The King ordered him to be with him early next Morning, before the White

Men were out of their Beds; he set forward accordingly the next Day

betimes, but was seiz'd on the Road by Negroes placed for that Purpose,

and brought bound to the King, who, after having reproach'd him with the

Barbarity of his Action, sent him to the White Men, bidding them put him

to what Death they pleased; but they sent Word back, he might dispose of

his Subjects Lives as he thought fit, but for their Part they would

never draw a Drop of Blood of any who belonged to him. Upon which Answer

the King's Uncle ordered him to be speared, and he was accordingly

thrust thro' the Body with Lances. The King, after this Execution, sent

to _Boyn_, and had every Thing brought which had belonged to _Williams_

and his Men, and divided it among the Whites, saying, _He was sorry the

Villain had but one Life to make Attonement for the Barbarity he had

been guilty of_.

OF

Capt. _Samuel Burgess_,

And his CREW.

Capt. _Samuel Burgess_ was born in _New-York_, and had a good Education;

he was what they call a well-set Man, and bandy legg'd; he sail'd some

Time as a Privateer in the _West-Indies_, and very often, the Gang, he

was with, when the Time of their cruizing was expir'd, would make no

Ceremony of prolonging the Commission by their own Authority.

By his Privateering he got together some little Money, and returned

home, where the Government having no Notice, or, at least, taking none,

of his pyratical Practice, in staying beyond the Date of his Commission:

He went out Mate of a Ship, in the Service of _Frederick Phillips_,

bound to the Island of _Madagascar_, to trade with the Pyrates, where

they had the Misfortune to lose their Ship, and lived eighteen Months at

_Augustine_, when an _English_ Pyrate coming in, the King of the Country

obliged him to go on board her, tho' much against his Inclination, for

he was tired of a roving Life; but their Choice was to go or starve, for

the King would keep them no longer.

He went with this free Booter to the _East Indies_, where they made

several rich Prizes; returned to St. _Mary_'s, where they took in

Provisions, Wood, and Water. Several of their Gang knock'd off here; but

the Captain, _Burgess_, and the Remainder, went away for the _West

Indies_, disposed of their Plunder on the _Spanish_ Coast, and then

returning to _New York_, purposely knocked the Ship on the Head at

_Sandy Hook_, after they had secur'd their Money ashore.

The Government not being inform'd of their Pyracy, they lived here

without Molestation, and, in a short Time, _Burgess_ married a Relation

of Mr. _Phillips_', who built a Ship, called the _Pembroke_, and sent

him a second Time to _Madagascar_. In his Way to this Island, he went

into the River of _Dilagou_ on the _African_ Coast, where he took in a

Quantity of Elephants Teeth; and thence to _Augustine_, where he met

with several of his old Ship Mates, with whom he traded for Money and

Slaves. Leaving this Place he went to _Methelage_, where he also took

some Money and Negroes; and from thence he shaped his Course for St.

_Mary_'s, on the East Side, where he also drove a considerable Trade

with his old Comrades, took several of them Passengers, who paid very

generously for their Passage; and taking with him an Account of what was

proper to bring in another Trip, he return'd to _New York_, without any

sinister Accident: This Voyage clear'd 5,000 l. Ship and Charges paid.

His Owner encouraged by this Success, bid him chuse what Cargoe he

pleas'd, and set out again; accordingly he laded with Wine, Beer, _&c._

and returning to _Madagascar_ arrived at _Maratan_ on the East Side,

where he disposed of a great Part of his Cargoe at his own Rates. At

_Methelage_ he disposed of the rest, and return'd, clearing for himself

and Owner 10,000 l. besides 300 Slaves he brought to _New York_.

After a short Stay at home, he set out again on the old Voyage, fell in

first with _Methelage_, where he victualled and traded; from thence he

went round the South End, touch'd and sold Part of his Cargoe at a large

Profit, to his old Acquaintance. He made a trading Voyage round the

Island, and at St. _Mary_'s met another Ship belonging to his Owner,

which had Order to follow his Directions; he stay'd at this Port till he

had disposed of the Cargoe of both Ships; he then shaped his Course

homewards, with about 20 Pyrates Passengers, who had accepted the Pardon

brought by Commadore _Littleton_.

In his Way he touch'd at the _Cape_ of _Good Hope_, for Wood, Water, and

fresh Provision: While he was here, the _Loyal Cook_, an _East India_

Man came in, who made Prize of _Burgess_, and carried him to the _East

Indies_; he there would have delivered _Burgess_'s Ship to the Governor

of _Maderass_, but the Governor would have no Hand in the Affair, and

told the Captain, he must answer to the _East-India_ Company and

_Burgess_'s Owner for what he had done.

Most of the Pyrate's Passengers thought themselves clear'd by the Act of

Grace; but some of them, not willing to trust to it, got off with what

Gold they could, in a _Dutch_ Boat; they who trusted to the Pardon were

clapp'd in Goal, and died in their Irons. I cannot omit the Simplicity

of one of them, who had, however, the Wit to get off: When he designed

to go away, he look'd for his Comrade for the Key of his Chest, to take

his Gold with him, which amounted to Seventeen hundred Pounds; but this

Comrade being ashore, he would not break open Chest, for it was Pity, he

said, to spoil a good new Lock, so left his Money for the Captain of the

_East-India_ Man.

The News of this Capture came to the Owner before the Ship return'd, and

he sued the Company; but, at their Request, staid for the Arrival of the

_Loyal Cook_, which brought _Burgess_ Prisoner to _England_ soon after.

The Captain finding himself in an Error, and that what he had done could

not be justified, absconded; the Company made good the Ship and Cargo to

the Owner. _Burgess_ was set at Liberty, continued some Time in

_London_, was impeach'd, and Pyracy sworn against him by _Culliford_

(mentioned in _Williams_'s Life) who notwithstanding, he came home on

the Act of Grace, was clapp'd into _Newgate_, tried and acquitted, tho'

he was beggar'd.

_Burgess_'s Owner stickled very hard for him, and expended great Sums of

Money to save him; however, tho' he pleaded the Necessity of his going

on board the Pyrate, (as his Life shews it) he was tried and condemn'd;

but by the Intercession of the Bishops of _London_ and _Canterbury_, was

pardon'd by the Queen.

After this, he made a broken Voyage to the _South Sea_, Lieutenant to a

Privateer, and returning to _London_, was out of Business a whole Year.

He then shipp'd himself Mate on board the _Hannah_, afterwards called

the _Neptune_, and went to _Scotland_ to take in her Cargo, the Owner

being of that Nation; but before she got thither he the Owner broke, and

the Ship was stopp'd, and lay 18 Months before she was dispos'd of: But

being set to Sale, and six _Scotch_ Gentlemen buying her, the old

Officers were continued, and she proceeded on her first designed Voyage

to _Madagascar_, in which the Captain and _Burgess_ quarrelling, was the

Loss of the Ship; for the latter, who was acquainted with the Pyrates,

when they arrived at _Madagascar_, spirited them up to surprize her: The

Manner how, being already set down in _Halsey_'s Life, I need not

repeat.

I shall only take Notice, that Captain _Miller_ being decoy'd ashore,

under Pretence of being shew'd some Trees, fit for Masting, _Halsey_

invited him to a Surloin of Beef, and a Bowl of Arrack Punch; he

accepted the Invitation, with about 20 of the Pyrates. One _Emmy_, who

had been a Waterman on the _Thames_, did not come to Table, but sat by,

muffled up in a great Coat, pretending he was attack'd by the Ague, tho'

he had put it on to conceal his Pistols only. After Dinner, when

_Halsey_ went out, as for something to entertain his Guests, (_Miller_

and his Supercargo,) _Emmy_ clapp'd a Pistol to the Captain's Breast,

and told him, he was his Prisoner; at the same Instant, two other

Pyrates enter'd the Room, with each a Blunderbuss in his Hand, and told

the Captain and his Supercargoe, that no Harm should come to either, if

they did not bring it upon themselves by an useless Resistance. While

this past within Doors, the Wood being lined with Pyrates, all

_Miller_'s Men, whom he had brought ashore to fell Timber, were secur'd,

but none hurt, and all civilly treated. When they had afterwards got

Possession of the Ship, in the Manner mention'd before, they set all

their Prisoners at Liberty.

_Miller_, with eleven of his Men, was sent off, as is said in _Halsey_'s

Life: The Company chose _Burgess_ Quarter-Master, and shar'd the Booty

they had made out of the _Scotch_ Ship, and the _Greyhound_.

Soon after happen'd _Halsey_'s Death, who left _Burgess_ Executor in

Trust for his Widow and Children, with a considerable Legacy for

himself, and the other Pyrates grumbling at a new Comer's being

preferr'd to all of them, took from _Burgess_ 3,000 l. of _Halsey_'s

Money, and 1200 l. of his own, which was his Share of the two Prizes.

Tho' he had been treated in this Manner, they were idle enough to give

him the Command of the _Scots_ Ship, and order'd him to fit her out with

all Expedition, and to take on board some Men and Goods left in the

Brigantine: He set to work on the Ship, with full Design to run away

with her; but some Pyrates, who were in another Part of the Island,

being informed of these Proceedings, thought it not prudent to trust

him, so he left the Ship, and getting among his old Comrades, by their

Interposition, had all his Money return'd.

After this he lived five Months on the Island of St. _Mary_'s, where his

House was, by Accident, burnt down, out of which he saved nothing but

his Money; he then went on board _David Williams_, when he miss'd the

Island of _Mascarenas_, and returned to _Methelage_, where he staid with

the King, and was one of the Men among whom he divided _William_'s

Effects.

From _Methelage_ he went with a Parcel of Samsams to _Augustine_, with

which he bought fifty Slaves, whom he sold to the _Arabians_. In his

Return to _Methelage_, he met Captain _North_ in a Sloop, with thirty of

_Miller_'s Men on board; these Men propos'd the taking _Burgess_, who

had, they said, betrayed, ruined, and banished them their Country, by

forcing them to turn Pyrates; but _North_ would not consent: Upon which,

they confined him, took _North_ and stripp'd him of all the Money, and

then releasing their Captain, gave him 300 l. as his Share, which he

returned to _Burgess_ on his Arrival at _Methelage_.

