Captain Otway Burns: Tar Heel Privateer, Legislator and Naval Hero of the War of 1812 tells of the remarkable life of a man who wreaked havoc on British shipping, cast key votes to establish counties, helped build Fort Macon, and constructed the first steamboat built in North Carolina.
“It’s hard to describe this guy — it’s like Master and Commander meets John Wick meets Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” Brantley said. “I hope this book will bring back a story that deserves to be told.”
The book details the story of Burns, who grew up in Swansboro and became a successful and sought after merchant captain. When the War of 1812 broke out, the U.S. Navy had fewer than 10 serviceable ships and employed privateers to hit enemy commerce. Privateers had to get a license from the government known as a letter of marque and reprisal to operate. The only pay they received was a cut of the profits from any captured goods.
Burns made a fortune for himself, his men, and his investors, who came from across eastern North Carolina, including Tarboro and New Bern. He invested in several businesses, built the steamship Prometheus, and supplied many of the bricks for Fort Macon, which still stands about 200 years later. He also made several independent moves in politics that eventually led to his ouster. His votes helped establish western counties and other rights for the common man. Burnsville in Yancey County is named for him, as is the community of Otway in Carteret County.
“As much as I love history, I’d never really heard of Burns until I was eating in a Swansboro restaurant, probably 20-25 years ago,” Brantley said. “There was part of his story on the paper placement. I made a note and over the years, collected some info, getting serious about the story when I found out him throwing a New Bern lawyer who had insulted him into the Neuse River. His story is like an action movie. The things he did as captain of the Snap Dragon are incredible on their own, but then his other accomplishments are equally significant. His story needs to be told.”
McFarland & Company, a prominent North Carolina publishing house, is the publisher. The book is available at all major online booksellers, as well as Target and Wal Mart. You can find the most up to date schedule of readings on Facebook.