apr 24, 1804 - Lady Cheng Takes Control of the Red Fleet
Description:
Kady Cheng, Cheng Yih's wife, takes control of the red fleet in 1807. She was born around 1775 and led a prostitute life until she was captured by Cheng Yih in Canton. She built the Red Flaf Fleet from 600 junks to 800 junks and was not afraid of Europeans.
In 1809 she held British sailors captive for 11 weeks before releasing them on a ransom of 1900 pounds, 2 chests of gunpowder, 2 chests of opium, and a telescope. One of her prisoners Richard Glasspoole wrote a book about his experience and said she insisted that rape was punishable by death and created a force that was loyal, disciplined, and united.
Added to timeline:
pirate final
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