Ghost Ships, Buried Treasure & Comic-Con

Levasseur leaves behind his legendary cipher, the Flying Dutchman appears before a future king, Comic-Con is on the horizon, and Blackbeard's flagship can sail onto your bookshelf. Issue #63 – July 10th 2026

Ahoy, Matey

Every now and then, an issue comes together that reminds me why I started this newsletter.

This week we've got pirate legends, ghost stories, hidden treasure, a look at one of the world's biggest pop culture events, and a chance to meet many of you at Comic-Con.

So pour yourself a mug of grog and settle in.

There's plenty to discover beyond the horizon.

Welcome to Episode 63 of The Pirate Republic.

📜 THIS WEEK IN PIRATE HISTORY

Three Legendary Moments from the World of Pirates

Some weeks in history are unusually quiet.

This isn't one of them.

This week gave us the final moments of one pirate legend, the beginning of another, and one of the most famous ghost ship sightings ever recorded.

⚔️ July 7, 1730 — Olivier Levasseur Leaves One Final Mystery

French pirate Olivier Levasseur, better known as "La Buse" (The Buzzard), was hanged on Réunion Island after years of terrorizing the Indian Ocean.

As the story goes, just before the trapdoor opened, Levasseur threw a cryptogram into the crowd and shouted:

"Find my treasure, the one who can understand it!"

Nearly 300 years later, treasure hunters are still trying to solve the mysterious cipher.

If Levasseur truly hid one of history's greatest pirate fortunes...

It may still be waiting to be found.

🏴‍☠️ July 11, 1718 — Howell Davis Raises the Black Flag

Before there was Black Bart Roberts, there was Howell Davis.

On July 11, 1718, the Welsh sailor began the pirate career that would change history.

Unlike many pirates, Davis preferred deception over brute force. He often captured ships by pretending to be a friendly merchant captain or legitimate naval officer before revealing the black flag at the last possible moment.

Although his pirate career lasted barely a year before he was killed, Davis recruited and mentored Bartholomew Roberts—the man who would become the most successful pirate of the Golden Age.

Without Howell Davis...

There may never have been a Black Bart Roberts.

👻 July 11, 1881 — The Flying Dutchman Appears

One of history's most famous ghost ship sightings took place in the early hours of July 11, 1881.

While serving aboard HMS Bacchante, the future King George V—then a young prince—recorded seeing the legendary Flying Dutchman glowing on the horizon around 4:00 a.m.

Thirteen other sailors reportedly witnessed the mysterious vessel.

Then came the chilling twist.

Just a few hours later, one of the men who claimed to have seen the ghost ship fell from the rigging to his death.

Coincidence?

Or had the Flying Dutchman claimed another soul?

The mystery has never been solved.

⚓ Pirate Republic Take

Pirate history isn't just about buried treasure and naval battles.

It's filled with unsolved mysteries, larger-than-life characters, and legends that refuse to die.

That's one of the reasons we're still telling these stories more than 300 years later.

🏴‍☠️ "Some pirates leave behind treasure. Some leave behind legends.

The lucky few leave behind both."

🎤🏴‍☠️ CAPTAIN BLACKQUILL'S LOG

Join Me at San Diego Comic-Con!

I've got some exciting news to share with the crew.

Later this month, I'll have the honor of moderating a panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2026 titled:

From Blackbeard to Netflix: Pirates in Modern Media

The exact date and time will be announced closer to the convention.

We'll explore how the real pirates of history became the legends we know today—and how they've inspired books, films, television, and video games for more than 300 years.

I'm thrilled to be joined by an incredible crew of panelists:

🏴‍☠️ Dr. Rebecca Simon – Acclaimed pirate historian and bestselling author specializing in the Golden Age of Piracy.

🎬 Zach McGowan – Actor known for his unforgettable portrayal of Captain Charles Vane in Black Sails.

📚 Dr. Mark Hanna – Historian and author of Pirate Nests and the Rise of the British Empire, whose research explores the real relationship between pirates and the early Atlantic world.

⚓ Isaac C. Singleton Jr. – Actor who brought the intimidating Bo'sun to life in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.

🎥 Lukas Ettlin – Emmy Award-winning cinematographer and director whose work includes One Piece and Black Sails, helping create two of the most visually stunning pirate series ever produced.

Hosted by Pirate Republic founder and author Bryan Cantrell (Captain Blackquill), author of the time-travel pirate novels Pirates of the Wild West and Pirates of World War II.

