XI.

_The Musicians to have Rest on the Sabbath Day, but the other six Days and Nights, none without special Favour._

These, we are assured, were some of _Roberts_'s Articles, but as they had taken Care to throw over-board the Original they had sign'd and sworn to, there is a great deal of Room to suspect, the remainder contained something too horrid to be disclosed to any, except such as were willing to be Sharers in the Iniquity of them; let them be what they will, they were together the Test of all new Comers, who were initiated by an Oath taken on a Bible, reserv'd for that Purpose only, and were subscrib'd to in Presence of the worshipful Mr. _Roberts._ And in Case any Doubt should arise concerning the Construction of these Laws, and it should remain a Dispute whether the Party had infring'd them or no, a Jury is appointed to explain them, and bring in a Verdict upon the Case in Doubt.

Since we are now speaking of the Laws of this Company, I shall go on, and, in as brief a Manner as I can, relate the principal Customs, and Government, of this roguish Common-Wealth; which are pretty near the same with all Pyrates.

For the Punishment of small Offences, which are not provided for by the Articles, and which are not of Consequence enough to be left to a Jury, there is a principal Officer among the Pyrates, called the Quarter-Master, of the Mens own chusing, who claims all Authority this Way, (excepting in Time of Battle:) If they disobey his Command, are quarrelsome and mutinous with one another, misuse Prisoners, plunder beyond his Order, and in

## particular, if they be negligent of their Arms, which he musters at

Discretion, he punishes at his own Arbitrement, with drubbing or whipping, which no one else dare do without incurring the Lash from all the Ships Company: In short, this Officer is Trustee for the whole, is the first on Board any Prize, separating for the Company's Use, what he pleases, and returning what he thinks fit to the Owners, excepting Gold and Silver, which they have voted not returnable.

After a Description of the Quarter-Master, and his Duty, who acts as a sort of a civil Magistrate on Board a Pyrate Ship; I shall consider their military Officer, the Captain; what Privileges he exerts in such anarchy and unrulyness of the Members: Why truly very little, they only permit him to be Captain, on Condition, that they may be Captain over him; they separate to his Use the great Cabin, and sometimes vote him small Parcels of Plate and China, (for it may be noted that _Roberts_ drank his Tea constantly) but then every Man, as the Humour takes him, will use the Plate and China, intrude into his Apartment, swear at him, seize a Part of his Victuals and Drink, if they like it, without his offering to find Fault or contest it: Yet _Roberts_, by a better Management than usual, became the chief Director in every Thing of Moment, and it happened thus:--The Rank of Captain being obtained by the Suffrage of the Majority, it falls on one superior for Knowledge and Boldness, _Pistol Proof_ (as they call it,) and can make those fear, who do not love him; _Roberts_ is said to have exceeded his Fellows in these Respects, and when advanced, enlarged the Respect that followed it, by making a sort of Privy-Council of half a Dozen of the greatest Bullies; such as were his Competitors, and had Interest enough to make his Government easy; yet even those, in the latter Part of his Reign, he had run counter to in every Project that opposed his own Opinion; for which, and because he grew reserved, and would not drink and roar at their Rate, a Cabal was formed to take away his Captainship, which Death did more effectually.

The Captain's Power is uncontroulable in Chace, or in Battle, drubbing, cutting, or even shooting any one who dares deny his Command. The same Privilege he takes over Prisoners, who receive good or ill Usage, mostly as he approves of their Behaviour, for tho' the meanest would take upon them to misuse a Master of a Ship, yet he would controul herein, when he see it, and merrily over a Bottle, give his Prisoners this double Reason for it. First, That it preserved his Precedence; and secondly, That it took the Punishment out of the Hands of a much more rash and mad Sett of Fellows than himself. When he found that Rigour was not expected from his People, (for he often practised it to appease them,) then he would give Strangers to understand, that it was pure Inclination that induced him to a good Treatment of them, and not any Love or Partiality to their Persons; for, says he, _there is none of you but will hang me, I know, whenever you can clinch me within your Power._

* * *

And now seeing the Disadvantages they were under for pursuing the Account, _viz._ a small Vessel ill repaired, and without Provisions, or Stores; they resolved one and all, with the little Supplies they could get, to proceed for the _West-Indies_, not doubting to find a Remedy for all these Evils, and to retreive their Loss.

In the Latitude of _Deseada_, one of the Islands, they took two Sloops, which supply'd them with Provisions and other Necessaries; and a few Days afterwards, took a Brigantine belonging to _Rhode Island_, and then proceeded to _Barbadoes_, off of which Island, they fell in with a _Bristol_ Ship of 10 Guns, in her Voyage out, from whom they took abundance of Cloaths, some Money, twenty five Bales of Goods, five Barrels of Powder, a Cable, Hawser, 10 Casks of Oatmeal, six Casks of Beef, and several other Goods, besides five of their Men; and after they had detained her three Days, let her go; who being bound for the abovesaid Island, she acquainted the Governor with what had happened, as soon as she arrived.

Whereupon a _Bristol_ Galley that lay in the Harbour, was ordered to be fitted out with all imaginable Expedition, of 20 Guns, and 80 Men, there being then no Man of War upon that Station, and also a Sloop with 10 Guns, and 40 Men: The Galley was commanded by one Captain _Rogers_, of _Bristol_, and the Sloop by Captain _Graves_, of that Island, and Captain _Rogers_ by a Commission from the Governor, was appointed Commadore.

The second Day after _Rogers_ sailed out of the Harbour, he was discovered by _Roberts_, who knowing nothing of their Design, gave them Chase: The _Barbadoes_ Ships kept an easy sail till the Pyrates came up with them, and then _Roberts_ gave them a Gun, expecting they would have immediately struck to his pyratical Flag, but instead thereof, he was forced to receive the Fire of a Broadside, with three Huzzas at the same Time; so that an Engagement ensued, but _Roberts_ being hardly put to it, was obliged to crowd all the Sail the Sloop would bear, to get off: The Galley sailing pretty well, kept Company for a long while, keeping a constant Fire, which gail'd the Pyrate; however, at length by throwing over their Guns, and other heavy Goods, and thereby light'ning the Vessel, they, with much ado, got clear; but _Roberts_ could never endure a _Barbadoes_ Man afterwards, and when any Ships belonging to that Island fell in his Way, he was more

## particularly severe to them than others.

Captain _Roberts_ sailed in the Sloop to the Island of _Dominico_, where he watered, and got Provisions of the Inhabitants, to whom he gave Goods in Exchange. At this Place he met with 13 _Englishmen_, who had been set ashore by a _French Guard de la Coste_, belonging to _Martinico_, taken out of two _New-England_ Ships, that had been seiz'd, as Prize, by the said _French_ Sloop: The Men willingly entered with the Pyrates, and it proved a seasonable Recruit.

They staid not long here, tho' they had immediate Occasion for cleaning their Sloop, but did not think this a proper Place, and herein they judg'd right; for the touching at this Island, had like to have been their Destruction, because they having resolved to go away to the _Granada_ Islands, for the aforesaid Purpose, by some Accident it came to be known to the _French_ Colony, who sending Word to the Governor of _Martinico_, he equipped and manned two Sloops to go in Quest of them. The Pyrates sailed directly for the _Granadilloes_, and hall'd into a Lagoon, at _Corvocoo_, where they cleaned with unusual Dispatch, staying but a little above a Week, by which Expedition they missed of the _Martinico_ Sloops, only a few Hours; _Roberts_ sailing over Night, that the _French_ arrived the next Morning. This was a fortunate Escape, especially considering, that it was not from any Fears of their being discovered, that they made so much hast from the Island; but, as they had the Impudence themselves to own, for the want of Wine and Women.

Thus narrowly escaped, they sailed for _Newfoundland_, and arrived upon the Banks the latter end of _June_, 1720. They entered the Harbour of _Trepassi_, with their black Colours flying, Drums beating, and Trumpets sounding. There were two and twenty Vessels in the Harbour, which the Men all quitted upon the Sight of the Pyrate, and fled ashore. It is impossible

## particularly to recount the Destruction and Havock they made here, burning

and sinking all the shipping, except a _Bristol_ Galley, and destroying the Fisheries, and Stages of the poor Planters, without Remorse or Compunction; for nothing is so deplorable as Power in mean and ignorant Hands, it makes Men wanton and giddy, unconcerned at the Misfortunes they are imposing on their Fellow Creatures, and keeps them smiling at the Mischiefs, that bring themselves no Advantage. _They are like mad Men, that cast Fire-Brands, Arrows, and Death, and say, are not we in Sport?_

_Roberts_ mann'd the _Bristol_ Galley he took in the Harbour, and mounted 16 Guns on Board her, and cruising out upon the Banks, he met with nine or ten Sail of _French_ Ships, all which he destroyed except one of 26 Guns, which they seiz'd, and carried off for their own Use. This Ship they christ'ned _the Fortune_, and leaving the _Bristol_ Galley to the _French_ Men, they sailed away in Company with the Sloop, on another Cruise, and took several Prizes, _viz._ the _Richard_ of _Biddiford, Jonathan Whitfield_ Master; the _Willing Mind_ of _Pool_; the _Expectation_ of _Topsham_; and the _Samuel_, Captain _Cary_, of _London_; out of these Ships they encreased their Company, by entring all the Men they could well spare, in their own Service. The _Samuel_ was a rich Ship, and had several Passengers on Board, who were used very roughly, in order to make them discover their Money, threatning them every Moment with Death, if they did not resign every Thing up to them. They tore up the Hatches and entered the Hold like a parcel of Furies, and with Axes and Cutlashes, cut and broke open all the Bales, Cases, and Boxes, they could lay their Hands on; and when any Goods came upon Deck, that they did not like to carry aboard, instead of tossing them into the Hold again, threw them over-board into the Sea; all this was done with incessant cursing and swearing, more like Fiends than Men. They carried with them, Sails, Guns, Powder, Cordage, and 8 or 9000 l. worth of the choicest Goods; and told Captain _Cary, That they should accept of no Act of Grace; that the K-- and P--t might be damned with their Acts of G-- for them; neither would they go to_ Hope-Point, _to be hang'd up a Sun drying, as_ Kidd_'s, and_ Braddish_'s Company were; but that if they should ever be overpower'd, they would set Fire to the Powder, with a Pistol, and go all merrily to Hell together._

After they had brought all the Booty aboard, a Consultation was held whether they should sink or burn the Ship, but whilst they were debating the Matter, they spyed a Sail, and so left the _Samuel_, to give her Chace; at Midnight they came up with the same, which proved to be a Snow from _Bristol_, bound for _Boston_, Captain _Bowles_ Master: They us'd him barbarously, because of his Country, Captain _Rogers_, who attack'd them off _Barbadoes_, being of the City of _Bristol._

_July_ the 16th, which was two Days afterwards, they took a _Virginia_ Man called the _Little York, James Philips_ Master, and the _Love_, of _Leverpool_, which they plundered and let go; the next Day a Snow from _Bristol_, call'd the _Phoenix, John Richards_ Master, met with the same Fate from them; as also a Brigantine, Captain _Thomas_, and a Sloop called the _Sadbury_; they took all the Men out of the Brigantine, and sunk the Vessel.

When they left the Banks of _Newfoundland_, they sailed for the _West-Indies_, and the Provisions growing short, they went for the Latitude of the Island _Deseada_, to cruise, it being esteemed the likeliest Place to meet with such Ships as (they used in their Mirth to say) were consigned to them, with Supplies. And it has been very much suspected that Ships have loaded with Provisions at the _English_ Colonies, on pretence of Trading on the Coast of _Africa_, when they have in reality been consigned to them; and tho' a shew of Violence is offered to them when they meet, yet they are pretty sure of bringing their Cargo to a good Market.

However, at this Time they missed with their usual Luck, and Provisions and Necessaries becoming more scarce every Day, they retired towards St. _Christophers_, where being deny'd all Succour or Assistance from the Government, they fir'd in Revenge on the Town, and burnt two Ships in the Road, one of them commanded by Captain _Cox_, of _Bristol_; and then retreated farther to the Island of St. _Bartholomew_, where they met with much handsomer Treatment. The Governor not only supplying them with Refreshments, but he and the Chiefs carressing them in the most friendly Manner: And the Women, from so good an Example, endeavoured to outvie each other in Dress, and Behaviour, to attract the good Graces of such generous Lovers, that paid well for their Favours.

Sated at length with these Pleasures, and having taken on Board a good supply of fresh Provisions, they voted unanimously for the Coast of _Guiney_, and in the Latitude of 22 N. in their Voyage thither, met with a _French_ Ship from _Martinico_, richly laden, and, which was unlucky for the Master, had a property of being fitter for their Purpose, than the Banker. _Exchange was no Robbery_ they said, and so after a little mock Complaisance to _Monsieur_, for the Favour he had done them, they shifted their Men, and took leave: This was their first _Royal Fortune._

In this Ship _Roberts_ proceeded on his designed Voyage; but before they reached _Guiney_, he proposed to touch at _Brava_, the Southermost of _Cape_ _Verd_ Islands and clean. But here again by an intolerable Stupidity and want of Judgment, they got so far to Leeward of their Port, that despairing to regain it, or any of the Windward Parts of _Africa_, they were obliged to go back again with the Trade-Wind, for the _West-Indies_; which had very near been the Destruction of them all. _Surinam_ was the Place now designed for, which was at no less than 700 Leagues Distance, and they had but one Hogshead of Water left to supply 124 Souls for that Passage; a sad Circumstance that eminently exposes the Folly and Madness among Pyrates, and he must be an inconsiderate Wretch indeed, who, if he could separate the Wickedness and Punishment from the Fact, would yet hazard his Life amidst such Dangers, as their want of Skill and Forecast made them liable to.

Their Sins, we may presume were never so troublesome to their Memories, as now, that inevitable Destruction seem'd to threaten them, without the least Glympse of Comfort or Alleviation to their Misery; for, with what Face could Wretches who had ravaged and made so many Necessitous, look up for Relief; they had to that Moment lived in Defiance of the Power that now alone they must trust for their Preservation, and indeed without the miraculous Intervention of Providence, there appeared only this miserable Choice, viz. a present Death by their own Hands, or a ling'ring one by Famine.

They continued their Course, and came to an Allowance of one single Mouthful of Water for 24 Hours; many of them drank their Urine, or Sea Water, which, instead of allaying, gave them an inextinguishable Thirst, that killed them: Others pined and wasted a little more Time in Fluxes and Apyrexies, so that they dropped away daily. Those that sustain'd the Misery best, were such as almost starved themselves, forbearing all sorts of Food, unless a Mouthful or two of Bread the whole Day, so that those who survived were as weak as it was possible for Men to be and alive.

But if the dismal Prospect they set out with, gave them Anxiety, Trouble, or Pain, what must their Fears and Apprehensions be, when they had not one Drop of Water left, or any other Liquor to moisten or animate. This was their Case, when (by the working of Divine Providence, no doubt,) they were brought into Soundings, and at Night anchored in seven Fathom Water: This was an inexpressible Joy to them, and, as it were, fed the expiring Lamp of Life with fresh Spirits; but this could not hold long. When the Morning came, they saw Land from the Mast-Head, but it was at so great a Distance, that it afforded but an indifferent Prospect to Men who had drank nothing for the two last Days; however, they dispatch'd their Boat away, and late the same Night it return'd, to their no small Comfort, with a load of Water, informing them, that they had got off the Mouth of _Meriwinga_ River on the Coast of _Surinam._

One would have thought so miraculous an Escape should have wrought some Reformation, but alass, they had no sooner quenched their Thirst, but they had forgot the Miracle, till Scarcity of Provisions awakened their Senses, and bid them guard against starving; their allowance was very small, and yet they would profanely say, _That Providence which had gave them Drink, would, no doubt, bring them Meat also, if they would use but an honest Endeavour._

In pursuance of these honest Endeavours, they were steering for the Latitude of _Barbadoes_, with what little they had left, to look out for more, or Starve; and, in their Way, met a Ship that answered their Necessities, and after that a Brigantine; the former was called the _Greyhound_, belonging to St. _Christophers_, and bound to _Philadelphia_, the Mate of which signed the Pyrate's Articles, and was afterwards Captain of the _Ranger_, Consort to the _Royal Fortune._

Out of the Ship and Brigantine, the Pyrates got a good supply of Provisions and Liquor, so that they gave over the designed Cruise, and watered at _Tobago_, and hearing of the two Sloops that had been fitted out and sent after them at _Corvocoo_, they sailed to the Island of _Martinico_, to make the Governor some sort of an Equivalent, for the Care and Expedition he had shewn in that Affair.

It is the Custom at _Martinico_, for the _Dutch_ Interlopers that have a Mind to Trade with the People of the Island, to hoist their Jacks when they come before the Town: _Roberts_ knew the Signal, and being an utter Enemy to them, he bent his Thoughts upon Mischief; and accordingly came in with his Jack flying, which, as he expected, they mistook for a good Market, and thought themselves happiest that could soonest dispatch off their Sloops and Vessels for Trade. When _Roberts_ had got them within his Power, (one after another,) he told them, he would not have it said that they came off for nothing, and therefore ordered them to leave their Money behind, for that they were a Parcel of Rogues, and hoped they would always meet with such a _Dutch_ Trade as this was; he reserved one Vessel to set the Passengers on Shore again, and fired the rest, to the Number of twenty.

_Roberts_ was so enraged at the Attempts that had been made for taking of him, by the Governors of _Barbados_ and _Martinico_, that he ordered a new Jack to be made, which they ever after hoisted, with his own Figure pourtray'd, standing upon two Skulls, and under them the Letters _A B H_ and _A M H_, signifying a _Barbadian_'s and a _Martinican_'s Head, as may be seen in the Plate of Captain _Roberts._

At _Dominico_, the next Island they touched at, they took a _Dutch_ Interloper of 22 Guns and 75 Men, and a Brigantine belonging to _Rhode-Island_, one _Norton_ Master. The former made some Defence, till some of his Men being killed, the rest were discouraged and struck their Colours. With these two Prizes they went down to _Guadalupe_, and brought out a Sloop, and a _French_ Fly-Boat laden with Sugar; the Sloop they burnt, and went on to _Moonay_, another Island, thinking to clean, but finding the Sea ran too high there to undertake it with Safety, they bent their Course for the North Part of _Hispaniola_, where, at Bennet's Key, in the Gulf of _Saminah_, they cleaned both the Ship and the Brigantine. For tho' _Hispaniola_ be settled by the _Spaniards_ and _French_, and is the Residence of a President from _Spain_, who receives, and finally determines Appeals from all the other _Spanish West-India_ Islands; yet is its People by no Means proportioned to its Magnitude, so that there are many Harbours in it, to which Pyrates may securely resort without Fear of Discovery from the Inhabitants.

Whilst they were here, two Sloops came in, as they pretended, to pay _Roberts_ a Visit, the Masters, whose Names were _Porter_ and _Tuckerman_, addressed the Pyrate, as the Queen of _Sheba_ did _Solomon_, to wit, _That having heard of his Fame and Atchievements_, they had put in there to learn his Art and Wisdom in the Business of pyrating, being Vessels on the same honourable Design with himself; and hoped with the Communication of his Knowledge, they should also receive his Charity, being in want of Necessaries for such Adventures. _Roberts_ was won upon by the Peculiarity and Bluntness of these two Men, and gave them Powder, Arms, and what ever else they had Occasion for, spent two or three merry Nights with them, and at parting, said, _he hoped the L-- would Prosper their handy Works._

They passed some Time here, after they had got their Vessel ready, in their usual Debaucheries; they had taken a considerable Quanty of Rum and Sugar, so that Liquor was as plenty as Water, and few there were, who denied themselves the immoderate Use of it; nay, Sobriety brought a Man under a Suspicion of being in a Plot against the Commonwealth, and in their Sense, he was looked upon to be a Villain that would not be drunk. This was evident in the Affair of _Harry Glasby_, chosen Master of the _Royal Fortune_, who, with two others, laid hold of the Opportunity at the last Island they were at, to move off without bidding Farewel to his Friends. _Glasby_ was a reserved sober Man, and therefore gave Occasion to be suspected, so that he was soon missed after he went away; and a Detachment being sent in quest of the Deserters, they were all three brought back again the next Day. This was a capital Offence, and for which they were ordered to be brought to an immediate Tryal.

Here was the Form of Justice kept up, which is as much as can be said of several other Courts, that have more lawful Commissions for what they do.--Here was no feeing of Council, and bribing of Witnesses was a Custom not known among them; no packing of Juries, no torturing and wresting the Sense of the Law, for bye Ends and Purposes, no puzzling or perplexing the Cause with unintelligible canting Terms, and useless Distinctions; nor was their Sessions burthened with numberless Officers, the Ministers of Rapine and Extortion, with ill boding Aspects, enough to fright _Astræa_ from the Court. The Place appointed for their Tryals, was the Steerage of the Ship; in order to which, a large Bowl of Rum Punch was made, and placed upon the Table, the Pipes and Tobacco being ready, the judicial Proceedings began; the Prisoners were brought forth, and Articles of Indictment against them read; they were arraigned upon a Statute of their own making, and the Letter of the Law being strong against them, and the Fact plainly proved, they were about to pronounce Sentence, when one of the Judges mov'd, that they should first Smoak t'other Pipe; which was accordingly done.

All the Prisoners pleaded for Arrest of Judgment very movingly, but the Court had such an Abhorrence of their Crime, that they could not be prevailed upon to shew Mercy, till one of the Judges, whose Name was _Valentine Ashplant_, stood up, and taking his Pipe out of his Mouth, said, he had something to offer to the Court in behalf of one of the Prisoners; and spoke to this Effect.-- _By G--_, Glasby _shall not dye; d--n me if he shall._ After this learned Speech, he sat down in his Place, and resumed his Pipe. This Motion was loudly opposed by all the rest of the Judges, in equivalent Terms; but _Ashplant_, who was resolute in his Opinion, made another pathetical Speech in the following Manner. _G-- d--n ye Gentlemen, I am as good a Man as the best of you; d--m my_ S--l _if ever I turned my Back to any Man in my Life, or ever will, by G_--; Glasby _is an honest Fellow, notwithstanding this Misfortune, and I love him, D--l d--n me if I don't: I hope he'll live and repent of what he has done; but d--n me if he must dye, I will dye along with him._ And thereupon, he pulled out a pair of Pistols, and presented them to some of the learned Judges upon the Bench; who, perceiving his Argument so well supported, thought it reasonable that _Glasby_ should be acquitted; and so they all came over to his Opinion, and allowed it to be Law.

But all the Mitigation that could be obtained for the other Prisoners, was, that they should have the Liberty of choosing any four of the whole Company to be their Executioners. The poor Wretches were ty'd immediately to the Mast, and there shot dead, pursuant to their villainous Sentence.

When they put to Sea again, the Prizes which had been detained only for fear of spreading any Rumour concerning them, which had like to have been so fatal at _Corvocoo_, were thus disposed of: They burnt their own Sloop, and mann'd _Norton_'s Brigantine, sending the Master away in the _Dutch_ Interloper, not dissatisfied.

With the _Royal Fortune_, and the Brigantine, which they christened the _Good Fortune_, they pushed towards the Latitude of _Deseada_, to look out for Provisions, being very short again, and just to their Wish, Captain _Hingstone_'s ill Fortune brought him in their Way, richly laden for _Jamaica_; him they carried to _Berbudas_ and plundered; and stretching back again to the _West-Indies_, they continually met with some Consignment or other, (chiefly _French,)_ which stored them with Plenty of Provisions, and recruited their starving Condition; so that stocked with this sort of Ammunition, they began to think of something worthier their Aim, for these Robberies that only supplied what was in constant Expenditure, by no Means answered their Intentions; and accordingly they proceeded again for the Coast of _Guiney_, where they thought to buy Gold-Dust very cheap. In their Passage thither, they took Numbers of Ships of all Nations, some of which they burnt or sunk, as the Carriage or Characters of the Masters displeased them.

Notwithstanding the successful Adventures of this Crew, yet it was with great Difficulty they could be kept together, under any kind of Regulation; for being almost always mad or drunk, their Behaviour produced infinite Disorders, every Man being in his own Imagination a Captain, a Prince, or a King. When _Roberts_ saw there was no managing of such a Company of wild ungovernable Brutes, by gentle means, nor to keep them from drinking to excess, the Cause of all their Disturbances, he put on a rougher Deportment, and a more magesterial Carriage towards them, correcting whom he thought fit; and if any seemed to resent his Usage, he told them, _they might go ashore and take Satisfaction of him, if they thought fit, at Sword and Pistol, for he neither valu'd or fear'd any of them._

About 400 Leagues from the Coast of _Africa_, the Brigantine who had hitherto lived with them, in all amicable Correspondence, thought fit to take the Opportunity of a dark Night, and leave the Commadore, which leads me back to the Relation of an Accident that happened at one of the Islands of the _West-Indies_, where they water'd before they undertook this Voyage, which had like to have thrown their Government (such as it was) off the Hinges, and was partly the Occasion of the Separation: The Story is as follows.

Captain _Roberts_ having been insulted by one of the drunken Crew, (whose Name I have forgot,) he, in the Heat of his Passion killed the Fellow on the Spot, which was resented by a great many others, put particularly one _Jones_, a brisk active young Man, who died lately in the _Marshalsea_, and was his Mess-Mate. This _Jones_ was at that Time ashore a watering the Ship, but as soon as he came on Board, was told that Captain _Roberts_ had killed his Comrade; upon which he cursed _Roberts_, and said, he ought to be served so himself. _Roberts_ hearing _Jones_'s Invective, ran to him with a Sword, and ran him into the Body; who, notwithstanding his Wound, seized the Captain, threw him over a Gun, and beat him handsomely. This Adventure put the whole Company in an Uproar, and some taking Part with the Captain, and others against him, there had like to have ensued a general Battle with one another, like my Lord _Thomont_'s Cocks; however, the Tumult was at length appeas'd by the Mediation of the Quarter-Master; and as the Majority of the Company were of Opinion that the Dignity of the Captain, ought to be supported on Board; that it was a Post of Honour, and therefore the Person whom they thought fit to confer it on, should not be violated by any single Member; wherefore they sentenced _Jones_ to undergo two Lashes from every one of the Company, for his Misdemeanour, which was executed upon him as soon as he was well of his Wound.

This severe Punishment did not at all convince _Jones_ that he was in the wrong, but rather animated him to some sort of a Revenge; but not being able to do it upon _Roberts_'s Person, on Board the Ship, he and several of his Comrades, correspond with _Anstis_, Captain of the Brigantine, and conspire with him and some of the principal Pyrates on Board that Vessel, to go off from the Company. What made _Anstis_ a Malecontent, was, the Inferiority he stood in, with Respect to _Roberts_, who carried himself with a haughty and magisterial Air, to him and his Crew, he regarding the Brigantine only as a Tender, and, as such, left them no more than the Refuse of their Plunder. In short, _Jones_ and his Consort go on Board of Captain _Anstis_, on Pretence of a Visit, and there consulting with their Brethren, they find a Majority for leaving of _Roberts_, and so came to a Resolution to bid a soft Farewel, as they call it, that Night, and to throw over-board whosoever should stick out; but they proved to be unanimous, and effected their Design as above-mentioned.

I shall have no more to say of Captain _Anstis_, till the Story of _Roberts_ is concluded, therefore I return to him, in the pursuit of his Voyage to _Guiney._ The loss of the Brigantine was a sensible Shock to the Crew, she being an excellent Sailor, and had 70 Hands aboard; however, _Roberts_ who was the Occasion of it, put on a Face of Unconcern at this his ill Conduct and Mismanagement, and resolved not to alter his Purposes upon that Account.

_Roberts_ fell in to Windward nigh the _Senegal_, a River of great Trade for Gum, on this Part of the Coast, monopolized by the _French_, who constantly keep Cruisers, to hinder the interloping Trade: At this Time they had two small Ships on that Service, one of 10 Guns and 65 Men, and the other of 16 Guns and 75 Men; who having got a Sight of Mr. _Roberts_, and supposing him to be one of these prohibited Traders, chased with all the Sail they could make, to come up with him; but their Hopes which had brought them very nigh, too late deceived them, for on the hoisting of _Jolly Roger_, (the Name they give their black Flag,) their _French_ Hearts failed, and they both surrendred without any, or at least very little Resistance. With these Prizes they went into _Sierraleon_, and made one of them their Consort, by the Name of the _Ranger_, and the other a Store-Ship, to clean by.

_Sierraleon_ River disgorges with a large Mouth, the Starboard-Side of which, draughts into little Bays, safe and convenient for cleaning and watering; what still made it preferable to the Pyrates, is, that the Traders settled here, are naturally their Friends. There are about 30 _English_ Men in all, Men who in some Part of their Lives, have been either privateering, buccaneering, or pyrating, and still retain and love the Riots, and Humours, common to that sort of Life. They live very friendly with the Natives, and have many of them of both Sexes, to be their _Grometta_'s, or Servants: The Men are faithful, and the Women so obedient, that they are very ready to prostitute themselves to whomsoever their Masters shall command them. The Royal _African_ Company has a Fort on a small Island call'd _Bence_ Island, but 'tis of little Use, besides keeping their Slaves; the Distance making it incapable of giving any Molestation to their Starboard Shore. Here lives at this Place an old Fellow, who goes by the Name of _Crackers_, who was formerly a noted Buccaneer, and while he followed the Calling, robb'd and plundered many a Man; he keeps the best House in the Place, has two or three Guns before his Door, with which he Salutes his Friends, (the Pyrates, when they put in) and lives a jovial Life with him, all the while they are there.

Here follows a List, of the rest of those lawless Merchants, and their Servants, who carry on a private Trade with the Interlopers, to the great Prejudice of the Royal _African_ Company, who with extraordinary Industry and Expence, have made, and maintain, Settlements without any Consideration from those, who, without such Settlements and Forts, would soon be under an Incapacity of pursuing any such private Trade. Wherefore, 'tis to be hop'd, proper Means will be taken, to root out a pernicious set of People, who have all their Lives, supported themselves by the Labours of other Men.

Two of these Fellows enter'd with _Robert_'s Crew, and continued with them, till the Destruction of the Company.

_A List of the White-Men, now living on the high Land of_ Sierraleon, _and the Craft they occupy._

J_OHN Leadstone_, three Boats and Periagoe.

His Man _Tom_,

His Man _John Brown._

_Alexander Middleton_, one Long-Boat,

His Man _Charles Hawkins._

_John Pierce_, Partners, one Long-Boat.

_William Mead_, Partners, one Long-Boat.

Their Man _John Vernon._

_David Chatmers_, one Long-Boat.

_John Chatmers_, one Long-Boat.

_Richard Richardson_, one Long-Boat.

_Norton_, Partners, two Long-Boats, and two small Boats.

_Richard Warren_, Partners, two Long-Boats, and two small Boats.

_Roberts Glynn_, Partners, two Long-Boats, and two small Boats.

His Man _John Franks._

_William Waits_, and one young Man.

_John Bonnerman._

_John England_, one Long-Boat.

_Robert Samples_, one Long-Boat.

_William Presgrove_, one Sloop, two Long-Boats, a small Boat, and Periagoe.

_Harry_, one Sloop, two Long-Boats, a small Boat, and Periagoe.

_Davis_, one Sloop, two Long-Boats, a small Boat, and Periagoe.

_Mitchel_, one Sloop, two Long-Boats, a small Boat, and Periagoe.

_Richard Lamb_,

With _Roquis Rodrigus_, a _Portuguese._

_George Bishop._

_Peter Brown._

_John Jones_, one Long-Boat,

His _Irish_ young Man.

At _Rio Pungo, Benjamen Gun._

At _Kidham, George Yeats._

At _Gallyneas, Richard Lemmons._

* * *

The Harbour is so convenient for Wooding and Watering, that it occasions many of our trading Ships, especially those of _Bristol_, to call in there, with large Cargoes of Beer, Syder, and strong Liquors, which they Exchange with these private Traders, for Slaves and Teeth, purchased by them at the _Rio Nune_'s, and other Places to the Northward, so that here was what they call good Living.

Hither _Roberts_ came the End of _June_, 1721, and had Intelligence that the _Swallow_, and _Weymouth_, two Men of War, of 50 Guns each, had left that River about a Month before, and designed to return about _Christmas_; so that the Pyrates could indulge themselves with all the Satisfaction in the World, in that they knew they were not only secure whilst there, but that in going down the Coast, after the Men of War, they should always be able to get such Intelligence of their Rendezvous, as would serve to make their Expedition safe. So after six Weeks stay, the Ships being cleaned and fitted, and the Men weary of whoring and drinking, they bethought themselves of Business, and went to Sea the Beginning of _August_, taking their Progress down the whole Coast, as low as _Jaquin_, plundering every Ship they met, of what was valuable in her, and sometimes to be more mischieviously wicked, would throw what they did not want, overboard, accumulating Cruelty to Theft.

In this Range, they exchanged their old _French_ Ship, for a fine Frigate built Ship, call'd the _Onslow_, belonging to the Royal _African_ Company, Captain _Gee_ Commander, which happened to lye at _Sestos_, to get Water and Necessaries for the Company. A great many of Captain _Gee_'s Men were ashore, when _Robert_'s bore down, and so the Ship consequently surpriz'd into his Hands, tho' had they been all on Board, it was not likely the Case would have been otherwise, the Sailors, most of them, voluntarily joyning the Pyrates, and encouraging the same Disposition in the Soldiers, (who were going Passengers with them to _Cape-Corso-Castle_) whose Ears being constantly tickled with the Feats and Gallantry of those Fellows, made them fancy, that _to go_, was only being bound on a Voyage of Knight Errantry (to relieve the Distress'd, and gather up Fame) and so they likewise offer'd themselves; but here the Pyrates were at a Stand, they entertain'd so contemptible a Notion of Landmen, that they put 'em off with Refusals for some time, till at length, being weary'd with Solicitations, and pittying a Parcel of stout Fellows, which they said, were going to starve upon a little Canky and Plantane, they accepted of them, and allow'd them ¼ Share, as it was then term'd out of Charity.

There was a Clergyman on Board the _Onslow_, sent from _England_, to be Chaplain of _Cape-Corso-Castle_, some of the Pyrates were for keeping him, alledging merrily, that their Ship wanted a Chaplain; accordingly they offered him a Share, to take on with them, promising, he should do nothing for his Money, but make Punch, and say Prayers; yet, however brutish they might be in other Things, they bore so great a Respect to his Order, that they resolved not to force him against his Inclinations; and the Parson having no Relish for this sort of Life, excused himself from accepting the Honour they designed him; they were satisfied, and generous enough to deliver him back every Thing he owned to be his: The Parson laid hold of this favourable Disposition of the Pyrates, and laid Claim to several Things belonging to others, which were also given up, to his great Satisfaction; in fine, they kept nothing which belonged to the Church, except three Prayer-Books, and a Bottle-Screw.

The Pyrates kept the _Onslow_ for their own Use, and gave Captain _Gee_ the _French_ Ship, and then fell to making such Alterations as might fit her for a Sea-Rover, pulling down her Bulk-Heads, and making her flush, so that she became, in all Respects, as compleat a Ship for their Purpose, as any they could have found; they continued to her the Name of the _Royal Fortune_, and mounted her with 40 Guns.

She and the _Ranger_ proceeded (as I said before,) to _Jaquin_, and from thence to _Old Calabar_, where they arrived about _October_, in order to clean their Ships, a Place the most suitable along the whole Coast, for there is a Bar with not above 15 Foot Water upon it, and the Channel intricate, so that had the Men of War been sure of their being harbour'd here, they might still have bid Defiance to their Strength, for the Depth of Water at the Bar, as well as the want of a Pilot, was a sufficient Security to the Rovers, and invincible Impediments to them. Here therefore they sat easy, and divided the Fruits of their dishonest Instustry, _and drank and drove Care away._ The Pilot who brought them into this Harbour, was Captain _L--e_, who for this, and other Services, was extreamly well paid, according to the Journal of their own Accounts, which do not run in the ordinary and common way, of _Debtor, contra Creditor_, but much more concise, lumping it to their Friends, and so carrying the Debt in their Heads, against the next honest Trader they meet. They took at _Calabar_, Captain _Loane_, and two or three _Bristol_ Ships, the Particulars of all which would be an unnecessary Prolixity, therefore I come now to give an Account of the Usage they received from the Natives of this Place. The _Calabar_ Negroes did not prove so civil as they expected, for they refused to have any Commerce or Trade with them, when they understood they were Pyrates: An Indication that these poor Creatures, in the narrow Circumstances they were in, and without the Light of the Gospel, or the Advantage of an Education, have, notwithstanding, such a moral innate Honesty, as would upbraid and shame the most knowing Christian: But this did but exasperate these lawless Fellows, and so a Party of 40 Men were detach'd to force a Correspondence, or drive the Negroes to Extremities; and they accordingly landed under the Fire of their own Cannon. The Negroes drew up in a Body of 2000 Men, as if they intended to dispute the Matter with them, and staid till the Pyrates advanced within Pistol-shot; but finding the Loss of two or three, made no Impression on the rest, the Negroes thought fit to retreat, which they did, with some Loss: The Pyrates set Fire to the Town, and then return'd to their Ships. This terrified the Natives, and put an entire stop to all the Intercourse between them; so that they could get no Supplies, which obliged them, as soon as they had finished the cleaning and triming of their Ships, to lose no Time, but went for Cape _Lopez_, and watered, and at _Anna-Bona_ took aboard a Stock of fresh Provisions, and then sailed for the Coast again.

