Blackbeard Quick Fact #3 – Fun with hemp

In the days leading up to the release of Blackbeard’s Lost Treasure (April 28,2016 – Franklin/Kerr Press), I will give my readers–or anyone with interest in the legendary pirate–some notes I took as part of my research for the novel.

These notes will lay the background for Blackbeard, many of which did not make it into the novel. For the items that did make it into the novel, don’t worry, there will be no spoilers. You can read all of the facts here. 

In Fact #2, I told you how Blackbeard used intimidation and fear in his rise to prominence rather than violence. He used his size, beard, and even his pirate flag to get his way on the open seas.

Blackbeard Fact #3

Another method Blackbeard used was the use of theatrics. He knew that he only had one chance to make a first impression, and when seafarers caught site of him, he wanted them to believe that he was a demonic figure.

During the early 1700s, cannons used hemp fuses. Blackbeard would cut these fuses into smaller strips and tuck them into his hat and light them. This would cause a thick black cloud of smoke and flames to cover his face.

If you add that to his giant figure (for that day), that his body would be loaded with pistols and knives, and laughing like the evil maniac he was, the sight of him would no doubt cause his enemies to tremble in fear.

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