* * *
The Harbour is so convenient for Wooding and Watering, that it occasions
many of our trading Ships, especially those of _Bristol_, to call in there,
with large Cargoes of Beer, Syder, and strong Liquors, which they Exchange
with these private Traders, for Slaves and Teeth, purchased by them at the
_Rio Nune_'s, and other Places to the Northward, so that here was what they
call good Living.
Hither _Roberts_ came the End of _June_, 1721, and had Intelligence that
the _Swallow_, and _Weymouth_, two Men of War, of 50 Guns each, had left
that River about a Month before, and designed to return about _Christmas_;
so that the Pyrates could indulge themselves with all the Satisfaction in
the World, in that they knew they were not only secure whilst there, but
that in going down the Coast, after the Men of War, they should always be
able to get such Intelligence of their Rendezvous, as would serve to make
their Expedition safe. So after six Weeks stay, the Ships being cleaned and
fitted, and the Men weary of whoring and drinking, they bethought
themselves of Business, and went to Sea the Beginning of _August_, taking
their Progress down the whole Coast, as low as _Jaquin_, plundering every
Ship they met, of what was valuable in her, and sometimes to be more
mischieviously wicked, would throw what they did not want, overboard,
accumulating Cruelty to Theft.
In this Range, they exchanged their old _French_ Ship, for a fine Frigate
built Ship, call'd the _Onslow_, belonging to the Royal _African_ Company,
Captain _Gee_ Commander, which happened to lye at _Sestos_, to get Water
and Necessaries for the Company. A great many of Captain _Gee_'s Men were
ashore, when _Robert_'s bore down, and so the Ship consequently surpriz'd
into his Hands, tho' had they been all on Board, it was not likely the Case
would have been otherwise, the Sailors, most of them, voluntarily joyning
the Pyrates, and encouraging the same Disposition in the Soldiers, (who
were going Passengers with them to _Cape-Corso-Castle_) whose Ears being
constantly tickled with the Feats and Gallantry of those Fellows, made them
fancy, that _to go_, was only being bound on a Voyage of Knight Errantry
(to relieve the Distress'd, and gather up Fame) and so they likewise
offer'd themselves; but here the Pyrates were at a Stand, they entertain'd
so contemptible a Notion of Landmen, that they put 'em off with Refusals
for some time, till at length, being weary'd with Solicitations, and
pittying a Parcel of stout Fellows, which they said, were going to starve
upon a little Canky and Plantane, they accepted of them, and allow'd them ¼
Share, as it was then term'd out of Charity.
There was a Clergyman on Board the _Onslow_, sent from _England_, to be
Chaplain of _Cape-Corso-Castle_, some of the Pyrates were for keeping him,
alledging merrily, that their Ship wanted a Chaplain; accordingly they
offered him a Share, to take on with them, promising, he should do nothing
for his Money, but make Punch, and say Prayers; yet, however brutish they
might be in other Things, they bore so great a Respect to his Order, that
they resolved not to force him against his Inclinations; and the Parson
having no Relish for this sort of Life, excused himself from accepting the
Honour they designed him; they were satisfied, and generous enough to
deliver him back every Thing he owned to be his: The Parson laid hold of
this favourable Disposition of the Pyrates, and laid Claim to several
Things belonging to others, which were also given up, to his great
Satisfaction; in fine, they kept nothing which belonged to the Church,
except three Prayer-Books, and a Bottle-Screw.
The Pyrates kept the _Onslow_ for their own Use, and gave Captain _Gee_ the
_French_ Ship, and then fell to making such Alterations as might fit her
for a Sea-Rover, pulling down her Bulk-Heads, and making her flush, so that
she became, in all Respects, as compleat a Ship for their Purpose, as any
they could have found; they continued to her the Name of the _Royal
Fortune_, and mounted her with 40 Guns.
She and the _Ranger_ proceeded (as I said before,) to _Jaquin_, and from
thence to _Old Calabar_, where they arrived about _October_, in order to
clean their Ships, a Place the most suitable along the whole Coast, for
there is a Bar with not above 15 Foot Water upon it, and the Channel
intricate, so that had the Men of War been sure of their being harbour'd
here, they might still have bid Defiance to their Strength, for the Depth
of Water at the Bar, as well as the want of a Pilot, was a sufficient
Security to the Rovers, and invincible Impediments to them. Here therefore
they sat easy, and divided the Fruits of their dishonest Instustry, _and
drank and drove Care away._ The Pilot who brought them into this Harbour,
was Captain _L--e_, who for this, and other Services, was extreamly well
paid, according to the Journal of their own Accounts, which do not run in
the ordinary and common way, of _Debtor, contra Creditor_, but much more
concise, lumping it to their Friends, and so carrying the Debt in their
Heads, against the next honest Trader they meet. They took at _Calabar_,
Captain _Loane_, and two or three _Bristol_ Ships, the Particulars of all
which would be an unnecessary Prolixity, therefore I come now to give an
Account of the Usage they received from the Natives of this Place. The
_Calabar_ Negroes did not prove so civil as they expected, for they refused
to have any Commerce or Trade with them, when they understood they were
Pyrates: An Indication that these poor Creatures, in the narrow
Circumstances they were in, and without the Light of the Gospel, or the
Advantage of an Education, have, notwithstanding, such a moral innate
Honesty, as would upbraid and shame the most knowing Christian: But this
did but exasperate these lawless Fellows, and so a Party of 40 Men were
detach'd to force a Correspondence, or drive the Negroes to Extremities;
and they accordingly landed under the Fire of their own Cannon. The Negroes
drew up in a Body of 2000 Men, as if they intended to dispute the Matter
with them, and staid till the Pyrates advanced within Pistol-shot; but
finding the Loss of two or three, made no Impression on the rest, the
Negroes thought fit to retreat, which they did, with some Loss: The Pyrates
set Fire to the Town, and then return'd to their Ships. This terrified the
Natives, and put an entire stop to all the Intercourse between them; so
that they could get no Supplies, which obliged them, as soon as they had
finished the cleaning and triming of their Ships, to lose no Time, but went
for Cape _Lopez_, and watered, and at _Anna-Bona_ took aboard a Stock of
fresh Provisions, and then sailed for the Coast again.
This was their last and fatal Expedition, which we shall be more particular
in, because, it cannot be imagined that they could have had Assurance to
have undertaken it, but upon a Presumption, that the Men of War, (whom they
knew were upon the Coast,) were unable to attack them, or else pursuant to
the Rumour that had indiscretionally obtained at _Sierraleon_, were gone
thither again.
