Albert Hicks, the Notorious Pirate of New York City

The investigation of the ghost ship E.A. Johnson led to the discovery of a gruesome crime that dominated newspaper headlines in the year before the start of the American Civil War. It is history that deserves to be remembered.
Get your free trial of MagellanTV here: try.magellantv.com/historyguy/. It's an exclusive offer for our viewers: an extended, month-long trial, FREE. MagellanTV is a new kind of streaming service run by filmmakers with 2,000+ documentaries! Check out our personal recommendation and MagellanTV’s exclusive playlists: www.magellantv.com/explore/hi....
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free advance reader's copy of The Last Pirate of New York by Rich Cohen. For further reading about Albert Hicks aka William Johnson, you can purchase a copy of Cohen's book, available here: www.penguinrandomhouse.com/bo...
This is original content based on research by The History Guy. Images in the Public Domain are carefully selected and provide illustration. As images of actual events are sometimes not available, images of similar objects and events are used for illustration.
All events are portrayed in historical context and for educational purposes. No images or content are primarily intended to shock and disgust. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Non censuram.
Find The History Guy at:
Facebook: / thehistoryguyyt
Patreon: / thehistoryguy
The History Guy: History Deserves to Be Remembered is the place to find short snippets of forgotten history from five to fifteen minutes long. If you like history too, this is the channel for you.
Subscribe for more forgotten history: / @thehistoryguychannel .
Awesome The History Guy merchandise is available at:
teespring.com/stores/the-hist...
Script by HCW
#ushistory #thehistoryguy #newyorkcity

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

Sponsored by MagellanTV - a new streaming service with 1500+ documentaries worth watching. The first 100 people who visit The History Guy link below will receive your first one-month free trial. MagellanTV - www.magellantv.com/historyguy History playlist - www.magellantv.com/explore/history

[@JeffCounsil-rp4qv]

No mention of the cost anywhere on their website. That usually translates to "too expensive" when they hide it until you've already given them your personal info. Too bad, it looks interesting.

[@kari7403]

@@JeffCounsil-rp4qv it's like $7 a month if u pay monthly, $6 if you pay quarterly and $5 for annually. It says it on the page right after you click on free subscription. I was looking for prices also. No info needed before hand. No credit card info or anything. Nothing to fill out. Just click on the start free trial link, and it will show u prices. Hope that helps.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

I am paying $4.99 a month, which is well worth it for us.

[@Hriuke]

please do one on Brooke of Sarawak the pirate hunter. I think it's Flashamans lady you can find the greatest reference.

[@JeffCounsil-rp4qv]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel That is very reasonable. Thank you! I don't know why they just don't publish it.

[@mikelieberman6924]

Many years ago, history came alive for me as a high school student, by a dissolute and disheveled drunk of a history professor, who loved his alcohol and history in equal measure. It was history that animated the man, though little else seemed to. To this day, some fifty-five years later, I can still see his lanky wrecked frame come alive as he told wove the story of the defenestration of Prague to us. And now, here you are, episode upon episode, all natty, ebullient, with bow tie and all proper looking, but with that same love animating you. I see it. We all see it. It matters to you... and for that, if for not other reason, it matters to us. Thank you.

[@JakeEpooh]

Amen!

[@lisahinton9682]

@Starr Davis You meant "Hear, hear!" - the shortened version of "Hear ye, hear ye!" which people would shout out when they were in agreement with a speaker of Parliament. The implication is that you are in agreement with what the speaker is saying, and want others to _hear_ what is being said. 💟

[@DawnOldham]

@@lisahinton9682 good to know!

[@old_guard2431]

I've been to New York City - trust me, there are still pirates. . .

[@Ugly_German_Truths]

i thought you now send them straight off to DC.

[@richardcline1337]

@@Ugly_German_Truths, yes, if the Clinton's are ever finally convicted of their crimes, maybe New York needs to bring back the gallows for one last time.

