I shall here leave them to give an Account of Captain _Tew_.

Mr. _Richier_, Governor of _Bermudas_, fitted out two Sloops on the

Privateer Account, commanded by Captain _George Drew_, and Captain

_Thomas Tew_, with Instructions to make the best of their Way to the

River _Gambia_ in _Africa_, and there, with the Advice and Assistance of

the Agent for the Royal _African_ Company, to attempt the taking the

_French_ Factory of _Goorie_ on that Coast.

The above Commanders having their Commissions and Instructions from the

Governor, took their Departure from _Bermudas_, and kept Company some

Time; but _Drew_ springing his Mast, and a violent Storm coming upon

them, they lost each other.

_Tew_ being separated from his Consort, thought of providing for his

future case, by making one bold Push; and accordingly, calling all Hands

on Deck, he spoke to them to this Purpose.

'That they were not ignorant of the Design with which the Governor

fitted them out; the taking and destroying the _French_ Factory; that

he, indeed, readily agreed to take a Commission to this end, tho'

contrary to his Judgment, because it was being employ'd; but that he

thought it a very injudicious Expedition, which did they succeed in,

would be of no Use to the Publick, and only advantage a private Company

of Men, from whom they could expect no Reward of their Bravery; that he

could see nothing but Danger in the Undertaking, without the least

Prospect of a Booty; that he could not suppose any Man fond of fighting,

for fighting-sake; and few ventured their Lives, but with some View

either of particular Interest or publick Good; but here was not the

least Appearance of either. Wherefore, he was of Opinion, that they

should turn their Thoughts on what might better their Circumstances; and

if they were so inclined, he would undertake to shape a Course which

should lead them to Ease and Plenty, in which they might pass the rest

of their Days. That one bold Push would do their Business, and they

might return home, not only without Danger, but even with Reputation.'

The Crew finding he expected their Resolution, cry'd out, one and all,

_A gold Chain, or a wooden Leg_, we'll stand by you.

Hearing this, he desired they would chuse a Quarter Master, who might

consult with him for the Common Good; which was accordingly done.

I must acquaint the Reader, that on Board the _West-India_ Privateers

and Free-booters, the Quarter Master's Opinion is like the Mufti's among

the _Turk_'s; the Captain can undertake nothing which the Quarter Master

does not approve. We may say, the Quarter Master is an humble Imitation

of the _Roman_ Tribune of the People; he speaks for, and looks after the

Interest of the Crew.

_Tew_ now, instead of his proceeding on his Voyage to _Gambia_, shaped

his Course for the Cape of _Good Hope_, which doubling, he steered for

the Streights of _Babel Mandel_, entring into the _Red Sea_, where they

came up with a tall Ship bound from the _Indies_ to _Arabia_; she was

richly laden, and as she was to clear the Coasts of Rovers, five more,

extreamly rich (one especially in Gold) being to follow her, she had 300

Soldiers on Board, beside her Seamen.

_Tew_, on making this Ship, told his Men she carried their Fortunes,

which they would find no Difficulty to take Possession of; for though he

was satisfied she was full of Men, and was mounted with a great Number

of Guns, they wanted the two Things necessary, Skill and Courage; and,

indeed, so it proved, for he boarded and carried her without Loss, every

one taking more Care to run from the Danger, than to exert himself in

the Defence of his Goods.

In rummaging this Prize, the Pyrates threw over a great many rich Bales,

to search for Gold, Silver, and Jewels; and, having taken what they

thought proper, together with the Powder, part of which (as being more

than they could handsomely stow) they threw into the Sea; they left her,

sharing 3000 l. Sterling a Man.

Encouraged by this Success, Captain _Tew_ proprosed the going in quest

of the other five Ships, of which he had Intelligence from the Prize;

but the Quarter-Master opposing him, he was obliged to drop the Design,

and steer for _Madagascar_.

Here the Quarter Master finding this Island productive of all the

Necessaries of Life; that the Air was wholesome, the Soil fruitful, and

the Sea abounding with Fish, proposed settling; but only three and

twenty of the Crew came into the Proposal: The rest staid with Captain

_Tew_, who having given the new Settlers their Share of Plunder,

designed to return to _America_, as they afterwards did; but spying the

_Victoire_ and her Prize, he thought he might, by their Means, return

somewhat richer, and resolved to speak with them, as I have already

said.

_Tew_ and his Company having taken the above Resolution of visiting

Mons. _Misson_'s Colony, arrived with him, and was not a little

surprized to see his Fortifications.

When they came under the first Fort, they saluted it with nine Guns, and

they were answered with an equal Number; all the Prisoners, at their

coming to an Anchor, were suffer'd to come up, a Privilege they had

never before granted them, on account of the few Hands left them, except

two or three at a time.

The Joy those ashore expressed at the Sight of so considerable a Prize

as they judged her at first Sight, was vastly allay'd, when they heard

how dear a Purchase she had prov'd to them; however, the Reinforcement

of the Sloop made some amends; Captain _Tew_ was received by

_Caraccioli_ and the rest, with great Civility and Respect, who did not

a little admire his Courage, both in attacking the Prize he made, and

afterwards in giving Chase to _Misson_; he was called to the Council of

Officers, which was immediately held, to consider what Methods should be

taken with the Prisoners, who were, by 190 brought in by this new Prize,

near as numerous as those of his own Party, though _Tew_ join them with

70 Men; it was therefore resolved to keep them separate from the

_Portuguese_ and _English_, who were before taken, to make them believe

they were in Amity with a Prince of the Natives, who was very powerful,

and to propose to them, at their Choice, the assisting the new Colony in

their Works, or the being sent Prisoners up the Country, if they

rejected the entering with them. Seventy three took on, and the rest

desired they might be any way employ'd, rather than be sent up the

Country; 117 then were set to Work upon a Dock, which was laid out about

half a Mile above the Mouth of the Harbour, and the other Prisoners were

forbid to pass such Bounds as were prescribed them on Pain of Death;

lest they, knowing their own Strength, should revolt; for I must

acquaint the Reader, that on the Arrival of the _Victoire_, both their

Loss and the Number of _Portuguese_ they brought in, was known to none

but themselves, and the Number of those who came over, magnified;

besides, the _Johanna_ Men were all arm'd and disciplin'd, and the

_Bijoux_ laid a Guardship, where the last Prisoners were set to Work;

but while they provided for their Security, both within and without,

they did not neglect providing also for their Support, for they dug and

sow'd a large Plat of Ground with _Indian_ and _European_ Corn, and

other Seeds which they had found on Board their Prizes. In the mean

while _Caraccioli_, who had the Art of Perswasion, wrought on many of

the _Portuguese_, who saw no Hopes of returning home, to join them.

_Misson_, who could not be easy in an inactive Life, would have taken

another Cruize; but fearing the Revolt of the Prisoners, durst not

weaken his Colony by the Hands he must necessarily take with him:

Wherefore, he propos'd giving the last Prize to, and sending away the

Prisoners. _Carracioli_ and Captain _Tew_ were against it, saying, that

it would discover their Retreat, and cause their being attacked by the

_Europeans_, who had Settlements along the Continent, before they were

able to defend themselves. _Misson_ reply'd, he could not bear to be

always diffident of those about him; that it was better die once, than

live in continual Apprehensions of Death. That the Time was come for the

sending away the _Johanna_ Men, and that they could not go without a

Ship, neither durst he trust a Ship out, not well mann'd, nor man her

while so many Prisoners were with him. Wherefore there was a Necessity

of sending them off, or of putting them all to the Sword. A Barbarity by

which he would not purchase his Security. A Council was called, and what

Captain _Misson_ had proposed, agreed to. The Prisoners were then

summon'd and he told them, in few Words, that he knew the Consequence of

giving them Liberty; that he expected to be attacked as soon as the

Place of his Retreat was known, and had it in his Hands, by putting them

to Death to avoid the doubtful Fate of War; but his Humanity would not

suffer him to entertain a Thought so cruel, and his Alliances with the

Natives, he hoped, would enable him to repel his Assailants; but he

required an Oath of every one, that he should not serve against him: He

then enquired into the Circumstances of every particular Man, and what

they had lost, all which he return'd, telling the Company it should be

reckoned as Part of his Share, and the Prisoners, that he did not make

War with the Oppressed, but the Oppressors. The Prisoners were charm'd

with this Mark of Generosity and Humanity, and wished he might never

meet a Treatment unworthy of that he gave them. The Ship being

victualled for a Voyage to the Coast of _Zanguebar_, all her Guns and

Ammunitions taken out, with the spare Sails, and spare Rigging, all were

ordered to be gone, and 137 departed, highly applauding the Behaviour of

their Enemies. All this while they had heard nothing from the Natives,

nor had the hunting Parties met with any of them, which made _Misson_

suspect they were afraid of his being their Neighbour, and had shifted

their Quarters; but as the _Johanna_ Men were upon going away, there

came about 50 Negroes to them, driving about 100 Head of black Cattle,

20 Negroe Men bound, and 25 Women, for which Cattle and Prisoners they

barter'd Rum, Hatchets, Baze and Beads; some Hogsheads of which last

Commodity they had taken on the Coast of _Angola_. Here the Negroes

belonging to _Misson_ were provided with Wives: The Natives were

caress'd, and to the Slaves Signs made that their Liberty was given

them, they were immediately cloathed and put under the Care of as many

Whites, who, by all possible Demonstrations, endeavoured to make them

understand that they were Enemies to Slavery. The Natives staid ten

Days, which retarded the Departure of the _Johanna_ Men; but, upon their

retiring, the _Bijoux_ sailed with 100 of them on Board, under the

command of _Caraccioli_'s Lieutenant, who excused the keeping them a

Month longer than was promised, and not bringing them at once, having no

more than two Ships. The _Portuguese_ Ship, which was unrigg'd, being

made a Hulk, the ten Men of _Misson_'s Company who had settled at

_Johanna_, being desirous to return, were brought to _Libertatia_ with

their Wives (of which they had two and three a piece) and their

Children, the _Bijoux_, at two more Voyages, carried over the rest of

the _Johannians_.

_Misson_ hove down the _Bijoux_, and resolving on a Cruise on the Coast

of _Guiney_, to strengthen his Colony by the Capture of some slaving

Ship, he gave the Command of her to Captain _Tew_, and he and

_Caraccioli_ press'd the Work of the Dock; he gave him also 200 Hands,

of which 40 were _Portuguese_, 37 Negroes, 17 of them expert Sailors, 30

_English_, and the rest _French_. _Tew_ met with nothing in his Way till

he came to the Northward of the Cape of _Good Hope_, when he fell in

with a _Dutch East-India_ Galley of 18 Guns, which he took after a small

Resistance, and with the Loss of one Man only; on the Coast of _Angola_

he took an _English_ Man with 240 Slaves, Men, Women, and Boys. The

Negroes, who had before been taken on this Coast, found among these a

great many of their Acquaintance, and several of their Relations, to

whom they reported their happy and unexpected change of Fortune, the

great Captain (for so they now called _Misson_) humanly having knocked

off their Chains, and of Slaves made them free Men, and Sharers in his

Fortunes. That the same good Fortune had attended them in their falling

into his Hands, for he abhorr'd even the Name of Slavery. _Tew_

following the Orders, and acquainted with the Policy of _Misson_,

order'd their Fetters and Handcuffs to be taken off, upon his Negroe

Sailors, assuring him they would not revolt, and were sensible of their

Happiness in falling into his Hands. Content with these Prizes, he made

the best of his Way home to _Libertatia_, where he arrived without any

sinister Accident; but I forgot to tell my Reader, that he set his

_Dutch_ Prisoners (nine excepted, who took on with him) ashore, about 30

Miles to the Northward of the Cape, in _Soldinia_ Bay, where had been

buried, by Captain _Misson_, the _English_ Commander; he found a great

Quantity of _English_ Crowns on Board his _Dutch_ Prize, which were

carried into the common Treasury, Money being of no Use where every

Thing was in common, and no Hedge bounded any particular Man's Property.

