Redeeming Stede Bonnet

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Stede Bonnet is one of those pirates that has become a pop-culture icon in the recent years. He was a sugar plantationer that left behind his family and property to become a pirate, and was eventually hanged for it. Most of his coverage agrees that he was an incompetent, silly man, who turned to piracy for nonsensical reasons. If you really dig deeper, another potential narrative starts to present itself. Rather than hopping onto the bandwagon, I want to present you an alternative view of Stede Bonnet, which is hopefully - more nuanced, more refreshing, and perhaps more realistic. In the end, I hope to have provided you with enough information to make up your own mind.
Sources:
The Life and Tryals of the Gentleman Pirate - Jeremy R. Moss
Quest for Blackbeard - Baylus Brooks
Dictionary of Pyrate Biography - Baylus Brooks
Republic of Pirates - Colin Woodard
0:00 Introduction
2:05 Family Tree
6:15 Bonnet Begins
9:55 Blackbeard
13:15 The Protestant Caesar
15:13 Alliance ends
18:34 Endgame
22:23 A gentleman pirate
27:02 Outro
#bonnet #stedebonnet #pirates #biography #biographies #history #goldandgunpowder

[@spirospagiatis4731]

Here's my pirate meme : In Nassau, you eat hardtack In Soviet Russia, HARDTACK EATS YOU!!!!

[@adolphdresler3753]

I don't get it

[@greenhorn6582]

In Putin's Russia: There's no hardtack to eat nor any to eat you!

[@pigmentpeddler5811]

​@@adolphdresler3753it's a bad, outdated joke format

[@herobrinesblog]

Most times, the reality is more interesting than the myths. An actual biopic or series about the famous pirates of 1717 would be great

[@this1foo]

Have you seen black sails?

[@blackhawkdown342]

It seems like Bonnet was a man who was greedy for glory rather than gold. He kept pushing his abilities and luck to their limit. Fighting bigger ships on multiple occasions and teaming up with blackbeard would seem to add evidence to that. Afterall, two pirate ships can make a far bigger name for their captains than one ever could hope to. The idea of pirates being paid regular wages is interesting in theory but in practice im not sure it would work well. They would be the ones hauling the treasure off of the ship, so it seems a little strange that they would be ok with getting it back in small bits rather than all at once in a single post raid treasure split.

[@peenoice5176]

It's because we would give wages even if there was no booty from pirating.

[@raylast3873]

From the Captain/Business owner viewpoint, the wages thing is actually super-duper sensible IF you assume that there is a a steady return. That‘s how every single legitimate business-owner gets rich, after all: you pay people a (more or less) steady wage but since your returns are actually much higher, you get to reap a windfall. If they did what pirates did and distribute shares of the profits, they would become a lot less rich. Bonnet probably had the same idea. If you do strike it big, this model ensures that you take home the vast majority of the plunder for yourself, with your sailors only getting relative peanuts. Until then, you‘ve kept them happy because they‘ve been getting something the entire time and don‘t have to worry about starving. In practice, this might still lead to problems if you take a big haul and they get nothing, but I can see a kind of hybrid payment system working pretty well where they get a wage plus a smaller share of any loot; similar to what some military sailors got if they were involved in merchant raiding (for example, on English Frigates during the Coalition Wars). But of course, that all depends on actually striking it big. If you don’t, then it‘s no good, and the traditional method is a lot better for that. The crew gets a share of the haul, and if there’s no haul then they don’t get anything. Minimizes the risk for the boss.

[@johnshipley1389]

Eww

[@thecreweofthefancy]

Having met his descendants, a lot of their family history is full of Jacobite politics as well as apparently a long history involved in the illegal slave trade. (Outside of English laws before and after the general outlaw of the trade)

[@chrisidoo]

*MAN FOR SAAAAALE.*

[@Flintl0ck]

There's really no reason as to why I'm saying this under this specific video, but thank you for what you are doing. Your channel is by far the best place to get informed about pirate history without spending humongous amounts of time doing research, and I truly appreciate that. I have been a fan since.. forever, and I have probably left a similar comment on an older video but I feel like saying this yet again for the sake of showing my unending appreciation! Keep it up cap'n, ye be doin' one hell of a good job, sir!

