text version of flash module
Introduction
They were
Subject to their sovereign and the vagaries of the sea;
French, Canadian, British, Aboriginal or American;
Feared in time of war;
Pillagers and raiders.
They were
Intrepid seafarers—
But not all of them were pirates!
They were
Pirates or privateers?
Boarding on the St Lawrence.
Until the middle of the 19th century, the French, the British and the Americans engaged in raiding. This particular type of naval warfare involved hiring sailors who were not members of the Navy and authorizing them, on behalf of their government, to launch attacks on the enemy. These privateers were even given the right to capture enemy ships.
However, to carry out raids, privateers had to first obtain a letter of marque or a commission. Without these documents, privateers were no better than pirates, who were considered to be outlaws. Thanks to shipowners who supplied vessels, provisions and weapons, privateers served their country, capturing ships and even receiving a share of the profits from the sale of loot seized from the enemy.
Not many people know that in North America, and particularly in the St Lawrence River and Gulf, privateers conducted raids constantly, amassing booty, pillaging fishing posts and taking part in military expeditions. In this way, the privateers of the St Lawrence played an important role in the wars fought in North America.
Top
The 18th century, somewhere on the Saint Lawrence River…
In those times..., people had to navigate waterways in order to communicate, trade or travel long distances.
War was fought on the water as well. And any method was fair game for stopping the enemy.
Captain
Ha ha! A fine haul! Those Englishmen didn’t put up much of a fight!
I want Deneau, La Baume, Aubois and Doucet to run the RELIABLE. Follow us to port. We’ll make quite a profit and you’ll get your share of the booty*!
* A share of the goods seized.
Top
Élie Galermont, a new sailor on the privateer, is proud of his first prize.
Captain
In the name of His Majesty, sirs, my compliments… and ringing coins for everyone at the end of the journey!
Top
Back to sea! But the privateer captain is getting ready to commit an act of piracy.
Captain
Now, give them orders to head for the island.
Second
We’re leaving everything behind?
Captain
No! Last time, the clerk at Quebec was suspicious. We’ll unload only the best stuff and half of the weapons. Oh yes! Don’t forget, Lemelin! The pistol of that idiot of a “Master”… Much too nice for him! I will keep it!
Élie
Élie is stunned: their captain wants them to commit illegal acts!
What’s gotten into them? They’re acting like common pirates, not like the King’s privateers!
If they sell part of the loot and keep all of the profits, we are breaking our agreement! The shipowners and the King must receive their fair share. It was in the contract!
I did not sign on as a privateer so that I could become a traitor at the first opportunity…
Top
On Saint Paul Island…
Élie
I’m not happy about this. I should blow the whistle on this sneak, but I’m risking a lot. I need proof that he’s breaking the privateering contract…
Marin
Come on Galermont, get a move on!
Élie
Evidence… Easier said than done. What would the Lieutenant-General of the Admiralty need to see to believe me? Documents, of course! It’s a good thing I know how to read!
Captain Delatour may have hidden some of the booty on our ship. Let’s see…
Now. I have to do this. I’ll search this ship high and low, from the hold to the upper deck!
ship map (main menu)
Drag your mouse and find the zones, Click on to go to the content.
Conclusion
Top
Élie thinks about what he has to do...
Élie
I have to hide all of this until we get to port. No one should be able to get into my bag if I tie my trick knot.
Top
Élie is nervous for the rest of the voyage. Will he get caught?
After several more days of sailing, Quebec City’s harbour is in view.
The captain goes off to give his report to the Admiralty.
His Majesty’s Lieutenant General at the Admiralty questions the captain of the privateer and two of the crew members, as well as the captain of the RELIABLE and his first mate, to find out how the prize went. Following questioning, the haul is considered “good” because it was taken within the rules.
His Majesty’s Lieutenant General
On which passport have you been sailing?
Where did you obtain weapons for this ship?
What did you plan to do on your ship?
Where did you take your haul?
Were you with Michel Delatour when the Reliable was captured?
Top
The clerk goes aboard the captured ship. He takes note of everything: the inventory can take a few days.
Afterwards, official seals are affixed until the items are sold at auction.
Later, at the Admiralty, Élie shows the evidence to the King’s Lieutenant-General.
His Majesty’s Lieutenant General
... Jewellery… Illegal weapon… Stolen booty…
... Not the first time…
... Hiding in a cove near Saint Paul Island…
You have his notebook too? You’re very lucky that no one surprised you!
