_Zangueber_, which being agreed to, he and _Caraccioli_ took Leave of
the Queen and her Brother, and would have left their Wives on the
Island, but they could by no Means be induced to the Separation; it was
in vain to urge the Shortness of the Time they were to Cruize; they
answer'd it was farther than _Mohila_ they intended to go, and if they
were miserable in that short Absence, they could never support a longer;
and if they would not allow them to keep them Company the Voyage, they
must not expect to see them at their Return, if they intended one.
In a Word they were obliged to yield to them, but told them, if the
Wives of their Men should insist as strongly on following their Example,
their Tenderness, would be their Ruin, and make them a Prey to their
Enemies; they answer'd the Queen should prevent that, by ordering no
Woman should go on Board, and if any were in the Ships, they should
return on Shore: This Order was accordingly made, and they set Sail for
the River of _Mozembique_. In about ten Days Cruize after they had left
_Johanna_, and about 15 Leagues to the Eastward of this River, they fell
in with a stout _Portuguese_ Ship of 60 Guns, which engaged them from
Break of Day till Two in the Afternoon, when the Captain being killed,
and a great Number of Men lost, she struck: This proved a very rich
Prize, for she had the Value of 250000 l. Sterling on Board, in
Gold-Dust. The two Women never quitted the Decks all the Time of the
Engagement, neither gave they the least Mark of Fear, except for their
Husbands: This Engagement cost them thirty Men, and _Caraccioli_ lost
his right Leg; the Slaughter fell mostly on the _English_, for of the
above Number, twenty were of that Nation: The _Portuguese_ lost double
the Number. _Caraccioli_'s Wound made them resolve to make the best of
their Way for _Johanna_, where the greatest Care was taken of their
wounded, not one of whom died, tho' their Number amounted to Twenty
seven.
_Caraccioli_ kept his Bed two Months, but _Misson_ seeing him in a fair
way of Recovery, took what Hands could be spar'd from the _Bijoux_,
leaving her sufficient for Defence, and went out, having mounted ten of
the _Portuguese_ Guns, for he had hitherto carried but thirty, though he
had Ports for forty. He stretched over to _Madagascar_, and coasted
along this Island to the Northward, as far as the most northerly Point,
when turning back, he enter'd a Bay to the northward of _Diego Suares_.
He run ten Leagues up this Bay, and on the larboard Side found it
afforded a large, and safe, Harbour, with plenty of fresh Water. He came
here to an Anchor, went ashore and examined into the Nature of the Soil,
which he found rich, the Air wholesome, and the Country level. He told
his Men, that this was an excellent Place for an Asylum, and that he
determined here to fortify and raise a small Town, and make Docks for
Shipping, that they might have some Place to call their own; and a
Receptacle, when Age or Wounds had render'd them incapable of Hardship,
where they might enjoy the Fruits of their Labour, and go to their
Graves in Peace. That he would not, however, set about this, till he had
the Approbation of the whole Company; and were he sure they would all
approve this Design, which he hoped, it being evidently for the general
Good, he should not think it adviseable to begin any Works, lest the
Natives should, in his Absence, destroy them; but however, as they had
nothing upon their Hands, if they were of his Opinion, they might begin
to fall and square Timber, ready for the raising a wooden Fort, when
they return'd with their Companions.
The Captain's Motion was universally applauded, and in ten Days they
fell'd and rough hew'd a hundred and fifty large Trees, without any
Interruption from, or seeing any of, the Inhabitants. They fell'd their
Timber at the Waters Edge, so that they had not the Trouble of hawling
them any way, which would have employ'd a great deal more Time: They
returned again, and acquainted their Companions with what they had seen
and done, and with the Captain's Resolution, which they one and all came
into.
Captain _Misson_ then told the Queen, as he had been serviceable to her
in her War with the Island of _Mohila_, and might continue to be of
farther Use, he did not question her lending him Assistance in the
settling himself on the Coast of _Madagascar_, and to that end, furnish
him with 300 Men, to help in his Buildings; the Queen answered, she
could do nothing without Consent of Council, and that she would assemble
her Nobility, and did not question their agreeing to any Thing he could
reasonably desire, for they were sensible of the Obligations the
_Johannians_ had to him. The Council was accordingly called, and
_Misson_'s Demand being told, one of the eldest said, he did not think
it expedient to comply with it, nor safe to refuse; that they should in
agreeing to give him that Assistance, help to raise a Power, which might
prove formidable to themselves, by the being so near a Neighbour; and
these Men who had lately protected, might, when they found it for their
Interest, enslave them. On the other hand, if they did not comply, they
had the Power to do them great Damage. That they were to make choice of
the least of two possible Evils, for he could prognosticate no Good to
_Johanna_, by their settling near it. Another answered, that many of
them had _Johanna_ Wives, that it was not likely they would make Enemies
of the _Johanna_ Men at first settling, because their Friendship might
be of Use to them; and from their Children there was nothing to be
apprehended in the next Generation, for they would be half their own
Blood; that in the mean while, if they comply'd with the Request, they
might be sure of an Ally, and Protector, against the King of _Mohila_;
wherefore, he was for agreeing to the Demand.
After a long Debate, in which every Inconvenience, and Advantage, was
maturely considered, it was agreed to send with him the Number of Men he
required, on Condition he should send them back in four Moons, make an
Alliance with them, and War against _Mohila_; this being agreed to, they
staid till _Caraccioli_ was thoroughly recovered, then putting the
_Johannians_ on board the _Portuguese_ Ship with 40 _French_ and
_English_ and 15 _Portuguese_ to work her, and setting Sail, they
arrived at the Place where _Misson_ designed his Settlement, which he
called _Libertalia_, and gave the Name of _Liberi_ to his People,
desiring in that might be drown'd the distinguish'd Names of _French_,
_English_, _Dutch_, _Africans_, &c.
The first Thing they sat about was, the raising a Fort on each Side the
Harbour, which they made of an octogon Figure, and having finished and
mounted them with 40 Guns taken out of the _Portuguese_, they raised a
Battery on an Angle of ten Guns, and began to raise Houses and Magazines
under the Protection of their Forts and Ships; the _Portuguese_ was
unrigg'd, and all her Sails and Cordage carefully laid up. While they
were very busily employed in the raising a Town, a Party which had often
hunted and rambled four or five Leagues off their Settlement, resolved
to venture farther into the Country. They made themselves some Huts, at
about 4 Leagues distance from their Companions, and travell'd East South
East, about 5 Leagues farther into the Country, when they came up with a
Black, who was arm'd with a Bow, Arrows, and a Javelin; they with a
friendly Appearance engaged the Fellow to lay by his Fear and go with
them. They carried him to their Companions, and there entertained him
three Days with a great Deal of Humanity, and then returned with him
near the Place they found him, made him a Present of a Piece of scarlet
Baze, and an Ax; he appeared overjoy'd at the Present, and left them
with seeming Satisfaction.
The Hunters imagined that there might be some Village not far off, and
observing that he look'd at the Sun, and then took his Way direct South,
they travell'd on the same Point of the Compass, and from the Top of a
Hill they spied a pretty large Village, and went down to it; the Men
came out with their Arms, such as before described, Bows, Arrows, and
Javelins, but upon two only of the Whites advancing, with Presents of
Axes, and Baze in their Hands, they sent only four to meet them. The
Misfortune was, that they could not understand one another, but by their
pointing to the Sun, and holding up one Finger, and making one of them
go forward, and return again with shewing their Circumcision, and
pointing up to Heaven with one Finger, they apprehended, they gave them
to understand, there was but one God, who had sent one Prophet, and
concluded from thence, and their Circumcision they were _Mahometans_;
the Presents were carried to their Chief, and he seem'd to receive them
kindly, and by Signs invited the Whites into their Village; but they,
remembring the late Treachery of the _Mohilians_, made Signs for
Victuals to be brought them where they were.
* * * * *
_More of the History of these Adventurers in another Place._
OF
Capt. _JOHN BOWEN_.
The exact Time of this Person's setting out I am not certain of; I find
him cruising on the _Mallabar_ Coast in the Year 1700, commanding a Ship
called the _Speaker_, whose Crew consisted of Men of all Nations, and
their Pyracies were committed upon Ships of all Nations likewise. The
Pyrates here met with no Manner of Inconveniencies in carrying on their
Designs, for it was made so much a Trade, that the Merchants of one Town
never scrupled the buying Commodities taken from another, though but ten
Miles distant, in a publick Sale, furnishing the Robbers at the same
Time with all Necessaries, even of Vessels, when they had Occasion to go
on any Expedition, which they themselves would often advise them of.
