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The Democratic Captain
Far from embracing the image of ill discipline and debauchery that clung to most pirates, 'Black' Bart produced a series of 'articles' which his crew had to follow, which made his ship a surprisingly fair and democratic vessel, especially when compared to the rigours encountered on Royal Naval vessels at the time.
ARTICLE I.
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.
ARTICLE II.
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.
ARTICLE III.
None shall game for money either with dice or cards.
ARTICLE IV.
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.
ARTICLE V.
Each man shall keep his piece, cutlass and pistols at all times clean and ready for action.
ARTICLE VI.
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.
ARTICLE VII.
He that shall desert the ship or his quarters in time of battle shall be punished by death or marooning.
ARTICLE VIII.
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.
ARTICLE IX.
No man shall talk of breaking up their way of living till each has a share of £l,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.
ARTICLE X.
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.
ARTICLE XI.
The musicians shall have rest on the Sabbath Day only by right. On all other days by favour only.
( bbc.co.uk )
Born John Roberts (May 17, 1682 - February 10, 1722), Bartholomew Roberts, also known as Bart Roberts (Welsh: Barti Ddu), was a Welsh pirate who raided shipping off the Americas and West Africa between 1719 and 1722. He was the most successful pirate of the Golden Age of Piracy, capturing far more ships than some of the best-known pirates of this era such as Blackbeard or Captain Kidd He is estimated to have captured over 470 vessels. He is also known as Black Bart, but this name was never used in his lifetime.
Article by Wikipedia
Pirate Info / Bio
Wikipedia / Barthlomew
Geocities / Bio / Roberts
The Pirates Realm / Bartholomew
BBC / UK / Roberts