The Slaves he had released in this last Cruize were employ'd in the

perfecting the Dock, and treated on the Foot of free People. They were

not ignorant of the Change of their Condition, and were therefore

extreamly diligent and faithful. A White Man, or one of the old standing

Negroes, wrought with every four, and made them understand the _French_

Words (by often Repetition, and the Help of their Country Mens

interpreting) used in their Works. _Misson_ ordered a couple of Sloops

to be built in a Creek, of 80 Tun each, which he mounted with 8 Guns a

piece, out of the _Dutch_ Prize. These were perfected in a little Time,

and proved not only shapely Vessels, but excellent Sailors. The Officers

of these Sloops were chosen by ballotting, and as their first Design was

only to discover and lay down a Chart of the Coast, Sands, Shoals, and

Depths of Water round the Island of _Madagascar_; The School Master

being sent for that Reason with the Command of one, _Tew_ desired, and

had the other. They were mann'd, each Sloop with 50 Whites and 50 black

Men. Which Voyage round the Island was of vast Advantage in giving the

new released _Angola_ Negroes a Notion of the working a Vessel; and they

were very industrious both in endeavouring to learn the _French_

Language, and to be useful. These Sloops, the one of which was called

the _Childhood_, and the other the _Liberty_, were near four Months on

this Expedition; in the mean while a few of the Natives had come often

to the Settlement, and they began to speak a little broken _French_,

mix'd with the other _European_ Languages, which they heard among

_Misson_'s People, and six of the native Families fixed among them,

which was of vast Use to the Planters of this new Colony; for they made

a very advantageous Report to their Country Men of the Regularity and

Harmony they observed in them. The Sloops being return'd, and an exact

Chart taken of the Coast, _Carraccioli_ had a mind for a Cruize; he

proposed the visiting all the neighbouring Islands, accordingly he went

out to _Mascarenas_, and the other Islands near it, taking one half of

his Crew of Negroes, and return'd with a _Dutch_ Prize, which he took

off the abovementioned Island, where they were about fixing a Colony.

This Prize, as it had on Board all Sorts of _European_ Goods, and

Necessaries for settling, was more valuable than if it had been vastly

richer. The Negroes growing useful Hands, _Misson_ resolved on a Cruize

to the Northward, encouraged by _Tew_'s Success; and, with all the

Blacks, which he divided between the two Ships, one of which Captain

_Tew_ commanded, set out with 500 Men: Off the Coast of _Arabia Foelix_,

they fell in with a Ship belonging to the _Great Mogul_, bound for

_Zidon_, with Pilgrims to _Mecca_, who, with _Moor_ Mariners, made up

the Number of 1600 Souls. This Ship carried 110 Guns, but made a very

poor Defence, being encumber'd with the Goods and Number of Passengers

they carried. The two Adventurers did not think it their Business to

cannonade, they therefore boarded as soon as they came up with her, and

the _Moors_ no sooner saw them enter'd, but they discharged one Volley

of small Arms at Random, we may suppose, because no Execution was done,

and fled the Decks. Being Masters of this Ship, which did not cost them

a single Man, they consulted what they should do with her, and the

Prisoners, and it was resolved to set them ashore between _Ain_ and

_Aden_; but as they wanted Women, to keep all the unmarried, and to

navigate the Ship to _Libertatia_; as the Guns might be of Use to them;

and, by letting her go, or sinking, they might lose, perhaps, a

considerable Booty, which the _Moors_, might have hid in her Cielings or

Ballast.

This Resolution was put in Execution, and they brought off 100 Girls,

from 12 to 18 Years old, who designed to make the Pilgrimage with their

Parents. The Lamentations this Separation caused among the Prisoners,

had such Effect on _Misson_, that he was for letting them go, but every

one of his Men were against him. They now made the best of their Way for

_Madagascar_, putting 200 Hands on board the Prize, which proved a very

heavy Sailer, and retarded them very much. Off the Cape _Guarde Fin_

they were overtaken with a cruel Storm, which was very near wrecking

them on the Island called _Irmanos_; but the Wind coming about due

North, they had the good Luck to escape this Danger. Though the Fury of

the Wind abated, yet it blew so hard for 12 Days together, that they

could only carry their Courses reef'd. They spy'd a Sail in their

Passage, but the Weather would not permit their endeavouring to speak

with her. In a Word, they return'd to _Libertatia_ with their Prize,

without any other Accident, but the Captors could make no Estimate of

her Value, she having on Board a vast Quantity of Diamonds, besides rich

Silks, raw Silks, Spices, Carpets, and wrought and bar Gold. The Prize

was taken to pieces, as she was of no Use; her Cordage and knee Timber

preserv'd, with all the Bolts, Eyes, Chains, and other Iron Work, and

her Guns planted on two Points of the Harbour, where they raised

Batteries, so that they were now so strongly fortified they apprehended

no Danger from any Number of Shipping which could be brought into those

Seas to attack them. They had, by this Time, clear'd, sown, and enclosed

a good Parcel of Ground, and taken in a Quantity of Pasturage, where

they had above 300 Head of black Cattle, bought of the Natives. The Dock

was now finish'd, and the _Victoire_ growing old and unfit for a long

Voyage, and the last Storm having shook and loosened her very much, she

was pull'd to pieces and rebuilt, keeping the same Name. She was rigg'd,

victuall'd, and fit to go to Sea, and was to sail to the Coast of

_Guinea_ for more Negroes, when one of the Sloops came in, which had

been sent out rather to exercise the Negroes, than with any View of

making a Prize, and brought Word five tall Ships chac'd her into the

Bay, and stood for their Harbour; that she judg'd them to be

_Portuguese_ by their Built, and 50 Gun Ships, full of Men. This prov'd

the real Truth. The Alarm was given, the Forts and Batteries mann'd, and

every Man stood to his Arms. _Misson_ took upon him the Command of 100

Negroes, who were well disciplin'd, (for every Morning they had been

used to perform their Exercise, which was taught them by a _French_

Serjeant, one of their Company, who belong'd to the _Victoire_) to be

ready where his Assistance should be requir'd. _Tew_ commanded all the

_English_. They had hardly order'd their Affairs when these Ships hove

in Sight, and stood directly for the Harbour with _Portuguese_ Colours.

They were warmly received by the two Forts, which did not stop them,

though it brought one of them on the Careen; they enter'd the Harbour,

and thought they had done their Business, but were saluted so warmly

from the Forts and Batteries, Sloops and Ships, that two of them sunk

downright, and a great many Men were drowned, though some got on Board

the other Ships. The _Portuguese_, who did not imagine they had been so

well fortified, and thought in passing the two Forts they should,

without Difficulty, land their Men, and easily root out this Nest of

Pyrates, found now their Mistake, for they durst not venture to hoist

out a Boat. They had wisely, however, contriv'd to enter just before the

Turn of the Tide. Finding the Attempt vain, and that they lost a great

many Men, they clapp'd upon a Wind, and with the Help of the Tide of

Ebb, made more Haste out than they did to get in, leaving two of their

Ships sunk in the Harbour; but they did not get off so cheaply, for no

sooner were they clear of the Forts, but _Misson_ manning, with the

utmost Expedition, both the Ships and the Sloops, he gave them Chase,

and engag'd them at the Mouth of the Bay. The _Portuguese_ defended

themselves with a great deal of Gallantry, and one of them put off the

_Libertatians_ twice, who boarded them from the two Sloops; two of them,

finding themselves hard press'd, made a running Fight, and got off, and

left the third to shift as well as he could. The _Bijoux_ and _Victoire_

finding the _Portuguese_ endeavour'd to clear themselves, and knowing

there was little to be got by the Captures, gave over the Chase, and

fell upon the third, who defended himself till his Decks swam with

Blood, and the greater Number of his Men killed; but finding all

Resistance vain, and that he was left to an unequal Fight by his

Companions, he called for Quarter, and good Quarter was given, both to

himself and Men. This Prize yielded them a great Quantity of Powder and

Shot, and, indeed, they expected nothing of Value out of her. None of

the Prisoners were stripp'd, and the Officers, _Misson_, _Caraccioli_

and _Tew_, invited to their Tables, treating them very civilly, and

extolling the Courage they had shewn in their Defence. Unhappily two

Prisoners were found on Board, who had been released, and had sworn

never to serve against them; these were clapp'd in Irons, and publickly

tried for their Perjury. The _Portuguese_ Officers being present, the

Witnesses proved them the very discharged Men, and they were condemned

to be hanged at the Point of each Fort; which Execution was performed

the next Morning after their Condemnation, with the Assistance of the

_Portuguese_ Chaplain, who attended, confess'd and absolv'd them. This

was the Engagement with the Pyrates, which made so much Noise in the

_Lisbon_ Gazette, and these the Men whom the _English_ ignorantly took

for _Avery_; who, we had a Notion here in _London_, had 32 Sail of Men

of War, and had taken upon him the State and Title of King, a Mistake we

have already spoken to in the first Volume.

This Execution seeming to impugn the Maxims of the Chiefs, _Caraccioli_

made an Harangue, in which he told them, that there was no Rule could be

laid down which did not allow Exceptions: That they were all sensible

how tender the Commadore, Monsieur _Misson_, was in shedding of Blood;

and that it was a Tenet of his Faith, that none had Power over the Life

of another, but God alone, who gave it; but notwithstanding,

Self-Preservation sometimes made it absolutely necessary to take away

the Life of another, especially an avow'd and an obliged Enemy, even in

cool Blood. As to the Blood shed in a lawful War, in Defence of that

Liberty they had generously asserted, it was needless to say any Thing,

but thought it proper to lay before them Reasons for the Execution of

the Criminals, and the Heinousness of their Crimes. They had not only

received their Lives from the Bounty of the _Libertatians_, but their

Liberty, and had every Thing restored them which they laid claim to,

consequently their Ingratitude rose in Proportion to the generous

Treatment they had met with. That, indeed, both he and Captain _Misson_

would have passed by the Perjury and Ingratitude they had been guilty

of, with a corporal Punishment, which had not extended to the

Deprivation of Life, but their gallant Friend and Companion the

_English_ Commander, Captain _Tew_, used such cogent Reasons for an

exemplary Punishment, to deter others from the like Crimes, that they

must have been Enemies to their own Preservation in not following his

Advice. That the Lives of their whole Body ought to be preferr'd to

those of declared and perjured Enemies, who would not cease to endeavour

their Ruin; and, as they were well acquainted with their Settlement,

might be fatal Instruments of it, if they were again restored to that

Liberty which they had already abused. That he was obliged to do Captain

_Tew_ the Justice, to acknowledge he was inclined to the Side of Mercy,

till he was thoroughly informed of the Blackness of their Ingratitude,

and then he thought it would be Cruelty to themselves to let those

Miscreants experience a second Time their Clemency; thus an absolute

Necessity had obliged them to act contrary to their declar'd Principles;

tho', to state the Case rightly, these Men, not the _Libertatians_, were

the Authors of their own Deaths: Here the Assembly crying out, _their

Blood is on their own Heads, they sought their Deaths, and hanging was

too good for them_; _Caraccioli_ gave over, and every one returned

satisfied to his private or the publick Affairs.