[@nealmaxwell790]

The Zelda CDI clip really got me!!!😂😂😂

[@jackrice2770]

As usual, a well-researched presentation. As for Bonnet, just as with any person, no one can know what is in the mind, even with written evidence, since what someone says may have more to do with their situation and attempt to defend themselves. When considering the character of pirates, I try to simply imagine them as being exactly like people I know, or know of, today. With a little imagination, it's not difficult to see them as being just like various quasi-criminals, and out-right criminals, in the news today. Some dress their actons in poltical or social or economic trappings, and indeed certain pirates were no doubt partially motivated by these issues in their own time. We must always keep in mind, however, that most of them were motivated by the same forces that work upon us all: the need to get money; the realistic possibilities of getting that money given one's situation; the skills and opportunities presented at the time. It's also important to understand the relationship between governments and mercenaries during this period. Using mercenaries on land and sea was a well-established practice of European governments and had been for literally hundreds of years. We would have to trace the history of centralization of government power and wealth, the growth of the nation-state, and the system of international trade at the time to really have a comprehensive understanding of piracy and its evolution. Thanks for stimulating my mind. Keeps my fiction writing fertilized!

[@GoldandGunpowder]

Glad to hear it helps. Thank you so much for becoming a channel member!

[@sunandshadow6593]

Given that he wasn't a useless and overrated bum like certain other pirates, I can hardly wait to see this!

[@TheRiverPirate13]

Major Stede Bonnet is one of those Pirates that we simply don't know all the reasons for going on the account. We can only speculate on why he left a fairly comfortable lifestyle to become a Pirate. I do find it rather humorous how later writers would go to great lengths to portray him as a "Gentleman". The whole "walk the plank" form of execution has been attributed to his being someone reluctant to get his hands dirty. Lol! If I was going to guess, I think if he was an avid reader and was aware of the past "glories" of his family he might have decided he wanted to join them in that fame. He succeeded in that respect! I think he was more interested in fame than riches. Apparently, the site of where Major Stede Bonnet's Sugar Plantation once stood in Barbados is a historical site.

[@Vicus_of_Utrecht]

Eh nothing strange a child growing up under wealth & privilege becomes a degenerate criminal; it's quite common. Look at Hunter Biden.

[@brianholland2916]

Lying is compulsive with society. As it gets older it gets worse

[@unknowntrooper_2791]

Very interesting again. It would still seem that Stede was not the most skilled pirate, but not a complete fool either. As an additional note I think Bonnet may have been after the Holy Roman Empire's letter of marque (same as originally was the case with George Shelvocke) from St. Thomas which as a free port may have offered all kind of contacs. Britain declared war on Spain in very late 1718 in Europe I think but the Emperor had been at war months earlier. Also it is very interesting that Bonnet was captured by an estate owning gentleman and militia colonel William Rhett, a man with a lot of common with Bonnet. Anyway, great video with very interesting new info, especially of things like Bonnet's family. Also I had not realised how young he was, barely 30 when he died. Cheers. 🏴‍☠️

[@EllisM.11]

Bonnet obviously became a pirate for his true love, Blackbeard, there's tons of articles on Wikipedia about it and why would the internet lie? Also, if you have the time, could you do a video about the captain's clothing?

[@GoldandGunpowder]

I have a video about captains planned for summer

[@sunandshadow6593]

Only in Pirates Online have I heard or seen Queen Anne's Revenge as QAR, maybe just because it's not needed.

[@Chadswonderfulwalkingtours]

Listening from Mackinac Island Michigan

[@vintagecapgunsatyourmomshouse]

I absolutely do not understand why this channel does not have 10x number of subscribers. This content is well presented and well researched.

[@ged1798]

Can’t wait for this one !

[@GoldandGunpowder]

Stede can't wait to meet you either

[@ged1798]

@@GoldandGunpowder I’m gonna give Stede a romantical smooch

[@trangho5317]

@@GoldandGunpowder can your make about ned low

[@raylast3873]

I think the context you give that it was fairly common for wealthy men from the Caribbean to become „pirates“ is hugely important. And yes, culturally these colonies were all steeped in a history of maritime enterprise and warfare in which pirates played a huge role. Jamaica was basically founded by Henry Morgan, and it probably isn‘t the only colony with that kind of history. And of course, it‘s a thin line between legal and illegal piracy. As Morgan‘s history shows, privateers weren‘t just respected, they were a major geopolitical factor. Initially all the major powers relied on them to fight their wars in the „Indies“ (both West and East). Not only were a number of these plantation owners descended from pirates, if you include other not-so-legitimate professions like conquistadors, soldiers-of-fortune and adventure-seekers, it‘s probably like most of them. Cuz how else would you become a landowner in the colonies? So why wouldn‘t one of those descended-from-fortune-hunters kind of gentlemen go back to sea and try to repeat the glorious (very literally) deeds of his grandparents? If Morgan and Drake could get rich by fighting the Spanish and robbing their ships, becoming war heroes in the process, why shouldn‘t the next guy who comes along be able to do the same?

