Ask the Author: Joseph A. Williams
Answered Questions (3)
Joseph A. Williams
Hi Brian,
Sorry for the delayed response. The Laurentic was in Lough Swilley because it was transferring sick personnel to the British naval base in Buncrana. It wasn't actually supposed to stop there, but some crew members had contracted a "spotted fever." For the second question, Damant's memoirs indicate a somewhat hostile relationship between his party and the majority Irish Catholics and he is somewhat denigrating to them. Irish partisans did attempt to pirate Damant's crew -- or it least it was strongly implied since they were surrounded by fishing boats. Most of his party, however, got on well with the Anglo-protestant Irish. So none of this was unexpected. Then as for the border, yes he was worried about that but Ireland at that time was part of the Irish Free State, which was considered Commonwealth territory so they could still work the wreck and it was considered British property.
Thanks for asking!
Sorry for the delayed response. The Laurentic was in Lough Swilley because it was transferring sick personnel to the British naval base in Buncrana. It wasn't actually supposed to stop there, but some crew members had contracted a "spotted fever." For the second question, Damant's memoirs indicate a somewhat hostile relationship between his party and the majority Irish Catholics and he is somewhat denigrating to them. Irish partisans did attempt to pirate Damant's crew -- or it least it was strongly implied since they were surrounded by fishing boats. Most of his party, however, got on well with the Anglo-protestant Irish. So none of this was unexpected. Then as for the border, yes he was worried about that but Ireland at that time was part of the Irish Free State, which was considered Commonwealth territory so they could still work the wreck and it was considered British property.
Thanks for asking!
Joseph A. Williams
Hi Alphonse,
Sorry for the long delay on this reply. It's been a few years, but from what I recall "Mug" originated at the USNA as "Midshipmen Under Guidance" and then was adopted by the New York Nautical School. Mug as a term was used by them at least as early as the 1890s which shows on archival documents at Fort Schuyler.
Sorry for the long delay on this reply. It's been a few years, but from what I recall "Mug" originated at the USNA as "Midshipmen Under Guidance" and then was adopted by the New York Nautical School. Mug as a term was used by them at least as early as the 1890s which shows on archival documents at Fort Schuyler.
Joseph A. Williams
Sure! Let me know where to send them and I'll make arrangements through my publicist. I can have them send Seventeen Fathoms Deep and Sunken Gold. Four Years Before the Mast is a few years out and was with an academic press so I'm not sure if they have any review copies.
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