HI127 Lecture Notes - Lecture 12: Stede Bonnet, Escapism, William Rhett
Document Summary
Born in barbados, his grandfather was one of the first settlers of barbados. We are quite certain that he was born in 1688. The bonnets owned a sugar plantation; he came from a wealthy family. He received a liberal education, was groomed to take over the plantation. Their first child died, really effected his mental state. 1716: the pirate threat was becoming real for plantation owners. He did not take the same stance on pirates. He had enough money to either buy a ship or have one built for him (the revenge) He hired a crew (possibly jacobite) and paid them a wage!! Perhaps because people in the caribbean would have recognize him. His crew felt that charleston (sc) would be a good second engagement. Charleston/charles town was similar to barbados in that it had sugar plantations (slave plantations). First victim: thomas porter and second victim: joseph palmer. He was from barbados and recognized him.
