_Containing an Account of the Author’s being taken by Pirates, on
the North part of the Coast of_ Guinea, _in the_ Bird Galley _of_
London, _belonging to the late_ Humphrey Morrice _Esq; who was
sole Owner of the said Ship. Interspersed with several Instances
of the Author’s many Deliverances, and narrow Escapes from Death,
during the time he was detain’d Prisoner by the Pirates._
In the beginning of _November_, in the Year 1718, the late _Humphrey
Morrice_ Esq; Merchant of _London_, appointed me Commander of the
_Bird Galley_, and gave me Orders to go to _Holland_, to take on
board a Cargoe for the Coast of _Africa_: Having so done, we were
unfortunately detained by contrary Winds, at _Helvoet-Sluys_, till
the 10th day of _December_, when a violent Storm arose, and in the
night following forc’d our Ship on Shore, with several others. The
Ship, by the Strength of the Wind, and height of the Tide, was
carried with a great force against the Dike, or Bank that secures
the Land from being overflowed on such high Tides, which frightened
the Inhabitants thereabouts not a little. Moreover, the Waves made
her work so much on the Ground where she was stranded, that when the
Tide had left her, we found she set seven foot deep abaft in the
Strand; but had the Satisfaction to find, on Examination, the Ship
had received no damage in her bottom. Having unloaded, and hired many
Boors or Peasants, to dig a Trench of near 300 Foot in length to the
low water mark, we waited some time for a high Tide; and then getting
the Ship off, carried her into _Helvoet-Sluys_ Peer.
Having refitted and loaded again, we proceeded on our Voyage the
latter end of _January_; but the Wind changing by the time we were
off the Isle of _Wight_, and rising to a great Storm westerly, we
were forced into _Spithead_; where having lain some time, we sailed
again with a fair Wind, which carried us above 70 Leagues to the
westward of the _Lizard_. Here a severe Storm of Wind coming up at
Southwest, obliged us to lye by, under a reef’d Mainsail; and it
increased to such a violent Degree, that we expected to be swallowed
up every Minute, by the great Sea which ran Mountains high; but
it pleased God, that after 24 Hours, it began to abate, and we
received no other damage, than the loss of the _Lyon_ from the Ship’s
Cut-water, which was washed away by the Sea.
The Wind (after this Storm) remaining contrary a long time, with
frequent hard Gales, obliged us at last to go for _Kingsale_ in
_Ireland_: Where having lain a few days, and repaired the Ship’s
Head, with other things that were out of Order, we sailed from that
place, with a northerly Wind, the 10th day of _March_ 1718-19, and
had a short and fine Passage to the River _Sieraleon_; on the North
Coast of _Guinea_, in the Latitude of 8 Deg. 30 Min. where we arrived
the first day of _April_ 1719: We met with nothing remarkable in our
Passage, except, that near the _Canary Islands_, we were chased by a
Ship whom we judged to be a _Sallec-Rover_; but our Ship outsailing
her, they soon gave over the Chase.
There were, at the time of our unfortunate Arrival in the above
mentioned River, three Pirate Ships, who had then taken ten _English_
Ships in that place. As it is necessary for illustrating this Story,
to give an Account how these three Ships came to meet there, I must
observe, That the first of them which arrived in the River, was
called the _Rising Sun_, one _Cocklyn_ Commander, who had not with
him above 25 Men. These having been with one Captain _Moody_, a
famous Pirate, some Months before, in a _Brigantine_, which sailed
very well, and took the _Rising Sun_, they were _morooned_ by him,
(as they call it) that is forced on board that Ship, and deprived
of their share of the Plunder, taken formerly by the _Brigantine_.
These People being obliged to go away in her, with little Provision
and Ammunition, chose _Cocklyn_ for their Commander, and made for
the River _Sieraleon_; where arriving, they surprized in his Sloop,
one _Segnor Joseph_, a black Gentleman, who had been formerly in
_England_, and was a Person of good account in this Country. This
Man’s Ransom procured the Pirates a sufficient supply of Provision
and Ammunition. Moreover, several _Bristol_ and other Ships arriving
soon after, were likewise taken; and many of their People entring
with the Pirates, they had, when I fell into their hands, near 80 Men
in all.
The Crue of the _Brigantine_, who, with their Captain _Moody_, had
thus forced their Companions away in the _Rising Sun_, soon after
repenting of that Action, it bred great Discontents among them;
so that they quarrelled with their Captain and some others, whom
they thought the chief Promoters of it; and at last forced him,
with twelve others, into an open Boat, which they had taken a few
days before, from the _Spaniards_ of the _Canary Islands_; and as
they never were heard of afterwards, doubtless they perished in the
Ocean. After this, they chose one _Le Bouse_ a _Frenchman_ for their
Commander, who carried them to the River _Sieraleon_, where they
arrived about a Month after their parting with the _Rising Sun_.
At the first Appearance, of this Brigantine, _Cocklyn_ and his Crew
were under a great Surprize; but when they understood how _Moody_ and
some others had been served by them, they cheerfully joined their
Brethren in Iniquity.
On the same day also arrived one Captain _Davis_, who had been
pirating in a Sloop, and had taken a large Ship at the _Cape de Verd_
Islands. He coming into _Sieraleon_ with her, it put the other two
Pirates into some fear, believing at first it was a Man of War: But
upon discovering her black Flag at the Main-top mast-head, which
Pirate Ships usually hoist to terrify Merchant-Men; they were easy in
their Minds, and a little time after, saluted one another with their
Cannon.
This _Davis_ was a generous Man, and kept his Crew, which consisted
of near 150 Men, in good order; neither had he consorted or agreed
to join with the others, when I was taken by _Cocklyn_; which proved
a great Misfortune to me, as will appear afterwards. For I found
_Cocklyn_ and his Crew, to be a set of the basest and most cruel
Villains that ever were. And indeed they told me, after I was taken,
“That they chose him for their Commander, on account of his Brutality
and Ignorance; having resolved never to have again a Gentleman-like
Commander, as, they said, _Moody_ was.”
Upon mentioning this, I think it necessary to observe in this place,
that the Captain of a Pirate Ship, is chiefly chosen to fight
the Vessels they may meet with. Besides him, they chuse another
principal Officer, whom they call _Quarter-master_, who has the
general Inspection of all Affairs, and often controuls the Captain’s
Orders: This Person is also to be the first Man in boarding any Ship
they shall attack; or go in the Boat on any desperate Enterprize.
Besides the _Captain_ and _Quarter-master_, the Pirates had all other
Officers as is usual on board Men of War.
I come now to give an account how I was taken by them. The day that
I made the Land, when I was within three Leagues of the River’s
Mouth, it became calm in the Afternoon. Seeing a Smoke on Shore, I
sent for my first Mate Mr. _Simon Jones_, who had been formerly at
_Sieraleon_, where I had not; “bidding him take the Pinnace, and go
where the Smoke was, to enquire of the Natives, how Affairs stood
up the River.” But he replied, “it would be to little purpose, for
no People lived there: As to the Smoke we saw, he believed it might
be made by some Travellers who were roasting of Oysters on the
Shore; and would be gone before he could get a Mile from the Ship.
Moreover, as Night drew on, it would be difficult for him to find the
Ship again.” Thinking this answer reasonable, I did not press him
further; tho’ I understood afterwards, there was a Town where the
Smoke appeared. But I did not then in the least suspect Mr. _Jones_
would have proved such a Villain as he did afterwards.
About five a Clock in the Afternoon, a small Breeze arising from the
Sea, and the Tide of Flood setting strong, we stood for the River’s
Mouth. At Sun-setting we perceived a Ship at Anchor, a great way up
the River; which was the Pirate that took us soon after. The other
two Pirate Ships, with their Prizes, were hid from our sight by a
Point of Land.
It becoming calm about seven a Clock, and growing dark, we anchor’d
in the River’s Mouth; soon after which I went to Supper, with the
Officers that usually eat with me. About eight a Clock the Officer of
the Watch upon Deck, sent me word, “He heard the rowing of a Boat.”
Whereupon we all immediately went upon Deck; and the night being very
dark, I ordered Lanthorns and Candles to be got ready, supposing the
Boat might come from the Shore with some white Gentlemen, that lived
there as free Merchants; or else from the Ship we had seen up the
River a little while before we came to an Anchor. I ordered also,
by way of Precaution, the first Mate to go into the Steerage, to
put all things in order, and to send me forthwith twenty Men on the
_Quarter-deck_ with fire Arms and Cutlaces, which I thought he went
about.
As it was dark, I could not yet see the Boat, but heard the noise
of the rowing very plain: Whereupon I ordered the second Mate to
hail the Boat, to which the People in it answered, “They belonged
to the _Two Friends_, Captain _Eliot_ of _Barbadoes_.” At this, one
of the Officers who stood by me, said, “He knew the Captain very
well, and that he commanded a Vessel of that name.” I replied, “It
might be so; but I would not trust any Boat in such a place;” and
ordered him to hasten the first Mate, with the People and Arms upon
Deck, as I had just before ordered. By this time our Lanthorns and
Candles were brought up, and I ordered the Boat to be hailed again:
To which the People in it answered, “They were from _America_:” And
at the same time fired a volly of small Shot at the Ship, tho’ they
were then above Pistol shot from us; which showed the Boldness of
these Villains: For there was in the Boat only twelve of them, as I
understood afterwards, who knew nothing of the Strength of our Ship;
which was indeed considerable, we having 16 Guns, and 45 Men on
board. But as they told me after we were taken, “They judged we were
a small Vessel of little force. Moreover, they depended on the same
good fortune as in the other Ships they had taken; having met with no
resistance: For the People were generally glad of an opportunity of
entring with them:” Which last was but too true.
When they first began to fire, I called aloud to the first Mate, to
fire at the Boat out of the Steerage Port-holes; which not being
done, and the people I had ordered upon Deck with small Arms not
appearing, I was extremely surprized; and the more, when an Officer
came and told me, “The People would not take Arms.” I went thereupon
down into the Steerage, where I saw a great many of them looking at
one another. Little thinking that my first Mate had prevented them
from taking Arms, I asked them with some Roughness, “Why they had not
obeyed my Orders?” Calling upon some brisk Fellows by name, that had
gone a former Voyage with me, to defend the Ship; saying, “It would
be the greatest Reproach in the World to us all, if we should be
taken by a Boat.” Some of them replied, “They would have taken Arms,
but the Chest they were kept in could not be found.” The reason of
which will be related hereafter.
