Calico Jack

John Jack Rackham , commonly known as Calico Jack, was an English pirate captain operating in the Bahamas and in Cuba during the early 18th century. His nickname was derived from the calico clothing that he wore, while Jack is a nickname for John.

Little is known of Rackhams upbringing or early life, except for the fact that he was English and born around the year 1682. The first record of him is as quartermaster on Charles Vanes sloop Ranger in 1718, operating out of New Providence island in the Bahamas, which was a notorious base for pirates known as the Pirates republic. Vane and his crew robbed several ships outside New York, then encountered a large French manofwar. The ship was at least twice as large as Vanes sloop, and it immediately pursued them. Vane commanded a retreat from battle, claiming caution as his reason. Jack Rackham quickly spoke up and contested the decision, suggesting that they fight the manowar because it would have plenty of riches. In addition, he argued, if they captured the ship, it would place a much larger ship at their disposal. Of the approximately ninety men on the ship, only fifteen supported Vane in his decision. Vane declared that the captains decision is considered final, however, despite th

Source: Wikipedia