_Burgess_ lived here two or three Years, till he was carried off by some

_Dutchmen_; they belonged to an _East-India_ Man, and were taken by two

_French_ Ships, which being bound for _Mocha_, and scarce of Provisions,

came into _Methelage_ to victual, where they set 80 of their Prisoners

ashore. When they parted from this Port they sail'd for _Johanna_, where

they left the _Dutch_ Officers, who built a Ship, and came back for

their Men. _Burgess_ being of great Use to them, they took him on board,

and steer'd for a Port, where some _Dutch_, taken in another Ship, were

maroon'd; but they were wreck'd at _Youngoul_, where _Burgess_ continued

eighteen Months. After this Time was expir'd, he was desirous of leaving

the Place, and addressing himself to the King, who was Uncle to the King

of _Methelage_, he requested his black Majesty to send him back to that

Port, which he readily complied with, where _Burgess_ continued almost

five Years, afflicted with Sickness, in which he lost one Eye. While he

was here, the _Drake_ Pink, of _London_, came in for Slaves, he took

_Burgess_, with Design to carry him home; but Captain _Harvey_ in the

_Henry_, which belong'd to the same Owners, arriving, and being a

Stranger to the Trade, at the Request of Captain _Maggot_, Commander of

the _Drake_, and on Promise of a Ship when in the _West Indies_, he

enter'd as third Mate, and continued with him. Captain _Harvey_ carrying

it pretty high, and disagreeing with the King, lay here 9 Months before

he could slave. _Burgess_ was sent up to tell the King he had not

fulfill'd his Agreement with Captain _Harvey_; the King resented the

being reproach'd by a Man whom he had entertained so many Years, and

reviled him; he was, however, carried to Dinner with some of the

principal Blacks, and drank very plentifully with them of Honey Toke, in

which it is supposed he was poison'd, for he fell ill and died soon

after, leaving what he had to the Care of the chief Mate, for the Use of

his Wife and Children.

APPENDIX

TO THE

First VOLUME.

We have already touched upon the History of some of the Pyrates, which

we shall have Occasion to name here over again; but since the printing

our first Volume, the following Relations are fallen into our Hands,

which being much more curious and particular than any Thing hitherto

made publick upon these Affairs, we are satisfied our Readers will find

their Entertainment in the Perusal of it.

About the 20th of _July_ 1718, Mr. _Woods Rogers_, Governor and

Vice-Admiral of the _Bahama_ Islands, being sent from _England_ with the

King's Proclamation, and Pardon for all Pyrates who had surrendered by a

Time specified in the said Proclamation, arrived at _Providence_. It was

Evening when the Fleet came off the Town of _Nassau_ in the said Island,

when _Richard Turnley_, the Pilot, who was on board the _Delicia_, did

not judge it safe to venture over the Bar that Night, wherefore it was

resolved to lie bye till Morning.

In the mean Time there came some Men on board the Fleet from off a

little Island, called _Harbour Island_, adjacent to _Providence_. The

Advice they brought was, that there were near a thousand Pyrates on

Shore upon the Island of _Providence_, waiting for the King's Pardon,

which had been long expected. The principal of their Commanders were

_Benj. Horneygold_, _Arthur Davis_, _Jos. Burgess_, _Tho. Carter_, and

they were all in or about the Town of _Nassau_; that the Fort was

extremely out of Repair, there being only one Gun mounted, a nine

Pounder, and no Accommodation for Men, but one little Hut or House,

which was inhabited by an old Fellow, whom the Pyrates, in Derision,

called Governor _Sawney_.

The Fleet was seen from the Harbour, as well as the Town, so that

Captain _Charles Vane_, who had no Design of surrendring; but, on the

contrary, had fitted out his Ship with a Resolution of attempting new

Adventures, took the Advantage of the Night to contrive his Escape; and

though the Harbour was blocked up, and his Ship drew too much Water to

get out by t'other East Passage, he shifted his Hands, and Things of

most Value, into a lighter Vessel, and charging all the Guns of the Ship

he quitted with Double-Round and Partridge, he set it on Fire,

imagining, that some of the Ships, or their Boats, might be sent near

him, and he might do some Mischief when it should burn down to them.

Those in the Fleet saw the Light, and heard the Guns, and fancied the

Pyrates on Shore were making Bonfires, and firing Guns for Joy that the

King's free Pardon was arrived; and Captain _Whitney_, Commander of the

_Rose_ Man of War, sent his Boat with his Lieutenant on Shore, which was

intercepted by _Vane_, who carried the Crew on Board, and stripped them

of some Stores they had in the Boat, he kept them till he got under

Sail, which was till Day-break, when there was Light enough for him to

see how to steer his Way through the East Passage; which was no sooner

done but he hoisted a black Flag, and fired a Gun, and then let the

Lieutenant and Boat's Crew depart and join the Fleet.

The Fleet got safe into the Harbour, and as soon as the Lieutenant

arrived on Board, and related what had passed, the _Buck_ Sloop was

ordered to chace _Vane_; she made what Sail she could through the East

Passage after him, having a Recruit of Men well armed sent to her from

the other Ships; but being heavily laden with rich Goods, _Vane_ had the

Heels of her, which the Commadore observing, made a Signal for her to

leave off the Chace, and return, which she did accordingly.

They immediately fell to mooring and securing their Ships, which took up

the Time till Night: Next Morning the Governor went on Shore, being

received at his Landing by the principal People in the Government of the

Place, as _Thomas Walker_, Esq; Chief Justice, and _Thomas Taylor_, Esq;

President of the Council; the Pyrate Captains, _Hornygold_, _Davis_,

_Carter_, _Burghess_, _Currant_, _Clark_, with some others, drew up

their Crews in two Lines, reaching from the Water-Side to the Fort, the

Governor and other Officers marching between them; in the mean Time,

they being under Arms, made a running Fire over his Head.

Being arrived at the Fort, his Commission was opened and read, and he

was sworn in Governor of the Island, according to Form.

The next Day the Governor made out a Commission to _Richard Turnley_,

the chief Pilot, to Mr. _Salter_, a Factor, and some others, to go on

Board and examine all suspected Ships and Vessels in the Harbour, to

take an Inventory of their several Ladings, and to secure both Ship and

Cargo for the Use of the King and Company, till such Time as a Court of

Admiralty could be called, that they might be lawfully cleared or

condemned by proving which belonged to Pyrates, and which to fair

Traders.

The Day following a Court-Martial was held, in which a military

Discipline was settled, in order to prevent Surprizes, both from

_Spaniards_ and Pyrates, till such Time as the Fort could be repaired,

and put into a Condition of Defence; for this Purpose the Governor was

obliged to make Use of some of the pardoned Pyrates, such as

_Hornygold_, _Davis_ and _Burghess_, to whom he gave some Commands; and

_George Fetherston_, _James Bonney_, and _Dennis Macartey_, with some

other Pyrates of a lower Rank, acted under them as inferior Officers.

Soon after the civil Government was also setled, some of the principal

Officers being appointed Justices of the Peace, others of inferior

Degree, Constables and Overseers of the Ways and Roads, which were

overgrown with Bushes and Underwood, all about the Town of _Nassau_; so

that if any Enemy had landed in the Night, they might lie in Ambuscade

in those Covers, and surprize the Town; wherefore several of the common

Pyrates were employed in clearing away the said Bushes and Underwood.

The Governor, with some Soldiers, guarded the Fort, and the Inhabitants,

who were form'd into Train'd-Bands, took Care of the Town; but as there

was no Sort of Accommodation to lodge such a Number of People, they were

forced to unbend the Sails, and bring them on Shore, in order to make

Tents, till they had Time to build Houses, which was done with all

possible Expedition, by a Kind of Architecture altogether new.

Those that were built in the Fort were done by making six little Holes

in the Rock, at convenient Distances, in each of which was stuck a

forked Pole; on these, from one to t'other, were placed cross Poles or

Rafters, which being lathed at Top, and on the Sides, with small Sticks,

were afterwards covered with _Palmata_ Leaves, and then the House was

finished; for they did not much trouble themselves about the Ornaments

of Doors and Windows.

In the mean Time the repairing the Fort was carried on, and the Streets

were ordered to be kept clean, both for Health and Conveniency, so that

it began to have the Appearance of a civilized Place.

A Proclamation was published for the Encouragement of all such Persons

should be willing to settle upon the Island of _Providence_, by which

every Person was to have a Lot of Ground of a hundred and twenty Foot

square, any where in or about the Town of _Nassau_, that was not before

in the Possession of others, provided they should clear the said Ground,

and build a House tenantable, by a certain Time therein limited, which

might be easily done as they might have Timber for nothing. This had the

Effect proposed, and a great many immediately fell to work to comply

with the Conditions, in order to settle themselves there.

Many of the Pyrates were employed in the Woods in cutting down Sticks to

make Pallisadoes; and all the People belonging to the Ships (Officers

excepted) were obliged to work four Days in the Week upon the

Fortifications, so that in a short Time a strong Entrenchment was cast

round the Fort, and being well pallisadoed, it rendered the Fort

tolerably strong.

But it did not much suit the Inclinations of the Pyrates to be set to

work; and though they had Provision sufficient, and had also a good

Allowance of Wine and Brandy to each Man, yet they began to have such a

hankering after their old Trade, that many of them took Opportunities of

seizing Perriaguas, and other Boats, in the Night, and making their

Escapes, so that in a few Months there was not many of them left.

However, when the _Spanish_ War was proclaim'd, several of them return'd

back again of their own Accords, being tempted with the Hopes of being

employed upon the privateering Account, (which is something like

pyrating;) for that Place lying near the Coast of _Spanish America_, and

also not far from the Gulph of _Florida_, seemed to be a good Station

for intercepting the _Spanish_ Vessels going to old _Spain_.

They were not mistaken in this Supposition, for the Governor, according

to the Power vested in him, did grant Commissions for privateering, and

made Choice of some of the principal Pyrates who had continued upon the

Island, in Obedience to the Pardon, for Commanders, as being Persons

well qualified for such Employments, who made up their Crews chiefly of

their scattered Companions, who were newly returned upon the Hopes of

Preferment.

About this Time a Fishing Vessel belonging to the Island of _Providence_

brought in the Master of a Ship and a few Sailors, whom she had picked

up at Sea in a Canoe; the said Master was called Captain _King_, who

sailed in a Ship called the _Neptune_, belonging to _South-Carolina_,

loaden with Rice, Pitch, Tar, and other Merchandizes, bound for

_London_.

The Account he gave of himself was, that he was met with by _Charles

Vane_ the Pyrate, who carried him into _Green Turtle_ Bay, one of the

_Bahama_ Islands, by whom he was plundered of a great Part of his

Cargoe, which consisting chiefly of Stores, was of great Use to them;

that afterwards they cut away Part of one of the Masts of the Ship, and

fired a Gun down her Hold, with Design of sinking her; that they took

some of his Men into their Service, and when they were sailing off gave

him and the rest a Canoe to save themselves; that with this Canoe they

made shift to sail from one little Island to another, till they had the

good Luck to meet the Fishing Boat which took them up; and that he

believed _Charles Vane_ might still be cruising thereabouts.

Upon this Intelligence the Governor fitted out a Ship which was named

the _Willing Mind_, mann'd with fifty stout Hands, well armed, and also

a Sloop with thirty Hands, which he sent to cruise amongst those

Islands, in search of _Vane_ the Pyrate, giving them Orders also to

endeavour to recover the Ship _Neptune_, which Captain _King_ told them

had still Goods of a considerable Value left in her.

They went out accordingly, but never saw _Vane_; however, they found the

_Neptune_, which was not sunk as the Pyrates intended; for the Ball they

fired into her stuck in the Ballast, without passing through, by Reason

the Gun had not been sufficiently charged, and so they returned with her

about the 10th of _November_; but an unlucky Accident happened to the

Ship _Willing Mind_, occasioned either by the ignorance or Carelessness

of the Pilot, which was bulged in going over the Bar.

