Pirate Hunters: Treasure, Obsession and the Search for a Legendary Pirate Ship

by Robert Kurson

rules that seemed to govern every pirate ship that sailed in the era: – Captains were to earn no more than two or three times that of the lowliest deckhand. – Every man was to have an equal share of food, liquor, and other provisions. – Battle injuries would be compensated according to body part. On one pirate ship, damages were paid as follows: Lost right arm 600 pieces of silver or six slaves Lost left arm 500 pieces of silver or five slaves Lost right leg 500 pieces of silver or five slaves Lost left leg 400 pieces of silver or four slaves Lost eye (either one) 100 pieces of silver or one slave Lost finger 100 pieces of silver or one slave Internal injury up to 500 pieces of silver or five slaves Lost hook or peg leg Same as if original limb was lost – Anyone caught stealing from the ship’s plunder would be punished, including by being marooned on an uninhabited island. – Anyone caught cheating another crewman would have his ears and nose slashed by the aggrieved party, then turned out at the next port. – No women were allowed on board. Anyone sneaking a woman onto the ship would be killed. – Disputes between crewmen would be settled onshore by duel. – Bonuses would be awarded for courage in combat, the sighting of prey, boarding a target ship first, and other heroics. – Punishments would be inflicted for cowardice, drunkenness, insolence, disobedience, rape, and any other action that undermined the ship’s primary purpose—to steal. – Any unsettled issues would be put to...