8. _He that sees a Sail first, shall have the best Pistol, or Small-Arm, on
Board her._
It was the 13th of _June_, that _Lowther_ left the Settlement, and on the
20th, being then within twenty Leagues of _Barbadoes_, he came up with a
Brigantine, belonging to _Boston_, called the _Charles, James Douglass_
Master, which they plundered in a pyratical Manner, and let the Vessel go;
but least she should meet with any of the Station Ships, and so give
Information of the Robbery, _in Terrorem_, to prevent a Pursuit, _Lowther_
contrived a sort of a Certificate, which he directed the Master to shew to
their Consort, if they should meet with her; and upon Sight of it the
Brigantine would pass unmolested: This Consort, he pretended, was a 40 Gun
Ship, and cruising therabouts.
After this the _Delivery_ proceeded to _Hispaniola_; near the West End of
the Island she met with a _French_ Sloop loaden with Wine and Brandy;
aboard of this Vessel went Captain _Massey_, as a Merchant, and ask'd the
Price of one Thing, and then another, bidding Money for the greatest Part
of the Cargo; but after he had trifled a while, he whisper'd a Secret in
the _French_ Man's Ear, _viz. That they must have it all without Money.
Monsieur_ presently understood his Meaning, and unwillingly agreed to the
Bargain. They took out of her thirty Casks of Brandy, five Hogsheads of
Wine, several Pieces of Chintzes, and other valuable Goods, and about 70
_l. English_, in Money; of which _Lowther_ generously return'd five Pounds
back to the _French_ Master for his Civilities.
But as all Constitutions grow old, and thereby shake and totter, so did our
Commonwealth in about a Month of its Age, feel Commotions and intestine
Disturbances, by the Divisions of its Members, which had near hand
terminated in its Destruction; these civil Discords were owing to the
following Occasion. Captain _Massey_ had been a Soldier almost from his
Infancy, but was but very indifferently acquainted with Maritime Affairs,
and having an enterprizing Soul, nothing would satisfy him, but he must be
doing Business in his own Way, therefore he required _Lowther_ to let him
have thirty Hands to land with, and he would attack the _French_
Settlements, and bring aboard the Devil and all of Plunder.
_Lowther_ did all that he could do, and said all that he could say, to
disswade _Massey_ from so rash and dangerous an Attempt; pointing out to
him the Hazard the Company would run, and the Consequences to them all, if
he should not succeed, and the little Likelihood there was to expect
Success from the Undertaking: But 'twas all one for that, _Massey_ would go
and attack the _French_ Settlements, for any thing _Lowther_ could say
against it; so that he was obliged to propose the Matter to the Company,
among whom _Massey_ found a few Fellows as resolute as himself; however, a
great Majority being against it, the Affair was over-ruled in Opposition to
Captain _Massey_, notwithstanding which, _Massey_ grew fractious,
quarrelled with _Lowther_, and the Men divided into Parties, some siding
with the Land Pyrate, and some with the Sea Rover, and were all ready to
fall together by the Ears, when the Man at the Mast-head cry'd out, A Sail!
A Sail! then they gave over the Dispute, set all their Sails, and steered
after the Chace. In a few Hours they came up with her, she being a small
Ship from _Jamaica_, bound to _England_; they took what they thought fit
out of her, and a Hand or two, and then _Lowther_ was for sinking the Ship,
with several Passengers that were in her, for what Reason I know not, but
_Massey_ so that he interposed, prevented their cruel Fate, and the Ship
safely arrived afterwards in _England._
The next Day they took a small Sloop, an interloping Trader, which they
detain'd with her Cargo. All this while _Massey_ was uneasy, and declar'd
his Resolution to leave them, and _Lowther_ finding him a very troublesome
Man to deal with, consented that he should take the Sloop, last made Prize
of, with what Hands had a Mind to go with him, and shift for himself.
Whereupon _Massey_, with about ten more Malecontents, goes aboard the
Sloop, and comes away in her directly for _Jamaica._
Notwithstanding what had passed, Captain _Massey_ puts a bold Face upon the
Matter, and goes to Sir _Nicholas Laws_, the Governor, informs him of his
leaving _Lowther_ the Pyrate, owns, _That he assisted in going off with the
Ship, at the River_ Gambia; but said, _'twas to save so many of his
Majesty's Subjects from perishing, and that his Design was to return to_
England; _but_ Lowther _conspiring with the greater Part of the Company,
went a pyrating with the Ship; and that he had taken this Opportunity to
leave him, and surrender himself and Vessel to his Excellency._
_Massey_ was very well received by the Governor, and had his Liberty given
him, with a Promise of his Favour, and so forth; and, at his own Request,
he was sent on Board the _Happy_ Sloop, Captain _Laws_, to cruise off
_Hispaniola_, for _Lowther_; but not being so fortunate as to meet with
him, Captain _Massey_ returned back to _Jamaica_ in the Sloop, and getting
a Certificate, and a Supply of Money, from the Governor, he came home
Passenger to _England._
When _Massey_ came to Town, he writes a long Letter to the Deputy Governor
and Directors of the _African_ Company, wherein he imprudently relates the
whole Transactions of his Voyage, the going off with the Ship, and the Acts
of Pyracy he had committed with _Lowther_; but excuses it as Rashness and
Inadvertency in himself, occasioned by his being ill used, contrary to the
Promises that had been made him, and the Expectations he had entertained;
but own'd, that he deserved to dye for what he had done; yet, if they had
Generosity enough to forgive him, as he was still capable to do them
Service, as a Soldier, so he should be very ready to do it; but if they
resolved to prosecute him, he begg'd only this Favour, that he might not be
hang'd like a Dog, but to die like a Soldier, as he had been bred from his
Childhood, that is, that he might be shot.
This was the Substance of the Letter, which, however, did not produce so
favourable an Answer as he hoped for, Word being brought back to him, _That
he should be fairly hang'd._ Whereupon, _Massey_ resolved not to be out of
the Way, when he found what important Occasion there was likely to be for
him, but takes a Lodging in _Aldersgate-Street_, the next Day went to the
Lord Chief Justice's Chambers, and enquired, if my Lord had granted a
Warrant against Captain _John Massey_, for Pyracy: But being told by the
Clerks, that they knew of no such Thing; he informed them, he was the Man,
that my Lord would soon be apply'd to for that Purpose, and the Officer
might come to him at such a Place, where he lodg'd: They took the
Directions in Writing, and, in a few Days, a Warrant being issued, the
Tipstaff went directly, by his own Information, and apprehended him,
without any other Trouble, than walking to his Lodging.
