Swashbuckling Author

Hello friends, and welcome to my official MySpace page which frames my present and upcoming Swashbuckling literature projects!

Just below here you will have a chance to sample some of my upcoming projects, which are not complete, by any sense, and still need refining . . . . However, since all my efforts have been tied into my lastest project (The Adventures of Monsieur de La Donaree the Musketeer, which has just been published), I have not had time to perfect anything else. Think of this as a sneak peak!

To learn more about The Adventures of Donaree, just take a look at the right side of your screen - where I get into some detailed information about the story. But sample chapters of my two main projects (Donaree & Captain Skull) are located directly in my blogs. Or, you can just visit my web site.

But, here's more:



All written text and Artwork by Ted Anthony Roberts is Copyright© 2009

THE SEA JOURNAL

A Swashbuckling Adventure Presented by: Ted Anthony Roberts

THE ANTICIPATED & LONG AWAITED FINAL CHAPTER, OF THAT WHICH HAD BEEN PUBLISHED IN FORMER YEARS, AND KNOWN BY ITS FORMER TITLE: THE SEA JOURNAL.

TAKEN FROM TWO DOCUMENTATIONS, AS TO BEING WRITTEN IN THIS SAID SEA JOURNAL, BY THE HAND OF AN UNKNOWN PYRATE, WHICH HAD PROVED, AFTER THIS LENGTH OF TIME, AS BEING AUTHENTIC HISTORY.

AND OF A RECENT ADVENTURE, WHICH THE AUTHOR HAD EXPERIENCED FIRST HAND, AND WHICH CLOSES THE MYSTERIES WHICH LAYED BEHIND THE MENTIONED SEA JOURNAL.

EDITED AND RELEASED, BY HIS MAJESTY'S KIND PERMISSION, THROUGH SIR JOHN ROE.

LONDON, A.D. 1701

THIRD EDITION PUBLISHED BY THE “ADMIRAL’S STERN,” LONDON, ENGLAND, PATRICK JONE’S STREET.

AND NOW SET FORTH, WITH UPDATED REVISIONS AND MODERN SPELLINGS, BY TED ANTHONY ROBERTS; A.D. 2009.

DISCLAIMER FROM SIR JOHN ROE: As to the publication of this third edition, I must admit to my readers that names written within all three publications have changed to protect those who have wished to remain unknown, seeing as most of these said individuals are still living even unto this day. Therefore, this being so the case, if there are names which match those who remain alive in public life, or who even have recently passed on unto the heavens, then it is of an entire coincidence, and of no intentions whatsoever on the editor’s or publisher’s part, that they are listed herein.

Author's Preface to the Third Edition: I must apologize to my readers, who may find my researches to be a bit scattered, for I should, as any dandy journalist might, to have all my studies prepared before I even dared dream of a first publication back in A.D. 1689. However, some news has just but recently surfaced to my attention within the past five years, and I would be but a wretch, and a scourge to the journalistic science, if I did not do my duty and recall what incredible events that had happened to myself concerning the before published Sea Journal.

No, I did not find yet another Sea Journal to bring forth to my reading public, but rather I believe that I have actually found the man, as incredible as it may sound, of whom the Sea Journal was actually written by!

So, before I even begin to tell this story in its entirety - of the chance meeting with this interesting individual, and of the difficulty that I had even getting to see this said individual - I will first republish here, in this third edition, for your reading pleasure, the contents of both the first and second editions of The Sea Journal; but especially for those – as few as they may be - who have not had a chance to enjoy them as of yet. And then, as an after-thought, I will readily tell my readers of my incredible adventure!

Sir John Roe, London, A.D. 1700.

THE SEA JOURNAL: Volume I

THE SURPRIZING & HORRID PREDICAMENT, BEING FOUND ABOARD THE THOMPSON OF HIS MAJESTY'S NAVY, AND KNOWN ONLY AS THE SEA JOURNAL.

HAVING NO KNOWN AUTHOR, AND DESCRIBING, IN RIDGED DETAIL, THE ANTICIPATING, HAIR-RAISING REALIZATION OF ONE ABOUT TO BE OVERTAKEN BY PYRATES.

