Great Britain. James II, King

By the King, A Proclamation for the more effectual Reducing and Suppressing of Pirates and Privateers in America. London: Charles Bill, Henry Hills, and Thomas Newcomb, 1687/8



Broadside, folio (20 1/8 x 14 1/4 in.; 510 x 362 mm). Woodcut royal arms in upper margin, 12-line woodcut initial "W" surrounded by cherubs, printed on two leaves which are here joined at the center; silked on verso, lightly browned, upper left blank corner and fold-tears in upper margin mended affecting the royal arms, small dampstain in lower left corner.

Alden-Landis IV, 688/111; Sabin 65939n; Wing J355; British Royal Proclamations Relating to America, 1603-1783 (1911), pp. 140-142

silked on verso, lightly browned, upper left blank corner and fold-tears in upper margin mended affecting the royal arms, small dampstain in lower left corner.
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A splendid early proclamation against piracy in America.

Sir Robert Holmes (c. 1622–1692) was a naval officer who rose through the ranks to become captain of the Royal Charles, the flagship of the expedition intended to bring Catherine of Braganza from Lisbon. Samuel Pepys writes of him (2.169): "he seems to be very well acquainted with the King's mind and with all the several factions at court ... being a cunning fellow, and one (by his own confession to me) that can put on two several faces and look his enemies in the face with as much love as his friends. " Their relations were soon further marred by an apparent attempt by Holmes to seduce Mrs. Pepys (Pepys, 2.237, 3.4), and by Samuel Pepys's consequent suspicion of Holmes's easy charm and liking for fine clothing.

In August 1687 Holmes  was granted a commission to command a squadron to suppress piracy in the West Indies. The present proclamation announces the formation of his squadron, and offers clemency and safe passage to any pirates who should surrender to him or to anyone appointed by him or the King. Holmes was granted, in letters patent, all goods he should capture from pirates for three years. The governors of the various colonies were required to publish this proclamation.

The poor health which had dogged him for years prevented Holmes from assuming the command. He preferred to concentrate on his governorship of the Isle of Wight, and never went to sea again.