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  • Piracy - William Kidd

    Piracy - William Kidd
    2024/12/07
    Welcome to our podcast on the infamous pirate William Kidd, a figure whose life and legacy continue to captivate audiences centuries after his death. Today, we'll explore the dramatic rise and fall of Captain Kidd, separating fact from fiction and delving into the complex world of 17th-century piracy. William Kidd was born in Dundee, Scotland, around 1645. His early life remains largely shrouded in mystery, but we know he went to sea as a young man, following in the footsteps of his father, John Kidd, who was also a seaman. By the 1680s, Kaidd had made his way to New York City, where he married Sarah Bradley Cox Oort, a wealthy widow, establishing himself as a respectable member of colonial society. Kidd's career at sea began as a privateer, a common practice in the 16th and 17th centuries. Privateers were essentially government-sanctioned pirates, allowed to attack and plunder enemy ships during times of war, sharing their spoils with the sponsoring government. This blurred line between legal privateering and illegal piracy would ultimately play a crucial role in Kidd's downfall. During the war between England and France in the 1690s, Kidd gained a reputation as a successful privateer. He commanded a vessel called the Blessed William, defending English and American trade routes in the West Indies. His success in these endeavors caught the attention of powerful figures in England, setting the stage for the most fateful voyage of his life. In 1695, Kidd received a commission from the English government to lead an expedition against pirates in the Indian Ocean. This mission was backed by some of the most influential men in England, including the Earl of Bellomont, who would later become the governor of New York. Kidd was given command of a new ship, the Adventure Galley, a formidable vessel weighing over 280 tons and armed with 34 guns. The Adventure Galley set sail from England in 1696 with a crew of 150 men. Kidd's mission was ostensibly to hunt down pirates and protect English shipping, but there was likely an unspoken understanding that he would also seize enemy ships with valuable cargo. This dual purpose would later contribute to the ambiguity surrounding Kidd's actions. As Kidd and his crew sailed towards the Indian Ocean, they faced numerous challenges. The journey was long and arduous, and by the time they reached their hunting grounds, they had failed to capture any significant prizes. This lack of success led to growing discontent among the crew, who had signed on with the expectation of rich rewards. The turning point in Kidd's career came in late 1697. Tensions aboard the Adventure Galley were reaching a boiling point when an altercation occurred between Kidd and his gunner, William Moore. According to accounts, Moore was sharpening a chisel on deck when he criticized Kidd for not attacking a Dutch ship they had encountered earlier. The exchange of words escalated, and in a fit of rage, Kidd struck Moore with an iron-bound bucket, fracturing his skull. Moore died the following day. This incident marked the beginning of Kidd's descent into alleged piracy. With his crew on the verge of mutiny and no legitimate prizes captured, Kidd began to attack ships indiscriminately. In January 1698, he captured his greatest prize, an Armenian ship called the Quedagh Merchant. This 400-ton vessel was loaded with a fortune in gold, silver, silks, and other valuable East Indian merchandise. The capture of the Quedagh Merchant was a turning point for Kidd. Although he initially tried to convince his crew to return the ship to its owners, they refused. Kidd then attempted to justify the seizure by claiming the ship was a legitimate prize for an English privateer. However, when news of this capture reached England, along with tales of torture and brutality, the British East India Company declared Kidd a pirate. As Kidd's reputation as a pirate grew, so did the efforts to capture him. Various naval commanders were ordered to pursue and seize Kidd and his accomplices for their "notorious piracies". Unaware of the extent of his infamy, Kidd continued his voyage, eventually reaching Madagascar in April 1698.In Madagascar, Kidd encountered Robert Culliford, a notorious pirate who had once stolen a ship from Kidd years earlier. In a twist of fate, most of Kidd's crew mutinied and joined Culliford, leaving Kidd with only a handful of loyal men. This betrayal forced Kidd to abandon the Adventure Galley, which had become worm-eaten and leaky. He burned the ship to salvage its metal fittings and set sail for home aboard the Quedagh Merchant, which he had renamed the Adventure Prize. As Kidd made his way back to the Americas, he learned that he had been declared a pirate and that a royal pardon offered to pirates in the Indian Ocean specifically excluded him. Realizing the gravity of his situation, Kidd began to formulate a plan to clear his name. Upon reaching the Caribbean, Kidd cached the Adventure Prize and ...