By this time the Boat was along the Ship’s Side, and there being no
body to oppose them, the Pirates immediately boarded us; and coming
on the Quarter-deck, fired their Pieces several times down into the
Steerage, and shot a Sailor in the Reins, of which Wound he died
afterwards. They likewise threw several Granado-shells, which burst
amongst us, so that ’tis a great wonder several of us were not killed
by them, or by their Shot.
At last some of our People bethought themselves to call out for
_Quarter_; which the Pirates granting, the _Quarter-master_ came down
into the Steerage, enquiring, “Where the Captain was?” I told him,
“I had been so till now.” Upon that he asked me, “How I durst order
my People to fire at their Boat out of the Steerage? saying, that
they had heard me repeat it several times.” I answered, “I thought
it my Duty to defend the Ship, if my People would have fought.” Upon
that he presented a Pistol to my Breast, which I had but just time
to parry before it went off; so that the Bullet past between my Side
and Arm. The Rogue finding he had not shot me, he turned the But-end
of the Pistol, and gave me such a Blow on the Head as stunned me;
so that I fell upon my Knees; but immediately recovering my self, I
forthwith jumped out of the Steerage upon the Quarter-deck, where the
Pirate Boatswain was.
He was a bloody Villain, having a few days before killed a poor
Sailor, because he did not do something so soon as he had ordered
him. This cruel Monster was asking some of my People, “Where their
Captain was.” So at my coming upon Deck, one of them, pointing to me,
said, “There he is.” Tho’ the night was very dark, yet there being
four Lanthorns with Candles, he had a full sight of me: Whereupon
lifting up his broad Sword, he swore, “No Quarter should be given
to any Captain that offered to defend his Ship,” aiming at the same
time a full stroke at my Head. To avoid it I stooped so low, that the
Quarter-deck Rail received the Blows and was cut in at least an inch
deep: Which happily saved my Head from being cleft asunder: And the
Sword breaking at the same time, with the force of the Blow on the
Rail, it prevented his cutting me to pieces.
By good Fortune his Pistols, that hung at his Girdle, were all
discharged; otherwise he would doubtless have shot me. But he took
one of them, and with the But-end endeavoured to beat out my Brains,
which some of my People that were then on the Quarter-deck observing,
cried out aloud, “For God’s sake don’t kill our Captain, for we never
were with a better Man.” This turned the Rage of him and two other
Pirates on my People, and saved my Life: But they cruelly used my
poor Men, cutting and beating them unmercifully. One of them had his
Chin almost cut off; and another received such a Wound on his Head,
that he fell on the Deck as dead; but afterwards, by the care of our
Surgeon he recovered.
All this happened in a few Minutes and the Quarter-master then coming
up ordered the Pirates to tie our People’s Hands, and told me, “That
when they boarded us, they let their Boat go adrift, and that I
must send an Officer with some of my People in our Boat to look for
theirs.” Whereupon my first Mate, Mr. _Simon Jones_, who stood by
offered to go: And the Quarter-master telling him, “He must return
quickly otherwise he should judge that they were run away with the
Boat, in order to go on Shore; and if they did so he would cut me to
pieces:” Mr. _Jones_ replied, “He would not stay above a quarter of
an Hour, but return whether he found the Boat or not.” Happily for me
he soon found her, and returned (tho’ it was very dark) in less time
than he had promised.
Then the Quarter-master took me by the hand, and told me, “My Life
was safe provided none of my People complained against me.” I
replied, “I was sure none of them could.”
The Pirates next, loaded all their small Arms, and fired several
Vollies for Joy they had taken us: Which their Comrades on board
their Ship hearing, it being then very near us, tho’ we could not
see it for the darkness of the Night, they concluded we had made
Resistance, and destroyed their People.
It will be proper to observe here, that soon after we had anchored
in the Mouth of the River _Sieraleon_, it became calm; and the Tide
of Ebb beginning to come down, the Pirates cut their Cable, and
let their Ship drive down with the Tide towards us, from the place
where we had seen her at anchor; having sometime before sent their
Boat against the Tide of Flood, to discover us. The Ship being by
that means come near us, and seeing our Lights, without asking
any Questions, gave us a Broad-side with their great Guns; verily
believing we had destroyed their Boat and People. This put the
Pirates on board us into Confusion, which I observing, asked the
Quarter-master, “Why he did not call with the speaking Trumpet, and
tell their Ship they had taken us?” Upon that he asked me angrily,
“Whether I was afraid of going to the Devil by a great Shot? For,
as to his part, he hoped he should be sent to Hell one of these
days by a Cannon Ball.” I answered, “I hoped that would not be my
Road.” However, he followed my Advice, and informed their Ship, “They
had taken a brave Prize, with all manner of good Liquors and fresh
Provisions on board.”
Just after this, _Cocklyn_, the Pirate Captain, ordered them to dress
a quantity of these Victuals; so they took many Geese, Turkeys,
Fowls and Ducks, making our People cut their Heads off, and pull the
great Feathers out of their Wings: But they would not stay till the
other Feathers were pick’d off. All these they put into our great
Furnace, which would boil Victuals for 500 Negroes, together with
several _Westphalia_ Hams, and a large Sow with Pig, which they
only bowelled, leaving the Hair on. This strange medley filled the
Furnace, and the Cook was ordered to boil them out of Hand.
As soon as the Pirate-ship had done firing, I asked the
Quarter-master’s leave, for our Surgeon to dress my poor People that
had been wounded; and I likewise went into the Steerage, to have
my Arm dress’d, it being very much bruised by the Blow given me by
the Pirate-Boatswain. Just after that, a person came to me from
the Quarter-master, desiring to know, “What a Clock it was by my
Watch?” Which judging to be a civil way of demanding it, I sent it
him immediately: desiring the Messenger to tell him, it was a very
good going Gold Watch. When it was delivered to the Quarter-master,
he held it up by the Chain, and presently laid it down on the Deck,
giving it a kick with his Foot; saying, “It was a pretty Foot-ball:”
On which, one of the Pirates caught it up, saying, “He would put it
in the common Chest to be sold at the Mast.”
I would not mention such trifling Circumstances; but that I judge
they serve to shew the Humours and Temper of these sort of People.
By this time I was loudly called upon to go on board the Pirate-ship.
As soon as I came upon Deck, they hurried me over our Ship’s
side into the Boat; but when we arrived along the side of the
Pirate-Vessel, I told them, “I was disabled in my Arm, and so desired
their help to get me into their Ship:” Which was readily done. Then
I was ordered to go on the Quarter-deck to their Commander, who
saluted me in this manner. “I am sorry you have met with bad usage
after Quarter given, but ’tis the Fortune of War sometimes. I expect
you will answer truly to all such Questions as I shall ask you:
otherwise you shall be cut to pieces; but if you tell the Truth, and
your Men make no Complaints against you, you shall be kindly used;
and this shall be the best Voyage you ever made in your Life, as you
shall find by what shall be given you.” I thanked him for his good
Intentions, telling him, “I was content to stand on the footing he
had proposed to me:”
Having answered all his Questions, one of which was, “How our Ship
sailed both large, and on a wind?” I replying, “Very well:” He then
threw up his Hat, saying, “She would make a fine Pirate Man of War.”
When I heard that, I must own I could not but be concern’d for having
answered so truly in that particular: But then considering, that some
of my People would no doubt have told them the same; and moreover, my
Journal, when they look’d into it, would have made it plainly appear,
which might have proved my Destruction, I satisfied my Mind with
these Reflections.
As, in this whole Affair, I greatly experienced the Providence
of Almighty God, in his Goodness delivering me from the hands of
these Villains, and from many Dangers; so the same good Providence
gave me such a presence of Mind, that when I believed I was upon
the point of being killed, such Terrors did not arise, as I had
formerly experienced, when in danger of Shipwrack. And tho’ I fared
very hard, and endured great Fatigues during the time I was there
Prisoner; yet praised be God, I enjoyed my Health: Submitting with
that Resignation to the Will of the Almighty, as a Man ought to do in
such severe Misfortunes.
But to return to my Narrative, which the Remembrance of my past
Dangers hath interrupted.
As soon as I had done answering the Captain’s Questions, a tall Man,
with four Pistols in his Girdle, and a broad Sword in his Hand,
came to me on the Quarter-deck, telling me, “His name was _James
Griffin_, and that we had been School-fellows.” Tho’ I remembred
him very well; yet having formerly heard, it had proved fatal to
some who had been taken by Pirates, to own any Knowledge of them; I
replied, “I could not remember any such Person by name.” Upon that
he mentioned some boyish Pranks that had formerly pass’d between us,
But I still denying any Knowledge of him, he told me, “He supposed I
took him to be one of the Pirate’s Crew, because I saw him armed in
that manner; but that he was a forc’d Man, and had been lately chief
Mate to Captain _James Creichton_ of _Bristol_; who was then, with
his Ship, in the Possession of the Pirates in the River, and had not
been destroyed by them, at his earnest intreaty: That since his being
forced, they had obliged him to act as Master of the Pirate-ship; and
the reason of his being so armed, was to prevent their imposing on
him; for there was hardly any amongst the Crew of Pirates belonging
to Captain _Cocklyn_, but what were cruel Villains; misusing much
better Men than themselves, only for having the Misfortune to fall
into their Hands, as I had already experienced, and might find
hereafter; but he would himself take care of me that night, in which
would be my greatest Danger; because many of their People would soon
get drunk with the good Liquors found in my Ship.”
This generous Declaration was very acceptable to me, and I then
readily owned my former acquaintance with him. Then he turned to
Captain _Cocklyn_, and desired a Bowl of Punch might be made. Which
being done, the Captain desired Mr. _Griffin_ my Schoolfellow to show
me the way to the great Cabbin, and he followed himself.
There was not in the Cabbin either Chair, or any thing else to sit
upon; for they always kept a clear Ship ready for an Engagement: So a
Carpet was spread on the Deck, upon which we sat down cross-legg’d.
Captain _Cocklyn_ drank my Health, desiring, “I would not be cast
down at my Misfortune, for one of the Boat’s Crew who had taken us
had told him, My Ship’s Company in general spoke well of me; and they
had Goods enough left in the Ships they had taken to make a Man of
me.” Then he drank several other Healths, amongst which was that of
the _Pretender_, by the name of King _James the Third_, and thereby I
found they were doubly on the side of the Gallows, both as Traitors
and Pirates.
It being by this time Midnight, my Schoolfellow desired the Captain,
“To have a Hammock hung up for me to sleep in;” for it seems every
one lay rough, as they called it, that is, on the Deck; the Captain
himself not being allowed a Bed. This being granted, and soon after
done, I took leave of the Captain, and got into the Hammock, tho’
I could not sleep in my melancholy Circumstances. Moreover, the
execrable Oaths and Blasphemies I heard among the Ship’s Company,
shock’d me to such a degree, that in Hell it self I thought there
could not be worse; for tho’ many Seafaring Men are given to swearing
and taking God’s Name in vain, yet I could not have imagined, human
Nature could ever so far degenerate, as to talk in the manner those
abandoned Wretches did.
