Ashore with Friends

Today's post penned by S. Diatz 

who portrays our Ship's Purser N. Armitage

"..as we were encamped for a while, to tend to ship's business on dry land, I renewed my friendship with Mr Alan Spencer..who visited, and brought some cooling hard cider, with him. It made a few hours musing, pass by quickly, until some proper evening's entertainment beckoned him and his charming wife, to the playhouse, in town..A splendid couple they are, and a boon to know them..". 

"..the always-charming Mrs Spencer, attended a fine evening's entertainment, that next night, with her husband, in town..where only the best of folks congregated. I was fortunate to attend, as well, but was relegated to the 'gaming salon', pursuing the dice and card tables..".

Nicholas Armitage, RN, Portsmouth, England, July 1805.

The Purser and the Captain

Today's post penned by S. Diatz 

who portrays our Ship's Purser N. Armitage

"..this day, our frigate, HMS 'Acasta', was given command to a new captain, Sir James Robt. Rehme, K.B. His stirring address was very inspiring and his words resonated to the entire crew. Many of them were very hopeful of 'prize money' that can be won, 'for those sailors and ships that are bold, disciplined, intrepid and do their duty'. 

As 'Acasta's' purser, I was heartened he relayed his faith that I would keep our vessel..'well stocked with quality victuals and clothing, going forward'.." 

-Nicholas Armitage, RN, Portsmouth

The Viscountess

Today's post penned by S. Diatz 

who portrays our Ship's Purser N. Armitage

"..away from the glittering ballroom, in the 'gaming salon', as that long elegant evening progressed, the play at the dice-table became very intense..and the young Viscountess hazarded a small fortune in the stakes. Each succeeding cast was more costly to her ladyship.. she would then be forced to tender a hefty sum, in a 'draft upon her bankers', to Mr Armitage, who had much more experience and skill, at those gaming tables of Town.." 

"..after the long evening of gaming..when Viscountess 'G' had lamented her leaving the ballroom, for the gaming salon..she ruefully tendered her heavy 'note of hand', to Mr Armitage. Lesson learned ..that the 'safety of the dance-floor' should never be taken lightly, when skilled gamesters abound..at an evening's entertainment.."

'The Grand Ball', held at The Pendennis Club, Mayfair, London,

Acasta Anniversaries

A special post designed to celebrate our members that have been with us a while! It's THEIR dedication that helps to make Acasta the group that it is! These are the Four and Five year members...

Jim Apple's first event with us was the Jane Austen Festival in Louisville, KY. 7/2013


Frank Jarboe's first event with us was the Jane Austen Festival in Louisville, KY. 7/2013

Tony Gerard's first event with us was the Fair at New Boston 8/2013

James Vassermann's first event with us was the Fair at New Boston. 8/2013

Jake Book's first event with us was the Acasts's School of the Sailor in Louisville, KY. 1/2014

Steven Diatz's first event with us was the Jane Austen Festival in Louisville, KY. 7/2014

Richard Stone's first event was Fort Bowyer 9/2014

David Hobbs's first event was Fort Bowyer 9/2014

Sam Linden's first event with us was the Fair at New Boston, 2014

The Purser Ashore

Today's post penned by S. Diatz 

who portrays our Ship's Purser N. Armitage

"..when on-shore, we 'Acastas' always try to 'recruit new hands' for our frigate.. As ship's purser, I like to display the 'sumptuous fare of naval rations'..salt pork or beef, ship's biscuits, oats, raisins, cheese, rice, limes, beer, rum, etc..that will serve our crew's needs, when on the high seas. after the fresh stores are gone. It's the 'shopkeeper in me'..that has me 'hawking our wares', betimes.." 

Nicholas Armitage, RN, Portsmouth