A General History of the Pirates · Chapter
IX: Of Captain Bartho. Roberts, and His Crew explained
This chapter details the rise of Bartholomew Roberts from a reluctant captive to a pirate captain after the death of Howel Davis.
What happens
This chapter details the rise of Bartholomew Roberts from a reluctant captive to a pirate captain after the death of Howel Davis. It describes the election of Roberts, the establishment of pirate articles, the trial and execution of several pirates, and the ongoing adventures of Roberts and his crew.
Themes in this chapter
Corruption of Colonial Governance
The trial and execution of pirates by colonial authorities highlight the legal system's role in suppressing piracy, though the pirates themselves operated under their own codes.
Pirate Democracy Versus Maritime Tyranny
Roberts' election and the establishment of articles demonstrate the pirates' democratic governance, contrasting with the autocratic rule of merchant ships.
Violence, Brutality, and Moral Depravity
The execution of pirates and the brutal punishments outlined in the articles (e.g., marooning, ear slitting) underscore the violent nature of pirate life.
Characters to notice
- Bartholomew Roberts
Elected captain after Howel Davis's death; initially averse to piracy but later embraces command.
- Howel Davis
Mentioned as the captain who took Roberts; his death prompts the election of a new leader.
- Kennedy
A bold but wicked pirate who led the attack on the Portuguese fort; later condemned by the crew.
- David Sympson
One of the lords; disappointed at not being elected captain; later sentenced to death for piracy.
- Valentine Ashplant
A lord among the pirates; sentenced to death and executed.
- Christopher Moody
Sentenced to death and executed for piracy.
- William Magnes
Sentenced to death and executed for piracy.
- Thomas Sutton
Sentenced to death and executed for piracy.
Key passages
“The crime of piracy, of which all of ye have been justly convicted, is of all other robberies the most aggravating and inhumane, in that being removed from the fears of surprise, in remote and distant parts, ye do in wantonness of power often add cruelty to theft.”
The judge declared that piracy is the worst kind of robbery because pirates, far from any threat of surprise, often commit cruel acts beyond mere theft.
The president's speech at the trial emphasizes the moral condemnation of piracy.
“Every man has a vote in affairs of moment; has equal title to the fresh provisions, or strong liquors, at any time seized, and use them at pleasure, unless a scarcity (no uncommon thing among them) make it necessary, for the good of all, to vote a retrenchment.”
Each pirate had a vote in important decisions and equal rights to captured goods, though they could vote to ration if supplies were low.
This describes the democratic principles in the pirate articles.
“No boy or woman to be allowed amongst them. If any man were sound seducing any of the latter sex, and carried her to sea, disguised, he was to suffer death.”
Women and boys were forbidden on board, and any man caught bringing a woman to sea in disguise would be executed.
The articles included strict rules to prevent conflict over women.
