Interview With a Captain of U.T.B.F

Ahoy Captain Black!

Please, spare some time and share with our fine and dear U.T.B.F. Brotherhood, some treasure from yer life, so as the Pirate Universe know ye better…

What is yer real name, my-lord? 

My name is Paul Gourgourinis

What are yer other, everyday activities, except from sailing, plundering and dreaming?

I'm mechanical engineer.But my true passion is searching the pages of Pirate history.

Describe yerself in 5-10 words
.
Only one...Dreamer

Since when ye got interested about Pirates?

From the time i was seven years old....Since I very first watched the Retro comic movie Captain Harlock.He was a space Pirate and he was trying with his pirate spaceship to free Earth.From that moment i understood that my spirit was free,i can't forget the moment that he was hoisted his flag and said ''Hoist the flag of freedom.''

What is this specific thing ye really like about Pirates most?

The fact that some of them had the spirit of freedom.

Why ye accepted to be a U.T.B.F. Captain?

Me and my brother Jake we are the founders of this great
brotherhood. We decided to share our passion for Pirate history That’s the reason we made U.T.B.F.We want to share and search the history pages of Piracy from the moment it started.

One Dream, One Passion, Pirate History

What is yer favorite pirate weapon?

My favorite weapon is Cutlass

What is yer favorite pirate ship?


Our ship...Frigate''ARCADIA''

What is yer favorite pirate drink?

Only Rum.

What is yer favorite pirate song?

The island of Pirates...A song of Socratis Malamas

What is yer favorite pirate word or phrase?

I dare do all that may become a man,who dares more is none..
(Macbeth)

What is yer favorite item in your pirate wardrobe?
The flag of U.T.B.F. brotherhood of course!

Ye feel rather a blessed or a cursed pirate figure?
Sea will tell us one day..

Do ye believe that the pirates’ life is really fer ye?

We will find it together through the pages of Pirate History.


Granmerci Captain fer yer time and thinking on this short interview. Now, feel free to add anything you believe our noble Brotherhood would like to hear from you. Strong Sails!

I want to thank, our members for their support which is very important for us and give us strength to continue. Also i thank our captains for their great job and without them we couldn’t find so many pictures, articles and videos to share with all of you. You are awesome.
Under The Black Flag Set Sails mateys, Join us.

Interview With a Captain of U.T.B.F

Ahoy Captain John Morris !

Please, spare some time and share with our fine and dear U.T.B.F. Brotherhood, some treasure from yer life, so as the Pirate Universe know ye better…

What is yer real name, mylord?

My name is Alkis Vasileiou
What are yer other, everyday activities, except from sailing, plundering and dreaming?

I'm a software engineer, writing code, like Java, C++ etc. Currently I 'm constructing web sites with Drupal, writing some Javascript and PHP. Also, another major activity is reading history, from Ancient Greece to Ancient Rome, from Dark Ages to Medieval times, Renaissance, Age of Discovery, Age of Enlightenment. Finally, I'm a fan of ambient music and post-apocalyptic fiction.

Describe yerself in 5-10 words

Nervous, anxious about the future and the unknown, a little bit selfish, but also creative and easy to sympathize (as others characterize me).

Since when ye got interested about Pirates?

Since I was playing with my playmobil pirate ship. But also, cause I read history, I found it interesting to read about pirate history.

What is this specific thing ye really like about Pirates most?

Their act of defying a system of absolute monarchies, risking their necks for freedom. The romance and the fierceness that surrounds them.

How ye decided to become a member of U.T.B.F. and what is that whispering in yer heart?

I decided to join the U.T.B.F. because I love pirate history, and U.T.B.F. shares that history that I found it interesting and exciting.

Why ye accepted to be a U.T.B.F. Captain?

I was honored to be accepted to be a U.T.B.F. Captain because the Captains saw my interest on pirate history. They saw my efforts to find as many parts as I can about pirate history that I will always try to find and share with my pirate Brotherhood.

What is yer favorite pirate weapon?

My favorite pirate weapon is the flintlock pistol

What is yer favorite pirate drink?

