A Democracy of Scoundrels, Part I: The Articles of Conduct

   

     In the 17th Century, in an age where Kings and nobles still ruled the world by virtue of inheritance, egalitarianism emerged in an unexpected place: along the wild coasts of Hispaniola.  The place where Buccaneer hunters scratched out a living on the tattered fringe of civilization.  A place where no nation's laws could yet reach. 

     As is often the case, when men go too long without the structure of society, they create some semblance of society themselves.  Such was the case with the Buccaneers.  Because the Buccaneers consisted of the dregs of western civilization, there were no nobles amongst them who could impose or import rules by virtue of their innate authority (nor would any birthright be enforced, anyway).  Therefore, the creation of makeshift laws was grassroots and came from a show of hands, with no man's opinion being weighted more than any others. 

     The simplest and probably earliest "legal" document among the Buccaneers was known simply as ‘the Articles’.  It was a solemn bond between two men, a serious pledge written out, signed, and probably varied depending on the individual’s situation.  In a lawless place like the northern coast of Hispaniola, it could be helpful in binding two Buccaneer hunters together to protect each other in case of attack by various trespassers.  It also helped to have rules when it came to sharing resources such as residences, clothing, and weapons as well as food stores, and of course income derived from sale of meat and hides.  Above all, the Articles declared that each man would hide nothing from his partner, or brethren.  These concerns were thought out between the two men and numbered in the Articles individually.  Before signing, they would both agree to the terms.  The Articles seemed to have worked well as a common governmental tool, for the idea spread up and down the coast and eventually it involved more than just two men. 

     As larger groups of individuals worked together in chase parties directed at Spanish shipping, the Articles evolved to become a democratic document that everyone should respect and pledge to uphold; a set of laws by which all members have elected, and then to which they must adhere.  Before a sea raid, the Articles were drawn up by an elected captain, and then put to an up or down vote.  Once the crew had signed, it gave the captain the authority to enforce the tenants of the Articles as well as demand that they fight as best they could. 

     There were many rules detailed in the Articles that were common.  For instance, the Articles might insist that there be no gambling while at sea, for it would foster bad feelings with the looser.  The Articles might also insist that there be no smoking, as fire aboard a vessel was every seaman’s dread.  Women were often banned since it was considered bad luck for them to be brought along, though an exception was made if female slaves were captured, for they were too valuable as contraband.  One of the greatest offenses, according to the Articles, was "concealing items from his mates, even the least thing they found among their prey," as the Historian Esquemeling relates.

     But the Articles was not always strictly punitive.  It may include incentives as well.  For instance it might stipulate that if a great prize was captured, every man might have as much to drink as he so chose, if supplies were sufficient. 

     The Articles also determined how loot was distributed.  The crew was given "shares" in the same way stockholders are given stock in a modern company.  Before disembarking after a successful voyage, the loot was totaled as best as was possible then divided up into 'shares'.  The Captain might be entitled to receive up to 5 shares.  "Officers",  like the first mate or quartermaster might get 2 shares.  All other crewmen generally received 1 share each with the exception of boy helpers, who may only get half a share.

     As time went on and the Buccaneer raiders became a force to be reckoned with in the Caribbean, the face of Buccaneers in the Caribbean changed considerably, but the democratic ethic of the Articles persisted.

     Next week, we'll continue with A Democracy of Scoundrel, Part II: Dividing up the Spoils and Electing a Captain.

For much more on the subject, you can also read my historical novel, The Brethren Prince, available as an e-book at the Amazon Kindle store, Apple iBooks, Barnes and Noble, and other major e-book retailers.