[@tims8603]

Yeah, like Trump. Stole more money than any other pirate.

[@alan30189]

Tim S 🙄🤦‍♂️

[@darleneshriver3270]

And most of them our running our government!

[@user-ly9xg1gz7y]

Piracy was so rampant in New York harbor, that in 1858 the NYPD formed its first specialized unit.. the Harbor Unit. Excellent material. I thoroughly enjoy your work.

[@ManScoutsofAmerica]

Some people will claim piracy as one of the main factors contributing to our victories over the British.

[@jnstonbely5215]

ManScoutsofAmerica Excellent point MSA, because Jolly Old England supported the CONFEDERACY during the Civil War ! They were still looking to “knock us off” even after our wins in The Revolutionary and War of 1812 ! And yet we became their Ally in WWI and more so in WWII when our support and armament and military saved them!

[@MichaelSchwagerPlace]

The history guy is the only person I've seen to do an endorsement, who I believe actually loves and uses the product. First class all the way, HG!

[@maximiniusthrax2209]

Do u think this dude actually plays world of warships 😌

[@holdenroth5929]

Maximinius Thrax when was he sponsored by world of warships?

[@arc187]

7min. to convict, 4 months to execute, they didn't play around back then!

[@grassroot011]

Yup, not too many bleeding heart liberals back then either.

[@elmospasco5558]

Why did they wait so long? I kind of like the way the Russians did the Somali pirates in that famous video.

[@SKORPION11791]

@@grassroot011 Good thing we don't live in the 17th century then.

[@almostfm]

Justice delayed is justice denied.

[@Ugly_German_Truths]

@@grassroot011 Yeah only lots of conservative murderers, cutthroats and pirates. Good old times!

[@ThisFinalHandle]

Phrenology didn't save him, PT Barnum couldn't preserve him. But history guy has dug his legacy up and revived him.

[@jiveturkey9993]

I am amazed that this guy can make one of these 10 minute Perfect videos everyday.

[@kari7403]

And he's always so enthusiastic about it. It's infectious! Haha. But I guess that's what happens when someone is doing something they love. And I'm pretty sure that nearly anyone who watches any of his videos, can see how much he loves what he's doing. 😊

[@kari7403]

@Doctor Octagon that's kind of the allure for me. I love me some nerds! 😉😍

[@MattyMcFly_]

I'm surprised magellan don't want to hire you to make documentaries for them or at least as a curator for their history section. As always I've really enjoyed this video, thankyou Mr and Mrs HG for reminding us of history that deserves to be remembered

[@dugroz]

I hope he stays free here on KZbin for a long time!!!

[@ComeAlongKay]

dugroz He could do both if he’s getting paid elsewhere. KZbin would still help market the streaming service he‘d be working for.

[@MattyMcFly_]

I would definitely love to see THG stay free but I think the quality of each video far surpasses many "proper" documentaries I've seen and that is something Mr and Mrs HG really should be paid for. We all know they're both too modest though to acknowledge the great work they do.

[@MattyMcFly_]

@Michael now that is something I would pay to see! Lol

[@nicholas5623]

History guy and breakfast, a perfect pairing. Awesome video as usual history guy 🤙🤙🤙

[@979williams9]

I personally wake n bake to the history guy

[@m9078jk3]

Albert Hicks was represented in an episode of the Twilight Zone back in the 1960's called "The New Exhibit" Season 4 Episode 13. It was a very creepy and scary episode.

[@marianneegland5576]

I love it! And Martin Balsam!

[@BoiseStateEsports]

“...And don’t all good stories include pirates?”

[@ericgrace9995]

AAARRRRRR!

[@Ugly_German_Truths]

No, they don't. Not even all good THG stories!

[@Engel1410-CR]

Shiverrr me timberrrr... aaaaarrrrrr!!!!

[@alohathaxted]

Jaction Johnson Porn Pirates!

[@jonnybanger]

I love your "Paul Harveyesque" style of delivery. Thank you for giving your effort to show everyone the connection that everything this modern day pays to the past (from the past).