Some Differences arising between _Misson_'s and _Tew_'s Men, on a

national Quarrel, which the latter began; Captain _Tew_ proposed their

deciding the Quarrel by the Sword, but _Caraccioli_ was entirely against

it, alledging, that such a Decision must necessarily be a Damage to the

Publick, since the brave Men who fell, would be a weakening of their

Colony; he therefore desired Captain _Tew_ to interpose the Authority he

had over his Crew, as he and _Misson_ would endeavour to bring their Men

to an amicable Agreement; and for the future, as this Accident proved

the Necessity, wholesome Laws should be made, and a Form of Government

entered upon, both Parties were call'd, and _Caraccioli_ shew'd them the

Necessity of their living in Unity among themselves, who had the whole

World for Enemies; and as he had a perswasive and insinuating Way of

Argument, with the Assistance of Captain _Tew_, this Affair was ended to

the Satisfaction of both Parties.

The next Day the whole Colony was assembled, and the three Commanders

propos'd a Form of Government, being taken up, as necessary to their

Conservation; for where there were no coercive Laws, the weakest would

always be the Sufferers, and every Thing must tend to Confusion: That

Mens Passions blinding them to Justice, and making them ever partial to

themselves, they ought to submit the Differences which might arise to

calm and disinterested Persons, who could examine with Temper, and

determine according to Reason and Equity: That they look'd upon a

Democratical Form, where the People were themselves the Makers and

Judges of their own Laws, the most agreeable; and therefore, desired

they would divide themselves into Companies of ten Men, and every such

Company chuse one to assist in the settling a Form of Government, and in

making wholesome Laws for the Good of the whole: That the Treasure and

Cattle they were Masters of should be equally divided, and such Lands as

any particular Man would enclose, should, for the future, be deem'd his

Property, which no other should lay any Claim to, if not alienated by a

Sale.

The Proposal was received with Applause, and they decimated themselves

that very Day, but put off the meeting of the States till a House was

built, which they set about very chearfully, and finish'd in about a

Fortnight; it being of framed Timber, and they having among them a great

many who understood the handling an Ax.

When this Body of Politicians met, _Caraccioli_ open'd the Sessions with

a handsome Speech, shewing the Advantage flowing from Order; and then

spoke to the Necessity of lodging a supream Power in the Hands of one,

who should have that of rewarding brave and vertuous Actions, and of

punishing the vicious, according to the Laws which the State should

make; by which, he was to be guided. That such a Power however should

not be for Life, nor hereditary, but determinate at the end of three

Years, when a new Choice should be made by the State, or the Old

confirm'd for three Years longer; by which means, the ablest Men would

always be at the Head of Affairs, and their Power being of short

Duration, none would dare to abuse it: That such a Chief should have the

Title of Lord Conservator, and all the Ensigns of Royalty to attend him.

This was approv'd _Nemine contradicente_, and _Misson_ was chose

Conservator, with Power to create great Officers, _&c._ and with the

Title of Supream Excellence.

Then a Law was made for the meeting of the State once every Year at

least, but oftner, if the Conservator and his Council thought it

necessary for the common Good to convene them; and that nothing of

Moment should be undertaken without the Approbation of the State.

In a Word, their first Sessions lasted ten Days; and a great many

wholesome Laws were enacted, register'd in the State-Book, printed and

dispers'd (for they had some Printers and Letter Founders among them)

and then the Conservator dissolved them.

Captain _Tew_, the Conservator, honoured with the Title of Admiral, and

_Caraccioli_ made Secretary of State; he chose a Council of the ablest

among them, without Distinction of Nation or Colour; and the different

Languages began to be incorporated, and one made out of the many: An

equal Division was made of their Treasure and Cattle, and every one

began either to inclose Land for himself or his Neighbour, who would

hire his Assistance.

Admiral _Tew_ propos'd the building an Arsenal, and augmenting their

Naval Force; the first was agreed to be propos'd to the State at the

next Convention, but the latter was thought unnecessary, till the Number

of Inhabitants was augmented; for should they all be employed in the Sea

Service, the Husbandry would be neglected, which would be of fatal

Consequence to the growing Colony.

The Admiral then proposed the fetching in those _Englishmen_ who had

followed the Quarter Master; but the Council rejected this, alledging,

that as they deserted their Captain, it was a Mark of a mutinous Temper,

and they might infect others with a Spirit of Disorder; that however,

they might have Notice given them of the Settlement, and if they made it

their earnest Intreaty to be admitted, and would desert the

Quarter-Master, it should be granted as a particular Favour done them,

at the instance of the Admiral, and upon his engaging his Parole of

Honour for their quiet Behaviour.

The Admiral then desired he might take a Cruize; that he hop'd to meet

with some _East-India_ Ships, and bring in some Voluntiers, for the

Number of Subjects being the Riches of a Nation, he thought the Colony

stood more in need of Men, than of any Thing else; that he would lie in

the Way of the Cape, and did not question doing good Service; and as he

went to the Northward, would call upon his own Men.

The _Victoire_ was according to the Admiral's Desire fitted out, and in

few Days he sail'd with 300 Men on board; he came to an Anchor at the

Settlement his Men had made, and hoisted an _English_ Ensign in his Fore

Shrouds, and fir'd a Gun; but after he had waited some Time, perceiving

no Signal from the Shore, he landed and sent back his Boat; soon after

the Boat was returned towards the Ship, two of his Men came up to him,

to whom he gave an Account of _Misson_'s Settlement: They invited him

into the Wood to see that of theirs, and to advise with their

Companions, about the propos'd Migration. The Governor, _aliàs_

Quarter-Master, received him mighty civilly, but told him, that he could

see no Advantage to themselves in changing their present Situation, tho'

they might prove a great One to the new Colony, by adding to their Force

so many brave Fellows: That they there enjoy'd all the Necessaries of

Life; were free and independent of all the World; and it would be

Madness again to subject themselves to any Government, which, however

mild, still exerted some Power. That he was Governor for three Months,

by the Choice of his Companions; but his Power extended no farther than

to the judging in Matters of small Difference which might arise, which

he hop'd to do impartially while his Authority continued; that they had

agreed among themselves, and confirm'd that Agreement by Oath, to

support the Decrees of the Governor for the Time, that their

Tranquillity might not be disturb'd by the capricious Humour of any one

Man; and that this Power of determining, was to devolve at the

Expiration of three Months, to him on whom the Lot should fall by

balloting, provided he had not before enjoyed the Honour, for such a one

was not to draw; by which Agreement, every one would be raised, in Time,

to the supream Command, which prevented all canvassing and making

Interest for Votes, as when it determined by Suffrage; left no Open for

making Divisions and Parties, and was a Means to continue to them that

Repose inseparable from a Unity among themselves. However, continu'd he,

if you will go to _America_ or _Europe_, and shew the Advantages which

may accrue to the _English_, by fixing a Colony here, out of that Love

we bear our Country, and to wipe away the odious Appellation of Pyrates,

with Pleasure we'll submit to any who shall come with a Commission from

a lawful Government; but 'tis ridiculous to think we will become

Subjects to greater Rogues than our selves; and that you may know what

to say on this Head, if you think it expedient to follow my Advice, take

with you some few Thoughts, which I have couch'd in Writing, and which

I'll fetch you; he went into his Cabbin, for, tho' the Governor's, it

did not deserve the Name of a House, brought out some written Papers,

and gave them him.

Captain _Tew_ finding the Quarter-Master spoke the Sentiments of his

Companions, took Leave, and returned to his Ship.

When the Captain was in his Cabbin, he read the Quarter-Master's Papers,

which, as the Contents of them may oblige the curious, I shall set down.

This Island of _Madagascar_ affords all the Necessaries of Life, and

yields to none either in the Wholesomeness of the Air, or Fruitfulness

of the Soil: The Seas around it are well stor'd with Fish, the Woods

with Fowl, and the Intrails of the Earth are enrich'd with Mines of

excellent Iron, as I have learn'd from some Natives, by their having

Arms of that Metal; and, doubtless there are here both Gold and Silver

Mines in the Mountains.

The Soil will produce Sugar, Cotton, Indigo, and other Growths of our

_American_ Colonies, at a far inferior Expence, as I will make plain, by

comparing the Charge of erecting a Mill, _&c._ in _Barbadoes_, with what

it would be here.

A Windmill in _Barbadoes_ will cost 100 l. all Materials and Labour

being very dear; but here Wood and Stone may be had for Labour only; so

that with Artificers, and the needful Iron and Copper Work brought from

_Europe_, a Sugar Work may be set up for very little Money.

Negroes in _Barbadoes_ are at 30, 40, 50 l. _per_ Head; and I dare

answer 10 s. in _European_ Goods, will purchase a Negroe Slave at

_Madagascar_, since we have purchas'd for an old Coat, a lusty Fellow.

Food is very dear at _Barbadoes_, and here you may feed a Slave, as well

as your self without Expence; consequently he will do more Work than a

_Barbadoes_ Slave, who is, by the Dearness of Provision, half-starved.

Tho' a Cattle Mill is of less Expence in _Barbadoes_, yet the feeding of

Horses and Oxen at _Barbadoes_ is very dear.

But, to proceed to other Advantages, all Sorts of medicinal and dying

Woods may be carried from hence to _Europe_; and your Woods for fine

Works, as Iron, Wood, Cedar, Mahogony, _&c._ are here in great

Abundance.

If a Colony, with a lawful Power, were settled here, no doubt, but many

of the Commodities which we fetch from the _Indies_ might be made here,

as Silk, Cotton, _&c._ the Soil being proper for their Production.

The Natives are, or seem to be, very human; and they have such Plenty of

black Cattle, that we have bought an Ox of 800 lb. Weight, for a Pair of

Breeches.

Besides, a Settlement here would be a Curb on Pyrates, and a Protection,

as well as a great Conveniency to our _East India_ Ships, who might here

be stored with fresh or salt Provisions, and consequently not be obliged

to carry with them so great a Quantity as they now do, and save a great

Deal of Money to the Company in their Victualling.

Captain _Tew_ went on Shore again in the Evening, the Wind not serving

to weigh, it blowing due _West_; he asked the Governor, how he got

acquainted with the Natives? and he answered, by meeting them a Hunting,

and using them well; that he wheedled one of them down to their Huts,

the Fellow being alone, and they three in Company, he suppos'd, thought

it best to go with seeming Willingness. After him several came, and they

liv'd very friendly with them: The Captain had brought ashore with him

some Rum and Brandy, and they were drinking a Bowl of Punch, when, on a

sudden, a violent Storm arose; Captain _Tew_ ran to the Shore, and made

a Signal for his Boat to carry him off, but the Sea ran too high to

venture out of the Ship: The Storm all the while increas'd, and the

_Victoire_, in less than two Hours, parted her Cables, was drove ashore

where it was steep to, and perished, with all her Men, in Captain

_Tew_'s Sight.

The Captain staid with his old Companions, without knowing which Way to

return to his Friends he had left with _Misson_, not one of whom was

(luckily for them,) on board the Ship. At the End of three Months, as

far as they could discover a Hutt, they saw a large Ship, which _Tew_

believed was the _Bijoux_; but she took no Notice of the Fires they

made: As he expected she would return after a short Cruize, he, and his

Companions, made large Fires every Night on the Shore, and visited the

Coast very often. About a Month after this, as they came early to the

Sea-Side, they were surpriz'd at the Sight of two Sloops which lay at an

Anchor, about a Canon Shot from the Shore; they had not been long

looking upon them, when a Canoe was hoisted out of One, and made to

them, with six Men who row'd, and one Sitter.

