Blackbeard- The Birth of America

by Samuel Marquis

  “It would indeed, sir. What time shall I call upon your governorship?”

  “Seven. We shall dine on a shoulder of mutton, dripping pudding, and boiled potatoes with parsley.”

  “My mouth is watering already, Governor. You can be assured I will be right on time.”

  The governor stood up, signaling the meeting was over. “I look forward to it, Edward. Perhaps you could regale us with a story or two of your adventures in the Caribbean. For example, the taking of a memorable French or Spanish prize.”

  “I would be delighted, Governor, truly delighted. Especially since now those roguish days be behind me.”

  CHAPTER 46

  GOVERNOR’S PALACE

  WILLIAMSBURG

  AUGUST 1, 1718

  “THANK YOU FOR COMING, CAPTAIN BRAND. It is good to see you again.”

  Spotswood stood up from his high-backed chair, circled his spacious desk, and extended his hand to the commander of the Royal Navy frigate HMS Lyme. A married man with a young wife, two sons, and a large estate in Ipswich, Suffolk, Captain Ellis Brand stood immaculately groomed and ramrod-straight in his blue naval uniform. Assigned in February 1717 to command the twenty-gun sixth-rate, his orders were to protect merchant shipping from pirates on the approaches to the Chesapeake Bay and along the Virginia coast. For the past year and a half, the Lyme had taken part in the occasional voyage escorting ships from the mouth of the Chesapeake to as far north as New York, but for the most part had remained at anchor in the James River. While the presence of the warship in the James and occasional escort duty were enough to protect the colony from attack, Brand still smarted over the fact he had yet to launch a punitive expedition against the pirates running rampant along the Atlantic seaboard.

  The two men took their seats and made small talk for a moment before beginning their scheduled meeting. The senior naval officer had previously escorted Spotswood from Virginia to Philadelphia in October 1717, which marked the beginning of their relationship, and they had maintained friendly yet sporadic contact ever since. Although the lieutenant governor carried the imposing title of Admiral of Virginia, the honorary rank came with no fleet and no actual authority and, therefore, Spotswood had only the most tenuous control over the British Navy in Virginia’s coastal waters. Because it was merely a legal title, Brand and his naval officers didn’t answer to him but rather directly to the Admiralty in London. Spotswood’s chain of command was through the British Board of Trade in White Hall to King George I on the throne. But he and Brand had a solid working relationship, and Spotswood had found that he was like most naval officers stationed in the colonies. He knew where his duty lay and when there was no proper admiral to answer to, he had no problem obeying the orders of the colonial governor of Virginia even though he wasn’t technically required to do so.

  “So, what can you tell me about this Edward Thache, alias Blackbeard, who appears to be building up a new pirate base in North Carolina?” asked Spotswood to begin the meeting in earnest.

  “We are watching his movements carefully,” answered Brand. “My paid informants, and a recent interrogation of one of Thache’s former pirates here in Virginia, has revealed that he deliberately broke up his company of over three-hundred men at Old Topsail Inlet by wrecking his flagship, the Queen Anne’s Revenge. Now apparently these three hundred men—a mix of white, black, Indian, and mulatto—have been dispersed amongst two or three different ships. Many are making their way north on foot or by sail into Virginia, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and New York. ”

  “How many men are still with Thache?”

  “Less than thirty, I am told. Our informants say he is dividing his time betwixt Bath Town and Ocracoke Island on the Outer Banks.”

  “Who are your informants?”

  “I’m afraid I am not at liberty to divulge their names. But I can tell you that I have hired several mariners who regularly conduct trading trips in and out of the Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds to gather intelligence on the pirates’ whereabouts. They keep me informed on mooring, plundering, and smuggling activities as well as how they fence their stolen goods amongst the people of North Carolina who support them.”

  “I am pleased you have a network of informants. It will enable you to keep an eye on this most notorious criminal.”

  “Are you considering a punitive expedition against Blackbeard, Governor?”

