I return to the Pyrates, who, after they had sent away the Gallivats

People, resolved to cruise to the Southward; and the next Day, between

_Goa_ and _Carwar_, heard several Guns, which brought them to an Anchor,

and they sent their Boat on the Scent, who returned about two in the

Morning, and brought Word of two Grabs lying at Anchor in the Road. They

weighed and ran towards the Bay, till Day-Light gave the Grabs Sight of

them, and was but just Time enough to get under _India Diva_ Castle, out of

their reach; this displeased the Pyrates the more, in that they wanted

Water; and some were for making a Descent that Night and taking the Island,

but it not being approved of by the Majority, they proceeded to the

Southward, and took next in their Way, a small Ship out of _Onnore_ Road,

with only a _Dutch_ Man and two _Portuguese_ on Board. They sent one of

these on Shore to the Captain, to acquaint him, if he would supply them

with some Water, and fresh Provisions, he should have his Ship again; and

the Master returned for answer, by his Mate _Frank Harmless_, that if they

would deliver him Possession over the Bar, he would comply with their

Request; the Proposal the Mate thought was collusive, and they rather

jump'd into _Harmless_'s Opinion, (who very honestly entered with them,)

and resolved to seek Water at the _Laccadeva_ Islands; so having sent the

other Persons on Shore, with threats, that he should be the last Man they

would give Quarter too, (by Reason of this uncivil Usage;) they put

directly for the Islands, and arrived there in three Days: Where being

informed by a Menchew they took (with the Governor of _Canwars_ Pass,) of

there being no Anchor-Ground among them, and _Melinda_ being the next

convenient Island, they sent their Boats on Shore, to see if there was any

Water, and whether it was inhabited or not; who returned with an Answer to

their Satisfaction, _viz._ that there was abundance of good Water, and many

Houses, but deserted by the Men, who had fled to the neighbouring Islands

on the Approach of Ships, and left only the Women and Children to guard one

another. The Women they forced in a Barbarous Manner to their Lusts, and to

require them, destroyed their Cocoa Trees, and fired several of their

Houses and _Churches_. (I suppose built by the _Portuguese_, who formerly

used there, in their Voyages to _India_.)

While they were at this Island, they lost three or four Anchors, by the

Rockyness of the Ground, Freshness of Winds, and at last were forced thence

by a harder Gale than ordinary, leaving 70 People, Blacks and Whites, and

most of their Water Casks: In ten Days they regained the Island again,

filled their Water, and took the People on Board.

Provisions were very scarce, and they now resolved to visit their good

Friends the _Dutch_, at _Cochin_, who, if you will believe these Rogues,

never fail of supplying Gentlemen of their Profession. After three Days

sail, they arrived off _Tellechery_, and took a small Vessel belonging to

Governor _Adams, John Tawke_ Master, whom they brought on Board very drunk,

and he giving an Account of Captain _Mackra_'s fitting out, put them in a

Tempest of Passion: _A Villain_, say they, _that we have treated so

civilly, as to give him a Ship and other Presents, and now to be armed

against us, he ought to be hanged; and since we cannot show our Resentment

on him, let us hang the Dogs his People, who wish him well, and would do

the same, if clear. If it be in my Power_, says the Quarter-Master, _both

Masters and Officers of Ships shall be carried with us for the future, only

to plague them. --d--n_ England.

Thence they proceeded to _Calicut_, where they endeavoured to take a large

_Moor_ Ship out of the Road, but was prevented by some Guns mounted on

Shore, and discharged at them: Mr. _Lasinby_, who was one of Captain

_Mackra_'s Officers, and detained, was under the Deck at this Time, and

commanded both by the Captain and Quarter Master of the Pyrates, to tend

the Braces on the Booms, in hopes, it was believed, a Shot would take him

before they got clear, asking the Reason why he was not there before? And

when he would have excused himself, threat'ned on the like Neglect to shoot

him; at which the other beginning to expostulate farther, and claim their

Promise of putting him ashore, got an unmerciful beating from the

Quarter-Master. Captain _Taylor_, who was now Successor to _England_, and

whose Priviledge it was to do so, being lame of his Hands, and unable.

The next Day in their Passage down, came up with a _Dutch_ Galliot, bound

for _Calicut_ with Lime Stone, and aboard of her they put Captain _Tawke_,

and sent him away, and several of the People interceeded for _Lasinby_ in

vain, _For_, says _Taylor_ and his Party, _if we let this Dog go, who has

heard our Designs and Resolutions, we overset all our well advised

Projections, and particularly this Supply we are now seeking for, at the

Hands of the_ Dutch.

It was but one Day more before they arrived off _Cochin_, where, by a

Fishing-Canoe, they sent a Letter on Shore; and in the Afternoon, with the

Sea-breeze, ran into the Road and anchored, saluting the Fort with 11 Guns

each Ship, and received the Return, in an equal Number; a good Omen of the

welcome Reception they found; for at Night there came on Board a large

Boat, deeply laden with fresh Provisions and Liquors, and with it a Servant

(of a favourite Inhabitant) called _John Trumpet_: He told them they must

immediately weigh, and run farther to the Southward, where they should be

supplied with all Things they wanted, naval Stores or Provisions.

They had not been long at Anchor again, before they had several Canoes on

Board with both black and white Inhabitants, who continued, without

Interruption, all good Offices, during their Stay; particularly _John

Trumpet_ brought a large Boat of Arrack, than which, nothing could be more

pleasing (about 90 Legers,) as also 60 Bales of Sugar; an Offering, its

presumed, from the Governor and his Daughter, who, in Return, had a fine

Table-Clock sent him, (the Plunder of Captain _Mackra_'s Ship,) and she a

large Gold Watch, Earnests of the Pay they designed to make.

When they had all on Board, they paid Mr. _Trumpet_ to his Satisfaction, it

was computed, 6 or 7000 _l._ gave him three Cheers, 11 Guns each Ship, and

throw'd Ducatoons into his Boat by handfuls, for the Boat-Men to scramble

for.

That Night being little Wind, did not weigh, and _Trumpet_, in the Morning,

waked them to the Sight of more Arrack, Chests of Piece-Goods, and ready

made Clothes, bringing the Fiscal of the Place also with him. At Noon,

while those were on Board, saw a Sail to the Southward, which they weighed,

and chaced after; but she having a good Offing, got to the Northward of

them, and anchored a small Distance from _Cochin_ Fort; the aforementioned

Gentlemen assuring them, that they would not be molested in taking her from

under the Castle, sollicited before hand for the buying her, and advised

them to stand in, which they did boldly, to board her; but when they came

within a Cable's length or two of the Chace, now near Shore, the Fort fired

two small Guns, whose Shot falling nigh their Muzzels, they instantly bore

out of the Road, made an easy Sail to the Southward, and anchored at Night

in their former Birth, where _John Trumpet_, to engage their Stay a little

longer, informed them, that in a few Days a very rich Ship was to pass by,

commanded by the General of _Bombay_'s Brother.

This Governor is an Emblem of foreign Power. What Inconvenience and Injury

must the Master's Subjects sustain under one who can truckle to such

treacherous and base Means, as corresponding and trading with Pyrates to

enrich himself? Certainly such a Man will stickle at no Injustice to repair

or make a Fortune. He has the _Argumentum bacillum_ always in his own

Hands, and can convince, when he pleases, in half the Time of other

Arguments, that Fraud and Oppression is Law. That he imploys Instruments in

such dirty Work, expresses the Guilt and Shame, but no way mitigates the

Crime. _John Trumpet_ was the Tool; but, as the Dog said in the Fable, on

another Occasion, _What is done by the Master's Orders, is the Master's

Actions_.

I cannot but reflect, on this Occasion, what a vile Government _Sancho

Pancho_ had of it; he had not only such _Perquisites_ rescinded, but was

really almost starved; the Victuals taken from him almost every Day, and

only under a Pretence of preserving his Excellency's Health: But

Governments differ.

From _Cochin_ some were for proceeding to _Madagascar_ directly; others

thought it proper to cruize till they got a Store-Ship, and these being the

Majority, they ply'd to the Southward, and after some Days saw a Ship in

Shore, which being to Windward of them, they could not get nigh, till the

Sea Wind, and Night, favouring, they separated, one to the Northward, the

other to the Southward, thinking to enclose her between: But to their

Astonishment, and contrary to Expectation, when Day broke, instead of the

Chace, found themselves very near five Sail of tall Ships, who immediately

making a Signal for the Pyrates to bear down, put them in the utmost

Confusion, particularly _Taylor_'s Ship, because their Consort was at a

Distance from them, (at least three Leagues to the Southward) they stood to

one another, and joined, and then together made the best of their Way from

the Fleet, whom they judged to be commanded by Captain _Mackra_; of whose

Courage having Experience, they were glad to shun any farther Taste of.

In three Hours Chace, none of the Fleet gaining upon them, excepting one

Grab, their dejected Countenances cleared up again, the more, in that a

Calm succeeded for the Remainder of that Day; and in the Night, with the

Land Wind, they ran directly off Shore, and found next Day, to their great

Consolation, that they had lost Sight of all the Fleet.

This Danger escaped, they proposed to spend _Christmas_ (the _Christmas_ of

1720) in Carowzing and Forgetfulness, and kept it for three Days in a

wanton and riotous Way, not only eating, but wasting their fresh Provisions

in so wretched and inconsiderable a Manner, that when they had agreed after

this to proceed to _Mauritius_, they were in that Passage at an Allowance

of a Bottle of Water _per Diem_, and not above two Pounds of Beef, and a

small Quantity of Rice, for ten Men for a Day; so that had it not been for

the leaky Ship, (which once they were about to have quitted, and had done,

but for a Quantity of Arrack and Sugar She had on Board,) they must most of

them have perished.