_Tew_ soon knew him to be Captain _Misson_; he came ashore, and

embracing the former, told him, all their propos'd Happiness was

vanished; for without the least Provocation given, in the Dead of the

Night, the Natives came down upon them in two great Bodies, and made a

great Slaughter, without Distinction of Age or Sex, before they could

put themselves in a Posture of Defence; that _Caraccioli_ (who died in

the Action) and he got what Men together they could, to make a Stand;

but finding all Resistance vain against such Numbers, he made a Shift to

secure a considerable Quantity of rough Diamonds and Bar Gold, and to

get on board the two Sloops with 45 Men: That the _Bijoux_ being gone to

cruize, and the Number of Men he had carried with him in the _Victoire_,

weaken'd the Colony, and given the Natives the Boldness to attack them

as they did, but for what Reason he could not imagine.

_Tew_ gave him an Account of the Disaster which had happen'd; and after

having mutually condol'd their Misfortunes, _Tew_ propos'd their going

to _America_, where _Misson_ might, with the Riches he had, pass his

Life unknown, and in a comfortable Manner.

_Misson_ answer'd he could not yet take any Resolution, tho' he had

Thoughts of returning to _Europe_, and privately visiting his Family, if

any where alive, and then to retire from the World.

They dined with the Quarter-Master, who press'd their Return to

_America_, to procure a Commission for the settling a Colony.

_Misson_ told _Tew_, he should have one of the Sloops, and what

Volunteers would keep him Company, for his Misfortunes had erased all

Thoughts of future Settlements; that what Riches they had saved, he

would distribute equally, nay, he would be content, if he had only a

bare Support left him.

On this Answer, four of the Quarter-Master's Company offer'd to join

Captain _Tew_.

In the Afternoon they visited both Sloops, and _Misson_ putting the

Question to the Men, thirty went on board of one Sloop, tho' they parted

with great Reluctance from their old Commander; and fifteen staid with

_Misson_. The four Men who join'd _Tew_ made the Number of his Crew 34;

they staid about a Week, in hopes of the _Bijoux_'s Return upon the

Coast; but she not appearing, they set sail, Captain _Misson_ having

first shared the Treasure, with _Tew_ and his other Friends and

Companions, hoping to meet the _Bijoux_ on the _Guiney_ Coast, for which

they shaped their Course.

Off Cape _Infantes_, they were over-taken with a Storm, in which the

unhappy _Misson_'s Sloop went down, within a Musket Shot of Captain

_Tew_, who could give him no Assistance.

_Tew_ continued his Course for _America_, and arrived at _Rhode Island_

without any Accident; his Men dispersed themselves, as they thought fit,

and _Tew_ sent to _Bermudas_ for his Owners Account fourteen Times the

Value of their Sloop, and not being questioned by any, liv'd in great

Tranquillity; the _French_ belonging to _Misson_, took different Routs,

one of whom dying at _Rochelle_, the _French_ Manuscript of _Misson_'s

Life was found among his Papers, and transmitted to me by a Friend and

Correspondent.

Captain _Tew_ lived unquestion'd, _&c._ he had an easy Fortune, and

designed to live quietly at home; but those of his Men, who lived near

him, having squandered their Shares, were continually solliciting him to

take another Trip: He withstood their Request a considerable Time; but

they having got together (by the Report they made of the vast Riches to

be acquired) a Number of resolute Fellows, they, in a Body, begg'd him

to head them but for one Voyage. They were so earnest in their Desire,

that he could not refuse complying. They prepared a small Sloop, and

made the best of their Way to the _Streights_, entering the _Red Sea_,

where they met with, and attack'd a Ship belonging to the Great _Mogul_;

in the Engagement, a Shot carried away the Rim of _Tew_'s Belly, who

held his Bowels with his Hands some small Space; when he dropp'd, it

struck such a Terror in his Men, that they suffered themselves to be

taken, without making Resistance.

OF

Capt. _HALSEY_,

And his CREW.

_John Halsey_ was a _Boston_ Man, of _New England_, commanded the

_Charles_ Brigantine, and went out with a Commission from the Governor,

to cruize on the Banks of _Newfoundland_, where he took a _French_

Banker, which he appointed to meet him at _Fyal_; but missing his Prize

here, he went among the _Canary_ Islands, where he took a _Spanish

Barcalonga_, which he plundered and sunk; from thence he went to the

Island of _Bravo_, one of the _Cape de Verd_, where he wooded and

watered, turn'd ashore his Lieutenant, and several of his Men here

running away from him, the Governor sent them on board again, his

Commission being as yet in Force; from hence he stood away then to the

Southward, and doubling the _Cape_ of _Good Hope_, made for _Madagascar_

and the Bay of _Augustine_, where he took in Wood and Water, with some

straggling Seamen, who were cast away in the _Degrave India_ Man, Capt.

_Young_, Commander. After this, he shap'd his Course for the _Red Sea_,

and met with a _Dutchman_ of 60 Guns, coming from _Mocha_, whom he kept

Company with a Week. Tho' he was resolved upon turning Pyrate, he

intended to rob only the _Moor_ Ships, which occasioned a Dispute

between him and his Men; they insisting on the Ship's being a _Moor_, he

as strenuously asserting she was _Dutch_, was positive in his Resolve of

meddling with no _European_ Ships. The Men were for boarding, but his

Obstinacy not being to be conquered, they broke _Halsey_ and his Gunner,

confining both, and were ready to board the _Dutchman_, when one of the

Crew perceiving he was about to run out his lower Tire, knock'd down the

Quarter-Master (whose Business it is to be at the Helm in Time of Chase

or Engagement, according to the Rules of Pyrates) clapp'd the Helm hard

a Weather, and wore the _Brigantine_: The _Dutchman_ staid, and fired a

Shot, which taking a Swivel Gun carried it aft, narrowly miss'd the Man

at Helm, and shatter'd the Tafrel; the Men perceiving they had catch'd a

_Tartar_, made the best of their Way to shake her off, and some were

running down between Decks, whom the Surgeon prick'd up again with his

Sword, tho' he no Way was consenting to their design'd Pyracy. The

Captain and a Gunner were again reinstated after they had seen their

Mistake, and then they steer'd for the _Nicobar_ Islands, where they met

with a Country Ship, called the _Buffalo_, commanded by Captain

_Buckley_, an _Englishman_, coming from _Bengal_, which they took after

a short Engagement, there being only three _Europeans_ aboard, the

Captain and two Mates, the rest were _Moors_. This Ship fell seasonably

in their Way, she being bound for _Achen_, with Butter, Rice, and

Cloath, and the Pyrates, at that Time, being in great Streights both for

Provision and Cloathing. They took the two Mates to Sea with them, but

left the Captain and the _Moors_ at _Cara Nicobar_, at an Anchor, and

then took a Cruize. Captain _Buckley_, who was sick, died before their

Return; in the Cruize they met with Captain _Collins_ in a Country

Sloop, bound also to _Achen_: He had also two _English_ Mates with him,

but the rest of his Company consisted of _Moors_; him they carried to

the same Harbour where they left the _Buffalo_.

Here a Dispute arose among the Pyrates, some were for returning to the

_West Indies_, others were against it, for they had got no Money, and

that was what engaged their Search; they parted upon this; one Part went

on board the _Buffalo_, made one _Rowe_ Captain, and _Myers_, a

_Frenchman_, Master, whom they had pick'd up at _Madagascar_. The

Sloop's Deck they ripp'd up, and mended with it the Bottom of the

_Brigantine_, which _Halsey_ still commanded; the Ship shaped her Course

for _Madagascar_, and the _Brigantine_ made for the Streights of

_Malacca_, to lie in the Tract of the _Manila_ Ships. I must observe,

that Capt. _Buckley_'s two Mates, whom they intended to force with them,

were by Strength of Intreaty, permitted to go away with a Canoe. In

these Streights, they met an _Europe_ built Ship, of 26 Guns, which they

had not the Courage to attack, being sour'd by the _Dutchman_. They

afterwards stood in Shore, and came to an Anchor; few Days after they

made a Vessel, which they supposed a _China_ Jonque, and gave Chase, but

when they came pretty nigh, notwithstanding the Pilot assured them, she

was what they supposed, they swore it was a _Dutchman_, and would not

venture upon him; so leaving off their Chase stood in Shore, and came

again to an Anchor under the _Peninsula_; they lay here some Days, and

then spied a tall Vessel, which they chased, and proved the _Albemarle

East India_ Man, Captain _Bews_, Commander, come from _China_; they came

up with him, but thinking it too warm a Ship, after exchanging a few

Shot, the _Brigantine_ made off, and the _Albemarle_ chased in her Turn:

They however got clear, having a better Share of Heels, and came again

to an Anchor, having not above 40 Hands, their Water growing scarce, and

not daring to venture ashore for Fear of the _Dutch_, a Council was

called, and it was resolved to make the best of their Way to

_Madagascar_, to pick up more Hands, refresh, and set out on new

Adventures; pursuant to this Resolution, they steer'd for that Island,

but fell in their Way on _Mascarenas_ where, making a small Present to

the Governor, they were supplied with what they wanted; from hence they

went to a Place on _Madagascar_, call'd by the Pyrates _Hopeful Point_;

by the Natives, _Harangby_, near the Island of St. _Mary_'s, on the Lat.

of 17. 40 S. where they met with the _Buffalo_, and the _Dorothy_, a

Prize, made by Captain _Thomas White_ and his Company, being about 90 or

100 Men, settled near the same Place, in petty Governments of their own,

having some of them 500 or 600, some 1000 Negroe Subjects, who

acknowledged their Sovereignty. Here they again repaired their

Brigantine, took in Provisions and all Necessaries, augmented their

Company to about 100 Men, and set out for the _Red Sea_; they touch'd at

_Johanna_, and there took in a Quantity of Goats and Cocoa Nuts for

fresh Provisions, and thence in eleven Days reach'd the Streights of

_Babel Mandel_: They had not cruised here many Days, when they spied the

_Moors_ Fleet from _Mocha_ and _Jufa_, consisting of 25 Sail, which they

fell in with, and had been taken, if their Oars had not help'd them off,

it falling a dead Calm. They had not apprehended the Danger so great, if

they had not judged these Ships convoy'd by some _Portuguese_ Men of

War: Some Days after this, they met a one Mast Vessel, called a Grab,

coming from _Mocha_, which they spied within Gun-Shot, in a thick Fog;

they fired a Shot which out her Halliards, and then they took Possession

of her with their Boats; she was laden with Drugs, but they took only

some Necessaries and 2000 Dollars, and having learned that 4 _English_

Vessels lay at _Mocoa_, of which one was from _Jufa_, they let her go.

