General History of the Robberies & Murders of the Most Notorious

FREE GENERAL HISTORY OF THE ROBBERIES & MURDERS OF THE MOST NOTORIOUS PIRATES PDF

Culture Trip stands with Black Lives Matter. Originally published inCaptain Charles Johnson regales readers with the treacherous tales of seafaring men, but it was his inclusion of women pirates that made the work a commercial success. Nearly three centuries after its original publication, the women pirates still steal the show in this reprint by the Folio Society. In this excerpt, Captain Johnson details the difficulties the pirate Mary Read faced when it came to disguising her sex from her shipmates. In short, Anne Bonny took her for a handsome young fellow and for some reasons best known to herself, first discovered her sex to Mary Read. Mary Read, knowing what she would be at, and being very sensible of her incapacity that way, was forced to come to a right understanding with her; and so to the great disappointment of Anne Bonny, she let her know she was a woman also. In their cruise General History of the Robberies & Murders of the Most Notorious Pirates took a great number of ships belonging to Jamaica, and other parts of the West Indies, bound to and from England; and whenever they met any good artist [craftsman] or other person that might be of any great use to their company, if he was not willing to enter it was their custom to keep him by force. Among these was a young fellow of a most engaging behaviour, or, at least, he was so in the eyes of Mary Read, who became so smitten with his person and address that she could rest neither night or day. But as there is nothing more ingenious than love, it was no hard matter for her, who had before been practised in these wiles, to find a way to let him discover her sex. She first General History of the Robberies & Murders of the Most Notorious Pirates herself into his liking by talking against the life of a pirate, which he was altogether averse to; so they became messmates and strict companions. When she found he had a friendship for her as a man, she suffered the discovery to be made, by carelessly showing her breasts, which were very white. The young fellow, who was made of flesh and blood, had his curiosity and desire so raised by this sight that he never ceased importuning her until she confessed what she was. Now begins the scene of love. As he had a liking and esteem for her under her supposed character, it was now turned into fondness and desire. Her passion was no less violent than his, and perhaps she expressed it by one of the most generous actions that ever love inspired. It happened this young fellow had a quarrel with one of the pirates, and their ship then lying at anchor near one of the islands, they had appointed to go ashore and fight, according to the custom of the pirates. Mary Read was to the last degree uneasy and anxious for the fate of her lover; she would not have had him refuse the challenge, because she could not bear the thoughts of his being branded with cowardice; on the other side, she dreaded the event, and apprehended the fellow might be too hard for him. When love once enters into the breast of one who has any sparks of generosity, it stirs the heart up to the most noble actions. In this dilemma she showed that she feared more for his life than she did for her own; for she took a resolution of quarrelling with this fellow herself, and having challenged him ashore, he appointed the time two hours sooner than that when he was to meet her lover, where General History of the Robberies & Murders of the Most Notorious Pirates fought him at sword and pistol and killed him upon the spot. If he had regard for her before, this action would have bound him to her forever; but there was no occasions for ties or obligations, his inclination towards her was sufficient. In fine, they applied their troth to each other, which Mary Read said she looked upon to be as good as marriage in conscience as if it had been done by a minister in church…. Select currency. My Plans. Open menu Menu. England United Kingdom Europe. Engraving of Anne Bonny that appeared in an 18th century reprint of the book into Dutch, this and similar engravings can be found in the Folio Society edition. Read Next. History Britain's Most Influential Philosophers. Book Review - A General History by Daniel Defoe

With the remarkable Actions and Adventures of the two Female Pyrates. Mary Read and Anne Bonny. Of Capt. And their several Crews. H AVING taken more than ordinary Pains in collecting the Materials which compose the following History, we could not be satisfied with our selves, if any Thing were wanting to it, which might render it entirely satisfactory to the Publick: It is for this Reason we have subjoined to the Work, a short Abstract of the Laws now in Force against Pyrates, and made Choice of some particular Cases, the most curious we could meet with which have been heretofore tried, by which it will appear what Actions have, and what have not been adjudged Pyracy. It is possible this Book may fall into the Hands of some Masters of Ships, and other honest Mariners, who frequently, by contrary Winds or Tempests, or other Accidents incident to long Voyages, find themselves reduced to great Distresses, either through Scarcity of Provisions, or Want of Stores. I say, it may be a Direction to such as those, what Lengths they may venture to go, without violating the Law of Nations, in Case they should meet other Ships at Sea, or be cast on some inhospitable Shore, which should refuse to trade with them for such Things as are absolutely necessary for the Preservation of their Lives, or the Safety of the Ship and Cargoe. I cannot but take Notice in this Place, that during this long Peace, I have not so much as heard of a Dutch Pyrate: It is not that I take them to be honester than their Neighbours; but when we account for it, it