RAWLINS was Master, shewed him the force of a stronger arm; and by
his Turkish name, called VILLA RISE, commanded him, in like sort, to
strike his sails, and submit to his mercy: which, not to be gainsaid,
nor prevented, was quickly done. And so RAWLINS, with his bark, was as
quickly taken; although the Rear-Admiral, being the worst sailer of the
three, called _Riggiprise_, came not in, till all was done.
The same day, before night, the Admiral (either loath to pester himself
with too much company, or ignorant of the commodity [which] was to be
made by the sale of English prisoners, or daring not to trust them in
his company for fear of mutinies, and exciting others to rebellion) set
twelve persons who were in the _George Bonaventure_, and divers other
English whom he had taken before, on the land, to try their fortunes in
an unknown country.
But VILLA RISE, the Vice-Admiral, that had taken JOHN RAWLINS, would
not so dispense with his men; but commanded him, and five more of his
company to be brought aboard his ship: leaving in his bark, three men
and his boy, with thirteen Turks and Moors, who were, questionless,
sufficient to overmaster the others, and direct the bark to harbour.
Thus they sailed direct for Argier [_Algiers_]. But, the night
following followed them with great tempest and foul weather,
which ended not without some effect of a storm: for they lost the
sight of RAWLINS's bark, called the _Nicholas_; and, in a manner,
lost themselves (though they seemed safe a shipboard) by fearful
conjecturing what should become of us?
At last, by the 22nd of the same month, they, or we (choose you
whether! for I would not be mistaken in altering the persons, by either
naming the first for the third, or the third for the first; but only
make the discourse equal, by setting down the business honestly and
truly as it chanced) arrived in Argier; and came in safety within the
Mole: but found not our other bark there; nay, though we earnestly
inquired after the same.
Yet heard we nothing to our satisfaction; but much matter was
ministered to our discomfort and amazement. For although the Captain
and our Overseers were loath we should have any conference with our
countrymen; yet did we adventure to inform ourselves of the present
affairs, both of the town and of the shipping. So that finding many
English at work in other ships, they spared not to tell us the danger
we were in, and the mischiefs we must needs incur; as being sure, "If
we were not used like slaves, to be sold as slaves: for there had been
five hundred brought into the market for the same purpose, and above
a hundred handsome youths compelled to turn Turks; all English!" Yet,
like good Christians, they bade us "Be of good cheer! and comfort
ourselves in this! That GOD's trials were gentle purgations; and these
crosses were but to cleanse the dross from the gold, and bring us out
of the fire again, more clear and lovely."
* * * * *
Yet, I must needs confess, that they afforded us reason for this
cruelty; as if they determined to be revenged of our last attempt to
fire their ships in the Mole [_by Sir ROBERT MANSELL's fleet in May,
1621. See J. B's._ Algiers Voyage, 1621], and therefore protested "to
spare none! whom they could surprise, and take alone; but either to
sell them for money or to torment them to serve their own ends."
Now their customs and usages, in both these, were in this manner.
First, concerning the first. The Bashaw [_Pasha_] had the overseeing
of all prisoners who were presented unto him, at their first coming
into the harbour; and so chose one out of every eight, for a present
or fee to himself. The rest were rated by the Captains, and so sent to
the market to be sold: whereat, if either there were repining, or any
drawing back; then certain Moors and Officers attended, either to beat
you forward, or thrust you in the sides with goads. And this was the
manner of the selling of slaves.
Secondly, concerning their enforcing them, either to turn Turk or to
attend their impieties: although it would make a Christian's heart
bleed to hear of the same; yet must the truth not be hid, nor the
terror left untold. They commonly lay them on their naked backs or
bellies, beating them so long till they bleed at the nose and mouth:
and if yet they continue constant, then they strike the teeth out of
their heads, pinch them by their tongues, and use many other sorts
of tortures to convert them. Nay, many times, they lay them, their
whole length, in the ground, like a grave; and so cover them with
boards, threatening to starve them, if they will not turn. And so,
many, even for fear of torment and death, make their tongues betray
their hearts to a most fearful wickedness: and so are circumcised with
new names, and brought to confess a new religion. Others again, I
must confess, who never knew any god but their own sensual lusts and
pleasures, thought that any religion would serve their turns: and so,
for preferment or wealth, very voluntarily renounced their faith, and
became Renegadoes; in despite of any counsel which seemed to intercept
them.
