---Preface---
The Memoirs, set forth herein, are presented to the reader in first person, Augustan; as spoken and written during the lifetime of John ‘Bartholomew’ Roberts.
During the prologue the Captain’s co-author, V’lé Onica, shall slowly introduce the spelling and manner of speaking as to accustom the reader.   The balance of these writings are told by the great man himself, as channelled thro’ to his reverent co-author and ever adoring champion. All comments by the her are presented thus.
All written herein is absolute truth, with no glorification, for there is no reason for it.   This is one bit of history that is filled with it's own incredible sensationalism.
All quotes are italicized & presented in a different font.   All reference numbers are within the bibliography.








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Dedicated with undying loyality & deference
Bartholomew Roberts
and I shall, forever, show obeisance.

Captain Bartholomew Roberts
click to enlarge or HERE for new pix      Sketch© drawn by Author/Webmaster
!A PARAGON AMONG PIRATES!
 ...and in this woman's opinion "The Sexiest man who has ever lived."
aka The Great Pyrate or Black Bart. Barti Ddu in Welsh
born in 1682 - died on Feb 10th, 1722

This site personifies the essence of a GREAT man
even though,  to some,  he may only be a Pyrate.

It is suggested you book mark this site.   Though quite long, it is most deserving of your time.
It is strongly urged that you DO NOT Depart without reading "THE WHY"


PROLOGUE
In 1682 an exceptional man, christened Johna, son of GeorgeN9,N10, was born in the tiny village of Casnewydd Bach or as Pronounced in Welsh "Gas Newy’ Bach," Pembrokeshire, Wales [Little Newcastle: map1 map2] howe'er ‘twould be not untill his late-thirties that said man would come to realize his true worth.

On the cusp of his teenage years, he was, when the young, curly sable haired, John Robert, with sable eyes, went to sea as a cabin boy.   As logic demands, this young man returned to the place of his birth when his enlistment period ended, but there he did not staya.
Altho’ his father, George Robert, was a landowner, conditions on land during the period were harsh and after a couple of years, having his brother William to carry on in his stead, this handsome, olive-skinned man with broad-shoulders1,3,19, standing more than two yards tall, of good natural parts and personal bravery1, returned to the sea, whereby he served in the Royal Navy betwixt 1702 and 1713 3,13, during the time of the Spanish Succession.
Whilst the War raged on, John became a highly proficient seaman, navigator and handler of men, belieeving the latter was achieved, not thro’ strict deportment, but appeasement.   Nevertheless, when the war ended, despite being an invaluable member of the crew, John Robert, now 31, found himself jobless, just as were thousands of those who earned their living upon the sea.
Life on land was as harsh as ever and work on both land and sea was scarce.   As a result a great deal of men turned to piracy and as it turned out, many of those who Had found work as honest seamen, found themselves turning to piracy at the first available opportunity as a means to escape the harsh treatment and meagre rations so prevalent among both Naval and Merchant vessells.
Altho’ the exact time frame is not knowne, John Plantain, who eventually became the virtual King of Madagascar, maintained that in 1718, when he signed on board the Sloop, Terrible, captained by John Williams, the first mate was John ‘Bartholomew’ Roberts.
Shortly thereafter, whilst en route to West Africa, the Terrible was seized by the pyrate, Edward England, Captain of the Pearl.   Seemingly most of the crew remained, remarkably keeping their places.   Sailing on, sev'rall prizes were taken.   The next ship kept was renamed Victory.   John Taylor, a member of Captain England's crew was voted as her new Captain3,d.
Despite the new prize, the recent engagements were near profitless, creating unease and much animosity began to ensue betwixt the senior officers, captains included.   Irrespective of their opinions they abided these laxities in accordance with the laws that faithfully governed their democratic society.   Edward England was favoured as Captain of the Pearl whos languorous crewmen swayed by his demeanour, enjoyed his gentle, easie going nature, and consequently, impertinent, forthright opinions remained at bay untill one man, John Robert, motivated by Edward England's determination, not onely to saile to the Indian Ocean, but to be made Commodore and with so many being, for the most part, content with an easie life, chances were his wishes would come to fruition. Being ‘twas both, a voyage and concept whereto, John Robert disagreed with, wholeheartedlye, he held his tongue no more, utterly refusing to abide what he considered ineffectual and power craving leadership, spoke openly and with conviction when the opportunity arose during conflicting suggestions made by the senior officers regarding which heading to take.   Subsequently, not being able to resolve their differences, the pyrates broke ranks.   Of the combined crews the majority sailed with Edward England to the Indian Ocean aboard, the Pearl and the Victory, and Captain England was indeed elevated to the rank of Commodore.   Others sailed elsewhere aboard, the Terrible.   The remaining men, those who belieeved and trusted in the judgment of John Robert, returned to their lives as honest seaman.

. Looking ever forward, John journey'd to England in search of work, securing the position of third mate3 aboard, the Princess of London, a slave ship within the Merchant Navy commanded by Abraham Plumb.   Not onely was this a tremendous reduction in rank and position, but John also regarded the type of work a deplorable trade to be sure, howe'er, notwithstanding these feelings, it was employment that would sustain him, and thus he signed on.

Almost immediately, November 1718 it was, the Princess of London set saile for the west coast of Africa to collect a cargo of slaves for the West Indies where they, as did with two other ships.   Them being that of the Royall Hynde, a Pink, under command of Captain Hall and the Morris, a Sloop, Commanded by Captain Fenn4, whereupon they would trade for Negroes, gold and teeth1,2.
Unbeknownst to the merchant ships, they were about to be besieged by none other than the well knowne Welsh pyrate, Hywel Davies, who, whilst commanding the Royall James, had no more than a month earlier, captured the Dutch Interloper, Marquis del Campo, off Cape Three Points Bay.  The engagement was fervent, lasting from two bells that afternoon, unto the third ringing of two bells the next morn, as each crew member gave their all untill the Dutch Captain, who being regrettably unable to continue the fight, struck his colours.  And a faire prize she was to be sure.
The Marquis del Campo, was an impressive square rigger, which carry'd thirty cannon and a crew of ninety.   Among her many attributes was a magnificent great cabin, located just below the high poop deck.   It alone was enough to breathe aspirations into any Captain worthy of his salt and that be not all, for her three masts be tall and stout; her construction throughout, solidly built.   Lastly and most importantly she was yare.
As was customary aboard pyrate vessells, all unneeded bulkheads within the mighty Sloop be promptly removed as she was outfitted for their purposes, and moreover, even tho’ she be armed to the teeth, Captain Davies ordered still more cannon be mounted untill she boast'd not onely thirty-two, 8 pound cannon upon carriages, but twenty-seven swivels upon her railing, making her as formidable as anny Naval Frigate.   Newly fit and ready to serve, ‘twas time it was that a new name be given to their captured prize and what was decided upon was, the Rover.
Proceeding to Annobón, which lies along the Guinea coast, with the Royall James in consort, ‘twas betwixt the hours of twelve and one at noon on a fine February, 1719, when the pyrates espy'd the three aforementioned ships lying at anchor within sight of the Royal Africa Company's Fort at Cape Corso Castle.
Alongside the Morris, where alone was found one hundred and forty Negroes, dry goods and a considerable amount of Gold-Dust, were sev'rall canoes, whereby some of the crewmen of said ship managed to row ashore and seek helpe; altho’ ‘twas to no avail, for when they fired at the pyrates they be out of range, but be that as it may, Captain Davies, in a defence posture, raised his black flag and return'd their fire.   Immediately, without hesitation, those in command at that point in time, having temporary command whilst a couple of the Captains of the merchant ships be ashore conducting business, knew they could expect a heated engagement and undoubtedly loss of life among their crews.   Therefore, belieeving it best, they promptly surrendered and ask for quarters.   Captain Davies’ helmsmen were well suited to their duties as they kept both the Royall James and the Rover out of range of the harbour gunn emplacements, whereas, sailing alongside the Princess of London, her second mate, a nervous man named Stephenson, informed the pyrate vessell that both his Captain and the First Mate were on shore conducting business and also offering no resistance, asked for quarter, thereby treating the pyrates to an easie victory.   The orders given to the Princess’ acting Captain were simply to come on board with all hands.   Experience and faith told Stephenson that discretion was the better part of valour and boarded the Rover as he was ordered, followed by seven shipmates:   John Eastwell, the ship's carpenter, William Gittus, a gunner, James Bradshaw, John Jessup, John Owen, Thomas Rogers and lastly John RobertHCA1.   The last man was tall, older than most and in his late thirties, broad-shouldered, dark haired, with a swarthy, stern face, brown from years at sea3.



Location: ‘El Principe’    aka Isle of the Princes
That same day, after placing upon them a prize crew, Captain Davies sail'd with two of the captured ships, their Captains and crews and made his way down the coast towards the Isle of the Princes, which is a Portugueze colony within the Gulf of Guinea.

Come earning morn the man on watch within the crow's nest espy'd a saile, and, wasting no time, Captain Davies gave chace.   ‘Twas not long before the pyrates caught up with the ship, which was a Hollander.   Being betwixt Captain Davies and the shore, her Captain, packing all the saile his yards could hold, made an attempt to run his ship aground in an attempt to escape upon the safety of land.   Captain Davies, howe'er, being both shrewd and intelligent, surmiz'd the Hollander's intention, immediately ordered all sailes to be trimmed, sail'd alongside and, foregoing the pretence of discussion or terms, fired a broadside.   The Captain of the Holland ship immediately struck his colours and call'd for quarter, which was granted, as it was among the majority of pyrate vessells, tho’ such granting be specifically outlined within the articles belonging to Captain Davies’, which states that under the pain of death, quarters, whene'er call'd for, MUST be granted.
The ship, that was returning to Holland, proved to be a rich prize, having amongst her passengers, the Governor of Acra with all his belongings; £15,000 l. and a wealth of valuable merchandizes, all of which was plundered.
Captain Davies and his crew, being delighted with their new success, in privy council, voted, whereupon restoring to Captains Hall and Plumb their ships, less thirty-five men collectively from these crews and that of the Morris Sloop, who, with the exception of but one, choose to join the pyrate crew.   The remaining man was one John Robert from the Princess of London, and making the onely exception of his Captaincy in such an act, forced, at point of pistol, the recruitment of Mister Robert.11.
The pyrates, feeling charitable, voted to return the Dutch ship along with her passengers.

[‘Tis onely speculation, but it must be assumed, considering this action, that Captain Davies undoubtedly saw within this man, a special quality, as did the crew of the Rover.]


The Memoirs of a Pyrate Captain

At first, aside from the obvious reasons, I, being a well-bred man, possessing a good education, was none too pleased with my situation, but over the course of sev'rall dayes, howe'er brooding, talked in length with Captain Hywel Davies, with whom I became great friends, who did not force me, but rather open my eyes to the Mundane way of life and the Despotic relationship existing betwixt the Common man and his Oppressors, otherwise knowne as the Degenerate Aristocracy, who, possessing wealth and social position, use their high and mighty status to increase their own selves whilst trampling upon those, who, without recourse, reluctantly elevate them to their exalted rank.
During the course of these profound conversations I learned much about their democratic society.   ‘Twas altogether different than the dictatorship aboard a Naval ship and also that of a Merchant and the arrogant Masters who commanded them.
During this time, howe'er much I had softened to that which I had bin repulsed by, belieeving it to be morally a sin, I was not an active member of the crew, except when seeing that which I felt needed correction or giving assistance to those who, occasionally requested my helpe.
As time pass'd, a few weekes, Captain Davies and his crew, both Lords and Commoners, as they considered themselves, observed and complemented me upon my adeptness as a seaman, mariner and natural leadership capabilities and I was offered the placement of first mate aboard the Royall James, howe'er I was not yet keen to the idea and graciously, as not to insult those who thought so well of me, refus'd.
Their placement, in what was their owne private commonwealth aboard ship, was one of interest for a pyrate vessell.   Their officers, being knowne as the ‘House of Lords,’ was conducted the utmost respect, referring to one another as ‘My Fellow Noble,’ and greeting each other as ‘My Noble Lord,’ whilst addressment by the commoners, who made up the balance of the crew, would be by rank or MilordN18.

The pyrates were not at all as I had pictured them to be.   Instead I found them, for the most part, to be men of honour, who's word, once given, was a bond that could be trusted, who functioned as a brotherhood for the betterment of all, again contrary to that of a Naval vessell or Merchant which served only for the gain, both wealth and social status, of it's commander and more so to those he served in loyalty.   After much deliberation and soul searching I came to the conclusion, despite the loathing I had for their incessant drinking, reprehensible language and deplorable lack of propriety, that thenceforth I would become a willing member of the company, that thenceforth as my reason would be stated thus; "It is to get rid of the disagreeable superiority of some masters peregrinations had accustomed me — and the Love of Novelty and Change2."   And to be knowne here and hereafter as Bartholomew Roberts.   ‘Tis belieeved by some that my choosen name, Bartholomew, be taken from the Fair in Bristol which in knowne by the same name, howe'er this I shan't confirm nor deny.
Examining the events logically, we must conclude, considering the moral feelings possessed by the brooding John Robert when taken by Hywel Davies, that he, after much contemplation, believed wholeheartedly that a life as a pirate was preordained, though he had no idea until later, just what was to be the true nature of his inescapable future, beyond the joining of their ranks, but ‘tis believed, indubitably, by this author to be Destiny.   John, once again being captured by pirates and his quick rise to Captaincy, one can easily draw to the conclusion that those of the Rover knew of John Robert from his days, while sailing with Edward England, which explains his acceptance speechc.   John, who was more than capable, yet unable to achieve his well-deserved position as Captain upon a Merchant or Naval vessel, feeling that such obtainment would be possible aboard a pirate vessel.   Therefore, now believing this to be the long awaited fulfillment of destiny, he allowed his strong morals and character drive him into becoming the legendary pirate Captain, Bartholomew Roberts.   This position, which was unlike that of any that came before him (or since), allowed him to show to all who opposed him, and with an unmitigated passion, what a grave mistake they had made in denying him a Captaincy.


Whilst en route to what was our destination, the Isle of the Princes, the Royall James sprang a leak.   Captain Davies, who already accustomed himself, making a habit of seeking my advice. I suggested Cameroon Bay, stipulating that whilst repairs were made timber and fresh water could be taken on board.   Unfortunately ‘twas discovered her hull had bin consumed by the Savage teredo worm and as she was deemed beyond repair, Captain Davies ordered her to be stripped.   All manner of armament was taken, as were valuables and all other items of use and after she be anchored at we departed.
Upon coming in sight of land both the ship's Quarter-Master,Lord Walter Kennedy and the Bosun, Lord Richard Jones, were for direct action, but once again, I, Bartholomew Roberts, the intrepid newcomer, who knew El Principe well said, "Nay, Capten.   This fort, she is well protected. A battery of twelve cannon guards the mouth of her harbour.   Even should we saile in unmolested ‘twould be impossible to leave once the alarm was sound'd."   Therefore, heeding to his fellow Welshman's knowledgeable advice, Captain Davies devised an alternate plan and ordered the hoisting of English colours, specifically that of a Man-of-War.   ‘Twas by this time, seeing our large, three-masted Sloop approaching, the inhabitants sent out a small Sloop to learn our intentions.   After hailing, Captain Davies, having seene that his crew be properly attired and was himself dressed in finery, told them we were an English Man-of-War in search of pyrates and had receiv'd intelligence of such being upon this coast.   Belieeving the story, we be well receiv'd and piloted into the harbour, and as customary Captain Davies saluted the fort with cannon fire, which was answered, whereby we, just under the harbour gunns, anchored.   Immediately thereafter,Captain Davies ordered his pinnace hoisted out, and eight hands and a cox'n to row him ashore.
Over the next few dayes whilst the Rover was careened and stowed with fresh water, bottled beer (which is necessary when no drinking water was to be found,) provisions and other much needed necessities, all seemed to be going as planned.   Various members of the crew, other than those gathering supplies, went ashore sev'rall times learning the lay of the land, routine of the inhabitants and where valuables were kept.
Our Sloop, which be blocking the harbour entrance, has brought a French ship wishing to enter to a halt.   Three of our boats, carrying a goodly number of our company, rowed on over, capturing her easily.   Tho’ small she would be of use, replacing the Royall James.   As not to alarm the inhabitants, the Governor herein was told of these Frenchmen and their dealings with pyrates and, as was our duty, their vessell had bin seiz'd on behalf of the King.
Nigh on a fortnight passes; it has bin a trifle less than six weekes since being forced, at the point of pistol, onto this pyrate ship and much has happened.   I of course, tho’ a member of the crew hath not as yet participated in anny plundering or the taking of prizes, for since my willingness to join withal no prizes hath bin taken, howe'er, discussed the plans herein with Captain Davies, who sought my advice.   He told me of his immediate plans and ‘tho I did not approve they commenced thus.
‘Twas the next day Captain Davies went ashore again with about fourteen men, all of whom had intentions of invading the women's quarters, but alas, for reasons unbeknownst to them, their plans went awry and the lot of them retreated to the ship, tho’ all quite sure they be unrecognized.
With the strategy plann'd and the ship careened, provisioned and ready to make saile, ‘Twas time for us, as ‘Gentlemen of Fortune,’ to carry out the plan and plunder the island.   ‘Twas Captain Davies’ plan to present to the Governor, with his compliments, a dozen Negroes, thanking him for the fine hospitalities afforded them and afterwards invite him, along with his men and some friars onboard for some ship board entertainment whereby they, the lot of them, would be slapped in irons and held for £40,000 l.  ransom2.
As a shew of respect, Captain Davies went ashore himself taking with him Walter Kennedy and nine other with intentions to personally escort the Governor and his party leaving my selfe in command of one ship and Richard Jones the other, but the plan went not as expect'd.   The shore party was ambushed, but fortunately two men escaped.   Our ship’s Quarter-Master, Walter Kennedy, whose youthfulness, being onely 23 years of age, fled into the awaiting long boat and thus, was also to return to the ship, whilst the second man, who, running in yet a different direction.   Finding himself cliff side he dove into the shark infested waters and was, fortunately, picked up by one of our boats which had by chance be returning from a fishing flurry.   Upon their arrivall both men informed us that the balance of the shore party had bin waylaid and Captain Davies, who, thro’ the strength of resolve, being mortally wounded, had fired both his pistols.   The crew was torn; half wanting to flee and the rest to stay an avenge our Captain and Mates.   But I, in light of this devastating news, knew ‘twas a necessity that we, who be anchored beneath the harbours’ twelve gunns, for as I said to them, "We be in grave danger.   First we must escape to safety and once out of harms way plans could be made."   My advice was heeded, but the winds did not favour us, and I, to ensure our survival, tooke command and by virtue of my adroitness, made speed getting under saile, thereby saving ship and crew.   ‘Twas not too long before I had positioned our sloop to lay off the coast, just out sight of land and now, free from danger, plans could commence.   First howe'er, as the perplexity of ensuing chaos arose, one member of the company pointed out a necessity, saying: "The good of the whole, and the maintenance of order, demands a head, but the proper authority be deposited in the community at large; so that if one should be elected who did not act and govern for the general good, he could be deposed, and another be substituted in his place3,12.
Tho’ I be not amongst them, there be sev'rall who stood for Captain, including Walter Kennedy. The others being, Lords Henry Davies, Thomas Anstis, Valentine Ashplant, Christopher Moody, David Sympson, Dennis Topping, James Phillips and Thomas Sutton.   During their debate, Lord Henry Dennis, our gunner, arose and made the following speech.

