Taylor’s hands

[RoyalJames]

I just finished a fictional pirate book where Taylor is described with weak or disabled hands. The author claimed that this particular fact was true, but did not give any sources. Does anyone know where this comes from?

[Fox]

I've read that in several 'history' books, but I think it's a mistake.

From Richard Lazenby's account:

The Quartermaster told me that if ever he knew knew me off the deck in time of action he would shoot me through the head.

I told him he had better do it at once than keep me in misery there, at which he begged the Captain to correct me, he being lame of his hands. According to his desire Captain Taylor fetched his cane and began to belabour me...

Taylor's QM was disabled in his hands, not Taylor himself.

[RoyalJames]

That is probably where it comes from! I recall that particular sentence when you point it out. Obviously Taylor isn’t “lame of his hands“, as he beats Lasinby with his cane.

It must have been pretty provocative by Lasinby to argue with the lame quartermaster. No wonder Taylor beat him up. Do we know who this quartermaster was?