After I was got into the Hammock, Mr. _Griffin_, according to his
Promise, walked by me, with his broad Sword in his Hand, to protect
me from Insults. Some time after, it being about two a clock in
the morning, the Pirate _Boatswain_ (that attempted to kill me when
taken) came on board very drunk, and being told I was in a Hammock,
he came with his Cutlace near me. My generous Schoolfellow asked him
what he wanted? he answered, “To slice my Liver, for I was a vile
Dog, for ordering my People to fire on their Boat; neither would I
deliver my Watch when the _Quarter-master_ first demanded it.” Upon
hearing that, I told Mr. _Griffin_, “The last was false, for I had
immediately sent it by a Messenger, who only asked, what a clock
it was? supposing the Quarter-master expected it.” Then _Griffin_
bid the Boatswain keep his Distance, or else he would cleave his
head asunder with his Broad Sword. Nevertheless, that bloody-minded
Villain came on to kill me; but Mr. _Griffin_ struck at him with his
Sword, from which he had a narrow Escape, and then ran away: So I
lay unmolested till day light. By that time the Fumes of the Liquor
being gone off by Sleep amongst most of the Pirates, Mr. _Griffin_
complained to the Quarter-master and Company, of the cruel Intention
of the Boatswain towards me; representing, “They ought to observe
strictly that Maxim established amongst them, not to permit any ill
usage to their Prisoners after Quarter given.” At the hearing of
this, many of them voted for his being whipp’d, tho’ he was a great
Favourite of several others. But tho’ I wish’d him hang’d in my Mind
yet I thought it prudent to plead for him; saying, “I believed it
was his being in Liquor that was the cause of his using me in that
manner.” So he received a general Order, not to give me the least
Offence afterwards: Yet did that vile Wretch attempt once more to
kill me, as shall be related in its due place.
I come now to relate, How Mr. _Simon Jones_, my first Mate, and
ten of my Men entred with the Pirates. The Morning after we were
taken, he came to me, and said, “His Circumstances were bad at home:
Moreover, he had a Wife whom he could not love; and for these
Reasons he had entred with the Pirates, and signed their Articles.”
I was greatly surprized at this Declaration, and told him, “I was
very sorry to hear it, for I believ’d he would repent when too late;
and as he had taken this Resolution rashly, without communicating it
to me, all I could say now would be to no Purpose; neither would it
be proper for me, for the future, to have any Discourse with him in
private.” I saw this poor Man afterwards despised by his Brethren in
Iniquity; and have since been informed, he died a few Months after
they left the River _Sieraleon_. However, I must do him the Justice
to own, He never shewed any Disrespect to me; and the ten People he
persuaded to enter with him, remained very civil to me, and of their
own accord, always manned the side for me, whenever I went on board
the Ship they belonged to.
Several of these unhappy People soon after repented, and desired me
to intercede for them, that they might be cleared again; for they
durst not themselves mention it to the Quarter-master, it being death
by their Articles: But it was too nice a matter for me to deal in;
and therefore I refused them.
Some days after this, one of these poor Men, whose name was _Thomas
Wilder_, discovered things to me, of which I only had a suspicion
before. After cursing Mr. _Jones_ for persuading him to enter with
the Pirates, he said to me, “That several times in the Night-watch,
before we came to _Sieraleon_, he had heard him say, _That he hoped
we should meet with Pirates when we came to that River_; which he
then thought to be spoken only in jest; but now he found it too
true.” As I seemed not to believe this, he called another of our
People, who confirmed what he had told me. “Then I asked them the
Reason why the Chest of Arms was put out of the place where it
usually stood in the Steerage; and where it was hid at the time we
were taken?” They answered, “I might remember, that the Morning we
made Land, I ordered the Steerage to be clean’d; to do which all the
Chests there were carried between Decks; and after the Steerage was
clean’d, all the Chests were brought back again in their places,
except the Chest of Arms, which was left behind by the Mate’s Order:
That when I called to the People in the Steerage to fire on the
Pirate-boat, supposing Mr. _Jones_ had delivered them Arms according
to my Order, many of the Men would have broken the Chest open, but he
prevented them, by declaring, _This was an opportunity he had wished
for; and that if they fired a Musquet, they would be all cut to
pieces_.” And they further assured me, that to induce them to enter
with the Pirates, he had declared to them, _That I had promised him
to enter my self_. Putting all this together with what several of
the Pirates told me afterwards, namely, _That he had been the chief
occasion of their keeping my Ship_, it was a wonder that I escaped so
well, having such a base Wretch for my principal Officer.
But to resume the thread of my Story. As soon as the Fumes of the
Liquor were gone out of the Pirates Heads, they all went on board the
Prize, as they called my Ship, about eight a clock in the morning,
it being the second day of _April_. Mr. _Jones_, who had been my
first Mate, went with them; and he having confirmed them in their
intention of keeping the Ship for their own use, all hands went to
work to clear the Ship, by throwing over board Bales of Woollen
Goods; Cases of _India_ Goods; with many other things of great Value:
So that before night they had destroyed between three and four
thousand Pounds worth of the Cargoe. For they had little regard to
these things, Money and Necessaries being what they chiefly wanted.
The sight of this much grieved me, but I was obliged in prudence
to be silent. For my Schoolfellow told me, I was still under the
displeasure of many of them, on account of my ordering my People to
fire on their Boat when they took me.
There were then residing at _Sieraleon_, several _Englishmen_ who
traded on their own accounts; And among the rest, one Captain _Henry
Glynn_, who was since Governor for the Royal _African Company_ at
_Gambia_, and died there. This Gentleman was an honest generous
Person, and of so much Integrity, that tho’ he had suffered by the
Pirates when they first landed, yet he would never accept of any
Goods from them, which they had often press’d him to receive for his
own use. This Conduct, with an engaging deportment, so gained him
the Good-will of the Pirates, that they were ready to oblige him in
whatever he requested. Captain _Glynn_ and my self having formerly
been acquainted, as soon as he heard of my being taken, he engaged
Captain _Davis_ and _Le Boose_, the Commanders of the two other
Pirate Ships, who were then on Shore at his House, to come on board
with him to see me. I was very agreeably surprized with his coming
that Afternoon, and both the Pirate Captains that came with him
saluted me civilly. Captain _Davis_ told me, “He knew me,” tho’ I
never could recollect where I had seen him; and I found, he did not
care to tell, where he had seen me.
Soon after this, _Captain Cocklyn_ with his Quarter-master and
others, came from the Prize on board their old Ship, to compliment
Captain _Davis_ and the rest that came with him. After the
Compliments were over, Captain Davis generously said, “He was ashamed
to hear how I had been used by them. That they should remember,
their Reasons for going a pirating were to revenge themselves on
base Merchants, and cruel Commanders of Ships. That as for the Owner
of the Prize, he had not his Fellow in _London_ for Generosity and
Goodness to poor Sailors, as he had formerly heard from others,
and now from Captain _Glynn_: That as for my part, no one of my
People, even those that had entered with them, gave me the least ill
Character: But by their respect since shewn me, it was plain they
loved me. That he indeed had heard the occasion of my ill usage,
and of the ill-will some still bore me, was, because I had ordered
my People to defend the Ship: Which he blamed them exceedingly for;
saying, If he had had the good fortune to have taken me, and I had
defended my Ship against him, he should have doubly valued me for it:
That as he was not in Partnership with them, he would say no more at
present; but that he hoped they would now use me kindly, and give
me some Necessaries, with what remained undestroyed of my private
Adventure.” This was by no means relished by this pack of Miscreants;
for in their Hearts they hated Captain _Davis_, because he kept his
Ship’s Company in good order, tho’ they were almost double their
Number; and being a brave generous Man, they dreaded his Resentment.
However _Cocklyn_, and the chief of his People putting a good face on
the matter, invited him and Captain _Glynn_ on board the Prize; and
they two desiring I might accompany them, it was readily granted.
Soon after we were on board, we all went into the great Cabin, where
we found nothing but Destruction. Two _Scrutores_ I had there were
broke to Pieces, and all the fine Goods and Necessaries in them
were all gone. Moreover two large Chests that had Books in them
were empty; and I was afterwards informed, they had been all thrown
overboard; for one of the Pirates, upon opening them, swore, “There
was Jaw-work enough (as he called it) to serve a Nation, and proposed
they might be cast into the Sea; for he feared, there might be some
Books amongst them, that might breed Mischief enough; and prevent
some of their Comrades from going on in their Voyage to Hell, whither
they were all bound.” Upon which the Books were all flung out of the
Cabin-windows into the River.
After the Company were all sat down in the Cabin, they were treated
with all sorts of Liquors, and other things, that had once been
mine: By this means the chief Pirates being put into a good humour,
my Friend captain _Glynn_ took the opportunity of begging of the
Quarter-master several Necessaries for me: Which being readily
granted, they were tied up in Bundles, and Captain _Glynn_ designed
to take them on Shore with him to his House for me. But an unlucky
accident happened, which made me lose them all again.
For some of Captain _Davis_’s People coming on board at that time;
one of them, a pert young fellow of eighteen, broke a Chest open to
plunder it. The Quarter-master hearing of it, goes out of the Cabin,
and asks the reason of his so doing; the young Man replied, “As they
were all Pirates, he thought he did what was right.” On that the
Quarter-master strikes at him with his broad Sword, but the young
Man running away, escaped the Blow, and fled for protection into
the great Cabin to his Master Captain _Davis_. The Quarter-master
pursues him in a great Passion; and there not being room amongst
so many of us, to make a stroke at him, he made a thrust with his
Sword, and slit the Ball of one of the young Man’s Thumbs, and
slightly wounded at the same time Captain _Davis_ on the back of one
of his Hands. _Davis_ upon that was all on Fire, and vowed Revenge,
saying, “That tho’ his Man had offended, he ought to have been first
acquainted with it; for no other Person had a right to punish him
in his Presence;” and immediately goes on board his own Ship. Where
telling the Story to his Ship’s Company, they all resolved forthwith
to revenge this great injury done to one of their Comrades, and the
Indignity shown their Captain. Upon that they slip one of their
Cables, and begun to heave on the other, in order to come and board
_Cocklyn_’s Ship, and destroy such a set of vile Fellows, as they
called him and his Crew. When Captain _Davis_ went from the Prize,
_Cocklyn_ soon followed, and went on board his own Ship, to get
all things in a readiness to defend himself. Captain _Glynn_ and
my self only remained behind, and hoped quickly to have seen hot
work between them; but _Cocklyn_ having consulted his People, and
judging they should be no ways able to cope with Captain _Davis_,
hastily came on board the Prize again, and desired Captain _Glynn_
to go on board _Davis_ with him, in order to make up matters. My
Friend would have refused this unpleasant Office, if he durst; but
on his not readily complying, _Cocklyn_ grew enraged. I fearing the
consequences, persuaded, him to go: Which _Cocklyn_ was so well
pleased with, that he often spoke of it afterwards to my advantage.
