Samuel Burgess
 | This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (August 2018) |
Samuel Burgess | |
|---|---|
| Born | Pirate |
| Allegiance | None |
| Years active | 1690 – 1716 |
| Base of operations | various, later Madagascar |
| Commands | Margaret (captain), Neptune (quartermaster) |
Captain Samuel Burgess was a member of Captain William Kidd's crew in 1690 when the Blessed William was seized by Robert Culliford and some of the crew, with William May named as captain.[1]
In 1693, Edward Coates became captain and the former Captain[citation needed] Burgess left the ship and went to New York City. He arrived in April, bought a house and took on a job with Frederick Philipse, New York's wealthiest merchant. Over the next few years Burgess made many profitable voyages to Madagascar selling supplies and guns to pirates in exchange for gold and slaves.[1]
Around September 1699, Burgess was in command of the Margaret.
Burgess then became first mate aboard the Neptune and went to Madagascar to trade liquor for slaves. When a sudden storm wrecked the pirates' ships, Burgess helped John Halsey seize the Neptune. Burgess was made Quartermaster but lost it soon after, when Captain Halsey died[1][3] in 1708[citation needed]. After losing his position, Burgess stayed at Madagascar, dealing in slaves with David Williams. Supposedly, following an argument concerning prices with a black chief, Burgess died of poison, presumably at the chief's hand.[1]
References
- ^ ISBN 1-85326-384-2.
- ^ a b c Grey, Charles (1933). Pirates of the Eastern Seas. London: Sampson Low, Marston & Co., Ltd. pp. 174–175.
- ^ Johnson 1726, pp. 269–270.
- Johnson, Charles (1726). A General History of the Pyrates, vol. 2 (4 ed.). London: T. Woodward. pp. 265–272.
