THE
HISTORY
OF THE
PIRATES,

N. B. From 144 exclusive, to 272 inclusive, when you seek for any Reference add 16 to Number of the Page in the Contents, and it will mend the Error of the Press.

VOL. II.

We can be somewhat particular in the Life of this Gentleman, because, by very great Accident, we have got into our Hands a French Manuscript, in which he himself gives a Detail of his Actions. He was born in Provence, of an ancient Family; his Father, whose true Name he conceals, was Master of a plentiful Fortune; but having a great Number of Children, our Rover had but little Hopes of other Fortune than what he could carve out for himself with his Sword. His Parents took Care to give him an Education equal to his Birth. After he had passed his Humanity and Logick, and was a tolerable Mathematician, at the Age of Fifteen he was sent to Angiers, where he was a Year learning his Exercises. His Father, at his Return home, would have put him into the Musketeers; but as he was of a roving Temper, and much affected with the Accounts he had read in Books of Travels, he chose the Sea as a Life which abounds with more Variety, and would afford him an Opportunity to gratify his Curiosity, by the Change of Countries. Having made this Choice, his Father, with Letters of Recommendation, and every Thing fitting for him, sent him Voluntier on board the Victoire, commanded by Monsieur Fourbin, his Relation. He was received on Board with all possible Regard by the Captain, whose Ship was at Marseilles, and was order’d to cruize soon after Misson’s Arrival. Nothing could be more agreeable to the Inclinations of our Voluntier than this Cruize, which made him acquainted with the most noted Ports of the Mediterranean, and gave him a great Insight into the practical Part of Navigation. He grew fond of this Life, and was resolved to be a compleat Sailor, which made him always one of the first on a Yard Arm, either to Hand or Reef, and very inquisitive in the different Methods of working a Ship: His Discourse was turn’d on no other Subject, and he would often get the Boatswain and Carpenter to teach him in their Cabbins the constituent Parts of a Ship’s Hull, and how to rigg her, which he generously paid ’em for; and tho’ he spent a great Part of his Time with these two Officers, yet he behaved himself with such Prudence that they never attempted at a Familiarity, and always paid the Respect due to his Family. The Ship being at Naples, he obtained Leave of his Captain to go to Rome, which he had a great Desire to visit. Hence we may date his Misfortunes; for, remarking the licentious Lives of the Clergy (so different from the Regularity observ’d among the French Ecclesiasticks,) the Luxury of the Papal Court, and that nothing but Hulls of Religion was to be found in the Metropolis of the Christian Church, he began to figure to himself that all Religion was no more than a Curb upon the Minds of the Weaker, which the wiser Sort yielded to, in Appearance only. These Sentiments, so disadvantageous to Religion and himself, were strongly riveted by accidentally becoming acquainted with a lewd Priest, who was, at his Arrival (by meer Chance) his Confessor, and after that his Procurer and Companion, for he kept him Company to his Death. One Day, having an Opportunity, he told Misson, a Religious was a very good Life, where a Man had a subtle enterprising Genius, and some Friends; for such a one wou’d, in a short Time, rise to such Dignities in the Church, the Hopes of which was the Motive of all the wiser Sort, who voluntarily took upon them the sacerdotal Habit. That the ecclesiastical State was govern’d with the same Policy as were secular Principalities and Kingdoms; that what was beneficial, not what was meritorious and virtuous, would be alone regarded. That there were no more Hopes for a Man of Piety and Learning in the Patrimony of St. Peter, than in any other Monarchy, nay, rather less; for this being known to be real, that Man’s rejected as a Visionary, no way fit for Employment; as one whose Scruples might prove prejudicial; for its a Maxim, that Religion and Politicks can never set up in one House. As to our Statesmen, don’t imagine that the Purple makes ’em less Courtiers than are those of other Nations; they know and pursue the Reggione del Stato (a Term of Art which means Self-Interest) with as much Cunning and as little Conscience as any Secular; and are as artful where Art is required, and as barefaced and impudent when their Power is great enough to support ’em, in the oppressing the People, and aggrandizing their Families. What their Morals are, you may read in the Practice of their Lives, and their Sentiments of Religion from this Saying of a certain Cardinal, Quantum Lucrum ex ista fabula Christi! which many of ’em may say, tho’ they are not so foolish. For my Part, I am quite tir’d of the Farce, and will lay hold on the first Opportunity to throw off this masquerading Habit; for, by Reason of my Age, I must act an under Part many Years; and before I can rise to share the Spoils of the People, I shall, I fear, be too old to enjoy the Sweets of Luxury; and, as I am an Enemy to Restraint, I am apprehensive I shall never act up to my Character, and carry thro’ the Hypocrite with Art enough to rise to any considerable Post in the Church. My Parents did not consult my Genius, or they would have given me a Sword instead of a Pair of Beads.

Misson advised him to go with him Voluntier, and offer’d him Money to cloath him; the Priest leap’d at the Proposal, and a Letter coming to Misson from his Captain, that he was going to Leghorn, and left to him either to come to Naples, or go by Land; he chose the latter, and the Dominican, whom he furnish’d with Money, clothing himself very Cavalierly, threw off his Habit, and preceeded him two Days, staying at Pisa for Misson; from whence they went together to Leghorn, where they found the Victoire, and Signor Caraccioli, recommended by his Friend, was received on Board. Two Days after they weigh’d from hence, and after a Week’s Cruize fell in with two Sally Men, the one of twenty, the other of twenty four Guns; the Victoire had but thirty mounted, though she had Ports for forty. The Engagement was long and bloody, for the Sally Man hop’d to carry the Victoire; and, on the contrary, Captain Fourbin, so far from having any Thoughts of being taken, he was resolutely bent to make Prize of his Enemies, or sink his Ship. One of the Sally Men was commanded by a Spanish Renegade, (though he had only the Title of a Lieutenant) for the Captain was a young Man who knew little of Marine Affairs.

This Ship was called the Lyon; and he attempted, more than once, to board the Victoire; but by a Shot betwixt Wind and Water, he was obliged to sheer off, and running his Guns, &c. on one Side, bring her on the careen to stop his Leak; this being done with too much Precipitation, she overset, and every Soul was lost: His Comrade seeing this Disaster, threw out all his small Sails, and endeavour’d to get off, but the Victoire wrong’d her, and oblig’d her to renew the Fight, which she did with great Obstinacy, and made Monsieur Fourbin despair of carrying her if he did not board; he made Preparations accordingly. Signior Caraccioli and Misson were the two first on board when the Command was given; but they and their Followers were beat back by the Despair of the Sally Men; the former received a Shot in his Thigh, and was carried down to the Surgeon. The Victoire laid her on board the second time, and the Sally Men defended their Decks with such Resolution, that they were cover’d with their own, and the dead Bodies of their Enemies. Misson seeing one of ’em jump down the Main-Hatch with a lighted Match, suspecting his Design, resolutely leap’d after him, and reaching him with his Sabre, laid him dead the Moment he was going to set Fire to the Powder. The Victoire pouring in more Men, the Mahometans quitted the Decks, finding Resistance vain, and fled for Shelter to the Cook Room, Steerage and Cabbins, and some run between Decks. The French gave ’em Quarters, and put the Prisoners on board the Victoire, the Prize yielding nothing worth mention, except Liberty to about fifteen Christian Slaves; she was carried into and sold with the Prisoners at Leghorn. The Turks lost a great many Men, the French not less than 35 in boarding, for they lost very few by the great Shot, the Sally Men firing mostly at the Masts and Rigging, hoping by disabling to carry her. The limited Time of their Cruize being out, the Victoire returned to Marseilles, from whence Misson, taking his Companion, went to visit his Parents, to whom the Captain sent a very advantageous Character, both of his Courage and Conduct. He was about a Month at home when his Captain wrote to him, that his Ship was order’d to Rochelle, from whence he was to sail for the West-Indies with some Merchant Men. This was very agreeable to Misson and Signior Caraccioli, who immediately set out for Marseilles. This Town is well fortified, has four Parish Churches, and the Number of Inhabitants is computed to be about 120,000; the Harbour is esteemed the safest in the Mediterranean, and is the common Station for the French Gallies.