Among the rest an _English East-India_ Man, Captain _Coneway_ from
_Bengal_, fell into the Hands of this Crew, which they made Prize of,
near _Callequilon_; they carried her in, and put her up to sale,
dividing the Ship and Cargoe into three Shares; one Third was sold to a
Merchant, Native of _Callequilon_ aforesaid, another Third to a Merchant
of _Porca_, and the other to one _Malpa_, a _Dutch_ Factor.
Loaded with the Spoil of this and several Country Ships, they left the
Coast, and steer'd for _Madagascar_; but in their Voyage thither,
meeting with adverse Winds, and, being negligent in their Steerage, they
ran upon St. _Thomas_'s Reef, at the Island of _Mauritius_, where the
Ship was lost; but _Bowen_ and the greatest Part of the Crew got safe
ashore.
They met here with all the Civility and good Treatment imaginable;
_Bowen_ was complimented in a particular Manner by the Governor, and
splendidly entertained in his House; the sick Men were got, with great
Care, into the Fort, and cured by their Doctor, and no Supplies of any
sort wanting for the rest. They spent here three Months, but yet
resolving to set down at _Madagascar_, they bought a Sloop, which they
converted into a Brigantine, and, about the middle of _March_ 1701,
departed, having first taken formal Leave of the Governor, by making a
Present of 2500 Pieces of Eight, leaving him, besides, the Wreck of
their Ship, with the Guns, Stores, and every Thing else that was saved.
The Governor, on his Part, supply'd them with Necessaries for their
Voyage, which was but short, and gave them a kind Invitation to make
that Island a Place of Refreshment in the Course of their future
Adventures, promising that nothing should be wanting to them that his
Government afforded.
Upon their Arrival at _Madagascar_, they put in at a Place on the
East-Side, called _Maritan_, quitted their Vessel, and settled
themselves ashore in a fruitful Plain on the Side of a River. They built
themselves a Fort on the River's Mouth towards the Sea, and another
small one on the other Side towards the Country; the first to prevent a
Surprize from Shipping, and the other as a Security from the Natives,
many of whom they employed in the Building. They built also a little
Town for their Habitation, which took up the Remainder of the Year 1701.
When this was done, they soon became dissatisfied with their new
Situation, having a hankering Mind after their old Employment, and
accordingly resolved to fit up the Brigantine they had from the _Dutch_
at _Mauritius_, which was laid in a Cove near their Settlement, but an
Accident, that they improved, provided for them in a better Manner, and
saved them a great deal of Trouble.
It happened that about the beginning of the Year 1702, a Ship called the
_Speedy Return_, belonging to the _Scotch-African_ and _East-India_
Company, Captain _Drummond_ Commander, came into the Port of _Maritan_
in _Madagascar_, with a Brigantine that belonged to her; they had before
taken in Negroes at St. _Mary_'s, a little Island adjoining to the main
Island of _Madagascar_, and carried them to Don _Mascarenhas_, from
whence they sailed to this Port on the same Trade.
On the Ship's Arrival, Captain _Drummond_, with _Andrew Wilky_, his
Surgeon, and several others of the Crew, went on Shore; in the mean
while _John Bowen_, with four others of his Consorts, goes off in a
little Boat, on Pretence of buying some of their Merchandize brought
from _Europe_, and finding a fair Opportunity, the chief Mate,
Boatswain, and a Hand or two more only upon the Deck, and the rest at
Work in the Hold, they threw off their Mask; each drew out a Pistol and
Hanger, and told them, they were all dead Men if they did not retire
that Moment to the Cabin. The Surprize was sudden, and they thought it
necessary to obey; one of the Pyrates placed himself Centry at the Door,
with his Arms in his Hands, and the rest immediately laid the Hatches,
and then made a Signal to their Fellows on Shore, as agreed on; upon
which, about forty or fifty came on Board, and took quiet Possession of
the Ship, and afterwards the Brigantine, without Bloodshed, or striking
a Stroke.
_Bowen_ was made, or rather made himself, of Course, Captain; he
detained the old Crew, or the greatest Part thereof, burnt the
Brigantine as being of no Use to them, cleaned and fitted the Ship, took
Water, Provisions, and what Necessaries were wanting, and made ready for
new Adventures.
I shall leave them a while, to relate an unfortunate Story of a worthy
honest Gentleman, who suffered through the Rashness and Folly of a
headstrong People, for pyratically taking and murdering the Captain and
Crew of this very Ship _Bowen_ and his Gang now seized.
An _English-India_ Man, commanded by Captain _Thomas Green_, called the
_Worcester_, in her Voyage home to _England_, was drove by southerly
Winds into _Scotland_, in the Month of _July_ 1704, and anchored in
_Leith_ Road; the Captain, and several of the Ship's Company, going
ashore for Refreshments, the People of the Town, who had Acquaintance
and Friends in Captain _Drummond_'s Ship, understanding the _Worcester_
came from the _East-Indies_, were very importunate in their Enquiries
after this Ship, and being told that they had heard of no such Ship in
_India_, the Enquirers pretended to be very much surprized; so that, in
short, it grew into a Suspicion that the _Worcester_ had not dealt
fairly by the _Scotch_ Ship, which they had not heard of themselves
since her Departure. In short, the Magistrates were inform'd that some
of the Crew had dropt Words that plainly indicated the supposed Robbery
and Murders of their Countrymen. Upon this several Men were privately
examined; sometimes they were threaten'd to be hanged, and then again
large Promises were made to encourage 'em to discover the pretended
Fact; till at length an _Indian_ Boy was prevailed on to confess the
whole Matter upon Oath, as they might think. Then the Captain, chief
Mate and Crew, were seized and sent to Prison, the Ship was unloaded,
and almost ripp'd to Pieces, to search for Goods, Writings, _&c._ to
confirm the _Indian_'s Deposition, but nothing could be found; therefore
they were obliged to try them, and try them they did, upon this
Evidence, and some small Circumstances sworn to by _Charles May_, the
Surgeon, which carried great Improbabilities along with it. The
Depositions were as follow; the _Indian_, whose Name was _Antonio
Ferdinando_ swore, 'That on the Coast of _Mallabar_ he came aboard the
Sloop that attended the _Worcester_, and thereafter saw an Engagement
between the said Sloop, the _Worcester_ and another Ship, sailed by
White Men, speaking _English_, and bearing _English_ Colours. That they
did engage the said Ship for three Days, and on the third Day the said
Ship was boarded by those in the Sloop, who took up the Crew of the said
Ship from under Deck, killed them with Hatchets, and threw them
overboard.'
_Charles May_ only deposed, 'That being ashore at _Callequillon_ he
heard Guns firing at Sea, and asking some Body he met at the Landing
Place, what meant this shooting? He was answered, the _Worcester_ was
gone out, and was fighting at Sea with another Ship. That the next
Morning he saw the _Worcester_ riding at her Birth, where she had rid
the Day before, and another Ship riding at her Stern. That the
_Worcester_'s Long-Boat coming ashore, and he asking the Men what
brought them ashore? They answered, they were sent for Water, they
having spilt and staved all their Water; and that they had been busking
all Night. That _this Evidence_ going aboard five or six Days after, saw
the Ship lumber'd with Goods, and that he was inform'd that the Ship
that was riding at the _Worcester_'s Stern, was sold to _Cogo Comodo_,
Merchant at _Quilon_. That _Antonio Ferdinando_ was wounded, and some
others; and when he ask'd the Patients how they came by their Wounds,
they were forbid to answer by Mr. _Madder_, the chief Mate. That all
this fell out between the Months of _January_ and _February_ 1703.'
