HUGGIT,Thomas.Of London.Hanged at Newport, Rhode Island, in July, 1723. Age 30.
HUGGIT,Thomas.
Of London.
Hanged at Newport, Rhode Island, in July, 1723. Age 30.
HULL,Captain Edward.Commanded theSwallow"frigott" in which he sailed from Boston in 1653, and captured several French and Dutch ships. He afterwards sold his vessels and went with his share of the plunder to England, where he settled down.
HULL,Captain Edward.
Commanded theSwallow"frigott" in which he sailed from Boston in 1653, and captured several French and Dutch ships. He afterwards sold his vessels and went with his share of the plunder to England, where he settled down.
HUNTER,Andrew.One of Captain Lowther's crew. Hanged at St. Kitts on March 11th, 1722.
HUNTER,Andrew.
One of Captain Lowther's crew. Hanged at St. Kitts on March 11th, 1722.
HUSK,John.One of Blackbeard's crew in theQueen Ann's Revenge. Killed off North Carolina in 1718.
HUSK,John.
One of Blackbeard's crew in theQueen Ann's Revenge. Killed off North Carolina in 1718.
HUTNOT,Joseph.One of the crew of the notorious brigantineCharles, commanded by Captain Quelch. Tried for piracy at the Star Tavern, Boston, in 1704.
HUTNOT,Joseph.
One of the crew of the notorious brigantineCharles, commanded by Captain Quelch. Tried for piracy at the Star Tavern, Boston, in 1704.
HUTT,Captain George, orHout. Buccaneer.An Englishman who succeeded Captain Townley when the latter was killed during a gallant fight with three Spanish galleons in 1686 near Panama.
HUTT,Captain George, orHout. Buccaneer.
An Englishman who succeeded Captain Townley when the latter was killed during a gallant fight with three Spanish galleons in 1686 near Panama.
INGRAM,Gunner William.Was one of Captain Anstis's crew in theGood Fortunewhen that pirate took theMorning Star. After the prize had been converted to the pirates' use, Ingram was appointed gunner. Later, when Ingram came to be tried for piracy, evidence was produced to prove that he had joined the pirates of his own free will, and, in fact, had on all occasions been one of the forwardest in any action, and altogether "a very resolute hardened Fellow." He was hanged.
INGRAM,Gunner William.
Was one of Captain Anstis's crew in theGood Fortunewhen that pirate took theMorning Star. After the prize had been converted to the pirates' use, Ingram was appointed gunner. Later, when Ingram came to be tried for piracy, evidence was produced to prove that he had joined the pirates of his own free will, and, in fact, had on all occasions been one of the forwardest in any action, and altogether "a very resolute hardened Fellow." He was hanged.
IRELAND,John. Pirate."A wicked and ill-disposed person," according to the royal warrant of King William III. granted to "our truly and dearly beloved Captain William Kidd" to go in the year 1695 to seize this and other pirates who were doing great mischief to the ships trading off the coast of North America.
IRELAND,John. Pirate.
"A wicked and ill-disposed person," according to the royal warrant of King William III. granted to "our truly and dearly beloved Captain William Kidd" to go in the year 1695 to seize this and other pirates who were doing great mischief to the ships trading off the coast of North America.
IRVINE,Captain.One of the last pirates in the Atlantic. Very active in the early part of the nineteenth century.
IRVINE,Captain.
One of the last pirates in the Atlantic. Very active in the early part of the nineteenth century.
JACKMAN,Captain. Buccaneer.In 1665 took part with Morris and Morgan in a very successful raid on Central America, ascending the river Tabasco in the province of Campeachy with only 107 men. Led by Indians by a detour of 300 miles, they surprised and sacked the town of Villa de Mosa. Dampier describes this small town as "standing on the starboard side of the river, inhabited chiefly by Indians, with some Spaniards." On their return to the mouth of the river, Jackman's party found the Spaniards had seized their ship, and some three hundred of them attacked the pirates, but the Spaniards were easily beaten off.The freebooters next attacked Rio Garta, and took it with only thirty men, crossed the Gulf of Honduras to rest on the Island of Roatan, and then proceeded to the Port of Truxillo, which they plundered. They next sailed down the Mosquito coast, burning and pillaging as they went.Anchoring in Monkey Bay, they ascended the San Juan River in canoes one hundred miles to Lake Nicaragua. The pirates described the Lake of Nicaragua as being a veritable paradise, which, indeed, it must have been prior to their visit. Hiding by day amongst the many islands and rowing by night, on the fifth night they landed near the city of Granada, just one year after Mansfield's visit. The buccaneers marched right into the central square of the city without being observed by the Spaniards, who were taken completely by surprise, so that the English were soon masters of the city, and for sixteen hours they plundered it. Some 1,000 Indians, driven to rebellion by the cruelty and oppression of the Spaniards, accompanied the marauders and wanted to massacre the prisoners, particularly "the religious," but when they understood that the buccaneers were not remaining in Granada, they thought better of it,having, no doubt, a shrewd inkling of what to expect in the future when their rescuers had left.
JACKMAN,Captain. Buccaneer.
In 1665 took part with Morris and Morgan in a very successful raid on Central America, ascending the river Tabasco in the province of Campeachy with only 107 men. Led by Indians by a detour of 300 miles, they surprised and sacked the town of Villa de Mosa. Dampier describes this small town as "standing on the starboard side of the river, inhabited chiefly by Indians, with some Spaniards." On their return to the mouth of the river, Jackman's party found the Spaniards had seized their ship, and some three hundred of them attacked the pirates, but the Spaniards were easily beaten off.
The freebooters next attacked Rio Garta, and took it with only thirty men, crossed the Gulf of Honduras to rest on the Island of Roatan, and then proceeded to the Port of Truxillo, which they plundered. They next sailed down the Mosquito coast, burning and pillaging as they went.
Anchoring in Monkey Bay, they ascended the San Juan River in canoes one hundred miles to Lake Nicaragua. The pirates described the Lake of Nicaragua as being a veritable paradise, which, indeed, it must have been prior to their visit. Hiding by day amongst the many islands and rowing by night, on the fifth night they landed near the city of Granada, just one year after Mansfield's visit. The buccaneers marched right into the central square of the city without being observed by the Spaniards, who were taken completely by surprise, so that the English were soon masters of the city, and for sixteen hours they plundered it. Some 1,000 Indians, driven to rebellion by the cruelty and oppression of the Spaniards, accompanied the marauders and wanted to massacre the prisoners, particularly "the religious," but when they understood that the buccaneers were not remaining in Granada, they thought better of it,having, no doubt, a shrewd inkling of what to expect in the future when their rescuers had left.
JACKSON,Captain William. Buccaneer.In 1642 he gathered together a crew of more than a thousand buccaneers in the Islands of St. Kitts and Barbadoes, and sailed with these in three ships to the Spanish Main, plundering Maracaibo and Truxillo.On March 25th, 1643, Jackson's little fleet dropped anchor in the harbour, what was afterwards to be known as Kingston, in the Island of Jamaica, which was then still in the possession of Spain. Landing 500 of his men, he attacked the town of St. Jago de la Vega, which he took after a hard fight and with the loss of some forty of his men. For sparing the town from fire he received ransom from the Spaniards of 200 beeves, 10,000 pounds of cassava bread, and 7,000 pieces of eight. The English sailors were so delighted by the beauty of the island that in one night twenty-three of them deserted to the Spaniards.
JACKSON,Captain William. Buccaneer.
In 1642 he gathered together a crew of more than a thousand buccaneers in the Islands of St. Kitts and Barbadoes, and sailed with these in three ships to the Spanish Main, plundering Maracaibo and Truxillo.
On March 25th, 1643, Jackson's little fleet dropped anchor in the harbour, what was afterwards to be known as Kingston, in the Island of Jamaica, which was then still in the possession of Spain. Landing 500 of his men, he attacked the town of St. Jago de la Vega, which he took after a hard fight and with the loss of some forty of his men. For sparing the town from fire he received ransom from the Spaniards of 200 beeves, 10,000 pounds of cassava bread, and 7,000 pieces of eight. The English sailors were so delighted by the beauty of the island that in one night twenty-three of them deserted to the Spaniards.
JACKSON,Nathaniel.One of Captain Edward Teach's crew. Killed at North Carolina in 1718.
JACKSON,Nathaniel.
One of Captain Edward Teach's crew. Killed at North Carolina in 1718.
JAMES,Captain. Buccaneer.Belonged to Jamaica and Tortuga. In 1663 was in command of a frigate, theAmerican(six guns, crew of seventy men).
JAMES,Captain. Buccaneer.
Belonged to Jamaica and Tortuga. In 1663 was in command of a frigate, theAmerican(six guns, crew of seventy men).
JAMES,Captain.A buccaneer captain who was in 1640 temporarily appointed "President" of Tortuga Island by the Providence Company, while their regular Governor, Captain Flood, was in London, clearing himself of charges preferred against him by the planters.
JAMES,Captain.