It is impossible at this Time, to think they could know of the weak and
sickly Condition they were in, and therefore founded the Success of this
second Attempt upon the Coast, on the latter Presumption, and this seems to
be confirmed by their falling in with the Coast as low as Cape _Lahou_,
(and even that was higher than they designed,) in the beginning of
_January_, and took the Ship called the _King Solomon_, with 20 Men in
their Boat, and a trading Vessel, both belonging to the Company. The Pyrate
Ship happened to fall about a League to Leeward of the _King Solomon_, at
Cape _Appollonia_, and the Current and Wind opposing their working up with
the Ship, they agreed to send the Long-Boat, with a sufficient Number of
Men to take her: The Pyrates are all Voluntiers on these Occasions, the
Word being always given, _who will go?_ And presently the stanch and firm
Men offer themselves; because, by such Readiness, they recommend their
Courage, and have an Allowance also of a Shift of Cloaths, from Head to
Foot, out of the Prize.
They rowed towards the _King Solomon_ with a great deal of Alacrity, and
being hailed by the Commander of her, answered, _Defiance_; Captain
_Trahern_, before this, observing a great Number of Men in the Boat, began
not to like his Visitors, and prepared to receive them, firing a Musket as
they come under his Stern, which they returned with a Volley, and made
greater Speed to get on Board: Upon this, he applied to his Men, and ask'd
them, whether they would stand by him, to defend the Ship, it being a Shame
they should be taken by half their Number, without any Repulse? But his
Boatswain, _Philips_, took upon him to be the Mouth of the People, and put
an End to the Dispute; he said plainly, he would not, laid down his Arms in
the King's Name, as he was pleased to term it, and called out to the Boat
for Quarters, so that the rest, by his Example, were mislead to the losing
of the Ship.
When they came on Board, they brought her under Sail, by an expeditious
Method, of cutting the Cable; _Walden_, one of the Pyrates, telling the
Master, this _yo hope_ of heaving up the Anchor was a needless trouble,
when they designed to burn the Ship. They brought her under Commadore
_Roberts_'s Stern, and not only rifled her of what Sails, Cordage, _&c._
they wanted for themselves, but wantonly throw'd the Goods of the Company
overboard, like Spend-thrifts, that neither expected or designed any
Account.
On the same Day also, they took the _Flushing_, a _Dutch_ Ship, robbed her
of Masts, Yards and Stores, and then cut down her Fore-Mast; but what sat
as heavily as any thing with the _Skipper_, was, their taking some fine
Sausages he had on Board, of his Wife's making, and stringing them in a
ludicrous Manner, round their Necks, till they had sufficiently shew'd
their Contempt of them, and then threw them into the Sea. Others chopp'd
the Heads of his Fowls off, to be dressed for their Supper, and courteously
invited the Landlord, provided he would find Liquor. It was a melancholly
Request to the Man, but it must be comply'd with, and he was obliged, as
they grew drunk, to sit quietly, and hear them sing _French_ and _Spanish_
Songs out of his _Dutch_ Prayer-Books, with other Prophaness, that he (tho'
a _Dutch_ Man) stood amazed at.
In chasing too near in, they alarmed the Coast, and Expresses were sent to
the _English_ and _Dutch_ Factories, giving an Account of it: They were
sensible of this Error immediately, and because they would make the best of
a bad Market, resolved to keep out of sight of Land, and lose the Prizes
they might expect between that and _Whydah_, to make the more sure of that
Port, where commonly is the best Booty; all Nations trading thither,
especially _Portuguese_, who purchase chiefly with Gold, the Idol their
Hearts were bent upon. And notwithstanding this unlikely Course, they met
and took several Ships between _Axim_ and that Place; the circumstantial
Stories of which, and the pannick Terrors they struck into his Majesty's
Subjects, being tedious and unnecessary to relate, I shall pass by, and
come to their Arrival in that Road.
They came to _Whydah_ with a St. _George_'s Ensign, a black Silk Flag
flying at their Mizen-Peek, and a Jack and Pendant of the same: The Flag
had a Death in it, with an Hour-Glass in one Hand, and cross Bones in the
other, a Dart by it, and underneath a Heart dropping three Drops of
Blood.--The Jack had a Man pourtray'd in it, with a flaming Sword in his
Hand, and standing on two Skulls, subscribed _A B H_ and _A M H i. e._ a
_Barbadian_'s and a _Martinican_'s Head, as has been before taken Notice
of. Here they found eleven Sail in the Road, _English, French_ and
_Portuguese_; the _French_ were three stout Ships of 30 Guns, and upwards
of 100 Men each, yet when _Roberts_ came to Fire, they, with the other
Ships, immediately struck their Colours and surrendred to his Mercy. One
Reason, it must be confess'd, of his easy Victory, was, the Commanders and
a good Part of the Men being ashore, according to the Custom of the Place,
to receive the Cargoes, and return the Slaves, they being obliged to watch
the Seasons for it, which otherwise, in so dangerous a Sea as here, would
be impracticable. These all, except the _Porcupine_, ransomed with him for
eight Pound of Gold-Dust, a Ship, not without the trouble of some Letters
passing and repassing from the Shore, before they could settle it; and
notwithstanding the Agreement and Payment, they took away one of the
_French_ Ships, tho' with a Promise to return her, if they found she did
not sail well, taking with them several of her Men for that End.
Some of the Foreigners, who never had Dealing this Way before, desired for
Satisfaction to their Owners, that they might have Receipts for their
Money, which were accordingly given, a Copy of one of them, I have here
subjoined, _viz._
* * *
T_HIS is to certify whom it may or doth concern, that we_ GENTLEMEN
OF FORTUNE, _have received eight Pounds of Gold-Dust, for the Ransom of
the_ Hardey, _Captain_ Dittwitt _Commander, so that we Discharge the said
Ship_,
_Witness our Hands, this_ 13_th of_ Jan. 1721-2.
Batt. Roberts, Harry Glasby.
Others were given to the _Portuguese_ Captains, which were in the same
Form, but being sign'd by two waggish Fellows, _viz. Sutton_, and
_Sympson_, they subscribed by the Names of,
_Aaron Whifflingpin_, _Sim. Tugmutton._
But there was something so singularly cruel and barbarous done here to the
_Porcupine_, Captain _Fletcher_, as must not be passed over without special
Remark.
This Ship lay in the Road, almost slaved, when the Pyrates came in, and the
Commander being on Shore, settling his Accounts, was sent to for the
Ransom, but he excused it, as having no Orders from the Owners; though the
true Reason might be, that he thought it dishonourable to treat with
Robbers; and that the Ship, separate from the Slaves, towards whom he could
mistrust no Cruelty, was not worth the Sum demanded; hereupon, _Roberts_
sends the Boat to transport the Negroes, in order to set her on Fire; but
being in hast, and finding that unshackling them cost much Time and Labour,
they actually set her on Fire, with eighty of those poor Wretches on Board,
chained two and two together, under the miserable Choice of perishing by
Fire or Water: Those who jumped overboard from the Flames, were seized by
Sharks, a voracious Fish, in Plenty in this Road, and, in their Sight, tore
Limb from Limb alive. A Cruelty unparalell'd! And for which had every
Individual been hanged, few I imagine would think that Justice had been
rigorous.