In the mean Time _Vane_ made towards the Coast of _Hispaniola_, living

riotously on Board, having store of Liquor, and plenty of fresh

Provisions, such as Hogs, Goats, Sheep, Fowl, which he got upon easy

Terms, for touching at a Place called _Isleatherer_, he plundered the

Inhabitants of as much of their Provision as they could carry away: Here

they cruised to about _February_, when, near the Windward Passage of

Cape _Mase_, they met with a large rich Ship of _London_, called the

_Kingston_, loaden with Bale Goods, and other rich Merchandize, and

having several Passengers on Board, some _English_, and some _Jews_,

besides two Women.

Towards the North-End of _Jamaica_ they also met with a Turtle Sloop,

bound in for that Island, on Board of which (after having first

plundered her) they put the Captain of the _Kingston_, and some of his

Men, and all the Passengers, except the two Women, whom they kept for

their own Entertainment, contrary to the usual Practice of Pyrates, who

generally sent them away, least they should occasion Contention.

The Ship _Kingston_ they kept for their own Use; for now their Company

being strengthened by a great many Recruits, some Voluntiers, and some

forced Men out of the _Neptune_ and _Kingston_, they thought they had

Hands enough for two Ships; accordingly they shifted several of their

Hands on Board the _Kingston_, and _John Rackham_, alias _Callico Jack_,

(so called, because his Jackets and Drawers were always made of Callico)

Quarter-Master to _Vane_, was unanimously chosen Captain of the

_Kingston_.

The Empire of these Pyrates had not been long thus divided before they

had like to have fallen into a civil War amongst themselves, which must

have ended in the Destruction of one of them. The fatal Occasion of the

Difference betwixt these two Brother Adventurers, was this;--It happened

that _Vane_'s Liquor was all out, who sending to his Brother Captain for

a Supply, _Rackham_ accordingly spared him what he thought fit; but it

falling short of _Vane_'s Expectation, as to Quantity, he went on Board

of _Rackham_'s Ship to expostulate the Matter with him, so that Words

arising, _Rackham_ threaten'd to shoot him thro' the Head, if he did not

immediately return to his own Ship; and told him likewise, that if he

did not sheer off, and part Company, he would sink him.

_Vane_ thought it best to take his Advice, for he thought the other was

bold enough to be as good as his Word, for he had it in his Power to be

so, his Ship being the largest and strongest of the two.

Accordingly they parted, and _Rackham_ made for the Island of _Princes_,

and having great Quantities of rich Goods on Board, taken in the late

Prizes, they were divided into Lots, and he and his Crew shared them by

throwing Dice, the highest Cast being to choose first: When they had

done, they packed up their Goods in Casks, and buried them on Shore in

the Island of _Princes_, that they might have Room for fresh Booty. In

the mean Time it happened that a Turtle Sloop belonging to _Jamaica_

came in there, _Rackham_ sent his Boat, and brought the Master on Board

of him, and asking him several Questions, the Master informed him, that

War with _Spain_ had been proclaimed in _Jamaica_; and that the Time

appointed by the general Pardon for Pyrates to surrender, in order to

receive the Benefit thereof, was not expired.

Upon this Intelligence _Rackham_ and his Crew suddenly changed their

Minds, and were resolved to take the Benefit of the Pardon by a speedy

Surrender; wherefore, instead of using the Master ill, as the poor Man

expected, they made him several Presents, desiring him to sail back to

_Jamaica_, and acquaint the Governor they were willing to surrender,

provided he would give his Word and Honour they should have the Benefit

of the Pardon; which, as extensive as it was, they apprehended they were

not intitled to, because they had run away in Defiance of it at

_Providence_. They desired the Master also to return with the Governor's

Answer, assuring him he should be no Loser by the Voyage.

The Master very willingly undertook the Commission, and arriving at

_Jamaica_, delivered his Message to the Governor, according to his

Instructions; but it happened that the Master of the _Kingston_, with

his Passengers, being come to _Jamaica_, had acquainted the Governor

with the Pyracies of _Vane_ and _Rackam_, before the Turtler got

thither, who was actually fitting out two Sloops, which were now just

ready, in pursuit of them, so that the Governor was very glad to

discover, by the Turtler's Message, where _Rackam_ was to be found.

The two Sloops, well mann'd, accordingly sailed out, and found _Rackam_

in the Station where the Turtler had described him, but altogether in

Disorder, and quite unprepared, either for Sailing or for Fight, most of

his Sails being on Shore erected into Tents, and his Decks lumber'd with

Goods; he happen'd to be on Board himself, tho' most of his Men were

ashore, and seeing the two Sloops at a Distance, bearing towards him, he

observed them with his Glass, and fancied he saw on Board something like

Preparations for fighting. This was what he did not expect, for he

look'd for no Enemy, and while he was in Doubt and Suspence about them,

they came so near that they began to fire.

He had neither Time nor Means to prepare for Defence, so that there was

nothing to be done but to run into his Boat, and escape to the Shore,

which he did accordingly with the few Hands he had with him, leaving the

two Women on Board to be taken by the Enemy.

The Sloops seized the Ship _Kingston_, mann'd her, and brought her into

_Jamaica_, having still a great part of her Cargoe left; when she

arrived, the Master of her fell to examining what part of the Cargoe was

lost, and what left; he searched also for his Bills of Lading and

Cockets, but they were all destroyed by _Rackam_; so that the Ship being

freighted by several Owners, the Master could not tell whose Property

was saved, and whose lost, till he had fresh Bills of Parcels of each

Owner from _England_. There was one remarkable Piece of good Luck which

happened in this Affair; there were, amongst other Goods, sixty Gold

Watches on Board, and thirty of Silver; the Pyrates divided the Silver

Watches, but the Gold being packed up amongst some Bale Goods, were

never discovered by them, and the Master, in searching, found them all

safe.

In the mean Time _Rackam_ and his Crew lived in the Woods, in very great

Suspence what to do with themselves; they had with them Ammunition and

small Arms, and also some of the Goods, such as Bales of Silk Stockings,

and laced Hats, with which, it is supposed, they intended to make

themselves fine; they had also two Boats and a Canoe.

Being divided in their Resolutions, _Rackam_ with six more determined to

take one of the Boats, and make the best of their Way for the Island of

_Providence_, and there claim the Benefit of the King's Pardon, which

they fancied they might be intitled to, by representing, that they were

carried away by _Vane_, against their Wills. Accordingly they put some

Arms, Ammunition and Provision, into the best Boat, and also some of the

Goods, and so set Sail. They first made the Island of _Pines_, from

thence got over to the North-Side of _Cuba_, where they destroyed

several _Spanish_ Boats and Launces; one they took, which being a stout

Sea Boat, they shifted themselves and their Cargoe into her, and sunk

their own, and then stretched over to the Island of _Providence_, where

they landed safely about the Middle of _May_ 1719, where demanding the

King's Pardon, the Governor thought fit to allow it them, and

Certificates were granted to them accordingly.

Here they sold their Goods, and spent the Money merrily; when all was

gone, some ingaged themselves in Privateers, and others in trading

Vessels.

But _Rackam_, as Captain, having a much larger Share than any of the

rest, his Money held out a little longer; but happening about this Time

to come acquainted with _Anne Bonny_, that made him very extravagant.

_Anne Bonny_, as has been taken Notice of in the first Volume, was

married to _James Bonny_, one of the pardoned Pyrates, a likely young

Fellow, and of a sober Life, considering he had been a Pyrate; but

_Anne_, who was very young, soon turned a Libertine upon his Hands, so

that he once surpriz'd her lying in a Hammock with another Man. _Rackam_

made his Addresses to her till his Money was all spent; but as he found

there was no carrying on an Amour with empty Pockets, he ingaged himself

with Captain _Burghess_, lately a Pyrate, but pardoned, who had received

a Commission to privateer upon the _Spaniards_. This Cruize proved

successful; they took several Prizes, amongst the rest, two of

considerable Value, one loaded with Cocoa Nut, and another with Sugar.

They brought them into _Providence_, and found Purchasers amongst the

Factors, who came from other Places for that Purpose. The Dividend was

considerable, and as soon as possible disposed of: _Burghess_ sailed out

in Quest of new Purchase; but _Rackam_, who had nothing but _Anne Bonny_

in his Head, staid behind to spend his Money, and enjoy his Mistress.

_Rackam_ lived in all Manner of Luxury, spending his Money liberally

upon _Anne Bonny_, who was so taken with his Generosity, that she had

the Assurance to propose to her Husband to quit him, in order to cohabit

with _John Rackam_; and that _Rackam_ should give him a Sum of Money, in

Consideration he should resign her to the said _Rackam_ by a Writing in

Form, and she even spoke to some Persons to witness the said Writing.

The Story made some Noise, so that the Governor hearing of it, sent for

her and one _Anne Fulworth_, who came with her from _Carolina_, and

pass'd for her Mother, and was privy to all her loose Behaviour, and

examining them both upon it, and finding they could not deny it, he

threaten'd if they proceeded further in it, to commit them both to

Prison, and order them to be whipp'd, and that _Rackam_, himself, should

be their Executioner.

These Menaces made her promise to be very good, to live with her

Husband, and to keep loose Company no more; but all this was

Dissimulation, for _Rackam_ and she consulting together, and finding

they could not by fair Means enjoy each other's Company with Freedom,

resolved to run away together, and enjoy it in Spight of all the World.

To this Purpose they plotted together to seize a Sloop which then lay in

the Harbour, and _Rackam_ drew some brisk young Fellows into the

Conspiracy; they were of the Number of the Pyrates lately pardoned, and

who, he knew, were weary of working on Shore, and long'd to be again at

their old Trade.

The Sloop they made choice of was betwixt thirty and forty Tun, and one

of the swiftest Sailors that ever was built of that Kind; she belong'd

to one _John Haman_, who lived upon a little Island not far from

_Providence_, which was inhabited by no humane Creature except himself

and his Family, (for he had a Wife and Children) his Livelihood and

constant Employment was to plunder and pillage the _Spaniards_, whose

Sloops and Launces he had often surprized about _Cuba_ and _Hispaniola_,

and sometimes brought off a considerable Booty, always escaping by a

good Pair of Heels, insomuch that it become a Bye-Word to say, _There

goes_ John Haman, _catch him if you can_. His Business to _Providence_

now was to bring his Family there, in order to live and settle, being

weary, perhaps, of living in that Solitude, or else apprehensive if any

of the _Spaniards_ should discover his Habitation, they might land, and

be revenged of him for all his Pranks.

_Anne Bonny_ was observed to go several times on Board this Sloop; she

pretended to have some Business with _John Haman_, therefore she always

went when he was on Shore, for her true Errand was to discover how many

Hands were aboard, and what kind of Watch they kept, and to know the

Passages and Ways of the Vessel.

She discovered as much as was necessary; she found there were but two

Hands on Board; that _John Haman_ lay on Shore every Night: She inquired

of them, Whether they watch'd? Where they lay? And ask'd many other

Questions; to all which they readily answered her, as thinking she had

no Design but common Curiosity.

