Calico Jack
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| John Rackham | |
|---|---|
 Calico Jack, an 18th century lithograph
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| Born | unknown unknown |
| Died | November 17, 1720 Spanish Town, Jamaica |
| Occupation | Pirate |
John Rackham (died 17 November 1720), also known as Calico Jack Rackham or Calico Jack, was an English pirate captain during the early 18th century. His nickname was derived from the colourful calico clothes he wore. John Rackham is remembered for employing two of the most notorious female pirates of his time – Anne Bonny and Mary Read – in his crew. John Rackham and most of his crew were executed in Jamaica on 17 November 1720.
[edit] Pirate career
[edit] Final capture and execution
It is reputed that Rackham had earlier tried to strike a deal with the governor, Sir Nicholas Laws, under which he would surrender himself if clemency was given to Anne and another female pirate named Mary Read.When the govener found out that Calico Jack had taken up piracy again, he sent vessels to capture Calico Jack and his crew. In October 1720, Captain Barnet surprised Rackham and his crew of the Revenge, catching them mostly drunk. Only the two women, Read and Bonny, put up a fight.
Rackham and his crew were finally brought to trial at St. Jago de la Vega in Jamaica on 16 November 1720. They were found guilty of piracy and hanged the next day. Only Anne Bonny and Mary Read were spared, both claiming to be pregnant. Mary Read died later in prison, either during childbirth or from fever. Anne Bonny disappeared from history altogether; it is believed she was ransomed out of prison by her wealthy father.
