A Real-Life, Historical Treasure Hunt
During the time span covering more than five centuries, from the very beginning of the Nation until today, untold treasures have been hidden from the eyes of Americans. These riches are to be found on two of the most “historic peninsulas” in the country and in the waters that lie about them. Within this area walked and sailed some of the most famous and infamous characters in American history.
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In 1699 pirates were cruising around the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay targeting ships flying the English flag. Almost-at-will they were taking ships going to and coming from ports in the Colony of Virginia. Tobacco was a favorite commodity for capture, but anything in sight was game. Virginia Governor Francis Nicholson was concerned about the effectiveness of the existing guardship, HMS Essex Prize to prevent the relentless carnage. As a result, the Colony had recently received a larger and better armed HMS Shoreham with 32 guns from England to fight the pirate ships mercilessly praying on the merchant fleet. Additionally, the Governor had appointed local militia in the counties of Norfolk, Northampton, Accomack, and Princess Anne to keep watch for the menacing vessels around Hampton Roads. Then in late April 1700, a French pirate vessel named La Paix with twenty-eight cannons, a crew of around 150, and under the command of Louis Guittar, sailed into Lynnhaven Inlet, within what is now called Virginia Beach, with five captured prizes under-its-belt and ready to be pillaged . Also, on the La Paix was the infamous pirate, John Hougling. Pirates had only months before successfully fought off the guardship HMS Essex Prize , thus the buccaneers had little fear of English guardships in Hampton Roads. Even when warned by a recent captive of a more formidable threat in the vicinity, the recent arrivals had little trepidation. Spotted by the Virginia lookouts, the Governor and the Captain of the Shoreham, William Passenger, were informed of the pirates’ incursion. They quickly boarded their new guardship and sailed with a crew and militiamen, totaling 115, to trap the pirates within the Inlet the next morning of Thursday, April 29. They were successful in the surprise entrapment and fired a shot across the bow of the pirate vessel at the crack-of-dawn. When the buccaneers responded with hostile intent, the Virginia Colonists and the English, with sixty percent of the participants under twelve years-of-age, then blasted away all day, with volley after volley and shot after shot. Guittar tried to maneuver his more heavily manned ship to storm the guardship. But Captain Passenger, with the wind in his favor, maneuvered the Shoreham to his advantage until the bloodied La Paix eventually ran aground after nearly ten hours of fierce fighting . Louis Guittar threatened to blow up his ship with the remaining gunpowder if not given quarter. Nicholson promised the “mercy of the King” to all pirates that surrendered. The offer was accepted. “Twenty Seven Barrels of Powder, and Sixteen hundred and Seventy One Shott of Several Natures Besides a hundred Weight Shot in Small Arms,” were used in the battle. The sails, masts, yards, and rigging of the La Paix were shot away. One side of the pirates’ ship hull was terribly pummeled. The vanquished La Paix was boarded by the attacking victors. Going below deck they found forty imprisoned individuals, including English officers and passengers, from the captured prizes. Forty pirates were dead from the engagement and 120 were taken prisoner, many of whom were wounded. Some of the defeated party had jumped overboard to escape but were later apprehended. One hundred and nineteen pirates were to be shipped to England where they were to be tried as pirates. Eight died in the Elizabeth City County Jail before their ship sailed in mid-summer. Several pirates, including Hougling, were captured separately. They had their trial held in Elizabeth City (Hampton) and sentenced to be hung in Princess Anne (Virginia Beach). However, the three escaped but were eventually recaptured in Accomack County. They were taken to the Cape Henry area (Virginia Beach). One was hung near Cape Henry, another was hung on the shores of the Lynnhaven River, and the third had a noose placed around his neck and met his demise where he had been captured after jumping ship. All three were left to rot where they hung, near where the battle had occurred, as a warning to other pirates. Guittar and twenty-three of the other captured raiders were tried, convicted, and hung in London within the month of November 1700. The crew of the English vessel endured casualties as well. One, Peter Heyman of Hampton, the head customs official, was killed as he stood next to Governor Nicholson on the quarterdeck of the Shoreham. With the dueling ships coming within twenty to thirty feet of each other, the Governor was shooting at the invaders within the range of his pistol. The wealth taken from the La Paix and its pirates, along with the sale of the ship, plus an added load of tobacco, was divided between the King, Captain Passenger, the Governor, and some of the crew of the HMS Shoreham, as was the tradition . Of course, some of the riches seemed to disappear, as was the tradition. It is said that my eighth great-grandfather, a Lewis, was among the militia involved in the fight and came away a little richer.
