John Wallace (sailor)

John Wallace (dates of birth and death unknown) was an English sailor and privateer who served during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. He is primarily known for his association with Captain William Kidd and his alleged involvement in piracy, though the extent of his participation remains a subject of historical debate.

Wallace served as a quartermaster aboard Kidd's ship, the Adventure Galley. As quartermaster, Wallace was responsible for maintaining order among the crew and distributing supplies. He was also a key figure in any potential mutiny or uprising.

Following Kidd's infamous voyage and subsequent arrest on charges of piracy, Wallace became a subject of inquiry. He testified during Kidd's trial, although his testimony is considered by some historians to be self-serving and potentially unreliable. The prosecution attempted to demonstrate Wallace's complicity in acts of piracy committed by Kidd, arguing that as quartermaster, he would have been aware of and potentially involved in such activities.

Despite the accusations, Wallace was never definitively proven to be a pirate himself. He maintained that he was unaware of Kidd's alleged piratical acts or that he was compelled to follow orders under duress. The historical record surrounding John Wallace is fragmented, making it difficult to ascertain the full truth of his role in the events surrounding William Kidd's ill-fated voyage. Further research and analysis of primary sources may shed more light on his involvement in the controversy.