Leaving this Place, they steer’d for Rochelle, where the Victoire was dock’d, the Merchant Ships not being near ready. Misson, who did not care to pass so long a Time in Idleness, proposed to his Comrade the taking a Cruize on board the Triumph, who was going into the English Channel; the Italian readily consented to it.

Between the Isle of Guernsey and the Start Point, they met with the Mayflower, Captain Balladine Commanded, a Merchant Ship of 18 Guns, richly laden, and coming from Jamaica. The Captain of the English made a gallant Resistance, and fought his Ship so long, that the French could not carry her into Harbour, wherefore they took the Money, and what was most valuable, out of her; and finding she made more Water than the Pumps could free, quitted, and saw her go down in less than four Hours after. Monsieur le Blanc, the French Captain, received Captain Balladine very civilly, and would not suffer either him or his Men to be stripp’d, saying, None but Cowards ought to be treated after that Manner; that brave Men ought to treat such, though their Enemies, as Brothers; and that to use a gallant Man (who does his Duty) ill, speaks a Revenge which cannot proceed but from a Coward Soul. He order’d that the Prisoners should have their Chests; and when some of his Men seem’d to mutter, he bid ’em remember the Grandeur of the Monarch they serv’d; that they were neither Pyrates nor Privateers; and, as brave Men, they ought to shew their Enemies an Example they would willingly have follow’d, and use their Prisoners as they wish’d to be us’d.

They running up the English Channel as high as Beachy Head, and, in returning, fell in with three fifty Gun Ships, which gave Chace to the Triumph; but as she was an excellent Sailor, she run ’em out of Sight in seven Glasses, and made the best of her Way for the Lands-End; they here cruized eight Days, then doubling Cape Cornwall, ran up the Bristol Channel, near as far as Nash Point, and intercepted a small Ship from Barbadoes, and stretching away to the Northward, gave Chase to a Ship they saw in the Evening, but lost her in the Night. The Triumph stood then towards Milford, and spying a Sail, endeavour’d to cut her off the Land, but found it impossible; for she got into the Haven, though they came up with her very fast, and she had surely been taken, had the Chase had been any thing longer.

Captain Balladine, who took the Glass, said it was the Port Royal, a Bristol Ship which left Jamaica in Company with him and the Charles. They now return’d to their own Coast, and sold their Prize at Brest, where, at his Desire, they left Captain Balladine, and Monsieur le Blanc made him a Present of Purse with 40 Louis’s for his Support; his Crew were also left here.

At the Entrance into this Harbour the Triumph struck upon a Rock, but received no Damage: This Entrance, called Gonlet, is very dangerous on Account of the Number of Rocks which lie on each Side under Water, though the Harbour is certainly the best in France. The Mouth of the Harbour is defended by a strong Castle; the Town is well fortified, and has a Citadel for its farther Defence, which is of considerable Strength. In 1694 the English attempted a Descent, but did not find their Market, for they were beat off with the Loss of their General, and a great many Men. From hence the Triumph return’d to Rochel, and in a Month after our Voluntiers, who went on board the Victoire, took their Departure for Martineco and Guadalupa; they met with nothing in their Voyage thither worth noting.

I shall only observe, that Signior Caraccioli, who was as ambitious as he was irreligious, had, by this Time, made a perfect Deist of Misson, and thereby convinc’d him, that all Religion was no other than human Policy, and shew’d him that the Law of Moses was no more than what were necessary, as well for the Preservation as the Governing of the People; for Instance, said he, the African Negroes never heard of the Institution of Circumcision, which is said to be the Sign of the Covenant made between God and this People, and yet they circumcise their Children; doubtless for the same Reason the Jews and other Nations do, who inhabit the Southern Climes, the Prepuce consolidating the perspired Matter, which is of a fatal Consequence. In short, he ran through all the Ceremonies of the Jewish, Christian and Mahometan Religion, and convinced him these were, as might be observed by the Absurdity of many, far from being Institutions of Men inspired; and that Moses, in his Account of the Creation, was guilty of known Blunders; and the Miracles, both in the New and Old Testament, inconsistent with Reason. That God had given us this Blessing, to make Use of for our present and future Happiness, and whatever was contrary to it, notwithstanding their School Distinctions of contrary and above Reason, must be false. This Reason teaches us, that there is a first Cause of all Things, an Ens Entium, which we call God, and our Reason will also suggest, that he must be eternal, and, as the Author of every Thing perfect, he must be infinitely perfect.

If so, he can be subject to no Passions, and neither loves nor hates; he must be ever the same, and cannot rashly do to Day what he shall repent to Morrow. He must be perfectly happy, consequently nothing can add to an eternal State of Tranquillity, and though it becomes us to adore him, yet can our Adorations neither augment, nor our Sins take from this Happiness.

But his Arguments on this Head are too long, and too dangerous to translate; and as they are work’d up with great Subtlety, they may be pernicious to weak Men, who cannot discover their Fallacy; or, who finding ’em agreeable to their Inclinations, and would be glad to shake off the Yoke of the Christian Religion, which galls and curbs their Passions, would not give themselves the Trouble to examine them to the Bottom, but give into what pleases, glad of finding some Excuse to their Consciences. Though as his Opinion of a future State has nothing in it which impugns the Christian Religion, I shall set it down in few Words.

As he had privately held these Discourses among the Crew, he had gained a Number of Proselytes, who look’d upon him as a new Prophet risen up to reform the Abuses in Religion; and a great Number being Rochellers, and, as yet, tainted with Calvanism, his Doctrine was the more readily embrac’d. When he had experienced the Effects of his religious Arguments, he fell upon Government, and shew’d, that every Man was born free, and had as much Right to what would support him, as to the Air he respired. A contrary Way of arguing would be accusing the Deity with Cruelty and Injustice, for he brought into the World no Man to pass a Life of Penury, and to miserably want a necescessary Support; that the vast Difference between Man and Man, the one wallowing in Luxury, and the other in the most pinching Necessity, was owing only to Avarice and Ambition on the one Hand, and a pusilanimous Subjection on the other; that at first no other than a Natural was known, a paternal Government, every Father was the Head, the Prince and Monarch of his Family, and Obedience to such was both just and easy, for a Father had a compassionate Tenderness for his Children; but Ambition creeping in by Degrees, the stronger Family set upon and enslaved the Weaker; and this additional Strength over-run a third, by every Conquest gathering Force to make others, and this was the first Foundation of Monarchy. Pride encreasing with Power, Man usurped the Prerogative of God, over his Creatures, that of depriving them of Life, which was a Privilege no one had over his own; for as he did not come into the World by his own Election, he ought to stay the determined Time of his Creator: That indeed, Death given in War, was by the Law of Nature allowable, because it is for the Preservation of our own Lives; but no Crime ought to be thus punished, nor indeed any War undertaken, but in Defence of our natural Right, which is such a Share of Earth as is necessary for our Support.

