|
PROPERTY FOR SALE BAHAMAS was a pirate haven in the early 1700s. These islands' hidden coves and bays were ideal hiding places, and the close proximity of shipping lanes made them ideal bases of operation. In 1713 Thomas Barrow and Banjamin Hornigold proclaimed the largest city, Nassau on the island of New Providence, a pirate republic. During the times of monarchs and nobles, there was no mobility between the classes and those born into the poorer classes had few opportunities to improve their lot in life. Many such young men went to sea with the navy or on merchant ships, partly out of a lack of gainful employment at home. This hard life working under abusive taskmasters, with little compensation or hope for the future, did allow considerable time for contemplation. Some of these individuals, after a time, became pirates. During those times pirate societies became the original democracies. The Pirate Code, or Articles of Agreement, that each ship operated under gave every man an equal vote. Captains were elected and could be replaced at any time by a majority vote. Each individual was entitled to a share of the booty. Captains commonly received double shares, and mates, carpenters, doctors and others with skills were often given additional fractional shares. Shares were divided fairly by turn. Incentives were sometimes offered. For example the first to sight the sail of a potential target might receive the best pistol or small arm subsequently found on board. Those disabled in their work received monetary compensation. There were rules for discipline and settlement of disputes. Anyone that defrauded the company or hid plunder was marooned on some desolate island. Stealing could be settled between the parties by slitting the ears and nose. Disputes between individuals were settled on land, since fighting was not allowed on board. A mate would accompany them and the parties would stand back to back with pistols and cutlasses. After taking a predetermined number of steps they turned and fired. If that did not settle the dispute the first to draw blood with the cutlass prevailed. Gambling for money was not allowed on board, nor were women. When women were captured or found to have been smuggled on board they were placed under guard. Some signed the agreement voluntarily, others were forced to, after capture. No one was allowed out of this agreement until each had received a thousand pounds. Desertion, cowardice, or drunkenness during battle were punished by death or marooning on what may today be PROPERTY FOR SALE BAHAMAS.
Related Articles -
Bahamas Property For Sale, Real Estate Bahamas, Property For Sale Bahamas, Bahamas Real Estate, Bahamas Luxury Homes, Grand Bahama Real Estate, Proper,
| 
