who was he up against in his last battle?
Pirates on Ocracoke Island
Blackbeard
Maynard found the pirates anchored on the inner side of Ocracoke Island, on the evening of 21 November. 
who is blackbeard? He is also known as Edward Teach - an English pirate. how was he named "blackbeard"? Due to his thick black beard and fearsome appearance
wiki:1603509
Blackbeard [SEP] Last battle
Maynard found the pirates anchored on the inner side of Ocracoke Island, on the evening of 21 November. He had ascertained their position from ships he had stopped along his journey, but being unfamiliar with the local channels and shoals he decided to wait until the following morning to make his attack. He stopped all traffic from entering the inlet—preventing any warning of his presence—and posted a lookout on both sloops to ensure that Teach could not escape to sea. On the other side of the island, Teach was busy entertaining guests and had not set a lookout. With Israel Hands ashore in Bath with about 24 of "Adventure"s sailors, he also had a much-reduced crew.