There was then no Person in Town to charge him with any Fact, upon which he
could be committed; nor could the Letter be proved to be of his
Hand-Writing, so that they had been obliged to let him go again, if he had
not helped his Accusers out at Pinch: The Magistrate was reduced to the
putting of this Question to him, _Did you write this Letter?_ He answered,
_He did_: And not only that, but confessed all the Contents of it; upon
which, he was committed to _Newgate_, but was afterwards admitted to a
hundred Pounds Bail, or thereabouts.
On the 5th of _July_ 1723, he was brought to his Tryal, at a Court of
Admiralty held at the _Old-Baily_, when Captain _Russel_, Governor
_Whitney_'s Son, and others, appeared as Evidences, by whom the Indictment
was plainly proved against him; which, if it had not been done, the Captain
was of such an heroick Spirit, that he would have deny'd nothing; for
instead of making a Defence, he only entertained the Court with a long
Narrative of his Expedition, from the first setting out, to his Return to
_England_, mentioning two Acts of Pyracy committed by him, which he was not
charged with, often challenging the Evidences to contradict him, if in any
Thing he related the least Syllable of an Untruth; and instead of denying
the Crimes set forth in the Indictment, he charged himself with various
Circumstances, which fixed the Facts more home upon him. Upon the whole,
the Captain was found Guilty, received Sentence of Death, and was executed
three Weeks after, at _Execution-Dock._
We return now to _Lowther_, whom we left cruising off _Hispaniola_, from
whence he plyed to Windward, and, near _Porto Rico_, chased two Sail, and
spoke with them; they proving to be a small _Bristol_ Ship, commanded by
Captain _Smith_, and a _Spanish_ Pyrate, who had made Prize of the said
Ship. _Lowther_ examined into the _Spaniard_'s Authority for taking an
_English_ Vessel, and threat'ned to put every Man of them to death, for so
doing; so that the _Spaniards_ fancied themselves to be in a very pittiful
Condition, till Matters cleared up, and they found their Masters as great
Rogues as themselves, from whom some Mercy might be expected, in regard to
the near Relation they stood with them, as to their Profession; in short,
_Lowther_ first rifled, and then burnt both the Ships, sending the
_Spaniards_ away in their Launch, and turning all the _English_ Sailors
into Pyrates.
After a few Days Cruise, _Lowther_ took a small Sloop belonging to St.
_Christophers_, which they mann'd and carried along with them to a small
Island, where they cleaned, and stay'd some Time to take their Diversions,
which consisted in unheard of Debaucheries, with drinking, swearing and
rioting, in which there seemed to be a kind of Emulation among them,
resembling rather Devils than Men, striving who should out do one another
in new invented Oaths and Execrations.
They all got aboard about _Christmas_, observing neither Times nor Seasons,
for perpetrating their villainous Actions, and sailed towards the Bay of
_Honduras_; but stopping at the _Grand Caimanes_ for Water, they met with a
small Vessel with 13 Hands, in the same honourable Employment with
themselves; the Captain of this Gang was one _Edward Lowe_, whom we shall
particularly discourse of in a Chapter by it self: _Lowther_ received them
as Friends, and treated them with all imaginable Respect, inviting them, as
they were few in Number, and in no Condition to pursue the Account, (as
they called it) to join their Strength together, which on the Consideration
aforesaid, was accepted of, _Lowther_ still continuing Commander, and
_Lowe_ was made Lieutenant: The Vessel the new Pyrates came out of, they
sunk, and the Confederates proceed on the Voyage as _Lowther_ before
intended.
The 10th of _January_, the Pyrates came into the Bay, and fell upon a Ship
of 200 Tun, called the _Greyhound, Benjamin Edwards_ Commander, belonging
to _Boston. Lowther_ hoisted his pyratical Colours, and fired a Gun for the
_Greyhound_ to bring to, which she refusing, the _Happy Delivery_ (the Name
of the Pyrate) edg'd down, and gave her a Broadside, which was returned by
Captain _Edwards_ very bravely, and the Engagement held for an Hour; but
Captain _Edwards_, finding the Pyrate too strong for him, and fearing the
Consequence of too obstinate a Resistance against those lawless Fellows,
ordered his Ensign to be struck. The Pyrates Boat came aboard, and not only
rifled the Ship, but whipp'd, beat, and cut the Men in a cruel Manner,
turned them aboard their own Ship, and then set Fire to their's.
In cruising about the Bay, they met and took several other Vessels without
any Resistance, _viz._ two Brigantines of _Boston_ in _New-England_, one of
which they burnt, and sunk the other; a Sloop belonging to _Connecticut_,
Captain _Airs_, which they also burnt; a Sloop of _Jamaica_, Captain
_Hamilton_, they took for their own Use; a Sloop of _Virginia_ they
unladed, and was so generous as to give her back to the Master that own'd
her. They took a Sloop of 100 Ton, belonging to _Rhode Island_, which they
were pleased to keep, and mount with eight Carriage, and ten Swivel Guns.
With this little Fleet, _viz._ Admiral _Lowther_, in the _Happy Delivery_;
Captain _Low_, in the _Rhode Island_ Sloop; Captain _Harris_, (who was
second Mate in the _Greyhound_ when taken,) in _Hamilton_'s Sloop, and the
little Sloop formerly mentioned, serving as a Tender; I say, with this
Fleet the Pyrates left the Bay, and came to _Port Mayo_ in the Gulph of
_Matique_, and there made Preparations to careen; they carried ashore all
their Sails, and made Tents by the Water-Side, wherein they laid their
Plunder, Stores, _&c._ and fell to work; and at the Time that the Ships
were upon the Heel, and the good Folks employ'd in heaving down, scrubing,
tallowing, and so forth; of a sudden came down a considerable Body of the
Natives, and attack'd the Pyrates unprepared. As they were in no Condition
to defend themselves, they fled to their Sloops, leaving them Masters of
the Field and the Spoil thereof, which was of great Value, and set Fire to
the _Happy Delivery_, their capital Ship.
_Lowther_ made the best Provision he could in the largest Sloop, which he
called the _Ranger_, having ten Guns and eight Swivels, and she sailing
best, the Company went all aboard of her, and left the other at Sea.
Provisions was now very short, which, with the late Loss, put them in a
confounded ill Humour, insomuch that they were every now and then going
together by the Ears, laying the Blame of their ill Conduct sometimes upon
one, then upon another.
The Beginning of _May_ 1722, they got to the _West-Indies_, and near the
Island of _Diseada_, took a Brigantine, one _Payne_ Master, that afforded
them what they stood in need of, which put them in better Temper, and
Business seemed to go on well again. After they had pretty well plundered
the Brigantine, they sent her to the Bottom. They went into the Island and
watered, and then stood to the Northward, intending to visit the Main-Coast
of _America._
In the Latitude of 38, they took a Brigantine called the _Rebecca_ of
_Boston_, Captain _Smith_, bound thither from St. _Christophers._ At the
taking of this Vessel, the Crews divided; for _Low_, whom _Lowther_ joined
at the _Grand Caimanes_, proving always a very unruly Member of the
Commonwealth, always aspiring, and never satisfy'd with the Proceedings of
the Commander; he thought it the safest Way to get rid of him, upon any
Terms; and according to the Vote of the Company, they parted the Bear Skin
between them: _Low_ with 44 Hands went aboard the Brigantine, and _Lowther_
with the same Number stay'd in the Sloop, and separated that very Night,
being the 28th of _May_ 1722.