[@kenthawley5990]

The History Guy gets a sponsor. Very cool and a testament to the quality and popularity of your videos. Well deserved.

[@tcl5853]

Wonderful episode! I’ve noticed there are others trying to copy your format in one way or the other. But the difference is clear… an original made with passion, creativity and originality. As opposed to plastic pretenders who possess none of what you offer. Thanks History Guy!

[@SarahMaywalt]

This entire episode was overshadowed by my new favorite word: "besmeared."

[@user-ss2ly1ir6j]

Great word, but hard to fit into most sentences...lol

[@JarthenGreenmeadow]

if you like that try: Besmirched

[@blacksmith67]

THG, you should have many more subscribers... your presentation of history is superlative.

[@richardmourdock2719]

Wasn't all that long ago we were urging friends to tune in so he could reach 100K.

[@jamestheotherone742]

The History Guy. So good you will sit and not skip thru a commercial/plug.

[@167curly]

Thank you for this item of NY's history that deserves to be remembered.

[@andrewb8698]

I love the grin you get when telling a great coincidence. I do the same thing.

[@stormcrow8834]

Thank you, ever so much sir. Your mini documentaries really seem to bring these stories to life for me.

[@brokenarrow7871]

WOW !!! Once again a well told interesting “tid bit” of history. You are amazing with all the stuff you know my friend. Thanks for sharing

[@JohnMassari]

PBS digital studios should be picking you up at some point. You’re becoming an American treasure!🎶☺️🎶

[@user-lj5ri3gp5o]

Hope not. PBS is turning into another liberal mouthpiece with their lies on history and the pushing of an agenda makes them like every other network. What they turned into is one of the reasons I enjoy the History Guy. Just the facts, nothing more.

[@johncashwell1024]

Okay TheHistoryGuy, I have signed up for MagellanTv. About 75% of what I watch is documentary, travel, etc. Thanks for the tip!

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

Awesome- we've loved it so far.

[@sameyers2670]

Thank you History Guy for once again making a fascinating video. I had never heard of Hicks before.

[@Hannah_Em]

It's great to see the channel getting sponsorships! Nobody likes an ad, of course, but it's really cool to see you getting recognition and support to help the channel grow and thrive :)

[@ScottWorthington]

Thanks, History Guy. Great story, worth remembering.

[@drsonnysell4471]

Respect & Gratitude Professor!! Proud regular financial sponsor of your program...

[@catsupchutney]

We have so much to learn from history.

[@ski4jeepin]

Every good story has a pirate. But every great story has The History Guy! Thanks for another interesting snippet of history!

[@johnnybates7580]

Someone needs to tell Magellan they'll pick up a few thousand more subscriptions if the give the History Guy a channel!

[@Res375]

Wow what a set of interesting circumstances. Thank you.

[@wickerman9569]

You never disappoint, another great video. Thank you Mr History

[@the_original_Bilb_Ono]

Wow, I didn't expect a lot of the twist and turns of this episode. One of my favorite channels to watch when I first wake up. 👍

[@nancyfahey7518]

If you were my history teacher I wouldn't have slept so much.

[@Grundag]

Arrrrrrh! Make Haste! ta sign up fer Magellan!

[@jpaior]

New sponsor!!! Fantastic. I’m definitely going to sign up for the free month!!! Thankyou for sharing this!!!!

[@jpaior]

They don’t offer caching :(

[@TheLoxxxton]

It's not just the story it's the way ya tell em! So glad I found this channel. Havnt seen Mrs History guy in a while but still loving the hat collection. Bravo sir from the UK👍

[@jcwoodman5285]

Nice- lots of details packed in this one🤗

[@tonyktx44]

Where were you when I studied history in school.

[@caryulmer5578]

Tony King Omg yesss! He would have made an amazing h.s. history teacher, or at least a regular guest speaker to introduce things. Much more people would have loved history.

