Mudlarking the River Thames & An old letter from the Battle of New Orleans found in the trash!

[@rochelleb973]

Your step-father reading the letter was perfect. He has the perfect voice for it. Thank you for sharing.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Rochelle. So glad you enjoyed it. Yes he did a great job! Exactly as I hoped

[@redarmysoja]

@@nicolawhitemudlark Oh my, that letter is an awesome find. Reminds me of finding a postcard sent in the 1800's lying on a sidewalk outside a grocer. How it got there is a mystery, windblow I suppose. The woman writer told her friend of an "ice cream social" among other news. Loved seeing your collection, seems someone has more old stuff lying around than I do. Glad you kept the oar. I thought it a cool find and just lean it in the corner, it'll bring nice color to the room.

[@joypowers563]

Of course a pipe! Thank you for sharing the history of the battle of New Orleans. Dauphin Island is a national park located in the state of Alabama. It’s really very pretty. Cat island is 60 miles closer to New Orleans, accessible only by boat. Cat island is also protected and part of a multi- state barrier island group designated as Gulf Islands National Park.

[@jamesquinn4115]

Letter made me cry. Incredible, stunning. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@danieldecker5344]

As a high school history teacher I found your letter recounting a specific casualty of The Battle of New Orleans stunning, as well as very touching. I deeply appreciate having had the opportunity to hear it read by an English gentleman. In that the war had been ended two weeks prior by The Treaty of Ghent, it makes the loss of this young Lieutenant (and so many others) seem such a tragic waste, which it clearly was. As always, many thanks for sharing such an important part of our mutual history. Warm regards from NH, USA

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Daniel - so glad you enjoyed it

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

@@pixiniarts Thank you! And yes, I agree with you. Ignorance at its best

[@shawnablake5102]

Thank you so much for sharing. Your step father did a wonderful job reading the letter. So great you’re saving history!

[@leestelly8307]

I live in New Orleans, just one block from the Cabildo Museum, I can guarantee you they would be honored to host the letter.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Lee! I shall look the museum up and will contact them. If you can give me your email address I'll keep you updated on what happens to it. Nicola

[@CajunRed]

Yes, I'd love to visit (after Covid) and be able to read the letter in person. I'm across the Miss. River from New Orleans & know where the Cabildo is! Just would have to figure out where I could park & not get towed or booted, because I could literally spend all day in the (any) museum!

[@carolstyron2313]

Tell you they would love it I'm on louisiana border in texas

[@originalredneckgirl]

Do you know where Cat Island is Lee? I wonder if there is a memorial or any graves marked there , Wouldnt it be wild if someone could find his grave? ..I live too far away,

[@lorenpriest7604]

I hope that you kept the oar!

[@muffassa6739]

It's 2023 and Covid is still around. We had it over Christmas but we were lucky because we had our shots. We always enjoy your videos of Mudlarking your videos of your treasures made my day. Your Father reading was so sweet.

[@cynthiahofer2903]

It always makes me think how much is lost by not writing letters anymore. Never throw out old letters by grandmother as this is the only voice she has that remains.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

I totally agree with you

[@Automedon2]

I kept the letters my mother wrote to me when she was dying, in a beautiful carved box that my father had given her as a wedding gift. He bought the box in Dar es Salaam, where they got married. A thief broke into my house and stole the box. I would give anything to have the letters back. Handwriting is as unique as a fingerprint and will never be replaced by an email.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

@@Automedon2 oh.my goodness how awful that they took the letters. That's dreadful I'm so sorry. xx

[@chrisberry9017]

@@Automedon2 I was really saddened to read of your loss. Thankfully you still have the memories. I too am fortunate to have letter-writing friends, and I keep their correspondence to read back over the years - such a personal activity. It’s possible to feel the intent in a letter which is lost in an email.

[@markt7291]

Old letters putting our minds in a time machine . Interesting time back when letters were so elegantly written and you feel the anguish.

[@martinmarsola6477]

Thank you for relaying that 1815 letter. Was heart wrenching, but an extremely enlighten group letter. God Rest all their souls. 🇬🇧👍🇺🇸

[@MsCynet]

Thank you so much for sharing the letter! My great-great-great-great-grandfather served as a captain under Andrew Jackson at the Battle of New Orleans, so I feel a personal connection.