These Topicks he often declaimed on, and very often advised with Misson about the setting up for themselves; he was as ambitious as the other, and as resolute. Caraccioli and Misson were by this expert Mariners, and very capable of managing a Ship: Caraccioli had sounded a great many of the Men on this Subject, and found them very inclineable to listen to him. An Accident happen’d which gave Caraccioli a fair Opportunity to put his Designs in Execution, and he laid Hold of it; they went off Martinico on a Cruize, and met with the Winchelsea, an English Man of War of 40 Guns, commanded by Captain Jones; they made for each other, and a very smart Engagement followed, the first Broadside killed the Captain, second Captain, and the three Lieutenants, on Board the Victoire, and left only the Master, who would have struck, but Misson took up the Sword, order’d Caraccioli to act as Lieutenant, and encouraging the Men fought the Ship six Glasses, when by some Accident, the Winchelsea blew up, and not a Man was saved but Lieutenant Franklin, whom the French Boats took up, and he died in two Days. None ever knew before this Manuscript fell into my Hands how the Winchelsea was lost; for her Head being driven ashore at Antegoa, and a great Storm having happen’d a few Days before her Head was found, it was concluded, that she founder’d in that Storm. After this Engagement, Caraccioli came to Misson and saluted him Captain, and desired to know if he would chuse a momentary or a lasting Command, that he must now determine, for at his Return to Martinico it would be too late; and he might depend upon the Ship he fought and saved being given to another, and they would think him well rewarded if made a Lieutenant, which Piece of Justice he doubted: That he had his Fortune in his Hands, which he might either keep or let go; if he made Choice of the latter, he must never again expect she would court him to accept her Favours: That he ought to set before his Eyes his Circumstances, as a younger Brother of a good Family, but nothing to support his Character; and the many Years he must serve at the Expence of his Blood before he could make any Figure in the World; and consider the wide Difference between the commanding and being commanded: That he might with the Ship he had under Foot, and the brave Fellows under Command, bid Defiance to the Power of Europe, enjoy every Thing he wish’d, reign Sovereign of the Southern Seas, and lawfully make War on all the World, since it wou’d deprive him of that Liberty to which he had a Right by the Laws of Nature: That he might in Time, become as great as Alexander was to the Persians; and by encreasing his Forces by his Captures, he would every Day strengthen the Justice of his Cause, for who has Power is always in the Right. That Harry the Fourth and Harry the Seventh, attempted and succeeded in their Enterprizes on the Crown of England, yet their Forces did not equal his. Mahomet with a few Camel Drivers, founded the Ottoman Empire; and Darius, with no more than six or seven Companions got Possession of that of Persia.

In a Word he said so much that Misson resolved to follow his Advice, and calling up all Hands, he told them, ‘That a great Number of them had resolved with him upon a Life of Liberty, and had done him the Honour to create him Chief: That he designed to force no Man, and be guilty of that Injustice he blamed in others; therefore, if any were averse to the following his Fortune, which he promised should be the same to all, he desired they would declare themselves, and he would set them ashore, whence they might return with Conveniency;’ having made an End, they one and all cryed, Vive le Capitain Misson et son Lieutenant le Scavant Caraccioli, God bless Capt. Misson and his learned Lieutenant Caraccioli. Misson thanked them for the Honour they conferr’d upon him, and promised he would use the Power they gave for the publick Good only, and hoped, as they had the Bravery to assert their Liberty, they would be as unanimous in the preserving it, and stand by him in what should be found expedient for the Good of all; that he was their Friend and Companion, and should never exert his Power, or think himself other than their Comrade, but when the Necessity of Affairs should oblige him.

They shouted a second Time, vive le Capitain; he, after this, desired they would chuse their subaltern Officers, and give them Power to consult and conclude upon what might be for the common Interest, and bind themselves down by an Oath to agree to what such Officers and he should determine: This they readily gave into. The School-Master they chose for second Lieutenant, Jean Besace they nominated for third, and the Boatswain, and a Quarter-Master, named Matthieu le Tondu, with the Gunner, they desired might be their Representatives in Council.

The Choice was approved, and that every Thing might pass methodically, and with general Approbation, they were called into the great Cabbin, and the Question put, what Course they should steer? The Captain proposed the Spanish Coast as the most probable to afford them rich Prizes: This was agreed upon by all. The Boatswain then asked what Colours they should fight under, and advised Black as most terrifying; but Caraccioli objected, that they were no Pyrates, but Men who were resolved to assert that Liberty which God and Nature gave them, and own no Subjection to any, farther than was for the common Good of all: That indeed, Obedience to Governors was necessary, when they knew and acted up to the Duty of their Function; were vigilant Guardians of the Peoples Rights and Liberties; saw that Justice was equally distributed; were Barriers against the Rich and Powerful, when they attempted to oppress the Weaker; when they suffered none of the one Hand to grow immensely rich, either by his own or his Ancestors Encroachments; nor on the other, any to be wretchedly miserable, either by falling into the Hands of Villains, unmerciful Creditors, or other Misfortunes. While he had Eyes impartial, and allowed nothing but Merit to distinguish between Man and Man; and instead of being a Burthen to the People by his luxurious Life, he was by his Care for, and Protection of them, a real Father, and in every Thing acted with the equal and impartial Justice of a Parent: But when a Governor, who is the Minister of the People, thinks himself rais’d to this Dignity, that he may spend his Days in Pomp and Luxury, looking upon his Subjects as so many Slaves, created for his Use and Pleasure, and therefore leaves them and their Affairs to the immeasurable Avarice and Tyranny of some one whom he has chosen for his Favourite, when nothing but Oppression, Poverty, and all the Miseries of Life flow from such an Administration; that he lavishes away the Lives and Fortunes of the People, either to gratify his Ambition, or to support the Cause of some neighbouring Prince, that he may in Return, strengthen his Hands should his People exert themselves in Defence of their native Rights; or should he run into unnecessary Wars, by the rash and thoughtless Councils of his Favourite, and not able to make Head against the Enemy he has rashly or wantonly brought upon his Hands, and buy a Peace (which is the present Case of France, as every one knows, by supporting King James, and afterwards proclaiming his Son) and drain the Subject; should the Peoples Trade be wilfully neglected, for private Interests, and while their Ships of War lie idle in their Harbours, suffer their Vessels to be taken; and the Enemy not only intercepts all Commerce, but insults their Coasts: It speaks a generous and great Soul to shake off the Yoak; and if we cannot redress our Wrongs, withdraw from sharing the Miseries which meaner Spirits submit to, and scorn to yield to the Tyranny. Such Men are we, and, if the World, as Experience may convince us it will, makes War upon us, the Law of Nature empowers us not only to be on the defensive, but also on the offensive Part. As we then do not proceed upon the same Ground with Pyrates, who are Men of dissolute Lives and no Principles, let us scorn to take their Colours: Ours is a brave, a just, an innocent, and a noble Cause; the Cause of Liberty. I therefore advise a white Ensign, with Liberty painted in the Fly, and if you like the Motto, a Deo a Libertate, for God and Liberty, as an Emblem of our Uprightness and Resolution.

The Cabbin Door was left open, and the Bulk Head which was of Canvas rowled up, the Steerage being full of Men, who lent an attentive Ear, they cried, Liberty, Liberty; we are free Men: Vive the brave Captain Misson and the noble Lieutenant Caraccioli. This short Council breaking up, every Thing belonging to the deceas’d Captain, and the other Officers, and Men lost in the Engagement, was brought upon Deck and over-hawled; the Money ordered to be put into a Chest, and the Carpenter to clap on a Padlock for, and give a Key to, every one of the Council: Misson telling them, all should be in common, and the particular Avarice of no one should defraud the Publick.

