Israel Hands showed a crate of medicine needed for the population of Nassau to Blackbeard, leading him to hold hostages at Charleston. Israel Hands Israel Hands was an 18th-century pirate, also known as Basilica Hands. He is best known for being second in command to the infamous pirate Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard. Hands' first historical mention was in 1718, when Blackbeard gave him command of David Herriot's ship "Adventure" after Herriot was captured by Teach in March 1718. During the winter of 1717–1718 Blackbeard harassed shipping sailing to and from the port of Vera Cruz, Mexico and traversing the Bay
Edward Miller (pirate) not known. Edward Miller (pirate) Edward Miller (fl 1718-1720) was an English pirate active in the Caribbean. King George offered a full pardon in September 1717 to all pirates who surrendered within twelve months. Captain Vincent Pearse sailed the "HMS Phoenix" to New Providence to deliver the offer. Over 200 pirates surrendered to him in March 1718, including Miller. Miller had returned to piracy by 1720. Authorities in New York accused him of piracy early that year, after which he sailed to Nassau. Royal Navy Captain Edward Vernon had been stationed in the area at the time and noted that