[@anthonyturton8091]

Thank goodness Thomaz rescued those letters. Saving history . Well done.

[@davidlathrop9360]

I could quite easily listen to your step-father read just about anything, especially historical. He has just the right voice for it. He brings the past to life, and that is a true skill indeed.

[@mudlarksincanada9081]

I was screaming at the tv for you to take that oar home! So happy you did!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

ha ha I heard you Melody!! x

[@jeffgiambrone3730]

Another great episode Nicola, I enjoyed it very much! The "U.S." with "R" in the center is a United States officer's collar insignia for the Reserve Corps. They were only in use from about 1917 - 1922. This information comes from the book "Encyclopedia of United States Army Insignia and Uniforms" by William K. Emerson.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Jeff

[@MKCarol-ms7lg]

It is reassuring to know that you will never be "up a creek with out a paddle." ;)

[@Cate7451]

Awesome!

[@Kevin-jb8do]

The War of 1812 is a "forgotten" war, barely taught in history classes any more in the USA. Thank you so much for sharing the letter. The narration by Peter truly brought the sentiments and condolences to the family to life.

[@Artby_Katina]

Don’t you just love the wording in these old letters, this one in particular is so eloquently written and so beautifully read by your stepfather.

[@anitacarey2389]

Ah, the lost art of letter writing....Thankyou Katina.

[@clockwork9827]

it is beautifully written

[@derekwalters4980]

Loved Peter's reading. It felt like I was hearing from the young sailors commanding officer in person.

[@primitivetennesseechicks8740]

And your father in law voice is so wonderful... could listen for hours

[@aq9714]

I love your posts and so I venture back...... I was really pleased to see the Canadian 1917 nickel (5¢ piece). I wonder if one of the soldiers from WWI lost it while in England getting ready to go to Europe and the trenches. I love the brass ruler, what is for? I don't know! So much interesting history in the mud! There is a great song about the Battle of New Orleans. Johnny Horton sang it. As kids, even in Canada this was a popular song. But we always mentioned that we did burn down their White House! lol The letter was wonderful and John Champ truly was a Champ. It is incredible isn't it, the lives that people live and lived. Thanks so much.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you

[@elizabethgwinnett6977]

I enjoyed the history and reading of the letter by your stepfather. Thank you so very much for sharing! The author 's human kindness and respect brought tears to my eyes with what has been going on over here...

[@wolfsmith2865]

The sad letter reminds us that so many ordinary people died in our war for independence. As an American I often ponder our own losses. It is good to be reminded of all losses.

[@MrNateenochs]

The war of 1812 was not the war for American independence.

[@wolfsmith2865]

@@MrNateenochs that is true, however it is of interest to those whom follow Revolutionary War history.

[@mtherese13]

Oh please please take us along the way on your sorting journey. I’m so excited to see your categories and older finds!

[@constancemiller3753]

Agreed. A warm cup of tea in the stacks would be fantastic.

[@rsclark1948]

Thanks Nikki. You Make My Sundays Bearable !!!!!!! You Are A Star !!!!!!!!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Roger xx

[@Landrew0]

You managed to brighten up my Sunday morning yet again.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

I am very glad about that!

[@bathshuaspooner8553]

Your videos are a place of serenity for me. This week has been very hard on the hearts of so many in my country (USA) With great appreciation ❤️

[@davidausten9456]

The lens looks like the focus lens/ring from the old Magic Lantern which was a Victorian Palour past time you slid tranparent glass slides with picture printed on them and shown on the wall . Pictures of sights from around the world or pick up whilst on "grand tour"

[@trimule]

I second that opinion. That is exactly what it looks like and is of the correct size.

[@vickymckinney972]

I am so in love with the history connection with the letter that was found and the battle in New Orleans. What an incredible story that was. Thank you for always sharing with us you passion of finding and digging up history.

