I am writing an AU set at the turn of the 19th century during the Napoleonic Wars. Part of the story concerns a journey on a British warship
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Killick looks after Jack's clothes, and also Stephen's, and he is the fussbudget of the world. He complained bitterly about not being able to get the grease spots out of Jack's coat when he'd dragged the sleeve in his dinner, and Stephen tried to hide one of his shirts from him, because, fresh water being in limited supply, Killick was washing things in salt water, and a clean shirt would also be stiff and scratchy, where his grubby one was worn soft. Killick also sewed on buttons (and thought very little of women's ability to do so securely) and tried to repair Jack's hat from the depredations of a wombat.
BTW, his rank was "steward". Killick wasn't officially assigned to Stephen, he just didn't really trust anyone else to make sure Stephen looked presentable when he had to.
The common sailors were expected to wash their clothes once a week, if duties permitted - I think Thursdays were supposed to be "make-and-mend" day, which would also include laundry, but don't quote me on the Thursday part. Of course if they were in the middle of a storm or a three-day chase or a battle, that wouldn't happen, but in fine weather out in the far reaches of the ocean they might have spare time for weeks.
There are some people who claim that sailors invented the first clothespins because they had to secure their washing to the rigging, and if it blew off, it was probably gone - land-bound sorts traditionally spread their washing on bushes and on the grass to dry, and the first spring clothespin wasn't patented until 1835. Carved clothespins pre-date those, almost certainly. It's also possible the Shakers have the credit for doing it first, but either way, clothespins.
BTW, his rank was "steward". Killick wasn't officially assigned to Stephen, he just didn't really trust anyone else to make sure Stephen looked presentable when he had to.
The common sailors were expected to wash their clothes once a week, if duties permitted - I think Thursdays were supposed to be "make-and-mend" day, which would also include laundry, but don't quote me on the Thursday part. Of course if they were in the middle of a storm or a three-day chase or a battle, that wouldn't happen, but in fine weather out in the far reaches of the ocean they might have spare time for weeks.
There are some people who claim that sailors invented the first clothespins because they had to secure their washing to the rigging, and if it blew off, it was probably gone - land-bound sorts traditionally spread their washing on bushes and on the grass to dry, and the first spring clothespin wasn't patented until 1835. Carved clothespins pre-date those, almost certainly. It's also possible the Shakers have the credit for doing it first, but either way, clothespins.
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