Labranche
On almost every excursion… Especially jewels, salt — anything that keeps well. Everyone is in cahoots…
Dialog
By order of His Majesty
Pursuant to the judgement of the Lieutenant-General of the Admiralty on this Third day of the month of August and by order of the Civil and Criminal Lieutenant-General at the seat of the Quebec Marshal and Admiralty rendered effective the Fifth of this same month, let it be known that Captain Michel Delatour, here before commander of the duly mandated privateer TÉMÉRAIRE, is found guilty of stealing from the King his fair share and of having hidden portions of the goods to resell for his own profit. The aforementioned Delatour is ordered to pay a fine of fifteen pounds, otherwise his goods will be seized. Marked with the fleur–de-lys on his right arm, before those who wish to witness, this Monday the fourteenth at Place Royale. And will be relieved of his hidden plunder by the Admiralty who will seize it.
Rendered at this city’s Courthouse by Me, His Majesty’s Lieutenant-General of the Admiralty, the undersigned
Boimmeurain
Top
Disappointed by his first privateer adventure, Élie returns to fishing, a more dependable and peaceful way to make a living… Unless he is captured by an enemy privateer!
Provision and fear
Introduction of Galermont
Top
In the galley
Élie
Oh! Labouffe has finished his shift!
Drawings? I didn’t know that the cook* had any talents other than making cod brandade!
Bottom
*Cook: Ship’s cook.
Galermont's quest
Situation |
The cook drew pictures of 16 people. However, only 4 of the pictures are of people that the captain knows. To find the evidence that Galermont is looking for, you must identify these 4 people. Using the clues from the notebook, click on the pictures of the wrong personalities to eliminate them. When only 4 pictures remain, click on “CHECK” to find out if you have the correct ones. If you did not identify the correct people, these last 4 will disappear and you will have to start all over again to find the missing characters. |
Activity text |
Names of the characters:
Clues: - The merchant is neither a priest nor a religious figure. - The prisoner is wearing a type of hat. - You cannot see the skirt of the privateer’s wife. - The head of the Plaisance woman is covered. - The merchant is not carrying weapons. - The people with a knot tied in their scarves were never prisoners. - The privateer woman is not hiding her neck. - In the picture, the Plaisance woman is not outside. - The merchant does not know how to read. - The prisoner is wearing a wooden cross around his neck. - You can see the hands of the privateer’s wife. - The Plaisance woman has nothing in her hands. - The merchant has never been in the army. - The privateer’s wife is wearing red. - The Plaisance woman is a nun: She is wearing a cross. |
| Text at end of activity | If the answer is correct: Congratulations! You have identified the four people that the captain has already met. You deserve to find a piece of evidence along with Galermont. If the answer is incorrect: You identified 1 (2, 3) of the 4 characters. Continue your search! |
Conclusion de Galermont
Élie
Aha! What luck! Captain, how stupid to leave your notebook out… Anyone could pick it up!
sails and weapons
Introduction of Galermont
Top
Still in the ship’s hold
Élie
What luck! His hat is freshly tarred. It must let less water through than my cap.
Galermont's quest
Situation |
Only the best sailors can come aboard Captain Ménard’s ship. Help him select his shipmates for his privateer expedition. By sliding the mouse on a character, you will see his occupation and traits. Click on the sailors that you wish to hire. |
Activity text |
Description of sailors to be selected: Lieutenant Viollet: 21 years old. His father bought him a commission as a ship’s officer to give him something to do, since he is not very motivated. Lieutenant Gironard*: Second in command and prize captain of 37 ships. Morin*: First mate, 32 years old. Began as a ship’s boy at the age of 10. Became first mate 6 years ago. Rousseau: First mate, 35 years old. Cousin is a captain. Former school teacher. Leading hand for two months now. Provost*: Gunner, 23 years old. Deaf. Knows the guns in every ship in New France. Has even given them all names. Pasquier: Gunner, 16 years old. Apprentice. His father wants him to overcome his fear of sudden noises. Pinin*: Caulker, 28 years old. From France, he is able to caulk a ship’s hull in the middle of the ocean while hanging from a rope over the side. Lemay: Côte-de-Beaupré fisherman, 17 years old. Bluteau*: Sailmaker, 36 years old. Twenty years of experience making and repairing sails in Montreal. Dupuy: Blacksmith, 23 years old. Builds wheel rims and barrel hoops. Buisson*: Carpenter, 40 years old. Specializes in repairing hulls damaged by gunfire. Barbotin: Fur trader, 25 years old. Sells pelts in Quebec City. Hopes to sell winter coats to the crew. Captain’s voice: (AUDIO – NARRATION) “We’ve already chosen some of our crew. I need a lieutenant, an experienced assistant I can rely on, who can replace me so I can get some sleep. Who amongst you is qualified? “My sailors need a leader with an iron hand! They have to be told what to do and when to do it so that the ship rolls with the current! Which one of you is a solid and experienced boatswain? “Fine. The guns need special care. A calm, courageous and able gunner is what I need. Anyone like that here? “That’s not all. To sail the ship, I need strong arms. Arms that can repair any part of the ship, from the sails to the cannon holes (May God keep us!), and leaks in the planks. Among the six of you, we will choose the three best sailors.” If the wrong people are selected, the captain objects (AUDIO-NARRATION): “I don’t hire incompetent men!” “He doesn’t even know the difference between port and starboard!” “Is he going to save his own skin at the first skirmish? No thank you!” “He has many qualities, but no sea legs!” “I’ve seen tougher men… he’s already green around the gills and we haven’t even set sail yet!” “Has he ever been on anything bigger than a rowboat?” Sentences for correct answers: “Oh, alright, good enough.” “I can put my trust in him.” “A little young, but he looks brave. Hired!” “I’ve heard about him. Good choice.” “You know how to pick the best.” “He has a head on his shoulders, good hands and a stomach for adventure. Good work!” Sentences from other crew members in roll over on photo of final crew Captain Ménard*: 46 years old, commander of armed merchant ships and privateers since the age of 18. Breton*: Cook, 30 years old. Ship’s cook for 5 years; began as an apprentice on a warship. Fornelle*: Rope maker, 24 years old. Worked in a rope factory with his father and grandfather. Labrèche*: Writer, 31 years old. Has taken care of the accounts, drafted reports and written down observations for the Admiralty for 6 years. Also writes the letters that sailors send home to their wives. Magras*: Surgeon, 28 years old. Military surgeon, released from the forces due to a wound that prevents him from running. Lemelin*: Pilot, 40 years old. Has navigated the Saint Lawrence with Captain Ménard for 20 years. Knows every current and crossing. |
Text at end of game |
Congratulations! You have hired an excellent crew. |
Conclusion of Galermont
Élie
Why is he sleeping on a piece of paper? Unless… of course, it’s the list of the prize booty left on the island!
Defense and Conquest
Introduction of Galermont
Top
The Captain’s cabin
Élie
Saint Michael, protect me… I am alone. I must move quickly; if I get caught, it’s the lash for me!
These quarters are much nicer than ours! Even a painting!
Galermont's Quest
Situation |
Page with painting Page with letter You can at any time return to the painting to read the characters’ comments. |
Activity text |
Character 1 (holding a bag and wearing a beret) on the left Finally, we can set sail! Once the captain has finished negotiating conditions, we’ll give him our names, ages, places of birth and residence for the compulsory list. A good thing we don’t need a trade to work on this ship! We’re going to hunt those pirates! And once we catch them, we won’t let them go! We’ll take them prisoner and bring them back to port for a good price. Character 2 (with an orange scarf around his waist, leaning on a table) I am captain J. B. Jouhau of the ship Elizabeth. With this letter of marque, my men and I have official permission to capture those who wish to steal and pillage the ships of our glorious Navy! With our guns and cannonballs, our gunpowder and our knives, we’re ready for war! We can take their ships, their weapons and their supplies and sell all of it for a good price. I know – we are not very nice. But neither are they! Character 3 (sitting at the table) These privateers are a good thing for the government. Thanks to the privateers, we of the Ministry of Marine and Colonies can chase down enemies of the State without putting our ships and crews at risk. The shipowners and captains take all the risks, but when they sell their prizes, a share in the profits is due to the King. Meanwhile, we’re getting rid of those who could stop us from winning the war. Character 4 You are witness to the last negotiations before the signing of a letter of marque, an official document, issued by a State, which gives a private ship the right to seize goods, ships, and weapons, and to imprison the crew of an enemy ship in time of war. The letter on this table, issued by the French government, is valid for ten months; a rather short time, since we never know when the war will end. During this time, the privateers will attempt to intercept the