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    12 分
  • Piracy - Black Sam Bellamy

    Piracy - Black Sam Bellamy
    2024/12/07
    Samuel Bellamy Today we will explore the life and adventures of Samuel Bellamy also known as "Black Sam" Bellamy. Born in Devon, England around 1689, Bellamy would go on to become one of the most successful and wealthiest pirates in history, despite his remarkably short career. Bellamy's early life remains largely shrouded in mystery, but we know he began sailing for the British Royal Navy as a teenager. His journey into piracy began around 1715 when he traveled to Cape Cod. There, he met and fell in love with Maria Hallett, a local beauty who was only 15 years old at the time. However, Maria's parents did not approve of the poor, self-confident sailor as a suitable match for their daughter. Determined to make his fortune and win Maria's hand, Bellamy set sail for Florida with his friend Paulsgrave Williams. Their goal was to salvage treasure from a sunken Spanish fleet off the coast. This expedition would prove to be a turning point in Bellamy's life, though not in the way he had initially hoped. Upon arriving in Florida, Bellamy and Williams found that they were far from the only ones with the idea of recovering the Spanish treasure. The area was crowded with other treasure hunters, many of whom had been hired by the Spanish Crown itself. For months, Bellamy and his crew worked alongside other salvagers, but with little success. They managed to find some coins and jewels that had been scattered by ocean currents, but the main hull section of the ship, which would have contained the bulk of the treasure, eluded them. By early 1716, Spanish reinforcements arrived in the area, driving away independent treasure hunters like Bellamy and Williams. Their expedition had been a complete failure, and the prospect of returning to New England empty-handed was unthinkable. It was at this point that Bellamy and Williams made the fateful decision to turn to piracy. Bellamy and Williams first traveled to the Gulf of Honduras, where they began recruiting men to join their crew. They started small, commanding small watercraft called periaguas. Their first prize was a Dutch merchant ship, followed by an English sloop commanded by a Captain Young. These early successes allowed them to upgrade to larger vessels and expand their operations. It was during this time that Bellamy earned his nickname "Black Sam." Unlike many of his contemporaries who favored the fashionable powdered wigs of the era, Bellamy preferred to let his long black hair flow freely, tying it back with a simple band. This style choice was seen as a mockery of the aristocratic fashion and contributed to Bellamy's reputation as a rebel against societal norms. Bellamy's career took a significant turn when he joined the crew of Benjamin Hornigold, a notorious pirate captain who was active in the Caribbean and North Atlantic. Hornigold's first mate at the time was none other than Edward Teach, who would later gain infamy as the pirate Blackbeard. Under Hornigold's command, Bellamy's skills as a sailor quickly became apparent, and he rose through the ranks with remarkable speed. In the summer of 1716, tensions arose within Hornigold's crew. Many of the pirates were frustrated by Hornigold's refusal to attack British ships, seeing it as a limitation on their potential profits. This dissatisfaction led to a vote, and Hornigold was deposed as captain of the Marianne. In his place, the crew elected Samuel Bellamy as their new leader. This moment marked the beginning of Bellamy's career as a pirate captain, and he wasted no time in proving his worth. He quickly captured a new ship, the Sultana Galley, which he made his flagship. Bellamy assigned his friend Paulsgrave Williams as commander of the Marianne, and together they began a highly successful series of raids. Bellamy's tactics as a pirate captain were innovative and effective. He favored speed and surprise, often using smaller, faster ships to outmaneuver larger vessels. He was known for his skill in naval warfare and his ability to take prizes with minimal damage, which allowed him to quickly build up a formidable fleet. One of Bellamy's most significant captures came in the spring of 1717 when he encountered the Whydah Gally, an English slave ship that had just completed a profitable voyage. The Whydah was a state-of-the-art vessel, heavily armed and laden with a fortune in gold, ivory, and indigo from the sale of 500 slaves. The capture of the Whydah was a masterclass in pirate tactics. Bellamy pursued the ship for three days, covering 300 miles of open ocean. Despite the Whydah's superior speed, Bellamy's expert seamanship allowed him to catch up. Rather than engaging in a destructive battle, Bellamy used intimidation and the threat of overwhelming force to convince the Whydah's captain to surrender. After capturing the Whydah, Bellamy displayed the generosity and fairness that would become hallmarks of his reputation. He offered the Whydah's captain his own ship, the Sultana, in exchange. This act ...