In this Condition they arrived at the Island of _Mauritius_, about the

Middle of _February_, sheathed and refitted the _Victory_, and on the 5th

of _April_ sailed again, leaving this terrible Inscription on one of the

Walls. _Left this Place the_ 5_th of_ April, _to go to_ Madagascar _for

Limes_, and this, least (like Lawyers and Men of Business) any Visits

should be paid in their Absence: However, they did not sail directly for

_Madagascar_, but the Island _Mascarine_, and luckily as Rogues could wish,

they found at their Arrival on the 8th, a _Portuguese_ Ship at Anchor, of

70 Guns, but most of them thrown overboard, her Masts lost, and so much

disabled by a violent Storm they had met with in the Latitude of 13° South,

that she became a Prize to the Pyrates, with very little or no Resistance,

and a glorious one indeed, having the _Conde de Ericeira_, Viceroy of

_Goa_, who made that fruitless Expedition against _Angria_, the _Indian_,

and several other Passengers on Board; who, as they could not be ignorant

of the Treasure she had in, did assert, that in the single Article of

Diamonds, there was to the Value of between three and four Millions of

Dollars.

The Vice-Roy, who came on Board that Morning, in Expectation of the Ships

being _English_, was made a Prisoner, and obliged to ransome; but in

Consideration of his great Loss, (the Prize being Part his own,) they

agreed after some Demurrings, to accept of 2000 Dollars, and set him and

the other Prisoners ashore, with Promises to leave a Ship that they might

Transport themselves, because the Island was not thought in a Condition to

maintain so great a Number; and tho' they had learned from them, the

Account of an _Ostender_ being to Leeward of the Island, which they took on

that Information, (being formerly the _Greyhound_ Galley of _London_,) and

could conveniently have comply'd with so reasonable a Request; yet they

sent the _Ostender_ with some of their People to _Madagascar_, with News of

their Success, and to prepare Masts for the Prize; and followed themselves

soon after, without regard to the Sufferers, carrying 200 _Mozambique_

Negroes with them in the _Portuguese_ Ship.

_Madagascar_ is an Island larger than _Great-Britain_, most of it within

the Tropick of _Capricorn_, and lays East from the Eastern Side of

_Africa_: It abounds with Provisions of all Sorts, Oxen, Goats, Sheep,

Poultry, Fish, Citrons, Oranges, Tamarinds, Dates, Coco-Nuts, Bananas, Wax,

Honey, Rice; or in short, Cotton, Indigo, or any other Thing they will take

Pains to plant, and have Understanding to manage: They have likewise Ebony,

a hard Wood like Brasil, of which they make their Lances; and Gum of

several Sorts, Benzin, Dragon's Blood, Aloes, _&c_. What is most

incommodious, are the numerous Swarms of Locusts on the Land, and

Crocodiles or Alligators in their Rivers. Hither, in St. _Augustin_'s Bay,

the Ships sometimes touch for Water, when they take the inner Passage for

_India_, and do not design to stop at _Johanna_; and we may observe from

the sixth general Voyage set forth by the _East-India_ Company, in

Confirmation of what is hereafter said in Relation to Currents in general;

that this inner Passage or Channel, has its Northern and Southern Currents

strongest where the Channel is narrowest, and is less, and varies on

different Points of the Compass, as the Sea comes to spread again, in the

Passage cross the Line.

Since the Discovery of this Island by the _Portuguese, A. D._ 1506, the

_Europeans_, and particularly Pyrates, have increased a dark Mulatto Race

there, tho' still few in Comparison with the Natives, who are Negroes, with

curled short Hair, Active, and formerly represented malicious and

revengeful, now tractable and communicable, perhaps owing to the Favours

and Generosity in Cloathing and Liquors, they from Time to Time have

received from these Fellows, who live in all possible Friendship, and can,

any single Man of them, command a Guard of 2 or 300 at a Minute's warning:

This is farther the Native's Interest, to cultivate with them, because the

Island being divided into petty Governments and Commands, the Pyrates,

settled here, who are now a considerable Number, and have little Castles of

their own, can preponderate where-ever they think fit to side.

When _Taylor_ came with the _Portuguese_ Prize here, they found the

_Ostender_ had played their Men a Trick, for they took Advantage of their

Drink, rise upon them, and (as they heard afterwards) carried the Ship to

_Mozambique_, whence the Governor ordered her for _Goa_.

Here the Pyrates came, cleaned the _Cassandra_, and divided their Plunder,

sharing 42 small Diamonds a Man, or in less Proportion according to their

Magnitude. An ignorant, or a merry Fellow, who had only, one in this

Division, as being judged equal, in Value to 42 small, muttered very much

at the Lot, and went and broke it in a Morter, swearing afterwards, he had

a better Share than any of them, for he had beat it, he said, into 43

Sparks.

Those who were not for running the Hazard of their Necks, with 42 Diamonds,

besides other Treasure, in their Pockets, knocked off, and stay'd with

their old Acquaintance at _Madagascar_, on mutual Agreements, the longer

Livers to take all. The Residue having therefore no Occasion for two Ships,

the _Victory_ being leaky, she was burnt, the Men (as many as would) coming

into the _Cassandra_, under the Command of _Taylor_, who we must leave a

Time, projecting either for _Cochin_, to dispose of their Diamonds among

their old Friends the _Dutch_, or else for the _Red_ or _China_ Seas, to

avoid the Men of War, that continually clamoured in their Ears, a Noise of

Danger, and give the _little_ Account we are able, of that Squadron, who

arrived in _India_, early in the Year 1721.

At _Cape Good Hope_, in _June_, the Commadore met with a Letter, which was

left for him by the Governor of _Madras_, to whom it was wrote by the

Governor of _Pandicherry_, a _French_ Factory, on the _Coromondel_ Coast,

signifying, the Pyrates at the Writing of it, were then strong in the

_Indian_ Seas, having 11 Sail and 1500 Men, but that many of them went away

about that Time, for the Coast of _Brazil_ and _Guinea_; others settled and

fortified themselves at _Madagascar, Mauritius, Johanna_ and _Mohilla_: And

that others under _Conden_, in a Ship called the _Dragon_, took a large

_Moor_'s Vessel, coming from _Iudda_ and _Mocho_, with thirteen Lackies of

Rupees on Board, (_i. e._ 1300000 half Crowns,) who having divided the

Plunder, burnt their Ship and Prize, and sat down quietly with their other

Friends at _Madagascar_.

The Account contain'd several other Things which we have before

related.--Commadore _Matthews_, upon receiving this Intelligence, and being

fond of the Service he came out for, hastened to those Islands, as the most

hopeful Places of Success; at St. _Mary_'s would have engaged _England_

with Promises of Favour, if he would communicate what he knew, concerning

the _Cassandra_, and the rest of the Pyrates, and assist in the Pilotage;

but _England_ was wary, and thought this was to _surrender at Discretion_,

so they took up the _Judda_ Ship's Guns that was burnt, and the Men of War

dispersed themselves on several Voyages and Cruises afterwards, as was

thought likeliest to succeed, tho' to no Purpose: Then the Squadron went

down to _Bombay_, were saluted by the Fort, and came home.

The Pyrates, I mean those of the _Cassandra_, now Captain _Taylor_, fitted

the _Portuguese_ Man of War, and resolved upon another Voyage to the

_Indies_, notwithstanding the Riches they had heaped up; but as they were

preparing to sail, they heard of the four Men of War coming after them to

those Seas, therefore they altered their Minds, sail'd for the Main of

_Africa_, and put in at a little Place called _Delagoa_, near the River _de

Spiritu Sancto_, on the Coast of _Monomotapa_, in 26° South Latitude. They

believed this to be a Place of Security, in regard that the Squadron could

not possibly get Intelligence of them, there being no Correspondence over

Land, nor any Trade carried on by Sea, between that and the Cape, where the

Men of War were then supposed to be. The Pyrates came to in the Evening,

and were surprized with a few Shot from the Shore, not knowing of any

Fortification or _European_ Settlement in that Part of the World; so they

anchored at a Distance that Night, and perceiving, in the Morning, a small

Fort of six Guns, they run up to it, and battered it down.

This Fort was built and settled by the _Dutch East-India_ Company, a few

Months before, for what Purpose, I know not, and having left 150 Men upon

the Place, they were then dwindled to a third Part by Sickness and

Casualties, and never after received any Relief or Necessaries; so that

Sixteen of those that were left, upon their humble Petition, were admitted

on Board the Pyrates, and all the rest would have had the same Favour (they

said) had they been any other than _Dutch_. I mention this, as an Instance

of their Ingratitude, who had been so much obliged to their Countrymen for

Support.

Here they staid above four Months, carreened both their Ships, and took

their Diversions with Security, till they had expended all their

Provisions, and then put to Sea, leaving considerable Quantities of

Muslins, Chintzes, and such Goods behind, to the half starved _Dutch_ Men,

which enabled them to make good Pennyworths to the next that came, to whom

they bartered for Provisions, at the Rate of three Farthings an _English_

Yard.

They left _Delagoa_ the latter End of _December_ 1722, but not agreeing

where, or how to proceed, they concluded to part, so those who were for

continuing that sort of Life, went on Board the _Portuguese_ Prize, and

steered for _Madagascar_ to their Friends, with whom I hear they are now

settled; and the rest took the _Cassandra_ and sailed for the _Spanish

West-Indies_. The _Mermaid_ Man of War happening then to be down on the

Main with a Convoy, about 30 Leagues from these Pyrates, would have gone

and attacked them; but on a Consultation of the Masters, whose Safety he

was particularly to regard, they agreed their own Protection was of more

Service than destroying the Pyrate, and so the Commander was unwillingly

withheld. He dispatched a Sloop to _Jamaica_, with the News, which brought

down the _Lanceston_, only a Day, or two, too late, they having just before

he came, surrendered with all their Riches, to the Governor of _Porto

Bello_.

Here they sate down to spend the Fruits of their dishonest Industry,

dividing the Spoil and Plunder of Nations among themselves, without the

least Remorse or Compunction, satisfying their Conscience with this Salvo,

that other People would have done as much, had they the like Opportunities.

