Newsletter 23rd October 2015

[Alastair]

For the latest news from Scotland see our ScotNews feed at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/

Electric Scotland News

I did a video newsletter with this issue which can be viewed at:
https://youtu.be/RSVsPlaphj8

Donna Flood

Alastair, Please humor me to put these notes on your website where it can be seen. Respectfully, Donna Flood

In the interest of sharing a couple things to bring me pleasure and hope, our favorite website "Electric Scotland" handed to us by that brilliant webmaster, Alastair McIntyre, is our choice.

Donna from America has not dropped off the planet. Alzheimer's deals us a blow to send the whole family reeling.. There are not enough words to tell of the heart break for each and all. Ultimately, acceptance, endurance, adjusting, patience, kindness and love to the disabled are the answers.

The second recent gift from Ina as she shared this wonderful recipe to remind me of my grandmother Scots-Irish, Bellzona.

Irish Soda Bread (quick and easy)

Dry Ingredients
4 C Flour
1/2 C Sugar
1 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 stick cold Butter
mix the above with an electric mixer until butter is pea shaped

Wet Ingredients
1 3/4 Buttermilk
1 Egg. Mix dry and wet ingredients into a sticky dough. Pour out on a floured surface, shape into a loaf and bake on a sheet 45 min. at 375.

Serve sliced with jam and butter.

Last but not lease I share a remarkable website with you. JW.Org is translated into more than 750 languages and reaches out over the world to teach our Christian ethics and standards. There are videos for all age groups. Children love the animated videos teaching good manners, fine habits, respect for parents, etc.

Check this site out you won't be sorry! Best Wishes, Donna from Oklahoma

And here are some news stories from Scotland...

North Sea tax revenues plummet to negative
Corporation tax and petroleum revenue tax effectively cost UK taxpayers £39m over the first six months of this financial year

Read more at:
http://www.theguardian.com/business/...t-time-history

Scottish NHS left needing fundamental changes
Spending watchdog directly contradicts government assurances of improving health service standards, while MSP refers to NHS in need of intensive care.

Read more at:
http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2...eport-watchdog

SNP must play numbers game to win
Less griping about the BBC and more economics would serve the party well, writes Tom Peterkin

Read more at:
http://www.scotsman.com/what-s-on/tv...#axzz3p5AUZ3LM

Libya will help find suspects
They will help cooperate in locating the new suspects.

Read more at:
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-34546471

Boosting food production in Malawi
More than 20,000 Malawian smallholders have been helped to feed their families and earn a living thanks to a Scottish Government funded project.

Read more at:
http://news.scotland.gov.uk/News/Boo...lawi-1e82.aspx

Heriot-Watt researchers print 3D human cells
They said it could pave the way for individually tailored drug testing regimes.

Read more at:
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-...-fife-34586972

Clan Campbell and Britishness
The Gaels of early-modern Scotland and Ireland are frequently cast together as Britain’s domestic Other.

Read more at:
http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/he...#axzz3p5AUZ3LM

I might also suggest a read of the Scottish Review's October issue at:
http://www.scottishreview.net/

Electric Canadian

The polar bears are coming to town
Interesting article from the BBC Magazine which you can read at:
http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-34490185

Barbara Boles-Davis
The hardest working Templar in the Grand Priory of Canada. You can read about her at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/makers/boles_davis.htm

9/11 Operation Yellow Ribbon
Found a video about this which you can watch at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...land/index.htm

Winter and Summer Excursions in Canada
By C. L. Johnstone (pdf).

This is an interesting book which tries to show the opportunities and problems on immigration to Canada.

You can download this at http://www.electriccanadian.com/pion...excursions.pdf

Canada's next PM makes headlines worldwide
After leading the Liberal Party to a resounding majority win in Canada's 42nd general election Monday, prime minister-designate Justin Trudeau is featured in headlines around the world.

International news outlets reported Tuesday, that the electoral victory ushers in a significant change to Canadian politics. But audiences beyond Canada's borders weren't just interested in the vote count and a new-look government.

Many articles focused on Trudeau himself, mentioning his reputation as a handsome man, his promise to legalize marijuana, and the political legacy of his famous father: former prime minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau.

On the morning after Trudeau's big election win, here's a look at how the rest of the world is reporting on Canada's next prime minister and his Liberal Party's victory:

U.K.

The Guardian paper covered Trudeau's win in depth, detailing the party's promises and saying the Liberal government will "spell a sea change … that will be felt quickly on the world stage."

