Articles of Piracy
Articles of Piracy
Pirates, lived by codes. Articles were drawn up and the whole crew signed them in agreement, Captains were elected, and rules followed. Typically the Articles were a hold over from Privateering. See that section for an explanation between this fine distinction.
The articles were drawn up by the crew, and everyone would then sign the contract that bound the ship together. The following is an example of the Articles of Piracy. These were the articles used by the ship Revenge which was commanded by Captain John Phillips.
These articles are typical of the laws that pirate crews would agree to. In the movie The Black Swan, there is an episode where Tyrone Powers discusses articles. As in real life, the articles in the movie stressed primarily the division of Booty.
Article One
Every man shall obey civil command; the captain shall have on full share and a half in all prizes. the Master, Carpenter, Boatswain, and Gunner shall have one share and quarter.
Article Two
If any man shall offer to run away, or keep any secret from the Company, he shall be marroon'd with one bottle of powder, one bottle of Water, one small Arm, and shot.
Article Three
If any Man shall steal any Thing in the Company, or game, to the value of a piece of Eight, he shall be Marroon'd or shot.
Article Four
If at any Time we should meet at another Marrooner (that is, Pyrate) that man shall sign his Articles without Consent of our Company, shall suffer such Punishment as the Captain and Company shall think fit.
Article Five
That a man that shall strike another, whilst these Articles are in force, shall receive Moses's Law (that is 40 Stripes lacking one) on the bare Back.
Article Six
That Man that shall snap his Arms, or smoak Tobacco in the Hold, without cap to his Pipe, or carry a candle lighted without lanthorn, shall suffer the same Punishment as in the former Article.
Article Seven
That Man that shall not keep his Arms clean, fit for an Engagement, or neglect his Business, shall be cut off from his Share, and suffer such other Punishment as the Captain and Company shall think fit.
Article eight
If any man shall lose a joint in time of Engagement, shall have 400 Pieces of Eight: if a limb, 800.
Article Nine
If at any time you meet with a prudent Woman, that Man that offers to meddle with her, without her Consent, shall suffer Death.