Shift #37 - Collections Research
Friday, June 28, 2024 | 5:30-7 am CST/6:30-8 am EST (1 hr 30 min)
Details
Michelle Hurt, student/intern
Jennifer Gonzalez, practicum supervisor
This is a screenshot of my continued research on Massey. Getting to Zoom in on these documents and reading these accounts make me feel like I'm back in those times! I love old books for sure.
This morning, I continued my research on Captain Massey. After reluctantly and really, forcedly joining the pirate vessel, he and the new crew took a merchant ship. They didn't have to fight the crew but managed to take it without any violence. They took the crew as prisoners and also their supplies of food and drink. Massey was noted to have testified that they did not injury anyone and did not damage the vessel. His new crew captured several other vessels, with the sole intent of taking anything valuable. It seemed that the pirate captain valued his opinion and would inquire of him regarding the things they ought to consider taking but Massey was confused by this, as he felt he didn't know what a pirate was supposed to do. He said "his heart was uneasy" and felt that if he acted other than compliant and agreeable, he would be met with violence. When his new ship arrived in Jamaica to resupply for provisions, he escaped and went to the authorities. He spoke with the governor of Jamaica, Sir Nicholas Lawes, that he was a pirate and where to search for pirate ships nearby. With this information, the governor sent his men out and captured those ships. Because of what Massey did and his longing to return to England, the governor provided him with recommendation letters. Unfortunately Massey's return was not a pleasant one. He turned himself in to the authorities as soon as he arrived, was made prisoner and then stood trial. Because of his piracy, he was found guilty and sentenced to death. Massey was forthcoming with his experiences on the high seas and never once denied the evidence placed before him by prosecution.
Many who attended his trial felt sorry for him but it was noted that Massey seemed resigned to his fate, without protestations, and understood his actions were not good. He was ready to receive God's forgiveness and leave a difficult world behind. As he awaited his execution and, he buried himself in praying and reading the Bible and other sacred books. With the priest who gave him his final sacrament, he reflected upon his experiences and encounters with the crew in Africa - he wished them well in their life. For those whom he had taken part in capturing, he asked for their forgiveness. Lastly, Massey expressed that the punishment he received (as someone forced into piracy, according to his account) should be dealt to all pirates so that the honor of Britain would be upheld in the high seas and so that travelers (whether soldier or merchant) would be able to journey with fear of being accosted, stolen from, or killed. He also wished for people to reflect upon his actions so that they would not follow in his footsteps but so they could strive to live a humble and ordinary life.
The day of his execution, he was somber and repentant. He gave a speech to the crowd watching, as a final confession. To his very last breath he swore that he never set out to be a pirate but was reckless due to his age. He confessed to his wrongs, defended himself against lies, and implored people to pray for him.
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