In a profile of Trudeau, the paper referred to the prime minister-designate as "almost literally born into the role of prime minister."

Meanwhile, the BBC also ran a number of stories on the election, including a profile tracing Trudeau's childhood at 24 Sussex Drive, and his early political career.

France

France's Le Monde reported (in French) on Trudeau's win, quoting the politician's victory speech, in which he proclaimed a victory for "politique positive "or" positive politics."

In terms of policy, the French paper highlighted Trudeau's economic plans, calling the prime minister-designate "particularly committed" to running a deficit in order to increase spending on infrastructure.

Australia

Australia's Sydney Morning Herald opened its story on the Canadian election with a nod to some of Trudeau's non-political feats.

"He is the photogenic son of a former prime minister whose abs and biceps have graced charity boxing matches," the first line of the article reads. It continues, "Now, Canada's Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau has won another fight."

U.S.

Major media outlets in Canada's neighbour to the south all reported on Trudeau's victory.

The New York Times published a story under the headline "Justin Trudeau, following in his father's footsteps," in which writer Ian Austen describes Trudeau's childhood and the time he spent in Vancouver before entering politics.

After describing Trudeau's ascent in the Liberal party, Austen tacks one more line onto the end of his story, writing, "Tall and athletic, Mr. Trudeau boxes once or twice a week."

In its coverage, CNN mused about the "beginnings of a dynasty," calling Trudeau the "son and scion of Canada's first, nascent political dynasty." Elsewhere, an NBC story called him "Canada's liberal, boxing, strip-teasing new PM."

A story by the U.S.-based Associated Press that ran in papers from the Washington Post to the New Zealand Herald, said Trudeau "channels the star power – if not quite the political heft – of his father, who swept to power in 1968 on a wave of support dubbed Trudeaumania."

And outside of traditional media, a number of outlets had some fun with creative headlines and collections of social media reaction to the new prime minister-designate.

In one example, online outlet Mashable ran a story with the headline "The internet is sweating maple syrup over Canada's Justin Trudeau," featuring a collection of tweets fawning over Canada's new leader.

Electric Scotland

MacIntyre's and the '45.
This is an updated article with new information which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/webc...acintyre45.htm

Macintyre Battle Honours
A new article from Alistair K. MacIntyre. You can read this at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/webc...e_articles.htm

Beth's Newfangled Family Tree
Got in Section 2 of the November 2015 issue which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/bnft/index.htm

Invernessia
Contributions toward a History of the Town & Parish of Inverness from 1160 TO 1599 by Charles Fraser-Mackintosh (1875) (pdf). Added a link to this book at the foot of our Inverness page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...ness/index.htm

Doggerel Dominie Mac
A new song from John Henderson. You can get to this at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/doggerel598.htm

I might add John had a hard disk failure so its taking him time to get all his programs working again.

Saint-Clairs of the Isles
Being a history of the Sea-Kings of Orkney and their Scottish Successors of the Surname of Sinclair by Roland William Saint-Clair (1898) (pdf)

You can download this at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...n/sinclair.htm

With the Scottish Nurses in Roumania
By Yvonne Fitzroy (1918) (pdf).

Added a link to this book at the foot of our Elsie Maud Inglis page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/women/wh53.htm

Last MacDonalds of Isla
By Charles Fraser-Mackintosh (1895) (pdf).

Added a link to this book to our MacDonalds of Isla and Kintyre page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/webc...d/kintyre.html

The Livingstons of Livingston Manor
Being the History of that Branch of the Scottish House of Callandar which settled in the English Province of New York. Added a link to this book on our Livingston page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/webc.../livings2.html

Margaret Ogilvy
By her son J. M. Barrie, Second Edition (1897) (pdf).

Added a link to this book from our James Barrie page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...rrie_james.htm

Memorials and Recollections of the Very Rev. Edward Bannerman Ramsay
By Rev. Charles Rogers (1873) (pdf).

Added a link to this book from Dean Ramsay's Scottish Life and Character book page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...ttish_life.htm

Robert Burns Lives!
Edited by Frank Shaw

Slowly but surely I have been seeing a wish of mine come true! Many years ago and yet it seems only like yesterday, I found myself in the company of some ladies and gentlemen from the University of Glasgow. Over a brief period of time I was exposed to many of them delivering speeches on Robert Burns, and they basically made my heart beat faster. My knowledge of Burns increased as I grew more excited over the years about their depth of knowledge of Burns. My long time goal was to get each of them to speak at my hometown Burns Club in Atlanta, Georgia. Week before last, one other man of great knowledge joined the ranks of those great speakers at our Burns cottage, and his name is Murray Pittock. Murray is a first-rate Burns scholar, and the speech he delivered is already promised to the European Romantic Review in 2016.