The Pyrates, indeed, were obliged to dispatch their Business here in hast,
because they had intercepted a Letter from General _Phips_ to Mr.
_Baldwin_, the Royal _African_ Company's Agent at _Whydah_, (giving an
Account, that _Roberts_ had been seen to Windward of Cape _Three Points_,)
that he might the better guard against the Damages to the Company's Ships,
if he should arrive at that Road before the _Swallow_ Man of War, which he
assured him, (at the Time of that Letter,) was pursuing them to that Place.
_Roberts_ call'd up his Company, and desired they would hear _Phip_'s
Speech, (for so he was pleased to call the Letter,) and notwithstanding
their vapouring, perswaded them of the Necessity of moving; for, says he,
such brave Fellows cannot be supposed to be frightned at this News, yet
that it were better to avoid dry Blows, which is the best that can be
expected, if overtaken.
This Advice weigh'd with them, and they got under Sail, having stay'd only
from _Thursday_ to _Saturday_ Night, and at Sea voted for the Island of
_Anna Bona_; but the Winds hanging out of the Way, crossed their Purpose,
and brought them to Cape _Lopez_, where I shall leave them for their
approaching Fate, and relate some further Particulars of his Majesty's Ship
the _Swallow, viz._ where it was she had spent her Time, during the
Mischief that was done, and by what Means unable to prevent it; what also
was the Intelligence she received, and the Measures thereon formed, that at
last brought two such Strangers as Mr _Roberts_ and Capt. _Ogle_, to meet
in so remote a Corner of the World.
The _Swallow_ and _Weymouth_ left _Sierraleon, May_ 28, where, I have
already taken Notice, _Roberts_ arrived about a Month after, and doubtless
learn'd the Intent of their Voyage, and cleaning on the Coast; which made
him set down with more Security to his Diversion, and furnish him with such
Intimations, as made his first Range down the Coast in _August_ following,
more prosperous; the _Swallow_ and _Weymouth_ being then at the Port of
_Princes_ a cleaning.
Their Stay at _Princes_ was from _July_ 28 to _Sept._ 20, 1721, where, by a
Fatality, common to the Irregularities of Seamen, (who cannot in such Cases
be kept under due Restraints,) they buried 100 Men in three Weeks time, and
reduced the Remainder of the Ships Companies into so sickly a State, that
it was with Difficulty they brought them to sail; and this Misfortune was
probably the Ruin of _Roberts_, for it prevented the Men of War's going
back to _Sierraleon_, as it was intended, there being a Necessity of
leaving his Majesty's Ship _Weymouth_ (in much the worse Condition of the
two) under the Guns of Cape _Corso_, to impress Men, being unable at this
Time, either to hand the Sails, or weigh her Anchor; and _Roberts_ being
ignorant of the Occasion or Alteration of the first Design, fell into the
Mouth of Danger, when he thought himself the farthest from it; for the Men
of War not endeavouring to attain further to Windward (when they came from
_Princes_) then to secure Cape _Corso_ Road under their Lee, they luckily
hovered in the Track he had took.
The _Swallow_ and _Weymouth_ fell in with the Continent at Cape
_Appollonia, Octo._ 20th, and there received the ungrateful News from one
Captain _Bird_; a Notice that awaken'd and put them on their Guard; but
they were far from expecting any Temerity should ever bring him a second
Time on the Coast, while they were there; therefore the _Swallow_ having
seen the _Weymouth_ into Cape _Corso_ Road _Nov._ 10th, she ply'd to
Windward as far as _Bassam_, rather as an Airing to recover a sickly Ship's
Company, and shew herself to the Trade, which was found every where
undisturb'd, and were, for that Reason, returning to her Consort, when
accidently meeting a _Portuguese_ Ship, she told her, that the Day before
she saw two Ships Chace into _Junk_, an _English_ Vessel, which she
believed must have fallen into their Hands. On this Story, the _Swallow_
clung her Wind, and endeavoured to gain that Place, but receiving soon
after (_Octo._ the 14th) a contrary Report from Captain _Plummer_, an
intelligent Man, in the _Jason_ of _Bristol_, who had come further to
Windward, and neither saw or heard any Thing of this; she turned her Head
down the second Time, anchored at Cape _Appollonia_ the 23d, at Cape _Tres
Puntas_ the 27th, and in _Corso_ Road _January_ the 7th, 1721-2.
They learned that their Consort the _Weymouth_, was, by the Assistance of
some Soldiers from the Castle, gone to Windward, to demand Restitution of
some Goods or Men belonging to the _African_ Company, that were illegally
detained by the _Dutch_ at _Des Minas_; and while they were regretting so
long a Separation, an Express came to General _Phips_, from _Axim_, the
9th, and followed by another from _Dixcove_, (an _English_ Factory,) with
Information that three Ships had chased and taken a Galley nigh _Axim_
Castle, and a trading Boat belonging to the Company: No doubt was made,
concerning what they were, it being taken for granted they were Pyrates,
and supposed to be the same that had the _August_ before infested the
Coast. The natural Result therefore, from these two Advices, was, to hasten
for _Whydah_; for it was conclued the Prizes they had taken, had informed
them how nigh the _Swallow_ was, and withal, how much better in Health than
she had been for some Months past; so that unless they were very mad
indeed, they would (after being discovered) make the best of their Way for
_Whydah_, and secure the Booty there, without which, their Time and
Industry had been entirely lost; most of the Gold lying in that Corner.
The _Swallow_ weighed from _Cape-Corso, January_ the 10th, but was retarded
by waiting some Hours on the _Margaret_, a Company's Ship, at _Accra_,
again on the _Portugal_, and a whole Day at _Apong_, on a Person they used
to stile _Miss Betty_: A Conduct that Mr. _Phips_ blamed, when he heard the
Pyrates were miss'd at _Whydah_, altho' he had given it as his Opinion,
they could not be passed by, and intimated, that to stay a few Hours would
prove no Prejudice.
