Captain Avery.

Repro ID: 0829

Description: Avery (1665-1728?) became a pirate after serving as a Midshipman in the Navy. He then spent a brief period as a privateer. However, annoyed with the lack of prize money he was receiving, he seized the privateer 'Charles' from one Captain Gibson, and put Gibson and one loyal seaman adrift on a raft. There is little doubt the two men died a terrible death on the ocean, for they were never heard from again. Greatest of Avery's captures was the 'Ganj-i-Sawai', a ship belonging to the Mogul Emperor, which was laden with gold, jewels and rich silks. Avery was never captured. It is believed that he returned to England and took up residence, under an alias, at Bideford in Devon.

Creator: W Tett, [artist]; W Pritchard, [engraver]

Date: Unknown

Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London