  That was precisely what Spotswood had in mind if Thache continued to remain in North Carolina and pose a potential threat to Virginia, but he would not disclose that to Brand until he was sure the captain could prove useful to him and he felt he could take him into his complete confidence. Although he desperately wanted to be the governor who captured the legendary Blackbeard the pirate, North Carolina was beyond his jurisdiction and he had no legal authority to invade the proprietary colony to the south. Brand would know this. Which meant that until Spotswood had firm proof of Thache’s crimes prior to the King’s pardon date of January 5, he would have to work in secrecy, keeping his intentions even from his own Council, especially since he knew many of the members favored pirates. He would let Captain Ellis Brand in on his plan eventually, if Blackbeard persisted in making the Carolinas his home and the Royal Navy captain wanted to take a crack at him, but right now all he needed was to gather details of the pirate’s precise movements and strength without alerting either Blackbeard or his colonial supporters and friends.

  “No, I am not considering a punitive expedition against Thache, at least not yet. But if he continues to remain in North Carolina, I may have no choice but to send in an expedition to capture him. I cannot allow him to be a threat to this colony.”

  “Well, thus far he doesn’t appear to be a threat to anyone. The word is he’s been lounging about Ocracoke Island near the Old Watering Hole.”

  “So he has taken no new prizes?”

  “None that I’ve heard of. He’s been trading with some of the locals, but that appears to be the extent of his dealings, at least of late. But he is still a wanted outlaw who has committed depredations at sea that are outside the King’s January 5 deadline. He blockaded Charles Town and took several prizes in late May and early June so he is guilty in the eyes of the law. In my view, he is not eligible for the King’s pardon and should be hung from the neck until dead.”

  Spotswood did his best to conceal his delight at Brand’s unsolicited bellicose opinion towards the celebrated pirate. I’m beginning to think you are my man, Captain Brand, and will serve my needs quite nicely.

  “The only problem is that it is my understanding that Thache and his men have received special pardons recently from Governor Eden in Bath. Were you aware of this, Governor?”

  Spotswood felt his entire body slump. “No, I was not,” he said quickly in reply, trying to conceal his disappointment. “This is the first I have heard of it.”

  “Apparently, he and his men have received His Majesty’s most gracious pardon, and the colony’s Vice-Admiralty Court has recognized Thache as the legal owner of the sloop under his command. Her name is the Adventure.”

  “How did he manage to do that?”

  “I don’t know, but he is an exceedingly clever fellow. I’m afraid he’s going to be quite difficult to catch.”

  “What makes you say that?”

  “He’s reported to be quite a good seaman.”

  “Yes, like you Captain Brand, apparently he was trained by the Royal Navy.”

  “He served on the HMS Windsor under Commander Whetstone. The Admiralty is not too keen about the connection, I must say. Which means, Governor, that you might want to keep this news to yourself.”

  “My lips are sealed. Based on what we’ve discussed here today, it appears quite evident that this Edward Thache should be put out of action. He is a threat to all the southern colonies. Where is he right now?”

  “Presently, I’m not sure. He was last seen at Ocracoke outfitting the Adventure. But he appears to be dividing his time between Bath and Ocracoke.”

 
“Just for the sake of argument, would you be able to launch an attack upon him, if you had Admiralty approval and were so inclined, and perhaps take him at his base in Ocracoke or at Bath Town?”

  “No, I’m afraid not. Bath can be reached either by water or by land, but Ocracoke, fifty miles away, is a small island surrounded by shifting shoals that restrict access to all but the lightest sailing vessels. His Majesty’s two warships here in the Virginia, the Lyme commanded by me and the Pearl commanded by Captain Gordon, are both much bigger than Thatch’s Spanish sloop. They cannot operate in such shallow waters. So both Bath and Ocracoke would be out of the question for our warships stationed here in Virginia. No, to get Blackbeard, one would have to use smaller, shallow-draught vessels of fifty tons or less.”