She acquainted _Rackam_ with every Particular, who resolved to lose no

Time, and therefore, acquainting his Associates, who were eight in

Number, they appointed an Hour for meeting at Night, which was at twelve

o'Clock. They were all true to the Roguery, and _Anne Bonny_ was as

punctual as the most resolute, and being all well armed, they took a

Boat and rowed to the Sloop, which was very near the Shore.

The Night seemed to favour the Attempt, for it was both dark and rainy.

As soon as they got on Board, _Anne Bonny_, having a drawn Sword in one

Hand and a Pistol in the other, attended by one of the Men, went strait

to the Cabin where the two Fellows lay who belonged to the Sloop; the

Noise waked them, which she observing, swore, that if they pretended to

resist, or make a Noise, she would blow out their Brains, (that was the

Term she used.)

In the mean Time _Rackam_ and the rest were busy heaving in the Cables,

one of which they soon got up, and, for Expedition sake, they slipped

the other, and so drove down the Harbour: They passed pretty near the

Fort, which hailed them, as did also the Guardship, asking them where

they were going; they answered, their Cable had parted, and that they

had nothing but a Grappling on Board, which would not hold them.

Immediately after which they put out a small Sail, just to give them

steerage Way. When they came to the Harbour's Mouth, and thought they

could not be seen by any of the Ships, because of the Darkness of the

Night, they hoisted all the Sail they had, and stood to Sea; then

calling up the two Men, they asked them if they would be of their Party;

but finding them not inclined, they gave them a Boat to row themselves

ashore, ordering them to give their Service to _Haman_, and to tell him,

they would send him his Sloop again when they had done with it.

_Rackam_ and _Anne Bonny_, both bore a great Spleen to one _Richard

Turnley_, whom _Anne_ had ask'd to be a Witness to the Writing, which

_James Bonny_, her Husband, was to give to _Rackam_, by which she was to

be resigned to him; _Turnley_ refused his Hand upon that Occasion, and

was the Person who acquainted the Governor with the Story, for which

they vowed Revenge against him. He was gone from _Providence_ a turtling

before they made their Escape, and they knowing what Island he was upon,

made to the Place. They saw the Sloop about a League from the Shore a

fishing, and went aboard with six Hands; but _Turnley_, with his Boy, by

good Luck, happened to be ashore salting some wild Hogs they killed the

Day before; they inquired for him, and hearing where he was, rowed

ashore in Search of him.

_Turnley_ from the Land saw the Sloop boarded, and observed the Men

afterwards making for the Shore, and being apprehensive of Pyrates,

which are very common in those Parts, he, with his Boy, fled into a

neighbouring Wood. The Surf was very great, so that they could not bring

the Boat to Shore; they waded up to the Arm-Pits, and _Turnley_, peeping

through the Trees, saw them bring Arms on Shore: Upon the whole, not

liking their Appearance, he, with his Boy, lay snug in the Bushes.

When they had looked about and could not see him, they hollow'd, and

call'd him by his Name; but he not appearing, they thought it Time lost

to look for him in such a Wilderness, and therefore they returned to

their Boat, but rowed again back to the Sloop, and took away the Sails,

and several other Things. They also carried away with them three of the

Hands, _viz._ _Richard Connor_ the Mate, _John Davis_, and _John Howel_,

but rejected _David Soward_ the fourth Hand, tho' he had been an old

experienced Pyrate, because he was lame, and disabled by a Wound he had

formerly received.

When they had done thus much, they cut down the Main-Mast, and towing

the Vessel into deep Water, sunk her, having first put _David Soward_

into a Boat to shift for himself; he made Shift to get ashore, and after

some Time, having found out _Turnley_, he told him, that _Rackam_ and

_Mary Stead_ were determined, if they could have found him, to have

whipp'd him to Death, as he heard them vow with many bitter Oaths and

Imprecations; for whipping was the Punishment the Governor had

threatened her with by his Information.

From thence they stretch'd over to the _Bury Islands_, plundering all

the Sloops they met, and strengthening their Company with several

additional Hands, and so went on till they were taken and executed at

_Port Royal_, as has been told in the first Volume.

About this Time, the Governor, in Conjunction with some Factors then

residing at _Providence_, thought fit to freight some Vessels for a

trading Voyage; accordingly the _Batchelor_'s _Adventure_, a Schooner,

Captain _Henry White_, Commander; the _Lancaster Sloop_, Captain

_William Greenway_, Commander; the _May Sloop_, Captain _John Augur_,

Commander, of which last _David Soward_ was Owner, (it having been given

him by some Pyrates his former Associates) in which he also sail'd this

Voyage, were fitted out with a Cargo of Goods and Merchandizes, bound

for _Port Prince_ on the Island of _Cuba_.

The Governor thought it adviseable, for the Benefit of the Inhabitants

of _Providence_, to settle a Correspondence with some Merchants at _Port

Prince_, first, in order to procure fresh Provisions, there being scarce

any upon the Island at the Governor's first Arrival; and there being at

_Port Prince_ great Plenty of Cows and Hogs, he proposed to get a

sufficient Number of each, to stock the Island for Breed, that the

People for the future might have fresh Provision of their own.

They set Sail on _Sunday_ the fifth of _October_, 1718; the next Day

they arrived at an Island known by the Name of _Green Key_, lying South,

South-East from _Providence_, in the Degree of 23 and 40 North Latitude,

being distance about twenty five Leagues; they cast Anchor, in order to

wait for Morning to carry them thro' some Rocks and Shoals which lay in

their Way, and some went ashore to try to kill something for Supper,

before it should be dark; they expected to meet some wild Hogs, for,

some Time before, one _Joseph Bay_ and one _Sims_, put two Sows and a

Boar into the said Island; for they living at that Time at _Providence_,

and being continually visited by Pyrates, were always plundered of all

their fresh Provisions; wherefore, they thought of settling a Breed upon

_Green Key_, that they might have Recourse to in Time of Necessity.

This Island is about nine Miles in Circumference, and about three Miles

broad in the widest Place; it is overgrown with wild Cabbage and Palmuta

Trees, and great Variety of other Herbs and Fruits, so that there is

Plenty of Food for the Nourishment of such Animals; but the Trees lying

so close together, makes it but bad Hunting, so that they kill'd but one

Hog, which, however was of a monstrous Size.

The Hunters returned on Board their Ships again before Seven, having

first divided the Hog, and sent part on Board each Vessel for Supper

that Night. After Supper, Captain _Greenway_ and Captain _White_ came on

Board of Captain _Augur_'s Sloop, in order to consult together, what

Time to sail, and being all of Opinion, that if they weigh'd Anchor

betwixt the Hours of ten and eleven, it would be Day before they would

come up with the Shoals; they agreed upon that Hour for setting Sail,

and so return'd to their own Vessels.

Soon after, _Phineas Bunch_, and _Dennis Macarty_, with a great many

others, came from _White_'s Sloop on Board of _Augur_'s; their Pretence

was, that they came to see _Richard Turnley_ and Mr. _James Carr_, who

had formerly been a Midshipman in the _Rose_ Man of War under Captain

_Whitney_, and being a great Favourite of Governor _Rogers_, he had

appointed him Supercargo this Voyage. They desired to be treated with a

Bottle of Beer, for they knew Mr. _Car_ had some that was very good in

his Care, which had been put on Board, in order to make Presents of, and

to treat the _Spanish_ Merchants with.

As it was not suspected they had any Thing else in View, Mr. _Carr_

readily went down, and brought up a Couple of Bottles of Beer: They sat

upon the Poop with Captain _Augur_ in their Company, and were drinking

their Beer; before the second Bottle was out, _Bunch_ and _Macarty_

began to rattle, and talk with great Pleasure, and much boasting of

their former Exploits when they had been Pyrates, crying up a Pyrate's

Life to be the only Life for a Man of any Spirit. While they were

running on in this Manner, _Bunch_ on a sudden started up, and swore

damn him, he would be Captain of that Vessel; _Augur_ answered him the

Vessel did not want a Captain, for he was able to command her himself,

which seem'd to put an End to the Discourse for that Time.

Soon after, _Bunch_ began to tell what bright Arms they had on Board

their Sloop; upon which, one of _Augur_'s Men handed up some of their

Cutlashes which had been clean'd that Day; among them was Mr. _Carr_'s

Silver-hilted Sword; _Bunch_ seem'd to admire the Sword, and ask'd whose

it was; Mr. _Carr_ made Answer it belong'd to him; _Bunch_ replied it

was a very handsome one, and drawing it out, march'd about the Poop,

flourishing it over his Head, and telling Mr. _Carr_ he would return it

to him as soon as he had done with it: At the same Time he began to

vapour again, and to brag of his former Pyracies, and coming near Mr.

_Carr_, struck him with the Sword; _Turnley_ bid him take Care of what

he did, for that Mr. _Carr_ would not take such Usage.

As they were disputing upon this Matter, _Dennis Macarty_ stole off, and

with some of his Associates seiz'd upon the great Cabin where all the

Arms lay: At the same Time several of the Men, began to sing a Song,

with these Words, _Did not you promise me, that you would marry me_

(which it seems was the Signal agreed upon among the Conspirators for

seizing the Ship) _Bunch_ no sooner heard them, but he cried out aloud

by G--d that will I, for I am Parson, and struck Mr. _Carr_ again

several Blows with his own Sword; Mr. _Carr_ and _Turnley_ both seiz'd

him, and they began to struggle, when _Dennis Macarty_, with several

others, return'd from the Cabin with each a Cutlash in one Hand, and a

loaded Pistol in the other, and running up to them said, _What do the

Governor's Dogs offer to resist?_ And beating _Turnley_ and _Carr_ with

their Cutlashes, threaten'd to shoot them: At the same Time firing their

Pistols close to their Cheeks, upon which _Turnley_ and _Carr_ begg'd

their Lives.

When they were thus in Possession of the Vessel, they haled Captain

_Greenway_, and desired him to come on Board about earnest Business: He,

knowing nothing of what had pass'd, takes his Boat, and only with two

Hands rows on Board of them; as soon as he was come, _Dennis Macarty_

leads him into the Cabin, and, as soon as he was there, lays hold of

him, telling him he was now a Prisoner, and must submit: He offered to

make some Resistance; upon which, they told him all Resistance would be

vain, for his own Men were in the Plot; and, indeed, he saw the two

Hands which row'd him aboard now armed, and joining with the

Conspirators; wherefore he thought it was Time to submit.

As soon as this was done, they sent some Hands on Board to seize his

Sloop, or rather to acquaint his Men with what had been done, for they

expected to meet with no Resistance, many of them being in the Plot, and

the rest, they supposed, not very averse to it: After which, they

decoy'd Captain _White_ on Board, by the same Stratagem they used to

_Greenway_, and likewise sent on Board his Sloop, and found his Men, one

and all, well disposed for the Design; and what was most remarkable was,

that Captain _Augur_ seeing how Things were going, joined with them,

shewing himself as well inclined for pyrating as the worst of them.

