Bartolomeu's sword says it's a gift from the Portuguese governor for arresting Nathaniel Hawk.
There are at least two problems with that. One is that, when Bartolomeu has the opportunity to arrest Nathaniel Hawk when they're together during the quests to rescue his crew and his ship, he never does it. The other is that, playing as Nathaniel Hawk, I'm friendly with the Portuguese governor.
Which means Bartolomeu has paid the price for resisting arrest, I've got the sword, and next time I see the Portuguese governor I'm getting a promotion. (Admittedly it's not for that, specifically - I'm due a promotion anyway for attacking French and pirate ships.)
There are at least two problems with that. One is that, when Bartolomeu has the opportunity to arrest Nathaniel Hawk when they're together during the quests to rescue his crew and his ship, he never does it. The other is that, playing as Nathaniel Hawk, I'm friendly with the Portuguese governor.
Which means Bartolomeu has paid the price for resisting arrest, I've got the sword, and next time I see the Portuguese governor I'm getting a promotion. (Admittedly it's not for that, specifically - I'm due a promotion anyway for attacking French and pirate ships.)