[@stephenduffy5406]

True fact: The Frigate Gorgon, as mentioned in the letter, had a harder time than usual recruiting sailors. It seems the ships name, spelled backwards, was “no grog”! This from a contemporary Halifax newspaper article dealing with superstitions of seamen.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Oooh I'd love to see the article. I'm quite fascinated with hospital ships and the Gorgon became one. Do you have a link by any chance?

[@iamshotty]

@@nicolawhitemudlark Oh Nicola.. I absolutely LOVED the letter reading ❤ LOVE the history ❤❤❤

[@micah06v8]

@@nicolawhitemudlark I found this. It's from a Welsh newspaper on April 23rd, 1875. The little bit about the Gorgon is in the far right column about half way down. newspapers.library.wales/view/3441160/3441166

[@Plentisaki]

@@micah06v8 Cheers! I've just spent a fascinating half hour reading about 'the news' in 1875 :)

[@annescott2748]

I think the turquoise oar would look really good hanging on the wall behind you in the space above the printer's trays, below the frame. Thank you to Peter for reading the touching letter. I'm glad you included it in your video. My last observation: I'd be so happy to watch a video of the birds, animals and flowers and grasses you see, accompanied by the most calming music you always choose if you ever run out of mudlarking expeditions.🌞

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Anne. That's a great idea

[@annfrye5716]

I'm so glad you brought the oar home. It's a beautiful piece of decor all by itself.

[@maladyhawke]

I do hope the museum will take the letters to share. They are precious moments of humanity that should never be lost.

[@swirlclown]

The River Thames is like a gigantic preserve of synthetic and organic materials. More valuable than a "cloud" server.

[@alexandermenzies9954]

..and more reliable than Twitter.

[@marthaharris6064]

It is so strange to hear the names of places ive visited all my life...Dauphin Island and New Orleans...in a letter over 200 years old. Your Stepfather's voice made the reading of the letter very realistic/authentic. Thank you again for sharing all your lovely treasures and your time❤

[@roselynwilliams2]

The reading of the letter was beautifully done! It brought tears to my eyes.

[@johnsullivan2449]

That was a poignant and beautiful episode, Nicola. Wonderfully put together and a joy to watch 👌🇦🇺

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you John

[@aengusmacnaughton1375]

The reading of the letter was a great part of your passing on history -- thank you to Peter -- you two should do further dramatic readings of historic letters and the historic newspaper/legal articles that you come across related to your finds!

[@dudley8671]

Nicola's Stepfather did a beautiful job... I agree with you Aengus.

[@aengusmacnaughton1375]

@@dudley8671 -- Yup -- it's these things that bring the artifacts and history to life -- and then the repurposing of the artifacts into beautiful crafts (Si-Find's stuff as well) is a "modern" reminder of the history....

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it and yes I agree, Peter did a fabulous job reading it!

[@dudley8671]

@@aengusmacnaughton1375 You are right again Aengus. Sharing knowledge, has an inherent responsibility... to make the information comprehensible & interesting so that it may be heard and maybe even stick! Nicola & Simon, Si-finds Thames Mudlark, do this in spades!

[@sousahari5948]

@@dudley8671 Also Tom Burley. 👌

[@AlexisMald]

Hi Nicola! The unknown coin shown at 20:08 is from the Empire of Brazil, mid 1800s. I love your videos!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Alexis!

[@sarahlc26]

The letter was amazing. What a fantastic piece of history. Perfectly read by your step father.

[@patricialenaburg6553]

Love all the bits, and pieces picked up when mud larking. It may not seem like much, but the majority of things found fits into history somewhere. Some things found are a surprise when later you find out what it was, and never even knew it existed. The letter was so heart felt, and Peter fit the part quite well with his beautiful voice. I had a great time tagging along with you.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Patricia!

[@primitivetennesseechicks8740]

The 1815 letter pertaining to the Battle of New Orleans was truly amazing! I have been to Dauphin Island and New Orleans a few times. The fact this survived is a wonder. Love the US ARMY pin and 1982 Lincoln penny. Best wishes! Stay well and safe!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you!

[@peterfarmer1592]

That was lovely Nicola. Love those real history articles. Brings it to life and made more so thanks to Peter. I will listen to that again. 💕

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you!