When the Plate Monsieur Fourbin had, was going to the Chest, the Men unanimously cried out avast, keep that out for the Captain’s Use, as a Present from his Officers and Fore-mast Men. Misson thanked them, the Plate was returned to the great Cabbin, and the Chest secured according to Orders: Misson then ordered his Lieutenants and other Officers to examine who among the Men, were in most Want of Cloaths, and to distribute those of the dead Men impartially, which was done with a general Consent and Applause of the whole Crew: All but the wounded being upon Deck. Misson from the Baracade, spoke to the following Purpose, ‘That since they had unanimously resolved to seize upon and defend their Liberty, which ambitious Men had usurped, and that this could not be esteemed by impartial Judges other than a just and brave Resolution, he was under an Obligation to recommend to them a brotherly Love to each other; the Banishment of all private Piques and Grudges, and a strict Agreement and Harmony among themselves: That in throwing off the Yoak of Tyranny of which the Action spoke an Abhorrence, he hoped none would follow the Example of Tyrants, and turn his Back upon Justice; for when Equity was trodden under Foot, Misery, Confusion, and mutual Distrust naturally followed.’—He also advised them to remember there was a Supream, the Adoration of which, Reason and Gratitude prompted us, and our own Interests would engage us (as it is best to be of the surest Side, and after-Life was allowed possible) to conciliate.—That he was satisfied Men who were born and bred in Slavery, by which their Spirits were broke, and were incapable of so generous a Way of thinking, who, ignorant of their Birth-Right, and the Sweets of Liberty, dance to the Musick of their Chains, which was, indeed, the greater Part of the Inhabitants of the Globe, would brand this generous Crew with the invidious Name of Pyrates, and think it meritorious, to be instrumental in their Destruction.—Self-Preservation therefore, and not a cruel Disposition, obliged him to declare War against all such as should refuse him the Entry of their Ports, and against all, who should not immediately surrender and give up what their Necessities required; but in a more particular Manner against all European Ships and Vessels, as concluded implacable Enemies. And I do now, said he, declare such War, and, at the same time, recommend to you my Comrades a humane and generous Behaviour towards your Prisoners; which will appear by so much more the Effects of a noble Soul, as we are satisfied we should not meet the same Treatment should our ill Fortune, or more properly our Disunion, or want of Courage, give us up to their Mercy.

After this, he required a Muster should be made, and there were able Hands two Hundred, and thirty five sick and wounded; as they were muster’d they were sworn. After Affairs were thus settled, they shaped their Course for the Spanish West-Indies, but resolved, in the Way, to take a Week or ten Days Cruize in the Windward Passage from Jamaica, because most Merchant Men, which were good Sailors and did not stay for Convoy, took this as the shorter Cut for England.

Off St. Christophers they took an English Sloop becalmed, with their Boats; they took out of her a couple of Puncheons of Rum, and half a dozen Hogsheads of Sugar (she was a New England Sloop, bound for Boston) and without offering the least Violence to the Men, or stripping them, they let her go. The Master of the Sloop was Thomas Butler, who owned, he never met with so candid an Enemy as the French Man of War, which took him the Day he left St. Christophers; they met with no other Booty in their Way, till they came upon their Station, when after three Days, they saw a Sloop which had the Impudence to give them Chace; Captain Misson asked what could be the Meaning that the Sloop stood for them? One of the Men, who was acquainted with the West-Indies, told him, it was a Jamaica Privateer, and he should not wonder, if he clapp’d him aboard. I am, said he, no Stranger to their Way of working, and this despicable Fellow, as those who don’t know a Jamaica Privateer may think him, it is ten to one will give you some Trouble. It now grows towards Evening, and you’ll find as soon as he has discovered your Force, he’ll keep out of the Reach of your Guns till the 12 a-Clock Watch is changed at Night, and he’ll then attempt to clap you aboard, with Hopes to carry you in the Hurry: Wherefore Captain, if you will give me Leave to advise you, let every Man have his small Arms; and at twelve, let the Bell ring as usual, and rather more Noise than ordinary be made, as if the one Watch was turning in, and the other out, in a Confusion and Hurry, and I’ll engage he will venture to enter his Men. The Fellow’s Advice was approved and resolved upon, and the Sloop work’d, as he said she would, for upon coming near enough to make distinctly the Force of the Victoire, on her throwing out French Colours, she, the Sloop, clapp’d upon a Wind, the Victoire gave Chace, but without Hopes of gaining upon her; she went so well to Windward, that she cou’d spare the Ship some Points in her Sheet, and yet wrong her: At Dusk of the Even, the French had lost Sight of her, but about Eleven at Night, they saw her hankering up their Windward Bow, which confirmed the Sailors Opinion, that she would attempt to board them, as she did at the pretended Change of the Watch; there being little or no Wind, she lashed to the Bow-Sprit of the Victoire, and enter’d her Men, who were very quietly taken, as they enter’d and tumbled down the Fore-hatch, where they were received by others, and bound without Noise, not one of the Privateers killed, few hurt, and only one Frenchman wounded. The Victoire seeing the better Part of the Sloop’s Men secured, they boarded in their Turn, when the Privateer’s suspecting some Stratagem, were endeavouring to cut their Lashing and get off: Thus the Englishman caught a Tartar. The Prisoners being all secured, the Captain charged his Men not to discover, thro’ a Desire of augmenting their Number, the Account they were upon.

The next Morning Monsieur Misson called for the Captain of the Privateer, he told him, he could not but allow him a brave Fellow, to venture upon a Ship of his Countenance, and for that Reason he should meet Treatment which Men of his Profession seldom afforded the Prisoners they made. He asked him how long he had been out, what was his Name, and what he had on Board? He answered he was but just come out, that he was the first Sail he had met with, and shou’d have thought himself altogether as lucky not to have spoke with him; that his Name was Harry Ramsey, and what he had on Board were Rags, Powder, Ball, and some few half Anchors of Rum. Ramsey was ordered into the Gun-Room, and a Council being held in the publick Manner aforesaid, the Bulk Head of the great Cabbin rowled up. On their Conclusion, the Captain of the Privateer was called in again, when Captain Misson told him, he would return him his Sloop, and restore him and his Men to their Liberty, without stripping or plundering of any Thing, but what Prudence obliged him to, their Ammunition and Small-Arms, if he would give him his Word and Honour, and his Men to take an Oath, not to go out on the Privateer Account in six Months after they left him: That he did not design to continue that Station above a Week longer, at the Expiration of which Time he would let them go.

Ramsey, who had a new Sloop, did not expect this Favour, which he thanked him for, and promised punctually to comply with the Injunction, which his Men as readily swore to, tho’ they had no Design to keep the Oath. The Time being expired, he and his Men were put on Board their own Sloop. At going over the Ship’s Side Ramsey begg’d Monsieur Misson would allow him Powder for a salute, by way of Thanks; but he answered him, the Ceremony was needless, and he expected no other Return than that of keeping his Word, which indeed Ramsey did. Some of his Men had found it more to their Advantage to have been as religious.

At parting Ramsey gave the Ship three Chears, and Misson had the Complaisance to return one, which Ramsey answering with three more, made the best of his Way for Jamaica, and at the East End of the Island met with the Diana, who, upon Advice, turn’d back.

