Henry Jennings
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Henry Jennings (fl. 1715-1717) was an 18th century British privateer who served primarily during the War of Spanish Succession and later served as leader of the pirate haven of New Providence.
Although little is known of Jennings early life, Jennings was first recorded as a privateer during Queen Anne’s War operating from Jamaica. With the signing of the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, Jennings was among the many now former privateers who had difficulty finding work following the wars end.
While it is uncertain when Jennings turned to piracy, several accounts state he began raiding camps which had salvaged sunken Spanish treasure ships with Samuel Bellamy in 1714.
His first and only recorded act of piracy took place in mid-1715 when, with three ships and 300 men, Jennings fleet ambushed a salvage fleet which had been sent to southeastern Florida by order of the Governor of Havana to salvage the cargo of silver from a Spanish treasure fleet which had been lost in a hurricane in July 1715. After forcing the retreat of around 60 soldiers, Jennings set sail for Jamaica carrying back an estimated 350,000 pesos.
While on route to Jamaica, Jennings encountered another Spanish ship and captured another 60,000 pesos. However, Jennings actions caused some concern from colonial officials who feared reprisals from the Spanish government and, after warnings from the governor, Jennings decided to leave Jamaica and eventually established a new base of operations in New Providence in the Bahamas. Based out of Nassau for a time, Jennings became the unofficial mayor of the growing pirate colony offering safe haven to pirates in exchange for a tribute payment.
In 1717, Jennings surrendered to authorities following the general amnesty declared by the newly appointed Governor of the Bahamas, Woodes Rogers and retired as a wealthy plantation owner.
