The Man Behind the Rum: Captain Morgan
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When people hear the words “Captain Morgan” they often think of rum and having a good time. However, that was not the case in the 1600’s. The name often invoked fear into the masses. Sir Henry Morgan was born in Wales, and eventually became a buccaneer. With unofficial support from the government, he went on to seize many of Spain’s colonies in the Caribbean.
While the details aren’t confirmed, he is suspected to have been involved with the capture of Jamacia for the English government and involved with an expedition against Cuba. During the Second Anglo-Dutch war, he was second in command operating against the Dutch colonies in the Caribbean.
After his success with the war, he went on to capture many more colonies. He took what is now Camagüey, Cuba, and a city called Portobello on the coast of Panamá. His final quest was taking Panamá. After successfully beating the army waiting for him, the city burned to the ground as he was looting it.
Unfortunately for him, England and Spain had already reached an agreement about the battles. Due to this, Morgan was promptly arrested and sent back to England for trial. However, the English liked Morgan and after relations with Spain deteriorated, King Charles II honoured Morgan and sent him to be the governor of Jamaica. He lived a wealthy life there until he died in 1688.
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Henry-Morgan-Welsh-buccaneer
http://www.thewayofthepirates.com/famous-buccaneers/henry-morgan/