As to _Antonio_'s Deposition, it appear'd to be all Invention, and
nothing true in it; and _Charles May_'s a Heap of sly Insinuations,
drawn from a known Fact, which was this; the _Worcester_ departing from
_Callequillon_ to _Carnipole_, was drove by Stress of Weather from near
the Road of _Quillon_ to _Anjango_, where coming near the _Aureng Zeb_,
_India_ Man, she saluted her with five Guns, which were the Guns the
Surgeon heard; and the _Aureng Zeb_ came in along with the _Worcester_,
and anchor'd at her Stern, which was the Ship taken Notice of by him. By
busking all Night is meant only beating to Windward, which she did in
order to fetch _Quillon_, the Wind being contrary. The _Worcester_
spar'd her Water to the _Aureng Zeb_, which occasioned their sending for
more, and the wounded Men, which were proved to be no more than three in
the Voyage; one was from a Fall in the Hold, another by fighting with
Knives, between two _Dutch_ Men, and the other by cutting of Wood.
'Tis observable likewise, that _May_'s Evidence, which is brought to
support _Antonio_'s, contradicted it in several Parts; for _Antonio_
swore the Fact to be done between _Callicut_ and _Tallecherry_, (where,
by the Way, the Ship never was, as was own'd by the Surgeon, and prov'd
by the Captain's and other Journals) and _May_ heard the Guns at
_Callequillon_, which could not be less then 140 Miles asunder.
_Antonio_ makes the supposed Engagement hold three Days; according to
_May_, the _Worcester_ was busking only one Night; all the rest of his
Evidence is, _As he was inform'd_, _As he was told_, &c. And what's
remarkable of this _May_, is, he was eighteen Months after this in the
said Ship, and own'd on the Trial, that he never heard in all that Time
one Word spoken of a Fight with any other Ship, or a Prize taken, or any
Thing relating to such an Action, which must be very strange, if the
Matter had been true.
In short, Captain _Green_ and the rest of the Crew were convicted, and
received Sentence for the supposed Crimes, as follows, _Green_,
_Madder_, _Sympson_, _Keigle_ and _Haines_ to be hanged on _Wednesday,
April_ 4th. _Taylor_, _Glenn_, _Kitchen_ and _Robertson_, on _Wednesday,
April_ 11th, and _Brown_, _Bruckley_, _Wilcocks_, _Ballantyne_ and
_Linsey_, on _Wednesday, April_ 18th.
I cannot but here take Notice (though with much Concern) that upon the
Condemnation of these unhappy Men, there seemed a universal Joy in and
about the City; it was the only Discourse for some Days, and every Man
thought himself nearly concerned in it; and some could not forbear in
Words openly to express their brutal Joy: Now, said they, we'll _Darien_
'em: By this they shall see we'll do our selves Justice, _&c_.
After Sentence, the Prisoners desired not to be disturb'd in their dying
Moments, that they might improve 'em to the best Advantage; but now they
were not only insulted with the most opprobrious Language, by such as
could get to 'em, but continually worried by the religious Kirk
Teachers. The most dismal Threatnings were denounc'd against 'em, and
nothing but God's Wrath and eternal Torments in all its Horrors, were to
be their Portion, if they died obdurate (as they call'd it) that is,
without owning themselves guilty; and all this delivered with that
Passion peculiar to that bitter Sett of Men. Nay, so restless were they,
that even now, after Condemnation, they singled out some they found more
terrified by their Cant, and assur'd 'em of Life if they would
ingenuously acknowledge the Crimes they were condemned for; and, at
last, worked so far upon _Haines_ and _Linsey_, that they brought them
to own almost what they pleased. The former of these, upon their Pardons
being granted, gave a frightful Account of the whole Pyracy and Murther
upon _Drummond_'s Ship, and took Care, as near as he could, to keep
close with _Ferdinando_'s Evidence, only here and there he was out in
very material Points, as Men always are that don't relate Matters of
Fact. There was a great many bloody Circumstances added to colour the
whole, as their Manner of Swearing when they commenced Pyrates (much
like the ridiculous Ceremonies at making of Witches) which, he said, was
thus; Every one of 'em was let Blood, which they mixed together, and
after every Man had drank part, they all swore to Secrecy, _&c._ with
abundance of such Stuff. _Linsey_, a Man of better Sense, contented
himself with saying as little as possible, which was excusable, he being
on shoar in the pretended Engagement, so that most of what he said,
consisted in Hearsays of the _Indians_, _&c._ Thus these poor Wretches
screen'd themselves from this fatal Blow, at the Expence of Faith and a
good Conscience, and to enjoy a troublesome Life, perhaps a few Years.
As soon as their Confessions were made publick, the Gentry, as well as
the Mob, was transported with Rage, and the poor Wretches were blackened
and reviled in a shameful Manner; and so violent was the Torrent of
their Fury, that it reached even their Council for their Tryals, and
they were obliged, for their own Safety, to withdraw into the Country.
In the midst of this Confusion two Men, who were known to be of
_Drummond_'s Crew, came home in the _Raper_ Galley, and made Affidavits
of the Loss of the said Ship to the Pyrates, as has been mentioned; upon
which her Majesty and Council first reprieved them for eight Days, and
afterwards desired Execution might be farther respited till they heard
from above.
The common People, who for some Time past, with raised Expectations, had
waited for the Execution, began to grow very impatient, bitterly
inveighing against the Reprieve; and the Council met on the 11th of
_April_ in the Morning, to consider what was to be done; which the Mob
perceiving, imagined 'twas in order to a further Reprieve or Pardon;
immediately all Shops were shut up, and the Streets filled with
incredible Numbers of Men, Women and Children, calling for Justice upon
those _English_ Murtherers. The Lord Chancellour _Seafield_'s Coach
happening to pass by, they stopp'd it, broke the Sashes, haul'd him out,
and oblig'd him to promise Execution should speedily be done before he
could get from 'em.
According to the Chancellor's Promise, soon after, on the same Day,
being _Wednesday_, Captain _Green_, _Madder_, and _Sympson_ were brought
out, and convey'd to Execution, which was at _Leith Road_ upon the
Sands, and all the Way were huzza'd in triumph as it were, and insulted
with the sharpest and most bitter Invectives.
Thus fell these unhappy Men a well-pleasing Sacrifice to the Malice of
wicked Men.
As for Captain _Green_'s Speech; after he had taken Notice of the Crimes
he was to dye for, and appealed to all present to charge him, or the
Crew, with any Injustice, since he had lived there; he goes on in giving
an Account of his Faith, his living and dying in the Church of
_England_, of their Manner of Life abroad, their Observance of religious
Duties, and the Sense he had of the Impossibility of Salvation, if he
dy'd with a Falshood in his Mouth. Then follows,--'Pursuant to which, I
in the Presence of Almighty God, declare to you his People, that I am
innocent in Design or Deed, and free from the Crimes for which I am
condemned. That to my Knowledge, I never all my Life-time wrong'd Man in
his Person or Goods, or had Accession thereto. What the Custom of
Pyrates is, I thank God I know not: But I understand my Accusers and
Persecuters will have you to believe, that I think it unnecessary to
confess before Men. Take what I say as good Christians ought to do; if
you have no Charity, you wrong your selves, and cannot hurt me.'
'I am told some of my Crew have confess'd the Crimes, and load us with
Guilt; this is done since Sentence, and in hopes of saving themselves,
which I wish they may do by lawful Means, and not have Accession to the
shedding innocent Blood. I am a dying, these are still in hopes to live,
chuse you which of us to believe, _&c._'
To return to Captain _Bowen_, who pyratically possessed himself of
Captain _Drummond_'s Ship and Brigantine, as aforesaid, he, being
inform'd by the Crew, that when they left Don _Mascarenhas_, a Ship
called the _Rook_ Galley, Captain _Honeycomb_ Commander, was lying in
that Bay, resolved, with the other Pyrates, to sail thither, but it
taking up seven or eight Days in watering their Vessels, and settling
their private Affairs, they arrived not at the Island till after the
Departure of the said Galley, who thereby happily escaped the villainous
Snare of their unprovok'd Enemies.
The Night after the Pyrates left _Maritan_, the Brigantine ran on a
Ledge of Rocks off the West Side of the Island _Madagascar_, which not
being perceived by the Ship, _Bowen_ came into _Mascarenhas_ without
her, not knowing what was become of his Consort.
