoubtedly inspired the character of Sir Joseph Blaine, Stephen’s colleague in several endeavors. But the real Sir Joseph Banks made a unique contribution to modern culture as discussed […]
Documents
Passing For Lieutenant
“You refer to the swearing-in. No. That applies only to lieutenants – you go to the Admiralty and they read you a piece about allegiance and supremacy and utterly renouncing the Pope; you feel very […]
Dr. Stephen Maturin
The 26 Commandments of Irish Dueling
“Ideas upon matters of honour are altogether different in the two kingdoms. Before now I have given Englishmen provocation that would necessarily have called for a meeting in Ireland, with no result. We should call […]
02. Post Captain
Captain Moore’s Account of the Action off Cape Santa Maria
*SPOILERS* Captain’s Log Friday Oct. 5 1804 P.M. Light Airs and Calms. Employed Blacking the [Beams B%] – St. Mary’s NNE 5 Leagues A.M. Light breezes and Clear. Squadron in Co[mpany].