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    12 分
  • Piracy - Black Caesar

    Piracy - Black Caesar
    2024/12/07
    Today we will explore the life of the infamous pirate Black Caesar, a figure shrouded in mystery and legend from the Golden Age of Piracy. Born in West Africa in the late 17th century, Black Caesar's journey from tribal chief to feared pirate is a tale of resilience, cunning, and the harsh realities of the Atlantic slave trade. According to legend, Black Caesar was a powerful and intelligent tribal chief in West Africa. His strength and wit allowed him to evade capture by slave traders multiple times. However, his fate would change due to the deception of a cunning slave ship captain. The captain, recognizing Black Caesar's influence, devised a plan to lure him aboard his vessel. Using the allure of a golden watch and promises of even greater treasures, the captain invited Black Caesar and some of his warriors to tour the ship. Once aboard, Black Caesar and his men were treated to a feast, entertained with music, and shown luxurious silks and jewels. Distracted by these lavish displays, they failed to notice that the ship had quietly set sail. By the time Black Caesar realized the treachery, it was too late. He and his warriors fought back fiercely, but they were overwhelmed by the well-armed crew and forced into captivity. The journey across the Atlantic was a harrowing experience for Black Caesar. In an act of defiance, he initially refused to eat or drink, determined to die rather than become a slave. However, one kind-hearted sailor took pity on him and secretly provided him with food and water. This act of compassion formed an unlikely friendship between the two men, a bond that would prove crucial in the events to come. As the slave ship approached the coast of Florida, disaster struck in the form of a violent hurricane. The ship was battered by massive waves and howling winds, eventually succumbing to the storm's fury. In the chaos of the sinking vessel, Black Caesar and his sailor friend managed to escape. They were the only survivors, clinging to a longboat filled with weapons and supplies salvaged from the wreck. Washing ashore on one of the islands in the Florida Keys, Black Caesar and the sailor found themselves in a new and unfamiliar world. Rather than seek out civilization, where Black Caesar would likely be sold into slavery, the two men decided to use their survival skills and newfound freedom to forge a different path. They turned to piracy, using their small boat to prey on passing ships. Their tactics were simple but effective. The two would pose as shipwrecked sailors, signaling for help from passing vessels. When good Samaritans would approach to offer assistance, Black Caesar and his companion would spring their trap, boarding the ships and overpowering the crews. This strategy proved highly successful, and over the years, they amassed considerable wealth and notoriety. However, the partnership between Black Caesar and the sailor was not destined to last. According to the legend, their downfall came in the form of a woman captured during one of their raids. Both men desired her, leading to a heated argument that escalated into a duel. In the end, Black Caesar emerged victorious, killing his former friend and ally. Now alone but with significant resources at his disposal, Black Caesar expanded his operations. He recruited other pirates to join his crew and established a base of operations in the Florida Keys. From this hidden sanctuary, he launched raids on ships traversing the busy shipping lanes between the Caribbean and the North American colonies. Black Caesar's reputation grew, and he became known for his cunning tactics and ruthless efficiency. He used the complex network of channels and inlets in the Florida Keys to his advantage, allowing him to strike quickly and then disappear into the labyrinth of islands. This intimate knowledge of the local geography made him a formidable opponent for any ships attempting to pursue him. As his wealth and influence grew, Black Caesar's operation became more sophisticated. He reportedly established a prison camp on his island base, where he would hold captives for ransom. Some accounts even suggest that he maintained a harem of women seized from captured ships. These stories, while difficult to verify, contributed to the fearsome and exotic reputation that surrounded Black Caesar. The political landscape of the Caribbean during this time was complex and ever-changing. European powers vied for control of lucrative trade routes, and the line between legal privateering and outright piracy was often blurred. Black Caesar operated in this gray area, taking advantage of the chaos to build his own small empire. However, the most significant chapter in Black Caesar's piratical career was yet to come. Around 1718, he encountered another infamous pirate who would change the course of his life - Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard. Recognizing Black Caesar's skills and reputation, Blackbeard invited him to join his crew aboard the Queen ...