Time flies...when you are having rum!

What is yer favorite pirate song?

I don't have a specific song that I like the most, I like some soundtracks from various pirate movies and games as well as the Irish Rovers.

What is yer favorite pirate word or phrase?

Many, but I will stick to one...or two. “Where there is a sea there are pirates.” and “Life’s pretty good, and why wouldn’t it be? I’m a pirate, after all.”
What is yer favorite item in your pirate wardrobe?

The flag of U.T.B.F. brotherhood of course!
Ye feel rather a blessed or a cursed pirate figure?

I will leave that to the world, the world always decides.

Do ye believe that the pirates’ life is really fer ye?

With such a strong brotherhood as the U.T.B.F. team, certainly! 

Gramerci Captain fer yer time and thinking on this short interview. 

Interview With a Captain of U.T.B.F

Ahoy Capitana ~Morgana del Sol~ Please, spare some time and share with our fine and dear U.T.B.F. Brotherhood, some treasure from yer life, so as the Pirate Universe know ye better…

What is yer real name, mylady?

My real name is Marianthi~Maya~Delezou. I am Greek.

What are yer other, everyday activities, except from sailing, plundering and dreaming?

I am a copywriter, mostly in advertising field, but also writing stories for kids and allegoric tales for adults. My other active side is performing on stage (acting, oriental dancing, choir singing, narrating) and another one behind the stage, organizing and promoting cultural events with friends artists.

Describe yerself in 5-10 words.

Tender, Imaginative, Creative, Stubborn, Anxious, Lazy, Romantic, Enthusiastic, Selfish, Faerie-wise…

Since when ye got interested about Pirates?

Since I very first watched some old pirate movies, as a teenager. Then the feeling got slept in me and woke up again when I gradually discovered so much talking about the universal, modern pirate dream in the web. Then actually thought “Maya, Mother Sea is calling… Follow your heart, lass!”

What is this specific thing ye really like about Pirates most?

The sense and the truth of freedom.

How ye decided to become a member of U.T.B.F. and what is that whispering in yer heart?

“Under the Black Flag” is maybe the most inspired and serious presence all over the web, sharing pirate history, without irrelevant, funny or silly stuff included, so as to gain followers. When I first saw some U.T.B.F. posts in F/B, I spotted the difference immediately. And of course, I became a fan at once, without a second thought. Since that day, almost a year ago, not just a whisper, but a large piece of my heart belongs to my pirate family, the U.T.B.F. Brotherhood...

Why ye accepted to be a U.T.B.F. Captain?

Because I was really honoured to be asked to, by the council of the U.T.B.F. Captains, who were surprised to meet a Greek lass who believes in the eternal pirate dream. So, since no wise pirate can reject such an honour and privilege, here I am, Capitana Morgana del Sol, always trying to keep firm and steady the romantic side of our brotherhood...

What is yer favorite pirate weapon?

The map! No reason to fight, if you don’t know where your destination is... Then comes the cannon. I just love the noise! (and the mess of course...)

What is yer favorite pirate ship? The Carrack. A real ocean-going ship. Large enough to be stable in heavy seas, roomy enough to carry provisions for long voyages... What is yer favorite pirate drink? The black rum. Better be Captain Morgan.

What is yer favorite pirate song?

“Hoist the colors” by Hans Zimmer. What is yer favorite pirate word or phrase? “Be strong, me hearties!”

What is yer favorite item in your pirate wardrobe?

My black pirate belt. Loaded with a scull buckle full of tiny crystals.

Ye feel rather a blessed or a cursed pirate figure?

Somewhere in between. I leave this to the Universe to get the final decision.

Do ye believe that the pirates’ life is really fer ye?

This is something I will really know only when we really set sails with our brotherhood’s great ship “Arcadia”... 

Gramerci Captain fer yer time and thinking on this short interview. Now, feel free to add anything you believe our noble Brotherhood would like to hear from you. Strong Sails!