Captain Roberts"It is not of anny great Significance who is dignify'd with Title of Commander; for really and in Truth, all good Governments have, like ours, the Supreme Power lodged with the Community, who might doubtless revoke and depute authority as suited Interest or Humour.   We are the original of this claim and should a Captain be so sawcy as to exceed Prescription at anny time, why down with him!   It will be a caution after he is dead to his Successors, of what fatal Consequence any sort of assuming may be.   Howe'er, it is my Advice, that, whilst we are sober, we pitch upon a Man of Courage, and skilled Navigation, one, who by his Council and Bravery seems best able to defend this Commonwealth, and ward us from the Dangers and Tempests of an instable Element, and the fatal consequences of Anarchy; and as such a one I take Roberts to be.   A fellow! I think, in all Respects, worthy your Esteem and Favour2!"
This speech, so eloquently presented, was received with much applause by all except that of Lord Sympson, who, after growing sullen, left us saying, "I care not who ye choose as Captain, so ‘tisn't a papist, for against them I hath conceived an irreconcilable hatred."1,2   His reason, I hath bin told, being that his owne father had bin a sufferer in Monmouth's rebellion.
Despite it had bin, but a mere six weekes that I be amongst them, I found my selfe elected accordingly to a position I had hoped for my entire adult life, a Captaincy, upon which I stood and accepted, the honour afforded me, saying; "Since I hath dipp'd my Hands in muddy water and must be a Pyrate, it is better being a Commander than a common Man.c,2." After pausing for a moment I continued stating:   "No!   A merry Life and a short one, shall be my Motto1,2;19."

As soon as the government was settled, the company, who held a high regard for their late Captain, as his good nature and affability gained him much respect, resolved to avenge his murder and was but a weeke later we returned to the Isle of Princes and sought justice.
Lord Kennedy, tho’ wicked and a profligate1,2, is knowne also for his boldness and daring, hath bin ashore sev'rall times and being familiar with the terrain, decid'd the best course of action would be to attack the rear flank of the fort on land, but I thought better against his proposed expedition and devised a strategy for a frontal assault, instilling upon them that such a shew of daring, would instil such awe within them that they would flee and ‘twas thus that I proposed.
Lord Kennedy would lead the ground assault and go ashore with 30 men, whilst I command'd the attack with cannon from aboard ship.
Tho’ unsure at first, I was, after careful explanation, able to impress upon my company the logic of my proposal and such being the case, my plan was accepted.
Once making land fall, displaying tremendous fortitude and courage, off they march'd; up the steep embankment towards the harbour gunn emplacements, directly beneath the fire of our gunns.   Upon discovery the Portugueze fired into their ranks, and as I predicted, the Portugueze, seeing there gunns had no effect, quitted their posts and fled to the town, whereupon Mister Kennedy and his men march'd without opposition, heaving the cannon ov'r the ridge, sending them into the sea below and in completing their task, set the fort ablaze.   Upon success of my plan they, all of them, quietly and quickly made their way back to the ship without casualty1,2.
Howe'er, tho’ the mission, both on land and water was very successful, ‘twas not look'd upon as sufficient satisfaction for the loss of Captain Davies and other members of our crew.   The majority of the company were for burning the town, which I agreed I would yield to, if anny means could be proposed of doing such without bringing forth our owne destruction, for the town had a securer situation than the fort, being a thick wood coming almost upon it, affording cover to the occupants, who, under such an advantage, I told them, it was to be affrighted, instead suggesting a very different plan of action stating, "would fire stand better than cannon; besides, the burning of bare houses would yield a thin reward for our trouble and loss1,2."   Altho’ my prudent advice prevail'd I thought against using the Rover, for the water being shoal was not fit for our purpose.   Howe'er, I went on to explain: Within our possession still we had the French ship that be of shallow draft and I suggested that whereon would she not better suit our purpose.   The lords and commons, concurring, light'ned the vessel that would do our bidding, fitting her with cannon untill she numbered twelve and towing with ropes sev'rall more that we lashed upon rafts and positioned near as possible to the beach.   Once ready we ran the French ship along the shore, therewith we thoroughly and well shelled the town and battered down many outlying houses; after which we return'd to our Sloop and having no further use for it we abandoned the French ship, sailing out of the harbour by the light of two Portugueze ships, which we be pleas'd to ‘ave set ablaze1,2,3,15.



Location: ‘Bahia de los Santos’
Nigh August 1719 it was, sailing southward where we met a Dutch Guinea Man2, which I made a prize of, but after having plundered her, it being my firm desire to establish from the beginning, she, being my first ship not onely to plunder, but also as a Pyrate Captain, I set my example; one that was to speak loudly to all: Those who freely co-operate and projecting arrogance, whilst maintaining proper respect, which I felt was my due, would be permitted to depart unharmed.   Thus having no need of this vessel ‘twas voted the Captain and his crew be allowed to be on their way.
Two Days later, We tooke an English ship, call'd the Experiment, at Cape Lopez.   ‘Twas one of the oddest of happenings, for it seemed that none of the seaman aboard Brigantine liked what it was that earned them their bread.   Excepting her commander, Captain Cornet and sailing master, one Thomas Grant all joined eagerly.   ‘Twere these men alone who did not see fit to becoming that of a pyrate and this not be all.   This man was knowne by our Quarter-Master who, without knowne cause, hauled Mister Grant into the Great Cabin.   Cursing at him, "Damn you!"   Said he.   "I know you and will sacrifice you3."   Whereby delivering to him a severe blow, hitting Mister Grant in the mouth, sending him to the deck, bleeding and fearful for his life for Lord Kennedy begun to beat him mercilessly.   I sent an note to Captain Cornet inviting him for Tay and Conversation whilst my crew conducted their business, as was forever a rule for my guests, Captain's and Governor's alike, but as it was in this case, to further shew those who shall later be within my grasp I made it known.   "This day the Experiment, Captain Cornet, master which I was obliged to send to the bottom since the good Captain refus'd my offer of Tay, so we put him ashore in a small boat and less dignity16."

‘Twas Lord Kennedy, in accordance with his duties, saw to it that the Experiment was thoroughly stripp'd of her valuables and then set the torches to herHCA2.

"Sometime later it was, we enjoyed reading, as came to me a pastime of some pleasure, a newspaper saying: "See what the rascal does," says one of the Colonial Governors who chose to explode onto paper about it: "with the majesty of Government!   He writes me letters inviting me to take Tay with him— A Governor of His Majesty sipping Bohea and swopping small talk with a pirate?—16"

‘Twas lucky for Mister Grant indeed that sev'rall of my crew saw fit to intervene, for I my self was not of a mind.   Whilst restraining Lord Kennedy the men shouted for the sailing master to get out, which he immediately paid heed.N1
‘Twas the next daye we captur'd a Portuguese trade ship, bearing little cargo, and two dayes more, sailing westward, fell upon the Temperance, commanded by one Captain Sharman.   She was well suppli'd in pots, pans and metalware, which was on board to trade for, tho’ unsuccessfully, for slaves.   Howe'er, being she was a fine ship, I saw fit to keep her, giving to her former Captain the Portuguese craft we still had within our possession.COP1.
Steering for São Tomë we met with no ships and continu'd on untill reaching the Isle of Annobón, where we anchored.   ‘Twas here we water'd and provisioned the ship and upon gathering for council put to a vote the sailing to Brazil or the East Indies.   The company, by majority vote, resolved to saile to Brazil, a journey which tooke us, onely, a span of twenty-eight days.

Arriving by design to the tiny uninhabited island of Fernando de Noronha, off the coast of Brazil, forever imprinted my mark of navigation skills, not onely instilling much confidence into the hearts and minds of my crew, but within the annuls of history, as they became legendary.   Our Rover was in need of the tedious chore of careening, which to achieve the best possible performance from our ship, commenced at least every three to four weekes, and ‘twas here that we anchored to carry out the task.   Upon beaching the ship was light'ned.   Her cannon, stores, water casks and other heavy cargo was plac'd on shore and her top masts were removed.   Tents were set up ashore, for we would reside upon land during the cleaning.   With ropes and pulleys attached to her lower masts, and the usage of stout timber in the woodland, she was heeled o'er onto her side.   Lord Main, the companies choosen Bosun, issued assignments, as this was among his responsibilities.   Whilst one crew scraped her hull thoroughly of the infectious Marine life and weeds, the ship's carpenters followed behind making repairs.   Once complete, the ship is caulked and finally a generous mixture of my owne recipe of Red Lead, Sulphur and Tallow is apply'd to her hull16, for not only does such a mixture deter encrustations, but helps her to better slip thro’ the water whilst also giving her an Impressive as well as fearsome appearance.   Amid this work there are still others who be set to the task of filling the water casks and gathering provisions.   All of our labours tooke one weeke and a halfe more as we prepared for our cruise.

We sail'd on the ebb tide and cruised just beyond the horizon, out of the sight of land, but for nigh on nine weekes time we did not sight a single saile.   My crew, as did I, dismayed by these empty waters, thought it best to depart and upon the vote of my company we set our course for the West Indies.

‘Twas September of 1719/20 and with the intention of watering and provisioning our ship for the long saile, I made course for Bahia de los Santos.   By dusk we be steering into the harbour and to my delight I, as did my crew, espy'd a fleet of heavily laden Merchant ships.
We heaved to.   This twas quite a situation and whilst my crew thought to wait untill full dark, for upon this night would be no moon, and under the cover of darkness they felt they could slip away, but my thoughts were of a different sort.
The presence of saile here explained to me the lack of such these past two months and more.   Here was gathered the treasure fleet of the Portageese, as I call'd them16;.   knowne to contain a years quantity of riches, and a hearty amount of welcomed supplies and necessities, all of which, in good assortment, I be most sure could be found upon the richest ship in the fleet.
Nine weekes is a long stint for a pirate vessel to saile without reward, howe'er I find my selfe to be greatly pleas'd, for in a remarkably short time I have impressed upon my capable, yet unruly company a great deal, rapidly turning them into a well-greased attack force.   Altho’ their manners and moral conduct have not changed, their courage is beyond compare and in time I know their seamanship abilities will be without peers.   They are, nevertheless, becoming increasingly restless and I knew I needed to restore within them uncompromising thoughts of my abilities even tho’ much of which be considered by them are as in omens.   But howe'er superstitious the average seaman may be, a Captain, when blessed with a measure of good luck within his repertoire, is revered.   My luck, of course, is to be proficiently skilled in navigation, seamanship and to possess a healthy supply of courage and resolve.   Altho’ here and now, this fleet, which lay within my view was indeed just the good fortune I needed, and I knew ‘twas not by luck that would prevail and see my plan thro’, but vigilance, skill and cunning.
In all there be forty-four ships, two of which be seventy gunn Man-of-Wars.   The Lords wished us to depart, silently and in haste, but I thought otherwise saying,"Nay— Wee shall attack!"   Continuing with enthusiasm, "Plundering brings not onely wealth in the form of gold, jewels and plate, but in provisions and much needed necessities and that which I lies before us be the wealth of a lifetime.   To obtain it we could retire in luxury from this single plunder."
During the course of council, my company be, understandably, dubious.   ‘Twas a large number of ships to combat and we be but one lone band of Rovers with one ship, but once the plan formulated in my mind, I proposed to them thus.   We would mix in with the fleet, keeping our crew hid, untill we had gained the intelligence we sought.   With this plan I perswaded them; convincing them that the element of surprize and sheer audacity would see us thro’ and upon the deck I drank a toast in our best Tay to our victory, "Let's drink a Damn to the Halter, lads, and them that lives to wear it16."   And borne was a ritual which would continue prior to anny engagement.
Sailing thitherward, ever so quietly, for the noise created by my ship upon the water was not distinguishable from the others so common at sea, we came abreast one of the heaviest laden ships."   Upon noticing how close we be, her Captain, understandably anxious, saw me upon the deck of my ship and enquired."   My reply was a simple one for we were within boarding distance when I gave the order."   Jumping to their feet my crew brandished their cutlash's and pistols and upon such a shew of force, being under the threat of a broadside and the display of my well armed crew, I informed the Captain that unless he came aboard my vessell immediately our onslaught would be one of No award of quarters should if anny resistance be offered or signal of distress be made.
The Portugueze Master, being in shock from my threat and seeing the formidable Cutlash's and pistols before him, comply'd with the orders and came on board..   Upon the conclusion of my gracious salute, I informed him we be ‘Gentlemen of Fortune,’ howe'er our business with him was merely the seeking of information.   Upon the asking of which ship to be the richest in the fleet, I gave him assurance that his proper reply would achieve him my forbearance and afterwards I would return him to his ship without incident, whereas misdirection would yield him an unpleasant end to both he and his ship.
Belieeving my words, and rightly so, the Portugueze Master, without hesitation, pointed, naming the Sagrada Familia, which lies near the mouth of the harbour.   In the attainment of further information from the Portugueze, ‘twas learned she mounted forty cannon and carry'd a crew compliment of one hundred and men, a discovery which instilled more than slight amount of affrightment within my crew, but this in no way dismayed me.   My crew, observing my demeanour, regain their courage and remained steadfast, as all orders were mine alone and anything less than courage would be considered cowardice.
As we sail'd on over, it was difficult to see in the dark night, but still I could see that which I be told to be true.   As she is indeed a much larger ship and without question heavier force.
Taking with us for the time being, the Portuguese Master and those of his crew who rowed him to our vessel, as our captives, we immediately sail'd along side the heavily armed ship and ordered our high ranking prisoner to hail her Commander, ordering him to ask, "How Senhor Capitão did?1,2,12" and invite him onboard for confidential communication of some importance, which was reply'd, "I shall wait upon you presently.1,2,12"
Whilst awaiting his arrivall, for first his boat must be hoisted out, we perceived by the actions of yonder, Senhor Capitão, who, by my judgement, was manoeuvring his ship into a posture fit for defence and ‘twas my belief that we be either discovered or at the very least under suspicion, whereby without further consideration I commenced with our plans for refusal as I hollered, "Raise our jack!"   Immediately our black flag made it's way to the top of our main mast whereby I hollered again, "Open all larboard ports!"   The gunn ports upon the Rover, which be manned and ready for action, were opened without delay and whilst the cannon be hauled into position, "Grapnels ready."   Within a few moments the cannon were in place and I boomed, "Fire!"   After pouring in a broadside upon which I immediately shouted, "Away grapnels."   Without delay my crew quickly drew upon the ropes bringing the Sagrada Familia within boarding distance and before the smoke cleared, she be boarded, which entailed a warm, yet short clash of steel and pistol thereupon many of the Portugueze fell with a loss of but two of our company and upon the captured ship we, without delay, slipped her cable and made saile, heading for the open sea.
By this time the fleet was alarmed.   Flags bearing signals upon topgallant sheets had bin raised and gunns fired, whilst trying desperately to raise the attentions of the Captains upon the Man-of-Wars, who be still laying at anchor.   ‘Twas my opinion that yon commanders of them Men-of-War be totally blameable in the highest degree, for ‘twas their negligence that allowed us such freedoms within the fleet they were to be protecting, and as such they be unworthy of the positions afforded them, yet still they held the positions in, so-called, ‘Honest Labour’ that, I, evidently more qualify'd, had passionately sought and bin deny'd.
The Sagrada Familia be heavy to saile and resolving not to lose so faire a prize I ordered her to lay by the headmost of they, who were finally getting underway to give us chace whilst preparing for battle.   The lead Man-of-War, though being of superior force was obviously affrightened, for the Spineless Captain not daring to confront me and my company alone, choosing rather to heave to and await her consort, who dawdled, thus making for us our task of departure to be effortless.   ‘Twas not long after that I call'd for the men to gather on deck below the Quarter-Deck, whereby I gave to them much congratulations regarding their performance and their courage.   As battle would not again ensue this day and we sail'd off.
Upon examination we found our booty to be exceedingly rich.   Consisting of furs, jewels, a multitude of hogsheads and chests containing sev'rall tons of sugar and rolls of tobacco, hides, chains, trinkets, 40,000 gold moidoresN5 and a magnificent large gold cross encrusted with diamonds3, which I discovered was especially designed as and intended for, John V, king of Portugal.   Superlative in all respects, the cross be, truly well-suited as intended and so it would be forever worn, for I resolved to be the King of Pyrates, and so thus I became.   Upon finding for my selfe a suitable gold chain, equally rich in elegance, hung upon it the cross and as I plac'd it about my neck I knew that I would wear it for all time.