Murray’s talk to our membership was among the very best I have had the privilege of hearing over the years, and a huge explanation was stamped on his speech at the conclusion by those present as they affirmed my feelings with an extended ovation. I must share a word received from a club member in a note (not an email, mind you, but a real handwritten note) mailed to me from Boston by one of those present for this remarkable evening. Dave Llewellyn wrote: “Murray’s presentation…was extraordinarily enlightening and entertaining. Thanks so much for getting him to speak to us – it was the highlight of the year so far, as far as I am concerned.”

As the list of Glasgow speakers grows smaller and smaller to our unique meeting place to celebrate Burns, I must admit we are still in for further treats. The great thing about all of this is that the previous speakers are welcome to return to our Burns Cottage to warm our hearts and strengthen our resolve to know more and more about Burns. Thanks, Murray, and “haste ye back!”

I am pleased to be able to share with you below another article written by Murray. The pictures used here are courtesy of Burns Club member extraordinaire Keith Dunn. (FRS: 10.21.15)

You can read Burns: Monument and Memory by Murray Pittock at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/fami...s_lives225.htm

The True Origins of the Newport Tower
By Cort Lindahl
Never before revealed facts about the Newport Tower. The legacy of the Easton family in the unknown history of North America.

The Newport Tower is one of the locations in the overall saga discussed here that a great deal of mythology and lore has been applied to. Though the evidence is overwhelming that the tower was built in the seventeenth century many speculate that the Tower’s origins lay in possibly “Viking” explorers who came to North America who had left the tower as a sign that hey were once there thus legally claiming the continent for their culture or Royal entity.

This alternate theory of the Newport Tower’s origins does have some rationale but upon closer examination it is revealed that the tower was indeed built in the seventeenth century under the auspices of the same family group that would later have an impact on many mysterious places and events including concepts like the Oak Island Treasure, Beale Treasure, Kensington Rune, and more. Along the way this family group built several monuments that served as private meridians that all pointed to these places of intrigue. The Newport Tower is one such place and may have actually been built as a talisman of a great fortune that had been removed from New England waters as early as 1615. All of the subsequent talismanic temples that were built in the United States references this family group via their relations and the use of a specific set of symbology and architectural forms to mark their presence.

None of this information disputes the fact that people may have come to Newport prior to Columbus’ arrival in the West Indies in 1492. It is likely given an examination of the entire scheme overall that Newport was visited. At this time a star log was collected, the proper ceremonial aspects were acted out and a cairn of local stones was left to mark the point of observation. Some of the original stones from this cairn were likely included later in the construction of the tower. Subsequent unknown visitors to this site may have left hastily formed inscriptions on some of the stones in the cairn to show that they had been there. This would account for Gary Gianotti’s discovery of the same symbols on the tower that are present on the Kensington Rune and also seen in the logo of the College of William and Mary. The presence of Gosnold and Archer later of Jamestown may attest to this possibility.

This is why there is no record beyond the Verazanno map that supplies a rationale as to why anyone would think the tower was there prior to colonial times. In fact the tower marked on his map may serve to simply mark a point from which known observations were made at one time that became part of his navigational catalog as collected from other European sources like Spain who had sailed past that point many times prior to him and had not recorded the presence of a tower there. At that time the tower on the map was simply a symbol telling you there had been a point collected there that is useful in navigation. Many times towers or monuments are constructed at these points much later in time than the original use that caused them to be valued in such a manner.

The Spanish especially were known to have a distinctive array of map symbols with specific meanings that often resembled alchemical symbols. For instance the symbol for “good timber” resembles the diamond shaped goddess symbol of Puella with the line extending downward from the diamond or rotated square. It is not out of the question that the tower on the map is simply a map symbol.