[@CinimodNorton]

@Trump TightThat's screwed up but, funny.

[@malcolmkhummel3]

Heck ya.....a new video. Thanks History Guy team. Great writing!

[@v.e.7236]

Another historical gem unearthed by the History Guy.

[@dobypilgrim6160]

Always great. This is no exception. Thank you.

[@donc9751]

Another great episode! That Magellan channel sounds great! I too have always loved documentaries!

[@Newzchspy]

Don C You " lived" them and I loved them.....

[@donc9751]

@@Newzchspy lol

[@berrytharp1334]

So cool you are getting more sponsorships. It is all fun and games until it comes time to pay the bills.

[@lisahinton9682]

I loved the way the story meandered through so many emotions ("Look at your offspring, you rascal! If I could get at you I would, and pull your bloody heart out!", for example), and all the details you put into your videos. Well-done once again, THG.

[@FiferSkipper]

I pay for KZbin so I don't have commercials... why do I have to listen to a commercial? It's like cable TV was supposed to be commercial free, and yet it is not; history that deserves to be remembered.

[@bak-mariterry9143]

GREAT POST !😆

[@Laffy1345]

Thank you. Another fantastic story of history.

[@jomolololo4398]

Love the videos , always teaches me a part of history I never knew about 👌, keep it up

[@leifstrong]

History guy thank you!

[@johnkelley9877]

Thanks for sharing this story.

[@NadaNada-mf7wz]

I made a suggestion once,and you actually did it ! - now i have another it’s ‘ Comfort Women Of The Japanese Army ‘

[@markgigiel2722]

That video might have a happy ending.

[@NadaNada-mf7wz]

Mark Gigiel - Actually the opposite is true the women were starved,beaten,torturing,and in some cases most were killed,even the babies !

[@blipco5]

Fantastic and sad story. Well told.

[@EricTheOld]

Another good one, thanks!

[@peterbonde7214]

Great episode. Thanks!

[@shelbybrown8312]

Man what is it 5 days a week we get these amazing videos

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

Three- we post Monday Wednesday and Friday at approximately 7 am Central.

[@TheSimfixer]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel I have a relative who was detained as a Confederate guerrilla on Johnson's island prison camp during the civil war, and died there.

[@shelbybrown8312]

I'll take them anyway I can get them... Gracias

[@mikemiller1646]

Love your channel. Have you ever considered doing a brief biography of Martha Gellhorn, the only woman to land in Normandy on D Day?

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

She did live an extraordinary life- stowed away for Normandy. Wow. We've added her to the topic list. Thanks!

[@mikemiller1646]

So glad to hear this. I must become a Patreon Patron!

[@joshwhite5407]

Fantastic Episode!

[@RyanHull76]

Awesome story! Thanks, History Guy!

[@toastoftown6404]

Thank you sir. Great job

[@dougfrongillo]

Love pirate history. Thank you sir.

[@walterhicksiii3525]

This was soooo informative!!!

[@mikeb.5039]

Great work again

[@legneil]

Thanks another good one.

[@robertbagnall5909]

I LOVE your work. Thanks for keeping the Internet both interesting and informative.

[@racheldavila3600]

Love the History guy!🥰🥰💯💯

[@mariedemastes355]

Thank You that was awesome !

[@MarshOakDojoTimPruitt]

thank you !!!

[@catjudo1]

The History Cat deserves to be remembered!

[@chriscodrington5464]

Always enjoy your work, Thank you!

[@WhoDoUthinkUr]

Thank you 😊

[@southernshop8424]

Quickly becoming my favorite channel. Thank you history guy!

[@tarnishedknight730]

I've heard many explanations as to why Friday the 13th is unlucky. But never heard about Hicks, or a pirate. Something new to ponder.

[@williamkeith8944]

Friday the 13th was noted for execution of Knights Templars by the order of the Pope.

[@tarnishedknight730]

@@williamkeith8944 , hadn't heard that one, either. Thanks

[@sheafamily3]

you never disappoint!

