Black Sheep BONUS: Kelly Tarlton's Final Treasure Hunt
Jun 6, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Mike Lee, an Auckland councillor and historian with expertise in French exploration of the South Pacific, shares fascinating insights into the voyage of the St Jean Baptiste. He recounts the perilous expedition, marked by scurvy and intense debates with indigenous tribes. The significance of historical artifacts unfolds as Mike delves into the complex legacy of Captain de Servo. Listeners will be captivated by tales of survival, cultural exchanges, and the dramatic shipwreck that forever altered the maritime landscape of New Zealand.
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Story Creates Value
- The story around an object creates its value more than the material itself.
- Hamish Williams shows the anchors are treasures because of their history and meaning.
A Heavily Laden Smuggler
- The Saint Jean-Baptiste was a 650-ton armed merchantman carrying luxury goods and opium.
- De Serval loaded silk, brandy and other high-value cargo intended for illicit Pacific trade.
Route Was A Smuggling Strategy
- De Serval sailed the long Pacific route to avoid Spanish naval patrols enforcing trade restrictions.
- His voyage blended commercial risk with opportunistic smuggling rather than official exploration.
