This Day in History: 1810-01-21

Ching Shih and her fleet surrendered to the Portuguese Navy, ending her reign as the most successful pirate in history. Upon being pardoned for her life as a pirate, Ching Shih negotiated for he husband to retain several ships, including approximately 120 to be used in the salt trade. She also arranged for him and other pirates in the fleets to be given positions in the Chinese bureaucracy.