A buccaneer captain who was in 1640 temporarily appointed "President" of Tortuga Island by the Providence Company, while their regular Governor, Captain Flood, was in London, clearing himself of charges preferred against him by the planters.
JAMES,Captain.About 1709 commanded a pirate brigantine off Madagascar. Sailed for some time in company with a New York pirate called Ort Van Tyle.
JAMES,Captain.
About 1709 commanded a pirate brigantine off Madagascar. Sailed for some time in company with a New York pirate called Ort Van Tyle.
JAMES,Charles.One of Captain John Quelch's crew taken in theLarimoregalley at Salem. Tried for piracy at Boston in 1704.
JAMES,Charles.
One of Captain John Quelch's crew taken in theLarimoregalley at Salem. Tried for piracy at Boston in 1704.
JAMISON,aliasMonacre Nickola.Born at Greenock in Scotland, the son of a rich cloth merchant, he received a polite education, spoke several languages, and was described as being of gentlemanly deportment.He served as sailing-master to Captain Jonnia when he took the schoonerExertion. The captain and crew were eventually saved by Nickola. Years afterwards Nickola went to Boston, and lived with Captain Lincoln of theExertion, and made a living by fishing for mackerel in the warm season, and during the winter by teaching navigation to young gentlemen.
JAMISON,aliasMonacre Nickola.
Born at Greenock in Scotland, the son of a rich cloth merchant, he received a polite education, spoke several languages, and was described as being of gentlemanly deportment.
He served as sailing-master to Captain Jonnia when he took the schoonerExertion. The captain and crew were eventually saved by Nickola. Years afterwards Nickola went to Boston, and lived with Captain Lincoln of theExertion, and made a living by fishing for mackerel in the warm season, and during the winter by teaching navigation to young gentlemen.
JANQUAIS,Captain.A French filibuster of San Domingo.His ship,La Dauphine, carried thirty guns and a crew of 180 men.
JANQUAIS,Captain.
A French filibuster of San Domingo.
His ship,La Dauphine, carried thirty guns and a crew of 180 men.
JEFFERYS,Benjamin.Of Bristol.Taken by Roberts in theNormangalley in April, 1721. Roberts allowed those of the crew who did not wish to join the pirates to return to theNorman, but Jefferys had made such friends on the pirate ship that he was too drunk to go, and also was abusive in his cups, telling his hosts there was not one man amongstthem. For this he received six lashes with the cat-o'-nine-tails from every member of the crew, "which disordered him for some weeks." But Jefferys eventually proved himself a brisk and willing lad, and was made bos'on's mate. He was hanged a year later at the age of 21.
JEFFERYS,Benjamin.
Of Bristol.
Taken by Roberts in theNormangalley in April, 1721. Roberts allowed those of the crew who did not wish to join the pirates to return to theNorman, but Jefferys had made such friends on the pirate ship that he was too drunk to go, and also was abusive in his cups, telling his hosts there was not one man amongstthem. For this he received six lashes with the cat-o'-nine-tails from every member of the crew, "which disordered him for some weeks." But Jefferys eventually proved himself a brisk and willing lad, and was made bos'on's mate. He was hanged a year later at the age of 21.
JENNINGS.A Welshman who in 1613 was settled on the Barbary coast with some thirty other British pirates.
JENNINGS.
A Welshman who in 1613 was settled on the Barbary coast with some thirty other British pirates.
JENNINGS,Captain.This Welsh pirate had been a man of good position, education, and property before he took to piracy, which he did for the love of the life and not from necessity. He was held in high esteem by his fellow-pirates at their stronghold in the Bahamas. When notice was brought of King George's pardon in 1717, a meeting was held of all the pirates at which Jennings presided. After much discussion, Jennings boldly gave out that he himself meant to surrender, whereupon some hundred and fifty other pirates declared their intention of doing likewise. On the new Governor's arrival from England they received their certificates, though the greater part of them soon went back to piracy, or, to quote the expressive Captain Johnson, "returned again like the Dog to the Vomit."
JENNINGS,Captain.
This Welsh pirate had been a man of good position, education, and property before he took to piracy, which he did for the love of the life and not from necessity. He was held in high esteem by his fellow-pirates at their stronghold in the Bahamas. When notice was brought of King George's pardon in 1717, a meeting was held of all the pirates at which Jennings presided. After much discussion, Jennings boldly gave out that he himself meant to surrender, whereupon some hundred and fifty other pirates declared their intention of doing likewise. On the new Governor's arrival from England they received their certificates, though the greater part of them soon went back to piracy, or, to quote the expressive Captain Johnson, "returned again like the Dog to the Vomit."
JOBSON,Richard, orCobsonorGopson.His original calling was that of a druggist's assistant in London. He combined piracy with the study of divinity. He was one of Dampier's party which crossed the Isthmus of Darien in 1681, and was left behind with Wafer, who tells us in his book that Gopson "was an ingenious man and a good scholar,and had with him a Greek testament which he frequently read and would translate extempore into English to such of the company as were disposed to hear him."After great sufferings in the tropical jungle in the wet season, Jobson and his friends reached the "North Sea" to find an English buccaneer vessel lying at anchor off the shore. On rowing out to the ship the canoe upset, and Jobson and his gun were thrown overboard, but the former was rescued, though he died a few days later on board the vessel owing to the exposure he had been subjected to. He was buried in the sand at Le Sounds Cay with full honours—that is, a volley of guns and colours flown at half-mast.
JOBSON,Richard, orCobsonorGopson.
His original calling was that of a druggist's assistant in London. He combined piracy with the study of divinity. He was one of Dampier's party which crossed the Isthmus of Darien in 1681, and was left behind with Wafer, who tells us in his book that Gopson "was an ingenious man and a good scholar,and had with him a Greek testament which he frequently read and would translate extempore into English to such of the company as were disposed to hear him."
After great sufferings in the tropical jungle in the wet season, Jobson and his friends reached the "North Sea" to find an English buccaneer vessel lying at anchor off the shore. On rowing out to the ship the canoe upset, and Jobson and his gun were thrown overboard, but the former was rescued, though he died a few days later on board the vessel owing to the exposure he had been subjected to. He was buried in the sand at Le Sounds Cay with full honours—that is, a volley of guns and colours flown at half-mast.
JOCARD,Le Capitaine.A French filibuster who in 1684 had his headquarters in San Domingo.He commanded theIrondelle, a ship armed with eighteen guns and a crew of 120 men.
JOCARD,Le Capitaine.
A French filibuster who in 1684 had his headquarters in San Domingo.
He commanded theIrondelle, a ship armed with eighteen guns and a crew of 120 men.
JOHNSON,Captain. A successful and very bloody pirate.Of Jamaica.Immediately after the publication of peace by Sir Thomas Lynch, Governor of Jamaica in 1670, which included a general pardon to all privateers, Johnson fled from Port Royal with some ten followers, and shortly after, meeting with a Spanish ship of eighteen guns, managed to take her and kill the captain and fourteen of the crew. Gradually collecting together a party of a hundred or more English and French desperadoes he plundered many ships round the Cuban coast. Tiring of his quarrelsome French companions he sailed to Jamaica to make terms with the Governor, and anchored in Morant Bay, but his ship was blown ashore by a hurricane. Johnson wasimmediately arrested by Governor Lynch, who ordered Colonel Modyford to assemble the justices and to proceed to trial and immediate execution. Lynch had had bitter experiences of trying pirates, and knew that the sooner they were hanged the better. But Modyford, like many other Jamaicans, felt a strong sympathy for the pirates, and he managed to get Johnson acquitted in spite of the fact that Johnson "confessed enough to hang a hundred honester persons." It is interesting to read that half an hour after the dismissal of the court Johnson "came to drink with his judges." Governor Lynch, now thoroughly roused, took the matter into his own hands. He again placed Johnson under arrest, called a meeting of the council, from which he dismissed Colonel Modyford, and managed to have the former judgment reversed. The pirate was again tried, and in order that no mistake might happen, Lynch himself presided over the court. Johnson, as before, made a full confession, but was condemned and immediately executed, and was, writes Lynch, "as much regretted as if he had been as pious and as innocent as one of the primitive martyrs." This second trial was absolutely illegal, and Lynch was reproved by the King for his rash and high-handed conduct.
JOHNSON,Captain. A successful and very bloody pirate.
Of Jamaica.