And this was the first news we encountered with, at our coming first to
Argier.
* * * * *
The 26th of the same month, JOHN RAWLINS' bark, with his other three
men and a boy, came safe into the Mole; and so were put all together,
to be carried before the Bashaw; but that they took the Owner's
Servant [? _Supercargo_] and RAWLINS's boy, and, by force and torment,
compelled them to turn Turks.
Then were they in all, seven English, besides JOHN RAWLINS: of whom
the Bashaw took one; and sent the rest to their Captains, who set a
valuation upon them. So the soldiers hurried us, like dogs, into the
market; where, as men sell hackneys in England, we were tossed up and
down, to see who would give most for us. And although we had heavy
hearts, and looked with sad countenances; yet many came to behold us;
sometimes taking us by the hand, sometimes turning us round about,
sometimes feeling our brawns and naked arms: and so beholding our
prices written in our breasts, they bargained for us accordingly; and,
at last, we were all sold, and the soldiers returned with their money
to their Captains.
JOHN RAWLINS was the last that was sold, by reason of his lame hand.
He was bought by the Captain that took him, even that dog VILLA RISE!
who (better informing himself of his skill fit to be a Pilot, and his
experience to be an Overseer) bought him and his Carpenter at very easy
rates. For, as we afterwards understood by divers English Renegadoes,
he paid for RAWLINS but 150 Doublets, which make, of English money, £7
10_s._
Thus was he and his Carpenter, with divers other slaves, sent into his
ship to work; and employed about such affairs as belonged to the well
rigging and preparing the same.
But the villainous Turks perceiving his lame hand, and that he could
not perform so much as other slaves, quickly complained to their
Patron: who as quickly apprehended the inconvenience: whereupon he
sent for him, the next day, and told him, "He was unserviceable for
his present purpose! and therefore unless he could procure £15 of the
English there, for his ransom: he would send him up into the country,
where he should never see Christendom again, and endure the extremity
of a miserable banishment."
* * * * *
But see how GOD worketh all for the best for His servants! and
confoundeth the presumption of tyrants, frustrating their purposes, to
make His wonders known to the sons of men! and relieves His people,
when they least think of succour and releasement!
Whilst JOHN RAWLINS was thus terrified with the dogged answer of
VILLA RISE, the _Exchange_ of Bristol, a ship formerly surprised by
the pirates, lay all unrigged in the harbour, till, at last, one JOHN
GOODALE, an English Turk, with his confederates (understanding she was
a good sailer, and might be made a proper Man of War) bought her from
the Turks that took her; and prepare her for their own purposes.
Now the Captain that set them on work, was also an English Renegado, by
the name of RAMMETHAM RISE, but by his Christian name HENRY CHANDLER:
who resolved to make GOODALE, Master over her.
And because they were both English Turks (having the command,
notwithstanding, of many Turks and Moors) they concluded to have all
English slaves to go in her; and for their gunners, English and Dutch
Renegadoes: and so they agreed with the Patrons of nine English slaves
and one French for their ransoms; who were presently employed to rig
and furnish the ship for a Man of War.
And while they were thus busied, two of JOHN RAWLINS's, men (who were
taken with him), were also taken up to serve in this Man of War: their
names, JAMES ROE and JOHN DAVIES, the one dwelling in Plymouth; and
the other in Foy, where the Commander of this ship was also born, by
which occasion they became acquainted. So that both the Captain and
the Master promised them good usage, upon the good service they should
perform in the voyage; and withal, demanded of DAVIES if he knew of
any Englishman to be bought, that could serve them as a Pilot; both
to direct them out of harbour, and conduct them in their voyage. For,
in truth, neither was the Captain a mariner, nor any Turk in her
of sufficiency to dispose of _navigate_ her through the Straits in
security; nor oppose any enemy that should hold it out bravely against
them.
DAVIES quick replied that, "As far as he understood, VILLA RISE would
sell JOHN RAWLINS, his Master, and Commander of the bark which was
taken. A man every way sufficient for sea affairs, being of great
resolution and good experience; and for all he had a lame hand, yet had
he a sound heart and noble courage for any attempt or adventure."