EDITED AND RELEASED BY HIS MAJESTY'S KIND PERMISSION THROUGH SIR JOHN ROE, LONDON, A.D. 1690

PUBLISHED BY THE “ADMIRAL’S STERN,” LONDON, ENGLAND, PATRICK JONE’S STREET.

Author's Preface to the First Edition: I have gathered, through persons I wish to keep unknown, a rather large journal, similar to that of a ship's log (but one which was not kept by a captain), that contains, within its massive volume, only a couple of pages of written words. But these words, few as they may be, prove to be of fact and truth, and are to be considered a rather interesting and somewhat horrid predicament. The "Sea Journal", as it now has come to be known, was found well hidden in a wooden chest that was aboard the Thompson: a large man-of-war of his majesty's navy. It is said that the chest was removed from a captured Pirate Ship, and was found in the largest of its cabins, which did contain many interesting things. But, as noteworthy as they indeed are, none even compare to the curious "Sea Journal" in question. This unique narrative issues, with true suspense, a rare account of what it is like to be overtaken by murderous bandits. And, as interesting as the documentation reads, the ending abruptly stops in a mysterious like manner. But to which ship was captured by these rogues also remains a mystery, for many ships were released from the port of Bristol around the same time, and several of these were announced missing at sea. So, as to whom the unfortunate victims were, and to the curiosity of many other questions, will, thus far, remain unanswered. With this in mind, and even though the work has no known author, I would like to present for the first time to the public the contents of this most fascinating Journal.

Sir John Roe. London, A.D. 1689

THE SEA JOURNAL: Volume I

23 July 1673

It has now been two days since we have started out to sea; I have been waiting for this moment all my life, and it is because of this reason that I have decided to write all my adventures and explorations into this journal. In the days that will follow, one must forgive my shy narrative, for I am unfamiliar with a seaman's way of phrasing myself when I speak of the wonders of the ocean. But I will explain its beauty to the best of my ability. When we had started on our journey from the port of Bristol two days ago, I was very uncertain of what was going to happen in the days to come, for I have never been to sea before, and in my youth I have merely observed it from a distance. But those first glances, as short as they were, gave me a knowing feeling that one day the high seas would become my destiny. And here I am, filled with greedy anticipation to readily grasp the world of sailing, grip its tail, and to let it take me withersoever it desires - which in this case is the island of Jamaica, lying in the West Indies. Upon learning that there was a ship charted thither, I was one of the first people to sign up to go over. But I am not going as a mere visitor - no - I have given up my past life, and I am now to become a sugar planter in that garden of Eden. What a grand life to start anew!

[It is completely strange, and of great fascination, that this man, whomsoever he may have been - or rather "is" - has given us no clue to his real identity at this particular time in his telling; the positioning place of which it would have been grand to set. - Sir John Roe]

These first couple of days has been harsh on me, however, and I have become very ill, and can eat not a thing. I heard some of the crew members say that I have an illness which they call "sea-sickness". But whether the sea can actually make one sick or no, I cannot fully tell. However, my suspicions are that it is the constant rocking of the ship that unease’s my stomach, making it ail so. And I believe that the taunting of the ship's mates are hardly justified in saying that the sea releases sickening fumes that causes this illness, and overcoming this can only be achieved by one getting what they call "sea-legs". But to where I can purchase such a thing, they did not say. On the other hand, they did laugh plentifully and said that I was a "land-lubber", and when I inquired of what they were referring to, they added that this name was a compliment for a gentleman who has never been to sea before. But when they started laughing again, I doubted what they said. At this last stroke of laughter, however, I bellowed out toward them: "I am no fool!" and I said this with such a force that their laughter did cease. Encouraged by this silence, I continued: "I may not have ever been to sea before, but I challenge any of you to give me one good math equation." At this, a cloud came over their heads, and even though there were eight of them of whom I addressed, I stood my ground and let not their hateful looks intimidate me. On the contrary, I boldly and very angrily went on: "One does not have to be born at sea to be termed not a fool; I am an Accountant from London, and I say proudly that each one of you would be lost in my world. Can any of you deny this?" And nay a one said a word! Instead, they broke up and went their separate ways. I was glad that they did not try to start a quarrel with me, for I was still weak from my illness at this time - this being only four hours ago - and still I am feeling bad, but I seem to be doing much better now.

