Captain Haddock In later volumes he is clearly retired. Throughout it all, the Captain's coarse humanity and sarcasm act as a counterpoint to Tintin's often implausible heroism. He is always quick with a dry comment whenever the boy reporter gets too idealistic. Until Haddock's introduction, Tintin's constantly positive, optimistic perspective was offset by his faithful companion Snowy. Before Haddock, Snowy was the source of all dry and cynical side-commentary for the series. Hergé, however, realised Haddock's potential as a foil to Tintin. After he brought Haddock into the series, the Captain took over the role of the cynic, relieving Snowy, and establishing
Nicholas Haddock of Barcelona in 1706. On 6 April 1707 he was promoted to the rank of captain and placed in command of the 42-gun fifth-rate HMS "Ludlow Castle". England was at war with France, and Haddock's orders were to hunt for enemy privateers. On 30 December he brought "Ludlow Castle" into range with two such vessels, "Nightingale" and "Squirrel", both former English merchantmen captured and refitted by the French. Haddock ordered that "Ludlow Castle" give chase, and was rewarded with the capture of "Nightingale". This vessel, Haddock's first prize ship, was returned to England along with her crew. Haddock was also