  “I understand, Captain, and commend you on your analysis of the situation. That was very helpful. And so that we are up front with one another, all of this talk is mere speculation. At present, I have no intention of sending a warship to pursue Thache in North Carolina waters. But we do have to keep our options open and be ready should an opportunity present itself. Do you catch my meaning, Captain?”

  “I do indeed, Governor. And I can say without equivocation that I would be willing to do all I could to find this notorious Blackbeard and his villainous pirates. If it is possible for me to destroy them, I would endeavor my best to do just that. I have said as much to London so this is nothing new. I have not engaged the pirates since I first arrived here in the colonies a year and a half ago, so it goes without saying that I am most anxious to do battle with them and show them what His Majesty’s Navy is made of.”

  “That is good to hear, Captain. You and I will have to remain in touch then. I have a feeling that when the time comes, we will be able to help one another.”

  “Consider me your obedient servant, Governor. I am all yours.”

  Of course you are, Captain Ellis Brand. Of course you are.

  Standing up from his chair, he gave a warm smile, the two men shook hands, and he saw the captain to the top of the stairs and bid him adieu. By the time he had settled back into his seat, a definite plan had taken root in his mind: he was going to destroy Blackbeard and his band of pirates. The vile rogue and his barefooted cutthroats represented the perfect external threat he had been looking for, the perfect political distraction, and Brand was the perfect accomplice to help him seal the pirates’ fate. The use of military force to kill or capture Thache would divert public attention away from his own unpopular policies and perceived improprieties as colonial governor and onto the man he believed was serving as Thache’s corrupt supporter, Governor Eden. But Spotswood knew he had to be successful; there was no margin for error. With a victory over the pirates and Blackbeard either apprehended or eliminated, he would simultaneously demonstrate his supreme value as the King’s representative in the colonies and Eden’s inability to keep his own house in order.

  Spotswood had long fantasized about folding the North Carolina colony into his political domain of Virginia. Such a bold move, he believed, would increase his political power, keep his many enemies at bay, and earn him an even greater fortune through land acquisition. A victory over Blackbeard and his band of rogues would improve the prospects of a bloodless Virginian conquest and annexation, or at least mark the end of North Carolina as a proprietary colony. Whichever way one looked at it, he stood to gain from a war against Blackbeard and his fellow pirates and had little to lose—unless, of course, it all went terribly wrong. Unfortunately, failure meant he would play straight into the hands of his opponents, and the clamor for his removal from the Ludwell-Blair faction would be impossible for his cold and distant superiors in the smoky, wood-paneled government offices of London to ignore.

  Well, he would just have to take that chance. He could feel victory within his grasp: he would hunt down and destroy Blackbeard the pirate and all would be well in Virginia. All he needed was some time to concoct the perfect plan and pull together his team of trusted co-conspirators.

  CHAPTER 47

  PHILADELPHIA

  AUGUST 11, 1718

  WITH MARGARET OF MARCUS HOOK ON HIS ARM, Thache stared out at the wide Delaware River, where a forest of masts from dozens of brigantines, snows, pinks, sloops, barges, fishing boats, and periaugers stood against the backdrop of a pastel-colored summer sky. He was a law-abiding man once again, with official government documents in his pocket to prove it. Governor Eden had granted him undisputed ownership of the Adventure and signed customs papers clearing him to take the Spanish sloop to St. Thomas, where he would be able to obtain a letter of marque from the Danish governor authorizing him and his men to sail the Caribbean as officially licensed privateers.

  It was a sublime summer day. He and Margaret had just finished sharing a tankard of ale with several of his crew members at George Guest’s Blue Anchor Tavern at the corner of Dock and Front Streets, and were now strolling casually arm-in-arm along the wharves to the northeast. The Blue Anchor was Thache’s favorite tippling establishment in the Quaker capital. It was said that even the colony’s founder, William Penn, had enjoyed his first taste of brew at the notable tavern during his second visit to Philadelphia years ago.