24 July 1673 - 5:25 A.M.

It being now morning, I think that I will get myself up on deck, to try and take in some refreshing morning air. I will continue to write more in my Journal perhaps later this afternoon.

6:43 A.M.

I know I said that I would wait until this afternoon to write more, but a rather strange occurrence has happened that I thought I should write about. A ship has been spotted, that might perhaps be a Pirate ship, but I cannot jump to any sort of conclusions - but you never know in these waters! I will go and take another look.

6:55 A.M.

They are getting closer, but they are waving an English flag, and that settles any theory that it is a Pirate ship, as many of the passengers had feared . . . but wait . . . I just heard some of the ladies scream . . . I can hear up above me the men saying that the English flag on the other ship just dropped, and they have instead hoisted the black flag, of skull and cross bones! I must go and take a look.

AN AFTERTHOUGHT BY SIR JOHN ROE

As I had mentioned, the narrative ends in an abrupt manner. The reader, no doubt, can begin to guess – along with a great amount of imagination thrown in, no doubt – what may have happened next. Of our great interest in the literary world, we should add this small portion of this Sea Journal, for, as I have before said, it delivers, as any reader can perceive, a very rare account of the anticipated feeling of one being overran by murderous bandits; even if the thought is horrific to some.

Again, my thanks go out to those before mentioned individuals who have brought this journal to my attention; and a special thanks must be delivered to His Majesty, our King William III., for royal approval of publishing this work, seeing as it was found on board his naval vessel.

THE SEA JOURNAL: Volume II

THE SURPRIZING & HORRID PREDICAMENT, BEING FOUND ABOARD THE THOMPSON OF HIS MAJESTY'S NAVY, AND KNOWN ONLY AS THE SEA JOURNAL.

HAVING NO KNOWN AUTHOR, AND DESCRIBING IN RIDGED DETAIL, THE ANTICIPATING, HAIR-RAISING REALIZATION OF ONE ABOUT TO BE OVERTAKEN BY PYRATES.

AND OF A SEPARATE JOURNAL FOUND RECENTLY, WRITTEN BY THE HAND OF AN UNKNOWN SEA-RAT, A SELF-CLAIMED PYRATE, WHO DESCRIBES HIS LIFE INCREDIBLY CLOSE AS TO BEING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR OF THE BEFORE SAID SEA JOURNAL.

EDITED AND RELEASED BY HIS MAJESTY'S KIND PERMISSION THROUGH SIR JOHN ROE, LONDON, A.D. 1694.

SECOND EDITION, PUBLISHED BY THE “ADMIRAL’S STERN,” LONDON, ENGLAND, PATRICK JONE’S STREET.

Author's Preface to the Second Edition: To my utter surprise, and unbeknownst to me at the time of my settings-forth of the first edition, it was brought to my attention, by a strange looking lad, of another Journal, keenly familiar to the first. The book was rather sea-worn, by its undesirable appearance; however, when turning over the leaves of this brittle book, I was struck with such an awkward cord, I knew in a moment that I had at last found more pieces to the puzzle!

Where this strange looking lad, who appeared to be perhaps thirteen years of age, had obtained such a book, I cannot entirely tell, for he was extremely silent about the matter, but did mention that after I having had published the article concerning the first Journal, I would be readily interested in reading this one. And he is entirely correct.

I will say no more concerning this work, but rather will let my readers determine for themselves the value of such a composition.

Sir John Roe. London, 1693

THE SEA JOURNAL: Volume II - August, 1673.

It has now been about two weeks since I have joined this Pyrate crew. I know not what day that it actually is, but I do know that we are in August. I have practically lost track of the days, for this adventure has been turmulous, and extremely nerve wrecking. Since I have left Bristol not too long ago, I never dreamt that I would be replacing a life of a sugar planter for that of a life of Piracy. I perhaps will not be able to write much in this new Journal of mine, for I do not know what to think of my new crew as of yet, but I will try and document my adventures as much as possible when I get a chance to. As of now, I am writing this in a very dim light, one candle that I was allowed to have by my bunk side, and of which is a fresh piece, and hopefully will last me for a while, and because of which I will be able to continue to document my days - for I know not what my fate shall be hereafter. Yesterday, I d.....

AN AFTERTHOUGHT BY SIR JOHN ROE

The rest, I am sorry to say, has been damaged by sea water. We perhaps will never get a chance to learn who this fascinating person is.

