The Pirate Code – Article I
“Every man shall have an equal vote in affairs of moment. He shall have an equal title to the fresh provisions or strong liquors at any time seized, and shall use them at pleasure unless a scarcity may make it necessary for the common good that a retrenchment may be voted.”
The celebrated pirate, Thomas Tew, along with his friends Captain James Misson and an Italian Dominican priest named Caraccioli, founded the legendary pirate haven, Libertalia. According to Captain Charles Johnson’s book, A General History of the Pyrates, Libertalia was situated on a remote area of Madagascar. Here, pirates, ex-slaves, and other outcasts from society supposedly lived a life of ease in harmony with nature and each other. Most believe this to be an utter fabrication; however, there is evidence that pirate communities did exist and were organized and operated in a comparatively democratic style.
The Pirate Code – Article III
“None shall game for money either with dice or cards.”
On a pirate ship, the captain and his second-in command, the quartermaster, were generally duly elected. The treasures were divided according to their rank. They even had a social net to compensate for disability sustained in action. A loss of an arm qualified for 600 pieces of eight, while the loss of an eye was valued at 100, and so on.
The Pirate Code – Article IX
“No man shall talk of breaking up their way of living till each has a share of 1,000. Every man who shall become a cripple or lose a limb in the service shall have 800 pieces of eight from the common stock for lesser hurts proportionately.”
Pirate recruits, whether willing or not, were required to sign their name or make their mark, as a sign of allegiance and loyalty to their captain. Once signed, the pirate was given a vote as well as a set of rules to follow. Many of these pirate codes were lost when pirates, on the threshold of capture, destroyed them knowing they would be used as evidence against them. The most famous code was written by Bartholomew Roberts in 1721, which has eleven articles, four of which are included in this post.
The Pirate Code – Article XI
“The musicians shall have rest on the Sabbath Day only by right. On all other days by favour only.”
Bartholomew Roberts, 1721
Even pirates had need of music.
Lady Budd 
I wonder if the musicians had to take their turn as pirates as well 🙂
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Yes they were from what I read. Musicians included those who could play drums, bagpipes, trumpets, accordions and fiddles. They would play prior to and during battle. Usually it would be a martial or nautical tune to inspire the crew onto victory. If the tune didn’t work, they would make loud noises. I can only imagine the confusion…
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They were the original iPods/iTunes; almost as portable. It’s funny really, some like to grizzle about our modern inclination to have our ears constantly wired for music but I guess we’ve always had that desire to be closely attached to music: in battle, in church, in celebration, in ceremony. In our human history we have rarely been without music. http://www.ted.com/talks/denis_dutton_a_darwinian_theory_of_beauty.html
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Just watched this fascinating discussion on beauty! Great insight into our desire for beauty in our lives. Thank you so much for the link!!!
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Denis Dutton was one of our ‘greats’ at our local university; died way too early.
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I am so sorry to hear that! His ability to distill complex issues in only 15 minutes is truly remarkable.
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Honor among thieves… 😉
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Your comment sparked my interest on how this phase came into being. It seems that is a traditional proverb and it appears in Don Quixote. I learn something new every day – thank you!!!
Sancho: “Well, justice must needs be a good thing, and the old proverb still holds good, ‘Thieves are never rogues among themselves'”
(Miguel de Cervantes, Don Quixote, Part II, Chapter LX).
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Now I learned something new too 🙂
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You always make my day pure sunshine!
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I’ve heard that the mafia has a “code of ethics”, too.
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Indeed they do!
“Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgment.” ― Mario Puzo, The Godfather
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What is life without music. I’m so glad the pirates were entertained in this way. 🙂 I love your beach photo.
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I was thinking of you when I chose that photo. A beautiful day in paradise. And there was music in the background.
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🙂
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“Even pirates had need of music.”
Where do I sign up?
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You cannot fool me, my dear friend. You are already signed up!!!
http://mixandmatchmeme.wordpress.com/2013/05/30/what-shall-we-do-with-the-drunken-bloggers/
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Only 100 pieces for an eye?? Sounds like today’s insurance companies were in charge. Fascinating info.
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There is piracy all around us. ARGHH
Thanks for stopping by…
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This is a new thought. I didn’t know pirates had a “form of government” Interesting.
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I thought the idea of electing the captain was very progressive, compared to the British Navy!
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Rules on pirate ships, interesting.
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Who knew!? Successful people, including pirates, need a set of rules and strategies.
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And I thought Johnny Depp was a real pirate!! Make him walk the plank, the imitator!
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Arrgghh…
He said he was a real pirate and I believed him!!! To the plank…
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