_Lowther_ proceeding on his Way to the Main-Coast, took three or four
fishing Vessels off _New-York_, which was no great Booty to the Captors.
The 3d of _June_, they met with a small _New-England_ Ship, bound home from
_Barbadoes_, which stood an Attack a small Time, but finding it to no
Purpose, yielded herself a Prey to the Booters: The Pyrates took out of her
fourteen Hogsheads of Rum, six Barrels of Sugar, a large Box of _English_
Goods, several Casks of Loaf Sugar, a considerable Quantity of Pepper, six
Negroes, besides a Sum of Money and Plate, and then let her go on her
Voyage.
The next Adventure was not so fortunate for them, for coming pretty near
the Coast of _South-Carolina_, they met with a Ship just come out, on her
Voyage to _England; Lowther_ gave her a Gun, and hoisted his pyratical
Colours; but this Ship, which was called the _Amy_, happening to have a
brave gallant Man to command her, who was not any ways daunted with that
terrible Ensign, the black Flag, he instead of striking immediately, as
'twas expected, let fly a Broadside at the Pyrate. _Lowther_ (not at all
pleased with the Compliment, tho' he put up with it for the present) was
for taking Leave; but the _Amy_ getting the Pyrate between her and the
Shore, stood after him to clap him aboard; to prevent which, _Lowther_ run
the Sloop a-ground, and landed all the Men with their Arms. Captain
_Gwatkins_, the Captain of the _Amy_, was obliged to stand off, for fear of
running his own Ship ashore; but at the same Time thought fit for the
publick Good, to destroy the Enemy; and thereupon went into the Boat, and
rowed towards the Sloop, in order to set her on Fire; but before he reached
the Vessel, a fatal Shot from _Lowther_'s Company ashore, put an End to
their Design and Captain _Gwatkin_'s Life. After this unfortunate Blow, the
Mate returned aboard with the Boat, and not being enclined to pursue them
any farther, took Charge of the Ship.
_Lowther_ got off the Sloop after the Departure of the _Amy_, and brought
all his Men aboard again, but was in a poor shattered Condition, having
suffered much in the Engagement, and had a great many Men kill'd and
wounded: He made Shift to get into an Inlet somewhere in _North-Carolina_,
where he staid a long while before he was able to put to Sea again.
He and his Crew laid up all the Winter, and shifted as well as they could
among the Woods, divided themselves into small Parties, and hunted
generally in the Day Times, killing of black Cattle, Hogs, _&c._ for their
Subsistance, and in the Night retired to their Tents and Huts, which they
made for Lodging; and sometimes when the Weather grew very cold, they would
stay aboard of their Sloop.
In the Spring of the Year 1723, they made Shift to get to Sea, and steered
their Course for _Newfoundland_, and upon the Banks took a Scooner, call'd
the _Swift, John Hood_ Master; they found a good Quantity of Provisions
aboard her, which they very much wanted at that Time, and after taking
three of their Hands, and plundering her of what they thought fit, they let
her depart. They took several other Vessels upon the Banks, and in the
Harbour, but none of any great Account; and then steering for a warmer
Climate, in _August_ arrived at the _West-Indies._ In their Passage
thither, they met with a Brigantine, called the _John_ and _Elizabeth,
Richard Stanny_ Master, bound for _Boston_, which they plundered, took two
of her Men, and discharged her.
_Lowther_ cruised a pretty while among the Islands without any
extraordinary Success, and was reduced to a very small Allowance of
Provisions, till they had the luck to fall in with a _Martinico_ Man, which
proved a seasonable Relief to them; and after that, a _Guiney_ Man had the
ill Fortune to become a Prey to the _Rovers_; she was called the
_Princess_, Captain _Wicksted_ Commander.
It was now thought necessary to look out for a Place to clean their Sloop
in, and prepare for new Adventures: Accordingly the Island of _Blanco_ was
pitched upon for that Purpose, which lies in the Latitude of 11° 50 m. N.
about 30 Leagues from the Main of the _Spanish America_, between the
Islands of _Margarita_ and _Rocas_, and not far from _Tortuga._ It is a low
even Island, but healthy and dry, uninhabited, and about two Leagues in
Circumference, with Plenty of Lignum Vitæ Trees thereon, growing in Spots,
with shrubby Bushes of other Wood about them. There are, besides Turtle,
great Numbers of Guanoes, which is an amphibious Creature like a Lizard,
but much larger, the Body of it being as big as a Man's Leg; they are very
good to eat, and are much used by the Pyrates that come here: They are of
divers Colours, but such as live upon dry Ground, as here at _Blanco_, are
commonly yellow. On the N. W. End of this Island, there is a small Cove or
sandy Bay, all round the rest of the Island is deep Water, and steep close
to the Island. Here _Lowther_ resorted to, the Beginning of _October_ last,
unrigged his Sloop, sent his Guns, Sails, Rigging, _&c._ ashore, and put
his Vessel upon the Careen. The _Eagle_ Sloop of _Barbadoes_, belonging to
the _South-Sea_ Company, with 35 Hands, commanded by _Walter Moore_, coming
near this Island, in her Voyage to _Comena_, on the _Spanish_ Continent,
saw the said Sloop just careen'd, with her Guns out, and Sails unbent,
which she supposed to be a Pyrate, because it was a Place where Traders did
not commonly use, so took the Advantage of attacking her, as she was then
unprepared; the _Eagle_ having fired a Gun to oblige her to shew her
Colours, the Pyrate hoisted the St. _George_'s Flag at their Topmast-Head,
as it were to bid Defiance to her; but when they found _Moore_ and his Crew
resolved to board them in good earnest, the Pyrates cut their Cable and
hawled their Stern on Shore, which obliged the _Eagle_ to come to an Anchor
a-thwart their Hawse, where she engaged them till they called for Quarter
and struck; at which Time _Lowther_ and twelve of the Crew made their
Escape out of the Cabin Window. The Master of the _Eagle_ got the Pyrate
Sloop off, secured her, and went ashore with 25 Hands, in Pursuit of
_Lowther_ and his Gang; but after five Day's search, they could find but
five of them, which they brought aboard, and then proceeded with the Sloop
and Pyrates to _Comena_ aforesaid, where they soon arrived.