Whether you're fascinated by real pirate history or the stories Hollywood has built upon it, we'll be diving into how the legends of Blackbeard, Anne Bonny, Black Bart Roberts, and others continue to shape modern entertainment.

If you're attending Comic-Con, I'd love to meet fellow Pirate Republic readers. Come aboard for the discussion and be sure to stop by afterward to say "Ahoy!"

And if you can't make it to San Diego, don't worry—I’ll be sharing photos, highlights, and behind-the-scenes stories in an upcoming issue of The Pirate Republic.

🎉🏴‍☠️ PIRATE EVENT OF THE WEEK

This Weekend: Pirate Invasion Long Beach!

If you're looking for an adventure this weekend, set your course for Pirate Invasion Long Beach at Shoreline Aquatic Park on July 11–12.

One of the West Coast's biggest pirate gatherings returns with hundreds of costumed pirates, living history encampments, sword fights, cannon and musket demonstrations, live entertainment, treasure hunts, harbor cruises, merchants, food, grog, and fun for the whole crew.

Whether you're a seasoned privateer or a first-time deckhand, it's the perfect place to don your tricorn, hoist the Jolly Roger, and spend a weekend among fellow pirates.

⚓ "This weekend, Long Beach belongs to the pirates.

If ye spy a fellow in a tricorn with a camera in one hand and a tankard in the other...

Come say ahoy!" 🏴‍☠️⚓🍻

💰🏴‍☠️ PIRATE BOOTY OF THE WEEK

Build Blackbeard's Queen Anne's Revenge

Ever wished you could command Blackbeard's legendary flagship from your own captain's quarters?

Now you can.

This stunning 2,527-piece Queen Anne's Revenge building set from JMBricklayer recreates one of history's most infamous pirate ships in incredible detail. From the menacing red sails bearing the Jolly Roger to the illuminated gun deck and captain's cabin, it's a display piece worthy of any pirate collection.

⚓ 2,527 premium building pieces🏴‍☠️ Dramatic crimson sails with skull-and-crossbones insignia💡 LED lighting kit included🪙 Packed with display-quality details for collectors

⚓ Pirate Republic Take

Blackbeard's Queen Anne's Revenge is one of the most recognizable ships of the Golden Age of Piracy, and this model captures its intimidating presence beautifully.

Whether you're a builder, a pirate historian, or simply looking for the centerpiece of your pirate den, this is one prize worth adding to your treasure hoard.

💰 Pirate Republic Exclusive

Use code JMBNEW2026 at checkout to receive 15% OFF selected 2026 new releases from JMBricklayer.

🏴‍☠️ Claim Your Prize

👉 Build the Queen Anne's Revenge

⚓ Captain Blackquill's Log

"Blackbeard's flagship no longer sails the Carolina coast...

But she can still command the finest shelf in your pirate den."

🏴‍☠️⚓🧱 

☠️ Captain’s Log

From buried treasure to ghost ships...

From pirate festivals to Comic-Con...

It's another reminder that pirate history never really ended—it simply found new ways to inspire us.

Thank you, as always, for sailing alongside me each week.

Until next tide...

May your compass stay true,

your adventures be legendary,

and if someone ever tosses a mysterious cipher into the crowd...

Be the one who solves it.

Until next tide, me hearties—

Captain Blackquill ⚓🏴‍☠️

"For the sea keeps no legends... only those bold enough to become them."

🗣️ SHARE THE SPOILS, MATEY

Know a landlubber who’d savor tales of treasure, ghost ships, and true pirate history? Don’t hoard the gold — recruit ’em to the crew.

📜 Join The Pirate Republic here →https://www.thepiraterepublic.com/weeklynewsletter-thepiraterepublic

New voyages, bold stories, and rich plunder await those who sail with us.

⚓ SAIL WITH US ACROSS THE DIGITAL SEAS

📜 TikTok: @thepiraterepublic▶️ YouTube: The Pirate Republic

🎖️ THANKS FOR SAILING WITH THE CREW

We set sail every Friday, storm or shine — delivering pirate history, legends, and lore from across the seas.

Keep yer spyglass trained on the horizon,rest when the winds allow,and may your course be steady, your hold full, and your tales worth telling.

If ye stumble upon treasure, tall tales, or pirate lore worth sharing, send word to:📧 captainblackquill@gmail.com

Disclosure: Some links in this newsletter are affiliate links, which means we may earn a few extra doubloons if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you. Thanks for keeping The Pirate Republic afloat, ya savvy sea dog. 🏴‍☠️