John Markham operated a mercantile business in Alexandria, Virginia from the 1680s through the early part of the eighteenth century. To fill his coffers, he traded back and forth with his native England for goods that the Colonies needed and vice-versa. He was said to be a daring, greedy rascal who did not mind hurting others to get what he wanted. Handsome and dashing, he was also popular with the ladies of the period. Then one day in March of 1683, he turned a corner in his privateering career, a turn that led him into outright piracy. Yet, there are those who say John Markham never existed. Who is telling the truth? Here for the first time, the family stories are told and analyzed so as to get as close to the truth as is possible. Was Lewis Markham, respectable sheriff and associate of the Washington family, the father of Elizabeth Markham? Or was her father John Markham, the devilish pirate? Set sail on the high seas and discover the answer with noted Family Historian Kathleen Shelby Boyett.

From Tyler's quarterly historical and genealogical magazine.

Working from primary sources, Smith portrays Chief Justice Marshall as a man with piercing intellect, and talents as a leader of men and a molder of consensus.