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    12 分
  • Piracy - Henry Morgan

    Piracy - Henry Morgan
    2024/12/07
    The life of Henry Morgan is the stuff of legend—a tale of daring raids, audacious conquests, and an unexpected transition from pirate to politician. Today, we'll explore the life, exploits, and legacy of a man who rose from humble beginnings to become a feared privateer, a wealthy plantation owner, and eventually the Lieutenant Governor of Jamaica. Henry Morgan was born around 1635 in Llanrumney, Wales, to a prosperous farming family. As a young man, Morgan was ambitious and restless, unable to settle for a quiet life in his homeland. Seeking adventure and fortune, he set his sights on a life at sea. However, Morgan's journey to the Caribbean was not as straightforward as one might expect. There are conflicting accounts of how Morgan arrived in the West Indies. One version suggests that in 1654, he joined Oliver Cromwell's troops under General Venables in Portsmouth, as part of Cromwell's plan to attack Spanish holdings in the Caribbean. Another account, later retracted, claimed that Morgan was taken as an indentured servant to the West Indies, where he labored on a plantation in Barbados. Regardless of how he arrived, Morgan found himself in Jamaica in 1655, just as the island was captured by the British from the Spanish. This event would prove crucial in shaping Morgan's future career. Jamaica quickly became a base for privateers, and Morgan saw an opportunity to make his fortune. By 1662, Morgan had obtained his first command as a captain of a privateer ship. It's important to note the distinction between privateers and pirates. Privateers were essentially government-sanctioned pirates, allowed to attack and plunder enemy ships during times of war, sharing their spoils with the sponsoring government. This legal framework would play a significant role in Morgan's career and ultimately in his ability to avoid the fate of many other buccaneers. Morgan's early exploits quickly established him as a capable and daring leader. In 1664, he led a fleet of privateers to attack Santiago de Cuba, demonstrating his tactical skills and bravery. However, it was his raid on Puerto del Príncipe, Cuba, in 1668 that truly cemented his reputation. The attack on Puerto del Príncipe showcased Morgan's tactical genius. With a fleet of 10 ships and over 500 men, Morgan easily conquered the city. However, the raid only brought in 50,000 pieces of eight, disappointing many of his men and causing some to leave his service. Undeterred by this setback, Morgan set his sights on an even more ambitious target: Porto Bello (now Portobelo, Panama). This heavily fortified town was a major Spanish stronghold and a tempting prize for any privateer. Morgan's attack on Porto Bello in 1668 was a masterpiece of planning and execution. Instead of launching a frontal assault on the heavily fortified town, Morgan anchored his ships far from the city and used canoes to approach quietly at night. This surprise attack allowed his forces to quickly overwhelm two of the three main forts. When faced with the challenge of the third, most formidable fort, Morgan employed a controversial and brutal tactic. He used captured monks and nuns as human shields, forcing the Spanish defenders to surrender. The victory at Porto Bello brought Morgan and his men considerable wealth - some 250,000 pieces of eight. It also demonstrated his willingness to use unconventional and often ruthless methods to achieve his goals. This raid established Morgan as one of the most successful and feared privateers in the Caribbean. Following his success at Porto Bello, Morgan's reputation grew, and he attracted more men to his cause. In 1669, he set his sights on an even more ambitious target: Maracaibo and Gibraltar in present-day Venezuela. With a fleet of 8 ships and 650 men, Morgan captured the city of Maracaibo and subjected its citizens to brutal treatment in search of hidden treasure. The raid on Maracaibo and Gibraltar was not without its challenges. After plundering the towns, Morgan found his escape route blocked by three Spanish warships. In a display of tactical brilliance, Morgan turned a captured merchant ship into a floating bomb. He had the ship outfitted with fake cannon ports and wooden dummies to make it appear fully crewed. The hold was filled with gunpowder, brimstone, and tarred palm leaves. This fire ship was sent into the Spanish fleet at night, causing chaos and allowing Morgan's forces to escape. Perhaps the most famous and controversial of Morgan's exploits was his attack on Panama City in 1671. This raid was a masterpiece of planning and execution, but it also had significant political repercussions. Morgan began by capturing the islands of Old Providence and Santa Catalina in December 1670. He then moved on to take the port of Chagres, which he used as a base for his assault on Panama City. The journey to Panama City was arduous, ...