Three Days after they spied the 4 Ships, which they at first took for

the Trees of _Babel Mandel_; at Night they fell in with, and kept them

Company till Morning, the Trumpets sounding on both Sides all the Time,

for the Pyrate had two on board as well as the _English_. When it was

clear Day the four Ships drew into a Line, for they had haled the

Pyrate, who made no Ceremony of owning who he was, by answering

according to their Manner _From the Seas_. The _Brigantine_ bore up till

she had slung her Garf. One of the Ships perceiving this, advised

Captain _Jago_, who led the Van, in a Ship of 24 Guns and 70 Men, to

give Chace, for the Pyrate was on the Run; but a Mate, who was

acquainted with the Way of working among Pyrates, answered he would find

his Mistake, and said he had seen many a warm Day, but feared this would

be the hottest. The _Brigantine_ turn'd up again, and coming a Stern,

clapp'd the _Rising Eagle_ aboard, a Ship of 16 Guns and the Sternmost;

tho' they entered their Men, the _Rising Eagle_ held them a warm Dispute

for 3 Quarters of an Hour, in which Captain _Chamberlain_'s chief Mate

and several others were killed, the Purser was wounded, jumped

over-board, and drowned: In the mean while the other Ships call'd to

Captain _Jago_ to board the Pyrate; who bearing away, to clap him

aboard, the Pyrate gave him a Shot, which raked him fore and aft, and

determined Captain _Jago_ to get out of Danger; for he run away with all

the Sail he could pack, tho' he was fitted out to protect the Coast

against Pyrates. His Example was followed by the rest, every one

steering a different Course: Thus they became Masters of the _Rising

Eagle_. I can't but take Notice, that the second Mate of the _Rising

Eagle_, after Quarters were called for, fired from out of the

Forecastle, and killed two of the Pyrates, one of whom was the Gunner's

Consort, who would have revenged his Death by shooting the Mate, but

several _Irish_ and _Scots_, together with one Captain _Thomas White_,

once a Commander among the Pyrates, but then a private Man, interposed

and saved him, in regard that he was an _Irishman_. They examined the

Prisoners to know which was the Ship came from _Juffa_, for that had

Money on board; and having learn'd it was the _Essex_, they gave Chace,

came up with her, hoisted the bloody Flag at the Mainmast-head, fired

one single Gun, and she struck; tho' the _Essex_ was fitted for close

Quarters, there were not on board the _Brigantine_ above 20 Hands, and

the Prize was a Stern so far, that her Top-mast scarce appeared out of

the Water; in chacing this Ship, they pass'd the other two, who held the

Fly of their Ensigns in their Hands ready to strike. When the Ship had

struck, the Captain of her asked who commanded that _Brigantine_, he was

answered, Captain _Halsey_; asking again who was Quarter-Master? He was

told, _Nathaniel North_, to whom he called, as he knew him very well.

_North_ learning his Name was _Punt_, said Captain _Thomas Punt, I am

sorry you are fallen into our Hands_; he was civilly treated, and

nothing belonging to himself or the _English_ Gentlemen, who were

Passengers, touch'd, tho' they made bold to lay Hands on 40000 l. in

Money belonging to the Ship. They had about 10000 l. in Money out of the

_Rising Eagle_. They discharged the _Essex_, and with the other Prize

and the Brigantine, steer'd for _Madagascar_, where they arrived and

shared their Booty. Some of the Passengers, who had been so well

treated, came afterwards with a small Ship from _India_ (with License

from the Governor of _Maderas_) called the _Greyhound_, laden with

Necessaries, in Hopes to barter with the Pyrates for the dry Goods they

had taken, and recover them at an easy Rate: They were received very

kindly, an Invoice of their Goods was asked, the Goods agreed for,

shared and paid in Money and Bale Goods. In the mean while came in a

Ship from _Scotland_, called the _Neptune_, 26 Guns, 54 Men, commanded

by Captain _James Miller_, with a Design to slave, and to go thence to

_Batavia_ to dispose of her Negroes (having a Supercargo on board,

brought up among the _Dutch_) and thence to _Malacco_, to take on board

the Cargo of a Ship, call'd the _Speedwell_, lost on her Return from

_China_; but finding here another Ship trading with the Pyrates, and

having many Necessaries, _French_ Brandy, _Madera_ Wine, and _English_

Stout on board, Captain _Miller_ thought it better to trade for Money

than Slaves. The Merchants of the _Greyhound_ nettled to see any but

themselves take Money, for the Pyrates never haggled about a Price, told

'em, They could not do the Governor of _Maderas_ a more grateful Piece

of Service, than to make Prize of the _Neptune_, which was a Ship fit

for their Purpose. To which some of the _Scotch_ and _Irish_ answered,

they had not best put such a Design on Foot, for if the Company once got

it into their Heads to take one, they'd go nigh to take both Ships. In a

short Time after came on a Hurricane, which obliged the _Neptune_ to cut

away all her Masts, and lost the three Ships belonging to the Pyrates,

which was their whole Fleet. They having now no Ship, and several of

them no Money, having been stripp'd at Play, their Thoughts were bent on

the _Neptune_. The Chief Mate of her _Daniel Burgis_, who had a Spleen

to the Captain, joining privately with the Pyrates (among whom he died)

got all the small Masts and Yards ashore; and the Pyrates being

requested to find him proper Trees for Masting, told Captain _Miller_,

they had found such as would serve his Turn, desiring he would take a

Number of Hands ashore to get them down to the Water, which he

(suspecting no harm) accordingly did, and he and his Men were seized,

and the Long Boat detained ashore. The Captain was forced to send for

the second Mate, and afterwards for the Gunner; the Mate, who was the

Captain's Brother, went, but the Gunner suspecting foul Play refused: In

the Evening _Burgess_ came on board, and advised the Surrender of the

Ship, which, tho' but sixteen were left on board, they scrupled, and

proposed going under the Cover of their own Guns to fetch their

Top-masts and Yards, and with them to put to Sea; but the Chief Mate

_Burgess_, whose Villany was not then known, persuaded them to give up a

Ship they could neither defend nor sail; which was no small Satisfaction

to the Merchants in the _Greyhound_, little thinking how soon they would

meet with the same Treatment; for two Days after the Pyrates mann'd the

_Neptune_'s Pinnace, seized the _Greyhound_, took away all the Money

they had paid, and shifting out of the _Neptune_ ten Pipes of _Madera_,

with two Hogsheads of Brandy, into the _Greyhound_, and putting on board

the Captain, second Mate, Boatswain and Gunner of the _Neptune_, and

about 14 of her Hands, ordered her to Sea; the rest of the _Neptune_'s

Company being young Men fit for their Purpose, they detained, most of

which, by hard drinking, fell into Distempers and died. As to Captain

_Halsey_, while the _Scotch_ Ship was fitting, he fell ill of a Fever,

died and was buried with great Solemnity and Ceremony; the Prayers of

the Church of _England_ were read over him, Colours were flying, and his

Sword and Pistol laid on his Coffin, which was covered with a Ship's

Jack; as many Minute Guns fired as he was Years old, _viz._ 46, and

three _English_ Vollies, and one _French_ Volley of small Arms. He was

brave in his Person, courteous to all his Prisoners, lived beloved, and

died regretted by his own People. His Grave was made in a Garden of

Water Melons, and fenced in with Pallisades to prevent his being rooted

up by wild Hogs, of which there are Plenty in those Parts.

* * * * *

_P. S._ The _Neptune_ seized as above, was the Year after Captain

_Halsey_'s Death, ready to go to Sea; but a Hurricane happening she was

lost, and prov'd the last Ship that Gang of Pyrates ever got Possession

of.

OF

Captain _Thomas White_,

And his CREW.

He was born at _Plymouth_, where his Mother kept a Publick House; she

took great Care of his Education and when he was grown up, as he had an

Inclination to the Sea, procur'd him the King's Letter. After he had

served some Years on board a Man of War, he went to _Barbadoes_, where

he married, got into the Merchants Service, and designed to settle in

the Island: He had the Command of the _Marygold Brigantine_ given him,

in which he made two successful Voyages to _Guiney_ and back to

_Barbadoes_; in his third, he had the Misfortune to be taken by a

_French_ Pyrate, as were several other _English_ Ships, the Masters and

inferior Officers of which they detained, being in Want of good Artists.

The Brigantine belonging to _White_ they kept for their own Use, and

sunk the Vessel they before sailed in; but meeting with a Ship on the

_Guiney_ Coast more fit for their Purpose, they went on board her, and

burnt the Brigantine.

It is not my Business here to give an Acount of this _French_ Pyrate,

any farther than Captain _White_'s Story obliges me, tho' I beg Leave to

take Notice of their Barbarity to the _English_ Prisoners, for they

would set them up as a Butt or Mark to shoot at; several of whom were

thus murdered in cool Blood, by Way of Diversion.

_White_ was marked out for a Sacrifice by one of these Villains, who,

for I know not what Reason, had sworn his Death, which he escaped thus.

One of the Crew, who had a Friendship for _White_, knew this Fellow's

Design, to kill him in the Night, and therefore advised him to lye

between him and the Ship's Side, with Intention to save him; which

indeed he did, but was himself shot dead by the murderous Villain, who

mistook him for _White_; but this by the Bye.

After some Time cruizing along the Coast, the Pyrates doubled the _Cape_

of _Good Hope_, and shaped their Course for _Madagascar_, where, being

drunk and mad, they knock'd their Ship on the Head, at the _South_ End

of the Island, at a Place called by the Natives _Elexa_; the Country

thereabouts was governed by a King, named _Mafaly_.

When the Ship struck, Captain _White_, Captain _Boreman_, (born in the

Isle of _White_, formerly a Lieutenant of a Man of War, but in the

Merchants Service when he fell into the Hands of the Pyrates) Captain

_Bowen_ and some other Prisoners got to the Long-Boat, and with broken

Oars and Barrel Staves, which they found in the Bottom of the Boat,

paddled to _Augustine_ Bay; that is about 14 or 15 Leagues from the

Wreck where they landed, and were kindly received by the King of _Bavaw_

(the Name of that Part of the Island) who spoke good _English_.

They staid here a Year and a half at the King's Expence, who gave them a

plentiful Allowance of Provision, as was his Custom to all White Men,

who met with any Misfortune on his Coast; his Humanity not only provided

for all such, but the first _European_ Vessel that came in, he always

obliged them to take in the unfortunate People, let the Vessel be what

it would; for he had no Notion of any Difference between Pyrates and

Merchants.

At the Expiration of the above Term, a Pyrate Brigantine came in, aboard

which the King obliged them to enter, or travel by Land to some other

Place, which they durst not do; and of two Evils chose the least, that

of going on board the Pyrate Vessel, which was commanded by one _William

Read_, who received them very civilly.

This Commander went along the Coast, and pick'd up what _Europeans_ he

could meet with; his Crew however did not exceed forty Men, he would

have been glad of taking on board some of the wreck'd _Frenchmen_, but

for the Barbarity they had used towards the _English_ Prisoners;

however, it was impracticable, for the _French_ pretending to lord it

over the Natives, whom they began to treat inhumanly, were set upon by

them, one half of their Number cut off, and the other half made Slaves.

_Read_, with this Gang, and a Brigantine of 60 Tons, steer'd his Course

for the Gulf of _Persia_, where they met a Grabb (a one masted Vessel)

of about 200 Tons, which was made Prize.

They found nothing on board but Bale Goods, most of which they threw

over-board to search for Gold, and to make Room in the Vessel; but as

they learned afterwards, they threw over in their Search, what they so

greedily hunted after, for there was a considerable Quantity of Gold

concealed in one of the Bales they toss'd into the Sea.

In this Cruise Captain _Read_ fell ill and died; he was succeeded by one

_James_. The Brigantine being small, crazy, and worm eaten, they shaped

their Course for the Island of _Mayotta_, where they took out the Masts

of the Brigantine, fitted up the Grabb, and made a Ship of her: Here

they took in a Quantity of fresh Provision, which is in this Island very

plentiful, and very cheap; and found a twelve oar'd Boat, which formerly

belonged to the _Ruby East India_ Man, which had been lost there.

They staid here all the Monsoon Time, which is about six Months; after

which they resolved for _Madagascar_. As they came in with the Land,

they spied a Sail coming round from the _East_ Side of the Island; they

gave Chase on both Sides, so that they soon met: They haled each other,

and receiving the same Answer from each Vessel, _viz._ _from the Seas_,

they joined Company.

This Vessel was a small _French_ Ship, laden with Liquors from

_Martinico_, first commanded by one _Fourgette_, to trade with the

Pyrates for Slaves, at _Ambonawoula_, on the _East_ Side the Island, in

the Lat. of 17. 30. and was by them taken after the following Manner.