Immediately after the publication of peace by Sir Thomas Lynch, Governor of Jamaica in 1670, which included a general pardon to all privateers, Johnson fled from Port Royal with some ten followers, and shortly after, meeting with a Spanish ship of eighteen guns, managed to take her and kill the captain and fourteen of the crew. Gradually collecting together a party of a hundred or more English and French desperadoes he plundered many ships round the Cuban coast. Tiring of his quarrelsome French companions he sailed to Jamaica to make terms with the Governor, and anchored in Morant Bay, but his ship was blown ashore by a hurricane. Johnson wasimmediately arrested by Governor Lynch, who ordered Colonel Modyford to assemble the justices and to proceed to trial and immediate execution. Lynch had had bitter experiences of trying pirates, and knew that the sooner they were hanged the better. But Modyford, like many other Jamaicans, felt a strong sympathy for the pirates, and he managed to get Johnson acquitted in spite of the fact that Johnson "confessed enough to hang a hundred honester persons." It is interesting to read that half an hour after the dismissal of the court Johnson "came to drink with his judges." Governor Lynch, now thoroughly roused, took the matter into his own hands. He again placed Johnson under arrest, called a meeting of the council, from which he dismissed Colonel Modyford, and managed to have the former judgment reversed. The pirate was again tried, and in order that no mistake might happen, Lynch himself presided over the court. Johnson, as before, made a full confession, but was condemned and immediately executed, and was, writes Lynch, "as much regretted as if he had been as pious and as innocent as one of the primitive martyrs." This second trial was absolutely illegal, and Lynch was reproved by the King for his rash and high-handed conduct.
JOHNSON,Captain Ben.When a lad he had served as a midshipman in an East Indiaman, theAsia, but having been caught red-handed robbing the purser of brandy and wine, he was flogged and sent to serve as a sailor before the mast. In 1750, while in the Red Sea, he deserted his ship and entered the service of the Sultan of Ormus. Finding Johnson to be a clever sailor, the Sultan appointed him admiral of his pirate fleet of fourteen vessels. The young admiral became a convert to Brahminism, and was ceremoniously blessed by thearch-priests of the Temple. Amongst his crew Johnson had some two hundred other Englishmen, who also became followers of Brahmin, each of whom was allowed, when in port, a dancing girl from the Temple.Johnson proved a most capable and bloodthirsty pirate, playing havoc with the shipping of the Red Sea, taking also several towns on the coast, and putting to death his prisoners, often after cruel tortures. His boldest exploit was to attack the fortified town of Busrah. This he did, putting the Sheik and most of the inhabitants to death, and taking back to his master, the Sultan, vast plunder of diamonds, pearls, and gold.On another occasion Johnson landed his crews on the Island of Omalee, at the entrance to the Persian Gulf, a favourite place of pilgrimage, and raided the temples of the Indian God Buddha. Putting to death all the two thousand priests, he cut off the noses and slit the upper lips of seven hundred dancing girls, only sparing a few of the best looking ones, whom he carried away with him along with plunder worth half a million rupees.On their way back to the Red Sea the pirates met with an English East Indiaman, which they took and plundered, and Johnson, remembering his previous sufferings in the same service, murdered the whole crew.Shortly afterwards Johnson and ten of his English officers contrived to run away from their master, the Sultan, in his best and fastest lateen vessel, with an enormous booty. Sailing up to the head of the Persian Gulf, Johnson managed to reach Constantinople with his share of the plunder, worth £800,000. With this as an introduction, he was hospitably received, and was made a bashaw, and at the end of a long life of splendour died a natural death.
JOHNSON,Captain Ben.
When a lad he had served as a midshipman in an East Indiaman, theAsia, but having been caught red-handed robbing the purser of brandy and wine, he was flogged and sent to serve as a sailor before the mast. In 1750, while in the Red Sea, he deserted his ship and entered the service of the Sultan of Ormus. Finding Johnson to be a clever sailor, the Sultan appointed him admiral of his pirate fleet of fourteen vessels. The young admiral became a convert to Brahminism, and was ceremoniously blessed by thearch-priests of the Temple. Amongst his crew Johnson had some two hundred other Englishmen, who also became followers of Brahmin, each of whom was allowed, when in port, a dancing girl from the Temple.
Johnson proved a most capable and bloodthirsty pirate, playing havoc with the shipping of the Red Sea, taking also several towns on the coast, and putting to death his prisoners, often after cruel tortures. His boldest exploit was to attack the fortified town of Busrah. This he did, putting the Sheik and most of the inhabitants to death, and taking back to his master, the Sultan, vast plunder of diamonds, pearls, and gold.
On another occasion Johnson landed his crews on the Island of Omalee, at the entrance to the Persian Gulf, a favourite place of pilgrimage, and raided the temples of the Indian God Buddha. Putting to death all the two thousand priests, he cut off the noses and slit the upper lips of seven hundred dancing girls, only sparing a few of the best looking ones, whom he carried away with him along with plunder worth half a million rupees.
On their way back to the Red Sea the pirates met with an English East Indiaman, which they took and plundered, and Johnson, remembering his previous sufferings in the same service, murdered the whole crew.
Shortly afterwards Johnson and ten of his English officers contrived to run away from their master, the Sultan, in his best and fastest lateen vessel, with an enormous booty. Sailing up to the head of the Persian Gulf, Johnson managed to reach Constantinople with his share of the plunder, worth £800,000. With this as an introduction, he was hospitably received, and was made a bashaw, and at the end of a long life of splendour died a natural death.
JOHNSON,Captain Henry,alias"Henriques the Englishman."A West Indian pirate, born in the North of Ireland.Commanded theTwo Brothers, a Rhode Island-built sloop, eighteen guns, crew of ninety, mostly Spaniards. On March 20th, 1730, he took theJohn and Jane(Edward Burt, master), from Jamaica, off Swan Island. TheJohn and Janewas armed with eight carriage and ten swivel guns, and a crew of only twenty-five men. After a gallant resistance for five hours the pirates boarded and took the English ship. The few survivors were stripped naked, and preparations made to hang them in pairs. This was prevented by Captain Johnson and an English pirate called Echlin. There was a Mrs. Groves, a passenger, in theJohn and Jane, whose husband and the English surgeon had both been killed at the first onslaught of the pirates. This poor lady was hidden in the hold of the ship during the action, and was only informed afterwards of the death of her husband. The pirates now dragged her on deck, "stript her in a manner naked," and carried her as a prize to the Spanish captain, Pedro Poleas, who immediately took her to the "great cabin and there with horrible oaths and curses insolently assaulted her Chastity." Her loud cries of distress brought Captain Johnson into the cabin, who, seeing what was on hand, drew his pistol and threatened to blow out the brains of any man who attempted the least violence upon her. He next commanded everything belonging to Mrs. Groves to be returned to her, which was done—including her clothing. The gallant conduct of Johnson is the more surprising and pleasing since he had the reputation of being as bloody and ruthless a pirate as ever took a ship or cut an innocent throat. He only had one hand, and used to fire his piece with great skill, layingthe barrel on his stump, and drawing the trigger with his right hand.In all the American "plantations" there were rewards offered for him alive or dead.The end of this "penny-dreadful" pirate is unrecorded, but was probably a violent one, as this type of pirate seldom, if ever, died in his bed.
JOHNSON,Captain Henry,alias"Henriques the Englishman."
A West Indian pirate, born in the North of Ireland.
Commanded theTwo Brothers, a Rhode Island-built sloop, eighteen guns, crew of ninety, mostly Spaniards. On March 20th, 1730, he took theJohn and Jane(Edward Burt, master), from Jamaica, off Swan Island. TheJohn and Janewas armed with eight carriage and ten swivel guns, and a crew of only twenty-five men. After a gallant resistance for five hours the pirates boarded and took the English ship. The few survivors were stripped naked, and preparations made to hang them in pairs. This was prevented by Captain Johnson and an English pirate called Echlin. There was a Mrs. Groves, a passenger, in theJohn and Jane, whose husband and the English surgeon had both been killed at the first onslaught of the pirates. This poor lady was hidden in the hold of the ship during the action, and was only informed afterwards of the death of her husband. The pirates now dragged her on deck, "stript her in a manner naked," and carried her as a prize to the Spanish captain, Pedro Poleas, who immediately took her to the "great cabin and there with horrible oaths and curses insolently assaulted her Chastity." Her loud cries of distress brought Captain Johnson into the cabin, who, seeing what was on hand, drew his pistol and threatened to blow out the brains of any man who attempted the least violence upon her. He next commanded everything belonging to Mrs. Groves to be returned to her, which was done—including her clothing. The gallant conduct of Johnson is the more surprising and pleasing since he had the reputation of being as bloody and ruthless a pirate as ever took a ship or cut an innocent throat. He only had one hand, and used to fire his piece with great skill, layingthe barrel on his stump, and drawing the trigger with his right hand.
In all the American "plantations" there were rewards offered for him alive or dead.
The end of this "penny-dreadful" pirate is unrecorded, but was probably a violent one, as this type of pirate seldom, if ever, died in his bed.
JOHNSON,Isaac.One of Captain Quelch's crew. Tried for piracy at the Star Tavern at Boston in 1704.
JOHNSON,Isaac.
One of Captain Quelch's crew. Tried for piracy at the Star Tavern at Boston in 1704.
JOHNSON,Jacob.Taken prisoner by Captain Roberts out of theKing Solomon, he joined the pirates.
JOHNSON,Jacob.
Taken prisoner by Captain Roberts out of theKing Solomon, he joined the pirates.
