Mission

Never mind, I found it. I really need to read Dow and Edmond's The Pirates of the New England Coast one of these days...

OK, so I have this quote from Leo Eloesser's 1926 article "Pirate and Buccaneer Doctors." "...the French West Indies it came to a head that he [Edward Low] wanted a doctor's chest, so he put four French captives aboard a prize sloop and sent them off to St. Thomas to tell the Governor that if he'd not sell him a good chest for the money his captive brought with them he'd kill all the Frenchmen and burn ten or more French vessels that he had in his hands. His captives returned with the chest." I want to use it, but I can't find the original source. Does anyone know what this is from? It doesn't seem to be in the 3rd edition of the General History, which is where I would have expected to find this. Is there another contemporary Low source? Or did Eloesser somehow confuse the Blackbeard account with Low?

That's a good point. Although I completely skipped him after reading the first paragraph because I suspected that was just a ruse to put someone people don't usually identify as being a pirate into his list. When I read that, I suspected our author of attempting to wish he were avant-garde. Ed, they wore earrings as a way to pay for their funeral! Don't you know anything about pirates?! Or maybe it was to pay Charon for the crossing. Or maybe it was because they wanted to have a hedge against the future - in case they ran out of funds. Or maybe it was so that their fellow pirates could send it home to their families so that they wouldn't be destitute after their death. Or maybe it was because they thought they were avant-garde and hoped one day to use it to be able to pay for a correspondance course so they could learn to write articles on the most terrifying pirates who were NOT Blackbeard. Or maybe it was because they got Tia Dalma to look into the future and see that Howard Pyle would add earrings to their kit (despite having no real evidence of this) and thought that looked kinda' sorta' cool so they would copy him. (Paradox!) [sorry, I just spent all weekend painting earrings out of various Pyle images so that I would be a bit more comfortable about using them on my web page. Yes, yes, I know. Pyle's images are rife with other historical inaccuracies, but that is the most glaring one to me.] Come to think of it, It's hard to say for sure...

I did not size this for printing or anything, but I am about to shrink it down so that many parts of it will be unreadable and I put a heckuva lot of work into cleaning it up. So I thought I'd put it here for those who want to see the map included in Lionel Wafer's 1699 edition of his buccaneering book A Voyage Across the Isthmus of America.

Yeah, when the authors at Cracked.com want to appear to be cool, the love to resort to the word 'fuck.' I agree with you that it actually makes the author appear to lack creativity if that's the best they can do to make their material sound relevant. (Then again, no one is sharing the link to this post on Facebook, are they? Guess I'd rather sound intelligent than relevant.)

"There was not question of Metellus [Quintus Caecilius Metellus Creticus] attempted to reduce the Cilician coast until the rest of the Mediterranean had been cleared, and the commander-in-chief himself should arrive in Cilician waters. It was Metellus' business to patrol the Levant [Eastern Mediterranean between Anatolia and Egypt] and engage the pirates as they issued from or sought to retire to their Cilician fastnesses [strongholds/fortresses. Fastnesses is a cool word, though.] Simultaneous attacks were to be opened by the legati [generals in the Roman army] on all the pirates' strong points and anchorages throughout the Mediterranean, and a cordon drawn round each group.Concerted action of this character would frustrate their known tactics of sending reinfrocements to any of their brethren who were threatened. The pirates in Cilicia would be effectually blockaded by Metellus, and any that were able to evade him would fall in thei [Terentius] Varro's patrols, if they attempted to seek the West. [Gnaeus] Pompeius himself __ commanded a mobile force of sixty ships, which was first to sweep the western seas, driving the pirates on to the stationary forces already assembled, or if they fled eastward, into the squadrons of Varro and Mettalus. Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus [Pompey] The pirates were taken by surprise owing to the rapidity of the Roman movements, operations beginning at the earliest possible season. In alarm, they fled to their accustomed headlands and anchorages, where they were reduced according to plan by the legati. Pompeius thus cleared the west in forty days. We hear of his presence in Sicily, Africa, and Sardinia, and it is probably that he visited the coast of Gaul, where his officer Pomponius [Titus Pomponius Atticus] was experiencing trouble from the consul of [Gaius Calpurnius] Piso, governor designate of Gallia Narbonensis [modern southern France]. Piso had carried his feud with Pompeius as far as a petty attempt to thwart a subordinate in the raising of troops. At the end of forty days Pompeius returned, by way of Etruria [central Italy], to Rome, where the consul's activities necessitated his presence, but having obtained through his agent [Aulus] Gabinius pledges for good behaviour, he sailed once more from Brundisium [Brindisi, Italy]." (Henry A. Ormerod, Piracy in the Ancient World, p 238-9)