The Victoire steer’d for Carthagene, off which Port they cruised some Days, but meeting with nothing in the Seas, they made for Porto Bello; in their Way they met with two Dutch Traders, who had Letters of Mart, and were just come upon the Coast, the one had 20, the other 24 Guns; Misson engaged them, and they defended themselves with a great Deal of Resolution and Gallantry; and as they were mann’d a Peak, he durst not venture to board either of them, for fear of being at the same Time boarded by the other. His Weight of Mettal gave him a great Advantage over the Dutch, though they were two to one; besides, their Business, as they had Cargoes, was to get off, if possible, wherefore they made a running Fight, though they took Care to stick close to one another.

They maintained the Fight for above six Hours, when Misson, enraged at this Obstinacy, and fearing, if by Accident they should bring a Mast, or Top-Mast, by the board, they would get from him. He was resolved to sink the larger Ship of the two, and accordingly ordered his Men to bring all their Guns to bear a Midship, then running close along Side of him, to raise their Mettal; his Orders being punctually obey’d, he pour’d in a Broad Side, which open’d such a Gap in the Dutch Ship, that she went directly to the Bottom, and every Man perish’d.

He then mann’d his Bowsprit, brought his Sprit-sail Yard fore and aft, and resolved to board the other, which the Dutch perceiving, and terrified with the unhappy Fate of their Comrade, thought a farther resistance vain, and immediately struck. Misson gave them good Quarters, though he was enraged at the Loss of 13 Men killed outright, beside 9 wounded, of which 6 died. They found on board a great Quantity of Gold and Silver Lace, brocade Silks, Silk Stockings, Bails of Broad-Cloath, Bazes of all Colours, and Osnabrughs.

A Consultation being held, it was resolved Captain Misson should take the Name of Fourbin, and returning to Carthagene, dispose of his Prize, and set his Prisoners ashoar. Accordingly they ply’d to the Eastward, and came to an Anchor between Boca Chieca Fort, and the Town, for they did not think it expedient to enter the Harbour. The Barge was manned, and Caraccioli, with the Name of D’Aubigny, the first Lieutenant, who was killed in the Engagement with the Winchelsea, and his Commission in his Pocket, went ashore with a Letter to the Governor, sign’d Fourbin, whose Character, for fear of the worst, was exactly counterfeited. The Purport of his Letter was, that having discretionary Orders to cruize for three Months, and hearing the English infested his Coast, he was come in search of ’em, and had met two Dutch Men, one of which he had sunk, the other he made Prize of. That his limited Time being near expired, he should be obliged to his Excellency, if he would send on board him such Merchants as were willing to take the Ship and Cargoe off his Hands, of which he had sent the Dutch Invoice. Don Joseph de la Zerda, the then Governor, received the Lieutenant (who sent back the Barge at landing) very civilly, and agreed to take the Prisoners ashoar, and do every Thing was required of him; and ordering fresh Provisions and Sallading to be got ready as a Present for the Captain, he sent for some Merchants who were very ready to go on board, and agree for the Ship and Goods; which they did, for two and fifty thousand Pieces of Eight. The next Day the Prisoners were set ashoar; a rich Piece of Brocade which was reserv’d, sent to the Governor for a Present, a Quantity of fresh Provision bought and brought on board, the Money paid by the Merchants, the Ship and Goods deliver’d, and the Victoire, at the Dawn of the following Day, got under Sail. It may be wonder’d how such Dispatch could be made, but the Reader must take Notice, these Goods were sold by the Dutch Invoice, which the Merchant of the Prize affirmed was genuine. I shall observe, by the by, that the Victoire was the French Man of War which Admiral Wager sent the Kingston in search of, and being afterwards falsly inform’d, that she was join’d by another of seventy Guns; and that they cruiz’d together between the Capes, order’d the Severn up to Windward, to assist the Kingston, which had like to have prov’d very fatal; for these two English Men of War, commanded by Captain Trevor and Captain Pudnor, meeting in the Night, had prepared to engage, each taking the other for the Enemy. The Kingston’s Men not having a good Look-out, which must be attributed to the Negligence of the Officer of the Watch, did not see the Severn till she was just upon them; but, by good Luck, to Leeward, and plying up, with all the Sail she could crowd, and a clear Ship. This put the Kingston in such Confusion, that when the Severn hal’d, no Answer was return’d, for none heard her. She was got under the Kingston’s Stern, and Captain Pudnor ordered to hale for the third and last Time, and if no Answer was return’d, to give her a Broadside. The Noise on Board the Kingston was now a little ceas’d, and Captain Trevor, who was on the Poop with a speaking Trumpet to hale the Severn, by good Luck heard her hale him, and answering the Kingston, and asking the Name of the other Ship, prevented the Damage.

They cruised together some Time, and meeting nothing which answer’d their Information, return’d to Jamaica, as I shall to my Subject, begging Pardon for this, as I thought, necessary Digression.

Don Juan de la Zerda told the Captain in a Letter, that the St. Joseph, a Gallion of seventy Guns, was then lying at Port a Bello, and should be glad he could keep her Company till she was off the Coast. That she would sail in eight or ten Days for the Havanna; and that, if his Time would permit him, he would send an Advice-Boat. That she had on Board the Value of 800,000 Pieces of Eight in Silver and Bar Gold. Misson return’d Answer, that he believ’d he should be excus’d if he stretched his Orders, for a few Days; and that he would cruize off the Isle of Pearls, and Cape Gratias a Dios, and give for Signal to the Gallion, his spreading a white Ensign in his Fore-Top-Mast Shrouds, the cluing up his Fore-Sail, and the firing one Gun to Windward, and two to Leeward, which he should answer by letting run and hoisting his Fore-Top-Sail three times, and the firing as many Guns to Leeward. Don Joseph, extreamly pleased with this Complaisance, sent a Boat express to advise the St. Joseph, but she was already sailed two Days, contrary to the Governor of Carthagene’s Expectation, and this Advice Captain Misson had from the Boat, which returning with an Answer, saw the Victoire in the Offin, and spoke to her. It was then resolved to follow the St. Joseph, and accordingly they steer’d for the Havanna, but by what Accident they did not overtake her is unknown.

I forgot to tell my Reader, on Board the Dutch Ship were fourteen French Hugonots, whom Misson thought fit to detain, when they were at Sea. Misson called ’em up, and proposed to ’em their taking on; telling them at the same Time, he left it to their Choice, for he would have no forc’d Men; and that if they all, or any of them, disapproved the Proposal, he would either give ’em the first Vessel he met that was fit for ’em, or set ’em ashoar on some inhabited Coast; and therefore bid ’em take two Days for Consideration before they returned an Answer; and, to encourage ’em, he called all Hands up, and declar’d, that if any Man repented him of the Course of Life he had chosen, his just Dividend should be counted to him, and he would set him on Shoar, either near the Havanna, or some other convenient Place; but not one accepted the Offer, and the fourteen Prisoners unanimously resolved to join in with ’em; to which Resolution, no doubt, the Hopes of a good Booty from the St. Joseph, and this Offer of Liberty greatly contributed.

