Gerrit van Meeckeren (sixteenth century)
One of the most daring privateers in the sixteenth century was Gerrit van Meeckeren.
In the springtime of 1528 he delivered a ship from Zeeland by way of engaging a
French ship. The Dutch ship had lost it's mast. The French ship under command of
the admiral of Dieppe was sunk by Van Meeckeren.
A few years later, in 1534, he went privateering again, but this time with 6 ships
under his command. That year he was fortunate enough to capture a rich French ship
that was sailing from Brasil. The ship and it's cargo was sold for the in that
time huge sum of 50.000 guilders.
In 1543 Gerrit sailed to the gulf of Biscaye, because the Dutch coast did not offer
enough opportunities. Several ships were attacked and subsequently burned and several
villages along the coast were raided. He brought ten ships, with cargoes of wine and
a blue die, in as prizes.
The next voyage on Commission of Van Meeckeren against French ships began less
succesful. After raiding some villages on the French coast they sailed for home again.
Luckily enough they were able to capture 5 French vessels on their return voyage.
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For this text I drew heavily on:
- Vrijman, L.C.
- Kaapvaart en zeeroverij / L.C. Vrijman. - Amsterdam, [1938]