The Susperscription was--

To his Excellency the Governor of _New Providence_.

And at the Bottom of it.--We wait a speedy Answer.

* * * * *

The Governor could not get in that Night, but was forced to keep at Sea,

so that Mr. _Vane_ could not so speedily have an Answer as his

Excellency design'd, which he intended to carry himself. About Four that

Afternoon the _Rose_ Man of War and _Shark_ Sloop got in, and were

saluted with four Shot from _Vane_, which, however, did no other Damage

than the cutting the _Rose_'s Rigging. In the Evening Captain _Whitney_

sent his Lieutenant on Board _Vane_, who was higher up the Harbour in

the _French_ Ship. They detained this Gentleman two Hours, and the Crew,

most of which was drunk, treated him, some with Threats, shewing the

black Flag, and some with Contempt and Ridicule, and order'd him back to

tell his Captain their Resolution was to fight it out to the last.

When Captain _Whitney_ fired the eight a-Clock Gun, _Vane_ did the like

with Shot, directed at the _Rose_. At Ten he pointed all the Guns of the

_French_ Ship (double loaded) at the Man of War, and, after setting Fire

to her, went with 40 Hands into a Sloop belonging to one _Yates_. As the

_French_ Man burnt, the Guns fired, and cut some more of the _Rose_'s

Rigging. Captain _Whitney_ apprehending Danger from the fir'd Ship,

together with the _Shark_ Sloop, cut and put out to Sea, which gave

_Vane_ an Opportunity he laid hold on, to take what he thought fit off

Shore, and to force the best Carpenter and Pilot in the Island on Board

him. When he had done, he went to, and lay at _Potters Key_ all Night,

and the next Morning got under Sail.

His Excellency dispatch'd after him the _Buck_ Sloop and another small

one, both well mann'd and fitted, which gain'd while he was upon a Wind,

and came, before he clear'd the East End of the Island, within Gun-Shot;

but he easing out his Main-Sheet, and setting his Flying-Jibb, left them

soon after; wherefore, Night coming on, and their Pursuit being

fruitless, they return'd.

Soon after _Vane_ sent the Governor of _Providence_ Word, he would make

him a Visit, and burn his Guardship, for sending two Sloops to chase him

instead of answering his Letter.

The 30th of _August_ he took the _Neptune_ of 400 Tuns, and the

_Emperor_ of 200 Tuns, the Particulars of which are in the subjoin'd

Protest.

The 9th of _September_ he arrived at _Allens Key_ in a _Spanish_

Brigantine; he had before taken a _Spanish_ Ship of the _Havanna_; here

he forced on Board a Pilot, took a Sloop and went to _Green Turtle Key_.

I have only to add: This Pyrate, whose Death is set down in the first

Volume, betray'd the Coward when at the Gallows, and died in Agonies

equal to his Villainies, which he gave no Ground to believe proceeded

from the Apprehensions of a future State, but the Fear of Death. He

shew'd not the least Remorse for the Crimes of his past Life, which was

taken Notice of by the Spectators of his deserved Punishment, and told

me by a worthy Gentleman who saw Justice done on him at _Gallows Point_

on _Port Royal_.

The Protest of Captain _King_, Commander of the _Neptune_

Hagboat.

'By this publick Instrument of Protest be it made known and manifest,

that on the 30th Day of _August_ 1718, _John King_, lately Commander of

the _Neptune_ Hagboat of _London_, but now in the Island of

_Providence_, one of his Majesty's _Bahama_ Islands, came before me

_Woodes Rogers_, Esq; Governor, _&c._ and declared to me, that on the

Day and Date above-written, he sailed with the said Ship _Neptune_

Hagboat over the Bar of _Carolina_, in Company with three more Ships

bound for _London_, _viz._ the _Emperor_, Captain _Arnold Powers_,

Commander, and the Pink _Antamasia_, Captain _Dumford_, Commander, and

the Pink ......, Captain _Evers_, Commander, and about two Hours after

he was over the Bar of _South-Carolina_, he saw four Sail of Vessels

standing some one Way, some another; but one of them being a Brigantine,

gave Chase, and, in about two Hours time, came up with his Ship with a

black Flag flying, and after having fir'd several Guns, demanded him to

strike, and to come on Board the Brigantine, commanded by one _Charles

Vane_, a Pyrate, who detained him and four of his Men on board the said

Brigantine, and sent several of his Men on board the _Neptune_; and when

they came on board they commanded him to make Sail, and began to rob and

rifle as they thought fit, _&c._ taking only the _Neptune_ and _Emperor_

with them; for by the Information of the Captain of the _Neptune_ and

_Emperor_, the other two were loaded with Pitch and Tar, which was not

for their Turn, so they would not give Chace to them; but in a small

Time after they had held a Consultation together, they concluded to

carry the Ship _Neptune_ and _Emperor_, with their Crew, to _Green

Turtle Key_, on _Abbaco_, so steered their Course accordingly for the

said Place. About four Days after _John King_, Commander of the

_Neptune_ declares, he fell sick of a violent Fever on board the said

_Vane_'s Brigantine, and _Vane_ asked him, if he would go on board his

own Ship? he readily answered, Yes, if he pleased; so hoisted out his

Boat, and sent him on board. And about four Days afterwards the Pyrates

held a Consultation on board their own Vessel. The Captain, and most of

the Officers, were for taking what they wanted out of the Ship _Neptune_

and _Emperor_, and so let them go about their Business; but the rest of

the Company was not willing for it, because, they said, What should they

clean their Vessel by? And what Defence should they have whilst they

were cleaning? So concluded to proceed on to _Green Turtle Key_, which

they did, and arrived there on or about the 12th of _September_ 1718,

and began to make Preparations for careening their Vessels, which held

about three Weeks, and at the latter End of this Time they had taken

from both Ships such Things as they wanted, and then took their Leaves

of the said Ships and Captains, wishing them a good Voyage home, so set

Sail; but in a little Time after made a Sloop coming into the Harbour of

_Green Turtle Key_, perceiving her to come towards them without any

Fear, came to an Anchor again, and sent away the two Mast Boat after

them with about twelve Men in her, expecting it was a Sloop from

_Providence_ with fifty Men, according to Promise, when they left

_Providence_, but in three Hours, or thereabouts, they spoke with her,

which gave them Account that they came from _Providence_; and also

laying down the State and Condition of that Island, it being the

expected Sloop aforesaid, out of which some of the Men entered with

_Vane_, but know not how many. And likewise the said _King_ farther

declares, that he heard some of the Pyrates say, that Sloop had brought

Ammunition and Provisions, _&c._ and the Commander's Name was one

_Nicholas Woodall_. The said _King_ asked what was the best News at

_Providence_? They replied, None good: But bid him ask not many

Questions, but fit up his Ship, in order to go for _England_ or

_Providence_; if the latter, they would take Care to see us to

_Providence_, and did believe they should go in and surrender themselves

up to the King's Pardon. The next Morning, being very much disturb'd

with the News that the Sloop brought from _Providence_ by the said

_Woodall_, they voted to Maroon Captain _Walker_, but that did not take

Place, so put it to Vote again to maroon and destroy the _Neptune_,

which they did with cutting away the Masts, Rigging, Sails, Beams, and

firing a Gun, double loaded with Shot down her Hold, and totally

disabled her from ever proceeding her Voyage home to _England_. And the

said _King_ does verily believe, that the said _Woodall_'s Sloop coming

there, was the Occasion of all the aforesaid Mischief, believing what

was done was to pay him for his great Favour done them. And farther, the

said Captain _King_ says, that some of the Pyrates, who were his

Friends, told him, that if that Sloop had not come, this Damage would

not have been; and that they were very sorry for it; so by the said

_Vane_'s Order they went to work to load this _Woodall_'s Sloop with

Rice, Pitch, Tar, Deer Skins, Sails, Rigging, _&c._ After she was

loaded, being the next Day, they all sailed together as Pyrates, taking

with them one of Captain _Walker_'s Sons, with his Sloop, to tend on

them, and as Pilot; but before they got out of the Channel, arrived to

the Ships _Neptune_ and _Emperor_, a Sloop from _Providence_, sent by

the Governor to hear what was the best News there, hearing that _Vane_

was there. The Captains of the said Sloop, _Hornigold_ and _Cockram_

told the Captains _Powers_ and _King_, that they were come by the

Governor's Order to assist them in what they could, who accordingly did,

with making Dispatch to _Providence_, to acquaint his Excellency the

Governor what sad Condition they were in by the Pyrates hard Usage,

leaving them without Provisions, _&c._ So the said Captains _Hornigold_

and _Cockram_ set Sail that Night, and in three or four Days after took

the Sloop _Woolfe_, _Nicholas Woodall_, Master, that had traded with

_Charles Vane_, the Pyrate, and carried him to his Excellency the

Governor of _Providence_, who seized his Vessel, and confined him

Prisoner. By that Time _Vane_ came in a second time to _Green Turtle

Key_, and began a second Plunder, taking from the Ships Rice, Rigging,

Masts, Sails, _&c._ from both Ships, and told the said _King_, that if

he offered to touch his Prize he would burn her, and him in her, if ever

he catched him again; so sailed away the second time: And about three

Weeks after arrived the said Captains _Hornigold_ and _Cockram_, with

five Sloops from _Providence_, sent down by the Governor, to save what

Goods they could out of the _Neptune_, that was in so much Danger. The

next Day they began to load the Sloops, and got them loaded in two Days,

so sailed away. The said _King_ came to _Providence_ to consult and

agree with the Governor what to do in such a Case. After some Time spent

it was concluded to fit out the _Willing Mind_ with Guns and Men, enough

to stand an Engagement with _Vane_, and sell the _Neptune_; and, in a

few Days after, did accordingly put her up publick to Sale, and it was

thus sold to one Mr. _George Hooper_, for seventy one Pounds current

Money of _Jamaica_, he being the Person that bid the most Money for her.

