Caribbean Tales - Ships - Crews
Captain
Today there are many different misconceptions and myths about buccaneers throughout
history. A common misconception made by many people is in the role and authority
of the pirate captain. Unlike naval captains who were appointed by their respective
governments and who's authority was supreme at all times. Most pirate captains
were democratically elected by the ship's crew and could be replaced at any
time by a majority vote of the crewmen. For example some captains were voted
out and removed for not being as aggressive in the pursuit of prizes as the
crew would have liked. And others were abandoned by their crews for being
a little too bloodthirsty and brutal. They were expected to be bold and decisive
in battle. And also have skill in navigation and seamanship. Above all they
had to have the force of personality necessary to hold together such an unruly
bunch of seamen.
This left the captain of most pirate ships in a rather precarious position
and some were in truth little more then a figurehead. Generally speaking,
he was someone the crew would follow if he treated them well and was a fairly
successful pirate captain, but, could be replaced if enough of the men lost
confidence in him and felt he wasn't performing his duties as well as he should.
In any event, the Captain never had the last say, except perhaps in the midst
of battle. In fact at certain times, the Captain had no more power than every
other pirate on board. When not in battle or preparing to fight, quite often
the Quartermaster might actually be in charge of the ship.
Important matters such as where the ship might
sail, or rather or not to put into port, or if a certain ship should be engaged
and so on, were quite often not up to the Captain. These pressing details
were decided by vote, with the majority ruling. If the Captain were to go
against the vote, then he too would be in violation of the Articles of Piracy,
and would most likely step down from command and new leader would be chosen.
However, despite all this the captain was frequently
looked upon with respect as a knowledgable leader of men. And the pirate crews
historically appeared to have followed his judgement in most matters. There
are surprisingly few detailed descriptions of what the pirate captains looked
like, and those we do have are rarely flattering. Most seem to have adopted
the clothes of naval officers or merchant sea captains, which in this period
followed the style of English gentlemen.
Quartermaster
During the Golden Age of Piracy, most British and Anglo-American pirates delegated
unusual amounts of authority to the Quartermaster who became almost the Captain's
equal. The Captain retained unlimited authority during battle, but otherwise
he was subject to the Quartermaster in many routine matters. The Quartermaster
was elected by the crew to represent their interests and he received an extra
share of the booty when it was divided. Above all, he protected the seaman
against each other by maintaining order, settling quarrels, and distributing
food and other essentials. His main purpose was to distribute things. He distributed,
rations, powder, work, prize, and punishment.
Serious crimes were tried by a jury of the crew,
but the Quartermaster could punish minor offenses. Only he could flog a seaman
after a vote from the Crew. The Quartermaster usually kept the records and
account books for the ship. He also took part in all battles and often led
the attacks by the boarding parties. If the pirates were successful, he decided
what plunder to take. If the pirates decide to keep a captured ship, the Quartermaster
often took over as the Captain of that ship.
Sailing Master
This was the officer who was in charge of navigation and the sailing of the
ship. He directed the course and looked after the maps and instruments necessary
for navigation. Since the charts of the era were often inaccurate or nonexistent,
his job was a difficult one. Many Sailing Masters had to be forced into pirate
service.
First Mate
On most ships, the First Mate is the officer who ranks just below the Captain
of the ship and takes over in the event that the Captain can no longer perform
his duties. Some pirate ships may have had First Mates and most Privateers
would definitely have a First Mate but for the most part this function was
filled by the Quartermaster.
Boatswain
Boatswains are junior officers who handled specific tasks on board ship. The
Boatswain supervised the maintenance of the vessel and its supply stores.
He was responsible for inspecting the ship and its sails and rigging each
morning, and reporting their state to the captain. The Boatswain was also
in charge of all deck activities, including weighing and dropping anchor,
and the handling of the sails. Contrary to the movies they do more than blow
a silver whistle.
Carpenter
The Carpenter was responsible for the maintenance and repair of the wooden
hull, masts and yards. He worked under the direction of the ship's Master
and Boatswain. The Carpenter checked the hull regularly, placing oakum between
the seams of the planks and wooden plugs on leaks to keep the vessel tight.