‘Tis here where I shall list some of the various Newspaper articles and other writings that amused us so.
Weekly Journal January 2, 1720

‘By our letters from the West Indies we have an account that the pirates continue to be very numerous there, and do incredible damage to trade by taking, plundering ad destroying the ships of all nations without distinction that come in their way.’
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Weekly Journal or British Gazetteer February 6, 1720

‘The Lisbon Fleet from the Bay of All Saints, Brazil, has arrived.   But one vessel of thirty-six guns was taken by a pyrate ship (formerly an English hog-boat) and two others plundered.’
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Listing the inventory carry'd by the Brazilian Fleet was the:

Daily Courant February 6, 1720

Lisbon.   January 27.   On the 21st inst.   The Brazil Fleet arrived, consisting of thirty-two sail.

1 man-of-war that conveyed them: 3 ships from the West Indies, 3 ships from Fernambuco and 25 from Bahia.

Their cargo:
7,794 chests of sugar, 128 baskets of sugar in cake, 21,751 hides, 92 barrels of honey 957 quarter-chests of sugar, 11,238 rolls of tobacco, 205 raw hides, 104 slaves.

Large quantities of planks and East Indies goods.   Gold in specie and dust not yet declared. For private people, 759,128 octaves of god dust and 164,161 moedas of gold.   For the King, 10,270 of the same.
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Weekly Journey (a different issue) February 13, 1720

‘The Pyrates off Brazil, of the number of 2,000 or so, purpose to make a base in Madagascar.’

My company, elated with more riches than ever did they durst to dream, had no more to think about except to set out for our destination, which lie a distance of some six hundred-fifty leagues north, north west, to the Lles du Salut off Surinam to the tiny islet, Lle du DiableN2.   Here, on the coast of Guiana, could be found a place of divine pleasure and luxury where the needs of my crew for wantonness could be satisfi'd.
Upon arrivall we be greeted in the highest order one can conceive.   Within a short time, almost immediately, of our arrivall the be considerable trade be going on betwixt the governor, the factory, the wives and my crew, all of whom who extensively exchanged wares.   But this be not the onely treasure to be found here, for in this river we seized a Sloop, which had come from the Americas and upon questioning the crew we gained knowledge of a Brigantine that had sail'd with her in consort.   The Brigantine, which was from Rhode Island, so we have bin inform'd, is said to be laden with a much welcome cargo in the way of provisions, for ours be nearing exhaustion and there be little to be had at this settlement as yon ship be said to be that which is bringing forth supplies and as Sancho says, "No Adventures to be made without Belly-Timber2."
Hailing from the masthead, whilst rifling thro’ the treasure ship, Sagrada Familia, came word of the afore descry'd Brigantine.   She be approaching and feeling that the responsibility lyed with me, I tooke a complement of forty men, consisting of those best in my company including the Lords, Henry Dennis, Christopher Moody, Valentine Ashplant, Thomas Anstis leaving Lord Kennedy in charge of the prisoners as well as in command of both the Rover and our rich Portuguese prize, together with the booty since the Time of Captain Davies and the captured Sloop that, I, in honour of our plunder in Bahia, hath christened the FortuneHCA3.   Belieeving the Rhode Island Brigantine would be captured by mid-day and assuming the Fortune had bin made ready, I thought not to consider the provisions and water on board and set out after her.
We lost the sight of the Brigantine that first day and by misfortune we found our selves with out even a hint of breeze and at the mercy of the current where we drifted and then for sev'rall dayes more having to battle unfavourable winds and currents, whereby we found our selves thirty leagues to the leeward of whence we came.
The current was still in much opposition to our desires and our water was all but gone when praise be, for the Almighty be on our side, for we be within the sight on land and anchored and sent out six men, headed by Lord Moody, in our boat to inform our comrades of our extream neede.   We were in desperation, but giving us strength, I praised Our Heavenly Father, for he granted us the subsistence needed to tear up the flooring below and fashion for our selves a raft and my selfe and sev'rall other, still possessing a measure of strength, paddled to shore, whereby we immediately, finding fresh water and meagre nourishment, did still gained a measure of strength upon refreshing our selves.   In haste we return'd to the Fortune and to those of my company, who were much withered, we tooke much needed water and food.
‘Twas three days later, our long-awaited boat return'd, bringing with her the grave news that Walter Kennedy, our 23 year old choosen and supposed trusted Quarter-Master and held high within our ‘House of Lords,’ had with some eight others, absconded with both the Sagrada Familia and the Rover, all the treasure and necessities from Bahia as well as our proceeding and most successful ventures.   This of course, which be with much echoed sentiments of we who were mortify'd, instilling within me, and the lot of us, an aversion to those hailing from Ireland, being how Kennedy be Irish.HCA3

‘Twas later we heard vague reports, which left in our minds no doubts that our once trusted Quarter-Master, after waiting nine dayes for our return, belieeved we had perished, was the reason he left, but at the time we knew onely of our blight and held him in account for it.
We also learned that after transferring the booty, which was the haul from six or seven ships, he gave the Sagrada Familia to Captain Cane, releasing him and his crew and further learned that Captain Cane sail'd to Antigua where he gave our prize to the Governor of the Leeward Islands who wrote the follow letter to the Mr. Popple, who be the Secretary of the Commissioners of Trade and Plantations in London.
Governor Hamilton to Mr. Popple. February 16, 1720

‘We have of late heard of several pirates that rove in these considerable seas, particularly one of about 30 guns that had bin for a considerable time upon the coast of Guinea where she had done a great deal of damage, afterwards tooke a Portuguese ship upon the coast of Brazil, which he brought to the island of Cayon, a French islet lying off of Surinam; and there plundered her of a vast booty, mostly in moidores, not valuing the rest of the Cargo (which consisted of sugar, tobacco and Brazil plank) would have set the ship on fire but meeting a Rhode Island sloop to the master of the R.I. Sloop who with the Portuguese that were left on board brought her into Antigua where I have ordered a merchant to take care of her, and what remaining on board for use of the owner or ownersCSP1.’

Also to our dismay, we learned that Kennedy sail'd our Rover, further still; to the West Indian islands.   When a saile was seene on December 15,1719, sailing towards Barbadoes, Kennedy, as Captain, sought his first capture and after a chace lasting seven hours he caught and plundered her.   A Snow was she, call'd the Sea Nymph.
Later still Kennedy abandoned the Rover and 25 of the crew in favor of a Snow named, the Eagle.   The Rover being too much ship for so small a crew, the pyrates were for traded her for a smaller sloop, but before the bargaining was complete she was spy'd by two men of notoriety.   One Major Richard Holmes and Mister Thomas Ottley, who, knew they could, as honest men, claim the rewards for such a ship.   Being out manned the pyrates abandoned our former ship and she was towed to St. Croix.   A distance of 40 miles to the South.   From there a message was sent to Governor Hamilton who added a postscript to Mr. Popple.
Governor Hamilton to Mr. Popple. February 16, 1720

‘Nevis.   February 16, 1720 ‘I was told that last Sunday morning on the way to St. Eustatius and St. Thomas that a pirate ship lay under the Isle of St. Thomas, most of the pirates being on shore.   Major Richard Holmes of Colonel Richard Luca's Regiment and Mr. Thomas Ottley went to the ship at anchor.   She was well-armed with several pirate colours on board.   As they were not able to bring her to any of my Inhabited isles they tooke her to Santa Cruis Isle where they left her in charge of officers of the Regiment till Major could tell me.   So I sent Captain John Rose of the Seaford to bring her back.   He sailed on February 15. CSP1.’

To my first command, I was forever reminiscent, for she ne'er reaches Nevis, and ne'er was it knowne just what became of her, but to return to the happenings of the moment.


Location: ‘Coast of Guiana, South America’
After recovering from our ordeal, which cost many men their lives, I sought to draw up, that which would be our Articles.   After conferring with the Lords and Commoners, all who made up my company, we set the forth on heavy paper our laws that would best govern and maintain order in which to better preserve our society and protect my government therein.
Each member thereof, swore an oath and either signed or made his mark, excepting Irishmen, who would be excluded from the signing, now and hereafter, thus in keeping with our aversion, for the Irish, as be the one named Walter Kennedy, who be the cause of the aforesaid peril.


The Articles of Captain Bartholomew Roberts
1.   Every Man hath a Vote in Affairs of the Moment; has equal Title to the fresh Provisions, or strong Liquors, at anny Time seized, and use them at Pleasure, unless a Scarcity make it necessary, for the Good of all, to vote a Retrenchment. 

2.   Every Man to be call'd fairly in Turn, by List, on Board of Prizes, because, (over and above their proper Share,) they are, on these Occasions, allowed a Shift of Cloathes: But if they defraud the Company to the Value of a Dollar, in Plate, Jewels, or Money, Marooning to be their Punishment.   If the Robbery was onely betwixt one and another, they shall content themselves with the slitting of Ears and Nose of him that is Guilty, and set him on Shore, not in an uninhabited Place, but somewhere, where he is sure to encounter Hardships.

3.   No person to Game at Cards or Dice for Money.

4.   The Lights and Candles to be put out at eight a-Clock at Night: If anny of the crew, after that Hour, still remain inclined for Drinking, they are to do it on the open Deck.

5.   To keep their Piecem, Pistols, and Cutlash clean, and fit for Service.

6.   No Boy or Woman to be allow'd amongst us.   If anny Man is found seducing anny of the latter Sex, and carries her to Sea, disguised, he is to suffer Death.

7.   To Desert the Ship, or Quarters in Battle, shall suffer Death, or Marooning.

8.   No striking one another on Board, but every Man's Quarrels to be ended on Shore, at Sword and Pistol.

9.   No Man to talk of breaking up our Way of Living, till each hath a share of £1000 l.   If in order to this, anny Man should lose a Limb, or become a Cripple in our Service, he is to have 800 pieces of eight, out of the publick stock and for lesser Hurts, proportionably.

10.   The Captain and Quarter-Master to receive two Shares of a Prize; the Master, Bosun, and Gunner, one share and a halfe, and other Officers, one and a Quarter.

11.   The Musicians to have Rest on the Sabbath Day, but the other six Dayes and Nights, none without special Favour.


I shall soon, for those who may desire to hang a copy upon their wall, placed a link to copy of these aforementioned Articles, which are printed on fine, heavy parchment and packed carefully.

As set forth by our newly elected Quarter-Master, Lord Thomas Anstis, "All new members of our company be a signing whilst also swearing an oath of allegiance upon this here Welsh bible, which we shall keep for this purpose alone, and in the presence of our Worshipful Captain, Mister Roberts."

After the commencement of those in our company, as they came forth to sign or make his mark, I began, saying, "These, which lye herein, be our laws; the breakage of such, we shall consider heavy crimes against our society.   The last was to save those who played the music that not onely I loved, but which brought forth cheer and easier work and strengthened us going into battle whilst, hopefully, instilling a measure of fear as they announc'd our arrivall, for they also have need of rest, as any mate could request a tune, day or night.
After the commencement I began saying, "These, which lie herein, be our laws; the breakage of such, we shall consider heavy crimes against our society.   The last was to save those who played the music that I loved would have equal rest, for any mate could request a tune, day or night.   All remaining offences, those which we deem to be minor, not of importance to require that of a jury, shall be under the judgement of newly elected Quarter-Master, Thomas Anstis or my selfe, by way of thrashing or whipping, and we alone may prescribe and carry out such punishment.   Lett it be knowne also, that within my government my power shall not be unlimited merely in chace and battle, but also in thrashing as stated, and if I so choose, the shooting of anny that durst deny or otherwise challenge my command untill such time, by majority vote, ye no longer wish me for Captain."   I picked up my cup of tea and tooke for my selfe a healthy drink and continued, "Furthermore be it knowne, ye, and all of you, that I shall take charge over prisoners, the treatments thereof and such being the case, their punishment, if anny, be within my hands rather than one who be much harsher and far less forbearing than my selfe.   Howe'er for obvious reasons I can not shew such that my common decencies be prevalent or the necessary terror that ensues upon my arrivall into a harbour would exist not, thereby onely leading to more death.   This way," as I tell them, "For there is none of you but will hang me, I know, whene'er you can clinch me within your power1,2."

A few other officers needed replacing, therefore a general election was held.   Jones was re-elected Bosun.   Henry Dennis remained Gunner and the long time Lord, Christopher Moody, was elected Ship's Pilot, tho’ his skills at navigation were not what they shouldst be, but I served to provide all the navigation necessary, letting Lord Moody sat saile to my prescribed orders.   And now ‘twas time to go forth and plunder.   Our Fortune, not nigh as mighty as our Rover be with her 32 gunns upon carriages plus her many swivels, but do she will, for I have a good crew and sailing northwards past Trinidad and onto the small island of Tobago.   It was a hot little island, despite the sea-breezes which flowed, but since the London merchants acquired possession back in 1682 occasional trading suggested that a brief visit was in order.

In the Laquary Roads at Dawn on January 10th, 1720, the Sloop, Philippa, was lying at anchor whilst her gout suffering Captain, Daniel Greaves, rested himselfe.   The small crew, during their Captain's turmoil tooke their orders from John Wransford, the first mate, who was on deck when he espy'd an approaching canoe.   Being ever cautious, warding them off, he ordered his crew to fire upon the encroachers.   Seeing that his gunns had no effect towards the stoppage of my crew, Mister Wransford saw to it that he and his crew were armed and prepared, but as my crew, lead by Lord Anstis, drew alongside the crew of the Philippa were boisterously informed that no quarter could be expected if anny resistance was offered and escape under saile was impossible for the mouth of the small harbour was blocked with their well-armed vessell.   In swift fashion the Philippa was boarded, her anchor weighed and in due time she was alongside the Fortune, that rested at Sandy Point.   No better than my Fortune she plundered onely.   Whilst Lord Dennis tooke the two cannon, Lord Jones carried off an anchor, a cable, hawser, and some tackles.   Lord Anstis ordered the taking of bread ten casks of oatmeal and six of beef, an abundance of cloathes, a sixty-gallon cask of rum, and all the Musquets and other firearms plus five barrels of powder, 300 pounds of sugar twenty-five bales of goods and a little money.
Strangely enough, so thought all those present, I, presented to Captain Greaves an Indian and a Negro that we had taken previously from a French ship, but in my, what seemed like that of an unprecedented pleasant gesture was in actuality part of my plan.   I knew that such would enhance my reputation as a pyrate, for the telling of such a deed would perpetuate widespread whilst also achieving victories without bloodshed.   As others would see the sense of yielding and thereby reaping for themselves my favourable attitude.   Also within the venture we increased our ranks when three of their seaman who enthusiastically joined my company, one of which being a Mister Simpson or ‘Little David’ as so call'd by his matesCOP2.
February tho’ busy, was not rewarding.   We plundered the Sloop, Mayflower and a 10-gunn trader from Bristol, nigh Barbadoes, howe'er neither of these brought any rewards which justified the effort of the plundering.   More prizes included the Benjamin of Liverpool nigh the 12th, but sadly she brought onely meagre dry goods.   Her commander was young and unthinking.   As my presence was not needed I did not board her and mistakenly ‘twas reported Lord Anstis as our Captain, and once more knew not his correct name, stating it to be Thomas Hanse.   Tho’ her cargo was meagre indeed we detained her for three dayes, just as a percausionCOP3.
The 18th of the month brought us yet another ship, the Joseph, commanded by Bonaventure Jelfes, Again of meagre cargo and little provisions we proceeded.   Sailing on we meet with another pyrate.   One Montigny la Palisse, Captain of the Sea King.   He and I, tho’ not in my favor and for reasons that still escape me, decided, in spite of my dislike of the fellow and his ways, he being like Calico Jack was more than content to pick up the leavings like the gulls whilst I was bold and decisive, wanting desperately to find plunder worthy of the efforts of me and my crew.   Nonetheless howe'er we became partners3,4.
All I can fathom that possessed me was that perhaps our combined effort could locate and plunder a sizeable ship, not that anny saile which had come within my reach had escaped thus far.
Steering, South by West, we sail'd for São Tomë we, espying no sailes, continued on to Annobón, where we anchored.   ‘Twas here we careened, water'd and provisioned or sloop and voted to return to the West Indies.
‘Twas later I discovered, despite our charity, taking onely that which we needed from the Philippa and not pressing into service her crew, stripping her clean and setting her aflame, that Governor of Barbadoes, had bin, upon their arrivall into port, immediately informed of the incident, tho’ a petition still had to be made.
Outraged, tho’ more than any other reason for feeling put upon, the well appointed Governor granted the petitions.   Considering there be no Man-of-War, or other suitable ship within that port, the very Bristol Galley, Philippa, which we plundered to be outfitted with 6-gunns and 60 men.   Also therein, laid a Sloop, which was immediately outfitted with 16-gunns and 130 men.   The Galley was under the command of her Captain, Daniel Greaves of Barbadoes and one Captain Rogers of Bristol, who is duly noted for his seamanship, leadership and bravery commanded the Sloop Summersett.   Captain Rogers, by a commission from the aforementioned Governor, was appointed Commodore.
Friday it was, mid-day this on February the 26th and I, at this time of course, knew nothing of the aforesaid goings taking place within that port and upon sighting said ships, gave the order to give chace.   We sail'd easie upon them and sailing upon their stern, we, once in range, hoisted our jack and fired our forward cannon and swivels giving them a taste of our gunns.   Expecting both to strike their colours and yield I brazenly ordered the sailing betwixt them.   As we coursed betwixt them I discovered this not be the case and ‘twas evident that neither ship was laden with cargo or provisions.   Onely moments had passed when, upon recognizing the Bristol Galley, I realized yon ships had bin sent out specifically to engage me.
"It be a trap!" I yelled.   "Rig all sailes!"   ‘Twas outrage that beset my veins, for it seemed that my charity towards them was to be repaid with vengeance.   "So she be sent against us and we shan't disappoint them.   Milord Dennis," I hearkened, as we closed to pass behind her.   "Rake her stern!"   Immediately my Gunner poured in a broadside, whilst our consort, the Sea King was obviously under orders from La Palisse for an immediate and hasty departure.   But committed us I had to repay Captain Greaves for his unkind attitude and whilst my men dragged on ever inch of canvas they could pack to make for a swift attack and then off we'd saile.   Both of the opposing ships forced us to receive their broadside.   My men returned both which was the commencement of a fierce engagement.   As we got off both opposing ships fired their cannon continuously, as did we.   The Galley, sailing equally well, kept abreast of us.   Her crew was trained well and ‘twas without question led by a most determined Captain, who's mettle not onely impressed me, but infuriated me beyond compare.   With the Galley being free from burden and we heavily laden with plunder, provisions, fresh water and excess cannon, ‘twas obvious that we would not escape.   Desperately I hollered "Heave the cargo and heavy stores over-board!"   Frantically my crew following the order jettisoned much of our burdened some cargo from our deck, whilst more crewman hurriedly brought up heavy stores from the hold.   Howe'er ‘twas not enough still.   The Galley, sailing exceptionally well, continued to hammer us with constant bombardment, as did we in return.
To my dismay I was forced to order the jettisoning all of that we had acquired since the signing of my Articles, for it weighed us down within the water and thus hollered to my men, "Get clear or Die1,2!"