This was their last and fatal Expedition, which we shall be more particular in, because, it cannot be imagined that they could have had Assurance to have undertaken it, but upon a Presumption, that the Men of War, (whom they knew were upon the Coast,) were unable to attack them, or else pursuant to the Rumour that had indiscretionally obtained at _Sierraleon_, were gone thither again.

It is impossible at this Time, to think they could know of the weak and sickly Condition they were in, and therefore founded the Success of this second Attempt upon the Coast, on the latter Presumption, and this seems to be confirmed by their falling in with the Coast as low as Cape _Lahou_, (and even that was higher than they designed,) in the beginning of _January_, and took the Ship called the _King Solomon_, with 20 Men in their Boat, and a trading Vessel, both belonging to the Company. The Pyrate Ship happened to fall about a League to Leeward of the _King Solomon_, at Cape _Appollonia_, and the Current and Wind opposing their working up with the Ship, they agreed to send the Long-Boat, with a sufficient Number of Men to take her: The Pyrates are all Voluntiers on these Occasions, the Word being always given, _who will go?_ And presently the stanch and firm Men offer themselves; because, by such Readiness, they recommend their Courage, and have an Allowance also of a Shift of Cloaths, from Head to Foot, out of the Prize.

They rowed towards the _King Solomon_ with a great deal of Alacrity, and being hailed by the Commander of her, answered, _Defiance_; Captain _Trahern_, before this, observing a great Number of Men in the Boat, began not to like his Visitors, and prepared to receive them, firing a Musket as they come under his Stern, which they returned with a Volley, and made greater Speed to get on Board: Upon this, he applied to his Men, and ask'd them, whether they would stand by him, to defend the Ship, it being a Shame they should be taken by half their Number, without any Repulse? But his Boatswain, _Philips_, took upon him to be the Mouth of the People, and put an End to the Dispute; he said plainly, he would not, laid down his Arms in the King's Name, as he was pleased to term it, and called out to the Boat for Quarters, so that the rest, by his Example, were mislead to the losing of the Ship.

When they came on Board, they brought her under Sail, by an expeditious Method, of cutting the Cable; _Walden_, one of the Pyrates, telling the Master, this _yo hope_ of heaving up the Anchor was a needless trouble, when they designed to burn the Ship. They brought her under Commadore _Roberts_'s Stern, and not only rifled her of what Sails, Cordage, _&c._ they wanted for themselves, but wantonly throw'd the Goods of the Company overboard, like Spend-thrifts, that neither expected or designed any Account.

On the same Day also, they took the _Flushing_, a _Dutch_ Ship, robbed her of Masts, Yards and Stores, and then cut down her Fore-Mast; but what sat as heavily as any thing with the _Skipper_, was, their taking some fine Sausages he had on Board, of his Wife's making, and stringing them in a ludicrous Manner, round their Necks, till they had sufficiently shew'd their Contempt of them, and then threw them into the Sea. Others chopp'd the Heads of his Fowls off, to be dressed for their Supper, and courteously invited the Landlord, provided he would find Liquor. It was a melancholly Request to the Man, but it must be comply'd with, and he was obliged, as they grew drunk, to sit quietly, and hear them sing _French_ and _Spanish_ Songs out of his _Dutch_ Prayer-Books, with other Prophaness, that he (tho' a _Dutch_ Man) stood amazed at.

In chasing too near in, they alarmed the Coast, and Expresses were sent to the _English_ and _Dutch_ Factories, giving an Account of it: They were sensible of this Error immediately, and because they would make the best of a bad Market, resolved to keep out of sight of Land, and lose the Prizes they might expect between that and _Whydah_, to make the more sure of that Port, where commonly is the best Booty; all Nations trading thither, especially _Portuguese_, who purchase chiefly with Gold, the Idol their Hearts were bent upon. And notwithstanding this unlikely Course, they met and took several Ships between _Axim_ and that Place; the circumstantial Stories of which, and the pannick Terrors they struck into his Majesty's Subjects, being tedious and unnecessary to relate, I shall pass by, and come to their Arrival in that Road.

They came to _Whydah_ with a St. _George_'s Ensign, a black Silk Flag flying at their Mizen-Peek, and a Jack and Pendant of the same: The Flag had a Death in it, with an Hour-Glass in one Hand, and cross Bones in the other, a Dart by it, and underneath a Heart dropping three Drops of Blood.--The Jack had a Man pourtray'd in it, with a flaming Sword in his Hand, and standing on two Skulls, subscribed _A B H_ and _A M H i. e._ a _Barbadian_'s and a _Martinican_'s Head, as has been before taken Notice of. Here they found eleven Sail in the Road, _English, French_ and _Portuguese_; the _French_ were three stout Ships of 30 Guns, and upwards of 100 Men each, yet when _Roberts_ came to Fire, they, with the other Ships, immediately struck their Colours and surrendred to his Mercy. One Reason, it must be confess'd, of his easy Victory, was, the Commanders and a good Part of the Men being ashore, according to the Custom of the Place, to receive the Cargoes, and return the Slaves, they being obliged to watch the Seasons for it, which otherwise, in so dangerous a Sea as here, would be impracticable. These all, except the _Porcupine_, ransomed with him for eight Pound of Gold-Dust, a Ship, not without the trouble of some Letters passing and repassing from the Shore, before they could settle it; and notwithstanding the Agreement and Payment, they took away one of the _French_ Ships, tho' with a Promise to return her, if they found she did not sail well, taking with them several of her Men for that End.

Some of the Foreigners, who never had Dealing this Way before, desired for Satisfaction to their Owners, that they might have Receipts for their Money, which were accordingly given, a Copy of one of them, I have here subjoined, _viz._

* * *

T_HIS is to certify whom it may or doth concern, that we_ GENTLEMEN OF FORTUNE, _have received eight Pounds of Gold-Dust, for the Ransom of the_ Hardey, _Captain_ Dittwitt _Commander, so that we Discharge the said Ship_,

_Witness our Hands, this_ 13_th of_ Jan. 1721-2.

Batt. Roberts, Harry Glasby.

Others were given to the _Portuguese_ Captains, which were in the same Form, but being sign'd by two waggish Fellows, _viz. Sutton_, and _Sympson_, they subscribed by the Names of,

_Aaron Whifflingpin_, _Sim. Tugmutton._

But there was something so singularly cruel and barbarous done here to the _Porcupine_, Captain _Fletcher_, as must not be passed over without special Remark.

This Ship lay in the Road, almost slaved, when the Pyrates came in, and the Commander being on Shore, settling his Accounts, was sent to for the Ransom, but he excused it, as having no Orders from the Owners; though the true Reason might be, that he thought it dishonourable to treat with Robbers; and that the Ship, separate from the Slaves, towards whom he could mistrust no Cruelty, was not worth the Sum demanded; hereupon, _Roberts_ sends the Boat to transport the Negroes, in order to set her on Fire; but being in hast, and finding that unshackling them cost much Time and Labour, they actually set her on Fire, with eighty of those poor Wretches on Board, chained two and two together, under the miserable Choice of perishing by Fire or Water: Those who jumped overboard from the Flames, were seized by Sharks, a voracious Fish, in Plenty in this Road, and, in their Sight, tore Limb from Limb alive. A Cruelty unparalell'd! And for which had every Individual been hanged, few I imagine would think that Justice had been rigorous.

The Pyrates, indeed, were obliged to dispatch their Business here in hast, because they had intercepted a Letter from General _Phips_ to Mr. _Baldwin_, the Royal _African_ Company's Agent at _Whydah_, (giving an Account, that _Roberts_ had been seen to Windward of Cape _Three Points_,) that he might the better guard against the Damages to the Company's Ships, if he should arrive at that Road before the _Swallow_ Man of War, which he assured him, (at the Time of that Letter,) was pursuing them to that Place. _Roberts_ call'd up his Company, and desired they would hear _Phip_'s Speech, (for so he was pleased to call the Letter,) and notwithstanding their vapouring, perswaded them of the Necessity of moving; for, says he, such brave Fellows cannot be supposed to be frightned at this News, yet that it were better to avoid dry Blows, which is the best that can be expected, if overtaken.

This Advice weigh'd with them, and they got under Sail, having stay'd only from _Thursday_ to _Saturday_ Night, and at Sea voted for the Island of _Anna Bona_; but the Winds hanging out of the Way, crossed their Purpose, and brought them to Cape _Lopez_, where I shall leave them for their approaching Fate, and relate some further Particulars of his Majesty's Ship the _Swallow, viz._ where it was she had spent her Time, during the Mischief that was done, and by what Means unable to prevent it; what also was the Intelligence she received, and the Measures thereon formed, that at last brought two such Strangers as Mr _Roberts_ and Capt. _Ogle_, to meet in so remote a Corner of the World.

The _Swallow_ and _Weymouth_ left _Sierraleon, May_ 28, where, I have already taken Notice, _Roberts_ arrived about a Month after, and doubtless learn'd the Intent of their Voyage, and cleaning on the Coast; which made him set down with more Security to his Diversion, and furnish him with such Intimations, as made his first Range down the Coast in _August_ following, more prosperous; the _Swallow_ and _Weymouth_ being then at the Port of _Princes_ a cleaning.

Their Stay at _Princes_ was from _July_ 28 to _Sept._ 20, 1721, where, by a Fatality, common to the Irregularities of Seamen, (who cannot in such Cases be kept under due Restraints,) they buried 100 Men in three Weeks time, and reduced the Remainder of the Ships Companies into so sickly a State, that it was with Difficulty they brought them to sail; and this Misfortune was probably the Ruin of _Roberts_, for it prevented the Men of War's going back to _Sierraleon_, as it was intended, there being a Necessity of leaving his Majesty's Ship _Weymouth_ (in much the worse Condition of the two) under the Guns of Cape _Corso_, to impress Men, being unable at this Time, either to hand the Sails, or weigh her Anchor; and _Roberts_ being ignorant of the Occasion or Alteration of the first Design, fell into the Mouth of Danger, when he thought himself the farthest from it; for the Men of War not endeavouring to attain further to Windward (when they came from _Princes_) then to secure Cape _Corso_ Road under their Lee, they luckily hovered in the Track he had took.

The _Swallow_ and _Weymouth_ fell in with the Continent at Cape _Appollonia, Octo._ 20th, and there received the ungrateful News from one Captain _Bird_; a Notice that awaken'd and put them on their Guard; but they were far from expecting any Temerity should ever bring him a second Time on the Coast, while they were there; therefore the _Swallow_ having seen the _Weymouth_ into Cape _Corso_ Road _Nov._ 10th, she ply'd to Windward as far as _Bassam_, rather as an Airing to recover a sickly Ship's Company, and shew herself to the Trade, which was found every where undisturb'd, and were, for that Reason, returning to her Consort, when accidently meeting a _Portuguese_ Ship, she told her, that the Day before she saw two Ships Chace into _Junk_, an _English_ Vessel, which she believed must have fallen into their Hands. On this Story, the _Swallow_ clung her Wind, and endeavoured to gain that Place, but receiving soon after (_Octo._ the 14th) a contrary Report from Captain _Plummer_, an intelligent Man, in the _Jason_ of _Bristol_, who had come further to Windward, and neither saw or heard any Thing of this; she turned her Head down the second Time, anchored at Cape _Appollonia_ the 23d, at Cape _Tres Puntas_ the 27th, and in _Corso_ Road _January_ the 7th, 1721-2.

They learned that their Consort the _Weymouth_, was, by the Assistance of some Soldiers from the Castle, gone to Windward, to demand Restitution of some Goods or Men belonging to the _African_ Company, that were illegally detained by the _Dutch_ at _Des Minas_; and while they were regretting so long a Separation, an Express came to General _Phips_, from _Axim_, the 9th, and followed by another from _Dixcove_, (an _English_ Factory,) with Information that three Ships had chased and taken a Galley nigh _Axim_ Castle, and a trading Boat belonging to the Company: No doubt was made, concerning what they were, it being taken for granted they were Pyrates, and supposed to be the same that had the _August_ before infested the Coast. The natural Result therefore, from these two Advices, was, to hasten for _Whydah_; for it was conclued the Prizes they had taken, had informed them how nigh the _Swallow_ was, and withal, how much better in Health than she had been for some Months past; so that unless they were very mad indeed, they would (after being discovered) make the best of their Way for _Whydah_, and secure the Booty there, without which, their Time and Industry had been entirely lost; most of the Gold lying in that Corner.

The _Swallow_ weighed from _Cape-Corso, January_ the 10th, but was retarded by waiting some Hours on the _Margaret_, a Company's Ship, at _Accra_, again on the _Portugal_, and a whole Day at _Apong_, on a Person they used to stile _Miss Betty_: A Conduct that Mr. _Phips_ blamed, when he heard the Pyrates were miss'd at _Whydah_, altho' he had given it as his Opinion, they could not be passed by, and intimated, that to stay a few Hours would prove no Prejudice.

This, however, hinder'd the _Swallow_'s catching them at _Whydah_, for the Pyrates came into that Road, with a fresh Gale of Wind, the same Day the _Swallow_ was at _Apong_, and sail'd the 13th of _January_ from thence, that she arrived the 17th. She gained Notice of them by a _French_ Shallop from _Grand Papa_, the 14th at Night, and from _Little Papa_ next Morning by a _Dutch_ Ship; so that the Man of War was on all Sides, as she thought, sure of her Purchase, particularly when she made the Ships, and discovered three of them to get under Sail immediately at Sight of her, making Signals to one another, as tho' they designed a Defence; but they were found to be three _French_ Ships; and those at Anchor, _Portuguese_ and _English_, all honest Traders, who had been ransack'd and ransom'd.

This Disappointment chagreen'd the Ship's Company, who were very intent upon their Market; which was reported to be an Arm-Chest full of Gold, and kept with three Keys; tho' in all liklyhood, had they met with them in that open Road, one or both would have made their Escapes; or if they had thought sit to have fought, an Emulation in their Defence would probably have made it desperate.

While they were contemplating on the Matter, a Letter was received from Mr. _Baldwin_, (Governor here for the Company,) signifying, that the Pyrates were at _Jaquin_, seven Leagues lower. The _Swallow_ weighed at two next Morning, _January_ the 16th, and got to _Jaquin_ by Day-Light, but to no other End, than frightening the Crews of two _Portuguese_ Ships on Shore, who took her for the Pyrate that had struck such Terror at _Whydah_: She returned therefore that Night, and having been strengthened with thirty Voluntiers, _English_ and _French_, the discarded Crews of the _Porcupine_, and the _French_ Ship they had carried from hence, she put to Sea again _January_ the 19th, conjecturing, that either _Calabar, Princes_, the River _Gabone_, Cape _Lopez_, or _Annabona_, must be touched at for Water and Refreshment, tho' they should resolve to leave the Coast. As to the former of those Places, I have before observed, it was hazardous to think of, or rather impracticable; _Princes_ had been a sower Grape to them, but being the first in the Way, she came before the Harbour the 29th, where learning no News, without loosing Time, steered for the River _Gabone_, and anchored at the Mouth of it _February_ the 1st.

This River is navigable by two Channels, and has an Island about five Leagues up, called _Popaguays_ or _Parrots_, where the _Dutch_ Cruisers, for this Coast, generally Clean, and where sometimes Pyrates come in to look for Prey, or to Refit, it being very convenient, by Reason of a soft Mud about it, that admits a Ship's lying on Shore, with all her Guns and Stores in, without Damage. Hither Captain _Ogle_ sent his Boat and a Lieutenant, who spoke with a _Dutch_ Ship, above the Island, from whom he had this Account, _viz._ That he had been four Days from Cape _Lopez_, and had left no Ship there. However, they beat up for the Cape, without regard to this Story, and on the 5th, at Dawning, was surprized with the Noise of a Gun, which, as the Day brightened, they found was from Cape _Lopez_ Bay, where they discovered three Ships at Anchor, the largest with the King's Colours and Pendant flying, which was soon after concluded to be Mr. _Roberts_ and his Consorts; but the _Swallow_ being to Windward, and unexpectedly deep in the Bay, was obliged to Steer off, for avoiding a Sand, called the _French Man_'s _Bank_, which the Pyrates observed for some Time, and rashly interpreting it to be Fear in her, righted the _French Ranger_, which was then on the Heel, and ordered her to chase out in all hast, bending several of their Sails in the Pursuit. The Man of War finding they had foolishly mistaken her Design, humoured the Deceit, and kept off to Sea, as if she had been really afraid, and managed her Steerage so, under the Direction of Lieutenant _Sun_, an experienced Officer, as to let the _Ranger_ come up with her, when they thought they had got so far as not to have their Guns heard by her Consort at the Cape. The Pyrates had such an Opinion of their own Courage, that they could never dream any Body would use a Stratagem to speak with them, and so was the more easily drawn into the Snare.

The Pyrates now drew nigh enough to fire their Chase Guns; they hoisted the black Flag that was worn in _Whydah_ Road, and got their Spritsail Yard along-ships, with Intent to board; no one having ever asked, all this while, what Country Ship they took the Chase to be; they would have her to be a _Portuguese_, (Sugar being then a Commodity among them,) and were swearing every Minute at the Wind or Sails to expedite so sweet a Chase; but, alass, all turned sour in an Instant: It was with the utmost Consternation they saw her suddenly bring to, and hawl up her lower Ports, now within Pistol-shot, and struck their black Flag upon it directly. After the first Surprize was over, they kept firing at a Distance, hoisted it again, and vapoured with their Cutlashes on the Poop; tho' wisely endeavouring at the same Time to get away. Being now at their Wits end, boarding was proposed by the Heads of them, and so to make one desperate Push; but the Motion not being well seconded, and their Main-Top-Mast coming down by a Shot, after two Hours firing, it was declin'd; they grew Sick, struck their Colours, and called out for Quarters; having had 10 Men killed out right, and 20 wounded, without the loss or hurt of one of the King's Men. She had 32 Guns, mann'd with 16 _French_ Men, 20 Negroes, and 77 _English._ The Colours were thrown over board, that they might not rise in Judgment, nor be display'd in Tryumph over them.

While the _Swallow_ was sending their Boat to fetch the Prisoners, a Blast and Smoak was seen to pour out of the great Cabin, and they thought they were blowing up; but upon enquiry afterwards, found that half a dozen of the most Desperate, when they saw all Hopes fled, had drawn themselves round what Powder they had left in the Steerage, and fired a Pistol into it, but it was too small a Quantity to effect any Thing more, than burning them in a frightful Manner.

This Ship was commanded by one _Skyrme_, a _Welch_ Man, who, tho' he had lost his Leg in the Action, would not suffer himself to be dressed, or carried off the Deck; but, like _Widrington_, fought upon his Stump. The rest appeared gay and brisk, most of them with white Shirts, Watches, and a deal of Silk Vests, but the Gold-Dust belonging to them, was most of it left in the _Little Ranger_ in the Bay, (this Company's proper Ship,) with the _Royal Fortune._

I cannot but take Notice of two among the Crowd, of those disfigured from the Blast of Powder just before mentioned, _viz. William Main_ and _Roger Ball._ An Officer of the Ship seeing a Silver Call hang at the Wast of the former, said to him, _I presume you are Boatswain of this Ship. Then you presume wrong_, answered he, _for I am Boatswain of the_ Royal Fortune, _Captain_ Roberts _Commander. Then Mr._ Boatswain _you will be hanged I believe_, replies the Officer. _That is as your Honour pleases_, answered he again, and was for turning away: But the Officer desired to know of him, how the Powder, which had made them in that Condition, came to take Fire.--_By G_-- says he, _they are all mad and bewitch'd, for I have lost a good Hat by it._ (the Hat and he being both blown out of the Cabin Gallery, into the Sea.) _But what signifies a Hat Friend_, says the Officer.-_Not much_ answer'd he, the Men being busy in stripping him of his Shoes and Stockings.--The Officer then enquired of him, whether _Roberts_'s Company were as likely Fellows as these.-- _There are_ 120 _of them_, (answered he) _as clever Fellows as ever trod Shoe Leather: Would I were with them!--No doubt on't_, says the Officer.--_By G-- it is naked Truth_, answered he, looking down and seeing himself, by this Time, quite striped.

The Officer then approached _Roger Ball_, who was seated in a private Corner, with a Look as sullen as Winter, and asked him, how he came blown up in that frightful Manner.--_Why_, says he, John Morris _fired a Pistol into the Powder, and if he had not done it, I would_, (bearing his Pain without the least Complaint.) The Officer gave him to understand he was Surgeon, and if he desired it, he would dress him; but he swore it should not be done, and that if any Thing was applied to him, he would tear it off.--Nevertheless the Surgeon had good Nature enough to dress him, tho' with much trouble: At Night he was in a kind of _Delirium_, and raved on the Bravery of _Roberts_, saying, he should shortly be released, as soon as they should meet him, which procured him a lashing down upon the Forecastle, which he resisting with all his Force, caused him to be used with the more Violence, so that he was tied down with so much Severity, that his Flesh being sore and tender with the blowing up, he died next Day of a Mortification.

They secured the Prisoners with Pinions, and Shackles, but the Ship was so much disabled in the Engagement, that they had once Thoughts to set her on Fire; but this would have given them the Trouble of taking the Pyrates wounded Men on Board themselves, and that they were certain the _Royal Fortune_ would wait for their Consort's Return, they lay by her two Days, repaired her Rigging and other Damages, and sent her into _Princes_, with the _French_ Men, and four of their own Hands.

On the 9th in the Evening, the _Swallow_ gained the Cape again, and saw the _Royal Fortune_ standing into the Bay with the _Neptune_, Captain _Hill_, of _London_: A good Presage of the next Day's Success, for they did not doubt but the Temptation of Liquor, and Plunder, they might find in this their new Prize, would make the Pyrates very confused; and so it happened.

On the 10th, in the Morning, the Man of War bore away to round the Cape. _Roberts_'s Crew discerning their Masts over the Land, went down into the Cabin, to acquaint him of it, he being then at Breakfast with his new Guest, Captain _Hill_, on a savory Dish of Solomongundy, and some of his own Beer. He took no Notice of it, and his Men almost as little, some saying she was a _Portuguese_ Ship, others a _French_ Slave Ship, but the major Part swore it was the _French Ranger_ returning, and were merrily debating for some Time, on the Manner of Reception, whether they should salute, or not; but as the _Swallow_ approached nigher, Things appeared plainer, and though they were stigmatiz'd with the Name of Cowards, who shewed any Apprehension of Danger, yet some of them, now undeceived, declared it to _Roberts_, especially one _Armstrong_, who had deserted from that Ship, and knew her well: Those _Roberts_ swore at as Cowards, who meant to dishearten the Men, asking them if it were so, whether they were afraid to fight, or no? And hardly refrained from Blows. What his own Apprehensions were, till she hawled up her Ports, and hoisted their proper Colours, is uncertain; but then being perfectly convinced, he slipped his Cable, got under Sail, and ordered his Men to Arms, without any shew of Timidity, dropping a first Rate Oath, _that it was a Bite_, but, at the same Time, resolved, like a gallant Rogue, to get clear, or die.

There was one _Armstrong_, as I just mention'd, a Deserter from the _Swallow_, whom they enquired of concerning the Trim and Sailing of that Ship; he told them she sail'd best upon a Wind, and therefore, if they designed to leave her, they should go before it.

The Danger was imminent, and Time very short, to consult of Means to extricate himself; his Resolution in this Streight, was as follows: To pass close to the _Swallow_, with all their Sails, and receive her Broadside, before they returned a Shot; if disabled by this, or that they could not depend on sailing, then to run on Shore at the Point, (which is steep to) and every one to shift for himself among the Negroes; or failing in these, to board, and blow up together, for he saw that the greatest Part of his Men were drunk, passively Couragious, unfit for Service.

_Roberts_ himself made a gallant Figure, at the Time of the Engagement, being dressed in a rich crimson Damask Wastcoat and Breeches, a red Feather in his Hat, a Gold Chain round his Neck, with a Diamond Cross hanging to it, a Sword in his Hand, and two Pair of Pistols hanging at the End of a Silk Sling, flung over his Shoulders (according to the Fashion of the Pyrates;) and is said to have given his Orders with Boldness, and Spirit; coming, according to what he had purposed, close to the Man of War, received her Fire, and then hoisted his Black Flag, and returned it, shooting away from her, with all the Sail he could pack; and had he took _Armstrong_'s Advice, to have gone before the Wind, he had probably escaped; but keeping his Tacks down, either by the Winds shifting, or ill Steerage, or both, he was taken a-back with his Sails, and the _Swallow_ came a second Time very nigh to him: He had now perhaps finished the Fight very desperately, if Death, who took a swift Passage in a Grape-Shot, had not interposed, and struck him directly on the Throat. He settled himself on the Tackles of a Gun, which one _Stephenson_, from the Helm, observing, ran to his Assistance, and not perceiving him wounded, swore at him, and bid him stand up, and fight like a Man; but when he found his Mistake, and that his Captain was certainly dead, he gushed into Tears, and wished the next Shot might be his Lot. They presently threw him over-board, with his Arms and Ornaments on, according to the repeated Request he made in his Life-time.

_Roberts_ was a tall black Man, near forty Years of Age, born at _Newey-bagh_, nigh _Haverford-West_, in _Pembrokshire_, of good natural Parts, and personal Bravery, tho' he applied them to such wicked Purposes, as made them of no Commendation, frequently drinking _D--n to him who ever lived to wear a Halter._ He was forc'd himself at first among this Company out of the _Prince_, Captain _Plumb_ at _Anamaboe_, about three Years before, where he served as second Mate, and shed, as he us'd to tell the _fresh Men_, as many Crocodile Tears then as they did now, but Time and good Company had wore it off. He could not plead Want of Employment, nor Incapacity of getting his Bread in an honest way, to favour so vile a Change, nor was he so much a Coward as to pretend it; but frankly own'd, it was to get rid of the disagreeable Superiority of some Masters he was acquainted with, and the Love of Novelty and Change, Maritime Peregrinations had accustom'd him to. _In an honest Service_, says he, _there is thin Commons, low Wages, and hard Labour; in this, Plenty and Satiety, Pleasure and Ease, Liberty and Power; and who would not ballance Creditor on this Side, when all the Hazard that is run for it, at worst, is only a sour Look or two at choaking. No_, A merry Life and a short one, _shall be my Motto._ Thus he preach'd himself into an Approbation of what he at first abhorr'd; and being daily regal'd with Musick, Drinking, and the Gaiety and Diversions of his Companions, these deprav'd Propensities were quickly edg'd and strengthen'd, to the extinguishing of Fear and Conscience. Yet among all the vile and ignominious Acts he had perpetrated, he is said to have had an Aversion towards forcing Men into that Service, and had procured some their Discharge, notwithstanding so many made it their Plea.

When _Roberts_ was gone, as tho' he had been the Life and Soul of the Gang, their Spirits sunk; many deserted their Quarters, and all stupidly neglected any Means for Defence, or Escape; and their Main-mast soon after being shot by the Board, they had no Way left, but to surrender and call for Quarters. The _Swallow_ kept aloof, while her Boat passed, and repassed for the Prisoners; because they understood they were under an Oath to blow up; and some of the Desperadoes shewed a Willingness that Way, Matches being lighted, and Scuffles happening between those who would, and those who opposed it: But I cannot easily account for this Humour, which can be term'd no more than a false Courage, since any of them had Power to destroy his own Life, either by Pistol, or Drowning, without involving others in the same Fate, who are in no Temper of Mind for it: And at best, it had been only dying, for fear of Death.

She had 40 Guns, and 157 Men, 45 whereof were Negroes; three only were killed in the Action, without any Loss to the _Swallow._ There was found upwards of 2000 _l._ in Gold-Dust in her. The Flag could not be got easily from under the fallen Mast, and was therefore recover'd by the _Swallow_; it had the Figure of a Skeleton in it, and a Man pourtray'd with a flaming Sword in his Hand, intimating a Defyance of Death it self.

The _Swallow_ returned back into Cape _Lopez_ Bay, and found the little _Ranger_, whom the Pyrates had deserted in hast, for the better Defence of the Ship: She had been plunder'd, according to what I could learn, of 2000 l. in Gold-Dust, (the Shares of those Pyrates who belonged to her;) and Captain _Hill_, in the _Neptune_, not unjustly suspected, for he would not wait the Man of War's returning into the Bay again, but sail'd away immediately, making no Scruple afterwards to own the Seizure of other Goods out of her, and surrender'd, as a Confirmation of all, 50 Ounces at _Barbadoes_, for which, see the Article at the End of this Book.

_All Persons who after the_ 29_th of_ Septem. 1690, &c.

To sum up the whole, if it be considered, first, that the sickly State of the Men of War, when they sail'd from _Princes_, was the Misfortune that hindered their being as far as _Sierraleon_, and consequently out of the Track the Pyrates then took. That those Pyrates, directly contrary to their Design, in the second Expedition, should get above Cape _Corso_, and that nigh _Axim_, a Chace should offer, that inevitably must discover them, and be soon communicated to the Men of War. That the satiating their evil and malicious Tempers at _Whydah_, in burning the _Porcupine_, and running off with the _French_ Ship, had strengthened the _Swallow_ with 30 Men. That the _Swallow_ should miss them in that Road, where probably she had not, or at least so effectually obtained her End. That they should be so far infatuated at Cape _Lopez_, as to divide their Strength, which when collected, might have been so formidable. And lastly, that the Conquest should be without Bloodshed: I say, considering all these Circumstances, it shews that the Hand of Providence was concerned in their Destruction. As to their Behaviour after they were taken, it was found that they had great Inclinations to rebel, if they could have laid hold of any Opportunity. For they were very uneasy under Restraint, having been lately all Commanders themselves; nor could they brook their Diet, or Quarters, without cursing and swearing, and upbraiding each other, with the Folly that had brought them to it.

So that to secure themselves against any mad desperate Undertaking of theirs, they strongly barricado'd the Gun-Room, and made another Prison before it; an Officer, with Pistols and Cutlashes, doing Duty, Night and Day, and the Prisoners within, manacled and shackled.

They would yet in these Circumstances be impudently merry, saying, when they viewed their Nakedness, _that they had not left them a halfpenny, to give old_ Charon, _to ferry them over_ Stix: And at their thin Commons, they would observe, that they fell away so fast, that they should not have Weight left to hang them. _Sutton_ used to be very prophane; he happening to be in the same Irons with another Prisoner, who was more serious than ordinary, and read and pray'd often, as became his Condition; this Man _Sutton_ used to swear at, and ask him, _what he proposed by so much Noise and Devotion? Heaven_, says the other, _I hope. Heaven, you Fool_, says _Sutton, did you ever hear of any Pyrates going thither? Give me H--ll, it's a merrier Place; I'll give_ Roberts _a Salute of_ 13 _Guns at Entrance._ And when he found such ludicrous Expressions had no Effect on him, he made a formal Complaint, and requested that the Officer would either remove this Man, or take his Prayer-Book away, as a common Disturber.

A Combination and Conspiracy was formed, betwixt _Moody, Ashplant, Magnes, Mare_, and others, to rise, and kill the Officers, and run away with the Ship. This they had carried on by Means of a Mulatto Boy, who was allow'd to attend them, and proved very trusty in his Messages, between the Principals; but the Evening of that Night they were to have made this Struggle, two of the Prisoners that sat next to _Ashplant_, heard the Boy whisper them upon the Project, and naming to him the Hour they should be ready, presently gave Notice of it to the Captain, which put the Ship in an Alarm, for a little Time; and, on Examination, several of them had made shift to break off, or lose, their Shackles, (no doubt for such Purpose;) but it tended only to procure to themselves worse Usage and Confinement.

In the same Passage to Cape _Corso_, the Prize, _Royal Fortune_, was in the same Danger. She was left at the Island of St. _Thomas_'s, in the Possession of an Officer, and a few Men, to take in some fresh Provisions, (which were scarce at Cape _Corso_) with Orders to follow the Ship. There were only some of the Pyrates Negroes, three or four wounded Prisoners, and _Scudamore_, their Surgeon; from whom they seemed to be under no Apprehension, especially from the last, who might have hoped for Favour, on Account of his Employ; and had stood so much indebted for his Liberty, eating and drinking constantly with the Officer; yet this Fellow, regardless of the Favour, and lost to all Sense of Reformation, endeavoured to bring over the Negroes to his Design of murdering the People, and running away with the Ship. He easily prevailed with the Negroes to come into the Design; but when he came to communicate it to his Fellow Prisoners, and would have drawn them into the same Measures, by telling them, he understood Navigation, that the Negroes were stout Fellows, and by a Smattering he had in the _Angolan_ Language, he had found willing to undertake such an Enterprize; and that it was better venturing to do this, run down the Coast, and raise a new Company, than to proceed to Cape _Corso_, and be hanged like a Dog, and Sun dry'd. One of them abhorring the Cruelty, or fearing the Success, discovered it to the Officer, who made him immediately a Prisoner, and brought the Ship safe.

When they came to be lodg'd in Cape _Corso-Castle_, their Hopes of this kind all cut off, and that they were assured they must there soon receive a final Sentence; the Note was changed among most of them, and from vain insolent jesting, they became serious and devout, begging for good Books, and joyning in publick Prayers, and singing of Psalms, twice at least every Day.

As to their Tryals, if we should give them at length, it may appear tedious to the Reader, for which Reason, I have, for the avoiding Tautology and Repetition, put as many of them together as were try'd for the same Fact, reserving the Circumstances which are most material, with Observations on the dying Behaviour of such of them, as came to my Knowledge.

And first, it may be observed from the List, that a great Part of these Pyrate Ships Crews, were Men entered on the Coast of _Africa_, not many Months before they were taken; from whence, it may be concluded, that the pretended Constraint of _Roberts_, on them, was very often a Complotment between Parties equally willing: And this _Roberts_ several Times openly declared, particularly to the _Onslow_'s People, whom he called aft, and ask'd of them, _who was willing to go, for he would force no Body?_ As was deposed, by some of his best Hands, after Acquittal; nor is it reasonable to think, he should reject _Irish_ Voluntiers, only from a Pique against _Kennedy_, and force others, that might hazard, and, in Time, destroy his Government: But their Behaviour soon put him out of this Fear, and convinc'd him, that the Plea of Force was only the best Artifice they had to shelter themselves under, in Case they should be taken; and that they were less Rogues than others, only in Point of Time.

It may likewise be taken Notice of, that the Country, wherein they happened to be tried, is among other Happinesses, exempted from Lawyers, and Law-Books, so that the Office of Register, of necessity fell on one, not versed in those Affairs, which might justify the Court in want of Form, more essentially supply'd with Integrity and Impartiality.

But, perhaps, if there was less Law, there might be more Justice, than in some other Courts; for, if the civil Law be a Law of universal Reason, judging of the Rectitude, or Obliquity of Mens Actions, every Man of common Sense is endued with a Portion of it, at least sufficient to make him distinguish Right from Wrong, or what the Civilians call, _Malum in se._

Therefore, here, if two Persons were equally Guilty of the same Fact, there was no convicting one, and bringing the other off, by any Quirk, or turn of Law; for they form'd their Judgments upon the Constraint, or Willingness, the Aim, and Intention of the Parties, and all other Circumstances, which make a material Difference. Besides, in Crimes of this Nature, Men bred up to the Sea, must be more knowing, and much abler, than others more learned in the Law; for, before a Man can have a right Idea of a Thing, he must know the Terms standing for that Thing: The Sea-Terms being a Language by it self, which no Lawyer can be supposed to understand, he must of Consequence want that discriminating Faculty, which should direct him to judge right of the Facts meant by those Terms.

The Court well knew, it was not possible to get the Evidence of every Sufferer by this Crew, and therefore, first of all, considered how that Deficiency should be supplied; whether, or no, they could pardon one _Jo. Dennis_, who had early offered himself, as King's Evidence, and was the best read in their Lives and Conversations: Here indeed, they were at a Loss for Law, and concluded in the Negative, because it look'd like compounding with a Man to swear falsly, losing by it, those great Helps he could have afforded.

Another great Difficulty in their Proceedings, was, how to understand those Words in the Act of Parliament, of, _particularly specifying in the Charge, the Circumstances of Time, Place_, &c. _i. e._ so to understand them, as to be able to hold a Court; for if they had been indicted on particular Robberies, the Evidence had happened mostly from the Royal _African_ Company's Ships, on which these Gentlemen of _Cape-Corso-Castle_, were not qualify'd to sit, their Oath running, _That they have no Interest directly, or indirectly, in the Ship, or Goods, for the Robbery of which, the Party stands accused_: And this they thought they had, Commissions being paid them, on such Goods: And on the other Side, if they were incapacitated, no Court could be formed, the Commission absolutely requiring three of them by Name.

To reconcile all Things, therefore, the Court resolved, to bottom the whole of their Proceedings on the _Swallow's_ Depositions, which were clear and plain, and had the Circumstance of Time when, Place where, Manner how, and the like, particularly specified according to the Statute in that Case made, and provided. But this admitted only a general Intimation of Robbery in the Indictment, therefore _to approve their Clemency_, it looking Arbitrary on the Lives of Men, to lump them to the Gallows, in such a summary Way as must have been done, had they solely adhered to the _Swallow_'s Charge, they resolved to come to particular Tryals.

