Which English colonial governor authorized the 1718 expedition against Blackbeard?

Alexander Spotswood authorized the 1718 expedition against Blackbeard.

Spotswood was lieutenant governor of Virginia when Blackbeard became a serious threat to shipping around the American colonies. Although Blackbeard operated near North Carolina, the colony’s authorities did not immediately act against him, and Spotswood feared that the pirate’s presence endangered trade and security.

Spotswood arranged for Royal Navy lieutenant Robert Maynard to lead an expedition against Blackbeard. Maynard sailed from Virginia with two small armed vessels and attacked Blackbeard near Ocracoke Island in November 1718. Blackbeard was killed during the ensuing fight.

The operation was controversial because Virginia acted beyond its normal jurisdiction and because North Carolina officials objected to the intervention. Nevertheless, Spotswood’s decision helped end Blackbeard’s career and became one of the best-known anti-piracy actions of the period.