I probably would have put l'Olonnais on top and Blackbeard second or third. (He randomly shot one of his men on whim. That's not more terrifying than taking everyone's hat? Although taking everyone's hat is kind of cool.) I agree with you about Dampier. The author lost my respect for his list when he put Dampier in there at all. I don't think you can fairly call him a pirate and he certainly wasn't terrifying based on anything I've read about him. (Look at his portrait, for God's sakes. He appears to be ready to faint at any moment. Not. Terrifying.) I think what he's really put together is a list that should be called "Interesting and Successful Pirates Who Were Not Blackbeard." I do wonder why Roberts doesn't get more attention in the popular media, though. I suspect it's because BB was also really colorful and he terrorized the American coast. The recent (last 100 years of so) fascination with the subject seems to have had its roots in America. Plus we're kind of fascinated with our history in that way. Although I defy you to tell us about a terrifying Chinese pirate without looking one up. I'll bet you couldn't do it. (Remember - terrifying, not 'interesting' or 'successful.') The only Chinese pirate I can even think of off the top of my head is Madam Ching and she is 19th century.

"To [Roman politician Lucius Licinius] Lucullus, indeed, belongs most of the credit for the later successes gained by [Roman General Gnaeus] Pompeius against both the pirates and Mithradates [King of Pontus (a state of Persia) and Armenia Minor in northern Anatolia or Turkey]. His victories over Mithradates at sea prepared the way for the subjugation of the pirates no less than his successes on land broke the king's power. In the meantime, however, the power of the Cilicians was untouched... although deprived of the active assistance of Mithradates since the close of the first war, had extended their raids over the whole of the Mediterranean. Their elaborate organization, of which there are already traces in the first Mithradatic war, had by this time been brought to a high state of perfection. The miseries entailed by the constant wars in which Rome was engaged had added greatly to their numbers, which are given as many tens of thousands. Ruined men, who 'preferred to act rather than to suffer' flocked to them [the pirates] from all quarters, especially from the East. No doubt the refugees provided them with many of their boldest leaders, men who knew the more distant coasts and could lead profitable raids, like the Christian __ raids of a later date. ...they kept their arsenals manned with captives, who were chained to their tasks, and vast quantities of naval stores and munitions were captured by the Romans after the fall of Coracesium [Now Alanya - in the Mediterranean Region of Turkey]. The pirate ships are said to have numbered more than a thousand, and were richly adorned with gold, silver and purple. They were giving up lighter craft - hemioliae and myoparones [both small, light, fast vessels] - and building biremes and triremes; they sailed in organized squadrons commanded by admirals, disdaining the name of pirates, and dignifying the proceeds of their raids as pay. the closest connection was maintained between the pirate bands all over the Mediterranean, money and reinforcements being sent as required. Their seamanship enabled them to keep the seas even __ in winter and the swiftness of their vessels to avoid capture when pursued. (A Greek trireme) Although Cilicia still remained their headquarters, pirates by this time swarmed on all the coasts of the Mediterranean, possessing everywhere fortified bases and watch-towers, and carrying out their raids on all sides. They were ready at all times to render assistance to the enemies or Rome. Already in the year 81 a squadron of Cilicians had helped [Quintus] Sertorius [a Roman who fought against Rome] to capture the Pityussae islands in the Balearic group [off Spain in the western Mediterranean Sea, near the Iberian Peninsula]. A Cilician fleet in the year 70 B.C. agreed with Spartacus to transport 2,000 of his men to Sicily, in order to raise a new rebellion of slaves in the island. The Cilicians, however, after receiving his gifts, played him false. [Pirate.] In the Black Sea pirate vessels remained, as we have seen, the Mithradates after the defeat of his fleet in the Aegean, and Cilicians formed the main part of the garrison of Sinope [Sinop, Turkey]. Before its surrender they burnt the town and made their escape by night; Lucullus, however, succeeded in capturing some 8,000 of them. The Cilicians who were put to death in Crete by Metellus [Quintus Caecilius Metellus Creticus] had probably found their way there as allies of the Cretans." (Ormerod, p 221-3)

