Thomas Nichols

Jolly Roger flag of pirate Thomas Nichols, described as "in his flag a dart and a bleeding heart." Thomas Nichols (fl. 1717–1718) was a pirate active in the Caribbean and off the American east coast. He is best known as a leader among the "Flying Gang" of pirates operating out of New Providence.

History

Very little is known of Nichols’ life or career. He is recorded as attacking Nathaniel Brooker’s snow Restoration in his 6-gun, 80-man sloop alongside Captain Napin (Napping) in August 1717 en route to Boston,

King George offered a general pardon to pirates in September 1717, forgiving any who surrendered by September 1718. Captain Vincent Pearse of sailed to Nassau to deliver the offer to the Caribbean pirates personally. Pearse did so, and Nichols with Josiah Burgess, Benjamin Hornigold, and hundreds of others accepted the King’s Pardon.

The Thomas Nichols who attacked Restoration with Napin and surrendered to Governor Bennett should not be confused with the Thomas Nichols who sailed with Stede Bonnet and was exonerated at trial for having been forced to aid his pirate captors.