Pirate. Sometimes referred to as the "King of Pyrates" or the "Admiral of the Pyrate Fleet". Amassed a large fortune in his day by predations on the Grand Moguls in the Indian Ocean and Red Sea (several times taking ships in which the share of prize money was worth in excess of 3,000 pounds sterling per man), as well as the American east coast, where he was protected by the corrupt Governor Fletcher of New York. The island of Madagascar became a pirate stronghold due to him, and at one point he was able to buy his own pardon. Unusual for a pirate, Tew was honest; he kept his word; and he treated his fellows with kindness to the point that his victims would surrender upon learning who he was, expecting good treatment. On 8 November 1694 Fletcher awarded Tew a privateering commission. Tew boasted that he would sail once again to the Red Sea, and bring back his booty to New York. He died in action there against a Mogul ship, when a cannon shot tore out his abdomen; his crew immediately surrendered.
Pirate. Sometimes referred to as the "King of Pyrates" or the "Admiral of the Pyrate Fleet". Amassed a large fortune in his day by predations on the Grand Moguls in the Indian Ocean and Red Sea (several times taking ships in which the share of prize money was worth in excess of 3,000 pounds sterling per man), as well as the American east coast, where he was protected by the corrupt Governor Fletcher of New York. The island of Madagascar became a pirate stronghold due to him, and at one point he was able to buy his own pardon. Unusual for a pirate, Tew was honest; he kept his word; and he treated his fellows with kindness to the point that his victims would surrender upon learning who he was, expecting good treatment. On 8 November 1694 Fletcher awarded Tew a privateering commission. Tew boasted that he would sail once again to the Red Sea, and bring back his booty to New York. He died in action there against a Mogul ship, when a cannon shot tore out his abdomen; his crew immediately surrendered.
Bio by: Brian Macdonald
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