I can't pass by in Silence, Capt. _Bella_The History of the Pyrates. Vol. II. Containing the lives of Captain Misson, Captain Bowen, Captain Kidd, Captain Tew, Captain Halsey, Captain White, Captain Condent, Captain Bellamy, Captain Fly, Captain Howard, Captain Lewis, Captain Cornelius, Captain Williams, Captain Burgess, Captain North, and their several crews

D--n my Bl--d_, says he, _I am sorry they won't let you have your Sloop

again, for I scorn to do any one a Mischief, when it is not for my

Advantage; damn the Sloop, we must sink her, and she might be of Use to

you. Tho', damn ye, you are a sneaking Puppy, and so are all those who

will submit to be governed by Laws which rich Men have made for their

own Security, for the cowardly Whelps have not the Courage otherwise to

defend what they get by their Knavery; but damn ye altogether: Damn them

for a Pack of crafty Rascals, and you, who serve them, for a Parcel of

hen-hearted Numskuls. They villify us, the Scoundrels do, when there is

only this Difference, they rob the Poor under the Cover of Law,

forsooth, and we plunder the Rich under the Protection of our own

Courage; had you not better make One of us, than sneak after the A--s of

these Villains for Employment? Capt. _Beer_ told him, that his

Conscience would not allow him to break thro' the Laws of God and Man.

You are a devilish Conscience Rascal, d--n ye, replied _Bellamy_, I am a

free Prince, and I have as much Authority to make War on the whole

World, as he who has a hundred Sail of Ships at Sea, and an Army of

100,000 Men in the Field; and this my Conscience tells me; but there is

no arguing with such sniveling Puppies, who allow Superiors to kick them

about Deck at Pleasure; and pin their Faith upon a Pimp of a Parson; a

Squab, who neither practices nor believes what he puts upon the

chuckle-headed Fools he preaches to.--The Pyrates wanting neither

Provision nor Water, and the _Whidaw_'s Damage being repaired, they past

their Time very jovially. One of the Crew had been a Stroler, a Fellow

who had pass'd thro' a great many real as well as fictitious Scenes of

Life, the stroling Business not answering the Greatness of his Soul (as

he expressed it) he thought it more profitable, and less fatiguing, to

turn Collector. Accordingly in _Yorkshire_ he borrowed an excellent

Gelding, (I make Use of his own Terms) with a hunting Saddle and Bridle,

and with a Case of Pocket Pistols, which he before had, he set out to

seek Adventures, without taking Leave of his Company; he met, he said,

with several Knights Errant, whom as they declined the Combat, he

spoiled and sent to offer themselves at the Feet of his _Dulcinea_, but

being under the Influence of some malicious Enchanter, who envied his

glorious Feats of Arms, and fear'd they would eclipse by the Brightness

of their Lustre, those of some favourite Knight whom he protected; or

otherwise, knowing by his Skill, that he should one Day succumb under

the Weight of his irresistable Arm, by his magical Power, threw him into

a loathsome Dungeon loaded with Irons, whence the wise Man, who had Care

of his Affairs, and was destined to write the History of his heroick

Deeds delivered, and putting him on board a Ship, transported him to the

famous Island of _Jamaica_; and after various Turns of Fortune, link'd

him in Society with these Marine Heroes, the Scourge of Tyrants and

Avarice, and the brave Asserters of Liberty.

This whimsical Fellow made a Play whilst he was on Board, which he

called the _Royal Pyrate_; and this (which to see once would make a

Cynick laugh) was acted on the Quarter-Deck with great Applause, both of

the Actors and Poet; but an Accident which turn'd the Farce into

Tragedy, occasioned an Order of Council to forbid its being play'd a

second Time. The Case was thus; _Alexander_ the Great, environ'd by his

Guards, was examining a Pyrate who was brought before him: The Gunner,

who was drunk, took this to be in earnest, and that his Mess-Mate was in

Danger, and hearing _Alexander_ say,

_Know'st thou that Death attends thy mighty Crimes,_

_And thou shall'st hang to Morrow Morn betimes._

Swore by G--d he'd try that, and running into the Gun Room where he left

three Companions over a Bowl of Rum Punch as drunk as himself, told

them, they were going to hang honest _Jack Spinckes_; and if they

suffered it, they should be all hang'd one after another, but by G--d,

they should not hang him, for he'd clear the Decks; and taking a Grenade

with a lighted Match, followed by his Comrades with their Cutlash, he

set Fire to the Fuze and threw it among the Actors. The Audience was on

the Gang Ways and Poop, and falling in with their Cutlash, poor

_Alexander_ had his left Arm cut off, and _Jack Spinckes_ his Leg broke

with the bursting of the Shell: The Ship was immediately in an Uproar,

and the Aggressors seiz'd, who else would have made Havock with the

Guards, or have been cut to Pieces by them, for they had all Cutlashes.

_Alexander_ the Great revenged the Loss of his Arm by the Death of him

who deprived him of his Limb. The Gunner and two surviving Comrades were

that Night clapp'd into Irons, and the next Day at a Court-Marshal, not

only acquitted but applauded for their Zeal. _Alexander_ and his Enemies

were reconciled, and the Play forbad any more to be acted.

A Fortnight after the setting Capt. _Beer_ ashore, _Williams_ boarded

and took a Vessel off _Cape Cod_, laden with Wine; the Crew of which

encreased the Number of their Prisoners: They put seven Men on Board the

Prize, with Orders to keep Company with the Ship and Sloop, commanded by

_Bellamy_ and _Williams_, and left aboard her the Master.

As the Ship and Sloop had been long off the _Carreen_, they stretch'd

away to the Northward, and made the best of their Way to _Penobscott_

River, which lies between _Nova Scotia_ and the Province of _Main_,

where they designed to heave down. This Tract of Land is along the Coast

about 190 Miles from West to East, reckoning from the Province of _Main_

to St. _Croix_; and about 200 Miles over from North to South, counting

from the River _Quebeck_ to the Sea. King _Charles_ the Second made a

Grant of it in 1663, to his Royal Highness _James_ Duke of _York_, who

made a Settlement at _Pemaquid_; it abounds in all Sorts of Timber, and

would bear excellent Hemp and Flax, and all Sorts of Naval Stores; is

rich in Copper, Lead, and Iron Ore; and the Seas are stock'd with

Whales, Cod, Sturgeon, Herrings, Mackrel, Salmon, Oysters, Cockles,

_&c._ the Soil produces all Sort of _European_ Grain and Fruits; and the

Woods shelter a great Number of Deer, as Elks, Red and Fallow Deer,

_&c._ and this Country, if settled, would certainly be of great

Advantage to _England_. I hope the Reader will pardon this small

Digression which the Interest I take in every Thing, which may tend to

the enriching or extending the Dominions of our glorious _Britain_, my

dearly loved Country, forced me into: But to return, when they were at

the Mouth of this River, it was thought more eligible to careen in the

River _Mechisses_; they entered it as agreed, and run up about two Miles

and a half, when they came to an Anchor, with their Prizes. The next

Morning all the Prisoners were set ashore with Drivers, and Orders to

assist in the building Huts; the Guns were also set ashore, and a Breast

Work raised, with Embrazures, for the Canon on each Side the River, this

took up four Days: A Magazine was dug deep in the Earth, and a Roof

rais'd over it by the poor Slaves the Prisoners, whom they treated after

the same Manner as the Negroes are used by the _West-India_ Planters.

The Powder being secured, and every Thing out, they hove down the Sloop,

cleaned her, and when she had all in again, they careened the _Whidaw_,

by the largest Prize. Here the Stroler told the two Commanders, that

they might lay the Foundation of a new Kingdom, which, in time, might

subject the World, and extend its Conquests beyond those of the _Roman_

Empire. I am, it is true, said he, by Birth, the Son of a Miller, but I

have Ambition, Avarice, and Learning enough, to be a Secretary of State,

for I was a Servitor at _Oxford_ before I turn'd Stroler; and if you

think fit to erect this Tract of Land into an Empire, and your joint

Imperial Majesties will employ my Abilities, don't question but I will

prove a true Patriot; that is, by the Figure I will make, I will be a

Credit to your Court, and by the squeezing your Subjects (whom under the

specious Pretence of Liberty, I will keep in abject Slavery) drain such

Sums as shall ever keep them poor, and your and my Treasury full.

_Rome_, the Mistress of the World, was founded by a couple of

Sheep-Stealers, and peopled by run-away Slaves and insolvent Debtors;

how much more advantageously might you two undertake the erecting of a

new Monarchy, whose Subjects are no Strangers to the Art of War, who are

not environ'd as they were with invidious Neighbours, and who may

encrease your Power, and propagate the Species, by taking into your

Protection the _Indians_ of these Parts, and the discontented and

desperate People of the neighbouring _English_ and _French_ Colonies? To

strengthen your selves, raise every useful Man to some Dignity in the

State, and share the Prisoners (I mean such as won't swear Allegiance)

as so many Slaves unworthy of Liberty among your great Men; build more

Vessels, keep them constantly on the Cruize, and force all the Prisoners

either by fair or foul to acknowledge your Sovereignty; it was thus the

greatest Empires of the World were founded; superior Force was always

acknowledged a just Title; and the Ancients ever esteem'd the Prisoners

they made, whose Lives were in their Power by the Law of Arms, lawful

Slaves; and the employing their Lives in the Service of the Conqueror,

but a grateful Retribution for preserving of them. I leave it to the

mature Deliberation of your great Wisdom, whether it is not more

eligible to found here an Empire, and make War by a lawful Authority

derived from your Royal selves, than lie under the opprobrious

Appellations of Robbers, Thieves, profligate Rogues and Pyrates; for

begging Pardon of your Majesties, for that Freedom of Speech, which my

Zeal for your Royal Service, and the publick Good oblige me to; the

World treats you and your loyal Subjects with no softer Terms. But, when

you have once declared your selves lawful Monarchs, and that you have

Strength enough to defend your Title, all the Universities in the World

will declare you have a Right _Jure Divino_; and the Kings and Princes

of the Earth, will send their Ambassadors to court your Alliance.

_Bellamy_ and _Williams_ told him, They would consider on his Proposal,

and they would let him know what they should in their great Wisdom

conclude upon. In the mean while, they thank'd him for his Advice,

promis'd when they began to found their Monarchy, (should they find it

expedient,) to make him Prime Minister, or Quarter-Master ashore; and

when he had enriched himself and Family, by the fleecing their Subjects,

they assured him they would pass an Act of Indemnity for his Security;

and concluded with ordering a Bowl of Punch for every Mess.

The _Whidaw_ being clean'd, they thought of cruizing again, and

accordingly steer'd for _Fortunes Bay_ in _Newfoundland_; they made some

Prizes on the Banks, forced all the Men, and sunk the Vessels.

They had not been long on this Coast before they were separated by a

Storm, which held some Days. Off the Island of St. _Paul_ the _Whidaw_

spied a Sail, which she immediately gave Chase to; the Ship brought to

and lay by for her, she prov'd a _French_ Man of 36 Guns, carrying

Soldiers to _Quebeck_. The _Whidaw_ engag'd with great Resolution, and

the _French_ did not shew less, for he boarded the _Whidaw_, and was

twice put off, with the Loss of Men on both Sides. _Bellamy_ after two

Hours Engagement thought the _Frenchman_ too hard a Match, and was for

shaking him off; but his Enemy was not as willing to part with him, for

he gave Chase, and as he sail'd altogether as well as _Bellamy_, the

latter had certainly been taken and had received the due Punishment of

his Crimes, had not the Night coming on favour'd his Escape: He lost in

this Engagement 36 Hands, beside several wounded, the poor Minister of

State, our before-mentioned Stroller, was in the Number of the slain.