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    11 分
  • Piracy - Charles Vane

    Piracy - Charles Vane
    2024/12/07
    Today we will explore the life and adventures of Charles Vane. Born in 1680, Charles Vane would go on to become a feared and ruthless pirate captain, known for his defiance of authority and his brutal tactics. Charles Vane's journey into piracy began in 1715 or 1716 when he joined the crew of Henry Jennings, a notorious pirate operating in the Caribbean. Vane's first major exploit under Jennings was the attack on the Spanish treasure fleet that had sunk off the coast of Florida in 1715. This event would set the stage for Vane's future career as a pirate. The attack on the Spanish treasure fleet was a pivotal moment in pirate history. A hurricane had wrecked the fleet, sinking tons of gold and silver in shallow waters near the shore. Pirates from all over the Caribbean raced to the area, battling Spanish patrols for the sunken treasure. Jennings and Vane found success by raiding the Spanish salvage camp near the end of the recovery operation, seizing an enormous amount of wealth from the Spaniards on shore. This single raid netted them 87,000 euros worth of gold, silver, and other valuable items - equivalent to over 5 million euros in today's currency. This successful raid marked the beginning of Vane's pirate career and established him as a skilled navigator and strategist. His abilities caught the attention of his fellow pirates, and he quickly rose through the ranks. As Jennings stepped back from active piracy, Vane seized the opportunity to become a captain in his own right. He established his base of operations in Nassau, on the island of New Providence in the Bahamas. At this time, Nassau was known as the "pirate republic," an abandoned English colony that had been taken over by pirates. This lawless haven would play a crucial role in Vane's career and the broader history of Caribbean piracy. Vane's reputation as a pirate captain grew rapidly, but it was not a favorable one. Unlike many of his contemporaries who followed a loose code of conduct, Vane was known for his exceptional cruelty. He frequently tortured captured sailors and sometimes murdered prisoners even after offering them quarter. This behavior not only terrorized his victims but also caused friction with other pirates who relied on their reputation for honoring surrenders to encourage quick capitulations. Vane's disregard for the established pirate code extended to his treatment of his own crew. He often cheated his men out of their fair share of plunder, a serious offense in the pirate world where fair division of spoils was a cornerstone of their social structure. This behavior would eventually contribute to his downfall. Despite his brutal reputation, or perhaps because of it, Vane's success as a pirate continued to grow. He amassed a small fleet of ships and a sizable crew, becoming one of the most prominent pirates in the Caribbean. His primary vessel was a brigantine named the Ranger, from which he launched numerous successful raids. However, Vane's piratical career was about to face a significant challenge. In 1718, the British government, determined to bring order to the Caribbean and stamp out piracy, appointed Woods Rogers as the new governor of the Bahamas. Rogers arrived in Nassau with a mandate to offer pardons to pirates who would renounce their ways and to hunt down those who refused. This development split the pirate community. Many, including Vane's former captain Henry Jennings, chose to accept the pardon and return to legitimate life. Vane, however, was defiant. He saw the arrival of Rogers as a threat to the freedom and autonomy that pirates had enjoyed in Nassau. In a bold and dramatic move that would cement his reputation as one of the most daring pirates of his time, Vane orchestrated a spectacular escape from Nassau as Rogers arrived. He loaded a French prize ship with explosives and set it adrift as a fireship, aiming it directly at the British blockade. When the ship's magazines and gunpowder exploded, it created a massive fireworks display that lit up the sky. As the British ships scrambled to avoid the incoming fireball, Vane and his crew slipped away in the chaos aboard their sloop, the Ranger. As they sailed past Rogers' ship, they fired a few defiant cannon shots and proudly flew the black flag - a clear message that Vane had no intention of surrendering his piratical ways. This daring escape not only allowed Vane to continue his piratical career but also made him a symbol of resistance against British authority. He became the leader of those pirates who refused the pardon, and his crew swelled with like-minded individuals who were unwilling to give up the pirate life. Following his escape from Nassau, Vane's piratical activities intensified. He continued to raid ships throughout the Caribbean, attacking vessels of all nations with impunity. His success was so great that it prompted Governor Rogers to commission a pirate hunter named Colonel William Rhett to track down Vane and bring him to justice. ...