[@Adam-Gates-Mudlark]

Perhaps the lens is from a old camera? The story on the letter was so fascinating but extremely emotional at the same time. Thank you Nicola. -Congratulations on 98,000 subscribers!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Adam!

[@Tim-57]

I was wondering if it was from a camera as well.

[@Disgruntled_Ex-Hippy]

I was thinking lens to a carriage lamp.

[@AtheistOrphan]

Lens, not ‘lense’.

[@oldbatwit5102]

Looks like a lens from a square sided lantern, candle or perhaps oil lamp. I remember one from my youth which had similar lenses and the metal ring was soldered to the body of the lantern. The body of the lamp was thin iron and the ring, I think, was brass.

[@eldorajohnson3894]

I live about 90 miles from New Orleans. The letter makes history and war so real. Thank you

[@statlergil]

Like all large, diverse collection of historical objects, you have a serious task of organizing, documenting and inventorying for the future. My experience has been that one items can take hours to a day to document. Good luck because what you are doing is important!

[@juliemerrill7135]

Nicola and Peter, thank you for highlighting the letter. I must confess, the contents and Peter's excellent reading have left me a little tearful. So glad to know this chronical of the consequences of war will not be lost to antiquity. Peace be with you. Juliet xx

[@carysfaerie]

Amazing. Peter has such an excellent voice for narration also

[@juanitaskelton448]

Thank you, Nicola...very great video...beautiful letter reading, Peter...love your happy place...you have such a large collection....you are such a fantastic artist. I would think you could make so many fantastic pieces. If the past brings us pleasure, it is because of you and others who love to wallow! Larking seems a disrespectful word that doesn't speak to your lovely interest in historic artifacts. If you had been a teacher of mine growing up, I would be mudlarking at 73 and happy as a clam "laying a pearl"!...lol I just saw a video of Si's where he takes a shard of gorgeous old pottery, takes wire and makes the figurine painting the shard....stunning! You have so many artifacts and bits and bobs...I love your artwork....Please start a video stream of you DOING YOUR ARTISTIC BEST WITH THESE WONDERFUL BITS OF HISTORY SO WE CAN HAVE(at a reasonable price) a Nicola White TideLine Piece of Art...pretty please?( no pressure, lol) Nicola, I lived in Kansas for 9 years. My happy place was old farm machinery parts, bits and bobs, and oil rig parts....made iron sculpture. Found a truck suspension, two of identical size, found some cool shaped pieces that could hold candles and went to the local Community College and their welding students put it all together for me...it was amazing fun. It stood very tall and held 12 candles for the twelve tribes of Israel. No one wanted it. I donated it to my church because they were just starting out but they didnt really like it...oh well, my son would have loved it! I just wanted to share my little love of old farming bits and bobs!

[@dreamart3395]

BTW .... spent nearly two months cleaning out and reorganizing my art studio/sewing room. I went from not being able to get through the door to having extra space to store items I had stuffed under my bed. Good luck on your efforts ... it's a real chore.

[@lyndakling901]

Dream Art exactly what I need to do!

[@nikkioshea4139]

How wonderful, thank goodness Tomas found them before they were disposed of. Your father read the letter wonderfully.

[@fleurjardin1012]

I'm glad that you kept the oar! I was hoping that you would. I really enjoyed hearing the letter read by Peter. It brought it to life.

[@StephenandYhana]

Hi Nicola, My daughter and I have been watching through your videos. We love all of them, you are a natural in front of a camera. We love treasure hunting ourselves although have yet to try out mudlarking together. Yhana would love it and so would I. We are learning a lot from your channel and your expertise is incredible. Thank you for creating a wonderful channel that can be loved by all the family. 😊😉

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Stephen and Yhana, I'm so pleased you enjoy it! ❤️

[@mikereilly7629]

That metal strip is the backing from an old thermometer.damn;I feel old!

[@JanVafa]

Loved the reading of the letter. Peters voice was perfect!

[@willowhouse2]

Beautiful written letter and Peter added a special touch to the reading

[@lizshipman5620]

Beautiful letter. Thanks for the sensitive reading, Peter. Once again, Nicola, you’re AWESOME!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Liz!