The _Spanish_ Governor being informed of this brave Action, condemned the
Sloop to the Captors, and sent a small Sloop with 23 Hands to scower the
Bushes and other Places of the Island of _Blanco_, for the Pyrates that
remained there, and took four more, with seven small Arms, leaving behind
them Captain _Lowther_, three Men, and a little Boy, which they could not
take; the above four the _Spaniards_ try'd and condemned to Slavery for
Life; three to the Gallies, and the other to the Castle of _Arraria._
The _Eagle_ Sloop brought all their Prisoners afterwards to St.
_Christopher_'s, where the following were try'd by a Court of Vice
Admiralty, there held _March_ the 11th, 1722, _viz. John Churchill, Edward
Mackdonald, Nicholas Lewis, Richard West, Sam. Levercott, Robert White,
John Shaw, Andrew Hunter, Jonathan Delve, Matthew Freebarn, Henry Watson,
Roger Grange, Ralph Candor_, and _Robert Willis_; the three last were
acquitted, the other thirteen were found Guilty, two of which were
recommended to Mercy by the Court, and accordingly pardoned; and the rest
executed at that Island, on the 20th of the same Month.
As for Captain _Lowther_, it is said that he afterwards shot himself upon
that fatal Island, where his Pyracies ended, being found, by some Sloop's
Men, dead, and a Pistol burst by his Side.
CHAP. XIII. OF Captain _Edward Low_, And his CREW.
E_dward Low_ was born in _Westminster_, and had his Education there,
such as it was, for he could neither write or read. Nature seem'd to have
designed him for a Pyrate from his Childhood, for very early he began the
Trade of plundering, and was wont to raise Contributions among all the Boys
of _Westminster_; and if any were bold enough to refuse it, a Battle was
the Consequence; but _Low_ was so hardy, as well as bold, there was no
getting the better of him, so that he robbed the Youths of their Farthings,
with Impunity; when he grew bigger he took to Gaming in a low Way, for it
was commonly among the Footmen in the _Lobby_ of the House of Commons,
where he used to play the whole Game, (as they term it,) that is, cheat all
he could, and those who pretended to dispute it with him, must fight him.
The Virtues of some of his Family were equal to his; one of his Brothers
was a Youth of Genius, when he was but seven Years old, he used to be
carried in a Basket, upon a Porter's Back, into a Crowd, and snatch Hats
and Wigs: According to the exact Chronology of _Newgate_, he was the first
who practised this ingenious Trick. After this, he applied himself to
picking of Pockets; when he increased in Strength, he attempted greater
Things, such as House-breaking, _&c._ But after he had run a short Race, he
had the Misfortune of ending his Days at _Tyburn_, in Company with _Stephen
Bunce_, and the celebrated _Jack Hall_ the Chimney-Sweeper.
But to return to _Ned_, when he came to Man's Estate, at his eldest
Brother's Desire, he went to Sea with him, and so continued for three or
four Years, and then parted; and _Ned_ work'd in a Rigging-House in
_Boston_ in _New-England_, for a while. About six Years ago, he took a Trip
home to _England_, to see his Mother, who is yet Living. His Stay was not
long here; but taking Leave of his Friends and Acquaintance, for the last
Time he should see them; for so he was pleased to say; he returned to
_Boston_, and work'd a Year or two longer at the Rigging Business. But
being too apt to disagree with his Masters, he left them, and shipp'd
himself in a Sloop that was bound to the Bay of _Honduras._
When the Sloop arrived in the Bay, _Ned Low_ was appointed Patron of the
Boat, which was employ'd in cutting of Logwood, and bringing it aboard to
lade the Ship; for that is the Commodity they make the Voyage for: In the
Boat were twelve Men besides _Low_, who all go arm'd, because of the
_Spaniards_, from whom this Logwood is but little better than stole. It
happened that the Boat one Day came aboard just before Dinner was ready,
and _Low_ desired that they might stay and Dine; but the Captain, being in
a Hurry for his Lading, ordered them a Bottle of Rum, and to take t'other
Trip, because no Time should be lost: This provoked the Boat's Crew, but
particularly _Low_, who takes up a loaded Musquet and fires at the Captain,
but missing him, shot another poor Fellow thro' the Head, then put off the
Boat, and with his twelve Companions goes to Sea: The next Day they took a
small Vessel, and go in her, make a black Flag, and declare War against all
the World.
They then proceeded to the Island of the _Grand Caimanes_, intending to
have fitted up their small Vessel, and prepare themselves as well as their
Circumstances would permit, for their honourable Employment; but falling in
Company with _George Lowther_, another Pyrate there, who paying his
Compliments to _Low_, as great Folks do to one another when they meet, and
offering himself as an Ally; _Low_ accepted of the Terms, and so the Treaty
was presently sign'd without Plenipo's or any other Formalities.
We have already given an Account of their joynt Pyracies, under _Lowther_
as chief Commander, till the 28th of _May_, 1722, when they took a
Brigantine of _Boston_, bound thither from St. _Christophers_, at which
Time they parted, and _Edward Low_ went into the Brigantine, with forty
four others, who chose him their Captain: They took with them two Guns,
four Swivels, six Quarter-Casks of Powder, Provisions and some Stores, and
so left _Lowther_ to prosecute his Adventures, with the Men he had left.
Their first Adventure in the Brigantine, was on _Sunday_ the 3d Day of
_June_, when they took a Vessel belonging to _Amboy, John Hance_ Master,
whom he rifled of his Provisions, and let go; the same Day he met with a
Sloop, _James Calquhoon_ Master, off of _Rhode Island_, bound into that
Port, whom he first plundered, and then cut away his Boltsprit, and all his
Rigging, also his Sails from the Yards, and wounded the Master, to prevent
his getting in to give Intelligence, and then stood away to the
South-Eastward, with all the Sail he could make, there being then but
little Wind.
_Low_ judged right in making sail from the Coast, for a longer stay had
proved fatal to him, for notwithstanding the disabled Condition he had
rendered the Sloop in, she made shift to get into _Block Island_, at 12
o'Clock that Night, and immediately dispatched a Whale-Boat to _Rhode
Island_, which got thither by seven the next Morning, with an Account of
the Pyrate, his Force, and what had happened to him: As soon as the
Governor had received this Information, he ordered a Drum to beat up for
Volunteers, and two of the best Sloops then in the Harbour, to be fitted
out: He gave Commissions to one Captain _John Headland_, and Captain _John
Brown_, jun. for ten Days; the former had eight Guns and two Swivels, and
the latter six Guns, well fitted with small Arms, and in both Sloops 140
stout Fellows; all this was performed with so much Expedition, that before
Sun-set, they were under Sail, turning out of the Harbour, at the same Time
the Pyrate was seen from _Block Island_, which gave great Hopes that the
Sloops would be Masters of her the next Day, which however did not happen,
for the Sloops returned into Harbour some Days afterwards, without so much
as seeing their Enemy.