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    13 分
  • Piracy - Mary Read

    Piracy - Mary Read
    2024/12/07
    Welcome to our podcast on the infamous pirate Mary Read, one of the most intriguing and enigmatic figures of the Golden Age of Piracy. Today, we'll delve into the life, legends, and legacy of a woman who defied societal norms and became one of the most notorious pirates of her time. Our story begins in England around 1695, where Mary Read was born into a world of deception and hardship. According to Captain Charles Johnson's "A General History of the Robberies and Murders of the Most Notorious Pirates," Mary's mother was married to a sailor who abandoned the family, leaving her pregnant with Mary as a result of an affair. After the death of Mary's half-brother, her mother, desperate for financial support, began dressing Mary as a boy to receive money from her deceased son's paternal grandmother. This early experience of living as a boy would shape Mary's entire life and set the stage for her future adventures. As a young teenager, Mary continued to dress as a male, first working as a servant and then seeking a life at sea. However, the maritime world was strictly off-limits to women, forcing Mary to maintain her male disguise. Mary's journey took an unexpected turn when she joined the military in Flanders. During her time as a soldier, she proved herself to be brave and capable, earning the respect of her comrades. It was here that Mary experienced her first taste of love, falling for a fellow soldier. In a rare moment of vulnerability, she revealed her true identity to him, and the two eventually married. Following their marriage, Mary and her husband opened an inn near Breda Castle in the Netherlands, which they named "De drie hoefijzers" (The Three Horseshoes). This period of domestic life was short-lived, however, as Mary's husband soon passed away, leaving her a widow. Faced with the harsh realities of life as a single woman in the early 18th century, Mary once again donned male attire and returned to military service in the Netherlands. However, with peacetime offering little opportunity for advancement, she decided to seek her fortune across the Atlantic, boarding a ship bound for the West Indies. It was during this voyage that Mary's life would take a dramatic turn. Her ship was captured by pirates, and she found herself faced with a choice: join the pirate crew or face certain death. Mary chose to embrace the pirate life, marking the beginning of her career as a buccaneer. The world Mary entered was one of constant conflict and shifting allegiances. The early 18th century saw European powers vying for control of lucrative trade routes in the Caribbean and along the American coast. This political climate created an environment ripe for piracy, as nations often turned a blind eye to pirates who targeted their enemies' ships. Piracy during this era operated under a unique set of rules and practices. Many pirate crews adhered to a code or articles that outlined the rights and responsibilities of each member. These articles often included provisions for the fair division of plunder, compensation for injuries sustained in battle, and rules of conduct. This democratic approach to shipboard life was in stark contrast to the rigid hierarchies found on naval and merchant vessels of the time. Mary quickly adapted to this new way of life, her years of living as a man serving her well in the male-dominated world of piracy. She proved herself to be a skilled fighter and a valuable crew member, earning the respect of her fellow pirates.In 1718, Mary took advantage of a royal pardon offered to pirates who surrendered, briefly returning to legitimate maritime work as a privateer. However, this respite from piracy was short-lived. Mary soon found herself part of a crew that mutinied against their captain, once again embracing the life of a pirate. It was during this time that Mary's path crossed with two individuals who would become inextricably linked with her legend: Anne Bonny and John "Calico Jack" Rackham. In 1720, Mary joined Rackham's crew, where she met Anne Bonny, another female pirate who had been disguising herself as a man. The relationship between Mary, Anne, and Calico Jack is one of the most fascinating aspects of Mary's story. According to legend, Anne was initially attracted to Mary, believing her to be a man. When Mary revealed her true identity to Anne, the two women formed a close bond. To quell Rackham's jealousy, Anne revealed Mary's secret to him as well. The presence of two female pirates on Rackham's ship was extraordinary for the time and has contributed significantly to the enduring fascination with their story. Both Mary and Anne were known for their fierce fighting skills, often leading the charge in battles and boarding actions. Speculation about the nature of Mary and Anne's relationship has persisted for centuries. Some historians suggest they may have been lovers, while others describe them as close friends and confidantes. Regardless of the exact nature of their relationship, ...