Thus they made themselves Masters of the three Vessels with very little

Trouble. The next Thing to be done was to resolve how to dispose of

those who were not of their Party; some were for killing _John Turnley_,

but the Majority carried it for marrooning, that he might be starved,

and die like a Dog, as they called it; their great Spleen to him was,

because he was the Person who had piloted the Governor into

_Providence_.

Accordingly _Turnley_, with _John Carr_, _Thomas Rich_, and some others,

were stripp'd naked, and tumbled over the Vessel's Side into a Boat

which lay alongside; the Oars were all taken out, and they left them

nothing to work themselves ashore with but an old Paddle, which, at

other Times serv'd to steer the Boat, and so they commanded them to be

gone.--However, they made shift to get safe ashore to the Island, which,

as we observed before, was quite uninhabited.

The next Morning _Dennis Macarty_, with several others, went on Shore,

and told them they must come on Board again, and they would give them

some Clothes to put on. They fancied the Pyrates began to repent of the

hard Usage they had given them, and were willing to return upon such an

Errand; but when they got on Board again, they found their Opinion of

the Pyrates good Nature was very ill grounded, for they began with

beating them, and did it as if it were in Sport, one having a

Boatswain's Pipe, the rest beating them till he piped _Belay_.

The true Design of bringing them on Board again was to make them

discover where some Things lay, which they could not readily find, as

particularly Mr. _Carr_'s Watch and Silver Snuff-Box; but he was soon

obliged to inform them in what Corner of the Cabin they lay, and there

they were found, with some Journals and other Books, which they knew how

to make no other Use of, but by turning into Cartridges.--Then they

began to question _Thomas Rich_ about a Gold Watch which had once been

seen in his Possession on Shore at _Providence_; but he protested that

it belonged to Captain _Gale_, who was Commander of the Guard-Ship

called the _Delicia_, to which he then belonged; but his Protestations

would have availed him little, had it not been that some on Board who

belonged also to the _Delicia_ knew it to be true, which put an End to

his Beating; and so they were all discharged from their Punishment for

the present.

Some Time after, fancying the Pyrates to be in better Humour, they

begg'd for something to eat, for they had none of them had any

Nourishment that Day or the Night before; but all the Answer they

received was, that such Dogs should not ask such Questions: In the mean

Time, some of the Pyrates were very busy endeavouring to persuade

Captain _Greenway_ to engage with them, for they knew him to be an

excellent Artist, but he was obstinate and would not; then it was

proposed what should be done with him, and the Word went for marrooning,

which was opposed by some, because he was a _Bermudian_, meaning, that

he might perhaps swim away, or swim on board his Vessel again, for the

_Bermudians_ are all excellent Swimmers; but as he represented, that he

could not hurt them by his Swimming, he obtain'd the Favour for himself

and the other Officers, to be set ashore with _Turnley_, _Carr_, and

_Rich_. Accordingly they were put into the same Boat without Oars, to

the Number of eight, and were ordered to make the best of their Way on

Shore.

The Pyrates, the next Day, having examined all their Vessels, and

finding that _Greenway_'s Sloop was not fit for their Purpose, shifted

every Thing out of it; those that were sent on Shore could see from

thence what they were doing, and when they saw them row off, _Greenway_

swam on Board the Sloop, it is likely, to see whether they had left any

Thing behind them. They perceiv'd him, and fancied, he repented his

refusing to join with them, and was come to do it now; wherefore some of

them return'd back to the Sloop, to speak to him, but they found him of

the same Opinion he was in before; however he wheedled them into so much

good Humour, that they told him he might have his Sloop again, in which,

indeed, they had left nothing except an old Main-Sail, and old

Fore-Sail, four small Pieces of _Irish_ Beef, in an old Beef Barrel, and

about twenty Biscuits, with a broken Bucket which was used to draw Water

in, telling him that he and the rest must not go on Board till they were

sail'd.

_Greenway_ swam ashore again to give Notice to his Brothers in Distress,

of what had pass'd; the same Afternoon _Bunch_ with several others went

on Shore, carrying with them six Bottles of Wine and some Biscuits.

Whether this was done to tempt _Greenway_ again, or no, is hard to say;

for tho' they talk'd to him a great Deal, they drank all the Wine

themselves to the last Bottle, and then they gave each of the poor

Creatures a Glass a-piece, with a Bit of Biscuit, and immediately after

fell a beating them, and so went on Board.

While they were on Shore, there came in a Turtle which belong'd to one

_Thomas Bennet_ of _Providence_, whereof one _Benjamin Hutchins_ was

Master; they soon laid hold of her, for she went excellently well;

_Hutchins_ was reputed an extraordinary good Pilot among those Islands,

wherefore they tempted him to engage with them; at first he refused, but

rather than be maroon'd, he afterwards consented.

It was now the ninth of _October_, and they were just preparing to sail,

when they sent on Shore, ordering the _condemn'd Malefactors_ to come on

Board of the _Lancaster_, that was _Greenway_'s Sloop; they did so in

the little Boat they went on Shore in, by the Help of the same Paddle;

they found several of the Pyrates there, who told them that they gave

them that Sloop to return to _Providence_, tho' they let them have no

more Stores, than what were named before; they bad them take the

Fore-Sail, and bend it for a Gib, and furl it close down to the

Boltsprit, and to furl the Main-Sail close up upon the Boom: They did as

they were order'd, for they knew there was no disputing whether it was

right or wrong.

Soon after, another Detachment came on Board, among which were _Bunch_

and _Dennis Macarty_, who being either mad or drunk, fell upon them,

beating them, and cutting the Rigging and Sails to Pieces with their

Cutlashes and commanding them not to sail, till they should hear from

them again, cursing and damning, if they did, they would put them all to

Death, if ever they met them again; and so they went off, carrying with

them the Boat, which they sent them first ashore in, and sail'd away.

They left them in this miserable Condition without Tackle to go their

Voyage, and without a Boat to get on Shore, and having Nothing in View

but to perish for Want; but as Self-Preservation put them upon exerting

themselves, in Order to get out of this deplorable State, they began to

rummage and search the Vessel thro' every Hole and Corner, to see if

nothing was left which might be of use to them; and it happen'd by

Chance that they found an old Hatchet, with which they cut some Sticks

sharp to serve for Marlenspikes; they also cut out several other Things,

to serve instead of such Tools as are absolutely necessary on Board a

Ship.

When they had proceeded thus far, every Man began to work as hard as he

could; they cut a Piece of Cable, which they strung into Rope Yarns, and

fell to mend their Sails with all possible Expedition; they also made a

Kind of Fishing-Lines of the said Rope-Yarns, and bent some Nails

crooked to serve for Hooks; but as they were destitute of a Boat, as

well for the Use of Fishing as for going on Shore, they resolved to make

a Bark Log, that is, to lay two or three Logs together, and tie them

close, upon which two or three Men may sit very safely in smooth Water.

As soon as this was done, some Hands went on Shore, upon one of the said

Logs (for they made two of them) who employ'd themselves in cutting wild

Cabbage, gathering Berries, and a Fruit which the Seamen call Pricklie

Pears, for Food, while some others went a Fishing upon another.--Those

who went ashore also carried the old Bucket with them, so that whilst

some were busy in gathering Things to serve for Provision, one Hand was

constantly employ'd, in bringing fresh Water aboard in the said Bucket,

which was tedious Work, considering how little could be brought at a

Time, and that the Sloop lay near a Mile from the Shore.

When they had employ'd themselves thus, for about four or five Days,

they brought their Sails and Tackle into such Order, having also a

little Water, Cabbage, and other Things on Board, that they thought it

was Time to venture to sail; accordingly they weigh'd their Anchor, and

putting out all the Sail they had, got out to the Harbour's Mouth, when

to their great Terror and Surprize, they saw the Pyrates coming in

again.

They were much frighten'd at the Pyrates unexpected Return, because of

the Threatnings they had used to them at parting, not to sail without

further Orders; wherefore they tack'd about, and ran as close into the

Shore as they could, then throwing out their Bark Logs, they all put

themselves upon them, and made to Land, as fast as they could work; but

before they quite reach'd it, the Pyrates got so near that they fired at

them, but were too far to do Execution; however, they pursued them

ashore; the poor Fugitives immediately took to the Woods, and for

greater Security climb'd up some Trees, whose Branches were very thick,

and by that Means concealed themselves. The Pyrates not finding them,

soon return'd to their Boat, and row'd on board the deserted Sloop,

whose Mast and Boltsprit they cut away, and towing her into deep Water,

sunk her; after which, they made again for the Shore, thinking that the

Fugitives would have been come out of their lurking Holes, and that they

should surprize them; but they continued still on the Tops of their

Trees and saw all that pass'd, and therefore thought it safest to keep

their Posts.

The Pyrates not finding them, return'd to their Vessels, and weighing

their Anchors, set sail, steering Eastward: In the mean time, the poor

Fugitives were in Despair, for seeing their Vessel sunk, they had scarce

any Hopes left of escaping the Danger of perishing upon that uninhabited

Island; there they lived eight Days, feeding upon Berries, and

Shell-Fish, such as Cockles and Perriwinckles, sometimes catching a

Stingrey, a Fish resembling Mead or Thornback, which coming into Shoal

Water, they could wade near them, and by the Help of a Stick sharpen'd

at the End, which they did by rubbing it against the Rock, (for they had

not a Knife left amongst them) they stuck them as if it had been with a

Spear.

It must be observed, that they had no Means of striking a Fire, and

therefore their Way of dressing this Fish was, by dipping it often in

Salt Water, then laying it in the Sun, till it became both hard and dry,

and then they eat it.

After passing eight Days in this Manner, the Pyrates return'd, and saw

the poor Fugitives ashore, who according to Custom made to the Woods;

but their Hearts began to relent towards them, and sending ashore, they

ordered a Man to go into the Woods single, to call out to them, and

promise them upon their Honour, if they would appear, that they would

give them Victuals and Drink, and not use them ill any more.

These Promises, and the Hunger which pinch'd them, tempted them to come

forth, and accordingly they went on Board with them, and they were as

good as their Words, for they gave them as much Beef and Biscuit as they

could eat, during two or three Days they were on Board, but would not

give them a Bit to carry on Shore; they also gave them three or four

Blankets amongst them, to cover their Nakedness (for as we observed,

they were quite naked) and let them have some Needles and Thread, to

make them into some Form.

There was on Board one _George Redding_, an Inhabitant of _Providence_,

who was taken out of the _Turtle Sloop_, and who was a forced Man, being

an Acquaintance of _Richard Turnley_, and knowing, that he was resolved

to go ashore again, rather than engage with the Pyrates, and hearing him

say, that they could find Food to keep them alive, if they had but Fire

to dress it, privately gave him a Tinder-Box, with Materials in it for

striking Fire, which, in his Circumstances, was a greater Present than

Gold or Jewels.

Soon after, the Pyrates put the Question to them, whether they would

engage, or be put ashore? And they all agreed upon the latter: Upon

which a Debate arose amongst the Pyrates, whether they should comply

with their Request or no? And at length it was agreed, that _Greenway_

and the other two Masters should be kept whether they would or no: And

the rest, being five in Number, should be as the Pyrates express'd it,

have a second Refreshment of the Varieties of the Island.

