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Morgan was born in the year 1635 in Wales. Like many pirates,  historians know very little about his early career. His name was mostly unheard of until 1665, when he was made second-in-command of a group of buccaneers (like privateers, buccaneers were "licensed" pirates) who had fought the Dutch in the Anglo-Dutch War. His first major exploit was the capture the town of Puerto Principe, Cuba. Dissatisfied with the booty, however, he immediately sailed for Panama and sacked the city of Portobello - a stunt that instantly made him rich. After that, his name spread quickly.
 Captain Morgan's greatest feat occurred on January 19, 1670 when he led a fleet of 36 pirate ships against the city of Panama. At the time, the city was rumored to be the richest in the world. It was a a main jumping-off point for Spanish gold on its way to Europe. Morgan sailed into port and destroyed a much larger force led by the local governor. He burned the city to the ground and made off with 400,000 pieces of eight, later stealing much of it from his own men.
The attack, however, took place only days after Britain had signed a treaty with Spain, and Morgan was arrested and taken back to England. In 1673, when England began a new war with the Dutch, the King sought Morgan's advice on Caribbean affairs. He was apparently so impressed by Morgan's knowledge that he released him and made  him deputy governor of Jamaica.
Sir Henry Morgan was one of the bravest, most intelligent, and successful swashbucklers who ever lived. Throughout his career, Morgan roamed the islands of the Caribbean Sea, wreaking much havoc and burying plenty of treasure (a claim made of almost every pirate). His treasures have never been found.
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