“Me lads and lasses, me sisters and brothers, the whole world now, more than ever, is in need of the free spirit, the strength, the wealth and the romance of the pirate tribe. People need to dream, to get inspired, to share the love for freedom, to return to the primal innocence and the respect for the nature’s Elements. Eternal Pirate History has taught us all of this. Now, it is just in the reach of our hands to start this journey and make this dream an everyday truth, under the Black Flag!”

~Capitana Morgana Del Sol~

Israel Hands

Israel Hands was second-in-command under Edward Teach (Blackbeard). Hands was given command of David Herriot's ship the Adventure after Herriot was captured by Edward Teach (Blackbeard) in March, 1718.

Hands was with Edward Teach in the attack on Charleston, South Carolina. Afterwards, Hands settled with Teach in Ocracoke, North Carolina. When Teach was killed by Robert Maynard, Hands was captured and taken to Virginia for trial. In exchange for immunity, Hands testified against corrupt North Carolina officials who had consorted with Edward Teach.

According to Daniel Defoes ''General History of the Robberies and Murders of the Most Notorious Pyrates'', Hands is said to have died a beggar in London and also wrote that Hands was shot in the knee by Edward Teach after Teach fired at another member of his crew, striking Hands accidently. Hands supposedly asked Teach his meaning in this act, His response was, "That if he did not now and then kill one of them, they would forget who he was".

Captain Abraham Blauvelt

Abraham Blauvelt was a Dutchman, instrumental in establishing several settlements and many places which still bear his name.

Blauvelt explored the coasts of Honduras and Nicaragua in the early 1630's. Afterwards, he went to England and with a proposal for a settlement a site in Nicaragua, which is near the town and river of Bluefields, Nicaragua. Blauvelt enlisted as a naval officer for the Swedish East India Company and by 1644 was in command of his own ship. He preyed upon Spanish shipping from Dutch New Amsterdam (New York ) and a harbor in southwest Jamaica which is still named Blewfields Bay.

After peace came once more between the Dutch and Spain in 1648, Blauvelt was no longer welcome in New Amsterdam. Blauvelt sailed to Newport, Rhode Island in 1649 to divy up his loot. The governor of Newport declared one prize illegal and Blauvelt's crew argued over the booty. Blauvelt was treated poorly at Newport. The local towns people were afraid that Blauvelt's piratical activities had permanently ruined the reputation of Rhode Island.

In 1650 Blauvelt was in command of another ship, the La Garse, a French ship. Later on along the border of Honduras and Nicaragua living among the Indians at Cape Gracias ΰ Dios. It was here that he heard of Sir Christopher Myng's plans to organize a raid on Campeche Bay in Mexico. In 1663 he joined with Myng and was an active participant in the raids. Nothing is known of him after this time.

The Pirate Island of Milos

After the occupation of Constantinople by the Francs, the Venetians took over the Aegean Islands. First came Mark Sanoudo who founded a dukedom of the Aegean Sea in 1207, centred in Naxos. This dynasty was in power until 1361. In 1268, the Miloans again showed their love of freedom when they rebelled against the Venetians, seizing Castro, in the hope that the Byzantine fleet would come to their aid. This, unfortunately, never happened and the rebellion was quashed with much spilling of blood by William I.

The Sanoudo dynasty was succeeded by the Krispon dynasty, and in 1566, Piali Pasha managed to complete Turkish control of the whole Cyclades area. The Sultan appointed a cunning Jew, Joseph Nazis, as the last Duke of the islands and he was authorised to collect a tribute of 14,000 ducats a year. His rule lasted until 1579 and he was represented by the lawyer Francisco Koronelo.

After the death of Nazis in 1580, the islands came under the direct rule of Sultan Mourat III with several political privileges. The islands were semi-autonomous with the obligation to pay «haratsi» (tax per head) to the Pasha Kapoutan, the Sultan’s delegate. It is worth mentioning that during all the years of Turkish rule, Milos was never occupied by the Turks but only visited by travellers and persons who came to inspect how the islanders lived.
Besides the Admiral, Pasha Kapoutan, a lawyer called Kadis came to settle the more serious differences between the islanders, often staying for long periods of time. The taxes were collected by the island committee and handed over to Pasha Kapoutan every two or three years.