The _Whidaw_ returned to the Coast of _Newfoundland_, and off

_Placentia_ Bay met with his Consort and the Prize.

They resolved to visit again the Coast of _New England_, the _Whidaw_

being much shatter'd in the late Engagement, having receiv'd a great

many Shot in her Hull; they ran down this Coast, and between St.

_George_'s Banks and _Nantuket_'s Shoals, took the _Mary Anne_.

The Master of the Vessel, taken formerly off _Cape Cod_, was left on

board her, and as he was very well acquainted with the Coast, they

order'd him to carry the Light and go a-head; and the Pyrates commonly

kept him at Helm: He upon a Night of publick Rejoicing, seeing all the

Pyrates drunk, laid hold on the Opportunity, and run his Vessel ashore

about Midnight, near the Land of _Eastham_, out of which he alone

escap'd with Life. The _Whidaw_ steering after the Light, met with the

same Fate; the small Vessel ran into a sandy Bay, and the Men got ashore

without Difficulty.

When the _Whidaw_ struck, the Pyrates murder'd all their Prisoners, that

is, all their forced Men; as it is concluded, from the mangled Carcasses

which were wash'd ashore; but not a Soul escaped out of her or

_William_'s, who was also lost.

The Pyrates, to the Number of seven who escaped, were seiz'd by the

Inhabitants, and on the Information of the Master who escap'd, and on

their own Confession, were imprison'd, condemn'd, and executed. They

were all Foreigners, very ignorant and obstinate; but by the

indefatigable Pains of a pious and learned Divine, who constantly

attended them, they were, at length, by the special Grace of God, made

sensible of, and truly penitent, for the enormous Crimes they had been

guilty of. As the Trial of these Pyrates, and their Behaviour while

under Sentence, and at the Place of Execution, was printed at _Boston_,

and is to be had in Town, I shall refer the curious Reader to that small

Tract.

Captain _William Fly_,

And his CREW.

As to the Birth of this Pyrate, we can discover nothing by the Enquiries

we have hitherto made; and, indeed, had we succeeded in our Search,

could it have been of any great Consequence? For, its certain, by the

Behaviour of the Man, he must have been of very obscure Parents; and, by

his Education, (as he was no Artist) very unfit, in all Respects, except

that of Cruelty, for the villainous Business he was in. We have been

inform'd, that he had been a Pyrate in a private Capacity, and having

escaped Justice, had an Opportunity of repenting his former Crimes, and,

as a foremast Man, or petty Officer, of getting his Bread in a

warrantable Way: But no; ignorant as he was of Letters, he was ambitious

of Power, and capable of the most barbarous Actions to acquire it.

Captain _Green_ of _Bristol_, in _April_ 1726, shipp'd this _Fly_ as

Boatswain, at _Jamaica_, being bound, in the _Elizabeth_ Snow of

_Bristol_, for the Coast of _Guinea_. _Fly_, who had insinuated himself

with some of the Men, whom he found ripe for any Villainy, resolved to

seize the said Snow, and murder the Captain and Mate, and, taking the

Command on himself, turn Pyrate. He proposed this his Design to his

Brothers in Iniquity, who approving it, he, having the Watch at one o'

Clock in the Morning, on the 27th Day of _May_, went up to one _Morrice

Cundon_, then at the Helm, accompanied by _Alexander Mitchel_, _Henry

Hill_, _Samuel Cole_, _Thomas Winthrop_, and other Conspirators, and

swore damn him, if he spoke one Word, or stirr'd either Hand or Foot, he

would blow his Brains out; and, tucking up his Shirt above his Elbow,

with a Cutlass in his Hand, he, with _Mitchel_, went into the Captain's

Cabbin, and told him, he must turn out. The Captain asking what was the

Matter, was answered, by _Mitchel_, they had no Time to answer

impertinent Questions; that if he would turn out, and go upon Deck

quietly, it would save 'em the Trouble of scraping the Cabbin; if he

would not, a few Buckets of Water and a Scraper would take his Blood out

of the Decks. That they had chosen Captain _Fly_ for Commander, and damn

his Blood, they would allow of no other, and would not waste their

Provisions to feed useless Men.

The Captain reply'd, that since they had so resolved he should make no

Resistance; but begged they would not murder him, since his living could

be no Obstacle to their Designs; that he had never been harsh to either

of them, and therefore they could not kill him out of revenge; and if it

was only for their Security, he desired, if they would not take his Word

to do nothing to obstruct the Measures they had resolved on, they would

secure him in Irons till he might be put somewhere on Shore. Ay, G--d

d--mn ye, says _Fly_, to live and hang us, if we are ever taken: No, no,

walk up and be damn'd, that Bite won't take, it has hanged many an

honest Fellow already. _Mitchel_ and _Fly_ then laying hold of him,

pulled him out of his Bed. The poor Captain intreating to spare his

Life, for his Soul's sake, told 'em he would bind himself down by the

most solemn Oaths, never to appear against them; that he was unfit to

appear before the Judgment Seat of a just and pure God; that he was

loaded with Sins, and to take him off before he had washed those Stains

which sullied his Soul by the Tears of Repentance, would be a Cruelty

beyond Comparison greater than that of depriving him of Life, were he

prepared for Death, since it would be, without any Offence committed

against them, dooming him to eternal Misery; however, if they would not

be perswaded that his Life was consistent with their Safety, he begg'd

they would allow him some Time to prepare himself for the great Change.

That he begg'd no other Mercy than what the Justice and Compassion of

the Laws would allow them, should they hereafter be taken. _D--n your

Blood_, said Mitchel, _no Preaching. Be damn'd an you will, what's that

to us? Let him look out who has the Watch. Upon Deck, you Dog, for we

shall lose no more Time about you._

They hawl'd him into the Steerage, and forc'd him upon Deck, where one

of the Hell-Hounds asked if he had rather take a Leap like a brave

Fellow, or be to toss'd over like a sneaking Rascal. The Captain,

addressing himself to _Fly_, said, _Boatswain, for God's sake don't

throw me overboard, if you do, I am for ever lost; Hell's the Portion of

my Crimes_.--Damn him answer'd _Fly_, since he's so devilish godly,

we'll give him Time to say his Prayers, and I'll be Parson. Say after

me. _Lord, have Mercy on me._ Short Prayers are best, so no more Words,

and over with him, my Lads.

The Captain still cry'd for Mercy, and begg'd an Hour's respite only,

but all in vain; he was seized by the Villains, and thrown over Board;

catch'd however, and hung by the Main-Sheet, which _Winthorp_ seeing,

fetch'd the Cooper's broad Ax, and chopping off the unhappy Master's

Hand, he was swallowed up by the Sea.

The Captain being thus dispatched, _Thomas Jenkins_, the Mate, was

secured and brought upon Deck, to share the same cruel Fate. His

Intreaties were as useless as the Captain's; the Sentence they had

passed upon him was not to be reversed; they were deaf to his Prayers

and Remonstrances, Strangers to Humanity and Compassion. He was of the

Captain's Mess, they said, and they should e'en drink together; it was

Pity to part good Company.

Thus they jested with his Agonies; he, however, made some Struggle,

which irritating his Murderers, one of them snatched up the Ax, with

which _Winthorp_ had lopped off the Captain's Hand, and gave him a great

Cut on the Shoulder, by missing his Head, where the Blow was aimed, and

he was thrown into the Sea. He swam notwithstanding, and called out to

the Doctor to throw him a Rope, who, poor Man, could not hear him, being

secured, and laid in Irons in his own Cabin; and had he heard, and been

able to have thrown the Rope required, could it be expected that these

harden'd Wretches would have relented, and shewn him Mercy? But the

sinking Man will catch at a Straw, and Hope, they say, is the last that

deserts us. While we have Life we are apt to flatter our selves, some

lucky Accident may favour us.

It was next debated what should be done with the Doctor. Some were for

sending him to look after the Captain and Mate, but the Majority, as he

was a useful Man, thought it better to keep him. All obstacles being

removed, _Mitchel_ saluted _Fly_ Captain, and, with the rest of the Crew

who had been in the Conspiracy, with some Ceremony, gave him Possession

of the great Cabin.

Here a Bowl of Punch being made, _Morice Cundon_ was called down, and

one _John Fitzherbert_ set to the Helm in his Place. At the same Time

the Carpenter and _Thomas Streaton_ were brought before the Captain, who

told them they were three Rascals, and richly deserved to be sent after

the Captain and Mate, but that they were willing to shew them Mercy, and

not put them to Death in cold Blood, and he would therefore only put

them in Irons, for the Security of the Ship's Crew; they were

accordingly ordered out, and iron'd. _Fly_ then told his Comrades it was

convenient to resolve on some Course, when Word was brought them, that a

Ship was very near them. The Council broke up, and made a clear Ship,

when, in a very little while after, they found it was the _Pompey_,

which had left _Jamaica_ in Company with the Snow; the _Pompey_ standing

for the Snow, which did not make from her, soon haled, and asked how

Captain _Green_ did, and was answered by _Fly_, that he was very well.

They did not think fit to attack this Ship, but returning to hold their

Consultation, it was resolved to steer for _North Carolina_.

Upon their Arrival on that Coast they spied a Sloop at Anchor within the

_Bar_; she was call'd the _John_ and _Hannah_, and commanded by Captain

_Fulker_, who thinking the Snow might want a Pilot stepp'd into his Boat

with his Mate, Mr. _Atkinson_, and Mr. _Roan_, two Passengers, and a

young Lad, in order to bring her in. When they came on board, they were

told, that the _Snow_ was come with a Cargoe from _Jamaica_; Captain

_Fulker_ and Mr. _Roan_ were desired to walk down to the Captain, who

was in the Cabbin; _Fly_ received them very civilly, ordered a Bowl of

Punch, and hearing Captain _Fulker_ had brought another Passenger on

Board, Mr. _Atkinson_ was also invited down.

The Punch being brought in, Captain _Fly_ told his Guest, that he was no

Man to mince Matters; that he and his Comrades were Gentlemen of

Fortune, and should make bold to try if Captain _Fulker_'s Sloop was a

better Sailor than the _Snow_, if she was, she would prove much fitter

for their Business, and they must have her: The _Snow_ came to an Anchor

about a League off the Sloop, and _Fly_ ordered _Fulker_, with six of

his own Hands, into the Boat, to bring her alongside of the _Snow_; but

the Wind proving contrary, their Endeavours proved also vain, and they

returned again in the Boat, bringing Captain _Fulker_ back with them.

As soon as they came on board the _Snow_, _Fly_ fell into a violent

Passion, cursing and damning _Fulker_ for not bringing off the Sloop; he

gave him his Reason, and said, it was impossible. _Damn ye_, replied the

Pyrate, _you lie you Dog, but d--n my B--d, your Hide shall pay for your

Roguery, and if I can't bring her off I'll burn her where she lies_. He

then order'd Captain _Fulker_ to the Geers; no Reason, no Arguments,

could prevail; he was stripp'd and lash'd after a very inhuman Manner:

And the Boat's Crew being sent again, with much ado carried her off as

far as the Barr, where she bilged and sunk. The Pyrates then endeavoured

to set what remained of her out of Water on Fire, but they could not

burn her.

The _Snow_ getting under Sail to look out for some Booty, _Fulker_ and

the others desired they might be set at Liberty, but it was denied them

for the present, tho' not without a Promise that they should be released

the first Vessel they took.

