Synopsis: In 1702, Joseph Broussard (a.k.a. Beausoleil) is born
in French controlled Acadia. By the time he reaches
young adulthood, the British control his homeland. At
13, he witnesses a dramatic event that will forever
change his life and greatly influence what he will
become.
The mid 18th century sees new conflicts arise between
the French and the British. In 1755, Governor Charles
Lawrence gives the order to deport approximately 8,000
Acadians from their homeland in Nova Scotia. The
governors of the Thirteen colonies, especially William
Shirley of Massachusetts, are seen as accomplices.
Not all Acadians take their lot passively. After he
escapes from a New England prison, Beausoleil becomes
the leader of the underground resistance against
British expansion. For years, Broussard and his
comrades elude the authorities with the help of the
natives who instruct them in guerilla warfare.
But with triumph also comes tragedy. Beausoleil would
lose family members to the continuing New World
conflict. To top it off, Beausoleil ends up being
double-crossed by one of his own men, leading to his
arrest.
Beausoleil is incarcerated at Halifax in July 1763.
He will eventually find his new Acadia. By the spring
of 1765, Beausoleil is in Louisiana where he will live
out the rest of his life with family and friends.
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Bottom Time Written by:Paul Murdock
Log line: In
1925 the USS S-51 collided with the SS CITY OF ROME off of
Block Island, RI, and sank in 132 feet of cold, dark water. The USN appointed LCDR Edward Ellsberg the salvage
officer. The hard hat diving was onerous, most divers got bent repeatedly, as salvage and diving technology was pushed
and perfected: American ingenuity is demonstrated at its best. Courage is the norm -- men tunnel under the S-51, enter
dark, tight compartments, many nearly die from the bends and the cold. After two seasons of diving the S-51 is raised,
but due to rough weather it surfaces not when intended, and it must be purposely sunk rather than lost. The salvors,
with inspiring leadership provided by Ellsberg, once again raise her, but near the Brooklyn Bridge, in front of thousands
watching from the shore, the S-51 sinks again.
Synopsis: Bottom Time is a true story of incredible courage and determination, about
the salvage of the S-51 in 1925-26. Lieutenant Commander Edward Ellsberg, appointed by the USN as the salvage officer,
struggling against the sea, the cold, working with few divers and primitive diving technology, develops a plan to raise the
S-51 from its grave at 130 feet. It involves tunneling under the submarine, rigging pontoons, and dewatering spaces.
Eventually the submarine is nearly ready to be raised, but a sudden storm brings it to the surface too soon, and it
must be sunk rather than risk losing it entirely. Ellsberg's leadership inspires the men to continue, and they raise
the sub again. It is towed towards the New York Navy Yard, but near the yard the tow is run aground – the S-51 sinks
in front of thousands watching from ashore. The salvors raise the S-51 as thousands watch and cheer. This story inspires
rightful patriotism and pride in demonstrated American ingenuity.
The author is a retired USN Officer, with experience in diving and salvage.
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