[@murdockpt]

STEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEDE caught daddling? thats a paddling!

[@joedonnelly387]

Ay I really enjoy these videos, thanks!

[@thelemming54]

Your channel is great. You should have way more subscribers. Where is your accent from?

[@bobmav5729]

Great to hear a retelling that prioritizes accuracy! My introduction to Bonnet was the internet historian video (which is a classic regardless of its faithfulness to the historical records, but it is nice to better understand what realistically happened). I will have to look more into the history of the Jacobites.

[@hellgato777]

Anyone still playing Pirates! from 1991 on the original NES? It's the only video game i play anymore.

[@monkstery]

Another banger from GnG

[@tag4907]

Thanks, lovin the content

[@GoldandGunpowder]

enjoy

[@michaelsmith8028]

Can you maybe do a video about the many incarnations of Diego el Mulato please? Not trying to force anything.

[@GoldandGunpowder]

it's coming next month

[@michaelsmith8028]

@@GoldandGunpowder Really? Nice.

[@constantdrowsiness4458]

Great work! Are the trial records available somewhere?

[@GoldandGunpowder]

google

[@hailmary2959]

What became of Stede's Revenge? Was she taken back to Charlestown? Did she rot and sink where she ran aground? Was her wreck ever recoverd?

[@GoldandGunpowder]

it was taken back to Charleston and later commandeered by Governor Johnson

[@hailmary2959]

@@GoldandGunpowder What was her fate?

[@ged1798]

@@hailmary2959 That was her fate, commandeered.

[@heofonfyr6000]

19:40 🤣 I love it. this bit had me laughing out loud what a guy!

[@AE1OU]

Had no idea internet historian's video wasn't as accurate and had embellished events here and there such as Steede plotting to get revenge on Blackbeard for betraying him

[@GoldandGunpowder]

It is a common narrative in modern literature based on A General History of the Pyrates which is an embellished story

[@thepoorhistorian2325]

In a few of your recent videos you've made the point that a pirate's favorite weapon was the musket, including this one. Would you be able to make a video or a post going over some of the primary sources that discuss pirate weaponry? Maybe any that would imply preference or displeasure in one or another?

[@GoldandGunpowder]

see my video on firelocks and the sources in the description

[@greenhorn6582]

Have you ever played _Blackbeard_ from the Avalon Hill Game Company?

[@beyond4598]

23:25 who the hell draw this

[@kylemackinnon5696]

Poor guy got the Watson treatment

[@merafirewing6591]

Stede Bonnet is always a Gentleman Pirate, also where did you get the sloop pictures?

[@GoldandGunpowder]

I forget where I get my pictures since I have so many of them and most of them are months old

[@bushhippie7372]

Living only blocks from Beaufort Inlet I often walk to the waterfront and look out to where Teach’s double cross happened and I feel bad for Bonnet. The flag that was (likely falsely) attributed to him is one of my favorites to fly.

[@alxazar]

You can't ask kindly for my likes, but you can earn them with a good ol dad joke !

[@M1647KS]

Can you make a video on Barbary Pirates

[@GoldandGunpowder]

nop

[@M1647KS]

@@GoldandGunpowder why?

[@GoldandGunpowder]

i cover European colonial sea roving between 1630 and 1730 on this channel

[@M1647KS]

@@thearmoredgoat2469 🤣 I respect that

[@ged1798]

gng does European pirates

[@InnerDness]

5:49 whats the source for this claim about Edward Teach being born a wealthy plantationer in Jamaica? I dont doubt it, I've just never heard it before. It was my understanding that its nearly impossible to determine his origins beyond the most basic facts like he was English (or Welsh) by birth, and he was educated.