JOHNSON,John, orJaynson.Born "nigh Lancaster."Taken out of theKing Solomon. One of Roberts's crew. Hanged in 1722 at the age of 22.
JOHNSON,John, orJaynson.
Born "nigh Lancaster."
Taken out of theKing Solomon. One of Roberts's crew. Hanged in 1722 at the age of 22.
JOHNSON,Marcus.One of Captain Roberts's crew. Hanged in 1722. Stated in his death warrant to be a native of Smyrna. Died at the age of 21.
JOHNSON,Marcus.
One of Captain Roberts's crew. Hanged in 1722. Stated in his death warrant to be a native of Smyrna. Died at the age of 21.
JOHNSON,Robert.From Whydah in West Africa.Tried for piracy with the rest of Captain Roberts's crew, and hanged in 1722 at the age of 32. At his trial he pleaded that he did not enter with the pirates of his own free will, and called witnesses to prove that at the time he was captured he was so very drunk thathe had to be hoisted out of his own ship, theJeremiah and Ann, into the pirate ship in tackles.
JOHNSON,Robert.
From Whydah in West Africa.
Tried for piracy with the rest of Captain Roberts's crew, and hanged in 1722 at the age of 32. At his trial he pleaded that he did not enter with the pirates of his own free will, and called witnesses to prove that at the time he was captured he was so very drunk thathe had to be hoisted out of his own ship, theJeremiah and Ann, into the pirate ship in tackles.
JOHNSTON,Thomas.Of Boston.Known as "the limping privateer." Sailed with Captain Pound. Wounded in the jaw in the fight at Tarpaulin Cove. Tried for piracy at Boston, and hanged on January 27th, 1690.
JOHNSTON,Thomas.
Of Boston.
Known as "the limping privateer." Sailed with Captain Pound. Wounded in the jaw in the fight at Tarpaulin Cove. Tried for piracy at Boston, and hanged on January 27th, 1690.
JONES,Captain Paul.Probably few persons, even in Great Britain, would to-day call Paul Jones a pirate, but this was not always the case. In all books on pirates written shortly after the American war, Paul Jones figured as a notorious character.This famous privateer, let us call him, was born at Kirkcudbright in Scotland in 1728, the son of Mr. Paul, head gardener to Lord Selkirk, and was christened John Paul. So much has been written about this man in books, easily procurable for reference, that little need be said about him here.Starting life as a sailor before the mast, he quickly showed abilities which led to his promotion to the rank of mate in an English ship trading in the West India Islands, and later he was made master. On the declaration of war with America, Jones joined the rebels, and was given command of a privateer, and from 1777 he became a terror to English shipping around the British Isles.One of his most startling exploits was his surprise visit in his ship, theRanger, to his old home with the object of kidnapping his former employer, Lord Selkirk.On September 23rd, 1779, he fought his famousaction off Scarborough against a British convoy from the Baltic under the command of Captain Pearson, in theSerapis, and Captain Piercy in theCountess of Scarborough. Jones had left theRangerfor a frigate called theBonne Homme Richardof forty guns and a crew of three hundred and seventy men, and had also under his command four other ships of war. A furious engagement took place, the utmost bravery being shown on either side; the English ships at last being compelled to surrender, but not until the enemy had themselves suffered fearful damage to both their crews and ships. After the conclusion of peace, Paul Jones, once the darling of two continents, faded into obscurity and even poverty, and died in Paris in the year 1792 at the age of 64.
JONES,Captain Paul.
Probably few persons, even in Great Britain, would to-day call Paul Jones a pirate, but this was not always the case. In all books on pirates written shortly after the American war, Paul Jones figured as a notorious character.
This famous privateer, let us call him, was born at Kirkcudbright in Scotland in 1728, the son of Mr. Paul, head gardener to Lord Selkirk, and was christened John Paul. So much has been written about this man in books, easily procurable for reference, that little need be said about him here.
Starting life as a sailor before the mast, he quickly showed abilities which led to his promotion to the rank of mate in an English ship trading in the West India Islands, and later he was made master. On the declaration of war with America, Jones joined the rebels, and was given command of a privateer, and from 1777 he became a terror to English shipping around the British Isles.
One of his most startling exploits was his surprise visit in his ship, theRanger, to his old home with the object of kidnapping his former employer, Lord Selkirk.
On September 23rd, 1779, he fought his famousaction off Scarborough against a British convoy from the Baltic under the command of Captain Pearson, in theSerapis, and Captain Piercy in theCountess of Scarborough. Jones had left theRangerfor a frigate called theBonne Homme Richardof forty guns and a crew of three hundred and seventy men, and had also under his command four other ships of war. A furious engagement took place, the utmost bravery being shown on either side; the English ships at last being compelled to surrender, but not until the enemy had themselves suffered fearful damage to both their crews and ships. After the conclusion of peace, Paul Jones, once the darling of two continents, faded into obscurity and even poverty, and died in Paris in the year 1792 at the age of 64.
JONES.Seaman.A mariner. "A brisk young fellow" who served with Captain Bartholomew Roberts's crew. On one occasion Captain Roberts had reason to think that one of his men had spoken disrespectfully to him, so, as a warning to the rest, he killed him. The dead man's greatest friend was Jones, who, hearing what had happened, had a fierce fight with Roberts. This severe breach of discipline was punished by Jones receiving two lashes on the back from every man on board. Jones after this sailed with Captain Anstis in theGood Fortune.
JONES.Seaman.
A mariner. "A brisk young fellow" who served with Captain Bartholomew Roberts's crew. On one occasion Captain Roberts had reason to think that one of his men had spoken disrespectfully to him, so, as a warning to the rest, he killed him. The dead man's greatest friend was Jones, who, hearing what had happened, had a fierce fight with Roberts. This severe breach of discipline was punished by Jones receiving two lashes on the back from every man on board. Jones after this sailed with Captain Anstis in theGood Fortune.
JONES,Thomas.Found to be "not guilty" at a trial for piracy at Newport, Rhode Island, in 1723. One of Captain Charles Harris's crew. Age 17.
JONES,Thomas.
Found to be "not guilty" at a trial for piracy at Newport, Rhode Island, in 1723. One of Captain Charles Harris's crew. Age 17.
JONES,William.Tried for piracy at Boston, 1704.
JONES,William.
Tried for piracy at Boston, 1704.
JONES,William.Of London.Age 28. Hanged at Rhode Island, 1723.
JONES,William.
Of London.
Age 28. Hanged at Rhode Island, 1723.
JONNIA,Captain.A Spaniard.Commanded in 1821 a fast schooner, carrying a crew of forty men, armed with muskets, cutlasses, blunderbusses, long knives, dirks, two carronades—one a twelve, the other a six-pounder. They had aboard with them three Mexican negresses. The pirates took and plundered the Boston schoonerExertion, on December 17th, 1821, the crew being considerably drunk at the time. The plunder they took to Principe in the Island of Cuba. The pirates took everything from their prisoners, even their clothes, but as a parting gift sent the captain a copy of the "Family Prayer Book" by the Rev. Mr. Brooks. The prisoners were marooned on a small mangrove quay, but they eventually escaped. Jonnia and some of his crew were afterwards captured by an English ship and taken to Kingston, Jamaica, and there hanged.
JONNIA,Captain.
A Spaniard.
Commanded in 1821 a fast schooner, carrying a crew of forty men, armed with muskets, cutlasses, blunderbusses, long knives, dirks, two carronades—one a twelve, the other a six-pounder. They had aboard with them three Mexican negresses. The pirates took and plundered the Boston schoonerExertion, on December 17th, 1821, the crew being considerably drunk at the time. The plunder they took to Principe in the Island of Cuba. The pirates took everything from their prisoners, even their clothes, but as a parting gift sent the captain a copy of the "Family Prayer Book" by the Rev. Mr. Brooks. The prisoners were marooned on a small mangrove quay, but they eventually escaped. Jonnia and some of his crew were afterwards captured by an English ship and taken to Kingston, Jamaica, and there hanged.
JOSE,Miguel.Hanged at Kingston, Jamaica, in February, 1823. This old man's last words on the scaffold were: "No he robado, no he matado ningune, muero innocente."
JOSE,Miguel.
Hanged at Kingston, Jamaica, in February, 1823. This old man's last words on the scaffold were: "No he robado, no he matado ningune, muero innocente."
JUDSON,Randall.One of Captain Roderigo's crew. Tried for piracy at Cambridge, Massachusetts, in June, 1675, and sentenced to be hanged; "presently after the lecture," which was delivered by the Rev. Increase Mather. Afterwards pardoned, but fined and banished from the colony.
JUDSON,Randall.
One of Captain Roderigo's crew. Tried for piracy at Cambridge, Massachusetts, in June, 1675, and sentenced to be hanged; "presently after the lecture," which was delivered by the Rev. Increase Mather. Afterwards pardoned, but fined and banished from the colony.
KELLWANTON.A notorious pirate in the sixteenth century. Was captured in the Isle of Man in 1531.