The _Willing Mind_ being fitted, sailed from _Providence_ the 15th of

_November_ 1718, and arrived at _Green Turtle Key_ the 19th, and took

the Goods out of the _Neptune_, being in a very bad Condition; and after

they had taken out all her Cargo, finding the _Neptune_ to be better

than they did expect; and, having a fair Wind, brought both Ships up to

_Providence_, the _Neptune_ got in safe, but the _Willing Mind_ struck

on the Bar, and sprung a Leak, insomuch that she was forced to unload

and careen, and, when down, found her to be very bad, a Piece of her

main Keel being gone, so was forced to hawl her ashore; and when the

Carpenters had done what could be done to her, she could not be got up

again by all the Strength that could be made, and tried for several

Days, breaking and tearing all to pieces, but all to no Purpose; so the

Governor order'd a Warrant of Survey on her, and was found by the

Surveyors not sufficient to proceed any further, being very much damaged

in her Wood-Work and Iron-Work, _&c._ Whereupon the said _King_ desired

a second Survey of his Ship and Goods, they lying in a very bad

Condition. Now in the Harbour of _Providence_ there being no Vessels to

carry them to _England_, he therefore is now going to _Carolina_ to

consult with Mr. _Richard Splat_, who shipp'd the Goods on board, and to

know of him what further may be done with the said Goods, and that he

may rightly apprize all they concern'd, of the present Condition of the

Ship and Goods; he has further taken the Opinion of Captain _Thomas

Walker_, Captain _Richard Thompson_, and Captain _Edward Holmes_,

Persons who are well acquainted what sad Condition the Ship and Goods

are now in; whereupon the said _King_, and one of the Mariners belonging

to the Ship _Neptune_, did, and doth hereby protest against the said

_Charles Vane_, and the rest of the Mariners, Pyrates and Robbers,

belonging to the Brigantine aforesaid, and for the feloniously and

pyratically taking, boarding, entering and plundering, and for sinking

and disabling within the Harbour of _Green Turtle Key_, the said Ship

_Neptune_, and for all Damages and Losses accruing thereby to the

Owners, Freighters, or any other Persons concern'd therein. In Testimony

whereof we have hereunto set our Hand and Seals this 5th Day of

_February_, _Anno Dom._ 1718-9.

_Jurat Coram me hoc

die Decem. Februaris_,

Woodes Rogers.

John King,

× _The Mark of_

John Morrison.'

_Of Captain_ BOWEN.

Could the Reader conceive the Pains we have been at, to collect Matters

for the composing a genuine History of the Lives of the Pyrates, and the

great Care we have taken to deliver nothing but the Truth, he would

readily forgive, nay, would be apt to commend our placing those

Particulars in the Appendix of the same Book, which we could not

possibly obtain (notwithstanding our diligent Enquiries) before the

Lives were printed, and the Book in a manner ready for Publication.

What we have said in the foregoing Part of this Volume, of Captain

_Bowen_, may be depended on as Truth; but as we had not that Certainty

of his Original we now have, we rather chose to be silent than impose on

our Readers with Fables of our own Invention: We have since learn'd (and

it is with Reason we can depend on our Account, having it from one who

personally knew, and often convers'd with him) that he was born of

creditable Parents, in the Island of _Bermudas_, who took Care to give

him a good Education answerable to the Vocation he was design'd for,

which was the Sea.

The first Voyage he made was to _Carolina_, where some Merchants finding

him every Way capable, and that he was a sober intelligent Man, gave him

the Command of a Ship, and sent him to the _West-Indies_. He continued

in this Employ for several Years, but one Voyage, in his Return, he had

the Misfortune to fall in with, and be taken, by a _French_ Pyrate, who

having no Artist on board, detain'd Captain _Bowen_ to navigate their

Vessel; and after cruizing some Time in the _West-Indies_, shap'd their

Course for the _Guiney_ Coast, where they made several Prizes, and took

several good Artists; but having Experience of Captain _Bowen_, he could

by no Means prevail on them for a Discharge; tho' notwithstanding the

Service he was to them, they treated him as roughly as they did their

other Prisoners, of which I have already taken Notice in Captain

_White_'s Life.

They (the Pyrates) doubled the _Cape_ of _Good Hope_, steer'd for,

refresh'd at _Johanna_, and having made their Voyage to the

_East-Indies_, lost their Ship, as is already shewn in the above Life,

(and need not be here repeated) on _Madagascar_: The other

Particularities which are not set down in _Bowen_'s own Life, will be

found in those of his Companions; as his going with Captain _Read_; the

taking the _Grabb_; the coming to _Mayotta_, and from thence in the

_Grabb_ to _Madagascar_; the joining of that Vessel and _Fourgette_'s;

the taking the _Speaker_; his succeeding _Booth_ in the Command, and his

Death at _Mascarenas_.

OF

Capt. _Nathaniel North_,

And his CREW.

We have placed this Life in the Appendix, which will not perhaps be

thought a proper Place; but we could not gather the Particulars, which

were collected out of several different Journals, Time enough to insert

it in the Body of the Book, and therefore, thought of reserving this

Life for Part of another Volume; but when we had compiled it, and found

it was a Sort of Recapitulation of the Adventures of the _Madagascar_

Pyrates which went before, we judged it more proper to give it in the

Appendix than to separate this Gentleman from his Companions; and we

were the rather induc'd to this, as the Reader will here find an Account

of _Bowen_'s Death, which we had not learn'd at the Time we wrote his

Life; the Papers which we got after a long Search, and which has

furnish'd us with some other Particulars of that Rover's Life, not being

at that Time to be found.

* * * * *

Captain _North_ was born at _Bermudas_, and was the Son of a Sawyer,

which Business he himself was bred up to, but took, at last, to the

Seas, at the Age of 17 or 18, shipping himself Cook on board a Sloop,

built at _Bermudas_, for some Gentlemen of _Barbadoes_, with Design to

fit her out for a Privateer. She was bound to her Owners, but the Master

took _Santa Vdas_ in the Way, and loaded with Salt. When they came to

_Barbadoes_ all the Crew was press'd, and _North_ with his Companions

were put on board the _Reserve_.

The Master applied himself to the Governor, and got all his Men clear'd,

_North_ excepted, who, as he was a Lad, was neglected, and left on board

the Man of War, which soon after sail'd for _Jamaica_; some Time before

the _Reserve_ was relieved from this Station, he laid Hold of an

Opportunity to run away, and shipp'd himself on board a Sugar Drover, in

which Way of Life he continued about two Years, and being an able

Sailor, tho' no Artist, he was offer'd to go Master of one of these

Coasters, which he refus'd, and went on board a Privateer.

The first Voyage he made, as a Privateer, they took a couple of good

Prizes, which made every Man's Share very considerable; but _North_, as

he had got his Money lightly, so he spent it, making the Companions of

his Dangers the Companions of his Diversions, or rather joining himself

with them, and following their Example; which all (who are acquainted

with the Way of Life of a successful _Jamaica_ Privateer) know is not an

Example of the greatest Sobriety and Oeconomy.

His Money being all spent, he took the same Method for a Recruit, that

is, he went a second Time a Privateering, and met with such Success,

that he engag'd very heartily in this Course of Life, and made several

lucky Cruizes.

Some Time after he grew tir'd, thought of trading, and shipp'd himself

on board a Brigantine, bound for the _Spanish_ Coast, commanded by one

Captain _Reesby_: This Vessel went both on the Trading and Privateer

Account, so that the Men shipp'd for half Wages, and equal Shares of

what Prizes they should make, in the same Manner, as to the Shares, as

on board a Privateer; their trading answer'd very poorly, and their

privateering Business still worse, for they return'd without making any

Prize.

They were forced to leave the _Spanish_ Coast, on Account of a _Spanish

Guarda la Costa_, of 40 Guns and Three hundred and fifty _Frenchmen_,

commanded by a Captain of the same Nation. When they made the Island of

_Jamaica_, they fell in with _Bluefields_, off which Place two _French_

Privateer Sloops were cruizing, one of which was formerly a Privateer of

_Jamaica_, called the _Paradox_; they immediately clapp'd Capt. _Reesby_

on board, taking him for a Trader, come from the _Spanish_ Coast, and

weakly mann'd; however, they were soon made sensible of the Mistake, for

they came to fetch Wool, and one of them went away shorn; I mean

_Reesby_ took one of them, and the other was obliged to a good Pair of

Heels for his Safety. _Reesby_ lost ten Men, killed outright in the

Engagement, and had seven wounded; the latter, tho' he had made but a

broken Voyage, he put ashore at _Bluefields_, and ordered great Care to

be taken of them, at the Owners Expence: Here he took in fresh

Provision, and then beat up to _Port Royal_, where _Reesby_ paid them

very honourably, gave them a handsome Entertainment, and begg'd they

would not leave him, as he had a very great Value for them all; but for

_North_ particularly, who was a good Swimmer, manag'd a Canoe, with

great Dexterity, and fear'd nothing.

