... the Ruination was obtained by Captain T. B. Brennan and his crew after the disposal of the free trading vessel "Universe".

The Ruination is a Snow-brig, i.e. a square-rigged two masted brig to which a third mast has been added. This third mast holds the fore-and aft rigged Gaff sail.

The ship of choice for the fighting Pirate, the Snow-brig with this mast and sail combination possesses some unique sailing qualities and, whilst not being especially fast, a skilled master can manoeuvre her with great ease and elegance; this 150 ton, 80 foot vessel can turn around almost on the spot. Additionally, the low profile of the Snow-brig in the water makes it hard to hull during engagement.

The typical Snow-brig can carry 100 pirates and bears 10 cannon. Details of ships compliment and the exact number and poundage of cannon mounted by the Ruination are not available for general comment, although it has been noted that there are additional swivel guns mounted at bow and stern, and several new gun-ports have been cut in her sides.

It is speculated that the Ruination carries a Wych compass, this device enabling temporal translocation in addition to the more usual spatial translocation. However, there has been no solid evidence found to support this conjecture, and the author of this article is inclined to dismiss this as mere rumour and fancy....