The Pyrates, who were headed by _George Booth_, Commander of the Ship,

went on board (as they had often done) to the Number of ten, and carried

Money with them under Pretence of purchasing what they wanted. (This

_Booth_ had formerly been Gunner of a Pyrate Ship, called the

_Dolphin_.) Captain _Fourgette_ was pretty much upon his Guard, and

searched every Man as he came over the Side, and a Pair of Pocket

Pistols were found upon a _Dutchman_, who was the first enter'd; the

Captain told him, _he was a Rogue, and had a Design upon his Ship_, and

the Pyrates pretended to be so angry with this Fellow's offering to come

on board with Arms, that they threatned to knock on the Head, and

tossing him roughly into the Boat, ordered him ashore, tho' they had

before taken an Oath on the Bible, either to carry the Ship or die in

the Undertaking.

They were all searched, but they however contrived to get on board 4

Pistols, which were all the Arms they had for the Enterprize, tho'

_Fourgette_ had 20 Hands on board, and his small Arms on the Arning to

be in Readiness.

The Captain invited them into the Cabbin to Dinner, but _Booth_ chose to

dine with the petty Officers, tho' one _Johnson_, _Isaac_, and another,

went down.

_Booth_ was to give the Watch Word, which was _Hurrah_; he pretending to

make Water over the Side of the Gunnel, laid his Hand on the Arning, and

being a nimble Fellow, at one Spring threw himself upon it, drew the

Arms to him, fired his Pistol forward among the Men, one of whom he

wounded, (who jumping over-board was lost) and gave the Signal.

Three I said were in the Cabbin, and seven upon Deck, who with

Handspikes and the Arms seized, secured the Ship's Crew. The Captain and

his two Mates, who were at Dinner in the Cabbin, hearing the Pistol,

fell upon _Johnson_, and stabb'd him in several Places with their Forks,

but they being Silver, did him no great Damage. _Fourgette_ snatch'd his

Piece which he snapp'd at _Isaac_'s Breast several Times, but it would

not go off; at last, finding his Resistance vain, he submitted, and the

Pyrates set him, and those of his Men who would not join them, on Shore,

allowing him to take his Books, Papers, and whatever else he claimed as

belonging to himself; and besides treating him very humanly gave him

several Casks of Liquor, with Arms and Powder, to purchase Provisions in

the Country.

I hope this Digression, as it was in a Manner needful, will be excused;

I shall now proceed.

After they had taken in the _Dolphin_'s Company, which were on the

Island, and encreased by that Means their Crew to the Number of 80

Hands, they sail'd to St. _Mary_'s, where Captain _Misson_'s Ship lay at

Anchor, between the Island and the Main: This Gentleman and his whole

Ship's Company had been cut off, at the Instigation of _Ort-Vantyle_, a

_Dutchman_ of _New-York_.

Out of her they took Water Casks and other Necessaries, which having

done, they designed for the River _Methelage_, on the West Side

_Madagascar_, in the Lat. of 16 or thereabouts, to salt up Provisions

and to proceed to the _East Indies_, cruize off the Islands of St.

_John_, and lie in Wait for the _Moors_ Ships from _Mocha_.

In their Way to _Methelage_ they fell in (as I have said) with the

Pyrate, on board of which was Captain _White_; they join'd Company, came

to an Anchor together in the above-nam'd River, where they had cleaned,

salted up, taken in their Provisions, and were ready to go to Sea, when

a large Ship appeared in Sight, and stood into the same River.

The Pyrates knew not whether she was a Merchant Man or Man of War; she

had been the latter, belonging to the _French_ King, and could mount 50

Guns; but being taken by the _English_, she was bought by some _London_

Merchants, and fitted out from that Port, to slave at _Madagascar_, and

go to _Jamaica_. The Captain was a young unexperienced Man, who was put

in with a Nurse.

The Pyrates sent their Boats to speak with him, but the Ship firing at

them, they concluded it a Man of War, and rowed to Shore, the two

Pyrates slipp'd and run ashore; the Grabb standing in, and not keeping

her Wind so well as the _French_ built Ship, run among a Parcel of

Mangroves, and a Stump piercing her Bottom, she sunk; the other run

aground, let go her Anchor, and came to no Damage, for the Tide of Flood

fetch'd her off.

The Captain of the _Speaker_, for that was the Name of the Ship which

frighten'd the Pyrates, was not a little vain of having forced these two

Vessels ashore, tho' he did not know whether they were Pyrates or

Merchant Men, and could not help expressing himself in these Words; _How

will my Name ring on the_ Exchange, _when it is known I have run two

Pyrates aground_, which gave Handle to a satyrical Return from one of

his Men after he was taken, who said, _Lord, How our Captain's Name will

ring on the_ Exchange, _when it is heard, he frighten'd two Pyrate Ships

ashore, and was taken by their two Boats afterwards_.

When the _Speaker_ came within Shot, she fired several at the two

Vessels; and when she came to an Anchor, several more into the Country,

which alarm'd the Negroes, who, acquainting their King, he would allow

him no Trade, till the Pyrates living ashore, and who had a Design on

his Ship, interceded for 'em, telling the King, they were their

Countrymen, and what had happened was thro' a Mistake, it being a Custom

among them to fire their Guns by Way of Respect, and it was owing to the

Gunner of the Ship's Negligence, that they fir'd Shot.

The Captain of the _Speaker_ sent his Purser ashore, to go up the

Country to the King, who lived about 24 Miles from the Coast, to carry a

couple of small Arms inlaid with Gold, a couple of Brass Blunderbusses,

and a Pair of Pistols, as Presents, and to require Trade.

As soon as the Purser was ashore, he was taken Prisoner, by one _Tom

Collins_, a _Welchman_, born in _Pembroke_, who lived on Shore, and had

belong'd to the _Charming Mary_ of _Barbadoes_, which went out with a

Commission, but was converted to a Pyrate; he told the Purser, he was

his Prisoner, and must answer the Damage done two Merchants, who were

slaving.

The Purser answer'd, that he was not Commander, that the Captain was a

hot rash Youth, put into a Business by his Friends, which he did not

understand; but however, Satisfaction should be made.

He was carried by _Collins_ on board _Booth_'s Ship, where, at first, he

was talked to in pretty strong Terms; but after a while very civilly

us'd, and the next Morning sent up to the King with a Guide, and Peace

made for him, as already said.

The King allowed them Trade, and sent down the usual Presents, a couple

of Oxen, between 20 and 30 People laden with Rice, and as many more with

the Country Liquor, called _Toke_.

The Captain then settled the Factory on the Shore Side, and began to buy

Slaves and Provisions; the Pyrates were among them, and had

Opportunities of sounding the Men, and knowing in what Posture the Ship

lay. They found by one _Hugh Man_, belonging to the _Speaker_, that

there were not above 40 Men on board, and that they had lost the second

Mate and 20 Hands in the Long Boat, on the Coast, before they came into

this Harbour, but that they kept a good Look-out, and had their Guns

ready primed; however, he, for a hundred Pounds, undertook to wet all

the Priming, and assist in the taking the Ship.

After some Days the Captain of the _Speaker_ came on Shore, and was

received with a great Deal of Civility by the Heads of the Pyrates,

having agreed before to make Satisfaction; in a Day or two after, he was

invited by them to eat a Barbacute Shoot, which Invitation he accepted.

After Dinner, Captain _Bowen_, who was, I have already said, a Prisoner

on board the _French_ Pyrate, but now become one of the Fraternity, and

Master of the _Grab_, went out, and returned with a Case of Pistols in

his Hand, and told the Captain of the _Speaker_, whose Name I won't

mention, that he was his Prisoner; he asked, upon what Account? _Bowen_

answered, they wanted a Ship, his was a good One, and they were resolved

to have her, to make amends for the Damage he had done them.

In the mean while his Boats Crew, and the rest of his Men ashore, were

told by other of the Pyrates, who were drinking with them, that they

were also Prisoners; some of them answer'd, _Z--ds, we don't trouble our

Heads what we are, let's have t'other Bowl of Punch_.

A Watch Word was given, and no Boat to be admitted on board the Ship;

this Word, which was for that Night, _Coventry_, was known to them: At

Eight a-Clock they mann'd the twelve-oar'd Boat, and that they found at

_Mayotta_, with 24 Men, and set out for the Ship.

When they were put off, the Captain of the _Speaker_ desired them to

come back, he wanted to speak with them; Captain _Booth_ asked, what he

wanted? He said, they could never take his Ship, then said _Booth_,

we'll die in or along Side of her; but replied the Captain, if you will

go with Safety, don't board on the Lar-board Side, for there is a Gun

out of the Steerage loaden with Patridge, will clear the Decks; they

thank'd him, and proceeded.

When they were near the Ship they were haled, and the Answer was, _the

Coventry_; all well, said the Mate, get the Lights over the Side, but

spying the second Boat, he asked what Boat that was? one answered, it

was a Raft of Water, another, that it was a Boat of Beef; this

Disagreement in the Answers made the Mate suspicious, who cried out

_Pyrates, take to your Arms my Lads_, and immediately clapp'd a Match to

a Gun, which, as the Priming was before wet by the Treachery of _Hugh

Man_, only fizz'd; they boarded in the Instant, and made themselves

Masters of her, without the Loss of a Man on either Side.

The next Day they put necessary Provisions on board the _French_ built

Ship, and gave her to the Captain of the _Speaker_, and those Men who

would go off with him, among whom was _Man_, who had betray'd his Ship;

for the Pyrates had both paid him the 100 l. agreed, and kept his

Secret. The Captain having thus lost his Ship, sail'd in that the

Pyrates gave him, for _Johanna_, where he fell ill and died with Grief.

The Pyrates having here victualled, they sail'd for the Bay of St.

_Augustine_, where they took in between 70 and 80 Men, who had belonged

to the Ship _Alexander_, commanded by Captain _James_, a Pyrate; they

also took up her Guns, and mounted the _Speaker_ with 54, which made up

their Number 240 Men besides Slaves, of which they had about 20.

From hence they sailed for the _East Indies_, but stopp'd at _Zanguebar_

for fresh Provisions, where the _Portuguese_ had once a Settlement, but

now inhabited by _Arabians_; some of them went ashore with the Captain

to buy Provisions, the Captain was sent for by the Governor, who went

with about 14 in Company: They past thro' the Guard, and when they were

entered the Governor's House, they were all cut off; and, at the same

Time, others who were in different Houses of the Town were set upon,

which made them fly to the Shore; the Long-Boat, which lay off at a

Grapling, was immediately put in by those who look'd after her: There

were not above half a dozen of the Pyrates who brought their Arms

ashore, but they plyed them so well, for they were in the Boat, that

most of the Men got into her, the Quarter-Master ran down Sword in Hand,

and tho' he was attack'd by many, he behaved himself so well, that he

got into a little Canoe, put her off and reached the Long-Boat.

In the Interim, the little Fort the _Arabians_ had, play'd upon the

Ship, which returned the Salute very warmly. Thus they got on board,

with the Loss of Captain _Booth_ and twenty Men, and set Sail for the

_East-Indies_.

When they were under Sail, they went to Voting for a new Captain, and

the Quarter-Master, who had behaved so well in the last Affair with the

_Arabians_, was chosen; but he declining all Command, the Crew made

Choice of _Bowen_ for Captain, _Pickering_ to succeed him as Master,

_Samuel Herault_, a _Frenchman_, for Quarter-Master, and _Nathaniel

North_, for Captain Quarter-Master.