The fifth of _June_ they left _Carolina_, and the next Day they spied a

Sail, which prov'd the _John_ and _Betty_, commanded by Capt. _Gale_,

bound from _Barbadoes_ to _Guiney_. _Fly_ gave Chase, but finding the

Ship wronged him, he made a Signal of Distress, hoisting his Jack at the

main Top-Mast Head; but this Decoy did not hinder the Ship making the

best of her Way. _Fly_ continued the Chace all Night, and the Wind

slackening, he came within Shot of the Ship, and fir'd several Guns at

her under his black Ensign; the Ship being of no Force, and the Pyrates

ready to board, the Captain struck; and _Fly_ manning his Long-Boat,

which carried a Pateraro in the Bow, the Crew being well armed with

Pistols and Cutlashes went on Board the Prize, and sent Capt. _Gale_,

after having secured his Men, Prisoner on board the _Snow_.

This Prize was of little Value to the Pyrates, who took nothing but some

Sail-Cloaths and small Arms, and after two Days let her go, but took

away six of his Men, setting on board Capt. _Fulker_ and a Passenger

(Mr. _Atkinson_ was detained) and Capt. _Green_'s Surgeon; they kept

this Gentleman, Mr. _Atkinson_, knowing he was a good Artist, and lately

Master of the _Boneta_ Brigantine, as a Pilot for the Coast of _New

England_, which they were satisfied he was well acquainted with.

Upon Mr. _Atkinson_'s desiring to have his Liberty with the others,

Captain _Fly_ made him the following Speech: Look ye, Captain

_Atkinson_, it is not that we care a T--d for your Company, G--d d--n

ye; G--d d--n my Soul, not a T--d by G--d, and that's fair; but G--d

d--n ye, and G--d's B--d and W--ds, if you don't act like an honest Man

G--d d--n ye, and offer to play us any Rogues Tricks by G--d, and G--d

sink me, but I'll blow your Brains out; G--d d--n me, if I don't. Now,

Capt. _Atkinson_, you may do as you please, you may be a Son of a Whore

and pilot us wrong, which, G--d d--n ye, would be a rascally Trick by

G--d, because you would betray Men who trust in you; but, by the eternal

J--s, you shan't live to see us hang'd. I don't love many Words, G--d

d--n ye, if you have a Mind to be well used you shall, G--d's B--d; but

if you will be a Villain and betray your Trust, may G--d strike me dead,

and may I drink a Bowl of Brimstone and Fire with the D--l, if I don't

send you head-long to H--ll, G--d d--n me; and so there needs no more

Arguments by G--d, for I've told you my Mind, and here's all the Ships

Crew for Witnesses, that if I do blow your Brains out, you may blame no

Body but your self, G--d d--n ye.

Mr. _Atkinson_ answered, it was very hard he should be forced to take

upon him the Pilotage, when he did not pretend to know the Coast, and

that his Life should answer for any Mistake his Ignorance of the Coast

might make him guilty of, and therefore begg'd he might be set on board

Capt. _Gale_; and that they would trust to their own Knowledge, since he

did not doubt there being better Artists on Board. No, No, replied

_Fly_, that won't do by G--d, your palavring won't save your Bacon.

_Muchas palabras no valen nada_, as the _Spaniards_ say; so either

discharge your Trust like an honest Man, for go you shan't by G--d, or

I'll send you with my Service to the D--l; so no more Words, G--d d--n

ye.

There was no Reply made, and they stood for the Coast of _New England_;

off _Delaware_'s Bay they made a Sloop, commanded by one _Harris_, bound

from _New York_ to _Pensilvania_: She had on Board about fifty

Passengers; _Fly_ gave Chase, and coming up with her, hoisted his black

Ensign, and ordered her to strike, which she immediately did; and _Fly_

sent Capt. _Atkinson_ on Board with three of his Hands, to sail her,

tho' he would not allow him, (_Atkinson_) any Arms: They, the Pyrates,

ransack'd this Prize, but not finding her of any Use to them, after a

Detention of 24 Hours, they let her go, with her Men, excepting only a

well made young Fellow, whose Name was _James Benbrooke_, whom they

kept.

_Fly_, after having releas'd the Prize, ordered Captain _Atkinson_ to

carry the _Snow_ into _Martha_'s Vineyard, but, he willfully miss'd this

Place. _Fly_ finding himself beyond _Nantuckets_, and that his Design

was baulk'd, called to _Atkinson_, and told him, _he was a rascally Son

of an envenom'd Bitch, and d--n his Blood it was a Piece of Cruelty to

let such a Son of a Whore live, who design'd the Death of so many honest

Fellows_. _Atkinson_, in his Defence said, he never pretended to know

the Coast, and that it was very hard he should die for being thought an

abler Man than he really was; had he pretended to be their Pilot, and

did not know his Business, he deserved Punishment; but when he was

forc'd upon a Business which he before declared he did not understand,

it would be certainly cruel to make him suffer for their Mistake.--_G--d

d--n ye_, replied _Fly_, _you are an obstinate Villain, and your Design

is to hang us; but, B--d and W--ds you Dog, you shan't live to see it_,

and saying this, he ran into his Cabbin and fetch'd a Pistol with Design

to shoot _Atkinson_; but by the Interposition of _Mitchell_, who thought

him innocent of any Design, he escaped.

_Atkinson_, who perceived his Life every Minute in Danger, began to

ingratiate himself with the Pyrates, and gave them Hopes, that with good

and gentle Usage, he might be brought to join them; this he did not say

in express Terms, but by Words he now and then let drop, as by Accident:

They were not a little rejoiced at the View of having so good an Artist

to join them; nay, some of them hinted to him, that if he would take

upon him the Command, they were ready to dispossess Capt. _Fly_, who

carried his Command too high, and was known to all the Crew to be no

Artist, and to understand nothing beyond the Business of a Boatswain.

_Atkinson_ thought it his Interest to keep them in the Opinion that he

would join; but always declined hearing any Thing as to the Command.

This made him less severely us'd, and protected him from the Insults of

_Fly_, who imagined he would betray them the first Opportunity, and

therefore more than once proposed his being thrown over Board, which was

never approved by the _Snow_'s Company.

From _Nantuket_ they stood to the Eastward, and off _Brown_'s _Bank_

made a Fishing Schooner. _Fly_ coming up with her fired a Gun, and

hoisting his black Ensign, swore, _d--n his Blood, if they did not

instantly bring to, and send their Boat on Board, he would sink her_:

The Schooner obeyed, and sent away her Boat on Board the _Snow_; he

examined the Captain what Vessels were to be met with, and promised, if

he could put him in the Way of meeting with a good Sailor, to let him

go, and give him his Vessel, or he should otherwise keep her: The poor

Man told him, he had a Companion which would soon be in Sight, and was a

much better Vessel; accordingly about 12 at Noon the same Day, which was

the 23d of _June_, the other Schooner hove in Sight; upon which, _Fly_

mann'd this Prize with six Pyrates, and a Prisoner nam'd _George

Tasker_, and sent her in Chase, having himself on Board the _Snow_, no

more than three Pyrates, Captain _Atkinson_, (who had work'd himself

into some Favour with him) and fifteen forced Men; but he took Care to

have his Arms upon Deck by him.

The Men who had not taken on with _Fly_, were, _Atkinson_, Capt.

_Fulker_'s Mate, and two Youths belonging to him; the Carpenter and

Gunner belonging formerly to Captain _Green_; six of Captain _Gate_'s

Men, and the aforesaid _Benbrooke_, who belonged to Captain _Harris_,

with three of the Men out of the Schooner. _Atkinson_ seeing the

Prisoners and forced Men were five to one of the Pyrates, thought of

delivering himself from the Bondage he was in; and, as by good Luck,

several other Fishing Vessels hove in Sight, right a-head of the _Snow_,

he call'd to Captain _Fly_, and told him, he spied several other Vessels

a-head, desiring, he would come forward and bring his Glass; _Fly_ did

so, and leaving his Arms on the Quarter-Deck, sat him on the Windlass to

see if he could make what they were. _Atkinson_, who had concerted his

Measures, with one _Walker_ and the above-mention'd _Benbrooke_, secured

the Arms on the Quarter-Deck, and gave them a Signal to seize _Fly_,

which they did, with very little Trouble, and after made themselves

Masters of the other three Pyrates and the _Snow_; the rest of the

Prisoners, not knowing any Thing of, or what the Design might be,

remaining altogether inactive, and brought the _Snow_ and Pyrates to

_Great Brewster_, where a Guard was put on Board _June_ 28, 1726.

Soon after, the said Pyrates were brought to their Trial, that is, on

the fourth of _July_ following, before the Honourable _William Dummer_,

Esq; Lieutenant Governor and Commander in chief, of the Province of

_Massachuset_'s Bay, President of the special Court of _Admiralty_, held

at the Court-house of _Boston_, assisted by 18 Gentlemen of the Council,

before whom they were found guilty of Murder and Pyracy, condemn'd to be

executed, and accordingly were executed the 12th of _July_; _Fly_ was

order'd to be hang'd in Chains at the Entrance of the Harbour of

_Boston_. Thus ended the short Reign of an obdurate Wretch, who only

wanted Skill and Power to be as infamous as any who had scoured the

Seas; the Names of the three Pyrates, executed with him, were _Samuel

Cole_, _George Condick_ and _Henry Greenvill_.

Capt. _Thomas Howard_,

And his CREW.

We have said in another Life, _viz._ _White_'s, that he was a Lighterman

on the River _Thames_, his Father was of the Business, and had the

Character of a very honest Man. After his Father's Decease, he grew very

extravagant, and squander'd away not only what he had left his Son, but

what he had allotted for his Widow Mother to our Adventurer, whose

Indulgence putting every Thing into her Son's Hands, was follow'd by

being her self turn'd out of Doors, for he sold the House over her Head.

After having ruin'd himself and Mother, his Friends fearing the

Wickedness of his Inclinations would bring a Scandal upon them,

persuaded him to go to Sea, and procur'd him a Voyage to _Jamaica_, on

board a Merchant Ship. At this Island he ran away from his Ship, and

associating himself with some desperate Fellows, they stole a Canoe, and

went away to the grand _Camanas_ to join some others of their own Stamp,

who lurked thereabouts, with Design to go on the _Account_, the Term for

Pyrating: They met those they look'd for, made up a Company of 20 Men,

surprized and made themselves Masters of a Turtling Sloop, and set out

in Search of Booty.

The first Prizes they made were only Turtlers, which, however, encreas'd

the Number of their Crew, some being willing to join them, others being

forced, with Threats of being set ashore on some desolate Key.

They after some Time cruizing met with an _Irish_ Brigantine, who had

Provisions and Servants on board. They made an Exchange with the Master,

gave him Provision to carry him to _Jamaica_, and allow'd five Hands to

go with him; the rest (except the Servants, who readily took on with the

Pyrates) were all forced.

Not long after, they surprized a Sloop which had been trading on the

_Spanish_ Coast; as she had 6 Guns, and was a fit Vessel for their Turn,

they chang'd her against the Brigantine; several Hands belonging to this

Sloop enter'd Voluntiers, and several more were obliged to join them by

Compulsion.

After this Capture, they steer'd for the Coast of _Virginia_, and, in

their Way, met with a large _New England_ Brigantine, laden with

Provisions, bound for _Barbadoes_. This they made Prize of; and shifting

their own Guns on board her, sent the Master away in the Sloop; after

forcing some of his Men with them. They had now a Vessel of 10 Guns, and

a Crew of 80 Men, of whom one _James_ was Captain, and _Howard_

Quarter-Master.

While they lay on the Coast of _Virginia_, they made Prize of several

Ships from _England_, out of which they took Men, Liquors, Provisions,

Cloaths, and whatever else they either liked or thought necessary. As

these Ships had several Felons on board, who were Transports, they had

out of them a Number of Voluntiers, beside forced Men; so that they had

a large Complement. Among other _Virginia_ Ships which fell into their

Hands, they made Prize, with little Trouble, of a fine Galley, mounted

with 24 Guns, which afforded them a great many Voluntiers, as she had a

Number of transported Malefactors and Servants on board. They changed

their Brigantine for this Ship, and soon after, the Man of War, which

waited on this Coast, heaving in Sight, they thought proper to take

their Departure.

