The Judgment of La Buse, The Original Documents!

I recently received permission from Damien Vaisse, Directeur, Archives départementales de la Réunion, to publish these copies of the original judgment of Olivier Levasseur on Reunion Island in 1730. 

These are scanned copies of the originals. As you can see, they are not the easiest things to read!

As a friend of mine said, the handwriting is ridiculous. For a translation, please see the featured post, Judgment of La  Buse. 

Enjoy!

Savate - The Martial Art of Pirates, Pt. 2

Here is a video I was pointed to that explores some Savate techniques, including a short segment on how it would have evolved from being used on board ships.

I remember watching this show years ago. I'd forgotten about this episode. It certainly brings back memories!

Enjoy!

Fight Quest Episode 6

You know what You can do with It

David Johnson of Port Royal, Mariner, &c. maketh Oath, that on the 9th of Jan. 1712. being on Board the Sloop Charles, whereof this Deponent was sole Owner, and Anthony Smith, Master; 3 Leagues to Leeward of Withywood, on the said Island, and laden with Sugar, Rum, and other Commodities, the Produce of the Island, taken in at Blewfields in order to transport them to Port Royal: which said Sloop and Cargo was worth 4214 l. they met with a Sloop commanded by Monsieur Norat, and Commissioned out of Trinadado, who took and made Prize of the said Sloop and Cargo.

            That upon Application to Lord Archibald Hamilton, late Governor of this Island, he obtain'd a Letter to the Governor of Trinadado, demanding Restitution of the said Sloop and Cargo. That the said Governor of Trinadado, instead of a Compliance, abruptly answered, that the Governor of Jamaica was not a Gentleman, that there was not any Gentlemen in Jamaica; and that he might take his Demand and wipe his A-se with it. This Deponent further saith, that he never had any Satisfaction for the said Vessel and Cargo thus illegally taken, and further saith not.

           

"Deposition of David Johnson [before John Warner]" Jamaica. August 9, 1716. Knight 1726:54-55.