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Nathaniel ButlerAn English pirate who operated in the Caribbean from 1619 to 1639.
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
- Early Life and Career
- Governorship and Military Service
- Colonization and Plunder
- Return to England and Legacy
Early Life and Career
Nathaniel Butler was an English pirate who roamed the Caribbean Sea from 1619 to 1639. Born in Bedford, England, Butler left home as a young sailor. He led raids on North America and Guyana, gaining the patronage of Richard Rich, Earl of Warwick, and Protestant leader.
Governorship and Military Service
From 1619 to 1622, Butler served as governor of one of the Bermuda Islands. In 1623, he relocated to the English colony of Virginia. From 1625 to 1628, Butler commanded English ships during naval campaigns in Spain and northern France. In 1637, he became a captain in the Royal Navy.
Colonization and Plunder
In 1638, Butler became governor of Warwick's private colony on Providence Island. In April 1639, he assumed the role of admiral for the Providence Island Company, assembling a joint Dutch and English fleet. They ransacked several towns before attacking Trujillo, the main port in Honduras. Butler's surprise attack, unlike Sir Anthony Shirley's failed attempt in 1597, secured a ransom of £16,000. However, Butler allegedly distributed the spoils unfairly, favoring himself.
Return to England and Legacy
Upon his return to Providence Island in September 1639, Butler quickly and secretly departed for England. On March 8, 1634, Butler published "Dialogicall Discourse Concerning Marine Affairs." His book was republished in 1929 by W. G. Perrin.