After this Escape, Captain _Low_, went into Port, upon the Coast, for he
had not fresh Water enough to run to the Islands, where he staid a few
Days, getting Provisions and what Necessaries the Crew wanted, and then
sailed for Purchase, (as they call it) steering their Course towards
_Marblehead._
About the 12th of _July_, the Brigantine sailed into the Harbour of Port
_Rosemary_, and there found thirteen Ships and Vessels, but none of Force,
at Anchor, they spread their black Flag, and ran in among them; _Low_
telling them from the Brigantine, they should have no Quarters if they
resisted; in the mean Time they mann'd and arm'd their Boat, and took
Possession of every one of them, plundered them of what they thought fit,
and converted one to their own Use, _viz._ a Scooner of 80 Tuns, aboard of
which they put 10 Carriage Guns, and 50 Men, and _Low_ himself went
Captain, and nam'd her the _Fancy_, making one _Charles Harris_, (who was
at first forced into their Service out of the _Greyhound_ of _Boston_, by
_Lowther_, of which Ship _Harris_ was second Mate) Captain of the
Brigantine: Out of these Vessels they took several Hands, and encreased the
Company to 80 Men, who all signed the Articles, some willingly, and a few
perhaps by Force, and so sailed away from _Marblehead._
Some Time after this, they met with two Sloops bound for _Boston_, with
Provisions for the Garrison, and the Scooner coming up first, attacked
them, but there happening to be an Officer and some Soldiers on Board, who
gave them a warm Reception, _Low_ chose to stay till he should be joyned by
the Brigantine; in the mean while the Sloops made the best of their Way,
and the Pyrates gave them Chace two Days, and at last lost sight of them in
a Fog.
They now steered for the Leeward Islands, but in their Voyage met with such
a Hurricane of Wind, that the like had not been known; the Sea ran
Mountains high, and seemed to threaten them every Moment with Destruction;
it was no Time now to look out for Plunder, but to save themselves, if
possible, from perishing. All Hands were continually employed Night, and
Day, on Board the Brigantine, and all little enough, for the Waves went
over her, so that they were forced to keep the pump constantly going,
besides baling with Buckets; but finding themselves not able to keep her
free, and seeing the utmost Danger before their Eyes, they turn'd to the
Takle, and hoisted out their Provisions, and other heavy Goods, and threw
them over-board, with six of their Guns, so that by lightening the Vessel,
she might rise to the Top of the Sea with the Waves: They were also going
to cut away their Mast; but considering how dangerous it would be, to be
left in such a Condition, they resolved to delay it to the last, which was
Prudence in them to do; for a Ship without Masts or Sails, lies like a Log
upon the Water, and if attack'd, must fight with Disadvantage, the working
of her being the most artful Part of the Engagement, because she may
sometimes bring all her great Guns on one Side, to bear upon her Enemy,
when the disabled Ship can do little or nothing.
But to proceed; by their throwing over-board the heavy Goods, the Vessel
made considerable less Water, and they could keep it under with the Pump
only, which gave them Hopes and new Life; so that instead of cutting all
away, they took necessary Measures to secure the Mast, by making
Preventor-Shrowds, _&c._ and then wore and lay too upon the other Tack,
till the Storm was over. The Scooner made somewhat better Weather of it, of
the two, but was pretty roughly handled notwithstanding, having split her
Main-sail, sprung her Boltsprit, and cut her Anchors from her Bows. The
Brigantine by running away to Leeward, when she wore upon the Larboard
Tack, had lost Sight of the Scooner; but not knowing whether she might be
safe or not, as soon as the Wind abated, she set her Main-Sail and
Top-Sail, and made short Trips to Windward; and the next Day had the good
Fortune to come in Sight of their Consort, who, upon a Signal, which the
other knew, bore down to her, and the Crew were overjoy'd to meet again,
after such ill Treatment from the Winds and Seas.
After the Storm, _Low_ got safe to a small Island, one of the Weathermost
of the _Caribbees_, and there fitted their Vessels, as well as the Place
could afford; they got Provisions of the Natives, in exchange for Goods of
their own; and as soon as the Brigantine was ready, 'twas judg'd necessary
to take a short Cruize, and leave the Scooner in the Harbour till her
Return. The Brigantine sail'd out accordingly, and had not been out many
Days before they met a Ship at Sea, that had lost all her Masts; on Board
of whom they went, and took from her in Money and Goods, to the Value of
1000 _l._ and so left her in the Condition they found her: This Ship was
bound home from _Barbadoes_, but losing her Masts in the late Storm, was
making for _Antegoa_, to refit, where she afterwards arriv'd.
The Storm just spoken of, was found to have done incredible Damage in those
Parts of the World; but however, it appear'd to have been more violent at
_Jamaica_, both to the Island and Shipping, there was such a prodigious
Swell of the Sea, that several hundred Tuns of Stones and Rocks, were
thrown over the Wall of the Town of _Port Royal_, and the Town it self was
overflowed, and above half destroy'd, there being the next Morning five
Foot Water from one End to the other; the Cannon of Fort _Charles_ were
dismounted, and some washed into the Sea, and four hundred People lost
their Lives; a more melancholly Sight was scarce ever seen when the Water
ebb'd away, all the Streets being covered with Ruins of Houses, Wrecks of
Vessels, and a great Number of dead Bodies, for forty Sail of Ships, in the
Harbour, were cast away.
The Brigantine return'd to the Island, where she had left the Scooner, who
being ready to sail, it was put to the Vote of the Company, what Voyage to
take next; and herein they follow'd the Advice of the Captain, who thought
it not adviseable to go any farther to Leeward, because of the Men of War
who were cruising in their several Stations, which they were not at all
fond of meeting, and therefore it was agreed to go to the _Azores_, or
Western Islands.
The latter End of _July, Low_ took a _French_ Ship of 34 Guns, and carried
her along with him to the _Azores._ He came into St. _Michael_'s Road the
3d of _August_, and took seven Sail that were lying there, _viz._ the
_Nostre Dame, Mere de Dieu_, Captain _Roach_ Commander; the _Dove_, Capt.
_Cox_; the _Rose_ Pink, formerly a Man of War, Capt. _Thompson_; another
_English_ Ship, Capt. _Chandler_; and three other Vessels. He threatened
all with present Death who resisted, which struck such a Terror to them,
that they yielded themselves up a Prey to the Villains, without firing a
Gun.
The Pyrates being in great Want of Water and fresh Provisions, _Low_ sent
to the Governor of St. _Michael_'s for a Supply, and promised upon that
Condition to release the Ships he had taken, but otherwise to burn them
all; which Demand the Governor thought it not prudent to refuse, but sent
the Provision he required, upon which he released six of the Ships, (after
he had plundered them of what he thought fit,) and the other, _viz._ the
_Rose_ Pink, was made a Pyrate Ship, which _Low_ himself took the Command
of.
