First Mate's Journal

Blog Post #4  "Pirate Plunder" The goal of riches has been so deeply rooted in piracy that it has contributed to centuries of history from Christopher Columbus expeditions for gold to the pirates taking captain Philips for ransom. In 1523 during a short-lived sail off Cape St. Vincent by Jean Fleury who happened across “three heavily laden Spanish Caravels… under the command of Captain Quinones and were nearing the end of the long voyage from Mexico.” (Cordin, Plundering the Treasure Ports) Of the three caravels “Fleury and his men captured two ships and were astonished by what they found on board.” Which were several tons of treasure plundered by Hern á n Cort é s during his expedition. Of the treasure Naval Officer Fleury managed to acquire were “three huge cases of gold ingots, 500 pounds (lbs.) weight of Gold dust in bags, Aztec pearls weighing 680 lbs., emeralds, topaz, golden masks set with gems, Aztec rings and helmets, and feathered cloaks.” (Co

Blog Post #3          "Heroes or Villains" The life of a pirate was often treading on a thin line of morality and legality which often led them to take on repulsive acts or morally questionable choices. It is important to note that a large portion of young men who took on the Caribbean sea were "brought up in civilized society, and who have been accustomed to obey laws" (Buccaneers and Pirates of Our Coast Ch.3).  Daniel Montbars (The Exterminator) was such a man who own morals led him to being feared by the Spanish.  Having read of the atrocities committed by the Spaniards was enough for him to act so violently towards the Spanish that only two others can match his wrath towards the Spanish Empire. Errors in judgment have led many to an early grave either through an under estimation of risk or through misinterpretation of law . Captain Kidd was someone who met such a fate after one decision that started and ended his career of "piracy&qu