Understanding my meaning my crew shed our burdens, heaving the majority of our fresh water and provisions over-board together with our cannon and anchor; all those items of hindrance, with the exception of the booty which remained untouched below deck.   Now light'ned, our Sloop, the Fortune, got clear.
It has bin thenceforth, that I can not stomach the mention of those who be from, or otherwise have affable relations with Barbadoes and this I be upholding to both my selfe, and that of my company, that when meeting ships whose crew be men of this ilk we shall be particularly severe to them than to others, and not at all to those who strike their colours without incident.
To this incident were later read the following article:

Weekly Journal June 25th, 1720
‘From Portsmouth in N. Hampshire they tell us that a brig arrived there from Barbados in 22 days and reported that a Bristol galley and a sloop were fitted out to take a pirate sloop of 12 guns that lay to windward of the island; they came up and engaged her but the pirate having a great number of men on board gave them such a warm reception that they were obliged to go back to Barbados without her.   In this engagement many men were lost on both sides.’



Sailing on, having little left but our booty, Twenty of my company had died thus far and more of the injur’d would follow them to a watery grave.   Not having had surgeon, as Archibald Murray ad bin amongst them that left with Kennedy, we bandaged and made them as comfortable as possible as we ventured to the island of Dominico, where I, being careful to maintain peaceful relations with the Spanish, tooke a fresh supply of water and provisions, trading our welcomed booty twixt the inhabitants, who, being a rather neglected outpost, cared not the means by which we afford said trade or our profession.
To my surprize and outrage, an incident which enraged also my company, we met discovered thirteen Englishmen who had bin set ashore by a French Guard de la Coste, belonging to Martinico.   The Englishmen, who be seasoned recruits, willingly joined our company.   Their spokesman, Robert Botson, said they'd bin there for nigh on three weekes3.   They had bin taken two ships, one being out of New England.   The other a Sloop, the Revenge, of Antigua that had bin seized as prize by the aforesaid French and for no reason they could discern were put Marooned hereHCA3.   Upon the telling by I proposed the commencement of a worthy occupation, being that of avenging angels, telling them that piracy would be the means to achieve this end and we would all be paid exceedingly well in our new professions, with vengeance being the force that would forever be that which would drive us to victory.   No longer would we be content with the plundering of lone ships, but after big game we would go, repeating time and again our victory at Bahia.   My proposal was well received and our new careers as Vigilantes as well as ‘Gentlemen of Fortune’ was born.
Tho’ our Fortune be in dire neede of careening, I thought against Dominico, for it not, In my judgement, be a suitable or proper place for our task, whereby we hoisted anchor and sail'd directly for the Grandillos.   After hauling into a lagoon at CorvocooN12 we made great speed in careening, watering and otherwise provisioning our Sloop for our proposed journey.   Staying here a little more than a weeke, whilst we made plans to saile to Trepassi and deal out justice, upon the French of Martinico, where I deduced from our new English recruits, be their destination.

‘Twas later, after leaving here, we learned that my judgment be right on both occasions, for it came to be knowne to the French colony, who sending word to the Governor of Martinico, had equipped and manned two sloops to come to seek us out, first at Dominico and secondly, at Corvocoo IsleN12, missing the two sloops from Martinico by onely a few hours as we sail'd over night and the French arriving the next morn.   This was fortunate timing to be sure, especially considering, that ‘twas not from anny fears of discovery, that my company made hast from the island; but rather our quest for vengeance be that which drove us, as we were bound for Trepassi to embark on our new career and avenge the thirteen newcomers, whom were marooned upon the isle of Dominico.

‘Twas the beginning of March, Spring weather be upon us and brought forth rewards, for During our leisurely saile whilst en route towards Newfoundland, as my plans formulated we were amused by many diversions.

These new men, and all those upon the ships encountered by me; I must allow them to presume the worst in order to achieve an easie victory, without hesitation, as did most, and as a result they belieeve my words, spoken above, for the news carried by them, and others, spread swiftly telling the consequences of non compliance verses those who tamely submit, for ‘tis necessities, provisions and valuables that we seek, not their lives.   Those, it must be said, that the harshest treatment shall be apply'd is to those who seek our destruction and also those ship's masters who ridicule or otherwise impugn my honour when it be them, and the merchants they serve, who, I belieeve, have committed the crimes upon the greatest number, not I.   And as such, thro’ the spreading of my tolerance and how to achieve it, colours are stuck, quarters call'd for and respectfully granted.

In April, we plundered the Jeremiah and Ann, which be a Dutch Guinea Man, from both of whom we tooke on fresh men1,2.

Two days later off Cape Lopez, we plundered another vessell also bearing the name of a previously plundered ship, the Experiment1,2.
More amusement to lighten our burdens:
Daily Post May 7th, 1720
‘By a ship arrived this week from Barbadoes we have an account that the pirates continue upon that coast and few or no ships escape them; that some they plunder, others they carry off which together is an incredible detriment to the trade.’


This May of 1720, the waters yielded much to satisfy our needs and wants.   Nigh on a dozen vessels had come into our view, all of which we happily plundered.   In the latitude of Deseada we came upon provisions and other necessities upon two sloops, the Expectation of Topsham and the York of Bristol, which we pillaged with little or no resistance and a few days later we plundered the Brigantine that belonged to Rhode Island, as well as the Sloop, Happy Return and not forgetting the Mary and Martha.
Lastly, nearing mid June it was, we visited New England to sell our booty, then with intentions of watering and provisioning our Sloop we sail'd to into Ferryland3,4.   This harbour, same as the dozens of ships offered no resistance.   A fact that I found most bewildering.   Before departing this harbour I saw fit to show the Admiral herein the error of his ways of not protecting the region put in his care and burnt his shipCSP1.
  Location: ‘Trepassey, Newfoundland’
  A peaceful morning prior to the arrivall of Captain Roberts.
Trepassey, Newfoundland
Click for full page view.


This Tuesday, the 21st of June, 1720 was a morn to be remembered.   Sev'rall dayes past I sent forth a message informing the inhabitants that I was to pay them a call.   We be no more than a three leagues from our objective.   Aboard our Sloop, we had in our company a mere sixty men and onely ten cannon1,2 as we sail'd brazenly betwixt the closest ships.   I looked at Lord Sympson, who was anxiously awaiting my first command, when I, whilst also giving to my musicians the nod to begin, in a calm methodical tone, ordered, "Raise our colours."
Without hesitation, Lord Sympson placed his horn to his mouth he hollered, "Raise the Jack!"   And instantly the crewman on duty proudly ran our flag up the mainmast.
Within moments we were within range, taking the ships and their crews, unprepared as I knew they would be, I, speaking with a deliberate voice, loudly, as to give the orders without the assistance of our Quarter-Master, ordered, "Up all ports!"   Instantly the cannon port doors flew open and the men on the gunn crews heaved upon the hulking ropes, hauling the heavy cannon quickly into place.   And whilst the ship's musicians beat their drums and sounded their trumpets, I thrust down my sword and boomed, "Fire!"   Sending a broadside of fire and metal bursting upon the decks of both French ships simultaneously, half of the cannon fired exploding cannon balls sending shrapnel flying in all directions, whilst the remaining were loaded with a fierce anti-personnel weapon knowne as grapeshot, that sent the crews, fearing for their lives, running for cover whilst others jumped ship.
As our Fortune coursed swiftly thro’ the water, the crews of the twenty-two ships were taken utterly by surprize, whilst my crew quickly reloaded, I ordered, "Men-, prepare to come about," and within moments, as we cleared the bow, I hollered, "Helm, hard-a-larboard," and our blessed ship, being Yare, quickly responded under the artful direction of the ship’s pilot and deck crew, who we quite skilful and quick in the placement of sailes.   As we tacked our Sloop betwixt two more of the French ships, I again hollered, "Fire!" and another volley barrelled away as some twelve-hundred panic-stricken sailors onboard the ships in the harbour, mostly aboard Sloops, fled in terror, abandoning their posts, escaping in either long boats or by jumping over the side.
Sailing on thro’, we continu'd our barrage of cannon fire upon the ships that came into the path of our gunns.   Being interested in the Brigantine, a two-masted square rigger3,, we sail'd abreast and with the intention of seizing her, I bellowed, "Grapnels away!"   Promptly and accurately, the grapnels were thrown and the crews on the ropes swiftly brought the two ships securely together.   I, who was among the prize crew that boarded the Brigantine, found my selfe somewhat disappointed, being in the mood for fighting, but alas there was no need for my Cutlash, for the remainder of her crew jumped ship the moment we swung onboard.   I looked over the ship and deciding the Brigantine would not only be well suited to our needs when modified, but also far more sea worthy than the worn down Sloop we arriv'd in and upon the transference of my Jolly Roger she was renamed the Good Fortune.
I be outraged as we sail'd unchallenged thro’ the harbour.   With over 1,200 hundred seaman and 40 pieces of cannon the harbours defences could of easily blown us to bits when we enter'd the harbour, yet instead, every man and jackal fled without one gunn being fired in retaliation, leaving us free to plunder or sink as we choose.   My ill temper from this blatant shew of cowardice was evident and as a result I felt it fitting to allow my crew a well deserved holiday in this port at the expense of the populace and Shoppe keepers.   After a privy council with the Lords ‘twas decided that here we settled in.
The plundering of the ships could be done at leisure, whilst my crew, who, when not working their shift, would be free to enjoy themselves shore side to the utmost, for all was theirs for the taking.   I on the other hand, not being inclined to gamble, being a teetotaller and having no use for loose women, saw no purpose in going ashore, staying aboard the Brigantine; I supervised the refit and for a fortnight, whilst the 21 ships within Trepassi harbour be efficiently plundered my crew spent a goodly amount of time on shore taking full advantage of the situation.   Their drinking bouts were constant as was their wenching, howe'er ne'er did they neglect the duty of their shift; taking provisions, fresh water, plundering the harbour and her ships as ordered and locating the necessities ashore that be needed, including medicines and other similar items of considerable value.   But these were not the onely pleasures.   Each morning a cannon was fired from my new ship signalling all the Captains in port to come on board and take breakfast with me whilst the issuance of orders was made, including Admiral Babidge, who despite the wounds inflicted upon him, for I had him lashed to the mast of his owne ship and flogged severely for his cowardice.   More than the other Captains did this man peeve me.   He was the onely man who paid any heed to my letter, making his ship ready to do battle upon my entrance into Trepassi harbour, yet at the sound of my drum and trumpet he fled, along with his frightened crew and therefore punishment was more than in order.
When all was plundered and deemed complete there be no further reason to stay and that next day it was decided, after a vote of the lords, who were in unanimous agreement, to set saile.   I was still so upset by the lack of courage by both the common seaman and those in powerful positions ashore, but especially by those Captains and the Admiral which be the masters of the ships in this harbour that upon concluding my business thought onely to punish them further, tho’ my proposed destruction of the ships here was not for the purpose of sinking ships, but to instil humiliation upon those who have no rights to be knowne as either.   So, proceeding, in our vendetta, following the pre-arranged plans I had made before our arrivall, we continued to wreak havoc as we departed.   Not a ship nor boat in the harbour, of which lay 250 fishing boats3,4, most in the general vicinity of the hatcheries, was unscathed as my crew blasted the lot with cannon or hurled upon them torches, whilst also laying waste to the coast and their livelihood with much vigor in retribution as we dealt out our owne version justice, as well as also laying waste to the sheds and machinery along the shore and whilst many of the ships were sinking, others be ablaze.10.

‘Captain Roberts wreaks havoc whilst achieving justice.’

Trepassey, Newfoundland


‘Twas to our owne satisfaction, and that which I felt was to my credit, as our company was joined by sev'rall of the inhabitants.   Upon the deck of the Brigantine, we placed our booty, tho’ ‘twasn't much, for we came not to plunder, but to avenge.
Taking with us sev'rall cannon, we had outfitted our new prize with sixteen when almost immediately, whilst sailing along the banks of Newfoundland, we met with nine or ten French saile and still beleaguered with the desire for we destroyed all except one twenty-eight gunn ship.   This three-masted ship, I felt, was the equal of my first command and feeling sentimental I christened her the Royall Rover, and being a charitable sort I ordered our old, warn out Sloop, the Fortune, left behind for the Frenchmen.

NEWPAPER ACCOUNTS

The Boston Newsletter, a newspaper from the Americas, tells of the Flamboyant arrival: ‘‘... the pirate Roberts went into Trepanny with drums beating, trumpets sounding and other instruments of music, English colours flying, the pirate flag at the topmast head with death's head and cutlass...16.’’

Governor Spotswood of Virginia wrote the following to the Admiralty:
‘‘... with no more that a sloop of ten guns and sixty men, the pirate Roberts ventured into Trepanny in Newfoundland were there were twenty five merchant ships upwards of twelve hundred men and forty pieces of cannon, any yet for the want of courage in the heedless multitude plundered and burned divers ships16.’’

According to one observer of the day.   ‘‘Roberts’ men were, a parcel of furies.’’

The governor of New England professed, ‘‘One could not withhold admiration for their bravery and daring8.’’

A Secretary of Placentia, nigh Trepassi July 3rd, 1720
‘‘There are many ships drove in here by the pirates who infest our coast and in one of our next ports the have burnt and destroyed twenty-six ships with a great number of fishing craft. Those pirates have now plundered near 150 boats and 26 ships at Trepassy and St. Mary's which, if a communication had been cut overland, had not been above 2 days march to have rescued these harbours where the pirates have been repairing the ships for 14 days past, nor could any vessel sail from hence to reprive ‘em if we had any ships of forceCOP5.’’

Weekly Journal or British Gazetteer November 26, 1720
‘‘St. Lawrence.   June 28.   A pirate in a small sloop of 12 guns and 160 men entered Trepassy on Tuesday the 21st inst, and made himself master of the said harbour and of all the ships there, being 22 sail and 250 shallops.   He made the masters all prisoners and beat some of them heartily for their resistance.   The Admiral, one Babidge, in the Bideford Merchant, suffered most because he and all his hands left their ship with jack, ensign and pendent flying, his guns all loaded, in order to defend themselves, but the pirate was close alongside him, struck his colours, hoisted their own, and fired all his guns.   They cut his masts and several others close by the deck.   He cut all the other ship's cables in junks and their shrouds.   He seized one Copleston's ship for himself, and set all the ships carpenters to work to fit her for his purpose.   He threatened to burn all the rest and to hang one of the masters at his entrance.   He destroyed about 30 sail, French and English, on the Banks.’’