He was highly skilled in his work which he learned through apprenticeship.
Often he would have an assistant whom he in turn trained as a carpenter.
Master Gunner
The Master Gunner was responsible for the ship's guns and ammunition. This
included sifting the powder to keep it dry and prevent it from separating,
insuring the cannon balls were kept free of rust, and all weapons were kept
in good repair. A knowledgeable Gunner was essential to the crew's safety
and effective use of their weapons.
Mate
On a large ship there was usually more than one Mate aboard. The Mate served
as apprentice to the Ship's Master, Boatswain, Carpenter and Gunner. He took
care of the fitting out of the vessel, and examined whether it was sufficiently
provided with ropes, pulleys, sails, and all the other rigging that was necessary
for the voyage. The Mate took care of hoisting the anchor, and during a voyage
he checked the tackle once a day. If he observed anything amiss, he would
report it to the ship's Master. Arriving at a port, the mate caused the cables
and anchors to be repaired, and took care of the management of the sails,
yards and mooring of the ship.
Surgeon
Surgeons were highly valued among pirates and when pirates captured ships
they would often press Surgeons into service. A Surgeon was typically the
only person kept on board who was not required to sign articles. Depending
on the nature of the crew some Surgeons were paid even if they refused to
sign on.
If a Surgeon wasn't handy, then the crew would often elect someone with an
inkling of knowledge to act as Surgeon. On at least one account, the Carpenter
was elected the ship's Surgeon, because the Carpenter had the necessary tools
needed to amputate limbs and knew how to cut quickly. At other times a Cook
might also be employed but Cooks were normally considered less skillful at
cutting than Carpenters. Cooks weren't butchers and had little training. Typically
they were crew members assigned to work the galley who managed to make edible
food.
Cabin Boy
The Cabin Boy is typically a young boy of privileged birth who is sent to
sea to learn the maritime trade. Typically the Cabin Boy waits upon the Officers
of the ship. In some instances he may act as the Captain's servant. The Cabin
Boy will run messages and errands for the Officers, prepare their uniforms,
perhaps even fetch their dinner. Because he is an apprentice of sorts, he
is also expected to learn all aspects of the maritime trade. The Cabin Boy
works long hard hours. Even on pirate ships, the Captain might employ a young
energetic fellow as a Cabin Boy.
Powder Monkey
Powder Monkey was a British Naval term used to
describe the young boys who made up the gun crews. The term dates from the
1600s. Many Powder Monkeys were probably pressed into service, being kidnapped
by Press Gangs and forced to serve aboard ship. Often the Powder Monkeys were
young lads no more than 11 to 13 years old. They mainly assisted the gun crews
and learned most of the ships basics but were paid little, if anything, treated
poorly, and were expendable. If they managed to live a few years, they might
eventually make it to a position of more importance on the ship. Often, due
to their harsh life, Powder Monkeys were quick to sign articles and desert
a ship. On a pirate ship, newcomers would serve the function of Powder Monkeys.
Sailor
The common sailor, which was the backbone of the ship, needed to know the
rigging and the sails. As well as how to steer the ship and applying it to
the purposes of navigation. He needed to know how to read the skies, weather,
winds and most importantly the moods of his commanders. Other jobs on the
ships were surgeon (for large vessels), cooks and cabin boys. There were many
jobs divided up amongst the officers, sometimes one man would perform two
functions. Mates who served apprenticeships were expected to fill in or take
over positions when sickness or death created an opportunity.
Articles of Piracy
Pirates, lived by codes, they were surprisingly very democratic. Articles
were drawn up and the whole crew signed them in agreement, Captains were elected,
and rules followed. Typically the Articles were a hold over from Privateering.
See that section for an explanation between this fine distinction. The articles
were drawn up by the crew, and everyone would then sign the contract that
bound the ship together. The following is an example of the Articles of Piracy.
These were the articles used by the ship Revenge which was commanded
by Captain John Phillips. These articles are typical of the laws that pirate
crews would agree to. In the movie The Black Swan, there is an episode where
Tyrone Powers discusses articles. As in real life, the articles in the movie
stressed primarily the division of Booty.
