1718 – Piracy

Stede Bonnet

Judge Nicholas Trott sentenced Bonnet to death. Trott’s long harangue during sentencing – quoting scripture and lecturing Bonnet on morality – probably felt like a death sentence to the pirate. Trott stated that Bonnet faced “not just physical death, but everlasting burning … in fire and brimstone.”

Bonnet was allowed an appeal, which he wrote to Governor Johnson.

Also, late that day, twenty-four pirates, Richard Worley’s crew, were put on trial. Five of the crew were acquitted, probably because they agreed to testify for the Crown. The other nineteen were found guilty, sentenced to death and hanged.