Thanks to LaTessa for contributing this. The following comes from a book on Pirate history. According to the book:
The Pirates (this isnt a quote, it's info only) When a man joined a pirate crew he had to sign the pirates articles or rules...he swore to them over an ax or Bible that he would obey them. Bartholomew Roberts crews had some rules or a code...
- Every man had a right to equal share in proper clothing etc. And equal share to the prizes. If a man defrauded the company to the value of a dollar....they would be marooned. If they robbed another man...they would have their nose and ears slit....and be put ashore.
- No man could gamble with dice cards or any other game for money.
- Lights were to be put out by eight....if men wanted to drink after that they had to sit on the open deck with out lights.
- Every man had to keep his cutlass and pistol clean and ready for battle.
- No boy or woman was allowed. If a man was found to have brought one on board in disguise he would be put to death.
- A man who deserted his station in time of battle would be marooned or put to death.
- No one could strike another on board ship...(and then they proceeded to tell you how arguments were settled... sword play or pistol.)
- No man could talk of leaving the company until each had a share of at least 1000pounds.
- The captain and quarter master each received 2 shares of a prize the master gunner and boatswain 1 and 1/2 and each man 1 share.
- And finally, musicians take Sunday off..