Isaac Rochussen or Isaac Rockesen (1631–1710) was a 17th-century Dutch corsair and privateer during the Second and Third Anglo-Dutch War. His capture of The Falcon, a merchantman belonging to the East India Company, was one of the most valued ships captured during the late 17th century.
Isaac Rochussen | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 1631 |
| Died | 1710 |
| Piratical career | |
| Type | Corsair |
| Allegiance | Netherlands |
| Years active | 1650s-1670s |
| Rank | Captain |
| Base of operations | Vlissingen |
| Commands | De Eendracht |
| Battles/wars | Second Anglo-Dutch War Third Anglo-Dutch War Capture of The Falcon (1672) |
| Later work | Privateer |
Biography edit
Isaac Rochussen was born in the city of Vlissingen, although little of his life is recorded. An active corsair during the Second and Third Anglo-Dutch War, he captured the English East India merchantman The Falcon near the Isles of Scilly on July 7, 1672.[1] The prize was sold at as 350,000 gilders, the highest paid for the time when an average ship and cargo went for only a few thousand or, at best, tens of thousands of gilders. The Falcon was thereafter referred to by the Dutch as De Gouden Valk (or The Golden Falcon). Rochussen himself received a gold medal from the ships´ owner for this capture. He later became a successful privateer in his later years, a trade followed by his son Isaac Rochussen Jr., before his death in 1710.[2]
References edit
- ^ Bruijn, J.N. "Dutch Privateering during the Second and Third Anglo-Dutch Wars". The Low Countries History Yearbook, XII (1978): 91.
- ^ Bruyneel, M. (2005). "Privateers and Pirates: Isaac Rochussen". Isle of Tortuga.
Further reading edit
- Prud'Homme van Reine, R.B. and E.W. van der Oest. Kapers op de kust: Nederlandse kaapvaart en piraterij, 1500-1800. Vlissingen: ADZ Vlissingen, 1991.
- Nagtglas, F. Levensberichten van Zeeuwen: Zijnde een vervolg op P. de la Rue, Geletterd, Staatkundig En Heldhaftig Zeeland. Middelburg: J.C. & W. Altorffer, 1893.