The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #40843   Message #587233
Posted By: Whitewater
07-Nov-01 - 03:22 AM
Thread Name: Firearms query from 'Whiskey in the Jar'
Subject: RE: Firearms query from 'Whiskey in the Jar'
More information about what were termed 'nonsense words' by Kaleea, unless she was referring to the chorus, which of course ARE nonsense but a very important part of Irish folk life :>

'Stand and deliver!" was the phrase commonly used by highwaymen (and women) to announce their presence to their victim/quarry along whichever road they were working just before they demanded the money and valuables. Highwaymen were apparent in every era and century but were most prevalent, apparently, in the late 1600's to the early 1800's.

Charges were generally hung around the upper body on what we now call a bandolier and were nicknamed The Twelve Apostles. They are about, oh, the length of between your fully extended thumb and forefinger and carry maybe about 100 grams of powder, generally enough for two-four shots depending, with a cork or some other contraption that fits firmly in the top. Dunno how much they can carry if packed really full, as we in our living history group only carry enough to fire a total of about six times per weapon, also to prevent spillage because besides being expensive, it's also dangerous around open fire, flint/tinder etc. What surprises me about the songs ref. is not that she filled the charges up with water (trying to pour water into your pan or down the barrell would NOT be good!) but that there are/were charges available for pistols. Were they smaller sized or what? I've only seen them (in paintings and other primary sources) full-size.

HTH,

Whitewater