There is some evidence to suggest that Spain was involved in the collection of the star log that was once done at Newport. Given this there is a strong connection or association in the membership of many Scottish Nobles in the Order of Santiago. Many of these men were Knights of Santiago including Sir James Douglas, and William Sinclair, who may have perished or disappeared from the pages of history at the battle of Teba in Spain. Prior to the battle many sources state that these men visited Santiago de Compostela and had indeed taken part in the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela from the port of A Coruna, Galicia, Spain. Incidentally A Coruna is home to both the Torre de Hercules lighthouse (ca. 6th century) and a legend that states Queen Scota’s King observed Ireland from this lighthouse compelling them to come to the British Isles eventually having a great impact on the cultures of Scotland and Ireland. This may be why the modern Celtic compass design at the Torre de Hercules points the way to the Newport tower.

If these men had disappeared and came to North America it is possible that they came and had left the cairn and collected a star log. If true this would have involved other members of their order who were Spanish. It is also possible that Spanish ships were used on this clandestine mission. The involvement of Douglas and company would also match the supposition that Henry Sinclair had once come to North America as these men were directly related to him including William Sinclair who disappeared with Douglas at Teba. It is far more likely that the Lord Admiral of Scotland would send these lesser degreed and younger family members on such a voyage.

Given this it is still possible that people as early as Charlemagne or more likely Frederick II had come and at least claimed this land if not attempted to stay and explore further. There are other hints using the Axis Mundi that may also indicate a knowledge of N. America on the part of Trajan and subsequent Byzantine rulers. This may indeed have supplied the route by which Charlemagne had been aware of the continent. Conversely later people aware of this tradition may have speculated that these men knew about these regions simply because their octagons pointed that way. Later people aware of this may have also placed Coptic, Egyptian, and Greek imagery in many of these places in order to confuse opposing factions, secret societies, and even national interests.

Much of the same imagery that may prove Byzantines came to Oak Island for instance was and is used by secret societies present in that area from the eightienth century to present time. With this in mind why would one assume the Byzantines were there without proof that extends beyond the metaphors and suggestions we are left to ponder by their presence alone. This same concept would apply to the use of Runes on the Kensington Rune that were also included in a known Masonic cipher dating from the same time as the establishment of the Hudson’s Bay Company? This coupled with the stone’s location at the margins of the Rupert’s Land (original HBC claim) and French Louisiana? C’mon people.

This stone is clearly a boundary marker added no earlier than the establishment of the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1670. Already noted earlier is the association between the namesake of Douglas County where the Kensington Stone is located and his direct relation to Governor Arnold whom many attribute with the construction of the Newport Tower. There is family present in Alexandria Minnesota that have a legacy of the value of the Christian oriented symbols present on the Kensington Stone whom also controlled the Great Northern Railroad. The Hill family of Minnesota also related to the Easton’s via the Meriwether Clarke family with Hills also having married into the family of French explorer Marquette. The same family of Horace Hill in Nashville who seems to be behind the construction of the replica of the Parthenon there and Samuel Hill who built the Peace Arch, Mayhill Stonehenge and Art Museum, and the Palace of the Legion of Honor in San Francisco. All of these structures also “point to” other places involved in the legacy of many different mysteries and treasure myths.

Despite these theories no solid evidence has been collected that anyone prior to the 1000 AD construction of L’Anse Aux Meadows Newfoundland had been to North America. After that date there are clear connections between the Norse culture and that of their Norman brothers in England, Scotland, Italy and beyond. Frederick II has direct Norman descent via his Hauteville mother as was his contemporary and rival Charles I Anjou. The Hauteville’s were contemporaries with the de Eston or Mortuo Mori family of Rouen France. There is a distinct Norman and Saxon family overlay to this entire tradition as seen in western culture.

Discussed earlier are the many archaeological and historical narratives that display the Newport Tower having been constructed in the seventeenth century. Two early colonial administrators of the Rhode Island settlement wrote about using the tower as a windmill at that time. This includes Nicholas Easton and Benedict Arnold Sr. Archaeological testing of the site and analysis of the mortar used in the structure confirm an early seventeenth century date. One of the structures compared to the mortar in the tower was indeed the house of the Easton family at that time.

Much of the confusion with regard to the historical context of the Newport Tower has been obscured by political movements and philosophies such as the “Norumbega” political movement of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century United States. These political views harkened back to an earlier age that still has relevance in today’s society. This political philosophy was based on keeping the United States an exclusive and racially mandated country.