From the Coast of _Virginia_, they shap'd their Course for that of

_Guiney_, where they took a great many Ships of different Nations, all

which they rifled of what they thought fit: Out of these Ships they

forced on board a Number of Men, equal to the Number of those formerly

compell'd, who desired, and whom they permitted, to be discharged, after

much Entreaty.

After they had been some Months on the Coast, they spied a large three

deck'd _Portuguese_ Ship from _Brazil_, mounted with 36 Guns; they gave

Chase and came up with her: The Captain would make no Resistance, but

his Mate, who was an _Englishman_, named _Rutland_, thinking it Shame to

give up such a Ship, resolved to defend her; which the _Portuguese_

Captain consented to, but went himself out of Harm's Way. _Rutland_, who

had been Master of an _English_ Brigantine, taken from him on the same

Coast by another Gang of Pyrates, fought them the better Part of a

Forenoon; but the _Portuguese_ flying the Decks, and only thirty Men,

who were _English_, _Dutch_, and _French_, standing by him, he was

obliged to ask Quarters, which were given. When the Pyrates came on

board, they asked _Rutland_, if he was Commander? he answer'd, No. They

enquired after him, and being told, he was somewhere in the Hold, they

search'd, and found him hid in the Powder-Room; whence they hawled him

up, and whipp'd him round the Deck for his Cowardice. _Rutland_, and

those who fought the Ship, they forced on board, and their Complement

being now 180 Men, they exchanged their Galley for the _Portuguese_

Ship, carried her in Shore, and ripping off her upper Deck, made her

deep wasted, and much snugger, by cutting down some of her Gunnel. This

Prize they named the _Alexander_.

They went down the Coast in this Ship, and made several Prizes, some of

which they discharged, and put on board such of their forced Men as

begg'd their Discharge; others, they sunk, and burnt others; but forced

on board all Carpenters, Cawlkers, Armorers, Surgeons, and Musicians. In

their Way to _Cape Lopez_, where they designed, and afterwards did

clean, they found a large _Bristol_ Ship at an Anchor, which had lost a

great many Men by Sickness, and had then but few healthy on board, who

got into the Boat, and endeavoured to get to Shore, but were prevented

by the Pyrates: Here they changed some more of their forced Men, and did

intend to change their Ship; but on a Survey, found the _Bristol_ Man

too old for their Purpose, and therefore left her at an Anchor, after

they had taken what they thought of Use to them; this Ship belong'd to

one Mr. _Godly_ of _Bristol_.

They met with nothing else in their Way to _Cape Lopez_, where they

clean'd their Ship, took in Wood and Water, and then stood away to Sea

again.

At their leaving _Cape Lopez_, they spied an _English_ Ship, which they

came up with and engaged; the Merchant Man made an obstinate Defence,

and finding the Design to board, made to close Quarters. _Howard_ and

seven or eight more entered, but the Pyrate's Boatswain not having

secured his lashing, they fell a-stern, and left these Men on board the

Merchant-Ship, who seeing themselves in Danger, hawl'd up the Boat,

which the Chace had a-stern, and, cutting the Rope, got on board the

_Alexander_, which being considerably the larger Ship, and drawing a

great deal more Water, stuck on an unknown Bank, which the Merchant Man

went over, and by this lucky Accident escaped.

This obliged the Pyrates to start their Water, and throw over the Wood

to get the Ship off, which put 'em under a Necessity of going back to

_Cape Lopez_ to take in those Necessaries. After having a second time

wooded and water'd, they put again to Sea, fell in with and took two

_Portuguese_ Brigantines, which they burnt, and setting the Men on

Shoar, they made for, and doubled the Cape of _Good Hope_, and shap'd

their Course for _Madagascar_, where to the Northward of, and forty Mile

from, the Bay of _Augustine_, and near a small Island, they run the Ship

on a Reef, where she stuck fast. The Captain being then sick in his Bed,

the Men went ashoar on the small adjacent Island, and carried off a

great deal of Provision and Water to lighten the Ship, on board of which

none but the Captain, the Quarter-Master, and about eleven more were

left.

The Quarter-Master, who was _Howard_, with the others, took all the

Treasure, and put it on board the Boats, made off for the Main of

_Madagascar_; the Captain, hearing no Body stir upon Deck, made shift to

crawl out of his Cabbin, and seeing 'em put off, fir'd the two fore

chace Guns at 'em, which alarm'd (to no Purpose) the Men ashoar; as the

Sea ebb'd, the Ship lay dry, and they could walk to her from the Island.

She might have been saved had they had the Boats to carry out an Anchor;

but for want of them they brought every Thing ashoar, at Tide of Flood,

upon Rafts. As the Ship lay in a quiet Place, they had Opportunity to

rip her up, and build a Vessel out of her Wreck. The major Part of the

Crew being _English_ and _Dutch_, who sided together, they forced about

36 _Portuguese_ and _French_ (thinking the Crew too numerous for their

Provisions in their present Circumstances) to get upon a Raft, and take

their Chance with the Sea-Breeze to get to the Island of _Madagascar_,

about 3 Leagues from them. They finish'd a Vessel of 60 Tuns, but the

Day they design'd to have launch'd her, a Pyrate Brigantine hove in

Sight, who took 'em on board.

_Howard_ and his Consorts stood along the West-Side of the Island, with

Design to round the North End, and to go to St. _Mary_'s, but finding

the Current too strong to stem, they lay there about a Fortnight; in the

Interim they spied three Sail of tall Ships, which were Men of War under

Commadore _Littleton_, (_viz._ the _Anglesea_, _Hastings_ and _Lizard_,)

who had carried a Pardon to the Island of St. _Mary_, accepted of by

many of the Pyrates. Thinking these might be also Pyrates, they made a

Smoak, which brought the Boats ashoar; but finding they were Men of

War's Boats, the Pyrates thought fit to abscond, wherefore finding

nothing, nor any Body, the said Men of War's Boats return'd, and the

Ships kept their Cruise.

They had here plenty of Fish and wild Hogs, which they found in the

Wood. One Day, when _Howard_ was Hunting, his Comrades took the

Opportunity, went off, rounded the North End, and left Mr. _Howard_ to

provide for himself.

About four or five and twenty Leagues from the Cape, they went into a

fine Harbour on the East Side, not frequented nay, hardly known to the

_European_ Ships. They were here received handsomely, treated and

provided with fresh Meat, and what Necessaries they wanted, by the King

of this District, whose Name was _Mushmango_, who had formerly been

driven from _Augustine_ by War, and travelling thro' the Heart of the

Country, had here fixed his Settlement. When the Boats were victualled,

and while _Johnson_, who took on him the Command after they had deserted

_Howard_, was ashoar with three more, the rest went off with the Boats

and Booty, and stood away to the Southward, along the Coast, designing

for St. _Mary_'s, going every Night into some Harbour, or coming to an

Anchor under some Point when the Winds proved contrary.

_Johnson_ addressed himself to the King, and told him the Boat and Goods

were his Property; upon which he went along Shore with a Number of Men,

and found the Boat at an Anchor, and all asleep, except one to look out,

at whom the King fired his Blunderbuss, and kill'd him; the Report of

the Piece awaken'd the others, who cut and stood off the Coast. The King

return'd, gave _Johnson_ an Account of his Expedition, and furnish'd him

a Canoe, some Calabashes of fresh Water, Provisions and Launces, that he

might pursue after his People.

_Johnson_ kept the Shoar on Board till he came to the Island of St.

_Mary_'s, where he heard his Comrade Fugitives were gone to, and settled

at _Ambonavoula_, in a Village belonging to the Natives on the River of

_Manansallang_; leaving his Canoe, he went into one belonging to an

Inhabitant, who carried him to his Companions.

After he had been here some few Months _Fourgette_, already mention'd in

_White_'s Life, came in with his Ship from _Martinico_: With this Vessel

they sail'd to the West-Side, and came to an Anchor at an Island called

_Anquawla_, 30 Leagues from the Place where they left _Howard_.

Some of the Subjects of the King of _Anquawla_ had before met with, and

brought hither, Captain _Howard_, who seeing the Ship at an Anchor near

Shore, haled her, and desired the Boat might be sent to fetch him off,

which was accordingly done, and he joined the rest of the Crew.

Here two Boys ran away from them, whom they demanded of the King; but he

not delivering them, they went ashore by Day-Break, surpriz'd his Town,

and brought off 12 of his Concubines, whom they detain'd on board, till

their Boys, who were Blacks, were returned, and then delivered them

back. From this Ship he went on board the _Speaker_, where he continued

till she was lost on _Mauritius_, when he came back to _Madagascar_, and

settled at _Augustine_, here he staid till the _Prosperous_, a Ship of

36 Guns, commanded by Captain _Hilliard_, came in; which _Howard_ and

some other Pyrates, (with the Assistance of the Boatswain and some of

the Crew belonging to the Ship) seized. In the taking of this Ship, the

Captain and his chief Mate were killed, and several others wounded.

_Howard_ was by the Company declared Captain.

Several of the Ship's Crew took on with them, and they went round the

South End to the East Side, till they came the Length of _Maritan_,

where they found some of the _Speaker_'s Company, whom they took on

board, and made up their Complement about 70 Men.

From hence they steer'd for the Island of St. _Mary_, where they heel'd

their Ship, water'd, wooded, and shipp'd some more Hands: Here they had

an Invitation from one _Ort Van Tyle_, who liv'd on the Main of

_Madagascar_, to come to the Ceremony of christening two of his

Children; they were kindly received and treated by him, but it having

been reported, that this _Ort Van Tyle_ had murdered some Pyrates, they

in Revenge, tho' they had no Certainty of the Fact, took him Prisoner,

plunder'd his House, and what Goods they could not take off in a great

Canoe belonging to him, they threw into the River or burnt. _Ort Van

Tyle_ they design'd to carry on board, and hang at a Yard Arm, but one

of the Pyrates help'd him to escape, and he took into the Woods, where

meeting some of his Blacks, he way-laid his Canoe, and _Howard_'s

Pinnace by the River Side; besides what Goods they had on board of this

_Dutchman_'s, they had several Women and Children belonging to him, and

some white Men, who had left them under his Care. The Pyrates set the

Women to the Paddles, and the Canoe was over-set on the Bar; _Ort Van

Tyle_ fired on the Men, and shot one thro' the Arm and thro' the Thigh,

whom with his Comrade, he took Prisoner, and kept with him: The rest of

the Men got ashore on the South-Side the River and escaped him; the

Women on the North-Side, and returned home. When the _Pinnace_ came

down, he fir'd and shot the Captain thro' the Arm, but he got on board,

where his Arm was set. After this, the _Prosperous_ sail'd for

_Methelage_, where they victualled, with a Design to go to the

_East-Indies_; while he lay here, came in a large _Dutch_ Ship, well

mann'd, and of 40 Guns; the _Prosperous_ was not strong enough to attack

her, and the _Dutch_ fearing he should spoil his Trade, would not meddle

with Captain _Howard_, tho' hard Words pass'd, and the _Dutchmen_

threatned to fall foul on him if he did not leave the Place, which

_Howard_ thought fit to do, and sail'd to _Mayotta_.