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    13 分
  • Piracy - Black Bart

    Piracy - Black Bart
    2024/12/07
    Welcome to our podcast on the infamous pirate Bartholomew Roberts, also known as Black Bart. Today, we'll delve into the life and exploits of one of the most successful pirates in history, whose brief but impactful career left an indelible mark on the Golden Age of Piracy. Born John Roberts in 1682 in Casnewydd-Bach, Wales, the man who would become known as Bartholomew Roberts began his seafaring career as an honest sailor. Little is known about his early life, but it's believed he went to sea at a young age, as was common for many Welsh boys of his time. Roberts' life took a dramatic turn in 1719 when the ship he was serving on as second mate was captured by pirates off the coast of Africa. The pirate captain who captured Roberts' ship was none other than Howell Davis, a fellow Welshman. Davis, impressed by Roberts' navigational skills, convinced him to join the pirate crew. This decision would set Roberts on a path to become one of the most notorious pirates in history. Roberts' transition from honest sailor to pirate was swift, and his rise within the pirate ranks was even swifter. Just six weeks after joining Davis' crew, a pivotal moment occurred that would catapult Roberts to pirate captaincy. The crew had anchored off the Portuguese island of Príncipe, where Captain Davis was lured ashore and killed in an ambush. The loss of their captain left the pirate crew in disarray, but it also presented an opportunity. In a surprising turn of events, the crew elected Roberts as their new captain, despite his short tenure as a pirate. This rapid ascension speaks volumes about Roberts' charisma, intelligence, and natural leadership abilities. Upon assuming command, Roberts famously declared, "It is better to be a commander than a common man," setting the tone for his ambitious and successful career as a pirate captain. Roberts' first act as captain was to avenge the death of Howell Davis. He led his crew in a daring raid on Príncipe, catching the Portuguese defenders off guard. The pirates sacked the town, exacting their revenge and securing their first significant prize under Roberts' leadership. This bold action not only avenged their fallen captain but also cemented Roberts' position as the new leader. With his position secure, Roberts set out to make a name for himself in the pirate world. He quickly proved to be an exceptional strategist and a fearless commander. One of his most famous exploits came in 1719 when he captured the Sagrada Familia, a Portuguese treasure ship carrying a fortune in gold, jewels, and religious artifacts. This single capture netted Roberts and his crew an enormous prize, equivalent to millions of dollars in today's currency. The capture of the Sagrada Familia was a turning point in Roberts' career. It provided him with the resources to expand his fleet and attract more men to his cause. Roberts used this newfound wealth and power to establish himself as one of the most formidable pirates of his time. Roberts' success came during a tumultuous period in maritime history. The early 18th century was marked by constant conflict between European powers, with much of the fighting taking place at sea. This created an environment ripe for piracy, as nations often turned a blind eye to pirates who targeted their enemies' ships. Roberts took full advantage of this political climate, playing different nations against each other and exploiting the chaos of war to further his own goals. As Roberts' reputation grew, so did his ambition. In 1720, he set his sights on Newfoundland, a bold move that would take him far from the usual pirate hunting grounds of the Caribbean and West Africa. Roberts' voyage to Newfoundland was a daring expedition that demonstrated his skill as a navigator and his willingness to take risks. During this northern campaign, Roberts and his crew raided Canso, Nova Scotia, capturing a number of ships and terrorizing the local fishing communities. This raid was particularly significant as it showed Roberts' ability to operate successfully in unfamiliar waters and against targets that were not typically associated with pirate attacks. Roberts' success in Newfoundland further enhanced his reputation and attracted even more men to his banner. By this point, he had amassed a sizable fleet, with multiple ships under his command. This gave him the ability to conduct large-scale operations and take on more formidable targets. One of Roberts' most audacious acts came in 1720 when he captured Florimond Hurault de Montigny, the Governor of Martinique. This bold move was not just a demonstration of Roberts' power, but also a calculated political statement. By capturing such a high-ranking official, Roberts was directly challenging the authority of the European powers in the Caribbean. Throughout his career, Roberts demonstrated a keen understanding of the political landscape in which he operated. He often played different nations against each other, exploiting rivalries and ...
