Peter Harris

"The third and fourth, which were led by Captain Peter Harris, had two green Flags, his Company being divided into two several Divisions…." Peter Harris was the name of two buccaneers, an uncle and his nephew, who were active (separately) in the late 17th century.

Peter Harris (the elder)

Peter Harris (died May 1680) was an English buccaneer. As early as 1671 Harris was part of Henry Morgan's flotilla which sacked Panama. By 1677 he had received a privateering commission to legitimize his activities. After capturing a powerful 28-gun Dutch vessel in late 1679, On 25 April 1680, the buccaneers raided the mining town of Santa Maria, situated east of Panama City, Sharpe having mediated an argulent between Coxon and Harris.

Peter Harris (the younger)

There was another buccaneer named Peter Harris, who was a nephew of the elder Captain Harris. This second Peter Harris was active in the same region during the years 1684 to 1685. In July 1684 he led an alliance of pirates and natives to repeat his uncle's sack of Santa Maria. After a skirmish against Spanish ships he joined Charles Swan in August to attack Paita. He was later given command of one of William Knight's prize ships, participated in another attack on Panama, then joined Edward Davis. He may have crossed the Pacific but records of his activities stop there. Some witnesses reported him still sailing alongside Davis as late as mid-1686.