[@Bsquared1972]

Very interesting! Thank you!

[@juanvaldes1837]

5 days a week of the history guy??? GREAT!!!

[@dougmartin8664]

Well done!

[@jimmyshrimbe9361]

Great story! Also a wonderful glimpse into those 5 years of crazy turmoil after his death. No one cared about Hicks anymore.

[@123edwardzpad]

Friday October 13th 1307 the arrest warrants are issued for all the Knights Templar. This is also the history worth remembering. History Guy, thank you for another great video.

[@barryobee1544]

Great story!

[@Brenda-cf8qe]

I never had any interest in history in high school because it was just textbook and the teacher was so boring. But for the first time in my life, I have enjoyed every clip you have made. You are excellent in the way you present and deliver the facts of the story. Thanks so much

[@johngalt3568]

Story well told sir.

[@262marcus]

I look forward to each new snippet from the History Guy with eager anticipation.

[@juiceXhead09]

Said it already...I'm going to say it again....you should do some history over Texas! Battle of San Jacinto, The Alamo, Gonzales, Goliad, Refugio....there's a lot!

[@theoutlook55]

As a native and a resident of the Alamo City, I wholeheartedly concur.

[@davidgreen5099]

Glad you have a sponsor. You've certainly earned it.

[@anthonyhargis6855]

Fascinating stuff.

[@stellarfirefighter5318]

I’m a grown ass man who has seen a lot of death in my line of work, but I still got chills from the way you described the deck being “awash with human blood.”

[@loveofmangos001]

Great video

[@garryfimister6878]

Great channel.

[@sgt2dog]

This is so. Fantastic, I enjoyed so much your presentation. You made this story live for me. Thank you...

[@davidgiancoli2106]

Dear History Guy, I just found the following snippet of forgotten history from the Model sellers "flyingmule.com.": During the Berlin Airlift that lasted from June 24, 1948 until May 12, 1949 the 86th Fighter Group had chosen a camel as its mascot and flew one in from Libya that they named Clarence. In October 1948 a C-47A with Clarence aboard and designated "Camel Caravan To Berlin" left Neubiberg AB laden with thousands of pounds of candy, games and toys as a good will gesture for the children of Berlin that were caught in the Soviet imposed blockade of the city. Could you please do one of your wonderful segments on this heartwarming story? Thanks!

[@dashcroft1892]

I love your channel and the way you serve up interesting history thrice each week. The Pig War of 1859 in the disputed SanJuan Islands is an interesting piece of Pacific Northwest history that deserves to be remembered.

[@kennethstine2419]

Let me start with how much I truly enjoy your channel. I think you should do an episode on the burning of the Library of Alexandria, and the effect on history of that loss of knowledge.

[@joetanaka6446]

Very good tale History Guy

[@littlehoss100]

Never heard that story before. Great one.

[@Music-lx1tf]

Again great story.

[@matthewburrell6095]

Thanks for the free month of Magellan! I'm gonna start binge watching right now!

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

We've really enjoyed it! The documentary on Lewis Carroll blew Ms History's mind...

[@matthewburrell6095]

Good to know! I'm sure there are many layers to peel back on the "cake" that is Lewis Carroll. Right now I honed in immediately on the Salyut 7 documentary. I had seen it in your ad and couldn't wait to see it. But the Lewis Carroll is next. If it blew Mrs History's mind then I gotta know what its all about. I always love when she makes an appearance! Thanks again Mr. and Mrs. History Guy!

[@Accu53Mation]

Thanks to #TheHistoryGuy . You sir, broaden our knowledge and curiosity of everything that is, history.

[@mengoingabroad8576]

you do a great job

[@rvasquez8057]

Great pairing of history and criminology, a mix that cannot be beaten. The story also speaks to the ghoulishness of mankind found throughout history and to this present day. Not only the ghoulishness of Albert Hicks but that of the groups of spectators that relish the spectacle of death.