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Robert CullifordBritish pirate
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
- Early Life and Piracy
- Under May and Stout
- The Josiah Mutiny
- Captain of the "Moca"
- встречи с Киддом и Чиверсом
- Return to Saint-Marie and Royal Pardon
- Trial and Disappearance
Early Life and Piracy
In the 1690s, John Calico Jack Rackham emerged as a prominent pirate, operating in the Caribbean, Red, South China, and Indian Ocean Seas. In February 1690, Rackham played a key role in the theft of the "Blessed William" from pirate William Kidd.
Under May and Stout
Under the command of Captain William May, Rackham sailed to Madagascar in December 1690. They raided along the Indian coast, capturing small prizes. However, Rackham's ambition led him to sail to the Nicobar Islands and eventually return to New York.
In 1693, Rackham joined May on the "Pearl" as quartermaster. In October 1694, he was left behind in Mangalore, India, when the "Pearl" departed without him.
The Josiah Mutiny
In June 1696, Rackham led a mutiny aboard the merchant vessel "Josiah." He was stranded on a Nicobar island when the majority of the crew decided to return the ship.
Captain of the "Moca"
Rescued by a passing ship, Rackham joined Ralph Stout's crew on the "Moca" (also known as the "Resolution"). In May 1697, after Stout's death, Rackham became the captain of the "Moca." He returned to the Straits of Malacca and famously pursued the British ship "Dorrill."
встречи с Киддом и Чиверсом
In 1698, Rackham encountered his former captain, William Kidd, at Saint-Marie Island near Madagascar. Around 100 of Kidd's crew joined Rackham's ship.
Later, Rackham joined forces with Dirck Chivers on the "Pelican" and "Soldado." Together, they captured the "Great Mohamed" in the Red Sea, yielding a massive haul of 130,000 British pounds.
Return to Saint-Marie and Royal Pardon
In February 1699, Rackham and Chivers returned to Saint-Marie. In September, they scuttled the "Moca" after four British warships arrived. The commander offered a royal pardon to the pirates, promising an extension although its deadline had passed.
Trial and Disappearance
In May 1701, Rackham and others were tried for the robbery of the "Great Mohamed." When the court found the pardon had expired, all pirates except Rackham were hanged. He was spared due to his testimony against Samuel Burgess in a separate trial.
Rackham's fate remains shrouded in mystery. After the trial, he vanished from historical records. Some speculate he joined the Royal Navy, while others believe he met a more sinister end. Regardless, his legacy as a skilled and daring pirate endures to this day.