Here Captain _Bowen_ staid eight or ten Days, in which Time he supplied
the Ship with Provisions, and judging, that the _Rook_ Galley was gone
to some other Island, the Ship sail'd to _Mauritius_, in search of her;
but the Pyrates seeing four or five Ships in the N. W. Harbour, they
thought themselves too weak to attempt any thing there, so they stood
immediately for _Madagascar_ again, and arrived safe, first to _Port
Dauphin_, and then to _Augustin Bay_. In a few Days the _Content_
Brigantine, which they supposed either to have been lost, or revolted
that honourable Service, came into the same Bay, and informed their
Brethren of the Misfortune that happened to them: The Rogues were glad,
no doubt, of seeing one another again, and calling a Council together,
they found the Brigantine in no Condition for Business, being then very
leaky, therefore she was condemned, and forthwith halled ashore and
burnt, and the Crew united, and all went aboard the _Speedy Return_.
At this Place the Pyrates were made acquainted, by the Negroes, of the
Adventures of another Gang that had settled for some Time near that
Harbour, and had one _Howard_ for their Captain. It was the Misfortune
of an _India_ Ship called the _Prosperous_, to come into the Bay at a
Time that these Rogues were looking out for Employment; who, under the
Pretence of trading (almost in the same Manner that _Bowen_ and his Gang
had seized the _Speedy Return_) made themselves Masters of her, and
sailed with her to _New Mathelage_. _Bowen_ and his Gang consulting
together on this Intelligence, concluded 'twas more for their Interest
to join in Alliance with this new Company, than to act single, they
being too weak of themselves to undertake any considerable Enterprize,
remembring how they were obliged to bear away from the Island of
_Mauritius_, when they were in search of the _Rook_ Gally, which they
might have taken, with several others, had they had at that Time a
Consort of equal Force to their own Ship.
They accordingly set sail from the Bay, and came into _New Mathelage_,
but found no Ship there, tho' upon Enquiry they understood that the
Pyrate they look'd for, had been at the Place, but was gone; so after
some Stay they proceeded to _Johanna_, but the _Prosperous_ not being
there neither, they sailed to _Mayotta_, where they found her lying at
Anchor; this was about _Christmas_ 1702.
Here these two Powers struck up an Alliance, _Howard_ liking the
Proposals, came readily into it, and the Treaty was ratified by both
Companies. They staid above two Months at this Island, thinking it,
perhaps, as likely a Place to meet with Prey as cruising out for it, and
so indeed it happened; for about the beginning of _March_, the Ship
_Pembroke_ belonging to our _East-India_ Company, coming in for Water,
was boarded by their Boats, and taken, with the Loss of the chief Mate
and another Man that were killed in the Skirmish.
The two Pyrate Ships weighed, and went out to Sea along with their
Prize, and that Day and the next plundered her of the best Part of her
Cargo, Provisions and Stores, and then taking the Captain and Carpenter
away, they let the _Pembroke_ go where the Remainder of her Crew
pleased, and came with their Ships into _New Methelage_. Here the two
Captains consulted, and laid a Plan for a Cruize to _India_, for which
Purpose they detained Captain _Woolley_ of the _Pembroke_ lately taken,
in order to be their Pilot in those Seas; but a very hot Dispute arose
between the two Companies, which Ship he should go aboard of, insomuch
that they had gone together by the Ears, if an Expedient had not been
found to satisfy each Party, that one might not have the Advantage of
the other by the Captain's Skill and Knowledge of the _Indian_ Coast,
and this was to knock the poor Man on the Head; and murder him; but at
last, by the Authority of _Bowen_, Captain _Woolley_ escaped the
threaten'd Danger, by bringing his Company to consent to his remaining
on board the _Prosperous_, where he then was.
The _Speedy Return_ being foul, and wanting a little Repair, it was
judged proper for her to go back to _Augustin_ Bay to clean; in the mean
while the _Prosperous_ was to have a Pair of Boot-Tops where she lay,
and likewise to take in Water and Provision, and then to join their
Consort again at _Mayotta_, the Island appointed for the Rendezvous.
The _Prosperous_ put into _Mayotta_ as agreed on, and waiting there some
Time for _Bowen_'s Ship, without seeing or hearing any News of her, went
to _Johanna_, but not meeting with her there, they apprehended some
Accident had befel her, and therefore left the Place, and sailed on the
Expedition themselves. As to the _Speedy Return_, she arrived safe at
St. _Augustin_'s Bay at _Madagascar_, and there cleaned and victualled;
but tarrying there somewhat too long, the Winds hung contrary, and they
could not for their Lives beat up to _Mayotta_, and therefore went to
_Johanna_, where, hearing that their Friends had lately left that
Island, they steered for the _Red Sea_, but the Wind not proving fair
for their Design, they bore away for the High Land of St. _John_'s, near
_Surrat_, where they once more fell in Company with their Brethren of
the _Prosperous_.
They cruiz'd together, as was first agreed on, and after some Time they
had Sight of four Ships, to whom they gave Chace; but these separating,
two standing to Northward, and two to the Southward, the Pyrates
separated likewise, _Bowen_ standing after those that steered Southerly,
and _Howard_ crowded after the others. _Bowen_ came up with the heaviest
of the two, which proved to be a _Moorish_ Ship of 700 Tun, bound from
the Gulph of _Mocha_ to _Surat_. The Pyrates brought the Prize into
_Rajapora_, on the Coast of _India_, where they plundered her; the
Merchandize they sold to the Natives, but a small Sum of current Gold
they found aboard, amounting to 22,000 _l._ _English_ Money, they put
into their Pockets. Two Days after the _Prosperous_ came in, but without
any Prize; however, they soon made their Friends acquainted that they
had not succeeded worse than themselves, for at _Surat_ River's Mouth,
where all the four Ships were bound, they came up with their Chace; and
with a Broadside, one of them struck, but the other got into the Bay.
They stood down the Coast with the Prize till they had plundered her of
the best of her Cargoe, the most valuable of which was 84,000
_Chequins_, a Piece of about ten Shillings each, and then they left her
adrift, without either Anchor or Cable, off _Daman_.
While they were lying at _Rajapora_ they past a Survey on their
Shipping, and judging their own to be less serviceable than their Prize,
they voted them to the Flames, and straightway fitted up the _Surat_
Ship; they transported both Companies aboard of her, and then set Fire
to the _Prosperous_ and _Speedy Return_. They mustered at this Place 164
fighting Men, 43 only were _English_, the greater Number _French_, the
rest _Danes_, _Swedes_ and _Dutch_; they took aboard 70 _Indians_ to do
the Drudgery of the Ship, and mounted 56 Guns, calling her the
_Defiance_, and sailed from _Rajapora_ the latter End of _October_, in
the Year 1703, to cruize on the Coast of _Mallabar_:
But not meeting with Prey in this first Cruise, they came to an Anchor
about three Leagues to the Northward of _Cochen_, expecting some Boats
to come off with Supplies of Refreshments, for which Purpose they fired
several Guns, by way of Signal, but none appearing, the Quarter-Master
was sent in the Pinnace to confer with the People, which he did with
some Caution, keeping the Boat upon their Oars at the Shore-Side: In
short, they agreed very well, the Pyrates were promised whatever
Necessaries they wanted, and the Boat returned aboard.
The next Day a Boat came off from the Town with Hogs, Goats, Wine, _&c._
with a private Intimation from _Malpa_, the _Dutch_ Broker, an old
Friend of the Pyrates, that a Ship of that Country called the _Rimæ_,
lay then in _Mudbay_, not many Leagues off, and if they would go out and
take her, he would purchase the Cargo of them, and likewise promised
that they should be further supplied with Pitch, Tar, and all other
Necessaries, which was made good to them; for People from the Factory
flocked aboard every Hour, and dealt with them as in open Market, for
all Sorts of Merchandize, Refreshments, Jewels and Plate, returning with
Coffers of Money, _&c._ to a great Value.
The Advice of the Ship was taken very kindly, but the Pyrates judging
their own Ship too large to go close into the Bay, consulted their
Friend upon Means for taking the said Ship, who readily treated with
them for the Sale of one of less Burthen that lay then in the Harbour;
but _Malpa_ speaking to one _Punt_ of the Factory to carry her out, he
not only refused to be concerned in such a Piece of Villainy, but
reproved _Malpa_ for corresponding with the Pyrates, and told him, if he
should be guilty of so base an Action, he must never see the Face of any
of his Countrymen more; which made the honest Broker change both his
Countenance and his Purpose.