Location: ‘Newfoundland Region’
Sailing our two ships in company on another raiding expedition, we tooke sev'rall prizes; the end of June.   Among them being the Sadbury under Captain Thomas and the Sloop, named, the Success, at Newfoundland.
Came early July we plundered the Galley, Norman, the Richard, a Pink, belonging to Bideford Jonathan, Whitfeld master; the Willing Mind of Poole; the York of Bristol and the Blessing of Leamington.   From each these ships we increased our company, by entering all the men they could spare, in our owne service.
‘Twas July 13th, 1720, when we came upon the Samuel, commanded by Captain Cary of London.   She be a distance of thirteen leagues east of the Newfoundland shore when they espy'd our two ships on the horizon.   To hear tell, Captain Cary watched our approach with increased concern, and his worst fears were confirmed when we fired our gunns and hoisted our pyrate flags and was affrighted upon the discovery that one, for sure, belonged to yours truly, that dreaded pyrate, Bartholomew Roberts.  Captain Cary reckoned there be nigh on one hundred men on board each of my vessels, out numbering his crew by twenty to one.  The Samuel, having a mere six gunns, was completely out-gunned as well.
The larger of our vessells be our splendid new French Ship, the Royall Rover, of about 220-tunns, carrying twenty-eight gunns.   From her main topmast head we flew our new jack, upon which I am waving a flaming Cutlash whilst toasting a skeleton, which was clearly visible. The smaller, which be serving well, was our Brigantine, the Good Fortune which be of no less than 80 tunns, and from her main topmast be flying a Union jack emblazoned with four blazing ballsN13.
I hailed the Samuel and ordered her captain to hoist out his boat and come on board my pyrate ship.   Being an intelligent man, Captain Cary did as he was told.   Upon our discussion I learned he had intelligence that me and my company had bin cruising off the coast of North America, leaving in our wake, a trail of destruction and it be the English Kings hope that a pardon would put an end to the devastation and our need for acts of vengeance, to which he carry'd papers, offering a full pardon to my selfe and my company.
As it may, me and my shipmates thought little about such an offer, which strange at it may seem, enraged us by the audacity of it, giving his answer in the writing of a letter to the King telling him:
"To my Sovereign Lord King George the First.
Wee shall accept no Act of Grace, that the King and the Parliament be Damned with their Acts of Grace for Us.   Neither will wee go to Hope Point, to be hanged up a'sun-drying as Kidd's, and Braddish's company were.   But if we be overpowered, we shall sett fire to the powder with a pistol and all merrily to hell together."     Bathl Roberts16



Immediately thereafter, agreeing with that which I wrote, my company swarmed upon the Samuel's decks, whereby they began taking her apart; tearing open the hatches and attacking the cargo like madmen as they cut open bales, trunks and boxes with their boarding axes and Cutlash's.
Some of the goods be plundered, as Lord Anstis ordered to be carried away sailes, arms, powder, cordage, and 8,000 or 9,000 pounds worth of the choicest goods, plus two of the carriage gunns and all of the spare rigging and stores, but still outraged, much of the cargo was simply hacked to pieces and thrown over-board, as ‘twere for her anchor and cables.
Once our company had finished looting the Samuel, we focused our attentions on the crew. All excepting the Captain, three passengers and an Irishman, still remembering Kennedy, were recruited.   Whilst the company debated whether or not to burn and sink the Merchant another saile was spotted on the horizon, thereby we left abruptly and made saile, smartly, in order to give chace.
We later learned, as reported by Captain Cary, who with the aid of those left aboard his ship, return'd to Boston, that all the whilst amid the plundering of his ship he tells them, "Incessant cursing and swearing, more like fiends than men."1,2 Well— despite my intolerance for cursing, my men be peeved by the King's offer, whereas not pursuant to that of my usual standards.   He also reported his crew to be forced at pistol to join our company, but this be a lie.   I ne'er tooke on recruits by force, excepting for one, the Samuel's chief mate, one Harry Glasby.   Even those musicians, whom I employ, were free to decline, as were all who sail'd with me and my company, are with us of their choosing, excepting those who be passengers for a brief spell.   Being a gracious sort, I was always willing to provide new recruits with a certificate stating they had joined under duress8, one reason being that of those who joined my company were unworthy of my esteem, for I wanted onely the best seaman available, I would put ashore or aboard those ships we plundered as they chose.
Our pursuit ended about midnight and proved to be a Brig from Bristol, en route to Boston, under the command of one Captain Bowles, of whom my crew used barbarously, so it seemed, for the sole reason of his countryman, Captain Rogers, in retaliation for his relentless attack off Barbadoes, being this Captain also was from the city of Bristol.


Location: ‘Newfoundland Region to the West Indies’
On July 16th, 1720, two days later, we tooke a Virginian named the Little York, of which James Phillips was master, and the Love, of Liverpool, both of which we plundered and lett go.
The next day we encountered, the Phoenix, a Snow from Bristol, John Richards, master.   She be also plundered and lett go.   The waters be plentiful, and next we plundered a Sloop.   Next be a Brigantine under Captain Thomas, but ‘twas not as easie for her, as she bore willing recruits, the entire company, and after which, being how her former crew valued her not and thence we stripped her of all we valued and sank her.
When we had depart'd the shores of Newfoundland we voted to saile for the West Indies, but being how provisions be in neede, as none of the aforementioned ships bore much in the way of provisions and necessities, we therefore went for the latitude of the small isle of, Deseada, which be the farthest isle east of Dominica in the northern most region of the Windward Islands, for there we would be mostly likely find ships bearing provisions and with the absence of sailes during the voyage, howe'er still sighting no sailes our supply of water, provisions and necessities became short in supply.
Sailing on, we cruised past Barbadoes and headed in the general latitude of Grenada; my intention being to boot-top our ships whilst taking on the necessary fresh water and provisions needed before sailing forth to the Leeward Islands, where, on the Isle of Saint Barthélemy, being a rather overlooked and under supplied Port, trade from pyrates is openly welcomed.   ‘Tis here where ‘Gentlemen of Fortune,’ such as our selves, can trade their wares for rigging, necessities and gold dust whilst a tired crew enjoy the hospitalities found within the Taverns.
On September 4th, we sail'd into the lagoon at Corvocoo IsleN12 and there came upon a small Sloop named, the ReliefCSP3.   Whilst we approached ‘twas plain to see her crew be having a grand time Harvesting the succulent turtles that be prevalent within these waters3.
Once anchored, my selfe and much of the crew went ashore where we were greeted by Captain Dunn and his First Mate.   After the introductions, we, being my selfe, Captain Anstis and those of my officers who accompany'd us, were invited to take supper in their camp.   Graciously we accepted the invitation, excepting Lord Richard Jones, our Bosun, who would join us later; after he surveyed the situation and issued duty assignments.
As we dined I inquired as to their business and quickly learned that Captain Dunn and his crew, were, in addition to their legal activities, undertaking a bit of smuggling and thence, I am pleas'd to convey, all hands got on splendidly.
Having much booty in which to sell, we struck a bargain wherein we agreed to meet on the windward side of Saint Christophers in a fortnight3 where Captain Dunn would dispose of a goodly amount of contraband and also supply to us fresh water and provisions before continuing in consort to Saint Barthélemy, whither we would share equally in the revenue.   ‘Twere, we felt, be a faire price for the hiring of the Captain and his crew for the dispersion of our plunder.
Sev'rall dayes passed before Captain Dunn sail'd onwards to Saint Christophers, during which time a great deal of much sought after and highly profitable merchandise was transferred from both the Royall Rover and the Good Fortune to the Relief's hold.
Before leaving our selves, we spent sev'rall dayes more gathering the provisions and fresh water needed for our voyage, but our journey was not to be an easie one.
We had bin at sea for a few dayes onely when we were strangely becalmed, whilst forming directly overhead be one lone, yet ominous looking thunderhead.   Howe'er unusual was this circumstance, it did not last long before we found our selves beset by cyclonic winds that came upon us quickly.
Plummeting down from this thundercloud, betwixt my ships, came a small, mildly insidious, yet abundantly thieving twister.   Fortunately the violent swirling of wind did not come upon the decks of my ships nor inflict anny serious injury to my crew or ships whilst it tooke from us much needed supplies before leaving as swiftly as it had appeared.   As an accounting was made of our remaining provisions and the ships were restored to a neat and orderly state, we, as we ought to a bin, were thankful for the remainder of the daye, which brought forth clear sailing as we continu'd our voyage peacefully upon the calm sea.
That same evening, when full dark was upon us, there was not a star in the sky.   The brief, though intense brush with the seas fury earlier in the daye put us behind schedule in our forthcoming rendezvous with the Relief and as such I choose to keep us under full saile well into the night.
I was manning the Whipstaff as dawn broke.   The sky was brightly lit with beautiful red and yellow hews, but the splendor was not to last.   Suddenly, and without warning, we were dealt a wealth of foul weather that began with a powerful gust of wind that slammed against our leeward side.   Recognizing the signs, I knew at once we were in amid the eye of a squall that be forming all around us and without hesitation ordered the mustering the crew.
Lord Jones, who had recently joined me, hollered, "All hands on Deck!".
Within a few moments the crew duly gathered before us upon the main-deck.   "Men, we're in for quite a blow," I informed them.   Being the sort that preferred to issue my owne commands, I ordered the sailes reduced; shouting from the Quarter-Deck, "Aloft me hardies!   Man the reefs!   Shorten saile!"
Commencement began with the furling of the great mains’l, t’gallants and the t’gallant stays’ls as Great thunderheads formed and blackened the sky.   Hardly two minutes past when heavy rain began to pour onto the deck.
"Get those provisions stowed below!"   I bellowed, pointing to the barrels and crates of fruits and vegetables and the hogsheads of water, much of which, due to our remaining booty and quantity of gold dust, was being stowed on the open deck.   "You men thar!"   Hollering to the men just below me on the Main-Deck.   "Give ‘em a hand."
The crew worked quickly, following their orders.   Nearly all of the men climbed the rigging to the masts whilst the deck crew did the best they could in stowing provisions below as ordered.   Within a few minutes the majority of the sailes were furled, the last being the great fo’s’l, leaving onely the spanker, the main stays’ls and lower tops’ls to drive the ship ahead.   As the howling winds licked at the remaining sailes the men were forced to abandoned their efforts in the stowing of provisions in lieu of manning the sheets as all hands were needed to maintain her heading.   Incessant rains, driven by the cyclonic winds, stung the faces of the crew whilst huge swells continually slammed nearly full broadside against the Royall Rover's freeboard, breaking across the deck high enough to soak the crew to the waist whilst the deck listed sickeningly with the gunnels awash in the wicked cross tides and the crew hanging on for dear life or be washed overboard.
"Mind the helm!"   I yelled to our pilot.   Altho’ I be Shouting, my voice, howe'er booming it ought to a bin, could barely be heard over the roar of the wind.   "Head her straight into them swells, Mister Oughterlauney, lest ye let her heel too far and we capsize."
Fiery Horse tails streamed in rapid succession as dramatic sprays of white water washed over her bow.   As we plunged deeply into each new swell, both the Royall Rover & Good Fortune heeled and pitched whilst swells approaching twenty-nine feet threatened to swallow my ships in its troughs; tossing ‘em about like a toys upon its crests.
Once again the bow dipped low and the mighty Atlantic roared her fury causing more sea water to surge over the gunnels whilst the onslaught of the raging wind kept threatening us, but reading the signs I knew we had bin thro’ the worst of it and soon the storm would pass by.
It had been nigh an hour since the onset of the storm when the ferocity of the storm slowly abated, the winds began to die down and the crew knew the worst was over.   Within halfe an hour more the seas quieted and my ships rolled jauntily along.
"Damage report, Milord Jones."
"‘Tis happy I am to report, no serious damage and onely minor injuries, Captain.   The ship and crew functioned well and given calmer seas, we will be able to make all necessary repairs."   My Bosun said with a grin.
"Very good, Milord Jones.   As soon as weather permits we shall anchor whilst plans are discussed. When permissible have the crew don dry attire in rotation, after which, assign duties to repair the damage and see she's made ship shape in Bristol Fashion," and I turned aft, bound for the Great Cabin to change into dry cloathes.
"Aye, sir," replied my Bosun.
When the sea was calm the damage was surveyed and repairs commenced, but much of our stores that survived the tornado, having not the sufficient time necessary to secure our provisions and fresh water below deck, had bin washed overboard.
Returning to the Quarter-Deck I inspected my ship.   Along the way my company, though quite exhausted, worked diligently repairing the minor damage.
The storm, stripping from us much of our provisions and fresh water had rendered our necessities dangerously low and in the sighting the Isle of Saint Christophers on September 26th, 1720, the men of my company cheered, doubly delighted that we arrived in time to keep our scheduled rendezvous with the Sloop, the Relief, and her master, Captain Dunn, Despite our plight.
With our fresh water was all but gone as we heaved to off the coast, nigh the Black Rocks as arranged.   We furled our sailes and waited.   But after sev'rall hours with no sight of Captain Dunn or his crew we sent forth our boat with a courier to locate ‘em and inform them of our dire neede.   When after three hours, with no sign of our courier we unfurled our sailes and made our way around the Island and into the Caribbean Sea with intentions of entering the bay on the Leeward side of the Island and go ashore our selves.
We entered the bay in consort with, the Good Fortune.   As we neared the mouth of the harbour we furled all but our Jib, Main lower Tops’ls and Fo’ lower Tops’ls.
Unexpectedly, Foul winds were upon us and we were forced to come about.   Much effort was being made in an attempt to saile in when the harbour gunns fired upon us, therefore making it obvious we were to be denied all succour from the government.   This, howe'er unexpected, did not thwart me in my attempt, as Captain, to provide for my crew.   I could onely assume that Captain Dunn had bin arrested for possession of contraband and it pains me to think that others hast considered Disloyalty on his part or that of his crew, for they ought not ‘ave.   Such betrayal onely hast lead to their owne downfall, and hence ne'er did such an possibly enter my mind.   We opened our ports to return fire when, The breeze freshened and we were in for another blow, perhaps from the same storm which placed us in such a predicament.
As the winds neared 50 knots, bringing with them moderately heavy rain, I ordered "Batten down those loose hatches!"   When the storm took a sudden and violent directional change, heading back upon us, bombarding us with much wind and rain.   "Furl the Main lower Tops’ls!"   I hollered.
The situation was grave to be sure, as we were deep within the harbour and the danger of running around or having our hull torn out on the reefs and coral was too real a possibility.   Tho’ visibility was poor I could see that the Good Fortune was much the better sailor in our present circumstance and as our situation worsened I new our onely hope for survival was to attempt to board her by either jumping or swinging onto her deck should the ships come abreast one another once more.
Within minutes the swells were high as thirty-five feet and the howling storm force winds, of no less than 70 knots were engulfing us, causing tremendous amounts of sea water to surge over the sides, flooding the decks as both ships slammed into each other.   The men seizing their chance, seeing their Captain bravely take a running leap over the railing and landing onto the deck of the Good Fortune, followed.   Dozens of men were making running jumps whilst others swung across on ropes.   Not all made it tho’ as I saw sev'rall slip and fall, sliding off the deck and over the side as I ran to the edge, grabbing the arm of one of my mates who clung desperately to the railing whilst dangling over the edge as the ship continued to heel at an alarming rate.
After helping the young man I raced to the Good Fortune's helm.   "Keep her headed straight and true through the belly of the storm and out to sea, Mister."   I yelled as I grabbed the whip staff to correct the ships rudder.   "Our only chance is to go straight through the fiery wench."   After our course was corrected I glanced over towards the Royall Rover.   Far in the distance she be now as the Good Fortune headed out to the open sea and away from the dangers of the harbour.   At that moment a huge swell backwashed over the stern and ship plunged up and straight down again, causing most of the crew to lose their footing and no longer could I see my Flag Ship.   Christopher Moody, the Good Fortune's Pilot, had bin adeptly manning his station when suddenly he slipped and fell upon the rain soaked surface sending him sliding across the quarterdeck leaving the tiller unmanned.   Our ship wallowed dangerously as I dashed to the whip staff in order to regain control as the rugged ship pitched forward on the next swell.
One crewman was climbing up in the rigging, trying to untangle a sheet from the shroud of the mainmast, when a sudden gust hit him tearing him loose from his precarious perch and sent him falling heavily to the deck.   The man was lying unconscious and not having on board a surgeon, Richard Jones, the ship's Bosun, examined him and ordered several crewman to carry him below decks to the infirmary.   The relentless rain pummelled down in sheets causing the decks to be quite slippery, but all hands managed to follow the orders given by both Captain Anstis and my selfe in superb fashion.
Just then the fo’most stays’l sheet broke loose.   "Belay that rigging," Captain Anstis said shouting to be heard whilst pointing forward toward the bow.   Working together, several crew members managed to catch and haul in the sail, tie on a new rope and within a couple minutes, when repaired, one of the crewmen reported to both my selfe and Anstis to report.   "The rigging is secure, Captain."
"Very good," replied Captain Anstis.
"And the man who fell?"   I asked as the wind died to a moderate breeze and the rain became little more than a drizzle.
The crewman told him confidently, "The lad had the wind knocked our of him, but no broken bones.   Milord Jones says he'll recover in a few days, Captain."
"Very good," I replied.   Turning to speak to Lord Jones, "Disperse a dry shift of cloathes to the entire company, after which, assign duties to repair the damage and see to it the Good Fortune's made ship shape in Bristol fashion."
"Aye, sir." replied my Bosun.
"You best get out of those sodden cloathes, your selfe, Captain Roberts." Captain Anstis turned to me and said."
Smiling rather dubiously at the Captain of the Good Fortune, I enquired, "I trust you have a suitable suit of cloathes I can change into?"
We'll see what we can do." He said with a slight chuckle.   "Surely we must have something fitting the Admiral of the Leeward Islands," as he patted me on the back.   "Afterwards, as soon as weather permits, I suggest we shall anchor whilst plans are discussed.
"Excellent idea.   That's just what we'll do," I said as the two of us made our way to the Great Cabin.