Secondly, _That the Prisoners might not be ignorant whereon to answer_, and so have all fair Advantages, to excuse and defend themselves; the Court farther agreed with Justice and Equanimity, to hear any Evidence that could be brought, to weaken or corroborate the three Circumstances that compleat a Pyrate; first, being a Voluntier amongst them at the Beginning; secondly, being a Voluntier at the taking or robbing of any Ship; or lastly, voluntarily accepting a Share in the Booty of those that did; for by a Parity of Reason, where these Actions were of their own disposing, and yet committed by them, it must be believed their Hearts and Hands joyned together, in what they acted against his Majesty's Ship the _Swallow._

_The_ TRYALS _of the_ PYRATES,

_Taken by his Majesty's Ship the_ Swallow, _begun at Cape_ Corso-Castle, _on the Coast of_ Africa, March _the_ 28_th_, 1722.

THE Commission impowered any three named therein, to call to their Assistance, such a Number of qualified Persons as might make the Court always consist of seven: And accordingly Summons were signed to Lieut. _Jo. Barnsley_, Lieut. _Ch. Fanshaw_, Capt. _Samuel Hartsease_, and Capt. _William Menzies, viz._

BY Virtue of a Power and Authority, to us given, by a Commission from the King, under the Seal of Admiralty, You are hereby required to attend, and make one of the Court, for the trying and adjudging of the Pyrates, lately taken on this Coast, by his Majesty's Ship the _Swallow._

Given under our Hands this 28th of _March_, 1722, at Cape _Carso-Castle._

_Mungo Heardman_, _James Phips_, _Henry Dodson_, _Francis Boy_, _Edward Hide._

The Commissioners being met in the Hall of the Castle, the Commission was first read, after which, the President, and then the other Members, took the Oath, prescribed in the Act of Parliament, and having directed the Form of that for Witnesses, as follows, the Court was opened.

I, A. B. _solemnly promise and swear on the Holy Evangelists, to bear true and faithful Witness between the King and Prisoner, or Prisoners, in Relation to the Fact, or Facts, of Pyracy and Robbery, he or they do now stand accused of._ So help me God.

The Court consisted of Captain _Mungo Heardman_, President. James Phips, _Esq; General of the Coast_, _Mr._ H. Dodson, _Mer._ _Mr._ F. Boye, _Mer._ _Mr._ Edward Hyde, _Secretary to the Company._ _Lieut._ John Barnsley, _Lieut._ Ch. Fanshaw.

The following Prisoners, out of the Pyrate Ship _Ranger_, having been commanded before them, the Charge, or Indictment, was exhibited.

Prisoners taken in the _Ranger_.

Mens Names. Ships from Time when. * James Skyrm Greyhound Sloop Oct. 1720 * Rich. Hardy Pyrate with Davis 1718 * Wm. Main Brigantine Capt. Peet June 1720 * Henry Dennis } 1718 * Val. Ashplant } Pyrates with Capt. Davis 1719 * Rob. Birdson } 1719

* Rich. Harris } Phoenix of Bristol, Capt. } * D. Littlejohn } Richards } June 1720 * Thomas How at Newfoundland } + Her. Hunkins Success Sloop * Hugh Harris Willing Mind } * W. Mackintosh } Thomas Wills Richard of Biddiford } July 1720 + John Wilden Mary and Martha } * Ja. Greenham Little York, Phillips Mr. } * John Jaynson Love of Lancaster } + Chri. Lang Thomas Brigantine Sept. 1720 * John Mitchel } Norman Galley Oct. 1720 T. Withstandenot }

Peter la Fever } Jeremiah and Ann Ap. 1720 * Wm. Shurin }

* Wm. Wats } Sierraleon }of Mr. Glin } July 1721 * Wm. Davis } }of Seig. Josseé }

+ James Barrow } Martha Snow Capt Lady * Joshua Lee }

Rob. Hartley (1) } Robinson of Leverpole Capt. Aug. 1721 + James Crane } Kanning

George Smithson } } Roger Pye } } + Rob. Fletcher } Stanwich Galley Captain } Aug. 1721 * Ro. Hartley (2) } Tarlton } + Andrew Rance A Dutch Ship }

* Cuthbert Goss } } * Tho. Giles } Mercy Galley of Bristol } Oct. 1721 * Israel Hynde } at Callibar }

William Church Gertruycht of Holland } Philip Haak Flushingham of ditto } William Smith } Elizabeth Capt. Sharp } Adam Comry } } } William Graves } } * Peter de Vine } King Solomon Capt. Trehern } John Johnson } off Cape Appollonia } John Stodgill } } } Henry Dawson } Whydah Sloop at Jaquin } William Glass } } Jan. 172½ } Josiah Robinson } } John Arnaught } } John Davis } } + Henry Graves } Tarlton Capt. Tho. Tarlton, } Tho. Howard } } + John Rimer } } Thomas Clephen } } Wm. Guineys Porcupine Capt. Fletcher } + James Cosins } Tho. Stretton } * William Petty } Mic. Lemmon } Onslow Capt. Gee at Cestos Jan. 172½ * Wm. Wood } * Ed. Watts } * John Horn } Pierre Ravon Peter Grossey } John Dugan Rence Frogier } James Ardeon Lewis Arnaut } From the Ettrien Gilliot Rence Thoby } French Ship Ren. Marraud Meth Roulac } in Whydah John Gittin John Gumar } Road Feb. Jo. Richardeau John Paquete } 1721-2. John Lavogue Allan Pigan } John Duplaissey Pierce Shillot }

You, _James Skyrm, Michael Lemmon, Robert Hartley_, &c.

Y_E, and every one of you, are in the Name, and by the Authority, of our dread Sovereign Lord_, George, _King of_ Great Britain, _indicted as follows_;

_Forasmuch as in open Contempt of the Laws of your Country, ye have all of you been wickedly united, and articled together, for the Annoyance and Disturbance of his Majesty's trading Subjects by Sea. And have in Conformity to the most evil and mischievous Intentions, been twice down the Coast of_ Africa, _with two Ships; once in the Beginning of_ August, _and a second Time, in_ January _last, sinking, burning, or robbing such Ships, and Vessels, as then happened in your Way._

_Particularly, ye stand charged at the Instance, and Information of Captain_ Chaloner Ogle, _as Traytors and Pyrates, for the unlawful Opposition ye made to his Majesty's Ship, the_ Swallow, _under his Command._

_For that on the_ 5_th of_ February _last past, upon Sight of the aforesaid King's Ship, ye did immediately weigh Anchor from under Cape_ Lopez, _on the Southern Coast of_ Africa, _in a_ French _built Ship of_ 32 _Guns, called the_ Ranger, _and did pursue and chase the aforesaid King's Ship, with such Dispatch and Precipitancy, as declared ye common Robbers and Pyrates._

_That about Ten of the Clock the same Morning, drawing within Gun-shot of his Majesty's aforesaid Ship the_ Swallow, _ye hoisted a pyratical black Flag, and fired several chace Guns, to deter, as much as ye were able, his Majesty's Servants from their Duty._

_That an Hour after this, being very nigh to the aforesaid King's Ship, ye did audaciously continue in a hostile Defence and Assault, for about two Hours more, in open Violation of the Laws, and in Defiance to the King's Colours and Commission._

_And lastly, that in the acting, and compassing of all this, ye were all, and every one of you, in a wicked Combination, voluntarily to exert, and actually did, in your several Stations, use your utmost Endeavours to distress the said King's Ship, and murder his Majesty's good Subjects._

To which they severally pleaded, _Not Guilty._

* * *

Then the Court called for the Officers of the _Swallow_, Mr. _Isaac Sun_, Lieutenant, _Ralph Baldrick_, Boatswain, _Daniel Maclauglin_, Mate, desiring them to view the Prisoners, whether they knew them? And to give an Account in what Manner they had attack'd and fought the King's Ship; and they agreed as follows.

That they had viewed all the Prisoners, as they stood now before the Court, and were assured they were the same taken out of one, or other, of the Pyrate Ships, _Royal Fortune_, or _Ranger_; but verily believe them to be taken out of the _Ranger._

That they did in the King's Ship, at break of Day, on _Monday_, the 5th of _February_, 1721-2, discover three Ships at Anchor, under Cape _Lopez_, on the Southern Coast of _Africa_; the Cape bearing then W. S. W. about three Leagues, and perceiving one of them to have a Pendant flying, and having heard their Morning-Gun before, they immediately suspected them to be _Roberts_ the Pyrate, his consort, and a _French_ Ship, they knew had been lately carried out of _Whydah_ Road.

The King's Ship was obliged to hawl off N. W. and W. N. W. to avoid a Sand, called, the _French Man's Bank_, the Wind then at S. S. E. and found in half an Hour's time, one of the three had got under Sail from the Careen, and was bending her Sails, in a Chace towards them. To encourage this Rashness and Precipitancy, they kept away before the Wind, (as though afraid,) but with their Tacks on Board, their Main-Yard braced, and making, at the same Time, very bad Steerage.

About half an Hour after Ten, in the Morning, the Pyrate Ship came within Gun-shot, and fired four Chace Guns, hoisted a black Flag at the Mizen-Peek, and got their Sprit-sail Yard under their Bowsprit, for boarding. In half an Hour more, approaching still nigher, they Starboarded their Helm, and gave her a Broadside, the Pyrate bringing to, and returning the same.

After this, the Deponents say, their Fire grew slack for some Time, because the Pyrate was shot so far a Head on the Weather-Bow, that few of their Guns could Point to her; yet in this Interval their black Flag was either Shot away, or hawled down a little Space, and hoisted again.

At length, by their ill Steerage, and Favour of the Wind, they came near, a second Time; and about Two in the Afternoon shot away their Main-topmast.

The Colours they fought under, besides a black Flag, were a red _English_ Ensign, a King's Jack, and a _Dutch_ Pendant, which they struck at, or about, Three in the Afternoon, and called for Quarters; it proving to be a _French_ built Ship of 32 Guns, called the _Ranger._

_Isaac Sun_, _Ralph Baldrick_, _Daniel Maclauglin._

When the Evidence had been heard, the Prisoners were called upon to answer, how they came on Board this Pyrate Ship; and their Reason for so audacious a Resistance, as had been made against the King's Ship.

To this, each, in his Reply, owned himself to be one of those taken out of the _Ranger_; that he had signed their pyratical Articles, and shared in their Plunder, some few only accepted, who had been there too short a Time. But that neither in this signing, or sharing, nor in the Resistance had been made against his Majesty's Ship, had they been Voluntiers, but had acted in these several Parts, from a Terror of Death; which a Law amongst them, was to be the Portion of those who refused. The Court then ask'd, who made those Laws? How those Guns came to be fired? Or why they had not deserted their Stations, and mutinied, when so fair a Prospect of Redemption offered? They replied still, with the same Answers, and could extenuate their Crimes, with no other Plea, than being forced Men. Wherefore the Court were of Opinion, that the Indictment, as it charged them with an unlawful Attack and Resistance of the King's Ship, was sufficiently proved; but then it being undeniably evident, that many of these Prisoners had been forced, and some of them of very short standing, they did, on mature Deliberation, come to this merciful Resolution;

That they would hear further Evidence for, or against, each Person singly, in Relation to those Parts of the Indictment, which declared them Voluntiers, or charged them with aiding and assisting, at the burning, sinking, or robbing of other Ships; for if they acted, or assisted, in any Robberies or Devastations, it would be a Conviction they were Voluntiers; here such Evidence, though it might want the Form, still carried the Reason of the Law with it.

The Charge was exhibited also against the following Pyrates taken out of the _Royal Fortune._

* Mich. Mare in the Rover 5 Years ago * Chris. Moody under Davis 1718. * Mar. Johnson a Dutch Ship 1718. * James Philips the RevengePyrate Sloop 1717. * David Symson } Pyrates with Davis * Tho. Sutton } * Hag. Jacobson a Dutch Ship 1719 * W. Williams 1 } } * Wm. Fernon } Sadbury Captain Thomas } June 1720. * W. Willams 2 } Thomas Newfoundland } * Roger Scot } }

* Tho. Owen } York of Bristol } * Wm. Taylor } } May 1720. * Joseph Nositer Expedition of Topsham }

* John Parker Willing Mind of Pool } * Robert Crow Happy Return Sloop } * George Smith Mary and Martha } July 1720. * Ja. Clements Success Sloop } * John Walden Blessing of Lymington } * Jo. Mansfield from Martinico + James Harris Richard Pink * John Philips a fishing Boat Harry Glasby } Samuel Capt. Cary. } July 1720. Hugh Menzies } } * Wm. Magnus * Joseph Moor May Flower Sloop Feb. 1720. + John du Frock } } Wm. Champnies } Loyd Gally Capt. Hyngston } May 1721. George Danson } } + Isaac Russel } }

Robert Lilbourn } } * Robert Johnson } Jeremiah and Ann, Capt. } Ap. 1721. Wm. Darling } Turner } + Wm. Mead } }

Thomas Diggles Christopher Snow } * Ben. Jeffreys Norman Galley } John Francia a Sloop at St. Nicholas } * D. Harding a Dutch Ship } Ap. 1721. * John Coleman Adventure Sloop } * Charles Bunce a Dutch Galley } * R. Armstrong ditto run from the Swallow } * Abra. Harper } * Peter Lesley } * John Jessup 1 } Thomas Watkins } * Philip Bill } Onslow Capt. Gee at Sestos, May 1721. * Jo. Stephenson } * James Cromby } Thomas Garrat } + George Ogle }

Roger Gorsuch } Martha Snow Au. 1721. John Watson }

William Child } * John Griffin } Mercy Gally at Callabar Oct. 1721. * Pet. Scudamore }

Christ. Granger } Nicho. Brattle } James White } Tho. Davis } Cornwall Galley at ditto. Tho. Sever } Callabar * Rob. Bevins } * T. Oughterlaney } * David Rice } * Rob. Haws Joceline Capt. Loane Oct. 1721. Hugh Riddle } Diligence Boat Ja. 1721. Stephen Thomas }

* John Lane } * Sam. Fletcher } * Wm. Philips } King Solomon ditto. Jacob Johnson } * John King } Benjamin Par Robinson Capt. Kanning ditto. William May } Elizabeth Capt. Sharp } Ed. Thornden } } } * George Wilson } Tarlton of Leverpool at } ditto. Edward Tarlton } Cape la Hou } * Robert Hays } }

Thomas Roberts } John Richards } Charlton Capt. Allwright } Feb. 1721. John Cane }

Richard Wood } } Richard Scot } } Wm. Davison } Porcupine Capt. Fletcher } Feb. 1721. Sam. Morwell } Whydah Road } Edward Evans } } * John Jessup 2 surrender'd up at Princes

You, _Harry Glasby, William Davison, William Champnies, Samuel Morwell_, &c.

Y_E, and every one of you, are, in the Name, and by the Authority of our most dread Sovereign Lord_ George, _King of_ Great Britain, _indicted as follows._

_Forasmuch as in open Contempt and Violation of the Laws of your Country, to which ye ought to have been subject_, _ye have all of you been wickedly united and articled together, for the Annoyance and Destruction of his Majesty's trading Subjects by Sea; and in Conformity to so wicked an Agreement and Association, ye have been twice lately down this Coast of_ Africa, _once in_ August, _and a second Time in_ January _last, spoiling and destroying many Goods and Vessels of his Majesty's Subjects, and other trading Nations._

_Particularly ye stand indicted at the Information and Instance of Captain_ Chaloner Ogle, _as Traytors, Robbers, Pyrates, and common Enemies to Mankind._

_For that on the_ 10_th of_ February _last, in a Ship ye were possess'd of called the_ Royal Fortune, _of_ 40 _Guns, ye did maintain a hostile Defence and Resistance for some Hours, against his Majesty's Ship the_ Swallow, _nigh Cape_ Lopez _Bay, on the Southern Coast of_ Africa.

_That this Fight and insolent Resistance against the King's Ship, was made, not only without any Pretence of Authority, more than that of your own private depraved Wills, but was done also under a black Flag, flagrantly by that, denoting your selves common Robbers and Traitors, Opposers and Violators of the Laws._

_And lastly, that in this Resistance, ye were all of you Voluntiers, and did, as such, contribute your utmost Efforts, for disabling and distressing the aforesaid King's Ship, and deterring his Majesty's Servants therein, from their Duty._

To which they severally pleaded, _Not Guilty._

* * *

Whereupon the Officers of his Majesty's Ship, the _Swallow_, were called again, and testified as follows.

That they had seen all the Prisoners now before the Court, and knew them to be the same which were taken out of one or other of the Pyrate Ships, _Royal Fortune_ or _Ranger_, and verily believe them to be those taken out of the _Royal Fortune._

That the Prisoners were possess'd of a Ship of 40 Guns, called the _Royal Fortune_, and were at an Anchor under Cape _Lopez_, on the Coast of _Africa_, with two others: When his Majesty's Ship the _Swallow_, (to which the Deponents belong'd, and were Officers,) stood in for the Place, on _Saturday_ the 10th of _February_ 1721-2: The largest had a Jack, Ensign and Pendant flying, (being this _Royal Fortune_,) who on Sight of them, had their Boats passing and repassing, from the other two, which they supposed to be with Men: The Wind not favouring the aforesaid King's Ship, she was obliged to make two Trips to gain nigh enough the Wind, to fetch in with the Pyrates; and being at length little more than random Shot from them, they found she slipped her Cable, and got under Sail.

At Eleven, the Pyrate was within Pistol-Shot, a Breast of them, with a black Flag, and Pendant hoisted at their Main-topmast Head. The Deponents say, they then struck the _French_ Ensign that had continued hoisted at their Staff all the Morning till then; and display'd the King's Colours, giving her, at the same Time, their Broadside, which was immediately returned.

The Pyrate's Mizen-topmast fell, and some of her Rigging was torn, yet she still out sailed the Man of War, and slid half Gun-Shot from them, while they continued to fire without Intermission, and the other to return such Guns as could be brought to bear, till by favour of the Winds, they were advanced very nigh again; and after exchanging a few more Shot, about half an Hour past one, his Main-Mast came down, having received a Shot a little below the Parrel.

At Two she struck her Colours, and called for Quarters, proving to be a Ship, formerly call'd the _Onslow_, but by them, the _Royal Fortune_; and the Prisoners from her, assured them, that the smallest Ship of the two, then remaining in the Road, belong'd to them, by the Name of the _Little Ranger_, which they had deserted on this Occasion.

_Isaac Sun_, _Ralph Baldrick_, _Daniel Maclaughlin._

The Prisoners were asked by the Court, to the same Purpose the others had been in the Morning; what Exception they had to make against what had been sworn? And what they had to say in their Defence? And their Reply were much the same with the other Prisoners; that they were forc'd Men, had not fired a Gun in this Resistance against the _Swallow_, and that what little Assistance they did give on this Occasion, was to the Sails and Rigging, to comply with the arbitrary Commands of _Roberts_, who had threaten'd, and they were perswaded would, have Shot them on Refusal.

The Court, to dispense equal Justice, mercifully resolved for these, as they had done for the other Pyrate Crew; that further Evidence should be heard against each Man singly, to the two Points, of being a Voluntier at first, and to their particular Acts of Pyracy and Robbery since: That so Men, who had been lately received amongst them, and as yet, had not been at the taking, or plundering, of any Ship, might have the Opportunity, and Benefit, of clearing their Innocence, and not fall promiscuously with the Guilty.

_By Order of the Court_, John Atkins, _Register._

_Wm. Magnes, Tho. Oughterlauney, Wm. Main, Wm. Mackintosh, Val. Ashplant, John Walden, Israel Hind, Marcus Johnson, Wm. Petty, Wm. Fernon, Abraham Harper, Wm. Wood, Tho. How, John Stephenson, Ch. Bunce_, and _John Griffin_

Against these it was deposed by Captain _Joseph Trahern_, and _George Fenn_, his Mate, that they were all of them, either at the attacking and taking of the Ship King _Solomon_, or afterwards at the robbing and plundering of her, and in this Manner; That on the 6th of _January_ last their Ship riding at Anchor near Cape _Appollonia_ in _Africa_, discovered a Boat rowing towards them, against Wind and Stream, from a Ship that lay about three Miles to Leeward. They judged from the Number of Men in her, as she nearer advanced, to be a Pyrate, and made some Preparation for receiving her, believing, on a nigher View, they would think fit to withdraw from an Attack that must be on their Side with great Disadvantage in an open Boat, and against double the Number of Men; yet by the Rashness, and the Pusillanimity of his own People (who laid down their Arms, and immediately called for Quarter) the Ship was taken, and afterwards robbed by them.

_President._ Can you charge your Memory with any Particulars in the Seizure and Robbery?

_Evidence._ We know that _Magnes_, Quarter-Master of the Pyrate Ship, commanded the Men in this Boat that took us, and assumed the Authority of ordering her Provisions and Stores out, which being of different Kinds, we soon found, were seized and sent away under more particular Directions; for _Main_, as Boatswain of the Pyrate Ship, carried away two Cables, and several Coils of Rope, as what belonged to his Province, beating some of our own Men for not being brisk enough at working in the Robbery. _Petty_, as Sail-maker, saw to the Sails and Canvas; _Harper_, as Cooper to the Cask and Tools; _Griffin_, to the Carpenter's Stores, and _Oughterlauney_, as Pilot, having shifted himself with a Suit of my Clothes, a new tye Wig, and called for a Bottle of Wine, ordered the Ship, very arrogantly, to be steered under Commadore _Robert_'s Stern, (I suppose to know what Orders there were concerning her.) So far particularly. In the general, Sir, they were very outragious and emulous in Mischief.

_President._ Mr. _Castel_, acquaint the Court of what you know in Relation to this Robbery of the King _Solomon_; after what Manner the Pyrate-Boat was dispatch'd for this Attempt.

_Tho. Castel._ I was a Prisoner, Sir, with the Pyrates when their Boat was ordered upon that Service, and found, upon a Resolution of going, Word was passed through the Company, Who would go? And I saw all that did, did it voluntarily; no Compulsion, but rather pressing who should be foremost.

The Prisoners yielded to what had been sworn about the Attack and Robbery, but denied the latter Evidence, saying, _Roberts_ hector'd, and upbraided them of Cowardice on this very Occasion; and told some, they were very ready to step on Board of a Prize when within Command of the Ship, but now there seem'd to be a Tryal of their Valour, backward and fearful.

_President._ So that _Roberts_ forc'd ye upon this Attack.

_Prisoners. Roberts_ commanded us into the Boat, and the Quarter-Master to rob the Ship; neither of whose Commands we dared to have refused.

_President._ And granting it so, those are still your own Acts, since done by Orders from Officers of your own Election. Why would Men, honestly disposed, give their Votes for such a Captain and such a Quarter-Master as were every Day commanding them on distastful Services?

Here succeeded a Silence among the Prisoners, but at length _Fernon_ very honestly own'd, that he did not give his Vote to _Magnes_, but to _David Sympson_ (the old Quarter-Master,) _for in Truth_, says he, _I took_ Magnes _for too honest a Man, and unfit for the Business._

The Evidence was plain and home, and the Court, without any Hesitation, brought them in _Guilty._

W_ILLIAM Church, Phil. Haak, James White, Nich. Brattle, Hugh Riddle, William Thomas, Tho. Roberts, Jo. Richards, Jo. Cane, R. Wood, R. Scot, Wm. Davison, Sam. Morwell, Edward Evans, Wm. Guineys_, and 18 _French_ Men.

The four first of these Prisoners, it was evident to the Court, served as Musick on Board the Pyrate, were forced lately from the several Merchant Ships they belonged to; and that they had, during this Confinement, an uneasy Life of it, having sometimes their Fiddles, and often their Heads broke, only for excusing themselves, or saying they were tired, when any Fellow took it in his Head to demand a Tune.

The other _English_ had been a very few Days on Board the Pyrate, only from _Whydah_ to Cape _Lopez_, and no Capture or Robbery done by them in that Time. And the _French_ Men were brought with a Design to reconduct their own Ship (or the _Little Ranger_ in Exchange) to _Whydah_ Road again, and were used like Prisoners; neither quarter'd nor suffered to carry Arms. So that the Court immediately acquiesced in, _Acquitting them._

T_HO. Sutton, David Sympson, Christopher Moody, Phil. Bill, R. Hardy, Hen. Dennis, David Rice, Wm. Williams, R. Harris, Geo. Smith, Ed. Watts, Jo. Mitchell_ and _James Barrow._

The Evidence against these Prisoners, were _Geret de Haen_, Master of the _Flushingham_, taken nigh _Axim_, the Beginning of _January_ last.

_Benj. Kreft_ Master, and _James Groet_ Mate of the _Gertruycht_, taken nigh _Gabone_ in _December_ last, and Mr. _Castel, Wingfield_ and others, that had been Prisoners with the Pyrates.

The former deposed, that all these Prisoners (excepting _Hardy_) were on Board at the Robbery and Plunder of their Ships, behaving in a vile outragious Manner, putting them in bodily Fears, sometimes for the Ship, and sometimes for themselves; and in particular, _Kreft_ charged it on _Sutton_, that he had ordered all their Gunner's Stores out; on which that Prisoner presently interrupted, and said, he was perjured, _That he had not taken half._ A Reply, I believe, not designed as any sawcy Way of jesting, but to give their Behaviour an Appearance of more Humanity than the _Dutch_ would allow.

From Mr. _Castel, Wingfield_ and others, they were proved to be distinguished Men, Men who were consulted as Chiefs in all Enterprizes; belonged most of them to the House of Lords, (as they call'd it,) and could carry an Authority over others. The former said, particularly of _Hardy_, (Quarter-Master of the _Ranger_,) that when the _Diligence_ Sloop was taken, (whereto he belonged,) none was busier in the Plunder, and was the very Man who scuttled and sunk that Vessel.

From some of the Prisoners acquitted, it was farther demanded, whether the Acceptance or Refusal of any Office was not in their own Option? And it was declared, that every Officer was chose by a Majority of Votes, and might refuse, if he pleased, since others gladly embraced what brought with it an additional Share of Prize. _Guilty_

* * *

The Court on the 31st of _March_, remanded the following six before them, for Sentence, _viz. Dav. Sympson, Wm. Magnes, R. Hardy, Thomas Sutton, Christopher Moody_, and _Valen. Ashplant._

To whom the President spoke to the following Purpose; _The Crime of Pyracy, of which all of ye have been justly convicted, is of all other Robberies the most aggravating and inhumane, in that being removed from the Fears of Surprize, in remote and distant Parts, ye do in Wantonness of Power often add Cruelty to Theft._

_Pyrates unmoved at Distress or Poverty, not only spoil and rob, but do it from Men needy, and who are purchasing their Livlihoods thro' Hazards and Difficulties, which ought rather to move Compassion; and what is still worse, do often, by Perswasion or Force, engage the inconsiderate Part of them, to their own and Families Ruin, removing them from their Wives and Children, and by that, from the Means that should support them from Misery and Want._

_To a trading Nation, nothing can be so Destructive as Pyracy, or call for more exemplary Punishment; besides, the national Reflection it infers: It cuts off the Returns of Industry, and those plentiful Importations that alone can make an Island flourishing; and it is your Aggravation, that ye have been the Chiefs and Rulers in these licentious and lawless Practices._

_However, contrary to the Measures ye have dealt, ye have been heard with Patience, and tho' little has, or possibly could, have been said in Excuse or Extenuation of your Crimes, yet Charity makes us hope that a true and sincere Repentance_ (_which we heartily recommend_) _may entitle ye to Mercy and Forgiveness, after the Sentence of the Law has taken Place, which now remains upon me to pronounce._

Y_OU_ Dav. Simpson, William Magnes, R. Hardy, Tho. Sutton, Christopher Moody, _and_ Val. Ashplant.

_Ye, and each of you, are adjudged and sentenced, to be carried back to the Place from whence ye came, from thence to the Place of Execution, without the Gates of this Castle, and there within the Flood-Marks, to be hanged by the Neck till ye are dead._

_After this, ye, and each of you shall be taken down, and your Bodies hanged in Chains._

Warrant for Execution.

P_URSUANT to the Sentence given on_ Saturday, _by the Court of Admiralty, at_ Cape-Corso-Castle, _against_ Dav. Simpson, Wm. Magnes, R. Hardy, Tho. Sutton, Christopher Moody, _and_ Valentine Ashplant.

_You are hereby directed to carry the aforesaid Malefactors to the Place of Execution, without the Gates of this Castle, to Morrow Morning at Nine of the Clock, and there within the Flood-Marks, cause them to be hanged by the Neck till they are dead, for which, this shall be your Warrant. Given under my Hand, this_ 2_d Day of_ April 1722.

_To_ Joseph Gordyn, _Provost-Marshal._

Mungo Heardman.

_The Bodies remove in Chains, to the Gibbets already erected on the adjacent Hillocks._

M. H.

_William Phillips._

IT appeared by the Evidence of Captain _Jo. Trahern_, and _George Fenn_, Mate of the King _Solomon_, that this Prisoner was Boatswain of the same Ship, when she was attacked and taken off Cape _Appollonia_, the 6th of _January_ last, by the Pyrate's Boat.

When the Boat drew nigh, (they say,) it was judged from the Number of Men in her, that they were Pyrates, and being hailed, answered, _Defiance_; at which the Commander snatched a Musquet from one of his Men, and fired, asking them at the same Time, whether they would stand by him, to defend the Ship? But the Pyrates returning a Volley, and crying out, they would give no Quarters if any Resistance was made; this Prisoner took upon him to call out for Quarters, without the Master's Consent, and mislead the rest to the laying down their Arms, and giving up the Ship, to half the Number of Men, and in an open Boat. It was further evident he became, after this, a Voluntier amongst them. First, because he was presently very forward and brisk, in robbing the Ship _King Solomon_, of her Provisions and Stores. Secondly, because he endeavoured to have his Captain ill used; and lastly, because he had confessed to _Fenn_, that he had been obliged to sign their Articles that Night, (a Pistol being laid on the Table, to signify he must do it, or be shot,) when the whole appeared to be an Untruth from other Evidence, who also asserted his being armed in the Action against the _Swallow._

In answer to this, he first observed upon the Unhappiness of being friendless in this Part of the World, which, elsewhere, by witnessing to the Honesty of his former Life, would, he believed, in a great Measure, have invalidated the wrong Evidence had been given of his being a Voluntier with the Pyrates. He owns indeed, he made no Application to his Captain, to intercede for a Discharge, but excuses it with saying, he had a dislike to him, and therefore was sure that such Application would have avail'd him nothing.

The Court observed the Pretences of this, and other of the Pyrates, of a Pistol and their Articles being served up in a Dish together, or of their being misused and forced from an honest Service, was often a Complotment of the Parties, to render them less suspected of those they came from, and was to answer the End of being put in a News-Paper or Affidavit: and the Pyrates were so generous as not to refuse a Compliment to a Brother that cost them nothing, and, at the same Time, secured them the best Hands; the best I call them, because such a Dependance made them act more boldly. _Guilty._

_Harry Glasby_, Master.

THere appearing several Persons in Court, who had been taken by _Roberts_'s Ship, whereof the Prisoner was Master, their Evidence was accepted as follows.

_Jo. Trahern_, Commander of the _King Solomon_, deposed, the Prisoner, indeed, to act as Master of the Pyrate Ship (while he was under Restraint there) but was observed like no Master, every one obeying at Discretion, of which he had taken Notice, and complained to him, how hard a Condition it was, to be a Chief among Brutes; and that he was weary of his Life, and such other Expressions, (now out of his Memory,) as shew'd in him a great Disinclination to that Course of Living.

_Jo. Wingfield_, a Prisoner with them at _Calabar_, says the same, as to the Quality he acted in, but that he was Civil beyond any of them, and verily believes, that when the Brigantine he served on Board of, as a Factor for the _African_ Company, was voted to be burnt, this Man was the Instrument of preventing it, expressing himself with a great deal of Sorrow, for this and the like malicious Rogueries of the Company he was in; that to him shewed, he had acted with Reluctancy, as one who could not avoid what he did. He adds further, that when one _Hamilton_, a Surgeon, was taken by them, and the Articles about to be imposed on him, he opposed, and prevented it. And that _Hunter_, another Surgeon, among them, was cleared at the Prisoner's Instance and Perswasion; from which last, this Deponent had it assured to him, that _Glasby_ had once been under Sentence of Death, on Board of them, with two more, for endeavouring an Escape in the _West-Indies_, and that the other two were really shot for it.

_Elizabeth Trengrove_, who was taken a Passenger in the _African_ Company's Ship _Onslow_, strengthen'd the Evidence of the last Witness; for having heard a good Character of this _Glasby_, she enquired of the Quarter-Master, who was then on Board a robbing, whether or no she could see him? And he told her, _No_; they never ventured him from the Ship, for he had once endeavoured his Escape, and they had ever since continued jealous of him.

_Edward Crisp_, Captain _Trengrove_, and Captain _Sharp_, who had all been taken in their Turns, acknowledge for themselves and others, who had unluckily fallen into those Pyrates Hands, that the good Usage they had met with, was chiefly thro' the Prisoner's Means, who often interposed, for leaving sufficient Stores and Instruments on Board the Ships they had robbed, alledging, they were superfluous and unnecessary there.

_James White_, whose Business was Musick, and was on the Poop of the Pyrate Ship in Time of Action with the _Swallow_, deposed, that during the Engagement, and Defence she made, he never saw the Prisoner busied about the Guns, or giving Orders, either to the loading or firing of them; but that he wholly attended to the setting, or trimming, of the Sails, as _Roberts_ commanded; and that in the Conclusion, he verily believed him to be the Man who prevented the Ship's being blown up, by setting trusty Centinels below, and opposing himself against such hot-headed Fellows as had procured lighted Matches, and were going down for that Purpose.

_Isaac Sun_, Lieutenant of the Man of War, deposed, that when he came to take Possession of the Prize, in the King's Boat, he found the Pyrates in a very distracted and divided Condition; some being for blowing up, and others (who perhaps supposed themselves least culpable) opposing it: That in this Confusion he enquired for the Prisoner, of whom he had before heard a good Character; and thinks he rendered all the Service in his Power, for preventing it; in particular, he understood by all Hands, that he had seized, and taken, from one _James Philips_, a lighted Match, at the Instant he was going down to the Magazine, swearing, that he should send them all to H--l together. He had heard also, that after _Roberts_ was killed, the Prisoner ordered the Colours to be struck; and had since shown, how opposite his Practice and Principles had been, by discovering who were the greatest Rogues among them.

The Prisoner, in his own Defence, says, when he had the Misfortune of falling into the Pyrates Hands, he was chief Mate of the _Samuel_, of _London_, Captain _Cary_; and when he had hid himself, to prevent the Design of carrying him away, they found him, and beat and threw him over-board. Seven Days afterwards, upon his objecting against, and refusing to sign their Articles, he was cut and abus'd again: That tho' after this he ingratiated himself, by a more humble Carriage, it was only to make Life easy; the Shares they had given him, having been from Time to Time returned again to such Prisoners as fell in his Way; till of late, indeed, he had made a small Reservation, and had desired Captain _Loan_ to take two or three Moidores from him, to carry to his Wife. He was once taken, he says, at making his Escape, in the _West-Indies_, and, with two more, sentenced to be shot for it, by a drunken Jury; the latter actually suffered, and he was preserved only by one of the chief Pyrates taking a sudden Liking to him, and bullying the others. A second time he ran away at _Hispaniola_, carrying a Pocket Compass, for conducting him through the Woods; but that being a most desolate and wild Part of the Island he fell upon, and he ignorant how to direct his Course, was obliged, after two or three Days wandering, to return towards the Ship again, denying with egregious Oaths, the Design he was charg'd with, for Fear they should shoot him. From this Time he hopes it will be some Extenuation of his Fault, that most of the acquitted Prisoners can witness, they entertained Jealousies of him, and _Roberts_ would not admit him into his Secrets; and withal, that Captain _Cary_, (and four other Passengers with him) had made Affidavit of his having been forced from his Employ, which tho' he could not produce, yet he humbly hoped the Court would think highly probable from the Circumstances offered.

On the whole, the Court was of Opinion Artists had the best Pretension to the Plea of Force, from the Necessity Pyrates are sometimes under of engaging such, and that many Parts of his own Defence had been confirmed by the Evidence, who had asserted he acted with Reluctance, and had expressed a Concern and Trouble for the little Hopes remained to him, of extricating himself. That he had used all Prisoners (as they were called) well, at the hazard of ill Usage to himself. That he had not in any military Capacity assisted their Robberies. That he had twice endeavoured his Escape, with the utmost Danger. _Acquitted him._

Captain _James Skyrm._

IT appeared from the Evidence of several Prisoners acquitted, that this _Skyrm_ commanded the _Ranger_, in that Defence she made against the King's Ship; that he ordered the Men to their Quarters, and the Guns to be loaded and fired, having a Sword in his Hand, to enforce those Commands; and beat such to their Duty whom he espied any way negligent or backward. That altho' he had lost a Leg in the Action, his Temper was so warm, as to refuse going off the Deck, till he found all was lost.