KELLWANTON.
A notorious pirate in the sixteenth century. Was captured in the Isle of Man in 1531.
KENNEDY,Captain.Began life as a pickpocket and housebreaker in London. He was Captain Roberts's lieutenant, and was afterwards given command of a prize, theRover.Kennedy could never, even when a captain, forget his old trade. It is recorded that he stole a black suit of clothes from the captain of theBirdat Sierra Leone in 1718. These he put on with the captain's best wig and sword. He then swaggered about on board in these till his fellow-pirates drenched him with buckets of claret, so that he had to disrobe and throw the garments overboard.Owing to a quarrel with Captain Roberts, Kennedy went off in his ship, theRover, and sailed to Barbadoes. His first prize, a Boston ship, was a distinct novelty, being commanded by one Captain Knot, a Quaker, who lived up to the principles of his sect by allowing no pistol, sword, or cutlass, or other weapon aboard his vessel. The crew, finding Kennedy had no knowledge whatever of navigation, threatened to throw him overboard, but because he was a man of great personal courage they did not in the end carry out their threat. The crew next decided to give over piracy and to set sail for Ireland. This island they altogether missed through bad navigation, and they ran the ship ashore on the north of Scotland. The crew landed and passed themselves off as shipwrecked mariners, but owing to their drinking and rioting in each village they came to, the whole countryside was soon roused. Kennedy slipped away and reached Ireland. Having soon spent all his ill-gotten gains in Dublin, he came toDeptford and set up a house of ill-fame, adding occasionally to his income from this source by a little highwaymanry. One of the ladies of his house at Deptford, to be revenged for some slight or other, gave information to the watch, and Kennedy was imprisoned at Marshalsea and afterwards tried for robbery and piracy. Kennedy turned King's evidence against some of his old associates, but this did not save his neck, for he was condemned and hanged at Execution Dock.
KENNEDY,Captain.
Began life as a pickpocket and housebreaker in London. He was Captain Roberts's lieutenant, and was afterwards given command of a prize, theRover.
Kennedy could never, even when a captain, forget his old trade. It is recorded that he stole a black suit of clothes from the captain of theBirdat Sierra Leone in 1718. These he put on with the captain's best wig and sword. He then swaggered about on board in these till his fellow-pirates drenched him with buckets of claret, so that he had to disrobe and throw the garments overboard.
Owing to a quarrel with Captain Roberts, Kennedy went off in his ship, theRover, and sailed to Barbadoes. His first prize, a Boston ship, was a distinct novelty, being commanded by one Captain Knot, a Quaker, who lived up to the principles of his sect by allowing no pistol, sword, or cutlass, or other weapon aboard his vessel. The crew, finding Kennedy had no knowledge whatever of navigation, threatened to throw him overboard, but because he was a man of great personal courage they did not in the end carry out their threat. The crew next decided to give over piracy and to set sail for Ireland. This island they altogether missed through bad navigation, and they ran the ship ashore on the north of Scotland. The crew landed and passed themselves off as shipwrecked mariners, but owing to their drinking and rioting in each village they came to, the whole countryside was soon roused. Kennedy slipped away and reached Ireland. Having soon spent all his ill-gotten gains in Dublin, he came toDeptford and set up a house of ill-fame, adding occasionally to his income from this source by a little highwaymanry. One of the ladies of his house at Deptford, to be revenged for some slight or other, gave information to the watch, and Kennedy was imprisoned at Marshalsea and afterwards tried for robbery and piracy. Kennedy turned King's evidence against some of his old associates, but this did not save his neck, for he was condemned and hanged at Execution Dock.
KHEYR-ED-DIN. Corsair.Brother of the famous Barbarossa. When the latter was defeated and killed by the Spaniards, Kheyr-ed-din sent an ambassador to Constantinople, begging for help to protect Algiers. He was appointed Governor of Algiers by the Sultan of Turkey in 1519. Now greatly increased both in ships and power, he scoured the whole Mediterranean for Italian and Spanish prizes. He raided the Spanish coast and carried off slaves from the Balearic Islands. He next took and destroyed the fortress of Algiers, and employed 7,000 Christian slaves to build a new one and also a great mole to protect the harbour. Invited by Solyman the Magnificent to help him against the Christian Admiral Andria Doria, in August, 1533, he sailed from Algiers with his fleet, being joined on the way by another noted corsair, Delizuff.A year afterwards, at the age of 73, Kheyr-ed-din set out from Constantinople with a vast fleet, sacking towns and burning all Christian ships that were so unfortunate as to fall in his way. He returned to the Bosphorus with huge spoil and 11,000 prisoners. He sacked Sardinia, then sailed to Tunis, which he vanquished.Charles V. of Spain now began to collect a large fleet and an army of 25,000 men and sailed to Tunis.A fierce fight followed; the Christians broke into the town, massacred the inhabitants and rescued some 20,000 Christian slaves. Kheyr-ed-din escaped with a few followers, but soon was in command of a fleet of pirate galleys once more. A terrific but undecisive naval battle took place off Prevesa between the Mohammedans and the Christians, the fleet of the latter being under the command of Andrea Doria; and Kheyr-ed-din died shortly afterwards at Constantinople at a great age.
KHEYR-ED-DIN. Corsair.
Brother of the famous Barbarossa. When the latter was defeated and killed by the Spaniards, Kheyr-ed-din sent an ambassador to Constantinople, begging for help to protect Algiers. He was appointed Governor of Algiers by the Sultan of Turkey in 1519. Now greatly increased both in ships and power, he scoured the whole Mediterranean for Italian and Spanish prizes. He raided the Spanish coast and carried off slaves from the Balearic Islands. He next took and destroyed the fortress of Algiers, and employed 7,000 Christian slaves to build a new one and also a great mole to protect the harbour. Invited by Solyman the Magnificent to help him against the Christian Admiral Andria Doria, in August, 1533, he sailed from Algiers with his fleet, being joined on the way by another noted corsair, Delizuff.
A year afterwards, at the age of 73, Kheyr-ed-din set out from Constantinople with a vast fleet, sacking towns and burning all Christian ships that were so unfortunate as to fall in his way. He returned to the Bosphorus with huge spoil and 11,000 prisoners. He sacked Sardinia, then sailed to Tunis, which he vanquished.
Charles V. of Spain now began to collect a large fleet and an army of 25,000 men and sailed to Tunis.A fierce fight followed; the Christians broke into the town, massacred the inhabitants and rescued some 20,000 Christian slaves. Kheyr-ed-din escaped with a few followers, but soon was in command of a fleet of pirate galleys once more. A terrific but undecisive naval battle took place off Prevesa between the Mohammedans and the Christians, the fleet of the latter being under the command of Andrea Doria; and Kheyr-ed-din died shortly afterwards at Constantinople at a great age.
