Edward Teach--Blackbeard

Today when you see the Jolly Roger "skull and crossbones" on a black flag, your memory quickly recalls the pirate Blackbeard.

A given name can sometimes be forgotten as Blackbeard was called Edward Teach, Edward Drummond and Edward Thatch, but ask most and all they will remember is Blackbeard.

Not much can be found of his escapades, much has been repeated through stories, but very little documentation is available.

Blackbeard's ship was called the Queen Anne's Revenge. A very large ship that flew the Jolly Roger. The Queen Anne's Revenge was equipped with 40 guns.

Blackbeard used his friendship with the governor of the Provence, Charles Eden to take at his will what he wanted; splitting his take with the Governor. He plundered incoming and outgoing ships; caring food, liquor and weapons at the port of Charles Town and paralyzing it's trade.

It was nothing for him to take hostages in trade for gold, silver and other items of value. Blackbeard was known for his cruelty and brutality.

Blackbeard's brutality had run it's course, As the people became weary of his escapades they sought help from the Governor of Virginia.

Lt. Robert Maynard was given orders and supplies to go after Blackbeard, hunt him down and end his life. Blackbeard was found anchored in North Carolina's, Ocraocke Island. After the attack and later the death of Blackbeard, his severed head was said to have been hung from Maynard's bowsprit. As a symbol of the end or because he needed it as proof of death to claim the bounty of 100 pounds; maybe both.