In his Defence, he says, he was forced from a Mate's Employ on Board a Sloop call'd the _Greyhound_, of St. _Christophers, Oct._ 1720. The Pyrate having drubbed him, and broke his Head, only for offering to go away when that Sloop was dismissed. Custom and Success had since indeed blunted, and, in some Measure, worn out the Sense of Shame; but that he had really for several Months past been sick, and disqualified for any Duty, and though _Roberts_ had forced him on this Expedition much against his Will, yet the Evidence must be sensible, the Title of Captain gave him no Pre-eminence, for he could not be obeyed, though he had often called to them, to leave off their Fire, when he perceived it to be the King's Ship.

The Sickness he alledged, but more especially the Circumstance of losing his Leg, were Aggravations of his Fault, shewing him more alert on such Occasions, than he was now willing to be thought: As to the Name of Captain, if it were allowed to give him no Precedence out of Battle, yet here it was proved a Title of Authority; such an Authority as could direct an Engagement against the King's Colours, and therefore he was in the highest Degree, _Guilty._

_John Walden._

CAptain _John Trahern_, and _George Fenn_, deposed, the Prisoner to be one of the Number, who, in an open Boat, pyratically assailed, and took their Ship, and was remarkably busy at Mischief, having a Pole-Ax in his Hand, which served him instead of a Key, to all the lock'd Doors and Boxes he come nigh: Also in particular, he cut the Cable of our Ship, when the other Pyrates were willing, and busied at heaving up the Anchor, saying, Captain, what signifies this Trouble of _Yo Hope_ and straining in hot Weather; there are more Anchors at _London_, and besides, your Ship is to be burnt.

_William Smith_, (a Prisoner acquitted,) says _Walden_ was known among the Pyrates mostly, by the Nick-Name of _Miss Nanney_ (ironically its presumed from the Hardness of his Temper) that he was one of the twenty who voluntarily came on Board the _Ranger_, in the Chace she made out after the _Swallow_, and by a Shot from that Ship, lost his Leg; his Behaviour in the Fight, till then, being bold and daring.

The _President_, called for _Harry Glasby_, and bid him relate a Character of the Prisoner, and what Custom was among them, in Relation to these voluntary Expeditions, out of their proper Ship; and this of going on Board the _Ranger_, in particular.

And he gave in for Evidence, that the Prisoner was looked on as a brisk Hand, (_i. e._ as he farther explained it, a stanch Pyrate, a great Rogue) that when the _Swallow_ first appeared in Sight, every one was willing to believe her a _Portuguese_, because Sugar was very much in Demand, and had made some Jarring and Dissention between the two Companies, (the _Fortune_'s People drinking Punch, when the _Ranger_'s could not) that _Roberts_, on Sight of the _Swallow_, hailed the new _Ranger_, and bid them right Ship, and get under Sail; there is, says he, Sugar in the Offing, bring it in, that we may have no more Mumbling; ordering at the same Time the Word to be pass'd among the Crew, who would go to their Assistance, and immediately the Boat was full of Men, to transport themselves.

_President._ Then every one that goes on Board of any Prize, does it voluntarily? Or were there here any other Reasons for it?

_H. Glasby._ Every Man is commonly called by List, and insists, in his Turn, to go on Board of a Prize, because they then are allowed a Shift of Cloaths, (the best they can find) over and above the Dividend from the Robbery, and this they are so far from being compelled to, that it often becomes the Occasion of Contest and Quarrel amongst them: But in the present, or such like Cases, where there appears a Prospect of Trouble, the Lazy and Timerous are often willing to decline this Turn, and yield to their Betters, who thereby establish a greater Credit.

The Prisoner, and the rest of those Men who went from the _Fortune_ on Board the _Ranger_, to assist in this Expedition, were Voluntiers, and the trustiest Men among us.

_President._ Were there no Jealousies of the _Ranger_'s leaving you in this Chace, or at any other Time, in order to surrender?

_H. Glasby._ Most of the _Ranger_'s Crew were fresh Men, Men who had been enter'd only since their being on the Coast of _Guiney_, and therefore had not so liberal a Share in fresh Provisions, or Wine, as the _Fortune_'s People, who thought they had born the Burthen and Heat of the Day, which had given Occasion indeed to some Grumblings and Whispers, as tho' they would take an Opportunity to leave us, but we never supposed (if they did) it would be with any other Design then setting up for themselves, they having (many of them) behaved with greater Severity than the old Standers.

The Prisoner appeared undaunted, and rather solicitous, about resting his Stump, than giving any Answer to the Court, or making any Defence for himself, till called upon; then he related in a careless, or rather hopeless Manner, the Circumstances of his first Entrance, being forced, he said, out of the _Blessing_ of _Lemmington_, at _Newfoundland_, about 12 Months past; this, he is sure, most of the old Pyrates knew, and that he was for some Time as sick of the Change as any Man; but Custom and ill Company had altered him, owning very frankly, that he was at the Attack, and taking of the _King Solomon_, that he did cut her Cable, and that none were forced on those Occasions.

As to the last Expedition in the _Ranger_, he confesses he went on Board of her, but that it was by _Robert_'s Order; and in the Chace loaded one Gun, to bring her to, but when he saw it was a Bite, he declared to his Comrades, that it was not worth while to resist, forbore firing, and assisted to reeve the Braces, in order, if they could, to get away, in which sort of Service he was busied, when a Shot from the Man of War took off his Leg: And being asked, that supposing the Chace had proved a _Portuguese_? Why then, says he, I dont know what I might have done, intimating withal, that every Body then would have been ready enough at plundering. _Guilty._

_Peter Scudamore._

H_Arry Glasby, Jo. Wingfield_, and _Nicholas Brattle_, depose thus much, as to his being a Voluntier with the Pyrates, from Capt. _Rolls_, at _Calabar._ First, That he quarrelled with _Moody_, (one of the Heads of the Gang) and fought with him, because he opposed his going, asking _Rolls_, in a leering manner, whether he would not be so kind, as to put him into the _Gazette_, when he came Home. And, at another Time, when he was going from the Pyrate Ship, in his Boat, a Turnado arose, _I wish_, says he, _the Rascal may be drowned, for he is a great Rogue, and has endeavoured to do me all the ill Offices he could among these Gentlemen_, (_i. e._Pyrates.)

And secondly, That he had signed the Pyrate's Articles with a great deal of Alacrity, and gloried in having been the first Surgeon that had done so, (for before this, it was their Custom to change their Surgeons, when they desired it, after having served a Time, and never obliged them to sign, but he was resolved to break thro' this, for the good of those who were to follow,) swearing immediately upon it, he was now, he hoped, as great a Rogue as any of them.

Captain _Jo. Trahern_, and _George Fenn_, his Mate, deposed, the Prisoner to have taken out of the _King Solomon_, their Surgeon's capital Instruments, some Medicines, and a Back-Gammon Table; which latter became the Means of a Quarrel between one _Wincon_, and he, whose Property they should be, and were yielded to the Prisoner.

_Jo. Sharp_, Master of the _Elizabeth_, heard the Prisoner ask _Roberts_ leave to force _Comry_, his Surgeon, from him, which was accordingly done, and with him, carried also some of the Ship's Medicines: But what gave a fuller Proof of the dishonesty of his Principles, was, the treacherous Design he had formed of running away with the Prize, in her Passage to Cape _Corso_, though he had been treated with all Humanity, and very unlike a Prisoner, on Account of his Employ and better Education, which had rendred him less to be suspected.

_Mr. Child_, (acquitted) depos'd, that in their Passage from the Island of St. _Thomas_, in the _Fortune_ Prize, this Prisoner was several Times tempting him, into Measures of rising with the Negroes, and killing the _Swallow_'s People, shewing him, how easily the white Men might be demolished, and a new Company raised at _Angola_, and that Part of the Coast, _for_, says he, _I understand how to navigate a Ship, and can soon teach you to steer; and is it not better to do this, than to go back to_ Cape-Corso, _and be hanged and Sun-dryed?_ To which the Deponent replying, he was not afraid of being hanged, _Scudamore_ bid him be still, and no Harm should come to him; but before the next Day-Evening, which was the designed Time of executing this Project, the Deponent discovered it to the Officer, and assured him, _Scudamore_ had been talking all the preceeding Night to the Negroes, in _Angolan_ Language.

_Isaac Burnet_ heard the Prisoner ask _James Harris_, a Pyrate, (left with the wounded in the Prize,) whether he was willing to come into the Project of running away with the Ship, and endeavour the raising of a new Company, but turned the Discourse to Horse-Racing, as the Deponent crept nigher; he acquainted the Officer with what he had heard, who kept the People under Arms all Night, their Apprehensions of the Negroes not being groundless; for many of them having lived a long Time in this pyratical Way, were, by the thin Commons they were now reduced to, as ripe for Mischief as any.

The Prisoner in his Defence said, he was a forced Man from Captain _Rolls_, in _October_ last, and if he had not shewn such a Concern as became him, at the Alteration, he must remark the Occasion to be, the Disagreement and Enmity between them; but that both _Roberts_, and _Val. Ashplant_, threat'ned him into signing their Articles, and that he did it in Terror.

The _King Solomon_, and _Elizabeth_ Medicine-Chest, he owns he plundered, by Order of _Hunter_, the then chief Surgeon, who, by the Pyrates Laws, always directs in this Province, and Mr. _Child_, (tho' acquitted) had by the same Orders taken out a whole _French_ Medicine-Chest, which he must be sensible for me, as well as for himself, we neither of us dared to have denied; it was their being the proper Judges, made so ungrateful an Office imposed. If after this he was elected chief Surgeon himself, both _Comry_ and _Wilson_ were set up also, and it might have been their Chance to have carried it, and as much out of their Power to have refused.

As to the Attempt of rising and running away with the Prize, he denies it altogether as untrue; a few foolish Words, but only by Way of Supposition, that if the Negroes should take it in their Heads (considering the Weakness, and ill look-out that was kept;) it would have been an easy Matter, in his Opinion for them to have done it; but that he encouraged such a Thing, was false, his talking to them in the _Angolan_ Language, was only a Way of spending his Time, and trying his Skill to tell twenty, he being incapable of further Talk. As to his understanding Navigation, he had frequently acknowledg'd it to the Deponent _Child_, and wonders he should now so circumstantiate this Skill against him. _Guilty._

_Robert Johnson._

IT appeared to the Court, that the Prisoner was one of the twenty Men, in that Boat of the Pyrates, which afterwards robb'd the _King Solomon_, at an Anchor near Cape _Appollonia_: That all Pyrates on this, and the like Service, were Voluntiers, and he, in particular, had contested his going on Board a second Time, tho' out of his Turn.

The Prisoner in his Defence, called for _Harry Glasby_, who witnessed to his being so very drunk, when he first came among their Crew, that they were forced to hoist him out of one Ship into the other, with a Tackle, and therefore without his Consent; but had since been a trusty Man, and was placed to the Helm, in that running Battle they made with the _Swallow._

He insisted for himself likewise, on Captain _Turner_'s Affidavit of his being forced, on which others (his Ship-mates) had been cleared.

The Court considering the Partiality that might be objected in acquitting one, and condemning another of the same standing, thought sit to remark it as a clear Testimony of their Integrity, that their Care and Indulgence to each Man, in allowing his particular Defence, was to exempt from the Rigour of the Law, such, who it must be allowed, would have stood too promiscuously condemned, if they had not been heard upon any other Fact than that of the _Swallow_; and herein what could better direct them, than a Character and Behaviour from their own Associates; for tho' a voluntary Entry with the Pyrates may be doubtful, yet his consequent Actions are not, and it is not so material how a Man comes among Pyrates, as how he acts when he is there. _Guilty._

_George Wilson._

J_OHN Sharp_, Master of the _Elizabeth_, in which Ship the Prisoner was Passenger, and fell a second Time into the Pyrates Hands, deposes, that he took the said _Wilson_ off from _Sestos_, on this Coast, paying to the Negroes for his Ransom, the Value of three Pound five Shillings in Goods, for which he had taken a Note, that he thought he had done a charitable Act in this, till meeting with one Captain _Canning_, he was ask'd, why he would release such a Rogue as _Wilson_ was? For that he had been a Voluntier with the Pyrates, out of _John Tarlton._ And when the Deponent came to be a Prisoner himself, he found _Thomas_, the Brother of this _John Tarlton_, a Prisoner with the Pyrates also, who was immediately on _Wilson_'s Instigation, in a most sad manner misused and beat, and had been shot, through the Fury and Rage of some of those Fellows, if the Town-side, (_i. e. Liverpool_) Men, had not hid him in a Stay-Sail, under the Bowsprit; for _Moody_ and _Harper_, with their Pistols cock'd, searched every Corner of the Ship to find him, and came to this Deponent's Hammock, whom they had like fatally to have mistaken for _Tarlton_, but on his calling out, they found their Error, and left him with this comfortable Anodyne, That he was the honest Fellow who brought the Doctor. At coming away, the Prisoner asked about his Note, whether the Pyrates had it or no? Who not being able readily to tell, he reply'd, it's no Matter Mr. _Sharp_, I believe I shall hardly ever come to _England_ to pay it.

_Adam Comry_, Surgeon of the _Elizabeth_, says, that altho' the Prisoner had, on Account of his Indisposition and Want, received many Civilities from him, before meeting with the Pyrates, he yet understood it was thro' his and _Scudamore_'s Means, that he had been compelled among them: The Prisoner was very alert and chearful, he says, at meeting with _Roberts_, hailed him, told him he was glad to see him, and would come on Board presently, borrowing of the Deponent a clean Shirt and Drawers, for his better Appearence and Reception; he signed their Articles willingly, and used Arguments with him to do the same, saying, they should make their Voyage in eight Months, to _Brasil_, Share 6 or 700 _l._ a Man, and then break up. Again, when the Crew came to an Election of a chief Surgeon, and this Deponent was set up with the others, _Wilson_ told him, he hoped he should carry it from _Scudamore_, for that a quarter Share (which they had more than others) would be worth looking after; but the Deponent missed the Preferment, by the good Will of the _Ranger_'s People, who, in general, voted for _Scudamore_, to get rid of him, (the chief Surgeon being always to remain with the Commadore.)

It appeared likewise by the Evidence of Captain _Jo. Trahern, Tho. Castel_, and others, who had been taken by the Pyrates, and thence had Opportunities of observing the Prisoners Conduct, that he seem'd thoroughly satisfy'd with that Way of Life, and was particularly intimate with _Roberts_; they often scoffing at the Mention of a Man of War, and saying, if they should meet with any of the Turnip-Man's Ships, they would blow up, and go to H--ll together. Yet setting aside these silly Freaks, to recommend himself, his Laziness had got him many Enemies, even _Roberts_ told him, (on the Complaint of a wounded Man, whom he had refused to dress) that he was a double Rogue, to be there a second Time, and threat'ned to cut his Ears off.

The Evidence further assured the Court, from Captain _Thomas Tarlton_, that the Prisoner was taken out of his Brother's Ship, some Months before, a first Time, and being forward to oblige his new Company, had presently ask'd for the Pyrates Boat, to fetch the Medicine Chest away; when the Wind and Current proving too hard to contend with, they were drove on Shore at Cape _Montzerado._

The Prisoner called for _William Darling_, and _Samuel Morwel_, (acquitted) and _Nicholas Butler._

_William Darling_ deposed, the first Time the Prisoner fell into their Hands, _Roberts_ mistook him for _Jo. Tarlton_ the Master, and being informed it was the Surgeon who came to represent him, (then indisposed,) he presently swore he should be his Mess-Mate, to which _Wilson_ reply'd, he hop'd not, he had a Wife and Child, which the other laughed at; and that he had been two Days on Board, before he went in that Boat, which was drove on Shore at Cape _Montzerado._ And at his second coming, in the _Elizabeth_, he heard _Roberts_ order he should be brought on Board in the first Boat.

_Samuel Morwel_ says, that he has heard him bewail his Condition, while on Board the Pyrate, and desired one _Thomas_, to use his Interest with _Roberts_, for a Discharge, saying, his Employ, and the little Fortune he had left at Home, would, he hop'd, exempt him the further Trouble of seeking his Bread at Sea.

_Nicholas Butler_, who had remained with the Pyrates about 48 Hours, when they took the _French_ Ships at _Whydah_, deposes, that in this Space the Prisoner addressed him in the _French_ Language, several Times, deploring the Wretchedness and ill Fortune of being confined in such Company.

The Prisoner desiring Liberty of two or three Questions, ask'd, whether or no he had not expostulated with _Roberts_, for a Reason of his obliging Surgeons to sign their Articles, when heretofore they did not; Whether he had not expressed himself glad of having formerly escaped from them? Whether he had not said, at taking the Ships in _Whydah_ Road, that he could like the Sport, were it lawful? And whether if he had not told him, should the Company discharge any Surgeon, that he would insist on it as his Turn? The Deponent answered, Yes, to every Question separately; and farther, that he believes _Scudamore_ had not seen _Wilson_ when he first came and found him out of the _Elizabeth._

He added, in his own Defence, that being Surgeon with one _John Tarlton_, of _Leverpool_, he was met a first Time on this Coast of _Guiney_, by _Roberts_ the Pyrate; who, after a Day or two, told him, to his Sorrow, that he was to stay there, and ordered him to fetch his Chest, (not Medicines, as asserted,) which Opportunity he took to make his Escape; for the Boat's Crew happening to consist of five _French_ and one _English_ Man, all as willing as himself, they agreed to push the Boat on Shore, and trust themselves with the Negroes of Cape _Montzerado_: Hazardous, not only in Respect of the dangerous Seas that run there, but the Inhumanity of the Natives, who sometimes take a liking to humane Carcasses. Here he remained five Months, till _Thomas Tarlton_, Brother to his Captain chanced to put in the Road for Trade, to whom he represented his Hardships and starving Condition; but was, in an unchristian Manner, both refused a Release of this Captivity, or so much as a small Supply of Biscuit and salt Meat, because, as he said, he had been among the Pyrates. A little Time after this, the Master of a _French_ Ship paid a Ransom for him, and took him off; but, by Reason of a nasty leperous Indisposition he had contracted by hard and bad living, was, to his great Misfortune set ashore at _Sestos_ again, when Captain _Sharp_ met him, and generously procured his Release in the Manner himself has related, and for which he stands infinitely obliged.--That ill Luck threw him a second Time into the Pyrate's Hands, in this Ship _Elizabeth_, where he met _Thomas Tarlton_, and thoughtlesly used some Reproaches of him, for his severe Treatment at _Montzerado_; but protests without Design his Words should have had so bad a Consequence; for _Roberts_ took upon him, as a Dispenser of Justice, the Correction of Mr. _Tarlton_, beating him unmercifully; and he hopes it will be belived, contrary to any Intention of his it should so happen, because as a Stranger he might be supposed to have no Influence, and believes there were some other Motives for it.--He cannot remember he expressed himself glad to see _Roberts_ this second Time, or that he dropped those Expressions about _Comry_, as are sworn; but if immaturity of Judgment had occasioned him to slip rash and inadvertent Words, or that he had paid any undue Compliments to _Roberts_, it was to ingratiate himself, as every Prisoner did, for a more civil Treatment, and in particular to procure his Discharge, which he had been promised, and was afraid would have been revoked, if such a Person as _Comry_ did not remain there to supply his Room; and of this, he said, all the Gentlemen (meaning the Pyrates) could witness for him.

He urged also his Youth in Excuse for his Rashness.--The first time he had been with them (only a Month in all,) and that in no military Employ; but in particular, the Service he had done in discovering the Design the Pyrates had to rise in their Passage on Board the _Swallow. Guilty._

* * *

But Execution respited till the King's Pleasure be known, because the Commander of the _Swallow_ had declared, the first Notice he received of this Design of the Pyrates to rise, was from him.

_Benjamin Jefferys_

BY the Depositions of _Glasby_ and _Lillburn_ (acquitted) against this Prisoner, it appeared, that his Drunkenness was what at first detained him from going away in his proper Ship, the _Norman_ Galley; and next Morning, for having been abusive in his Drink, saying to the Pyrates, there was not a Man amongst them, he received for a Welcome, six Lashes from every Person in the Ship, which disordered him for some Weeks, but on Recovery was made Boatswain's Mate; the serving of which, or any Office on Board a Pyrate, is at their own Option, (tho' elected,) because others are glad to accept what brings an additional Share in Prize.

The Deponents further say, that at _Sierraleon_ every Man had more especially the Means of escaping; and that this Prisoner, in particular, neglected it, and came off from that Place after their Ship was under Sail, and going out of the River.

The Prisoner, in his Defence, protests, he was at first forc'd; and that the Office of Boatswain's Mate was imposed on him, and what he would have been glad to have relinquish'd. That the barbarous Whipping he had received from the Pyrates at first, was for telling them, that none who could get their Bread in an honest Way, would be on such an Account. And he had certainly taken the Opportunity which presented at _Sierraleon_, of ridding himself from so distastful a Life, if there had not been three or four of the old Pyrates on Shore at the same Time, who, he imagined, must know of him, and would doubtless have served him the same, if not worse, than they since had done _William Williams_; who, for such a Design, being delivered up by the treacherous Natives, had received two Lashes thro' the whole Ship's Company.

The Court observed, the Excuses of these Pyrates, about want of Means to escape, was oftentimes as poor and evasive as their Pleas of being forced at first; for here, at _Sierraleon_, every Man had his Liberty on Shore, and it was evident, might have kept it, if he, or they, had so pleased. And such are further culpable, who having been introduced into the Society, by such uncivil Methods, as whipping, or beating, neglect less likely Means of regaining Liberty; it shews strong Inclinations to Dishonesty, and they stand inexcusably, _Guilty._

_Jo. Mansfield._

IT was proved against this Prisoner, by Captain _Trahern_ and _George Fenn_, that he was one of those Voluntiers who was at the Attack and Robbery of the Company's Ship, called the _King Solomon_: That he bully'd well among them who dar'd not make any Reply, but was very easy with his Friends, who knew him; for _Moody_, on this Occasion, took a large Glass from him, and threatned to blow his Brains out, (a favourite Phrase with these Pyrates) if he muttered at it.

From others acquitted, it likewise appeared, that he was at first a Voluntier among them, from an Island call'd _Dominico_, in the _West-Indies_, and had to recommend himself, told them, he was a Deserter from the _Rose_ Man of War, and before that, had been on the High-Way; he was always drunk, they said, and so bad at the Time they met with the _Swallow_, that he knew nothing of the Action, but came up vapouring with his Cutlash, after the _Fortune_ had struck her Colours, to know who would go on Board the Prize; and it was some Time before they could perswade him into the Truth of their Condition.

He could say little in Defence of himself, acknowledg'd this latter Part of Drunkenness; a Vice, he says, that had too great a Share in insnaring him into this Course of Life, and had been a greater Motive with him than Gold. _Guilty._

_William Davis._

W_Illiam Allen_ deposed, he knew this Prisoner at _Sierraleon_, belonging to the _Ann_ Galley; that he had a Quarrel with, and beat the Mate of that Ship, for which (as he said) being afraid to return to his Duty, he consorted to the idle Customs and Ways of living among the Negroes, from whom he received a Wife, and ungratefully sold her, one Evening, for some Punch to quench his Thirst. After this, having put himself under the Protection of Mr. _Plunket_, Governor there for the Royal _African_ Company: The Relations and Friends of the Woman, apply'd to him for Redress, who immediately surrendered the Prisoner, and told them, he did not care if they took his Head off; but the Negroes wisely judging it would not fetch so good a Price, they sold him in his Turn again to Seignior _Jossee_, a Christian Black, and Native of that Place; who expected and agreed for two Years Service from him, on Consideration of what he had disbursed, for the Redemption of the Woman: But long before the Expiration of this Time, _Roberts_ came into _Sierraleon_ River, where the Prisoner, (as Seignior _Jossee_ assured the Deponent,) entered a Voluntier with them.

The Deponent further corroborates this Part of the Evidence; in that he being obliged to call at Cape _Mount_, in his Passage down hither, met there with two Deserters from _Roberts_'s Ship, who assured him of the same; and that the Pyrates did design to turn _Davis_ away the next Opportunity, as an idle good-for-nothing Fellow.

From _Glasby_ and _Lilburn_, it was evident, that every Pyrate, while they stay'd at _Sierraleon_, went on Shore at Discretion. That _Roberts_ had often assured Mr. _Glyn_ and other Traders, at that Place, that he would force no Body; and in short, there was no Occasion for it; in particular, the Prisoner's Row-Mate went away, and thinks, he might have done the same, if he had pleased.

The Prisoner alledged his having been detained against his Will, and says, that returning with Elephants Teeth for _Sierraleon_, the Pyrate's Boat pursued and brought him on Board, where he was kept on Account of his understanding the Pilotage and Navigation of that River.

It was obvious to the Court, not only how frivolous Excuses of Constraint and Force were among these People, at their first commencing Pyrates, but also it was plain to them, from these two Deserters, met at Cape _Mount_, and the discretional Manner they lived in, at _Sierraleon_; thro' how little Difficulty several of them did, and others might, have escaped afterwards, if they could but have obtained their own Consents for it. _Guilty._

* * *

This is the Substance of the Tryals of _Roberts_'s Crew, which may suffice for others, that occur in this Book. The foregoing Lists, shews, by a * before the Names, who were condemn'd; those Names with a + were referred for Tryal to the _Marshalsea_, and all the rest were acquitted.

The following Pyrates were executed, according to their Sentence, without the Gates of Cape _Corso-Castle_, within the Flood-Marks, _viz._

Mens Names Years of Age Habitations. William Magnes 35 Minehead. Richard Hardy 25 Wales. David Sympson 36 North-Berwick. Christopher Moody 28 Thomas Sutton 23 Berwick. Valentine Ashplant 32 Minories. Peter de Vine 42 Stepney. William Philips 29 Lower-Shadwell. Philip Bill 27 St. Thomas's. William Main 28 William Mackintosh 21 Canterbury. William Williams 40 nigh Plymouth. Robert Haws 31 Yarmouth. William Petty 30 Deptford. John Jaynson 22 nigh Lancaster. Marcus Johnson 21 Smyrna. Robert Crow 44 Isle of Man. Michael Maer 41 Ghent. Daniel Harding 26 Croomsbury in Somersetshire. William Fernon 22 Somersetshire. Jo. More 19 Meer in Wiltshire. Abraham Harper 23 Bristol. Jo. Parker 22 Winfred in Dorsetshire. Jo. Philips 28 Alloway in Scotland. James Clement 20 Jersey. Peter Scvdamore 35 Bristol. James Skyrm 44 Wales. John Walden 24 Somersetshire. Jo. Stephenson 40 Whitby. Jo. Mansfield 30 Orkneys. Israel Hynde 30 Bristol. Peter Lesley 21 Aberdeen. Charles Bunce 26 Excter Robert Birtson 30 Other St. Maries Devonshire. Richard Harris 45 Cornwall. Joseph Nosuter 26 Sadbury in Devonshire. William Williams 30 Speechless at Execution. Agge Jacobson 30 Holland. Benjamin Jefferys 21 Bristol. Cuthbert Goss 21 Topsham. John Jessup 20 Plymouth. Edward Watts 22 Dunmore. Thomas Giles 26 Mine-head. William Wood 27 York. Thomas Armstrong 34 London, executed on board the Weymouth. Robert Johnson 32 at Whydah. George Smith 25 Wales. William Watts 23 Ireland. James Philips 35 Antegoa. John Coleman 24 Wales. Robert Hays 20 Liverpool. William Davis 23 Wales.

The Remainder of the Pyrates, whose Names are under mentioned, upon their humble Petition to the Court, had their Sentence changed from Death, to seven Years Servitude, conformable to our Sentence of Transportation; the Petition is as follows.

* * *

_To the Honourable the President and Judges of the Court of Admiralty, for trying of Pyrates, sitting at_ Cape Corso-Castle; _the_ 20_th Day of_ April, 1722.

The humble Petition of _Thomas How, Samuel Fletcher_, &c.

Humbly sheweth,

T_HAT your Petitioners being unhappily, and unwarily drawn into that wretched and detestable Crime of Pyracy, for which they now stand justly condemned, they most humbly pray the Clemency of the Court, in the Mitigation of their Sentence, that they may be permitted to serve the Royal_ African _Company of_ England, _in this Country for seven Years, in such a Manner as the Court shall think proper; that by their just Punishment, being made sensible of the Error of their former Ways, they will for the future become faithful Subjects, good Servants, and useful in their Stations, if it please the Almighty to prolong their Lives._

And your Petitioners, as in Duty, _&c._

The Resolution of the Court was,

T_HAT the Petitioners have Leave by this Court of Admiralty, to interchange Indentures with the Captain General of the_ Gold Coast, _for the Royal_ African _Company, for seven Years Servitude, at any of the Royal_ African _Company's Settlements in_ Africa, _in such Manner as he the said Captain General shall think proper._

_On_ Thursday _the_ 26_th Day of_ April, _the Indentures being all drawn out, according to the Grant made to the Petitioners, by the Court held on_ Friday _the_ 20_th of this Instant; each Prisoner was sent for up, signed, sealed and exchanged them in the Presence of_

_Captain_ Mungo Herdman, _President_, James Phipps, _Esq_; _Mr._ Edward Hyde, _Mr._ Charles Fanshaw, _And Mr._ John Atkins, _Register._

_A Copy of the Indenture._

The Indenture of a Person condemned to serve abroad for Pyracy, which, upon the humble Petition of the Pyrates therein mentioned, was most mercifully granted by his Imperial Majesty's Commissioners and Judges appointed to hold a Court of Admiralty, for the Tryal of Pyrates at Cape _Corso-Castle_, in _Africa_, upon Condition of serving seven Years, and other Conditions, are as follows, _viz._

T_HIS Indenture made the twenty sixth Day of_ April, Anno Regni Regis Georgii magnæ Britanniæ, _&c._ Septimo, Domini, Millessimo, Sepcentessimo viginti duo, _between_ Roger Scot, _late of the City of_ Bristol _Mariner, of the one Part, and the Royal_ African _Company of_ England, _their Captain General and Commander in Chief, for the Time being, on the other Part_, Witnesseth, _that the said_ Roger Scot, _doth hereby covenant, and agree to, and with, the said Royal_ African _Company, their Captain General, and Commander in chief for the Time being, to serve him, or his lawful Successors, in any of the Royal_ African _Company's Settlements on the Coast of_ Africa, _from the Day of the Date of these Presents, to the full Term of seven Years, from hence next ensuing, fully to be compleat and ended; there to serve in such Employment, as the said Captain General, or his Successors shall employ him; according to the Custom of the Country in like Kind._

_In Consideration whereof, the said Captain General, and Commander in chief doth covenant and agree, to, and with, the said_ Roger Scot, _to find and allow him Meat, Drink, Apparel and Lodging, according to the Custom of the Country._

_In witness whereof, the Parties aforesaid, to these Presents, have interchangably put their Hands and Seals, the Day and Year first above written._

_Signed, sealed and delivered, in the Presence of us, at Cape_ Corso-Castle, _in_ Africa, _where no stamp'd Paper was to be had._

Mungo Heardman, _President_, Witness. John Atkins, _Register_, Witness.

In like Manner was drawn out and exchanged the Indentures of

T_Homas How_ of _Barnstable_, in the County of _Devon._

_Samuel Fletcher_ of _East-Smithfield, London._

_John Lane_ of _Lombard-Street, London._

_David Littlejohn_ of _Bristol._

_John King_ of _Shadwell_ Parish, _London._

_Henry Dennis_ of _Bidiford._

_Hugh Harris_ of _Corf-Castle, Devonshire._

_William Taylor_ of _Bristol._

_Thomas Owen_ of _Bristol._

_John Mitchel_ of _Shadwell_ Parish, _London._

_Joshua Lee_ of _Leverpool._

_William Shuren_ of _Wapping_ Parish, _London._

_Robert Hartley_ of _Leverpool._

_John Griffin_ of _Blackwall, Middlesex._

_James Cromby_ of _London, Wapping._

_James Greenham_ of _Marshfield, Gloucestershire._

_John Horn_ of St. _James's_ Parish, _London._

_John Jessop_ of _Wisbich, Cambridgshire._

_David Rice_ of _Bristol._

* * *

None of which, I hear, are now living, two others, _viz. George Wilson_ and _Thomas Oughterlaney_, were respited from Execution, till his Majesty's Pleasure should be known; the former dy'd abroad, and the latter came Home, and received his Majesty's Pardon; the Account of the whole stands thus,

Acquitted, 74 Executed, 52 Respited, 2 To Servitude, 20 To the Marshalsea, 17 Kill'd in the Ranger, 10 Kill'd in the Fortune, 3 Dy'd in the Passage to Cape Corso, 15 Dy'd afterwards in the Castle, 4 Negroes in both Ships, 70 ---------- Total, 276

I am not ignorant how acceptable the Behaviour and dying Words of Malefactors are to the generallity of our Countrymen, and therefore shall deliver what occurr'd, worthy of Notice, in the Behaviour of these Criminals.

The first six that were called to Execution, were _Magnes, Moody, Sympson, Sutton, Ashplant_, and _Hardy_; all of them old Standers and notorious Offenders: When they were brought out of the Hold, on the Parade, in order to break off their Fetters, and fit the Halters; none of them, it was observed, appeared the least dejected, unless _Sutton_, who spoke faint, but it was rather imputed to a Flux that had seiz'd him two or three Days before, than Fear. A Gentleman, who was Surgeon of the Ship, was so charitable at this Time, to offer himself in the room of an Ordinary, and represented to them, as well as he was able, the Heinousness of their Sin, and Necessity which lay on them of Repentance; one particular Part of which ought to be, acknowledging the Justice they had met with. They seem'd heedless for the present, some calling for Water to drink, and others applying to the Soldiers for Caps, but when this Gentleman press'd them for an Answer, they all exclaim'd against the Severity of the Court, and were so harden'd, as to curse, and wish the same Justice might overtake all the Members of it, as had been dealt to them. _They were poor Rogues_, they said, _and so hang'd, while others, no less guilty in another Way, escaped._

When he endeavoured to compose their Minds, exhorting them to dye in Charity with all the World, and would have diverted them from such vain Discourse, by asking them their Country, Age, and the like; some of them answered, `What was that to him, they suffered the Law, and should give no Account but to God;´ walking to the Gallows without a Tear, in Token of Sorrow for their past Offences, or shewing as much Concern as a Man would express at travelling a bad Road; nay, _Sympson_, at seeing a Woman that he knew, said, `he had lain with that B--h three times, and now she was come to see him hang'd.´ And _Hardy_, when his Hands were ty'd behind him, (which happened from their not being acquainted with the Way of bringing Malefactors to Execution,) observed, `that he had seen many a Man hang'd, but this Way of the Hands being ty'd behind them, he was a Stranger to, and never saw before in his Life.´ I mention these two little Instances, to shew how stupid and thoughtless they were of their End, and that the same abandoned and reprobate Temper that had carried them thro' their Rogueries, abided with them to the last.

_Samuel Fletcher_, another of the Pyrates ordered for Execution, but reprieved, seem'd to have a quicker Sense of his Condition; for when he saw those he was allotted with gone to Execution, he sent a Message by the Provost-Marshal to the Court, to be `inform'd of the Meaning of it, and humbly desir'd to know whether they design'd him Mercy, or not? If they did, he stood infinitely oblig'd to them, and thought the whole Service of his Life an incompetent Return for so great a Favour; but that if he was to suffer, the sooner the better, _he said_, that he might be out of his Pain.´

There were others of these Pyrates the reverse of this, and tho' destitute of Ministers, or fit Persons to represent their Sins, and assist them with spiritual Advice, were yet always imploying their Time to good Purposes, and behaved with a great deal of seeming Devotion and Penitence; among these may be reckon'd _Scudamore, Williams, Philips, Stephenson, Jefferys, Lesly, Harper, Armstrong, Bunce_, and others.

_Scudamore_ too lately discerned the Folly and Wickedness of the Enterprize, that had chiefly brought him under Sentence of Death, from which, seeing there was no Hopes of escaping, he petitioned for two or three Days Reprieve, which was granted; and for that Time apply'd himself incessantly to Prayer, and reading the Scriptures, seem'd to have a deep Sense of his Sins, of this in particular, and desired, at the Gallows, they would have Patience with him, to sing the first Part of the thirty first Psalm; which he did by himself throughout.

_Armstrong_, having been a Deserter from his Majesty's Service, was executed on Board the _Weymouth_, (and the only one that was;) there was no Body to press him to an Acknowledgement of the Crime he died for, nor of sorrowing in particular for it, which would have been exemplary, and made suitable Impressions on Seamen; so that his last Hour was spent in lamenting and bewailing his Sins in general, exhorting the Spectators to an honest and good Life, in which alone they could find Satisfaction. In the End, he desir'd they would join with him in singing two or three latter Verses of the 140th Psalm; and that being concluded, he was, at the firing of a Gun, tric'd up at the Fore-Yard-Arm.