+++ ‘Twas these elements, and no other, be that which thwarted us and also forced us to abandon the Royall Rover and we considered our selves fortunate that a sufficiently close passing of the Good Fortune was achieved and most of my crew, my selfe included, managed to make the transference betwixt ships.
Again the sea calmed, but after many an hour no word came from Captain Dunn, nor did our mate who was sent as a courier, return in our boat.   I suspected Dunn had bin arrested.   ‘Twas he who was to deliver us provisions and fresh water.   The crew was most anxious for our supplies were running dangerously low and we did not have adequate water or food to last till we reached an alternate island except Nevis where food and water was scarce.
This levy of power, being the unwarranted attack on my vessels, ‘twas deemed by me to be an unjustified and most unnecessary evil by the Governor of the Leeward Islands who has caused us the necessity of abandoning my flag ship.
As I formulated my plan I considered ‘twas not merely matter of achieving for our selves fresh water and provisions nor the recovery of our Royall Rover and those of my company, which, having bin overcome by the weather, were forced in to leaving behind.
"Nay!"   Says I.   "Here, demonstrated before us, was opprobrious oppression in the highest order, as dealt by a tyrant and it be I, Admiral of the Leeward Islands, and them of my company who shall seek to fulfill our destiny in serving justice for the ill treatment."
I knew not that the island was undergoing extensive fortification.   Lieutenant-General Mathew, Governor of this Island, was preparing the following defenseCSP3, issuing orders to despatch bands of soldiers to all parts of the island. Among them were Lieutenant McKenzie, who with his aid and thirty soldiers, made his way to Fort Charles, whilst Major Willet was to guard Palmeto Point.   Lieutenant-Colonel Payne was sent to muster two companies at Sandy Point and his brother, Captain Nathaniel Payne, was to make his stand along the old road.   Lastly, gunners were sent to ready the cannon which lye in four strategic points about the island.
My plan was underway and when we entered the harbour the next daye, once again we were fired upon.   I first tooke note that our Royall Rover had bin burnt and belieeving those of her crew, who, being unable to make the swift transference to the Good Fortune, had bin no doubt captured.   Furious, was I and seeing two ships it was my intention to seize them.   One was a heavily armed French Brig, but dismayed I was not.   After seizing the her, and a grand ship she be, I named her the Royall Fortune, (my first Royall Fortune.)   The other, we learned from the French ship, was commanded by Captain Gox of Bristol and for that alone we put her crew ashore and set torches to her.   As for, the Good Fortune, she remained under the command of Captain Anstis whilst I tooke command our new prize.
After questioning Henry Fowle, the former Captain of the French Brigantine, we learned Captain Dunn hath bin discovered by one of the gunners assigned to Fort William whilst unloading a canoe filled with the stolen goods, whereby he was arrested and imprisoned at Sandy Point, awaiting trial, and fearing for his life, no doubt amid barbaric persuasion, he told them that if he was not released, pyrates would attack.   As for Dunn's crew, no news was knowne and thus we assumed they too be suffering similar imprisonment or hung, or with luck, escaped and this was the reason for the attack upon of ships.
Most upset I be by what I felt was the cruellest of treatment to our persons, unseemly to be sure was anny man who would bestow such to those in distress and of Captain Dunn who laboured for our benefit.   Therefore, I, shortly before sailing on, and with my usual bravado, sent the following letter to this English Governor, this Lieutenant-General, whom of which I gave credit for putting forth a fight, unlike those cowardly curds of Trepassi.



click letter to see in frame.


Making for the island of Saint Barthélemy, we were greeted with fine hospitalities.   The Chiefs treated us affably, whilst the Governor offered most welcomed refreshment.   The women folk turned out in their best dress and Many of the available women strove to attract bedfellows, knowing my crew would pay amply for their favours.
My company indulged these pleasures for some time whilst a goodly store of fresh water and provisions were taken onboard, all of which we paid for generously, and once having their fill of the favours upon this island, being restless and after voting commenced and concluded, we were, unanimously, bound for the coast of Guinea and in the latitude of 22º North, where we met with a French ship from Martinico.   After a brief engagement the 22-gunn Brig was ours and we found her to be richly laden, but more so than her cargo was the ship, for she be a handsome prize indeed and tho’ my Royall Fortune had served us well I opted to make her my flagship, but so there would be no talk of robbery we exchanged with the French Captain, my Royall Fortune, which, being a French ship, pleas'd him; that was of course after we removed from her our possessions, provisions, arms, necessities and all other items that we considered of value.   After the transference was completed I christened her my new Royall Fortune, proceeding back on course to the coast of Guinea, when I propos'd we saile to Brava, which be an islet located at the southern most part of the Cape de Verd Islands, thus to commence with careening our grand prize Royall Fortune.   One of Captain Bartholomew Roberts ships Proceeding back on course to the coast of Guinea, when I propos'd we saile to Brava, which be an islet located at the southern most part of the Cape de Verd Islands, thus to commence with careening our grand prize, but foul weather and ill winds hampered us.   Despite our efforts to tack in the rough seas, we were forced to return with the trade winds to the West Indies.   Surinam now being our destination, is a distance of no lesse than 700 leagues and there be not more than a hogs head of water betwixt the 124 in my company.
Continuing our course we rationed our water to that of one mouthful a day.   The going was treacherous and whilst members of my company enervated and sickly, be dying daily, we who were left pushed on tho’ we, ourselves, be as weak as possible and still be alive.
Sev'rall dayes past when, We, by what I belieeve to be divine providence, anchored in water a mere seven fathoms in depth.   By dawn, the watch, who be up in the upper crow's nest of the main-mast, espied land, and the knowledge we had all but reached our destination, being off the mouth of the Meriwinga River which flows within the coast of Surinam, just Northwest of Brazil, breathed a freshness into our minds and bodies.
I, together with the strongest of those who be left, howe'er debilitated and sunk-in from lack of food, possessing onely a modest strength in our bodies, our tongues swollen from extreme thirst, set out upon the raft we fashioned from wood striped from the flooring below deck.
Barely able to row, yet most determined and working together, me and those of me crew slowly made our way to shore.   Upon the beaching of our raft, my men, weak and weary as we be, drug it well up onto the shore. Taking hold of sev'rall empty water casks the lot of us ventured willy-nilly into the interior in search of fresh water.
The trek, in our weakened state, tooke sev'rall hours, but finally a suitable stream be located and whilst I splashed water onto my face, my crew, crazed with a touch of madness and as such behaving like savage animals, dove into the water refreshing themselves.
Another hour had passed and still weak, but somewhat recovered and not finding much in the way of provisions, we gathered up the casks of water and began our trek back shore and the raft.   Hurriedly, tho’ still quite incapacitated from our dehydrated state and much in need of food, we returned with all speed to our shipmates, hoping those who be barely alive when we set out this morning would be breathing still.
Upon reaching the ship, I, going first, being the strongest, enjoying better health than most of those in my company prior to this occasion, climbed the steps along the outside of my ship whilst carrying o’er my shoulder a cask of water and pouch brimming with berries and edible roots, all of which I had cleaned in the stream prior to our return. My crew was almost gone, many perishing over the last day or two in their struggle to survive, tho’ with regret it must be recorded, many, out of desperation, drank sea water or their urine, creating within them an inextinguishable thirst which, unfortunately, killed them.
As quickly as we be able, we, to be sure none be wasted, distributed small amounts of water to our sickly mates who had survived the day.   When the men once more reclaimed control o'er their senses the water was given to them freely.   After sufficient recovery was made we again set out for the shore whereby we loaded the ship with all the fresh water we could stow, but finding little in the way of provisions we steered for the latitude of Barbadoes.   Certainty not the best of choices, but ‘twas here or starve, but once more divine providence provid'd to us that which we needed, the Greyhound.   A fine Brigantine she be belonging to Saint Christophers, bound for Philadelphia.   Whereby in a further reckoning of that ports inhospitalities, in refusing us the barest necessities of life, we wasted no time in seizing said ship, the first mate of which, signed my articles and captained my latest acquisition, which we christened the Ranger.   A great haul of necessities be found aboard her, among which being a goody supply of fresh water, provisions and liquorN8.
By the end of October, 1720, news came concerning Captain Dunn, the man wrongly held at Sandy Point.   The report being that he hath bin treated most cruel and as promised within the letter I had sent whilst there, we enacted our owne personal justice, whereby we sank and plundered the fifteen French and English ships that were in the harbours or St. Christophers and Dominica.   Among the ships in the harbour was a grand prize, being that of a forty-two Dutch interloper, which we seized for our owne use, during which time, despite constant cannon fire by the island's fortress, I sent a longboat ashore, at Basseterre Road, to take some sheep from a meadow8,11.
Immediately thereafter, I ordered a new jack be fashioned, which I blatantly, and with much contempt, flew with relish upon my Royall Fortune thenceforth, which pourtrays my selfe holding a flaming sword in my hand whilst standing upon two skulls inscribed A.B.H and A.M.H.6, shewing my contempt as they represent the heads of the governors of Barbadoes and Martinico, both of which I intended to secure.
‘Twas later we heard that the Governor of the French Leeward Islands reported our attack on Dominica, where we seized, sank or burned the fifteen ships that lay in their harbour and sought the aid of the British Governor of Barbadoes.   But to my delight, worthy of a jovial celebration, when he try'd to order the Captain of the British Man-of-War, Rose, that had enter'd Nassau harbour with Woodes Rogers, to seek out and destroy me, he flatly refus'd.
Upon our arrivall, is here waiting for me, a Dutch interloper of twenty-two gunns with a crew of at least 75 men, and a Brigantine, neither of which I shall lett go.   Raising our new jack I sail'd in with gusto, my musicians playing, and upon the threatening resistance made by the Dutch ship, we, with our ports open and gunns ready to fire, my crew is anxious for action, I hollered, "Fire!" pouring a broadside into the Dutchman.   The battle ensued as our proposed prize return'd our fire.   My gunners we adept to their task and upon the reloading of the starboard gunns, I again shouted, "Fire!"  All gunns poured in another broadside and sev'rall of the Dutchmen were killed.   As we boarding party ready'd them selves and the grapnels were thrown the Captain of the Dutch interloper stuck his colours.   After our prize crew were upon her I set my sights on the Brigantine, who, after seeing the handiness of my ship under the skill her a trained crew and the power of my resolve, surrendered without incident.
We sail'd with our two prizes, the lot of us in consort and ‘Twas not long that I rejoiced in learning the Brigantine was from Rhode Island and, I am sure, is the same we gave chace to some months back, after Bahia de los Santos.

The winter be upon us as we sailing along, and whilst we water'd at Tobago we gained intelligence of two sloops at Corvocoo that had depart'd shortly after we; sailing for Martinico.   Sailing on in consort, with our prizes were my fair Royall Fortune, and our thirty-two gunn Dutch Slaver that we have christened the Great RangerN16 and our Brigantine, now being called the Little Ranger.   Whilst stopping to take on Fresh water at Tobago wee learned the two sloops had bin specially outfitted and sent out for the express purpose of taking us.   Upon the hearing of this news, I must say that I, in return for their graciousness, decided to pay them a call.   I was very aware of that ‘Twas the custom at said island, for the Dutch interlopers, who wish to trade, to hoist their jacks when coming in, I, knowing the signal and having utter contempt for the Isle of Martinico and her inhabitants, put it to my company and after the vote we sail'd in with a suitable jack flying and just as I expected, the inhabitants tooke us for friendly traders, whereby we signalled the Frenchmen to visit Saint Lucia where the Dutch smugglers sold slaves.
When the Dutch sloops came within range we heartily welcomed the traders onboard and once having them in my grasp, I told them I would not have it said they came off for nothing and therefore ordered them to leave their money, for we, as ‘Gentlemen of Fortune,’ hope to always meet with such Dutch traders in this fashion, but before we could conclude our business we be attacked.   In defense, I immediately set saile and using both fire and cannon and fire we promptly sank the ships within the harbour, all twenty of them, reserving but one vessell to set the passengers upon shore again.
In the course of such events, my crew inadvertently made capture of sev'rall Frenchmen, who, being disagreeable in manner, found themselves severely whipped, some having their ears cut off and a couple others were hung from the yard-arm and used for target practice10.
I, of course, was not pleas'd by their actions, but I fully understand their minds in regards to these actions.   Mine is a large company of sev'rall ships and alas, not aboard all can I be at one time, howe'er likely be the case, not witnessing the remarks, I am not assured I would of prevented it.



Location: ‘Bennet's Key’
We touched in Guadalupe, capturing a Sloop and a French fly-boat laden with sugar.   The insatiable, howe'er divine Sloop, we burnt, and afterwards I plotted our course for Moonay, but the sea, being too high to careen, I suggested we saile on to Hispaniola, where, at Bennet's Key, in the Gulf of Saminah, ‘Gentlemen of Fortune,’ like ourselves, given that the island's proportions being vast in relation to the number of inhabitants, the freedom to careen, water and provision at leisure, without having anny need for fearing discovery and was pleas'd that we reached our destination before the month of February had concluded.
After the ship was beached and heeled over for the cleaning of her hull, Lord Main, ship's Bosun, assigned part of the crew to set upon that task, whilst others were charged with the duties of either provisioning or watering.   We intended to stay on here for a spell whilst our vessels were careened, and in our usual efficient manner, would helpe ourselves to a tidy quantity of rum and sugar, so much so that our liquor was as plentiful as our water supply.   This aspect, as the case generally be, onely myself and Harry Glasby, who be choosen master of the Royall Fortune, being teetotallers, remained consistently sober.   I, as ‘tis best to be stated here, as Commodore of the Fleet, move betwixt all the ships as I see fit, tho’ the majority of my time was spent aboard my favourite prize, the Royall Fortune.
Whilst here, before setting out, the masters of two Sloops, their names being Tuckerman and Peter, came to pay a call.   Their addressee of me was one of much honour and respect, addressing me as did Sheba to King Solomon saying, "that having heard of your Fame and Atchievements," wanting to learn the trade of piracy within my company.   Seeing that more able body'd hands are always desired, I tooke kindly to these two men and provided them with some powder and arms and after three nights of cheery activity were on their way and I wished for them a prosperous new career in our service, as members of our company, and as they embarked on their raiding expedition ‘twas expected that they would return within a weekes time.
The crew, for reasons of their owne, as they sometimes do, held a negativity towards those among us who do not drink, for men of such ilk, to them, are open to suspicion with little justification and when the Sloops departed, Mister Glasby went to bid them farewell and being gone longer than the majority though they ought be and belieeving them to be deserters, which is a capital offence, sent, after a vote, a search party out after them.   The matter, being well in hand, I, wanting to explore, hiked into the woodland, where I spent the night under the stars.

After breakfast I began our hike back to camp to find quite a bit of excitement going on.   The search party had returned with Mister Glasby, Mister Peter and Mister Tuckerman whom have bin brought back for trial.
"Milords, what is amiss here?"   I said in a commanding tone, trying to establish order.
"As ye see, Captain," says Lord Sympson, our Quarter-Master, "these three blokes have bin found and returned."
"Yes, so I see.   Excellent work, but I entrust you, as do we all to maintain order, Mister and I come upon ye, and all of you, to find this ruckus."
"They have onely just arrived and the men are quite in an uproar about it." Lord Sympson reply'd.   "I was calming them as you arrived."
"Very good." I said in an apologetic tone.
"Now that the Royall Fortune, which now cleaned, is again sitting upon the water as she should, let us have them taken aboard.  The trail shall commence immediately."

Our form of justice was honest and simple; all testimonies would be heard and then the lot of us, every one, would vote and following the outcome of such the sentence would be immediately carry'd out.   Ne'er did we maintain a brig or delay in matters such as this, as justice was swift and normalcy returned without delay.
In the matter of these proceedings the trail is being held on the poop deck and without delay a large bowl of punch and tobacco be made ready.   There was a lot to be said and the proceedings lasted quite sometime, Howe'er after all testimony was heard and none of the three being able to prove their innocence it was decided and the sentence pronounced them to be shot.   ‘Twas then that Valentine Ashplant, one of the appointed judges stood up, for he had his own feelings to offer, "By God, Glasby shall not die; damn me if he shall."   Taking his seat and resuming his pipe his motion was loudly opposed by the other judges, in equal terms, but Ashplant remained steadfast, again rising, "God damn ye gentlemen, I am as good a man as the best of you; Damn my Soul if e'er I turned my back to anny man in my life, or e'er will by God; Glasby is an honest fellow, notwithstanding this misfortune, and I love him, Devil Damn me if I don't: I hope he'll live and repent of what he has done; but Damn me if he must die, I will die along with him."   And thereupon, he pulled out a pair of pistols, presented them to the erudite upon the bench, who taking to heart his well supported argument and noting his high regard for Glasby, a new vote was taken on his behalf and a reprieve was granted.   In the case of the other two prisoners, no such pleas be offered and as such they were allow'd the liberty of choosing anny four, from among the company, to be their executioners, after which, in carrying out the sentence, were bound to the mast and shot dead, dead, dead.