At the Entrance of the Gulph they spied and came with a large Merchant Ship bound for London from Jamaica; she had 20 Guns, but no more than 32 Hands, that its not to be wonder’d at she made no Resistance, besides, she was deep laden with Sugars. Monsieur Misson took out of her what Ammunition she had, about four thousand Pieces of Eight, some Puncheons of Rum, and ten Hogsheads of Sugar; and, without doing her any further Damage, let her proceed her Voyage. What he valued most in this Prize was the Men he got, for she was carrying to Europe twelve French Prisoners, two of which were necessary Hands, being a Carpenter and his Mate. They were of Bourdeaux, from whence they came with the Pomechatraine, which was taken by the Maremaid off Petit Guavers, after an obstinate Resistance, in which they lost forty Men; but they were of Opinion the Maremaid could not have taken ’em, having but four Guns less than she had, which was made amends for, by their having about thirty Hands. On the contrary, had not the Guernsey come up, they thought of boarding and carrying the Maremaid. These Men very willingly came into Captain Misson’s Measures.

These Men, who had been stripp’d to the Skin, begg’d Leave to make Reprisals, but the Captain would not suffer them, though he told the Master of the Prize, as he protected him and his Men, he thought it reasonable these French should be cloathed: Upon this the Master contributed of his own, and every Man bringing up his Chest, thought themselves very well off in sharing with them one half.

Though Misson’s Ship pass’d for a French Man of War, yet his Generosity in letting the Prize go, gave the English Grounds to suspect the Truth, neither the Ship nor Cargoe being of Use to such as were upon the grand Account.

When they had lost all Hopes of the St. Joseph, they coasted along the North-Side of Cuba, and the Victoire growing now foul, they ran into a Landlock’d Bay on the East North-East Point, where they hove her down by Boats and Guns, though they could not pretend to heave her Keel out; however, they scraped and tallowed as far as they could go; they, for this Reason, many of them repented they had let the last Prize go, by which they might have careened.

When they had righted the Ship, and put every Thing on Board, they consulted upon the Course they should steer. Upon this the Council divided. The Captain and Caraccioli were for stretching over to the African, and the others for the New-England Coast, alledging, that the Ship had a foul Bottom, and was not fit for the Voyage; and that if they met with contrary Winds, and bad Weather, their Stock of Provision might fall short; and that as they were not far from the English Settlement of Carolina, they might either on that or the Coast of Virginia, Maryland, Pensylvania, New-York, or New-England, intercept Ships which traded to the Islands with Provisions, and by that Means provide themselves with Bread, Flower, and other Necessaries. An Account of the Provisions were taken, and finding they had Provisions for four Months. Captain Misson called all Hands upon Deck, and told them, as the Council differed in the Course they should steer, he thought it reasonable to have it put to the Vote of the whole Company. That for his Part, he was for going to the Coasts of Guiney, where they might reasonably expect to meet with valuable Prizes; but should they fail in their Expectation one Way, they would be sure of having it answered another; for they could then throw themselves in that of the East-India Ships, and he need not tell them, that the outward bound dreined Europe of what Money they drew from America. He then gave the Sentiments of those who were against him, and their Reasons, and begg’d that every one would give his Opinion and Vote according as he thought most conducive to the Good of all. That he should be far from taking it ill if they should reject what he had proposed, since he had no private Views to serve. The Majority of Votes fell on the Captain’s Side, and they accordingly shaped their Course for the Coast of Guiney, in which Voyage nothing remarkable happened. On their Arrival on the Gold-Coast, they fell in with the Nieuwstadt of Amsterdam, a Ship of 18 Guns, commanded by Capt. Blaes, who made a running Fight of five Glasses: This Ship they kept with them, putting on Board 40 Hands, and bringing all the Prisoners on Board the Victoire, they were Forty three in Number; they left Amsterdam with Fifty six, seven were killed in the Engagement, and they had lost six by Sickness and Accidents, one falling overboard, and one being taken by a Shark going overboard in a Calm.

The Nieuwstadt had some Gold-Dust on Board, to the Value of about 2000 l. Sterling, and a few Slaves to the Number of Seventeen, for she had but begun to Trade; the Slaves were a strengthening of their Hands, for the Captain order’d them to be cloathed out of Dutch Mariners Chests, and told his Men, ‘That the Trading for those of our own Species, cou’d never be agreeable to the Eyes of divine Justice: That no Man had Power of the Liberty of another; and while those who profess’d a more enlightened Knowledge of the Deity, sold Men like Beasts; they prov’d that their Religion was no more than Grimace, and that they differ’d from the Barbarians in Name only, since their Practice was in nothing more humane: For his Part, and he hop’d, he spoke the Sentiments of all his brave Companions, he had not exempted his Neck from the galling Yoak of Slavery, and asserted his own Liberty, to enslave others. That however, these Men were distinguish’d from the Europeans by their Colour, Customs, or religious Rites, they were the Work of the same omnipotent Being, and endued with equal Reason: Wherefore, he desired they might be treated like Freemen (for he wou’d banish even the Name of Slavery from among them) and divided into Messes among them, to the End they might the sooner learn their Language, be sensible of the Obligation they had to them, and more capable and zealous to defend that Liberty they owed to their Justice and Humanity.’

This Speech of Misson’s was received with general Applause, and the Ship rang with vive le Capitain Misson. Long live Capt. Misson.—The Negroes were divided among the French, one to a Mess, who, by their Gesticulations, shew’d they were gratefully sensible of their being delivered from their Chains. Their Ship growing very foul, and going heavily through the Water, they run into the River of Lagoa, where they hove her down, taking out such Planks as had suffer’d most by the Worms, and substituting new in their Room.

After this they careened the Prize, and so put out to Sea, steering to the Southward, and keeping along the Coast, but met with Nothing. All this while, the greatest Decorum and Regularity was observed on Board the Victoire; but the Dutch Prisoners Example began to lead ’em into Swearing and Drunkenness, which the Captain remarking, thought it was best to nip these Vices in the Bud; and calling both the French and Dutch upon Deck, he address’d himself to the former, desiring their Captain, who spoke French excellently well, to interpret what he said to those who did not understand him. He told them, ‘before he had the Misfortune of having them on Board, his Ears were never grated with hearing the Name of the great Creator prophaned, tho’ he, to his Sorrow, had often since heard his own Men guilty of that Sin, which administer’d neither Profit nor Pleasure, and might draw upon them a severe Punishment: That if they had a just Idea of that great Being, they wou’d never mention him, but they wou’d immediately reflect on his Purity and their own Vileness. That we so easily took Impression from our Company, that the Spanish Proverb says, let a Hermit and a Thief live together, the Thief wou’d become Hermit, or the Hermit Thief: That he saw this verified in his Ship, for he cou’d attribute the Oaths and Curses he had heard among his brave Companions, to nothing but the odious Example of the Dutch: That this was not the only Vice they had introduced, for before they were on Board, his Men were Men, but he found by their beastly Pattern they were degenerated into Brutes, by drowning that only Faculty, which distinguishes between Man and Beast, Reason. That as he had the Honour to command them, he could not see them run into these odious Vices without a sincere Concern, as he had a paternal Affection for them; and he should reproach himself as neglectful of the common Good, if he did not admonish them; and as by the Post which they had honour’d him, he was obliged to have a watchful Eye over their general Interest; he was obliged to tell them his Sentiments were, that the Dutch allured them to a dissolute Way of Life, that they might take some Advantage over them: Wherefore, as his brave Companions, he was assured, wou’d be guided by Reason, he gave the Dutch Notice, that the first whom he catch’d either with an Oath in his Mouth or Liquor in his Head, should be brought to the Geers, whipped and pickled, for an Example to the rest of his Nation: As to his Friends, his Companions, his Children, those gallant, those generous, noble, and heroick Souls he had the Honour to command, he entreated them to allow a small Time for Reflection, and to consider how little Pleasure, and how much Danger, might flow from imitating the Vices of their Enemies; and that they would among themselves, make a Law for the Suppression of what would otherwise estrange them from the Source of Life, and consequently leave them destitute of his Protection.’