Every man has a Vote in Affairs of Moment;
has equal title to the fresh Provisions, or Strong Liquors, at any time seized,
and use of them at pleasure, unless a scarcity make it necessary, for the
good of all, to Vote a Retrenchment.
Every man to be called fairly in turn, by List, on Board of Prizes, because,
they were on these occasions allowed a shift of clothes: But if they defrauded
the Company to the Value of a Dollar, in plate, jewels, or money, marooning
was their Punishment.
No Person to Game at Cards or Dice, for Money.
The Lights and Candles to be put out at eight o'clock at Night: If any of
the Crew, after that hour, still remained inclined for drinking, they were
to do it on the open Deck
To Desert the Ship, or their Quarters in Battle, was punished with death,
or marooning.
No striking one another on Board, but every Man's Quarrels to be ended on
Shore, at sword and pistol.
No man to talk of breaking up their Way of Living, till each had shared a
1000! If in order to this, any man should lose a limb, or become a cripple
in their Service, he was to have 800 Dollars, out of the public Stock, and
for lesser hurts, proportionally.
Every man shall obey civil command; the Captain shall have on full share and a half in all prizes. The Master, Carpenter, Boatswain, and Gunner shall have one share and quarter.
If any man shall offer to run away, or keep any secret from the Company, he shall be marooned with one bottle of powder, one bottle of water, one small arm, and shot.
If any man shall steal any Thing in the Company, or game, to the value of a piece of Eight, he shall be marooned or shot.
If at any time we should meet at another Marooner (that is, Pirate) that man shall sign his Articles without Consent of our Company, shall suffer such punishment as the Captain and Company shall think fit.
That a man that shall strike another, whilst these Articles are in force, shall receive Moses' Law (that is 40 Stripes lacking one) on the bare back.
That man that shall snap his arms, or smoke tobacco in the Hold, without cap to his pipe, or carry a candle lighted without lanthorn, shall suffer the same punishment as in the former Article.
That man that shall not keep his arms
clean, fit for an engagement, or neglect his business, shall be cut off from
his Share, and suffer such other punishment as the Captain and Company shall
think fit.
If any man shall lose a joint in time
of engagement, shall have 400 Pieces of Eight: If a limb, 800.
If at any time you meet with a prudent
woman, that man that offers to meddle with her, without her consent, shall
suffer Death.
Insurance Policy
Insurance Policies were often discussed in the Articles of Piracy. Typical
of such insurance policies is in the Articles above. While this may all sound
quite democratic, it probably was not as fair or compensatory as it sounds.
You must remember that often pirates would maroon Captains because no loot
was being found. Can you picture a crew of cutthroats giving the lion's share
of a take to a wounded man?
Still, it was better than what was offered in most of the Navies of the day,
which gave little or no compensation in the event of death or injury. Such
pension plans would not exists for several decades in the Royal Navy which
is often regarded as one of the more liberal Navies when it came to caring
for the crew.
The Sailing Life
Day to day life on board a ship was far different that the glamorous life
portrayed in an Errol Flynn Swash-buckler movie or a Gilbert and Sullivan
Musical. Upon coming on board the first thing one might notice is the smell.
Imagine a cross between rotting fish and human sweat. This is would be the
top deck of the ship. As you went below deck, the smell would give even worse.
The reason is simple. There were no real toilets on board and fresh water
was an absolute luxury.
Every inch of a sailing ship would be occupied with the necessities of the
voyage and every item onboard would need to be carefully stowed to prevent
the cargo from moving about. If the cargo were to shift, then a the ship could
easily capsize.
Starting at the bottom of the ship: Between the bottom of the deck and the hull would be a space that was partially filled with stone or ballast. This area was the bilge. No matter how well a ship is constructed, water always tends to seep in. That water works its way down to the ships lowest level (the bilge) and collects there. This water brings in micro-organisms which die and rot in the bilge. This causes the water to turn foul which in turn leads to a horrible sewage like odor. If it were allowed to remain there, it would so weaken the bottom of the ship, that it would rot out. Thus all ships have bilge pumps which try to remove all the water from the bilge. On occasions, such as rough seas or storms, the bilge pump would be manned constantly. If it were not manned, the water would eventually fill more than just the bilge. Manning the bilge pump was not a fun job. On many ships it would have been given as a punishment detail or given to the junior most member of the crew. The same could be the case on a pirate ship. On some ships, the bilge may have been done in shifts. The seaman who worked the bilge pump as punishmnet were called bilgies or bilge rats. Today the word "bilgy" means worthless and can be traced back to what most of the crew thought of the persons assigned to the bilge pump.
