November 22, 1718 - English pirate Edward Teach ("Blackbeard") Killed
Blackbeard's Fearful Career Ends in Battle
Sent by Virginia governor Alexander Spotswood, a British fleet led by Lieutenant Robert Maynard killed Blackbeard the pirate in a short, gory battle at Ocracoke Island, North Carolina.
Blackbeard - Edward Teach (c.1680—22 November 1718)
Historians know little about Teach's origins. His name first surfaces in 1717 in a report by pirate hunter Captain Mathew Munthe. His fame rose as his exploits grew, including a blockade of Charlestown's harbor in May 1718. Blackbeard preferred to use his fearsome appearance to intimidate his enemies into submission, rather than use force. His appearance was intimidating. He grew his black hair and beard long. He braided the beard and tied the braids with black ribbon. During a battle, he put strands of burning rope under his hat. The smoke from the burning rope surrounded his face, accentuating his fierce looks. He spent a lot of effort to maintain the look of a demon. His reign of terror off the coast of the southern English colonies made him a desired target.
Alexander Spotswood (c. 1676 – 6 June 1740)
Lieutenant Governor of Virginia of Virginia, Spotswood was a native of the Colony of Tangier, Morocco. In 1693, he received promotion to ensign in the Ensign in the Earl of Bath's Regiment of Foot and became a commissioned officer in 1698. He became Lieutenant Governor of Virginia in 1710. During his twelve-year tenure, he established the Germanna Colonies, Knights of the Golden Horseshoe Expedition into the western mountains of Virginia and put down Cary's Rebellion.
Lieutenant Robert Maynard (c. 1684 – 4 January 1751)
Historians know little of Maynard's early life. He served as an officer of various levels in the Royal Navy. What fame he achieved came because of his battle with Blackbeard.
Ocracoke Island
Remote island of the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Ocracoke Island is a nine-mile square, long, thin island. On the north, shore of the western end a small, sheltered cove called Silver Lake surrounds the only town, Ocracoke. It was in this cove that the battle took place.
The Battle
Through various means, Spotswood had learned of Blackbeard's location. He sent Maynard in command with two sloops to capture the pirate. The expedition reached the island on November 17 in late afternoon. Since Maynard was not familiar with the shoals and islands, he waited until morning to launch his attack. He blockaded the channel, not allowing any other ships to enter, and thus warn Blackbeard of his presence. Blackbeard and his crew were on the other side of the island, partying with guests, and had not set a lookout, thus remaining oblivious to Maynard's presence. At dawn, Maynard sent a small boat in the cove first, sounding the depth of the water as it went. Maynard followed with the sloops. Blackbeard became aware of Maynard's presence, sailed his ship, the Adventure, and after a complicated set of maneuvers, turned his guns on the British ship. His broadside killed or wounded about a third of Maynard's crew. Anticipating that the pirates would board, Maynard kept most of his soldiers below deck. Blackbeard and his crew closed on the ship and attached grappling hooks. Thinking the ship deserted, Blackbeard boarded. As the pirates came on board, the hiding sailors emerged and attacked. The surprised pirates fought back. The battle came down to a face-to-face showdown between Blackbeard and Maynard. The two men aimed flintlocks at each other and fired. Both men missed their targets and drew their swords. During the swordfight, Blackbeard broke Maynard's sword. Maynard again tried to shoot Blackbeard and the pirate closed in on him with his sword. At this point, one of Maynard's men rushed up behind Blackbeard and slashed his throat. The crew moved in to attack the wounded Blackbeard and finished him off. As Blackbeard died in a pool of his own blood, his crew surrendered.
Blackbeard's reign was over.
An examination of his body later revealed five gunshots and twenty saber slashes.
From the Book
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