Immediately following the tryal I stepped onto a platform above the deck of the Royall Fortune.   Ne'er did I stop for a moment when I hollered, "All men on deck!"   I, having the both the admiration compiled with a healthy respect afforded me by my crew, wielded much more power than the average pyrate captain thus having a great deal more say in our course direction and the actions taken was given no argument as I, in my temper, tho’ now somewhat subdued, issued new orders.   "We be getting underway.   Make Saile!"   Upon leaving, we burnt our Sloop and manned the Brigantine belonging to Norton, who we sent away, pleas'd, in the Dutch interloper we called the Fortune, after which we sail'd with the Royall Fortune, Little Ranger, Great Ranger and our latest, a Brigantine, which we have christened the Good Fortune.


Location: ‘Bermuda, West Indies & Africa’
March was upon us and once at sea we commenced with a vote, after which, we sail'd eastward from Hispaniola in the generally direction of Deseada.   En route we be in neede of provisions and fresh water and with my usual luck, we espy'd a saile, Captained by Hingstone.   and upon his ship, which be laden with much riches for Jamaica we sail'd, in consort with my other ships, for Bermuda, during which time we plundered Captain Hingstone's ship.1,2
Upon reaching Castle Harbour I tooke care of some business and upon leaving I said, "Thank you for the information," I said to them and left, returning to the Royall Fortune.
Unbeknowest to the gentleman, I, who is about the same age as the man that just here, followed him.   He stepped into a pinnace, which was rowing back to a large ship.   Desperate to know who he was, I hurry'd over to some men I saw near the shore.   None of them knew him.   All of a sudden a young boy came running by us and stood looking out in the direction of the large vessell, pointing and shouting with much enthusiasm, "That's Captain Roberts."
"What's that boy?" I said, with a shocked look on my face.   "You mean that pyrate of infamy?"
"Yes, sir," shewing us an artists sketch of him.   "Gee, I wish I could ‘ave gotten here a couple seconds earlier."
I was in shock.   I look'd at the dinghy, which was just making it to the ship, and began running to one of the Captain's in port.   "Captain Ogle!"   I yelled as I approached.   I was breathing quite hard by the time I stood before the sea Captain.   "That ship," as I pointed to it.   "‘Tis the Royall Fortune, she is."
"You mean the one belonging to the pyrate Roberts?"   His face lit up with the thought of hanging a trophy from his bowsprit and perhaps gaining an admiralty in the bargain.
"Yes, Captain."   I said, trying to catch my breath.
The Captain tooke off running towards his owne pinnace with me closly following upon his heels with every intention of accompanying him.   Upon reaching his longboat I was still breathless as I clambered into a seat and picked up an oar.
Two of the oarsmen pushed the pinnace beyond the surging surf till we gained enough freeboard to row and then climbed aboard.   We could see that the Royall Fortune was getting under way.
"Row harder men, that ship must not escape!"   Captain Ogle roared.   As soon as Captain Ogle's pinnace reached his ship, he hurry'd aboard as did I, and he wasted no time in issuing orders.   "Men— Thar be the Royall Fortune, under the command of the infamous pyrate, Bartholomew Roberts.   Slip that anchor! We saile immediately!   Prepare us for battle."
Within seconds the crew of the Man-of-War began to get the great ship underway.   Some of her crew scurry'd up the masts and unfurled the sailes, others manned the sheets to set the sailes.   We gave chace, while Lord Dennis' men ready'd the cannon.   When the crew had the ship underway the Captain ordered the Man-of-War's cannon ports to be opened.

Meanwhile, heard aboard the Royall Fortune, who had sail'd into Castle Harbour alone, now underway, but not as yet rejoined with her consort, was a deep voice speaking with some agitation.   "Hearken on deck," yelled down the watch in the crows nest.
Looking upward, "Aye, watch," the Bosun, Lord Main, hollered, "What see ye?"
Pointing towards the stern, "Thar be a Man-of-War, Milord Main.   ‘Tis giving chace, she is." Immediately, Lord Main sent one of the crew to bring me the news for I had retired to the great cabin. Hollering as he approached, "Captain! Knocking on the door with urgency, Captain!" Spoke the crewman again with grave concern.   "Come quick!   That thar Man-of-War the one that had bin in Castle Harbour, she be in pursuit."
Turning quickly, I donned my favourite Crimson Jacket, silk bandoleer and tricorne hat.   Dashing out the cabin door, I rushed along the larboard side and out onto the main deck.   Spotting Lord Main aft along the rail of the quarter-deck I climbed the steps, touching onely the center tread in my hurry'dness as I made haste to the rail.   Upon my arrivall, Lord Main handed me the spyglass.   Looking thro’, I see the sleek ship is sailing well and holler, "I'll have the sailes trimmed, Milord Main."   around I espy our gunner.   "Milord Dennis," I called out, "Prepare for battle.   If we can not out saile her, we may be in for a fight."
All about my ship the crew was actively climbing the shrouds and ratlines to the yardarms, sliding across to their positions on the footropes and stirrups.   Reefknots were quickly unty'd to release the sailes from the yardarms so the men could unfurl them.   Deckhands hauled on the sheets to position the sailes to catch the wind.   The canvas billowed out, dragging them along the deck until they managed to get the sheets secured with belaying pins.   Within minutes the Royall Fortune, to my delight, was sailing well with the wind, tho’ she be heavy from the stores we had just taken on en route.   As I look'd thro’ the spyglass I could see the Man-of-War is slowly gaining upon us.
Still trying our best to outrun the great ship, we hoisted our Topgallant Staysails and the Royalls, but still she was catching us.   ‘Twas a wonder fer sure, what could be driving them so.   Surely they could not know who we be, or why I was upon their island, but chacing us they were.
Within minutes they were upon us and upon receiving the Warships first broadside, I new at once the Captain had on board a crew of much skill as I hollered, "Raise our colours," and as our jack was hoisted I hollered, "Fire!" Whereby my gunners let go with a broadside of our own.   "Our onely chance, Milord," I said loudly to be heard whilst speaking to Henry Dennis, whom I had summoned, "is to take down her main mast.   Lett that onely, be your task." As yet at that moment another broadside, bringing forth a volcano of fire and metal wreaked havoc bursting upon and within the Royall Fortune.
"Aye, aye, Captain," he said just before hurrying back to the men with the instructions.
But I knew that in order to get clear we must jettison our the anchors, water-casks and once again we found ourselves having to throw over heavy stores to get clear when the running battle began.   tho’ it pained me greatly, our burdens were being cast off with great speed, as so ordered.
To better direct their fire Lord Dennis stood upon one of the center cannon ordering, "Lay to the mainmast and fire on the up roll," and as the Royall Fortune reached the height of her next swell, Lord Dennis yelled, "Fire!"
Hurry'dly, before the echo of the blast had faded and our cannon balls were upon them, I ordered, "Come about," thusly presenting our starboard gunns, we, in the wake of our last, poured a third broadside into the great ship.
Amid the thunder of cannon, a member of the enemy crew could be seene swinging across betwixt ships.   Our last broadside brought both her mainmast and mizen-mast, sending them crashing to the deck, but not before her last barrage had caused us to list heavily to the larboard.   Rushing to inspect the damage I saw our hull had bin severely damaged just below the waterline and was sinking, when suddenly, landing on the quarter-deck behind me was a crewman of the opposing vessell.   Swiftly drawing my cutlash from its scabbard, I menaced the man as he asked for quarter, stating, "I am crewman Armstrong, deserting from the H.M.S. Swallow, at your command, sir."
"Welcome aboard the Royall Fortune, Mister.   I am Captain Bartholomew Roberts.   Report to Lord Main, ship's Bosun," I ordered him, as I pointed to the man who could be seene standing along the starboard rail, "to receive your orders."N7
"Aye, aye, Captain," said he most eagerly as he turned and headed for Lord Main.
We, working labouriously, still having a tough time of it, got clear, but now our onely chance was to make saile for an inlet some distance and make repairs, if that is, we could stay afloat that long, for it be six leagues off.   "Men, set saile for the islet due East, once there we shall make repairs."
In order to keep afloat, I continued to have our heavy stores thrown over-board.   Should we make our destination we could water and provision there whilst repairing our ship.   En route our great Royall Fortune floundered, becoming increasing sluggish, a few of my crew be wounded and being tended by the ship's surgeon whilst others still in fear of not reaching our destination.
Limping in to the small cove, we promptly hauled our ship nigh to the beach as possible and heeled her over.   Repairs commenced without delay, as the men, so ordered by Lord Main, carry'd out their assigned tasks, many of whom gathered provisions and fresh water.   ‘Twas the next morning we were again under saile and heading back to meet up with the rest of my fleet who be waiting not too far a distance.   When the repairs were completed and the ship provisioned, I called for a vote.
Again sailing to the West Indies we plundered many a ship, of all flags, tho’ mostly French, kept us well supply'd in provisions, fresh water, and ammunition, but the first two of these could easily be gotten on shore and therefore not worth the constant effort to obtain them.   Among there was a faire prize indeed.   A fifty-two French Man-of-War carrying as a passenger, none other that the Governor of Martinico of whom I, upon the capture of his ship that was without the firing of a single cannon, was, without delay, hung from his owne yardarm.   The faire prize replace my flag ship that suffered much and onely patched, and being ever of the oars ships memory, I again kept the same name, christening her the Royall Fortune.
Heading for Guinea, we sought to buy gold dust cheap and thither to, tooke a variety of ships.   From those which had masters whom carry'd themselves wrongfully, in my eyes, we voted to either sink or burn their vessels, as I ne'er lett my selfe forget the injustice aboard other ships I had served upon due to the harshness of their masters, and in my eyes, this was their atonement.
Tho’ our adventures successful, the majority of the company were constantly drinking, thus becoming all too sure of themselves and, as a result, most unmanageable.   Seeing the necessity I sought to correct this and tooke upon a magisterial carriage employing strict deportment and to those who seemed to resent my usage of command, I said, challenging each of them, "You might come ashore and take satisfaction of me, if ye see fit, at sword and pistol, for I neither value or fear anny of you1,2."

Whilst in the West Indies watering and provisioning our ships for a voyage to Africa, many of the men were still thinking too highly of themselves.   I be knowing this way of thinking would lead to the destruction of my company and reprimanded one of the more boisterous of the drunken crewman.   Not seeing my way in these matters and more as he dealt me, that which I considered a tremendous insult, I, and without hesitation or conscience thought, merely reacted and ran him thro’ with my Cutlash, killing him on the spot.   His mess-mate, one Thomas Jones11, who was ashore on water detail, was none too pleased when learning of the incident when he return'd to the Royall Fortune and tho’ I hate to owne up to the memory, spouted, "You ought to be served so yourself," and upon hearing his remark I ran him thro’, but he, being much stouter than his friend, attacked me despite his injury, knocking me into a cannon, and whilst I was knocked senseless from the impact, tooke the opportunity to lay into me, which sent the company into an uproar.1,2
My crew, of which numbered 416N6 were divided over the incident, some taking my part and others not, were on the verge of a general battle among themselves.   The matter was appeas'd by the mediation of the ship's Quarter-Master, and as the majority of the company, being in the opinion, supporting what they felt to be the dignity of my office, that of Captain and Commodore ought to be supported; for it being a post of Honour within what we called our, ‘House of Lords,’ and should therefore not be violated by anny.   ‘Twas decided upon vote that the penalty Thomas Jones would receive for his misdemeanour would be that of two lashes of the cat from each member of the company, delivered unto his person once recovered from the wound so made upon him by my Cutlash1,2.
Thomas Jones, howe'er, was not dissuaded by this punishment, still feeling he did not act without undue cause and as such opted for revenge, howe'er, knew he could not exact such upon my person so instead, as I later discovered, held a privy meeting with Captain Thomas Anstis, master of the Brigantine, Good Fortune.   He, Captain Anstis, and I shared less than a liking for one another, as I considered the Brigantine he commanded little more than a supply ship, for she be nothing to compare to my fine Royall Fortune, and this upset him to say the least.   And come a dark night, being April 18th, 1721, when we were some four hundred leagues from the coast of Africa he, together with Thomas Jones, gathered together the 70 men, who were mostly new to the company and the main disruptive element within my company, making up the Good Fortune's crew and held a privy council.   But before the voting, both of the conspirators lett it be knowne that all who did not see matters in the same light as they would find themselves heaved over the side and consequently, in light of this coercion, the vote was unanimous.
Come daybreak, when the company saw the Good Fortune was gone, were none to pleas'd, for not onely was there the lose of manpower, but also that of the Brigantine, for she be a good sailor and easy on the helm, otherwise knowne as being Yare.   I, howe'er, maintained an attitude of unconcern, for in my opinion we be better off without them, for they were an unruly lot, prone to rioting and in constant neede of reprimanding, plus thinking, to my dismay, far too highly of themselves, and as such could easily instigate the ruination my company and also poor in battle, for a soldier should never be over confident as it will be his undoing.
We sail'd on to the windward of the River Senegal, in Guinea, Africa, and upon these waters, be a great trade area for gum.   This, howe'er, herein be monopolized by the French, who policed these waters in an effort to dissuade the interloping trade, had, so we discovered, to small ships for this purpose.   One being that of ten gunns with a crew of 65 men and the second sixteen guns and 75 in her crew.   Not knowing the rightness of things, these two ships, upon seeing my Royall Fortune, and belieeving us to be engaged in the trade they were employed to thwart, drug on all the canvas they could and proceed to make chace.   Naturally we did not make an effort to flee, thereby allowing the two French ships to saile along side, whereby I ordered the hoisting of ‘Jolly Roger,’ as we call'd our jack, and upon doing so the terrify'd French surrendered with little, if anny resistance1,2.   With our two new prizes we sail'd into the Sierraleon River the end of June and this summer, being of 1721, promised the crew much gaiety, for this place be made up of about thirty Englishmen, who in some part of their past be either privateer, buccaneer or pyrate, thereby making this the perfect place for pyrates to carouse, clean, trade and much more, as the native women belonging to these Englishmen were most eager to please, including prostituting themselves as their masters commanded.   Of our new prizes, we made the better of them our consort, christening her the Great Ranger and the other a store ship, which we christened the Little Ranger1,2.
My crew, now numbered 508; Upon the Royall Fortune there still be a crew of 276, 48 of whom were Negroes and the rest of which be mostly Englishmen; The balance of my company were upon on the Sea King; the Little Ranger and the Great RangerN3.



Location: ‘Sierraleon River’

During the passed three months and more, much hath tooke place.  I have became exceeding restless and argumentative and that be not all, as I found my selfe becoming autocratic.   ‘Twas my friend, John Walden, who tells me how I have become, since amid so many freshmen, who, unfortunately, were unruly and constantly drunk.   ‘Twas not a gang I was in the mood of late to reform and thought better to be rid of them entirely.
"The company, Captain, hath, as you know, bin most unruly, but ‘tis my belief it be your attitude of late."
"I suggest to you, Mister Walden, that you take care in the manner of your words."
"You sought my opinion, Captain, tho’ I can tell you not, if the telling proves to be my demise."
"Yes, of course.   I begg forgiveness from you, pray continue."
"‘Tis a large company, over 500 and quite a challenge to keep in order, but of late they hath become uneasy.   ‘Tis my observances that it be you, Captain, which makes them thus and your temper flares with very little provocation.   ‘Twas not long passed that ye killed that poor fellow, ne'er giving him a chance and suffered a handsome beating by his mess-mate, Thomas Jones, despite the wound inflicted upon him by your Cutlash, but we all saw, before we came to your aid, ye would not aid your selfe in your owne defence."
"Continue, Mister Walden.   What else be amongst your observations?"
"Further ye call'd out all members of the company who liked not your rules.   ‘Tis pistol-proof you be, Captain, as the majority of the company loves you, holding you in high regard, the rest, tho’ they be few in number, most of them that is, ought be compared to those elsewhere, who be terrify'd by the very mention of yer name.3,18"


Location: ‘The West Coast of Africa’
After six weekes I found my company still carousing about the small hamlet, but even with the intelligence, which we learned here of the H.M.S. Swallow and H.M.S. Weymouth, each being that of a second rate Ship-Of-The-Line, not having plans to rendezvous here untill late December it be time we set saile, as the company hath bin here for nigh on six weekes and it be time we be returning to our vocation of pyracy and in cruising in their wake of the Warships, we shall be provided with sufficient intelligence of their whereabouts.

London Gazette July 29th, 1721
‘Our merchants are in no little pain for the Brazil Fleet; being apprehensive of the famous pyrate Roberts who has of late done so much damage in the West Indies.’