THE SEA JOURNAL: Volume III

Presented by: Sir John Roe, A.D. 1701

Author’s Forward: As I had promised, before I presented the contents of both the first and second editions of the Sea Journal, I would relate a rather peculiar journey that I had taken only a few months back. And with the permission of the before said individual, I will relate to my dear readers a most interesting tale. And as to the publishing of these first two editions, which was several years ago, they have already had time to circulate throughout his Majesty’s kingdom, even to the English speakers of his realm which are scattered abroad throughout the known world, including the America’s and the Western Indies. And these publications have surprisingly, and much to my joyous astonishment, become a much demanded work from the public abroad as to be in print. I have taken all these requests into serious account, and have re-printed as much as I thought should be printed to fill such demands, and sending copies to every port imaginable. But I also knew that if I did not publish this third edition, I would certainly be doing my readers a great injustice by holding back this incredible adventure story that the author demands is of truth, and is of considerable interest.

With these considerations in mind, I ask the reader to set aside whatever thing it is that is occupying them, and which is diverting their attention elsewhere, and place their mind upon this book, which has taken me an entire year to edit and complete (and five years to write), and I will take this said reader – that is you, my friend – to tropical locales (which I had just within a year returned from), and to dangerous sea ports, to stormy oceans, and not to mention my running into murderous pirates!

And, yes, you have guessed it, I have written all these adventures into my own Sea Journal, and am now publishing the highlights of the most fascinating days of my journey as I experienced them abroad in my search for the writer of the former Sea Journal.

Sir John Roe, London, A.D. 1700

THE SEA JOURNAL: Volume III - January, 1695

I have just finished publishing the second edition of The Sea Journal, as that lad of about thirteen years did deliver that curious second volume to me not too long back. But I have just recently heard some news that I know is of life-changing events, especially for a journalist and writer such as myself, and so I have decided to write down the events of the upcoming days into my own Journal, for I believe that the documentation of these days will prove to be of extreme value to my readers as I am about to set out on a sea voyage into unknown territory for myself.

I almost feel like the writer of the first edition of the Sea Journal, who was a bit shy in his narrative when he wanted to describe the beauties of the ocean, for I too, being a literary man stuck in the suburbs of our London city, am unfamiliar with a seaman’s way of phrasing myself when it comes to the deep blue, and of all the trimmings that boldly accompany it. Therefore, I will concentrate on my story rather than on such nautical matters, which I will leave to more literary sea-going writers, such as my contemporary Mr. Poison Jones, who’s publishing company is located not too far from mine, and who claims to be himself a literary Pirate, having just recently published his famous article, which he had called “A Piratical Duel,” and that describes the famous duel between two Pirate captains: Dan Wayward and Captain Raymond.

But now, on to the life-changing news, as I am sure my readers are anxious to hear about. It would seem that because of how many editions of the Sea Journal that have been circulated, a copy actually fell into the hands of the mysterious writer of both editions of the Sea Journal. At least, this is what my source tells me. And also my source further tells me that the man can actually be found

TO BE CONTINUED . . . .

AN AFTERTHOUGHT BY TED ANTHONY ROBERTS, A.D. 2009: As can be seen from a brief mention in the first entry of volume III of the Sea Journal (that is, of Sir John Roe’s narrative, and the beginning of his own adventure to find the mysterious writer of the Sea Journal), that he had actually mentioned the famous article written by Poison Jones, a literary Pirate, of whom had described in detail the duel between Pirate Captain Dan Wayward (who proved to be the writer of the first Sea Journal) and of another pirate named Captain Raymond. This article of Poison Jones proved to be as widely published and read as Sir John Roe’s Sea Journal. And since this article has everything to do with Captain Dan Wayward (again, the writer of the Sea Journal), and seeing also that it was the captain’s greatest claim to fame during the golden years of his piratical roaming, I thought it fit to republish the article here in this new edition of the Sea Journal, to the interest of the modern reading public.

A PIRATICAL DUEL, by Poison Jones; edited and Presented by: Ted Anthony Roberts, A.D. 2009.