Upon this Desire of the Captain's, _North_ and the greater Part staid

ashore till Captain _Reesby_ was refitted, and went a second Voyage with

him to the Coast, at seventeen Dollars a Month, and no Share; they

carried 300 Negroes, beside Bale Goods; they staid four Months on the

Coast, and dispos'd of all the Slaves and Goods to great Advantage. Upon

their Return to _Jamaica_, after some Stay on the Island, Captain

_Reesby_ not going out again, _North_ went once more a Privateering, and

made a considerable Booty. While _North_ was ashore after a Cruize, he

was press'd on board the _Mary_ Man of War: He made a Cruize in her to

the _Spanish_ Coast, and return'd to _Jamaica_; but hearing the _Mary_

was soon to go to _England_, he, and three more, resolv'd to swim ashore

from the Keys, where the Men of War lie, but he was taken as he was

going off the Head, and whipp'd; he, however, found Means to make his

Escape, before the Ship left the Island, and went on board the _Neptune_

Sloop, a Privateer, commanded by Captain _Lycence_, then Lieutenant of

the _Reserve_, who, while the Ship was in the Carpenter's Hands, got a

Commission of the Governor to take a Cruize. Captain _Moses_, who

commanded the _Reserve_, went on board their Sloop, under the Command of

his Lieutenant, for Diversion only: They cruized off _Hispaniola_, where

they met with a _French_ Letter of Mart Merchant Man, of 18 Guns, and

118 Men, who had the Day before engaged the _Swan_ Man of War, and shook

her off.

The _Neptune_ attack'd her, and Captain _Moses_ was wounded one of the

first, and carried down; _Lycense_ order'd to board, but the

Quarter-Master, who steer'd, mistook the Helm, the Sloop fell off, and

the _French_ pouring in a Volley of small Shot, Captain _Lycence_ was

kill'd, which being told to _Moses_, as the Surgeon dress'd him, he

order'd _North_ to the Helm, bid them not be discouraged, and he would

be upon Deck immediately. Accordingly he came up as soon as dress'd,

laid the Ship on board, where they made a very obstinate Resistance; but

the _French_ Captain being kill'd, who received eleven Shot before he

dropp'd, they, at length, became Masters.

The Privateer lost ten Men, and twenty were wounded: The _French_ had

fifty Men killed and wounded, among whom was the Captain, who had

received two Shot, as he was going down to the Surgeon to get his Blood

staunch'd, and came upon Deck just as he was boarded, where, encouraging

his Men, he was distinguished and aimed at.

When they had brought the Prize into _Jamaica_, as she was an _English_

Bottom, built at _Bristol_, and called the _Crown_, the former Owners

sued to have half the Ship and Cargo, and recovered one third.

_North_ went again a Privateering, Captain _Moses_ his Ship being not

fitted, he would take a second Cruize, and _North_ with him. Some Time

after their Return, Captain _Moses_ being a cruizing in the _Reserve_,

_North_, who was ashore, was press'd on board the _Assistance_ Man of

War; and on the _Reserve_'s coming, being recommended by Captain _Moses_

to his own Captain, he was handsomely treated, and made one of the

Barge's Crew: He was very easy till the _Assistance_ was order'd to

_England_, and then, as he was apprehensive of going into a cold

Climate, he took his Leave of the Man of War, and said nothing. He then

went on board a Privateer again, and made several Prizes, two of which

were _English_ Bottoms, and sued for by former Owners; _North_ thinking

it hard to venture his Life, and have Part of his Prize Money taken

away, and the Press being hot in _Jamaica_, he resolved to sail no more

with the _English_; but went to _Curasoe_ into the _Dutch_ Service, and

sail'd with a _Spanish_ Trader to the Coast of _New Spain_ several

Voyages. In the last he made, they were chased ashore by a couple of

_French_ Sloops, one of which was commanded by a _Dutchman_, named

_Lawrence_, who, with his Comrade, took Possession of their Vessel, and

rifled her; the Crew of the Prize called to them, and asked, if they

would give them good Quarters? which they promis'd; took them all on

board, and used 'em very handsomely.

The _French_ gave the Prisoners a small Sloop they took a while after,

and they returned to _Curaso_.

He having now forgot his Resentment, he return'd to _Jamaica_, and went

on board and cruiz'd in a _Spanish Barca Longa_, of 10 Guns, commanded

by Captain _Lovering_, born at _Jamaica_; they cruiz'd three Months in

the _West Indies_, and making but a small Hand of it, they put for

_Newfoundland_, to try their Fortune on the Banks: Here they met a Man

of War, who renew'd their Commission for six Months longer. The first

Prize they made was a _French_ Ketch, with a _Spanish_ Pass, and would

have pass'd for a _Spaniard_, but by strict Search, and threatning of

the Men, they discovered her to be what she really was, tho' she had, as

a _Spaniard_, slipp'd thro' the Fingers of a Man of War before.

They carried their Prize into Harbour, went again upon the Cruize, met

with a _French_ Letter of Mart Merchant Man, a _Bristol_ built Ship,

called the _Pelican_, of 18 Guns, and Seventy five Men, half laden with

Fish: This Ship stood them a long Argument; they clapp'd her on board,

and two of their Men enter'd, but missing lashing, the _Barca Longa_

fell a-stern, and the two Men were made Prisoners; however, they came up

with her again, clapp'd her on board a second Time, and carried her into

the same Port where they had left the Ketch.

They after this put to Sea again, and being discovered by the _French_

Settlement ashore, they went into St. _Mary_'s Bay, where they fell in

with a large _French_ Fly-Boat, of 800 Tons, eighty Men, and 18 Guns,

and laden with Fish: They chased and came up with her, under _French_

Colours; when they were pretty near the _Frenchman_ they haled, and

ask'd, whence they came? a _Guernsey_ Man, at the Bowsprit End,

answer'd, from _Petit Guavers_; that they had been cruizing on the

Banks, and were going into the Bay for Refreshment. The _Frenchman_ bid

them come no nearer, but send their Boat on board; they keeping on the

Chase he fired at them, they did not mind this, but run up a long Side

and boarded him; the _French_ ran to their close Quarters, and disputed

the Ship three Quarters of an Hour, when they all call'd for Quarters

except one Man, who wou'd take none, but ran like a Madman into the

Thick of the _English_, and wounded several, tho' he was soon dispatch'd

by their Pistols.

They carried this Prize to join the others, and turning all the

Prisoners ashore, except what were necessary to condemn their Prizes;

they stood, with a Fleet of four Sail, for _Rhode Island_.

Here they condemn'd the Fly-Boat and Ketch, but found a great Difficulty

in getting the _Pelican_ condemn'd, the _English_ Owners putting in

their Claim; but, at length, a _Scotch_ Lawyer did their Business, upon

leaving 300 l. in his Hands to bear the Charge of any future Suit.

Captain _Lovering_ dying here, the Ship's Company bought the _Pelican_,

broke up the _Barca Longa_, sent her Owners their Shares, and got a

Commission for the Master to cruize Southward as far as the Line, and to

be valid for eighteen Months certain, two Years allowing for Accidents.

They fitted this Ship for a long Voyage, out of the Joint Stock of the

Company; but Iron Hoops being scarce in _New England_, they were obliged

to take Casks hoop'd with Wood, which I mention, because it proved the

Ruin of their Voyage to the _East Indies_ for a whole Year.

They being fitted for the Sea, they set Sail and steer'd for the _Cape_

of _Good Hope_, which they doubled in the Month of _June_, made the best

of their Way to _Madagascar_, and went into _Augustine_ Bay, where they

victualled and watered, but before this was done it was _August_, which

was too late to go to the _East-Indies_; which they propos'd to do with

Design, to cruize on the _Moors_, not intending to Pyrate among the

_Europeans_, but honestly and quietly to rob what _Moors_ fell in their

Way, and return home with clean Consciences, and clean, but full Hands,

within the limited Time of their Commission.

From _Augustine_ they went to _Johanna_, and the Provisions they had

salted up at _Madagascar_ not being well done, it began to spoil; this

and their Cloaths wanting Repair, made them desperately resolve to take

the King of _Johanna_ and make him ransome himself, but the Master wou'd

not take Charge of the Ship, being unacquainted with the Coast: They

cruiz'd among the Islands, landed at _Comaro_, and took the Town, but

found no Booty, excepting some Silver Chains, and check'd Linnen. From

hence they went to _Mayotta_, where they took in a _Frenchman_ who had

been morooned there, and maintain'd by the King; they consulted with him

about the surprizing and taking his Town. The _Frenchman_ was averse to

it, as he owed him the Obligation of being preserved; however, he was in

their Hands, and must do as they would have him: They surrounded the

King's House after they had been three Days in his Town, and took him

and all the Inhabitants; but the King's Son made his Way thro' the

thickest of them with his Cutlash, tho' he was shot afterward. The

Pretence they made use of for this inhospitable Manner, was, that the

King had poison'd the Crew of a Ship, which was their Consort; he denied

it, as well he might, for they themselves never heard of a Ship of the

Name they gave this fictitious one. The King they carried on board, the

other Prisoners they put into a Sort of a Temple, with a Guard over them

of 36 Men.

The Alarm being given in the Country, the Natives came down in a Body of

some Thousands, and attack'd the Guard; but the Ship hearing the Fire,

and seeing the Hills covered with Blacks, discharged several great Guns,

loaded with Patridge, which making a very great Slaughter, obliged them

to retire.

The King ransom'd himself for some Silver Chains to the Value of a

thousand Dollars, and for what Provision they demanded; and at the

setting him ashore, swore Allegiance to them as Masters of the Country,

and took an Oath besides, never to poison any more white Men.

After this notable Expedition, they staid here a Fortnight, tho' always

on their Guard, and then went back for _Augustine_ with about 20 Slaves,

they carried away with them for Servants.

Here a Sickness coming among them, they built Huts ashore; they lost,

notwithstanding all their Care and Precaution, their Captain and thirty

Men, by the Distemper which they contracted; but it abating, they

thought of going to Sea again, but on examining their Water Casks, they

found the Hoops all worm eaten and rotten, so that there was no

Proceeding, but this Defect was repaired by their Cooper, who was an

ingenious Fellow; he went into the Woods with the _Mayotta_ Slaves, and

with Withies and other Stuff he gathered, fitted them up, and made them

tight, in acknowledging of which Service, they chose him Captain, and

_North_ was made Quarter-Master.