KIDD,Captain William, sometimesRobert KiddorKid.In the whole history of piracy there is no name that has so taken the world's fancy than has that of William Kidd. And yet, if he be judged by his actions as a pirate, he must be placed amongst the second- or even third-rate masters of that craft. He took but two or three ships, and these have been, after two hundred years, proved to be lawful prizes taken in his legal capacity as a privateer.Kidd was born at Greenock in Scotland about the year 1655, and was the son of the Rev. John Kidd. Of his early life little record is left, but we know that in August, 1689, he arrived at St. Nevis in the West Indies, in command of a privateer of sixteen guns. In 1691, while Kidd was on shore, his crew ran away with his ship, which was not surprising, as most of his crew were old pirates. But that Kidd was an efficient seaman and a capable captain is shown by the number of times he was given the command of different privateer vessels, both by the Government of New York and by privateer owners.In 1695 Kidd was in London, and on October 10th signed the articles which were to prove so fatal for him. In January, 1696, King William III. issued to his "beloved friend William Kidd" a commissionto apprehend certain pirates, particularly Thomas Tew, of Rhode Island, Thomas Wake, and William Maze, of New York, John Ireland, and "all other Pirates, Free-booters, and Sea Rovers of what Nature soever."This privateer enterprise was financed chiefly by Lord Bellomont, but the other adventurers (on shore and in safety) were the Lord Chancellor; the Earl of Orford, the First Lord of the Admiralty; the Earl of Romney and the Duke of Shrewsbury, Secretaries of State; Robert Livingston, Esq., of New York; and lastly, Captain Kidd himself.The ship theAdventuregalley was bought and fitted up, and Kidd sailed away in her to suppress piracy, particularly on the coast of America. Nothing was heard of him till August, 1698, when ugly rumours began to get about of piracies committed by Kidd in the Indian Ocean. In December of the same year a general pardon was offered to all pirates who should surrender themselves, with two exceptions—namely, Captain Avery and Captain Kidd. In May, 1699, Kidd suddenly appeared in a small vessel at New York, with rich booty. His chief patron, Lord Bellomont, was now Governor, and was placed in the most awkward position of having to carry out his orders and arrest Kidd for piracy and send him in chains to England in H.M.S.Advice, which ship had been sent specially to New York to carry back Kidd, Bradish, and other pirates to England.The trial of Kidd proved a scandal, for someone had to suffer as scapegoat for the aristocratic company privateers, and the lot fell to the luckless Kidd. Kidd was charged with piracy and with murder. The first charge of seizing two ships of the Great Mogul could have been met by the production of two documents which Kidd had taken out of these ships, and which, he claimed, proved that the ships were sailing under commissions issued by the French East India Company, and made them perfectly lawful prizes. These commissions Kidd had most foolishly handed over to Lord Bellomont, and they could not be produced at the trial, although they had been exhibited before the House of Commons a little while previously.It is an extraordinary and tragic fact that these two documents, so vital to Kidd, were discovered only lately in the Public Records Office—too late, by some 200 years, to save an innocent man's life.As it happened, the charge of which Kidd was hanged for was murder, and ran thus: "Being moved and seduced by the instigations of the Devil he did make an assault in and upon William Moore upon the high seas with a certain wooden bucket, bound with iron hoops, of the value of eight pence, giving the said William Moore one mortal bruise of which the aforesaid William Moore did languish and die." This aforesaid William Moore was gunner in theAdventuregalley, and was mutinous, and Kidd, as captain, was perfectly justified in knocking him down and even of killing him; but as the court meant Kidd to "swing," this was quite good enough for finding him guilty. The unfortunate prisoner was executed at Wapping on May 23rd, 1701, and his body afterwards hanged in chains at Tilbury.A PIRATE BEING HANGED AT EXECUTION DOCK, WAPPING.A PIRATE BEING HANGED AT EXECUTION DOCK, WAPPING.A popular ballad was sung to commemorate the life and death of Kidd, who, for some reason, was always called Robert Kidd by the populace. It consists of no less than twenty-four verses, and we here give fifteen of them:THE BALLAD OF CAPTAIN KIDDMy name was Robert Kidd, when I sailed, when I sailed,My name was Robert Kidd, when I sailed,My name was Robert Kidd,God's laws I did forbid,And so wickedly I did, when I sailed.My parents taught me well, when I sailed, when I sailed,My parents taught me well, when I sailed,My parents taught me well,To shun the gates of hell,But 'gainst them I rebelled, when I sailed.I'd a Bible in my hand, when I sailed, when I sailed,I'd a Bible in my hand, when I sailed,I'd a Bible in my hand,By my father's great command,And sunk it in the sand, when I sailed.I murdered William Moore, as I sailed, as I sailed,I murdered William Moore, as I sailed,I murdered William Moore,And laid him in his gore,Not many leagues from shore, as I sailed.I was sick and nigh to death, when I sailed, when I sailed,I was sick and nigh to death, when I sailed,I was sick and nigh to death,And I vowed at every breath,To walk in wisdom's ways, as I sailed.I thought I was undone, as I sailed, as I sailed,I thought I was undone, as I sailed,I thought I was undone,And my wicked glass had run,But health did soon return, as I sailed.My repentance lasted not, as I sailed, as I sailed,My repentance lasted not, as I sailed,My repentance lasted not,My vows I soon forgot,Damnation was my lot, as I sailed.I spyed the ships from France, as I sailed, as I sailed,I spyed the ships of France, as I sailed,I spyed the ships from France,To them I did advance,And took them all by chance, as I sailed.I spyed the ships of Spain, as I sailed, as I sailed,I spyed the ships of Spain, as I sailed,I spyed the ships of Spain,I fired on them amain,'Till most of them was slain, as I sailed.I'd ninety bars of gold, as I sailed, as I sailed,I'd ninety bars of gold, as I sailed,I'd ninety bars of gold,And dollars manifold,With riches uncontrolled, as I sailed.Thus being o'er-taken at last, I must die, I must die,Thus being o'er-taken at last, I must die,Thus being o'er-taken at last,And into prison cast,And sentence being passed, I must die.Farewell, the raging main, I must die, I must die,Farewell, the raging main, I must die,Farewell, the raging main,To Turkey, France and Spain,I shall n'er see you again, I must die.To Execution Dock I must go, I must go,To Execution Dock I must go,To Execution Dock,Will many thousands flock,But I must bear the shock, and must die.Come all ye young and old, see me die, see me die,Come all ye young and old, see me die,Come all ye young and old,You're welcome to my gold,For by it I've lost my soul, and must die.Take warning now by me, for I must die, for I must die,Take warning now by me, for I must die,Take warning now by me,And shun bad company,Lest you come to hell with me, for I die.
KIDD,Captain William, sometimesRobert KiddorKid.
In the whole history of piracy there is no name that has so taken the world's fancy than has that of William Kidd. And yet, if he be judged by his actions as a pirate, he must be placed amongst the second- or even third-rate masters of that craft. He took but two or three ships, and these have been, after two hundred years, proved to be lawful prizes taken in his legal capacity as a privateer.
Kidd was born at Greenock in Scotland about the year 1655, and was the son of the Rev. John Kidd. Of his early life little record is left, but we know that in August, 1689, he arrived at St. Nevis in the West Indies, in command of a privateer of sixteen guns. In 1691, while Kidd was on shore, his crew ran away with his ship, which was not surprising, as most of his crew were old pirates. But that Kidd was an efficient seaman and a capable captain is shown by the number of times he was given the command of different privateer vessels, both by the Government of New York and by privateer owners.
In 1695 Kidd was in London, and on October 10th signed the articles which were to prove so fatal for him. In January, 1696, King William III. issued to his "beloved friend William Kidd" a commissionto apprehend certain pirates, particularly Thomas Tew, of Rhode Island, Thomas Wake, and William Maze, of New York, John Ireland, and "all other Pirates, Free-booters, and Sea Rovers of what Nature soever."
This privateer enterprise was financed chiefly by Lord Bellomont, but the other adventurers (on shore and in safety) were the Lord Chancellor; the Earl of Orford, the First Lord of the Admiralty; the Earl of Romney and the Duke of Shrewsbury, Secretaries of State; Robert Livingston, Esq., of New York; and lastly, Captain Kidd himself.
The ship theAdventuregalley was bought and fitted up, and Kidd sailed away in her to suppress piracy, particularly on the coast of America. Nothing was heard of him till August, 1698, when ugly rumours began to get about of piracies committed by Kidd in the Indian Ocean. In December of the same year a general pardon was offered to all pirates who should surrender themselves, with two exceptions—namely, Captain Avery and Captain Kidd. In May, 1699, Kidd suddenly appeared in a small vessel at New York, with rich booty. His chief patron, Lord Bellomont, was now Governor, and was placed in the most awkward position of having to carry out his orders and arrest Kidd for piracy and send him in chains to England in H.M.S.Advice, which ship had been sent specially to New York to carry back Kidd, Bradish, and other pirates to England.
The trial of Kidd proved a scandal, for someone had to suffer as scapegoat for the aristocratic company privateers, and the lot fell to the luckless Kidd. Kidd was charged with piracy and with murder. The first charge of seizing two ships of the Great Mogul could have been met by the production of two documents which Kidd had taken out of these ships, and which, he claimed, proved that the ships were sailing under commissions issued by the French East India Company, and made them perfectly lawful prizes. These commissions Kidd had most foolishly handed over to Lord Bellomont, and they could not be produced at the trial, although they had been exhibited before the House of Commons a little while previously.
It is an extraordinary and tragic fact that these two documents, so vital to Kidd, were discovered only lately in the Public Records Office—too late, by some 200 years, to save an innocent man's life.
As it happened, the charge of which Kidd was hanged for was murder, and ran thus: "Being moved and seduced by the instigations of the Devil he did make an assault in and upon William Moore upon the high seas with a certain wooden bucket, bound with iron hoops, of the value of eight pence, giving the said William Moore one mortal bruise of which the aforesaid William Moore did languish and die." This aforesaid William Moore was gunner in theAdventuregalley, and was mutinous, and Kidd, as captain, was perfectly justified in knocking him down and even of killing him; but as the court meant Kidd to "swing," this was quite good enough for finding him guilty. The unfortunate prisoner was executed at Wapping on May 23rd, 1701, and his body afterwards hanged in chains at Tilbury.
A PIRATE BEING HANGED AT EXECUTION DOCK, WAPPING.A PIRATE BEING HANGED AT EXECUTION DOCK, WAPPING.
