A General History of the Pirates · Chapters

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Chapter companions for A General History of the Pirates by Captain Charles Johnson.

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Chapter 1
The Preface
The preface discusses the origins of piracy, linking it to the transition from privateering in wartime to piracy in peacetime, and criticizes the inefficacy of naval patrols in the Americas. It argues that pirates exploit predictable shipping routes and seasonal patterns, and suggests that a national fishery could provide employment for seamen and thus prevent piracy. The author also defends the truthfulness of the accounts, drawing on eyewitness testimony and the pirates' own confessions, and notes the inclusion of new material in this second edition.
Chapter 2
A General History of the Pirates
This chapter introduces the rise of piracy in the Caribbean, focusing on the settlement of pirates in the Providence Islands and their early exploits. It sets the stage for the Golden Age of Piracy by detailing the economic and political conditions that fostered piracy.
Chapter 3
Of Captain Avery, and His Crew
This chapter recounts the story of Captain Avery, a pirate who became the subject of exaggerated legends claiming he had become a king in Madagascar, married the Great Mogul's daughter, and amassed immense wealth. In reality, Avery was a former mate who led a mutiny on a ship hired by Spanish agents, turned pirate, captured a rich Indian ship, but ultimately lost his fortune and died in poverty in England. The chapter also describes the fate of his crew, who settled in Madagascar and lived among the native princes, and includes a digression about Captain Thomas Tew, who also turned pirate and joined them.
Chapter 4
Of Captain Martel, and His Crew
This chapter recounts the brief but successful pirate career of Captain Martel, who operated in the Caribbean after the Peace of Utrecht. It describes how former privateers turned to piracy in peacetime, Martel's capture of multiple vessels including the Berkley galley, the John and Martha, and the Dolphin, and his eventual refuge at Santa Cruz. The chapter concludes with the arrival of HMS Scarborough under Captain Hume, which destroys Martel's fleet, forcing him to scuttle his ship and flee into the woods, presumably to his death.
Chapter 5
Of Captain Teach Alias Blackbeard
This chapter details the life and exploits of the notorious pirate Edward Teach, known as Blackbeard. It covers his early piracy under Captain Hornigold, his command of the Queen Ann's Revenge, his alliance with Major Stede Bonnet, and his eventual demise at the hands of Lieutenant Robert Maynard. The narrative also highlights his corrupt dealings with Governor Charles Eden of North Carolina, his brutal behavior, and the final battle at Ocracoke Inlet.

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The Preface

A General History of the Pirates

Of Captain Avery, and His Crew

Of Captain Martel, and His Crew

Of Captain Teach Alias Blackbeard