At _Augustine_ they pick'd up some Straglers, among whom was _David

Williams_, and on a Muster, they found they had a hundred and five Men.

They then made their Vessel a free Ship, that is, they agreed every Man

should have an equal Share in all Prizes; and proceeded for the Mouth of

the _Red Seas_.

In the Night, after they had reach'd their Station, they made two Ships,

one was the _Mocha_ Frigate, of 40 Guns, commanded by _Culliford_: she

had been an _East India_ Man, and under the Command of one Captain

_Stout_; the other Ship was called the _Soldada_, a Ship of 16 Guns, the

Captain's Name _Shivers_; they haled one another, and on both Sides gave

the same Answers, _from the Seas_, and upon Agreement, they all lay by

that Night: In the Morning they consorted, and agreed to make an equal

Division of all Prizes, which any of the three should take from that

Time for two Months to come.

The _Pelican_ spared Wood, Water, and some of her Hands to Captain

_Culliford_, and here _Williams_ shifted on board him. About ten Days

after, these three had join'd Company a large _Moor_'s Ship, on which

they afterwards mounted 70 Guns, hove in Sight.

They all gave Chase, but the small Ship came first up with the _Moor_,

who exchang'd several Shot with the _Soldada_ and _Pelican_; but the

_Soldada_ clapp'd her on board, and before the _Pelican_ could enter a

Man, the _Moors_ call'd for Quarters: In boarding the _Moor_, she fired

a Broadside upon the _Soldada_, but only two Shot hull'd her, and kill'd

two Men, which was the only Loss they had in taking a thousand

Prisoners, Passengers, and Sailors.

All the Money was carried on board the _Mocha_ Frigate, and divided

between her Crew and the _Soldada_, excluding without other Reason than

_sic volumus_, the _Pelican_ from any Share.

The Crew of the _Pelican_ expostulated with them, and bid them remember

they had spared both Wood and Water, or the _Mocha_ could not have kept

the Station; instead of any Answer, they receiv'd a Command to be gone,

or they would sink them; they answering, they could not go by

themselves, wanting the Water and Wood they had spared. The two Consorts

gave them a thousand Dollars, and some Water out of the _Moor_, bidding

them buy Wood, where they could purchase it, and so left the _Pelican_

to her self, going away for the Coast of _Malabar_, where they put the

Prisoners and Horses they had taken ashore, sunk the _Soldada_, and

thence went to the Isle of _St. Mary_'s on _Madagascar_, where the

_Moor_'s Ship now lies sunk. They shared out of this Prize a thousand

Pounds a Man in Silver and Gold besides other Goods; and the two Pyrates

amounted to the Number of 350 Men.

The _Pelican_ kept the same Station for some Days, when a large _Moor_

Ship hove in Sight, they gave Chase, and the _Moor_, not suspecting her

for an Enemy, did not endeavour to get away; when the _Pelican_ came up,

she fired for the _Moor_ to bring to, which made him set his small

Sails, tho' with the Loss of several Men; for the _Pelican_ being close

up, brought them down with the small Arms. When the _Moor_ had, at

length, hove out his small Sails, the _Pelican_ could not gain upon him

enough to board, tho' she was not a Pistol Shot a-stern; whenever she

came upon his Lee Quarter, the _Moor_ being a tall Ship, took away the

Wind from the _Pelican_, and she could never get to Windward of him. She

ply'd her fore Chase all this while, and drove the _Moors_ from their

stern Chase, but could not, as they endeavour'd to do, strike the

_Moors_ Rudder, or any other Way disable him. At length, by the Fear and

bad Steerage of the _Moor_, the _Pelican_ ran up along Side of them, but

as she miss'd lashing, she was obliged to shoot a head; in the mean

while the _Moor_ Wore round, the _Pelican_ put to Stays after him but

not Staying, and they being all in Confusion, they Wore also; but in

this Time the _Moor_ had got the Start, and setting all the Canvas he

could pack on his Ship's Back, wrong'd the _Pelican_, and got off.

The Loss of this Ship made the Crew almost distracted, and made, for

some Time, a great Division among them, some cursing the Ship for a

heavy Sailor, and proposing to return home, others cursing themselves,

and the ill Management by which they miss'd lashing, and propos'd going

to _Madagascar_, and the breaking her up, since as she was a single

Bottom, she must be worm-eaten; but Time, which mollifies the greatest

Rage, abated these Contentions, and put an End to the Animosities which

sprung from their Disappointment.

They being cool, resolved for the _Malabar_ Coast, on which they took

three _Moor_ Ships in a little Time; the first they discharged, after

taking out 6000 Dollars; the second they took for their own Use, mounted

her with 26 Guns, and called her the _Dolphin_; the third they sold on

the same Coast for 18000 Dollars. Their own Ship they set adrift. From

this Coast they made for _Madagascar_, and near the Island _Mascarenas_

lost all their Masts in a Hurricane. They put up Jury-Masts, came to St.

_Mary_'s and new masted. Here they found Captain _Culliford_, Captain

_Shivers_, and their Prize, with three Merchant Men from _America_,

which were come to trade with them, one of which was the _Pembrook_,

commanded by _Samuel Burges_, belonging to _Frederick Phillips_,

Merchant at _New-York_. The Captain of the _Dolphin_, and some of the

Men being weary of this Life, went home in these Merchant Ships, and the

Crew chose one _Samuel Inless_, who lived on the Island, for their

Captain; they fitted out for the _Streights_ of _Malacca_, where they

made several Prizes of _Moor_ Ships, but of little value to them.

_North_ on board one of the Prizes, was separated from the rest by bad

Weather, and drove to great Straights for Water. The _Moor_ Merchant,

who was on board with him, and whom he had treated very humanely, shewed

him a Draught, by which he came to a small Island not far from the

_Dutch_ Settlement, and watered. The _Moor_ told him, that he ran the

Risque of his Life should it be known that he had given him a Sight of

this Draught. In return for this Service, when he met with his

Companions, he got the _Moor_'s Ship discharged.

They, after this, made for _Nicobar_, near _Achen_, and, in the Way, met

a large _Dane_ Ship, which they plunder'd, and hove down by, clean'd,

and return'd to _Madagascar_, where they shar'd their Booty, which was,

besides Goods, between 3 and 400 l. a Man. A Month after their Arrival

three _English_ Men of War appear'd in Sight, the _Anglesea_, Captain

_Littleton_, the _Hastings_, Captain _White_, and the _Lizard_, Captain

_Rumsey_. These Ships occasioned their hawling up the _Dolphin_, which,

as they could not get her as high as they design'd, they set Fire to.

Commadore _Littleton_ brought a Pardon for such of the Pyrates as would

accept it, and many of them, among whom were _Culliford_ and _Shivers_

did, and went home with Merchant Men. _North_ accepted it also, but

would not trust to it, finding the Time fixed for their Surrender was

elapsed before the Men of War arrived.

Most of the Pyrates having left the Isle of St. _Mary_'s, where the

King's Ships lay, _North_ thought it not safe for him to stay, and

therefore putting all he had into the _Dolphin_'s Boat, he design'd to

join his Comrades on the Main of _Madagascar_; but being overset by a

Squawl, all the People were lost except himself, who swam four Leagues,

and a Negroe Woman, whom he put on the Bottom of the Boat.

Being now on the Main, and quite naked, he frighted the Negroes he met

with, as he got out of the Water, for they took him for a Sea-Devil; but

one Woman, who had been used to sell Fowls at the white Mens Houses, had

the Courage not to run away, and, when he came near, knew him; she gave

him half her Petticoat to cover his Nakedness, and calling a Negroe Man

who carried her Things, and was run into the Woods; they help'd him to

perform his Journey to the Dwelling of some white Men, which was sixteen

Miles from the Place where he come on Shore; a great Journey for a Man

so feeble with swimming. He was kindly received and cloathed by his

Comrades, whom he staid with, till he had recovered his Strength, and

then he went to a black Prince of his Acquaintance, with whom he staid

till the Arrival of Captain _Fourgette_, which was a full Year.

In this Vessel (which I have already said in _White_'s Life was taken)

he went round the North-End to the West-Side, and came into _Methelage_,

where they surprized the _Speaker_; the Manner of which Surprize is also

mentioned in the same Life; and, after the Death of Captain _Booth_, was

chosen Captain's Quarter-Master, by _Bowen_, who succeeded in the

Voyage, and the Consequences of it are already set down, for he was in

the _Speaker_ till she was lost.

The next Voyage he made was in the _Speedy Return_ (taken from Captain

_Drummond_,) in the Capacity of Company's Quarter-Master, with Design to

cruise in the _Red Seas_; but touching at the Island of _Mayotta_, they

consorted with Captain _Howard_, whom they met with at the Island, as is

already said. From thence they went and victualled at _Augustine_,

having promised Captain _Bowen_ to meet him in two Months; accordingly

returning thither, and missing him, they went to _Mayotta_ to enquire

after him; but hearing there that he was gone a Voyage, and as the Place

of Rendezvous was off the Highlands of St. _John_'s, they steered their

Course thither, to join him, and lie for the _Moor_'s Fleet from

_Mocoa_.

In their Passage they met with a violent Storm, in which they were near

foundering, it beat in their Stern, and obliged them to throw over all

their Guns (two excepted, which lay in the Hold) and forced them into

the Gulf of _Persia_, where they took several small Vessels, which they

ripp'd up to mend their Ship.