I can't say, but that if they had known what was doing in _England_, at the

same Time by the _South-Sea_ Directors, and their Directors, they would

certainly have had this Reflection for their Consolation, _viz. That what

ever Robberies they had committed, they might be pretty sure they were not

the greatest Villains then living in the World_.

It is a difficult Matter to make a Computation of the Mischief that was

done by this Crew, in about five Years Time, which is much more than the

Plunder they gained, for they often sunk or burnt the Vessel they took, as

it suited their Humour or Circumstances, sometimes to prevent giving

Intelligence, sometimes because they did not leave Men to navigate them,

and at other Times out of Wantonness, or because they were displeased at

the Master's Behaviour; for any of these, it was but to give the Word, and

down went Ships and Cargoes to the Bottom of the Sea.

Since their Surrender to the _Spaniards_, I am informed several of them

have left the Place, and dispersed themselves elsewhere; eight of them were

shipp'd about _November_ last, in one of the _South-Sea_ Company's Assiento

Sloops, and passed for Ship-wreck'd Men, came to _Jamaica_, and there

sailed in other Vessels; and I know one of them that came to _England_ this

Spring from that Island. 'Tis said that Captain _Taylor_ has taken a

Commission in the _Spanish_ Service, and commanded the Man of War that

lately attack'd the _English_ Log-Wood Cutters, in the Bay of _Honduras_.

CHAP. VI. OF Captain _Charles Vane_, And his CREW.

C_Harles Vane_ was one of those who stole away the Silver which the

_Spaniards_ had fished up from the Wrecks of the Galleons, in the Gulph of

_Florida_, and was at _Providence_ (as has been before hinted) when

Governor _Rogers_ arrived there with two Men of War.

All the Pyrates who were found at this Colony of Rogues, submitted, and

received Certificates of their Pardon, except Captain _Vane_ and his Crew;

who, as soon as they saw the Men of War enter, slipp'd their Cable, set

Fire to a Prize they had in the Harbour, and sailed out with their

pyratical Colours flying, firing at one of the Men of War as they went off.

Two Days after they went out, they met with a Sloop belonging to

_Barbadoes_, which they made Prize of, and kept the Vessel for their own

Use, putting aboard five and twenty Hands, with one _Yeats_ to command

them. A Day or two afterwards they fell in with a small interloping Trader,

with a Quantity of _Spanish_ Pieces of Eight aboard, bound into

_Providence_, called the _John_ and _Elizabeth_, which they also took along

with them. With these two Sloops _Vane_ went to a small Island and cleaned;

where they shared their Booty, and spent some Time in a riotous Manner of

Living, as is the Custom of Pyrates.

The latter End of _May_ 1718, they sail'd, and being in want of Provisions,

they beat up for the Windward Islands, and met with a _Spanish_ Sloop bound

from _Porto Rico_ to the _Havana_, which they burnt, and stowed the

_Spaniards_ in a Boat, and left them to get to the Island, by the Light of

their Vessel. But steering between St. _Christopher_'s and _Anguilla_, they

fell in with a Brigantine and a Sloop, with the Cargo they wanted; from

whom they got Provisions for Sea-Store.

Sometime after this, standing to the Northward, in the Track the

_Old-England_ Ships take, in their Voyage to the _American_ Colonies, they

took several Ships and Vessels, which they plundered of what they thought

fit, and let them pass.

The latter End of _August, Vane_, with his Consort _Yeats_, came off

_South-Carolina_, and took a Ship belonging to _Ipswich_, one _Coggershall_

Commander, laden with Logwood, which was thought convenient enough for

their own Business, and therefore ordered their Prisoners to work, and

throw all the Lading over-board; but when they had more than half cleared

the Ship, the Whim changed, and then they would not have her; so

_Coggershall_ had his Ship again, and he was suffered to pursue his Voyage

home. In this Cruize the Rover took several other Ships and Vessels,

particularly a Sloop from _Barbadoes, Dill_ Master; a small Ship from

_Antegoa, Cock_ Master; a Sloop belonging to _Curacco, Richards_ Master;

and a large Brigantine, Captain _Thompson_, from _Guiney_, with ninety odd

Negroes aboard. The Pyrates plundered them all and let them go, putting the

Negroes out of the Brigantine aboard of _Yeat_'s Vessel, by which Means

they came back again to the right Owners.

For Captain _Vane_, having always treated his Consort with very little

Respect, assuming a Superiority over _Yeats_ and his small Crew, and

regarding the Vessel but as a Tender to his own; gave them a Disgust, who

thought themselves as good Pyrates, and as great Rogues as the best of

them; so they caball'd together, and resolved to take the first Opportunity

to leave the Company; and accept of his Majesty's Pardon, or set up for

themselves, either of which they thought more honourable than to be

Servants to the former; and the putting aboard so many Negroes, where they

found so few Hands to take Care of them, still aggravated the Matter,

though they thought fit to conceal or stifle their Resentments at that

Time.

A Day or two afterwards, the Pyrates lying off at Anchor, _Yeats_ in the

Evening slipp'd his Cable, and put his Vessel under Sail, standing into the

Shore; which, when _Vane_ saw, he was highly provoked, and got his Sloop

under Sail to chase his Consort, who, he plainly perceived, had a Mind to

have no further Affairs with him: _Vane_'s Brigantine sailing best, he

gained Ground of _Yeats_, and would certainly have come up with him, had he

had a little longer Run for it; but just as he got over the Bar, when

_Vane_ came within Gun-shot of him, he fired a Broadside at his old Friend,

(which did him no Damage,) and so took his Leave.

_Yeats_ came into _North Edisto_ River, about ten Leagues Southward of

_Charles-Town_, and sent an Express to the Governor, to know if he and his

Comrades might have the Benefit of his Majesty's Pardon, and they would

surrender themselves to his Mercy, with the Sloops and Negroes; which being

granted, they all came up and received Certificates; and Captain

_Thompson_, from whom the Negroes were taken, had them restored to him, for

the Use of his Owners.

_Vane_ cruised some Time off the Bar, in hopes to catch _Yeats_ at his

coming out again, but therein he was disappointed; however, he

unfortunately for them, took two Ships from _Charles-Town_, bound home to

_England_. It happen'd that just at this Time two Sloops well mann'd and

arm'd, were equipp'd to go after a Pyrate, which the Governor of

_South-Carolina_ was informed, lay then in Cape _Fear_ River, a cleaning:

But Colonel _Rhet_, who commanded the Sloops, meeting with one of the Ships

that _Vane_ had plundered, going back over the Bar, for such Necessaries as

had been taken from her, and she giving the Colonel an Account of her being

taken by the Pyrate _Vane_, and also, that some of her Men, while they were

Prisoners on Board of him, had heard the Pyrates say, they should clean in

one of the Rivers to the Southward; he altered his first Design, and

instead of standing to the Northward, in pursuit of the Pyrate in Cape

_Fear_ River, he turns to the Southward after _Vane_; who had ordered such

Reports to be given out, on purpose to send any Force that should come

after him, upon a wrong Scent; for in Reality he stood away to the

Northward, so that the Pursuit proved to be the contrary Way.

Colonel _Rhet_'s speaking with this Ship, was the most unlucky Thing that

could have happened, because it turned him out of the Road, which in all

Probability, would have brought him into the Company of _Vane_, as well as

of the Pyrate he went after; and so they might have been both destroy'd;

whereas, by the Colonel's going a different Way, he not only lost the

Opportunity of meeting with one, but if the other had not been infatuated,

to lye six Weeks together at Cape _Fear_, he would have missed of him

likewise: However, the Colonel having searched the Rivers and Inlets, as

directed, for several Days, without Success, at length sailed in

Prosecution of his first Design, and met with the Pyrate accordingly, whom

he fought and took, as has been before spoken of, in the History of Major

_Bonnet_.

Captain _Vane_ went into an Inlet to the Northward, where he met with

Captain _Thatch_, or _Teach_, otherwise call'd _Black-beard_, whom he

saluted (when he found who he was) with his great Guns, loaded with Shot,

(as is the Custom among Pyrates when they meet) which are fired wide, or up

into the Air: _Black-beard_ answered the Salute in the same Manner, and

mutual Civilities passed for some Days; when about the Beginning of

_October, Vane_ took Leave, and sailed further to the Northward.

On the 23d of _October_, off of _Long Island_, he took a small Brigantine,

bound from _Jamaica_ to _Salem_ in _New-England, John Shattock_ Master, and

a little Sloop; they rifled the Brigantine, and sent her away. From hence

they resolved on a Cruize between Cape _Meise_ and Cape _Nicholas_, where

they spent some Time, without seeing or speaking with any Vessel, till the

latter End of _November_; then they fell upon a Ship, which 'twas expected

would have struck as soon as their black Colours were hoisted; but instead

of that, she discharged a Broadside upon the Pyrate, and hoisted Colours,

which shewed her to be a _French_ Man of War. _Vane_ desired to have

nothing further to say to her, but trimm'd his Sails, and stood away from

the _French_ Man; but _Monsieur_ having a Mind to be better informed who he

was, set all his Sails, and crowded after him. During this Chace, the

Pyrates were divided in their Resolutions what to do: _Vane_, the Captain,

was for making off as fast as he could, alledging the Man of War was too

strong to cope with; but one _John Rackam_, who was an Officer, that had a

kind of a Check upon the Captain, rose up in Defence of a contrary Opinion,

saying, _That tho' she had more Guns, and a greater Weight of Mettal, they

might board her, and then the best Boys would carry the Day. Rackam_ was

well seconded, and the Majority was for boarding; but _Vane_ urged, _That

it was too rash and desperate an Enterprize, the Man of War appearing to be

twice their Force; and that their Brigantine might be sunk by her before

they could reach on board_. The Mate, one _Robert Deal_, was of _Vane_'s

Opinion, as were about fifteen more, and all the rest joined with _Rackam_,

the Quarter-Master. At length the Captain made use of his Power to

determine this Dispute, which, in these Cases, is absolute and

uncontroulable, by their own Laws, _viz_. in _fighting, chasing_, or _being

chased_; in all other Matters whatsoever, he is governed by a Majority; so

the Brigantine having the Heels, as they term it, of the _French_ Man, she

came clear off.