Throughout these years of Turkish rule, there was frequent destruction and pillaging by the Venetians, the Turks and pirates. If the pirates did not rob the islanders, they stayed for long periods, to sell their booty.

A local pirate, John or George Kapsis, an experienced navigator with anti-Turkish persuasions, put himself in charge of a social rebellion and was named King by Kamili, the Catholic bishop of Milos. He reigned from 1675 to 1678 and he had such a great influence on his countrymen, that the Turks were obliged to sail to Milos and arrest him by fraudulent means. He was taken to Constantinople where he was hanged.

In the winter of 1771, Milos and the nearby islands were conquered by the Russians of Orlof. This continued until 1774 when the Turkish dominion was re-established.

During the same period, Hora, today’s Zefiria, was destroyed. The town which had grown from the Middle Ages, reached its zenith in the 16th and 17th centuries. However, in the middle of the 18th century the environment became increasingly inhospitable. Earthquakes, noxious gases escaping from the ground, floods and malaria, were the reasons that, by 1767, the towns-folk had fled and resettled in Castro and outside the castle walls in the area which is today’s Plaka. So it was that the beautiful, rich town with a population of 5,000 described in 1700 for us by the Frenchman, Joseph Pitton de Tournefort, was destroyed. In its place is today’s Zefiria, with just a handful of villagers.

Captain William Parker

Parker was a member of the lesser gentry near Plymouth. In 1587 he sailed in consort with Sir Francis Drake during Drake's raid on Cadiz, Spain.
In the 1590's Parker sailed the West Indies taking several prizes. He also plundered Puerto Caballos in Honduras in 1594 & 1595.
After 1596, as owner of his own vessel, he partnered with Sir Anthony Sherley, but this relationship ended when after a time no prizes were taken. Leaving Sherley behind, Parker attacked Campeche, Mexico. Parker was wounded in the attack but survived & succeeded in capturing a frigate carrying silver which was en route to San Juan De Ulua.
Parker next captured Portobelo in February 1601. Portobelo was a very important port being the departure point from which Peruvian treasure left for Spain. Parker then sailed to Panama & plundered Saint Vincent in the Cape Verdes. He also captured & held for ransom the Cubagua pearl-boats & captured a Portuguese slave ship. His successes secured for him a prominent position in Plymouth, where he was looked upon as a hero of sorts & he became a founding member of the Virginia Company in 1606.
Parker was made Vice-Admiral & left on an expedition to the East Indies, but died at Java in 1617. 

William Parker, of Tortuga was able to take Porto Bello in 1602, less than one year after all of the fortifications were built. With a combined force of two ships, two pinnace, and two small shallops with 378 men. They entered Panama waters near the Gulf of Aclé and tried sailing west along the coast, but encountered strong winds, the kept driving him back. Leaving the bigger ships at Aclé, he continued with the pinnaces and shallops and 150 men. At the Island of Bastimientos, they captured some booty and took some Spanish prisoners along six Negroes as guides.

They entered the mouth of Porto Bello River on the 7th of February at about 2:00 AM with a full moon. He proceeded into the harbor in one of the shallops hoping to sneak past the defenses without being seen. The boat was spotted by the sentry at Fort San Felipe, and they shouted a challenge to the ship. Parker was prepared for this, and ordered one of the Spanish prisoners, while many guns were aimed at him, to answer back in Spanish, that they were a merchant ship from Cartagena. The sleepy guards, not being able to see well in the darkness, believed him and gave them instructions on were to drop anchor in the harbor near the town. As he approached the town, he was again challenged by the smaller Fort San Jago and ordered to stop. They dropped anchor, and the pirates disembarked, going to the suburbs, in a area known as Triana. Here he set all of the buildings on fire and marched into Porto Bello, to the king's Treasure House and attacked it.