This, however, hinder'd the _Swallow_'s catching them at _Whydah_, for the
Pyrates came into that Road, with a fresh Gale of Wind, the same Day the
_Swallow_ was at _Apong_, and sail'd the 13th of _January_ from thence,
that she arrived the 17th. She gained Notice of them by a _French_ Shallop
from _Grand Papa_, the 14th at Night, and from _Little Papa_ next Morning
by a _Dutch_ Ship; so that the Man of War was on all Sides, as she thought,
sure of her Purchase, particularly when she made the Ships, and discovered
three of them to get under Sail immediately at Sight of her, making Signals
to one another, as tho' they designed a Defence; but they were found to be
three _French_ Ships; and those at Anchor, _Portuguese_ and _English_, all
honest Traders, who had been ransack'd and ransom'd.
This Disappointment chagreen'd the Ship's Company, who were very intent
upon their Market; which was reported to be an Arm-Chest full of Gold, and
kept with three Keys; tho' in all liklyhood, had they met with them in that
open Road, one or both would have made their Escapes; or if they had
thought sit to have fought, an Emulation in their Defence would probably
have made it desperate.
While they were contemplating on the Matter, a Letter was received from Mr.
_Baldwin_, (Governor here for the Company,) signifying, that the Pyrates
were at _Jaquin_, seven Leagues lower. The _Swallow_ weighed at two next
Morning, _January_ the 16th, and got to _Jaquin_ by Day-Light, but to no
other End, than frightening the Crews of two _Portuguese_ Ships on Shore,
who took her for the Pyrate that had struck such Terror at _Whydah_: She
returned therefore that Night, and having been strengthened with thirty
Voluntiers, _English_ and _French_, the discarded Crews of the _Porcupine_,
and the _French_ Ship they had carried from hence, she put to Sea again
_January_ the 19th, conjecturing, that either _Calabar, Princes_, the River
_Gabone_, Cape _Lopez_, or _Annabona_, must be touched at for Water and
Refreshment, tho' they should resolve to leave the Coast. As to the former
of those Places, I have before observed, it was hazardous to think of, or
rather impracticable; _Princes_ had been a sower Grape to them, but being
the first in the Way, she came before the Harbour the 29th, where learning
no News, without loosing Time, steered for the River _Gabone_, and anchored
at the Mouth of it _February_ the 1st.
This River is navigable by two Channels, and has an Island about five
Leagues up, called _Popaguays_ or _Parrots_, where the _Dutch_ Cruisers,
for this Coast, generally Clean, and where sometimes Pyrates come in to
look for Prey, or to Refit, it being very convenient, by Reason of a soft
Mud about it, that admits a Ship's lying on Shore, with all her Guns and
Stores in, without Damage. Hither Captain _Ogle_ sent his Boat and a
Lieutenant, who spoke with a _Dutch_ Ship, above the Island, from whom he
had this Account, _viz._ That he had been four Days from Cape _Lopez_, and
had left no Ship there. However, they beat up for the Cape, without regard
to this Story, and on the 5th, at Dawning, was surprized with the Noise of
a Gun, which, as the Day brightened, they found was from Cape _Lopez_ Bay,
where they discovered three Ships at Anchor, the largest with the King's
Colours and Pendant flying, which was soon after concluded to be Mr.
_Roberts_ and his Consorts; but the _Swallow_ being to Windward, and
unexpectedly deep in the Bay, was obliged to Steer off, for avoiding a
Sand, called the _French Man_'s _Bank_, which the Pyrates observed for some
Time, and rashly interpreting it to be Fear in her, righted the _French
Ranger_, which was then on the Heel, and ordered her to chase out in all
hast, bending several of their Sails in the Pursuit. The Man of War finding
they had foolishly mistaken her Design, humoured the Deceit, and kept off
to Sea, as if she had been really afraid, and managed her Steerage so,
under the Direction of Lieutenant _Sun_, an experienced Officer, as to let
the _Ranger_ come up with her, when they thought they had got so far as not
to have their Guns heard by her Consort at the Cape. The Pyrates had such
an Opinion of their own Courage, that they could never dream any Body would
use a Stratagem to speak with them, and so was the more easily drawn into
the Snare.
The Pyrates now drew nigh enough to fire their Chase Guns; they hoisted the
black Flag that was worn in _Whydah_ Road, and got their Spritsail Yard
along-ships, with Intent to board; no one having ever asked, all this
while, what Country Ship they took the Chase to be; they would have her to
be a _Portuguese_, (Sugar being then a Commodity among them,) and were
swearing every Minute at the Wind or Sails to expedite so sweet a Chase;
but, alass, all turned sour in an Instant: It was with the utmost
Consternation they saw her suddenly bring to, and hawl up her lower Ports,
now within Pistol-shot, and struck their black Flag upon it directly. After
the first Surprize was over, they kept firing at a Distance, hoisted it
again, and vapoured with their Cutlashes on the Poop; tho' wisely
endeavouring at the same Time to get away. Being now at their Wits end,
boarding was proposed by the Heads of them, and so to make one desperate
Push; but the Motion not being well seconded, and their Main-Top-Mast
coming down by a Shot, after two Hours firing, it was declin'd; they grew
Sick, struck their Colours, and called out for Quarters; having had 10 Men
killed out right, and 20 wounded, without the loss or hurt of one of the
King's Men. She had 32 Guns, mann'd with 16 _French_ Men, 20 Negroes, and
77 _English._ The Colours were thrown over board, that they might not rise
in Judgment, nor be display'd in Tryumph over them.
While the _Swallow_ was sending their Boat to fetch the Prisoners, a Blast
and Smoak was seen to pour out of the great Cabin, and they thought they
were blowing up; but upon enquiry afterwards, found that half a dozen of
the most Desperate, when they saw all Hopes fled, had drawn themselves
round what Powder they had left in the Steerage, and fired a Pistol into
it, but it was too small a Quantity to effect any Thing more, than burning
them in a frightful Manner.
This Ship was commanded by one _Skyrme_, a _Welch_ Man, who, tho' he had
lost his Leg in the Action, would not suffer himself to be dressed, or
carried off the Deck; but, like _Widrington_, fought upon his Stump. The
rest appeared gay and brisk, most of them with white Shirts, Watches, and a
deal of Silk Vests, but the Gold-Dust belonging to them, was most of it
left in the _Little Ranger_ in the Bay, (this Company's proper Ship,) with
the _Royal Fortune._
I cannot but take Notice of two among the Crowd, of those disfigured from
the Blast of Powder just before mentioned, _viz. William Main_ and _Roger
Ball._ An Officer of the Ship seeing a Silver Call hang at the Wast of the
former, said to him, _I presume you are Boatswain of this Ship. Then you
presume wrong_, answered he, _for I am Boatswain of the_ Royal Fortune,
_Captain_ Roberts _Commander. Then Mr._ Boatswain _you will be hanged I
believe_, replies the Officer. _That is as your Honour pleases_, answered
he again, and was for turning away: But the Officer desired to know of him,
how the Powder, which had made them in that Condition, came to take
Fire.--_By G_-- says he, _they are all mad and bewitch'd, for I have lost a
good Hat by it._ (the Hat and he being both blown out of the Cabin Gallery,
into the Sea.) _But what signifies a Hat Friend_, says the Officer.-_Not
much_ answer'd he, the Men being busy in stripping him of his Shoes and
Stockings.--The Officer then enquired of him, whether _Roberts_'s Company
were as likely Fellows as these.-- _There are_ 120 _of them_, (answered he)
_as clever Fellows as ever trod Shoe Leather: Would I were with them!--No
doubt on't_, says the Officer.--_By G-- it is naked Truth_, answered he,
looking down and seeing himself, by this Time, quite striped.