Many narratives of the Kensintgon Rune include the fact that a Viking Ship was constructed and displayed at the Chicago Exposition to dispute the fact that Columbus had discovered North America. As we may see Christopher Columbus was part of the same family philosophy that dictated the most controversial symbols seen on the Kensington Rune. All of the same Christian oriented symbols seen on the Kensington Rune repeat themselves throughout this controversy including their presence in the Greek lettered signature of Christopher Columbus himself. Right on the Kensington Rune they are telling you “Christopher Columbus.” Alpha Christos Omega. The Labarum symbol is what is being told to you along with the mystery of its origins.

To see how this all relates to the Newport Tower we must examine the age of the late sixteenth and early seventeenth century in North America. The year 1602 marks an important time in the English interest in the entire eastern seaboard from Georgia to Labrador. At this time Captains under the flag of Elizabeth I explored what would become the Rhode Island region. Captains Gosnold and Archer visited the region in 1602 and were known to be within sight of Newport yet did not record the presence of a Tower there. They were known to have visited what was Noman’s Island and established a trading post at Cuttyhunk though it was later decided to leave no one there. During this time they foraged for sassafras root that was thought to cure syphilis and other ailments.

Given their exploits on sea and land foraging for sassafras it is odd that no mention of the tower is made. It is possible that they were instructed to keep this a secret for some unknown reason. One would also be forced to consider the possibility that the Tower was not there at this time.

Within this theory is included the fact that Gosnold and Archer did have access to an ephemeris that had been collected at the future site of the Newport Tower at some earlier date. This could possibly include the band of Englishmen who came as early as 1594 according to the theory of the Newport Tower Museum director and owner Jim Egan (Go see Jim if you are in Newport). Mr. Egan supposes that at this time the area was visited and the Tower was actually constructed. This indeed fits the scheme of the date of construction of Star Castle in England whose octagonal form creates an arc on the globe that points directly to the Newport Tower. Mr.Egan’s findings match those stated here in many ways though he does not endorse the theories put forth here. The construction of Star Castle also marks the first mention of the Beale family in relation to what would later be termed the Beale Treasure of Virginia.

During their trip in 1602 Gosnold and Archer first visited a site along this same arc on the globe in Provincetown Harbor. Later the Mayflower Compact would be signed in this very geographical context. Archer and Gosnold may have even claimed North America for England at this time. Provincetown Harbor also represented their first landing in New England. The fact that both of these events occurred on an arc suggested by the orientation of Star Castle and the Newport Tower suggests that both structures were built in order to legally describe their claim their colony in relation to a fixed point. The site of the Newport Tower was somehow already important as to why things were done this way. It is this factor involving a use of the site prior to a structure being built that leaves the door open for some of the theories of the earlier involvement of Vikings or as we have seen even Frederick II Holy Roman Emperor and Charlemagne. There exists a clear family and Royal legacy from Charlemagne, Frederick Barbarossa, Frederick II Holy Roman Emperor, and Prince Rupert of the Rhine first acting governor of the Hudson’s Bay Company.

This same family line and tradition would also express itself in the Arnold and Easton families of early Newport as well as the First Families of Plymouth, Massachusetts, Virginia, Pennsylvania and the other colonies. This includes the legacy of the Kensington Stone and Williamsburg as discussed earlier. From Oak Island to the mysteries of California this same concern of interwoven families and philosophies helped to establish the United States while carving out an economic and sometimes spiritual empire of their creation. As we will see the Easton family of Rhode Island may have possessed one of the most interesting and treasure laden legacies of all of the First Families.

The Easton family was directly related to famous Pirate Peter Easton who also was sent to protect the fisheries of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia in 1602 under charter of Queen Elizabeth herself. Later in his tenure in this region Easton would help to protect the developing colonies of Cupid’s and Ferryland Newfoundland. His charter as a privateer allowed him to harass any foreign shipping in the area while protecting the English fisheries at the same time. During this era Easton established several bases of operations in the maritime region of Canada possibly even extending to Oak Island and Newport Rhode Island the future home of his direct descendants Nicholas Easton and his son Peter. In order to really understand the importance of this family’s involvement in the development of the United States and more we must look at the earlier components of the Easton family line. An examination of the heritage of the Easton’s of Newport and Peter Easton reveals many royal connections. Most surprisingly the original family arms of the Easton’s display the mythical form of a creature known as the Quinotaur. Peter Easton would go on to display a value of an additional axis in Europe that points the way to the Newport Tower.

The Quinotaur is a metaphorical symbol associated with the legendary Merovingian Bloodline of Jesus Christ himself. The concept of the Quinotaur in mythology echoes both the creation of Europe and the arrival of the blood of Jesus via the sea or Mari in Latin and some other languages. At least one level of interpretation of the symbol of the Quinotaur would include it referencing the Merovingian Blood of Christ.