But the next Day, the Captain's Behaviour was obliged to stand the Test of

a Vote, and a Resolution passed against his Honour and Dignity, branding

him with the Name of Coward, deposing him from the Command, and turning him

out of the Company, with Marks of Infamy; and, with him, went all those who

did not Vote for boarding the _French_ Man of War. They had with them a

small Sloop that had been taken by them some Time before, which they gave

to _Vane_, and the discarded Members; and, that they might be in a

Condition to provide for themselves, by their own honest Endeavours, they

let them have a sufficient Quantity of Provisions and Ammunition along with

them.

_John Rackam_ was voted Captain of the Brigantine, in _Vane_'s Room, and

proceeded towards the _Caribbee Islands_, where we must leave him, till we

have finished our Story of _Charles Vane_.

The Sloop sailed for the Bay of _Honduras_, and _Vane_ and his Crew put her

into as good a Condition as they could by the Way, to follow the old Trade.

They cruised two or three Days off the North-West Part of _Jamaica_, and

took a Sloop and two Pettiagas, and all the Men entered with them; the

Sloop they kept, and _Robert Deal_ went Captain of her.

On the 16th of _December_ the two Sloops came into the Bay, where they

found only one at an Anchor, call'd the _Pearl_, of _Jamaica_, Captain

_Charles Rowling_ Master, who got under Sail at the Sight of them; but the

Pyrate Sloops coming near _Rowling_, and shewing no Colours, he gave them a

Gun or two; whereupon they hoisted the black Flag, and fired three Guns

each, at the _Pearl_; she struck, and the Pyrates took Possession, and

carried her away to a small Island called _Barnacko_, and there they

cleaned, meeting in the Way with a Sloop from _Jamaica_, Captain _Wallden_

Commander, going down to the Bay, which they also made Prize of.

In _February, Vane_ sailed from _Barnacko_, in order for a Cruize; but some

Days after he was out, a violent Turnado overtook him, which separated him

from his Consort, and after two Days Distress, threw his Sloop upon a small

uninhabited Island, near the Bay of _Honduras_, where she was staved to

Pieces, and most of her Men drowned: _Vane_ himself was saved, but reduced

to great Streights, for want of Necessaries, having no Opportunity to get

any Thing from the Wreck. He lived here some Weeks, and was subsisted

chiefly by Fishermen, who frequented the Island with small Craft, from the

Main, to catch Turtles, _&c_.

While _Vane_ was upon this Island, a Ship put in from _Jamaica_ for Water,

the Captain of which, one _Holford_, an old Buccaneer, happened to be

_Vane_'s Acquaintance; he thought this a good Opportunity to get off, and

accordingly applied to his old Friend; but he absolutely refused him,

saying to him, Charles, _I shan't trust you aboard my Ship, unless I carry

you a Prisoner; for I shall have you caballing with my Men, knock me on the

Head, and run away with my Ship a pyrating. Vane_ made all the

Protestations of Honour in the World to him; but, it seems, Captain

_Holford_ was too intimately acquainted with him, to repose any Confidence

at all in his Words or Oaths. He told him, _He might easily find a Way to

get off, if he had a Mind to it: I am now going down the Bay_, says he,

_and shall return hither, in about a Month; and if I find you upon the

Island when I come back, I'll carry you to_ Jamaica, _and hang you. Which

Way can I get away_? Answers _Vane. Are there not Fishermen's Dories upon

the Beach? Can't you take one of them_? Replies _Holford. What_, says

_Vane, would you have me steal a Dory then? Do you make it a Matter of

Conscience_? Said _Holford, to steal a Dory, when you have been a common

Robber and Pyrate, stealing Ships and Cargoes, and plundering all Mankind

that fell in your Way? Stay there, and be d--n'd, if you are so Squeamish_:

And so left him.

After Captain _Holford_'s Departure, another Ship put in to the same Island

in her Way home for Water; none of whose Company knowing _Vane_, he easily

passed upon them for another Man, and so was shipp'd for the Voyage. One

would be apt to think that _Vane_ was now pretty safe, and likely to escape

the Fate which his Crimes had merited; but here a cross Accident happen'd

that ruin'd all: _Holford_, returning from the Bay, was met with by this

Ship; the Captains being very well acquainted together, _Holford_ was

invited to dine aboard of him, which he did; and as he passed along to the

Cabin, he chanced to cast his Eye down the Hold, and there saw _Charles

Vane_ at work; he immediately spoke to the Captain, saying, _Do you know

who you have got aboard here? Why_, says he, _I have shipp'd a Man at such

an Island, who was cast away in a trading Sloop, he seems to be a brisk

Hand. I tell you_, says Captain _Holford, it is_ Vane _the notorious

Pyrate. If it be him_, replies the other, _I won't keep him: Why then_,

says _Holford, I'll send and take him aboard, and surrender him at_

Jamaica. Which being agreed to, Captain _Holford_, as soon as he returned

to his Ship, sent his Boat with his Mate armed, who coming to _Vane_,

shewed him a Pistol, and told him, _He was his Prisoner_; which none

opposing, he was brought aboard, and put in Irons; and when Captain

_Holford_ arrived at _Jamaica_, he delivered his old Acquaintance into the

Hands of Justice; at which Place he was try'd, convicted, and executed, as

was, some Time before, _Vane_'s Consort, _Robert Deal_, brought thither by

one of the Men of War.

CHAP. VII. OF Captain _John Rackam_, And his CREW.

THIS _John Rackam_, as has been mentioned in the last Chapter, was

Quarter-Master to _Vane_'s Company, till they were divided, and _Vane_

turned out for refusing to board and fight the _French_ Man of War; then

_Rackam_ was voted Captain of that Division that remained in the

Brigantine. The 24th of _November_ 1718, was the first Day of his Command,

and his first Cruize was among the _Caribbee Islands_, where he took and

plunder'd several Vessels.

We have already taken Notice, that when Captain _Woodes Rogers_ went to the

Island of _Providence_, with the King's Pardon to such as should surrender,

this Brigantine, which _Rackam_ now commanded, made its Escape, thro'

another Passage, bidding Defiance to Mercy.

To Windward of _Jamaica_, a _Madera_ Man fell into the Pyrates Way, which

they detained two or three Days, till they had made their Market out of

her, and then gave her back to the Master, and permitted one _Hosea

Tisdell_, a Tavern-Keeper at _Jamaica_, who had been pick'd up in one of

their Prizes, to depart in her, she being then bound for that Island.

After this Cruize, they went into a small Island and cleaned, and spent

their _Christmas_ ashore, drinking and carousing as long as they had any

Liquor left, and then went to Sea again for more, where they succeeded but

too well, though they took no extraordinary Prize, for above two Months,

except a Ship laden with Thieves from _Newgate_, bound for the Plantations,

which, in a few Days, was retaken with all her Cargo, by an _English_ Man

of War.

_Rackam_ stood off towards the Island of _Burmudas_, and took a Ship bound

to _England_ from _Carolina_, and a small Pink from _New-England_, and

brought them to the _Bahama_ Islands, where with the Pitch, Tar, and

Stores, they clean'd again, and refitted their own Vessel; but staying too

long in that Neighbourhood, Captain _Rogers_, who was Governor of

_Providence_, hearing of these Ships being taken, sent out a Sloop well

mann'd and arm'd, which retook both the Prizes, and in the mean while the

Pyrate had the good Fortune to escape.

From hence they sailed to the Back of _Cuba_, where _Rackam_ kept a little

kind of a Family, at which Place, they staid a considerable Time, living

ashore with their Dalilahs, till their Money and Provision were expended,

and then they concluded it Time to look out: They repaired to their Vessel,

and was making ready to put Sea, when a _Guarda del Costa_ came in with a

small _English_ Sloop, which she had taken as an Interloper on the Coast.

The _Spanish_ Guardship attack'd the Pyrate, but _Rackam_ being close in

behind a little Island, she could do but little Execution where she lay,

therefore the _Spaniard_ warps into the Channel that Evening, in order to

make sure of her the next Morning. _Rackam_ finding his Case desperate, and

hardly any Possibility of escaping, resolved to attempt the following

Enterprize: The _Spanish_ Prize lying for better Security close into the

Land, between the little Island and the Main; _Rackam_ takes his Crew into

the Boat, with their Pistols and Cutlashes, rounds the little Island, and

falls aboard their Prize silently in the dead of the Night, without being

discovered, telling the _Spaniards_ that were aboard of her, that if they

spoke a Word, or made the least Noise, they were dead Men, and so became

Master of her; when this was done, he slipt her Cable, and drove out to

Sea: The _Spanish_ Man of War, was so intent upon their expected Prize,

that they minded nothing else, and assoon as Day broke, made a furious Fire

upon the empty Sloop, but it was not long before they were rightly apprized

of the Matter, and cursed themselves for Fools, to be bit out of a good

rich Prize, as she prov'd to be, and to have nothing but an old crazy Hull

in the room of her.

_Rackam_ and his Crew had no Occasion to be displeased at the Exchange,

that enabled them to continue some Time longer in a Way of Life that suited

their depraved Tempers: In _August_ 1720, we find him at Sea again,

scouring the Harbours and Inlets of the North and West Parts of _Jamaica_,

where he took several small Craft, which proved no great Booty to the

Rovers, but they had but few Men, and therefore they were obliged to run at

low Game, till they could encrease their Company.

In the Beginning of _September_, they took seven or eight Fishing-Boats in

_Harbour Island_, stole their Nets and other Tackle, and then went off the

_French_ Part of _Hispaniola_, and landed, and took Cattle away, with two

or three _French_ Men they found near the Water-Side, hunting of wild Hogs

in the Evening: The _French_ Men came on Board, whether by Consent or

Compulsion, I can't say. They afterwards plundered two Sloops, and returned

to _Jamaica_, on the North Coast of which Island, near _Porto Maria_ Bay,

they took a Scooner, _Thomas Spenlow_ Master; it was then the 19th of

_October_. The next Day, _Rackam_ seeing a Sloop in _Dry Harbour_ Bay, he

stood in and fired a Gun; the Men all run ashore, and he took the Sloop and

Lading, but when those ashore found them to be Pyrates, they hailed the

Sloop, and let them know they were all willing to come aboard of them.

