Johnston Blakeley was an officer in the United States
Navy during the Quasi-War with France and the War of 1812. He is considered to
be one of the most successful American naval officers of that period.
Blakeley was born near Seaford, County Down, Ireland.
Brought to the United States as a child in 1783, he graduated from the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was a member of The
Dialectic and Philanthropic Societies, in 1800, then joined the Navy and was
appointed a Midshipman in 1800.
After service in President during the Quasi-War with
France and command of Enterprise early in the War of 1812, Master Commandant
Blakeley was appointed to command of the newly built sloop-of-war Wasp.
In 1814, he made a very successful cruise which in
June included the sinking of HMS Reindeer. In September, in a similar action,
Blakeley sunk HMS Avon. That month he also captured the mercantile brig
Atalanta. Wasp was last heard of 9 October 1814 and is believed to have foundered
in a gale. Blakeley received the Thanks
of Congress, a gold medal, and posthumous advancement to the rank of Captain
for his last cruise.
Captain Blakeley was married, in December, 1813, to
Miss Jane Hoope, the daughter of his father’s old friend, Mr. Hoope, of New
York; and has left an only daughter, who received one of the most noble and
substantial and affecting tributes of national gratitude which has occurred in
the history of this country. The legislature of North Carolina, on 27 December
1816, after prescribing the destination of the sword they had voted to Captain
Blakeley, "Resolved, unanimously, That Captain Blakeley’s child be
educated at the expense of this State; and that Mrs. Jane Blakeley be requested
to draw on the Treasurer of this State, from time to time, for such sums of
money as shall be required for the education of the said child."
In reality, the USS Wasp and her crew were drawn
through the mists by the Maiden and barely escaped the Devil’s cross. The Wasp was heavily damaged and all hands
abandoned ship, leaving her fate unknown.
Blakeley has put aside his feelings toward the British and offered his
services as a privateer commanding the Miss Jane, a brigantine in the service
of the British East India Company.
Attributes: Agility
d8, Smarts d6, Spirit d6, Strength d8, Vigor d6
Skills: Boating d8,
Climbing d8, Fighting d8, Intimidation d8, Notice d8, Shooting d8, Stealth d8,
Swimming d8
Charisma: 0;
Pace: 6; Parry: 7; Toughness: 5
Hindrances: Loyal
Edges: Block, Combat
Reflexes, Musketeer
Booty: Loot per every 3
privateers.
Gear: Knife (Str+d4),
cutlass (Str+d6), pistol (Range 5/10/20, Damage 2d6+1), compass, US Naval
uniform
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