Few Days after the Departure of the _Prosperous_, Captain _Bowen_, in

the _Scotch_ Ship, came in, anchored within small Arm-Shot, and right

a-head of the _Dutchman_, whom he saluted with 11 Guns Shot and all,

which the other returned, with 15 after the same Manner; Drums beating,

and Trumpets sounding, on both Sides. The _Dutchman_, however, was

surprized, and under Apprehensions; he hal'd the Pyrate, and answer was

return'd, _From the Seas_; he then bid 'em send their Boat on Board,

which accordingly went with the Quarter-Master, who told the Captain,

that they had no Design on him, but were going against the _Moors_, and

came in for Provision; he replied, they could get none there, and the

best Way was to be gone; however the Quarter-Master went ashore (where

the _Dutch_ had made his Factory, and had some Goods) and shot down

three Oxen, which he ordered the Natives to help to cut in Pieces; the

_Dutchman_ perceiving a Friendship between the Natives and Pyrates,

seeing _Bowen_ full of Men, and hearing two more Pyrates were expected,

thought fit to go off in the Night, and leave the Goods he had put on

shore.

Few Days after _Bowen_ seizing the Goods left, went for _Mayotta_, where

he join'd the _Prosperous_, and lay for the Season to go to the

_East-Indies_. After some Stay here, their Salt Provisions perishing,

they return'd to _Madagascar_ to revictual, _Bowen_ to St. _Augustin_'s,

and _Howard_ (on board of whose Ship was Captain _Whaley_, taken as is

said in _Bowen_'s Life) to _Methelage_, agreeing to meet at the Island

of St. _John_'s, to lie for the _Moors_ Fleet; where, after some

Disappoints, they met, and got Sight of the _Moors_ Fleet, one of which

fell a Prize to _Bowen_; but the _Prosperous_ being a heavy Sailor, did

not come up with them till they were at an Anchor at the Bar of _Surat_,

where they waited to lighten. The _Moors_, seeing few Hands on board,

for _Howard_ concealed his Men; and not imagining a Pyrate would venture

up, they concluded him an _English East-India_ Man: _Howard_ clapp'd the

largest on board, which stood him a smart Engagement, and killed him

about 30 Men. At length the Pyrates forced Captain _Whaley_, who spoke

the _Moors_ Language, to go on board and offer Quarter, which they

accepted: There was on board this Prize a Nobleman belonging to the

Great _Mogul_, who had been at _Juffa_ to buy Horses for his Master; the

Prize yielded them a great Booty, tho' they found but Part of the Money

which was on board. They intended to carry her to _Madagascar_, but her

Bowsprit being wounded in the boarding, she lost all her Masts,

wherefore, they set her a-drift, and she ran ashore at _Deman_,

belonging to the _Portuguese_.

From hence he steer'd to the _Malabar_ Coast, where he met _Bowen_ in

his Prize, which mounted 56 Guns; here a Dispute arose, as shall be

mention'd in the Appendix of _Bowen_'s Life, both Crews went on board

_Bowen_, sunk the _Prosperous_, and burnt the _Scotch_ Ship, called the

_Speedy Return_: Hence they stood along the Coast of _India_, and

_Howard_, with about 20 more, landed with what they had, and retired

among the Natives, where _Howard_ married a Woman of the Country, and

being a morose ill natur'd Fellow, and using her ill, he was murder'd by

her Relations.

Captain _LEWIS_.

And his CREW.

This worthy Gentleman was an early Pyrate; we first find him a Boy on

Board the Pyrate _Banister_, who was hang'd at the Yard Arm of a Man of

War in sight of _Port-Royal_ in _Jamaica_. This _Lewis_ and another Boy

were taken with him, and brought into the Island hanging by the Middle

at the Mizzen-Peak. He had a great Aptitude for Languages, and spoke

perfectly well that of the _Mosquill Indians_, the _French_, _Spanish_

and _English_. I mention our own, because it is doubted whether he was

_French_ or _English_, for we cannot trace him back to his Original.

He sailed out of _Jamaica_ till he was a lusty Lad, and was then taken

by the _Spaniards_ at the _Havana_, where he staid some Time; but at

length he and six more ran away with a small Canoe, and surprized a

_Spanish_ Periagua, out of which two Men joined them, so that they were

now nine in Company: With this Periagua they suprized a Turtleing Sloop,

and forced some of the Hands to take on with them, the others they sent

away in the Periagua.

He play'd at this small Game, surprising and taking Coasters and

Turtlers, till with forced Men and Voluntiers he made up a Complement of

40 Men.

With these he took a large Pink built Ship, bound from _Jamaica_ to the

Bay of _Campeachy_, and after her several others bound to the said Bay;

and having Intelligence that there lay in the Bay a fine _Bermudas_

built Brigantine of 10 Guns, commanded by Captain _Tucker_; he sent the

Captain of the Pink to him with a Letter, the Purport of which was, that

he wanted such a Brigantine, and if he would part with her, he would pay

him honestly 10000 Pieces of Eight; if he refused this, he would take

Care to lie in his Way, for he was resolved, either by fair or foul

Means, to have the Vessel. Captain _Tucker_ having read the Letter, sent

for the Masters of Vessels then lying in the Bay, and told them, after

he had shewn the Letter, that if they would made him up 54 Men (for

there were about 10 _Bermudas_ Sloops) he would go out and fight the

Pyrates. They said, No, they would not hazard their Men, they depended

on their Sailing, and every one must take Care of himself as well as he

could.

However, they all put to Sea together, and spied a Sail under the Land,

which had a Breeze while they lay becalmed; some said he was a Turtler,

others, the Pyrate, and so it proved; for it was honest Captain _Lewis_,

who putting out his Oars, got in among them. Some of the Sloops had four

Guns, some two, some none. _Joseph Dill_ had two, which he brought on

one Side, and fired smartly at the Pyrate, but unfortunately one of them

split, and killed him three Men. _Tucker_ called to all the Sloops to

send him Men, and he would fight _Lewis_, but to no Purpose; no Body

came on board him. In the mean while a Breeze sprung up, and _Tucker_

trimming his Sails left them, who all fell a Prey to the Pyrate; into

whom however he fired a Broadside at going off. One Sloop, whose Master

I won't Name, was a very good Sailer, and was going off; but _Lewis_

firing a Shot at him, brought her to, and he lay by till all the Sloops

were visited and secured. Then _Lewis_ sent on board him, and ordered

the Master into his Sloop. As soon as he was aboard, he asked the Reason

of his lying by, and betraying the Trust his Owners had reposed in him,

which was doing like a Knave and Coward, and he would punish him

accordingly; for, he said, you might have got off, being so much a

better Sailer than my Vessel. After this Speech he fell upon him with a

Rope's End, and then snatching up his Cane, drove him about the Decks

without Mercy. The Master, thinking to pacify him, told him he had been

out trading in that Sloop several Months, and had on board a good

Quantity of Money, which was hid, and which, if he would send on board a

Black belonging to the Owners, he would discover it to him.

This had not the desired Effect, but one quite contrary; for _Lewis_

told him he was a Rascal and Villain for this Discovery, and, by G--d,

he would pay him for betraying his Owners, and redoubled his Strokes.

However, he sent and took the Money and Negroe, who was an able Sailor.

He took out of his Prizes what he had occasion for, 40 able Negroe

Sailors, and a white Carpenter; the largest Sloop, which was about 90

Tuns, he took for his own Use, and mounted her with 12 Guns; his Crew

was now about 80 Men, Whites and Blacks.

After these Captures he cruised in the Gulf of _Florida_, lying in wait

for the _West-India_ homeward bound Ships which took the Leeward

Passage, several of which falling into his Hands were plundered by him,

and released; from hence he went to the Coast of _Carolina_, where he

cleaned his Sloop, and a great many Men, whom he had forced, ran away

from him; however, the Natives traded with him for Rum and Sugar, and

brought him all he wanted, without the Government's having any Knowledge

of him, for he had got into a very private Creek; tho' he was very much

on his Guard, that he might not be surprized from the Shoar.

From _Carolina_ he cruized on the Coast of _Virginia_, where he took and

plunder'd several Merchant Men, and forced several Men, and then

return'd to the Coast of _Carolina_, where he did abundance of Mischief.

As he had now abundance of _French_ on board who had entered with him,

and _Lewis_ hearing the _English_ had a Design to Maroon them, he

secured the Men he suspected, and put them in a Boat, with all the other

_English_, 10 Leagues from Shoar, with only 10 Pieces of Beef, and sent

them away, keeping none but _French_ and Negroes; these Men, it is

supposed, all perished in the Sea.

From the Coast of _Carolina_ he shaped his Course for the Banks of

_Newfoundland_, where he overhawled several Fishing Vessels, and then

went into a commodious Harbour, where he cleaned his Sloop, and went

into _Trinity Harbour_ in _Conception Bay_, where there lay several

Merchants, and siezed a 24 Gun Galley, called the _Herman_: The

Commander, Captain _Beal_, told _Lewis_, if he would send his

Quarter-Master ashoar he would furnish him with Necessaries. He being

sent ashoar, a Council was held among the Masters, the Consequence of

which was, the seizing the Quarter-Master, whom they carried to Captain

_Woodes Rogers_; he chained him to a Sheet Anchor which was ashoar, and

planted Guns at the Point, to prevent the Pyrate getting out, but to

little Purpose; for the People from one of these Points firing too soon,

_Lewis_ quitted the Ship, and, by the Help of Oars and the Favour of the

Night, got out in his Sloop, though she received many Shot in her Hull.

The last Shot that was fired at the Pyrate did him considerable Damage.

He lay off and on the Harbour, swearing he would have his

Quarter-Master, and intercepted two fishing Shallops, on board of one

was the Captain of the Galley's Brother; he detained them, and sent

Word, if his Quarter-Master did not immediately come off, he would put

all his Prisoners to Death; he was sent on board him without Hesitation.

_Lewis_ and the Crew enquired, how he had been used? and he answered,

very civilly. Its well, said the Pyrate; for had you been ill treated, I

would have put all these Rascals to the Sword. They were dismiss'd, and

the Captain's Brother going over the Side, the Quarter-Master stopp'd

him, saying, he must drink the Gentlemens Health ashoar, in particular

Captain _Rogers_', and, whispering him in the Ear, told him, if the Crew

had known of his being chain'd all Night, he would have been cut in

Pieces, with all his Men. After this poor Man and his Shallop's Company

were gone, the Quarter-Master told the Usage he had met with, which

enraged _Lewis_, and made him reproach his Quarter-Master, whose Answer

was, that he did not think it just the Innocent should suffer for the

Guilty.

The Masters of the Merchant Men sent to Captain _Tudor Trevor_, who lay

at St. _John_'s in the _Sheerness_ Man of War; he immediately got under

Sail, and miss'd the Pyrate but four Hours.

She kept along the Coast, and made several Prizes, _French_ and

_English_, and put into a Harbour where a _French_ Ship lay making Fish:

She was built at the latter End of the War for a Privateer, was an

excellent Sailer, and mounted 24 Guns. The Commander haled him; the

Pyrate answered, from _Jamaica_ with Rum and Sugar. The _French_ Man bid

him go about his Business; that a Pyrate Sloop was on the Coast, and he

might be the Rogue; if he did not immediately sheer off he would fire a

Broadside into him. He went off and lay a Fortnight out at Sea, so far

as not to be descry'd from Shoar, with Resolution to have the Ship. The

_French_ Man being on his Guard, in the mean while raised a Battery on

the Shoar, which commanded the Harbour. After a Fortnight, when he was

thought to be gone off, he return'd, and took two of the fishing

Shallops belonging to the _French_ Man, and manning them with Pyrates,

they went in; one Shallop attack'd the Battery, the other surpriz'd,

boarded, and carry'd the Ship, just as the Morning Star appear'd, for

which Reason he gave her that Name. In the Engagement the Owner's Son

was kill'd, who made the Voyage out of Curiosity only. The Ship being

taken, 7 Guns were fired, which was the Signal, and the Sloop came down

and lay a Long-side the Ship. The Captain told him, he suppos'd he only

wanted his Liquor; but _Lewis_ made Answer, he wanted his Ship, and

accordingly hoisted all his Ammunition and Provision into her. When the

_French_ Man saw they would take away his Ship, he sold her Trim, and

_Lewis_ gave him the Sloop; and, excepting what he took for Provision,

all the Fish he had made. Several of the _French_ took on with him, who,

with others, _English_ and _French_, had by Force or voluntarily, made

him up 200 Men.