The company well rested, our ships careened and fitted, water'd and well provisioned for our adventure, as well as amused by the latest mention in a Newspaper,   we tooke to the sea in the beginning of August 1721, along with the two newest members of the crew: William Watts and William Davies who joined the company in July from the settlement.
"‘Twas a prosperous beginning as we marauder the coast en route to Calabar, taking every ship we encountered, including the French slave ships the Saint René and the Hermoine10.   The next three saile we sighted were also plundered, being the Stanwich a Galley, commanded by Captain Tarlton, A Snow named the Martha, under Captain Lady and a Dutch Ship.   ‘Twas September it was when we espy'd at Sestos a faire prize of which her name be, the Onslow under the command of Captain Gee.   She was a grand Frigate belonging to the Royal African Company.   We had come in to Sestos in order to provision and water and she be laying at anchor.   The Captain and many of the crew were there for the same reason as we, making the Frigate an easie catch, howe'er we gathered many a new crew member from her also, for the majority of them joined my company.   Hearing of our successful ventures the soldiers who be aboard offered themselves, but being landlubbers we thought against it, but being weary'd of their solicitations, for they said they would, being stout fellows, would starve upon a little kinky and plantain, whereby the company voted to accept them, but allowing onely a quarter share, which we deemed to call charity1,2.
A clergy was aboard the Onslow, who was en route from England to Cape Coast Castle to be the new Chaplain.   Some of the company were for keeping him, and accordingly offered to him a full share, and promising he should do nothing for his money except the duties of his office and make punch, but to our regret the good clergy declined and in shewing our respect, for he was a man of the cloath, we sought not to sway him and gave back to him all that he stated to be his.   The clergyman was gracious, leaving us with three prayer books and a bottle screw, of which we were most grateful.
Keeping for ourselves the fine, newly built Frigate as our new flagship, christening her to be our fourth Royall Fortune, keeping the name and not having use for the old French ship we be kindly bestowed to Captain Gee.   Without delay we fitted her for our purpose, making suitable as a sea rover, pulling down the bulkheads and making her flush and mounting her with 40 cannon.   Now she be so fine as anny we could of desired and with her and the Ranger sail'd down the coast towards Jaquin and on to Old Calabar where we arrived in October where we proposed to careen our ships.   The place be perfectly suited to our task, being that there be a sandbar with little more than two fathoms and a halfe more of water, and she also provided an intricate channel not affable to ships with a draft of the Men-of-War such as were the H.M.S. Swallow and H.M.S. Weymouth be and not likely suited to the want of the pilot.
The Captain who piloted our ships into this harbour was named, Loane was paid extremely well indeed for his services, tho’ from his ship the Joceline we did enrich our company when one Roberts Haws signed on.   The journal of our accounts are kept, not simply as debtor contra creditor, but much more concise.   And whilst in these waters made conquest of a Galley named the Mercy; the Cornwall, also a Galley; and from one Captain Fletcher we plundered the Porcupine all being that of Bristol.   These here vessells be the least of our troubles for the natives of this land, Calabar, were not as friendly as those who inhabit other places we see fit to visit.   Seems these inhabitants, who number 2,000 men alone, have bin taught too well the scriptures and not want to trade with the likes of us ‘Gentlemen of Fortune,’.   We tho’, such as they did not try our patience, even being a far lesser number, march'd upon them and when our pistols fired a volley they saw fit to retreat, tho’ I be sorry to add, not without losses, but they refus'd us still, the provisions we needed and in retaliation we set fire to their town.   Losing no time we finished the careening and trimming of our ships sail'd on to Cape Lopez where we tooke on fresh water and then to Annobón where we provisioned, whereby we again sail'd for the coast.
Come January be cruising in the south region, nigh Cape Lahou, where we have espied a faire prize.   Being about a league to the leeward of Cape Appollonia, for we encountered unfavourable winds.   Upon the hoisting out the Royall Fortune's longboat I called for volunteers, "Who will go?" says I, There were no shortage of courageous men who be anxious to go, for out of the prize is always a of a shift of cloathes, from head to toes to those having made the capture.   Of those most eager I choose 20 as I felt this number would be sufficient for the capture, leading them expedition was, of course, William Magnes, Quarter-Master.   Also among them be William Main, Bosun; T. Oughterlauney, Ship's Pilot; Petty, Sail-maker and Abraham Harper, Cooper.
Rowing towards the ship with a great deal of speed and enthusiasm, were hailed by her commander, one Captain Trahern, who liked not the situation and in an attempt to thwart them off fired a Musquet as my men sail'd beneath the stern of the ship named the King Solomon, which was immediately returned with a volley.   Wasting no time, my volunteers made speed getting aboard.   At that time Captain Trahern put to his crew, asking them to stand by him to defend the ship.   Implying there be shame upon them for fearing a number half of their owne.   The Captain was further humiliated by his owne Bosun, a man named William Philips, who tooke it upon himselfe to speake, "I shall not!" and continued, in the King's name, to lay down his arms and, taking it upon himselfe, called out for quarters.   The example which was promptly followed by the crew.
Quickly getting underway my brave volunteers slipped her cable, as when the cutting of the rope tooke place Captain Trahern quibbled, but John Walden was quick to inform him that since it had already decided to burn the ship the anchor would be needed not2.   ‘Twas not long before the King Solomon, was along side my Royall Fortune and not wasting time, the prize was plundered, whereby sailes, cordage and a host of other items deemed worthy of plundering.   Later that same day, nigh Axim, we came upon a Dutch ship the Flushingham, of whom we kindly made off with masts, which included her foremast.   We also helped ourselves to yards and stores, including many a fowl that we dressed for supper.   Graciously, we invited the ship's master, one Geret de Haen, to sup with us, providing he supply'd the drink, of which he agreed.   That evening as my company merrily sang songs in both French and Spanish which be within his Dutch prayer books as the content crew wiled away the evening, the Dutch Captain found himselfe to be amazed2.
Coming too close in at Quedah the coast was alarmed, as some landlubber must of recognised one of my ships.   An urgent message was sent to both the English and Dutch factories, which inspired such fear that four French ships departed immediately.   One of them, the Union, we learned, left in such a hurry that it abandoned twenty crew members on shore4, but, no matter, as being aware of this we sought to make the best of it.   Staying out of sight of Quedah, which is superb port for trade ships, especially Portugueze, who purchase mostly gold, which was our choosen plunder above all else aside from those necessities which were in constant need.
As we hove betwixt Quedah Road and Axim, along the Côte d'Ivoire, which be within the Gulf of Guinea, we tooke six prizes, which struck pannick.


Location: ‘The West Coast of Africa Quedah Road’
‘Twas January 11th, 1722 when, as I ordered, feeling the time was right, the sailing on into Quedah Road, as it be called, flying atop our mizen-peak St. George's ensign, a jack and a black silk flag upon which bore a skeleton bearing an hourglass in one hand and crossed bones in the other, a dart by it and beneath these crossed bones was a heart that dripped three drops of blood.   Our jack had a representation of my selfe upon it carrying a flaming sword as I stood upon the skulls of my sworn enemies of Barbadoes and Martinico and the skulls upon which I stood had inscribed the letters A.B.H. and A.M.A.   This jack is, of course, the same I have bin flying for some time and is well known.   Immediately as we sail'd in, we espy'd a eleven ships being English, French and Portugueze.   The French, numbering three and being large, carrying thirty gunns each and upwards of 100 men per ship stuck their colours as soon as my Flotilla be within firing range as did the remaining ships present.
Taking into our possession, guarding these prizes by placing a prize crew onboard, I discovered the Captains be on shore amid their business dealings.   I sent a messenger informing them their ships had bin seized, but we would gladly be willing to sell them back to them.   Whilst sev'rall communiqués transpired before an agreement was reached and I agreed to ransom their ships for the sum of 8 pounds Gold-Dust each, howe'er amid these negations we absconded with a thirty-two gunn French Man-Of-War, altho’ we promised to return her should she not saile well, taking with us sev'rall of those men upon her.   After this sum was agreeable to them, with one exception, howe'er I shall return to this in a moment.   The Captain's requested a receipt for the monies paid so they could justify the loss with those who employed them.
Such a request I thought to aloud, "Indeed, ‘tis amusing, is it not?"   Feeling so inclined, I wrote out the following:




Captain Bartholomew Roberts, with his Royall Fortune & the Great Ranger
Click for full page view.
Above is a picture of those ships held for ransom with Captain Roberts ships in the foreground.
On the right, proudly showing her colours, be the Royall Fortune, and to her left is the Great Ranger.

A likeness of this was sent to each commander.   In the matter of the Portugueze Captains, who were given the same only signed by David Sympson and Thomas Sutton, who, howe'er, signed their names to be Aaron Whiffingpin and Sim. Tugmutton; which be comical surnames indeed.
Now I shall return to one Captain Fletcher, commander of the Porcupine.   He saw fit not to pay the ransom tho’ it be unknown if ‘twas his practice not to deal with pyrates, the likes of us, or should he telling true when he says he was given no such ordered in the matters of situations of like and therefore refus'd to pay such a sum.   Either as the case may be ‘twas my decision to burn his ship, thereby setting an example by which others could follow.   First, howe'er those held hostage, being the slaves aboard his ship, must be released.   I sent John Walden and others in longboats to set them free, transferring them to our ships.   But being impatient, tho’ not without cause, the removing of their chains, in the opinion of Mister Walden and withal who be with him, set fire to the ship, which cost the lives of those eighty slaves still onboard.   It be to my extream dismay as I was helpless as many who were chained two and two together either jumped over the side, whereby torn to pieces in the shark infested waters or hearing their screams as they perished within the flames1,2,4.   The French ship, to which we helped ourselves, being Yare, we decided to keep, christening her the Great Ranger.
The hastiness which be at hand was a letter which was intercepted by us from General Phips to Mr. Baldwin, who be the agent here at Quedah for the Royal African Company.

‘Such brave Fellows cannot be supposed to be frightened at this News, yet that it were better to avoid dry Blows, which is the best that can be expected, if overtaken2.’



This letter gave an account of our whereabouts, stating my Flotilla had bin espy'd to the windward of Cape Three Points, cautioning him to be upon his guard should me and my Company arrive upon Quedah Road prior to the arrivall of the H.M.S. Swallow.   Upon the reading of this I gathered together the crew and made them aware of the necessity of our swift departure from this place.
We set saile for Annobón.   ‘Twas my opinion that we would be safe here whilst careening before proceeding to Parrot Island, as I was sure the Captains of both the H.M.S Weymouth and H.M.S. Swallow were hunting me.


Location: ‘Cape Lopez, Parrot Island’
Come Monday, February 5th, 1722, there be sev'rall fresh men that desire to know why I, who had bin third mate upon a Merchant had turned pyrate and why I was not like most others who held such a position in honest trade.   I am not of their ilk.   For I am John ‘Bartholomew’ Roberts and I make my owne way. I shan't be governed by the silly misconceptions of others who hold their positions thro' wealth and influence and little common since, who are interested onely in their owne selves with little or no concern for the common man, for these are ilk of those in power.   Therefore my reason is a simple one, repeating.   "‘Twas to get rid of the disagreeable superiority of some masters peregrinations had accustomed me."   After a moments pause I continued added, "In an honest Service, there is thin Commons, low Wages, and hard Labour; in this, Plenty and Satiety, Pleasure and Ease, Liberty and Power; and who would not balance Creditor on this Side, when all the Hazard that is run for it, at worst is only a sower Look or two at choking.   No, a merry Life and a short one, shall be my Motto2."

Tho’, the company of Captain Roberts had no knowledge of thus, Captain Chaloner Ogle, [who had no honour, to saile ‘ruse de guerre’, so infamous in nature as to be under false colours] commander of the H.M.S. Swallow, had bin given a particular commission to seek out and destroy pyrate vessels and on Monday, February 5th, 1722, espy'd his three ships: The Royall Fortune, the Little Ranger and the Great Ranger, lying at anchor, off Parrot Island, Cape Lopez, West Africa.

The great ship flew from her topmast the flag of a Portuguese merchantman and belieeving she to be that to which her jack imply'd, and knowing that a vast amount of her cargo would be sugar, which was in great demand by my company.   "Ready the Great Ranger, for she shall take that cargo we desire," in this I they asked, "Who will go2?"   Twenty men from the Royall Fortune, including my Bosun, Lord Main and many more off of the Little Fortune were eager to set out after her.   As she headed for the open seas I knew it may be sev'rall days before she would return.

Purposely sailing into an area, out of sight of approaching ships, the H.M.S. Swallow hove, lying in wait and once the Great Ranger appeared she be waylaid.   I had no way of knowing that my company had made a good fight of it for well over two hours before their ship be crippled by the seventy gunn Man-of-War, at which time they struck and called for quarters.
Tho’ not yet visible, the H.M.S. Swallow returned to the harbour.   Captain Ogle, this time, hoisted a French ensign, tho’ for me it was a frightful time, being Saturday, February the tenth, 1722.   I was aboard the Royall Fortune when the hour of 10 of the clock approached.   It was ready I be and anxious for our saile, as my Captain and I, as he promised, were going for a peaceful cruise, with a hand full of men, upon the Little Ranger.   I told him I had some private matters I wanted to discuss with him and there be little privacy aboard a pyrate carrying more than 100 men.   When her saile was sighted by a member of the crew, "Captain, a saile is seen, she must be that of the Great Ranger returning."
The company grew confused and debated whether she was the Great Ranger returning, a Portuguese ship, or a French slave ship, but at half ten, of the clock, a member of the company, one Robert Armstrong, who was a deserter from the Swallow, identify'd her.   Captain Roberts, who was just finishing his breakfast of Salmagundi, got up immediately when he heard the news and made his way onto the open deck, but not being certain of Armstrong's identification, the pyrates continued to have doubts untill the warship ran out her guns and hoisted the King's colours.

I, having realized the situation was desperate, issued battle orders with boldness and spirit, even tho’ I knew that in order to make our escape we would have to run by the Man-Of-War.   Running to the great cabin I prepared for battle, thereby dressing in my finest attire.   With the anchor slipped, the Royall Fortune got underway, whilst still being boarded by those of the Little Fortune, for it best we all be together to make a better fight of it.
The Last Battle of Captain Bartholomew Roberts.
The Last Battle of Captain Roberts as he leapt upon the cannon to better direct their fire.

The Last Fight of Captain Bartholomew Roberts Crew.
The Heat of Battle as a faithful crew fights on after the loss of their Gallant Captain.
Click either for a full page view.


TESTIMONY OF THE BATTLE:

"About eleven o'clock she being within pistol shot abreast of us, and a black flag, or pendant hoisted at their main tops'l head, we struck the French Ensign that had continued hoisted at our staff till now, and displayed the King's colours, giving her at the same time our broadside which was immediately returned by them again but without equal damage, their mizen top-mast falling and some of their rigging being disabled."
The pyrate sailing better than us, shot ahead above half gunn shot, whilst we continued firing, without intermission, such gunns as we could bring to bear... till by favour of the wind we came along side again, and after exchanging a few more shot, about half past one, his main-mast came down, being shot away a little below the parrel."
Captain Roberts himself was killed by the Swallow's one and only barrage, his throat torn out by grapeshotN12.   He collapsed across the blocks and tackles of a gun.9"

    "The battle was waged in a tempest of pouring rain, lightning, thunder and a small tornado1,2."


Captain Roberts’ body was found by the ship's pilot, John Stephenson, who, unaware of his Captain's fatal injuries, swore at his Captain, "Stand up and fight like a man!", and in rushing to him, heard him utter, "A Merry Life and a Short oneN4" as he died, whereby his long time friend gushed into tears saying, "I wish for the next lot to be mine."   ‘Twas not long before others among the crew, including most of the ‘House of Lords,’ discovered the loss of their fearless leader and burst into tears.   Shewing loyalty and love for their Captain, the crew Honored the request he frequently made, in the event of his death, which was to have his body thrown over-board, dressed in all his finery, rather than letting it fall into the hands of the enemy1,2,3,15.
And thus ended the magnificent career of the one knowne as Captain Bartholomew Roberts, who's life was dedicated to freeing others from oppression, even tho’ to some he was only a pyrate.   A true-life Zorro, Hopalong Cassidy and Robin Hood rolled into one; the ultimate ‘White Knight’ tho’ ‘twas Crimson he wore, howe'er, pride in his homeland was the reason for this choice, for Red be the nations colour and Bartholomew Roberts, together with his morals and sense of right and justice were all part of which made up this incomparable man.   A better day It'll be when all of those who think of others in the role of the greatest and/or famous pyrate, e.g. Morgan and Kidd know who is truly the one.   For more famous, these others, they may be, but Greater they are not.   The Honour of the Greatest and Most Successful pyrate, tho’ this be only one facet of this man's persona, belongs to Captain Bartholomew Roberts.   An honour he earned whilst living and shall be for all time his!


#


                       Click to Enlarge
Captain Roberts

CAPTAIN ROBERTS, THE MAN
"The Why"


RECIPE FOR SALMAGUNDI


CAPTAIN ROBERTS’ CREW


CAPTAIN ROBERTS’ QUOTES


BIBLIOGRAPHY


‘HOUSE OF LORDS’



Captain Bartholomew Roberts
flew two flags, both of which
are depicted in the background






Captain Bartholomew Roberts
click here for larger view
A nice portrayal of The Worshipful Captain Roberts At Prayer.

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This Website is well tended and constantly updated throughout, for this telling is edited/written daily, a great deal of which is placed upon this site.   The webmaster/creator/co-author is also Constantly searching for information and recently found a great deal, at the KEW in London and within Little Newcastle, all of which shall be within the published book and some placed here.

None of the writings herein, or the configuration of such, upon this webpage may be used without the handwritten and signed permission of the webmaster/creator/author.   As this site is not just a collection of facts, which are in public domain, but rather the biography section of a novel; placed here solely for the benefit of Captain Roberts in the telling of his memoirs.   It is very important to this writer, that the facts be told, together with as much realism & excitement as possible without any ill telling of the truth, for the express purpose to make it memorable to the reader.











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