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Captain Booth was English and the majority of his
pirating took place in the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. His career
began as a gunner aboard the Pelican circa 1696. Later he was the
gunner aboard the Dolphin. Both ships sailed in the Indian Ocean.
In September 1699, the Dolphin was trapped at Saint Mary's Island
by a British fleet. Offered a pardon, some of the pirates surrendered,
but most escaped to nearby Madagascar. Instead of letting the Dolphin
fall into the hands of the British she was burned. Captain Booth was
among those who fled to Madagascar and was instrumental in the capture
of a French ship which was Madagascar to trade liquor and goods for
slaves. Captain Booth was captain of the attack and as such was in
command of the captured ship.
Sometime later Captain Booth met John Bowen and the joined forces. At
Majunga, in April 1704, they took over the Speaker, a 450 ton slave ship
carrying 50 guns and Booth was made her captain. Booth sailed to
Zanzibar and arrived towards the end of 1700. When they went ashore for
provisions they were attacked by Arab troops and Captain Booth was
killed. John Bowen was voted to replace him as captain. |