enemy, return to their home port with their loot and sell it for a profit. Of course, this letter of marque, this permission, comes with a price: all profits must be shared with the State. Letter of marque (with errors) Letter for a French privateer ship. The date on the document is “8 Ventôse Year 9”, according to the French revolutionary calendar, or February 27, 1801. French Republic Letter of Piracy The Consuls of the Republic hereby authorize Captain J. B. Jouhau to equip for war a privateer, the Julia, with such number of guns, cannonballs, and such amount of gunpowder, lead and other weapons of war and supplies as are deemed necessary to capture all of the Allies of the Republic, and, regarding the Pirates, to capture them and release them with their ships, weapons and other objects that they are seized with; the ship owner must register this Letter with the Maritime Inspection Office in the city where his ship was launched and deposit there the list of the men of its crew; said Captain must, upon his return, present his report to the Administrator of the Navy. The Consuls of the Republic invite all the Allied Powers and Friends of the French Republic to offer to the Captain any help, safe passage or withdrawal into their harbours. This document is valid for ten years only, from the date of its registration. In witness whereof the Consuls of the Republic have had this Letter signed by the Minister of the Navy. Given in Paris on 8 Ventôse of Year 9 of the French Republic By the Ministry of Marine and Colonies, [Signed] M. Furier [?] Comments on the answers for the letter of marque Piracy (Marque) This is indeed a letter of marque, as pirates did not have permission from the State for their deeds. Julia (Elizabeth) Captain Jouhau’s ship was christened the Elizabeth. Allies (Enemies) The enemies, not the allies of the Republic, are the ones to be pursued. Release them (Take them prisoner) All good privateers bring back their prisoners and definitely do not let their captives go! 10 years (10 months) Valid only during a conflict, the letters of marque covered a fairly short period because no one was ever sure when peace would reign again. |
Text at end of game text |
Congratulations! You have corrected all of the errors in the letter of marque. Go back to Captain’s cabin, where you will find a piece of evidence. |
Conclusion of Galermont
Élie
What is this? “Your beloved wife, Marie-Anne…” I thought the name of the Captain’s wife was Angélique. At least in Quebec!
armament and profit
Introduction of Galermont
Top
Back in the hold
Élie
Here is the ammunition for the muzzle and these biscuits, again! We eat them at every meal!
They’re so hard, hard enough to break teeth!
Galermont's Quest
Situation |
"Hear ye, hear ye! By order of his Majesty, let it be known to everyone that the brigantine taken from the English and all of its equipment, weapons, and goods are being put up for sale. The goods will be sold by candlelight auction today. Don’t miss it." You must help the auctioneer sell the plunder to the merchants who show up at the auction. When an object appears in the middle of the room, click on the merchant who you think might buy it. If you choose the correct merchant, his or her payment shows up in the trunk. If not, the merchandise returns to the pile of booty. Be careful! The auction is over when the candle burns out. The auctioneer wants to get rid of all of the merchandise: His speech gets faster as time runs out! |
Text in the game |
Merchandise for sale: Cod Salt Wine Skins (fur) White sail Grey sail Blue sail Salt pork Biscuits Wheat Corn Hammer Axe Kettle Flour Rudder Tin plates Tin pots Iron shovel Pincers Buttons Snuffbox Sailcloth Pins Card game Utensils (spoons, knives) Wool sweaters Paper Spices (cloves, nutmeg) Women’s shoes Women’s clogs English books Boiler Skillet Bell Sail cordage Rowboat oar Characters (roll-over) 1- Grocer: Sells food 2- Shipchandler: Sells ship parts and equipment 3- Woman bar owner: Welcomes customers with alcohol and games 4- Blacksmith: Uses and sells tools 5- Cobbler: Sells tools 6- Tailor: Sells fabric, sewing materials and clothing 7- Baker: Bakes and sells bread 8- General merchant: Sells kitchen utensils, dishes and various other objects. |
Text at end of game |
If over 50% Congratulations! You succeeded in selling most of the merchandise. You deserve a reward. If under 50% Unfortunately, you weren’t very successful. Less than half of the merchandise was sold. On the other hand, this is understandable: our loot wasn’t all that good. Better luck next time. |
Conclusion of Galermont
Élie
Something shiny…a pistol? Perhaps this is the one the Captain wanted to keep for himself.
adventure and fame
Introduction of Galermont
Top
On deck
Élie
With all of the comings and goings around here, I have to be especially careful.