_Rackam_'s coasting the Island in this Manner, proved fatal to him, for

Intelligence came to the Governor, of his Expedition, by a Canoa which he

had surprized ashore, in _Ocho_ Bay; upon which a Sloop was immediately

fitted out, and sent round the Island in quest of him, commanded by Captain

_Barnet_, with a good Number of Hands. _Rackam_ rounding the Island, and

drawing near the Westermost Point, called Point _Negril_, saw a small

Pettiauger, which at sight of the Sloop, run ashore and landed her Men;

when one of them hailed her, Answer was made, _They were_ English _Men_,

and desired the Pettiauger's Men to come on Board, and drink a Bowl of

Punch, which they were prevailed upon to do; accordingly the Company came

all aboard of the Pyrate, consisting of nine Persons, in an ill Hour; they

were armed with Muskets and Cutlashes, but, what was their real Design by

so doing, I shall not take upon me to say; but they had no sooner laid down

their Arms, and taken up their Pipes, but _Barnet_'s Sloop, which was in

Pursuit of _Rackam_'s, came in Sight.

The Pyrates finding she stood directly towards her, fear'd the Event, and

weighed their Anchor, which they but lately let go, and stood off: Captain

_Barnet_ gave them Chace, and having the Advantage of little Breezes of

Wind, which blew off the Land, came up with her, and, after a very small

Dispute, took her, and brought her into _Port Royal_, in _Jamaica_.

In about a Fortnight after the Prisoners were brought ashore, _viz.

November_ 16, 1720, a Court of Admiralty was held at St. _Jago de la Vega_,

before which the following Persons were convicted, and Sentence of Death

passed upon them, by the President, Sir _Nicholas Laws, viz. John Rackam_

Captain, _George Fetherston_ Master, _Richard Corner_ Quarter-Master, _John

Davis, John Howell, Patrick Carty, Thomas Earl, James Dobbin_ and _Noah

Harwood_. The five first were executed the next Day at _Gallows Point_, at

the Town of _Port Royal_, and the rest, the Day after, at _Kingston_;

_Rackam, Feverston_ and _Corner_, were afterwards taken down and hang'd up

in Chains, one at _Plumb Point_, one at _Bush Key_, and the other at _Gun

Key_.

But what was very surprizing, was, the Conviction of the nine Men that came

aboard the Sloop the same Day she was taken. They were try'd at an

Adjournment of the Court, on the 24th of _January_, waiting all that Time,

it is supposed, for Evidence, to prove the pyratical Intention of going

aboard the said Sloop; for it seems there was no Act of Pyracy committed by

them, after their coming on Board, as appeared by the Witnesses against

them, who were two _French_ Men taken by _Rackam_, off from the Island of

_Hispaniola_, and deposed in the following Manner.

`That the Prisoners at the Bar, _viz. John Eaton,

Edward Warner, Thomas Baker, Thomas Quick, John Cole,

Benjamin Palmer, Walter Rouse, John Hanson_, and _John

Howard_, came aboard the Pyrate's Sloop at _Negril

Point, Rackam_ sending his Canoe ashore for that

Purpose: That they brought Guns and Cutlashes on Board

with them: That when Captain

_Barnet_ chased them, some were drinking, and others

walking the Deck: That there was a great Gun and a

small Arm fired by the Pyrate Sloop, at Captain

_Barnet_'s Sloop, when he chased her; and that when

Captain _Barnet_'s Sloop fired at _Rackam_'s Sloop, the

Prisoners at the Bar went down under Deck. That during

the Time Captain _Barnet_ chased them, some of the

Prisoners at the Bar (but which of them he could not

tell) helped to row the Sloop, in order to escape from

_Barnet_: That they all seemed to be consorted

together.

This was the Substance of all that was evidenced against them, the

Prisoners answered in their Defence,

`That they had no Witnesses: That they had bought a

Pettiauger in order to go a Turtleing; and being at

_Negril Point_, and just got ashore, they saw a Sloop

with a white Pendant coming towards them, upon which

they took their Arms, and hid themselves in the Bushes:

That one of them hail'd the Sloop, who answer'd, _They

were_ English _Men_, and desired them to come aboard

and drink a Bowl of Punch; which they at first refused,

but afterwards with much perswasion, they went on

Board, in the Sloop's Canoe, and left their own

Pettiauger at Anchor: That they had been but a short

Time on Board, when Captain _Barnet_'s Sloop heaved in

Sight: That _Rackam_ ordered them to help to weigh the

Sloop's Anchor immediately, which they all refused:

That _Rackam_ used violent Means to oblige them; and

that when Captain _Barnet_ came up with them, they all

readily and willingly submitted.

When the Prisoners were taken from the Bar, and the Persons present being

withdrawn, the Court considered the Prisoners Cases, and the Majority of

the Commissioners being of Opinion, that they were all Guilty of the Pyracy

and Felony they were charged with, which was, _the going over with a

pyratical and felonious Intent to_ John Rackam, &c. _then notorious

Pyrates, and by them known to be so_, they all received Sentence of Death;

which every Body must allow proved somewhat unlucky to the poor Fellows.

On the 17th of _February, John Eaton, Thomas Quick_ and _Thomas Baker_,

were executed at _Gallows Point_, at _Port Royal_, and the next Day _John

Cole, John Howard_ and _Benjamin Palmer_, were executed at _Kingston_;

whether the other three were executed afterwards, or not, I never heard.

Two other Pyrates were try'd that belonged to _Rackam_'s Crew, and being

convicted, were brought up, and asked if either of them had any Thing to

say why Sentence of Death should not pass upon them, in like Manner as had

been done to all the rest; and both of them pleaded their Bellies, being

quick with Child, and pray'd that Execution might be stay'd, whereupon the

Court passed Sentence, as in Cases of Pyracy, but ordered them back, till a

proper Jury should be appointed to enquire into the Matter.

_The_ LIFE _of_ MARY READ,

NOW we are to begin a History full of surprizing Turns and

Adventures; I mean, that of _Mary Read_ and _Anne Bonny_, alias _Bonn_,

which were the true Names of these two Pyrates; the odd Incidents of their

rambling Lives are such, that some may be tempted to think the whole Story

no better than a Novel or Romance; but since it is supported by many

thousand Witnesses, I mean the People of _Jamaica_, who were present at

their Tryals, and heard the Story of their Lives, upon the first discovery

of their Sex; the Truth of it can be no more contested, than that there

were such Men in the World, as _Roberts_ and _Black-beard_, who were

Pyrates.

_Mary Read_ was born in _England_, her Mother was married young, to a Man

who used the Sea, who going a Voyage soon after their Marriage, left her

with Child, which Child proved to be a Boy. As to the Husband, whether he

was cast away, or died in the Voyage, _Mary Read_ could not tell; but

however, he never returned more; nevertheless, the Mother, who was young

and airy, met with an Accident, which has often happened to Women who are

young, and do not take a great deal of Care; which was, she soon proved

with Child again, without a Husband to Father it, but how, or by whom, none

but her self could tell, for she carried a pretty good Reputation among her

Neighbours. Finding her Burthen grow, in order to conceal her Shame, she

takes a formal Leave of her Husband's Relations, giving out, that she went

to live with some Friends of her own, in the Country: Accordingly she went

away, and carried with her her young Son, at this Time, not a Year old:

Soon after her Departure her Son died, but Providence in Return, was

pleased to give her a Girl in his Room, of which she was safely delivered,

in her Retreat, and this was our _Mary Read_.

Here the Mother liv'd three or four Years, till what Money she had was

almost gone; then she thought of returning to _London_, and considering

that her Husband's Mother was in some Circumstances, she did not doubt but

to prevail upon her, to provide for the Child, if she could but pass it

upon her for the same, but the changing a Girl into a Boy, seem'd a

difficult Piece of Work, and how to deceive an experienced old Woman, in

such a Point, was altogether as impossible; however, she ventured to dress

it up as a Boy, brought it to Town, and presented it to her Mother in Law,

as her Husband's Son; the old Woman would have taken it, to have bred it

up, but the Mother pretended it would break her Heart, to part with it; so

it was agreed betwixt them, that the Child should live with the Mother, and

the supposed Grandmother should allow a Crown a Week for it's Maintainance.

Thus the Mother gained her Point, she bred up her Daughter as a Boy, and

when she grew up to some Sense, she thought proper to let her into the

Secret of her Birth, to induce her to conceal her Sex. It happen'd that the

Grandmother died, by which Means the Subsistance that came from that

Quarter, ceased, and they were more and more reduced in their

Circumstances; wherefore she was obliged to put her Daughter out, to wait

on a _French_ Lady, as a Foot-boy, being now thirteen Years of Age: Here

she did not live long, for growing bold and strong, and having also a

roving Mind, she entered her self on Board a Man of War, where she served

some Time, then quitted it, went over into _Flanders_, and carried Arms in

a Regiment of Foot, as a _Cadet_; and tho' upon all Actions, she behaved

herself with a great deal of Bravery, yet she could not get a Commission,

they being generally bought and sold; therefore she quitted the Service,

and took on in a Regiment of Horse; she behaved so well in several

Engagements, that she got the Esteem of all her Officers; but her Comrade

who was a _Fleming_, happening to be a handsome young Fellow, she falls in

Love with him, and from that Time, grew a little more negligent in her

Duty, so that, it seems, _Mars_ and _Venus_ could not be served at the same

Time; her Arms and Accoutrements which were always kept in the best Order,

were quite neglected: 'tis true, when her Comrade was ordered out upon a

Party, she used to go without being commanded, and frequently run herself

into Danger, where she had no Business, only to be near him; the rest of

the Troopers little suspecting the secret Cause which moved her to this

Behaviour, fancied her to be mad, and her Comrade himself could not account

for this strange Alteration in her, but Love is ingenious, and as they lay

in the same Tent, and were constantly together, she found a Way of letting

him discover her Sex, without appearing that it was done with Design.