Being very much in want of Water, having staved all their Casks, to save

themselves in the Storm, and meeting with little in the Vessels taken,

they hoisted out the Canoe to chase a Fishing Vessel, that they might be

inform'd where they should find Water. This Boat made from them with all

their Force, but the Ship firing, the People all leap'd into the Water,

some of whom were drowned, and the rest got ashoar, except one Man, whom

they came up with; but as soon as they thought to lay hold on him, he

dived, and kept them in play near an Hour and a half: They would not

shoot him, because it did not answer their Ends; but, at length,

_North_, who was in the Boat, took the Sprit, and struck at him as he

rose, hoping to disable him, but he broke his Jaw. They took him by this

Means, brought him on board, sent him to the Surgeon, and when they

despair'd of his being able to speak, he asked for a Pipe of Tobacco,

which he smoak'd, and drunk a Dram; after which he seem'd very hearty.

As the Pyrates had on board several black Slaves, who spoke the

_East-India_ Tongue, one of them was ordered to enquire of him where

they might find Water, promising him his Liberty if he would direct

them. On this Promise he carried them to a convenient landing Place,

where he shewed a Well full of Dirt, out of which, after a great deal of

Trouble to come at it, they drew but three Buckets of Water, which

sufficed those only who went on Shoar, to the Number of 30. Enraged with

this Disappointment after so much Labour, they threaten'd their Prisoner

with Death, who told them, if they would have Patience till the Sun was

set, they would have Plenty, for the Spring would rise, and flow all

Night; which they found to be Fact, and filled twenty Tun of Water, and

return'd on board, carrying the Man with them, for whom they made a

gathering of some Goods, and about thirty Dollars; these they gave him,

and exacted a Promise, that whenever he saw any Ship on that Coast,

which made the same Signals they had made, he would go on board and

render them what Service he could, assuring him he would always meet

with civil Treatment, and be well rewarded.

After this they cruised on the Gulf of _Persia_ some Days, in hopes of

meeting their Consort, not doubting but she had some Share in the Storm.

The Time of their Consortship being now over, and she not appearing,

they steered for the Highlands of St. _John_ near _Surat_, the Place of

Rendezvous. When they made the Land they spied a tall Ship, and

immediately making all clear for an Engagement, they gave chase. The

other Ship doing the like, they soon met, and, to the great Joy of both

Parties, she proved their Consort. Upon Enquiry they found the

_Prosperous_ had been ten Days on this Station, and had not met with the

Storm which had so roughly handled the _Speedy Return_, on giving an

Account of their Misfortune, _viz._ their being obliged to throw over

their Guns, and a Quantity of Provisions, Captain _Howard_ spared them

some fresh Provisions, and expressing great Concern for the Accident,

renewed his Consortship for two Months longer; that is, they agreed

whatever Prizes were taken should be equally divided between the Crews

of both Ships. After they had cruised here fourteen Days, they spied

seven Sail of tall Ships, which proved to be the _Moors_ from _Mocoa_;

they both gave Chace, but the _Speedy Return_ being the better Sailor

first came up with one of them, laid her on board, and carried her in a

very little Time, with little more Damage than the Loss of her Bowsprit.

The _Prosperous_ kept on the Chace, and having Captain _Whaley_ on board

as a Pilot, took another at an Anchor, as is said (so need not be

repeated) in Captain _Howard_'s Life.

The _Speedy Return_ steered with her Prize for the Coast of _Malabar_,

where, by Agreement, she was to wait ten Days for her Consort. In six

Days the _Prosperous_ joined them, but without any Prize, having rifled

her, as is before said in another Life.

Here they made an equal Dividend of their Prizes, burnt the _Speedy

Return_, sunk the _Prosperous_, went all on board the _Moor_'s Ship, put

to Sea, and cruised on this Coast, where they made several Prizes. When

they came over against _Cachine_, some black Merchants, Goldsmiths, and

several _Dutch_ Men, came on board to trade with them, bringing a great

many Sequins, and other Gold Coin, to change for _Spanish_ Dollars; as

many of the Pyrates designed to knock off and return home, they gave 500

Dollars for 200 Sequins, for the Conveniency of close Stowage about

them. The Goldsmiths set up their Forges on board the Ship, and were

fully employed in making them Buttons, Buckles, and what else they

fancied, so that they had a fair Opportunity of putting what Alloy they

thought proper. They here also furnished themselves with a good Quantity

of Arrack, Provisions, and Stores, and then leaving the Coast, shaped

their Course for _Madagascar_, but, in the Way, fell in with the Island

of _Mauritius_, and put into a Port called the _North-West Harbour_.

Here they wooded and watered. This Port affords great abundance of a

poisonous Fish called the _Red-Snapper_, the Nature of which was well

known to Captain _Bowen_, who perswaded his Men not to eat of them, but

they were in Port, and then are all Commanders, so that this wholesome

Advice was thrown away upon them. The Captain seeing their Obstinacy,

and that they could not be disswaded, eat with them, chusing rather to

share the same Fate than be left alone to the Mercy of the _Dutch_, as

he was conscious of what he merited.

They supp'd plentifully on the Fish, and drank very heartily after it.

Soon after they began to swell in a frightful Manner. The next Morning

some Planters came on board with Fowls, Goats, _&c._ and seeing the

Pyrates in a miserable Condition, and some of these Fish lying on the

Decks, asked if they had not eat of them? Being answer'd they had,

advised their drinking plentifully of strong Liquors, which was the only

way to expel the Poyson, which had dispatch'd them all in less Time, had

they not done it after their unfortunate Meal. They readily followed

this Advice, as the Prescription was agreeable, and by this Means, with

the Care of the Surgeons, of whom they had several expert in their

Business, and stock'd with good Medicines, they all recovered, four

excepted, who paid their Obstinacy with their Lives.

They here heel'd their Ship, scrubb'd, tallow'd, and took in what they

wanted. When they had staid three Months in this Port, the Governor sent

and desired them to put to Sea, for he expected the Arrival of the

_Dutch East-India_ Men; they accordingly got every Thing ready, and went

out, but left several of their Men behind them, as we have said in

_Bowen_'s Life.

From hence they steered for _Madagascar_, and in their Passage stopped

at _Don Mascarenas_, where they took in a Quantity of Hogs, Goat, Sheep,

Fowls of all Sorts, and Green Turtle. Captain _Bowen_ here went ashoar

with 40 of his Men, having obtained the Governor's Protection by the

Force of Presents. These Men design'd to give over their Pyracy, and

return home the first Opportunities offer'd them. In six Months after

they had staid here, Captain _Bowen_ was taken ill of the dry Belly Ach,

a Distemper as rife here as in the _West-India_ Islands, and was buried

in the Highway, for the Priests would not allow him holy Ground, as he

was a Heretick.

But to return; when _Bowen_ went ashoar _North_ was chosen Captain. The

Ceremony of this Installation is, the Crew having made choice of him to

Command, either by an unanimous Consent, or by a Majority of Suffrages,

they carry him a Sword in a very solemn Manner, make him some

Complements, and desire he will take upon him the Command, as he is the

most capable among them. That he will take Possession of the great

Cabin; and, on his accepting the Office, he is led into the Cabin in

State, and placed at a Table, where only one Chair is set at the upper

End, and one at the lower End of the Table for the Company's

Quarter-Master. The Captain and he being placed, the latter succinctly

tells him, that the Company having Experience of his Conduct and

Courage, do him the Honour to elect him for their Head, not doubting his

behaving himself with his usual Bravery, and doing every Thing which may

conduce to the publick Good; in Confidence of which, he, in the Name of

the Company, promised to obey all his lawful Commands, and declared him

Captain. Then the Quarter-Master takes up the Sword, which he had before

presented him, and he had returned, puts it into his Hand, and says,

_This is the Commission under which you are to act, may you prove

fortunate to your self and us_. The Guns are then fired round, Shot and

all; he is saluted with three Chears; the Ceremony is ended with an

Invitation from the Captain to such as he thinks fit to have dine with

him, and a large Bowl of Punch is ordered to every Mess.

Captain _North_ leaving this Island steered for _Madagascar_, and came

to Cape _Dolphin_ at the South End, as is said in _White_'s Life, where

he came to an Anchor, and took on board some Refreshments, but it

blowing hard, he was obliged to put to Sea, and leave his Boat with 30

Men behind him. He ran along the East-Side of the Island, and came to a

Place called _Ambonavoula_, in the Latitude of 17, 38. where they put on

Shore some of their Goods, and settled themselves among the Negroes,

several living in a House; here they lived as Sovereign Princes among

the Inhabitants.

The _Moor_ Prisoners they kept on board, and allowed them sufficient

fresh Provisions. _North_ privately bid the Boatswain of the _Moors_

take the Advantage of the Land Breeze in the Night Time, and go off with

the Ship, and what Goods were left on board; or the Pyrates would soon

hawl up the Ship, take every Thing on Shore, and they (marooned there)

would never see their own Country again.

Accordingly the Boatswain following this Advice, laid hold of the

Opportunity of a dark Night, and communicating his Design to the other

_Moors_, whom he did not acquaint with this Advice, as _North_ charg'd

him not, till he was on the Point of executing his Design, they weigh'd

with great Silence and stood to Sea.

The next Morning some of the Pyrates propos'd to go on Board and fetch

off some Iron and other Things to trade with in the Country; but they

were strangely surpriz'd when they miss'd the Ship; they alarm'd the

rest of their Comrades, and went in a Body to Captain _North_ to tell

him what had happen'd. He answer'd, if the _Moors_ were gone off with

the Ship, it was their own Fault; they ought to have left a sufficient

Number of Hands on Board to have secur'd her; that there was now no

Remedy but Patience, for they had no Vessel to pursue with, except they

thought the Canoe proper.