The origins of the name Easton in England is first of native origin then adapted by a Norman family as their own. The de Eston Norman family would later intermarry with others who had the landed title or name of Easton due to their association with none other than Alphred the Great of England himself. Part of Alphred’s title included “of Easton.” The Norman families association did not come until about the eleventh century but included quite a legacy in Normandy at that time. De Eston in fact was one of the original families that came to England with William the Conqueror. Later de Eston’s would be of note in both the ecclesiastical and military history of England, France, The United States, and Monaco.

Even the de Eston families of England may have represented the use of the name de Eston in Normandy later after Alphred the Great. This moniker may have boomeranged its way back from England to Normandy. The family that originally came from France to become Eston or Easton originated near Rouen Normandy and even established a Cistercian Monastery that still bears their original name of Mortuo Mari Anglicized to Mortimer. Litereally Mortuo Mari translates to “Dead Sea.” Another interpretation that may link to the family arms including the Quinotaur would include it meaning “Dead Mary.” This would also match the prefix of the word “Merovingian” or “of the sea” i.e. “of Mary from the Sea.” All of this imagery combined may infer that the Mortimer’s nee de Eston’s believed that they were of the Merovingian Bloodline. The name Merlin may link scholars or magi of this line to the same meaning.

It is also of note that the initials of Motouro Mari and the same as Mary Magdalene. These initials are combined in the logo of the College of William and Mary and the Auspice of Maria symbol. This symbol also resembles two side by side letter’s X possibly a dual reference to Mortouro Mari, Mary Magdalene, and St. Andrew. The name Merlin may link scholars or magi of this line to the same meaning.

Interestingly the de Eston’s and Alphred the Great were from the region of Cornwall England where there are many legends of Jesus and Mary Magdalene having visited there. Is it possible the presence of the Mortuo Mari family here have an impact on the truth or myth of Jesus coming there? Were they perpetrating a myth or protecting a truth? How are Peter the Pirate and the Easton’s of Newport connected to all of this? Remember Gary Gianotti discovered similar symbology in meaning on the Newport Tower akin to that of the Kensington Rune, Palacio de Monctezuma in Spain, Rosslyn Chapel, the signature of Christopher Columbus, and the logo of the College of William and Mary. All of these symbols contain a value of the cult of St. Andrew which may have also been applied by some to Mary Magdalene later.

It should also be noted that de Eston or Peter Easton also came to have an impact on a region of Newfoundland that included the name of Avalon. The Avalon Peninsula is where the Cupid’s Colony and Ferryland were located. Peter’s family had in part originated in the region that many refer to as Avalon in England with all its romantic Arthurian and Holy Grail overtones. These factors are interesting given the involvement of Bacon and Lord Calvert/Baltimore in the establishment of colonies in Newfoundland. It seems that by using the name Avalon it may be that a kind of sacred landscape philosophy was being applied to this region during this era from which legends and sagas of its own could originate.

Some of the estates and churches sponsored by the de Eston’s or Easton’s over the centuries are arrayed along the famous Michael Line in England. One of these Churches includes a story that involves two ancient corpses being found inside the archway of the Chapel. This story and many others may relate a legacy that includes Merovingian origins to the Mortuo Mari de Eston group prior to any intermarriage with the Plantagenet line of possible Merovingian blood. Some aspects of Peter Easton the Pirates life do include the fact that he was given royal courtesy beyond the point many other associated families would be given.

As time went on Elizabeth passed leaving James I with the English Crown. James revoked Peter’s charter to privateer in North America. This is interesting in that many accounts still have him protecting both the Cupid’s Colony established in 1610 as well as the later Ferryland Colony of Lord Calvert (Baltimore). Despite this history tells us that Peter Easton turned to Piracy at this time. Twice it is told that James I offered him clemency and forgiveness of all crimes yet somehow Easton never received this news both times and continued to cruise the West Indies and even the Mediterranean searching for targets. Is it possible that James I was aware of the royal legacy of the Easton’s with regard to Alphred the Great? Was this the reason that Elizabeth trusted Easton and why James had shown him consideration and clemency? This is possible.

