RESEARCH

I did a lot of googling while writing this book. Moon phases in 1730 (there’s a site for that!) Distance calculator. Trees of Virginia. Rules of dining in 18th century England. Issues of the Virginia Gazette. But in addition, my friend Ann Colby is an expert in 18th century dress. I sent her a sample of the book and she informed me that Anne was wearing her underwear on the outside! That got fixed right away. I went to Virginia twice. The first time was to Williamsburg for a couple of days to see what things looked like. I went back to do deeper research into things like what would have been in a kitchen garden in the 18th century. I also visited Jamestown, Yorktown and Hampton. Went out on a schooner. What did those towns look like. Yorktown is on quite a height. I went to maritime museum and historical museums, finding an invaluable map of Yorktown at its museum.

In addition, Ann’s husband Bill MacLeod went over all of my nautical references (which I had researched online and in person) to be sure they were accurate. Anne and Bill were invaluable to the book.

Finally Ann and I went back to Williamsburg – with her wardrobe on 18th century garb. We spent several days in costume being greeted by all the guests who thought we worked there. It was an interesting experience. The clothes are much more comfortable than I thought they would be – even in Virginia heat.