Blackbeard's Servant

Frontispiece Black Beard - Courtesy of Paul Douglass

Paul Douglass is Professor of English and American Literature at San Jose State University and includes British Romanticism (Byron Studies) among his research interests.  He and Frederick Burwick of the University of California, Los Angeles maitain the Romantic-Era Songs website. It was here that I found the treasure of Blackbeard; or, The Captive Princess (Longman and Broderip, 1798) composed and adapted for the piano by John Sanderson (1769-1841), scenario and songs by John Cartwright Cross (d.1810?).

This "grand ballet spectacle" was performed at the Royal Circus where Caesar, Blackbeard’s servant is described a pantomime role played by Mr. d’Egville. Given George's later reputation as a pantomimic actor it is perhaps he rather than James or Louis who appeared as Caesar.

In 1972 characters and scenery cutouts from Blackbeard the Pirate; or, The Jolly Buccaneers, was reprinted by Pryor Publications (Whitsable, Enland). It seems that the original was probably published in the 1830s by Pollocks’ Toy Theatres Ltd, of London. According to Douglass, "the imagery is consistent with other depictions of the costumes and sets in the original production." So, the cutout character of Caeser (far right, first row below) may represent Mr. d'Egville.

Back cover of Blackbeard the Pirate; or, The Jolly Buccaneers
Courtesy Paul Douglass

Synopsis of Black Beard downloaded from the Romantic-Era Songs website. 

THE Piece commences with the carousal of Black Beard and his Crew in the Pirate’s Grand Cabin, they descry a Sail bearing the Mogul's Colours, conveying the Princess Ismena and her Lover Abdallah – they are taken. Black Beard becomes enamoured of the Princess, and separates them: – They steer towards the Straits of Madagascar, where he has deposited his Riches in the Care of Orra, his Wife, to whom, on his landing, he introduces the Princess. Orra watches her with a jealous Eye, but dreading her Husband’s ferocious Disposition, with seeming Complacency receives her. In the Interim he gives Orders that Abdallah shall be dispatched – the Commands are received by William and his Sweetheart Nancy, the affectionate Female, who had followed his Fortunes in Disguise, and when taken by Black Beard, both became reluctantly Pirates. William recognizes in Abdallah, a Friend who had redeemed him from Slavery, and gratefully in return, aids his Escape – the jealous Orra seduces lsmena, under a Promise of Freedom, to a sequestered Spot, where she attempts her Murder, but is prevented by Black Beard, who plunges the Dagger, intended for the Princess, in his Wife's Heart – her Lover, wandering near the Spot, is wounded by Caesar (Black Beard's faithful Negro) in endeavouring to rescue his Mistress, who is conveyed once more for Safety on-board the Pirate. Her wounded Lover meets with Lieutenant Maynard, (Commander of the Pearl) who, being in Search of the Pirate, learns the Inlet where he has anchored, and determines to attack him – mean Time BlackBeard endeavours, by every Art, to seduce Ismena – but is interrupted by the Apparition of his murdered Wife – he views her with Horror, but has scarce Time to reflect, when he learns his Ship is about being boarded by the British Captain, he gives lsmena to the Care of Caesar, commanding him to lodge her in the Powder-Magazine, and should the Captain be victorious, set Fire to it, and blow them all up together, which he is on the Point of accomplishing, when his Hand is arrested by Abdallah. The British Captain, after an obstinate Engagement, plunges the piratical Monster into the Sea. Abdallah is restored to his faithful Ismena, and British Valour and Humanity conspicuously triumphant.

From “The Songs, Duets, Glees, Chorusses, [sic] &c. In the popular grand Spectacle of Music, Dance, and Action, called, Black Beard; or, The Captive Princess: As performed upwards of 100 nights, at the Royal Circus, last season; and Revived with new Songs, Scenery, Dresses, &c. On Wednesday, May 15, 1799,” ( London: T. Burton, 1799), 5-6.

Paul Douglass is author of Lady Caroline Lamb: A Biography (Palgrave Macmillan, 2004) and a selection of Lady Caroline Lamb's letters, The Whole Disgraceful Truth (Palgrave Macmillan, 2006).