Bartholomew Roberts

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Bartholomew Roberts

Bartholomew Roberts born John Robert (May 17, 1682 - February 10, 1722), also known as Black Bart (welsh: Barti Ddu), was one of the most notorious pirates of his day.

Life as a pirate

He was born in Casnewydd-Bach, (Little Newcastle), some 5 miles from Fishguard in Pembrokeshire, Wales, and became the most successful pirate in history, capturing the remarkable total of 456 vessels ^{[[Citing sources citation needed]]} in his short four year career, and once twenty-two at the same time. He is often overlooked, as history tends to remember more flamboyant personalities like Black Beard, who ironically captured fewer than 30 ships in his entire shortlived pirate career, or Anne Bonny, who never captained a ship of her own and whose career resulted in the capture of fewer than 20 ships.

Roberts pirating career started at age 37, when he shipped as third mate aboard the slave ship Princess of London, which was captured by pirate captain Howell Davis at Anomabu, then spelt Annamaboa, which is situated along the Gold Coast of West Africa (present-day Ghana). He was forced to become a part of the crew due to his abilities as a navigator.

Within six weeks of his capture, Roberts, a tall, dark-haired man, was elected captain of the pirate ship Rover, following the death of Captain Davis at the island of Isle of Princes, now Príncipe. This was an unusual move since he was openly against his even being on board the vessel, and more likely than not was due to his navigational abilities, and his demeanor which history reflects was outspoken and opinionated.

His first act as captain was to lead the crew back to Príncipe to avenge the death of Captain Davis. Roberts and his crew sprang onto the island in the darkness of night, killed a large portion of the male population, and stole all items of value that they could carry away. He then embarked on the most successful pirate run in history, racking up an enormous number of captured or robbed vessels, and evenly splitting the loot among his crew, depending on rank. He raided off the coasts of Africa, Brazil, and Newfoundland during this period. His catches were so successful that his crew never questioned his leadership, a feat uncommon in pirate circles.

For almost four years following his being named captain, Roberts led his crews on brazen raids upon ships that often had him outgunned, and outmanned. He would utilize surprise, speed, and sheer desire in his attacks, and his reputation increased with every capture.

Death in battle

His career as pirate captain ended abruptly in February, 1722 off Cape Lopez, Gabon, when he was killed aboard his flagship the Royal Fortune.

Captain Roberts was killed by grapeshot cannon fire, which struck him in the throat, while he was personally battling Captain Chaloner Ogle's company of HMS Swallow; a man-of-war which was sent to West Africa to capture and arrest pirates. Before his body could be captured by Ogle, Roberts' wish to be buried at sea was fulfilled by his crew, who threw his body overboard. Fifty-two of his crew of 254 were hanged after the battle. His motto was "A merry life and a short one." It has since been suggested that most of Roberts' crew were drunk when the man-of-war came upon them.

Roberts did have certain traits that stood him apart from many other pirates, as described in the latest History Channel documentary, [True Caribbean Pirates], which aired on July 9th, 2006:

• He was always well-dressed.
• Loathed cruelty, profanity, drunkenness & louts.
• Forbade excessive gambling between his crew.
• Held Sunday worship service onboard ship.
• Had excellent manners.
• Treated those he met with the utmost kindness and respect.
• Was always clean-shaven.
• Being a teetotaler, he did not imbibe alcohol.
• Had excellent, beautiful handwriting.
• Being a lover of music he had on-board hired musicians.
• And had a standing order, that if he were to die in battle he was to be thrown into the sea.

Articles

Roberts had 11 shipboard articles, forming a code of conduct, written in 1721:

1. Every man shall have an equal vote in affairs of moment. He shall have an equal title to the fresh provisions or strong liquors at any time seized, and shall use them at pleasure unless a scarcity may make it necessary for the common good that a retrenchment may be voted.
2. Every man shall be called fairly in turn by the list on board of prizes, because over and above their proper share, they are allowed a shift of clothes. But if they defraud the company to the value of even one dollar in plate, jewels or money, they shall be marooned. If any man rob another he shall have his nose and ears slit, and be put ashore where he shall be sure to encounter hardships.
3. None shall game for money either with dice or cards.
4. The lights and candles should be put out at eight at night, and if any of the crew desire to drink after that hour they shall sit upon the open deck without lights.
5. Each man shall keep his piece, cutlass and pistols at all times clean and ready for action.
6. No boy or woman to be allowed amongst them. If any man shall be found seducing any of the latter sex and carrying her to sea in disguise he shall suffer death.
7. He that shall desert the ship or his quarters in time of battle shall be punished by death or marooning.
8. None shall strike another on board the ship, but every man's quarrel shall be ended on shore by sword or pistol in this manner. At the word of command from the quartermaster, each man being previously placed back to back, shall turn and fire immediately. If any man do not, the quartermaster shall knock the piece out of his hand. If both miss their aim they shall take to their cutlasses, and he that draweth first blood shall be declared the victor.
9. No man shall talk of breaking up their way of living till each has a share of 1,000. Every man who shall become a cripple or lose a limb in the service shall have 800 pieces of eight from the common stock and for lesser hurts proportionately.
10. The captain and the quartermaster shall each receive two shares of a prize, the master gunner and boatswain, one and one half shares, all other officers one and one quarter, and private gentlemen of fortune one share each.
11. The musicians shall have rest on the Sabbath Day only by right. On all other days by favor only.

External links

• [www.bartholomewroberts.com]
• [PiratesInfo.com biography]
• [Biography of Roberts]
• [Biography of Bartholomew Roberts]

References

• Defoe, Daniel (1724). "A General History of the Robberies and Murders of the Most Notorious Pirates" (1999 ed.). New York: Carroll & Graf. ISBN 0-7867-0622-8.

• Onica, V’lé (2005). "The True & Complete Memoirs of Pirate Captain Bartholomew Roberts", cd-Ebooks. ISBN 1599719398

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