Forward by Ted Anthony Roberts: The following article was first published in "The Glass Sea,” in London, England, on July 6, 1692, and was written by a literary Pirate, who went by the infamous name of Poison Jones, a man who often wrote such articles periodically, having had them published in this small paper – which was a smaller publication from a rather obscure publishing house called: The “Porkman’s Vessel.” The reading public of this era were fascinated with the exploits of Pirates (as also can be seen by the words of Sir John Roe in the forward of his third edition of the Sea Journal), and would spend tons of English shillings just to have their hands upon recent written text of their adventures: whether it was true or not - for it mattered little, just as long as the story was fresh and was taken from what was most recently rumored. But this article in particular, shooting far above anything Jones had written in the past, had grasped the attention of the entire British Isles. The two Pirate Captains (the two duelists in question) it would seem, were always quarreling, and had decided once and for all to end this petty feud by having a final duel to the death between them; and when news of this confrontation had reached the ears of the English people, it caused a rather large commotion. For years these two men were always being talked of in every English, Scottish, Welch and Irish town; but this was to become their greatest moment in the eyes of the public - especially since the Pirates themselves were from Britain. At first it was only rumored that the two Captains had clashed; but then rumor had turned into reality, and inquiring British people craved for details.

This is when Poison Jones stepped in. He saw his fortune in this opportunity, and could readily see English purses pouring their hard earned money into his. Now, whether Poison Jones was really a crew member of one of these Captains, or was even there to witness the incident, it is hard to say; we merely rely on his short narrative, and accept it for truth. When the article was finally published, the number of sales climbed so quickly that the press could not print fast enough to satisfy the mobs of people who stood in the streets yelling for them.

When read today, this short article still enhances fascination, creating wonderment at a period when Piracy was heading toward its zenith – which came to its full power in popularity in the early 1700’s.

Also, we must remember that this duel took place not too long before Sir John Roe actually met Captain Dan Wayward; so when the two men met, this duel would still have been fresh on the captain’s mind.

And now, set here before us, is the contents of this article, detailing the breathtaking duel on that “unforgettable afternoon.”

A PIRATICAL DUEL by: Poison Jones

Edited and Presented by: Ted Anthony Roberts, A.D. 2009

An account of a fantastic duel that took place betwixt two Pyrate sea Captains:

Captain Dan Wayward and Captain Raymond.

And how one stands the victor - proving himself as to being the greatest of all Pyrates!

Published in “The Glass Sea.” A journal and publication of “Porkman’s vessel.”

London, England, July 6, 1692.

Set forth by Poison Jones.

AND NOW PRESENTED WITH UPDATED REVISIONS BY TED ANTHONY ROBERTS, A.D. 2009.

I would very much like to confirm the rumor that was said about the late Captain Raymond, a vicious and murderous Pirate, whom, it was told, was killed last month by the infamous Pirate Captain Dan Wayward, in a duel betwixt them to the death! As I am me-self an eyewitness to this entire affair, I would like, in this short article, and as I had before mentioned, to reveal what took place on that unforgettable afternoon:

As that hot sun beat down strongly upon me mates and I that day, two large galleons that belonged to these two Captains pulled along side, but not too near, a deserted shore line in the Caribbean; but to which shore we pulled near, I will not here say, for truly it is a hideaway to many a sea-rovers, and that even now! And onto the hot beach sand we all went, me mates and I, to be witnesses of this great quarrel. I am me-self a crew member of Captain Wayward, and it is to him - the glorious victor - that I dedicate this here story; for verily, there can be no other mortal on earth who can wield a demons blade such as he! And it was this day that he hath shown the proof of it.

As I said, we all stood on the beach, betwixt four palm trees were we that shielded the sun from our eyes. Raymond’s men stood behind him, and Wayward’s men alike stood behind him likewise.

“Whom do ye think will win?” said a mate to me. “Whom do ye think?” says I. “Nay a one.” quoth he, laughing. “But maybe,” continued he, “they will kill each other, leaving us to decide upon a new Cap’um.” “Is that what ye wish, man?” says I, a great surprised at his saying. “I guess it doesn’t really a matter, dost thou think?" me mate asked of me. "For one rotten Cap’um is just as good as any other!” says he. “Aye.” agrees me, confirming me mates statement. But then it left me a thinking that captain Wayward was the best captain that ever I had. So then I now disagree with me mate’s thinking.