[@GoldandGunpowder]

The theory stems from Baylus C. Brook's various books, primarily Quest for Blackbeard and Blackbeard Reconsidered. Brooks based his theory on findings of a Thache-family on Jamaica and then in England which matches other descriptions of BB and his family. It's not entirely confirmed, some historians have poked holes in Brooks' theory, but it is one of the likelier ones, though I've mostly gone with it so far due to a lack of other credible theories. I will take a deeper look at BB's possible origins when I remake my video on him.

[@Piemonster48]

That man just wanted to do pirate shi 😂

[@malapertfourohfour2112]

WHAT IS THE GAY BLACKBEARD STEDE BONNET TV SERIES I NEED TO KNOW FOR REASONS

[@WabbyDoo]

Our flag means death

[@malapertfourohfour2112]

@@WabbyDoo oh really!? I've been interested in checking that one out because I've heard it's very silly in a fun way, but my limited data rn mostly goes to videogames 🤷🏿‍♀️🙃

[@WabbyDoo]

@@malapertfourohfour2112 It's a good show. Season 2 is in the works right now. Another similar show by the same guy, Taika Waititi, is 'What We Do in the Shadows' and has more seasons out. Videogame time is also important though haha 😃

[@bookofroger]

#freestede

[@andrewince8824]

I don't think he was quite sane. The loss of his son, although not uncommon for the time, would still have affected him. Likely, Bonnet was not of totally sound mind long before setting sail. His habit of pushing for ever more challenging targets points toward a narcissistic personality.

[@raylast3873]

I think if this video demonstrates anything, it‘s that you don‘t need insanity to explain Bonnet‘s overall actions.

[@AmbroseBoaBowie]

Richard’s real name was Edward…. Kenway

[@sapeurmaboul4046]

the hat in the thumbnail, he is historically accurate ?

[@GoldandGunpowder]

oui

[@sapeurmaboul4046]

@@GoldandGunpowder thanks !

[@GoldandGunpowder]

i stumbled upon your channel by mistake yesterday, so it's a weird coincidence that you're commenting here now

[@sapeurmaboul4046]

@@GoldandGunpowder well ! i like pirates 😄

[@alwaysdriveing]

The part of Stede Bonnet in the show Outlander is a very diffeent take on him. Seems as far off in the other direction as that other show is.

[@mageillus]

25:56 damn ain’t that a reference

[@bushhippie7372]

The Jamaican gentleman pirate who was extremely successful never gets mentioned either. Joseph Bannister. Basically did the same as Bonnet in that he left a made life for piracy. Bannister was just a lot more successful and taken far more seriously.

[@raylast3873]

Any chance you might ever do anything about Störtebecker? He‘s the only pirate we got over here.

[@haerfgvbag7050]

1:18 third video down, this might be the most cringe inducing thing i have ever witnessed

[@raylast3873]

Nothing wrong with gay pirates.

[@ellen4956]

Consider, if you will, this scenario; A wealthy man, raised on a sugar plantation, turned pirate and was jailed for it. The locals were fond of him and, allied by political views, stepped in to help. A look-alike (holding a posey to draw attention away from his face) replaces Bonnet at the gallows, and he sees his family compensated with wealth before he goes. Someone claims to have killed Blackbeard and "proves" it by a head tied to their ship; anyone's head once the birds had a go at it. Most would not have a real idea what those men looked like, only the hair, the beard, the clothes, all easily changed. Two farmers buy land nearby and as plantation owners live out their lives in North Carolina. I give you, the Gentleman Farmers.

[@joeydelrio]

its a fact he didnt claim to say he retired cause there is no evidence, so we will proclaim its a fact he never made such a statement even though there is no evidence to support he never said it. OP does this a lot without realizing how contradictory it is.

[@GoldandGunpowder]

there are no contradictions, you need to agree on some sort of baseline in order to tell a cohesive story while simultaneously for the sake of clarity and honesty stress that the situation is ambiguous

[@joeydelrio]

@@GoldandGunpowder no contradictions, so what is your evidence he never made that statement, silence is not evidence. had you simply said "we dont know if he said it as there is no evidence to back it up" that would be fine, but when you add your own factual statement, with no evidence, your just doing the same thing.

[@Phantom_Zer0]

01:10 WHAT? Oh my god this society, the they made him have a romantic relationship with black beard 😡😠.

[@trailerparkwerewolf910]

Perhaps he and Blackbeard were trying to fund another Jacobite rebellion

[@thehillz726]

i think portraying him as a silly but capable man would be best.