Notorious Pirate Havens - Part 5: Tortuga and New Providence
Its nearness to the North American colonies provided pirates with ships to prey on and additional markets where they could sell their plunder. It was also situated in the center of the trade lanes between Europe and the West Indies. The many coves and inlets in the Bahamas accommodated their need to hide when pursued and to careen or repair ships without fearing entrapment. Limestone caverns became convenient hiding places for their treasure. Food, fresh water, and wood for repairs were in great supply. The disinterest of the English meant no one disputed the pirates' occupation of the island. The hills overlooking the harbor gave a clear view for miles and miles. Pirates could spot prospective targets or enemy ships long before the vessels neared the island.
Henry Jennings was the first pirate to recognize the advantages of New Providence as a safe haven. Edward Teach (aka Blackbeard), Edward England, Christopher Condent, Ben Hornigold, Charles Vane, Calico Jack Rackham, Anne Bonny, and Stede Bonnet all visited the island. It was said "when a pirate slept, he didn't dream that he'd died and gone to heaven, he dreamed that he had once again returned to New Providence."
By 1716, piracy had become such a threat to commerce that England decided to neutralize the buccaneers. Two years later the first royal governor arrived on New Providence accompanied by three British warships. His name was Woodes Rogers, and the government believed that the best way to catch a pirate was to use a pirate. Having been a privateer and being acquainted with many buccaneers, Rogers developed a three-prong strategy to carry out his mission.
First, he enacted laws and issued proclamations. He also granted pardons to any pirates who wished them. Somewhere between six hundred and two thousand took advantage of the amnesty, at least for a time. The purpose of such sweeping legal declarations was to demonstrate a show of force. Rogers believed if he acted powerful, the pirates would think he actually wielded that much power. Second, he carried out a non-confrontational policy. As long as pirates refrained from obvious acts of piracy, he ignored their activities.
Finally, he enlisted retired pirates to help hunt down those who refused to renounce piracy. Those captured were tried, convicted, and executed. In December 1718, Rogers reinforced his intent to end piracy by hanging a
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