Charles Vane, English Pirate

Charles Vane, English Pirate

Charles Vane (1680 - March 29, 1721) was an English pirate who preyed upon English and French shipping. His pirate career lasted from 1716 - 1719. He was among the pirate captains who operated out of the notorious base at New Providence in the Bahamas after the British abandoned the colony during the War of Spanish Succession. His navigating and ship combat skills were unmatchable, and he successfully plundered a numerous vessels. However, he often didn't get along with his crew, which completely ruined him and put the end to his career. While operating between Cuba and Hispaniola he and his crew attacked a vessel, but after a few shoots he decided to flee from the battle. Lead by his quartermaster, Jack Rackham, his crew accused him of cowardice.and he was left behind with a small sloop and a few loyal pirates. He captured a couple of small ships and rebuilt his pirate fleet, but a hurricane wrecked his ships and almost entire crew drowned. He and another survivor were stranded on a small fisherman's island. His rescuer was the former buccaneer, Captain Holford, He imprisoned and extradited him to authorities in Port Royal. Vane was put on trial, found guilty and hanged in 1721.

Album / Science Source / New York Public Library

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3600 x 4584 px | 47.2 MB

30.5 x 38.8 cm | 12.0 x 15.3 in (300 dpi)