1717–1718 Acts of Grace

The Proclamation for Suppressing of Pirates (also known simply as the Act of Grace, though not an Act of Parliament) was a royal proclamation issued by George I of Great Britain on 5 September 1717. It promised a pardon for acts of piracy committed before the following 5 January to those pirates who surrendered themselves to the correct authority before a deadline. Originally, the surrender had to occur on or before 5 September 1718; this was later extended by a second proclamation to 1 July 1719.

1717–1718 Acts of Grace
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The Proclamation for Suppressing of Pirates

The Proclamation for Suppressing of Pirates (also known as the Act of Grace) was a royal proclamation issued by George I of Great Britain on 5 September 1717. It promised a pardon to those pirates who surrendered themselves for acts of piracy committed before 5 January 1718. The initial deadline for surrender was later extended to 1 July 1719.

Background

This proclamation was not an isolated event; it followed a precedent set by previous monarchs:

  • James I offered general pardons to pirates in the early 1600s.
  • James II issued proclamations in 1687 and 1688.
  • William III also provided pardons in 1698.

Reasons for the Proclamation

By 1715, piracy had surged, particularly in the West Indies, causing significant concern among merchants and shipmasters. The Royal Navy’s campaign against pirates had been largely ineffective, prompting the government to explore alternative measures, including the proclamation of 1717.

Contents of the Proclamation

The proclamation outlined the following key points:

  • A $100 reward for capturing pirate commanders.
  • A $40 reward for other officers and $20 for private crew members.
  • Specific authorities to whom pirates could surrender, such as the Principal Secretaries of State.

Responses to the Proclamation

In the wake of the proclamation:

  • Pirates on New Providence were divided on accepting the pardon.
  • Some, like Blackbeard, initially rejected the offer.
  • Governors in various regions reported mixed results regarding the effectiveness of the pardon.

Legacy and Impact

The proclamation paved the way for further efforts to combat piracy, including subsequent proclamations and policies aimed at reducing the number of active pirates in the Caribbean and beyond. The situation evolved continuously, influenced by broader geopolitical contexts, such as the War of the Quadruple Alliance.

Further Reading

For those interested in a deeper understanding of piracy during this period, the following sources provide extensive insights:

  • The Republic of Pirates by Colin Woodard
  • A General History of the Pyrates by Charles Johnson
  • Dictionary of Pirates by Jan Rogozinski