The Beginning
While Blackbeard may the most memorable pirate, Bartholomew Roberts is said to be the most successful pirate of the time. Konstam states, "In thirty month period he captured more than 400 prizes and terrorized the waters of the American Colonies, the Caribbean, and the coast of West Africa." In 1719, Roberts is the mate on Howell Davis' slave ship. Later that year Davis is killed and Roberts is proclaimed the ships new captain, receives the nickname Black Bart, and begins his reign of terror.
His Achievments
In 1720, the Newfoundland fishing grounds are the target of his plundering. He captured over one hundred ships in these fishing grounds. In the summer of the same year he, "captures 15 French, British, and Dutch vessels in rapid succession." In the fall of that year Roberts captures another one hundred ships in the Leeward Islands.
His Downfall
On February 10, 1722, Captain Ogle on the British ship the Swallow catches up to Roberts off the coast of Cape Lopez, Africa. Roberts ordered his crew and his ships to sail toward him in hopes that he would pass Ogle by and head out into open waters. When Roberts is parallel with Ogle, Ogle immediately opens fire on Roberts and instantaneously kills Roberts. After three hours of non-stop fighting the remainder of Roberts' fleet finally surrenders. Three of Roberts' ship that are taken yielded, "gold dust valued at 14,000 English pounds," according to Konstam. The surviving pirates are tried by Ogle in Cape Coast Castle, West Africa. Konstam states, "Of these, 54 were hanged, 37 were sentenced to penal servitude or prison, while the remainder were acquitted; 70 African pirates were sold into slavery."
