The Historical Register, Containing An Impartial Relation of Transactions, Foreign and Domestick. With a Chronoligical Diary of All the Remarkable Occurrenes, vix. Births, Marriages, Deaths, Removals, Promotions, &c. That happen'd in the Year… 1721

FIRST HAND ACCOUNTS OF ENCOUNTERS WITH TWO OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL PIRATES WORKING DURING ‘THE GOLDEN AGE OF PIRACY’

FIRST EDITION, occasional light foxing and toning, bookplate of George Harrison, contemporary panelled calf, rebacked, 8vo, London, H.M. and T. Norris, 1721

A rare work containing the most detailed account of piracy known in any contemporary periodical (pp.246-256). The section begins with a report “…from the Governor of Bermudas, giving a melancholy Acount of the Havock and Depredations committed by the Pirates about the Leeward Islands…”, with the number of pirates active in the Caribbean thought to be numbering close to 1500. Following this is an account from Captain Andrew Kingston, concerning the exploits of John Bartholomew Roberts(1682-1722), better known as ‘Black Bart’. Kingston writes:

‘I hope the ships bound from London to Jamaica, may escape the said Roberts, for he designs to keep that station, and destroy all ships that come to these Islands which may fall into his hands. They left me without any manner of clothing; and Roberts brought my brother (chief mate) to the gears, and whipt him within an inch of his life, by reason he had conceal’d two gold rings in his pocket. This is the dismal account I am to give of the voyage.’

The infamous Bartholomew Roberts is considered the most successful pirate during the ‘Golden Age of Piracy’, capturing over 400 vessels during three years of his career. He also created his own ‘Pirate Code’ and invented an early variant of the iconic skull and crossbones flag.

Following this account is a proclamation, requested by the Governor of Jamaica, for the suppression of piracy. A bounty is offered for two pirates in particular; Christopher Winter and Nicholas Brown. There is a correspondence between the Governor and the Alcaldes of Trinidad regarding the pirates being harboured there. “I find the Port of Trinidado a Receptacle to Villains of all Nations.” The English demands were refused as the two pirates had been baptised in the Catholic faith.

Next is an extract of a letter from Captain Mackra, who lost his ship Cassandra on his way to the East Indies. Unfortunately for Mackra, the pirates who took his ship were under the command of the infamous Edward England. Edward England (1685-1721) began his career under Henry Jennings and Charles Vane. After they accepted the King’s Pardon, England sailed for Africa, spawning the career of Bartholomew Roberts and many other pirates along the way. He sailed under a similar flag as “Black” Sam Bellamy. Like Bellamy, England was known for his kindness and compassion as a leader, unlike many other pirates of the time.

A scarce and important work with first hand accounts of encounters with two of the most successful pirates working during ‘The Golden Age of Piracy’.