When the Captain understood thus much, he employed DAVIES to search for
RAWLINS; who, at last lighting upon him, asked him, "If the Turk would
sell him?"
RAWLINS suddenly answered, that "By reason of his lame hand he was
willing to part with him; but because he had disbursed money for him,
he would gain something by him; and so priced him at 300 doublets,
which amounteth to £15 English; which he must procure, or incur sorer
endurances."
When DAVIES had certified thus much, the Turks a shipboard conferred
about the matter; and the Master, whose Christian name was JOHN
GOODALE, joined with two Turks who were consorted with him, and
disbursed 100 doublets a piece, and so bought him of VILLA RISE:
sending him into the said ship called the _Exchange_ of Bristol; as
well to supervise what had been done, as to order what was left undone;
but especially to fit the sails, and to accommodate [_fit out_] the
ship. All which, RAWLINS was very careful and indulgent in; not yet
thinking of any particular plot of deliverance, more than a general
desire to be freed from this Turkish slavery, and inhuman abuses.
By the 7th of January [1622], the ship was prepared, with twelve good
cast pieces, and all manner of munition and provision which belonged to
such a purpose: and, the same day, hauled out of the Mole of Argier,
with this company, and in this manner.
There were in her sixty-three Turks and Moors, nine English slaves
and one French, four Hollanders that were free men (to whom the Turks
promised one prize or other, and so to return to Holland; or if they
were disposed to go back again for Argier, they should have great
reward, and no enforcement offered, but continue, as they would, both
their religion and their customs): and for their gunners, they had two
of our soldiers, one English and one Dutch Renegado. And thus much for
the company.
For the manner of setting out, it was as usual, as in other ships;
but that the Turks delighted in the ostentatious bravery of their
streamers, banners, and topsails: the ship being a handsome ship, and
well built for any purpose. The slaves and English were employed under
hatches, about the ordnance and other works of order, and accommodating
[_berthing_] themselves.
All which, JOHN RAWLINS marked, as supposing it an intolerable slavery
to take such pains, and be subject to such dangers; and still to enrich
other men, and maintain their voluptuous lives; returning themselves
as slaves, and living worse than dogs amongst them. Whereupon, after
he had conceited the indignity and reproach of their baseness, and
the glory of an exploit that could deliver himself and the rest from
this slavish captivity; being very busy among the English in pulling
of ropes, and placing of ordnance, he burst into these, or such like
abrupt speeches: "O hellish slavery! to be thus subject to dogs! to
labour thus to enrich infidels, and maintain their pleasures! to be
ourselves slaves, and worse than the outcast of the world! Is there no
way of releasement? no device to free us from this bondage? no exploit,
no action of worth to be put in execution, to make us renown in the
world, and famous to posterity? O GOD! strengthen my heart and hand,
and something shall be done to ease us of these mischiefs, and deliver
us from these cruel Mahomedan dogs!"
The other slaves pitying his distraction, as they thought, bade
him, "Speak softly! least they should all fare the worse for his
distemperature!"
"The worse!" quoth RAWLINS, "what can be worse? Death is the determiner
of all misery! and torture can last but a while! But to be continually
a dying; and suffer all indignity and reproach: and, in the end,
to have no welcome but into the House of Slaughter or Bondage, is
insufferable! and more than flesh and blood can endure! And therefore,
by that salvation which CHRIST hath brought, I wilt either attempt my
deliverance at one time or another, or perish in the enterprise! but if
you would be contented to hearken after a release, and join with me in
the action; I would not doubt of facilitating the same, and shew you
away to make your credits thrive by some work of amazement, and augment
your glory in purchasing your liberty!"
"Ay, prithee, be quiet!" said they again, "and think not of
impossibilities! Yet, if you can but open such a door of reason and
probability that we be not condemn for desperate and distracted
persons, in pulling the sun (as it were) out of the firmament; we
can but sacrifice our lives! and you may be sure of secrecy and
taciturnity!"
"Now, blessed be my genius!" said RAWLINS, "that ever this motive was
so opportunely preferred! and therefore we will be quiet a while, till
the iron be hotter, that we may not strike in vain."