Some of the Pyrates thought as she lay in foul Ground the Cable might be

cut by some Rock, and the Ship blown off to Sea by that Accident; on

starting this, some of them ran up to an Eminence, and from thence spy'd

the Ship as far as they could well see, with all Sails set, which was a

cruel and convincing Proof that their Loss was irreparable.

They endeavoured to make themselves easy, since there was no Help; and

transporting their Goods to different Abodes, at small Distances, they

settled themselves, buying Cattle and Slaves, and lived in a neighbourly

Manner one among another five Years; clear'd a great deal of Ground, and

planted Provisions as Yamms, Potatoes, _&c._ The Natives among whom they

fix'd, had frequent Broils and Wars among themselves, but the Pyrates

interposed, and endeavoured to reconcile all differences; _North_

deciding their Disputes not seldom, with that Impartiality and strict

Regard to distributive Justice (for he was allowed, by all, a Man of

admirable good natural Parts) that he ever sent away, even the Party who

was cast, satisfied with the Reason, and content with the Equity of his

Decisions.

These Inclinations which the Pyrates shewed to Peace, and the Example

they set of an amicable Way of Life; for they carefully avoided all

Jars, and agreed to refer all Cause of Complaint among themselves which

might arise, to a cool Hearing before _North_, and twelve of their

Companions, gave them a great Character among the Natives, who were

before very much prejudiced against the White Men. Nay, in this Point of

keeping up a Harmony among themselves, they were so exact, that whosever

spoke but in an angry or peevish Tone, was rebuked by all the Company,

especially if before any of the Country, tho' even but a Slave, of their

own; for they thought, and very justly, that Unity and Concord were the

only Means to warrant their Safety; for the People being ready to make

War on one another upon the slightest Occasion, they did not doubt but

they would take the Advantage of any Division which they might observe

among the Whites, and cut them off whenever a fair Opportunity offered.

_North_ often set this before them, and as often made them remark the

Effects of their Unanimity, which were, the being treated with great

Respect and Deference, and having a Homage paid them as to sovereign

Princes. Nature, we see, teaches the most Illiterate the necessary

Prudence for their Preservation, and Fear works Changes which Religion

has lost the Power of doing, since it has been looked upon as a Trade,

and debased by the scandalous Lives of those who think it their Business

to teach it only, and, satisfied with the Theory, leave the practical

Part to the Laity: For these Men whom we term, and not without Reason,

the Scandal of humane Nature, who were abandoned to all Vice, and lived

by Rapine; when they judged it for their Interest, not only (politickly)

were strictly just, both among themselves, and in composing the

Differences of the neighbouring Natives, but grew continent and sober,

as no doubt they esteemed their Security to depend on shewing the Blacks

they could govern those Passions to which they themselves were Slaves.

Its true, they were all Polygamists, but that was no Scandal among a

People who thought the cohabiting with a pregnant Woman a Sin against

Nature in acting contrary to her Design, which is by Generation to

propagate the animal Race; and who should be guilty of this Crime among

them, they esteemed worse than Beasts, which following Nature, obey her

Orders exactly, and set Men a Lesson of Prudence. When then, I say, they

were continent, I mean they never invaded the Rights either of their

Companions, or of the Natives.

The Reader may, perhaps, be well enough pleased to hear how on the

smallest Difference they proceeded to a Reconciliation; for, as I have

said, it was a Maxim with them, that the least Discord among a few

Particulars would be the Ruin of a whole Body; as from a small neglected

Spark, a general Conflagration may arise and lay the noblest City waste.

On any Mistake from which a Dispute arose, or on any ill-manner'd

Expression let fall in Company, they all broke up, and one of the

Company poured what Liquor was before them on the Ground, saying, no

Contention could creep in among them without Loss; and therefore he

sacrificed that Liquor to the evil Fiend, to prevent a greater Damage.

Then both the contending Parties, on Pain of being banished the Society,

and sent to another Part of the Island, were summon'd to appear at

Captain _North_'s, the next Morning, and, in the mean while, they were

commanded to keep their respective Houses.

The next Morning both the Parties being met, and all the Whites summon'd

to attend, the Captain set the Plaintiff and Defendant on one Side, and

told them, that till the Aggressor had consented to do Justice, and till

the Person injured had forgot his Resentment, they must esteem them both

Enemies to the Publick, and not look upon them as their Friends and

Companions. He then wrote down the Names of all the Assembly, roll'd

them up, and put them into a Hat, out of which, each Party shaking the

Hat, chose six Tickets; and these twelve Rowls or Tickets contained the

Names of the assistant Judges, who, with the Captain, heard and

determined in the Cause, calling and examining the Witnesses. When the

Matter was fully debated, the Court was adjourned to the next Day, and

the Litigators commanded to appear again, and, in the Interim, not to

stir out their Houses, to which they were respectively conducted by two

or three each, lest the Slaves, or the neighbouring Blacks, should, by a

greater Number, have any Suspicion of their Disagreement.

The second Day the Examination began afresh, and the Witnesses were

sifted, as if they had not before been examined, and this to try if they

were consistent with their former Evidence, which was noted down. Then

the Court was again adjourned, and the disagreeing Parties remanded home

till next Morning, when Judgment was given, which was a Fine in

Proportion to the Affront.

The Reason of confining those who had Dissension was to deter them, by

this small Punishment, from all future Quarrels, and to prevent any ill

Accident which might happen by their being at full Liberty.

The Example they set, and the Care they took to accommodate Differences

among their Neighbours, had calmed all the Country round them. After

they had staid here near three Years, Captain _North_, and some of his

Companions, had a Mind to visit the Country Southward, and trade for

more Slaves and Cattle; to which End taking a considerable Quantity of

Powder and Arms, beside what they might use, with 50 Whites and 300

Natives, he set forward on his Journey. When they had travelled about

fourscore Miles Southward, they came to a Nation rich in Slaves and

Cattle, who inhabited the Banks of the largest River on the East-Side

the Island, called _Mangora_. With these People he trafficked for a

great Number of Slaves and Cattle, which he purchased for Guns and

Powder: They being at War when Captain _North_ came among them, with a

neighbouring Prince, he was intreated to give his Assistance, for which

they, the _Mangorians_, promised him a hundred Slaves with 500 Head of

Cattle, and all the Prisoners they should take. On these Conditions he

joined them, and marched to a very large Town of the Enemy's, which was

naturally very strong, and esteemed by the Natives impregnable, being

situated on a high and craggy Rock, which could be ascended by the Way

only leading to the Gate, where was kept a strong Guard. The Blacks in

_North_'s Army were for leaving this Town unattempted, and marching

farther into the Country, in search of Booty; but _North_ told 'em it

was not safe to leave a Garrison of Enemies at their Backs, which would

continually infest them, by falling on their Rear, and which would be an

Obstacle to their carrying off what Plunder they might get together;

beside, it would be an Azyle for all the Country, which would fly

thither till they had gather'd a Body considerable enough to come down

and face them in the Field, which the Enemy might do with reasonable

Hopes of Success, as their Men would be all fresh, while those of his

Party would be fatigued with Marches, may be encumbered by Plunder, and

worn down with the Inconveniencies of lying exposed in the Fields.

The chief of his Allies allowed his Reasons good, were an Attempt on the

Town practicable, which Experience told him was not; for, tho' several

times besieged, it never could be taken, it would be the Loss of a great

deal of Time, and many Mens Lives to offer at it.

_North_ desired he would leave the Management of this Siege to him.

The Chief answered, he should do as he pleased, but it was against his

Judgment to attack a Town which Nature her self had fortified, which God

Almighty would never suffer to be taken, and which had, to no Purpose,

cost the Lives of a Number scarce to be told, of his Countrymen, in the

several Attempts they had made to be Masters of it.

_North_ disposed his Army, and invested the Rock on every Side, then

sent Word to the Town, if they did not surrender he would give no

Quarter to either Sex or Age. The Inhabitants laugh'd at his Message,

told him, they did not believe he had learnt the Art of flying, and till

he had, they thought themselves very secure from his putting such

Menaces in Execution.

Out of the White Men, _North_ chose 30, whom he set at the Head of 3

Companies, consisting of 100 Blacks each; and as he had some

Grenade-Shells with 'em, soon dispersed the Guard at the Foot of the

Rock, and made a Lodgment; tho' the Blacks were acquainted with

Fire-Arms, the Shells were entirely new to them, and as they saw their

terrible Effect, threw down their Arms, and gained the Middle of the

Rock, where they had another _Corps de Guarde_, tho' not without some

Loss. Those who were at the Bottom of the Rock being put to flight,

_North_ sent 10 Whites and 500 Blacks to take that Post, and Orders to

the other Whites to mount the Rock, and having beat that Guard, if

possible, to enter the Town with them. They accordingly ascended in this

Order, as the Road was so narrow, only three could pass on a-breast, and

the Enemy, when within Cast of a Dart, threw down a Shower upon them,

three unarmed Blacks with their Shields march'd before three small Shot

Men, and shelter'd them from the Enemies Weapons; these were followed by

others, with the same Precaution, the White Men being mix'd with those

who thus went up, that is to say, one White Musketeer to two Blacks.

The Enemy seem'd resolute to defend the Pass, but when they had, to no

Purpose, spent a Number of Darts, and had lost some Men by the Shot,

they swiftly took to the Top of the Rock, where, joined with fresh Men

from the Town, they made a Stand and Shew of Resistance; _North_'s Men

followed, and pouring in a Volley, put them into Confusion, which gave

the Assailants an Opportunity to come near enough to throw in their

Shells, half a dozen of which bursting with considerable Damage, and the

Slaughter of several Men, they thought to shelter themselves in the

Town, but the Inhabitants fearing the Enemy's entering with them, shut

the Gates against both, so that the Blacks of _North_'s Army,

notwithstanding all the Whites could do to the contrary, made a great

Slaughter; however, they saved some, whom they sent Prisoners to the

Camp, desiring, at the same Time, a Supply of Powder to make a Petarde.