"In order to enjoy the favours of the lady Nice in greater tranquility, [Gaius] Verres had given the command of the Silician squadron, previously commanded by the legatus [a general in the Roman army], to her husband Cleomenes of Syracuse.... __ While the admiral [Verres] was drinking on shore, a pirate squadron was reported at the neighboring harbour of Odyssea, whereat the admiral hastily embarks, cuts his cables, and flies in the direction of Syracuse, ordering the rest of the squadron to follow. They do so as best they may, bt the two rearmost vessels are cut off by the pirates. At Helorus [in Sicily] the admiral leaves his ship, and the other captains run their own aground. The whole squadron was captured and burnt by Heracleo, the pirate leader, at nightfall, the flames of the burning ships giving the signal to Syracuse that pirates were off the coast. When the news was received at Syracuse, a tumult nearly broke out against the governor, which was only prevented by the self-restraint of the citizens and presence of mind of the resident Romans. Immediate measures for defence are taken by the latter against the now imminent attack. Heracleo's four galleys, having passed the night at Helorus, sail on to Syracuse. They visit first the summer pavilion of Verres on the shore, but finding it empty, enter the harbour. As they cruise about at will, they throw on shore the palm roots which the starving sailors in the captured ships had gathered [previously to being captured], and finally retire unmolested 'overcome not by fear, but by boredom.'" (Henry A. Ormerod, Piracy in the Ancient World, p 229-30)

"In spite of such protection as the fleets of [Roman politician Lucius Licinius] Lucullus could offer, the year 69 seems to have been an especially bad one in the Greek archipelago. In addition to the long list of towns and temples which had been sacked at various times, to that year can be assigned the over-running of Aegina [an island off the coast of Athens, Greece], and the second sack of Delos [another Island in Greece] by the pirate Athenodorus. All that Lucullus' officer, Triarius, could do was to repair the damage as best he might, and protect the island for the future with a wall. The miserable __ condition of the Cyclades [islands in the Aegean Sea] at this time is reflected by an inscription of Tenos, which portrays the island as ruined by the continual descents of the pirates and crushed by a load of debt. The seas were now almost closed. Roman fleets dared not venture from Brundisium [brindisi, Italy] except in the depths of winter [when sea travel was very difficult]. Trade was at a standstill, and Rome itself was threatened with famine. It is scarcely to be wondered at if the business classes and people combined to demand that the extraordinary command against the pirates should be revived and conferred on the most capable general available." (Henry A. Ormerod, Piracy in the Ancient World, p 232-3)

Why have I never before noticed Madagascar: or Robert Drury's Journal During Fifteen Years Captivity on that Island? For those who want to read it, you'll find it in PDF form here. You can also find The Four Years Voyages of Capt. George Roberts, written by himself as a PDF here if you want to read that. Is there anything else like this I am failing to notice? I really must get busy reading...

They're little, they're cute, and they come in a set.