The Officer then approached _Roger Ball_, who was seated in a private
Corner, with a Look as sullen as Winter, and asked him, how he came blown
up in that frightful Manner.--_Why_, says he, John Morris _fired a Pistol
into the Powder, and if he had not done it, I would_, (bearing his Pain
without the least Complaint.) The Officer gave him to understand he was
Surgeon, and if he desired it, he would dress him; but he swore it should
not be done, and that if any Thing was applied to him, he would tear it
off.--Nevertheless the Surgeon had good Nature enough to dress him, tho'
with much trouble: At Night he was in a kind of _Delirium_, and raved on
the Bravery of _Roberts_, saying, he should shortly be released, as soon as
they should meet him, which procured him a lashing down upon the
Forecastle, which he resisting with all his Force, caused him to be used
with the more Violence, so that he was tied down with so much Severity,
that his Flesh being sore and tender with the blowing up, he died next Day
of a Mortification.
They secured the Prisoners with Pinions, and Shackles, but the Ship was so
much disabled in the Engagement, that they had once Thoughts to set her on
Fire; but this would have given them the Trouble of taking the Pyrates
wounded Men on Board themselves, and that they were certain the _Royal
Fortune_ would wait for their Consort's Return, they lay by her two Days,
repaired her Rigging and other Damages, and sent her into _Princes_, with
the _French_ Men, and four of their own Hands.
On the 9th in the Evening, the _Swallow_ gained the Cape again, and saw the
_Royal Fortune_ standing into the Bay with the _Neptune_, Captain _Hill_,
of _London_: A good Presage of the next Day's Success, for they did not
doubt but the Temptation of Liquor, and Plunder, they might find in this
their new Prize, would make the Pyrates very confused; and so it happened.
On the 10th, in the Morning, the Man of War bore away to round the Cape.
_Roberts_'s Crew discerning their Masts over the Land, went down into the
Cabin, to acquaint him of it, he being then at Breakfast with his new
Guest, Captain _Hill_, on a savory Dish of Solomongundy, and some of his
own Beer. He took no Notice of it, and his Men almost as little, some
saying she was a _Portuguese_ Ship, others a _French_ Slave Ship, but the
major Part swore it was the _French Ranger_ returning, and were merrily
debating for some Time, on the Manner of Reception, whether they should
salute, or not; but as the _Swallow_ approached nigher, Things appeared
plainer, and though they were stigmatiz'd with the Name of Cowards, who
shewed any Apprehension of Danger, yet some of them, now undeceived,
declared it to _Roberts_, especially one _Armstrong_, who had deserted from
that Ship, and knew her well: Those _Roberts_ swore at as Cowards, who
meant to dishearten the Men, asking them if it were so, whether they were
afraid to fight, or no? And hardly refrained from Blows. What his own
Apprehensions were, till she hawled up her Ports, and hoisted their proper
Colours, is uncertain; but then being perfectly convinced, he slipped his
Cable, got under Sail, and ordered his Men to Arms, without any shew of
Timidity, dropping a first Rate Oath, _that it was a Bite_, but, at the
same Time, resolved, like a gallant Rogue, to get clear, or die.
There was one _Armstrong_, as I just mention'd, a Deserter from the
_Swallow_, whom they enquired of concerning the Trim and Sailing of that
Ship; he told them she sail'd best upon a Wind, and therefore, if they
designed to leave her, they should go before it.
The Danger was imminent, and Time very short, to consult of Means to
extricate himself; his Resolution in this Streight, was as follows: To pass
close to the _Swallow_, with all their Sails, and receive her Broadside,
before they returned a Shot; if disabled by this, or that they could not
depend on sailing, then to run on Shore at the Point, (which is steep to)
and every one to shift for himself among the Negroes; or failing in these,
to board, and blow up together, for he saw that the greatest Part of his
Men were drunk, passively Couragious, unfit for Service.
_Roberts_ himself made a gallant Figure, at the Time of the Engagement,
being dressed in a rich crimson Damask Wastcoat and Breeches, a red Feather
in his Hat, a Gold Chain round his Neck, with a Diamond Cross hanging to
it, a Sword in his Hand, and two Pair of Pistols hanging at the End of a
Silk Sling, flung over his Shoulders (according to the Fashion of the
Pyrates;) and is said to have given his Orders with Boldness, and Spirit;
coming, according to what he had purposed, close to the Man of War,
received her Fire, and then hoisted his Black Flag, and returned it,
shooting away from her, with all the Sail he could pack; and had he took
_Armstrong_'s Advice, to have gone before the Wind, he had probably
escaped; but keeping his Tacks down, either by the Winds shifting, or ill
Steerage, or both, he was taken a-back with his Sails, and the _Swallow_
came a second Time very nigh to him: He had now perhaps finished the Fight
very desperately, if Death, who took a swift Passage in a Grape-Shot, had
not interposed, and struck him directly on the Throat. He settled himself
on the Tackles of a Gun, which one _Stephenson_, from the Helm, observing,
ran to his Assistance, and not perceiving him wounded, swore at him, and
bid him stand up, and fight like a Man; but when he found his Mistake, and
that his Captain was certainly dead, he gushed into Tears, and wished the
next Shot might be his Lot. They presently threw him over-board, with his
Arms and Ornaments on, according to the repeated Request he made in his
Life-time.