The Pyrates took several of the Guns out of the _French_ Ship, and mounted
them aboard the _Rose_, which proved very fit for their Turn, and condemned
the former to the Flames. They took all the Crew out of her, but the Cook,
who, they said, being a greazy Fellow would fry well in the Fire; so the
poor Man was bound to the Main-Mast, and burnt in the Ship, to the no small
Diversion of _Low_ and his _Mirmidons._
_Low_ ordered the Scooner to lye in the Fare between St. _Michael_'s and
St. _Mary_'s, where, about the 20th of _August_, Captain _Carter_ in the
_Wright_ Galley, had the ill Fortune to come in her Way; and because at
first they shewed Inclinations to defend themselves, and what they had, the
Pyrates cut and mangled them in a barbarous Manner; particularly some
_Portuguese_ Passengers, two of which being Friers, they triced up at each
Arm of the Fore-Yard, but let them down again before they were quite dead,
and this they repeated several Times out of Sport.
Another _Portuguese_, who was also Captain _Carter_'s Passenger, putting on
a sorrowful Countenance at what he saw acted, one of this vile Crew
attacked him upon the Deck, saying, _he did not like his Looks_, and
thereupon gave him one Blow a-cross his Belly with his Cutlash, that cut
out his Bowels, and he fell down dead without speaking a Word. At the same
Time another of these Rogues cutting at a Prisoner, missed his Mark, and
Captain _Low_ standing in his Way, very opportunely received the Stroke
upon his under Jaw, which laid the Teeth bare; upon this the Surgeon was
called, who immediately stitched up the Wound, but _Low_ finding fault with
the Operation, the Surgeon being tollerably drunk, as it was customary for
every Body to be, struck _Low_ such a Blow with his Fist, that broke out
all the Stitches, and then bid him sew up his Chops himself and be damned,
so that _Low_ made a very pitiful Figure for some Time after.
When they had plundered Captain _Carter_'s Ship, several of them were for
burning her, as they had done the _French_ Man, but it was otherwise
resolved at last; for after they had cut her Cables, Rigging and Sails to
Pieces, they left her to the Mercy of the Sea.
After these Depredations, they steered for the Island of _Madera_, where
missing other Booty, they took up with a Fishing-Boat, with two old Men and
a Boy in her, one of which they detained on Board, but sent the other
ashore with a Flag of Truce, demanding a Boat of Water of the Governor, on
Pain of taking away the old Man's Life, whom they threatened to hang at the
Yard-Arm, upon their refusal; but the Thing being complied with, the old
Man was honourably (as the Pyrates say) discharged, and all the three much
handsomer cloathed than when they took them. From this Island they sailed
to the _Canaries_, but meeting with no Prey there, they continued their
Course for the _Cape de Verd_ Islands, and at _Bonavista_, took a Ship
called the _Liverpool Merchant_, Captain _Goulding_, from whom they stole a
great Quantity of Provisions and dry Goods, 300 Gallons of Brandy, two Guns
and Carriages, a Mast, Yard and Hawsers, besides six of his Men, and then
would not let them Trade there, nor at St. _Nicholas_, but obliged Captain
_Goulding_ to go with his Ship, to the Isle of _May._
The Pyrate also took among these Islands, a Ship belonging to _Liverpool,
Scot_ Commander; two _Portuguese_ Sloops bound for _Brasil_; a small
_English_ Sloop trading there, _James Pease_ Master, bound to _Sancta
Crux_, and three Sloops from St. _Thomas_ bound to _Curaso_, the Masters
Names were _Lilly, Staples_ and _Simpkins_, all which they plundered, and
then let go about their Business, except one Sloop which they fitted up for
the following Purpose.
_Low_ had heard by one of the above mentioned Ships, that two small Gallies
were expected every Day at the _Western Islands, viz._ the _Greyhound_,
Captain _Glass_, and the _Joliff_, Captain _Aram_; the former of which was
designed to be fitted for the pyratical Trade to _Brasil_, if Things had
happened to their Minds. They mann'd the Sloop, and sent her in Quest of
one or both of these Ships to the _Western Islands_ aforesaid, whilst they
carreen'd their Ship _Rose_, at one of the _Cape de Verds_: But now Fortune
that had hitherto been so propitious to them, left her Minions, and baffled
for the present all their Hopes, for the Sloop missing of their Prey, was
reduced to great Necessities for want of Provisions and Water, so that they
ventured to go ashore at St. _Michael_'s for a Supply, and pass for a
Trader; but they play'd their Parts so aukwardly, that they were suspected
by the Governor to be what they really were, and he was soon put out of
doubt by a Visit some _Portuguese_ made them, who happened unluckily to be
Passengers in Captain _Carter_'s Ship, when _Low_ took her, and knew the
Gentlemen's Faces very well; upon which the whole Crew was conducted into
the Castle, where they were provided for as long as they liv'd.
_Low_, in the mean Time, did not fare quite so ill, but had his intended
Voyage to _Brasil_ spoil'd, by the oversetting of his Ship, when she was
upon the Careen, whereby she was lost, so that he was reduc'd to his old
Scooner, which he called the _Fancy_, aboard of which they all went, to the
Number of 100, as vile Rogues as ever ended their Lives at _Tyburn._ They
proceeded now to the _West-Indies_, but before they had gotten far on their
Voyage, they attack'd a rich _Portuguese_ Ship, call'd the _Nostre Signiora
de Victoria_, bound home from _Bahia_, and after some Resistance, took her.
_Low_ tortur'd several of the Men, to make them declare where the Money,
(which he suppos'd they had on Board) lay, and extorted by that Means, a
Confession that the Captain had, during the Chace, hung out of the Cabin
Window, a Bag with 11,000 Moidores, which, assoon as he was taken, he cut
the Rope off, and let it drop into the Sea.
_Low_, upon hearing what a Prize had escap'd him, rav'd like a Fury, swore
a thousand Oaths, and ordered the Captain's Lips to be cut off, which he
broil'd before his Face, and afterwards murthered him and all the Crew,
being thirty two Persons.
After this bloody Action, they continued their Course, till they came to
the Northward of all the Islands, and there cruiz'd for about a Month, in
which Time they made Prizes of the following Vessels, _viz._ a Snow from
_New-York_ to _Curacoa, Robert Leonard_ Master; a Sloop from the Bay, bound
to _New-York, Craig_ Master; a Snow from _London_ and _Jamaica_, bound to
_New-York_; and the _Stanhope_ Pink, _Andrew Delbridge_ Master, from
_Jamaica_ to _Boston_; which last they burnt, because of _Low_'s
irreconcileable Aversion to _New-England_ Men.