The sailor also had plenty of stow-aways
onboard the ship. Rats, fleas, and poisonous spiders and scorpions were common
interlopers on ships that travelled between the Spanish Main and Europe. Fleas
were inescapable. They would live within the canvas, and hide within the cracks
and crevices of the the ship.
Food had to be brought on board for passengers
and crew. Grains and flour were often stored in the lower hold and the rats
would often feed better than the sailors. A major problem with rats and mice
is they breed quickly, so once the infestation begins, it is almost impossible
to stop it. The rats gnaw on the wood of the ships, the ropes, the food, and
even the sailors. It was not uncommon for sailors to go on rat hunting trips
to try and kill the vermins. On at least one occasion, a Spanish Galleon reported
killing over 4,000 rats in just one voyage from the Caribbean to Europe.
Often fresh fruits and vegetables, would be brought
on board for food en route. Bundles of wood, for fire, would also be brought
along. All of these items would also bring spiders and scorpions with them.
Much of the food would rot along the way, and would just add to the odors
on board.
Livestock would also be brought on board to give the sailors some fresh meat on the way. Most of this meat would be reserved for the officers on regular vessels, but it would be shared among pirate crews. But this was not the common food of the day. Most of the time, the sailors would live on hard-tack and dried meat. Hard tack is a hard cracker made of water, and flour (and sometimes a little lard). The dried meat was usually smoked pork, horse, or beef. The typical ration was about 25 ounces (@700 grams) of hard-tack and 9 ounces (@250 grams)of meat for the entire day. Imagine working 16 hours a day and only getting about 2 1/4 pounders hamburgers patties and a supersized order of french fries. Now imagine that food being smashed as flat as possible and served cold. This is your entire breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the day. It would be about the same amount of food, but it would still taste better than what the sailor was eating and would also have more nutrition!
Water was usually on short supply. A sailor might get about 1 quart (1 litre) a day of water. It was not uncommon for the water to go bad. This is why there was so much beer and rum on board ships. It was to make the water taste better and last longer. Beer, ale, and mead would all last longer than water because of the alcohol. Rum would be added to the water to help kill disease. Sailors would actually be allowed to drink more rum and beer than than water.
Looking for a place to sleep? Only the Captain had a cabin and that meant only the Captain had a bunk or bed. A sailor would look for any place on board to find a spot to sleep. Perhaps he would lay down on some sack of wheat or perhaps he'd just find a spot where water wasn't seeping through the timbers.
If that wasn't bad enough, eventually
"nature" would call. Typically a sailor would use the "jardines"
which was French for "gardens". Typically the jardines were near
the bow of the ship. These were holes cut in a board. The sailor would lower
his trousers and sit on the hole and deposit his waste in the sea. There was
no privacy.
Of course everyone, even the most hardened sailor
would have to visit the rail due to sea-sickness. Considering the food was
often bad as was the water, most sailors would come down with food poisoning
as well as other gastro-instesinal ailments. If you didn't get sea-sick, you
were the rare sailor.
All in all, life on board ship was harsh. If you weren't working hard you were bored beyond belief. Sailors would often sing shanties to pass the time while working or board. The songs often contained lyrics that were anything but politically correct. Many have been passed down through the ages and still exist today. With such a harsh and dreary life, one may wonder why anyone would ever go to sea. The answer is quite simple. Many sailors were pressed into service. This is a nice way of saying drafted. In reality they were kidnapped in the middle of the night and forced to serve on a ship. For others, life on land was just as harsh and some times even more harsh than that on the sea. The sea life, at least offered the possibility of escape from the dreariness of the day to day routines. Sailors would turn to piracy often in an attempt to further escape this miserable existence.