Accordingly _Richard Turnley_, _James Carr_, _Thomas Rich_, _John Cox_,

and _John Taylor_, were a second Time marooned, and the Pyrates as soon

as they landed them, sail'd off, steering Eastward, till they came to an

Island call'd _Pudden Point_, near _Long-Island_ in the Latitude of 24,

where they cleaned their Vessels.

In the mean Time _Turnley_ and his Companions made a much better Shift

than they had done before, his Friend _George Redding_'s Present being

of infinite Use to them, for they constantly kept a good Fire, with

which they broil'd their Fish; there were Plenty of Land Crabs and

Snakes in the Island, which they could eat when they were dress'd, and

thus they pass'd fourteen Days: At the End of which, the Pyrates made

them another Visit, and they according to Custom made for the Woods,

thinking that the Reason of their Return must be, in order to force them

to serve amongst them.

But here they were mistaken, for the Anger of these Fellows being over,

they began to pity them, and came now with a Design to succour them; but

going ashore, and not finding them, they knew they were hid for Fear:

Nevertheless, they left upon the Shore, where they knew they would come,

some Stores which they intended in this Fit of good Humour to present

them with.

The poor Islanders were got to their Retreat, the Tops of the Trees, and

saw the Pyrates go off; upon which they ventured down, and going to the

Water-side, were agreeably surprized to find a small Cask of Flower, of

betwixt twenty and thirty Pounds, about a Bushel of Salt, two Bottles of

Gunpowder, several Bullets, besides a Quantity of small Shot, with a

Couple of Musquets, a very good Axe, and also a Pot and a Pan, and three

Dogs, which they took in the _Turtle Sloop_; which Dogs are bred to

Hunting, and generally the Sloops which go Turtling, carry some of them,

as they are very useful in tracing out the wild Hogs; besides all these,

there were a dozen Horn-handled Knives, of that Sort which are usually

carried to _Guiney_.

They carried all these Things into the Wood, to that Part where they had

their fresh Water, and where they usually kept, and immediately went to

work with their Axe; some cutting down Bows, and making Poles, so that

four of them were employ'd in building a Hut, while _Richard Turnley_

taking the Dogs and a Gun, went a hunting, he understanding that Sport

very well. He had not been gone long before he kill'd a large Boar,

which he brought home to his Companions, who fell to cutting it up, and

some they dress'd for their Dinner, and the rest they salted, for

another Time.

Thus they lived, as they thought, very happy, in respect to their former

Condition; but after four Days, the Pyrates made them another Visit, for

they wanted to fill some Casks with Water: It happen'd when they came

in, that _Turnley_ was gone a Hunting, and the rest all busy at some

Work, so that they did not see them, till they just came into the Wood

upon them; seeing the Hut, one of them in Wantonness set it on Fire, and

it was burnt to the Ground; and they appear'd inclined to do Mischief,

when _Richard Turnley_ knowing nothing of the Matter, happened to return

from Hunting, with a fine Hog upon his Back, as much as he could carry;

he was immediately surrounded by the Pyrates, who seized upon the fresh

Meat, and which seemed to put them into better Humour, they made

_Richard Cox_ carry it down to their Boat, and when he had done, they

gave him a Bottle of Rum to carry back to his Companions to drink their

Healths, telling him, that they might get home if they could, or if they

staid there, they never would trouble them any more.

They were, indeed, as good as their Words, for sailing away immediately,

they made for _Long Island_, and coming up toward the Salt Ponds there,

they saw at a Distance in the Harbour, three Vessels at an Anchor, and

supposing them to be either _Bermudas_ or _New-York_ Sloops lying there

to take in Salt, they bore down upon them with all the Sail they could

make, expecting a good Booty. The _Turtle Sloop_ taken from _Benjamin

Hutchins_, was by much the best Sailor; however, it was almost dark

before she came up with them, and then coming close alongside of one of

them, she gave a Broadside, with a Design to board the next Minute, but

received such a Volley of small Shot in return, as killed and wounded a

great many of the Pyrates, and the rest, in great Surprize and Fright,

jumped overboard, to save themselves by swimming ashore.

The Truth on't is, these Sloops proved to be _Spanish_ Privateers, who

observing the Pyrates to bear down upon them, prepared themselves for

Action: The Commander in Chief of these three Privateers was one who was

called by the Name of _Turn Joe_, because he had once privateer'd on the

_English_ Side; he had also been a Pyrate, and now acted by Vertue of a

Commission from a _Spanish_ Governor. He was by Birth an _Irishman_, a

bold enterprising Fellow, and was afterwards killed in an Engagement

with one _John Bonnavee_, Captain of Privateer belonging to _Jamaica_.

But to return to our Story: The Sloop was taken, and on board her was

found, desperately wounded _Phineas Bunch_, who was the Captain.--By and

by a second of the Pyrate Sloops came up; she heard the Volley, and

supposed it to be fired by _Bunch_, when he boarded one of the Sloops;

she came also alongside of one of the _Spaniards_, and received the

Welcome that was given to _Bunch_, and submitted as soon. A little

after, came up the third, which was taken with the same Ease, and in the

same Manner, as many of the Pyrates as could swim, jumping over board to

save themselves on Shore, there not being a Man lost on the Side of the

_Spaniards_.

The next Day _Turn Joe_ asked them many Questions, and finding out that

several amongst them had been forc'd Men, he, with the Consent of the

other _Spanish_ Officers, ordered all the Goods to be taken out of a

_Spanish_ Launce, and putting some of the wounded Pyrates into the said

Launce, with some Provision, Water, and other Liquors, gave it to the

forced Men, to carry them to _Providence_.

Accordingly _George Redding_, _Thomas Betty_, _Matthew Betty_, _Benjamin

Hutchins_, with some others, set Sail, and in eight and forty Hours

arrived in the Harbour of _Providence_.

They went on Shore immediately, and acquainted the Governor with every

Thing that had pass'd, from the Time of their setting out, acquainting

him, that _Phineas Bunch_, who was one of the chief Authors of all the

Mischief, was on board the _Launce_; the Governor, with some others,

went and examined him, and he confessed all, wherefore there was no

Occasion for a Trial; and as he had been pardoned before, and it was

necessary to make some speedy Example, it was resolved that he should be

executed the next Day, but it was prevented by his dying that Night of

his Wounds.

They also informed the Governor of the Condition of _Turnley_, _Car_,

and the rest, who were marooned by the Pyrates upon _Green Key_ Island;

upon which the Governor sent for one _John Sims_, a Molotto Man, who had

a two Mast Boat in the Harbour of _Providence_, very fit for sailing;

and laying some Provisions into the said Boat, ordered him to get five

or six Hands, and to sail for _Green Key_, in order to bring off the

five Men there marooned.

_Sims_ accordingly made the best of his Way, and sailing out in the

Morning, arrived at _Green Key_ the next Day towards Evening. The poor

People on Shore saw them, and supposing them to be some of the Pyrates

returned, thought it best to take to the Wood and hide, not knowing what

Humour they might be in now.

_Sims_ and his Ship-Mates carried some Provision on Shore, not knowing

but they might want, and searched about, and calling out to them by

their Names. After wandering about some Time, they came to the Place

where the Fire was constantly kept; at perceiving which, they fancied

they must be thereabouts, and that it would be best to wait for them

there, and accordingly they sat them down, laying the Provisions near

them. _Turnley_, who was climbed to the Top of a Tree just by, saw them,

and observed their Motions, and fancied they were no Enemies who were

bringing them Provisions, and, looking more earnestly, he knew _Sims_

the Molotto, whom he was very well acquainted with at _Providence_; upon

which he called him, who desired him to come down, telling him the

comfortable News, that he was come to the Relief of him and his

Companions.

_Turnley_ made what Haste he could to the Bottom, and as soon as he was

down, summoned his Companions, who were climbed to the Top of some

neighbouring Trees, being in Haste to communicate the glad Tidings to

them; being all together, the Molotto related to them the History of

what had happened to the Pyrates.

That Night they supped comfortably together upon the Provision brought

ashore; but so strange an Effect has Joy, that scarce one of them slept

a Wink that Night, as they declared. The next Day they agreed to go a

Hunting, in order to get something fresh to carry off with them, and

were so successful, that they killed three fine Hogs. When they

return'd, they made the best of their Way on Board, carrying with them

all their Utensils, and set Sail for _Providence_, whither they arrived

in three Days; it being now just seven Weeks from the Time of their

being first set on Shore by the Pyrates.

The Governor, in the mean Time, was fitting out a Sloop to send for

_Long Island_, in order to take those Pyrates who had saved themselves

near the Salt Ponds there, which Sloop was now ready to sail, and put

under the Command of _Benjamin Horneygold_; _Turnley_ and his Companions

embarked on Board of her, and Care was taken to get as many Men as they

could, who were entire Strangers to the Pyrates.

When they arrived at the said Island, they run in pretty near the Shore,

keeping but few Hands on Deck, that it might look like a trading Vessel,

and those Men that were quite unknown to the Pyrates.

The Pyrates seeing them, came only two or three of them near the Shore,

the rest lying in Ambush, not without Hopes of finding an Opportunity to

seize the Sloop. The Sloop sent her Boat out towards the Shore, with

Orders to lie off at a little Distance, as if she was afraid: Those in

Ambush seeing the Boat so near, had not Patience to stay any longer, but

flocked to the Water Side, calling out to them to come on Shore, and

help them, for they were poor Ship-wreck'd Men, almost perish'd for

Want. Upon which the Boat row'd back again to the Sloop.

Upon second Thoughts they sent her off again with two Bottles of Wine, a

Bottle of Rum, and some Biscuits, and sent another Man, who was a

Stranger to those ashore, with Orders to pass for Master of the Vessel.

As soon as they approach'd them, the Pyrates call'd to them as before,

begging them, for God's sake to come on Shore; they did so, and gave

them the Biscuit, Wine and Rum, which he said he brought ashore on

purpose to comfort them, because his Men told him they were cast away.

They were very inquisitive to know where he was bound; he told them, to

_New-York_, and that he came in there to take in Salt: They earnestly

intreated him to take them on Board, and carry them as Passengers to

_New-York_; they being about sixteen in Number, he answered, he was

afraid he had not Provision sufficient for so great a Number; but that

he would go on Board and over-hall his Provision, and, if they pleased,

some of them might go with him, and see how his Stock stood, that at

least he would carry some of them, and leave some Refreshment for the

rest, till they could be succoured another Way, but that he hoped they

would make him some Recompence when they should arrive at _New York_.

They seemed wonderfully pleased with his Proposal, and promised to make

him ample Satisfaction for all the Charges he should be at, pretending

to have good Friends and considerable Effects in several Parts of

_America_. Accordingly he took several of them with him in the Boat, and

as soon as they got on Board, he invited them into the Cabin, where, to

their Surprize, they saw _Benjamin Horneygold_, formerly a Brother

Pyrate; but what astonished them more, was to see _Richard Turnley_,

whom they had lately marooned upon _Green Key_; they were immediately

surrounded by several with Pistols in their Hands, and clapped in Irons.