_Bunce_ was a young Man, not above 26 Years old, but made the most pathetical Speech of any at the Gallows. He first declaim'd against the guilded Bates of Power, Liberty, and Wealth, that had ensnar'd him among the Pyrates, his unexperienc'd Years not being able to withstand the Temptation; but that the Briskness he had shewn, which so fatally had procured him Favour amongst them, was not so much a Fault in Principle, as the Liveliness and Vivacity of his Nature. He was now extreamly afflicted for the Injuries he had done to all Men, and begg'd their's and God's Forgiveness, very earnestly exhorting the Spectators to remember their Creator in their Youth, and guard betimes, that their Minds took not a wrong Byass, concluding with this apt Similitude, _That he stood there as a Beacon upon a Rock_, (the Gallows standing on one) _to warn erring Marriners of Danger._

CHAP. X. OF Captain _ANSTIS_, And his CREW.

T_HOMAS Anstis_ ship'd himself at _Providence_ in the Year 1718, aboard the _Buck_ Sloop, and was one of six that conspired together to go off a pyrating with the Vessel; the rest were, _Howel Davis, Roberts_'s Predecessor, killed at the Island of _Princes; Dennis Topping_, killed at the taking of the rich _Portuguese_ Ship on the Coast of _Brasil; Walter Kennedy_, hanged at _Execution-Dock_, and two others, which I forbear to name, because, I understand they are at this Day employ'd in an honest Vocation in the City.

What followed concerning _Anstis_'s Pyracies, has been included in the two preceeding Chapters; I shall only observe that the Combination of these six Men abovementioned, was the Beginning of that Company, that afterwards proved so formidable under Captain _Roberts_, from whom _Anstis_ separated the 18th of _April_ 1721, in the _Good Fortune_ Brigantine, leaving his Commadore to pursue his Adventures upon the Coast of _Guiney_, whilst he returned to the _West-Indies_, upon the like Design.

About the Middle of _June_, these Pyrates met with one Captain _Marston_, between _Hispaniola_ and _Jamaica_, bound on a Voyage to _New-York_; from whom they took all the wearing Apparel they could find, as also his Liquors and Provision, and five of his Men, but did not touch his Cargo; two or three other Vessels were also plundered by them, in this Cruise, out of whom they stocked themselves with Provision and Men; among the rest, I think, was the _Irwin_, Captain _Ross_, from _Cork_ in _Ireland_; but this I won't be positive of, because they denied it themselves. This Ship had 600 Barrels of Beef aboard, besides other Provisions, and was taken off _Martinico_, wherein Colonel _Doyly_ of _Montserrat_, and his Family were Passengers. The Colonel was very much abused and wounded, for endeavouring to save a poor Woman, that was also a Passenger, from the Insults of that brutish Crew; and the Pyrates prevailing, twenty one of them forced the poor Creature successively, afterwards broke her Back and flung her into the Sea. I say, I will not be positive it was _Anstis_'s Crew that acted this unheard of Violence and Cruelty, tho' the Circumstances of the Place, the Time, the Force of the Vessel, and the Number of Men, do all concur, and I can place the Villany no where else; but that such a Fact was done, there is too much Evidence for it to be doubted of.

When they thought fit to put an End to this Cruize, they went into one of the Islands to clean, which they effected without any Disturbance, and came out again, and stretching away towards _Burmudas_, met with a stout Ship, called the _Morning Star_, bound from _Guiney_ to _Carolina_; they made Prize of her, and kept her for their own Use. In a Day or two, a Ship from _Barbadoes_ bound to _New-York_, fell into their Hands, and taking out her Guns and Tackle, mounted the _Morning Star_ with 32 Pieces of Cannon, mann'd her with a 100 Men, and appointed one _John Fenn_ Captain; for the Brigantine being of far less Force, the _Morning Star_ would have fallen to _Anstis_, as elder Officer, yet he was so in Love with his own Vessel, (she being an excellent Sailor,) that he made it his Choice to stay in her, and let _Fenn_, who was, before, his Gunner, Command the great Ship.

Now, that they had two good Ships well mann'd, it may be supposed they were in a Condition to undertake something bold: But their Government was disturbed by Malecontents, and a Kingdom divided within it self cannot stand; they had such a Number of new Men amongst them, that seem'd not so violently enclined for the Game; that whatever the Captain proposed, it was certainly carried against him, so that they came to no fix'd Resolution for the undertaking any Enterprize; therefore there was nothing to be done, but to break up the Company, which seemed to be the Inclination of the Majority, but the Manner of doing so, concerned their common Safety; to which Purpose various Means were proposed, at length it was concluded to send home a Petition to his Majesty (there being then no Act of Indemnity in Force) for a Pardon, and wait the Issue; at the same Time one _Jones_, Boatswain of the _Good Fortune_, proposed a Place of safe Retreat, it being an uninhabited Island near _Cuba_, which he had been used to in the late War, when he went a privateering against the _Spaniards._

This being approved of, it was unanimously resolved on, and the underwritten Petition drawn up and signed by the whole Company in the Manner of what they call a _Round Robin_, that is, the Names were writ in a Circle, to avoid all Appearance of Pre-eminence, and least any Person should be mark'd out by the Government, as a principal Rogue among them.

_To his most sacred Majesty_ George, _by the Grace of God, of_ Great-Britain, France _and_ Ireland, _King, Defender of the Faith_, &c.

The humble PETITION of the Company, now belonging to the Ship _Morning Star_, and Brigantine _Good Fortune_, lying under the ignominious Name and Denomination of PYRATES.

Humbly sheweth,

T_HAT we your Majesty's most loyal Subjects, have, at sundry Times, been taken by_ Bartholomew Roberts, _the then Captain of the abovesaid Vessels and Company, together with another Ship, in which we left him; and have been forced by him and his wicked Accomplices, to enter into, and serve, in the said Company, as Pyrates, much contrary to our Wills and Inclinations: And we your loyal Subjects utterly abhoring and detesting that impious way of Living, did, with an unanimous Consent, and contrary to the Knowledge of the said_ Roberts, _or his Accomplices, on, or about the_ 18_th Day of_ April 1721, _leave, and ran away with the aforesaid Ship_ Morning Star, _and Brigantine_ Good Fortune, _with no other Intent and Meaning than the Hopes of obtaining your Majesty's most gracious Pardon. And, that we your Majesty's most loyal Subjects, may with more Safety return to our native Country, and serve the Nation, unto which we belong, in our respective Capacities, without Fear of being prosecuted by the Injured, whose Estates have suffered by the said_ Roberts _and his Accomplices, during our forcible Detainment, by the said Company: We most humbly implore your Majesty's most royal Assent, to this our humble Petition._

And your Petitioners shall ever pray.

This Petition was sent home by a Merchant Ship bound to _England_, from _Jamaica_, who promised to speak with the Petitioners, in their Return, about 20 Leagues to Windward of that Island, and let them know what Success their Petition met with. When this was done, the Pyrates retires to the Island before proposed, with the Ship and Brigantine.

This Island (which I have no Name for) lies off the Southwest End of _Cuba_, uninhabited, and little frequented. On the East End is a Lagune, so narrow, that a Ship can but just go in, tho' there's from 15 to 22 Foot Water, for almost a League up: On both Sides of the Lagune grows red Mangrove Trees, very thick, that the Entrance of it, as well as the Vessels laying there, is hardly to be seen. In the Middle of the Island are here and there a small thick Wood of tall Pines, and other Trees scattered about in different Places.

Here they staid about nine Months, but not having Provision for above two, they were forced to take what the Island afforded, which was Fish of several Sorts, particularly Turtle, which latter was the chiefest Food they lived on, and was found in great Plenty on the Coasts of this Island; whether there might be any wild Hogs, Beef, or other Cattle, common to several Islands of the _West-Indies_, or that the Pyrates were too idle to hunt them, or whether they preferr'd other Provisions to that sort of Diet, I know not; but I was informed by them, that for the whole Time they eat not a Bit of any kind of Flesh-Meat, nor Bread; the latter was supply'd by Rice, of which they had a great Quantity aboard: This was boyl'd and squeez'd dry, and so eat with the Turtle.

There are three or four Sorts of these Creatures in the _West-Indies_, the largest of which will weight 150 or 200 Pound Weight or more, but those that were found upon this Island were of the smallest Kind, weighing 10 or 12 Pounds each, with a fine natural wrought Shell, and beautifully clouded; the Meat sweet and tender, some Part of it eating like Chicken, some like Veal, _&c._ so that it was no extraordinary Hardship for them to live upon this Provision alone, since it affords variety of Meats to the Taste, of it self. The manner of catching this Fish is very particular; you must understand, that in the Months of _May, June_ and _July_, they lay their Eggs in order to hatch their Young, and this three times in a Season, which is always in the Sand of the Sea-shore, each laying 80 or 90 Eggs at a time. The Male accompanies the Female, and come ashore in the Night only, when they must be watch'd, without making any Noise, or having a Light; as soon as they land, the Men that watch for them, turn them on their Backs, then haul them above high Water Mark, and leave them till next Morning, where they are sure to find them, for they can't turn again, nor move from the Place. It is to be observ'd, that besides their laying time, they come ashore to feed, but then what's very remarkable in these Creatures, they always resort to different Places to breed, leaving their usual Haunts for two or three Months, and 'tis thought they eat nothing in all that Season.

They pass'd their Time here in Dancing, and other Diversions, agreeable to these sort of Folks; and among the rest, they appointed a Mock Court of Judicature to try one another for Pyracy, and he that was a Criminal one Day was made Judge another.-- I had an Account given me of one of these merry Tryals, and as it appeared diverting, I shall give the Readers a short Account of it.

The Court and Criminals being both appointed, as also Council to plead, the Judge got up in a Tree, and had a dirty Taurpaulin hung over his Shoulders; this was done by Way of Robe, with a Thrum Cap on his Head, and a large Pair of Spectacles upon his Nose: Thus equipp'd, he settled himself in his Place, and abundance of Officers attending him below, with Crows, Handspikes, _&c._ instead of Wands, Tipstaves, and such like.-- The Criminals were brought out, making a thousand sour Faces; and one who acted as Attorney-General opened the Charge against them; their Speeches were very laconick, and their whole Proceedings concise. We shall give it by Way of Dialogue.

_Attorn. Gen._ An't please your Lordship, and you Gentlemen of the Jury, here is a Fellow before you that is a sad Dog, a sad sad Dog; and I humbly hope your Lordship will order him to be hang'd out of the Way immediately.--He has committed Pyracy upon the High Seas, and we shall prove, an't please your Lordship, that this Fellow, this sad Dog before you, has escap'd a thousand Storms, nay, has got safe ashore when the Ship has been cast away, which was a certain Sign he was not born to be drown'd; yet not having the Fear of hanging before his Eyes, he went on robbing and ravishing Man, Woman and Child, plundering Ships Cargoes fore and aft, burning and sinking Ship, Bark and Boat, as if the Devil had been in him. But this is not all, my Lord, he has committed worse Villanies than all these, for we shall prove, that he has been guilty of drinking Small-Beer; and your Lordship knows, there never was a sober Fellow but what was a Rogue.--My Lord, I should have spoke much finer than I do now, but that, as your Lordship knows our Rum is all out, and how should a Man speak good Law that has not drank a Dram.--However, I hope, your Lordship will order the Fellow to be hang'd.

_Judge._--Hearkee me, Sirrah,--you lousy, pittiful, ill-look'd Dog; what have you to say why you should not be tuck'd up immediately, and set a Sun-drying like a Scare-crow?--Are you guilty, or not guilty?

_Pris._ Not guilty, an't please your Worship.

_Judge._ Not guilty! say so again, Sirrah, and I'll have you hang'd without any Tryal.

_Pris._ An't please your Worship's Honour, my Lord, I am as honest a poor Fellow as ever went between Stem and Stern of a Ship, and can hand, reef, steer, and clap two Ends of a Rope together, as well as e'er a He that ever cross'd salt Water; but I was taken by one _George Bradley_ [the Name of him that sat as Judge,] a notorious Pyrate, a sad Rogue as ever was unhang'd, and he forc'd me, an't please your Honour.

_Judge._ Answer me, Sirrah,--How will you be try'd?

_Pris._ By G-- and my Country.

_Judge._ The Devil you will.--Why then, Gentlemen of the Jury, I think we have nothing to do but to proceed to Judgment.

_Attor. Gen._ Right, my Lord; for if the Fellow should be suffer'd to speak, he may clear himself, and that's an Affront to the Court.

_Pris._ Pray, my Lord, I hope your Lordship will consider--

_Judge._ Consider!--How dare you talk of considering? --Sirrah, Sirrah, I never consider'd in all my Life. --I'll make it Treason to consider.

_Pris._ But, I hope, your Lordship will hear some Reason.

_Judge._ D'ye hear how the Scoundrel prates?--What have we to do with Reason?--I'd have you to know, Raskal, we don't sit here to hear Reason;--we go according to Law.--Is our Dinner ready?

_Attor. Gen._ Yes, my Lord.

_Judge._ Then heark'ee, you Raskal at the Bar; hear me, Sirrah, hear me.--You must suffer, for three Reasons; first, because it is not fit I should sit here as Judge, and no Body be hang'd.--Secondly, you must be hang'd, because you have a damn'd hanging Look:--And thirdly, you must be hang'd, because I am hungry; for know, Sirrah, that 'tis a Custom, that whenever the Judge's Dinner is ready before the Tryal is over, the Prisoner is to be hang'd of Course.--There's Law for you, ye Dog.--So take him away Goaler.

* * *

This is the Tryal just as it was related to me; the Design of my setting it down, is only to shew how these Fellows can jest upon Things, the Fear and Dread of which, should make them tremble.

The beginning of _August_ 1722, the Pyrates made ready the Brigantine, and came out to Sea, and beating up to Windward, lay in the Track for their Correspondant in her Voyage to _Jamaica_, and spoke with her; but finding nothing was done in _England_ in their Favour, as 'twas expected, they return'd to their Consorts at the Island with the ill News, and found themselves under a Necessity, as they fancied, to continue that abominable Course of Life they had lately practis'd; in order thereto, they sail'd with the Ship and Brigantine to the Southward, and the next Night, by intolerable Neglect, they run the _Morning Star_ upon the _Grand Caimanes_, and wreck'd her; the Brigantine seeing the Fate of her Consort, hall'd off in Time, and so weather'd the Island. The next Day Captain _Anstis_ put in, and found that all, or the greatest part of the Crew, were safe ashore, whereupon she came to an Anchor, in order to fetch them off; and having brought _Fenn_ the Captain, _Philips_ the Carpenter, and a few others aboard, two Men of War came down upon them, _viz._ the _Hector_ and _Adventure_, so that the Brigantine had but just Time to cut their Cable, and get to Sea, with one of the Men of War after her, keeping within Gun-shot for several Hours. _Anstis_ and his Crew were now under the greatest Consternation imaginable, finding the Gale freshen, and the Man of War gaining Ground upon them, so that, in all Probability, they must have been Prisoners in two Hours more; but it pleased God to give them a little longer Time, the Wind dying away, the Pyrates got out their Oars, and row'd for their Lives, and thereby got clear of their Enemy.

The _Hector_ landed her Men upon the Island, and took 40 of the _Morning Star_'s Crew, without any Resistance made by them; but on the contrary, alledging, they were forc'd Men, and that they were glad of this Opportunity to escape from the Pyrates; the rest hid themselves in the Woods, and could not be found. _George Bradley_ the Master, and three more, surrender'd afterwards to a _Burmudas_ Sloop, and were carried to that Island.

The Brigantine, after her Escape, sail'd to a small Island near the Bay of _Honduras_, to clean and refit, and, in her Way thither, took a _Rhode Island_ Sloop, Captain _Durfey_, Commander, and two or three other Vessels, which they destroy'd, but brought all the Hands aboard their own.

While she was cleaning, a Scheme was concerted between Captain _Durfey_, some other Prisoners, and two or three of the Pyrates, for to seize some of the Chiefs, and carry off the Brigantine; but the same being discovered before she was fit for sailing, their Design was prevented: However, Captain _Durfey_, and four or five more, got ashore with some Arms and Ammunition; and when the Pyrates Canoe came in for Water, he seiz'd the Boat with the Men; upon which _Anstis_ ordered another Boat to be mann'd with 30 Hands and sent ashore, which was accordingly done; but Captain _Durfey_, and the Company he had by that Time got together, gave them such a warm Reception, that they were contented to betake themselves to their Vessel again.

About the beginning of _December_, 1722, _Anstis_ left this Place and return'd to the Islands, designing to accumulate all the Power and Strength he could, since there was no looking back. He took in the Cruise a good Ship, commanded by Captain _Smith_, which he mounted with 24 Guns, and _Fenn_, a one handed Man, who commanded the _Morning-Star_ when she was lost, went aboard to command her. They cruis'd together, and took a Vessel or two, and then went to the _Bahama Islands_, and there met with what they wanted, _viz._ a Sloop loaded with Provisions, from _Dublin_, called the _Antelope._

It was time now to think of some Place to fit up and clean their Frigate lately taken, and put her in a Condition to do Business; accordingly they pitch'd upon the Island of _Tobago_, where they arrived the beginning of _April_, 1723, with the _Antelope_ Sloop and her Cargo.

They fell to work immediately, got the Guns, Stores, and every Thing else out upon the Island, and put the Ship upon the Heel; and just then, as ill Luck would have it, came in the _Winchelsea_ Man of War, by Way of Visit, which put the Marooners into such a Surprize, that they set Fire to the Ship and Sloop, and fled ashore to the Woods. _Anstis_, in the Brigantine, escap'd, by having a light Pair of Heels, but it put his Company into such a Disorder, that their Government could never be set to rights again; for some of the New-Comers, and those who had been tir'd with the Trade, put an End to the Reign, by shooting _Tho. Anstis_ in his Hammock, and afterwards the Quarter-Master, and two or three others; the rest submitting, they put into Irons, and surrender'd them up, and the Vessel, at _Curacco_, a _Dutch_ Settlement, where they were try'd and hang'd; and those concerned in delivering up the Vessel, acquitted.

But to return to Captain _Fenn_, he was taken stragling with his Gunner and three more, a Day or two after their Misfortune, by the Man of War's Men, and carry'd to _Antegoa_, where they were all executed, and _Fenn_ hang'd in Chains. Those who remain'd, staid some Time in the Island, keeping up and down in the Woods, with a Hand to look out; at length Providence so order'd it, that a small Sloop came into the Harbour, which they all got aboard of, except two or three Negroes, and those they left behind. They did not think fit to pursue any further Adventures, and therefore unanimously resolved to steer for _England_, which they accordingly did, and in _October_ last came into _Bristol_ Channel, sunk the Sloop, and getting ashore in the Boat, dispersed themselves to their Abodes.

CHAP. XI. OF Captain _WORLEY_, And his CREW.

HIS Reign was but short, but his Beginning somewhat particular, setting out in a small open Boat, with eight others, from _New-York._ This was as resolute a Crew as ever went upon this Account: They took with them a few Biscuits, and a dry'd Tongue or two, a little Cag of Water, half a dozen old Muskets and Ammunition accordingly. Thus provided, they left _New-York_ the latter End of _September_ 1718, but it cannot be supposed that such a Man of War as this, could undertake any considerable Voyage, or attempt any extraordinary Enterprize; so they stood down the Coast, till they came to _Delaware_ River, which is about 150 Miles distant, and not meeting with any Thing in their Way, they turn'd up the same River as high as _Newcastle_, near which Place they fell upon a Shallop belonging to _George Grant_, who was bringing Houshold Goods, Plate, _&c._ from _Oppoquenimi_ to _Philadelphia_; they made Prize of the most valuable Part of them, and let the Shallop go. This Fact could not come under the Article of Pyracy, it not being committed _super altum Mare_, upon the High-Sea, therefore was a simple Robbery only; but they did not stand for a Point of Law in the Case, but easing the Shallop Man of his Lading, the bold Adventurers went down the River again.

The Shallop came straight to _Philadelphia_, and brought the ill News thither, which so alarm'd the Government, as if War had been declared against them; Expresses were sent to _New-York_, and other Places, and several Vessels fitted out against this powerful Rover, but to no manner of Purpose; for after several Days Cruize, they all return'd, without so much as hearing what became of the Robbers.

_Worley_ and his Crew, in going down the River, met with a Sloop of _Philadelphia_, belonging to a Mulatto, whom they call'd _Black Robbin_; they quitted their Boat for this Sloop, taking one of _Black Robin_'s Men along with them, as they had also done from _George Grant_, besides two Negroes, which encreased the Company one Third. A Day or two after, they took another Sloop belonging to _Hull_, homeward bound, which was somewhat fitter for their Purpose; they found aboard her, Provisions and Necessaries, which they stood in need of, and enabled them to prosecute their Design, in a manner more suitable to their Wishes.

Upon the Success of these Rovers, the Governor issued out a Proclamation, for the apprehending and taking all Pyrates, who had refused or neglected to surrender themselves, by the Time limited in his Majesty's Proclamation of Pardon; and thereupon, ordered his Majesty's Ship _Phoenix_, of 20 Guns, which lay at _Sandy Hook_, to Sea, to cruize upon this Pyrate, and secure the Trade to that, and the adjoining Colonies.

In all probability, the taking this Sloop sav'd their Bacons, for this Time, tho' they fell into the Trap presently afterwards; for they finding themselves in tolerable good Condition, having a Vessel newly cleaned, with Provisions, _&c._ they stood off to Sea, and so missed the _Phoenix_, who expected them to be still on the Coast.

About six Weeks afterwards they returned, having taken both a Sloop and a Brigantine, among the _Bahama_ Islands; the former they sunk, and the other they let go: The Sloop belonged to _New-York_, and they thought the sinking of her good Policy, to prevent her returning to tell Tales at Home.

_Worley_ had by this Time encreased his Company to about five and twenty Men, had six Guns mounted, and small Arms as many as were necessary for them, and seem'd to be in a good thriving sort of a Way. He made a black Ensign, with a white Death's Head in the Middle of it, and other Colours suitable to it. They all signed Articles, and bound themselves under a solemn Oath, to take no Quarters, but to stand by one another to the last Man, which was rashly fulfill'd a little afterwards.

For going into an Inlet in _North-Carolina_, to clean, the Governor received Information of it, and fitted out two Sloops, one of eight Guns, and the other with six, and about seventy Men between them. _Worley_ had clean'd his Sloop, and sail'd before the _Carolina_ Sloops reached the Place, and steered to the Northward; but the Sloops just mentioned, pursuing the same Course, came in sight of _Worley_, as he was cruising off the Capes of _Virginia_, and being in the Offin, he stood in as soon as he saw the Sloops, intending thereby to have cut them off from _James_ River; for he verily believed they had been bound thither, not imagining, in the least, they were in Pursuit of him.

The two Sloops standing towards the Capes at the same Time, and _Worley_ hoisting of his black Flag, the Inhabitants of _James_ Town were in the utmost Consternation, thinking that all three had been Pyrates, and that their Design had been upon them; so that all the Ships and Vessels that were in the Road, or in the Rivers up the Bay, had Orders immediately to hale in to the Shore, for their Security, or else to prepare for their Defence, if they thought themselves in a Condition to fight. Soon after two Boats, which were sent out to get Intelligence, came crowding in, and brought an Account, that one of the Pyrates was in the Bay, being a small Sloop of six Guns. The Governor expecting the rest would have followed, and altogether make some Attempt to land, for the sake of Plunder, beat to Arms, and collected all the Force that could be got together, to oppose them; he ordered all the Guns out of the Ships, to make a Platform, and, in short, put the whole Colony in a warlike Posture; but was very much surprised at last, to see all the supposed Pyrates fighting with one another.

The Truth of the Matter is, _Worley_ gained the Bay, thinking to make sure of his two Prizes, by keeping them from coming in; but by the hoisting of the King's Colours, and firing a Gun, he quickly was sensible of his Mistake, and too soon perceived that the Tables were turned upon him; that instead of keeping them out, he found himself, by a superiour Force kept in. When the Pyrates saw how Things went, they resolutely prepar'd themselves for a desperate Defence; and tho' three to one odds, _Worley_ and his Crew determined to fight to the last Gasp, and receive no Quarters, agreeably to what they had before sworn; so that they must either Dye or Conquer upon the Spot.

The _Carolina_ Men gave the Pyrate a Broadside, and then Boarded him, one Sloop getting upon his Quarter, and the other on his Bow; _Worley_ and the Crew, drew up upon the Deck, and fought very obstinately, Hand to Hand, so that in a few Minutes, abundance of Men lay weltering in their Gore; the Pyrates proved as good as their Words, not a Man of them cry'd out for Quarter, nor would accept of such, when offered, but were all killed except the Captain and another Man, and those very much wounded, whom they reserved for the Gallows. They were brought ashore in Irons, and the next Day, which was the 17th of _February_ 1718-19, they were both hanged up, for fear they should dye, and evade the Punishment as was thought due to their Crimes.

CHAP. XII. OF Capt. _George Lowther_, And his CREW.

G_Eorge Lowther_ sailed out of the River of _Thames_, in one of the Royal _African_ Company's Ships, call'd the _Gambia Castle_, of 16 Guns and 30 Men, _Charles Russel_ Commander; of which Ship, the said _Lowther_ was second Mate. Aboard of the same Ship, was a certain Number of Soldiers, commanded by one _John Massey_, who were to be carried to one of the Company's Settlements, on the River of _Gambia_, to Garrison a Fort, which was sometime ago taken and destroy'd by Captain _Davis_ the Pyrate.

In _May_ 1721, the _Gambia Castle_ came safe to her Port in _Africa_, and landed Captain _Massey_ and his Men on _James_'s Island, where he was to Command under the Governor, Colonel _Whitney_, who arrived there at the same Time, in another Ship: And here, by a fatal Misunderstanding, between the military Folks and the Trading People, the Fort and Garrison not only came to be lost again to the Company, but a fine Galley well provided, and worth 10000 _l._ turned against her Masters.

The Names of Governor and Captain sounded great, but when the Gentlemen found that the Power that generally goes along with those Titles, was oversway'd and born down by the Merchants and Factors, (mechanick Fellows as they thought them) they grew very impatient and disatisfy'd, especially _Massey_, who was very loud in his Complaints against them, particularly at the small Allowance of Provisions to him and his Men; for the Garrison and Governor too, were victualled by the Merchants, which was no small Grievance and Mortification to them. And as the want of eating was the only Thing that made the great _Sancho_ quit his Government, so did it here rend and tare their's to Pieces: For _Massey_ told them, _that he did not come there to be a_ Guiney _Slave, and that he had promised his Men good Treatment, and Provisions fitting for Soldiers: That as he had the Care of so many of his Majesty's Subjects, if they would not provide for them in a handsome Manner, he should take suitable Measures for the Preservation of so many of his Countrymen and Companions._

The Governor at this Time was very ill of a Fever, and, for the better Accomodation in his Sickness, was carried aboard the Ship _Gambia Castle_, where he continued for about three Weeks, and therefore could have little to say in this Dispute, tho' he resolved not to stay in a Place, where there was so little Occasion for him, and where his Power was so confin'd. The Merchants had certainly Orders from the Company, to issue the Provisions out to the Garrison, and the same is done along the whole Coast; but whether they had cut them short of the Allowance that was appointed them, I can't say, but if they did, then is the Loss of the Ship and Garrison owing principally to their ill Conduct.

However, an Accident that happened on Board the Ship, did not a little contribute to this Misfortune, which was a Pique that the Captain of her took against his second Mate, _George Lowther_, the Man who is the Subject of this short History; and who losing his Favour, found Means to ingratiate himself into the good liking of the common Sailors, insomuch that when Captain _Russel_ ordered him to be punish'd, the Men took up Handspikes, and threat'ned to knock that Man down, that offered to lay hold of the Mate. This served but to widen the Differences between him and the Captain, and more firmly attach'd _Lowther_ to the Ship's Company, the greatest Part of which, he found ripe for any Mischief in the World.

Captain _Massey_ was no wit the better reconciled to the Place, by a longer Continuance, nor to the Usage he met with there, and having often Opportunities of conversing with _Lowther_, with whom he had contracted an Intimacy in the Voyage; they aggravated one another's Grievances to such a height, that they resolved upon Measures to curb the Power that controul'd them, and to provide for themselves after another Manner.

When the Governor recover'd of his Fever, he went ashore to the Island, but took no Notice of _Massey_'s Behaviour, tho' it was such as might give Suspicion of what he designed; and _Lowther_, and the common Sailors, who were in the Secret of Affairs, grew insolent and bold, even refusing to obey when commanded to their Duty by Captain _Russel_ and the chief Mate. The Captain seeing how Things were carried, goes ashore early one Morning to the Governor and Factory, in order to hold a Council, which _Lowther_ apprehending, was in order to prevent his Design, sent a Letter in the same Boat to _Massey_, intimating it to him, and _that he should repair on Board, for it was high Time to put their Project in Execution._

As soon as _Massey_ received this Letter, he went to the Soldiers at the _Barracks_, and said to them, and others, _You that have a Mind to go to_ England, _now is your Time_; and they generally consenting, _Massey_ went to the Store-Room, burst open the Door, set two Centinels upon it, and ordered that no Body should come near it; then he went to the Governor's Apartment, and took his Bed, Baggage, Plate and Furniture, (in Expectation that the Governor himself, as he had promised _Massey_, would have gone on Board, which he afterwards refused, by Reason, as he said, he believed they were going a-pyrating; which at first, whatever _Lowther_ designed, _Massey_ certainly proposed only the going to _England_;) when this was done, he sent the Boat off to the chief Mate, with this Message, _That he should get the Guns ready, for that the King of_ Barro [a Negro Kingdom near the Royal _African_ Settlement] _would come aboard to Dinner._ But _Lowther_ understanding best, the meaning of those Orders, he confined the chief Mate, shotted the Guns, and put the Ship in a Condition for sailing. In the Afternoon _Massey_ came on Board with the Governor's Son, having sent off all the Provisions of the Island, and eleven Pipes of Wine, leaving only two half Pipes behind in the Store-House, and dismounted all the Guns of the Fort.

In the Afternoon they weigh'd one Anchor, but fearing to be too late to get out of the River, they slipp'd the other, and so fell down; in doing of which, they run the Ship a-ground. _Massey_ shew'd himself a Soldier upon this Accident, for as soon as the Misfortune happen'd, he left the Ship with about sixteen Hands, and rows directly to the Fort, remounts the Guns, and keeps Garrison there all the Night, while the Ship was ashore; and obliged some of the Factory to assist in getting her clear. In the mean while, _Russel_ came off, but not being suffered to come on Board, he call'd to _Lowther_, and offered him and the Company, whatever Terms they would be pleased to accept of, upon Condition of surrendering up the Ship, which had no Effect upon any of them. In the Morning they got her afloat, and _Massey_ and his Men came aboard, after having nailed up and dismounted all the Cannon of the Fort: They put the Governor's Son, and two or three others ashore, who were not willing to go without the Governor, and sail'd out of the River, having exchanged several Shot with the _Martha, Otter, &c._ that lay there, without doing Execution on either Side.

When the Ship came out to Sea, _Lowther_ called up all the Company, and told them, _it was the greatest Folly imaginable, to think of returning to_ England, _for what they had already done, could not be justifyed upon any Pretence whatsoever, but would be look'd upon, in the Eye of the Law, a capital Offence, and that none of them were in a Condition to withstand the Attacks of such powerful Adversaries, as they would meet with at Home; for his Part he was determined not to run such a Hazard, and therefore if his Proposal was not agreed to, he desired to be set a Shore in some Place of Safety: That they had a good Ship under them, a parcel of brave Follows in her, that it was not their Business to starve, or be made Slaves; and therefore, if they were all of his Mind, they should seek their Fortunes upon the Seas, as other Adventurers had done before them._ They one and all came into the Measures, knocked down the Cabins, made the Ship flush fore and aft, prepared black Colours, new named her, _the Delivery_, having about 50 Hands and 16 Guns, and the following short Articles were drawn up, signed and sworn to upon the Bible.

The Articles of Captain _George Lowther_, and his Company.

1. _THE Captain is to have two full Shares; the Master is to have one Share and a half; the Doctor, Mate, Gunner, and Boatswain, one Share and a quarter._

2. _He that shall be found Guilty of taking up any unlawful Weapon on Board the Privateer, or any Prize, by us taken, so as to strike or abuse one another, in any regard, shall suffer what Punishment the Captain and Majority of the Company shall think fit._

3. _He that shall be found Guilty of Cowardize, in the Time of Engagement, shall suffer what Punishment the Captain and Majority shall think fit._

4. _If any Gold, Jewels, Silver_, &c. _be found on Board of any Prize or Prizes, to the Value of a Piece of Eight, and the Finder do not deliver it to the Quarter-Master, in the Space of_ 24 _Hours, shall suffer what Punishment the Captain and Majority shall think fit._

5. _He that is found Guilty of Gaming, or Defrauding another to the Value of a Shilling, shall suffer what Punishment the Captain and Majority of the Company shall think fit._

6. _He that shall have the Misfortune to lose a Limb, in Time of Engagement, shall have the Sum of one hundred and fifty Pounds Sterling, and remain with the Company as long as he shall think fit._

7. _Good Quarters to be given when call'd for._

8. _He that sees a Sail first, shall have the best Pistol, or Small-Arm, on Board her._

It was the 13th of _June_, that _Lowther_ left the Settlement, and on the 20th, being then within twenty Leagues of _Barbadoes_, he came up with a Brigantine, belonging to _Boston_, called the _Charles, James Douglass_ Master, which they plundered in a pyratical Manner, and let the Vessel go; but least she should meet with any of the Station Ships, and so give Information of the Robbery, _in Terrorem_, to prevent a Pursuit, _Lowther_ contrived a sort of a Certificate, which he directed the Master to shew to their Consort, if they should meet with her; and upon Sight of it the Brigantine would pass unmolested: This Consort, he pretended, was a 40 Gun Ship, and cruising therabouts.

After this the _Delivery_ proceeded to _Hispaniola_; near the West End of the Island she met with a _French_ Sloop loaden with Wine and Brandy; aboard of this Vessel went Captain _Massey_, as a Merchant, and ask'd the Price of one Thing, and then another, bidding Money for the greatest Part of the Cargo; but after he had trifled a while, he whisper'd a Secret in the _French_ Man's Ear, _viz. That they must have it all without Money. Monsieur_ presently understood his Meaning, and unwillingly agreed to the Bargain. They took out of her thirty Casks of Brandy, five Hogsheads of Wine, several Pieces of Chintzes, and other valuable Goods, and about 70 _l. English_, in Money; of which _Lowther_ generously return'd five Pounds back to the _French_ Master for his Civilities.

But as all Constitutions grow old, and thereby shake and totter, so did our Commonwealth in about a Month of its Age, feel Commotions and intestine Disturbances, by the Divisions of its Members, which had near hand terminated in its Destruction; these civil Discords were owing to the following Occasion. Captain _Massey_ had been a Soldier almost from his Infancy, but was but very indifferently acquainted with Maritime Affairs, and having an enterprizing Soul, nothing would satisfy him, but he must be doing Business in his own Way, therefore he required _Lowther_ to let him have thirty Hands to land with, and he would attack the _French_ Settlements, and bring aboard the Devil and all of Plunder.

_Lowther_ did all that he could do, and said all that he could say, to disswade _Massey_ from so rash and dangerous an Attempt; pointing out to him the Hazard the Company would run, and the Consequences to them all, if he should not succeed, and the little Likelihood there was to expect Success from the Undertaking: But 'twas all one for that, _Massey_ would go and attack the _French_ Settlements, for any thing _Lowther_ could say against it; so that he was obliged to propose the Matter to the Company, among whom _Massey_ found a few Fellows as resolute as himself; however, a great Majority being against it, the Affair was over-ruled in Opposition to Captain _Massey_, notwithstanding which, _Massey_ grew fractious, quarrelled with _Lowther_, and the Men divided into Parties, some siding with the Land Pyrate, and some with the Sea Rover, and were all ready to fall together by the Ears, when the Man at the Mast-head cry'd out, A Sail! A Sail! then they gave over the Dispute, set all their Sails, and steered after the Chace. In a few Hours they came up with her, she being a small Ship from _Jamaica_, bound to _England_; they took what they thought fit out of her, and a Hand or two, and then _Lowther_ was for sinking the Ship, with several Passengers that were in her, for what Reason I know not, but _Massey_ so that he interposed, prevented their cruel Fate, and the Ship safely arrived afterwards in _England._

The next Day they took a small Sloop, an interloping Trader, which they detain'd with her Cargo. All this while _Massey_ was uneasy, and declar'd his Resolution to leave them, and _Lowther_ finding him a very troublesome Man to deal with, consented that he should take the Sloop, last made Prize of, with what Hands had a Mind to go with him, and shift for himself. Whereupon _Massey_, with about ten more Malecontents, goes aboard the Sloop, and comes away in her directly for _Jamaica._

Notwithstanding what had passed, Captain _Massey_ puts a bold Face upon the Matter, and goes to Sir _Nicholas Laws_, the Governor, informs him of his leaving _Lowther_ the Pyrate, owns, _That he assisted in going off with the Ship, at the River_ Gambia; but said, _'twas to save so many of his Majesty's Subjects from perishing, and that his Design was to return to_ England; _but_ Lowther _conspiring with the greater Part of the Company, went a pyrating with the Ship; and that he had taken this Opportunity to leave him, and surrender himself and Vessel to his Excellency._

_Massey_ was very well received by the Governor, and had his Liberty given him, with a Promise of his Favour, and so forth; and, at his own Request, he was sent on Board the _Happy_ Sloop, Captain _Laws_, to cruise off _Hispaniola_, for _Lowther_; but not being so fortunate as to meet with him, Captain _Massey_ returned back to _Jamaica_ in the Sloop, and getting a Certificate, and a Supply of Money, from the Governor, he came home Passenger to _England._

When _Massey_ came to Town, he writes a long Letter to the Deputy Governor and Directors of the _African_ Company, wherein he imprudently relates the whole Transactions of his Voyage, the going off with the Ship, and the Acts of Pyracy he had committed with _Lowther_; but excuses it as Rashness and Inadvertency in himself, occasioned by his being ill used, contrary to the Promises that had been made him, and the Expectations he had entertained; but own'd, that he deserved to dye for what he had done; yet, if they had Generosity enough to forgive him, as he was still capable to do them Service, as a Soldier, so he should be very ready to do it; but if they resolved to prosecute him, he begg'd only this Favour, that he might not be hang'd like a Dog, but to die like a Soldier, as he had been bred from his Childhood, that is, that he might be shot.