The 15th January, the morning water [_tide_] brought us near Cape de
Gatte, hard by the shore; we having in our company, a small Turkish
Ship of War that followed us out of Argier, the next day: and now
joining us she gave us notice of seven small vessels, six of them being
Sattees and one a Polacca; who very quickly appeared in sight, and so
we made towards them.
But having more advantage of the Polacca than the rest, and loath
to lose all, we both fetched her up, and brought her past hope of
recovery; which when she perceived, rather than she would voluntarily
come into the slavery of the Mahomedans, she ran herself ashore; and so
all the men forsook her.
We still followed as near as we durst, and for fear of splitting
[_i.e., on the rocks_], let fall our anchors; making out [_sending_]
both our boats, wherein were many musketeers and some English and
Dutch Renegadoes: who came aboard home at their _congé_ [_entered the
vessel, without opposition_], and found three pieces of ordnance, and
four murtherers [_see Vol. I. p. 500_], but straightway threw them
all overboard, to lighten the ship. So they got her off, being ladened
with hides, and logwood for dyeing: and presently sent her to Argier,
taking nine Turks and one English slave out of one ship, and six out of
the lesser; which, we thought, sufficient to man her.
But see the chance! or, if you will, how fortune smiled on us. In
the rifling of this _Catalcynia_ [? Catalonian], the Turks fell at
variance, one with another; and in such a manner that we divided
ourselves [_parted company_]: the lesser ship returned to Argier and
our _Exchange_ took the opportunity of the wind, and plied out of the
Straits; which rejoiced JOHN RAWLINS very much, as resolving on some
stratagem, when opportunity should serve.
In the meanwhile, the Turks began to murmur, and would not willingly go
into the _Marr Granada_, as the phrase is amongst them; notwithstanding
the Moors, being very superstitious, were contented to be directed by
their _Hoshca_, who, with us, signifieth a Witch [_or rather Wizard_]:
and is of great account and reputation amongst them, as not going
in any great vessel to sea without one; and observing whatsoever he
concludeth, out of his divination.
The ceremonies he useth are many; and when they come into the ocean,
every second or third night, he maketh his conjuration. He beginneth,
and endeth with prayer, using many characters, and calling upon GOD by
divers names.
Yet, at this time, all that he did, consisteth in these particulars.
Upon the sight, and, as we were afraid, the chasing of two great ships,
being supposed to be Spanish Men of War, a great silence is commanded
in the ship; and when all is done, the company giveth as great a
screech; the Captain still coming to JOHN RAWLINS and sometimes making
him to take in all his sails, and sometimes causing him to hoist them
all out, as the Witch findeth by his book and presages.
Then have they two arrows and a curtleaxe lying on a pillow, naked. The
arrows are, one for the Turks, and the other for the Christians. Then
the Witch readeth, and the Captain or some other, taketh the arrows in
their hand by the heads, and if the arrow for the Christians cometh
over the head of the arrow for the Turks, then do they advance their
sails, and will not endure the fight, whatsoever they see; but if the
arrow of the Turks is found, in the opening of the hand, upon the arrow
of the Christians, they will then stay and encounter with any ship
whatsoever.
The curtleaxe is taken up by some child that is innocent, or rather,
ignorant of the ceremony; and so laid down again. Then they do observe
whether the same side is uppermost, which lay before: and so proceed
accordingly.
They also observe lunatics and changlings, and the Conjurer writeth
down their sayings in a book, grovelling on the ground, as if he
whispered to the Devil, to tell him the truth: and so expoundeth the
Letter, as it were, by inspiration.
Many other foolish rites they have, whereon they do dote as foolishly;
and whereof, I could entreat more at large, but this shall suffice at
this time.
* * * * *
Whilst he was thus busied, and made demonstration that all was
finished; the people in the ship gave a great shout, and cried out "A
sail!" "a sail!": which, at last, was discovered to be another Man of
War of Turks. For he made towards us, and sent his boat aboard us;
to whom, our Captain complained that being becalmed by the Southern
Cape [? _of Portugal, i.e., Cape St. Vincent_]; and having "made"
no voyage, the Turks denied to go any further northward; but the
Captain resolved not to return to Argier, except he could obtain some
prize worthy his endurances; but rather to go to Salle, and sell his
Christians to victual his ship. Which the other Captain apprehended
for his honour; and so persuaded the Turks to be obedient unto him:
whereupon followed a pacification amongst us; and so that Turk took his
course for the Straits, and we put up northward, expecting the good
hour of some beneficial booty.