[@richardmason4941]

The "R" on the US Badge probably denotes "Rifleman" Nicola, they used to put letters on their badges like "A" for Artillery, "G" for Grenadiers, "E" for Electricians, depending on what particular roll they played in various fields of conflict!

[@bearflagmercantile8113]

That "R" is for Reserve. It's an officers collar insignia for a W.W.I Period Army Reserve officer. They also made National Guard "NG" insignia. We do not have Grenadiers in the U.S. Army. We have infantry " crossed rifles " each specialty had it's own collar device.

[@machinegunjackmcgurn804]

@@bearflagmercantile8113 100% correct

[@krisgossett1570]

Laughed out loud several times regarding your "procrastinating and playing with the lens". The highlight of my day.

[@beateheinze6569]

Yes, a museum sounds a good idea for those letters.

[@rikspector]

Nicola, If you want to stick things down and still be able to remove them, use a dollop of clear silicone which will hold just about anything to many surfaces, dries clear and has a rubbery texture. I used silicone for may years as a picture framer to adhere cloth, medals coins, a whole plethora of items to wood, glass metal and cloth. Easily peeled off the objects. You mentioned The Battle of New Orleans and that tragic Sailors passing which reminded me of my Mother. She was born January 9, 1916 , 101 years and one day after the battle ended in 1815. As John Donne said in His famous poem which I will paraphrase ever so slightly, " No Man (or Woman) is an Island entire of Itself, Everyone is a piece of the Continent, A Part of the Main". Everyone's death diminishes us because we are all involved in Mankind and Womankind". Thank you, Happy New Year, Cheers, Rik Spector That reading was very moving to me.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Rik

[@ClayDress]

It must be easy to Christmas shop for you. Frames and organizers. Frames and organizers.

[@divaden47]

Don't forget the organizers and frames!!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

@@divaden47 ha ha thanks!

[@leenorthcutt8421]

I just love you so much as a person and your artistry bringing history into our lives with your photography and videos!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you ❤️

[@tereselapree222]

The finds that you find on the shore are amazing but the letters were greatly exciting to me! The way of writing has truly been lost. Wonderful history.

[@three6ohchris]

Its awful that someone felt it necessary to throw these letters into the garbage. I understand that sometimes when cleaning out a house, it's easier to just toss things, but these letters are clearly old and a small inquiry into their contents would have revealed their importance. I'm grateful that your friend found and rescued them from their demise. It saddens me deeply to think of all the historical items that have been tossed throughout time, and lost forever. It's probably better that we don't know. Thank you so much for sharing, Nicola.

[@SnarkNSass]

Of Course you take the oar home! Where on Earth would you ever find another one?😁✌

[@alanholck7995]

Well, traditionally, oars come in pairs, so there is likely another one out there somewhere

[@badapple65]

I absolutely loved the reading of the letter. He did it such justice.

[@UltimateCastGuides]

It's amazing that there is stuff still to be found given all the new Thames mudlarkers, yet Old Father Thames keeps producing the goods. Great video as always. All the very best for 2021.

[@TheElfishGene]

I can't believe those letters were thrown out! Incredible! The letter mentions the 43rd regiment of foot. Ergo, The Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum at Woodstock may well be interested in getting their hands on them.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

I shall contact them x

[@chubbrock659]

That’s cool you found an oar, now if you can just find a boat! 😂. These letters are fascinating, I love this kind of history, especially because I’ve been to the site in New Orleans where this war was fought. This makes it more real.

[@brendaseverance5174]

It would be very interesting if you would make a vlog on the most expensive, most liked, rarest, most of, and the one item you would never part wirh...etc. I have been watching your volgs for about 1+ years and enjoy all of them!!! As I watch your vlogs I imagine who, what when and most of all WHY would someone toss their belongings into the Thames. Thank you from the great United States of America.

[@lovelyskull3483]

Thank you Nicola🇨🇦❤️

[@georgeearls3338]

Thank you for the reading of the letter. Things like that really bring history alive. It is a touching account.

