This proclamation was published in The Boston Gazette on October 17, 1720, along with a proclamation for the apprehension of the named pirates issued by Governor Rogers.
New Providence, 4th September
Several pirates are on the coast of the Bahamas, among which is one Rackam who ran away with asloop of six guns and took with him twelve men and two women. The governor of this place sent a sloop with 45 men after him. And on the second instant Doctor Rowan with his sloop and 54 hands, twelve guns, went out in order to suppress them, as did Captain Roach who arrived here from Barbados. The pirates swear destruction to all those who belong to this island.
BY HIS EXCELLENCY
WOODES ROGERS, ESQ.
GOVERNOR OF NEW PROVIDENCE, &C,
A PROCLAMATION
Whereas John Rackam, George Featherstone, John Davis, Andrew Gibson, John Howell, Noah Patrick and two women, by name Anne Fulford alias Bonny and Mary Read, did on the 22nd of August last combine together to enter on board, take, steal, and run away with out of this road of Providence, a certain sloop called the William, burthen about twelve tons, mounted with four great guns and a swivel one, belonging to Captain John Ham, and with the said sloop did proceed to commit robbery and piracy upon the boat and effects of James Gohier, Esq.,…