As soon as this was over, the Boat went on Shore again, and those in the

Boat told the Pyrates, that the Captain would venture to carry them with

what Provision he had; at which they appeared much rejoyced, and so the

rest were brought on Board, and without much Trouble clapped in Irons,

as well as their Companions.

The Sloop had nothing more to do, and therefore set Sail, and reaching

_Providence_, delivered the Pyrates all Prisoners into the Fort: A Court

of Admiralty was immediately called, and they were all tried, and ten

received Sentence of Death; the other six were acquitted, it appearing

that they were forced. The following nine were executed in the Manner

described in the first Volume, _John Augur_, _William Cunningham_,

_Dennis Macarty_, _William Lewis_, _Thomas Morris_, _George Bendal_,

_William Morris_, _George Bendal_, _William Ling_, and _George Rogers_.

_George Rounsavil_ was reprieved after he had been tied up, and just

going to be cast off, and was brought down to see the Execution of the

rest.

But we cannot quit this Story without taking Notice of the Fate of this

_George Rounsavil_. He work'd for some Time ashore for his living, but

afterwards ingaged himself with Captain _Burghess_, a pardoned Pyrate,

who had received a Commission to go a privateering. It happened they

were driven upon the Rocks to the Southward of _Green Key_ Island, and

there they were beat to pieces; this _Rounsavil_, with five others, upon

the first Shock, stept into the Canoe, and were going off, when

_Burghess_ standing upon the Poop of his Vessel, call'd out to him,

saying, _Will you go away and leave me to perish in this Manner_.

_Rounsavil_ begg'd his Companions to put back, and take him in; but they

answered, that the rest would be as willing to save themselves as he,

and of Consequence, so many would crowd into the Canoe as would sink it,

wherefore they would not venture it; upon which he jump'd into the

Water, and swam to the Vessel, and there perished with his Friend since

he could not save him.

_Of Captain_ TEACH.

We shall add here a few Particulars (not mentioned in our first Volume)

of the famous _Blackbeard_, relating to his taking the South _Carolina_

Ships, and insulting that Colony. This was at the Time that the Pyrates

had obtained such an Acquisition of Strength, that they were in no

Concern about preserving themselves from the Justice of Laws, but of

advancing their Power, and maintaining their Sovereignty, not over the

Seas only, but to stretch their Dominions to the Plantations themselves,

and the Governors thereof, insomuch that when their Prisoners came

aboard their Captors Ships, the Pyrates freely own'd their Acquaintance

with them, and never endeavour'd to conceal their Names, or Habitations,

as if they had been Inhabitants of a legal Commonwealth, and were

resolved to treat with all the World on the Foot of a free State; and

all judicial Acts went in the Name of _Teach_, under the Title of

Commodore.

All the _Carolina_ Prisoners were lodg'd aboard the Commodore's Ship,

after being strictly examin'd concerning the Lading of their Vessels,

and the Number and Condition of other Traders in the Harbour; when they

thought they would sail, and whither bound: And the Enquiry was so

solemnly carried on, that the Pyrates swore, that it should be Death for

that Man that told a Lye, or otherwise shifted or evaded in his Answers.

At the same Time all their Papers were perused with the same Diligence

as though it had been at the Secretary's Office here in _England_. When

this Business was gone through, Word was given, that all the Prisoners

should be immediately turn'd aboard their own Ship, out of which they

had already taken their Provisions and Stores. This was done with that

Hurry and Precipitation, that it struck a great Terror in the

unfortunate People, verily believing they were then going to their

Destruction; and what seem'd to confirm them in this Notion was, that no

Regard was had to the Qualities of the Prisoners, but Merchants,

Gentlemen of Rank, and even a Child of Mr. _Wragg_'s, were thrust aboard

in a tumultuous and confus'd Manner, and lock'd all under the Hatches,

where not so much as one Pyrate stay'd amongst them.

In this melancholly Situation were these innocent People left, bewailing

their Condition for several Hours, expecting every Moment that pass'd

either that a Match would be laid to a Train to blow them up, or that

the Ship was to be set on Fire, or sunk; no Body could tell which, but

every one supposed they were, one Way or other, destin'd for a Sacrifice

to their brutal Humours.

But, at length, a Gleam of Light shot in upon them, that recover'd their

drooping Souls; the Hatches were unlaid, and they were immediately

order'd back on board the Commodore: They began then to think the

Pyrates had changed their savage Resolution; and that God had inspired

them with Sentiments less shocking to Nature and Humanity, and they went

aboard, as it were, with new Life. The Chief of them were brought before

_Blackbeard_, the Pyrates General, who acquainted them with the Occasion

of that extraordinary Procedure; and that they were only put out of the

Way while a general Council was held, at which Time they suffer'd no

Prisoner to be present. He told them, the Company was in want of

Medicines, and must be supply'd from the Province; that their first

Surgeon had drawn up a Catalogue, which he would send to the Governor

and Council, by two of his own Officers, for whose safe Return, as well

as for the Chest it self, they had come to a Resolution of keeping all

the Prisoners as Hostages, who would all be put to Death, if such their

Demands were not comply'd with punctually.

Mr. _Wragg_ answer'd, that, perhaps, it might not be in their Power to

comply with every Part of it; and, he fear'd, that some certain Drugs in

the Surgeon's List, were not to be had in the Province; and, if it

should prove so, he hop'd they would be contented to have that Want made

up by substituting something else in the Place. He likewise proposed,

that one of them might go with the two Gentlemen that were to be sent on

the Embassy, who might truly represent the Danger they were in, and

induce them more readily to submit, in order to save the Lives of so

many of the King's Subjects; and further, to prevent any Insult from the

common People, (for whose Conduct, on such an Occasion, they could not

answer) on the Persons of his Envoys.

His Excellency _Blackbeard_ thought this Advice reasonable, and

therefore call'd another Council, who likewise approv'd of the

Amendment; thereupon Mr. _Wragg_, who was the first in Authority, and

known to be a Man of good Understanding among the _Carolinians_, was

offer'd, and the Gentleman, himself, was willing to leave a young Son in

the Hands of the Pyrates, till he should return, which he promis'd to

do, though the Government should refuse the Terms of their Releasement:

But _Blackbeard_ positively deny'd this Request, saying, he knew too

well of what consequence he was in the _Provence_, and he would be

equally so to them, and therefore he should be the last Man they would

part with.

After some Debate, Mr. _Marks_ was agreed upon to accompany the

Ambassadors, and accordingly they went off from the Fleet in a Canoe,

and two Days were appointed for their Return; in the mean while the

Commadore lay too at five or six Leagues Distance from the Land,

expecting the Conditions of Peace; but the Time expiring, and nothing

appearing from the Harbour, Mr. _Wragg_ was sent for up before _Teach_,

who putting on a terrible Countenance, told him, they were not to be

trifled with, that he imagined some foul Treachery was play'd them, and

that nothing but immediate Death to them all should be the Consequence

of it. Mr. _Wragg_ begg'd to respite the dreadful Execution one Day

longer, for, that he was sure, the Province regarded their Lives so

much, that they would be sollicitous to the last Degree to redeem them;

that, perhaps, some Misfortune might have befallen the Canoe in going

in, or it might be their own Men that occasioned the Delay, for either

of which it would be hard for them to suffer.

_Teach_ was pacified for the present, and allow'd a Day more for their

coming back; but at the End of that Time, how was he enraged to find

himself disappointed, calling them Villains a thousand Times, and

swearing, they should not live two Hours. Mr. _Wragg_, humour'd him all

he could, and desired a good Look-out should be kept. Matters seem'd now

to be coming to Extremities, and no Body thought their Lives worth a

Day's Purchase; the innocent People were under great Agonies of Mind,

expecting that nothing but a Miracle could preserve them from being

crush'd by the Weight of the Enemy's Power, when Word was given from the

Forecastle, that a small Boat appear'd in Sight. This raised their

drooping Spirits, and reviv'd their Hopes; _Blackbeard_ went forward

himself with his Spying-Glass, and declared he could perceive his own

Scarlet Cloak he lent Mr. _Marks_ to go ashore in; this was thought to

be a sure Reprieve, till the Boat came aboard, and then their Fears

returned, seeing neither the Pyrates, Mr. _Marks_, nor the Chest of

Medicines in the Boat.

This Boat, it seems, was sent off by Mr. _Marks_ very discreetly, lest a

Misconstruction should be put upon the Stay, that an unfortunate

Accident had occasioned, and which the Men that belong'd to her

acquainted the Commodore of, _viz._ That the Boat they had sent ashore

was cast away, being overset by a sudden Squall of Wind, and the Men

with great Trouble had got ashore at the uninhabited Island of ......

three or four Leagues from the Main, that having staid there some time

till reduced to Extremity, there being no Provision of any Kind, and

fearing what Disaster might befal the Prisoners aboard; the Persons

belonging to their Company, set Mr. _Marks_ upon a Hatch, and floated it

upon the Sea, after which, they stripp'd and flung themselves in, and

swiming after it, and thrust the Float forward, endeavouring, by that

means, to get to Town. This prov'd a very tedious Voiture, and in all

Likelihood they had perished, had not this Fishing Boat sail'd by in the

Morning, and perceiving something in the Water, made to it, and took

them in, when they were near spent with their Labour.

When they were thus providentially preserv'd, Mr. _Marks_ went into

...... and there hired a Boat which carried them to _Charles Town_; in

the mean time he had sent this Boat to give them an Account of the

Accident. Mr. _Teach_ was pacified with this Relation, and consented to

stay two Days longer, since there appeared no Fault of theirs in causing

this Delay. At the End of two Days, they lost all Patience, and the

Commodore could not be prevail'd on to give them any longer Time than

the next Morning to live, if the Boat did not return by that Time. Still

expecting and still disappointed, the Gentlemen knew not what to say,

nor how to excuse their Friends at Land; some of them told the Pyrates,

that they had equal Reason with them to blame their Conduct; that they

doubted not, by what had already happen'd, of Mr. _Mark_'s doing his

Duty faithfully; and since they had received Notice of the Boat's going

safe into _Charles Town_, they could not conceive what should hinder the

Execution of the Business, unless they put a greater Value on the Chest

of Medicines, than on the Lives of fourscore Men now on the Verge of

Destruction. _Teach_, for his Part, believed they had imprisoned his

Men, and refused the Condition of the Prisoner's Enlargement, and swore

a thousand Times, that they should not only die, but every _Carolina_

Man that hereafter should fall into his Hands. The Prisoners, at last,

petitioned to have this one Favour granted, _viz._ That the Fleet should

weigh and stand off the Harbour, and if they should not then see the

Boat coming out, that they the Prisoners would pilot them in before the

Town, which, if they pleased to batter down, they would stand by them to

the last Man.