This was the Substance of the Letter, which, however, did not produce so favourable an Answer as he hoped for, Word being brought back to him, _That he should be fairly hang'd._ Whereupon, _Massey_ resolved not to be out of the Way, when he found what important Occasion there was likely to be for him, but takes a Lodging in _Aldersgate-Street_, the next Day went to the Lord Chief Justice's Chambers, and enquired, if my Lord had granted a Warrant against Captain _John Massey_, for Pyracy: But being told by the Clerks, that they knew of no such Thing; he informed them, he was the Man, that my Lord would soon be apply'd to for that Purpose, and the Officer might come to him at such a Place, where he lodg'd: They took the Directions in Writing, and, in a few Days, a Warrant being issued, the Tipstaff went directly, by his own Information, and apprehended him, without any other Trouble, than walking to his Lodging.

There was then no Person in Town to charge him with any Fact, upon which he could be committed; nor could the Letter be proved to be of his Hand-Writing, so that they had been obliged to let him go again, if he had not helped his Accusers out at Pinch: The Magistrate was reduced to the putting of this Question to him, _Did you write this Letter?_ He answered, _He did_: And not only that, but confessed all the Contents of it; upon which, he was committed to _Newgate_, but was afterwards admitted to a hundred Pounds Bail, or thereabouts.

On the 5th of _July_ 1723, he was brought to his Tryal, at a Court of Admiralty held at the _Old-Baily_, when Captain _Russel_, Governor _Whitney_'s Son, and others, appeared as Evidences, by whom the Indictment was plainly proved against him; which, if it had not been done, the Captain was of such an heroick Spirit, that he would have deny'd nothing; for instead of making a Defence, he only entertained the Court with a long Narrative of his Expedition, from the first setting out, to his Return to _England_, mentioning two Acts of Pyracy committed by him, which he was not charged with, often challenging the Evidences to contradict him, if in any Thing he related the least Syllable of an Untruth; and instead of denying the Crimes set forth in the Indictment, he charged himself with various Circumstances, which fixed the Facts more home upon him. Upon the whole, the Captain was found Guilty, received Sentence of Death, and was executed three Weeks after, at _Execution-Dock._

We return now to _Lowther_, whom we left cruising off _Hispaniola_, from whence he plyed to Windward, and, near _Porto Rico_, chased two Sail, and spoke with them; they proving to be a small _Bristol_ Ship, commanded by Captain _Smith_, and a _Spanish_ Pyrate, who had made Prize of the said Ship. _Lowther_ examined into the _Spaniard_'s Authority for taking an _English_ Vessel, and threat'ned to put every Man of them to death, for so doing; so that the _Spaniards_ fancied themselves to be in a very pittiful Condition, till Matters cleared up, and they found their Masters as great Rogues as themselves, from whom some Mercy might be expected, in regard to the near Relation they stood with them, as to their Profession; in short, _Lowther_ first rifled, and then burnt both the Ships, sending the _Spaniards_ away in their Launch, and turning all the _English_ Sailors into Pyrates.

After a few Days Cruise, _Lowther_ took a small Sloop belonging to St. _Christophers_, which they mann'd and carried along with them to a small Island, where they cleaned, and stay'd some Time to take their Diversions, which consisted in unheard of Debaucheries, with drinking, swearing and rioting, in which there seemed to be a kind of Emulation among them, resembling rather Devils than Men, striving who should out do one another in new invented Oaths and Execrations.

They all got aboard about _Christmas_, observing neither Times nor Seasons, for perpetrating their villainous Actions, and sailed towards the Bay of _Honduras_; but stopping at the _Grand Caimanes_ for Water, they met with a small Vessel with 13 Hands, in the same honourable Employment with themselves; the Captain of this Gang was one _Edward Lowe_, whom we shall

## particularly discourse of in a Chapter by it self: _Lowther_ received them

as Friends, and treated them with all imaginable Respect, inviting them, as they were few in Number, and in no Condition to pursue the Account, (as they called it) to join their Strength together, which on the Consideration aforesaid, was accepted of, _Lowther_ still continuing Commander, and _Lowe_ was made Lieutenant: The Vessel the new Pyrates came out of, they sunk, and the Confederates proceed on the Voyage as _Lowther_ before intended.

The 10th of _January_, the Pyrates came into the Bay, and fell upon a Ship of 200 Tun, called the _Greyhound, Benjamin Edwards_ Commander, belonging to _Boston. Lowther_ hoisted his pyratical Colours, and fired a Gun for the _Greyhound_ to bring to, which she refusing, the _Happy Delivery_ (the Name of the Pyrate) edg'd down, and gave her a Broadside, which was returned by Captain _Edwards_ very bravely, and the Engagement held for an Hour; but Captain _Edwards_, finding the Pyrate too strong for him, and fearing the Consequence of too obstinate a Resistance against those lawless Fellows, ordered his Ensign to be struck. The Pyrates Boat came aboard, and not only rifled the Ship, but whipp'd, beat, and cut the Men in a cruel Manner, turned them aboard their own Ship, and then set Fire to their's.

In cruising about the Bay, they met and took several other Vessels without any Resistance, _viz._ two Brigantines of _Boston_ in _New-England_, one of which they burnt, and sunk the other; a Sloop belonging to _Connecticut_, Captain _Airs_, which they also burnt; a Sloop of _Jamaica_, Captain _Hamilton_, they took for their own Use; a Sloop of _Virginia_ they unladed, and was so generous as to give her back to the Master that own'd her. They took a Sloop of 100 Ton, belonging to _Rhode Island_, which they were pleased to keep, and mount with eight Carriage, and ten Swivel Guns.

With this little Fleet, _viz._ Admiral _Lowther_, in the _Happy Delivery_; Captain _Low_, in the _Rhode Island_ Sloop; Captain _Harris_, (who was second Mate in the _Greyhound_ when taken,) in _Hamilton_'s Sloop, and the little Sloop formerly mentioned, serving as a Tender; I say, with this Fleet the Pyrates left the Bay, and came to _Port Mayo_ in the Gulph of _Matique_, and there made Preparations to careen; they carried ashore all their Sails, and made Tents by the Water-Side, wherein they laid their Plunder, Stores, _&c._ and fell to work; and at the Time that the Ships were upon the Heel, and the good Folks employ'd in heaving down, scrubing, tallowing, and so forth; of a sudden came down a considerable Body of the Natives, and attack'd the Pyrates unprepared. As they were in no Condition to defend themselves, they fled to their Sloops, leaving them Masters of the Field and the Spoil thereof, which was of great Value, and set Fire to the _Happy Delivery_, their capital Ship.

_Lowther_ made the best Provision he could in the largest Sloop, which he called the _Ranger_, having ten Guns and eight Swivels, and she sailing best, the Company went all aboard of her, and left the other at Sea. Provisions was now very short, which, with the late Loss, put them in a confounded ill Humour, insomuch that they were every now and then going together by the Ears, laying the Blame of their ill Conduct sometimes upon one, then upon another.

The Beginning of _May_ 1722, they got to the _West-Indies_, and near the Island of _Diseada_, took a Brigantine, one _Payne_ Master, that afforded them what they stood in need of, which put them in better Temper, and Business seemed to go on well again. After they had pretty well plundered the Brigantine, they sent her to the Bottom. They went into the Island and watered, and then stood to the Northward, intending to visit the Main-Coast of _America._

In the Latitude of 38, they took a Brigantine called the _Rebecca_ of _Boston_, Captain _Smith_, bound thither from St. _Christophers._ At the taking of this Vessel, the Crews divided; for _Low_, whom _Lowther_ joined at the _Grand Caimanes_, proving always a very unruly Member of the Commonwealth, always aspiring, and never satisfy'd with the Proceedings of the Commander; he thought it the safest Way to get rid of him, upon any Terms; and according to the Vote of the Company, they parted the Bear Skin between them: _Low_ with 44 Hands went aboard the Brigantine, and _Lowther_ with the same Number stay'd in the Sloop, and separated that very Night, being the 28th of _May_ 1722.

_Lowther_ proceeding on his Way to the Main-Coast, took three or four fishing Vessels off _New-York_, which was no great Booty to the Captors. The 3d of _June_, they met with a small _New-England_ Ship, bound home from _Barbadoes_, which stood an Attack a small Time, but finding it to no Purpose, yielded herself a Prey to the Booters: The Pyrates took out of her fourteen Hogsheads of Rum, six Barrels of Sugar, a large Box of _English_ Goods, several Casks of Loaf Sugar, a considerable Quantity of Pepper, six Negroes, besides a Sum of Money and Plate, and then let her go on her Voyage.

The next Adventure was not so fortunate for them, for coming pretty near the Coast of _South-Carolina_, they met with a Ship just come out, on her Voyage to _England; Lowther_ gave her a Gun, and hoisted his pyratical Colours; but this Ship, which was called the _Amy_, happening to have a brave gallant Man to command her, who was not any ways daunted with that terrible Ensign, the black Flag, he instead of striking immediately, as 'twas expected, let fly a Broadside at the Pyrate. _Lowther_ (not at all pleased with the Compliment, tho' he put up with it for the present) was for taking Leave; but the _Amy_ getting the Pyrate between her and the Shore, stood after him to clap him aboard; to prevent which, _Lowther_ run the Sloop a-ground, and landed all the Men with their Arms. Captain _Gwatkins_, the Captain of the _Amy_, was obliged to stand off, for fear of running his own Ship ashore; but at the same Time thought fit for the publick Good, to destroy the Enemy; and thereupon went into the Boat, and rowed towards the Sloop, in order to set her on Fire; but before he reached the Vessel, a fatal Shot from _Lowther_'s Company ashore, put an End to their Design and Captain _Gwatkin_'s Life. After this unfortunate Blow, the Mate returned aboard with the Boat, and not being enclined to pursue them any farther, took Charge of the Ship.

_Lowther_ got off the Sloop after the Departure of the _Amy_, and brought all his Men aboard again, but was in a poor shattered Condition, having suffered much in the Engagement, and had a great many Men kill'd and wounded: He made Shift to get into an Inlet somewhere in _North-Carolina_, where he staid a long while before he was able to put to Sea again.

He and his Crew laid up all the Winter, and shifted as well as they could among the Woods, divided themselves into small Parties, and hunted generally in the Day Times, killing of black Cattle, Hogs, _&c._ for their Subsistance, and in the Night retired to their Tents and Huts, which they made for Lodging; and sometimes when the Weather grew very cold, they would stay aboard of their Sloop.

In the Spring of the Year 1723, they made Shift to get to Sea, and steered their Course for _Newfoundland_, and upon the Banks took a Scooner, call'd the _Swift, John Hood_ Master; they found a good Quantity of Provisions aboard her, which they very much wanted at that Time, and after taking three of their Hands, and plundering her of what they thought fit, they let her depart. They took several other Vessels upon the Banks, and in the Harbour, but none of any great Account; and then steering for a warmer Climate, in _August_ arrived at the _West-Indies._ In their Passage thither, they met with a Brigantine, called the _John_ and _Elizabeth, Richard Stanny_ Master, bound for _Boston_, which they plundered, took two of her Men, and discharged her.

_Lowther_ cruised a pretty while among the Islands without any extraordinary Success, and was reduced to a very small Allowance of Provisions, till they had the luck to fall in with a _Martinico_ Man, which proved a seasonable Relief to them; and after that, a _Guiney_ Man had the ill Fortune to become a Prey to the _Rovers_; she was called the _Princess_, Captain _Wicksted_ Commander.

It was now thought necessary to look out for a Place to clean their Sloop in, and prepare for new Adventures: Accordingly the Island of _Blanco_ was pitched upon for that Purpose, which lies in the Latitude of 11° 50 m. N. about 30 Leagues from the Main of the _Spanish America_, between the Islands of _Margarita_ and _Rocas_, and not far from _Tortuga._ It is a low even Island, but healthy and dry, uninhabited, and about two Leagues in Circumference, with Plenty of Lignum Vitæ Trees thereon, growing in Spots, with shrubby Bushes of other Wood about them. There are, besides Turtle, great Numbers of Guanoes, which is an amphibious Creature like a Lizard, but much larger, the Body of it being as big as a Man's Leg; they are very good to eat, and are much used by the Pyrates that come here: They are of divers Colours, but such as live upon dry Ground, as here at _Blanco_, are commonly yellow. On the N. W. End of this Island, there is a small Cove or sandy Bay, all round the rest of the Island is deep Water, and steep close to the Island. Here _Lowther_ resorted to, the Beginning of _October_ last, unrigged his Sloop, sent his Guns, Sails, Rigging, _&c._ ashore, and put his Vessel upon the Careen. The _Eagle_ Sloop of _Barbadoes_, belonging to the _South-Sea_ Company, with 35 Hands, commanded by _Walter Moore_, coming near this Island, in her Voyage to _Comena_, on the _Spanish_ Continent, saw the said Sloop just careen'd, with her Guns out, and Sails unbent, which she supposed to be a Pyrate, because it was a Place where Traders did not commonly use, so took the Advantage of attacking her, as she was then unprepared; the _Eagle_ having fired a Gun to oblige her to shew her Colours, the Pyrate hoisted the St. _George_'s Flag at their Topmast-Head, as it were to bid Defiance to her; but when they found _Moore_ and his Crew resolved to board them in good earnest, the Pyrates cut their Cable and hawled their Stern on Shore, which obliged the _Eagle_ to come to an Anchor a-thwart their Hawse, where she engaged them till they called for Quarter and struck; at which Time _Lowther_ and twelve of the Crew made their Escape out of the Cabin Window. The Master of the _Eagle_ got the Pyrate Sloop off, secured her, and went ashore with 25 Hands, in Pursuit of _Lowther_ and his Gang; but after five Day's search, they could find but five of them, which they brought aboard, and then proceeded with the Sloop and Pyrates to _Comena_ aforesaid, where they soon arrived.

The _Spanish_ Governor being informed of this brave Action, condemned the Sloop to the Captors, and sent a small Sloop with 23 Hands to scower the Bushes and other Places of the Island of _Blanco_, for the Pyrates that remained there, and took four more, with seven small Arms, leaving behind them Captain _Lowther_, three Men, and a little Boy, which they could not take; the above four the _Spaniards_ try'd and condemned to Slavery for Life; three to the Gallies, and the other to the Castle of _Arraria._

The _Eagle_ Sloop brought all their Prisoners afterwards to St. _Christopher_'s, where the following were try'd by a Court of Vice Admiralty, there held _March_ the 11th, 1722, _viz. John Churchill, Edward Mackdonald, Nicholas Lewis, Richard West, Sam. Levercott, Robert White, John Shaw, Andrew Hunter, Jonathan Delve, Matthew Freebarn, Henry Watson, Roger Grange, Ralph Candor_, and _Robert Willis_; the three last were acquitted, the other thirteen were found Guilty, two of which were recommended to Mercy by the Court, and accordingly pardoned; and the rest executed at that Island, on the 20th of the same Month.

As for Captain _Lowther_, it is said that he afterwards shot himself upon that fatal Island, where his Pyracies ended, being found, by some Sloop's Men, dead, and a Pistol burst by his Side.

CHAP. XIII. OF Captain _Edward Low_, And his CREW.

E_dward Low_ was born in _Westminster_, and had his Education there, such as it was, for he could neither write or read. Nature seem'd to have designed him for a Pyrate from his Childhood, for very early he began the Trade of plundering, and was wont to raise Contributions among all the Boys of _Westminster_; and if any were bold enough to refuse it, a Battle was the Consequence; but _Low_ was so hardy, as well as bold, there was no getting the better of him, so that he robbed the Youths of their Farthings, with Impunity; when he grew bigger he took to Gaming in a low Way, for it was commonly among the Footmen in the _Lobby_ of the House of Commons, where he used to play the whole Game, (as they term it,) that is, cheat all he could, and those who pretended to dispute it with him, must fight him.

The Virtues of some of his Family were equal to his; one of his Brothers was a Youth of Genius, when he was but seven Years old, he used to be carried in a Basket, upon a Porter's Back, into a Crowd, and snatch Hats and Wigs: According to the exact Chronology of _Newgate_, he was the first who practised this ingenious Trick. After this, he applied himself to picking of Pockets; when he increased in Strength, he attempted greater Things, such as House-breaking, _&c._ But after he had run a short Race, he had the Misfortune of ending his Days at _Tyburn_, in Company with _Stephen Bunce_, and the celebrated _Jack Hall_ the Chimney-Sweeper.

But to return to _Ned_, when he came to Man's Estate, at his eldest Brother's Desire, he went to Sea with him, and so continued for three or four Years, and then parted; and _Ned_ work'd in a Rigging-House in _Boston_ in _New-England_, for a while. About six Years ago, he took a Trip home to _England_, to see his Mother, who is yet Living. His Stay was not long here; but taking Leave of his Friends and Acquaintance, for the last Time he should see them; for so he was pleased to say; he returned to _Boston_, and work'd a Year or two longer at the Rigging Business. But being too apt to disagree with his Masters, he left them, and shipp'd himself in a Sloop that was bound to the Bay of _Honduras._

When the Sloop arrived in the Bay, _Ned Low_ was appointed Patron of the Boat, which was employ'd in cutting of Logwood, and bringing it aboard to lade the Ship; for that is the Commodity they make the Voyage for: In the Boat were twelve Men besides _Low_, who all go arm'd, because of the _Spaniards_, from whom this Logwood is but little better than stole. It happened that the Boat one Day came aboard just before Dinner was ready, and _Low_ desired that they might stay and Dine; but the Captain, being in a Hurry for his Lading, ordered them a Bottle of Rum, and to take t'other Trip, because no Time should be lost: This provoked the Boat's Crew, but

## particularly _Low_, who takes up a loaded Musquet and fires at the Captain,

but missing him, shot another poor Fellow thro' the Head, then put off the Boat, and with his twelve Companions goes to Sea: The next Day they took a small Vessel, and go in her, make a black Flag, and declare War against all the World.

They then proceeded to the Island of the _Grand Caimanes_, intending to have fitted up their small Vessel, and prepare themselves as well as their Circumstances would permit, for their honourable Employment; but falling in Company with _George Lowther_, another Pyrate there, who paying his Compliments to _Low_, as great Folks do to one another when they meet, and offering himself as an Ally; _Low_ accepted of the Terms, and so the Treaty was presently sign'd without Plenipo's or any other Formalities.

We have already given an Account of their joynt Pyracies, under _Lowther_ as chief Commander, till the 28th of _May_, 1722, when they took a Brigantine of _Boston_, bound thither from St. _Christophers_, at which Time they parted, and _Edward Low_ went into the Brigantine, with forty four others, who chose him their Captain: They took with them two Guns, four Swivels, six Quarter-Casks of Powder, Provisions and some Stores, and so left _Lowther_ to prosecute his Adventures, with the Men he had left.

Their first Adventure in the Brigantine, was on _Sunday_ the 3d Day of _June_, when they took a Vessel belonging to _Amboy, John Hance_ Master, whom he rifled of his Provisions, and let go; the same Day he met with a Sloop, _James Calquhoon_ Master, off of _Rhode Island_, bound into that Port, whom he first plundered, and then cut away his Boltsprit, and all his Rigging, also his Sails from the Yards, and wounded the Master, to prevent his getting in to give Intelligence, and then stood away to the South-Eastward, with all the Sail he could make, there being then but little Wind.

_Low_ judged right in making sail from the Coast, for a longer stay had proved fatal to him, for notwithstanding the disabled Condition he had rendered the Sloop in, she made shift to get into _Block Island_, at 12 o'Clock that Night, and immediately dispatched a Whale-Boat to _Rhode Island_, which got thither by seven the next Morning, with an Account of the Pyrate, his Force, and what had happened to him: As soon as the Governor had received this Information, he ordered a Drum to beat up for Volunteers, and two of the best Sloops then in the Harbour, to be fitted out: He gave Commissions to one Captain _John Headland_, and Captain _John Brown_, jun. for ten Days; the former had eight Guns and two Swivels, and the latter six Guns, well fitted with small Arms, and in both Sloops 140 stout Fellows; all this was performed with so much Expedition, that before Sun-set, they were under Sail, turning out of the Harbour, at the same Time the Pyrate was seen from _Block Island_, which gave great Hopes that the Sloops would be Masters of her the next Day, which however did not happen, for the Sloops returned into Harbour some Days afterwards, without so much as seeing their Enemy.

After this Escape, Captain _Low_, went into Port, upon the Coast, for he had not fresh Water enough to run to the Islands, where he staid a few Days, getting Provisions and what Necessaries the Crew wanted, and then sailed for Purchase, (as they call it) steering their Course towards _Marblehead._

About the 12th of _July_, the Brigantine sailed into the Harbour of Port _Rosemary_, and there found thirteen Ships and Vessels, but none of Force, at Anchor, they spread their black Flag, and ran in among them; _Low_ telling them from the Brigantine, they should have no Quarters if they resisted; in the mean Time they mann'd and arm'd their Boat, and took Possession of every one of them, plundered them of what they thought fit, and converted one to their own Use, _viz._ a Scooner of 80 Tuns, aboard of which they put 10 Carriage Guns, and 50 Men, and _Low_ himself went Captain, and nam'd her the _Fancy_, making one _Charles Harris_, (who was at first forced into their Service out of the _Greyhound_ of _Boston_, by _Lowther_, of which Ship _Harris_ was second Mate) Captain of the Brigantine: Out of these Vessels they took several Hands, and encreased the Company to 80 Men, who all signed the Articles, some willingly, and a few perhaps by Force, and so sailed away from _Marblehead._

Some Time after this, they met with two Sloops bound for _Boston_, with Provisions for the Garrison, and the Scooner coming up first, attacked them, but there happening to be an Officer and some Soldiers on Board, who gave them a warm Reception, _Low_ chose to stay till he should be joyned by the Brigantine; in the mean while the Sloops made the best of their Way, and the Pyrates gave them Chace two Days, and at last lost sight of them in a Fog.

They now steered for the Leeward Islands, but in their Voyage met with such a Hurricane of Wind, that the like had not been known; the Sea ran Mountains high, and seemed to threaten them every Moment with Destruction; it was no Time now to look out for Plunder, but to save themselves, if possible, from perishing. All Hands were continually employed Night, and Day, on Board the Brigantine, and all little enough, for the Waves went over her, so that they were forced to keep the pump constantly going, besides baling with Buckets; but finding themselves not able to keep her free, and seeing the utmost Danger before their Eyes, they turn'd to the Takle, and hoisted out their Provisions, and other heavy Goods, and threw them over-board, with six of their Guns, so that by lightening the Vessel, she might rise to the Top of the Sea with the Waves: They were also going to cut away their Mast; but considering how dangerous it would be, to be left in such a Condition, they resolved to delay it to the last, which was Prudence in them to do; for a Ship without Masts or Sails, lies like a Log upon the Water, and if attack'd, must fight with Disadvantage, the working of her being the most artful Part of the Engagement, because she may sometimes bring all her great Guns on one Side, to bear upon her Enemy, when the disabled Ship can do little or nothing.

But to proceed; by their throwing over-board the heavy Goods, the Vessel made considerable less Water, and they could keep it under with the Pump only, which gave them Hopes and new Life; so that instead of cutting all away, they took necessary Measures to secure the Mast, by making Preventor-Shrowds, _&c._ and then wore and lay too upon the other Tack, till the Storm was over. The Scooner made somewhat better Weather of it, of the two, but was pretty roughly handled notwithstanding, having split her Main-sail, sprung her Boltsprit, and cut her Anchors from her Bows. The Brigantine by running away to Leeward, when she wore upon the Larboard Tack, had lost Sight of the Scooner; but not knowing whether she might be safe or not, as soon as the Wind abated, she set her Main-Sail and Top-Sail, and made short Trips to Windward; and the next Day had the good Fortune to come in Sight of their Consort, who, upon a Signal, which the other knew, bore down to her, and the Crew were overjoy'd to meet again, after such ill Treatment from the Winds and Seas.

After the Storm, _Low_ got safe to a small Island, one of the Weathermost of the _Caribbees_, and there fitted their Vessels, as well as the Place could afford; they got Provisions of the Natives, in exchange for Goods of their own; and as soon as the Brigantine was ready, 'twas judg'd necessary to take a short Cruize, and leave the Scooner in the Harbour till her Return. The Brigantine sail'd out accordingly, and had not been out many Days before they met a Ship at Sea, that had lost all her Masts; on Board of whom they went, and took from her in Money and Goods, to the Value of 1000 _l._ and so left her in the Condition they found her: This Ship was bound home from _Barbadoes_, but losing her Masts in the late Storm, was making for _Antegoa_, to refit, where she afterwards arriv'd.

The Storm just spoken of, was found to have done incredible Damage in those Parts of the World; but however, it appear'd to have been more violent at _Jamaica_, both to the Island and Shipping, there was such a prodigious Swell of the Sea, that several hundred Tuns of Stones and Rocks, were thrown over the Wall of the Town of _Port Royal_, and the Town it self was overflowed, and above half destroy'd, there being the next Morning five Foot Water from one End to the other; the Cannon of Fort _Charles_ were dismounted, and some washed into the Sea, and four hundred People lost their Lives; a more melancholly Sight was scarce ever seen when the Water ebb'd away, all the Streets being covered with Ruins of Houses, Wrecks of Vessels, and a great Number of dead Bodies, for forty Sail of Ships, in the Harbour, were cast away.

The Brigantine return'd to the Island, where she had left the Scooner, who being ready to sail, it was put to the Vote of the Company, what Voyage to take next; and herein they follow'd the Advice of the Captain, who thought it not adviseable to go any farther to Leeward, because of the Men of War who were cruising in their several Stations, which they were not at all fond of meeting, and therefore it was agreed to go to the _Azores_, or Western Islands.

The latter End of _July, Low_ took a _French_ Ship of 34 Guns, and carried her along with him to the _Azores._ He came into St. _Michael_'s Road the 3d of _August_, and took seven Sail that were lying there, _viz._ the _Nostre Dame, Mere de Dieu_, Captain _Roach_ Commander; the _Dove_, Capt. _Cox_; the _Rose_ Pink, formerly a Man of War, Capt. _Thompson_; another _English_ Ship, Capt. _Chandler_; and three other Vessels. He threatened all with present Death who resisted, which struck such a Terror to them, that they yielded themselves up a Prey to the Villains, without firing a Gun.

The Pyrates being in great Want of Water and fresh Provisions, _Low_ sent to the Governor of St. _Michael_'s for a Supply, and promised upon that Condition to release the Ships he had taken, but otherwise to burn them all; which Demand the Governor thought it not prudent to refuse, but sent the Provision he required, upon which he released six of the Ships, (after he had plundered them of what he thought fit,) and the other, _viz._ the _Rose_ Pink, was made a Pyrate Ship, which _Low_ himself took the Command of.

The Pyrates took several of the Guns out of the _French_ Ship, and mounted them aboard the _Rose_, which proved very fit for their Turn, and condemned the former to the Flames. They took all the Crew out of her, but the Cook, who, they said, being a greazy Fellow would fry well in the Fire; so the poor Man was bound to the Main-Mast, and burnt in the Ship, to the no small Diversion of _Low_ and his _Mirmidons._

_Low_ ordered the Scooner to lye in the Fare between St. _Michael_'s and St. _Mary_'s, where, about the 20th of _August_, Captain _Carter_ in the _Wright_ Galley, had the ill Fortune to come in her Way; and because at first they shewed Inclinations to defend themselves, and what they had, the Pyrates cut and mangled them in a barbarous Manner; particularly some _Portuguese_ Passengers, two of which being Friers, they triced up at each Arm of the Fore-Yard, but let them down again before they were quite dead, and this they repeated several Times out of Sport.

Another _Portuguese_, who was also Captain _Carter_'s Passenger, putting on a sorrowful Countenance at what he saw acted, one of this vile Crew attacked him upon the Deck, saying, _he did not like his Looks_, and thereupon gave him one Blow a-cross his Belly with his Cutlash, that cut out his Bowels, and he fell down dead without speaking a Word. At the same Time another of these Rogues cutting at a Prisoner, missed his Mark, and Captain _Low_ standing in his Way, very opportunely received the Stroke upon his under Jaw, which laid the Teeth bare; upon this the Surgeon was called, who immediately stitched up the Wound, but _Low_ finding fault with the Operation, the Surgeon being tollerably drunk, as it was customary for every Body to be, struck _Low_ such a Blow with his Fist, that broke out all the Stitches, and then bid him sew up his Chops himself and be damned, so that _Low_ made a very pitiful Figure for some Time after.

When they had plundered Captain _Carter_'s Ship, several of them were for burning her, as they had done the _French_ Man, but it was otherwise resolved at last; for after they had cut her Cables, Rigging and Sails to Pieces, they left her to the Mercy of the Sea.

After these Depredations, they steered for the Island of _Madera_, where missing other Booty, they took up with a Fishing-Boat, with two old Men and a Boy in her, one of which they detained on Board, but sent the other ashore with a Flag of Truce, demanding a Boat of Water of the Governor, on Pain of taking away the old Man's Life, whom they threatened to hang at the Yard-Arm, upon their refusal; but the Thing being complied with, the old Man was honourably (as the Pyrates say) discharged, and all the three much handsomer cloathed than when they took them. From this Island they sailed to the _Canaries_, but meeting with no Prey there, they continued their Course for the _Cape de Verd_ Islands, and at _Bonavista_, took a Ship called the _Liverpool Merchant_, Captain _Goulding_, from whom they stole a great Quantity of Provisions and dry Goods, 300 Gallons of Brandy, two Guns and Carriages, a Mast, Yard and Hawsers, besides six of his Men, and then would not let them Trade there, nor at St. _Nicholas_, but obliged Captain _Goulding_ to go with his Ship, to the Isle of _May._

The Pyrate also took among these Islands, a Ship belonging to _Liverpool, Scot_ Commander; two _Portuguese_ Sloops bound for _Brasil_; a small _English_ Sloop trading there, _James Pease_ Master, bound to _Sancta Crux_, and three Sloops from St. _Thomas_ bound to _Curaso_, the Masters Names were _Lilly, Staples_ and _Simpkins_, all which they plundered, and then let go about their Business, except one Sloop which they fitted up for the following Purpose.

_Low_ had heard by one of the above mentioned Ships, that two small Gallies were expected every Day at the _Western Islands, viz._ the _Greyhound_, Captain _Glass_, and the _Joliff_, Captain _Aram_; the former of which was designed to be fitted for the pyratical Trade to _Brasil_, if Things had happened to their Minds. They mann'd the Sloop, and sent her in Quest of one or both of these Ships to the _Western Islands_ aforesaid, whilst they carreen'd their Ship _Rose_, at one of the _Cape de Verds_: But now Fortune that had hitherto been so propitious to them, left her Minions, and baffled for the present all their Hopes, for the Sloop missing of their Prey, was reduced to great Necessities for want of Provisions and Water, so that they ventured to go ashore at St. _Michael_'s for a Supply, and pass for a Trader; but they play'd their Parts so aukwardly, that they were suspected by the Governor to be what they really were, and he was soon put out of doubt by a Visit some _Portuguese_ made them, who happened unluckily to be Passengers in Captain _Carter_'s Ship, when _Low_ took her, and knew the Gentlemen's Faces very well; upon which the whole Crew was conducted into the Castle, where they were provided for as long as they liv'd.

_Low_, in the mean Time, did not fare quite so ill, but had his intended Voyage to _Brasil_ spoil'd, by the oversetting of his Ship, when she was upon the Careen, whereby she was lost, so that he was reduc'd to his old Scooner, which he called the _Fancy_, aboard of which they all went, to the Number of 100, as vile Rogues as ever ended their Lives at _Tyburn._ They proceeded now to the _West-Indies_, but before they had gotten far on their Voyage, they attack'd a rich _Portuguese_ Ship, call'd the _Nostre Signiora de Victoria_, bound home from _Bahia_, and after some Resistance, took her. _Low_ tortur'd several of the Men, to make them declare where the Money, (which he suppos'd they had on Board) lay, and extorted by that Means, a Confession that the Captain had, during the Chace, hung out of the Cabin Window, a Bag with 11,000 Moidores, which, assoon as he was taken, he cut the Rope off, and let it drop into the Sea.

_Low_, upon hearing what a Prize had escap'd him, rav'd like a Fury, swore a thousand Oaths, and ordered the Captain's Lips to be cut off, which he broil'd before his Face, and afterwards murthered him and all the Crew, being thirty two Persons.

After this bloody Action, they continued their Course, till they came to the Northward of all the Islands, and there cruiz'd for about a Month, in which Time they made Prizes of the following Vessels, _viz._ a Snow from _New-York_ to _Curacoa, Robert Leonard_ Master; a Sloop from the Bay, bound to _New-York, Craig_ Master; a Snow from _London_ and _Jamaica_, bound to _New-York_; and the _Stanhope_ Pink, _Andrew Delbridge_ Master, from _Jamaica_ to _Boston_; which last they burnt, because of _Low_'s irreconcileable Aversion to _New-England_ Men.

After this Cruize, they went into one of the Islands and clean'd, and then steered for the Bay of _Honduras_, where they arrived about the Middle of _March_ 1722-3, and met a Sloop turning out of the said Bay. The Pyrates had hoisted up _Spanish_ Colours, and continued them till they drew near the Sloop, then they hall'd them down, hoisted their black Flag, fired a Broadside, and boarded her. This Sloop was a _Spaniard_ of six Guns, and 70 Men, that came into the Bay that Morning, and meeting there with five _English_ Sloops, and a Pink, made Prizes of them all, plundered them, and brought the Masters of the Vessels away Prisoners, for the ransom of the Logwood; their Names were _Tuthill, Norton, Newbury, Sprafort, Clark_ and _Parrot._ The _Spaniards_ made no Resistance, so that the _English_ Pyrates soon became their Masters and fell to rifling; but finding the above-mentioned People in the Hold, and several _English_ Goods, they consulted _Low_ the Captain thereupon, and without examining any further, the Resolution pass'd to kill all the Company; and the Pyrates, without any Ceremony, fell Pell-Mell to Execution with their Swords, Cutlashes, Poll-Axes and Pistols, cutting, slashing and shooting the poor _Spaniards_ at a sad Rate. Some of the miserable Creatures jump'd down into the Hold, but could not avoid the Massacre; they met Death every where, for if they escaped it from one Hand, they were sure to perish by another; the only Prospect they had of Life, was to fly from the Rage of those merciless Men, and to trust to the more merciful Sea; and accordingly a great many leap'd over-board, and swam for the Shore; but _Low_ perceiving it, ordered the Canoa to be mann'd, and sent in pursuit of them, by which Means several of the poor unhappy Men were knock'd in the Head in the Water, as they were endeavouring to get to Land; however, about 12 of them did reach the Shore, but in a miserable Condition, being very much wounded, and what became of them afterwards was not known, except one, who while the Pyrates were at their Sports and Pastimes ashore, finding himself very weak and fainting with his Wounds, and not knowing where to go for Help and Relief, in this Extremity, he came back to them, and begg'd for God sake, in the most earnest Manner possible, that they would give him Quarters; upon which, one of the Villains took hold of him, and said, _G-- d--n him, he would give him good Quarters presently_, and made the poor _Spaniard_ kneel down on his Knees, then taking his Fusil, put the Muzzle of it into his Mouth, and fired down his Throat. 'Twas thought the rest did not long survive their miserable Condition, and could only prolong their Lives, to add to the Misery of them.

When the murdering Work was over, they rumaged the _Spanish_ Pyrate, and brought all the Booty aboard their own Vessels: The six Masters aforementioned, found in the Hold, they restored to their respective Vessels: They forced away the Carpenter from the Pink, and then set Fire to the _Spanish_ Sloop, and burnt her; which last Scene concluded the Destruction of their Enemy, Ship and Crew.

_Low_ set the Masters of the Vessels free, but would not suffer them to steer for _Jamaica_, where they were then bound, for fear the Men of War should get Intelligence of them, but forced them all to go to _New-York_, threat'ning them with Death, when they met them again, if they refused to comply with their Demands.