From _Newfoundland_ he steer'd for the Coast of _Guiney_, where he took

a great many Ships, _English_, _Dutch_, and _Portuguese_; among these

Ships was one belonging to _Carolina_, commanded by Captain _Smith_.

While he was in Chace of this Vessel an Accident happen'd, which made

his Men believe he dealt with the Devil; for he carried away his Fore

and Main-Top Mast; and he, _Lewis_, running up the Shrouds to the

Main-Top, tore off a Handful of Hair, and throwing it into the Air, used

this Expression, _Good Devil take this till I come_: And, it was

observed, that he came afterwards faster up with the Chace than before

the Loss of his Top-Masts.

_Smith_ being taken, _Lewis_ used him very civilly, and gave him as

much, or more in Value, than he took from him, and let him go, saying,

he would come to _Carolina_ when he had made Money on the Coast, and

would rely on his Friendship.

They kept some Time on the Coast, when they quarrell'd among themselves,

the _French_ and _English_, of which the former was more numerous, and

they resolved to part: The _French_ therefore chose a large Sloop newly

taken, thinking the Ship's Bottom, which was not Sheath'd, damaged by

the Worms.

According to this Agreement they took on board what Ammunition and

Provision they thought fit out of the Ship, and put off, chusing one _le

Barre_ Captain. As it blew hard, and the Decks were encumbered, they

came to an Anchor under the Coast, to stow away their Ammunition, Goods,

_&c._ _Lewis_ told his Men, they were a Parcel of Rogues, and he would

make 'em refund; accordingly run a Long-side his Guns, being all loaded

and new primed, and ordered him to cut away his Mast, or he would sink

him. _Le Barre_ was obliged to obey. Then he ordered them all ashoar;

they begged to have Liberty of carrying their Arms, Goods, _&c._ with

'em, but he allow'd 'em only their small Arms, and Cartridge Boxes. Then

he brought the Sloop a Long-side, put every Thing on board the Ship, and

sunk the Sloop.

_Le Barre_ and the rest begg'd to be taken on board; however, though he

denied 'em, he suffered _le Barre_ and some few to come, with whom he

and his Men drank plentifully. The Negroes on board _Lewis_ told him,

the _French_ had a Plot against him. He answer'd, he could not withstand

his Destiny; for the Devil told him in the great Cabin, he should be

murdered that Night.

In the dead of Night came the rest of the _French_ on board in Canoes,

got into the Cabbin and killed _Lewis_; they fell on the Crew, but,

after an Hour and Half's Dispute, the _French_ were beat off, and the

Quarter-Master, _John Cornelius_, an _Irish_ Man, succeeded _Lewis_.

Captain _Cornelius_,

And his CREW.

Having now the Command of the _Morning Star_, _Cornelius_ kept on the

Coast, and made several Prizes both _English_ and _Portuguese_; the

former he always discharged, after he had taken what he thought fitting,

but the latter he commonly burnt.

While he was thus ravaging the Coast, two _English_ Ships which had

slaved at _Whydah_, one of 36 Guns, and the other of 12, which fought

close, were ready to sail; and having Notice of a Pyrate, who had done

great Mischief, resolved to keep Company together for their Defence. The

Captain of the small Ship lay sick in his Cabbin, and she was left to

the Care of the Mates. When they had got under Sail, 200 Negroes jump'd

over board from the larger Ships, which obliged her to bring to and get

out her Boats; the Mate of the other went into the Cabbin, told the

Accident, and advised lying by, and sending their Boats to assist their

Consort; but the Captain being ill, and willing to get off the Coast,

bid him keep on his Way, for it would be dangerous, having 400 Slaves on

board, and being but weakly mann'd, when the Boats were gone they might

rise upon him. The Mate urged the Danger of the Pyrates, should they

leave their Consort. The Captain answered, the Seas were wide, and he

would not bring to; accordingly they kept on their Way with a fresh

Gale.

Two Days after, the Mate about Eight in the Morning, ordered a Man to

the Mast-head, who spied a Sail, which made them prepare for an

Engagement. There was on board one _Joseph Williams_, who had served the

_African_ Company three Years on the _Guiney_ Coast, who spoke the

Negroe Tongue very well; he told the Slaves he had pick'd out to the

Number of 50, that the Ship in Sight he believed would fight them, and

if they got the better, would certainly, as they were Cannibals, kill

and eat them all, and therefore it behoved them to fight for their

Lives; they had Lances and small Arms given them.

About Ten _Cornelius_ came up with them, and being haled, answered, he

was a Man of War, in Search of Pyrates, and bid them send their Boat on

board; but they refusing to trust him, tho' he had _English_ Colours and

Pendent aboard, the Pyrate fired a Broadside, and they began a running

Fight of about 10 Hours, in which Time the Negroes discharged their Arms

so smartly, that _Cornelius_ never durst attempt to board. About 8 at

Night the Ship blew up abaft, they immediately cut the Lashings of the

Long-Boat, but the Ship going down they had not Time to get her out, and

barely enough to launch the Yawl, which lay on the Forecastle. The Ship

went down on one Side, and _Joseph Williams_ running on the other was

hook'd by the Mizzen-Truss, and was carried down with her; but having

his Knife in his Hand, and a great Presence of Mind, he cut the

Wast-band of his Trowzers where he was catch'd, got clear, and swam

after the Boat, into which about 16 had gotten, and either knock'd those

on the Head, or cut off their Hands, who laid hold on it; however, with

much Entreaty, he was permitted to lay one Hand on to ease him: They

made to the Pyrate, who refused to receive them, without they would

enter with him, which, to save their Lives, they all agreed to, and was

then civilly received, and dry Cloaths given them; these and one Negroe

were all the Souls saved.

In a little Time after this he took two _Portuguese_ Ships, which he

plundered and kept with him; and one foggy Morning hearing the firing of

Guns, which, by the distance of Time, he judg'd to be Minute Guns, as

they really were, for the Death of an _English_ Commander; he called his

Men on board from the Prizes, sent them about their Business, and

directed his Course by the Report of the Canon he had heard.

In about two Hours he spied the Ship that had fired, came up with her

very soon, and took her without Resistance. The Officers of the Ship

which blew up, finding this Prize _English_, and that the Pyrate did not

intend to detain it, begg'd to be discharged, as they had all large

Families, which must perish without their Support.

_Cornelius_ taking them into Consideration, discharged Mr. _Powis_ of

_Limehouse_, who has since been a Commander, and raised a Fortune; the

then chief Mate, Mr. _George Forelong_, the Boatswain, Carpenter, and

other married Men, set them on board the Prize, and was very generous to

them out of the Plunder of the _Portuguese_ Ships, because they had made

a broken Voyage; but _Joseph Williams_ and the Batchelors he detained,

and forced some out of the Prize, which he let go.

After this he took three _Portuguese_ Ships at an Anchor, which he

plundered and burnt, after he had hove down by one of them; he continued

some Time longer on the Coast, did a great Deal of Mischief to the

Trade, and forced a great many Men: These he put to do all the Slavery

of the Ship, and they were beat about the Decks, without daring to

strike again. I shall take Notice of an Instance of this Kind, to shew

how far Revenge will carry a Man. One _Robert Bland_ was at Helm, and

called _Joseph Williams_ to take the Whipstaff, till he went to play,

_Williams_ refused it; upon which _Bland_ drubb'd him with the Lanyard

of the Whipstaff very severely, _Williams_ that he might revenge

himself, and have Liberty to fight _Bland_, went that Instant and

entered himself a Voluntier in the Ships Books, and ask'd Leave to fight

_Bland_, which was allowed him, but with no other Weapons than his

Fists; he, however, challenged his Antagonist, who was too hard for him;

so that he turned Pyrate to be heartily thresh'd.

_Cornelius_ thinking they had been long enough on the _Guiney_ Coast,

doubled the Cape, off which he spied the _Lizard_ and two more Men of

War, under the Command of Commadore _Littleton_; _Cornelius_ was for

giving Chase, but finding his Men unwilling, there being, as they gave

for Reason, 70 forc'd Men on board, and these Ships being, as they

suspected, Men of War, he made the best of his Way for _Madagascar_,

went up the River _Methelage_, on the West Side, and anchored against

_Pombotoque_, a small Village of Blacks.

The Quarter-Master went ashore, and the black Governor examined him, for

several of these Blacks speak _English_; he told the Governor they were

come for Provision and to trade: Upon which he sent a Couple of Oxen on

board, and then ordered some of the Inhabitants to go up with the

Quarter-Master to the King. The Boat's Crew seeing a Number of Blacks

come upon the Strand without the Quarter-Master, apprehended some

Mischief had befallen him; but were eas'd of their Fears, when they saw

two Oxen given them, and were told, the white Man, who was gone to the

King, would be back next Day, it not being above 20 Miles from the

Shore.

When the Quarter-Master, who carried up a Blunderbuss, a fine Gun, and a

Pair of Pistols, for a Present to the King, told him they wanted

Provisions, he asked where they were bound? To which he answered, to

seek their Fortunes, for, at present, they were very poor. Look ye,

replied the King, I require nothing of you, all white Men I look upon as

my Children; they help'd me to conquer this Country, and all the Cattle

in it is at their Service. I will send you down Provisions enough, and

when that is spent you shall have more; he accordingly sent 1000 Head of

Cattle, out of which he bid them chuse what they would, and they salted

up a 100 fat Oxen.

It may be an Amusement to the Reader to have a short History of this

King, who was called _Andian Chimenatto_, that is, King _Chimenatto_: He

was 2d Son of _Andian Lifouchy_, whose Country lay between _Methelage_

and St. _Augustine_, his elder Brother was _Timanangarivo_.

At the Death of _Andian Lyfouchy_, _Chimenatto_, assisted by a younger

Brother, and a great Number of the People, endeavour'd to wrest the

Kingdom from his elder Brother _Timanangarivo_; but he was defeated, and

with his Party obliged to retire, however, he still made War upon his

Brother, till he was, by repeated Losses, very much weaken'd, and

apprehensive of being attack'd by him; he retir'd farther Northward,

where he made War on _Andian Methelage_, but without great Success, so

that he settled on a Point of Land by the Sea-Coast, where the

_Tyloutes_, that is, Inhabitants of the Sea, who are descended from the

_Arabs_, and the _Vaujimbos_, who are esteem'd the meanest Cast on the

whole Island, were very vexatious and troublesome to him, and kept him

in continual Alarms.

In the mean while a couple of Ships arrived at _Yungowl_ (the Country of

_Timanangarivo_) belonging to _Frederick Phillips_, of _New York_, to

slave; but hearing the old King was dead, who had a great Respect for

the Whites, and that _Timanangarivo_ had cut off the Crew of a

Brigantine, on Pretence that they had poison'd his Father _Andian

Lyfouchy_, for he drunk on board her so much Brandy that he died of it;

they would not stay here, but went farther on the Coast to look for

Trade.

_Andian Chimenatto_ spying them, caused a Smoak to be made, which

brought one of their Boats on Shoar; _Chimenatto_ received the Crew very

civilly, and invited the Ships in, promising Trade.

The Commanders ask'd if he had Slaves? He said he had but few; however,

if they would allow some of their Men to go with him to War, he would

slave both Ships: They answered, that _Timanangarivo_ his Brother, had

murder'd some of their Countrymen, and they could put no Confidence in

him; upon which he gave them the History of his Wars, said his Brother

was a wicked Man for what he had done; but if they would send some Men

with him, he would give his Wives and nearest Relations for Hostages, to

be kept on board.

