AH-WR-1412

Royal James

Sloop · Pirate · Lost 1718 · The Outer Banks

Stede Bonnet's pirate flagship, once briefly commanded by Blackbeard, ran aground and was captured in the 1718 Battle of Cape Fear River.

Captain of Record

Scott McRae Reece

AHR-1898

See Shipwreck on Map

Artistic recreation based on recorded historical documents. See the documented evidence.

Interpretive Reconstruction, drawn to convey the vessel's era, type and general form. See the documented evidence.

The Vessel and Her Loss

Originally purchased and named Revenge by the 'Gentleman Pirate' Stede Bonnet in 1717, the sloop was renamed Royal James after a period under Blackbeard's command. Careening in the Cape Fear River in 1718, Bonnet's flotilla was trapped and defeated by South Carolina sloops under Colonel William Rhett. The grounded, battle-damaged sloop was taken along with Bonnet, who was later hanged in Charleston.

Vessel

Built: Not established
Builder: Not established
Yard: Not established
Material: Wood
Length: Not established
Beam: Not established
Tonnage: Not established
Propulsion: Sail
Owners: Captained by Stede Bonnet

Loss

Date: September 27, 1718
Cause: Enemy action
Location: Cape Fear River estuary, North Carolina
Water: Cape Fear River
Voyage: Not established
Cargo: Not established
Aboard: 46
Lives lost: 12
Master: Stede Bonnet

The Wreck Today

Depth: Not established
Condition: Not established
Orientation: Not established
Discovered: Not established
Protection: Not established

Position

Coordinates: 33.89° N 78.01° W
Accuracy: Approximate position
Nearest: Cape Fear River, near present-day Southport, North Carolina
Region: The Outer Banks

Position reflects the general estuary location cited for the Battle of Cape Fear River; no confirmed wreck site has been located.

Evidence

Overall confidence: Partially documented (65/100)

The vessel's final physical fate after capture (breakup, condemnation, or continued use) and any wreck location are not established in the sources reviewed.

Battle of Cape Fear River, Wikipedia (cross-checked against primary trial record)
Battle date, forces, casualties, outcome.
Library of Congress, The tryals of Major Stede Bonnet and other pirates (1719)
Contemporary trial record of Bonnet's capture and crew.
U.S. Naval Institute, Naval History Magazine
Narrative account of Bonnet's career and final battle.