He was much surprized at what he found out, and not a little pleased,

taking it for granted, that he should have a Mistress solely to himself,

which is an unusual Thing in a Camp, since there is scarce one of those

Campaign Ladies, that is ever true to a Troop or Company; so that he

thought of nothing but gratifying his Passions with very little Ceremony;

but he found himself strangely mistaken, for she proved very reserved and

modest, and resisted all his Temptations, and at the same Time was so

obliging and insinuating in her Carriage, that she quite changed his

Purpose, so far from thinking of making her his Mistress, he now courted

her for a Wife.

This was the utmost Wish of her Heart, in short, they exchanged Promises,

and when the Campaign was over, and the Regiment marched into Winter

Quarters, they bought Woman's Apparel for her, with such Money as they

could make up betwixt them, and were publickly married.

The Story of two Troopers marrying each other, made a great Noise, so that

several Officers were drawn by Curiosity to assist at the Ceremony, and

they agreed among themselves that every one of them should make a small

Present to the Bride, towards House-keeping, in Consideration of her having

been their fellow Soldier. Thus being set up, they seemed to have a Desire

of quitting the Service, and settling in the World; the Adventure of their

Love and Marriage had gained them so much Favour, that they easily obtained

their Discharge, and they immediately set up an Eating House or Ordinary,

which was the Sign of the _Three Horse-Shoes_, near the Castle of _Breda_,

where they soon run into a good Trade, a great many Officers eating with

them constantly.

But this Happiness lasted not long, for the Husband soon died, and the

Peace of _Reswick_ being concluded, there was no Resort of Officers to

_Breda_, as usual; so that the Widow having little or no Trade, was forced

to give up House-keeping, and her Substance being by Degrees quite spent,

she again assumes her Man's Apparel, and going into _Holland_, there takes

on in a Regiment of Foot, quarter'd in one of the Frontier Towns: Here she

did not remain long, there was no likelihood of Preferment in Time of

Peace, therefore she took a Resolution of seeking her Fortune another Way;

and withdrawing from the Regiment, ships herself on Board of a Vessel bound

for the _West-Indies_.

It happen'd this Ship was taken by _English_ Pyrates, and _Mary Read_ was

the only _English_ Person on Board, they kept her amongst them, and having

plundered the Ship, let it go again; after following this Trade for some

Time, the King's Proclamation came out, and was publish'd in all Parts of

the _West-Indies_, for pardoning such Pyrates, who should voluntarily

surrender themselves by a certain Day therein mentioned. The Crew of _Mary

Read_ took the Benefit of this Proclamation, and having surrender'd, liv'd

quietly on Shore; but Money beginning to grow short, and hearing that

Captain _Woods Rogers_, Governor of the Island of _Providence_, was fitting

out some Privateers to cruise against the _Spaniards_, she with several

others embark'd for that Island, in order to go upon the privateering

Account, being resolved to make her Fortune one way or other.

These Privateers were no sooner sail'd out, but the Crews of some of them,

who had been pardoned, rose against their Commanders, and turned themselves

to their old Trade: In this Number was _Mary Read_. It is true, she often

declared, that the Life of a Pyrate was what she always abhor'd, and went

into it only upon Compulsion, both this Time, and before, intending to quit

it, whenever a fair Opportunity should offer it self; yet some of the

Evidence against her, upon her Tryal, who were forced Men, and had sailed

with her, deposed upon Oath, that in Times of Action, no Person amongst

them were more resolute, or ready to Board or undertake any Thing that was

hazardous, as she and _Anne Bonny_; and particularly at the Time they were

attack'd and taken, when they came to close Quarters, none kept the Deck

except _Mary Read_ and _Anne Bonny_, and one more; upon which, she, _Mary

Read_, called to those under Deck, to come up and fight like Men, and

finding they did not stir, fired her Arms down the Hold amongst them,

killing one, and wounding others.

This was part of the Evidence against her, which she denied; which, whether

true or no, thus much is certain, that she did not want Bravery, nor indeed

was she less remarkable for her Modesty, according to her Notions of

Virtue: Her Sex was not so much as suspected by any Person on Board, till

_Anne Bonny_, who was not altogether so reserved in point of Chastity, took

a particular liking to her; in short, _Anne Bonny_ took her for a handsome

young Fellow, and for some Reasons best known to herself, first discovered

her Sex to _Mary Read; Mary Read_ knowing what she would be at, and being

very sensible of her own Incapacity that Way, was forced to come to a right

Understanding with her, and so to the great Disappointment of _Anne Bonny_,

she let her know she was a Woman also; but this Intimacy so disturb'd

Captain _Rackam_, who was the Lover and Gallant of _Anne Bonny_, that he

grew furiously jealous, so that he told _Anne Bonny_, he would cut her new

Lover's Throat, therefore, to quiet him, she let him into the Secret also.

Captain _Rackam_, (as he was enjoined,) kept the Thing a Secret from all

the Ship's Company, yet, notwithstanding all her Cunning and Reserve, Love

found her out in this Disguise, and hinder'd her from forgetting her Sex.

In their Cruize they took a great Number of Ships belonging to _Jamaica_,

and other Parts of the _West-Indies_, bound to and from _England_; and when

ever they meet any good Artist, or other Person that might be of any great

Use to their Company, if he was not willing to enter, it was their Custom

to keep him by Force. Among these was a young Fellow of a most engageing

Behaviour, or, at least, he was so in the Eyes of _Mary Read_, who became

so smitten with his Person and Address, that she could neither rest, Night

or Day; but as there is nothing more ingenious than Love, it was no hard

Matter for her, who had before been practiced in these Wiles, to find a Way

to let him discover her Sex: She first insinuated her self into his liking,

by talking against the Life of a Pyrate, which he was altogether averse to,

so they became Mess-Mates and strict Companions: When she found he had a

Friendship for her, as a Man, she suffered the Discovery to be made, by

carelesly shewing her Breasts, which were very White.

The young Fellow, who was made of Flesh and Blood, had his Curiosity and

Desire so rais'd by this Sight, that he never ceased importuning her, till

she confessed what she was. Now begins the Scene of Love; as he had a

Liking and Esteem for her, under her supposed Character, it was now turn'd

into Fondness and Desire; her Passion was no less violent than his, and

perhaps she express'd it, by one of the most generous Actions that ever

Love inspired. It happened this young Fellow had a Quarrel with one of the

Pyrates, and their Ship then lying at an Anchor, near one of the Islands,

they had appointed to go ashore and fight, according to the Custom of the

Pyrates: _Mary Read_, was to the last Degree uneasy and anxious, for the

Fate of her Lover; she would not have had him refuse the Challenge,

because, she could not bear the Thoughts of his being branded with

Cowardise; on the other Side, she dreaded the Event, and apprehended the

Fellow might be too hard for him: When Love once enters into the Breast of

one who has any Sparks of Generosity, it stirs the Heart up to the most

noble Actions; in this Dilemma, she shew'd, that she fear'd more for his

Life than she did for her own; for she took a Resolution of quarreling with

this Fellow her self, and having challenged him ashore, she appointed the

Time two Hours sooner than that when he was to meet her Lover, where she

fought him at Sword and Pistol, and killed him upon the Spot.

It is true, she had fought before, when she had been insulted by some of

those Fellows, but now it was altogether in her Lover's Cause, she stood as

it were betwixt him and Death, as if she could not live without him. If he

had no regard for her before, this Action would have bound him to her for

ever; but there was no Occasion for Ties or Obligations, his Inclination

towards her was sufficient; in fine, they applied their Troth to each

other, which _Mary Read_ said, she look'd upon to be as good a Marriage, in

Conscience, as if it had been done by a Minister in Church; and to this was

owing her great Belly, which she pleaded to save her Life.

She declared she had never committed Adultery or Fornication with any Man,

she commended the Justice of the Court, before which she was tried, for

distinguishing the Nature of their Crimes; her Husband, as she call'd him,

with several others, being acquitted; and being ask'd, who he was? she

would not tell, but, said he was an honest Man, and had no Inclination to

such Practices, and that they had both resolved to leave the Pyrates the

first Opportunity, and apply themselves to some honest Livelyhood.

It is no doubt, but many had Compassion for her, yet the Court could not

avoid finding her Guilty; for among other Things, one of the Evidences

against her, deposed, that being taken by _Rackam_, and detain'd some Time

on Board, he fell accidentally into Discourse with _Mary Read_, whom he

taking for a young Man, ask'd her, what Pleasure she could have in being

concerned in such Enterprizes, where her Life was continually in Danger, by

Fire or Sword; and not only so, but she must be sure of dying an

ignominious Death, if she should be taken alive?--She answer'd, that as to

hanging, she thought it no great Hardship, for, were it not for that, every

cowardly Fellow would turn Pyrate, and so infest the Seas, that Men of

Courage must starve:-- That if it was put to the Choice of the Pyrates,

they would not have the punishment less than Death, the Fear of which, kept

some dastardly Rogues honest; that many of those who are now cheating the

Widows and Orphans, and oppressing their poor Neighbours, who have no Money

to obtain Justice, would then rob at Sea, and the Ocean would be crowded

with Rogues, like the Land, and no Merchant would venture out; so that the

Trade, in a little Time, would not be worth following.

Being found quick with Child, as has been observed, her Execution was

respited, and it is possible she would have found Favour, but she was

seiz'd with a violent Fever, soon after her Tryal, of which she died in

Prison.

_The_ LIFE _of_ ANNE BONNY.