At this Place Captain _Woolley_, whom they had taken for their Pilot on
the _India_ Coast, being in a very sick and weak Condition, was, at his
earnest Intreaty, discharged from his severe Confinement among them, and
set ashore, and the next Day the Pyrates sailed, and ranged along the
_Mallabar_ Coast, in quest of more Booty. In their Way they met a second
time with the _Pembroke_, and plundered her of some Sugar, and other
small Things, and let her go again. From the Coast they sail'd back for
the Island of _Mauritius_, where they lay some Time, and lived after
their usual extravagant Manner.
At _Mauritius_ two of the Crew, _viz._ _Israel Phipeny_ and _Peter
Freeland_, left the Pyrates and concealed themselves in the Island till
the Ship sailed. These two Men were part of _Drummond_'s Crew, who found
an Opportunity of coming to _England_ soon after on board the _Raper_
Galley, and arrived at _Portsmouth_ in _March_ 1725. When this came to
be known, Mr. _John Green_, Brother to Capt. _Green_, then under
Sentence, went thither and got the Affidavits of the said _Phipeny_ and
_Freeland_, made before the Mayor of _Portsmouth_, containing several
Matters herein mentioned, which Affidavits were immediately brought to
_London_, and by the Secretary of State sent away Express to _Scotland_,
which arrived there some Hours before Capt. _Green_ was executed.
OF
Capt. _WILLIAM KID_.
We are now going to give an Account of one whose Name is better known in
_England_, than most of those whose Histories we have already related;
the Person we mean is Captain _Kid_, whose publick Trial and Execution
here, rendered him the Subject of all Conversation, so that his Actions
have been chanted about in Ballads; however, it is now a considerable
Time since these Things passed, and though the People knew in general
that Captain _Kid_ was hanged, and that his Crime was Pyracy, yet there
were scarce any, even at that Time, who were acquainted with his Life or
Actions, or could account for his turning Pyrate.
In the Beginning of King _William_'s War, Captain _Kid_ commanded a
Privateer in the _West-Indies_, and by several adventurous Actions
acquired the Reputation of a brave Man, as well as an experienced
Seaman. About this Time the Pyrates were very troublesome in those
Parts, wherefore Captain _Kid_ was recommended by the Lord _Bellamont_,
then Governor of _Barbadoes_, as well as by several other Persons, to
the Government here, as a Person very fit to be entrusted with the
Command of a Government Ship, and to be employed in cruising upon the
Pyrates, as knowing those Seas perfectly well, and being acquainted with
all their lurking Places; but what Reasons governed the Politicks of
those Times, I cannot tell, but this Proposal met with no Encouragement
here, though it is certain it would have been of great Consequence to
the Subject, our Merchants suffering incredible Damages by those
Robbers.
Upon this Neglect the Lord _Bellamont_ and some others, who knew what
great Captures had been made by the Pyrates, and what a prodigious
Wealth must be in their Possession, were tempted to fit out a Ship at
their own private Charge, and to give the Command of it to Captain
_Kid_; and, to give the Thing a greater Reputation, as well as to keep
their Seamen under the better Command, they procured the King's
Commission for the said Captain _Kid_, of which the following is an
exact Copy.
_William Rex_,
_'William_ the Third, by the Grace of God, King of _England_,
_Scotland_, _France_ and _Ireland_, Defender of the Faith, _&c._ To our
trusty and well beloved Captain _William Kid_, Commander of the Ship the
_Adventure_ Gally, or to any other the Commander of the same for the
Time being, GREETING; Whereas we are informed, that Captain _Thomas
Too_, _John Ireland_, Captain _Thomas Wake_, and Captain _William Maze_,
or _Mace_, and other Subjects, Natives or Inhabitants of _New-York_, and
elsewhere, in our Plantations in _America_, have associated themselves,
with divers others, wicked and ill disposed Persons, and do, against the
Law of Nations, commit many and great Pyracies, Robberies and
Depredations on the Seas upon the Parts of _America_, and in other
Parts, to the great Hinderance and Discouragement of Trade and
Navigation, and to the great Danger and Hurt of our loving Subjects, our
Allies, and all others, navigating the Seas upon their lawful Occasions.
Now KNOW YE, that we being desirous to prevent the aforesaid Mischiefs,
and, as much as in us lies, to bring the said Pyrates, Free Booters and
Sea Rovers to Justice, have thought fit, and do hereby give and grant to
the said _William Kid_ (to whom our Commissioners for exercising the
Office of Lord High Admiral of _England_, have granted a Commission as a
private Man of War, bearing Date the 11th Day of _December_ 1695), and
unto the Commander of the said Ship for the Time being, and unto the
Officers, Mariners, and others, which shall be under your Command, full
Power and Authority to apprehend, sieze, and take into your Custody as
well the said Captain _Thomas Too_, _John Ireland_, Captain _Thomas
Wake_, and Captain _William Maze_, or _Mace_, as all such Pyrates, Free
Booters and Sea Rovers, being either our Subjects, or of other Nations
associated with them, which you shall meet with upon the Seas, or Coasts
of _America_, or upon any other Seas or Coasts, with all their Ships and
Vessels; and all such Merchandizes, Money, Goods and Wares as shall be
found on Board, or with them, in Case they shall willingly yield
themselves; but if they will not yield without fighting, then you are by
Force to compel them to yield. And we do also require you to bring, or
cause to be brought, such Pyrates, Free Booters, or Sea Rovers, as you
shall seize, to a legal Tryal, to the End they may be proceeded against
according to the Law in such Cases. And we do hereby command all our
Officers, Ministers, and other our loving Subjects whatsover, to be
aiding and assisting to you in the Premisses. And we do hereby enjoin
you to keep an exact Journal of your Proceedings in the Execution of the
Premisses, and set down the Names of such Pyrates, and of their Officers
and Company, and the Names of such Ships and Vessels as you shall by
Vertue of these Presents take and seize, and the Quantities of Arms,
Ammunition, Provision and Lading of such Ships, and the true Value of
the same, as near as you judge. And we do hereby strictly charge and
command you as you will answer the contrary at your Peril, that you do
not, in any Manner, offend or molest our Friends or Allies, their Ships,
or Subjects, by Colour or Pretence of these Presents, or the Authority
thereby granted. In Witness whereof we have caused our Great Seal of
_England_ to be affix'd to these Presents. Given at our Court of
_Kensington_, the 26th Day of _January_ 1695, in the seventh Year of our
Reign.'
Captain _Kid_ had also another Commission, which was called a Commission
of Reprisals; for it being then War Time, this Commission was to justify
him in the taking of _French_ Merchant Ships, in Case he should meet
with any; but as this Commission is nothing to our present Purpose, we
shall not burthen the Readers with it.
With these two Commissions he sail'd out of _Plymouth_ in _May_ 1696, in
the _Adventure_ Gally of thirty Guns, and eighty Men; the Place he first
design'd for was _New-York_; in his Voyage thither he took a _French_
Banker, but this was no Act of Pyracy, he having a Commission for that
Purpose, as we have just observ'd.
When he arrived at _New York_ he put up Articles for engaging more
Hands, it being necessary to his Ships Crew, since he proposed to deal
with a desperate Enemy: The Terms he offered were, that every Man should
have a Share of what was taken, reserving for himself and Owners forty
Shares. Upon which Encouragement he soon increas'd his Company to a
hundred and fifty five Men.
With this Company he sail'd first for _Maderas_, where he took in Wine
and some other Necessaries; from thence he proceeded to _Bonavist_, one
of the _Cape de Verd Islands_, to furnish the Ship with Salt, and from
thence went immediately to St. _Jago_, another of the _Cape de Verd
Islands_, in order to stock himself with Provisions. When all this was
done, he bent his Course to _Madagascar_, the known Rendezvouz of
Pyrates; in his Way he fell in with Captain _Warren_, Commadore of three
Men of War; he acquainted them with his Design, kept them Company two or
three Days, and then leaving them, made the best Way for _Madagascar_,
where he arrived in _February_ 1696, just nine Months from his Departure
from _Plymouth_.