With the guards at San Felipe distracted by the happenings in Porto Bello, Captains Fugars and Lawriman were able to sail past the fort in the pinnaces with an additional 120 men. The governor of Porto Bello, Don Pedro Melendez, organized his forces and marched to do battle with the intruders. The governor was wounded in the first volley, along with the English Captain Giles and Lieutenant Barnet. The Spanish were forced to retreat to the Royal Treasure House, and kept the pirates at bay, until morning. The governor was wounded in 12 places, and the Spanish eventually were forced to surrender.

Due to the bravery exhibited by the governor, Parker directed that the he be attended by the English physician and released. The pirates were able to capture 10,000 ducats at the Royal Treasure House, missing 120,000 ducats that were shipped out, a couple days before. 

On February 8th, the pirates posted barricades at the road coming from Panama. They were being harassed by contingents of soldiers from the forts, and those that had manage to escape during the battle. The pirates were always able to repulse the attacks, but were fearful of re-enforcements from Panamá. Other then sacking the town, the pirates did not burn it down, Parker being impressed with their valor in the face of battle, particularly the governor. That night, they boarded their ships, and sailed out of the port, with guns blazing. San Felipe was able to fire 28 cannon shots at the escaping in pirates, but none hit the mark. All of the fortress on both sides of the bay were firing but all missed. The only casualty during the run to sea, was Captain Parker, who was hit by a musket ball, fired from the western bank. The ball when in at the elbow, and exited at the wrist. This raid was considered by some to be the most  profitable raid, considering that there were so few casualties and each member of the expedition, earned a hefty sum.

Interview With a Captain of U.T.B.F

Ahoy Capitana Red Hand

Please, spare some time and share with our fine and dear U.T.B.F. Brotherhood, some treasure from yer life, so as the Pirate Universe know ye better 

What is yer real name, mylady?

Capitana Red-Hand is Andrea Jones

 What are yer other, everyday activities, except from sailing, plundering and dreaming?

I’m a wordsmith. I write stories about — what else? — pirates. My first book, “Hook & Jill,” was released last August. It’s the myth of Peter Pan, re-envisioned for grown-ups, (ages 17 and up, but best to be over 40), and the first in a series of Neverland novels for adults. I’m proud to say that within “Hook & Jill,” Captain Hook comes into his full power. You can find reviews, awards, and my author appearances at www.HookandJill.com.

 Describe yerself in 5-10 words.

Fierce, friendly, fiery, firm, and fervent. In short, a Pirate. (And that was exactly 10 words).
 Since when ye got interested about Pirates?

It all started with pirate figurines on a birthday cake. My life-long intrigue with piracy triumphed as I wrote “Hook & Jill.” Captain Hook invaded my dreams and inspired my story, and I now understand why he is the iconic pirate of Western literature — truly, the Pirate King. Many thanks to Sir James Barrie, who conjured him up for the world’s appreciation.

 What is this specific thing ye really like about Pirates most?

Their independence and their defiance of the rules. Pirates, like me, have been forced to make their own way, create their own families, and obey only their own code of ethics.
 How ye decided to become a member of U.T.B.F. and what is that whispering in yer heart?
Once I found the crew of Under The Black Flag on Facebook, I had to join up. Shortly thereafter, I was honored with the opportunity to become a Capitana. It is a privilege indeed to serve with my fellow UTBF captains.
  
Why ye accepted to be a U.T.B.F. Captain?

Brethren recognize brethren. Our hearts are linked.

What is yer favorite pirate weapon?

In “Hook & Jill,” Red-Handed Jill brandishes a whip in her blood-stained right hand. She uses it “to bring down any boy who tries to tame her.”
 What is yer favorite pirate ship?

The Roger, on which Captain Hook came to fame. In the second book of my Neverland series, “Other Oceans,” we’ll learn how Hook happened upon her, and how he took her for his own.

What is yer favorite pirate drink?

Pirate’s Choice Rum. See chapter 23 for creative imbibing techniques. And bring a lover.

 What is yer favorite pirate song?

“The Lowlands of Holland,” as recorded by Steeleye Span. It reflects the spirit of defiance, and a woman holding steadfast to her love of a lost seaman.