_Roberts_ was a tall black Man, near forty Years of Age, born at
_Newey-bagh_, nigh _Haverford-West_, in _Pembrokshire_, of good natural
Parts, and personal Bravery, tho' he applied them to such wicked Purposes,
as made them of no Commendation, frequently drinking _D--n to him who ever
lived to wear a Halter._ He was forc'd himself at first among this Company
out of the _Prince_, Captain _Plumb_ at _Anamaboe_, about three Years
before, where he served as second Mate, and shed, as he us'd to tell the
_fresh Men_, as many Crocodile Tears then as they did now, but Time and
good Company had wore it off. He could not plead Want of Employment, nor
Incapacity of getting his Bread in an honest way, to favour so vile a
Change, nor was he so much a Coward as to pretend it; but frankly own'd, it
was to get rid of the disagreeable Superiority of some Masters he was
acquainted with, and the Love of Novelty and Change, Maritime
Peregrinations had accustom'd him to. _In an honest Service_, says he,
_there is thin Commons, low Wages, and hard Labour; in this, Plenty and
Satiety, Pleasure and Ease, Liberty and Power; and who would not ballance
Creditor on this Side, when all the Hazard that is run for it, at worst, is
only a sour Look or two at choaking. No_, A merry Life and a short one,
_shall be my Motto._ Thus he preach'd himself into an Approbation of what
he at first abhorr'd; and being daily regal'd with Musick, Drinking, and
the Gaiety and Diversions of his Companions, these deprav'd Propensities
were quickly edg'd and strengthen'd, to the extinguishing of Fear and
Conscience. Yet among all the vile and ignominious Acts he had perpetrated,
he is said to have had an Aversion towards forcing Men into that Service,
and had procured some their Discharge, notwithstanding so many made it
their Plea.
When _Roberts_ was gone, as tho' he had been the Life and Soul of the Gang,
their Spirits sunk; many deserted their Quarters, and all stupidly
neglected any Means for Defence, or Escape; and their Main-mast soon after
being shot by the Board, they had no Way left, but to surrender and call
for Quarters. The _Swallow_ kept aloof, while her Boat passed, and repassed
for the Prisoners; because they understood they were under an Oath to blow
up; and some of the Desperadoes shewed a Willingness that Way, Matches
being lighted, and Scuffles happening between those who would, and those
who opposed it: But I cannot easily account for this Humour, which can be
term'd no more than a false Courage, since any of them had Power to destroy
his own Life, either by Pistol, or Drowning, without involving others in
the same Fate, who are in no Temper of Mind for it: And at best, it had
been only dying, for fear of Death.
She had 40 Guns, and 157 Men, 45 whereof were Negroes; three only were
killed in the Action, without any Loss to the _Swallow._ There was found
upwards of 2000 _l._ in Gold-Dust in her. The Flag could not be got easily
from under the fallen Mast, and was therefore recover'd by the _Swallow_;
it had the Figure of a Skeleton in it, and a Man pourtray'd with a flaming
Sword in his Hand, intimating a Defyance of Death it self.
The _Swallow_ returned back into Cape _Lopez_ Bay, and found the little
_Ranger_, whom the Pyrates had deserted in hast, for the better Defence of
the Ship: She had been plunder'd, according to what I could learn, of 2000
l. in Gold-Dust, (the Shares of those Pyrates who belonged to her;) and
Captain _Hill_, in the _Neptune_, not unjustly suspected, for he would not
wait the Man of War's returning into the Bay again, but sail'd away
immediately, making no Scruple afterwards to own the Seizure of other Goods
out of her, and surrender'd, as a Confirmation of all, 50 Ounces at
_Barbadoes_, for which, see the Article at the End of this Book.
_All Persons who after the_ 29_th of_ Septem. 1690, &c.
To sum up the whole, if it be considered, first, that the sickly State of
the Men of War, when they sail'd from _Princes_, was the Misfortune that
hindered their being as far as _Sierraleon_, and consequently out of the
Track the Pyrates then took. That those Pyrates, directly contrary to their
Design, in the second Expedition, should get above Cape _Corso_, and that
nigh _Axim_, a Chace should offer, that inevitably must discover them, and
be soon communicated to the Men of War. That the satiating their evil and
malicious Tempers at _Whydah_, in burning the _Porcupine_, and running off
with the _French_ Ship, had strengthened the _Swallow_ with 30 Men. That
the _Swallow_ should miss them in that Road, where probably she had not, or
at least so effectually obtained her End. That they should be so far
infatuated at Cape _Lopez_, as to divide their Strength, which when
collected, might have been so formidable. And lastly, that the Conquest
should be without Bloodshed: I say, considering all these Circumstances, it
shews that the Hand of Providence was concerned in their Destruction. As to
their Behaviour after they were taken, it was found that they had great
Inclinations to rebel, if they could have laid hold of any Opportunity. For
they were very uneasy under Restraint, having been lately all Commanders
themselves; nor could they brook their Diet, or Quarters, without cursing
and swearing, and upbraiding each other, with the Folly that had brought
them to it.
So that to secure themselves against any mad desperate Undertaking of
theirs, they strongly barricado'd the Gun-Room, and made another Prison
before it; an Officer, with Pistols and Cutlashes, doing Duty, Night and
Day, and the Prisoners within, manacled and shackled.
They would yet in these Circumstances be impudently merry, saying, when
they viewed their Nakedness, _that they had not left them a halfpenny, to
give old_ Charon, _to ferry them over_ Stix: And at their thin Commons,
they would observe, that they fell away so fast, that they should not have
Weight left to hang them. _Sutton_ used to be very prophane; he happening
to be in the same Irons with another Prisoner, who was more serious than
ordinary, and read and pray'd often, as became his Condition; this Man
_Sutton_ used to swear at, and ask him, _what he proposed by so much Noise
and Devotion? Heaven_, says the other, _I hope. Heaven, you Fool_, says
_Sutton, did you ever hear of any Pyrates going thither? Give me H--ll,
it's a merrier Place; I'll give_ Roberts _a Salute of_ 13 _Guns at
Entrance._ And when he found such ludicrous Expressions had no Effect on
him, he made a formal Complaint, and requested that the Officer would
either remove this Man, or take his Prayer-Book away, as a common
Disturber.
A Combination and Conspiracy was formed, betwixt _Moody, Ashplant, Magnes,
Mare_, and others, to rise, and kill the Officers, and run away with the
Ship. This they had carried on by Means of a Mulatto Boy, who was allow'd
to attend them, and proved very trusty in his Messages, between the
Principals; but the Evening of that Night they were to have made this
Struggle, two of the Prisoners that sat next to _Ashplant_, heard the Boy
whisper them upon the Project, and naming to him the Hour they should be
ready, presently gave Notice of it to the Captain, which put the Ship in an
Alarm, for a little Time; and, on Examination, several of them had made
shift to break off, or lose, their Shackles, (no doubt for such Purpose;)
but it tended only to procure to themselves worse Usage and Confinement.