It is not to be imagined what Efficacy this Speech had on both Nations: The Dutch grew continent in Fear of Punishment, and the French in Fear of being reproach’d by their good Captain, for they never mentioned him without this Epithet. Upon the Coast of Angola, they met with a second Dutch Ship, the Cargo of which consisted of Silk and Woolen Stuffs, Cloath, Lace, Wine, Brandy, Oyl, Spice, and hard Ware; the Prize gave Chase and engaged her, but upon the coming up of the Victoire she struck. This Ship opportunely came in their Way, and gave full Employ to the Taylors, who were on Board, for the whole Crew began to be out at Elbows: They plundered her of what was of Use to their own Ship, and then sunk her.

The Captain having about ninety Prisoners on Board, proposed the giving them the Prize, with what was necessary for their Voyage, and sending them away; which being agreed to, they shifted her Ammunition on Board the Victoire, and giving them Provision to carry them to the Settlements the Dutch have on the Coast, Misson called them up, told them what was his Design, and ask’d if any of them was willing to share his Fortune: Eleven Dutch came into him, two of which were Sail-makers, one an Armourer, and one a Carpenter, necessary Hands; the rest he let go, not a little surprised at the Regularity, Tranquillity, and Humanity, which they found among these new-fashioned Pyrates.

They had now run the Length of Soldinia Bay, about ten Leagues to the Northward of Table Bay. As here is good Water, safe Riding, plenty of Fish and fresh Provision, to be got of the Natives for the Merchandize they had on Board, it was resolved to stay here some little Time for Refreshments. When they had the Bay open, they spied a tall Ship, which instantly got under sail, and hove out English Colours. The Victoire made a clear Ship, and hove out her French Ensign, and a smart Engagement began. The English was a new Ship built for 40 Guns, though she had but 32 mounted, and 90 Hands. Misson gave Orders for boarding, and his Number of fresh Men he constantly poured in, after an obstinate Dispute obliged the English to fly the Decks, and leave the French Masters of their Ship, who promised, and gave them, good Quarters, and stripp’d not a Man.

They found on Board the Prize some Bales of English Broad-Cloath, and about 60000 l. in English Crown Pieces, and Spanish Pieces of Eight. The English Captain was killed in the Engagement, and 14 of his Men: The French lost 12, which was no small Mortification, but did not however provoke them to use their Prisoners harshly. Captain Misson was sorry for the Death of the Commander, whom he buried on the Shoar, and one of his Men being a Stone-Cutter, he raised a Stone over his Grave with these Words, Icy gist un brave Anglois. Here lies a gallant English Man; when he was buried he made a tripple Discharge of 50 small Arms, and fired Minute Guns.

The English, knowing whose Hands they were fallen into, charm’d with Misson’s Humanity, 30 of them, in 3 Days Space, desired to take on with him. He accepted ’em, but at the same Time gave ’em to understand, that in taking on with him they were not to expect they should be indulged in a dissolute and immoral Life. He now divided his Company between the two Ships, and made Caraccioli Captain of the Prize, giving him Officers chosen by the publick Suffrage. The 17 Negroes began to understand a little French, and to be useful Hands, and in less than a Month all the English Prisoners came over to him, except their Officers.

He had two Ships well mann’d with resolute Fellows; they now doubled the Cape, and made the South End of Madagascar, and one of the English Men telling Captain Misson, that the European Ships bound for Surat commonly touch’d at the Island of Johanna, he sent for Captain Caraccioli on Board, and it was agreed to cruize off that Island. They accordingly sailed on the West-Side of Madagascar and off the Bay de Diego. About half Seas over between that Bay and the Island of Johanna, they came up with an English East-India Man, which made Signals of Distress as soon as she spy’d Misson and his Prize; they found her sinking by an unexpected Leak, and took all her Men on Board, though they could get little out of her before she went down. The English, who were thus miraculously saved from perishing, desired to be set on Shoar at Johanna, where they hop’d to meet with either a Dutch or English Ship in a little Time, and the mean while they were sure of Relief.

They arrived at Johanna, and were kindly received by the Queen-Regent and her Brother, on account of the English on the one Hand, and of their Strength on the other, which the Queen’s Brother, who had the Administration of Affairs, was not able to make Head against, and hoped they might assist him against the King of Mohila, who threaten’d him with a Visit.

This is an Island which is contiguous, in a manner, to Johanna, and lies about N. W. and by N. from it. Caraccioli told Misson he might make his Advantage in widening the Breach between these two little Monarchies, and, by offering his Assistance to that of Johanna, in a manner rule both, for these would court him as their Protector, and those come to any Terms to buy his Friendship, by which Means he would hold the Ballance of Power between them. He followed this Advice, and offered his Friendship and Assistance to the Queen, who very readily embraced it.

I must advise the Reader, that many of this Island speak English, and that the English Men who were of Misson’s Crew, and his Interpreters, told them, their Captain, though not an Englishman, was their Friend and Ally, and a Friend and Brother to the Johanna Men, for they esteem the English beyond all other Nations.

They were supplied by the Queen with all Necessaries of Life, and Misson married her Sister, as Caraccioli did the Daughter of her Brother, whose Armory, which consisted before of no more than two rusty Fire-Locks, and three Pistols, he furnish’d with thirty Fuzils, as many Pair of Pistols, and gave him two Barrels of Powder, and four of Ball.

Several of his Men took Wives, and some required their Share of the Prizes, which was justly given them, they designing to settle in this Island, but the Number of these did not exceed ten, which Loss was repaired by thirty of the Crew (they had saved from perishing) coming in to him.

While they past their Time in all manner of Diversions the Place would afford them, as hunting, feasting, and visiting the Island, the King of Mohila made a Descent, and alarm’d the whole Country. Misson advised the Queen’s Brother not to give him any Impediment, but let him get into the Heart of the Island, and he would take Care to intercept their Return; but the Prince answered, should he follow his Advice the Enemy would do him and the Subjects an irreparable Damage, in destroying the Cocoa Walks, and for that Reason he must endeavour to stop his Progress. Upon this Answer he asked the English who were not under his Command, if they were willing to join him in repelling the Enemies of their common Host, and one and all consenting, he gave them Arms, and mixed them with his own Men, and about the same Number of Johannians, under the Command of Caraccioli and the Queen’s Brother, and arming out all his Boats, he went himself to the Westward of the Island, where they made their Descent. The Party which went by Land, fell in with, and beat the Mohilians with great Ease, who were in the greatest Consternation, to find their Retreat cut off by Misson’s Boats. The Johannians, whom they had often molested, were so enraged, that they gave Quarter to none, and out of 300 who made the Descent, if Misson and Caraccioli had not interposed, not a Soul had escaped; 113 were taken Prisoners by his Men, and carried on Board his Ships. These he sent safe to Mohila, with a Message to the King, to desire he would make Peace with his Friend and Ally the King of Johanna; but that Prince, little affected with the Service done him in the Preservation of his Subjects, sent him Word he took Laws from none, and knew when to make War and Peace without his Advice, which he neither asked nor wanted. Misson, irritated by this rude Answer, resolved to transfer the War into his own Country, and accordingly set sail for Mohila, with about 100 Johanna Men. The Shoar, on Sight of the Ships, was filled with Men to hinder a Descent if intended, but the great Guns soon dispersed this Rabble, and under their Cover he landed the Johannians, and an equal Number of French and English. They were met by about 700 Mohilians, who pretended to stop their Passage, but their Darts and Arrows were of little avail against Misson’s Fuzils; the first Discharge made a great Slaughter, and about 20 Shells which were thrown among them, put them to a confus’d Flight. The Party of Europeans and Johannians then marched to their Metropolis, without Resistance, which they reduced to Ashes, and the Johannians cut down all the Cocoa Walks that they could for the Time, for towards Evening they returned to their Ships, and stood off to Sea.

