Francis Witherborn

Francis Witherborn (fl. 1670–1672) was an English buccaneer, privateer, and pirate active in the Caribbean. He is best known for his brief association with Henry Morgan.

History

Witherborn initially sailed with Henry Morgan's fleet in attacks against Spanish cities in Central America. He was part of Morgan's flotilla during their 1670 assault on Panama along with a number of other prominent buccaneers.

After parting with Morgan, Witherborn took command of the barque Charity, formerly commanded by Dutch corsair David Marten. Witherborn sailed with Dutch pirate Jelles de Lecat ("Captain Yhallahs") for a time before partnering with French captain Dumangle—also a veteran of Morgan's campaigns—and his ship Le Diable Volant (Flying Devil). The two signed articles of agreement confirming their intention to go privateering together. They raided Spanish shipping and attacked towns on the Cuban coast through 1671, committing "great violence against the Spaniards". Witherborn was sent back to England as a prisoner alongside Henry Morgan. While Morgan was pardoned and released, and eventually became a Lieutenant Governor, Witherborn was instead pressed into Royal Navy service.