Charles Gibbs | |
|---|---|
| Born | James D. Jeffers November 5, 1798 Newport, Rhode Island, U.S. |
| Died | April 25, 1831 (aged 32) Ellis Island, U.S. |
| Cause of death | Execution by hanging |
| Occupation | Pirate |
Charles Gibbs (November 5, 1798 – April 25, 1831) was the pseudonym of an American pirate, born James D. Jeffers. Jeffers was one of the last active pirates in the Caribbean during the early 19th century, and was among the last persons to be executed for piracy by the United States.
His career, like many others during this time, was marked by violence and brutality. Shortly before his execution, Jeffers admitted to have been involved in the killing of as many as 400 victims. His confessions during his imprisonment and trial, detailing his career, were recorded and published following his death and remained popular reading throughout the mid-19th century.[1] However, given the sensationalistic nature of these accounts, historians have questioned the veracity of Jeffers's confessions.[2]
- ^ Gibbs, Charles (1831). Mutiny and Murder: Confession of Charles Gibbs, a Native of Rhode Island. Providence, R.I.: Israel Smith. p. 3 – via Internet Archive.
- ^ Gibbs, Joseph. "Dead Men Tell no Tales: The Lives and Legends of the Pirate Charles Gibbs" (PDF). Retrieved 2007-04-05.[dead link]