We should expand the sea battle and get Ty to publicize it. That was pretty cool. Well, except for the sinking of the Firefly. If it was me, I'd concentrate the action near the Best Lobster Bisque restaurant if they'll let us. Then you have a guaranteed audience and a floor show. Of sorts.

Tricorn. Feh. The Patrick Hand Original™ Planter's Hat!

It's exactly the way it appears in the 3rd edition of the book! (Well, except for the pirate audience bits.) We could probably add to it - particularly the part where they're deciding who should be judge and what they were going to use in place of the staffs. That would be sort of fun.

You know what would be even better (as well as being PC and extraordinarily funny just as written)? Thomas Anstis' crew's mock trial. "[Captain Thomas Anstis’ pirates] pass'd their Time here in Dancing, and 0ther Diversions, agreeable to these sort of Folks; and among the rest, they appointed a Mock Court of Judicature to try one another for Pyracy, and he that was a Criminal one Day was made Judge another. __ I had an Account given me' of one of these merry Tryals, and as it appeared diverting, I shall give the Readers a short Account of it. The Court and Criminals being both appointed, as also Council to plead, the Judge got up in a Tree, and had a dirty Taurpaulin hung over his Shoulders; this was done by Way of Robe, with a Thrum Cap on his Head, and a large Pair of Spectacles upon his Nose : Thus equipped, he settled himself in his Place, and abundance of Officers attending him below, with Crows, Handspikes, &c. instead of Wands, Tipstaves, and such like. The Criminals were brought out, making a thousand sour Faces, and one who acted as Attorney-General opened the Charge against them; their Speeches were very laconick, and their whole Proceedings concise. We shall give it by Way of Dialogue. Attorn. Gen. An't please your Lordship, and you Gentlemen of the Jury, here is a Fellow before you that is a sad Dog, a sad sad Dog, [pirate audience: a sad, sad, sad dog] and I humbly hope your Lordship will order him to be hang'd out of the Way immediately. He has committed Pyracy upon the High Seas, and we shall prove, an't please your Lordship, that this Fellow, this sad Dog before you [pirate audience: sad, sad, sad, sad Dog], has escap'd a thousand Storms, nay, has got safe ashore when the Ship has been cast away, which was a certain Sign he was not born to be drown'd, yet not having the Fear of hanging before his Eyes, he went on robbing and ravishing Man, Woman and Child, plundering Ships Cargoes fore and aft, burning and sinking Ship, Bark and Boat, as if the Devil had been in him. But this is not all, my Lord, he has committed worse Villanies than all these, for we shall prove, that he has been guilty of drinking Small-Beer, and your __ Lordship knows, there never was a sober Fellow but what was a Rogue. My Lord, I should have spoke much finer than I do now, but that, as your Lordship knows our Rum is all out, and how should a Man speak good Law that has not drank a Dram, However, I hope, your Lordship will order the Fellow to be hang'd. Judge. —Hearkee me, Sirrah, you lousy pittiful, ill-look'd Dog what have you to say why you should not be tuck'd up immediately, and set a Sun-drying like a Scare-crow? —Are you guilty or not guilty? Pris. Not guilty, an't please your Worship. Judge. Not guilty! Say so again. Sirrah,-and I'll have you hang'd without any Tryal. Pris. An't please your Worship's Honour, say Lord, I am as honest a poor fellow as ever went between Stem and Stern of a Ship, and can hand, reef, steer, and clap two Ends of a Rope together, as well as e'er a He that ever cross'd salt Water, but I was taken by one George Bradley [the Name of him that sat as Judge] a notorious Pyrate, a sad Rogue [pirate audience: sad, sad, sad, sad, sad rogue] as ever was unhang'd, and he forc'd me, an't please your Honour. Judge. Answer me, Sirrah, —How will you be try'd? Pris. By G-- and my Country. Judge. The Devil you will. Why then, Gentlemen of the Jury, I think we have nothing to add but to proceed to Judgement. Attor. Gen. Right, my Lord; for if the Fellow should be suffer'd to speak, he may clear himself, and that's an Affront to the Court. Pris. Pray, my Lord, I hope your Lordship will confider---- Judge. Confider! How dare you talk of considering ? Sirrah, Sirrah, I never confider'd in all my Life. —I'll make it Treason to confider. Pris. But, I hope your Lordship will hear some Reason __ Judge. D’ye hear how the Scoundrel prates? —What have we to do with Reason? –I’d have you to know, Raskal, we don't sit here to hear Reason; -we go according to Law. -Is our Dinner ready? Attor. Yes, my Lord. Judge. Then heark’ee, you Raskal at the Bar, hear me. Sirrah, hear me. -You must suffer, for three Reasons; First, because it is not fit I should sit here as Judge, and no Body be hang'd. Secondly, you must be hang'd, because you have a damn'd hanging Look: -And thirdly, you must be hang'd, because I am hungry, for know, Sirrah, that 'tis a Custom, that whenever the Judge's Dinner is ready before the Tryal is over, the Prisoner is to be hang'd of Course. There's Law for you, ye Dog. So take him away Goaler. This is the Tryal just as it was related to me; the Design of my letting it down, is only to shew how these Fellows can jest upon Things, the Fear and Dread of which, should make them tremble." (Captain Charles Johnson, The General History of the Pirates, 3rd ed., p. 335-8)