It happen'd that at this Time the Pyrate Ships were most of them out in
search of Prey; so that according to the best Intelligence Captain _Kid_
could get, there was not one of them at that Time about the Island,
wherefore having spent some Time in watering his Ship, and taking in
more Provisions, he thought of trying his Fortune on the Coast of
_Malabar_, where he arrived in the Month of _June_ following, four
Months from his reaching _Madagascar_. Hereabouts he made an
unsuccessful Cruize, touching sometimes at the Island of _Mahala_,
sometimes at that of _Joanna_, betwixt _Malabar_ and _Madagascar_: His
Provisions were every Day wasting, and his Ship began to want Repair;
wherefore, when he was at _Joanna_, he found Means of borrowing a Sum of
Money from some _French_ Men who had lost their Ship, but saved their
Effects, and with this he purchas'd Materials for putting his Ship in
good Repair.
It does not appear all this while that he had the least Design of
turning Pyrate; for near _Mahala_ and _Joanna_ both, he met with several
_Indian_ Ships richly laden, to which he did not offer the least
Violence, tho' he was strong enough to have done what he pleas'd with
them; and the first Outrage or Depredation I find he committed upon
Mankind, was after his repairing his Ship, and leaving _Joanna_; he
touch'd at a Place call'd _Mabbee_, upon the _Red Sea_, where he took
some _Guinnea_ Corn from the Natives, by Force.
After this he sail'd to _Bab_'s _Key_, a Place upon a little Island at
the Entrance of the _Red Sea_; here it was that he first began to open
himself to his Ship's Company, and let them understand that he intended
to change his Measures; for, happening to talk of the _Moca_ Fleet which
was to sail that Way, he said, _We have been unsuccessful hitherto, but
Courage, my Boys, we'll make our Fortunes out of this Fleet_: And
finding that none of them appear'd averse to it, he order'd a Boat out,
well mann'd, to go upon the Coast to make Discoveries, commanding them
to take a Prisoner and bring to him, or get Intelligence any Way they
could. The Boat return'd in a few Days, bringing him Word, that they saw
fourteen or fifteen Ships ready to sail, some with _English_, some with
_Dutch_, and some with _Moorish_ Colours.
We cannot account for this sudden Change in his Conduct, otherwise than
by supposing that he first meant well, while he had Hopes of making his
Fortune by taking of Pyrates; but now, weary of ill Success, and fearing
least his Owners, out of Humour at their great Expences, should dismiss
him, and he should want Employment, and be mark'd out for an unlucky
Man; rather, I say, than run the Hazard of Poverty, he resolved to do
his Business one Way, since he could not do it another.
He therefore order'd a Man continually to watch at the Mast Head, least
this Fleet should go by them; and about four Days after, towards
Evening, it appear'd in Sight, being convoy'd by one _English_ and one
_Dutch_ Man of War. _Kid_ soon fell in with them, and getting into the
midst of them, fir'd at a _Moorish_ Ship which was next him; but the Men
of War taking the Alarm, bore down upon _Kid_, and firing upon him,
obliged him to sheer off, he not being strong enough to contend with
them. Now he had begun Hostilities, he resolv'd to go on, and therefore
he went and cruis'd along the Coast of _Malabar_; the first Prize he met
was a small Vessel belonging to _Aden_, the Vessel was _Moorish_, and
the Owners were _Moorish_ Merchants, but the Master was an _English_
Man, his Name was _Parker_. _Kid_ forc'd him and a _Portugueze_ that was
call'd _Don Antonio_, which were all the _Europeans_ on Board, to take
on with them; the first he design'd as a Pilot, and the last as an
Interpreter. He also used the Men very cruelly, causing them to be
hoisted up by the Arms, and drubb'd with a naked Cutlash, to force them
to discover whether they had Money on Board, and where it lay; but as
they had neither Gold nor Silver on Board, he got nothing by his
Cruelty; however, he took from them a Bale of Pepper, and a Bale of
Coffee, and so let them go.
A little Time after he touch'd at _Carawar_, a Place upon the same
Coast, where, before he arrived, the News of what he had done to the
_Moorish_ Ship had reach'd them; for some of the _English_ Merchants
there had received an Account of it from the Owners, who corresponded
with them; wherefore, as soon as _Kid_ came in, he was suspected to be
the Person who committed this Pyracy; and one Mr. _Harvey_ and Mr.
_Mason_, two of the _English_ Factory, came on Board and ask'd for
_Parker_, and _Antonio_ the _Portuguese_; but _Kid_ deny'd that he knew
any such Persons, having secur'd them both in a private Place in the
Hold, where they were kept for seven or eight Days, that is, till _Kid_
sail'd from thence.
However, the Coast was alarm'd, and a _Portuguese_ Man of War was sent
out to cruize: _Kid_ met with her, and fought her about six Hours,
gallantly enough; but finding her too strong to be taken, he quitted
her; for he was able to run away from her when he would: Then he went to
a Place call'd _Porco_, where he water'd the Ship, and bought a Number
of Hogs of the Natives to victual his Company.
Soon after this, he came up with a _Moorish_ Ship, the Master whereof
was a _Dutch_ Man, call'd _Schipper Mitchel_, and chased her under
_French_ Colours, which they observing, hoisted _French_ Colours too:
When he came up with her, he hail'd her in _French_, and they having a
_French_ Man on Board, answer'd him in the same Language; upon which he
order'd them to send their Boat on Board; they were oblig'd to do so,
and having examin'd who they were, and from whence they came; he ask'd
the _French_ Man, who was a Passenger, if he had a _French_ Pass for
himself? The _French_ Man gave him to understand that he had. Then he
told the _French_ Man he must pass for Captain, and by G-d, says he, you
are the Captain: The _French_ Man durst not refuse doing as he would
have him: The Meaning of this was, that he would seize the Ship as fair
Prize, and as if she had belong'd to _French_ Subjects, according to a
Commission he had for that Purpose; tho', one would think, after what he
had already done, that he need not have Recourse to a Quibble to give
his Actions a Colour.
In short, he took the Cargoe and sold it some Time after; yet still he
seem'd to have some Fears upon him least these Proceedings should have a
bad End; for, coming up with a _Dutch_ Ship some Time, when his Men
thought of nothing but attacking her, _Kid_ oppos'd it; upon which a
Mutiny arose, and the Majority being for taking the said Ship, and
arming themselves to Man the Boat to go and seize her, he told them,
such as did, never should come on Board him again; which put an End to
the Design, so that he kept Company with the said Ship some Time,
without offering her any Violence: However, this Dispute was the
Occasion of an Accident, upon which an Indictment was afterwards
grounded against _Kid_; for _Moor_, the Gunner, being one Day upon Deck,
and talking with _Kid_ about the said _Dutch_ Ship, some Words arose
betwixt them, and _Moor_ told _Kid_, that he had ruin'd them all; upon
which, _Kid_, calling him Dog, took up a Bucket and struck him with it,
which breaking his Skull, he died the next Day.
But _Kid_'s penitential Fit did not last long, for coasting along
_Malabar_, he met with a great Number of Boats, all which he plunder'd.
Upon the same Coast he also light upon a _Portuguese_ Ship, which he
kept Possession of a Week, and then having taken out of her some Chests
of _India_ Goods, thirty Jars of Butter, with some Wax, Iron, and a
hundred Bags of Rice, he let her go.
Much about the same Time he went to one of the _Malabar_ Islands for
Wood and Water, and his Cooper being ashore, was murder'd by the
Natives; upon which _Kid_ himself landed, and burnt and pillaged several
of their Houses, the People running away; but having taken one, he
caused him to be tied to a Tree, and commanded one of his Men to shoot
him; then putting to Sea again he took the greatest Prize, which fell
into his Hands, while he followed this Trade; this was a _Moorish_ Ship
of 400 Tons richly laden, named the _Queda_ Merchant, the Master whereof
was an _English_ Man, he was call'd _Wright_, for the _Indians_ often
make Use of _English_ or _Dutch_ Men to command their Ships, their own
Mariners not being so good Artists in Navigation.--_Kid_ chased her
under _French_ Colours, and having come up with her, he ordered her to
hoist out her Boat, and to send on Board of him, which being done, he
told _Wright_ he was his Prisoner; and informing himself concerning the
said Ship, he understood there were no _Europeans_ on Board, except two
_Dutch_, and one _Frenchman_, all the Rest being _Indians_ or
_Armenians_, and that the _Armenians_ were Part Owners of the Cargoe.