This was agreed to, and _Chimenatto_ furnished them with as much fresh

Provision as they could dispose of; twenty Whites went with him to War,

and they took a Town and a great Number of Slaves, out of whom he

ordered the Captain to pick and cull what they pleas'd; they asked the

Price, he said, he required nothing, if they would let their Men go out

once more. They went on a second Expedition, took several Towns, and

brought down some thousand Slaves, beside great Droves of Cattle.

The two Ships took their Choice of about 6000 Slaves, which with fresh

Provision, and Provision for their Voyage, cost them only 2 or 3 Barrels

of Powder, and a few Arms.

The King told them, if they would leave those Men and come again, he

would again slave them for nothing; the Men being willing to stay, the

Ships sail'd, came again the next Season, were slaved according to

Promise, and relieved those whites, such of them as would return, and

left others, who were willing, in their Steads. With this Assistance

_Chimenatto_ soon conquered the _Antylouts_ and _Vaujimbos_, and

afterwards made himself Master of the whole Country of _Methelage_, of

such Reputation are the _Europeans_ among these People, for they who

have a white Man on their Side go on as to certain Victory; and the

Sight of a white Man against them is such a Damp to their Spirits, that

despairing of Success, they are preparing for Flight before they engage.

But to return, besides the Present of Oxen, the King sent 100 Blacks

laden with Rice. _Cornelius_ sent him a Present of 2 Barrels of Powder,

and would have given him more, with small Arms in Return, but he sent

them Word he would have no more, nor any of their Arms, not being in

Want of either; on the contrary, if they wanted he would send them ten

Barrels of Powder, as they were his Children; bid them proceed on their

Voyage, and if they were richer when they came back, and would send him

any Present, he would accept it, but not now that they were poor.

Here _Cornelius_ lost 70 Men by their Excesses, having been long without

fresh Provision, the eating immoderately, drinking Toke (a Liquor made

of Honey) to Excess, and being too free with the Women, they fell into

violent Fevers, which carried them off.

The Blacks having given _Cornelius_ an Account of the _Speaker_'s being

sail'd from _Methelage_ about three Months before for the _East-Indies_,

he, having taken in his Provisions, steer'd the same Course, in Hopes to

join in Consort with her; but the _Speaker_ lying off the _Red Sea_, and

the _Morning Star_ going into the Gulf of _Persia_ they never met: They

run up a pretty Way in the Gulf, and lay under _Antelope_ Island, where

they kept a Look-out, and whence they made their Excursions, and took a

Number of Prizes.

Here they designed to heave down and clean, and they had got a good Part

of their Goods and Water Casks ashore, when the Look-out discovered two

tall Ships, one of them wearing a Flag at the Foretop-Mast Head; this

put them into a great Confusion, they got what Casks and Necessaries

they could on board, and lay till the Ships came a-breast of them; then

they got under Sail at once, their Sails being furl'd with Rope Yarns,

and came close along-side the larger Ship, which was a _Portuguese_ of

70 Guns, as the other was of 26; they exchanged a Broadside with her,

and the smaller Ship engaged her so close, that they threw Hand Grenades

into each other; but _Cornelius_'s Business was to run, and the great

Ship put a Stays twice to follow him, but missing, was obliged to Ware,

which gave the Pyrate a great Advantage; the small Ship in staying,

tail'd aground, she, however, gave Chase till she had run a good Way

a-head of her Consort, which the Pyrate seeing, brought to, and stay'd

for her, as did the _Portuguese_ for her Consort, not caring to engage

him singly. When it was quite dark _Cornelius_ ran up the other Shore,

pass'd the _Portuguese_ Ships (which kept down the Gulf) and came again

to Anchor at his old Station, where he found his Enemies had been ashore

in their Boats and staved his Casks; he here cleaned, and finding no

Money to be got out of any Prizes made, and Bale Goods being of little

Value to them, they from hence went away to the Island of _Johanna_,

where it was designed to moroon the Blacks, who were the greater Number,

and all bred among the _English_; _Joseph Williams_, fearing they would

next moroon the _English_, who were not above a third of the whites,

gave the Negroes Notice of the Design, who secured all the Arms of the

Ship, and gave _Williams_ the Command till they should get to

_Madagascar_, keeping a good Guard on the _French_ and _Dutch_. When

they came to _Methelage_ they gave the Ship to the King, her Bottom

being eaten so much with the Worms, that she was no longer fit for

Service; and they all went and lived with the new King _Chimave_, Son to

_Andian Chimenatto_, who died before their Return: About five Months

after they broke up, _Cornelius_ died, and was buried with the usual

Ceremony.

Capt. _David Williams_,

And his CREW.

This Man was born in _Wales_, of very poor Parents, who bred him up to

the Plough and the following of Sheep, the only Things he had any Notion

of till he went to Sea. He was never esteem'd among the Pyrates as a Man

of good natural Parts, perhaps, on account of his Ignorance of Letters,

for, as he had no Education, he knew as little of the sailing a Ship,

set aside the Business of a foremast Man, as he did of History, in

which, and natural Philosophy, he was equally vers'd: He was of a

morose, sour, unsociable Temper, very cholerick, and easily resented as

an Affront what as brave and a more knowing Man would not think worth

Notice; but he was not cruel, neither did he turn Pyrate from a wicked

or avaritious Inclination, but by Necessity, and we may say, tho' he was

no forced Man, he could not well avoid that Life he fell into.

When he was grown a lusty Lad he would see the World, and go seek his

Fortune, as the Term is among the Country Youths, who think fit to

withdraw themselves from the Subjection of their Parents; with this Whim

in his Head he got to _Chester_, where he was received, and sailed on

board a Coaster, till he had made himself acquainted with the Rigging,

learned to knot, splice, and do the other Parts of a common Sailor's

Duty; then coming to _London_, he shipp'd himself on board the _Mary

India_ Man, bound for _Bengal_ and _Maderas_, which Voyage he performed

outward, and it was not his Fault that he did not come home in the same

Ship; for, in her Return, falling short of Water, they steer'd for the

Island of _Madagascar_, and fell in with the East Side, in the Lat. of

20, or thereabouts. The Captain mann'd and sent ashore the Long-Boat to

seek for Water, but a large Surf running, she came to an Anchor, at some

little Distance from Shore, and _David Williams_ with another, being

both good Swimmers, stripp'd and swam off in Search of Water: While they

were ashore, the Wind which blew full upon the Island and freshning, the

Surf ran too high for them to get off; and the Long-Boat, after waiting

some time, seeing no Possibility of getting these Men on board, weigh'd

and stood for the Ship, which filled her Sails and stood for St.

_Augustine_'s Bay, where she watered and proceeded on her Voyage.

Thus our poor _Welshman_ and his Companion were left destitute on an

Island altogether unknown to them, without Cloaths or Subsistance, but

what the Fruits of the Trees offer'd. They rambled some little Time

along the Coast, and were met with by the Natives, and by them carried

up into the Country, where they were humanly treated, and provided with

all the Necessaries of Life, tho' this was not sufficient to expel his

Consort's Melancholy, who took his being left behind so much to Heart,

that he sicken'd and died in a very little Time.

Some time after, the Prince of the Country, who entertained _Williams_,

had a Quarrel with a neighbouring King, which broke into a War.

_Williams_ took the Field with his Patron, but the Enemy being superior

in Number, got the Victory, and took a great many Prisoners, among whom

was the unfortunate _Welshman_: The King, whose Prisoner he was, treated

him very kindly; and being Master of an old Musket, gave it him, saying,

'such Arms were better in the Hands of a white Man than in those of any

of his Subjects, who were not so much used to them; that he should be

his Friend and Companion, and should fare as well as himself, if he

would assist him in his Wars.'

It will not be amiss here to take Notice, that this Island, on the East

Side, is divided into a great Number of Principalities or Kingdoms,

which are almost in continual War one with another; the Grounds of which

are very trivial, for they will pick a Quarrel with a Neighbour,

especially, if he has a Number of Cattle (in which, and Slaves, consist

their Riches) on the slightest Occasion, that they may have an

Opportunity of Plunder; and when a Battle or two is lost, the conquer'd

makes his Peace, by delivering up such a certain Number of Bullocks and

Slaves as shall be demanded by the victorious Prince. On the West Side

of the Island, the Principalities are mostly reduced under one Prince,

who resides near _Methelage_, and who is, as we have said in the Lives

of other Pyrates, a great Friend to white Men; for his Father, who

founded his Empire by the Assistance of the _Europeans_, left it in

Charge with his Son, to assist them with what Necessaries they should

require, and do them all friendly Offices; but if he disobeyed this

Command, and should ever fall out with the white Men, or spill any of

their Blood, he threaten'd to come again, turn him out of his Kingdom,

and give it to his younger Brother. These Menaces had a very great

Effect upon him, for he firmly believed his Father would, on his

Disobedience, put them in Execution; for there is not on Earth, a Race

of Men equally superstitious.

But to return to _Williams_, he lived with this Prince in great

Tranquility, and was very much esteem'd by him (for Necessity taught him

Complaisance) after some time, his new Patron was informed, that his

vanquish'd Enemy had form'd a grand Alliance, in order to make War upon

him; wherefore, he resolved to begin, and march into the Countries of

the Allies, and ravage the nearest before they could join their Forces.

He rais'd an Army, and accordingly march'd Southward; at the News of his

Approach, the Inhabitants abandoned all the small Towns, and sending

Messengers to their Friends, rais'd a considerable Body to oppose him,

suffering him to over-run a great Deal of Ground without Molestation. At

length being reinforced, they took their Opportunity, and setting upon

him when his Men were fatigued, and his Army incumber'd with Booty, they

gained a signal Victory; the King had the good Luck to get off, but

_Williams_ was a second Time taken Prisoner.

He was carried before the Conqueror, who, (having been an Eye-witness of

his Bravery, for _Williams_ kill'd a Number of his Enemies with his

Shot, and behav'd very well, defending himself with the Butt End of his

Musket for some Time, when he was surrounded) reach'd him his Hand, and

told him, he made War with his Enemies only, that he did not esteem the

White Men such, but should be glad of their Friendship.

Here _Williams_ was used with more Respect than he had been even by his

last Patron, and lived with this Prince some Years; but a War breaking

out, he was routed in a set Battle, in which _Williams_ was his

Companion; in the Pursuit the poor _Welshman_ finding he could not get

off, clapp'd his Musket at the Foot of a Tree, and climbing up, he

capitulated: He was now terribly afraid of being cut to Pieces, for he

had shot and wounded a great Number of the Enemy; they, however,

promis'd him good Quarter, and kept their Word.

The King of _Maratan_, who took him, used him as well as any of the

former had done; and carried him always with him to the Wars, in which

Fortune was more propitious, for the Parties _Williams_ commanded had

constantly the better of their Enemies, and never returned but with

great Booties of Cattle and Slaves, for all the Prisoners they take are

so, till redeem'd; tho' these Prisoners are, for the most part, Women

and Children, they seldom giving Quarter to any other.

The Fame of his Bravery and Success, spread it self round the Country;

and his Name alone was so terrible, that the giving out he was at the

Head of any Party, was giving the Enemies an Overthrow without a Battle.

This reaching the Ears of _Dempaino_, a mighty Prince who lived 200

Miles from him, and who had several Petty Princes Tributaries, he sent

an Embassador to demand the White Man; but his Patron, who had no Mind

to part with him, denied that he had any White Man with him, that he who

was called so was a Native of the Country. For the Readers better

understanding this Passage, I must inform him, that there is a Race of

what they call White Men, who have been settled on _Madagascar_, Time

out of Mind, and are descended from the _Arabs_; but mixing with the

Negroes, have propagated a Race of Molattoes, who differ in nothing from

the Manner of living of the Black Natives.