 What is yer favorite pirate word or phrase?

“Take what ye can; give nothing back.”

 What is yer favorite item in your pirate wardrobe?
The jewels!

 Ye feel rather a blessed or a cursed pirate figure?

I relish the blessings of my brotherhood, and revel in the curses of those who fear Red-Handed Jill.
 Do ye believe that the pirates’ life is really fer ye?

Oh, aye! I’ve never fit into ordinariness. I'd have had to narrow my life, hacking at it to fit into the conventional world. Be damned to it!

Gramerci Captain fer yer time and thinking on this short interview. Now, feel free to add anything you believe our noble Brotherhood would like to hear from you. Strong Sails!

Brothers and sisters of Under the Black Flag -- be true to your dream. Let nothing and no one stand in your way; equally, embrace those things that Fate sends your way. Be it good or ill, it’s all part of your experience.

~ Capitana Red-Hand

Hook & Jill: Neverland as never before - Andrea Jones

Catalina de Erauso Lieutenant Nun

Catalina de Erauso, also known as La Monja Alférez (English, The Nun Lieutenant) (1592, Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain—1650, Cuetlaxtla, New Spain), was a semi-legendary personality of Spain and Spanish America in the first half of the seventeenth century.

Catalina de Erauso was daughter and sister of soldiers from the city of San Sebastian in the Basque Country. She was expected to become a nun but abandoned the nunnery after a beating at the age of fifteen, just before she was to take her vows. She had not ever seen a street, having entered the convent at the age of four.
She dressed as a man, calling herself "Francisco de Loyola", and left on a long journey from San Sebastian to Valladolid. From there she visited Bilbao, where she signed up on a ship with the assistance of other Basques. She reached Spanish America and enlisted as a soldier under the name Alonso Díaz Ramírez de Guzmán. She served under several captains, supposedly including her own brother, who never recognized her.
After one fight in which she killed a man and was wounded apparently fatally, she revealed her gender in a deathbed confession. She however survived after four months of convalescence and left for Guamanga.
To escape yet another incident, she confessed her sex to the bishop, Fray Agustín de Carvajal. Induced by him she entered a convent and her story spread across the ocean. In 1620, the archbishop of Lima called her. In 1624, she arrived in Spain, having changed ship after another fight.
She went to Rome and toured Italy, where she eventually achieved such a level of fame that she was granted a special dispensation by Pope Urban VIII to wear men's clothing.
Her portrait by Francesco Crescenzio is lost. Back in Spain, Francisco Pacheco (Velázquez's father-in-law) painted her in 1630.
She again left Spain in 1645, this time for New Spain in the fleet of Pedro de Ursua, where she became a mule driver on the road from Veracruz. In New Spain she used the name Antonio de Erauso.
She died in Cuetlaxtla, New Spain in 1650.

Pedro del Valle described her in a 1626 letter sent from Rome to Mario Schipano as fond of conversation, tall and strong with masculine looks and childlike breasts after the application of an Italian remedy. Her face is not ugly but worn by age, looking more like a eunuch than a woman.
She dressed as a Spanish man, with a sword, more as a soldier than a courtier.