In the same Passage to Cape _Corso_, the Prize, _Royal Fortune_, was in the
same Danger. She was left at the Island of St. _Thomas_'s, in the
Possession of an Officer, and a few Men, to take in some fresh Provisions,
(which were scarce at Cape _Corso_) with Orders to follow the Ship. There
were only some of the Pyrates Negroes, three or four wounded Prisoners, and
_Scudamore_, their Surgeon; from whom they seemed to be under no
Apprehension, especially from the last, who might have hoped for Favour, on
Account of his Employ; and had stood so much indebted for his Liberty,
eating and drinking constantly with the Officer; yet this Fellow,
regardless of the Favour, and lost to all Sense of Reformation, endeavoured
to bring over the Negroes to his Design of murdering the People, and
running away with the Ship. He easily prevailed with the Negroes to come
into the Design; but when he came to communicate it to his Fellow
Prisoners, and would have drawn them into the same Measures, by telling
them, he understood Navigation, that the Negroes were stout Fellows, and by
a Smattering he had in the _Angolan_ Language, he had found willing to
undertake such an Enterprize; and that it was better venturing to do this,
run down the Coast, and raise a new Company, than to proceed to Cape
_Corso_, and be hanged like a Dog, and Sun dry'd. One of them abhorring the
Cruelty, or fearing the Success, discovered it to the Officer, who made him
immediately a Prisoner, and brought the Ship safe.
When they came to be lodg'd in Cape _Corso-Castle_, their Hopes of this
kind all cut off, and that they were assured they must there soon receive a
final Sentence; the Note was changed among most of them, and from vain
insolent jesting, they became serious and devout, begging for good Books,
and joyning in publick Prayers, and singing of Psalms, twice at least every
Day.
As to their Tryals, if we should give them at length, it may appear tedious
to the Reader, for which Reason, I have, for the avoiding Tautology and
Repetition, put as many of them together as were try'd for the same Fact,
reserving the Circumstances which are most material, with Observations on
the dying Behaviour of such of them, as came to my Knowledge.
And first, it may be observed from the List, that a great Part of these
Pyrate Ships Crews, were Men entered on the Coast of _Africa_, not many
Months before they were taken; from whence, it may be concluded, that the
pretended Constraint of _Roberts_, on them, was very often a Complotment
between Parties equally willing: And this _Roberts_ several Times openly
declared, particularly to the _Onslow_'s People, whom he called aft, and
ask'd of them, _who was willing to go, for he would force no Body?_ As was
deposed, by some of his best Hands, after Acquittal; nor is it reasonable
to think, he should reject _Irish_ Voluntiers, only from a Pique against
_Kennedy_, and force others, that might hazard, and, in Time, destroy his
Government: But their Behaviour soon put him out of this Fear, and
convinc'd him, that the Plea of Force was only the best Artifice they had
to shelter themselves under, in Case they should be taken; and that they
were less Rogues than others, only in Point of Time.
It may likewise be taken Notice of, that the Country, wherein they happened
to be tried, is among other Happinesses, exempted from Lawyers, and
Law-Books, so that the Office of Register, of necessity fell on one, not
versed in those Affairs, which might justify the Court in want of Form,
more essentially supply'd with Integrity and Impartiality.
But, perhaps, if there was less Law, there might be more Justice, than in
some other Courts; for, if the civil Law be a Law of universal Reason,
judging of the Rectitude, or Obliquity of Mens Actions, every Man of common
Sense is endued with a Portion of it, at least sufficient to make him
distinguish Right from Wrong, or what the Civilians call, _Malum in se._
Therefore, here, if two Persons were equally Guilty of the same Fact, there
was no convicting one, and bringing the other off, by any Quirk, or turn of
Law; for they form'd their Judgments upon the Constraint, or Willingness,
the Aim, and Intention of the Parties, and all other Circumstances, which
make a material Difference. Besides, in Crimes of this Nature, Men bred up
to the Sea, must be more knowing, and much abler, than others more learned
in the Law; for, before a Man can have a right Idea of a Thing, he must
know the Terms standing for that Thing: The Sea-Terms being a Language by
it self, which no Lawyer can be supposed to understand, he must of
Consequence want that discriminating Faculty, which should direct him to
judge right of the Facts meant by those Terms.
The Court well knew, it was not possible to get the Evidence of every
Sufferer by this Crew, and therefore, first of all, considered how that
Deficiency should be supplied; whether, or no, they could pardon one _Jo.
Dennis_, who had early offered himself, as King's Evidence, and was the
best read in their Lives and Conversations: Here indeed, they were at a
Loss for Law, and concluded in the Negative, because it look'd like
compounding with a Man to swear falsly, losing by it, those great Helps he
could have afforded.
Another great Difficulty in their Proceedings, was, how to understand those
Words in the Act of Parliament, of, _particularly specifying in the Charge,
the Circumstances of Time, Place_, &c. _i. e._ so to understand them, as to
be able to hold a Court; for if they had been indicted on particular
Robberies, the Evidence had happened mostly from the Royal _African_
Company's Ships, on which these Gentlemen of _Cape-Corso-Castle_, were not
qualify'd to sit, their Oath running, _That they have no Interest directly,
or indirectly, in the Ship, or Goods, for the Robbery of which, the Party
stands accused_: And this they thought they had, Commissions being paid
them, on such Goods: And on the other Side, if they were incapacitated, no
Court could be formed, the Commission absolutely requiring three of them by
Name.
To reconcile all Things, therefore, the Court resolved, to bottom the whole
of their Proceedings on the _Swallow's_ Depositions, which were clear and
plain, and had the Circumstance of Time when, Place where, Manner how, and
the like, particularly specified according to the Statute in that Case
made, and provided. But this admitted only a general Intimation of Robbery
in the Indictment, therefore _to approve their Clemency_, it looking
Arbitrary on the Lives of Men, to lump them to the Gallows, in such a
summary Way as must have been done, had they solely adhered to the
_Swallow_'s Charge, they resolved to come to particular Tryals.
Secondly, _That the Prisoners might not be ignorant whereon to answer_, and
so have all fair Advantages, to excuse and defend themselves; the Court
farther agreed with Justice and Equanimity, to hear any Evidence that could
be brought, to weaken or corroborate the three Circumstances that compleat
a Pyrate; first, being a Voluntier amongst them at the Beginning; secondly,
being a Voluntier at the taking or robbing of any Ship; or lastly,
voluntarily accepting a Share in the Booty of those that did; for by a
Parity of Reason, where these Actions were of their own disposing, and yet
committed by them, it must be believed their Hearts and Hands joyned
together, in what they acted against his Majesty's Ship the _Swallow._
_The_ TRYALS _of the_ PYRATES,
_Taken by his Majesty's Ship the_ Swallow, _begun at Cape_
Corso-Castle, _on the Coast of_ Africa, March _the_ 28_th_, 1722.
THE Commission impowered any three named therein, to call to their
Assistance, such a Number of qualified Persons as might make the Court
always consist of seven: And accordingly Summons were signed to Lieut. _Jo.
