Captain Blood · Chapter
XXVI: M. de Rivarol explained
Captain Blood and his captains meet with M.
What happens
Captain Blood and his captains meet with M. de Rivarol, the newly arrived French general, at Petit Goave. Blood is disgruntled and defiant, challenging Rivarol's haughty demeanor and his proposal to raid Cartagena for plunder rather than pursue a campaign that upholds French honor. Blood accuses Rivarol of piracy and withdraws from the council, though the fleet ultimately sails for Cartagena.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Identity
Blood asserts his self-respect and honor, accusing Rivarol of piracy and defending the honor of France against a greedy, dishonorable plan.
Rebellion and Authority
Blood openly defies Rivarol's authority, challenging his rank and decisions in a council of war.
Class and Social Mobility
Rivarol's disdain for the buccaneers as 'bandits' contrasts with Blood's insistence on being treated as a gentleman, highlighting class tensions.
Characters to notice
- Captain Peter Blood
Defiant and self-respecting, Blood challenges Rivarol's authority and accuses him of piracy, then withdraws from the council.
- M. le Baron de Rivarol
The haughty French general who proposes a plundering raid on Cartagena, angering Blood with his condescension and greed.
- Wolverstone
One of Blood's captains, present at the council and loyal to Blood.
- Nathaniel Hagthorpe
Captain of the Elizabeth, present at the council and loyal to Blood.
- Yberville
Captain of the Lachesis, present at the council and loyal to Blood.
- M. d'Ogeron
Governor of Tortuga, present at the council and silently critical of Rivarol.
Key passages
“You, M. le Baron, General of the King's Armies by Land and Sea in America, propose an enterprise of a purely buccaneering character; whilst I, the buccaneer, am urging one that is more concerned with upholding the honour of France.”
Blood points out the irony that the French general suggests a pirate raid, while he, the actual buccaneer, advocates for a campaign that respects French honor.
Blood's central accusation against Rivarol's hypocrisy.
“I am by way of accounting myself a gentleman, little though I may look like one at present; and I should not account myself that were I capable of anything but deference to those whom nature or fortune may have placed above me, or to those who being placed beneath me in rank may labour under a disability to resent my lack of it.”
Blood asserts his own gentlemanly conduct, implying that Rivarol's rudeness is unbecoming of a true gentleman.
Blood's subtle rebuke of Rivarol's haughty behavior.