John Gow was a Scottish pirate who was active off the Iberian Peninsula from 1724 to 1725. He was captured in the Orkneys and hanged at Execution Dock on 11th June 1725. His articles were written in his own hand writing and were found aboard his ship, the Revenge, not long after his capture in 1725. Evidence suggests that these articles were written only a few days before he and his crew were captured by the authorities after dangerous currents had pulled the ship onto a reef and forced it aground. Historians believe that the reference in Article IV to no going ashore “till the ship is off the ground” suggests that the ship was already grounded when this code was written.
I. That every man shall obey his commander in all respects, as if the ship was his own, and as if he received monthly wages.
II. That no man shall give, or dispose of, the ship’s provisions; but every one shall have an equal share.
III. That no man shall open, or declare to any person or persons, who they are, or what designs they are upon; and any persons so offending shall be punished with immediate death.
IV. That no man shall go on shore till the ship is off the ground, and in readiness to put to sea.
V. That every man shall keep his watch night and day; and at the hour of eight in the evening every one shall retire from gaming and drinking, in order to attend his respective station.
VI. Every person who shall offend against any of these articles shall be punished with death, or in such other manner as the ship’s company shall think proper.