In the mean while the Enemy from the Town threw a prodigious Quantity of

Darts, which the Besiegers received upon their Shields, at least, the

greater Part.

The Town was again summon'd, but they refus'd to surrender, wherefore,

they were obliged to shelter themselves as well as they could, and

expect the Powder from the Camp; tho' in the mean while, the small Shot

from without being warmly plied, made the throwing Darts from the Town

less frequent, for none could shew his Head but with the greatest

Danger.

When the Powder came, they cut down and hollowed a Tree, which they

filled with Powder, and plugg'd up very tight, and under the Protection

of their Shields and Muskets got it to the Gate, under which they dug a

Hole large enough to receive it, then setting Fire to the Fuze, it burst

with a terrible Crack, tore their Gate to Shatters, and left an open

Passage, which the Besiegers, who had been join'd with 500 more Blacks,

who came up with the Powder, enter'd, and began a very great Slaughter;

the Whites protected all they could who submitted, but notwithstanding

their Diligence, the Town was strew'd with dead and dying Men. At length

what with being tir'd, and what with Persuasion, the Slaughter ceas'd,

the Town was reduced to Ashes, and the Conquerors return'd to the Camp

with 3000 Prisoners, whom his Allies led to their own Quarters, where

calling out, the old Women, Children, and useless Slaves, they sent them

to _North_, as if by these, they thought themselves releas'd from the

Promise made to induce his Assistance.

When _North_ saw the Dishonesty of these People, he sent for their

Prince, and told him, 'According to Agreement all the Slaves belong'd to

him; nay, according to Justice he alone had a Right to them, since he

despair'd of taking the Town, so far as to dissuade his besieging it;

and that he not only owed to him their Success, but even the Safety of

his Army, and all the Plunder they should make in the Prosecution of the

War, for Reasons already given, and by himself allow'd to be good. That

he thought he had allied himself with a People of Integrity, but he was

sorry to say, he found himself quite mistaken in his Opinion, since they

were so far from making good their Treaty; that they sent him out of the

Slaves taken, instead of all, those only whom they knew not what to do

with; that they must not imagine him so blind as not to perceive how

disingenuously he was dealt with; or that he wanted either Strength or

Resolution to resent the Usage.'

He then ask'd what was become of a Number of young and handsome Women he

had seen among the Captives?

The Prince answer'd, 'That those he enquired after were his and his

Countrymens Relations, and as such they could not consent to, nor could

he require their being made Slaves.'

This Answer made, the Chief left him; as it was delivered in a pretty

haughty Tone, it did not a little nettle both _North_ and his Comrades;

the latter were for immediately doing themselves Justice, but the former

begg'd they would have Patience and rely on him; they followed his

Advice, and he sent an Interpreter, who privately enquired among the

Women what Relation they had to the People of the River; the Prisoners

answered, that some of their Forefathers had inter-married with that

Nation.

I must here take Notice, that notwithstanding the Inhabitants of

_Madagascar_ have but one Language which is common to the whole Island,

the Difference of the Dialect in different Nations makes it very

difficult for any but the Natives, or those who have been a great many

Years (more than _North_ and his Companions had been) among them to

understand them perfectly, which is the Reason he made use of an

Interpreter, as well between him and the Chief, as between the Slaves

and him.

When he had received this Answer from the Prisoners, he went to the

Prince, and told him, 'It was very odd he should make War on his

Relations, however, he should keep them since he declared them such,

till he could prove his Right better than the Prince could his Nearness

of Blood; that as he had once taken them, he would try if he could not

support the Justice of his Claim, and bid him therefore be upon his

Guard, for he openly declared, he was no longer the Ally, but the

profess'd Enemy of faithless People.'

Saying this, he and his Blacks separated themselves from the

_Mangorians_, and _North_ divided them into Companies, with his White

Men at the Head of each, and order'd them to fire Ball over the Heads of

their late Allies; the first Volley was a prodigious Astonishment to the

_Mangorians_, several of whom ran away, but _North_ firing two more

immediately, and marching up to them, brought the Prince and the Head

Officers of his Army to him, crawling on all four; they (as the Custom

of shewing the greatest Submission is among them) kiss'd the Feet of the

Whites, and begg'd they would continue their Friendship, and dispose of

every Thing as they thought proper.

_North_ told him, 'Deceit was the Sign of a mean and coward Soul; that

had he, the Prince, thought too considerable, what, however, was justly

his Due, because not only promised to, but taken by him, he ought to

have expostulated with him, _North_, and have told him his Sentiments,

which might have, it was possible, made no Division, for neither he nor

his Men were greedy or unreasonable; but as the Prince had not the

Courage publickly to claim the Slaves, he would have basely stolen them

by false Pretences of Kindred, it was a Sign he did not think such Claim

justifiable, as certainly it was not, for all his Captains could witness

their Prince had agreed the Prisoners taken should be given to the

Whites, and his Companions, a sufficient Title, to mention no other.

That he had resolved to shew them, by a severe Chastisement, the

Abhorrence those of his Colour have to Ingratitude and Deceit, and what

Difference there was in fighting on the Ground of Justice, and the

supporting Wrong and Injury; but as they acknowledg'd their Error, he

should not only forgive but forget what was past, provided no new

Treachery, in his Return, which he resolved upon, refresh'd his Memory.'

He then order'd them to bring all the Slaves, and they punctually

complied without Reply.

_North_ chose out the finest and ablest among them, and dividing the

whole Number of Prisoners into two equal Bands, he kept that in which he

had placed the chosen Slaves, and sent the other to the Prince, telling

him, 'tho' neither Fraud nor Compulsion could wring a Slave from him,

yet Justice, as some of his Troops had shared the Danger, and a generous

Temper, had sent him that Present, which was half the Spoil; tho' he

could not think of going any farther on with the War, that he ought to

content himself with the taking a Town they thought impregnable, and

blame his own Conduct, if he should continue in the Field, and hereafter

find the Want of his Assistance.'

The Prince and his People admired the Penetration, Bravery, and

Generosity of the Whites, and sent them Word, 'He was more obliged to

them for the Lesson they had taught him by their Practice, than for the

Slaves they had presented him, tho' he esteem'd the Present as he ought.

That for the future he should have an Abhorrence from every mean Action,

since he had learned from them the Beauty of a candid open Procedure. At

the same Time he thank'd him for the Present, and the not suffering his

Resentment to go farther than the frightning him into his Duty; for he

was sensible his Balls were not fir'd over their Heads, but by Orders

proceeding from the Humanity of the Whites, who, he observed, tender

over the Lives of their Enemies, contrary to the Custom of his

Countrymen, who give Quarter to none, the Females and Infants excepted,

that there may hereafter be none to take Revenge; he begg'd, that he

would suffer their Submission to get the better of his Design to

depart.' This could not prevail, the Whites and their Friends, who came

with them, turn'd their Faces towards home, taking their Slaves and

Cattle with them; tho' the _Mangorians_ were sensibly touch'd at the

Obstinacy of _North_'s Resolution, yet they parted very amicably.

As the Whites were returning home with their Company, they fell in with

another Nation, the _Timouses_, whose Prince join'd _North_, with 500

Men, and swore a strict Amity with him and his Crew.

The Ceremony used among the Natives, as it is uncommon, so an Account of

it may, perhaps, be agreeable to my Readers. The Parties, who swear to

each other, interweave their Toes and Fingers, so that they must

necessarily sit very close to each other. When they have thus knit their

Hands and Feet, they reciprocally swear to do each other all friendly

Offices, to be a Friend or Enemy to the Friend or Enemy of the Party to

whom they swear; and if they falsify the Oath they make, they imprecate

several Curses on themselves, as may they fall by the Lance, be devoured

by the Alligator, or struck dead by the Hand of God; then an Assistant

scarifies each of the contracting Parties on the Chest, and wiping up

the Blood with a Piece of Bread, gives this bloody Bread to each of them

to eat, that is, each eats the Blood of the other; and this Oath whether

it be with equal Parties, or with a Prince and his Subject, where the

one promises Protection, and the other Obedience (which was the Nature

of that taken between _North_ and this Prince) is look'd upon

inviolable, and they have few Examples of its being broken; but where

any has been wicked enough to violate this solemn Oath, they say, they

have been ever punish'd according to their Imprecations.

As this Prince had War with powerful Neighbours, he left his Country,

taking with him all his great Men, Wives, and Relations, and with a

Company of about 500 fighting Men, followed _North_, and settled by him,

where he staid two Years, the Time _North_ staid; during this Space,

being supplied with Arms, Powder, and several Natives by Captain

_North_, he made several Inroads into his Enemies Countries, and made

all he conquer'd, swear Allegiance to Capt. _North_.

At the Expiration of two Years, Captain _Halsey_ came in with a

Brigantine, as is said in the Life of Captain _White_.

This Crew having made a broken Voyage were discontented with their

Captain, and desired _North_ to take the Command upon him; but he

declined it, saying, _Halsey_ was every Way as capable, and that they

ought not to depose a Man, whom they could not tax with either Want of

Courage or Conduct; and for his Part, he would never take the Command

from any who did not justly merit to be turn'd out, which was not

_Halsey_'s Case.

The Crew were not, however, satisfied, and they made the same Offer to

_White_, but by _North_'s Industry, they were, at last, prevail'd on to

continue their old Commander; and as _North_ and his Companions had

expended their Money in the settling their Plantations, and wanted

Cloaths, the former, therefore, accepted of the Quarter-Master's Post

under _Halsey_, and the others went in the Capacity of private Gentlemen

Adventurers, I mean plain foremast Men, as may be gathered in the Life

of that Pyrate, to which I refer for an Account of the Expedition they

made in the _Red Seas_, beginning at Page 113. Captain _Halsey_ on board

a Prize left _North_ to command the Brigantine they set out in.

