Blog post #5 & #6

Sir Henry Morgan Born January 24,1635 in Llanrumney United kingdom was an individual who lived quite a full life with numerous stories and adventures to exist in history. From small beginnings as a privateer for the Welsh then later on in his career the lieutenant Governor for one of the largest islands of Caribbean Jamaica Morgan was not a stranger to exciting experiences that will overall shape the status of his life.

 Not too much is know about his birth parents but Herny often looked up to the brave men in his family who were active in the military. According to author David, Cordingly ''Two of his uncles were distinguished soldiers'' (Chp 4) Under the Black Flag. Both Major General Sir Thomas Morgan and Colonel Edward Morgan (who went on to become Lutenate governor of Jamacia) who lost their lives leading expeditions throughout the island country of Curacao. These men were direct influencers on how Henry Morgan would shape his lifestyle. While participating both in the successful raids in Villahermosa and the plundering of Grand Granada(Nicaragua)his decision to depart from school in 1665 Morgan left school to pursue life as a solider much like his two uncles were official. 

In the same year, Morgan continued to raid Spanish towns like Panama thus granting him status was an important military leader. By July of 1668, he was the lead commander during the raid and capture of ''Bocas del toro'' west of portabello. Morgan traveled during midnight using darkness as an advantage and led a hefty fleet of 16 ships, 23 canoes, and 500 of his most loyal buccaneers. Even though he quit school and study he was still a rather intelligent strategist and thought it was best to first capture the port's lookout post. After a brief exchange of gunfire, the town was secured and Morgan's next move to capture the fort. This was no longer a surprise attack, town sentries were alerted and town soldiers got into position to defend themselves from Captain Morgans crew. Santiago Castle was heavily defended with a team of 49 heavily armed men and cannons galore. The author states that ''the soldiers in the castle fired a cannon loaded with chain shot killing one of Morgans men and wounding two fryers''. But Morgan was deemed successful once a small group buccaneer sneaks in behind the castle walls with ladders proceeding to open up the main gates creating a weak point in the defenses. The constable of Artery was so ashamed by the outcome he pleaded for his life to be taken, a member in Morgans crew was more than happy to oblige. The rest of the invasion was spent celebrating the victory with alcohol and more looting!

 This is only a small fraction of the many adventures the surrendered Henry's Morgan in his life as a pirate captain.  He was both respected, Honored, and feared according to author Frank Stockton ''Morgan performed such feats of valor that even some of the Spaniards who had been taken prisoners were forced to praise his extraordinary courage and ability as a leader''. Pirates and Buccaneers pg 105 sources consulted