The Articles of Bartholomew Roberts
I: Every man shall have an equal vote in affairs of moment. He
shall have an equal title to the fresh provisions or strong liquors
at any time seized, and shall use them at pleasure unless a scarcity
may make it necessary for the common good that a retrenchment
may be voted.
II: Every man shall be called fairly in turn by the list on board
of prizes, because over and above their proper share, they are
allowed a shift of clothes. But if they defraud the company to
the value of even one dollar in plate, jewels or money, they shall
be marooned. If any man shall rob another he shall have his ears
and nose slit, and be put ashore where he shall be sure to encounter
hardships.
III: None shall game for money either with dice or with cards.
IV: The lights and candles should be put out at eight at night,
and if any of the crew desire to drink after that hour they shall
sit upon the open deck without lights.
V: Each man shall keep his piece, cutlass and pistols at all times
clean and ready for action.
VI: No boy or woman to be allowed amongst them. If any man shall
be found seducing any of the latter sex and carrying her to sea
in disguise he shall suffer death.
VII: He that shall desert the ship or his quarters in time of
battle shall be punished by death or marooning.
VIII: None shall strike another on board the ship, but every man's
quarrel shall be ended on shore by sword or pistol in this manner.
At the word of command from the quartermaster, each man being
previously placed back to back, shall turn and fire immediately.
If any man do not, the quartermaster shall knock the piece out
of his hand. If both miss their aim they shall take to their cutlasses,
and he that draweth first blood shall be declared the victor.
IX: No man shall talk of breaking up their way of living till
each has a share of 1000 pounds. Every man who shall become a
cripple or lose a limb in the service shall have 800 pieces of
eight from the common stock and for lesser hurts proportionately.
X: The captain and quartermaster shall each receive two shares
of a prize, the master gunner and boatswain, one and a half shares,
all other officers one and a quarter, and private gentlemen of
fortune one share each.
XI: The musicians shall have rest on the Sabbath Day only by right.
On all other days by favour only.