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    14 分
  • Piracy - Edward Low

    Piracy - Edward Low
    2024/12/07
    Edward Low, also known as Ned Low. Born around 1690 in Westminster, London, Low's life would take him from the poverty-stricken streets of England to become one of the most feared pirates in the Atlantic Ocean. Edward Low's early life was marked by poverty and crime. From a young age, he was known as a thief, developing a reputation for violence and ruthlessness that would follow him throughout his life. As a young man, Low made his way to Boston, Massachusetts, seeking new opportunities in the New World. There, he married and had two children, but tragedy struck when his son died as an infant and his wife passed away while giving birth to their daughter, Elizabeth. Low's transition from petty criminal to infamous pirate began in 1722 when he was working as a rigger on a ship. One fateful day, Low found himself hungry and asked the captain for permission to eat. The captain, in a hurry to complete the ship's lading, refused and offered Low and his men only a bottle of rum. This seemingly minor incident would prove to be the catalyst for Low's piratical career. Enraged by the captain's dismissal, Low took up a loaded musket and fired at him. In a twist of fate that would set the tone for his future brutality, Low missed the captain but shot another crew member through the throat, killing him instantly. Realizing the gravity of his actions, Low and twelve of his companions commandeered a small boat and set off to sea, effectively beginning their lives as pirates. The very next day, Low and his small crew captured their first vessel, a small sloop off the coast of Rhode Island. With this capture, they declared war against the world, raising a black flag and fully embracing the pirate's life. This rapid transition from sailor to pirate captain was not uncommon during the Golden Age of Piracy, as many sailors, frustrated with the harsh conditions and low pay of merchant and naval vessels, saw piracy as a path to freedom and fortune. Low's early career as a pirate was marked by a series of successful raids along the shipping routes between Boston and New York. His tactics were simple but effective - he would use false colors to approach unsuspecting vessels, then reveal his true intentions once close enough to strike. This method of deception was a common tactic among pirates of the era, allowing them to get close to their prey before the victims realized the danger they were in. As Low's reputation grew, so did his fleet and crew. He generally maintained a small fleet of about three or four ships, allowing him to be more maneuverable and less conspicuous than larger pirate armadas. This strategy proved highly effective, as Low managed to capture over 100 ships during his brief but intense three-year career as a pirate. One of Low's most notable early exploits occurred in the harbor of Port Roseway (now Shelburne, Nova Scotia), where he successfully captured 13 fishing vessels. This raid demonstrated Low's growing confidence and skill as a pirate captain. After the fishermen surrendered, recognizing Low's reputation for brutality, the pirates plundered the vessels and took the largest 80-ton schooner as their new flagship, naming it "The Fancy." Low's career took a significant turn when he encountered the established pirate George Lowther. Lowther, impressed by Low's growing reputation, offered him a position as his lieutenant aboard the 100-ton sloop "Happy Delivery." This partnership allowed Low to learn from a more experienced pirate and further hone his skills. After several successful raids together, Lowther rewarded Low with command of a captured 6-gun brigantine named "Rebecca," marking Low's full ascension to the rank of pirate captain. As Low's power and notoriety grew, so did his reputation for extreme cruelty. He became known for violently torturing his victims before killing them, employing methods so gruesome that they shocked even his fellow pirates. One particularly horrific account tells of Low cutting off a victim's lips, boiling them, and then forcing the victim to eat them. These acts of savagery earned Low a fearsome reputation, with many ships surrendering immediately upon recognizing his flag rather than risk facing his wrath. Low's tactics evolved as his career progressed. He became adept at using the geography of the Caribbean and Atlantic to his advantage, often lying in wait in popular shipping lanes or using small islands as bases from which to launch surprise attacks. He also employed psychological warfare, using his reputation for brutality to intimidate his victims into quick surrender. One of Low's most famous engagements occurred in late 1723 when he encountered HMS Greyhound, a heavily armed warship sent specifically to hunt him down. The battle was fierce, with Low's crew fighting desperately against the superior firepower of the naval vessel. Despite his reputation for ferocity, Low chose to retreat in this instance, escaping with a small crew and the majority of his ...
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