Things being thus settled, they came to the Mouth of the _Red Sea_, and

fell in with 13 Sail of _Moors_ Ships, which they kept Company with the

greater Part of the Day, but were afraid to venture on them as they took

them for _Portuguese_ Men of War; at length part were for boarding, and

advised it, the Captain, tho' he said little, did not seem inclin'd, for

he was but a young Pyrate, tho' an old Commander of a Merchant Man.

Those who push'd for boarding then, desired Captain _Boreman_, already

mentioned, to take the Command; but he said, he would not usurp on any,

that no Body was more fit for it than he who had it, that for his Part,

he would stand by his Fusil and went forward to the Forecastle with such

as would have had him taken the Command, to be ready to board; on which,

the Captain's Quarter-Master said, if they were resolved to engage their

Captain, (whose Representative he was) did not want Resolution,

therefore, he ordered them to get their Tacks on board (for they had

already made a clear Ship) and get ready for boarding; which they

accordingly did, and coming up with the sternmost Ship, they fired a

Broadside into her, which killed two _Moors_, clapp'd her on board and

carried her; but Night coming on, they made only this Prize, which

yielded them 500 l. _per_ Man.

From hence they sailed to the Coast of _Mallabar_; the Adventures of

these Pyrates on this Coast are already set down in Captain _Bowen_'s

Life, to which I refer the Reader, and shall only observe, Captain

_White_ was all this while afore the Mast, being a forced Man from the

Beginning.

_Bowen_'s Crew dispersing, Captain _White_ went to _Methelage_, where he

lived ashore with the King, not having any Opportunity of getting off

the Island, till another Pyrate Ship, called the _Prosperous_, commanded

by one _Thomas Howard_, who had been bred a Lighterman on the River of

_Thames_, came in: This Ship was taken at _Augustine_, by some Pyrates

from Shore, and the Crew of their own Long-Boat, which join'd them, at

the Instigation of one _Ranten_, Boatswain's Mate, who was sent for

Water. They came on board in the Night and surprized her, tho' not

without Resistance, in which the Captain and chief Mate was killed, and

several others wounded, the Particulars of which will be found in

_Hore_'s Life. Those who were ashore with Captain _White_, resolving to

enter in this Ship, determined him to go also, rather than be left alone

with the Natives, hoping, by some Accident or other, to have an

Opportunity of returning home. He continu'd on board this Ship, in which

he was made Quarter-Master, till they met with, and all went on board of

_Bowen_, as is set down in his Life, in which Ship he continued after

_Bowen_ left them, as shall be mentioned in the Appendix. At _Port

Dolphin_ he went off in the Boat to fetch some of the Crew left ashoar,

the Ship being blown to Sea the Night before. The Ship not being able to

get in, and he supposing her gone to the West-Side of the Island, as

they had formerly proposed, he steered that Course in his Boat with 26

Men. They touch'd at _Augustine_ expecting the Ship, but she not

appearing in a Week, the Time they waited, the King order'd 'em to be

gone, telling 'em they impos'd on him with Lies, for he did not believe

they had any Ship; however, he gave 'em fresh Provision. They took in

Water, and made for _Methelage_. Here, as Captain _White_ was known to

the King, they were kindly received, and staid about a Fortnight in

Expectation of their Ship, but she not appearing, they raised their Boat

a-streak, salted up the Provisions the King gave 'em, put Water aboard,

and stood for the North-End of the Island, designing to go round,

believing their Ship might be at the Island of St. _Mary_. When they

came to the North-End, the Current, which sets to the North-West for

eight Months in the Year, was so strong they found it impossible to get

round. Wherefore they got into a Harbour, of which there are many for

small Vessels. Here they staid about three Weeks or a Month, when part

of the Crew were for burning the Boat, and for travelling over Land to a

black King of their Acquaintance, whose Name was _Reberimbo_, who lived

at a Place called _Manangaromasigh_, in the Latitude of 15, or

thereabouts. As this King had been several times assisted by the Whites

in his Wars, he was a great Friend to them. Captain _White_ disswaded

them from this Undertaking, and, with much ado, saved the Boat; but one

half of the Men being resolved to go by Land, they took what Provisions

they thought necessary, and set out, Captain _White_, and those who

staid with him, convoy'd 'em a Day's Journey, and then returning, he got

into the Boat with his Companions, and went back to _Methelage_, fearing

these Men might return, prevail with the rest, and burn the Boat.

Here he built a Deck on his Boat, and lay by three Months, in which Time

there came in three Pyrates with a Boat, who had formerly been trepann'd

on board the _Severn_ and _Scarborough_ Men of War, which had been

looking for Pyrates on the East-Side; from which Ships they made their

escape at _Mohila_, in a small Canoe to _Johanna_, and from _Johanna_ to

_Mayotta_, where the King built 'em the Boat which brought 'em to

_Methelage_. The Time of the Current's setting with Violence to the

North-West being over, they proceeded together in _White_'s Boat

(burning that of _Mayotta_) to the North-End, where the Current running

yet too strong to get round, they went into a Harbour and staid there a

Month, maintaining themselves with Fish and wild Hog, of which there was

great Plenty. At length, having a Slatch of fine Weather, and the

Strength of the Current abating, they got round; and after sailing about

40 Mile on the East-Side, they went into a Harbour, where they found a

Piece of a Jacket, which they knew belong'd to one of those Men who had

left 'em to go over Land; he had been a forced Man, and a Ship

Carpenter; this they supposed he had torn to wrap round his Feet, that

Part of the Country being barren and rocky. As they sailed along this

Coast, they came to an Anchor in convenient Harbours every Night, till

they got as far as _Manangaromasigh_ where King _Reberimbo_ resided,

where they went in to enquire for their Men, who left 'em at the

North-End, and to recruit with Provisions. The latter was given 'em, but

they could have no Information of their Companions.

From hence they went to the Island of St. _Mary_, where a Canoe came off

to 'em with a Letter directed to any white Man. They knew it to be the

Hand of one of their former Ship-Mates. The Contents of this Letter was

to advise 'em to be on their Guard, and not trust too much to the Blacks

of this Place, they having been formerly treacherous. They enquired

after their Ship, and was inform'd, that the Company had given her to

the _Moors_, who were gone away with her, and that they themselves were

settled at _Ambonavoula_, about 20 Leagues to the Southward of St.

_Mary_, where they lived among the Negroes as so many sovereign Princes.

One of the Blacks, who brought off the Letter, went on board their Boat,

carried them to the Place called _Olumbah_, a Point of Land made by a

River on one Side, and the Sea on the other, where twelve of 'em lived

together in a large House they had built, and fortified with about 20

Pieces of Canon.

The rest of them were settled in small Companies of about 12 or 14

together, more or less, up the said River, and along the Coast, every

Nation by it self, as the _English_, _French_, _Dutch_, _&c._ They made

Enquiry of their Consorts after the Shares of Prizes which belong'd to

them, and they found all very justly laid by to be given them, if ever

they return'd, as were what belong'd to the Men who went over Land.

Captain _White_ hankering after home, proposed going out again in the

Boat; for he was averse to settling with them; and many others agreed to

go under his Command; and if they could not meet with a Ship to carry

them to _Europe_, to follow their old Vocation. But the others did not

think it reasonable he should have the Boat, but that it should be set

to Sale for the Benefit of the Company. Accordingly it was set up, and

Captain _White_ bought it for 400 Pieces of Eight, and with some of his

old Consorts, whose Number was increas'd by others of the Ship's Crew,

he went back the Way he had come, to _Methelage_: Here he met with a

_French_ Ship of about 50 Tuns and 6 Guns; she had been taken by some

Pyrates who lived at _Maratan_, on the East-Side of the Island, and some

of the _Degrave East-India_ Man's Crew, to whom the Master of her

refused a Passage to _Europe_; for as he had himself been a Pyrate and

Quarter-Master to _Bowen_ in the _Speaker_, he apprehended their taking

away his Ship, War being then between _England_ and _France_, he thought

they might do it without being called in question as Pyrates. The

Pyrates who had been concerned in taking _Herault_'s Ship, for that was

his Name, had gone up the Country, and left her to the Men belonging to

the _Degrave_, who had fitted her up, clean'd and tallow'd her, and got

in some Provision, with a Design to go to the _East-Indies_, that they

might light on some Ship to return to their own Country.

Captain _White_ finding these Men proposed their joining him, and going

round to _Ambonavoula_, to make up a Company, which they agreed to, and

unanimously chose him Commander. They accordingly put to Sea, and stood

away round the South End of the Island, and touch'd at _Don Mascarena_,

where he took in a Surgeon, and stretching over again to _Madagascar_,

fell in with _Ambonavoula_, and made up his Complement 60 Men. From

hence he shaped his Course for the Island of _Mayotta_, where he cleaned

his Ship, and staid for the Season to go into the _Red Seas_: His

Provisions being taken in, the Time proper, and the Ship well fitted, he

steer'd for _Babelmandel_, and running into a Harbour waited for the

_Mocha_ Ships.

He here took two Grabs laden with Provision, and having some small Money

and Drugs aboard; these he plunder'd of what was for his Turn, kept 'em

a Fortnight by him, and then let them go. Soon after they spied a tall

Ship, upon which they put to Sea; but finding her _Europe_ built, and

too strong to attempt, for it was a _Dutch_ Man, they gave over the

Chace, and were glad to shake him off, and return to their Station.

Fancying they were here discover'd, from the Coast of _Arabia_, or that

the Grabs had given Information of them, they stood over for the

_Ethiopian_ Shore, keeping a good look out for the _Mocha_ Ships.

Few Days after they met with a large Ship of about 1000 Tuns and 600

Men, called the _Malabar_, which they chased, kept Company with all

Night, and took in the Morning, with the Loss only of their Boatswain,

and two or three Men wounded. In the taking this Ship they damaged their

own so much, by springing their Foremast, carrying away their Bowsprit,

and beating in part of their upper Works, that they did not think her

longer fit for their Use, therefore filled her with Prisoners, gave 'em

Provision, and sent them away.

Some Days after this they spied a _Portuguese_ Man of War of 44 Guns,

which they chased, but gave it over, by carrying away their

Main-Top-Mast, so that they did not speak with her, for the _Portuguese_

took no Notice of them.

Four Days after they had left this Man of War, they fell in with a

_Portuguese_ Merchant-Man, which they chased with the _English_ Colours

flying, the Chace taking _White_ for an _English_ Man of War or

_East-India_ Man, made no Sail to get from him, but on his coming up

brought to, and sent his Boat on board with a Present of Sweet-Meats for

the _English_ Captain; his Boat's Crew was detain'd, and the Pyrates

getting into his Boat with their Arms, went on board, and fir'd on the

_Portuguese_, who being surprizd, asked if War was broke out between

_England_ and _Portugal_? They answer'd in the Affirmative, but the

Captain could not believe 'em. However, they took what they liked, and

kept him with them.

After two Days they met with the _Dorothy_, an _English_ Ship, Captain

_Penruddock_ Commander, coming from _Mocha_. They exchanged several Shot

in the Chace, but when they came a Long-side her, they entered their

Men, and found no Resistance, she being navigated by _Moors_, no

_Europeans_ except the Officers being on board. On a Vote they gave

Captain _Penruddock_ (from whom they took a considerable Quantity of

Money) the _Portuguese_ Ship and Cargoe, with what Bales he pleased to

take out of his own, bid him go about his Business, and make what he

could of her. As to the _English_ Ship, they kept her for their own Use.