After this Cruize, they went into one of the Islands and clean'd, and then
steered for the Bay of _Honduras_, where they arrived about the Middle of
_March_ 1722-3, and met a Sloop turning out of the said Bay. The Pyrates
had hoisted up _Spanish_ Colours, and continued them till they drew near
the Sloop, then they hall'd them down, hoisted their black Flag, fired a
Broadside, and boarded her. This Sloop was a _Spaniard_ of six Guns, and 70
Men, that came into the Bay that Morning, and meeting there with five
_English_ Sloops, and a Pink, made Prizes of them all, plundered them, and
brought the Masters of the Vessels away Prisoners, for the ransom of the
Logwood; their Names were _Tuthill, Norton, Newbury, Sprafort, Clark_ and
_Parrot._ The _Spaniards_ made no Resistance, so that the _English_ Pyrates
soon became their Masters and fell to rifling; but finding the
above-mentioned People in the Hold, and several _English_ Goods, they
consulted _Low_ the Captain thereupon, and without examining any further,
the Resolution pass'd to kill all the Company; and the Pyrates, without any
Ceremony, fell Pell-Mell to Execution with their Swords, Cutlashes,
Poll-Axes and Pistols, cutting, slashing and shooting the poor _Spaniards_
at a sad Rate. Some of the miserable Creatures jump'd down into the Hold,
but could not avoid the Massacre; they met Death every where, for if they
escaped it from one Hand, they were sure to perish by another; the only
Prospect they had of Life, was to fly from the Rage of those merciless Men,
and to trust to the more merciful Sea; and accordingly a great many leap'd
over-board, and swam for the Shore; but _Low_ perceiving it, ordered the
Canoa to be mann'd, and sent in pursuit of them, by which Means several of
the poor unhappy Men were knock'd in the Head in the Water, as they were
endeavouring to get to Land; however, about 12 of them did reach the Shore,
but in a miserable Condition, being very much wounded, and what became of
them afterwards was not known, except one, who while the Pyrates were at
their Sports and Pastimes ashore, finding himself very weak and fainting
with his Wounds, and not knowing where to go for Help and Relief, in this
Extremity, he came back to them, and begg'd for God sake, in the most
earnest Manner possible, that they would give him Quarters; upon which, one
of the Villains took hold of him, and said, _G-- d--n him, he would give
him good Quarters presently_, and made the poor _Spaniard_ kneel down on
his Knees, then taking his Fusil, put the Muzzle of it into his Mouth, and
fired down his Throat. 'Twas thought the rest did not long survive their
miserable Condition, and could only prolong their Lives, to add to the
Misery of them.
When the murdering Work was over, they rumaged the _Spanish_ Pyrate, and
brought all the Booty aboard their own Vessels: The six Masters
aforementioned, found in the Hold, they restored to their respective
Vessels: They forced away the Carpenter from the Pink, and then set Fire to
the _Spanish_ Sloop, and burnt her; which last Scene concluded the
Destruction of their Enemy, Ship and Crew.
_Low_ set the Masters of the Vessels free, but would not suffer them to
steer for _Jamaica_, where they were then bound, for fear the Men of War
should get Intelligence of them, but forced them all to go to _New-York_,
threat'ning them with Death, when they met them again, if they refused to
comply with their Demands.
In the next Cruize, which was between the Leeward Islands and the Main,
they took two Snows, bound from _Jamaica_ to _Liverpool_, and a Snow from
_Jamaica_ to _London, Bridds_ Master; as also a Ship from _Biddford_ to
_Jamaica, John Pinkham_ Commander; and two Sloops from _Jamaica_ to
_Virginia._
On the 27th of _May, Low_ and his Consort _Harris_, came off
_South-Carolina_, and met with three good Ships, _viz._ the _Crown_,
Captain _Lovereigne_, the _King William_, the _Carteret_, and a Brigantine,
who all came out of _Carolina_ together two Days before. The Pyrates were
at the Trouble of chacing them, and Captain _Lovereigne_ being the
sternmost, she fell first a Prey into their Hands; and they spent all the
Day in coming up with the rest.
Within a few Days they took a Ship called the _Amsterdam Merchant_, Captain
_Willard_, from _Jamaica_, but belonging to _New-England_; as _Low_ let
none of that Country depart without some Marks of his Rage, he cut off this
Gentleman's Ears, slit up his Nose, and cut him in several Places of his
Body, and, after plundering his Ship, let him pursue his Voyage.
After this he took a Sloop bound to _Amboy, William Frazier_, Master, with
whom Mr. _Low_ happening to be displeased, he ordered lighted Matches to be
ty'd between the Mens Fingers, which burnt all the Flesh off the Bones;
then cut them in several Parts of their Bodies with Knives and Cutlashes;
afterwards took all their Provisions away, and set some of them ashore in
an uninhabited Part of the Country.
The _Kingston_, Captain _Estwick_, another Ship, one _Burrington_ Master,
two Brigantines from _Carolina_ to _London_; a Sloop from _Virginia_ to
_Bermudas_; a Ship from _Glasgow_ to _Virginia_; a Scooner from _New-York_
to _South-Carolina_; a Pink from _Virginia_ to _Dartmouth_, and a Sloop
from _Philadelphia_ to _Surinam_, fell a Prey to these Villains, upon this
Cruize, besides those above-mentioned.
It happened that at this Time one of his Majesty's Ships was upon a Cruize,
on this Station, and got Intelligence of some of the mischievous Actions of
this Miscreant, by one of the Vessels that had been plundered by him, who
steering as directed, came in Sight of the Pyrates by break of Day, on the
10th of _June_, of all Days in the Year. The Rovers looking out for Prey,
soon saw, and gave Chace to the Man of War, which was called the
_Greyhound_, a Ship of 20 Guns, and 120 Men, rather inferiour in Force to
the two Pyrate Vessels: The _Greyhound_ finding them so eager, was in no
doubt what they should be, and therefore tack'd and stood from them, giving
the Pyrates an Opportunity to chace her for two Hours, till all Things were
in Readiness for an Engagement, and the Pyrates about Gun-shot off; then
the _Greyhound_ tack'd again, and stood towards the two Sloops, one of them
called the _Fancy_, commanded by _Low_ himself, and the other the _Ranger_,
commanded by _Harris_, both which hoisted their pyratical Colours, and
fired each a Gun. When the _Greyhound_ came within Musquet-shot, she halled
up her Main-sail, and clapp'd close upon a Wind, to keep the Pyrates from
running to Leeward, and then engaged: But when the Rogues found who they
had to deal with, they edg'd away under the Man of War's Stern, and the
_Greyhound_ standing after them, they made a running Fight for about two
Hours; but little Wind happening, the Sloops gained from her, by the help
of their Oars; upon which the _Greyhound_ left off firing, and turned all
Hands to her own Oars, and at three in the Afternoon came up with them. The
Pyrates haul'd upon a Wind to receive the Man of War, and the Fight was
immediately renewed, with a brisk Fire on both Sides, till the _Ranger_'s
Main-Yard was shot down, and the _Greyhound_ pressing close upon the
disabled Sloop, _Low_, in the other, thought fit to bear away and leave his
Consort a Sacrifice to his Enemy, who (seing the Cowardice and Treachery of
his Commadore and Leader, having ten or twelve Men killed and wounded, and
that there was no possibility of escaping,) called out for Quarters, and
surrendered themselves to Justice, which proved severe enough to them
a-while afterwards.