A popular ballad was sung to commemorate the life and death of Kidd, who, for some reason, was always called Robert Kidd by the populace. It consists of no less than twenty-four verses, and we here give fifteen of them:
THE BALLAD OF CAPTAIN KIDD
My name was Robert Kidd, when I sailed, when I sailed,My name was Robert Kidd, when I sailed,My name was Robert Kidd,God's laws I did forbid,And so wickedly I did, when I sailed.My parents taught me well, when I sailed, when I sailed,My parents taught me well, when I sailed,My parents taught me well,To shun the gates of hell,But 'gainst them I rebelled, when I sailed.I'd a Bible in my hand, when I sailed, when I sailed,I'd a Bible in my hand, when I sailed,I'd a Bible in my hand,By my father's great command,And sunk it in the sand, when I sailed.I murdered William Moore, as I sailed, as I sailed,I murdered William Moore, as I sailed,I murdered William Moore,And laid him in his gore,Not many leagues from shore, as I sailed.I was sick and nigh to death, when I sailed, when I sailed,I was sick and nigh to death, when I sailed,I was sick and nigh to death,And I vowed at every breath,To walk in wisdom's ways, as I sailed.I thought I was undone, as I sailed, as I sailed,I thought I was undone, as I sailed,I thought I was undone,And my wicked glass had run,But health did soon return, as I sailed.My repentance lasted not, as I sailed, as I sailed,My repentance lasted not, as I sailed,My repentance lasted not,My vows I soon forgot,Damnation was my lot, as I sailed.I spyed the ships from France, as I sailed, as I sailed,I spyed the ships of France, as I sailed,I spyed the ships from France,To them I did advance,And took them all by chance, as I sailed.I spyed the ships of Spain, as I sailed, as I sailed,I spyed the ships of Spain, as I sailed,I spyed the ships of Spain,I fired on them amain,'Till most of them was slain, as I sailed.I'd ninety bars of gold, as I sailed, as I sailed,I'd ninety bars of gold, as I sailed,I'd ninety bars of gold,And dollars manifold,With riches uncontrolled, as I sailed.Thus being o'er-taken at last, I must die, I must die,Thus being o'er-taken at last, I must die,Thus being o'er-taken at last,And into prison cast,And sentence being passed, I must die.Farewell, the raging main, I must die, I must die,Farewell, the raging main, I must die,Farewell, the raging main,To Turkey, France and Spain,I shall n'er see you again, I must die.To Execution Dock I must go, I must go,To Execution Dock I must go,To Execution Dock,Will many thousands flock,But I must bear the shock, and must die.Come all ye young and old, see me die, see me die,Come all ye young and old, see me die,Come all ye young and old,You're welcome to my gold,For by it I've lost my soul, and must die.Take warning now by me, for I must die, for I must die,Take warning now by me, for I must die,Take warning now by me,And shun bad company,Lest you come to hell with me, for I die.
My name was Robert Kidd, when I sailed, when I sailed,My name was Robert Kidd, when I sailed,My name was Robert Kidd,God's laws I did forbid,And so wickedly I did, when I sailed.
My parents taught me well, when I sailed, when I sailed,My parents taught me well, when I sailed,My parents taught me well,To shun the gates of hell,But 'gainst them I rebelled, when I sailed.
I'd a Bible in my hand, when I sailed, when I sailed,I'd a Bible in my hand, when I sailed,I'd a Bible in my hand,By my father's great command,And sunk it in the sand, when I sailed.
I murdered William Moore, as I sailed, as I sailed,I murdered William Moore, as I sailed,I murdered William Moore,And laid him in his gore,Not many leagues from shore, as I sailed.
I was sick and nigh to death, when I sailed, when I sailed,I was sick and nigh to death, when I sailed,I was sick and nigh to death,And I vowed at every breath,To walk in wisdom's ways, as I sailed.
I thought I was undone, as I sailed, as I sailed,I thought I was undone, as I sailed,I thought I was undone,And my wicked glass had run,But health did soon return, as I sailed.
My repentance lasted not, as I sailed, as I sailed,My repentance lasted not, as I sailed,My repentance lasted not,My vows I soon forgot,Damnation was my lot, as I sailed.
I spyed the ships from France, as I sailed, as I sailed,I spyed the ships of France, as I sailed,I spyed the ships from France,To them I did advance,And took them all by chance, as I sailed.
I spyed the ships of Spain, as I sailed, as I sailed,I spyed the ships of Spain, as I sailed,I spyed the ships of Spain,I fired on them amain,'Till most of them was slain, as I sailed.
I'd ninety bars of gold, as I sailed, as I sailed,I'd ninety bars of gold, as I sailed,I'd ninety bars of gold,And dollars manifold,With riches uncontrolled, as I sailed.
Thus being o'er-taken at last, I must die, I must die,Thus being o'er-taken at last, I must die,Thus being o'er-taken at last,And into prison cast,And sentence being passed, I must die.
Farewell, the raging main, I must die, I must die,Farewell, the raging main, I must die,Farewell, the raging main,To Turkey, France and Spain,I shall n'er see you again, I must die.
To Execution Dock I must go, I must go,To Execution Dock I must go,To Execution Dock,Will many thousands flock,But I must bear the shock, and must die.
Come all ye young and old, see me die, see me die,Come all ye young and old, see me die,Come all ye young and old,You're welcome to my gold,For by it I've lost my soul, and must die.
Take warning now by me, for I must die, for I must die,Take warning now by me, for I must die,Take warning now by me,And shun bad company,Lest you come to hell with me, for I die.
KILLING,James.One of Major Stede Bonnet's crew, who gave evidence against him at his trial at Charleston in 1718.
KILLING,James.
One of Major Stede Bonnet's crew, who gave evidence against him at his trial at Charleston in 1718.
KING,Charles.Attempted to escape in theLarimoregalley, but was captured and brought into Salem. Tried at Boston with the rest of Quelch's crew in June, 1704.
KING,Charles.
Attempted to escape in theLarimoregalley, but was captured and brought into Salem. Tried at Boston with the rest of Quelch's crew in June, 1704.
KING,Francis.One of Captain Quelch's crew captured in theLarimoregalley by Major Sewall, and brought into Salem Harbour on June 11th, 1704. Tried at Boston and condemned to be hanged. Was reprieved while standing on the gallows.
KING,Francis.
One of Captain Quelch's crew captured in theLarimoregalley by Major Sewall, and brought into Salem Harbour on June 11th, 1704. Tried at Boston and condemned to be hanged. Was reprieved while standing on the gallows.
KING,John.One of Captain Quelch's crew taken out of theLarimoregalley. Tried at Boston in June, 1704.
KING,John.
One of Captain Quelch's crew taken out of theLarimoregalley. Tried at Boston in June, 1704.
KING,Matthew.Of Jamaica.One of Major Stede Bonnet's crew. Was hanged at Charleston, South Carolina, on November 8th, 1718, and buried in the marsh below low-water mark.
KING,Matthew.
Of Jamaica.
One of Major Stede Bonnet's crew. Was hanged at Charleston, South Carolina, on November 8th, 1718, and buried in the marsh below low-water mark.
KNEEVES,Peter.Of Exeter in Devon.Sailed with Captain Charles Harris, and was tried for piracy with the rest of his crew at Rhode Island in 1723. Hanged at Newport at the age of 32.
KNEEVES,Peter.
Of Exeter in Devon.
Sailed with Captain Charles Harris, and was tried for piracy with the rest of his crew at Rhode Island in 1723. Hanged at Newport at the age of 32.
KNIGHT,CaptainW. Buccaneer.In 1686 Knight was cruising off the coast of Peru and Chile with Swan, Townley, and Davis. At the end of that year, having got a fair quantity of plunder, he sailed round the Horn to the West Indies.
KNIGHT,CaptainW. Buccaneer.
In 1686 Knight was cruising off the coast of Peru and Chile with Swan, Townley, and Davis. At the end of that year, having got a fair quantity of plunder, he sailed round the Horn to the West Indies.
KNIGHT,Christopher.One of Captain Coward's crew. Tried for piracy at Boston in January, 1690, and found guilty, but afterwards reprieved.
KNIGHT,Christopher.
One of Captain Coward's crew. Tried for piracy at Boston in January, 1690, and found guilty, but afterwards reprieved.
KNOT,Captain.An old Massachusetts pirate who retired from the sea and was settled in Boston in 1699. His wife gaveinformation to the Governor, the Earl of Bellomont, of the whereabouts of a pirate called Gillam, who was "wanted."
KNOT,Captain.
An old Massachusetts pirate who retired from the sea and was settled in Boston in 1699. His wife gaveinformation to the Governor, the Earl of Bellomont, of the whereabouts of a pirate called Gillam, who was "wanted."
KOXINGA. His real name was Kuo-hsing Yeh, Koxinga being the Portuguese version.The son of a Chinese pirate, Cheng Chih-lung, by a Japanese mother, he was born in 1623.From early youth Koxinga was inspired with a hatred of the Manchus, who had imprisoned his father.The young pirate soon became so successful in his raids along the coast of China that the Emperor resorted to the extraordinary expedient of ordering the inhabitants of more than eighty seaboard towns to migrate ten miles inland, after destroying their homes.There can be no doubt that Koxinga was a thorough-going cut-throat pirate, worked solely for his own ambitious ends and to satisfy his revengeful feelings, but the fact that he fought against the alien conquerors, the Dutch in Formosa, and defeated them, caused him to be regarded as a hero pirate.His father was executed at Peking, which only increased his bitterness against the reigning house. Koxinga made himself what was, to all intents and purposes, the ruler of Formosa, and the island became, through him, part of the Chinese Empire.After his death, which took place in 1662, he received official canonization.The direct descendant of Koxinga, the pirate, is one of the very few hereditary nobles in China.
