![]() Morgan received a formal vote of thanks from the Council of Jamaica in May of 1671 for his activities.īy the 1680s, laws were made that English seaman sailing under foreign flags were traitors to the Throne and pirates. They attacked Santa Marta, Rio de la Hacha, Puerto Bello and Panama. In that year, 500 buccaneers from Tortuga and a 1000 buccaneers from Jamaica, under the command of Henry Morgan set out to pillage and plunder "legally" with a Letter of Marque. In 1670 Henry Morgan accepted French Letters of Commission and he actively promoted the island of Tortuga as a base of operations and for the disposal of booty. He soon deserted a cruel boss and joined the ranks of Buccaneers, later moving his base of operation to Jamaica.Īmong the French pirates was none other than Jean David L'Ollonais, probably one of the cruelest men to ever hold a cutlass in his hand. Thomas.Īmong the notable pirates to have ventured into Tortuga is none other than Henry Morgan who arrived there in 1660 as and indentured servant. The English in turn head for Jamaica and safe harbor while the Dutch head off to Virgin Islands, primarily St. The man primarily responsible for this action is Governor Monsieur D'Ogeron. Eventually this is frowned upon and the French make efforts to weed their privateer ranks of Dutch Freebooters and English privateers. Pirates of any nationality are free to roam the seas around Tortuga under loosely written Letters of Reprisal against the Spanish government. In order to keep the pirates happy and around, the French governor imported hundred of prostitutes.īy this time, the pirate/privateer community is firmly established on Tortuga and enjoys the support of the French Government. Most of the pirates/privateers are English or French. The pirate fleets offer both protection and income to the small colony. The English Plantation became French in name but most of the population of Tortuga is made of pirates and privateers and these remain on the island with the blessing of the French Government. Le Vasseur managedto expel the English Colony, so to speak. By 1641, the French colony has become so well established that the French send Jean Le Vasseur to take control of the island. While not raising crops they are attacking the Spanish Fleets. And once again as the Spaniards left and like roaches the Buccaneers returned.īy now the buccaneers are attempting to raise sugar cane and tobacco. It seems like Tortuga really had nothing for the Spaaniards because once again as soon as the interlopers were gone, the Spaniards left. They managed to wipe out the English colony but the French and the English survivors once again fled the island. When the Spaniards got word of this they decided to attack Tortuga and wipe out thedivided intruders. This however was short lived as the two start fighting over the imported slaves on the island] and who had rights to what property. The English and the French on Tortuga at first were allies against the greater enemy, Spain. As such Tortuga became the home of the Brethren of the Coast.Īt around this same time, Anthony Hilton, and Englishman, sets up an English Colony on the island. They were also entrusted with the powers to offer letter of Marques to privateers and weren't too picky on the nationality of the crew so long as they agreed to attack Spanish ships and split the booty with them. The French Governors of Tortuga would, for a price, offer safe harbor to just about any ship that wasn't Spanish. Tortuga became a perfect spot to ambush the returning Spanish fleets. ![]() France, like most of Europe was at war with Spain for most of the 1600s. To the Northeast of Tortuga, is Cuba, the last stop of the Treasure Fleet before returning to Spain. Strategically, Tortuga was a most important island for France.
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