Soon after they plunder'd the _Mallabar_ Ship, out of which they took as

much Money as came to 200 l. Sterling a man, but miss'd 50000 Chequins

which were hid in a Jar under a Cow's-Stall, kept for the giving Milk to

the _Moor_ Supercargoe, an ancient Man. They then put the _Portuguese_

and _Moor_ Prisoners on board the _Mallabar_, and sent them about their

Business. The Day after they had sent them away, one Captain _Benjamin

Stacy_, in a Ketch of six Guns fell into their Hands; they took what

Money he had, and what Goods and Provisions they wanted. Among the Money

were 500 Dollars, a Silver Mug and two Spoons belonging to a Couple of

Children on board, and under the Care of _Stacy_. The Children took on

for their Loss, and the Captain asking the Reason of their Tears, was

answer'd by _Stacy_, that the above Sum and Plate was all the Children

had to bring them up.

Captain _White_ made a Speech to his Men, and told 'em, it was cruel to

rob the innocent Children; upon which, by unanimous Consent, all was

restor'd them again; besides, they made a Gathering among themselves,

and made a Present to _Stacy_'s Mate, and other his inferior Officers,

and about 120 Dollars to the Children; they then discharged _Stacy_ and

his Crew, and made the best of their Way out of the _Red Sea_.

They came into the Bay of _Defarr_, where they found a Ketch at an

Anchor, which the People had made Prize of, by seizing the Master and

Boat's Crew ashoar. They found a _French_ Gentleman, one Monsieur

_Berger_, on board, whom they carried with 'em, took out about 2000

Dollars, and sold the Ketch to the Chief ashoar for Provisions.

Hence they sailed for _Madagascar_, but touch'd at _Mascarena_, where

several of 'em went ashoar with their Booty, about 1200 l. a Man. Here

taking in fresh Provision, _White_ steer'd for _Madagascar_, and fell in

with _Hopeful Point_, where they shar'd their Goods, and took up

Settlements ashoar, where _White_ built a House, bought Cattle, took off

the upper Deck of his Ship, and was fitting her up for the next Season.

When she was near ready for Sea, Captain _John Halsey_, who had made a

broken Voyage, came in with a Brigantine, which being a properer Vessel

for their Turn, they desisted from working on the Ship, and who had a

Mind for fresh Adventures, went on board _Halsey_, among whom Captain

_White_ enter'd afore the Mast.

At his return to _Madagascar_, _White_ was taken ill of a Flux, which in

about 5 or 6 Months ended his Days; finding his Time was drawing nigh,

he made his Will, left several Legacies, and nam'd three Men of

different Nations, Guardian to a Son he had by a Woman of the Country,

requiring he might be sent to _England_ with the Money he left him, by

the first _English_ Ship, to be brought up in the Christian Religion in

hopes he might live a better Man than his Father. He was buried with the

same Ceremony they use at the Funerals of their Companions, which is

mention'd in the Account of _Halsey_. Some Years after an _English_ Ship

touching there, the Guardians faithfully discharged their Trust, and put

him on board with the Captain, who brought up the Boy with Care, acting

by him as became a Man of Probity and Honour.

OF

Captain _CONDENT_,

And his CREW.

Captain _Condent_ was a _Plymouth_ Man born, but we are as yet ignorant

of the Motives, and Time of his first turning Pyrate; he was one of

those who thought fit to retire from _Providence_ (on Governor _Roger_'s

Arrival at that Island) in a Sloop belonging to Mr. _Simpson_, of _New

York_, a _Jew_ Merchant, of which Sloop he was then Quarter-Master. Soon

after they left the Island, an Accident happened on board, which put the

whole Crew into Consternation; they had among them an _Indian_ Man, whom

some of them had beat; in revenge, he got most of the Arms forward into

the Hold, and designed to blow up the Sloop. Upon which, some advised

scuttling the Deck and throwing Grenade Shells down, but _Condent_ said,

that was too tedious and dangerous, since the Fellow might fire thro'

the Decks and kill several of them; he, therefore, taking a Pistol in

one Hand, and his Cutlash in the other, leaped into the Hold; the

_Indian_ discharged a Piece at him, which broke his Arm, but, however,

he ran up to and shot the _Indian_. When he was dead the Crew hack'd him

to Pieces, and the Gunner ripping up his Belly, tore out his Heart,

broiled and eat it.

After this, they took a Merchant Man, called, the _Duke of York_; and

some Disputes arising among the Pyrates, the Captain, and one half of

the Company, went on board the Prize; the other half, who continued in

the Sloop, chose _Condent_ Captain; he shaped his Course for the _Cape

de Verd_ Islands, and in his Way, took a Merchant Ship from _Maderas_,

laden with Wine, bound for the _West Indies_, which he plundered and let

go; then coming to the Isle of _May_, one of the said Islands, he took

the whole Salt Fleet, consisting of about 20 Sail; he wanting a Boom,

took out the Mainmast of one of these Ships, to supply the Want: Here he

took upon him the Administration of Justice, enquiring into the Manner

of the Commander's Behaviour to their Men, and those, against whom

Complaint was made, he whipp'd and pickled. He took what Provisions and

other Necessaries he wanted, and having augmented his Company, by

Voluntiers and forced Men, he left the Ships and sailed to St. _Jago_,

where he took a _Dutch_ Ship, which had formerly been a Privateer; this

prov'd also an easy Prize, for he fired but one Broadside, and clapping

her on board, carried her without Resistance, for the Captain and

several Men were killed, beside some wounded by his great Shot.

This Ship proving for his Purpose, he gave her the Name of the _Flying

Dragon_, went on board with his Crew, and made a Present of his Sloop to

a Mate of an _English_ Prize, whom he had forced with him; from hence he

stood away for the Coast of _Brazil_, and in his Cruize, took several

_Portuguese_ Ships, which he plundered and let go.

After these, he fell in with the _Wright_ Galley, Captain _John Spelt_,

Commander, hired by the _South-Sea_ Company, to go to the Coast of

_Angola_ for Slaves, and thence to _Buenos Ayres_. This Ship he detained

a considerable Time, and the Captain being his Townsman, treated him

very civilly; few Days after he took _Spelt_, he made Prize of a

_Portuguese_, laden with Bale Goods and Stores; he new rigg'd the

_Wright_ Galley, and put on board her several Goods.

Soon after he had discharged the _Portuguese_, he met with a _Dutch

East-India_ Man of 26 Guns, whose Captain was kill'd the first

Broadside, and took her with little Resistance, for he had hoisted the

Pyrates Colours on board _Spelt_'s Ship.

He now, with three Sail, steer'd for the Island of _Ferdinando_, where

he hove down and clean'd the _Flying Dragon_; having careen'd, he put 11

_Dutchmen_ on board Captain _Spelt_, to make Amends for the Hands he had

forced from him, and sent him away, making him a Present of the Goods he

took from the _Portuguese_ Ship. When he sail'd himself, he ordered the

_Dutch_ to stay at _Ferdinando_ 24 Hours after his Departure;

threatning, if he did not comply, to sink his Ship; if he fell a second

Time into his Hands, and to put all the Company to the Sword. He then

stood for the Coast of _Brazil_, where he met a _Portuguese_ Man of War

of 70 Guns, which he came up with; the _Portuguese_ hal'd him, and he

answer'd, _from London_, bound for _Buenos Ayres_: The _Portuguese_

mann'd his Shrouds and chear'd him, when _Condent_ fired a Broadside and

a Volley of small Arms, which began a smart Engagement for the Space of

3 Glasses; but _Condent_ finding himself over-match'd, made the best of

his Way, and, being the better Sailor, got off.

Few Days after he took a Vessel of the same Nation, who gave an Account,

that he had killed above 40 Men in the _Guarda del Costa_, beside a

Number wounded; he kept along the Coast to the Southward, and took a

_French_ Ship of 18 Guns, laden with Wine and Brandy, bound for the

_South-Sea_, which he carried with him into the River of _Plate_. He

sent some of his Men ashore to kill some wild Cattle, but they were

taken by the Crew of a _Spanish_ Man of War; on their Examination before

the Captain, they said they were two _Guiney_ Ships, with Slaves

belonging to the _South-Sea_ Company, and on this Story were allowed to

return to their Boats: Here five of his forced Men ran away with his

Canoe, he plundered the _French_ Ship, cut her adrift, and she was

stranded. He proceeded along the _Brazil_ Coast, and hearing a Pyrate

Ship was lost upon it, and the Pyrates imprisoned, he used all the

_Portuguese_, who fell into his Hands, who were many, very barbarously,

cutting off their Ears and Noses; and as his Master was a Papist, when

they took a Priest, they made him say Mass at the Main-mast, and would

afterwards get on his Back and ride him about the Decks, or else load

and drive him like a Beast. He from this went to the _Guiney_ Coast, and

took Captain _Hill_ in the _Indian Queen_.

In _Luengo_ Bay he saw two Ships at Anchor, one a _Dutchman_ of 44 Guns,

the other an _English_ Ship, called the _Fame_, Captain _Bowen_,

Commander; they both cut and ran ashore, the _Fame_ was lost, but the

_Dutch_ Ship, the Pyrate, got off and took with him. When he was at Sea

again he discharged Captain _Hill_, and stood away for the

_East-Indies_. Near the Cape he took an _Ostend East-India_ Man, of

which Mr. _Nash_, a noted Merchant in _London_, was Supercargo. Soon

after he took a _Dutch East-India_ Man, discharged the _Ostender_, and

made for _Madagascar_; at the Isle of St. _Mary_, he met with some of

Captain _Halsey_'s Crew, whom he took on board with other Stragglers,

and shaped his Course for the _East-Indies_, and in the Way, at the

Island of _Johanna_, took, in Company of two other Pyrates he met at St.

_Mary_'s, the _Cassandra East-India_ Man, commanded by Captain _James

Macragh_; he continued his Course for the _East-Indies_, where he made a

very great Booty, and returning, touch'd at the Isle of _Mascarenas_,

where he met with a _Portuguese_ Ship of 70 Guns, with the Vice-Roy of

_Goa_, on board. This Ship he made Prize of, and hearing she had Money

on board, they would allow of no Ransom, but carried her to the Coast of

_Zanguebar_, where was a _Dutch_ Fortification, which they took and

plunder'd, razed the Fort, and carried off several Men who enter'd

voluntarily. From hence they stood for St. _Mary_'s, where they shared

their Booty, broke up their Company, and settled among the Natives: Here

a _Snow_ came from _Bristol_, which they obliged to carry a Petition to

the Governor of _Mascarenas_ for a Pardon, tho' they paid the Master

very generously. The Governor returned Answer, he would take them into

Protection if they would destroy their Ships, which they agreed to, and

accordingly sunk the _Flying Dragon_, &c. _Condent_ and some others went

to _Mascarenas_, where _Condent_ married the Governor's Sister-in-Law,

and stay'd some Time; but as I have been credibly inform'd, he is since

come to _France_, settled at St. _Maloes_, and drives a considerable

Trade as a Merchant.

A DESCRIPTION of _MAGADOXA_,

taken partly from the Journal

of Captain _Beavis_, and also from

an original Manuscript of a Molotto,

who was taken by the Natives, and

lived amongst them sixteen Years.

In the Year 1700, Capt. _William Beavis_, Commander of the Ship, called

the _Albemarle_, then in the Service of the _East-India_ Company, sail'd

from _England_, bound for _Surrat_, in the _East-Indies_, but after

having been some Months at Sea, having the Misfortune to meet with

contrary Masorns, he lost his Passage, so that he was forced on the

Coast of _Zanguebar_, in the higher _Ethiopia_, or the Continent of

_Africk_, where he endeavoured to find out some Place of Safety, that

the Ship might ride secure, and where he might meet with some

Necessaries for refreshing his Company, while he waited for the Change

of Winds, which he could not expect in less than three or four Months.