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This passage is pulled directly from the Commissioning Ceremony held in the village of Revel Grove, Oxfordshire in 1537. This speech, given by ship's owner and First Mate "Fox" (Sir Steven "The Black Fox" of Kimball) dedicated the Polly Dodger to the sea according to the laws and commands of England and her Royale Majesty, King Henry VIII. Pyrates, I have it in command from the King of England, to direct you to repair with all due speed on board the ship Polly Dodger lying at Revel Grove. It is required that no Time be lost in carrying the Ship into deep water, taking on board her Cannon, Ammunition, Water, Provisions & Stores of every kind -- completing what work is yet to be done shipping her Complement of Seamen and Marines, and preparing her in every respect for Sea ... It is the King's express Orders, that you employ the most vigorous Exertions, to accomplish these several Objects and to put your Ship as speedily as possible in a situation to sail at the shortest notice. As in the accord of Marquee between Captain LaBella Chelle and King Henry VIII, all Privateers who board this vessel not only plunder for the ship and crew's reward but for that of England as spys for the realm. Within my charge, I command that the commissiong pennant, the flag of the Polly Dodger be raised high and the watch be set. The first entry in the ship's log shall be it's commissioning as of this date and time. Thus this formal transfer be made by myself, Sir Steven of Kimball, the ship's ownter to Captain LaBella Chelle. This Commissioning Directive be given, the flag hoisted, the watch set, and I hereby commission this ship THE POLLY DODGER, Privateer Carrack in honor of King Henry VIII and as the protector of Revel Grove. May she be blessed with fair winds and following seas. |