I wonder if this detour is delaying us too much…
Galermont Quest
Situation |
The privateer and its prize are returned to the port. The solicitor questions the captain to find out if everything was done according to the rules and to declare the goods lawfully taken. But each of the three people before the solicitor insists that he is the real captain of the privateer. However, only one is telling the truth. Help the solicitor unmask the impostors by asking questions and analyzing the answers offered by the privateersmen. Who is telling the truth? |
Text in the game |
PeCharacters: 1- Privateer Captain Michel Delatour 2- Privateer Captain Michel Delatour (really, pirate Jean Saint-Pierre) 3- Privateer Captain Michel Delatour (really, fisherman Robert Lantagne) Questions and Answers: Series #1: A- What kind of vessel do you command? 1- A brigantine, the Téméraire. 2- A schooner, the Tenace. 3- A schooner, the Talion. B- What is in your hold? 1- Cod. 2- Cod. 3- Cod. C- What do you eat on the ship? 1- Sea biscuits and salted pork. 2- Cod and sea biscuits. 3- Salted pork and cod. Series #2: D- What kind of weapons are on your ship? 1- Muskets, axes and sabres. 2- Pistols, grappling hooks. 3- Harpoons. E- With whom do you share the profits? 1- The State, my crew and the shipowners. 2- My crew and the shipowners. 3- My crew and my friends. F- Do the townspeople respect you? 1- Sometimes yes, sometimes no. 2- As long as they are afraid of me, that’s fine with me. 3- As my father used to say: the best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Series #3: G- What gives you the right to command a ship? 1- My letter of marque. 2- My pistol. 3- Me. H- Who are you attacking? 1- The enemies of the State. 2- Anyone. 3- Cod banks. I- What is your favourite destination? 1- Wherever the King sends me. 2- If I could see the islands… 3- The Grand Banks of Newfoundland. Narrator: (At the end of the questions) So, did you think about it? Who do you think is the real captain of the privateer? Who is telling the truth? |
Text at end of game |
Text if the answer is correct Congratulations! You’ve discovered my identity! I am the true captain of the privateer. Thanks to you, the solicitor can continue his work. Galermont will get another piece of evidence for his investigation. Text if the answer is incorrect Sorry! You were wrong! I am the true captain of the privateer for I know the ins and out of privateering, and the others don’t… |
Conclusion of Galermont
Élie thinks about what he has to do...
I have to hide all of this until we get to port. No one should be able to get into my bag if I tie my trick knot.
Élie is nervous for the rest of the voyage. Will he get caught?
After several more days of sailing, Quebec City's harbour is in view.
The captain goes off to give his report to the Admiralty.
His Majesty's Lieutenant General at the Admiralty questions the captain of the privateer and two of the crew members, as well as the captain of the RELIABLE and his first mate, to find out how the prize went. Following questioning, the haul is considered "good" because it was taken within the rules.
On which passport have you been sailing?
Where did you obtain weapons for this ship?
What did you plan to do on your ship?
Where did you take your haul?
Were you with Michel Delatour when the Reliable was captured?
The clerk goes aboard the captured ship. He takes note of everything: the inventory can take a few days. Afterwards, official seals are affixed until the items are sold at auction.
Later, at the Admiralty, Élie shows the evidence to the King's Lieutenant-General.
... Jewellery
... Illegal weapon
... Stolen booty...
... Not the first time...
... Hiding in a cove near Saint Paul Island...
You have his notebook too? You're very lucky that no one surprised you!
On almost every excursion... Especially jewels, salt - anything that keeps well. Everyone is in cahoots...
By order of His Majesty
Pursuant to the judgement of the Lieutenant-General of the Admiralty on this Third day of the month of August and by order of the Civil and Criminal Lieutenant-General at the seat of the Quebec Marshal and Admiralty rendered effective the Fifth of this same month, let it be known that Captain Michel Delatour, here before commander of the duly mandated privateer TÉMÉRAIRE, is found guilty of stealing from the King his fair share and of having hidden portions of the goods to resell for his own profit. The aforementioned Delatour is ordered to pay a fine of fifteen pounds, otherwise his goods will be seized. Marked with the fleur-de-lys on his right arm, before those who wish to witness, this Monday the fourteenth at Place Royale. And will be relieved of his hidden plunder by the Admiralty who will seize it.
Rendered at this city's Courthouse by Me, His Majesty's Lieutenant-General of the Admiralty, the undersigned
Boimmeurain
Disappointed by his first privateer adventure, Élie returns to fishing, a more dependable and peaceful way to make a living... Unless he is captured by an enemy privateer!I fought many a war and weathered many a storm,
And never lost my desire to go to sea.
I signed on as a privateer.
I crossed paths with pirates -an unscrupulous lot-
And kept my distance from them.
I served my country,
But no treasure came my way.
Paid in cod and a handful of goods,
I protected the shores of the St Lawrence.
I earned my King's gratitude
For waging war on his enemies.
Seeking my fortune,
I boarded ships on the St Lawrence.
Signed
X
Galermont