By the time they came on board _Davis_, his Ship was just heaving up
their Anchor, and tho’ Captain _Glynn_ was a well-spoken ingenious
Man, he found it very difficult to compromise the Matter: Which at
last was done on these Terms; “That Captain _Davis_ and his Ship’s
Company, should have their share of Liquors and Necessaries on board
the Prize; and, That the Quarter-master, who had wounded the young
Man belonging to _Davis_, should before all his Crew acknowledge his
fault, and ask Pardon for the same.”
Night now approaching, Captain _Glynn_ was obliged to go on Shore,
without calling upon me for the Things he had begged, intending to
come next day for them. Being thus left on board the Prize, with
only three or four of the Pirates, amongst whom the bloody-minded
Boatswain (formerly mentioned) was one; and there being no Boat along
the side at that time, I resolved to stay where I was all night, and
not hail their Pirate-Ship to send their Boat for me.
The Pirate-Carpenter was then lying on my Bed in the State-room; so
I sat some time by my self in the Cabin, having a Candle by me on a
Table. When he awoke, he civilly desired me to go and take some rest;
saying, “He feared I had not had any since I was taken.” I returned
him thanks, saying, “I would sit up till eight a clock:” Whereupon he
came and fat down by me on the Lockers, abaft in the Cabin.
The Boatswain came down soon after this, and being a little in
Liquor, began to abuse me. On that the Carpenter told him, “He was a
base Villain,” and turned him out of the Cabin. Soon after, a puff of
Wind coming in at one of the Cabin Windows, put our Candle out; and
the Carpenter and I rising up together, to blow the Candle in again,
(but not being able to do it) we accidentally shifted places in the
dark, he seating himself just over against the Cabin Door, where I
sat before: And having no Tinder-box, we were at a great loss how to
light the Candle again.
While we were considering how to do it, the Boatswain came into
the Steerage, and finding the Candle out, began to swear and rant,
saying, “I had put it out purposely, with design to go into the
Powder-room undiscovered, and blow the Ship up.” But the Carpenter
called to him, and told him, “It was done by accident, and that I
still sat by him on the Locker.” So he came to the Cabin Door, and by
the Star-light that came in at the Windows, perceived us sitting; but
could not distinguish our Faces. Thinking I sat still in the Place
where he had seen me before, he presented a Pistol, and drew the
Trigger, swearing, “At that instant, he would blow my Brains out.” By
good fortune the Pistol did not go off, but only flash’d in the Pan:
By the Light of which the Carpenter observing that he should have
been shot instead of me, it so provoked him, that he run in the dark
to the Boatswain; and having wrenched the Pistol out of his hand, he
beat him, with that and his Fist, to such a Degree, that he almost
killed him.
The noise that was made in this Fray being heard on board the
Pirate-ship that lay close to us, a Boat was sent from her; and they
being informed of the Truth of the matter, the Officer that was in
her, thought fit to carry away this wicked Villain, who had three
times attempted to murder me.
After this I slept soundly, having been much fatigued; but I was
awaked early in the Morning by a great number of Captain _Davis_’s
Crew, who came on board to take part of the Liquors and Necessaries,
according to Agreement. It was very surprizing to see the Actions
of these People. They and _Cocklyn_’s Crew (for _Le Boose_’s were
not yet admitted) made such Waste and Destruction, that I am sure a
numerous set of such Villains would in a short time, have ruined a
great City. They hoisted upon Deck a great many half Hogsheads of
_Claret_, and _French Brandy_; knock’d their Heads out, and dipp’d
Canns and Bowls into them to drink out of: And in their Wantonness
threw full Buckets of each sort upon one another. As soon as they
had emptied what was on the Deck, they hoisted up more: And in the
evening washed the Decks with what remained in the Casks. As to
bottled Liquor of many sorts, they made such havock of it, that in
a few days they had not one Bottle left: For they would not give
themselves the trouble of drawing the Cork out, but nick’d the
Bottles, as they called it, that is, struck their necks off with a
Cutlace; by which means one in three was generally broke: Neither was
there any Cask-liquor left in a short time, but a little _French_
Brandy.
As to Eatables, such as Cheese, Butter, Sugar, and many other things,
they were as soon gone. For the Pirates being all in a drunken Fit,
which held as long as the Liquor lasted, no care was taken by any one
to prevent this Destruction: Which they repented of when too late.
As for my things, which the Quarter-master had given me at Captain
_Glynn_’s Request, and which were accordingly bundled up; a company
of drunken Pirates coming into the Cabin, and stumbling over some
Goods that lay on the Floor, they took them, with three of my
Bundles, and threw them overboard; swearing, “They had like to have
broken their Necks by those things lying in their way.”
I had then but one Bundle left, in which was a black Suit of Cloaths,
and other things which this Gang had spared. They being gone out of
the Cabin, a Pirate, who was tolerably sober, came in soon after,
and seeing my Bundle, said, “He would see what was in it;” which in
prudence I did not oppose. He then took out my black Cloth Cloaths,
a good Hat and Wig, and some other Things. Whereupon I told him,
“Captain _Cocklyn_’s Quarter-master had given them to me; and I hoped
he would not deprive me of them; for they were of no service to him
in so hot a Country, but would be of great use to me, as I should
soon return to _England_.” I had hardly done speaking, when he lifted
up his broad Sword, and gave me a Blow on the Shoulder with the flat
side of it; whispering at the same time these Words in my Ear, “I
give you this Caution, never to dispute the Will of a Pirate: For,
supposing I had cleft your Scull asunder for your Impudence, what
would you have got by it but Destruction? Indeed you may flatter your
self, I should have been put to death for killing a Prisoner in cold
Blood; but assure your self my Friends would have brought me off on
such an Occasion.” I gave him thanks for his Admonition, and soon
after he put on the Clothes, which in less than half an hour after,
I saw him take off and throw overboard. For some of the Pirates
seeing him dress’d in that manner, had thrown several Buckets of
Claret upon him. This Person’s true name was _Francis Kennedy_. He
was afterwards hang’d at _Execution-Dock_, but he told me at the time
he put my Cloaths on, that his name was _Sun_; asking me, “If I did
not know his Father, who was then Commander of a Ship that used the
_Barbadoes_ Trade; and that if ever the old Dog fell in his way, he
would kill him.” To which I answered, “I knew no such Person.”
When night came on, I had nothing left of what had been bundled up,
but a Hat and Wig. I must own, that whenever they plundered me, no
Affront was offered to my Person; but several brought me Liquor, and
Slices of Ham broiled, a Biscuit being my Plate; saying, “They pitied
my Condition.” The Hat and Wig I had left, being hung on Pins in the
Cabin, a person half drunk came in about eight a clock at night, and
put them on; telling me, “He was a great Merchant on Shore, and that
his name was _Hogbin_:” But supposing him to be a Pirate, I said
little to him. By this time there was a great Quietness in the Ship,
most of the Pirates being dead drunk. After a little Conversation,
as Mr. _Hogbin_ was going out of the Cabin with my Hat and Wig on,
he met _Cocklyn_’s Quarter-master; who knowing him not to be one of
the Crew, asked him, “How he came by the things he had on?” To which
the Fellow not returning a direct answer, the Quarter-master beat him
very severely for taking things he had no Right to. Then coming to
me, he asked in a kind manner, “How I had fared in the hurly burly of
that Day?” When I told him, “I had lost all the Necessaries he had
given me the Day before,” he express’d much concern, and said, “He
would take care the next day to recover what he could for me.” But he
did not prove so good as his word.
The next day, which was the third since my being taken, _Le Boose_’s
Crew were permitted to come on board the Prize, Where they finished
what was left of Liquors and Necessaries; acting in the same
destructive manner as their vile Brethren in Iniquity had done before.
Being quite weary of such Company, and understanding, the three
Pirate Captains were on Shore at my Friend Captain _Glynn_’s House,
I asked leave of the Quarter-master to go to them; which he readily
granted. On this I got into a Cannoe, and as we rowed towards the
Shore, we had like to have been overset, through the drunkenness of
one of the Pirates that was with us. If Providence had not prevented
this Accident, we should undoubtedly have all been lost; for the Tide
ran very strong, and several voracious Sharks were then near us.
When I came to Captain _Glynn_’s, he and the Pirate Captains received
me in a very civil manner; and upon my telling them, “How I had lost
all my Necessaries that had been given me;” the Captains promised,
That the next day they would do what they could, to recover some
of them again for me. Then I begged a Shirt of my Friend Captain
_Glynn_; for I had been three days without shifting, which is very
uneasy in so hot a Country, where people sweat so much.
Being greatly refresh’d with that clean Shirt, and having stayed all
night with him, where I had more rest than I before had for a good
while; next day I went on board, in company with the Pirate-Captains.
Captain _Davis_ desired _Cocklyn_ to order all his People on the
Quarter-deck, and made a Speech to them in my behalf; which they
relishing better than that he had formerly made, It was resolved to
give me the Ship they designed to leave, in order to go into the
Prize, with the Remains of my Cargoe that was undestroyed. And there
being a large quantity of Goods likewise remaining in several Prizes,
they concluded to give me them also: Which, with my own, were worth
several thousand Pounds. One of the leading Pirates proposed to the
rest, “That they should take me along with them down the Coast of
_Guinea_; where I might exchange the Goods for Gold: And if in order
to make a quick Sale, I sold them at prime cost, I should get Money
enough by them: That, no doubt, as they went down the Coast, they
should take some _French_ and _Portuguese_ Vessels, and then they
might give me as many of their best Slaves, as would fill the Ship:
That then he would advise me to go for the Island of St. _Thomas_ in
the _West Indies_, a Free port belonging to the _Danes_, and sell
them there, with the Vessel: And after rewarding my People in a
handsom manner, I might return with a large sum of Money to _London_,
and bid the Merchants defiance.”
