Thomas Tew

Thomas Tew (* in Rhode Iceland, † beginning in 1695 ), due to his birthplace, also known as "The Rhode Iceland Pirate", was a native of British North America pirate.

The Governor of Bermuda commissioned Tew end of 1692 with two ships, the French commercial establishment in Gorée attack on the estuary of the Gambia and to plunder. For this order, Tew was issued a letter of marque, this expedition was financed by several business people of Bermuda. After Tew had lost a ship due to mast failure in June 1693, he persuaded the remaining crew to do with him as captain, on his own account in the Indian Ocean loot: "I take course in Madagascar with the intent to not only make my happiness,. , but also that of the brave men who have joined me "Together swore the crew: " Whether gold chain or a wooden leg, we stand by you. "

Tew sailed with the " Amity " the Cape of Good Hope. After taking in Madagascar provisions and water on board, we sailed in July 1693 to the Strait of Bab el Mandeb, the entrance to the Red Sea. There they waited for the next boat of the Great Mogul of India. Tew and his men managed to board a pilgrim ship of the Great Mogul, the addition next to the ship's crew - was occupied by 300 soldiers - to protect themselves against pirate attacks. The pirates looted goods worth £ 100,000, including gold, silver, ivory and precious stones. Each man received a share of booty 1200-3000 pounds, Tew himself to have received 10,000 pounds. Furthermore, paid Tew businessmen in Bermuda to ten times the amount of their capital advanced back.

Part of his team decided to remain in Madagascar. With the rest of the crew he sailed to Newport, Rhode Iceland. Tew sold part of its prey cheaper to the poor and needy. Therefore, he was in many of his American contemporaries as honorable man. From Newport Tew sailed to New York. The Governor Benjamin Fletcher patronized pirates and presented a letter of marque from Tew. In November 1694 Tew sailed again to Madagascar. There he met the pirate Henry Every. Together they sailed to the Red Sea, to ambush ships Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca from India. The pirates saw in the early morning hours, two ships, the " Fateh Mahomed " and the "Gang -i - Sawai ".

Tew pursued by his " Amity " the " Fateh Mahomed " and reached this after some time. When the crew of the pirate ship was preparing to board, fired the " Fateh Mahomed " a full broadside against the pirate ship. Tew was fatally injured. A little later, Every, to force the " Fateh Mahomed " to surrender. After several hours of cannon fire and the "Gang -i - Sawai " was defeated. The pirates captured a fabulous treasure, the simple proportion for each of the 180 men was 1,000 pounds.