Factors that limited English piracy against Portuguese ships:
* Political Relations: England and Portugal were generally on good terms, often forming alliances against common enemies like Spain. This diplomatic context discouraged outright piracy.
* Portuguese Trade Routes: The Portuguese focused heavily on the Atlantic slave trade and trade with Brazil, routes less frequented by English pirates.
* Spanish Focus: English pirates primarily targeted Spanish ships due to the ongoing Anglo-Spanish rivalry and the vast treasure fleets Spain regularly sent from the Americas.
* Competition for Resources: Pirates often competed with each other, and targeting the same ships could lead to conflict.
Instances of English Piracy against Portuguese:
* Francis Drake: While famed for his attacks on Spanish ships, Drake did capture some Portuguese vessels in the Caribbean, particularly those carrying slaves.
* Other Pirates: Records indicate other English pirates may have taken some Portuguese ships, particularly during periods of looser political relations or in the context of general privateering.
Important Considerations:
* "Pirate" vs. "Privateer": The distinction between a pirate and a privateer is crucial. A privateer operated with a letter of marque, a legal document authorizing them to attack enemy ships. In times of war, privateers might target Portuguese ships if England and Portugal were at odds.
* Limited Documentation: Records of early piracy are often incomplete, making it difficult to definitively say how often English pirates targeted Portuguese vessels.
Conclusion:
While English pirates might have occasionally taken Portuguese ships, it was far less common than their attacks on Spanish vessels. Political relations, competition with other pirates, and the Portuguese trade routes all played a role in limiting this activity.