[@padego58]

Happy new year and many thanks for giving us a little peace and sanity in these weird days. You'll make an excellent teacher to the young ones!

[@gsch1021]

Dear Nic, so great to listen to Peter reading a letter from a different time! Wish you all the best and a lot of good finds in 2021. Raise my glass filled with good whiskey and give youa cheer!

[@dmcdaniel2009]

Oh ! I absolutely love the port hole window AND ESPECIALLY the woodpecker door knocker !!! Love the studio videos, its looking really good with all your sorting and new displays!

[@tallSycamore]

Nicola - I always enjoy your videos twice: once for the adventure of the hunt with the captivating visuals and a second time just to listen to the delightful music and stories once again. Well done!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you! That makes me very happy

[@lupavolante]

Blow, blow, thou winter wind thou art not so unkind, as man’s ingratitude.William Shakespeare

[@annamariebeaty4206]

I love the letter and those written by hand are treasures! I hope they will find a proper home for others to view! Thank you Nicola!! ❤✌😘

[@carolinewithers1647]

I believe your piece of metal is the numerical part of a spring weight scale. It perhaps measures grams on the left and something else on the right? The round piece of glass could be a lens for a lantern of some sort.

[@astridingmarsdottir2400]

My thought too. Perhaps from a grocer's or dry goods scale.

[@rattlebonecar]

I agree . on the scale you see dots between the numbers e.g. between 400 and 450. 425 at the dot. the scale becomes more elongated at a higher value, which should mean that it is a spring weight scale

[@shawnbottom4769]

Same two thoughts I had about those objects.

[@MetamorphicWonders]

Or a gun sight. The bit that has the range on it.

[@rickkings2071]

So much care and respect was put into that letter it really hits home just how real these people were. Cheers for the first pipe! Love that history thank you Nicola!

[@kendiholloway2378]

Love the story, love all your finds, you could film stories forever on your collections, how amazing. Hope to see perhaps a design on your oar, or you could paint a face, stick him in the garden and name him Oarville🤣

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

perfect!

[@marciehall2125]

I had thought about out in a garden too! Do you have one? If so may we see it? No matter how small!!! Happy 2021 from Baja California Mexico! 💜💞☮️

[@hilltophomestead7262]

You are a HOOT! I loved the little magnifying lense, as well, and laughed out loud at your goofing off with it! SO many exciting finds, I could entertain myself for literally weeks, just pointing at things and asking questions! Thank you so much for taking us along on your mud-larking adventures!!

[@AtheistOrphan]

Lens, not ‘lense’.

[@thejll]

Yes, as suggested by others, the scale is for a thermometer - shows Fahrenheit and Celcius. The temperatures indicated seem hot for a bakers oven and low for a pottery kiln, however. Maybe a boiler?

[@andrea22213]

Just seen this comment. The larger numbers are at the bottom. Surely the opposite for a thermometer?

[@stephanieyee9784]

Thank you Peter for your lovely reading of the letter concerning the death of Meyrick. The find and the letter, courtesy of Thomas, are very poignant. I love your old Portuguese coin, it really is lovely.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you. Ill pass your message on to Peter!

[@beateheinze6569]

I was looking forward to a new video as I sit here ill with shingles.

[@dmcdaniel2009]

oh, they hurt soooooooooo much. i am sorry, i will be praying for healing Beate. xo

[@lovelyskull3483]

Yikes, shingles are so painful. Bless you🇨🇦☮️

[@bathshuaspooner8553]

Shingles are horrid. Hope you feel better soon✨

[@beateheinze6569]

@@dmcdaniel2009 Thank you. Its reallly painfull.

[@beateheinze6569]

@@bathshuaspooner8553 Thank you. Its so painful.

[@TheWalrusWasDanny]

Really digging the channel Nic...fabulous!! Thanks for the entertainment!! Danny

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Danny!

[@tnt75142]

Very curious about what would be the oldest find in your collection? Never miss one of your vids.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you. Well I have a lot of Roman finds. Probably they are my oldest

[@ManticorePinion]

@@nicolawhitemudlark Don't forget your fossils :P

[@Jigger2361]

...very cool that you have come across a Canadian soldier's lucky nickel that he wished upon before flinging it into the Thames before he left to cross the Channel and headed into the action of the Great War in France! FYI I worked on one of many War of 1812 battlefields here in Niagara today! What a war!