Petition of Catalina de Erauso to the Spanish Crown, 1625

 
  Sir: The Ensign Doña Catalina de Erauso, resident and native of the town of San Sebastián, in the province of Guipúzcoa, says that of the last 19 years she has spent 15 in the service of Your Majesty in the wars of the kingdom of Chile and the Indians of Peru, having traveled to those parts in men's garbs owing to her particular inclination to take up arms in defense of the Catholic faith and in the service of Your Majesty without being known in the aforesaid kingdom of Chile during the entire time she spent there as other than a man. Only some years later, in the lands of Peru, was it discovered under circumstances unfitting to mention here that she was a woman. And, being under the command in the kingdom of Chile of the Ensign Miguel de Erauso, her legitimate brother, she never revealed herself to him, though she knew that he was her brother: she denied their blood ties to avoid being recognized. In all the time she served with him, as well as under the command of the Field Master Don Diego Bravo de Sarabia, she withstood the discomforts of military service like the strongest man, known only as such in every battle. Her deeds earned her the right to carry Your Majesty's flag, serving as she did as Ensign of the infantry company of Captain Gonzalo Rodríguez under the assumed name of Alonso Díaz Ramírez de Guzmán. In that period, she distinguished herself with great courage and valor, suffering wounds, particularly in the battle of Peru. The troops having been reorganized, she moved to the company of Captain Guillén de Casanova, governor of the castle of Arauco, and was chosen as a valiant and fine soldier to go out and do battle with the enemy. All of the above, and more, is recorded in the certificates and testimonies of Don Luis de Céspedes, Governor and Captain General of Paraguay, formerly of the infantry of Chile; of Don Juan Cortés de Monroy, Governor and Captain General of Veraguas, also of the infantry in Chile; and of Don Francisco Pérez de Navarrete; all three of whom, as well as others who were her superiors and field masters, are presently at court and know her very well, having seen her serve Your Majesty and knowing that she served as Captain in the aforesaid kingdoms of Chile and Peru...
  She begs that Your Majesty be pleased to order that her services and long wanderings and valiant deeds be rewarded, thereby showing his greatness; [rewarding her] for the worthiness of her deeds and for the singularity and prodigiousness of her life, mindful that she is the daughter of noble and illustrious parents who are principal citizens in the town of San Sebastián; and for the rectitude and rare purity in which she has lived and lives, to which many have borne testimony; for which she would be honored to receive a yearly stipend of seventy pesos apportioned in 22 quilates per month in the city of Cartagena de las Indias, and funds to travel there, rewards that she hopes Your Majesty in his greatness will provide.  
  Translated by Stephanie Merrim from the document in José Toribio Medina, Biblioteca Hispano-Chilena, 1523-1817. Vol. 1 (Amsterdam: N. Israel, 1965, reprint).

Interview With a Captain of U.T.B.F

Ahoy Captain Gabriel Black

Please, spare some time and share with our fine and dear U.T.B.F. Brotherhood, some treasure from yer life, so as the Pirate Universe know ye better…

 What is yer real name, mylord?

Eric Williams

 What are yer other, everyday activities, except from sailing, plundering and dreaming?

I'm the CEO of a marketing company named Williams Wickersham Cannon

I'm the executive producer of Barataria Faire

Lead Singer of Capt'n. Black's Sea Dogs

I was employed by the U.S. Army in my younger years. Started 11Bravo went to 82nd Airbourne then to 2nd Mnt. Bat. SF.

 Describe yerself in 5-10 words.

I bow deeply to the universe and it bows back.

 Since when ye got interested about Pirates?

I've like pirates me whole life but seriously in the last 5 years

What is this specific thing ye really like about Pirates most?

They were the rock stars of the age! In a time when very few even traveled more than 5 miles they traveled the world. So to sum it up in one word. FREEDOM!!

 How ye decided to become a member of U.T.B.F. and what is that whispering in yer heart?

The U.T.B.F. were like minded mates so I joined them.
 
 Why ye accepted to be a U.T.B.F. Captain?

I was honored to be asked and it would have been dishonorable to say no.

What is yer favorite pirate weapon?

Rapier

 What is yer favorite pirate ship?

The Golden Hind

 What is yer favorite pirate drink?

Rum...or really well made grog

 What is yer favorite pirate song?

Spell...by Capt'n. Black's Sea Dogs hehe....No as far as ol pirate tunes most likely 100 years ago.

 What is yer favorite pirate word or phrase?

Booty!!

 What is yer favorite item in your pirate wardrobe?

Me badge from the mid western Sea Dogs Guild

 Ye feel rather a blessed or a cursed pirate figure?

I'm blessed to have such good mates and public notoriety.

 Do ye believe that the pirates’ life is really fer ye?

No other life mates!! To The Brotherhood and Fer The BLACK FLAG!! 

Gramerci Captain fer yer time on this short interview. Strong Sails!