Thomas Anstis One of the first pirates of the 18th century Date of Birth: . Country: Great Britain

1. Early Life and Piracy
2. Under the Command of Howell Davis and Bartholomew Roberts
3. Departure from Roberts's Crew
4. Independent Piracy: From "Morning Star" to "Antelope"
5. Confrontation with the Royal Navy
6. Last Stand and Demise
7. Parody and Entertainment

Early Life and Piracy

Thomas Anstis emerged as one of the notorious pirates during the "Golden Age of Piracy" in the early 18th century. His journey began in 1718 as a crew member on a small sailing vessel bound for Rhode Island. However, Anstis seized the opportunity to instigate a mutiny, declaring his intentions to sail south under the Jolly Roger flag with Howell Davis as the elected captain.

Under the Command of Howell Davis and Bartholomew Roberts

Under Davis's command, Anstis served as the quartermaster of their pirate vessel. Following Davis's demise, Bartholomew Roberts assumed the role of captain, leading his crew in capturing and looting various ships. Anstis commanded the brigantine "Good Fortune" under Roberts's command.

Departure from Roberts's Crew

In May 1721, Roberts's fleet set sail for Africa. However, Anstis and his crew on the "Good Fortune" stealthily separated from Roberts's ships during the night and continued to roam the Caribbean Sea.

Independent Piracy: From "Morning Star" to "Antelope"

Anstis's crew attacked and plundered two ships between Hispaniola and Jamaica, committing acts of violence and murder. They later captured the treasure-laden "Morning Star," outfitting it with 32 cannons and entrusting John Fenn as its captain. Anstis remained in command of the smaller "Good Fortune" due to its superior maneuverability.

The two pirate vessels continued their exploits along the southeastern colonial coast until numerous crew members from Anstis's ship deserted during fierce engagements. The deserters appealed to King George I for a pardon, claiming they were coerced into joining Anstis's and Roberts's pirate group.

Confrontation with the Royal Navy

While waiting for a response from the British government, Anstis's crew received news that a royal pardon had been denied. Sir John Flowers was dispatched to eradicate the pirates. The "Morning Star" ran aground on Grand Cayman, and its survivors were taken aboard the "Good Fortune." However, the pirate ships were pursued by the English warships "Hector" and "Adventure."

Last Stand and Demise

Anstis was forced to flee under sail, eventually resorting to oars. He lost over forty crew members on Grand Cayman, many of whom fell to the landing party from Flowers's ships. Anstis and Fenn sailed to the Bay of Honduras, capturing three or four other vessels and replenishing their crew with prisoners who joined their cause.

In December 1722, Anstis sailed to the Bahamas, capturing the sloop "Antelope" and a 24-gun ship entrusted to Fenn. The pirates intended to careen their ships in Tobago but were surprised by Admiral John Flowers's warship "Winchelsea."

Anstis and his crew were forced to set their ships ablaze and flee inland, but the marines from the "Winchelsea" pursued and captured them. Anstis escaped on his swift "Good Fortune," only to be killed in his sleep by his disillusioned crew. The mutineers took captive those loyal to Anstis and surrendered to Dutch authorities in Curaçao.

Parody and Entertainment

Despite their infamous reputation, Anstis's crew found solace in mock trials, where "judges" and "defendants" traded roles. These pirate courts provided much amusement, echoing with the laughter of the "sea devils" reveling in their satirical parodies.