The Conduct of _Low_ was surprizing in this Adventure, because his reputed
Courage and Boldness, had, hitherto, so possess'd the Minds of all People,
that he became a Terror, even to his own Men; but his Behaviour throughout
this whole Action, shewed him to be a base cowardly Villain, for had
_Low_'s Sloop fought half so briskly as _Harris_'s had done, (as they were
under a solemn Oath to do,) the Man of War, in my Opinion, could never have
hurted them.
The _Greyhound_ carried in their Prize to _Rhode Island_, to the great Joy
of the whole Province, tho' it had been more compleat, if the great _LOW_
himself had grac'd the Triumph. The Prisoners were strongly secured in a
Goal, till a Court of Vice-Admiralty could be held for their Tryals, which
begun on the 10th of _July_, at _Newport_, and continued three Days. The
Court was made up of the following Gentlemen.
_William Dummer_, Esq; Lieutenant Governor of the _Massachusets_,
President. _Nathaniel Paine_, Esq; _Addington Davonport_, Esq; _Thomas
Fitch_, Esq; _Spencer Phipps_, Esq; _John Lechmere_, Esq; Surveyor-General.
_John Valentine_, Esq; Advocate-General. _Samuel Cranston_, Governor of
_Rhode-Island._ _John Menzies_, Esq; Judge of the Admiralty, _Richard
Ward_, Esq; Register. Mr. _Jahleel Brinton_, Provost-Marshal.
_Robert Auchmuta_, Esq; was assigned, by the Court, Council for the
Prisoners here under mention'd.
Prisoners Names. Ages. Places of Birth.
Charles Harris, Captain 25 London.
William Blads 28 Rhode-Island.
Daniel Hide 23 Virginia.
Thomas Powel, jun. 21 Connecticut N. E.
Stephen Mundon 20 London.
Thomas Huggit 30 London.
William Read 35 Londonderry, Ireland.
Peter Kneeves 32 Exeter in Devon.
James Brinkly 28 Suffolk in England.
Joseph Sound 28 City of Westminster.
William Shutfield 40 Lancafter in England.
Edward Eaton 38 Wrexham in Wales.
John Brown 29 County of Durham.
Edward Lawson 20 Isle of Man.
Owen Rice 27 South-Wales.
John Tomkins 23 Gloucestershire.
John Fitzgerrald 21 Limerick in Ireland.
Abraham Lacy 21 Devonshire.
Thomas Linister 21 Lancashire.
Francis Leyton 39 New-York.
John Waters, Quart.-Mr. 35 County of Devon.
William Jones 28 London.
Charles Church 21 St. Margaret's, Westm.
Thomas Hazel 50 -- -- --
John Bright 25 -- -- -- --
These 25 were found guilty, and executed the 19th of _July_, 1723,
near _Newport_ in _Rhode-Island._
John Brown 17 Liverpoole.
Patrick Cunningham 25 -- -- --
These two were found guilty, but respited for one Year, and
recommended to the King's Favour.
John Wilson 23 New-London County
Henry Barnes 22 Barbadoes.
Thomas Jones 17 Flur in Wales.
Joseph Switzer 24 Boston in New-England.
Thomas Mumper Indian. Mather's Vineyard N. E.
John Hincher, Doctor 22 Near Edinburgh, Scot.
John Fletcher 17 -- -- --
Thomas Child 15 -- -- --
These eight were found Not Guilty.
The destroying this Pyrate was look'd upon by the Province, to be of such a
signal Service to the Publick, and particular Advantage to the Colony of
_New-York_, that it was thought necessary to make some handsome
Acknowledgement to Captain _Peter Solgard_ for it; and therefore it was
resolved, in an Assembly of the Common-Council, to compliment him with the
Freedom of their Corporation. The Resolution, together with the Preamble of
the Captain's Freedom, being curious in their Kind, I subjoin them for the
Satisfaction of the Reader.
Resolution of the Mayor and Common-Council of the City of _New-York_,
at a Common-Council held at the City Hall of the said City, on _Thursday_
the 25th of _July, Anno. Dom._ 1723.
Present _Robert Walter_, Esq; Mayor.
_City of_ New-York, _ss._
T_HIS Court having taken into their Consideration the great Service
lately done to this Province in particular, as well as to all other his
Majesty's good Subjects in general, by Captain_ Peter Solgard, _Commander
of his Majesty's Ship the_ Greyhound, _the Station Ship of the Province,
who lately in a Cruize upon this Coast, in due Execution and Discharge of
his Duty, upon Intelligence given him, sought for, pursued and engaged two
Pyrate Sloops, commanded by one_ Low, _(a notorious and inhumane Pyrate,)
one of which Sloops he took, after a resolute Resistance, and very much
shattered the other, who by the Favour of the Night escaped. Twenty six of
which Pyrates so taken, being lately executed at_ Rhode Island, _not only
eased this City and Province of a very great Trouble, but of a very
considerable Expence_, &c. _It is therefore resolved (_Nemine
Contradicente_) that this Corporation do present the said Captain_ Solgard
_with the Freedom of this Corporation, as a Mark of the great Esteem they
have for his Person, as well as for the aforesaid great and good Services;
and that the Seal of the said Freedom be enclosed in a Gold Box; that Mr._
Recorder _and Mr._ Bickley _do draw the Draught of the said Freedom,
signifying therein, the grateful Sense of this Corporation, for so signal a
Service to the Publick, and Benefit and Advantage of Mankind. That
Alderman_ Kip, _and Alderman_ Cruger, _do prepare the said Box; that the
Arms of the Corporation be engraved on one Side thereof, and a
Representation of the Engagement on the other, with this Motto_, (viz.)
[Quesitos Humani Generos Hostes Debellare superbum, 10 Junii, 1723.] _That
the Town-Clerk cause the same Freedom to be handsomly engrossed on
Parchment, and that the whole Corporation do wait upon him, to present the
same._
_By Order of the Common-Council._ William Sharpas, _Clerk._
The Preamble of Captain _Peter Solgard_'s Copy of his Freedom.
_Robert Walter_, Esq; Mayor, and the Aldermen of the City of
_New-York._