A General History of the Pirates · Chapter
Of Captain Howel Davis, and His Crew explained
This chapter recounts the life and piratical career of Captain Howel Davis, from his early days as a mate on the Cadogan snow, through his capture by the pirate England, to his eventual rise as a pirate captain.
What happens
This chapter recounts the life and piratical career of Captain Howel Davis, from his early days as a mate on the Cadogan snow, through his capture by the pirate England, to his eventual rise as a pirate captain. It details his cunning stratagems, including a failed plot to ransom the Portuguese governor of Prince's Island, which ultimately led to his death in an ambush. The chapter also includes a lengthy digression on the Portuguese settlements in Africa and the history of navigation.
Themes in this chapter
Economic Despair as a Driver of Piracy
Davis, after being discharged from prison and unable to find honest employment, deliberately seeks out pirates at Providence, illustrating how economic hardship and lack of opportunity pushed men into piracy.
Corruption of Colonial Governance
The Portuguese governor of Prince's Island is easily deceived by Davis's false story about a French ship trading with pirates, and later dissembles to lure Davis into a trap, showing the moral ambiguity and corruption in colonial administration.
Truth Versus Myth in Pirate Lore
Davis's pretended refusal to join England (claiming he would rather be shot) is presented as a brave act, but the narrative suggests it may have been a ruse to gain command of the snow, blurring the line between fact and self-serving story.
Characters to notice
- Howel Davis
Born at Milford, Monmouthshire; chief mate on the Cadogan snow; captured by England; later becomes pirate captain; plots to plunder Prince's Island; killed in ambush by Portuguese.
- Edward England
Pirate who captured the Cadogan snow and murdered Captain Skinner; offered Davis a place in his crew.
- Skinner
Captain of the Cadogan snow; murdered by England's crew.
- Woodes Rogers
Governor of Providence; pirates had surrendered to him and accepted the act of grace before Davis arrived.
Key passages
“Davis therefore, by way of defiance, hoisted his black flag and returned their compliment.”
Davis raised the black pirate flag and fired back at the fort in defiance.
Shows Davis's boldness and the symbolic use of the black flag as a declaration of piracy.
“he drew up articles, which were signed and sworn to by himself and the rest, then he made a short speech, the sum of which, was, a declaration of war against the whole world.”
Davis created and had the crew swear to a set of articles, then declared war on all nations.
Illustrates the formalized, democratic process of pirate governance and their universal hostility.
“Davis was shot through the bowels, yet he rise again, and made a weak effort to get away, but his strength soon forsook him, and he dropp'd down dead; just as he fell, he perceived he was followed, and drawing out his pistols, fired them at his pursuers; thus like a gamecock, giving a dying blow, that he might not fall unrevenged.”
Mortally wounded, Davis struggled to his feet, fired his pistols at his attackers, and died fighting to the last.
Highlights the violent and dramatic death of Davis, emphasizing his defiant spirit even in defeat.