This proposal was unanimously approved of by them: But it struck me
with a sudden damp, apprehending it would be fatal to me. So I began
to insinuate, “It would not be proper for me to accept of such a
quantity of other Peoples Goods, as they had so generously voted for
me:” And going on to give my reasons, I was immediately interrupted
by several of the Pirates, who began to be very angry, that I
did not readily accept of what had been proposed, so much for my
advantage, as they thought; for many of them were so ignorant, as to
think their Gift would have been legal.
On this, Captain _Davis_ said, “I know this Man, and can easily guess
his thoughts concerning this matter; for he thinks, if he should
act in the manner you have proposed, he shall ever after lose his
Reputation. Now I am for allowing every body to go to the Devil in
their own way; so desire you will give him the remains of his own
Cargoe, with what is left of his private Adventure, and let him do
with it what he thinks fitting.”
This was readily granted, and they advised me to take _Le Boose_’s
Brigantine, which he had then just quitted, (having fitted one of the
Prizes for a Pirate-ship for him and his Crew) and carry her along
the side of my Ship, in order to save the Goods then left undestroyed
in her; allowing me some of my own People to do it. By this means we
saved a considerable part of the Cargoe, but of my private Adventure
not above thirty Pounds Sterling: for that chiefly consisting in
Necessaries and Liquors, with fine Goods, was soon destroyed by them:
One instance of which out of many I shall give. The Pirates took
several Pieces of fine _Holland_, and opening them, spread them on
the Deck; and being almost drunk, lay down on them: Then others came
and threw Buckets of Claret upon them, which rousing them up, and the
_Hollands_ being thereby stained, they flung the Pieces overboard.
Captain _Davis_ likewise further obtained for me, that I might lye
on board the _Two Friends_ Captain _Elliot_ of _Barbadoes_; whom
they had taken and forced to be their Store Ship; and that I might
go on Shore when I pleased, to my Friend Captain _Glynn_’s house, on
condition I should return whenever they sent for me.
And now, the Tide being turned, they were as kind to me, as they had
been at first severe. So we got the Brigantine along the side of the
Prize, and as Bale-goods and Cases came to hand, we got them into
her; only now and then we lost some, by the ill-nature of two or
three leading Pirates: For if we could not receive the Goods so fast
as they expected, with the few People I had of my own then with me,
they would let them drop overboard.
The same they did by a quantity of _Irish_ Beef, the first day after
I was taken; for they despised it, having found so much _English_, in
the several Prizes they had met with in the River. This sight moved
me to intreat Captain _Cocklyn_ to give me the _Irish_ Beef they were
going to throw overboard; for the use of my poor People that had not
entered with them. But I being then under the high Displeasure of
him and his Crew, he brutishly replied, “There is Horse-beans enough
in the Prize to serve you and your People six Months.” To which I
answered, “It was coarse diet.” But finding this put him into a
passion, I held my Tongue, and the Beef was all cast into the Sea.
In this place I think it proper to acquaint the Reader, What danger
all the Prisoners were in by a false Report brought on board the
Prize Ships that afternoon. For it was confidently averred by some
Negroes, “That one of their Crew was murdered, by two Captains, whose
names were _Bennet_ and _Thompson_, who had been obliged to fly into
the Woods from the rage of the Pirates.” And they added, “That these
two Gentlemen coming to the House of one Mr. _Jones_, (who lived
a great way up the River) to seek for Provisions, they there met
with the person whom they had killed.” Upon this report the Pirates
resolved to revenge themselves on us who were their prisoners: “Which
obliged me to argue with them, and observe how great a cruelty it
would be, to punish us who were wholly innocent, for the faults of
others.” Moreover I said, “The report might be false, it coming
from the Shore-Negroes; and I hoped at least they would defer their
resentment against us, till they had a more certain account of the
matter.” This calmed their Rage a little, when, to our great Joy,
the Person that was reported to be killed, came on board soon after;
and told his Comrades, that he had met with Captain _Bennet_ and
_Thompson_ at Mr. _Jones_’s House, who threatned him; from which
the report arose that they had killed him; but that they had not
otherwise misused him: So on this their Passion was entirely calmed.
As I have mentioned these two Captains, _Bennet_ and _Thompson_, I
shall give an account of their Misfortunes, which I had afterwards
from their own Mouths. Captain _John Bennet_, being bound from
_Antegoa_ to the Coast of _Guinea_, was taken at _Cape de Verd_
Islands by _Davis_. Who, after plundering him, restored him his Ship;
and he went into the River _Sieraleon_, where Captain _Thompson_
was arrived before him. Upon _Cocklyn_ the Pirate’s coming into
the River, they carried their Ships a good way up, to a place
called _Brent’s-Island_, being the Settlement of the _Royal African
Company_; where one Mr. _Plunket_ was Governour. Having got their
Ships very near the Shore, they made a Battery thereon, and having
landed Ammunition, resolved with their People to defend themselves
to the utmost: thinking at that time they would remain faithful. _Le
Boose_ being arrived in his Brigantine, and hearing that several
Ships were up the River, he resolved to have one of them for his use;
so he went up to attack them, and they bravely defended themselves
against him: But, soon after, _Cocklyn_ coming with his Ship to the
assistance of _Le Boose_, their People begun to faulter; and these
gallant Captains were, for saving their Lives, obliged, with Mr.
_Plunket_, and several of their Officers, to fly into the Woods:
Where, for many Weeks, they remained, having nothing to subsist on
but Rice, with now and then some Oysters, which they got by night
from the River side: neither durst they appear near the place where
the Pirates were (as long as they remained there) for they had vowed
to cut them to pieces, if ever they fell into their hands. Moreover,
their Ships were burnt; and _Le Boose_ took for his own use, one
Captain _Lamb_’s Ship, which at that time lay farther up the River. I
thought proper to relate this, in order to set the story in a better
light, tho’ it happened some Weeks before I was taken.
But now, to return to my Subject. I was relating, how we were
employed in saving what Goods we could. This took us up four days;
and I slept every night on board their _Tender_ commanded by Captain
_Elliot_, who was very kind to me, and had a great ascendant over
the leading Pirates: so that he had seldom the Company of the
common sort, having orders to drive them away, whenever they came
on board him. And I have often been amazed, to hear and see what
he has done to some of them when they were impudent; beating them,
and saying, “He was sure he should see them hang’d in due time at
_Execution-dock_.” However, by this means we were generally very
easy on board him, which was no little satisfaction to me in my
Circumstances.
About this time the Quarter-master who took me, fell sick of a Fever;
which, increasing, he sent to speak with me: And having desired
all present, except my self to withdraw, he told me, “That at the
time I was taken, he designed to have killed me, when he presented
the Pistol to my breast; begging I would forgive him for his cruel
Intention:” Which I readily doing, he further said, “That he had been
a most wicked Wretch, having been guilty of all manner of abominable
Crimes; and that now believing he should die, his Conscience sadly
tormented him, fearing he should be punished, as he deserved, in
Hell-fire, which so often in their vile discourse he had made light
of.” Upon hearing that, “I exhorted him to sincere Repentance;
telling him, the Christian Religion assured us of God’s Mercies, if
we are truly penitent; and I instanced the goodness of God to my
self, in that he was graciously pleased to preserve me, the night
I was taken, from being murdered by him and others; which great
Mercies I believed were shown me, because I put my Hope and Trust
in Almighty God; and exhorted him to do the same.” But he replied,
with a sad countenance. “O, Sir, my heart is hardened; however, I
will endeavour to follow your good counsel.” As he was going on,
expressing his sorrow for his former course of Life, some of the
Pirates broke in upon us, to ask him, “How he did?” So he called
his Boy, and, as a mark of his Good-will towards me, ordered him
to take the Key of his Chest, and let me take out what Necessaries
I would. Accordingly I took that opportunity of providing my self
with Shirts, Stockings, and several other things. As I was taking
them out, a Pirate coming from the Deck, and knowing nothing of
the Quarter-master’s order, called out aloud; “see how that Dog is
thieving there: He does it as cleverly as any Rogue of us all.” But
being told, “It was with the Quarter-master’s leave,” he came and
helped me to bundle the things up, and I sent them on board the
_Tender_. These were the first Necessaries which I could call my own,
since my Misfortune.
The Quarter-master that evening falling into a Delirium, died before
morning in terrible Agonies; cursing his Maker in so shocking a
manner, that it made a great Impression on several new entered Men:
and they afterwards came privately to me, begging, “that I would
advise them how to get off from so vile a Course of Life, which led
them into Destruction both of Body and Soul. Some of them proposed
to fly into the Woods, and remain there till their Ships were gone,
if I would promise to protect them afterwards; but this being too
nice a matter for me to meddle with at that Juncture, I declined it;
Exhorting them in general, Not to be guilty of Murder, or any other
Cruelty to those they should take. For if ever they should, by a
general consent, resolve to embrace the King’s Pardon, it would be
a great Advantage to them, to have the unfortunate People they had
taken give them a good Character in that respect.”
Having mentioned the King’s Pardon, I shall here relate what I
before omitted, with relation to his late Majesty’s Proclamation,
for a _Pardon to Pirates, that should surrender themselves at any
of the_ British Plantations, _by the first of_ July 1719. This
Proclamation I had on board, with a Declaration of War against
_Spain_. The Quarter-master finding them amongst my Papers, and not
being able to read, he brought them to me, the next day after I was
taken, and “bid me read them aloud to all then present;” which I
did: But there being Rewards offered in the Proclamation, to those
that should take or destroy Pirates; so much for a Captain; and in
proportion for the other Officers and common Pirates; this put them
into such a Rage, that I began to apprehend my self in some Danger.
But Captain _Cocklyn_ ordering silence to be made, bid me read the
other Paper, which was _The Declaration of War against_ Spain. When
I had read it, some of them said, “They wished they had known it
before they left the _West Indies_” From thence I took occasion to
observe to them, “That if they thought fit to embrace his Majesty’s
most gracious Pardon, there was not only time enough for them to
return to the _West Indies_, (there being still three Months to
come of the time limited in the Proclamation) but now that War was
declared against _Spain_, they would have an opportunity of inriching
themselves in a legal way, by going a privateering, which many of
them had privately done.” This seemed to be relished by many: but
several old _Buccaneers_, who had been guilty of Murder and other
barbarous Crimes, being no ways inclined to it, they used the King’s
Proclamation with great contempt, and tore it in pieces. I thought my
self well off, that no Resentment or ill-usage was shown me on this
occasion.
Amongst the several Pirates, that came to consult me, “How they
should get off,” There was one _Ambrose Curtis_, who was in a bad
state of Health, and generally walked the Deck in a Silk Night-gown.
