# John Massey — A General History of the Pirates character guide

> John Massey in A General History of the Pirates by Captain Charles Johnson.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Captain Massey, Massey, Captain John Massey

**First appearance:** 0012-viii-of-captain-howel-davis-and-his-crew

## Snapshot

John Massey served under Howel Davis before taking his own command, a pirate whose ambition was tempered by the memory of stricter captains.

## Who they are

John Massey learns the pirate trade under Howel Davis, absorbing lessons about leadership, discipline, and the fine line between courage and recklessness. When he eventually leads his own crew, he must decide whether to imitate his mentor or chart a different course. His story matters because it shows the pirate world as a network of apprenticeships and rivalries, where today's lieutenant becomes tomorrow's captain.

## Relationships

### [Edward Low](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_general_history_of_the_pirates_se/characters/edward_low)

_professional_

Massey served as Low's quartermaster and later parted ways due to disagreements over command.

### [Woodes Rogers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_general_history_of_the_pirates_se/characters/woodes_rogers)

_rivalry_

Massey was a pirate pursued by Rogers, who eventually captured and imprisoned him.

### [Edward Low](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_general_history_of_the_pirates_se/characters/edward_low)

_professional_

Massey served as Low's quartermaster and later parted ways due to disagreements over command.

## In the story

### [Of Capt. George Lowther, and His Crew](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_general_history_of_the_pirates_se/chapters/xii-of-capt-george-lowther-and-his-crew)

Captain Massey, a soldier turned pirate, who quarreled with Lowther over plans to attack French settlements and later left the crew.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_general_history_of_the_pirates_se/characters/john_massey
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_general_history_of_the_pirates_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_general_history_of_the_pirates_se/characters