In the next Cruize, which was between the Leeward Islands and the Main, they took two Snows, bound from _Jamaica_ to _Liverpool_, and a Snow from _Jamaica_ to _London, Bridds_ Master; as also a Ship from _Biddford_ to _Jamaica, John Pinkham_ Commander; and two Sloops from _Jamaica_ to _Virginia._

On the 27th of _May, Low_ and his Consort _Harris_, came off _South-Carolina_, and met with three good Ships, _viz._ the _Crown_, Captain _Lovereigne_, the _King William_, the _Carteret_, and a Brigantine, who all came out of _Carolina_ together two Days before. The Pyrates were at the Trouble of chacing them, and Captain _Lovereigne_ being the sternmost, she fell first a Prey into their Hands; and they spent all the Day in coming up with the rest.

Within a few Days they took a Ship called the _Amsterdam Merchant_, Captain _Willard_, from _Jamaica_, but belonging to _New-England_; as _Low_ let none of that Country depart without some Marks of his Rage, he cut off this Gentleman's Ears, slit up his Nose, and cut him in several Places of his Body, and, after plundering his Ship, let him pursue his Voyage.

After this he took a Sloop bound to _Amboy, William Frazier_, Master, with whom Mr. _Low_ happening to be displeased, he ordered lighted Matches to be ty'd between the Mens Fingers, which burnt all the Flesh off the Bones; then cut them in several Parts of their Bodies with Knives and Cutlashes; afterwards took all their Provisions away, and set some of them ashore in an uninhabited Part of the Country.

The _Kingston_, Captain _Estwick_, another Ship, one _Burrington_ Master, two Brigantines from _Carolina_ to _London_; a Sloop from _Virginia_ to _Bermudas_; a Ship from _Glasgow_ to _Virginia_; a Scooner from _New-York_ to _South-Carolina_; a Pink from _Virginia_ to _Dartmouth_, and a Sloop from _Philadelphia_ to _Surinam_, fell a Prey to these Villains, upon this Cruize, besides those above-mentioned.

It happened that at this Time one of his Majesty's Ships was upon a Cruize, on this Station, and got Intelligence of some of the mischievous Actions of this Miscreant, by one of the Vessels that had been plundered by him, who steering as directed, came in Sight of the Pyrates by break of Day, on the 10th of _June_, of all Days in the Year. The Rovers looking out for Prey, soon saw, and gave Chace to the Man of War, which was called the _Greyhound_, a Ship of 20 Guns, and 120 Men, rather inferiour in Force to the two Pyrate Vessels: The _Greyhound_ finding them so eager, was in no doubt what they should be, and therefore tack'd and stood from them, giving the Pyrates an Opportunity to chace her for two Hours, till all Things were in Readiness for an Engagement, and the Pyrates about Gun-shot off; then the _Greyhound_ tack'd again, and stood towards the two Sloops, one of them called the _Fancy_, commanded by _Low_ himself, and the other the _Ranger_, commanded by _Harris_, both which hoisted their pyratical Colours, and fired each a Gun. When the _Greyhound_ came within Musquet-shot, she halled up her Main-sail, and clapp'd close upon a Wind, to keep the Pyrates from running to Leeward, and then engaged: But when the Rogues found who they had to deal with, they edg'd away under the Man of War's Stern, and the _Greyhound_ standing after them, they made a running Fight for about two Hours; but little Wind happening, the Sloops gained from her, by the help of their Oars; upon which the _Greyhound_ left off firing, and turned all Hands to her own Oars, and at three in the Afternoon came up with them. The Pyrates haul'd upon a Wind to receive the Man of War, and the Fight was immediately renewed, with a brisk Fire on both Sides, till the _Ranger_'s Main-Yard was shot down, and the _Greyhound_ pressing close upon the disabled Sloop, _Low_, in the other, thought fit to bear away and leave his Consort a Sacrifice to his Enemy, who (seing the Cowardice and Treachery of his Commadore and Leader, having ten or twelve Men killed and wounded, and that there was no possibility of escaping,) called out for Quarters, and surrendered themselves to Justice, which proved severe enough to them a-while afterwards.

The Conduct of _Low_ was surprizing in this Adventure, because his reputed Courage and Boldness, had, hitherto, so possess'd the Minds of all People, that he became a Terror, even to his own Men; but his Behaviour throughout this whole Action, shewed him to be a base cowardly Villain, for had _Low_'s Sloop fought half so briskly as _Harris_'s had done, (as they were under a solemn Oath to do,) the Man of War, in my Opinion, could never have hurted them.

The _Greyhound_ carried in their Prize to _Rhode Island_, to the great Joy of the whole Province, tho' it had been more compleat, if the great _LOW_ himself had grac'd the Triumph. The Prisoners were strongly secured in a Goal, till a Court of Vice-Admiralty could be held for their Tryals, which begun on the 10th of _July_, at _Newport_, and continued three Days. The Court was made up of the following Gentlemen.

_William Dummer_, Esq; Lieutenant Governor of the _Massachusets_, President. _Nathaniel Paine_, Esq; _Addington Davonport_, Esq; _Thomas Fitch_, Esq; _Spencer Phipps_, Esq; _John Lechmere_, Esq; Surveyor-General. _John Valentine_, Esq; Advocate-General. _Samuel Cranston_, Governor of _Rhode-Island._ _John Menzies_, Esq; Judge of the Admiralty, _Richard Ward_, Esq; Register. Mr. _Jahleel Brinton_, Provost-Marshal.

_Robert Auchmuta_, Esq; was assigned, by the Court, Council for the Prisoners here under mention'd.

Prisoners Names. Ages. Places of Birth. Charles Harris, Captain 25 London. William Blads 28 Rhode-Island. Daniel Hide 23 Virginia. Thomas Powel, jun. 21 Connecticut N. E. Stephen Mundon 20 London. Thomas Huggit 30 London. William Read 35 Londonderry, Ireland. Peter Kneeves 32 Exeter in Devon. James Brinkly 28 Suffolk in England. Joseph Sound 28 City of Westminster. William Shutfield 40 Lancafter in England. Edward Eaton 38 Wrexham in Wales. John Brown 29 County of Durham. Edward Lawson 20 Isle of Man. Owen Rice 27 South-Wales. John Tomkins 23 Gloucestershire. John Fitzgerrald 21 Limerick in Ireland. Abraham Lacy 21 Devonshire. Thomas Linister 21 Lancashire. Francis Leyton 39 New-York. John Waters, Quart.-Mr. 35 County of Devon. William Jones 28 London. Charles Church 21 St. Margaret's, Westm. Thomas Hazel 50 -- -- -- John Bright 25 -- -- -- --

These 25 were found guilty, and executed the 19th of _July_, 1723, near _Newport_ in _Rhode-Island._

John Brown 17 Liverpoole. Patrick Cunningham 25 -- -- --

These two were found guilty, but respited for one Year, and recommended to the King's Favour.

John Wilson 23 New-London County Henry Barnes 22 Barbadoes. Thomas Jones 17 Flur in Wales. Joseph Switzer 24 Boston in New-England. Thomas Mumper Indian. Mather's Vineyard N. E. John Hincher, Doctor 22 Near Edinburgh, Scot. John Fletcher 17 -- -- -- Thomas Child 15 -- -- --

These eight were found Not Guilty.

The destroying this Pyrate was look'd upon by the Province, to be of such a signal Service to the Publick, and particular Advantage to the Colony of _New-York_, that it was thought necessary to make some handsome Acknowledgement to Captain _Peter Solgard_ for it; and therefore it was resolved, in an Assembly of the Common-Council, to compliment him with the Freedom of their Corporation. The Resolution, together with the Preamble of the Captain's Freedom, being curious in their Kind, I subjoin them for the Satisfaction of the Reader.

Resolution of the Mayor and Common-Council of the City of _New-York_, at a Common-Council held at the City Hall of the said City, on _Thursday_ the 25th of _July, Anno. Dom._ 1723.

Present _Robert Walter_, Esq; Mayor.

_City of_ New-York, _ss._

T_HIS Court having taken into their Consideration the great Service lately done to this Province in particular, as well as to all other his Majesty's good Subjects in general, by Captain_ Peter Solgard, _Commander of his Majesty's Ship the_ Greyhound, _the Station Ship of the Province, who lately in a Cruize upon this Coast, in due Execution and Discharge of his Duty, upon Intelligence given him, sought for, pursued and engaged two Pyrate Sloops, commanded by one_ Low, _(a notorious and inhumane Pyrate,) one of which Sloops he took, after a resolute Resistance, and very much shattered the other, who by the Favour of the Night escaped. Twenty six of which Pyrates so taken, being lately executed at_ Rhode Island, _not only eased this City and Province of a very great Trouble, but of a very considerable Expence_, &c. _It is therefore resolved (_Nemine Contradicente_) that this Corporation do present the said Captain_ Solgard _with the Freedom of this Corporation, as a Mark of the great Esteem they have for his Person, as well as for the aforesaid great and good Services; and that the Seal of the said Freedom be enclosed in a Gold Box; that Mr._ Recorder _and Mr._ Bickley _do draw the Draught of the said Freedom, signifying therein, the grateful Sense of this Corporation, for so signal a Service to the Publick, and Benefit and Advantage of Mankind. That Alderman_ Kip, _and Alderman_ Cruger, _do prepare the said Box; that the Arms of the Corporation be engraved on one Side thereof, and a Representation of the Engagement on the other, with this Motto_, (viz.) [Quesitos Humani Generos Hostes Debellare superbum, 10 Junii, 1723.] _That the Town-Clerk cause the same Freedom to be handsomly engrossed on Parchment, and that the whole Corporation do wait upon him, to present the same._

_By Order of the Common-Council._ William Sharpas, _Clerk._

The Preamble of Captain _Peter Solgard_'s Copy of his Freedom.

_Robert Walter_, Esq; Mayor, and the Aldermen of the City of _New-York._

City of _New-York, ss._

T_O all whom these Persents shall come, send Greeting. WHEREAS, Captain_ Peter Solgard, _Commander of his Majesty's Ship the_ Greyhound, (_the present Station Ship of this Province_,) _in his Cruize, having Intelligence of two Pyrate Sloops of considerable Force in Consortship, under the Command of one_ Low, _a notorious Pyrate, that had for upward of two Years, committed many Depredations, Murders and Barbarities, upon many of his Majesty's Subjects and Allies, lately come upon this Coast, hath, with great Diligence, and utmost Application, pursued, overtaken, and after a stubborn Resistance, vanquished and overcome both of them, taking one, and driving the other from our Coast; which Action, as it is glorious in it self, so it is glorious in the publick Benefits and Advantages that flow from it_, (_to wit_) _The Safety and Freedom of our own Trade and Commerce, and of all the neighbouring Provinces on this Continent, such signal Service done against the Enemies of Mankind, merits the Applause of all good Men, but more immediately from those of this Province, who are appointed his particular Care and Charge. WE therefore, the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the City of_ New-York, _assembled in Common Council, to express our grateful Sense and Acknowledgment, to the said Captain_ Peter Solgard, _for so noble and faithful a Discharge of his Duty, and as a

## particular Mark of the great Esteem and just Regard we bear to his kind

Acceptance of the Freedom of the Corporation of this City of_ New-York, _and that he will please to become a Fellow Citizen with us._ These are therefore _to certify and declare, that the said Captain_ Peter Solgard _is hereby admitted, received and allowed a Freeman and Citizen of the said City of_ New-York, _to have, hold, enjoy and partake of all and singular Advantages, Benefits, Liberties, Privileges, Franchises, Freedoms and Immunities whatsoever, granted or belonging to the same City_: In Testimony _thereof, the said Mayor hath hereunto subscribed his Name, and caused the Seal of the said City to be affix'd the_ 25_th Day of_ July, _in the ninth Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord_ George, _by the Grace of God, King of_ Great Britain, France _and_ Ireland, _Defender of the Faith_, &c. Anno. Dom. 1723.

William Sharpas, _Clerk._

R. Walter _Mayor._

This narrow Escape of _Low_ and his Companions, one would have thought might have brought them to a little Consideration of their black and horrid Crimes, and to look upon this Interval as an Opportunity put into their Hands by Providence, to reconcile themselves to God, by a hearty and sincere Repentance. But alass they were dead to all Goodness, and had not so much as one Spark of Virtue to stir them up to be thankful for such an eminent Deliverance: But instead thereof, vented a Million of Oaths and Curses upon the Captain of the _Greyhound_, vowing to execute Vengeance upon all they should meet with afterwards, for the Indignity he put upon them.

The first Prey that they met with, after their Flight, was a small Sloop belonging to _Nantucket_, a Whale-Fishing, about 80 Miles from Land; the Master of which, one _Nathan Skiff_, a brisk young Fellow, the Pyrates cruelly whipp'd naked about the Deck, making his Torture their Sport; after which they cut of his Ears, and last of all shot him through the Head, and then sunk his Vessel; putting the rest of the Hands into their Whale-Boat, with a Compass, a little Water, and a few Biskets; and it being good Weather, they providentially got safe to _Nantucket_, beyond all Expectation.

There was another Whale-Boat belonging to this Sloop last mentioned, which happened to be at some Distance from her, and perceiving what was doing, rowed with all speed to another Sloop not far off, to acquaint her with the Misfortune, that the Men might take Care of themselves; and she happily got away in Time. Some Days after, _Low_ took a Fishing-Boat off of _Block Island_, but did not perpetrate so much Cruelty to her, contenting himself with only cutting off the Master's Head: But after taking two Whale-Boats near _Rhode Island_, he caused one of the Master's Bodies to be ripp'd up, and his Intrails to be taken out; and cut off the Ears of the other, and made him eat them himself with Pepper and Salt; which hard Injunction he comply'd with, without making a Word. Several other Persons he would have murthered, but Humanity prevailing in the tender Hearts of his Companions, they refused to put his savage Orders in Execution. From the Coast of _New-England, Low_ sailed directly for _Newfoundland_, and, near Cape _Briton_, took two or three and twenty _French_ Vessels; and one of them of 22 Guns he mann'd with Pyrates, making a sort of a Man of War of her; with which he scower'd the Harbours and Banks of _Newfoundland_, and took sixteen or eighteen other Ships and Vessels, all which they plundered, and some destroyed.

Thus these inhumane Wretches went on, who could not be contented to satisfy their Avarice only, and travel in the common Road of Wickedness; but, like their Patron, the Devil, must make Mischief their Sport, Cruelty their Delight, and damning of Souls their constant Employment. Of all the pyratical Crews that were ever heard of, none of the _English_ Name came up to this, in Barbarity; their Mirth and their Anger had much the same Effect, for both were usually gratified with the Cries and Groans of their Prisoners; so that they almost as often murthered a Man from the Excess of good Humour, as out of Passion and Resentment; and the Unfortunate could never be assured of Safety from them, for Danger lurked in their very Smiles. An Instance of this had liked to have happened to one Captain _Graves_, Master of a _Virginia_ Ship last taken; for as soon as he came aboard of the Pyrate, _Low_ takes a Bowl of Punch in his Hand, and drinks to him, saying, _Captain_ Graves, _here's half this to you._ But the poor Gentleman being too sensibly touched at the Misfortune of falling into his Hands, modestly desired to be excused, for that he could not drink; whereupon _Low_ draws out a Pistol, cocks it, and with the Bowl in 'tother Hand, told him, he should either take one or the other: So _Graves_, without Hesitation, made Choice of the Vehicle that contained the Punch, and guttled down about a Quart, when he had the least Inclination that ever he had in his Life to be merry.

The latter End of _July_, (1723,) _Low_ took a large Ship, called the _Merry Christmas_, and fitted her for a Pyrate, cut several Ports in her, and mounted her with 34 Guns. _Low_ goes aboard of this Ship, assumes the Title of Admiral, and hoists a black Flag, with the Figure of Death in red, at the Main-topmast Head, and takes another Voyage to the _Western Islands_, where he arrived the Beginning of _September._ The first Vessel he met with there, was a Brigantine, formerly an _English_ Sloop, commanded by _Elias Wild_, but lately bought by a _Portuguese_ Nobleman, and altered: She was manned partly with _English_, and partly _Portuguese_; the latter _Low_ caused to be hang'd, by Way of Reprisal, for some of his own Men sent thither in a Sloop from the _Cape de Verd_ Islands, as has been mentioned: The _English_ Men he thrust into their own Boat, to shift for themselves, and set Fire to the Vessel.

At St. _Michaels_, they sent in their Boats and cut out of the Road, a new _London_ built Ship of 14 Guns, commanded by Captain _Thompson_, who was taken there the Year before, by _Low_, in the _Rose_ Pink. The Boats had fewer Men than the Ship, and Captain _Thompson_ would have defended himself, but his Men through Cowardize, or too great an Inclination of becoming Pyrates themselves, refused to stand by him, and he was obliged to surrender; and when he came aboard the Pyrate, had his Ears cut off close to his Head, for only proposing to resist Admiral _Low_'s black Flag; they gave him one of his own Boats, and burnt his Ship.

The next was a _Portuguese_ Bark that fell into their Hands, whose Men came off somewhat better than usual, for they only cut them with their Cutlashes, out of Wantonness, turned them all into their Boat, and set their Vessel on Fire. When the Boat was going from the Side of the Ship, one of _Low_'s Men, who, we may suppose, was forced into his Gang, was drinking with a Silver Tankard at one of the Ports, and took his Opportunity to drop into the Boat among the _Portuguese_, and lye down in the Bottom, in order to escape along with them: After he had stowed himself in the Boat, so as not to be seen, it came into his Head, that the Tankard might prove of some Use to him, where he was going; so he got up again, laid hold of the Utensil, and went off, without being discover'd: In which Attempt had he failed, no doubt his Life, if not the Lives of all the People in the Boat, would have paid for it: The Name of this Man is _Richard Hains._

_Low_ took his old Tour to the _Canaries, Cape de Verd_ Islands, and so to the Coast of _Guiney_; but nothing extraordinary happened till they arrived near _Sierraleon_ in _Africa_, where they met with a Ship call'd the _Delight_, Captain _Hunt_ Commander; this Ship they thought fit for their own Purpose, for she had been a small Man of War, and carried 12 Guns; however, they mounted 16 on Board her, mann'd her with 60 Men, and appointed one _Spriggs_, who was then their Quarter-Master, to be Captain of her, who, two Days after, separated from the Admiral, and went to the _West-Indies_ a-pyrating, upon his own, and particular Company's, Account, where for the present we shall leave him.

In _January_ last, _Low_ took a Ship, called the _Squirrel_, Captain _Stephenson_; but what became of him afterwards, I can't tell; we have had no News concerning him come to _England_, since this I have now mentioned; but I have heard that he talk'd of going to _Brazil_; and if so, it is likely we may too soon hear of some Exploit or other; tho' the best Information we could receive, would be, that he and all his Crew were at the Bottom of the Sea.

CHAP. XIV. OF Capt. _JOHN EVANS_, And his CREW.

J_OHN Evans_ was a _Welch_ Man, had been formerly Master of a Sloop belonging to _Nevis_, but losing his Employ there, he sailed for some Time out of _Jamaica_ as Mate, till happening in Company of three or four of his Comrades, and Wages not being so good as formerly, and Births scarce, because of the great Number of Seamen; they agreed to go abroad in search of Adventures. They sailed, or rather rowed out of _Port Royal_ in _Jamaica_, the latter End of _September_ 1722, in a Canoa; and coming on the North-Side of the Island, went ashore in the Night, broke open a House or two, and robb'd them of some Money, and every Thing else they could find that was portable, and brought the Booty on Board the Canoa.

This was very well for the first Time, but this kind of Robbery did not please so well, they wanted to get out to Sea, but having no Vessel but their Canoa, they were prevented in their laudable Design; however, they kept a good look out, and traversed the Island, in Expectation that Providence would send some unfortunate Vessel as a Sacrifice, and in a few Days their Wishes were accomplished; for at _Duns Hole_, they found a small Sloop at an Anchor, belonging to _Bermudas_: They made bold and went aboard, and _Evans_ informed the Folks that belonged to her, that he was Captain of the Vessel, which was a Piece of News they knew not before. After they had put their Affairs in a proper Disposition aboard, they went ashore to a little Village for Refreshments, and lived jovially the remaining Part of the Day, at a Tavern, spending three Pistols, and then departed. The People of the House admired at the merry Guests they had got, were mightily pleased, and wished for their Company at another Time, which happened too soon for their Profit; for, in the middle of the Night, they came ashore all Hands, rifled the House, and carried what they could aboard their Sloop.

The next Day they weighed in the Sloop, aboard of which they mounted four Guns, called her the _Scowerer_, and sailed to _Hispaniola_; on the North Part of which Island they took a _Spanish_ Sloop, which proved an extraordinary rich Prize, as it fell among so few Persons as this Company consisted of, for they shared upwards of 150 _l._ a Man.

In Pursuance of the Game, and beating up for the Windward Islands, the _Scowerer_ met with a Ship from _New-England_, bound to _Jamaica_, 120 Tons, called the _Dove_, Captain _Diamond_ Master, off _Porto Rico_: They plundered her, and strengthened their own Company, by taking out the Mate, and two or three other Men; they discharged the Prize, and run into one of the Islands for fresh Water and Necessaries, and staid there some Time.

The next Prize they made, was the _Lucretia and Catherine_, Captain _Mills_, of 200 Ton Burthen; they came up with her near the Island _Disseada, January_ 11th. Upon seizing of this Ship, the Pyrates began to take upon themselves the Distribution of Justice, examining the Men concerning their Master's Usage of them, according to the Custom of other Pyrates; but the Captain over-hearing the Matter, put an End to the judicial Proceedings, and fell to rumaging the Ship, saying to them, _What have we to do to turn Reformers, 'tis Money we want?_ And speaking to the Prisoners, he asked them, _Does your Captain give you Victuals enough?_ And they answering in the Affirmative: _Why then_, said he, _he ought to give you Work enough._

After the taking of this Prize, they went to the little Island of _Avis_, with a Design to clean, and carried the _Lucretia_ along with them, in order to heave down the _Scowerer_ by her; but meeting there with a Sloop, the Pyrate gave Chace till the Evening, when she was within Gun-Shot of her; but fearing to lose Company with the _Lucretia_, who was a heavy Sailor, they left off, and saw her no more. This Chace brought them to Leeward of their Port, so that they were obliged to look out for another Place of Retreat, and the Island of _Ruby_ not being far distant, they steered for that, and anchored there accordingly; but the next Day a _Dutch_ Sloop coming as it were, into their Mouths, they could not forbear dealing, and so making her their Prize, they plundered her of what came, when shared, to fifty Pounds a Man.

They found this Sloop more for their Purpose than the _Lucretia_, to clean their own Sloop by, as being much lower in the Wast, and therefore capable of heaving her Bottom farther out of the Water, so she was discharged, and the _Dutch_ Man kept in her Room; but not thinking it convenient to lay up here, for fear a discovery should be made, they turned their Thoughts another Way, and steered to the Coast of _Jamaica_, where they took a Sugar Drover, and then run to the _Grand Caimanes_, about 30 Leagues to Leeward of _Jamaica_, with Intention to clean there; but an unhappy Accident put an End to their Pyracies, which hitherto had proved very successful to them.

The Boatswain of the Pyrate being a noisy surly Fellow, the Captain had at several Times Words with him, relating to his Behaviour, who thinking himself ill treated, not only returned ill Language, but also challenged the Captain to fight him on the next Shore they came to, with Pistols and Sword, as is the Custom among these Outlaws. When the Sloop arrived, as abovementioned, the Captain proposed the Duel; but the cowardly Boatswain refused to fight, or go ashore, tho' it was his own Challenge. When Captain _Evans_ saw there was nothing to be done with him, he took his Cane, and gave him a hearty drubbing; but the Boatswain not being able to bear such an Indignity, drew out a Pistol and shot _Evans_ thro' the Head, so that he fell down dead; and the Boatswain immediately jumped over-board, and swam towards the Shore; but the Boat was quickly mann'd and sent after him, which took him up and brought him aboard.

The Death of the Captain in that Manner, provoked all the Crew, and they resolved the Criminal should die by the most exquisite Tortures; but while they were considering of the Punishment, the Gunner, transported with Passion, discharged a Pistol, and shot him thro' the Body; but not killing him outright, the Delinquent in very moving Words, desired a Week for Repentance only; but another stepping up to him, told him, _that he should repent and be damned to him_, and without more ado shot him dead.

I should have observed, that when the _Lucretia_ and _Katharine_ was suffered to go away, the Pyrates detained their Mate, who was now the only Man aboard, who understood Navigation, and him they desired to take upon him the Command of the Sloop, in the Room of Captain _Evans_ deceased; but he desired to be excused that Honour, and at length positively refused it; so they agreed to break up the Company, and leave the Mate in Possession of the Vessel: Accordingly they went ashore at the _Caimanes_, carrying with them about nine thousand Pounds among thirty Persons; and it being fair Weather, the Mate and a Boy brought the Vessel into _Port Royal_, in _Jamaica._

CHAP. XV. OF Captain _John Phillips_, And his CREW.

J_OHN Phillips_ was bred a Carpenter, and sailing to _Newfoundland_ in a West-Country Ship, was taken by _Anstis_ in the _Good Fortune_ Brigantine, the next Day after he had left his Consort and Commadore, Captain _Roberts. Phillips_ was soon reconciled to the Life of a Pyrate, and being a brisk Fellow, was appointed Carpenter of the Vessel, for at first his Ambition reach'd no higher; there he remain'd till they broke up at _Tabago_, and was one of those who came home in a Sloop that we have mentioned to be sunk in _Bristol_ Channel.

His Stay was not long in _England_, for whilst he was paying his first Visits to his Friends in _Devonshire_, he heard of the Misfortune of some of his Companions, that is, of their being taken and committed to _Bristol_ Goal; and there being good Reason for his apprehending Danger from a Wind that blew from the same Quarter, he mov'd off immediately to _Topsham_, the nearest Port, and there shipp'd himself with one Captain _Wadham_, for a Voyage to _Newfoundland_, and home again; which, by the way, Mr. _Phillips_ never design'd to perform, or to see _England_ any more. When the Ship came to _Peter_ Harbour in _Newfoundland_ aforesaid, he ran away from her, and hired himself a Splitter in the Fishery, for the Season: But this was only till he could have an Opportunity of prosecuting his intended Rogueries; in order to which, he combined with several others, in the same Employ, to go off with one of the Vessels that lay in the Harbour, upon the pyratical Account; accordingly the Time was fix'd, _viz._ the 29th of _August_ 1723, at Night; but whether Remorse or Fear prevented their coming together, I know not, but of sixteen Men that were in the Combination, five only kept the Appointment: Notwithstanding which, _Phillips_ was for pushing forward with that small Number, assuring his Companions, that they should soon encrease their Company; and they agreeing, a Vessel was seiz'd on, and out of the Harbour they sailed.

The first Thing they had now to do, was to chuse Officers, draw up Articles, and settle their little Commonwealth, to prevent Disputes and Ranglings afterwards; so _John Phillips_ was made Captain, _John Nutt_, Master, (or Navigator) of the Vessel; _James Sparks_, Gunner; _Thomas Fern_, Carpenter; and _Wiliam White_ was the only private Man in the whole Crew: When this was done, one of them writ out the following Articles (which we have taken _verbatim_) and all swore to 'em upon a Hatchet for want of a Bible.

The Articles on Board the _Revenge._

1.

E_Very Man shall obey civil Command; the Captain shall have one full Share and a half in all Prizes; the Master, Carpenter, Boatswain and Gunner shall have one Share and quarter._

2.

_If any Man shall offer to run away, or keep any Secret from the Company, he shall be marroon'd, with one Bottle of Powder, one Bottle of Water, one small Arm, and Shot._

3.

_If any Man shall steal any Thing in the Company, or game, to the Value of a Piece of Eight, he shall be marroon'd or shot._

4.

_If at any Time we should meet another Marrooner_ [_that is, _Pyrate,] _that Man that shall sign his Articles without the Consent of our company, shall suffer such Punishment as the Captain and Company shall think fit._

5.

_That Man that shall strike another whilst these Articles are in force, shall receive_ Moses_'s Law_ (_that is_, 40 _Stripes lacking one_) _on the bare Back._

6.

_That Man that shall snap his Arms, or smoak Tobacco in the Hold, without a Cap to his Pipe, or carry a Candle lighted without a Lanthorn, shall suffer the same Punishment as in the former Article._

7.

_That Man that shall not keep his Arms clean, fit for an Engagement, or neglect his Business, shall be cut off from his Share, and suffer such other Punishment as the Captain and the Company shall think fit._

8.

_If any Man shall lose a Joint in time of an Engagement, shall have_ 400 _Pieces of Eight; if a Limb_, 800.

9.

_If at any time you meet with a prudent Woman, that Man that offers to meddle with her, without her Consent, shall suffer present Death._

Thus prepar'd, this bold Crew set out, and before they left the Banks they made Prize of several small Fishing-Vessels, out of which they got a few Hands, some _French_ and some _English_, and then sail'd for the _West-Indies_; in one of these Vessels they took out one _John Rose Archer_, who having been a Pyrate under the famous _Black-beard_, was immediately preferr'd over other People's Heads, to be Quarter-Master to the Company; which sudden Promotion so disgusted some of the older Standers, especially _Fern_, the Carpenter, that it occasioned some Mischief to follow, as we shall shew by and by.

The Pyrates came off _Barbadoes_ the beginning of _October_, and cruised there, and among other Islands, above three Months, without speaking with a Vessel, so that they were almost starv'd for want of Provisions, being reduc'd to a Pound of Meat a Day between ten; at length they fell in with a _Martinico_ Man of 12 Guns and 35 Hands, far superior in Force, and what they would not have ventur'd on at another Time, but _Hunger will break down Stone Walls_; they were resolved to shew the _French_ Men their black Flag; and if that would not do, they must seek out elsewhere; accordingly, they boldly ran up a-long-side of the Sloop, with their pyratical Colours flying, and told them, if they did not strike immediately, they would give them no Quarters; which so intimidated the _Frenchmen_, that they never fired a Gun. This proved a seasonable Supply; they took her Provisions, and four of her Men, and let her go. They took presently after, a Sloop belonging to _New-York_, and a _Virginia_ Man, _Huffam_ Master.

Having now occasion to clean their Vessel, _Phillips_ propos'd _Tobago_, where the Company he formerly belong'd to, under _Anstis_ and _Fenn_, broke up; to induce them to it, he told them when he left the Island, there was left behind six or eight of their Company that were not willing to go to _England_, with three Negroes: Whereupon they sail'd to the Island, and after a careful Search, found only one of the Negroes, whose Name was _Pedro_, who inform'd Captain _Phillips_, that those that were left behind were taken by a Man of War's Crew, and hang'd at _Antegoa_, among whom was _Fenn_, their Captain.

They took _Pedro_ on Board, and then fell to Business, careening their Vessel; and just as they had finished their Work, a Man of War's Boat came into the Harbour, the Ship being cruising to Leeward of the Island. It was easily guess'd upon what Errant she was sent, and therefore they lost no Time, but, as soon as the Boat went away, warp'd out, and ply'd to Windward for Security, but left the four _French_ Men, they took out of the _Martinico_ Sloop, behind.

In a few Days they took a Snow with a few Hands, and _Fern_, the Carpenter, one _William Phillips, Wood_ and _Taylor_, went aboard to take Possession of her. _Fern_, not forgetting the Affront of having _Archer_ preferr'd before him, resolv'd to go off with the Prize, and brought the rest into the same Measures; however _Phillips_, the Captain, keeping a good Look-out, perceiv'd their Design, and gave them Chace, who coming up with the Vessel, a Skirmish ensu'd, wherein _Wood_ was kill'd and _Taylor_ wounded in his Leg; upon which the other two surrender'd. There was no Surgeon aboard, and therefore it was advis'd, upon a learned Consultation, that _Phillips_'s Leg should be cut off; but who should perform the Operation was the Dispute; at length the Carpenter was appointed, as the most proper Man: Upon which, he fetch'd up the biggest Saw, and taking the Limb under his Arm, fell to Work, and separated it from the Body of the Patient, in as little Time as he could have cut a Deal Board in two; after that he heated his Ax red hot in the Fire, and cauteriz'd the Wound, but not with so much Art as he perform'd the other Part, for he so burnt his Flesh distant from the Place of Amputation, that it had like to have mortify'd; however nature perform'd a Cure at last without any other Assistance.

From _Tobago_ they stood away to the Northward and took a _Portugueze_ bound for _Brazil_, and two or three Sloops from _Jamaica_, in one of which, _Fern_ the Carpenter, endeavouring to go off, was kill'd by _Phillips_ the Captain, pursuant to their Articles; another had the same Fate some Days after for the like Attempt. These Severities made it dangerous for any to consult or project an Escape; the Terror of which made several sign their Articles and set down quietly, waiting impatiently for Redemption, which as yet they saw no great likelyhood of, and should they have been taken before such Circumstances appear'd in their Actions or Characters, as afterwards happen'd, to denote their Innocence, they might have lost their Lives upon a Tryal at a Court of Admiralty; for pretty strong Evidence is expected in their Favour, to ballance that of being taken aboard a Vessel which is prov'd to be in actual Pyracy, and they assisting therein.

Thus was many an honest Man's Case made most desperate by the consummate Villany of a few hardned Wretches, who fear neither God or Devil, as this _Phillips_ us'd often blasphemously to express himself.

On the 25th of _March_ they took two Ships from _Virginia_ for _London, John Phillips_, the Pyrate Captain's Namesake, was Master of one, and Captain _Robert Mortimer_, the other, a brisk young Fellow, that deserv'd a better Fate than he met with. _Phillips_ the Pyrate staid on Board of Captain _Mortimer_'s Ship, while they transported the Crew to the Sloop, and the Boat returning along side, one of the Pyrates therein calls to _Phillips_, and tells him, there was a Mutiny aboard their Vessel, _Mortimer_ had two Men in his Ship, and the Pyrate Captain had two, therefore thought it a good Opportunity to recover his Ship, and directly took up a Handspike and struck _Phillips_ over the Head, giving him a dangerous wound, but not knocking him down, he recovered and wounded _Mortimer_ with his Sword; and the two Pyrates that were aboard coming in to Captain _Phillips_'s Assistance, Captain _Mortimer_ was presently cut to Pieces, while his own two Men stood by and did nothing.

This was the first Voyage that _Mortimer_ had the Command of a Vessel, by whose Death is a poor disconsolate Widow made miserable, more in regard of the mutual Love and Fidelity they lived in, than the Loss of what would have been a handsome and comfortable Provision for themselves and Children, which, I think, now ought to be made up by the Publick, since 'twas in the publick Service he fell; for had his Attempt succeeded, in all Probability he would not only have regained his own Ship, but entirely subdued and destroy'd the Enemy, there being several, as it afterwards proved, that would have seconded such an Enterprize when ever they found a Beginning made.

This Affair ended without any other Consequence than a strict Search after a Brother of Captain _Mortimer_, who was on Board, in order to have put him likewise to death; but he had the good Fortune to meet with a Townsman among the Crew, who hid him for four and twenty Hours in a Stay-Sail, till the Heat of their Fury was over, and by that Means happily missed of the Fate designed him.

Out of the other _Virginia_ Man before spoken of, they took one _Edward Cheeseman_, a Carpenter, to supply the Place of their late Carpenter, _Fern._ He was a modest sober young Man, very averse to their unlawful Practice, and a brave gallant Fellow. There was one _John Philmore_ of _Ipswich_, formerly taken by them, ordered to row _Cheeseman_ aboard of _Mortimer_'s Ship, which the Pyrates possess'd themselves of, who, seeing with what Reluctance and Uneasiness _Cheeseman_ was brought away, told him, he would join with him, in some Measures, to over-throw the pyratical Government, telling him withal, their present Condition, what Difficulties _Phillips_ had met with to make up his Company, and how few voluntary Pyrates there were on Board, and the like. But, however specious this seemed, _Cheeseman_ out of Prudence rejected his Offers of Assistance, till he saw some Proofs of his Sincerity, which after a few Days he was convinced of, and then they often consulted; but as the old Pyrates were always jealous of the new Comers, and consequently observant of their Behaviour; this was done with the utmost Caution, chiefly when they were lying down together, as tho' asleep, and, at other Times, when they were playing at Cards; both which they feigned often to do for that Purpose.

The Pyrates went on all the while, plundering and robbing several Ships and Vessels, bending their Course towards _Newfoundland_, where they designed to raise more Men, and do all the Mischief they could on the Banks, and in the Harbours.

_Newfoundland_ is an Island on the North Continent of _America_, contained between the 46 and 53° of N. Latitude, discovered first by St. _Sebastion Cabot_ A. D. 1497, but never settled till the Year 1610; when Mr. _Guy_ of _Bristol_ revived the Affair, and obtained a Patent, and himself to be Governor. The Island is deserted by the Natives and neglected by us, being desolate and Woody, and the Coast and Harbour only held for the Conveniency of the Cod Fishery, for which alone they were settled.

The Bays and Harbours about it, are very numerous and convenient, and being deeply indented, makes it easy for any Intelligence quickly to pass from one Harbour to another over Land; especially the principal, St. _John_'s and _Placentia_, when the Appearance of an Enemy makes them apprehend Danger.