The entire scheme as valued by Easton may also be applied to the theory that he knew about the axis of Portus and used it to situate his ventures on the globe and maybe even later hide items of value that he may or may not have recovered. In turn we may speculate that his additional family were given the responsibility of managing or keeping hidden the axis that had been established in Newport. The fact that they likely built the Tower and used it somehow may have contributed as a kind of coverup using the tradition of building an octagonal structure in the tradition of Constantine and the Tower of the Winds in Athens.

By way of a refresher we will note the locations here pointed to by an arc on the globe suggested by the hexagonal form of Portus that seemed to be important to Peter Easton. This would include the following locations all suggested by the northwest orientation of the hexagon of Portus. This includes Monaco (reasons to be made clear shortly), Cupid’s Newfoundland, Oderin Island Newfoundland, Oak Island Nova Scotia, and the Newport Tower.

This arc on the globe from Portus passes just a few miles north of the Newport Tower. Also discussed are the associations and possible knowledge of what Peter had also been aware of on the part of Robert E. Lee and other First Family of Virginia interests such as the Washington and Jefferson families. An examination of both family genealogies displays direct relations between the family of Jefferson and de Eston that also includes intermarriage in colonial times with the Washington and Lee families. In fact one of Thomas Jefferson’s children with Sally Hemmings was given the name Eston as a first name. This relation may indeed be the reason this person was named such.

Peter Easton was one of the only “Pirates” to escape with massive amounts of loot and live out the rest of his life in comfort. The standard history of Peter states that he and his fleet of over twenty vessels escaped to the Mediterranean and were given shelter by the Duke of Savoy. Peter apparently escaped with upwards of what is described as “2 Million pounds of gold.” Eventually he was given the title of the Marquis of Savoy and settled in the Principality of Monaco. Remember the Port of Portus points to Monaco as well as several other places that seem to be key in the saga of Peter Easton.

Easton’s ‘escape’ to Monaco was occurring right at the time his relatives were establishing Newport Rhode Island and likely constructing the Newport Tower to mark the same axis that Peter had been aware of. It is possible if not likely that Nicholas Easton had named his male child Peter after Peter Easton. It is more than possible that Nicholas Easton and Peter Easton were aware of each other and worked together to propagate a family legacy that included talismanic uses of monuments and temples that in turn created Prime Meridians regardless of their faith or standing in society.

Buried in this tale is the significance of the name Nicholas (Easton). St. Nicholas is the Patron Saint of sailors among other things. In fact the largest Cathedral in Monaco where Peter Easton settled as the Marquis of Savoy is named for St. Nicholas. Though this edifice was constructed in the nineteenth century it replaces a thirteenth century cathedral using the same orientation and footprint as the newer structure.

The St. Nicolas Cathedral in Monaco includes a massive centrally located octagonal tower.

To the southeast this tower may be used to infer an arc on the globe that leads directly to the hexagonal Port of Portus near Rome. The very axis that we earlier speculated Peter had used to situate his ventures and places of value. The exact opposite direction suggested by this “Tower of the Winds” in Monaco points an arc on the globe directly to the Newport Tower in Newport, Rhode Island. What a coincidence we have here ladies and gentlemen.

The architecture in Monaco reflects the philosophy of likely one of its richest citizens and nobility ever. The mind boggles at what “2 million pounds” of gold is worth on today’s market even if this was expressed in English monetary “pounds.” Amazingly it seems as if Peter Easton was aware of what the Newport Tower is and what it represents to his fellow family members including The Easton’s of Newport and Thomas Jefferson.

Illustrative of Easton’s relation to Thomas Jefferson is the fact that the very arc that points to the Newport Tower from the St. Nicholas Tower of Monaco then continues on to intersect with Jefferson’s octagonal Poplar Forest. The St. Nicholas Tower in Monaco points to the Newport Tower and Jefferson’s octagonal estate in a single arc on the globe.

Genealogical information does suggest a relation between the Easton and Randolph family of Jefferson’s mother (Ranulf de Eston). What are the President and Peter the Pirate attempting to tell us with this arrangement? How is it possible that this geographic association is a chance occurrence given the entire tradition as examined here and in an additional work “The Sacred Towers of the Axis Mundi?”

THE STORY

A Highland Wedding in Bygone Days
Wester Ross Customs

THE night preceding the marriage there was held what was popularly known as "feet washing." The bridegroom's bachelor friends met at his house on the pretext of washing his feet for his wedding. A great deal of practical joking was indulged in; for example, soot, blacking etc., were mixed with the water and rubbed on the feet and even on the face of the expectant bridegroom. Very often he made his escape from his friendly tormentors, and was chased by them till he contrived to elude his pursuers, and if he was lucky in concealing himself from them it was considered a good omen of future prosperity.