KOXINGA. His real name was Kuo-hsing Yeh, Koxinga being the Portuguese version.
The son of a Chinese pirate, Cheng Chih-lung, by a Japanese mother, he was born in 1623.
From early youth Koxinga was inspired with a hatred of the Manchus, who had imprisoned his father.
The young pirate soon became so successful in his raids along the coast of China that the Emperor resorted to the extraordinary expedient of ordering the inhabitants of more than eighty seaboard towns to migrate ten miles inland, after destroying their homes.
There can be no doubt that Koxinga was a thorough-going cut-throat pirate, worked solely for his own ambitious ends and to satisfy his revengeful feelings, but the fact that he fought against the alien conquerors, the Dutch in Formosa, and defeated them, caused him to be regarded as a hero pirate.
His father was executed at Peking, which only increased his bitterness against the reigning house. Koxinga made himself what was, to all intents and purposes, the ruler of Formosa, and the island became, through him, part of the Chinese Empire.
After his death, which took place in 1662, he received official canonization.
The direct descendant of Koxinga, the pirate, is one of the very few hereditary nobles in China.
LACY,Abraham.Of Devonshire.Hanged at the age of 21 at Rhode Island in 1723.
LACY,Abraham.
Of Devonshire.
Hanged at the age of 21 at Rhode Island in 1723.
duLAERQUERAC,Captain John.This Breton pirate was captured in 1537 by a Bristol seaman called John Wynter. Du Laerquerac, with other pirates from Brittany, had been holding up ships on their way to the great fair of St. James at Bristol. On being arrested, he denied that he had "spoiled" any English ships, but on being further pressed to confess, admitted that he had taken a few odds and ends, such as ropes, sailors' clothes, some wine, fish, a gold crown in money and eleven silver halfpence, as well as four daggers and a "couverture."
duLAERQUERAC,Captain John.
This Breton pirate was captured in 1537 by a Bristol seaman called John Wynter. Du Laerquerac, with other pirates from Brittany, had been holding up ships on their way to the great fair of St. James at Bristol. On being arrested, he denied that he had "spoiled" any English ships, but on being further pressed to confess, admitted that he had taken a few odds and ends, such as ropes, sailors' clothes, some wine, fish, a gold crown in money and eleven silver halfpence, as well as four daggers and a "couverture."
LAFITTE,Captain Jean.Jean and his brother first appeared in New Orleans in the year 1809. Though blacksmiths by profession, they soon took to smuggling goods brought by privateersmen and pirates. The headquarters of this trade was on the Island of Grande Terre in Barataria Bay. This island was inhabited and governed by ex-pirates; one Grambo being the acknowledged chief, until he was shot by Jean Lafitte.In 1813, the Baratarians were denounced by the Governor of Louisiana as pirates. This made no difference to the pirate smugglers, who grew more and more rich and insolent. The Governor then secured an indictment against Jean and his brother, Pierre, who retained the very best and most expensive lawyers in the State to defend them, and they were acquitted. In 1814, war was declared with England, and Jean was invited by the English to fight on their side, with the offer of a commission in the navy and a large sum of money. He refused this, and eventually General Jackson accepted his offer of the services of himself and his Baratarians, who proved invaluable in the Battle of Orleans, serving the guns. He disappeared completely after the war until 1823, when a British sloop of war captured a pirate ship with a crewof sixty men under the command of the famous Lafitte, who was amongst those who fell fighting.
LAFITTE,Captain Jean.
Jean and his brother first appeared in New Orleans in the year 1809. Though blacksmiths by profession, they soon took to smuggling goods brought by privateersmen and pirates. The headquarters of this trade was on the Island of Grande Terre in Barataria Bay. This island was inhabited and governed by ex-pirates; one Grambo being the acknowledged chief, until he was shot by Jean Lafitte.
In 1813, the Baratarians were denounced by the Governor of Louisiana as pirates. This made no difference to the pirate smugglers, who grew more and more rich and insolent. The Governor then secured an indictment against Jean and his brother, Pierre, who retained the very best and most expensive lawyers in the State to defend them, and they were acquitted. In 1814, war was declared with England, and Jean was invited by the English to fight on their side, with the offer of a commission in the navy and a large sum of money. He refused this, and eventually General Jackson accepted his offer of the services of himself and his Baratarians, who proved invaluable in the Battle of Orleans, serving the guns. He disappeared completely after the war until 1823, when a British sloop of war captured a pirate ship with a crewof sixty men under the command of the famous Lafitte, who was amongst those who fell fighting.
LAGARDE,le Capitaine.A French filibuster of San Domingo, who in 1684 commanded a small ship,La Subtille(crew of thirty men and two guns).
LAGARDE,le Capitaine.
A French filibuster of San Domingo, who in 1684 commanded a small ship,La Subtille(crew of thirty men and two guns).
LAMBERT,John.One of Captain John Quelch's crew. Hanged on Charles River, Boston Side, on Friday, June 30th, 1704. In a broadside published at Boston in July of the same year, Lambert's conduct on the gallows is described thus: "He appeared much hardened and pleaded much on his Innocency. He desired all men to beware of Bad Company and seemed to be in great Agony near his Execution."
LAMBERT,John.
One of Captain John Quelch's crew. Hanged on Charles River, Boston Side, on Friday, June 30th, 1704. In a broadside published at Boston in July of the same year, Lambert's conduct on the gallows is described thus: "He appeared much hardened and pleaded much on his Innocency. He desired all men to beware of Bad Company and seemed to be in great Agony near his Execution."
LANDER,Daniel.One of Captain Pound's crew.
LANDER,Daniel.
One of Captain Pound's crew.
LANDRESSON,Captain Michel,aliasBreha.Filibuster.Accompanied Pain in his expedition against St. Augustine in 1683. He was a constant source of annoyance to the Jamaicans. His ship was calledLa Trompeuse, but must not be confused with the famous ship of that name belonging to Hamlin. Landresson, when he had got a good booty of gold, jewels, cocoa, etc., would go to Boston to dispose of it to the godly merchants of New England. In 1684 a Royal proclamation was published in Massachusetts, warning all Governors that no succour or aid was to be given to any of the outlaws, but, in spite of this, Landresson was received with open arms and the proclamations in the streets torn down.In 1684 he was at San Domingo, in command ofLa Fortune(crew of 100 men and fourteen guns). At this time the filibuster was disguised under thealiasof Le Capitaine Breha.Captured in 1686 by the Armada de Barlorento, and hanged with several of his companions.
LANDRESSON,Captain Michel,aliasBreha.
Filibuster.
Accompanied Pain in his expedition against St. Augustine in 1683. He was a constant source of annoyance to the Jamaicans. His ship was calledLa Trompeuse, but must not be confused with the famous ship of that name belonging to Hamlin. Landresson, when he had got a good booty of gold, jewels, cocoa, etc., would go to Boston to dispose of it to the godly merchants of New England. In 1684 a Royal proclamation was published in Massachusetts, warning all Governors that no succour or aid was to be given to any of the outlaws, but, in spite of this, Landresson was received with open arms and the proclamations in the streets torn down.
In 1684 he was at San Domingo, in command ofLa Fortune(crew of 100 men and fourteen guns). At this time the filibuster was disguised under thealiasof Le Capitaine Breha.
Captured in 1686 by the Armada de Barlorento, and hanged with several of his companions.
LANE,Captain.In 1720 Lane was one of Captain England's crew when he took theMercuryoff the coast of West Africa. TheMercurywas fitted up as a pirate ship, named theQueen Ann's Revenge, and Lane was voted captain of her. Lane left Captain England and sailed to Brazil, where he took several Portuguese ships and did a great deal of mischief.
LANE,Captain.
In 1720 Lane was one of Captain England's crew when he took theMercuryoff the coast of West Africa. TheMercurywas fitted up as a pirate ship, named theQueen Ann's Revenge, and Lane was voted captain of her. Lane left Captain England and sailed to Brazil, where he took several Portuguese ships and did a great deal of mischief.
LARIMORE,Captain Thomas, orLarramore.Commanded theLarimoregalley. In 1704 was with the pirate Quelch and several other pirates, and, among other prizes, seized a Portuguese ship, thePortugal, from which they took gold dust, bar and coined gold, and other treasure, and at the same time "acted divers villainous Murders." For these Larimore was tried, condemned and hanged at Boston, June 11th, 1704.
LARIMORE,Captain Thomas, orLarramore.
Commanded theLarimoregalley. In 1704 was with the pirate Quelch and several other pirates, and, among other prizes, seized a Portuguese ship, thePortugal, from which they took gold dust, bar and coined gold, and other treasure, and at the same time "acted divers villainous Murders." For these Larimore was tried, condemned and hanged at Boston, June 11th, 1704.