This document summarizes a letter written in 1825 by Lucretia Parker describing her capture by pirates off the coast of Cuba and her subsequent 18-day journey from Jamaica to St. Johns, Newfoundland. The letter details how Parker's ship was attacked by a pirate schooner near Matanzas, Cuba. Parker was allowed to take refuge in the cabin for her safety. They were eventually rescued when a British warship disguised as a merchant ship engaged the pirates in battle. Parker then recounts her harrowing 18-day voyage from Jamaica to St. Johns where she wrote this letter to her brother.

1. Piratical Barbarity or the Female Captive : Gender Construct in 1825 Presented by: Eva de Lourdes Edwards, PhD 11 th Islands in Between Conference Curaçao November 5-8, 2008

2. Inside Cover Page

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5. David Cordingly Under the Black Flag: The Romance and the Reality of Life Among the Pirates

6. St. Johns, April 3, 1825 Dear Brother, You have undoubtedly heard of my adverse fortune , and the shocking incident that has attended me since I had the pleasure of seeing you in November last—anticipating your impatience to be made acquainted with a more circumstantial detail of my extraordinary adventures , I shall not on account of the interest which I know you must feel in my welfare, hesitate to oblige you; yet I must declare to you that it is that consideration alone that prompts me to do it, as even the recollection of the scenes which I have witnessed, you must be sensible must ever be attended with pain: and that I cannot reflect on that I have endured, and the scenes of horror that I have been witness to, without the severest shock. (10)

7. A Schooner and a Sloop We set sail with a favourable wind, and with every appearance of a short and pleasant voyage, and met with no incident to destroy or diminish those flattering prospects, until about noon of the 11 th day from that of our departure, when a small schooner was discovered standing toward us with her deck full of men, and as she approached us from her suspicious appearance there was not a doubt in the minds of any on board, but that she was a Pirate; ... (11)

8. Lucretia Parker Inside cover page illustration “ I fell on my knees, and from one who appeared to have the command, I begged for mercy, and for permission to retire to the cabin, that I might not be either the subject or a witness of the murderous scene that I had but little doubt was about to ensue!—the priviledge was not refused me— …” (pp. 11-12)

9. “ the monster in human shape” — the priviledge was not refused me—the monster in human shape (for such was then his appearance) conducted me by the hand himself to the companion way, and pointing to the cabin said to me “descend and remain there and you will be perfectly safe, for although Pirates, we are not barbarians to destroy the lives of innocent females!” (p. 12)

10. British Sloop of War “ ... the more distant vessel which proved to be a British sloop of war disguised had approached them within fair gunshot, and probably knowing or suspecting their characters, opened their ports and commenced a destructive fire upon them ...” (19)

11. Matanzas Keys

12. Matanzas to Jamaica to St. Johns Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada Oregon Texas Missouri Michigan Arizona Dakota Matanzas to St. Johns Matanzas to St. Johns via Jamaica 18 day sail from Jamaica to St. Johns