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Pirates played a major role in shaping the history of Virginia and the Colonies throughout the late 17th and 18th centuries. Notorious pirates such as Blackbeard, Anne Bonny and John Vidal roamed the seas from Port Royal, Jamaica, to the Colonies, pillaging and terrorizing ships wherever they may be.
William Berkeley, governor of the Virginia colony in 1660, complained that the "Seas are soe full of Pyrates that it is almost impossible for any Ships to goe home [to England] in safety." Merchantmen and trading vessels often sought to thwart pirates by assembling in fleets and sailing under convoy of guardships, English naval vessels that superintended harbors and protected shipping. Writing to the Board of Trade in 1724, Governor Spotswood lamented his lack of "some safe opportunity to get home" to London and insisted that he would travel only in a well-armed man-of-war.
But you, as Ship's Boy, are not traveling in a man-of-war (a well-protected military ship). You are approaching Virginia (but still far out at sea), in a leaky, worn-out merchant ship full of people and goods from England. Your ship is very attractive to pirates, and your captain, crew and all aboard are worried about a pirate attack.
Your first task is to find out about pirates: What are they? Who are they? What do they want? How do they live? Where do they live? What do they eat? How do they punish their victims? This information can be found in any one of the following links below. One paragraph is sufficient for each question, and it should be entered in your journal.
Your second task is to research Blackbeard and write three paragraphs about his life. Be sure to include how he was significant to piracy in Virginia, as well as in Port Royal, Jamaica. What happened to him in these places? Why was each place important in early Colonial History? Also include a drawing of Blackbeard's flag (All pirates used unique flags for identification). The links below will also help you answer these questions.
Finally, you must read the actual account (primary source document) about a pirate raid on a ship such as the one you are sailing on. It is a terrible and frightening tale indeed. While you are reading it, keep track of how you would feel and respond in such a situation: Would you have behaved differently? Could you have done anything to help the situation? Why would pirates act in such a manner? Click on Link 2 (Sample Story from Captured By Pirates) for this account. As you have done in the previous tasks, answer these questions in your journal.
Congratulations! You have completed the Caribbean Pirates section. Now, return to the main menu and visit the Virginia Colonial Life page.
End
Caribbean Pirates on the quest for treasures
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