Find this tale in the years that sail but never fail. Wondrously true wrapped forever in blue. History it is clear started not far from here. An Indian princess wrought her Thomas from a wedding promise. Daughters’ sons of Warner did wonder before the great thunder. A Rose lay for Jefferson to right of smite forever in freedom’s light. Before a sage and turn a page. La Gaule against the red who saw the ship of dread. To liberate the trodden as the Marquis came with the sodden. Guns ignite while eyes lose their site. Not far the Green Dragoon but no wagon in a nook that caught a hook. And wound that fell for many to tell. The mounted strife to end for the country to begin. Years return to strike again but lose the fight for their sin. As banner waves for the nation to be saved. A picture arises from the ashes for the masses. The great General before the coming maul saw the most beautiful home of all. Iron and dust displaces all left in their traces. White it be maybe you can see how harsh now lies in the marsh. Some lose their gall from a distant recall. The second crown slips the band who sought to take a stand. Charles with names to follow for what is too hollow. A captain on board takes a great hoard with glistening sword. With gold and treasure galore from those who wish for more. Nearly forgotten though not rotten can still be gotten. Centuries past after the mast. Men of war virtually no more like years before. A path of gold may trek to see the spec. Beneath the tall and sod for all who pray to god. Is what you seek not far from the creek. Maybe one, two, or three not sought by the meek. But with glee there is so much to sea.
If during the span of the last six centuries you stood on a boat’s deck that anchored at one spot in the harbor, just a short distance from the York River, not far from Sarah’s Creek in Gloucester, you would see American history unfold, including all the major wars fought on land and sea. Events would include: The first Spanish to settle in the region and the massacre of the inhabitants by the Native Americans that followed The founding of the first permanent English settlement at Jamestown Pocahontas’s tribes interaction with the English Multiple Indian wars with the English The first major attack on an English colony in America by a European power America’s first revolution – called Bacon’s Rebellion Pirates, privateers, and their fleets - battles against and between these marauders in the 1600s, 1700s, and 1800s The shelling and burning of Norfolk by the British The invasion of Virginia by Benedict Arnold after betraying George Washington and his country The fierce naval engagement by Admiral de Grasse’s French fleet against the invading English fleet that trapped Lord Cornwallis and his army The Battles at Yorktown and Gloucester Attacks by the English on America in the War of 1812 The burning and rape of Hampton, construction of fortress after fortress including Fort Monroe The battle of the first ironclad ships in naval warfare The invasion by the North on the South during the War Between the States. You would see clandestine events unfolding that helped lead to the creation of the Central Intelligence Agency and a secret base unknown to most Americans, and construction of the world’s only super carriers and the docking of the completed vessels at the wharfs of the largest naval base on Earth would be right in your sight, as well as the blasting off of NASA rockets with satellites climbing into Earth orbit. The famous people you would see go sailing by are way too many to list, but would include at least twenty presidents such as Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, Harrison, Tyler, Taylor, Wilson, and Lincoln. You would not have to take a step – just turn your head around as the centuries pass. You would see all of this and much more, but for all you observe, much more is unseen. And if you listen carefully, you will hear a “call” echoing across the waves, among the trees, between the houses, about the graveyards, and over the gentle hills, orchestrated ages ago near where you stand, during a time of great tribulation for the Nation– one you have heard many times before during your life, performed by a lone figure standing with a single musical instrument. It might have at some time elicited a chill down your spine or a tear in your eye, but certainly a feeling of sadness about something or someone gone forever. Some have called this haunting melody “Butterfield’s Lullaby”, others have called it “Extinguish Lights”, still others “Day is Done”, however, you would call it – “Taps”. During these six centuries, and the struggles for survival among the people, untold riches have passed through these waters and lands. So much, the value cannot accurately be calculated. Some has never left. Why have you not heard of these treasures? Who is hiding them? What lies ahead is a true odyssey of the founding of a nation through the eyes of many, including my own, and the riches that accompanied the participants.