Mansel Alcantra facts for kids

Mansel Alcantra (active around 1829) was a Spanish pirate. He sailed the South Atlantic Ocean in the early 1800s. He was known for capturing ships and taking their goods.

Pirate Adventures

In 1829, Mansel Alcantra was the captain of a ship called the Macrinarian. His crew captured a ship named the Topaz. The Topaz was a packet ship, which means it carried mail, passengers, and cargo. They took it near St. Helena island.

Later that same year, Alcantra's crew seized another ship. This ship was from the United States and was called the Candace. It came from a town called Marblehead.

The Clever Disguise

On the Candace, there was a young man who managed the ship's cargo. He was also an amateur actor. When the pirates came aboard, he quickly thought of a plan.

He put on a black gown and a wide-brimmed hat. He pretended to be a Roman Catholic priest. He stayed in his cabin, acting like he was praying. When the pirates finally came into his room, they saw him. They showed respect by making the Sign of the Cross. Then, they left his cabin without bothering him. Because of his clever disguise, this young man was the only person on the ship who was not robbed by the pirates.