This person finding me shy in answering his Questions, he told me,
“Tho’ I had forgot him, yet he had not me; for he was eleven years
ago at Sea with my Father, who had used him severely for being an
unlucky Boy: That I might remember, my Father died in _Virginia_, and
I commanded the Ship afterwards, and brought her home to _England_;
having been very kind to him, except in one thing, which was, That
he having confessed to me, he was a Servant, and run away from his
Master, I refused to pay him his Wages, till he brought a person
who gave me Security that I should not pay them twice; and then he
had his Wages to a farthing:” Adding, “he had told this to several
leading Pirates, who had persuaded him to revenge himself on me; but
as I had been kind to him, and in his Conscience he believed I was in
the right, to demand Security when I paid him his Wages, so he bore
no ill-will to me on that account; and when my necessaries came to
be sold at the Mast, he would buy some of them for me;” in which he
proved as good as his word.
But as to his Questions about getting off, I replied as I had done
to others; “Assuring him, if ever it came to be in my power to serve
him, I would not spare for Money nor Pains to do it:” But this poor
fellow died, before the Pirates left _Sieraleon_.
I hope the Reader will pardon me for mentioning several things,
which are not so coherent as I could wish; as also several little
Incidents. The reason why I mention them is, because I think they
display the true humours and ways of these Miscreants.
Amongst my Adventure of Goods, I had in a Box three second-hand
embroidered Coats. One day the three Pirate Captains, coming on board
the Prize together, enquired for them, saying, “They understood by my
Book such Clothes were in my Ship.” I told them, “They were in a Box
under the bed place in the State-room. So they ordered them to be
taken out, and immediately put them on.” But the longest Coat falling
to _Cocklyn_’s share, who was a very short Man, it almost reached as
low as his Ancles. This very much displeased him, and he would fain
have changed with _Le Boose_, or _Davis_: But they refused, telling
him, “As they were going on Shore amongst the _Negroe-Ladies_, who
did not know the white Mens fashions, it was no matter. Moreover, as
his Coat was Scarlet embroidered with Silver, they believed he would
have the preference of them, (whose Coats were not so showy) in the
opinion of their Mistresses.” This making him easy, they all went on
Shore together.
It is a Rule amongst the Pirates, not to allow Women to be on board
their Ships, when in the Harbour. And if they should take a Prize at
Sea, that has any Women on board, no one dares, on pain of death, to
force them against their Inclinations. This being a good political
Rule to prevent disturbances amongst them, it is strictly observed.
So now being in a Harbour, they went on Shore to the Negroe-women,
who were very fond of their Company, for the sake of the great
Presents they gave them. Nay, some white Men that lived there, did
not scruple to lend their black Wives to the Pirates, purely on
account of the great Rewards they gave.
The Pirate Captains having taken these Cloaths without leave from the
Quarter-master, it gave great Offence to all the Crew; who alledg’d,
“If they suffered such things, the Captains would for the future
assume a Power, to take whatever they liked for themselves.” So, upon
their returning on board next Morning, the Coats were taken from
them, and put into the common Chest, to be sold at the Mast. And it
having been reported, “That I had a hand in advising the Captains to
put on these Coats,” it gained me the ill-will in particular of one
_Williams_, who was Quarter-master of _Le Boose_’s Ship. He seeing
me in the _Tender_’s Boat, going on board a _French_ Ship lately
taken, where he then was, he swore, “That if I came there, he would
cut me to pieces, for the advice I had given the Captains.” But
Captain _Elliot_, who was then in the Boat, whispered me, saying,
“Don’t be afraid of him, for it is his usual way of talking. But be
sure call him Captain, as soon as you get on board.” It seems this
Villain had been Commander of a Pirate Sloop; who, with a Brigantine,
two years before, took Captain _Laurence Prince_ in the _Whidaw
Galley_ near _Jamaica_; and being now Quarter-master, which he did
not like, he loved to have the Title of Captain given him. So when
I came into the _French_ Ship, I adressed my self to him, saying,
“Captain _Williams_, pray hear me upon the Point you are so offended
at.” Upon that he gave me a slight Blow on the Shoulder, with the
flat of his Cutlace, swearing at the same time, “he had not the heart
to hurt me;” When I had told him how the affair had really happen’d,
which he had been so angry about, he gave me a Keg of Wine, and was
my Friend ever after.
The _French_ Ship just now mentioned, fell into their hands about a
fortnight after I was taken by them, in this manner. It was not bound
to _Sieraleon_, but having not had an Observation for several days,
because the Sun was near their _Zenith_, they made land unexpectedly;
and not knowing certainly whereabouts they were, but seeing several
Ships in the River at an Anchor, they came boldly towards them.
I was then on board Captain _Cocklyn_’s old Ship; for they had not
quite fitted mine for their use, not having at that time any Guns
mounted; so I saw the great fear and confusion that was amongst them.
My Mate, who had entered with them, said, “He believed, by the Ship’s
coming in so boldly, it was the _Launceston_ Man of War of forty
Guns, whom we had left in _Holland_. For he had heard me say, she was
to follow us to the Coast of _Guinea_.”
Happy would it have been for us and many more, if it had been so. For
had that, or even a smaller Ship of twenty Guns, with the King’s
Commission, come in at that time, or any other, whilst I was in their
hands, I am persuaded they would have easily destroyed them. For the
new-entered-men had little Courage; and the far greater part both of
old and new Pirates, were so much in drink, that there could have
been no Order or Conduct amongst them in an Engagement. So that it
would have been very easy to have subdued them, and prevented that
terrible Destruction, which happened to above one hundred Sail of
Ships, that fell afterwards into their Hands, in their going down the
Coast of _Guinea_: Together with those Damages that happened a good
while after in the _East Indies_, by some of this Gang; and the great
Ravage made by _Roberts_ (who rose out of _Davis_’s Ashes) the second
time, on the Coast of _Guinea_, till he was happily destroyed by
Sir _Chaloner Ogle_ in the _Swallow_ Man of War. But the reason why
no timely care was taken to prevent so great a Destruction, is not
proper for me to mention in this place.
As I had no business to be on board the Pirate Ship in time of
Action, I asked Captain _Cocklyn_’s leave to go on board their
_Tender_, which he readily granted. Just as I was going, several of
my People who had entered with him, said, “They would go along with
me, for they had never seen a Gun fired in anger.” _Cocklyn_ hearing
that, told them, “That now they should learn to smell Gunpowder,” and
caned them heartily.
So I went on board Captain _Elliot_, where I soon saw the _French_
Ship taken. For coming so unexpectedly into the Pirates hands, they
made no Resistance: And because the Captain did not strike on their
first firing, they put a Rope about his Neck, and hoisted him up
and down several times to the Main-yard-arm, till he was almost
dead. Captain _Le Boose_ coming at that instant, luckily saved his
Life: And highly resenting this their cruel usage to his Countryman,
he protested, “he would remain no longer in Partnership with such
barbarous Villains.” So, to pacify him, they left the _Frenchmen_
with the Ship in his care; and after the Cargoe was destroyed, they
cut the Ship’s Masts by the board, and run her on Shore, for she was
very old, and not fit for their purpose.
After the affair of the _French_ Ship was over, I was employed for
several days, in landing out of the Brigantine the Goods that had
been given me, out of my own Ship’s Cargoe, and carrying them to my
Friend Captain _Glynn_’s House; in which both he and I worked very
hard. For my own People that did not enter with the Pirates, were
mostly obliged to work on board the Prize, in fitting her for them;
and the Natives who served Captain _Glynn_ at his House, were grown
so insolent by the large quantity of Goods given them by the Pirates,
that they would do nothing but what they pleased. However, at last,
with much trouble we got them housed.
By this time, which was about the 20th of _April_, the Ship they had
taken from me was compleatly fitted, and the next day was appointed
to name her, to which Ceremony I was invited. When I came on board,
the Pirate Captains told me, “It was not out of Disrespect they
had sent for me, but to partake of the good Cheer provided on this
occasion:” So they desired I would be chearful, and go with them into
the great Cabin. When I came there, Bumpers of Punch were put into
our Hands, and on Captain _Cocklyn_’s saying aloud, _God bless the_
Windham Galley, we drank our Liquor, broke the Glasses, and the Guns
fired.
The Ship being Galley-built, with only two flush Decks, the Cover of
the Scuttle of the Powder-room was in the great Cabin, and happened
at that time to be open. One of the aftermost Guns blowing at the
Touch-hole, set fire to some Cartouch-boxes, that had Cartridges in
them for small Arms, the Shot and Fire of which flew about us, and
made a great smother. When it was over, Captain _Davis_ observed,
there had been great Danger to us from the Scuttle’s being open;
there being under, in a Room, above _twenty thousand_ weight of
Gunpowder. _Cocklyn_ replied, “He wished it had taken fire, for it
would have been a noble blast, to have gone to Hell with.”
Then all going upon Deck, three Prizes that remained undestroyed,
were ordered to be burned; upon hearing that, I privately represented
to Captain _Davis_, “How hard it would be upon us who were Prisoners,
to remain in that Country, without Necessaries, and without Food to
subsist on: Besides, there was no manner of Prospect of our getting
away quickly: That to the many Obligations I owed him, I hoped he
would add one more, and, by his Interest, at least save one of the
Vessels, for us to return to _England_ in: That as he had several
times hinted to me, how much he disliked that course of Life, hoping
he should have an opportunity of leaving it in a short time; so I
wished he would put it in my power, to report to his Advantage, the
good deed I then requested of him; for, in my Opinion, next to
Murder and Cruelty, too often practised by Pirates, nothing could
make them more odious to the World, than their destroying, out of
mere Wantonness, so many Ships and Cargoes, as had been done by
_Cocklyn_ and _Le Boose_’s Crews; in which I knew he had no hand: And
if he would be pleased to procure my entire Liberty, at the same time
that he pleaded for one of the Vessels for us, it would be a double
Obligation on me to Gratitude, in case it ever fell in my power to
serve him.”
This he readily promised, and by his Management the Ships were saved
from being burned, and they made a Bonfire only of the old _Rising
Sun_, being the Ship they had quitted for mine: And now obtaining,
through Captain _Davis_’s means, my intire Liberty, I went on Shore
to my friend Captain _Glynn_’s House again.
Two days after this Captain _Elliot_ sent his Boat for me, desiring
I would forthwith come on board his Ship, because he wanted very
much to speak with me. I had too many obligations to this Gentleman
to refuse going, (tho’ I had a sort of an aversion.) Upon coming
on board, he privately represented to me, “That I knew he had been
obliged against his will by the Pirates, to receive into his Ship a
great quantity of other People’s Goods; for which he might hereafter
be called to an account; therefore he desired I would give him a
Certificate, testifying the Truth of it.” Knowing this to be true,
I readily complied; for he was a very honest Man, as appeared soon
after. For the Pirates compelling him to go out of the River with
them, as their _Tender_, he took the first opportunity of getting
from them, which he did in a Tornado, or sudden Gust of Wind, that
arose in the Night; and having the good fortune to succeed in his
attempt, he made a good Voyage for his Owners, with Slaves to
_Barbadoes_; where he fell sick and died.
