Entry 6
By: Graeylin

Edward Collier: British Privateer

Edward Collier was in command of one of the ships taking part in Sir Henry Morgan's raid on Portobello. Around the end of the year Collier was given command of the 34-gun Oxford, with orders to hunt down pirates. Collier captured Captain la Veven as well as his ship, the Satisfaction. Collier rejoined Morgan for a raid on Maracaibo and Gibraltar, Venezuela. Disaster struck the Oxford when several drunken pirates accidentally blew her up. Collier now disillusioned took the Satisfaction and left. During the next 18 months, Collier cruised the Mexican shores. In September 1670, Collier, again joined Morgan who was organizing his raid on Panama. Collier was named vice-admiral of the expedition. While the pirates were gathering their forces, Collier was instructed to take 6 ships to Venezuela in order to stock up on provisions and acquire information. Collier's first stop was Rio de la Hacha. There he captured the fort and garrison. Known to be more ruthless than the average pirate, Collier tortured the Spanish prisoners severely to obtain their treasure to no avail and most of the prisoners died without divulging their secret and the 200,000 pesos was not found. After extorting provisions from the populace, Collier rejoined Morgan's fleet in early December. By January 1671, with Collier in command of the left wing of the assault. The victorious pirates took over the town. Collier killed one of the Spanish chaplains, a Franciscan friar. The raid on Panama led to the arrest of Morgan (who was released). Collier profited greatly which he used to maintain his 1,000 acre plantation in Jamaica, which had been given to him in 1668. Until his death, he spent his time preparing defenses against a possible foreign invasion upon Jamaica.