Allison; Taking Control

Chapter 26

Third, there was the obvious question as to whether LaTour’s exploits and Thorpe’s unexplained departure were in any way related. Although he had spoken to only one person so far regarding what had transpired, Allison was inclined to think that many concerned parties believed they were connected without any reservation. Peele’s assertion about inflated reputations couldn’t have been more correct; it was easy to see how the matter of the missing councilor could be so easily associated with an enemy whose notoriety made him appear all but invincible. The reality however, was by no means so simple.

LaTour’s status as a privateer endorsed by the French Crown entitled him to legally attack and appropriate the commercial shipping of his master’s enemies. Though it was doubtful his letter of marque extended that privilege in any way toward the forcible capture of enemy government officials. However, in time of war, so long as a potential captive of high standing was afforded the respect and