While I was in his Ship, the three Pirate Captains called along the
side. Not expecting to see me there, they seemed very glad of it, and
invited me to go and sup with them on board Captain _Davis_. This I
declined, being desirous of going on Shore to Captain _Glynn_’s. But
Captain _Davis_ insisting on it, I thought it prudent to comply; that
I might not lose that Gentleman’s Good-will, who had been so kind to
me.
After we had been some time on board his Ship, Supper was brought up
about eight a clock in the Evening; and the Musick was ordered to
play, amongst which was a Trumpeter, that had been forced to enter
out of one of the Prizes. About the middle of Supper, we heard upon
Deck an outcry of Fire, and instantly a Person came to us, and said,
“The Main-hatch-way was all in a Flame;” so we all went upon Deck.
At that time, besides the Pirates Ship’s Crew, who were mostly drunk,
there was on board at least fifty Prisoners; and several Boats along
the side, into which many People jumped, and put off. I being then
on the Quarter-deck, with the Captains, observed this to them; but
they all in confusion said, “We know not what to do in the matter:”
Upon that I told them, “If the sober People were allowed to go away
with the Boats, no one would endeavour to save the Ship; and we that
were left should be lost, (for the other Ships were above a Mile from
us, and the Tide of Flood then run so strong, that their Boats could
not row against it to save us:)” So I proposed to them, “to fire the
Quarter-deck Guns at the Boats that had just put off, to oblige them
to come on board again;” which being instantly done, it so frightned
the People in them, that they forthwith came back; and all that were
able, and not drunk, lent their helping hand to put out the Fire;
which by this time was come to a great head in the Ship’s hold.
After this I went down into the Steerage, where I saw one _Goulding_,
who was Gunner’s Mate, and a brisk active Fellow, put his head up
the After-hatchway, calling for Blankets and Water; “which if not
brought immediately, (he said) the Bulk-head of the Powder-room
would be fired, and the Ship soon blown up.” Observing the Stupidity
of the People about me, who stood looking on one another, I caught
up several Blankets and Rugs which lay scattered about, and flung
them to him, and so did others by my example. Then I run out of the
Steerage upon Deck, where meeting with some People that were sober,
I got them to go over the side, and draw up Buckets of Water; And
others handing them to _Goulding_, who had by this time placed the
Blankets and Rugs against the Bulk-head of the Powder-Room, he flung
this Water on them, and thereby prevented the Flames from catching
the Powder, and consequently from blowing up the Ship, which must
otherwise have happened: For there was then on board at least _thirty
thousand_ pounds of Gunpowder, which had been taken out of several
Prizes, it being a Commodity much in request amongst the _Negroes_.
There was still great Confusion amongst us, occasioned by the
darkness of the Night, and the many drunken People, who were not
sensible of the great Danger we were in: Moreover, the People in
the Hold gave us as yet no Hopes of their getting the Mastery of
the Fire. So I went again on the Quarter-deck, and considered with
my self, if the fire could not be conquered, as I could not swim,
I should have no chance of being saved: and even those that could,
would, I knew, be exposed to be torn to pieces by voracious Sharks,
which abound in that River: So I took one of the Quarter-deck
Gratings, and lowered it by a Rope over the Ship’s-side, designing
to get on that, if I should be forced to quit the Ship. For tho’ the
Boats had been once obliged to come back, yet it being a dark Night,
some People, unperceived, had slipped again away with them, and were
quite gone away.
Whilst I stood musing with my self on the Quarter-deck, I heard a
loud shout upon the Main-deck, with a Huzza, “_For a brave blast to
go to Hell with_,” which was repeated several times. This not only
much surprized me, but also many of the new entered Pirates; who were
struck with a Pannick Fright, believing the Ship was just blowing
up; so that several of them came running on the Quarter-deck, and
accidentally threw me down, it being very dark. As soon as I got
upon my Legs again, I heard these poor wretches say, in a lamentable
Voice, one to another; “Oh! that we could be so foolish as to enter
into this vile course of Life! The Ship will be immediately blown up,
and we shall suffer for our Villanies in Hell Fire.” So that when the
old hardened Rogues on the Main-deck, wish’d for a blast to go to
Hell with, the other poor wretches were at the same time under the
greatest Consternation at the thoughts of it.
The Apprehension of the Ship’s being just ready to blow up, was
so universal, that above fifty People got on the Bolt-sprit, and
Sprit-sail-yard, thinking they should have there a better chance for
their Lives: But they much deceived themselves, for had so great a
quantity of Powder as was at that time on board, been fired, it
would have blown them up to Atoms.
There was one _Taylor_, Master of this Pirate Ship, as brisk and
couragious a Man as ever I saw; (who afterwards commanded the
_Cassandra_, an _English East India_ Ship, and carried her to _New
Spain_, where he and his Crew separated.) This Person, with fifteen
more, spared no pains to extinguish the Fire in the Hold; and tho’
they were scalded in a sad manner by the Flames, yet they never
shrunk till it was conquered; which was not till near ten a clock at
night, when they came upon Deck, declaring the Danger was over: So
the Surgeons were called to dress their burns. This was joyful News
to us all on Deck, for we little expected to escape.
I shall now relate how this Fire happened, from which our Deliverance
was almost miraculous. About half an hour after eight a clock in the
evening, a Negroe Man went into the Hold, to pump some Rum out of a
Cask; and imprudently holding his Candle too near the Bung-hole,
a Spark fell into the Hogs-head, and set the Rum on fire. This
immediately fired another Cask of the same Liquor, whose Bung had
been, through carelessness, left open: And both the Heads of the
Hogsheads immediately flying out, with a report equal to that of a
small Cannon, the fire run about the Hold. There were twenty Casks of
Rum, with as many Barrels of Pitch and Tar, very near the place where
the Rum lay that was fired; yet it pleased God none of these took
fire, otherwise it would have been impossible for us to escape.
After this was over, I was obliged to stay on board till Morning, all
the Boats being run away with. In that time _Golding_, the Gunner’s
Mate, told the Pirate’s Crew several things to my Advantage: “How I
had handed the Blankets to him, and ordered Water to be thrown on
them; which saved the Bulk-head, where the Powder lay, from being
fired, and consequently the Ship from being blown up.” So now I was
more than ever in their favour: For several of them desired me to
come on board the _Windham_ Galley, the day Things were sold there at
the Mart, and then they would be kind to me. Likewise Captain _Davis_
press’d me to come, asking me, “Whether the Gold Watch that was taken
from me was a good one?” To which I answering, “It was very good, at
that time.” He then said, “He would buy it for his own use at any
rate.”
While he and I were talking thus, one of the Mates came half drunk,
on the Quarter-deck, saying to him; “I propose in behalf of the
Ship’s Company, that this Man shall be obliged to go down the Coast
of _Guinea_ with us; for I am told we cannot have a better Pilot.”
This was a great surprize to me; but my generous Friend _Davis_ soon
put me out of pain. For he told him, “They wanted no Pilot:” and the
fellow still insisting on my going, Captain _Davis_ caned him off the
Quarter-deck, and I heard no more of it: For soon after I went on
Shore to my Friend Captain _Glynn_’s House.
Two days after this, a small Vessel came into the River, and was
taken by them: It was called the _Dispatch_ Captain _Wilson_,
belonging to the Royal _African Company_. Mr. _Simon Jones_, formerly
my first Mate, who had entered with the Pirates, (as I have before
related) told them, on this occasion, “That he had once commanded
a Ship, which was hired and freighted by the _African_ Company;
and that he had been very unjustly used by them; so he desired the
_Dispatch_ might be burned, that he might be revenged of them.” This
being immediately consented to, and forthwith ordered to be executed,
one _John Stubbs_, a witty brisk fellow, stood up, and desired to
be heard first; saying, “Pray, Gentlemen, hold a little, and I will
prove to you, if this Ship is burnt, you will thereby greatly serve
the _Company_’s Interest.” This drawing every one’s attention, they
bid him go on: Then he said, “The Vessel has been out these two years
on her Voyage, being old and crazy, and almost eaten to pieces
by the Worms; besides, her Stores are worth little, and as to her
Cargoe, it consists only of a little Redwood and _Melegette-pepper_;
so if she should be burned, the Company will lose little; but the
poor People that now belong to her, and have been so long a Voyage,
will lose all their Wages, which, I am sure, is three times the
Value of the Vessel, and of her trifling Cargoe; so that the Company
will be highly obliged to you for destroying her.” The rest of the
Crew being convinced by these Reasons, the Vessel was spared, and
delivered again to Captain _Wilson_ and his People, who afterwards
came safe to _England_ in it.
The 29th of _April_, such of the Pirates as were my Friends, sent me
word on Shore, “That the Sale of Necessaries was to begin that day in
the afternoon, in the _Windham-Galley_, Captain _Cocklyn_.” So I went
on board in a large _Cannoe_, belonging to two Men that lived ashore,
who went at the same time with me. At the Sale, several of the
Pirates bought many Necessaries that had been mine, and gave them to
me. Likewise, Mr. _James Griffin_, my Schoolfellow, was so civil as
to beg from those that were not so kind to me, as he hoped they would
have been. The two white Men that went with me in the Cannoe, minded
their own business so well, that they got several great Bundles of
Clothes and Goods, which they put into the Cannoe with mine.
By this time several Pirates being half drunk with Brandy, looked
over the side, and seeing so many Bundles in the Cannoe, which they
supposed to be all mine, they swore, “I was insatiable, and that
it would be a good deed to throw them overboard.” This my kind
Schoolfellow hearing, he came and told me of it; advising me, to go
immediately on Shore; which I accordingly did; and it proved very
happy for me. For soon after my Watch was put up to sale, and many
bidding for it, some of them out of Spite to Captain _Davis_, it was
run up to one hundred Pounds, which he paid down. One of the Pirates
being greatly vexed at it, said, “He believed the Cases of the Watch
were not good Gold;” and calling for a Touch-stone, he tried them
on it. The Touch looking of a _copperish_ Colour, (as indeed all
Gold-cases of Watches do on the touch, by reason of the quantity of
Alloy put in to harden them) this pretence served the turn of this
Villain; who thereupon exclaimed against me, saying, “I was a greater
Rogue than any of them, who openly professed Piracy; since I was so
sly, as to bring a base Metal Watch, and endeavour to put it off for
a gold one.”