will, perhaps, be a Reproach to our selves for our want of Industry: The Reason I take to be, that after a War, when the Dutch Ships are laid up, they have a Fishery, where their Seamen General History of the Robberies & Murders of the Most Notorious Pirates immediate Business, and as comfortable Bread as they had before. Besides, our own Coast, for the most Part, supply the Dutchwho employ several hundred Sail constantly in the Trade, and so sell to us our own Fish. I call it our own, for the Sovereignty of the British Seasare to this Day acknowledged us by the Dutchand all the neighbouring Nations; wherefore, if there was a publick Spirit among us, it would be well worth our while to establish a National Fishery, which would be the best Means in the World to prevent Pyracy, employ a Number of the Poor, and ease the Nation of a great Burthen, by lowering the Price of Provision in general, as well as of several other Commodities. I need not bring any Proofs of what I advance, viz. Nor is it so much their Inclination to Idleness, as their own hard Fate, in being cast off after their Work is done, to starve or steal. I shall not repeat what I have said in the History concerning the Privateers of the West-Indieswhere I have taken Notice they live upon Spoil; and as Custom is a second Nature, it is no Wonder that, when an honest Livlyhood is not easily had, they run into one so like their own; so that it may be said, that Privateers in Time of War are a Nursery for Pyrates against a Peace. This Matter, I may probably set right another Time, and only observe for the present, that the Pyrates at Sea, have the same Sagacity with Robbers at Land; as the latter understand what Roads are most frequented, and where it is most likely to meet with Booty, so the former know what Latitude to lie in, in order to intercept Ships; and as the Pyrates happen to be in want of Provisions, Stores, or any particular Lading, they cruise accordingly for such Ships, and are morally certain of meeting with them; and by the General History of the Robberies & Murders of the Most Notorious Pirates Reason, if the Men of War cruise in those Latitudes, they might be as sure of finding the Pyrates, as the Pyrates are to find the Merchant Ships; and if the Pyrates are not to be met with by the Men of War in such a Latitude, then surely down the same Latitude may the Merchant Ships arrive safely to their Port. I must observe another Thing, that the Pyrates generally shift their Rovings, according to the Season of the Year; in the Summer they cruise mostly along the Coast of the Continent of Americabut the Winters there, being a little too cold for them, they follow the Sun, and go towards the Islands, at the approach of cold Weather. I presume we need make no Apology for giving the Name of a History to the following Sheets, though they contain nothing but the Actions of a Parcel of Robbers. It is Bravery and Stratagem in War which make Actions worthy of Record; in which Sense the Adventures, here related will be thought deserving that Name. Romethe Misstress of the World, was no more at first than a Refuge for Thieves and Outlaws; and if the Progress of our Pyrates had been equal to their Beginning; had they all united, and settled in some of those Islands, they might, by this Time, have been honoured with the Name of a Commonwealth, and no Power in those Parts of the World could have been able to dispute it with them. It will be necessary to add a Word or two to this Preface, in order to inform the Reader, that there are several material Additions made to this second Impression, which swelling the Book in Bulk, must of Consequence add a small Matter to its Price. The first Impression having been received with so much Success by the Publick, occasioned a very earnest Demand for a second: In the mean Time, several Persons who had been taken by the Pyrates, as well as others who had been concerned in taking of them, have been so kind to communicate several Facts and Circumstances to us, which had escaped us in the first Impression. We shall not enter into a Detail of all the new Matter inserted here, but the Description of General History of the Robberies & Murders of the Most Notorious Pirates Islands St. The Gentleman who has taken the Pains to make these Observations, is Mr. There have been some other Pyrates, besides those whose History are here related, such as are hereafter named, and their Adventures are as extravagant and full of Mischief, as those who are the Subject of this Book. If the Publick gives him Encouragement he intends to venture upon a second Volume. Pyrates in the Times of Marius and Sylla, The Barbarity of those Pyratesib. His Behaviour amongst themib. Attacks and takes the Pyrates Hangs them at Troy, ib. They increase again to a prodigious Strengthib. Plunder at the Gates of Rome, The mock Homage they paid the Romans, ib. Pompey the Great, appointed General against them Receive an Overthrowib. Barbarouse, a Pyrate, his Beginningib. His great Strength Selim Eutemi, King of Algiers, courts his Friendshipib. Makes himself King, and howib. The King General History of the Robberies & Murders of the Most Notorious Pirates Tunis overthrown by himib. Leaves the Inheritance to his Brotherib. The West-Indies commodious for Pyrates, and why24 The Explanation of the Word Keys, The Pyrates conceal their Booty on themib. The Pyrates Security in those Parts The Rise of Pyrates since the Peace of Utrecht accounted for26 An Expedition from Jamaica, to plunder the Spaniards, The Spaniards sue for Justice to the Government of Jamaica, ib. The Plunderers turn Pyrates The Spaniards make Reprisalsib. The Names of Ships taken by themib. Providence fixed on as a Place of Retreat by them That Island describedib. The Lords Address to her late Majesty for securing Providence, ib. An Order of Council in this Reign to the same Purpose Captain Woods Rogers made Governor