Peter Harris

Peter Harris (the elder) (died 3 May 1680) was a British buccaneer who played a significant role in the Pacific Adventure, a privateering expedition led by Richard Sawkins and John Coxon. Alongside Bartholomew Sharp and Edmund Cook, Harris served as one of the captains during this expedition. On 25 April 1680, the buccaneers raided the mining town of Santa Maria, situated east of Panama City. After plundering the town, they set it ablaze and traveled downstream to the Pacific using canoes. By 3 May, the buccaneers arrived at the port on Perico island, off the coast of Panama City. There, they encountered a Spanish fighting force composed of several barques and other ships. Despite ultimately emerging victorious, the buccaneers suffered the loss of twenty men, including Captain Harris. It is worth noting that there was another buccaneer named Peter Harris, who is believed to have been a nephew of the aforementioned Captain Harris. This second Peter Harris was active in the same region during the years 1684 to 1685. References