Jacques Cassard French pirate Date of Birth: 30.09.1679 Country: France

1. Early Life and Naval Beginnings
2. Rise to Fame as a Privateer
3. Exploits as a Corsair
4. Service in the War of the Spanish Succession
5. Frustration with French Authorities
6. Expedition to the West Indies
7. Royal Service and Downfall
8. Years of Neglect
9. Final Years

Early Life and Naval Beginnings

Jacques Cassard was born on September 30, 1679, in Nantes, France. His father, William Cassard, was a captain and owner of a small merchant vessel who passed away when Cassard was only ten years old. From then on, financial struggles plagued Cassard's family, with his mother struggling to support him and his three sisters.

Cassard's friends aided him in securing a berth on a fishing vessel that sailed to Newfoundland. Later, at age 14, he transitioned to a military vessel and then joined his uncle's small coastal ship. Cassard's first military triumph came in 1697 during Baron de Pointis' expedition to capture Cartagena. He led the vessel "L'Eblouissant," which found its way to Santo Domingo after being separated from the squadron en route to the Americas.

Rise to Fame as a Privateer

Cassard received further recognition when he commanded a group of buccaneers during the siege of Cartagena. His bravery earned him an audience with the French King, who appointed him to serve under du Casse in Dunkirk. Cassard rose through the ranks, becoming captain of the warship "Saint Guillaume" in 1700.

Exploits as a Corsair

Cassard's first privateering voyage yielded few rewards. However, he employed a clever ruse on a second expedition, feigning an English alliance to approach six English vessels and extort a small ransom. While patrolling the English Channel aboard the "Saint Guillaume," Cassard levied tribute on the town of Cork in 1705. Two years later, he captured 13 merchant ships and a British consort, "Princess Anne."

Service in the War of the Spanish Succession

Cassard's exceptional seamanship and daring piratical tactics made him renowned. In 1708, he captured numerous merchant ships off the coast of Ireland but narrowly escaped disaster after a severe encounter with the British frigate "Exeter."

In 1709, amidst a grain shortage, Cassard escorted a French convoy with his 66-gun warship "L'Eclatant." Engaging in a fierce battle against an English squadron off Bizerta, Cassard audaciously held his ground against the superior force. His steadfastness allowed the convoy to safely reach Marseille.

Frustration with French Authorities

Despite his success, Cassard faced bureaucratic hurdles after the convoy battle. Delays in his arrival resulted in his exclusion from the payment of protection fees. In December 1709, he aided a convoy under attack by English ships near Sicily. His cunning use of English and Dutch flags helped secure a victory, but French officials again denied him compensation.

Expedition to the West Indies

In 1712, Cassard embarked on a daring expedition to the West Indies with a squadron of six ships. Along the way, he exacted tribute from Praia on Cape Verde after a four-hour bombardment. In the Caribbean, he raided English colonies in Montserrat and Antigua, as well as Dutch territories in Surinam, Saint Eustatius, and Curaçao. From the latter two, he seized substantial sums: 800,000 livres from Surinam and 115,000 piastres from Curaçao.

Royal Service and Downfall

Returning to France, Cassard received the Order of Saint Louis. However, the king's request to surrender his share of the West Indies loot in exchange for royal bills resulted in financial ruin when the bills became worthless due to a royal default.

Years of Neglect

Cassard's reputation declined after his misfortunes. He faced lawsuits, conflicts with sailors, and accusations of insubordination. Exiled to Nantes, he was deprived of his pension.

Final Years

In later years, Cassard attempted to seek retribution, but his efforts were met with a "lettre de cachet," a royal decree for imprisonment without trial. He was confined to the Château de Ham, where he eventually succumbed to insanity and passed away on January 21, 1740.