Maritime Piracy: From Johnson to Modern Accounts

Introduction to Maritime Piracy

Maritime piracy has been a significant feature of maritime history, from the pirate accounts documented by Charles Johnson in the 18th century to the more recent and extensively documented cases. Charles Johnson's General History of the Pirates, published in 1724, is arguably the best-known resource on this topic, but the author's true identity remains a mystery.

Nothing is known about Charles Johnson outside his work for several decades. It was initially presumed that he was an alias for Daniel Defoe, but most scholars no longer accept this theory. The real identity of Johnson, if he indeed existed as a separate individual, remains one of the enduring mysteries of literary history.

Main 18th-Century Accounts of Pirates

Victim Stories and Trial Documents

The 18th-century accounts of pirates often originated from victim stories and trial documents. These documents not only provide us with a glimpse into the pirates' activities but also serve as primary sources for understanding the legal and social response to piracy. Johnson utilized a significant portion of these accounts in his work, including detailed trials of notable pirates such as Stede Bonnet, Mary Read, and Anne Bonny.

Documented Crew Members

The crew of Bartholomew Roberts is particularly well-documented. His crew was involved in numerous piracy cases, leading to several trials. These detailed accounts offer us a comprehensive overview of the pirate's operations and the challenges faced during trials.

Personal Accounts of Captivity

Victim stories also feature prominently in the historical record. For instance, Captain William Snelgrave's detailed report on his encounter with pirate captains Cocklyn, Davis, and La Bouche can be found in his book, A New Account of Some Parts of Guinea. Another book, the Four Years Voyages of Captain George Roberts, features a story about Roberts being captured by pirates under Edward Low's command, often attributed to Daniel Defoe, though without substantial evidence supporting this claim.

More Personal Narratives

A personal narrative from a distant ancestor of the American president Millard Fillmore, John Fillmore, is also noteworthy. In 1723, John Fillmore was captured by pirates led by John Phillips and forced to join them. Later, he wrote about his experience, perhaps to clear his name.

The Role of Archive Records

State and Crown Archives

United States state government and British crown archives are invaluable sources for piracy records. Both sets of archives extend back to colonial times and provide extensive reports on piracy activities. These documents offer a wealth of information on piracy, providing insight into the legal and social dimensions of this historical phenomenon.

Fragmentary and Lost Documents

Pirates themselves generally wrote very little, given the capital nature of their crimes. However, some primary documents do survive. Four sets of 18th-century pirate articles, rules for running the crew, have survived mainly through Charles Johnson's work. Johnson claimed to have seen Blackbeard's journal, though the journal itself is lost, if it ever existed. Johnson also preserved Stede Bonnet's petition for mercy addressed to South Carolina's governor, an invaluable piece of historical narrative.

Conclusion

The study of maritime piracy is complex, with documents from various sources providing insights into one of history's most infamous and intriguing eras. From the published works of Charles Johnson to the personal accounts of victims, and the legal records that followed, the history of piracy offers a rich tapestry of human action, legal proceedings, and personal survival stories. These accounts continue to captivate historians and the public alike.