The two Commanders were separated by a Storm, but both made for

_Madagascar_; _Halsey_ got to _Ambonavoula_, but _North_ fell in with

_Maratan_, where, finding the Brigantine was very much worm eaten, and

made a great Deal of Water, with one Consent they took ashore all their

Goods, and laid up their Vessel.

They were all very well received; the King being then at War with his

Brother, _North_ prevail'd on his Majesty's Sister to pass her solitary

Hours with him; at the King's Return, having defeated his Brother, he

was very much incens'd against _North_, for being so free with the Royal

Family, and resolved to fine him 200 Sequins for the Affront done to his

illustrious House; but _North_ having some Inkling of his Design,

pacified him, by making a Present of one hundred.

The Pyrates continued here a whole Year, when being desirous to go to

_Ambonavoula_, they ask'd the King's Assistance to build a Boat, and he

for 1000 Dollars, set Negroes to work, under the Directions of Captain

_North_, and a Vessel of 15 Tons was set up and launch'd with great

Dispatch.

In this Boat they went to a River, called _Manangaro_, thirty Leagues to

the Northward of _Maratan_: Here some of their Comrades came to them in

a Boat belonging to the _Scotch_ Ship _Neptune_, and help'd to transport

their Goods to _Ambonavoula_, where he had before settled, and had a

Woman and three Children.

He had not been long return'd before his neighbouring Natives reported,

that the _Timouses_, who had followed him from the Southward, had a

Design to rebel against, and murder him and the other Whites, which

giving too easy Credit to, he made War upon, and drove these poor People

out of the Country.

Some Time after he built a Sloop, and went to _Antonguil_, where he

purchas'd 90 Slaves, and took in the _Scots_ Supercargo, Mr. _George

Crookshank_, with a Design to carry him to _Mascarenas_; but all his

Comrades were against it, saying, when he got to _Europe_ he would prove

their Destruction. _North_ answered, nothing could be more cruel, after

they had taken the greater Part of what the poor Gentleman had, than to

keep him from his Country, Family, and Friends; for his Part were he his

Prisoner, he should not ask their Consents in doing an Act of Humanity,

and the only one they were able towards making him some Reparation,

since they could not return his Goods, which were parcel'd out into so

many Shares.

On _North_'s saying thus much, they put the Affair in Question to the

Vote, and there being many who had Obligations to _North_, and whom he

influenced in Favour of the Supercargo, 48 out of 54 voted for the

discharging him. _North_ having gained this Point, the Pyrates ask'd if

he also designed to take with him one _J. B._ a great Favourite of his,

who had been Midship Man on board the _Neptune_ (a young _Scotch_ Man,

who was a good Artist, a thorough Seaman, and very capable of taking on

him the Command in any Voyage) he answered there was a Necessity of

taking him, since he should want his Assistance in the Voyage; as he

depended on his Knowledge, his Companions said _J. B._ would certainly

give him the Slip, which would be a Loss to them all, as he was an

Artist, and a clean hail young Fellow, and therefore his being detained

was necessary to their common Good. To this _North_ answered, his own

Security would oblige his taking Care that he should not get from him,

since no other on board was capable to find the Way back to

_Ambonavoula_.

He went to _Mascarenas_, where the Supercargo and his Negroe were put on

Shore with all the Money he had, which was about 1600 Dollars; for when

the Pyrates made Prize of the _Neptune_, in the Manner already said,

they took none of the Money, they themselves had before paid for

Liquors, _&c._ either from the Captain, Supercargo, or any other on

board; for that, they look'd upon it a base, as well as dishonest

Action, but for the Ship and remaining Part of the Cargo, they had a

fair Title to, _viz._ they wanted both. It is true, they made the

Merchants of the _Greyhound_ refund what Money they had taken; but

before the Reader taxes them with Injustice, and acting against the

above Maxim, let him consider Circumstances, and call to Mind the whole

Story.

They did not take that Ship, on the contrary, they sent her away well

victualled, and provided with Necessaries for her Voyage; and, I hope,

it will be allow'd, they had a lawful Claim to her, as she belong'd to

an Enemy, and came into a Port of theirs, without a Pass: Again, they

did not rob these Merchants of the Money they had before laid out with

them, but took it in Payment for the Liquors they had put on board the

_Greyhound_, out of the _Neptune_, which the Merchants themselves, if

they had any Honesty, could not expect for nothing: But let us suppose

they had taken this Money by Force, and not traded for it on the fair

Foot, as its evident they did; yet, was it no more than an Act of

Justice, such as might reasonably be expected from the Probity of these

Gentlemen, who never suffer an ill Action to go unpunished: And no Body

can justify the Proceedings of those Merchants who advised the seizing

the _Scots_ Ship. But to return.

_North_ would not suffer _J. B._ to go ashore; however, to make him

amends for his Confinement, he gave him four Negroes, whom he sold for

300 Dollars, and took Care that he should live plentifully and well on

board. _North_'s Business, at this Island, was to get Leave to carry his

Children there to be educated in the Christian Faith, which after some

rich Presents made the Governor, he obtained, and return'd to

_Madagascar_. In the Voyage, as _J. B._ was very greatly in his Favour,

and his Confident, he told him, his Design was to leave his Children at

_Mascarenas_, and place Fortunes for them in the Hands of some honest

Priest, who would give them a Christian Education (for he thought it

better to have them Papists, than not Christians) and would then go back

to _Maratan_, and endeavour, by his Penitence, to make Attonement for

his former Life, and never more go off the Island on any Account; that

he would give his Sloop to _J. B._ with two hundred Dollars, that he

might find some Means to return home, since he very wisely refus'd to

join with the Pyrates.

When he came on the _Madagascar_ Coast, he heard a _French_ Ship had

touch'd there, and left some Men behind her; upon which Account, _North_

ran to the Southward 100 Leagues out of his Way, to enquire after and

assist these People: A Piece of Humanity which ought not to be pass'd by

in Silence, for it may shame not a few among us who carry a Face of

Religion, and act with greater Barbarity than those whom we hunt and

destroy as a Nusance to the World, and a Scandal to the Name of Man. If

any thinks this Reflection severe, let him examine into the Number of

Thousands who are perishing in Goals, by the Cruelty of Creditors,

sensible of their Inability to pay: Let him take a View of the Miseries

which reign in those Tombs of the Living, let him enquire into the

Number of those who are yearly starved to Death, to gratify an

implacable Spirit, and then, if he can, clear the _English_ Laws, which

allow a Creditor to punish an unfortunate Man, for his being so, with

the most cruel of all invented Deaths, that of Famine; let him, I say,

clear them from the Imputation of Barbarity. I beg Pardon for this

Digression, which my Concern for the _English_ Character, for this only

Reason sunk among Foreigners forced me into.

_North_ found but one Man, whom he took home with him, cloathed and

maintained him. When he came back to _Ambonavoula_, he found the Country

all in an Uproar, and the Rest of his Companions preparing for a War

with the Natives, but his Arrival restor'd their former Quiet. After

four Months Stay at home, he fitted his Sloop to go out and purchase

Slaves at _Antonguil_; but finding few there to his Mind, for in two

Months he bought but forty, he return'd to his Settlement. He design'd

now to carry his Children to _Mascarenas_, but dissuaded on Account of

the Season, by _J. B._ he went to _Methelage_ on the West Side of the

Island, to trade for Samsams.

Having purchas'd a considerable Quantity of Samsams he went to

_Johanna_, and thence to _Mayotta_, return'd again to _Madagascar_, but

not being able to get round the North End, on Account of the Current, he

put for _Mayotta_ again; on the West Side of this Island put into a

Port, called _Sorez_, where, some Time before, came a Ship from

_England_ to trade, commanded by one _Price_, who going ashore with his

Doctor was detained (as was also his Boat's Crew) till he redeem'd

himself and Surgeon, with 200 Barrels of Powder and 1000 Small Arms; but

was forced to leave his Boat's Crew, not having wherewithal to ransom

them, tho' the Demand was only two Small Arms for each Man. These poor

Creatures were afterwards sold to the _Arabians_; in Revenge _North_ and

his Crew landed, burnt a large Town, and did all the Damage they could.

From _Mayotta_ he went again to _Madagascar_, where a King of his

Acquaintance told him, the Whites and Natives were at War at

_Ambonavoula_; he bought thirty Slaves, refreshed his Crew, and went

home. On the News of his Arrival the Natives sent to conclude a Peace,

but he would not listen to them; on the contrary, rais'd an Army, burnt

a Number of Towns, and took a great many Prisoners.

This Success brought the Natives to sue in a very humble Manner for a

Cessation of Arms, that a general Peace might follow: This he agreed to

about four Months after his Arrival.

His Enemies, having now the Opportunity, corrupted some of his

neighbouring Natives, and in the Night surprized and murder'd him in his

Bed. His Comrades, however, being alarmed, took to their Arms, drove the

treacherous Multitude before them with great Slaughter; and to revenge

_North_'s Death continued the War seven Years, in which Time they became

Masters of all the Country round, and drove out all who did not swear

Allegiance to them.

_North_ had his Will lying by him, which directed _J. B._ to carry his

Children to _Mascarenas_, in his Sloop which he left to the said _J. B._

who was at the Charge to fit her up, and laid out the greater Part of

the Money _North_ bequeathed him; but the Pyrates would not suffer him

to stir while the Wars lasted, fearing he would not return, having never

join'd them in any Pyracies; and therefore, by one Consent, setting Fire

to the Sloop, they detained him several Years, if he is not still there.