When they failed in finding him he emerged from his concealment and the remaining part of the night was taken up with dancing. On the Monday night after the first proclamation, the young couple secretly paid a visit to the shoemaker for the marriage shoes; the bridegroom paying for both pairs. It was considered unlucky to get married in May; and Tuesdays and Thursdays were the favourite days for tying the nuptial knot, the other days of the week being considered unlucky. Some day in the growth of the moon was always preferred.

On the morning of the wedding, the friends of the bridegroom met at his house and those of the bride at. her father's. At each place they were entertained to breakfast, which consisted of milk porridge with brown sugar sprinkled over it, and finished with curds and cream. Then the bridegroom with his party, all young men and bachelors, started, headed by a piper, to the kirk or manse, or residence of the bride to have the ceremony performed.

The bride and bridegroom were not to meet or see one another till they met before the minister—the bride always taking the lead. The best young man was expected to provide a bottle of whisky and a glass and to produce them when meeting anyone on the road that he or she might drink to the health and happiness of the bridal pair. It was held unlucky to have the ceremony performed in the bride's father's house; so when not in the kirk or manse it was held in the barn. It was also unlucky to pass a church on their way to get married, but to meet a funeral was most unlucky of all, for that foretold the death of the bride or bridegroom within a twelve month. Green must on no account be worn by the bride, bridegroom, or guests, as it was the Fairies' favourite colour, and they would be highly offended if wedding parties dared to wear it.

During the ceremony great care was taken that no dogs passed between the bridal pair, and particular care was taken to have the bridegroom's left shoe without either buckle or latchet. At the church door he formed a cross with a nail or knife upon the right hand side of the door, and every knot about the bride and bridegroom's dress was carefully loosed. After the ceremony was over the bridegroom and best man retired one way and the bride and the best maid another way, to tie the knots that were loosed and the bridegroom to fix the buckle and latchet which were removed on his entry to the church or where the ceremony was performed. Before returning home, if the ceremony took place in the church, the bridal party walked round the church observing to follow the course of the sun. On the homeward way, the bridegroom now took the lead; the bride came up behind, while the piper played "Leanaidh mi thu "-" I will follow thee."

The marriage feast was spread in the barn. The first dish was generally red cabbage boiled and mashed. The prejudice against the "fairies fatal green" extended to the feast; hence green of all kinds was excluded. The next dish was "fowl-a-bree," that is, fowls cut into small pieces and made into soups with grots, onions, and carrots; then beef and mutton, roasted and boiled, and puddings of various kinds with an abundant supply of whisky.

The chief waiter was the bridegroom, and when all the guests were served he was allowed to help himself. After the feast dancing was engaged in, the ball being opened by the "shemit reel," which was performed by his best young man and the bride and her best man and his best maid. After the shemit reel was danced the two young men paid the fiddler and piper, and then the "fiddler's lawin" was collected, that is, every young man at the wedding gave from is. to 1s. 6d., thereby entitling him to the honour of a reel with the bride. The young men had the privilege of kissing their partners at the end of the reel.

On the bride's first entrance into her new house she had to be careful to step over the threshold if she would be lucky. A cake of bread and a cheese, both of which had been previously either broken or cut into pieces, were placed on a plate and thrown over the bride's head as she entered the door. If the plate broke it was a good omen as to having a son as heir. Then the links of the crook were put round her head or neck and she was led to the meal girnel and made to take up a handful of meal. All this was done by the mother of the bridegroom if there was such and if not the next of kin.

On the first Sabbath after their marriage they went to be kirked, accompanied by a best man and best maid, and they never entered the church till the first singing was half through.

A few marriage superstitions may be mentioned. If an unmarried man happens to be placed between a man and his wife, that promises marriage within the year. A man never goes courting on Friday. Whichever sleeps first on the marriage night will be the first to die. Fire is an omen of marriage, and when sparks flew out of the fire towards young persons, and if they fixed on the clothes it was considered very lucky. Sparks of fire were also a token of a relative or a stranger coming to visit. Contracts are made on Friday.

FEAR BHA ANN.

Another article on this theme is the "Traditional Scottish Wedding" which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/weddings/tradition.htm

And that's it for this week and hope you all enjoy your weekend.

Alastair