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I was
just in my teens returning home from the West Indies with my adopted
family. When the ship I was on was attacked by John Rackham (Calico
Jack) and his crew. They say pirate-in is in your blood, I belive
this true, as the events of that day unfolded. Our fair ship was no
match for Calico Jack’s ship and the battle was quick. We remained
on board as Jack’s men looted our ship. I noticed one of our ship’s
officers lay on deck slowly going for his pistol, whilst Jack had
his back to him and standing no more than 5 feet away. I grabbed the
water bucket at my feet and threw it at the officer, hitting him in
the shoulder and knocking the firing pistol aside. The shot just
missed Jack with the ball hitting the main mast. Jack then spun and,
in a split second, drew and fired his own pistol took the officer’s
life. Then turning to me, realized that I had just saved his life.
Shouting to his men, “Blow the belly of this barge and heave this
lad over to our ship, it looks like we just got a cabin boy.”
It
wasn’t long till we were in battle again ,with the pirate ship
“Treasure” captained by Charles Vane. I again proved my loyalty with
my swordsmanship and pistols and Jack took the vessel “Treasure”.
This left a bitter taste in the mouth of Port Royal, as Captain
Charles Vane was a blockade runner for that port.
While in
port on Tortuola, Jack took on two mysterious mates. They were
different; but by now, I had the full trust of Jack and found out
who the new mates were. The famous pirates Anne Bonny and Mary Read.
We fought many battles, and as a reward Jack gave the two women
pirates a Man-o-War, and I was made 1st Mate.
As we
sailed apart we could see one of the Kings ships readying for a
fight with their eyes seeing only Jack’s ensign. Jack last words to
us was, “Make fast, you will fight another day.” The ship bearing
down on Jack was the Kings ship the “Barnet” a pirate hunter. Jack
lost this battle and was captured. After a brief trial, Jack was
hanged at Gallows Point at Port Royal. The Lady pirates and I made
quite a career out of pirating and became very successful.
One day
after taking over a beautiful Gafted Rig Bach named “The Ocean
Gypsy” I asked the two Captains if instead of my share of the
treasure, could I captain the “Ocean Gypsy”. As they both would be
commodores, and as I would sail under their command, permission was
granted. As it turned out, in there next battle, Anne Bonney and
Mary Read also lost there ship, and they were captured.
So
I sail to this day on the “Ocean Gypsy” maybe some day turning this
fine ship over to a lad, (ayyyyy) or maybe even a lassie. As one
knows,
it has to be in the blood.
Captain Hawk & Stormy
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