_Kid_ gave the _Armenians_ to understand, that if they would offer any
Thing that was worth his taking for their Ransome, he would hearken to
it: Upon which, they proposed to pay him twenty thousand Rupees, not
quite three thousand Pounds Sterling; but _Kid_ judged this would be
making a bad Bargain, wherefore he rejected it, and setting the Crew on
Shore, at different Places on the Coast, he soon sold as much of the
Cargoe as came to near ten thousand Pounds. With Part of it he also
trafficked, receiving in Exchange Provisions, or such other Goods as he
wanted; by Degrees he disposed of the whole Cargoe, and when the
Division was made, it came to about two hundred Pounds a Man, and having
reserved forty Shares to himself, his Dividend amounted to about eight
thousand Pounds Sterling.
The _Indians_ along the Coast came on Board and traffick'd with all
Freedom, and he punctually performed his Bargains, till about the Time
he was ready to sail; and then thinking he should have no further
Occasion for them, he made no Scruple of taking their Goods, and setting
them on Shore without any Payment in Money or Goods, which they little
expected; for as they had been used to deal with Pyrates, they always
found them Men of Honour in the Way of Trade: A People, Enemies to
Deceit, and that scorn'd to rob but in their own Way.
_Kid_ put some of his Men on Board the _Queda_ Merchant, and with this
Ship and his own sail'd for _Madagascar_; as soon as he was arrived and
had cast Anchor, there came on Board of him a Canoe, in which were
several _Englishmen_, who had formerly been well acquainted with _Kid_;
as soon as they saw him they saluted him, and told him, they were
informed he was come to take them, and hang them, which would be a
little unkind in such an old Acquaintance; _Kid_ soon dissipated their
Doubts, by swearing he had no such Design, and that he was now in every
Respect their Brother, and just as bad as they; and calling for a Cup of
Bomboo, drank their Captain's Health.
These Men belong'd to a Pyrate Ship, call'd the _Resolution_, formerly
the _Mocco_ Merchant, whereof one Captain _Culliford_ was Commander, and
which lay at an Anchor not far from them; _Kid_ went on Board with them,
promising them his Friendship and Assistance, and _Culliford_ in his
Turn came on Board of _Kid_; and _Kid_ to testify his Sincerity in
Iniquity, finding _Culliford_ in want of some Necessaries, made him a
Present of an Anchor and some Guns, to fit him out for the Sea again.
The _Adventure_ Galley was now so old and leaky, that they were forced
to keep two Pumps continually going, wherefore _Kid_ shifted all the
Guns and Tackle out of her into the _Queda_ Merchant, intending her for
his Man of War; and as he had divided the Money before, he now made a
Division of the Remainder of the Cargo: Soon after which, the greatest
Part of the Company left him, some going on Board Captain _Culliford_,
and others absconding in the Country, so that he had not above forty Men
left.
He put to Sea and happened to touch at _Amboyna_, one of the _Dutch_
Spice Islands, where he was told, that the News of his Actions had
reach'd _England_, and that he was there declared a Pyrate.
The Truth on't is, his Pyracies so alarmed our Merchants, that some
Motions were made in Parliament, to enquire into the Commission that was
given him, and the Persons who fitted him out: These Proceedings seem'd
to lean a little hard upon the Lord _Bellamont_, who thought himself so
much touch'd thereby, that he published a Justification of himself in a
Pamphlet after _Kid_'s Execution. In the mean Time, it was thought
adviseable, in order to stop the Course of these Pyracies, to publish a
Proclamation, offering the King's free Pardon to all such Pyrates as
should voluntarily surrender themselves, whatever Pyracies they had been
guilty of at any Time, before the last Day of _April_, 1699.--That is to
say, for all Pyracies committed Eastward of the _Cape_ of _Good Hope_,
to the Longitude and Meridian of _Socatora_, and _Cape Camorin_. In
which Proclamation, _Avery_ and _Kid_ were excepted by Name.
When _Kid_ left _Amboyna_ he knew nothing of this Proclamation, for
certainly had he had Notice of his being excepted in it, he would not
have been so infatuated, to run himself into the very Jaws of Danger;
but relying upon his Interest with the Lord _Bellamont_, and fancying,
that a _French_ Pass or two he found on Board some of the Ships he took,
would serve to countenance the Matter, and that Part of the Booty he got
would gain him new Friends.--I say, all these Things made him flatter
himself that all would be hushed, and that Justice would but wink at
him.--Wherefore he sail'd directly for _New-York_, where he was no
sooner arrived, but by the Lord _Bellamont_'s Orders, he was secured
with all his Papers and Effects. Many of his Fellow-Adventurers who had
forsook him at _Madagascar_, came over from thence Passengers, some to
_New England_ and some to _Jersey_; where hearing of the King's
Proclamation for pardoning of Pyrates, they surrendered themselves to
the Governor of those Places: At first they were admitted to Bail, but
soon after were laid in strict Confinement where they were kept for some
time, till an Opportunity happened of sending them with their Captain
over to _England_ to be tried.
Accordingly a Sessions of Admiralty being held at the _Old Baily_, in
_May_ 1701, Captain _Kid_, _Nicholas Churchill_, _James How_, _Robert
Lumley_, _William Jenkins_, _Gabriel Loff_, _Hugh Parrot_, _Richard
Barlicorn_, _Abel Owens_, and _Darby Mullins_, were arraign'd for Pyracy
and Robbery on the High Seas, and all found guilty, except three; these
were _Robert Lumley_, _William Jenkins_, and _Richard Barlicorne_, who
proving themselves to be Apprentices to some of the Officers of the
Ship, and producing their Indentures in Court, were acquitted.
The three above-mentioned, tho' they were proved to be concern'd in
taking and sharing the Ship and Goods mentioned in the Indictment, yet,
as the Gentlemen of the long Robe rightly distinguished, there was a
great Difference between their Circumstances and the rest; for there
must go an Intention of the Mind and a Freedom of the Will to the
committing an Act of Felony or Pyracy. A Pyrate is not to be understood
to be under Constraint, but a free Agent; for in this Case, the bare Act
will not make a Man guilty, unless the Will make it so.
Now a Servant, it is true, if he go voluntarily and have his Proportion,
he must be accounted a Pyrate, for then he acts upon his own Account,
and not by Compulsion; and these Persons, according to the Evidence,
received their Part, but whether they accounted to their Masters for
their Shares afterwards, is the Matter in Question, and what
distinguishes them as free Agents or Men, that did go under the
Compulsion of their Masters, which being left to the Consideration of
the Jury, they found them Not Guilty.
_Kid_ was tryed upon an Indictment of Murder also, _viz._ for killing
_Moor_ the Gunner, and found guilty of the same. _Nicholas Churchill_
and _James How_ pleaded the King's Pardon, as having surrendered
themselves within the Time limited in the Proclamation, and Colonel
_Bass_, Governor of _West Jersey_, to whom they surrendered, being in
Court, and called upon, proved the same; however, this Plea was
over-ruled by the Court, because there being four Commissioners named in
the Proclamation, _viz._ Captain _Thomas Warren_, _Israel Hayes_, _Peter
Delannoye_, and _Christopher Pollard_, Esqrs; who were appointed
Commissioners, and sent over on Purpose to receive the Submissions of
such Pyrates as should surrender, it was adjudged no other Person was
qualified to receive their Surrender, and that they could not be
intitled to the Benefit of the said Proclamation, because they had not
in all Circumstances complied with the Conditions of it.
_Darby Mullins_ urg'd in his Defence, that he serv'd under the King's
Commission, and therefore could not disobey his Commander without
incurring great Punishments; that whenever a Ship or Ships went out upon
any Expedition under the King's Commissioners, the Men were never
allowed to call their Officers to an Account, why they did this, or, why
they did that, because such a Liberty would destroy all Discipline; that
if any Thing was done which was unlawful, the Officers were to answer
it, for the Men did no more than their Duty in obeying Orders. He was
told by the Court, that acting under the Commission justified in what
was lawful, but not in what was unlawful; he answered, he stood in Need
of nothing to justify him in what was lawful, but that the Case of
Seamen must be very hard, if they must be brought into such Danger for
obeying the Commands of their Officers, and punished for not obeying
them; and if they were allowed to dispute the Orders, there could be no
such Thing as Command kept up at Sea.
This seem'd to be the best Defence the Thing could bear; but his taking
a Share of the Plunder, the Seamens mutinying on Board several Times,
and taking upon them to controul the Captain, shewed there was no
Obedience paid to the Commission; and that they acted in all Things
according to the Custom of Pyrates and Free-booters, which weighing with
the Jury, they brought him in guilty with the rest.