of Providence, ib. How the Pyrates used the Proclamation Great Divisions amongst them How made quietib. Several of the Pyrates surrender to the Governor of Bermudas, ib. The Fate of the restib. Woods Rogers his Arrival at Providence, ib. Their Conductib. Their strange Behaviour at the Place of Executionib. Some Proceedings betwixt the English and Spaniards, The Spaniards General History of the Robberies & Murders of the Most Notorious Pirates the Greyhound Man of War, and howib. Quit her The Alcaldes Answer again Some Account of Richard Holland, ib. Prizes taken by him R Omantick Reports of his Greatness45 His Birth Tampers with the Seamenib. Forms a Plot for carrying General History of the Robberies & Murders of the Most Notorious Pirates the Ship47 Executes it, and howib. The Pyrates take a rich Ship belonging to the Great Mogul, The Great Mogul threaten the English Settlements The Pyrates steer their Course back for Madagascar, Call a Council. Sell the Ship, go to North-America in a Sloop They disperseAvery goes to New-England, ib. From thence to Ireland, ib. Avery afraid to expose his Diamonds to sale. Goes over to England, ib. Puts his Wealth into Merchants Hands, of Bristol, Changes his Name. Lives at Biddiford, ib. The Merchants send him no Suppliesib. Importunes them. Goes privately to Bristol, they threaten to discover himib. Goes over General History of the Robberies & Murders of the Most Notorious Pirates Ireland, sollicites them from thence Is very poor, works his Passage over to Plymouth, walks to Biddiford. Dies a Beggarib. Their Settlement at Madagascar, They meet other Pyrates; an Account of themib. The Pyrates arrive to great Power. The Inhabitants described Their Design of surprizing his Ship One of these Princes formerly a Waterman on the Thames, Their Secretaries, Men of no Learning. A General History of the Pyrates - Wikipedia

Its listed author was Captain Charles Johnson but this is believed to be a pen-name and there is real speculation as to who really authored one of the only primary source works from the 18th century of the Golden Age of Piracy. Complete with wood engravings depicting many of the famous pirates, following the first edition there were three additional editions published that incorporated more pirates between and A General History of Robberies and Murders of the Most Notorious Pirates is ultimately regarded as one General History of the Robberies & Murders of the Most Notorious Pirates the best primary source documents regarding the pirates alongside Alexander Exquemelin's work titled originally De Americaensche Zee Roovers and displays remarkable knowledge regarding the actions and exploits of the most infamous of pirates. Normally a secretive lot, this all begs the question as to who Captain Charles Johnson really was as through modern historical research he has proven not to have ever existed. Some believe it is British author Daniel Defoe who published the work on Henry Every titled The King of Pirates however, over the centuries hundreds of anonymous works have been attributed to Defoe based simply on style General History of the Robberies & Murders of the Most Notorious Pirates could not have possibly written them all. Others say some of the material was given to Woodes Rogers who was responsible for making sure the work was created. This would make a lot more sense as he was responsible for wiping out the Flying Gang and may have wanted to preserve their story and ultimately his story for all of time. Woodes was a known privateer before he turned pirate hunter and also a royal governor of the Bahamas therefore had the experience necessary to organize such a work. The first edition of A General History of Pyrates was written in and instantly became a classical hit. It did not feature the profiles of the female pirates but was instrumental in bringing some of the famous names of the era to the world stage. Regardless of who organized and created the work, A General History of Robberies and Murders of the Most Notorious Pirates is one of the most referenced and credible primary source documents related to the Flying Gang and the Post Spanish Succession Period of piracy. The stories contained within have been corroborated as much as possible with court documents, trial testimony and all other material records available and it seems to check out. The book has influenced our modern conception of pirates beyond imagining and forms the basis for nearly all of the works about pirates that have followed especially in the area of movies and entertainment. This work forms the bedrock of knowledge about what we know about pirates due to the scarcity of primary source work from the pirates who were a generally illiterate bunch who did not want to keep records anyway because that would incriminate them at trial. Overall, it almost does not matter who the author of this work is and maybe they wished to remain anonymous for fear their exposure of being a crew member on some of these piratical voyages. There were known to be many surgeons and other educated persons aboard a pirate ship and it is simply a convenient theory to simply say 'Defoe did it' and walk away and say thats that. History is not so simple and sometimes there are some mysteries better left unsolved. Privacy Policy. Volume I Volume II Henry Every. Captain Martel. Stede Bonnet. Edward Teach. Charles Vane. Jack Rackham. Edward England. Howell Davis. Bartholomew Roberts. George Lowther. Edward Low. John Evans. Anne Bonny. Thomas Anstis. John Phillips. Francis Spriggs. James Misson. John Bowen. William Kidd. John Halsey. Thomas White. Christopher Condent. Samuel Bellamy. William Fly. Thomas Howard. William Lewis. John Cornelius. David Williams. Samuel Burgess. Nathaniel North. I Contact General History of the Robberies & Murders of the Most Notorious Pirates. Like Us On Facebook. Made in USA. Contact Us goldenageofpiracy.