Charles Gibbs facts for kids

Charles Gibbs (born November 5, 1798 – died April 25, 1831) was the name used by an American pirate whose real name was James D. Jeffers. He was one of the last active pirates in the Caribbean Sea during the early 1800s. He was also among the last people in the United States to be punished for piracy.

Stories about his life and adventures were written down after his death. These stories were very popular for many years. However, some historians think these stories might have been exaggerated.

Who Was Charles Gibbs?

James D. Jeffers was born in Newport, Rhode Island, on November 5, 1798. His father was a sea captain who had fought for America during the American Revolutionary War. James started his life at sea when he was about 17 years old. He sailed on a ship called the Brutus in 1816.

Early Life and First Voyages

By his own account, James Jeffers became involved in privateering in 1816. He sailed on a schooner named Maria from Margarita Island. During one trip, the crew decided to take over the ship. They stopped being privateers and started acting as pirates instead.

Jeffers said he became the navigator of the Maria. He also claimed that he eventually became the captain of the ship. While he was sailing in the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, he became known for being very strict with his prisoners.

Life as a Pirate Captain

On October 21, 1821, Jeffers and his fleet of four pirate ships were attacking three merchant ships. This happened near Cape San Antonio, Cuba. Suddenly, they met the brig USS Enterprise, a United States Navy ship.

Famous Sea Battles

Even though Jeffers had more ships, the USS Enterprise fought bravely. After a short battle, Jeffers's pirate fleet was defeated. He and his crew had to run away into the nearby jungle to escape.

The Final Voyage and Capture

Not much is known about James Jeffers's life right after he escaped. He later said he lived in the United States by 1825. He also claimed to have served Argentina in a war called the Cisplatine War. He said he was both a regular naval officer and a privateer commander.

After a reported trip to North Africa, Jeffers had to find work as a sailor again. He signed up to work on a ship called the Vineyard. This time, he used the name Charles Gibbs. On the night of November 23, 1830, he and another sailor named Thomas J. Wansley led a mutiny. They took over the ship and killed the captain and his first mate. They wanted to steal the ship's cargo of silver.

The mutineers sailed towards Long Island. There, they sank the ship on purpose. They tried to get to shore, but the rough waters caused problems. Several mutineers lost their lives, and much of their stolen treasure was lost too. After only a few days on land, Jeffers, Wansley, and two others were caught. They were taken to prison in New York City.

In New York, Charles Gibbs (James Jeffers) and Thomas Wansley were found guilty in 1831. They were punished for their actions.

Images for kids

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  An 1837 drawing of Gibbs and Wansley burying treasure.