AS we have been more particular in the Lives of these two Women, than

those of other Pyrates, it is incumbent on us, as a faithful Historian, to

begin with their Birth. _Anne Bonny_ was born at a Town near _Cork_, in the

Kingdom of _Ireland_, her Father an Attorney at Law, but _Anne_ was not one

of his legitimate Issue, which seems to cross an old Proverb, which says,

_that Bastards have the best Luck_. Her Father was a Married Man, and his

Wife having been brought to Bed, contracted an Illness in her lying in, and

in order to recover her Health, she was advised to remove for Change of

Air; the Place she chose, was a few Miles distance from her Dwelling, where

her Husband's Mother liv'd. Here she sojourn'd some Time, her Husband

staying at Home, to follow his Affairs. The Servant-Maid, whom she left to

look after the House, and attend the Family, being a handsome young Woman,

was courted by a young Man of the same Town, who was a _Tanner_; this

_Tanner_ used to take his Opportunities, when the Family was out of the

Way, of coming to pursue his Courtship; and being with the Maid one Day as

she was employ'd in the Houshold Business, not having the Fear of God

before his Eyes, he takes his Opportunity, when her Back was turned, of

whipping three Silver Spoons into his Pocket. The Maid soon miss'd the

Spoons, and knowing that no Body had been in the Room, but herself and the

young Man, since she saw them last, she charged him with taking them; he

very stifly denied it, upon which she grew outragious, and threatned to go

to a Constable, in order to carry him before a Justice of Peace: These

Menaces frighten'd him out of his Wits, well knowing he could not stand

Search; wherefore he endeavoured to pacify her, by desiring her to examine

the Drawers and other Places, and perhaps she might find them; in this Time

he slips into another Room, where the Maid usually lay, and puts the Spoons

betwixt the Sheets, and then makes his Escape by a back Door, concluding

she must find them, when she went to Bed, and so next Day he might pretend

he did it only to frighten her, and the Thing might be laugh'd off for a

Jest.

As soon as she miss'd him, she gave over her Search, concluding he had

carried them off, and went directly to the Constable, in order to have him

apprehended: The young Man was informed, that a Constable had been in

Search of him, but he regarded it but little, not doubting but all would be

well next Day. Three or four Days passed, and still he was told, the

Constable was upon the Hunt for him, this made him lye concealed, he could

not comprehend the Meaning of it, he imagined no less, than that the Maid

had a Mind to convert the Spoons to her own Use, and put the Robbery upon

him.

It happened, at this Time, that the Mistress being perfectly recovered of

her late Indisposition, was return'd Home, in Company with her

Mother-in-Law; the first News she heard, was of the Loss of the Spoons,

with the Manner how; the Maid telling her, at the same Time, that the young

Man was run away. The young Fellow had Intelligence of the Mistress's

Arrival, and considering with himself, that he could never appear again in

his Business, unless this Matter was got over, and she being a good natured

Woman, he took a Resolution of going directly to her, and of telling her

the whole Story, only with this Difference, that he did it for a Jest.

The Mistress could scarce believe it, however, she went directly to the

Maid's Room, and turning down the Bed Cloaths, there, to her great

Surprize, found the three Spoons; upon this she desired the young Man to go

Home and mind his Business, for he should have no Trouble about it.

The Mistress could not imagine the Meaning of this, she never had found the

Maid guilty of any pilfering, and therefore it could not enter her Head,

that she designed to steal the Spoons her self; upon the whole, she

concluded the Maid had not been in her Bed, from the Time the Spoons were

miss'd, she grew immediately jealous upon it, and suspected, that the Maid

supplied her Place with her Husband, during her Absence, and this was the

Reason why the Spoons were no sooner found.

She call'd to Mind several Actions of Kindness, her Husband had shewed the

Maid, Things that pass'd unheeded by, when they happened, but now she had

got that Tormentor, Jealousy, in her Head, amounted to Proofs of their

Intimacy; another Circumstance which strengthen'd the whole, was, that tho'

her Husband knew she was to come Home that Day, and had had no

Communication with her in four Months, which was before her last Lying in,

yet he took an Opportunity of going out of Town that Morning, upon some

slight Pretence: --All these Things put together, confirm'd her in her

Jealousy.

As Women seldom forgive Injuries of this Kind, she thought of discharging

her Revenge upon the Maid: In order to this, she leaves the Spoons where

she found them, and orders the Maid to put clean Sheets upon the Bed,

telling her, she intended to lye there herself that Night, because her

Mother in Law was to lye in her Bed, and that she (the Maid) must lye in

another Part of the House; the Maid in making the Bed, was surprized with

the Sight of the Spoons, but there were very good Reasons, why it was not

proper for her to tell where she found them, therefore she takes them up,

puts them in her Trunk, intending to leave them in some Place, where they

might be found by chance.

The Mistress, that every Thing might look to be done without Design, lies

that Night in the Maid's Bed, little dreaming of what an Adventure it would

produce: After she had been a Bed some Time, thinking on what had pass'd,

for Jealousy kept her awake, she heard some Body enter the Room; at first

she apprehended it to be Thieves, and was so fright'ned, she had not

Courage enough to call out; but when she heard these Words, Mary, _are you

awake_? She knew it to be her Husband's Voice; then her Fright was over,

yet she made no Answer, least he should find her out, if she spoke,

therefore she resolved to counterfeit Sleep, and take what followed.

The Husband came to Bed, and that Night play'd the vigorous Lover; but one

Thing spoil'd the Diversion on the Wife's Side, which was, the Reflection

that it was not design'd for her; however she was very passive, and bore it

like a Christian. Early before Day, she stole out of Bed, leaving him

asleep, and went to her Mother in Law, telling her what had passed, not

forgetting how he had used her, as taking her for the Maid; the Husband

also stole out, not thinking it convenient to be catch'd in that Room; in

the mean Time, the Revenge of the Mistress was strongly against the Maid,

and without considering, that to her she ow'd the Diversion of the Night

before, and that one good _Turn_ should deserve another; she sent for a

Constable, and charged her with stealing the Spoons: The Maid's Trunk was

broke open, and the Spoons found, upon which she was carried before a

Justice of Peace, and by him committed to Goal.

The Husband loiter'd about till twelve a Clock at Noon, then comes Home,

pretended he was just come to Town; as soon as he heard what had passed, in

Relation to the Maid, he fell into a great Passion with his Wife; this set

the Thing into a greater Flame, the Mother takes the Wife's Part against

her own Son, insomuch that the Quarrel increasing, the Mother and Wife took

Horse immediately, and went back to the Mother's House, and the Husband and

Wife never bedded together after.

The Maid lay a long Time in the Prison, it being near half a Year to the

Assizes; but before it happened, it was discovered she was with Child; when

she was arraign'd at the Bar, she was discharged for want of Evidence; the

Wife's Conscience touch'd her, and as she did not believe the Maid Guilty

of any Theft, except that of Love, she did not appear against her; soon

after her Acquittal, she was delivered of a Girl.

But what alarm'd the Husband most, was, that it was discovered the Wife was

with Child also, he taking it for granted, he had had no Intimacy with her,

since her last lying in, grew jealous of her, in his Turn, and made this a

Handle to justify himself, for his Usage of her, pretending now he had

suspected her long, but that here was Proof; she was delivered of Twins, a

Boy and a Girl.

The Mother fell ill, sent to her Son to reconcile him to his Wife, but he

would not hearken to it; therefore she made a Will, leaving all she had in

the Hands of certain Trustees, for the Use of the Wife and two Children

lately born, and died a few Days after.

This was an ugly Turn upon him, his greatest Dependence being upon his

Mother; however, his Wife was kinder to him than he deserved, for she made

him a yearly Allowance out of what was left, tho' they continued to live

separate: It lasted near five Years; at this Time having a great Affection

for the Girl he had by his Maid, he had a Mind to take it Home, to live

with him; but as all the Town knew it to be a Girl, the better to disguise

the Matter from them, as well as from his Wife, he had it put into

Breeches, as a Boy, pretending it was a Relation's Child he was to breed up

to be his Clerk.

The Wife heard he had a little Boy at Home he was very fond of, but as she

did not know any Relation of his that had such a Child, she employ'd a

Friend to enquire further into it; this Person by talking with the Child,

found it to be a Girl, discovered that the Servant-Maid was its Mother, and

that the Husband still kept up his Correspondence with her.

Upon this Intelligence, the Wife being unwilling that her Children's Money

should go towards the Maintenance of Bastards, stopped the Allowance: The

Husband enraged, in a kind of Revenge, takes the Maid home, and lives with

her publickly, to the great Scandal of his Neighbours; but he soon found

the bad Effect of it, for by Degrees lost his Practice, so that he saw

plainly he could not live there, therefore he thought of removing, and

turning what Effects he had into ready Money; he goes to _Cork_, and there

with his Maid and Daughter embarques for _Carolina_.

At first he followed the Practice of the Law in that Province, but

afterwards fell into Merchandize, which proved more successful to him, for

he gained by it sufficient to purchase a considerable Plantation: His Maid,

who passed for his Wife, happened to dye, after which his Daughter, our

_Anne Bonny_, now grown up, kept his House.

She was of a fierce and couragious Temper, wherefore, when she lay under

Condemnation, several Stories were reported of her, much to her

Disadvantage, as that she had kill'd an _English_ Servant-Maid once in her

Passion with a Case-Knife, while she look'd after her Father's House; but

upon further Enquiry, I found this Story to be groundless: It was certain

she was so robust, that once, when a young Fellow would have lain with her,

against her Will, she beat him so, that he lay ill of it a considerable

Time.

While she lived with her Father, she was look'd upon as one that would be a

good Fortune, wherefore it was thought her Father expected a good Match for

her; but she spoilt all, for without his Consent, she marries a young

Fellow, who belonged to the Sea, and was not worth a Groat; which provoked

her Father to such a Degree, that he turned her out of Doors, upon which

the young Fellow, who married her, finding himself disappointed in his

Expectation, shipped himself and Wife, for the Island of _Providence_,

expecting Employment there.

Here she became acquainted with _Rackam_ the Pyrate, who making Courtship

to her, soon found Means of withdrawing her Affections from her Husband, so

that she consented to elope from him, and go to Sea with _Rackam_ in Men's

Cloaths: She was as good as her Word, and after she had been at Sea some

Time, she proved with Child, and beginning to grow big, _Rackam_ landed her

on the Island of _Cuba_; and recommending her there to some Friends of his,

they took Care of her, till she was brought to Bed: When she was up and

well again, he sent for her to bear him Company.