This Proposal of taking Revenge for the supposed Treachery (as the

Commodore was pleased to term it) suited well enough the Savage Temper

of the General and his Brutes, and he acquiesc'd at once. The Project

was likewise approv'd on by the Myrmidons, and accordingly they weigh'd

Anchor, being in all eight Sail of Ships, which were the Prizes they had

in Custody, and rang'd along the Town; the Inhabitants then had their

Share of the Fright, expecting nothing less than a general Attack; the

Men were brought all under Arms, but not in so regular a manner as might

have been done, had the Surprize been less; but the Women and Children

ran about the Street like mad Things. However, before Matters came to

Extremities, the Boat was seen coming out, which brought Redemption to

the poor Captives, and Peace to all.

The Chest was brought aboard, and accepted of, and it further appear'd,

that Mr. _Marks_ had done his Duty, and the Blame of the Delay was

deservedly thrown on the two Pyrates that were sent on the Embassy; for

while the Gentlemen attended the Governor and Council upon the Business,

the other fine Gentlemen were visiting and drinking with their _quondam_

Friends and Acquaintance, and going from House to House, so that they

were not to be found when the Medicines were ready to go aboard; and Mr.

_Marks_ knew it were Death to them all to go without them, for the

Commodore would not easily have believ'd, had they not returned, that

there had been no foul Play acted by them. But now none but smiling

Countenances were seen aboard; the Storm that threatned the Prisoners so

heavily, blew over, and a Day of Sun-shine succeeded; in short,

_Blackbeard_ released them as he had promised, and sent them away in the

Ships after he had done with them, and then sail'd off the Coast, as has

been mentioned in _Vol._ I. _page 73_.

* * * * *

What follows, contains Reflections on a Gentleman now deceas'd, who was

Governor of _North Carolina_, namely, _Charles Eden_, Esq; which, we

apprehend, by Accounts since receiv'd, to be without just Grounds,

therefore, it will be necessary to say something in this Place, to take

off the Calumny thrown on his Character, by Persons who have misjudged

of his Conduct by the Height Things appeared in at that time.

Upon a Review of this Part of _Blackbeard_'s Story, it does not seem, by

any Matters of Fact candidly considered, that the said Governour held

any private or criminal Correspondence with this Pyrate; and I have been

inform'd since, by very good Hands, that Mr. _Eden_ always behaved, as

far as he had Power, in a manner suitable to his Post, and bore the

Character of a good Governor, and an honest Man.

But his Misfortune was, the Weakness of the Colony he commanded, wanting

Strength to punish the Disorders of _Teach_, who lorded it at Pleasure,

not only in the Plantation, but in the Governor's own Habitation,

threatening to destroy the Town with Fire and Sword, if any Injury was

offer'd to him or his Companions, insomuch, that he sometimes drew up

his Vessel against the Town, and once, when he suspected that there was

a Design of seizing him, he went ashore to the Governor well armed, and

left Orders with his Men on board, that in Case he should not return in

an Hour's Time (as he determined, if at Liberty) to batter down the

House about their Ears, without any more to do, notwithstanding he

himself were to be in it. Such were the outragious Insolencies of this

Villain, who was so big with Mischief, that he resolved to be revenged

upon his Enemies at all Events, even tho' he should give up his own

Life, as a Sacrifice, to obtain those wicked Ends.

It is to be observed, that _Blackbeard_, nevertheless, as to his

Pyracies, had comply'd with the Proclamation, and thereby satisfied the

Law, and having a Certificate thereof from under the Hand of his

Excellency, he could not be prosecuted for any of those Crimes committed

heretofore, because they were wiped off by the said Proclamation of

Pardon: And as to condemning the _French Martinico_ Man that

_Blackbeard_ brought in to _North Carolina_ afterwards, the Governor

proceeded judicially upon her. He called a Court of Vice Admiralty, by

virtue of his Commission; at which four of the Crew swore they found the

Ship at Sea with no Person on board her, so the Court condemn'd her, as

any other Court must have done, and the Cargo was disposed of according

to Law.

As to the secret Expedition from _Virginia_, undertaken by the Governor

and the two Captains of Men of War, they had their secret Views in it:

The Men of War had lain up these ten Months whilst the Pyrates infested

the Coast, and did great Mischief, for which, 'tis likely, they might

have been called to an Account; but the Success of the Enterprize

against _Teach_, alias _Blackbeard_, perhaps prevented such Enquiry,

tho' I am at a Loss to know what Acts of Pyracy he had committed after

this Surrender to the Proclamation; the _French_ Ship was lawfully

condemned, as has been said before, and if he had committed any

Depredations amongst the Planters, as they seem'd to complain of, they

were not upon the high Sea, but either in the River, or on Shore, and

could not come within the Jurisdiction of the Admiralty, nor under any

Laws of Pyracy. The Governor of _Virginia_ found his Interest in the

Affair; for he sent, at the same time, a Force by Land, and seiz'd

considerable Effects of _Blackbeard_'s in _Eden_'s Province, which was

certainly a new Thing for the Governor of one Province, whose Commission

was limited to that Jurisdiction, to exercise Authority in another

Government, and the Governour himself upon the Spot. Thus was poor Mr.

_Eden_ insulted and abused on all Sides, without having the Power of

doing himself Justice, and asserting his lawful Rights.

In fine, to do Justice to Governor _Eden_'s Character, who is since

dead, there did not appear from any Writings or Letters found in

_Blackbeard_'s Sloop, or from any other Evidence whatsoever, that the

said Governor was concerned at all in any Male Practice; but on the

contrary, that during his Continuance in that Post, he was honour'd and

beloved by his Colony, for his Uprightness, Probity, and prudent Conduct

in his Administration; what Affairs were carried on privately by his

then Secretary I know not; he died a few Days after _Blackbeard_'s

Destruction, and no Enquiry was made; perhaps there might be no Occasion

for it.

_Of Major_ BONNET.

I have but few Words to add to Major _Bonnet_'s Life and Actions; when

his Dissolution drew nigh, all his Resolution fail'd him, and his Fears

and Agonies so wrought upon him, that he was scarce sensible when he

came to the Place of Execution. His piteous Behaviour under Sentence,

very much affected the People of the Province, particularly the Women,

and great Application was made to the Governor for saving his Life, but

in vain; not that his Excellency Colonel _Johnson_ pleased himself in

Acts of severe Justice, but he knew his Duty too well to be misled by

the Tears and Prayers of weak and inconsiderate People, when the publick

Good, as well as his own Honour, stood in Question. Had not _Bonnet_

escap'd out of his Keeper's Hand, after he was taken, and occasioned the

Death of his Fellow-Prisoner _Harriot_, by resisting the Governor's

Authority, and therein given a new Specimen of his disloyal Intentions,

something might have been done in his Favour; but he was become too

notorious, and too dangerous a Criminal, to give Life to. However, the

Governor who conducted himself in his Post as well as in his private

Capacity, with great Probity, Honour, and Candour, hearkened to a

Proposal of _Bonnet_'s Friends, which was to send him Prisoner to

_England_, that his Case might be referr'd to his Majesty. Col. _Rhet_

offer'd to go with him, and sufficient Security was to be given for

yielding him up there, to be dealt with according to his Majesty's

Pleasure; but the Major's Friends considered, at last, that it would be

a great Expence and Trouble to no manner of purpose, except the

lengthening out a wretched Life some small Time longer; for they

conceived as little Hope of obtaining a Pardon in _England_ as in _South

Carolina_; so they even submitted to the Execution of that Sentence upon

the Major, that had with so much Justice pass'd upon him. I shall

subjoin here a Copy of a Letter, writ to the Governor from the Prisoner

sometime before he died.

_Honoured Sir_,

'I Have presumed, on the Confidence of your eminent Goodness, to throw

my self, after this manner, at your Feet, to implore you'll graciously

be pleased to look upon me with tender Bowels of Pity and Compassion;

and believe me to be the most miserable Man this Day breathing: That the

Tears proceeding from my most sorrowful Soul may soften your Heart, and

incline you to consider my dismal State, wholly, I must confess,

unprepared to receive so soon the dreadful Execution you have been

pleas'd to appoint me; and therefore beseech you to think me an Object

of your Mercy.

'For God Sake, good Sir, let the Oaths of three Christian Men weigh

something with you, who are ready to depose, when you please to allow

them the Liberty, the Compulsions I lay under in committing those Acts,

for which I am doom'd to die.

'I intreat you not to let me fall a Sacrifice to the Envy and ungodly

Rage of some few Men, who, not being yet satisfied with Blood, feign to

believe, that if I had the Happiness of a longer Life in this World, I

should still employ it in a wicked Manner; which, to remove that and all

other Doubts with your Honour, I heartily beseech you'll permit me to

live, and I'll voluntarily put it ever out of my Power, by separating

all my Limbs from my Body, only reserving the Use of my Tongue, to call

continually on, and pray to the Lord, my God, and mourn all my Days in

Sack-cloth and Ashes to work out confident Hopes of my Salvation, at

that great and dreadful Day, when all righteous Souls shall receive

their just Rewards: And to render your Honour a further Assurance of

being incapable to prejudice any of my Fellow-Christians, if I was so

wickedly bent; I humbly beg you will (as a Punishment of my Sins for my

poor Soul's Sake) indent me a menial Servant to your Honour and this

Government, during my Life, and send me up to the farthest Inland

Garrison or Settlement in the Country, or any otherways you'll be

pleased to dispose of me; and likewise that you'll receive the

Willingness of my Friends to be bound for my good Behaviour, and

constant Attendance to your Commands.

'I once more beg for the Lord's Sake, dear Sir, that as you are a

Christian, you will be so charitable to have Mercy and Compassion on my

miserable Soul, but too newly awaked from an Habit of Sin, to entertain

so confident Hopes and Assurance of its being received into the Arms of

my blessed Jesus, as is necessary to reconcile me to so speedy a Death;

wherefore, as my Life, Blood, Reputation of my Family, and future happy

State lies entirely at your Disposal; I implore you to consider me with

a christian and charitable Heart, and determine mercifully of me, that I

may ever acknowledge and esteem you next to God my Saviour; and oblige

me ever to pray, that our heavenly Father will also forgive your

Trespasses.

'Now the God of Peace, that brought again from the Dead our Lord Jesus,

that great Shepherd of the Sheep, thro' the Blood of the everlasting

Covenant, make you perfect in every good Work to do his Will, working in

you that which is well pleasing in his Sight, through Jesus Christ, to

whom be Glory for ever and ever, is the hearty Prayer of

_Your Honour's

Most miserable, and

Afflicted Servant_,

STEDE BONNET.'

_Of Captain_ WORLEY.

The History of the Pyrates being an Undertaking of great Length and

Variety, the Author readily owns, that in some Parts, he may not be so

exact, as they who have been occasionally upon the Spot when these

particular Incidents have happen'd. But in any Circumstances he has

omitted or misrepresented, he applies to such Persons for better

Information; which Correction or Addition (as several others have been)

shall be inserted as a Supplement to the whole.

And he hereby acknowledges himself much obliged to the worthy Gentleman

who sent the following Letter, for his kind Assistance, in promoting his

chief Design, which is to render as compleat as possible, a Work of so

difficult a Nature.

_To Mr._ Johnson, _Author of the Lives of the Pyrates_.