The two captains stood gravely on guard, facing each other, not even moving a single muscle, and eyeing each other with this same sternness. Their blades were both unsheathed and crossed at this time, and both Captains were holding rapiers - cutlasses not being the choice of a Captain, mind ye.

Captain Wayward, being a gentleman, as ye should well know, did let Raymond begin the fight, for he did not swing his rapier at all at the man until Raymond slashed at him. So, at this, the duel officially began. Of course, the entire mob of pirates on both sides were screaming and yelling their own captain on. And I was in voice too, even though I knew what the outcome would be, seeing that me captain is the best swordsman ever. And don’t think to yer self, man, that I be lying for the captain, as to saying he be the best, for he is, says I - and the day, as I have said before, proved that my words ring true. For as many a mate can testify, Raymond is no goof behind the blade; many a dead men could verify this, if they be able to speak at all from their dried up bones, that is!

After only about five minutes of this ruckus, Raymond did seem to me to be getting a bit shimmered, as a land-lubber would appear to be upon his first vessel a-sailing; especially if he had no stomach for the sea. And Raymond kept falling back after this short time to the threatening blade of Captain Wayward, which really pressed on him hard.

Only three minutes more could Raymond hold on, when Captain Wayward gave him a gusher through the middle of his gullet, of which we could see by the way Wayward’s blade passed through Raymond’s throat, and all was a done. There was silence on both sides at the sight of this picture before us, for Raymond, even though I knew he would fall, it still does a fascinating thing to the mind when you see such a great swordsman fall. And I guess he deserves a moment of silence for the great things which he did, no-how. Even though many would consider him nothing more than a murderous bandit and thief and pirate, and the fate he received was but too light a punishment for him, yet to see this man in action might prove otherwise.

As to what happened next, Captain Dan Wayward then gave the crew of Raymond an ultimatum – either join his crew, or there would be a fight to the death betwixt the two crews this day. Being a bit intimidated by the skillful blade, and of the authoritive nature of the captain, it did not take long for the other crew to give in to being another crew for the captain. And giving the command to his first mate, and splitting the crews in twain (as to seeing it would be safer to divide the crews in half), Wayward would then be able to have two captain’s shares of bounty for his take.

ANOTHER AFTERTHOUGHT BY TED ANTHONY ROBERTS: Here ends the narrative by Poison Jones, which did open the door to Sir John Roe’s third edition of the Sea Journal. The combination of the two pack a walloping punch from an age when Piracy was in full swing, and of an age when people craved for detail, and from an age when journalistic science was most appreciated, and from a time when writers like Poison Jones and John Roe filled an ever growing need of first-hand piratical accounts.

Also, check out my website for more future Swashbuckling stories! Such as this:



Read the first two chapters of this upcoming Swashbuckling story!

I EVEN HAVE A SWAH COMEDY ON MY SITE FOR YOU TO ENJOY, CALLED "THE ADVENTURES OF LE MARQUIS D'IDDELLY DU SQUATT!



And now, here's a Piratical Poem for your Swashbuckling pleasure:

THE SEAFARERS, by Ted Anthony Roberts

I was born upon the High Seas,
Looting and stealing, just to please.
A Pirate, a killer - the Seas Bleed!
Privateer, Buccaneer, but I'm free.

Hoist the Jolly Roger away,
A skull, crossed-bones, and a blade.
Bone white, silk black, how it appears,
Waving high in the sky, causing fear.

As a boy I was taught in their ways,
To plunder, and to fight with a blade.
A deckhand, a Seaman, just a lad,
Juvenile delinquent, a seed gone bad.

The sea rolls on, sailing a Spanish Galleon,
We live as thieves; robbing, taking bounty!!

Now I'm a man, first mate, appointed captain,
Years of waiting, it finally happened.
Crew of Pirates, appetites for blood,
Swearing, cursing, and drinking Rum.

English vessel in sight upon the ocean,
We attack with canon, and explosions!
Once on board, we loot the hoard,
Survivors walk the plank, we party the more!

Our galleon sails on, through the aqua blue,
Looking for more ships, the which we shall loot.
We murder, we kill, young and unaware,
Blood fills our paths - THE SEAFARERS!!

The sea rolls on, sailing a Spanish Galleon,
We live as thieves; robbing, taking bounty!!