[@clockwork9827]

yep ! I'll be totally partisan and say i thought the nickel might have come from the pocket of a WWI soldier

[@dr_steve]

Always such a pleasure to enjoy your adventures, Nic! Lovely and touching story about the Battle of New Orleans. Happy New year to you and Angelo. Please stay safe while in lockdown. The coronavirus situation in our two countries is awfully troubling. Appreciate the chance to escape for a bit with you.

[@annmccaffrey7900]

I had a good chuckle when you said something like "as all you Americans are aware, today is the 206 anniversary of Battle New Orleans..." I certainly did not know that NOR did I ever hear of the battle itself and my parents sent me to private school......thanks, Nicola for thinking the best of us Yanks, but truthfully we are mostly uneducated.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

ha ha Ann. That's funny :) xx

[@divaden47]

I do wish Uri Geller wouldn't leave his old pieces of bent cutlery cluttering up the foreshore!!

[@howardoller443]

Good one, although you just dated yourself, though.

[@leonepicton5323]

Simply the best. Thanks for another delightful vid. Your effort and skills are so rewarding for us, the viewers. I'm not addicted but I'd hate to miss one!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Leone x

[@aengusmacnaughton1375]

The lens looks like the magnifying lens from a meter face on a ship -- steam pressure meter, something like that.

[@Objective-Observer]

I was thinking the last lens in a 'spy glass'.

[@ediefolta9494]

I was thinking some kind of small porthole?

[@gloriastroedecke2717]

Thank you for sharing the letter. It was read so beautifully. I did feel sad for the young man and his family though it happened so long ago.

[@altonriggs2352]

Have a great 2021 rescuing history from the mud. Gold coins and many pipes!!!

[@NorthernMudlarks]

That was so interesting - loved the array of finds. I love lenses too so can relate to your fascination with the one you found. Your studio really is an Aladdin's cave of treasures! The letter was so interesting - a window into the past - and your stepdad has a wonderful reading voice! xx

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you xox

[@gordtc]

From the book "Wellington's Men Remembered, A register of Memorials to Soldiers" Meyricke, John Chabbert, Lieutenant, 43rd (Monmouthshire) Light Infantry Regiment of Foot. Family memorial brass tablet: St Laurence's Church, Ludlow, Shropshire. Ensign Shropshire Militia 29 Aug 1804. Ensign 43rd Foot 4 May 1809. Made Lieutenant 29 Aug 1810. Served in the Peninsula with the 1/43rd Aug 1812-Apr 1814. Present at San Munos, Vittoria, Pyrenees, Vera, Bidassoa, Nivelle (wounded), Nive, Tarbes, and Toulouse. Also served in North America 1814-1815 where he was killed at New Orleans 8 Jan 1815.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Ah excellent. Thank you for this!

[@51WCDodge]

@@nicolawhitemudlark The Monmouthshire Regiment still exist . They were Territorial Army, now partof the Army Reserve. By odd coincidence they are also the Parent of the Jersey Feild Squadron Army Reserve, the inheritors of the Royal Militai Island Of Jersey, the oldest, not the senior as they were disbanded for a time, organised Britsh Military unit.

[@kknig7874]

@@51WCDodge a good place to see if they would take the letter for the Monmouthshire Regiment's history, just saying out loud.

[@51WCDodge]

@@kknig7874 My parents were originally from Monmouth, it has a weird history ,my Mother always said there was England Scotland Wales and Monmouth. :-)

[@nicolettemeades4627]

Was rooting for the oar so I'm very glad you took it home!

[@randomvintagefilm273]

I remember you made some incredible artwork with all the plastic. I think you could use the oar for another project!

[@SustenanceNCovering]

15:50 is almost certainly some kind of ship's instrument. I spent 4 years on a WWII era tanker. We had brass gauges like that all over the engineering spaces. It may have been attached to the side or top of some kind of glass tank level glass. hard to say with the numbers getting larger towards the bottom.