They are able to cure and export about 100000 Quintals (100 Weight each) of Fish, annually, which returns to _England_ in Money, or the necessary Commodities of _Portugal, Spain_ and _Italy._ As it therefore expends abundance of Rum, Molossus and Sugar, the Product of our _West-India_ Colonies, and employs a Number of Fishermen from home every Season, by whose Industry and Labour only this Fish is purchased, it may very well be reckon'd an advantagious Branch of Trade.

But the present Design of this Digression being not to give an exact Description of the Country or Fishery; but rather how it accidentally contributes to raise, or support the Pyrates already rais'd, I shall observe,

First, That our West Country Fishing-Ships, _viz._ from _Topsham, Barnstable_ and _Bristol_, who chiefly attend the Fishing Seasons, transport over a considerable Number of poor Fellows every Summer, whom they engage at low Wages, and are by their Terms to pay for Passage back to _England._ When the _Newfoundland_ Ships left that Country, towards Winter, in the Year 1720, these Passengers muster'd 1100, who, during the Season of Business, (the Hardness of their Labour, and Chilness of the Nights, pinching them very much) are mostly fond of drinking Black Strap, (a strong Liquor used there, and made from Rum, Molossus, and Chowder Beer;) by this the Majority of them out-run the Constable, and then are necessitated to come under hard Articles of Servitude for their Maintenance in the Winter; no ordinary Charge, indeed, when the Barrenness of the Country is consider'd, and the Stock of Provision laid in, happen to fall short, in Proportion to the Computation made of the People remaining there the Winter, which are generally about 17 or 1800. The Masters residing there think Advantages taken on their Necessities, no more than a just and lawful Gain; and either bind such for the next Summer's Service, or sell their Provisions out to them at extravagant Rates; Bread from 15s. to 50, immediately at the departing of the Ships, and so of other sorts of Food in Proportion; wherefore not being able to subsist themselves, or in any likely Way of clearing the Reckoning to the Masters, they sometimes run away with Shallops and Boats, and begin on pyratical Exploits, as _Phillips_ and his Companions, whom we are now treating of, had done.

And secondly (which is more opportunely for them,) they are visited every Summer, almost, by some Set of Pyrates or other, already rais'd, who call here for the same Purpose, (if young Beginners) and to lay in a Store of Water and Provisions, which they find imported, much or little, by all the Ships that use the Trade.

Towards this Country _Phillips_ was making his Way, and took on the Voyage, besides those abovementioned, one _Salter_, in a Sloop off the Isle of _Sables_, which Vessel they made use of themselves, and gave back _Mortimer_'s Ship to the Mate and Crew. The same Day, _viz._ the 4th of _April_, took a Scooner, one _Chadwell_, Master, which they scuttled, in order to sink; but Capt. _Phillips_ understanding that she belong'd to Mr. _Minors_ at _Newfoundland_, with whose Vessel they first went off a pyrating, a Qualm of Conscience came athwart his Stomach, and he said to his Companions, _We have done him Injury enough already_; so order'd the Vessel immediately to be repair'd, and return'd her to the Master.

That Afternoon they chac'd another Vessel, and at Night came up with her, the Master of which was a Saint of _New-England_, nam'd _Dependance Ellery_, who taking _Phillips_ for a Pyrate, he told him was the Reason that he gave him the Trouble of chacing so long; which being resented by these Men of Honour, they made poor _Dependance_ dance about the Deck till he was weary.

Within few Days several other Vessels had the same Misfortune, the Masters Names were as follow, _Joshua Elwell, Samuel Elwell_, Mr. _Combs_, Mr. _Lansly, James Babston, Edward Freeman_, Mr. _Start, Obediah Beal, Erick Erickson_ and _Benjamin Wheeler._

The 14th of _April_ they took a Sloop belonging to Cape _Ann, Andrew Harradine_ Master; they look'd upon this Vessel more fit for their Purpose, and so came aboard, keeping only the Master of her Prisoner, and sending _Harradine_'s Crew away in _Salter_'s Vessel, which they, till this Time, detain'd. To this _Harradine, Cheeseman_ the Carpenter, broke his Mind, and brought him into the Confederacy to destroy the Crew, which was put in Execution four Days afterwards.

_Harradine_ and the rest were for doing the Business in the Night, as believing they might be more opportunely surpriz'd; for _Nut_, the Master, being a Fellow of great Strength, and no less Courage, it was thought dangerous to attack him without Fire-Arms; however, _Cheeseman_ was resolute to have it perform'd by Day-light, as the least liable to Confusion; and as to the Master, he offer'd to lay Hands on him first: Upon this 'twas concluded on, 12 at Noon was the appointed Time; in order for the Business _Cheeseman_ leaves his working Tools on the Deck, as though he had been going to use them, and walked aft; but perceiving some Signs of Timidity in _Harradine_, he comes back, fetches his Brandy Bottle and gives him and the rest a Dram, then drank to _Burril_, the Boatswain, and the Master, _To their next merry Meeting_, and up he puts the Bottle; then he takes a Turn with _Nut_, asking what he thought of the Weather, and such like. In the mean while _Filemore_ takes up the Axe, and turns it round upon the Point, as if at Play, then both he and _Harradine_ wink at him, thereby letting him know they were ready; upon which Signal he seizes _Nut_ by the Collar, with one Hand between his Legs, and toss'd him over the Side of the Vessel, but, he holding by _Cheeseman_'s Sleeve, said, _Lord have Mercy upon me! what are you going to do, Carpenter?_ He told him it was an unnecessary Question, _For_, says he, _Master, you are a dead Man_, so strikes him over the Arm, _Nut_ looses his Hold, tumbles into the Sea, and never spoke more.

By this time the Boatswain was dead; for as soon as _Filemore_ saw the Master laid hold of, he raised up the Axe, and divided his Enemy's Head in two: The Noise brought the Captain upon Deck, whom _Cheeseman_ saluted with the Blow of a Mallet, which broke his Jaw-Bone, but did not knock him down; _Harradine_ came in then with the Carpenter's Adds, but _Sparks_, the Gunner, interposing between him and Captain _Phillips, Cheeseman_ trips up his Heels, and flung him into the Arms of _Charles Ivymay_, one of his Consorts, who that Instant discharg'd him into the Sea; and at the same Time _Harradine_ compassed his Business with the Captain aforesaid: _Cheeseman_ lost no Time, but from the Deck jumps into the Hold, and was about to beat out the Brains of _Archer_, the Quarter-Master, having struck him two or three Blows with his blunt Weapon the Mallet, when _Harry Giles_, a young Lad, came down after him, and desir'd his Life might be spar'd, as an Evidence of their own Innocence; that he having all the Spoil and Plunder in his Custody, it may appear, that these tragick Proceedings were not undertaken with any dishonest View of seizing or appropriating the Effects to themselves; which prudent Advice prevail'd, and he and three more were made Prisoners, and secured.

The Work being done, they went about Ship, altered the Course from _Newfoundland_ to _Boston_, and arrived safe the 3d of _May_ following, to the great Joy of that Province.

On the 12th of _May_, 1724, a special Court of Admiralty was held for the Tryal of these Pyrates, when _John Filmore, Edward Cheeseman, John Combs, Henry Giles, Charles Ivymay, John Bootman_, and _Henry Payne_, the seven that confederated together for the Pyrates Destruction, were honourably acquitted; as also three _French_ Men, _John Baptis, Peter Taffery_, and _Isaac Lassen_, and three Negroes, _Pedro, Francisco_, and _Pierro._ And _John Rose Archer_, the Quarter-Master, _William White, William Taylor_, and _William Phillips_, were condemned; the two latter were reprieved for a Year and a Day, in order to be recommended (though I don't know for what) as Objects of his Majesty's Mercy. The two former were executed on the 2d of _June_, and dy'd very penitently, making the following Declarations at the Place of Execution, with the Assistance of two grave Divines that attended them.

_The dying Declarations of_ John Rose Archer _and_ William White, _on the Day of their Execution at_ Boston, June 2, 1724, _for the Crimes of Pyracy._

First, separately, of _Archer._

I Greatly bewail my Profanations of the Lord's Day, and my Disobedience to my Parents.

And my Cursing and Swearing, and my blaspheming the Name of the glorious God.

Unto which I have added, the Sins of Unchastity. And I have provoked the Holy One, at length, to leave me unto the Crimes of Pyracy and Robbery; wherein, at last, I have brought my self under the Guilt of Murder also.

But one Wickedness that has led me as much as any, to all the rest, has been my brutish Drunkenness. By strong Drink I have been heated and hardened into the Crimes that are now more bitter than Death unto me.

I could wish that Masters of Vessels would not use their Men with so much Severity, as many of them do, which exposes to great Temptations.

And then of _White._

I am now, with Sorrow, reaping the Fruits of my Disobedience to my Parents, who used their Endeavours to have me instructed in my Bible, and my Catechism.

And the Fruits of my neglecting the publick Worship of God, and prophaning the holy Sabbath.

And of my blaspheming the Name of God, my Maker.

But my Drunkenness has had a great Hand in bringing my Ruin upon me. I was drunk when I was enticed aboard the Pyrate.

And now, for all the vile Things I did aboard, I own the Justice of God and Man, in what is done unto me.

Of both together.

We hope, we truly hate the Sins, whereof we have the Burthen lying so heavy upon our Consciences.

We warn all People, and particularly young People, against such Sins as these. We wish, all may take Warning by us.

We beg for Pardon, for the sake of Christ, our Saviour; and our Hope is in him alone. Oh! _that in his Blood our Scarlet and Crimson Guilt may be all washed away!_

We are sensible of an hard Heart in us, full of Wickedness. And we look upon God for his renewing Grace upon us.

We bless God for the Space of Repentance which he has given us; and that he has not cut us off in the Midst and Heighth of our Wickedness.

We are not without Hope, that God has been savingly at work upon our Souls.

We are made sensible of our absolute Need of the Righteousness of Christ; that we may stand justified before God in that. We renounce all Dependance on our own.

We are humbly thankful to the Ministers of Christ, for the great Pains they have taken for our Good. The Lord Reward their Kindness.

We don't Despair of Mercy; but hope, through Christ, that when we dye, we shall find Mercy with God, and be received into his Kingdom.

We wish others, and especially the Sea-faring, may get Good by what they see this Day befalling of us.

_Declared in the Presence of_ J. W. D. M.

CHAP. XVI. OF Captain _SPRIGGS_, And his CREW.

S_Priggs_ sailed with _Low_ for a pretty while, and I believe came away from _Lowther_, along with him; he was Quarter-Master to the Company, and consequently had a great Share in all the Barbarities committed by that execrable Gang, till the Time they parted; which was about _Christmas_ last, when _Low_ took a Ship of 12 Guns on the Coast of _Guiney_, called the _Delight_, (formerly the _Squirrel_ Man of War,) commanded by Captain _Hunt. Spriggs_ took Possession of the Ship with eighteen Men, left _Low_ in the Night, and came to the _West-Indies._ This Separation was occasioned by a Quarrel with _Low_, concerning a Piece of Justice _Spriggs_ would have executed upon one of the Crew, for killing a Man in cold Blood, as they call it, one insisting that he should be hang'd, and the other that he should not.

A Day or two after they parted, _Spriggs_ was chose Captain by the rest, and a black Ensign was made, which they called _Jolly Roger_, with the same Device that Captain _Low_ carried, _viz._ a white Skeliton in the Middle of it, with a Dart in one Hand striking a bleeding Heart, and in the other, an Hour-Glass; when this was finished and hoisted, they fired all their Guns to salute their Captain and themselves, and then looked out for Prey.

In their Voyage to the _West-Indies_, these Pyrates took a _Portuguese_ Bark, wherein they got valuable Plunder, but not contented with that alone, they said they would have a little Game with the Men, and so ordered them a Sweat, more for the Brutes Diversion, than the poor Men's Healths; which Operation is performed after this Manner; they stick up lighted Candles circularly round the Mizon-Mast, between Decks, within which the Patients one at a Time enter; without the Candles, the Pyrates post themselves, as many as can stand, forming another Circle, and armed with Pen-Knives, Tucks, Forks, Compasses, _&c._ and as he runs round and round, the Musick playing at the same Time, they prick him with those Instuments; this usually lasts for 10 or 12 Minutes, which is as long as the miserable Man can support himself. When the Sweating was over, they gave the _Portuguese_ their Boat with a small Quantity of Provisions, and set their Vessel on Fire.

Near the Island of St. _Lucia_, they took a Sloop belonging to _Barbadoes_, which they plundered, and then burnt, forcing some of the Men to sign their Articles, the others they beat and cut in a barbarous Manner, because they refused to take on with the Crew, and then sent them away in the Boat, who all got safe afterwards to _Barbadoes._

The next was a _Martinico_ Man, which they served as bad as they had done the others, but did not burn their Ship. Some Days afterwards in running down to Leeward, they took one Captain _Hawkins_, coming from _Jamaica_, loaden chiefly with Logwood; they took out of her, Stores, Arms, Ammunition, and several other Things, as they thought fit, and what they did not want they threw over-board or destroy'd; they cut the Cables to pieces, knocked down the Cabins, broke all the Windows, and in short took all the Pains in the World to be Mischievous. They took by Force, out of her, Mr. _Burridge_ and Mr. _Stephens_, the two Mates, and some other Hands; and after detaining the Ship from the 22d of _March_, to the 29th, they let her go. On the 27th they took a _Rhode Island_ Sloop, Captain _Pike_, and all his Men were obliged to go aboard the Pyrate; but the Mate being a grave sober Man, and not inclinable to stay, they told him, he should have his Discharge, and that it should be immediately writ on his Back; whereupon he was sentenced to receive ten Lashes from every Man in the Ship, which was rigorously put in Execution.

The next Day Mr. _Burridge_, Captain _Hawkins_'s Mate, sign'd their Articles, which was so agreeable to them (he being a good Artist and Sailor) that they gave three Huzza's, fir'd all the Guns in the Ship, and appointed him Master: The Day was spent in boysterous Mirth, roaring and drinking of Healths, among which was, by Mistake, that of King _George_ the II. for you must know, now and then the Gentry are provok'd to sudden Fits of Loyalty, by the Expectation of an Act of Grace: It seems Captain _Pike_ had heard at _Jamaica_ that the King was dead, so the Pyrates immediately hoisted their Ensign Half-Mast (the Death Signal) and proclaim'd his Royal Highness, saying, _They doubted not but there would be a general Pardon in a twelve Month, which they would embrace and come in upon, but damn 'em if they should be excepted out of it, they would murder every_ Englishman _that should fall into their Hands._

The second of _April_, they spy'd a Sail, and gave her Chace till 12 o'Clock at Night, the Pyrates believed her to be a _Spaniard_, when they came close up to her, they discharged a Broadside, with small and great Shot, which was follow'd by another, but the Ship making a lamentable Cry for Quarters, they ceas'd firing, and ordered the Captain to come aboard, which he did, but how disappointed the Rogues were when they found 'twas their old Friend Captain _Hawkins_, whom they had sent away three Days before, worth not one Penny? This was such a Baulk to them, that they resolved he should suffer for falling in their Way, tho' it was so contrary to his own Inclinations: About 15 of them surrounded the poor Man with sharp Cutlashes, and fell upon him, whereby he was soon laid flat on the Deck; at that Instant _Burridge_ flew amongst the thickest of the Villains, and begg'd earnestly for his Life, upon whose Request 'twas granted. They were now most of 'em drunk, as is usual at this Time of Night, so they unanimously agreed to make a Bonfire of _Hawkins_'s Ship, which was immediately done, and in half an Hour she was all of a Blaze.

After this, they wanted a little more Diversion, and so Captain _Hawkins_ was sent for down to the Cabin to Supper; what should the Provision be, but a Dish of Candles, which he was forced to eat, having a naked Sword and a Pistol held to his Breast all the while; when this was over, they buffeted him about for some Time, and sent him forward amongst the other Prisoners, who had been treated with the same Delicacies.

Two Days afterwards, they anchor'd at a little uninhabited Island, call'd _Rattan_, near the Bay of _Honduras_, and put ashore Captain _Hawkins_, and several other Men, (one of them his Passenger) who dy'd there of the Hardships he underwent. They gave them Powder and Ball, and a Musquet, with which they were to shift as they could, sailing away the next Day for other Adventures.

Captain _Hawkins_, and his unfortunate Companions, staid 19 Days upon this Island, supplying themselves with both Fish and Fowl, such as they were, at which Time came two Men in a Canoe, that had been left upon another marroon Island near _Benacca_, who carry'd the Company at several Times thither, it being more convenient in having a good Well of fresh Water, and Plenty of Fish, _&c._ Twelve Days afterwards they spy'd a Sloop off at Sea, which, upon their making a great Smoke, stood in, and took them off; she was the _Merriam_, Captain _Jones_, lately escaped out of the Bay of _Honduras_, from being taken by the _Spaniards._

At an Island to the Westward, the Pyrates clean'd their Ship, and sail'd towards the Island of St. _Christophers_, to wait for one Captain _Moor_, who commanded the _Eagle_ Sloop, when she took _Lowther_'s upon the Careen, at _Blanco_; _Spriggs_ resolved to put him to Death, whenever he took him, for falling upon his Friend and Brother, but instead of _Moor_, he found a _French_ Man of War from _Martinico_ upon the Coast, which _Spriggs_ not thinking fit to contend with, run away with all the Sail he could make, the _French_ Man crowded after him, and was very likely to speak with Mr. _Spriggs_, when unfortunately his Main-Top-Mast came by the Board, which obliged him to give over the Chace.

_Spriggs_ then stood to the Northward, towards _Burmudas_, or the _Summer Isles_, and took a Scooner belonging to _Boston_; he took out all the Men and sunk the Vessel, and had the Impudence to tell the Master, that he designed to encrease his Company on the Banks of _Newfoundland_, and then would sail for the Coast of _New-England_ in quest of Captain _Solgard_, who attack'd and took their Consort _Charles Harris, Spriggs_ being then in _Low_'s Sloop, who very fairly run for it. The Pyrate ask'd the Master if he knew Captain _Solgard_, who answering No; he ask'd another the same Question, and then a third, who said he knew him very well, upon which _Spriggs_ ordered him to be sweated, which was done in the Manner before describ'd.

Instead of going to _Newfoundland_ as the Pyrates threat'ned, they came back to the Islands, and to Windward of St. _Christophers_, on the 4th of _June_ last, took a Sloop, _Nicholas Trot_ Master, belonging to St. _Eustatia_, and wanting a little Diversion, they hoisted the Men as high as the Main and Fore Tops, and let them run down amain, enough to break all the Bones in their Skins, and after they had pretty well crippled them by this cruel Usage, and whipp'd them about the Deck, they gave _Trot_ his Sloop, and let him go, keeping back only 2 of his Men, besides the Plunder of the Vessel.

Within two or three Days they took a Ship coming from _Rhode-Island_ to St. _Christophers_, loaden with Provisions and some Horses; the Pyrates mounted the Horses and rid them about the Deck backwards and forwards a full Gallop, like Madmen at _New-Market_, cursing, swearing, and hallowing, at such a Rate, that made the poor Creatures wild, and at length, two or three of them throwing their Riders, they fell upon the Ship's Crew, and whipp'd, and cut, and beat them in a barbarous Manner, telling them, it was for bringing Horses without Boots and Spurs, for want of which they were not able to ride them.

This is the last Account we have had of Captain _Spriggs_, I shall only add the two following Relations, and conclude.

A Brigantine belonging to _Bristol_, one _Mr. Rowry_ Master, had been trading at _Gambia_, in _Africa_, and falling as low as Cape _Mount_, to finish the slaving of the Vessel, he had, by a Misfortune usual at that Part of the Coast, his Mate, Surgeon, and two more of his Men, _Panyarr_'d[*] by the Negroes. The Remainder of his Company, which was not above 5 or 6 in Number, took this Opportunity, and seiz'd the Vessel in the Road, making the Master Prisoner.

You will think it prodigious impudent that so small a Number should undertake to proceed a pyrating, especially when neither of them had sufficient Skill in Navigation: Yet this they did, leaving those People, their Ship-Mates abovemention'd, to the Mercy of the barbarous Natives, and sail'd away down the Coast, making them a black Flag, which they merrily said, would be as good as 50 Men more, _i. e._ would carry as much Terror; and that they did not doubt of soon increasing their Crew, to put them in an enterprizing Capacity; but their vain Projection was soon happily frustrated, and after this Manner.

The Master whose Life they had preserved, (perhaps only for supplying their own Unskillfulness in Navigation,) advised them, that since contrary to their Expectations, they had met with no Ship between _Cape Mount_, and the _Bite_ of _Calabar_, to proceed to the Island of St. _Thomas_'s, where they might recruit with Provisions and Water, and sell off the Slaves (about 70 of them) which they perceived would be a useless Lumber, and incommodious to their Design. They arrived there in _August_ 1721, and one Evening, while Part of them were on Shore, applying for this Purpose to the Governor, and the other Part carelesly from the Deck, Mr. _Rowry_ stepp'd into the Boat belonging to the Vessel, and pushed off, very suddenly: They heard the Noise it made, and soon were upon Deck again, but having no other Boat to pursue, nor a Musket, ready to fire, he got safe on Shore, and ran to the Governor with his Complaint, who immediately imprisoned those already there, and sent a Launch off to take the rest out of the Ship.

The _Swallow_ arrived at St. _Thomas_'s the Beginning of _October_ following, where, on Mr. _Rowry_'s Remonstrance, Application was made to the _Portuguese_ Governor of that Island, for a Surrendery of these five _English_ Prisoners then in the Castle; but he not only peremptorily excused himself from it, as a Matter out of his Power, without particular Direction from the Court of _Portugal_; but withal insinuated, that they had only taken Refuge there from the Hardships and Severity they had met with from their Master. The manner of Denial, and the avaritious Temper of the Gentleman, which I had Occasion to be acquainted with, makes it very suspicious, that he proposed considerable Gains to himself; for if Mr. _Rowry_ had not made such an Escape to him, the Slaves had been his for little or nothing, as a Bribe to silence his Suspicions, which any Man, less acute than he, must have had from the awkward and unskilful Carriage of such Merchants. But enough of this; perhaps he is not the only Governor abroad that finds an Interest in countenancing these Fellows.

[Footnote *: Term for stealing of Men used all over the Coast.]

An Account of the Pyracies and Murders committed by _Philip Roche_, _&c._

P_Hilip Roche_ was born in _Ireland_, and from his Youth had been bred up to the Sea; he was a brisk genteel Fellow, of 30 Years of Age at the Time of his Death; one whose black and savage Nature did no ways answer the Comliness of his Person, his Life being almost one continued Scene of Villany, before he was discovered to have committed the horrid Murders we are now speaking of.

This inhumane Monster had been concerned with others, in insuring Ships to a great Value, and then destroying them; by which Means, and other Rogueries, he had got a little Money; and being Mate of a Ship, was dilligent enough in trading for himself between _Ireland_ and _France_, so that he was in a Way of getting himself a comfortable Livelihood: But, as he resolved to be rich, and finding fair Dealing brought in Wealth but slowly, he contriv'd to put other Things in Execution, and certainly had murthered several innocent Persons in the Prosecution of his abominable Schemes; but as I have now forgot the particular Circumstances of those Relations, I shall confine my self at present to the Fact for which he suffer'd.

_Roche_ getting acquainted with one _Neal_, a Fisherman at _Cork_, whom he found ready for any villainous Attempt, he imparted his Design to him, who being pleas'd with the Project, brings one _Pierce Cullen_ and his Brother into the Confederacy, together with one _Wise_, who at first was very unwilling to come into their Measures, and, indeed, had the least Hand in the Perpetration of what follows.

They pitch'd upon a Vessel in the Harbour, belonging to _Peter Tartoue_, a _French_ Man, to execute their cruel Intentions upon, because it was a small one, and had not a great Number of Hands on Board, and 'twas easy afterwards to exchange it for one more fit for Pyracy; and therefore they apply'd themselves to the Master of her, for a Passage to _Nantz_, whereto the Ship was bound; and accordingly, the Beginning of _November_ 1721, they went aboard; and when at Sea, _Philip Roche_ being an experienced Sailor, the Master of the Vessel readily trusted him with the Care of her, at times, while he and the Mate went to rest.

The 15th of _November_, at Night, was the Time designed for the Tragedy; but _Francis Wise_ relented, and appear'd desirous to divert them from their bloody Purposes. _Roche_ (sometimes called Captain) told him, _That as_ Cullen _and he had sustained great Losses at Sea, unless every_ Irishman _present would assist in repairing their Losses, by murthering all the_ French _Rogues, and running away with the Ship, he should suffer the same Fate with the_ French _Men; but if all would assist, all should have a Share in the Booty._ Upon this, they all resolved alike, and Captain _Roche_ ordered three _Frenchmen_ and a Boy up to hand the Topsails, the Master and Mate being then asleep in their Cabins, The two first that came down, they beat out their Brains and threw them over-board: The other two seeing what was done, ran up to the Topmast Head, but _Cullen_ followed them, and taking the Boy by the Arm, tost him into the Sea; then driving down the Man, those below knocked him on the Head, and threw him over-board.

Those who were asleep, being awakened by the dismal Skrieks and Groans of dying Men, ran upon Deck in Confusion, to enquire into the Cause of such unusual Noises; but the same Cruelty was immediately acted towards them, e'er they could be sensible of the Danger that threat'ned them.

They were now (as _Roche_ himself afterwards confess'd) _all over as wet with the Blood that had been spilt, as if they had been dipp'd in Water, or stood in a Shower of Rain, nor did they regard it any more. Roche_ said, Captain _Tartoue_ used many Words for Mercy, and asked them, if he had not used them with Civility and Kindness? If they were not of the same Christian Religion, and owned the same blessed _Jesus_, and the like? But they, not regarding what he said, took Cords and bound the poor Master and his Mate Back to Back, and while that was doing, both of them begged with the utmost Earnestness, and used the most solemn Intreaties, that they would at least allow them a few Minutes to say their Prayers, and beg Mercy of God for the various Sins and Offences of their Lives: But it did not move them, (though all the rest were dead, and no Danger could be apprehended from them two alone) for the bound Persons were hurry'd up and thrown into the Sea.

The Massacre being finished, they washed themselves a little from the Blood, and searched the Chests and Lockers, and all Places about the Ship, and then set down in the Captain's Cabin, and refreshed themselves with some Rum they found there, and (as _Roche_ confessed) were never merrier in their Lives. They invested _Roche_ with the Command of the Ship, and calling him Captain, talked over their Liquor, what rare Actions they would perform about Cape _Briton, Sable Isle_, and the Banks of _Newfoundland_, whither they designed to go as soon as they had recruited their Company, and got a better Ship, which they proposed speedily to do.

_Roche_ taking upon himself the Command of the Vessel, _Andrew Cullen_ was to pass for a Merchant or Super-cargo; but when they bethought themselves, that they were in Danger of being discovered by the Papers of the Ship, relating to the Cargo, as Bills of Lading, _&c._ therefore they erase and take out the Name of the _French_ Master, and instead thereof, inserted the Name of _Roche_, so that it stood in the Ship's Papers, _Peter Roche_ Master; that then having so few Hands on Board, they contrived if they met any Ships, to give out, that they had lost some Hands by their being washed overboard in a Storm, and by that Means screen themselves from being suspected of having committed some such wicked Act, by Reason of the Fewness of their Hands on Board; and also might prevail with some Ship to spare them some, on Consideration of their pretended Disaster.

In going to _Cales_ they were in Distress by the Weather, and being near _Lisbon_, they made Complaint to a Ship, but obtained no Assistance. They were then obliged to sail back for _England_, and put into the Port of _Dartmouth_; but then they were in fear least they might be discovered, therefore to prevent that, they resolve to alter the Ship, and getting Workmen, they take down the Mizzen-Mast, and build a Spar Deck, and made Rails, (on pretence that the Sailors had been wash'd overboard) to secure the Men. Then they took down the Image of St. _Peter_ at the Head of the Ship, and put up a Lion in its Place, and painted over the Stern of the Ship with Red, and new nam'd her the _Mary_ Snow. The Ship being thus alter'd that they thought it could not be known, they fancy'd themselves pretty secure; but wanting Money to defray the Charge of these Alterations, _Roche_, as Master of the Vessel, and _Andrew Cullen_, as Merchant, apply themselves to the Officers of the Customs for Liberty to dispose of some of the Cargo, in order to pay the Workmen; which they having obtained, they sold fifty eight Barrels of Beef, and having hired three more Hands, they set Sail for _Ostend_, and there having sold more Barrels of Beef, they steer their Course to _Rotterdam_, dispose of the rest of the Cargo, and took in one Mr. _Annesly_, who freighted the Ship for _England_; but in their Passage, in a stormy Night, it being very dark, they took up Mr. _Annesly_ their Passenger, and threw him into the Sea, who swam about the Ship a pretty while, calling out for Life, and telling them they should have all his Goods, if they would receive him again into the Vessel: But in vain were his Cries!

After this, they were obliged to put into several Ports, and by contrary Winds, came to the Coast of _France_, and hearing there was an Enquiry made after the Ship, _Roche_ quits her at _Havre de Grace_, and leaves the Management to _Cullen_ and the rest; who having shipp'd other Men, sail'd away to _Scotland_, and there quitted the Vessel, which was afterwards seized and brought into the River of _Thames._

Some Time after this, _Philip Roche_ came to _London_, and making some Claim for Money, he had made Insurance of, in the Name of _John Eustace_, the Officer was apprized of the Fraud, and he arrested and flung into the Compter; from whence directing a Letter to his Wife, she shewed it to a Friend, who discovered by it, that he was the principal Villain concerned in the Destruction of _Peter Tartoue_, and the Crew. Upon this, an Information was given to my Lord _Carteret_, that the Person who went by the Name of _John Eustace_, was _Philip Roche_, as aforesaid; and being brought down by his Lordships Warrant, he stifly deny'd it for some Time, notwithstanding a Letter was found in his Pocket, directed to him by the Name of _Roche_; but being confronted by a Captain of a Ship, who knew him well, he confessed it, but prevaricated in several Particulars; whereupon he was committed to _Newgate_ upon violent Suspicion, and the next Day was brought down again at his own Request, confessed the whole, desired to be made an Evidence, and promised to convict three Men worse than himself. Two were discovered by him, who died miserably in the _Marshalsea_, and _Roche_ himself was afterwards try'd, (no more being taken,) found Guilty of the Pyracy, and executed.

An ABSTRACT of the Civil Law and Statute Law now in Force, in Relation to Pyracy.

A _Pyrate is_ Hostis humanis generis, _a common Enemy, with whom neither Faith nor Oath is to be kept, according to_ Tully. _And by the Laws of Nature, Princes and States are responsible for their Neglect, if they do not provide Remedies for restraining these sort of Robberies. Though Pyrates are called common Enemies, yet they are properly not to be term'd so. He is only to be honour'd with that Name, says_ Cicero, _who hath a Commonwealth, a Court, a Treasury, Consent and Concord of Citizens, and some Way, if Occasion be, of Peace and League: But when they have reduced themselves into a Government or State, as those of_ Algier, Sally, Tripoly, Tunis, _and the like, they then are allowed the Solemnities of War, and the Rights of Legation._

_If Letters of_ Marque _be granted to a Merchant, and he furnishes out a Ship, with a Captain and Mariners, and they, instead of taking the Goods, or Ships of that Nation against whom their Commission is awarded, take the Ship and Goods of a Friend, this is Pyracy; and if the Ship arrive in any Part of his Majesty's Dominions, it will be seized, and for ever lost to the Owners; but they are no way liable to make Satisfaction._

_If a Ship is assaulted and taken by the Pyrates, for Redemption of which, the Master becomes a Slave to the Captors, by the Law_ Marine, _the Ship and Lading are tacitly obliged for his Redemption, by a general Contribution; but if it happen through his own Folly, then no Contribution is to be made._

_If Subjects in Enmity with the Crown of_ England, _are abord an_ English _Pyrate, in Company with_ English, _and a Robbery is committed, and they are taken; it is Felony in the_ English, _but not in the Stranger; for it was no Pyracy in them, but the Depredation of an Enemy, and they will be tried by a Martial Law._

_If Pyracy is committed by Subjects in Enmity with_ England, _upon the_ British _Seas, it is properly only punishable by the Crown of_ England, _who have_ istud regimen & Dominem _exclusive of all other Power._

_If Pyracy be committed on the Ocean, and the Pyrates in the Attempt be overcome, the Captors may, without any Solemnity of Condemnation, hang them up at the Main-Yard; if they are brought to the next Port, and the Judge rejects the Tryal, or the Captors cannot wait for the Judge, without Peril or Loss, Justice may be done upon them by the Captors._

_If Merchandize be delivered to a Master, to carry to one Port, and he carries it to another, and sells and disposes of it, this is not Felony; but if, after unlading it at the first Port, he retakes it, it is Pyracy._

_If a Pyrate attack a Ship, and the Master for Redemption, gives his Oath to pay a Sum of Money, tho' there be nothing taken, yet it is Pyracy by the Law_ Marine.

_If a Ship is riding at Anchor, and the Mariners all ashore, and a Pyrate attack her, and rob her, this is Pyracy._

_If a Man commit Pyracy upon the Subjects of any Prince, or Republick_, (_though in Amity with us,) and brings the Goods into_ England, _and sells them in a Market_ Overt, _the same shall bind, and the Owners are for ever excluded._

_If a Pyrate enters a Port of this Kingdom, and robs a Ship at Anchor there, it is not Pyracy, because not done_, super altum Mare; _but is Robbery at common Law, because_ infra Corpus Comitatus. _A Pardon of all Felonies does not extend to Pyracy, but the same ought to be especially named._

_By_ 28 H. 8. _Murthers and Robberies committed upon the Sea, or in other Places, where the Admiral pretends Jurisdiction, shall be enquired into, try'd, heard, and determined, in such Places and Counties within the Realm, as shall be limited by the King's Commission, in like Manner as if such Offences were done at Land. And such Commissions_ (_being under the Great Seal_) _shall be directed to the Lord Admiral, his Lieutenant or Deputy, and to three or four such others as the Lord Chancellor shall name._

_The said Commissioners, or three of them, have Power to enquire of such Offences by twelve lawful Men of the Country, so limited in their Commission, as if such Offences were done at Land, within the same County; and every Indictment so found and presented, shall be good in Law; and such Order, Progress, Judgment, and Execution shall be used, had, done, and made thereupon, as against Offenders for Murder and Felony done at Land. Also the Tryal of such Offences_ (_if they be denied_) _shall be had by twelve Men of the County, limited in the said Commission_, (_as aforesaid_,) _and no Challenge shall be had for the Hundred: And such as shall be convict of such Offences, shall suffer Death without Benefit of Clergy, and forfeit Land and Goods, as in Case of Felonies and Murders done at Land._

_This Act shall not prejudice any Person, or Persons_, (_urged by Necessity_) _for taking Victuals, Cables, Ropes, Anchors or Sails, out of another Ship that may spare them, so as they either pay ready Money, or Money worth for them, or give a Bill for the Payment thereof; if on this Side the Straits of_ Gibraltar, _within four Months; if beyond, within twelve Months._

_When any such Commission shall be sent to any Place within the Jurisdiction of the_ Cinque-Ports, _it shall be directed to the Warden of the said Ports, or his Deputy with three or four other Persons, as the Lord Chancellor shall Name; and the Inquisition or Tryal of such Offences, there, shall be made and had, by the Inhabitants of the said Ports, and Members of the same._

_By_ 11 _and_ 12 W. 3. c. 7. _If any natural born Subjects or Denizons of_ England, _commit Pyracy, or any Act of Hostility, against his Majesty's Subjects at Sea, under Colour of a Commission or Authority, from any foreign Prince or State, or Person whatsoever, such Offenders shall be adjudged Pyrates._

_If any Commander or Master of a Ship, or Seaman or Mariner, give up his Ship_, &c. _to Pyrates, or combine to yield up, or run away with any Ship, or lay violent Hand on his Commander, or endeavour to make a Revolt in the Ship, he shall be adjudged a Pyrate._

_All Persons who after the_ 29_th of_ September 1720, _shall set forth any Pyrate (or be aiding and assisting to any such Pyrate_,) _committing Pyracy on Land or Sea, or shall conceal such Pyrates, or receive any Vessel or Goods pyratically taken, shall be adjudged accessary to such Pyracy, and suffer as Principals._

_By_ 4 G. c. 11. Sect. 7. _All Persons who have committed, or shall commit any Offences, for which they ought to be adjudged Pyrates, by the Act_ 11 _and_ 12 W. 3. c. 7. _may be tried for every such Offence, in such Manner as by the Act_ 28 H. 8. c. 15. _is directed for the Tryal of Pyrates; and shall not have the Benefit of Clergy._

Sect. 8. _This Act shall not extend to Persons convicted or attainted in_ Scotland.

Sect. 9. _This Act shall extend to his Majesty's Dominions in_ America, _and be taken as a publick Act._

FINIS.

Next Week will be published,

NOTES on several Chyrurgical Subjects. By JOHN ATKINS, Surgeon.

N. B. One entire Chapter on the Distempers of _Guiney._ Printed for _T. Warner_ in _Pater-Noster-Row._