Hey, that's a neat idea to put your hat on people. I may start doing that for all my reciprocal photos.

"There was not much furniture in the midshipmen's mess. Nearly all had a table, not from any generosity of the Government, but because the table was wanted for the surgeons in their operations after battle." (John Masefield, Sea Life in Nelson's Time, p. 75-6) I always wondered where the idea that the mess tables doubled as operating tables came from. (It's found in W.R. Thrower's dreadfully documented book on pirates.) Well now I know. Too bad it's so far post-golden age. (Yet another black mark on Thrower and his poor research.)

No, go back and read my first post.

Yes, but I don't recall seeing images of you holding a real knife to a tourist's throat for a photo. (I'd re-post the image I'm talking about, but it's not my place to defame anyone. Besides, it's not the only one I've seen - not by a long stretch.)

I must say, this looks to me more like what a sailor would wear than all that foppish stuff people keep dredging images of up. That other stuff reminds me of the kind of romanticized image an artist might choose to portray where this looks like what a working man who had to deal with the day-to-day life of sailoring would actually wear.

Jen Dobyns bought this up earlier this year and it actually generated quite the discussion in the sewing room beginning with this post. At the time, I thought the shirt was missing an item, so I added it (although you have to look closely):

Glad you enjoyed your first full reading! You can right-click on the photos in the Journal and select 'Save Image As...' to copy them out of the Journal. Many of them were taken from other people's albums - whom I credit under each photo - and you can find those albums on Facebook if you friend those people. (The original photos are much larger than the ones I use in the Journal. I have to scale all the photos I use down to about 200 and 300 pixels high to make them fit. Those are the ones I have saved, but they are quite small when printed out, so sending them to you may not be all that helpful. You'd be better to go to the original sources, even if it means setting up a FB account just for that purpose.) I do have some of my original-sized photo in my Surgeon's Journal Facebook Fan Page, which anyone on FB can access. One excellent album - as in better than the rest of all our photos combined - which you do not need FB to access is DB Couper's Santa Maria 2012 Picassa Page.

The criminal. Looked at through the prism of history, he'd be right. For better or worse, what is considered morally repugnant today was not so at that time. (Which doesn't make it right, but you have to be careful not to judge the past through the lens of the present unless you just want to fool yourself.) Besides, we have many examples of pirates selling slaves and even one of them (Bart Roberts) burning a ship full of 80 slaves rather than have to go through the bother of dealing with them. At their core, they were criminals, not rock stars.