Pirate Code!

Pirates, while they were a murderous lot, were a democratic crew who lived by the
"Pirate Code" laid down by Captain John Phillips and Captain Bartholomew Roberts.

 

1. Every man shall have an equal vote in affairs of moment.  He
shall have an equal title to the fresh provisions or strong liquors at
any time seized, and shall use them at pleasure unless a scarcity
makes it necessary for the common good that a retrenchment may
be voted.

2. Every man shall be called fairly in turn by the list on board of
prizes, because over and above their proper share, they are
allowed a shift of clothes.  But if they defraud the company to the value of even one dollar in plate, jewels or money, they shall be marooned.  If any man rob another he shall have his nose and ears slit, and be put ashore where he shall be sure to encounter hardships.

3. None shall game for money, either with dice or cards.

4. The lights and candles shall be put out at eight at night, and if
any of the crew desire to drink after that hour they shall sit upon
the open deck without lights.

5. Each man shall keep his piece, cutlass and pistols at all times
clean and ready for action.

6. No boy or woman to be allowed amongst them.  If any man shall
be found seducing one of the latter sex and carrying her to sea
disguised, he shall suffer death.   

7. He that shall desert the ship or his quarters in time of battle shall
be punished by death or marooning.

8. None shall strike another aboard the ship, but every man’s
quarrel shall be ended on shore by sword or pistol in this manner:  
At the word of command from the Quartermaster, each man being
previously placed back to back, shall turn and fire immediately.  If
any man do not, the Quartermaster shall knock the piece out of his
hand.  If both miss their aim, they shall take to their cutlasses, and
he that draws the first blood shall be declared the victor.

9. No man shall talk of breaking up their way of living till each has a
share of £1,000.  Every man who shall become a cripple or loose a
limb in the service shall have eight hundred pieces of eight from
the common stock, and for lesser hurts proportionately.   

10. The Captain and the Quartermaster shall each receive two
shares of a prize, the Master Gunner and Boatswain, one and one
half shares, all other officers one and one quarter share, and
private gentlemen of fortune one share each.

11. The musicians shall have rest on the Sabbath Day only, by
right, on all other days, by favor only.