As to Capt. _Kid_'s Defence, he insisted much upon his own Innocence,
and the Villany of his Men; he said, he went out in a laudable
Employment, and had no Occasion, being then in good Circumstances, to go
a Pyrating; that the Men often mutinied against him, and did as they
pleas'd; that he was threatened to be shot in his Cabin, and that Ninety
five left him at one Time, and set Fire to his Boat, so that he was
disabled from bringing his Ship home, or the Prizes he took, to have
them regularly condemn'd, which he said were taken by Virtue of a
Commission under the Broad Seal, they having _French_ Passes.--The
Captain called one Col. _Hewson_ to his Reputation, who gave him an
extraordinary Character, and declared to the Court, that he had served
under his Command, and been in two Engagements with him against the
_French_, in which he fought as well as any Man he ever saw; that there
were only _Kid_'s Ship and his own against Monsieur _du Cass_, who
commanded a Squadron of six Sail, and they got the better of him.--But
this being several Years before the Facts mentioned in the Indictment
were committed, prov'd of no manner of Service to the Prisoner on his
Tryal.
As to the Friendship shewn to _Culliford_, a notorious Pyrate, _Kid_
deny'd, and said, he intended to have taken him, but his Men being a
Parcel of Rogues and Villains refused to stand by him, and several of
them ran away from his Ship to the said Pyrate.--But the Evidence being
full and particular against him, he was found guilty as before
mentioned.
When _Kid_ was asked what he had to say why Sentence should not pass
against him, he answered, That _he had nothing to say, but that he had
been sworn against by perjured wicked People_. And when Sentence was
pronounced, he said, _My Lord, it is a very hard Sentence. For my Part,
I am the innocentest Person of them all, only I have been sworn against
by perjured Persons._
Wherefore about a Week after, Capt. _Kid_, _Nicholas Churchill_, _James
How_, _Gabriel Loff_, _Hugh Parrot_, _Abel Owen_, and _Darby Mullins_,
were executed at _Execution Dock_, and afterwards hung up in Chains, at
some Distance from each other, down the River, where their Bodies hung
exposed for many Years.
OF
Captain _TEW_,
And his CREW.
Before I enter on the Adventures of this Pyrate, I must take Notice to
the Reader of the Reasons which made me not continue the Life of
_Misson_.
In reading the Notes, which I have by me, relating to Captain _Tew_, I
found him join'd with _Misson_; and that I must either be guilty of
Repetition, or give an Account of _Tew_ in _Misson_'s Life, which is
contrary to the Method I propos'd, that of giving a distinct Relation of
every Pyrate who has made any Figure: And surely _Tew_, in Point of
Gallantry, was inferior to none, and may justly claim a particular
Account of his Actions.
However, before I enter on the Life of this Pyrate, I shall continue
that of _Misson_ to the Time that these two Commanders met.
* * * * *
The Blacks seeing them so much upon their Guard, brought out boiled Rice
and Fowls, and after they had satisfied their Hunger, the Chief made
Signs that they were the same who had carried a Negroe to their Ships,
and sent for the Ax and Piece of Baze they had given him: While this
pass'd, the very Negroe came from hunting, who seem'd overjoy'd to see
them. The Chief made Signs that they might return, and ten Negroes
coming to them laden with Fowls and Kids; he gave them to understand,
they should accompany them to their Ships with these Presents.
They parted very amicably, and in hopes of settling a good
Correspondence with these Natives; all the Houses were neatly framed and
jointed, not built from any Foundation, but so made, that half a dozen
Men could lift and transport them from Place to Place; and sometimes a
whole Village shall be in Motion, which would be an odd Sight in
_Europe_, and surprizing to see Houses moving. The Hunters returning to
their Ships, with these Presents and Negroes, were joyfully received;
and the Negroes not only caressed, but laden with Baze, Iron Kettles,
and Rum, besides the Present of a Cutlash for the Chief.
While the Negroes stay'd, which was the Space of three Days, they
examined and admired the Forts and growing Town, in which all Hands were
busied, and not even the Prisoners excused.
As Monsieur _Misson_ apprehended no Danger from the Land, his Fort (tho'
of Wood) being, he thought, a sufficient Defence to his infant Colony;
he took a hundred and sixty Hands, and went a second Time on the Coast
of _Zanguebor_, and off _Quiloa_ he gave Chase to a large Ship, which
lay by for him: She prov'd an over-match for the _Victoire_, which
engag'd her, with great Loss of Men, near eight Glasses; but finding he
was more likely to be took, than to make a Prize, by the Advice of his
Officers and Men, endeavour'd to leave the _Portuguese_, which was a 50
Gun Ship, and had 300 Men on Board; but he found this Attempt vain, for
the _Portuguese_ went as well as the _Victoire_, and the Commander was a
resolute and brave Man, who, seeing him endeavour to shake him off,
clapp'd him on Board, but lost most of the Men he enter'd. _Misson_'s
Crew not used to be attack'd, and expecting no Quarter, fought so
desperately, that they not thoroly clear'd their Decks, but some of them
follow'd the _Portuguese_, who leap'd into their own Ship; which
_Misson_ seeing, hop'd to make an Advantage of their Despair, and crying
out, _Elle est a nous, a l'abordage_. She's our own, board, board her,
so many of his Men followed the few, that hardly were there enough left
to work the Ship; _Misson_ observing this Resolution in his Men,
grappled the _Portuguese_ Ship, and leap'd himself on Board, crying out,
_la Mort, ou la Victoire_, Death or Victory. The _Portuguese_, who
thought themselves in a manner Conquerors, seeing the Enemy not only
drive off those who enter'd them, but board with that Resolution, began
to quit the Decks in Spight of their Officers: The Captain and _Misson_
met, as he was endeavouring to hinder the Flight of his Men; they
engaged with equal Bravery with their Cutlashes; but _Misson_ striking
him on the Neck, he fell down the main Hatch, which put an End to the
Fight, for the _Portuguese_ seeing their Captain fall, threw down their
Arms, and call'd for Quarters, which was granted; and all the Prisoners
without Distinction being order'd between Decks, and the Powder-Room
secured, he put 35 Men on Board the Prize, and made the best of his Way
for _Libertatia_. This was the dearest Prize he ever made, for he lost
fifty six Men: She was vastly rich in Gold, having near 200,000 l.
Sterling on Board, being her own and the Cargo of her Companion, which
was lost upon the Coast, of whose Crew she had saved 100 Men out of 120,
the rest being lost, by endeavouring to swim ashore; whereas had their
Fear suffer'd them to have staid, there had not been a Soul lost, the
Tide of Ebb leaving their Ship dry: This was the Reason that the Prize
was so well mann'd, and proved so considerable.
Being within Sight of _Madagascar_, they spied a Sloop which stood for
them, and when in Gun-Shot, threw out black Colours, and fired a Gun to
Windward; _Misson_ brought to, fired another to Leeward, and hoisted out
his Boat, which the Sloop perceiving, lay by for. _Misson_'s Lieutenant
went on Board, and was received very civilly by Captain _Tew_, who was
the Commander, to whom the Lieutenant gave a short Account of their
Adventures and new Settlement, inviting him very kindly on Board Captain
_Misson_. _Tew_ told him, he could not consent to go with him till he
had the Opinion of his Men; in the mean while _Misson_, coming
along-side, hal'd the Sloop, and invited the Captain on Board, desiring
his Lieutenant would stay as an Hostage, if they were in the least
jealous of him; which they had no Reason to be, since he was of Force so
much superior, that he need not employ Stratagem. This determined the
Company on Board the Sloop, who advised their Captain to go with the
Lieutenant, whom they would not suffer to stay behind, to shew the
greater Confidence in their new Friends.
My Reader may be surprized that a single Sloop should venture to give
Chase to two Ships of such Countenance as were the _Victoire_ and her
Prize: But this Wonder will cease, when he is acquainted with the
Sequel.
Captain _Tew_ after being handsomely regal'd on Board the _Victoire_,
and thoroughly satisfied, returned on Board his Sloop, gave an Account
of what he had learned, and his Men consenting, he gave Orders to steer
the same Course with _Misson_, whose Settlement it was agreed to visit.