ABSTRACT
A band of pirates swarmed over the ship. The crew knew they had just been attacked by none other than the famous pirate Blackbeard. Edward Teach was the man known as Blackbeard, and from 1716 to 1718, he was the most feared pirate to sail the seas. Superstitious sailors were sure he was the devil incarnate and were happy to give Blackbeard what he wanted if he would leave them alone. Once the crew had surrendered, Blackbeard ordered his men to search the ship and take everything of value. In May of 1718, Blackbeard decided he needed a promotion, so he declared himself to be a commodore rather than a mere pirate captain. Then he immediately ordered his ships and crew to blockade the port of Charleston. Blackbeard and a small number of pirates were resting along the shore of Ocracoke Island enjoying an evening of entertainment.