  “That was fun,” said Margaret, the gentle breeze coming off the river making her flowing blonde hair dance just a little. “Your crew members know how to make a girl laugh. But they certainly drink a lot.”

  “Aye, ye should see them when they’re not holding back due to polite company. It’s like sharks in a feeding frenzy.”

  “So they were on their best behavior because of me?”

  “I had a little talk with them beforehand. It seems to have restrained them more than I expected.”

  “Did all of your crew come ashore today?”

  “No, half are still on the Adventure. We take shifts in town. We need to keep a low profile in case His Majesty’s most gracious pardons don’t offer us as much protection as we’d hoped for. We live in precarious times.”

  “What, are you telling me that the pieces of parchment affixed with Governor Eden’s signature and wax seal guaranteeing you and your crew are reformed gentlemen of fortune won’t properly protect you?”

  “One has to be careful is all. That’s why I have to go to St. Thomas and secure an official privateering commission. Once I have that, I truly will be scot free and can retire in comfort.”

  She came to a halt, hands on her wide child-bearing hips. “But I thought you said you were going to stay here with me.”

  “I am planning to be with you, just not until after my privateering commission ends. I’ve got to have a clean slate, my love. You must understand that. A royal pardon is one thing, but an official commission is quite another. It will put me in good stead with the law from here on out, and I won’t have to watch my back wherever I go. Then, once I know that my past is behind me, we can be married and raise a wonderful family. It is all within our grasp.”

  “But you lied to me.”

  “I didn’t lie to you. I just didn’t tell you about my plans with the Danish governor in St. Thomas. Governor Eden has already written me a letter of introduction and declared the Adventure to be legally mine, so this is a big opportunity for me. If I want to quit a-pirating and go on to live an upstanding life with you and raise a family, I have to take advantage of this. I cannot let the opportunity slip past.”

  “You’re just going to become a pirate again. I know you. You’re never going to be able to quit.”

  He took her by the arm, pulled her towards him, and kissed her on the lips. “Avast—stop this talk at once. I love you and want to be with you, but I have to make arrangements first. These arrangements will protect not just me, but you and our children as well. A privateering commission will enable me to retire on my own terms without me having to look over my shoulder for the rest of my life. I have to do this, Margaret. Not just for me, but for us. And for our children.”

  “How can you talk of children? We’re not even married yet.”
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br />   “But I love you and want to be your husband. You know that—we have talked about it often enough. I just need some time to get my life back on track as a legally sanctioned sea captain. Only an official commission from a credible colonial governor will expunge my criminal past.”

  “But you’re going to be gone so long again. What will it be this time? Six months? A year? Two years?”

  “I don’t know,” he replied, feeling suddenly on the defensive.

  “I can’t wait two years, Edward. It’s too long.”

  “All right, one year then. I promise to return in one year, no matter what.”

  “I don’t know if I can wait a year either. My feeling is I’ve waited long enough.”

  “What are ye saying?”

  “I’m saying that I’m not sure I can wait that long. I’m tired of waiting around for you, Edward. I’m sorry, but it’s the truth.”

  “What…what has brought all this out? Have I done something to displease you? Have I treated you badly? Is it my crew? Did they do or say something to upset you or see things in a new light?”

  “No, of course not. I’ve been around rowdy seamen before. I just don’t want to stand by and wait for you any longer. I’m not getting any younger, and if you won’t come out and ask my hand in marriage, perhaps I should find someone else who will.”

  “But I love you.”

  “And I love you more than I have another on God’s green earth, but it’s not enough anymore. I need to have a future. I need stability in my life. I need to know you will be there for me when I need you. I can’t count on you, Edward. You sail where the wind and the prospect of rich, fat prizes take you.”

  He felt exasperated. “I shouldn’t have brought you to the Blue Anchor. My damned crew members getting all drunk and disorderly has turned you against me.”

  “Your crew was fine—I just don’t want to wait for you to sail home to me for the next year or two. It’s too long. I want to raise a family, preferably with you. But I’ll not wait forever, Edward Thache.”