To proceed, the Embassador desired to see this Man, and _Williams_

coming to him, being extremely tann'd, he had pass'd for what he was

reported, had he been before apprized of what had been said, to have

answered accordingly, for he spoke the Language perfectly; or had the

Embassador not examined him; who, after he had some Time viewed him,

ask'd of what Country he was, and whether it was true that he was one of

_Madagascar_? _Williams_ answered, he was an _Englishman_, and was left

in the Country, relating the Particulars, as I have already set them

down, adding, he had been five Years in the Island.

The Embassador then told the King, that he must send the White Man with

him, for such were the Orders of his Master the great _Dempaino_, who

was Lord over most of the Kings on the Side the Country where he

resided; and that it would be dangerous for him to disobey the Commands

of so great a Monarch.

The King answered, those who were subject to _Dempaino_ ought to obey

his Commands, but for him, he knew no Man greater than himself,

therefore should receive Laws from none; and with this Answer dismiss'd

the Ambassador; who, at his Return, reported to his Master the very

Words, adding, they were delivered in a haughty Strain. _Dempaino_, who

was not used to have his Commands disputed, order'd one of his Generals

to march with 6000 Men, and demand the White Man, and in Case of

Refusal, to denounce War, that he should send him back an Express of it,

and he would follow in Person with an Army to enforce a Compliance.

These Orders were put in Execution with the greatest Dispatch and

Secrecy; so that the Town was invested, before any Advice was given of

the Approach of an Enemy. The General told the King, it was in his

Choice to have Peace or War with his Master, since it depended on the

Delivery of the White Man.

The King thus surpriz'd, was obliged, however contrary to his

Inclinations, to give _Williams_ up to the General, who return'd with

him to _Dempaino_, without committing any Hostilities; tho' he threatned

to besiege the Town, and put all but the Women and Children to the

Sword, if the King of _Maratan_ did not pay the Expence of his Master's

sending for the White Man, which he rated at 100 Slaves, and 500 Head of

Cattle, the King objected to this as a hard Condition and an unjust

Imposition, but was obliged to acquiesce in it.

One Thing, remarkable enough, had like to have slipp'd me; which is, the

King of _Maratan_ sent _Williams_ to the General without any Attendance,

which made him ask, if the White Man was a Slave? The King answered, he

had not used him like one. I may very well, said the General, be of a

contrary Opinion, since you have sent no Body to wait upon him: Upon

which Reprimand, the King sent _Williams_ a Present of a Slave.

He was received by _Dempaino_ with a great many Caresses, was handsomely

cloathed according to the Country Manner, had Slaves allotted to wait on

him, and every Thing that was necessary and convenient; so that King

_Dempaino_ was at the Trouble of sending 6000 Men, one would think, for

no other End than to shew the great Value and Esteem he had for the

_Europeans_. He continued with this Prince till the Arrival of a Ship,

which was some Years after his leaving _Maratan_; when the _Bedford_

Galley, a Pyrate, commanded by _Achen Jones_, a _Welshman_, came on the

Coast, on board of which Ship _Williams_ was permitted to enter; they

went to _Augustine_, where, laying the Ship on Shore, by Carelessness

they broke her Back, and lost her. The Crew lived here till the Arrival

of the _Pelican_, another Pyrate, mentioned in _North_'s Life; some of

them went on board this Ship, and steer'd for the _East-Indies_.

_Williams_ shifted out of this on board the _Mocha_ Frigate, a Pyrate,

commanded by Captain _Culliford_, and made a Voyage; then, returning to

St. _Mary_'s, they shared the Booty they had got in the Red Seas. I

shall not here mention the Particulars of this last Expedition,

designing to write Captain _Culliford_'s Life, which it more properly

belongs to.

Some of the Crew, being _West Indians_, having an Opportunity, returned

home; but _Williams_ remain'd here till the Arrival and taking of Capt.

_Forgette_, which has been already mentioned: He was one of those who

took the _Speaker_, (the Manner has been told before, in another Life)

went a Voyage in her, and returned to _Maratan_, as is said in _North_'s

Life. Here the King seeing him, ask'd what Present he intended to make

him for former Kindness? _Williams_ answered, he had been over paid by

the Prince whom he took him from and by his Services, which Answer so

irritated his _Maratanian_ Majesty, that he ordered him to quit his

Country; and he could hardly after that see him with Patience.

From hence he went on board the _Prosperous_, Captain _Howard_,

Commander, who went to St. _Mary_'s, and thence to the Main, as is said

in that Pyrate's Life, and was one of the Men left behind when they had

a Design to carry off _Ort Van Tyle_. This _Dutchman_ kept him to hard

Labour, as planting Potatoes, _&c._ in revenge for the Destruction and

Havock made in his Plantations by the Crew of the _Prosperous_; he was

here in the Condition of a Slave six Months, at the Expiration of which

Time, he had an Opportunity (and embraced it) to run away, leaving his

Consort, _Tho. Collins_, behind him, who had his Arm broke when he was

taken by the _Dutchman_.

Having made his Escape from a rigid, revengeful Master, he got to a

Black Prince, named _Rebaiharang_, with whom he lived half a Year; he

from hence went and kept Company with one _John Pro_, another

_Dutchman_, who had a small Settlement on Shore, till the Arrival of the

Men of War, commanded by Commodore _Richards_, who took both _Pro_ and

his Guest _Williams_, put them in Irons (on board the _Severn_) till

they came to _Johanna_, where the Captain of the _Severn_ undertook for

2000 Dollars to go against the _Mohilians_, in which Expedition several

of the Man of War's Crew were killed, and the two Pyrates made their

Escape in a small Canoe to _Mohila_, where they shelter'd themselves a

while in the Woods, out of which they got Provisions, and made over for

_Johanna_; here they recruited themselves and went away for _Mayotta_,

an Island 18 Leagues in Length. The King of this Island built them a

Boat, and giving them Provisions and what Necessaries they required,

they made for and arrived at _Madagascar_; where, at _Methelage_, in the

Lat. of 16, 40, or thereabouts, they join'd, as has been said, Captain

_White_.

Here they lay about 3 Months, then setting Fire to their Boat, they went

into _White_'s, and rounding the North End came to _Ambonavoula_; here

_Williams_ staid till Captain _White_ brought the Ship _Hopewell_, on

board of which he entered before the Mast, made a Voyage to the Red

Seas, towards the End of which he was chosen Quarter-Master. At their

Return they touch'd at _Mascarenas_ for Provisions, where almost half

the Company went ashore and took up their Habitations.

From _Mascarenas_ they steer'd for _Hopewell_ (by some call'd

_Hopefull_) Point, on _Madagascar_, where dividing their Plunder, they

settled themselves.

Twelve Months after, the _Charles_ Brigantine, Captain _Halsey_, came

in, as is mentioned in his Life. _Williams_ went on board him and made a

Voyage; at their Return they came to _Maratan_, lived ashore, and

assisted the King in his War against his Brother, which being ended in

the Destruction of the latter, and a Pyrate lying at _Ambonavoula_,

sending his Long-Boat to _Manangcaro_, within ten Leagues of _Maratan_,

_Williams_ and the rest went on board, and in three Months after he had

been at _Ambonavoula_ he was chosen Captain of the _Scotch_ Ship,

mentioned in _Halsey_'s Life.

This Ship he work'd upon with great Earnestness, and made the _Scots_

Prisoners labour hard at the fitting her up for a Voyage; and she was

near ready for the Seas when a Hurricane forced her ashore, and she was

wreck'd.

Some Time after this he set up and finished a Sloop, in which he and ten

of his Men, design'd for _Mascarenas_, but missing the Island they went

round _Madagascar_, to a Place called _Methelage_, where he laid his

Vessel ashore and staid a Year; but the King being tired with his morose

Temper, and he disagreeing with every Body, he was order'd to be gone,

and accordingly fitting up his Vessel he put to Sea, intending to go

round the North End of the Island; but the Wind being at E. S. E. and

the Current setting to N. W. he put back to a Port, called the _Boyne_,

within 10 Leagues of _Methelage_, in the same King's Dominions whom he

had left. The Governor of this Place was descended from the _Arabs_, and

it was here that the _Arabians_ traded.

When he came to an Anchor, he and three of his Men (he had but 5 with

him) went on Shore, paddled by two Negroes. _David Eaton_ and _William

Dawson_, two of the Men, required a Guide, to shew them the Way to the

King's Town; the Governor order'd them one, and, at the same time, laid

an Ambush for them in the Road, and caused them to be murdered. When

they had left the _Boyn_, _Williams_ and _Meyeurs_, a _Frenchman_, who

also came ashore in the Canoe, went to buy some _Samsams_, which are

agate Beads; as they were looking over these Goods, a Number of the

Governor's Men came about them, seiz'd them both, and immediately

dispatch'd _Meyeurs_, _Williams_ they bound, and tortur'd almost a whole

Day, by throwing hot Ashes on his Head and in his Face, and putting

little Boys to beat him with Sticks; he offer'd the Governor 2000

Dollars for his Life, but he answer'd, he'd have both that and the Money

too; and accordingly when he was near expiring, they made an End of him

with their Lances.

After this barbarous Murder, the Governor thought of seizing the Sloop,

on board of which were no more than two White Men, six Negroe Boys, and

some Women Slaves of the same Colour; however, he thought it best to

proceed by Stratagem, and therefore putting a Goat and some Calabashes

of Toke on board _William_'s Canoe, with twelve Negroes arm'd, and the

Sloop Negroes to paddle, he sent to surprize her. When the Canoe came

pretty near the Vessel, they hal'd, and ask'd if they would let them

come aboard? One of the Men ask'd _William_'s Negroes where the Captain

was? He answered, drinking Toke with the Governor, and sent them

Provision and Toke. A Negroe Wench advised the White Man, whose Name was

_William Noakes_, not to let them come on board, for as four White Men

went ashore, and none of them appear'd, she suspected some Treachery;

however, on the Answer made him from the Canoe, he resolved to admit

them, and giving the Wench a Kick, cryed, _D--m ye, must we have no

fresh Provisions for your Whimsies_; he called them on board, and no

sooner were they on Deck but one of them snatching _Noakes_ his Pistol,

shot him thro' the Head, and seizing the other White Man, threw him

over-board and drown'd him; after which, being Masters of the Vessel,

they carried her in and rifled her.

The King was at this Time a hunting, as is his Custom to hunt Boars

three Months in the Year; but the Account of these Murders soon reach'd

him, however, he staid the accustom'd Time of his Diversion; but when he

returned home, and the Whites, who were about him, demanded Justice, he

bid them be quiet, they might depend upon his doing it: He sent to the

Governor of _Boyn_, and told him, he was glad that he had cut off

_Williams_ and his Crew, an Example he was resolved to follow and clear

the Country of them all. That he had some Affairs to communicate to him,

and desired he would come to Court as soon as possible, but take Care he

was not seen by any of the Whites, for fear by his, they shou'd revenge

the Death of their Companions.

The Governor on these Orders came away immediately, and stopp'd two

Miles short, at a little Town two Miles distant from the King's, and

sent Word he there waited for his Commands.

The History of the Pyrates. Vol. II. Containing the lives of Captain Misson, Captain Bowen, Captain Kidd, Captain Tew, Captain Halsey, Captain White, Captain Condent, Captain Bellamy, Captain Fly, Captain Howard, Captain Lewis, Captain Cornelius, Captain Williams, Captain Burgess, Captain North, and their several crews · 第 9 / 17 题

I can't pass by in Silence, Capt. _Bellamy_'s Speech to Capt. _Beer_.