Barnsley_, Lieut. _Ch. Fanshaw_, Capt. _Samuel Hartsease_, and Capt.
_William Menzies, viz._
BY Virtue of a Power and Authority, to us given, by a
Commission from the King, under the Seal of Admiralty,
You are hereby required to attend, and make one of the
Court, for the trying and adjudging of the Pyrates,
lately taken on this Coast, by his Majesty's Ship the
_Swallow._
Given under our Hands this 28th of _March_, 1722, at Cape
_Carso-Castle._
_Mungo Heardman_, _James Phips_, _Henry Dodson_, _Francis Boy_,
_Edward Hide._
The Commissioners being met in the Hall of the Castle, the Commission was
first read, after which, the President, and then the other Members, took
the Oath, prescribed in the Act of Parliament, and having directed the Form
of that for Witnesses, as follows, the Court was opened.
I, A. B. _solemnly promise and swear on the Holy Evangelists, to bear
true and faithful Witness between the King and Prisoner, or Prisoners, in
Relation to the Fact, or Facts, of Pyracy and Robbery, he or they do now
stand accused of._ So help me God.
The Court consisted of Captain _Mungo Heardman_, President. James Phips,
_Esq; General of the Coast_, _Mr._ H. Dodson, _Mer._ _Mr._ F. Boye, _Mer._
_Mr._ Edward Hyde, _Secretary to the Company._ _Lieut._ John Barnsley,
_Lieut._ Ch. Fanshaw.
The following Prisoners, out of the Pyrate Ship _Ranger_, having been
commanded before them, the Charge, or Indictment, was exhibited.
Prisoners taken in the _Ranger_.
Mens Names. Ships from Time when.
* James Skyrm Greyhound Sloop Oct. 1720
* Rich. Hardy Pyrate with Davis 1718
* Wm. Main Brigantine Capt. Peet June 1720
* Henry Dennis } 1718
* Val. Ashplant } Pyrates with Capt. Davis 1719
* Rob. Birdson } 1719
* Rich. Harris } Phoenix of Bristol, Capt. }
* D. Littlejohn } Richards } June 1720
* Thomas How at Newfoundland }
+ Her. Hunkins Success Sloop
* Hugh Harris Willing Mind }
* W. Mackintosh }
Thomas Wills Richard of Biddiford } July 1720
+ John Wilden Mary and Martha }
* Ja. Greenham Little York, Phillips Mr. }
* John Jaynson Love of Lancaster }
+ Chri. Lang Thomas Brigantine Sept. 1720
* John Mitchel } Norman Galley Oct. 1720
T. Withstandenot }
Peter la Fever } Jeremiah and Ann Ap. 1720
* Wm. Shurin }
* Wm. Wats } Sierraleon }of Mr. Glin } July 1721
* Wm. Davis } }of Seig. Josseé }
+ James Barrow } Martha Snow Capt Lady
* Joshua Lee }
Rob. Hartley (1) } Robinson of Leverpole Capt. Aug. 1721
+ James Crane } Kanning
George Smithson } }
Roger Pye } }
+ Rob. Fletcher } Stanwich Galley Captain } Aug. 1721
* Ro. Hartley (2) } Tarlton }
+ Andrew Rance A Dutch Ship }
* Cuthbert Goss } }
* Tho. Giles } Mercy Galley of Bristol } Oct. 1721
* Israel Hynde } at Callibar }
William Church Gertruycht of Holland }
Philip Haak Flushingham of ditto }
William Smith } Elizabeth Capt. Sharp }
Adam Comry } }
}
William Graves } }
* Peter de Vine } King Solomon Capt. Trehern }
John Johnson } off Cape Appollonia }
John Stodgill } }
}
Henry Dawson } Whydah Sloop at Jaquin }
William Glass } } Jan. 172½
}
Josiah Robinson } }
John Arnaught } }
John Davis } }
+ Henry Graves } Tarlton Capt. Tho. Tarlton, }
Tho. Howard } }
+ John Rimer } }
Thomas Clephen } }
Wm. Guineys Porcupine Capt. Fletcher }
+ James Cosins }
Tho. Stretton }
* William Petty }
Mic. Lemmon } Onslow Capt. Gee at Cestos Jan. 172½
* Wm. Wood }
* Ed. Watts }
* John Horn }
Pierre Ravon Peter Grossey }
John Dugan Rence Frogier }
James Ardeon Lewis Arnaut } From the
Ettrien Gilliot Rence Thoby } French Ship
Ren. Marraud Meth Roulac } in Whydah
John Gittin John Gumar } Road Feb.
Jo. Richardeau John Paquete } 1721-2.
John Lavogue Allan Pigan }
John Duplaissey Pierce Shillot }
You, _James Skyrm, Michael Lemmon, Robert Hartley_, &c.
Y_E, and every one of you, are in the Name, and by the Authority, of
our dread Sovereign Lord_, George, _King of_ Great Britain, _indicted as
follows_;
_Forasmuch as in open Contempt of the Laws of your Country, ye have all of
you been wickedly united, and articled together, for the Annoyance and
Disturbance of his Majesty's trading Subjects by Sea. And have in
Conformity to the most evil and mischievous Intentions, been twice down the
Coast of_ Africa, _with two Ships; once in the Beginning of_ August, _and a
second Time, in_ January _last, sinking, burning, or robbing such Ships,
and Vessels, as then happened in your Way._
_Particularly, ye stand charged at the Instance, and Information of
Captain_ Chaloner Ogle, _as Traytors and Pyrates, for the unlawful
Opposition ye made to his Majesty's Ship, the_ Swallow, _under his
Command._
_For that on the_ 5_th of_ February _last past, upon Sight of the aforesaid
King's Ship, ye did immediately weigh Anchor from under Cape_ Lopez, _on
the Southern Coast of_ Africa, _in a_ French _built Ship of_ 32 _Guns,
called the_ Ranger, _and did pursue and chase the aforesaid King's Ship,
with such Dispatch and Precipitancy, as declared ye common Robbers and
Pyrates._
_That about Ten of the Clock the same Morning, drawing within Gun-shot of
his Majesty's aforesaid Ship the_ Swallow, _ye hoisted a pyratical black
Flag, and fired several chace Guns, to deter, as much as ye were able, his
Majesty's Servants from their Duty._
_That an Hour after this, being very nigh to the aforesaid King's Ship, ye
did audaciously continue in a hostile Defence and Assault, for about two
Hours more, in open Violation of the Laws, and in Defiance to the King's
Colours and Commission._
_And lastly, that in the acting, and compassing of all this, ye were all,
and every one of you, in a wicked Combination, voluntarily to exert, and
actually did, in your several Stations, use your utmost Endeavours to
distress the said King's Ship, and murder his Majesty's good Subjects._