The King's Proclamation being out, for pardoning of Pyrates, he took the

Benefit of it, and surrendered; afterwards being sent upon the privateering

Account, he returned to his old Trade, as has been already hinted in the

Story of _Mary Read_. In all these Expeditions, _Anne Bonny_ bore him

Company, and when any Business was to be done in their Way, no Body was

more forward or couragious than she, and particularly when they were taken;

she and _Mary Read_, with one more, were all the Persons that durst keep

the Deck, as has been before hinted.

Her Father was known to a great many Gentlemen, Planters of _Jamaica_, who

had dealt with him, and among whom he had a good Reputation; and some of

them, who had been in _Carolina_, remember'd to have seen her in his House;

wherefore they were inclined to shew her Favour, but the Action of leaving

her Husband was an ugly Circumstance against her. The Day that _Rackam_ was

executed, by special Favour, he was admitted to see her; but all the

Comfort she gave him, was, _that she was sorry to see him there, but if he

had fought like a Man, he need not have been hang'd like a Dog_.

She was continued in Prison, to the Time of her lying in, and afterwards

reprieved from Time to Time; but what is become of her since, we cannot

tell; only this we know, that she was not executed.

CHAP. VIII. OF Captain _Howel Davis_, And his CREW.

CAptain _Howel Davis_ was born at _Milford_, in _Monmouthshire_, and

was from a Boy brought up to the Sea. The last Voyage he made from

_England_, was in the _Cadogan_ Snow of _Bristol_, Captain _Skinner_

Commander, bound for the Coast of _Guiney_, of which Snow _Davis_ was chief

Mate: They were no sooner arrived at _Sierraleon_ on the aforesaid Coast,

but they were taken by the Pyrate _England_, who plunder'd them, and

_Skinner_ was barbarously murdered, as has been related before in the Story

of Captain _England_.

After the Death of Captain _Skinner, Davis_ pretended that he was mightily

sollicited by _England_ to engage with him; but that he resolutely

answered, he would sooner be shot to Death than sign the Pyrates Articles.

Upon which, _England_, pleased with his Bravery, sent him and the rest of

the Men again on Board the Snow, appointing him Captain of her, in the Room

of _Skinner_, commanding him to pursue his Voyage. He also gave him a

written Paper sealed up, with Orders to open it when he should come into a

certain Latitude, and at the Peril of his Life follow the Orders therein

set down. This was an Air of Grandeur like what Princes practice to their

Admirals and Generals.--It was punctually complied with by _Davis_, who

read it to the Ship's Company; it contained no less than a generous Deed of

Gift of the Ship and Cargoe, to _Davis_ and the Crew, ordering him to go to

_Brasil_ and dispose of the Lading to the best Advantage, and to make a

fair and equal Dividend with the rest.

_Davis_ proposed to the Crew, whether they were willing to follow their

Directions, but to his great Surprize, found the Majority of them

altogether averse to it, wherefore in a Rage, he bad them be damn'd, and go

where they would. They knew that Part of their Cargoe was consigned to

certain Merchants at _Barbadoes_, wherefore they steered for that Island.

When they arrived, they related to these Merchants the unfortunate Death of

_Skinner_, and the Proposal which had been made to them by _Davis_; upon

which _Davis_ was seized and committed to Prison, where he was kept three

Months; however, as he had been in no Act of Pyracy, he was discharged

without being brought to any Tryal, yet he could not expect any Employment

there; wherefore knowing that the Island of _Providence_ was a kind of

Rendevouz of Pyrates, he was resolved to make one amongst them, if

possible, and to that Purpose, found Means of shipping himself for that

Island; but he was again disappointed, for when he arrived there, the

Pyrates had newly surrendered to Captain _Woods Rogers_, and accepted of

the Act of Grace, which he had just brought from _England_.

However, _Davis_ was not long out of Business, for Captain _Rogers_ having

fitted out two Sloops for Trade, one called the _Buck_, the other the

_Mumvil Trader; Davis_ found an Employment on Board of one of them; the

Lading of these Sloops was of considerable Value, consisting of _European_

Goods, in order to be exchanged with the _French_ and _Spaniards_; and many

of the Hands on Board of them, were the Pyrates lately come in upon the

late Act of Grace. The first Place they touched at, was the Island of

_Martinico_, belonging to the _French_, where _Davis_ having conspired with

some others, rise in the Night, secured the Master and seized the Sloop; as

soon as this was done, they called to the other Sloop, which lay a little

Way from them, among whom they knew there were a great many Hands ripe for

Rebellion, and ordered them to come on Board of them; they did so, and the

greatest Part of them agreed to join with _Davis_; those who were otherwise

inclined, were sent back on Board the _Mumvil_ Sloop, to go where they

pleased, _Davis_ having first taken out of her, every Thing which he

thought might be of Use.

After this, a Counsel of War was called over a large Bowl of Punch, at

which it was proposed to chuse a Commander; the Election was soon over, for

it fell upon _Davis_ by a great Majority of _legal Pollers_, there was no

Scrutiny demanded, for all acquiesced in the Choice: As soon as he was

possess'd of his Command, he drew up Articles, which were signed and sworn

to by himself and the rest, then he made a short Speech, the sum of which,

was, a Declaration of War against the whole World.

After this they consulted about a proper Place where they might clean their

Sloop, a light Pair of Heels being of great Use either to take, or escape

being taken; for this purpose they made Choice of _Coxon_'s _Hole_, at the

East End of the Island of _Cuba_, a Place where they might secure

themselves from Surprize, the Entrance being so narrow, that one Ship might

keep out a hundred.

Here they cleaned with much Difficulty, for they had no Carpenter in their

Company, a Person of great Use upon such Exigencies; from hence they put to

Sea, making to the North-Side of the Island of _Hispaniola_. The first Sail

which fell in their Way, was a _French_ Ship of twelve Guns; it must be

observed, that _Davis_ had but thirty five Hands, yet Provisions began to

grow short with him; wherefore he attacked this Ship, she soon struck, and

he sent twelve of his Hands on Board of her, in order to plunder: This was

no sooner done, but a Sail was spied a great Way to Windward of them; they

enquired of the _French_ Man what she might be, he answered, that he had

spoke with a Ship, the Day before, of 24 Guns and 60 Men, and he took this

to be the same.

_Davis_ then proposed to his Men to attack her, telling them, she would be

a rare Ship for their Use, but they looked upon it to be an extravagant

Attempt, and discovered no Fondness for it, but he assured them he had a

Stratagem in his Head would make all safe; wherefore he gave Chace, and

ordered his Prize to do the same. The Prize being a slow Sailor, _Davis_

first came up with the Enemy, and standing along Side of them, shewed his

pyratical Colours: They, much surpriz'd, called to _Davis_, telling him,

they wondered at his Impudence in venturing to come so near them, and

ordered him to strike; but he answered, that he intended to keep them in

Play, till his Consort came up, who was able to deal with them, and that if

they did not strike to him, they should have but bad Quarters; whereupon he

gave them a Broad-Side, which they returned.

In the mean Time the Prize drew near, who obliged all the Prisoners to come

upon Deck in white Shirts, to make a Shew of Force, as they had been

directed by _Davis_; they also hoisted a dirty Tarpawlin, by Way of black

Flag, they having no other, and fir'd a Gun: The _French_ Men were so

intimidated by this Appearance of Force, that they struck. _Davis_ called

out to the Captain to come on Board of him, with twenty of his Hands; he

did so, and they were all for the greater Security clapt into Irons, the

Captain excepted: Then he sent four of his own Men on Board the first

Prize, and in order still to carry on the Cheat, spoke aloud, that they

should give his Service to the Captain, and desire him to send some Hands

on Board the Prize, to see what they had got; but at the same Time gave

them a written Paper, with Instructions what to do. Here he ordered them to

nail up the Guns in the little Prize, to take out all the small Arms and

Powder, and to go every Man of them on Board the second Prize; when this

was done, he ordered that more of the Prisoners should be removed out of

the great Prize, into the little one, by which he secured himself from any

Attempt which might be feared from their Numbers; for those on Board of him

were fast in Irons, and those in the little Prize had neither Arms nor

Ammunition.

Thus the three Ships kept Company for 2 Days, when finding the great Prize

to be a very dull Sailor, he thought she would not be fit for his Purpose,

wherefore he resolved to restore her to the Captain, with all his Hands;

but first, he took Care to take out all her Ammunition, and every Thing

else which he might possibly want. The _French_ Captain was in such a Rage,

at being so outwitted, that when he got on Board his own Ship, he was going

to throw himself over-board, but was prevented by his Men.

Having let go both his Prizes, he steered Northward, in which Course he

took a small _Spanish_ Sloop; after this, he made towards the _Western_

Islands, but met with no Booty thereabouts; then he steered for the _Cape

de Verde_ Islands, they cast Anchor at St. _Nicholas_, hoisting _English_

Colours; the _Portuguese_ inhabiting there, took him for an _English_

Privateer, and _Davis_ going ashore, they both treated him very civilly,

and also traded with him. Here he remained five Weeks, in which Time, he

and half his Crew, for their Pleasure, took a Journey to the chief Town of

the Island, which was 19 Miles up the Country: _Davis_ making a good

Appearance, was caressed by the Governor and the Inhabitants, and no

Diversion was wanting which the _Portuguese_ could shew, or Money could

purchase; after about a Week's Stay, he came back to the Ship, and the rest

of the Crew went to take their Pleasure up to the Town, in their Turn.

At their Return they clean'd their Ship, and put to Sea, but not with their

whole Company; for five of them, like _Hannibal_'s Men, were so charm'd

with the Luxuries of the Place, and the free Conversation of some Women,

that they staid behind; and one of them, whose Name was _Charles Franklin_,

a _Monmouthshire_ Man, married and settled himself, and lives there to this

Day.