This Speech procured me the Anger of many, who knew no better; they
believing every word of what he said to be true. And tho’ Captain
_Davis_ laugh’d at it, yet several swore, “If I had not been gone
on Shore, they would have whipped me:” And as their Drunkenness
increased, they talked of sending for me to be punished for so great
a Villany, as they called it. But my Schoolfellow, apprehending they
would really offer me some Violence, was so kind as to send me word
of what had pass’d, by a white Man living on Shore, who was then on
board; advising me to go into the Woods, for they should sail quickly
out of the River.
The next morning early, which was the last day of _April_, as I was
just going to follow his advice, I was agreeably surprized with the
arrival of one Mr. _James Bleau_, my Surgeon, whom they designed to
take by force with them. This honest Man had been very much cast
down at it, and had often desired me to intercede for his liberty.
Accordingly I had done it, representing, “That he grieved himself so
much, that if he did not die quickly, yet he would be of no use to
them:” But this had no effect. However, at last, a fortunate accident
cleared him, when he least expected it; for that very evening, after
I was come on Shore, the Surgeon of the _French_ Ship entered with
them; whereupon they gave Mr. _Bleau_ his Liberty the next morning.
Mr. _Bleau_ brought us the agreeable News, that the three Pirate
Ships, with their _Tender_, were under sail, going out of the
River. This gave us all on Shore the highest Satisfaction; for I had
been then in their hands a Month, and many others much longer. Mr.
_Bleau_, whom I have here mentioned, lives now at _Woodford-Row_ on
_Epping-Forest_, where he follows his Business.
I shall now inform the Reader, what became of my kind Schoolfellow
_Griffin_, and my generous Friend _Davis_. The first took an
opportunity of getting out of the hands of the Pirates, by taking
away a Boat from the Stern of the Ship he was in, when off the Road
of _Annamaboe_, on the Coast of _Guinea_. He was driven on Shore
there, unperceived in the night time; and from thence went to _Cape
Coast Castle_, belonging to the Royal _African Company_; from which
place he went Passenger to _Barbadoes_, in an _English_ Ship, where
he was taken with a violent Fever and died.
As to _Davis_, having discovered, a few days after they left the
River _Sierraleon_, a Conspiracy, to deprive him of his Command,
which was carried on by one _Taylor_, that was Master of the Ship
under him, he timely prevented it: But he and some others left their
Ship, and went on board the _Windam_ Galley, Captain _Cocklyn_, by
whom he found _Taylor_ had been set on to displace him. This causing
him to leave their Partnership, he took a few days after one Captain
_Plumb_ in the _Princess_ of _London_, whose second Mate _Roberts_,
so famous afterwards for his Villanies, entered with him; and
_Davis_’s Crew, after plundering the Ship, restored her to Captain
_Plumb_ again. After this, Captain _Davis_ went for the Island
_Princess_, belonging to the _Portuguese_, which lies in the Bay of
_Guinea_. Here the Pirates gave out, “They were a King’s Ship;” but
the People soon discovered what they were by their lavishness, in
purchasing fresh Provisions with Goods; but the Governour winked at
it, on account of the great Gains he, and others of the chief of his
People made by them. But at last some putting him in mind, “That if
this Affair should come to the King of _Portugal_’s ear, it might
prove his ruin;” he plotted how to destroy _Davis_ and his Crew, in
order to colour over what he had so basely permitted, in allowing
them a free trade, after discovering they were Pirates.
Captain _Davis_ being one day on Shore with the Governor, he told
him, “They designed to sail from the Island in three days, and that
he would come, and take his leave of him the day before.” Accordingly
he went on a Sunday morning, taking with him his first Surgeon, the
Trumpeter, and some others, besides the Boat’s Crew. At their coming
into the Governor’s House, they saw no body to receive them; so they
went on, till they came into a long Gallery fronting the Street. Here
the Governor’s _Major Domo_ presently came to them, saying, “His
Master was at his Country-House, but he had sent a Messenger to him,
when they saw Captain _Davis_ coming on Shore; and no doubt he would
soon be in Town.” But the Surgeon observing, that many People had got
together in the Street, with Arms in their hands, he said to his
Captain, “I am sure we shall see no Governor to day,” and advised him
immediately to go away. So _Davis_ and the Surgeon went out of the
House; whereupon the _Major-Domo_ called to the People in the Street,
to fire at them. The Surgeon and two more were kill’d on the Spot,
and the Trumpeter was wounded in the Arm, who seeing two _Capuchin_
Friers (from whom I had this Account at the Island _Princess_)
fled to them. One of them took him in his Arms to save him, but
a _Portuguese_ came, and shot him dead without any regard to the
Frier’s Protection. Captain _Davis_, tho’ he had four Shots in divers
parts of his Body, yet continued running towards the Boat: But being
closely pursued, a fifth Shot made him fall, and the _Portuguese_
being amazed at his great Strength and Courage, cut his Throat, that
they might be sure of him.
The Boat’s Crew hearing the firing, put off in good time at some
distance from the Shore; and seeing the _Portuguese_ advancing to
fire at them, they rowed on board their Ship; where relating what
had happened, as they supposed, to their Captain, and to the rest
left on Shore, it set the Pirates all in a flame; and they directly
chose _Roberts_ for their Commander, vowing a severe revenge on the
_Portuguese_.
The Water was so shallow, that they could not get their Ship near the
Town; so they prepared a Raft, on which they mounted several pieces
of Cannon, with which they fired at the place: But the Inhabitants
having quitted it, and all the Houses being of Timber, they did
little damage to the Town. Neither durst they land to burn the Place,
for fear of the great Number of People, whom they perceived in the
Bushes with small Arms: So, they returned to their Ship, and the next
day sailed out of the Harbour.
Thus fell Captain _Davis_, who (allowing for the Course of Life he
had been unhappily engaged in) was a most generous humane Person.
And thus _Roberts_ arose, who proved the reverse of him, and did
afterwards a great deal of mischief in the _West Indies_, and on
the Coast of _Guinea_; till he and his Crew were happily suppress’d
by Sir _Chaloner Ogle_, in the _Swallow_ Man of War, and in the
Engagement, _Roberts_, and several of his People were killed. But
as there is _An Account of the Pirates_ published, in which the
principal Actions of _Roberts_ are related, I shall say nothing
more of him here; but go on to relate what is not mentioned in the
aforesaid Book.
As soon as it was commonly known, that the Pirates were sailed from
_Sierraleon_, Captain _Bennet_ and _Thompson_, with several others
that had been obliged to keep in the Woods, as I have formerly
related, came to Captain _Glynn_’s House. There we all consulted
about preparing the _Bristol Snow_, which the Pirates had spared at
my Intreaty, so as to make it fit for us to return to _England_ in.
There was with us one Captain _David Creichton_, in the _Elizabeth_
of _London_, laden with dying Wood; whom the Pirates had taken not
long before me. Him they plundered, and would have destroyed, but by
the Interest of Mr. _James Griffin_, who had been chief Mate with
the Captain’s Brother, the Ship was spared. In this Ship Captain
_Creichton_ took as many People as he possibly could, in order to
spare our Provisions, and sailed a few days after the Pirates left
the River _Sierraleon_, for _London_: We that were left behind,
sent notice by him to our Owners of the great Misfortunes that had
befallen us.
Then applying our selves to fit the _Bristol-Snow_, whom a worthy
Person, one Captain _John Morris_, commanded, we found we should
be in very great want of Provisions, considering how many poor
People desired to go home with us. Upon that Captain _Glynn_ sent
a small Sloop belonging to him, to fetch Provisions from the River
_Sherberow_, where the destroying Pirates had not been. From thence
she returned in a few days, with a good quantity; and one Captain
_Nisbet_ having found under his Ship’s Ballast in the Hold, several
Casks of Beef; which had not come to the knowledge of the Pirates
(otherwise it would no doubt have been destroyed, as most part of his
Cargoe was) he was so kind as to spare me as much of this Beef as he
possibly could; and I drew a Bill on my Owner for the value of it.
Moreover, we found in the _French_ Ship that had been taken, and
afterwards run on Shore by the Pirates, a large quantity of good
Biscuit, so that now we were sufficiently provided in all respects.
Lastly, knowing that large quantities of Goods had been given by
the Pirates, to all the white Men residing on Shore upon their own
accounts, we all went in a Body to demand them. Messieurs _Mead_
and _Pearce_, who were in Partnership, very readily and honourably
delivered up all they were possessed of: But others did not follow
their Example; for they only shewed us what Goods they thought
proper, of which I allowed them one third part for salvage.
So I shipp’d what I had recovered from them, with the other Goods the
Pirates had given me formerly out of Captain _Morris_’s Vessel; and
then we embarked in her, being above sixty Passengers, besides six
Masters of Ships, whose Vessels had been destroyed, or fitted for
the use of the Pirates. We left the River _Sierraleon_ the 10th day
of _May_, and, after a tedious Passage, occasioned by the Ship’s bad
sailing, we came safe to _Bristol_, the first of _August_ 1719.
On my landing at the Key, Mr. _Casamajor_, Merchant of that
City, came to me, and delivered me a Letter from my Owner, the
late _Humphrey Morrice_ Esq; who had received mine by Captain
_Creichton_, with the account of my Misfortune, a few days before
we arrived at _Bristol_. Mr. _Morrice_, in his Letter, was pleased
to comfort me under so severe a Trial, as I had undergone, assuring
me, “He would immediately give me the Command of another Ship;
(which accordingly he most generously did soon after) and that he
had ordered Mr. _Casamajor_, his Correspondent, to supply me with
Money, to distribute amongst my poor Sailors, who had returned with
me to _Bristol_; in order to enable them to go to their several
Habitations,” which was in several Parts of _England_.
_Laus DEO._
TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE
One occurrence of Dahomès (page 31) was changed to the predominant
Dahomes.
Four occurrences of Dahome (pages 2, 14, 56, 148) were changed to
the predominant Dahomè.
Except for those changes noted below, all misspellings in the text,
and inconsistent or archaic usage, have been left unchanged.
Pg 29: ‘keep the the Multitude’ replaced by ‘keep the Multitude’.
Pg 95: ‘He then ask-me’ replaced by ‘He then asked me’.
Pg 101: ‘the Linguist old me’ replaced by ‘the Linguist told me’.
Pg 219: ‘amonst most of’ replaced by ‘amongst most of’.
Pg 238: ‘Quar-master; who’ replaced by ‘Quarter-master; who’.