Defoe Vol. I Chpt. XVII John Smith (1)

Captain Smith and the Mutiny on the George Galley

Overview of the Situation

• Captain Ferneau: described as a peevish and covetous man, had a reputation for being stingy with crew provisions.

• Murmuring among the crew due to inadequate food supply, leading to escalated tensions.

• Smith, the second mate, took advantage of the strife and incited the crew toward rebellion against Ferneau.

The Crew's Conspiracy

• Smith recruited six crew members into a conspiracy to murder all officers:

  • James Williams (Welshman)

  • John Smith (alias Gow)

  • Daniel McCawley (Irishman)

  • William Melvin (Scotsman)

  • Peter Rawlinson and James Winter (Swedes)

  • John Peterson (Dane)

• Their intent was to take control of the ship, which had considerable value on board.

• The plan included turning the ship into a pirate vessel.

Execution of the Mutiny

• The plot was timed for November 3; during the night, officers were attacked while asleep.

• Smith and his conspirators confronted Captain Ferneau:

  • Ferneau was initially sceptical of the threat but acted on the side of caution, ensuring his defense.

  • Several crew members, including surgical officer Thomas Guy, witnessed the violent confrontation.

• Ferneau ultimately fell victim to the plot and was shot by Smith after a struggle.

Aftermath of the Mutiny

Redefining Command and Actions Taken

• Following the mutiny, Smith declared himself captain and threatened the crew to maintain order.

• The ship was renamed the Revenge, and they set out for piracy and further adventures.

Initial Pirate Ventures

• Early ventures resulted in the crew capturing various vessels:

  • First significant capture on November 18th included taking a vessel with a cargo of fish, which was subsequently sunk.

  • The crew encountered a Scottish ship laden with herrings and salmon; they seized provisions and sunk that ship as well.

Continued Piracy and Challenges

• The crew faced issues with supply, leading them to cruise off the Spanish and Portuguese coasts.

• They captured a New-England ship in December and took additional provisions while sparing the vessel to avoid attracting attention.

Rise to Notoriety and Further Confrontation

• Their notoriety grew, leading to conflict with a Portuguese ship that endangered their survival.

• After extensive discussions, Smith decided to find shelter in Scotland to evade capture.

The Downfall of Captain Smith and the Crew

Attempts to Plunder on Land

• With tensions rising, Smith sought to plunder local houses but faced unexpected resistance.

• An attempted robbery at Mr. Honeyman's house resulted in theft, drawing authorities' attention.

Discovery and Arrest

• A group of crewmen attempted escape but were captured by customs authorities, leading to Smith's eventual discovery.

• The crew's plight culminated in being brought back to England for trial at Execution-Dock.

Execution of the Pirates

• Crew members, including Smith (Gow), Williams, and others were convicted of piracy and murder.

• In total, eight crew members were sentenced to death; they were executed by hanging in Wapping.

• Smith’s downfall serves as a grim reminder of the violent transformations from mutiny to piracy and eventual justice.