John Rackham, aka 'Calico Jack' by many, due to his fondness of calico colored coats and britches, is not among the most notorious pirates of the seas. He is best known for his association with Anne Bonny and Mary Read, the best known female pirates.
Rackham acquired command of his ship the Treasure through the incompetence of its former leader, Captain Vane. When Vane neglected to attack a auspicious French man-of-war. The crew was very upset by this action & in their dismay along with Rackham's zealous protest towards Captains Vane decision not to take the man-of-war, won him the support of the crew.
The crew held a vote which deposed Vane as Captain. The crew captured the man-of-war & the former quartermaster of Vane's vessel, became its captain, and Vane was cast off on a smaller sloop along with the members of the crew who had voted against Rackham.
Eventually, Rackham turned over control of his ship to the two female pirates Mary Read & Anne Bonny, the latter of which he had whisked away willingly from her husband, and who had fought at his side in many a battle.
His ship was captured in November 1720, & brought to Jamaica. Nearly the entire crew, including Rackham himself were sentenced to hang.