* * * * *
All this while our slavery continued; and the Turks, with insulting
tyranny, set us still on work in all base and servile actions; adding
stripes and inhuman revilings, even in our greatest labour. Whereupon
JOHN RAWLINS resolved to obtain his liberty and surprise the ship,
providing ropes with broad specks of iron, and all the iron crows, with
which he knew a way, upon the consent of the rest, to ram up or tie
fast their scuttles, gratings, and cabins; yea, to shut up the Captain
himself with all his consorts: and so to handle the matter, that, upon
the watchword given, the English being masters of the Gunner Room,
ordnance and powder, they would either blow them into the air; or kill
them, as they adventured to come down, one by one, if they should, by
any chance, open their cabins.
But because he would proceed the better in his enterprise, as he had
somewhat abruptly discovered himself to the nine English slaves, so he
kept the same distance with the four Hollanders that were free men:
till finding them coming somewhat towards them; he acquainted with
them the whole conspiracy; and they affecting the plot, offered the
adventure of their lives in the business.
Then, very warily, he undermined the English Renegado which was the
Gunner; and three more, his associates: who, at first, seemed to
retract.
Last of all, were brought in the Dutch Renegadoes, who were also in the
Gunner Room; for always there lay twelve there, five Christians, and
seven English and Dutch Turks.
So that, when another motion had settled their resolutions, and JOHN
RAWLINS's constancy had put new life, as it were, into the matter: the
four Hollanders very honestly, according to their promise, sounded the
Dutch Renegadoes; who, with easy persuasion, gave their consent to so
brave an enterprise.
Whereupon JOHN RAWLINS, not caring whether the English Gunners would
yield or not, resolved, in the Captain's morning watch, to make the
attempt.
* * * * *
But, you must understand that where the English slaves lay [_in the Gun
Room_], there hung up always four or five crows of iron; being still
under the carriages of the pieces. And, when the time approached, being
very dark: because JOHN RAWLINS. would have his crow of iron ready, as
other things were, and other men prepared, in their several places;
in taking it out of the carriage, by chance, it hit on the side of
the piece, making such a noise, that the soldiers hearing it, awaked
the Turks, and bade them come down. Whereupon, the Boatswain of the
Turks descended, with a candle, and presently searched all the slaves'
places, making much ado of the matter: but finding neither hatchet, nor
hammer, nor anything else to move suspicion of the enterprise more than
the crow of iron, which lay slipped down under the carriages of the
pieces; they went quietly up again, and certified the Captain, what
had chanced, who satisfied himself that it was a common thing to have a
crow of iron slip from his place.
But by this occasion, we made stay of our attempt; yet were resolved to
take another or a better opportunity.
* * * * *
Only I must tell you, what JOHN RAWLINS would have done, if this
accident had not happened. He was fully minded, with some others, with
their naked knives in their hands, to press upon the Gunner's breast
and the other English Renegadoes, and either force them to consent to
their designs, or to cut their throats; first telling them plainly
that "They had vowed to surprise the ship, and, by GOD's assistance,
to obtain their liberty; and therefore Die! or Consent (when you hear
the watchword given, _For GOD! and King JAMES!_ and _St. GEORGE for
England!_) [that] you presently keep your places! and advise to execute
what you are commanded!"
But as you have heard, GOD was the best physician to our wounded
hearts; and used a kind of preventing physic, rather than to cure us
so suddenly. So that, out of His Providence, perceiving some danger in
this enterprise, He both caused us to desist; and, at last, brought our
business to a better period, and fortunate end.
For we sailed still more northward, and RAWLINS had more time to
tamper with his Gunners, and the rest of the English Renegadoes: who
very willingly, when they considered the matter, and perpended the
reasons, gave way unto the project; and with a kind of joy seemed to
entertain the motives. Only they made a stop at [_as to_] the first
onset, who should begin the enterprise, which was no way fit for them
to do; because they were no slaves, but Renegadoes, and so had always
beneficial entertainment amongst them: but when it was once put in
practice, they would be sure not to fail them; but venture their lives
for GOD and their country.