At their Return to Johanna the Queen made a Festival, and magnified the Bravery and Service of her Guests, Friends, and Allies. This Feast lasted four Days, at the Expiration of which Time the Queen’s Brother proposed to Captain Misson the making another Descent, in which he would go in Person, and did not doubt subjecting the Mohilians; but this was not the Design of Misson, who had Thoughts of fixing a Retreat on the North West Side of Madagascar, and look’d upon the Feuds between these two Islands advantageous to his Views, and therefore no way his Interest to suffer the one to overcome the other; for while the Variance was kept up, and their Forces pretty much upon a Level, it was evident their Interest would make both Sides caress him; he therefore answer’d, that they ought to deliberate on the Consequences, for they might be deceived in their Hopes, and find the Conquest less easy than they imagined. That the King of Mohila would be more upon his Guard, and not only intrench himself, but gall them with frequent Ambuscades, by which they must inevitably lose a Number of Men; and, if they were forced to retire with Loss, raise the Courage of the Mohilians, and make them irreconcilable Enemies to the Johannians, and intirely deprive him of the Advantages with which he might now make a Peace, having twice defeated them: That he could not be always with them, and at his leaving Johanna he might expect the King of Mohila would endeavour to take a bloody Revenge for the late Damages. The Queen gave intirely into Misson’s Sentiments.

While this was in Agitation four Mohilians arrived as Ambassadors to propose a Peace. They finding the Johannians upon high Terms, one of them spoke to this Purpose; O ye Johannians, do not conclude from your late Success, that Fortune will be always favourable; she will not always give you the Protection of the Europeans, and without their Help its possible you might now sue for a Peace, which you seem averse to. Remember the Sun rises, comes to its Meridian Height, and stays not there, but declines in a Moment. Let this admonish you to reflect on the constant Revolution of all sublunary Affairs, and the greater is your Glory, the nearer you are to your Declension. We are taught by every Thing we see, that there is no Stability in the World, but Nature is in continual Movement. The Sea which o’er flows the Sands has its Bounds set, which it cannot pass, which the Moment it has reached, without abiding, returns back to the Bosom of the Deep. Every Herb, every Shrub and Tree, and even our own Bodies, teach us this Lesson, that nothing is durable, or can be counted upon. Time passes away insensibly, one Sun follows another, and brings its Changes with it. To Day’s Globe of Light sees you strengthened by these Europeans elate with Victory, and we, who have been used to conquer you, come to ask a Peace. To Morrow’s Sun may see you deprived of your present Succours, and the Johannians petitioning us; as therefore we cannot say what to Morrow may bring forth, it would be unwise on uncertain Hopes to forego a certain Advantage, as surely Peace ought to be esteem’d by every wise Man.

Having said this, the Ambassadors withdrew, and were treated by the Queen’s Orders. After the Council had concluded, they were again call’d upon, and the Queen told them, that by the Advice of her good Friends, the Europeans, and those of her Council, she agreed to make a Peace, which she wish’d might banish all Memory of former Injuries. That they must own the War was begun by them, and that she was far from being the Agressor; she only defended her self in her own Kingdom, which they had often invaded, though, till within few Days, she had never molested their Coasts. If then they really desired to live amicably with her, they must resolve to send two of the King’s Children, and ten of the first Nobility, as Hostages, that they might, when they pleased, return, for that was the only Terms on which she would desist prosecuting the Advantages she now had, with the utmost Vigour.

The Ambassadors return’d with this Answer, and, about ten Days after, the two Ships appearing upon their Coasts, they sent off to give Notice, that their King comply’d with the Terms proposed, would send the Hostages, and desired a Cessation of all Hostility, and, at the same Time, invited the Commanders on Shoar. The Johanna Men on Board disswaded their accepting the Invitation; but Misson and Caraccioli, fearing nothing, went, but arm’d their Boat’s Crew. They were received by the King with Demonstrations of Friendship, and they dined with him under a Tamerane Tree; but when they parted from him, and were returning to their Boats, they were inclosed by, at least, 100 of the Mohilians, who set upon them with the utmost Fury, and, in the first Flight of Arrows, wounded both the Captains, and killed four of their Boat’s Crew of eight, who were with them; they, in return, discharged their Pistols with some Execution, and fell in with their Cutlasses; but all their Bravery would have stood them in little Stead, had not the Report of their Pistols alarm’d and brought the rest of their Friends to their Assistance, who took their Fuzils, and coming up while they were engaged, discharged a Volley on the Back of the Assailants, which laid twelve of them dead on the Spot. The Ships hearing this Fire, sent immediately the Yawls and Long-Boats well mann’d. Though the Islanders were a little damp’d in their Courage by this Fire of the Boats Crew, yet they did not give over the Fight, and one of them desperately threw himself upon Caraccioli, and gave him a deep Wound in his Side, with a long Knife, but he paid for the Rashness of the Attempt with his Life, one of the Crew cleaving his Skull. The Yawls and Long-Boats now arrived, and being guided by the Noise, reinforced their Companions, put the Traytors to Flight, and brought off their dead and wounded. The Europeans lost by this Treachery seven slain outright, and eight wounded, six of which recovered.

The Crew were resolved to revenge the Blood of their Officers and Comrades the next Day, and were accordingly on the Point of Landing, when two Canoes came off with two Men bound, the pretended Authors of this Treason, without the King’s Knowledge, who had sent ’em that they might receive the Punishment due to their Villany. The Johanna Men on Board were call’d for Interpreters, who having given this Account, added, that the King only sacrificed these Men, but that they should not believe him, for he certainly had given Orders for assassinating the Europeans; and the better Way was to kill all the Mohilians that came in the Canoes as well as the two Prisoners; go back to Johanna, take more of their Countrymen, and give no Peace to Traytors; but Misson was for no such violent Measures, he was averse to every Thing that bore the Face of Cruelty and thought a bloody Revenge, if Necessity did not enforce it, spoke a groveling and timid Soul; he, therefore, sent those of the Canoes back, and bid them tell their King, if before the Evening he sent the Hostages agreed upon, he should give Credit to his Excuse, but if he did not, he should believe him the Author of the late vile Attempt on his Life.

The Canoes went off but returned not with an Answer, wherefore, he bid the Johanna Men tell the two Prisoners that they should be set on Shore the next Morning, and order’d them to acquaint their King, he was no Executioner to put those to Death whom he had condemn’d, but that he should find, he knew how to revenge himself of his Treason. The Prisoners being unbound, threw themselves at his Feet, and begg’d that he would not send them ashore, for they should be surely put to Death, for the Crime they had committed, was, the dissuading the barbarous Action of which they were accused as Authors.

Next Day the two Ships landed 200 Men, under the Cover of their Canon; but that Precaution of bringing their Ships close to the Shore they found needless; not a Soul appearing, they march’d two Leagues up the Country, when they saw a Body of Men appear behind some Shrubs; Caraccioli’s Lieutenant, who commanded the right Wing, with fifty Men made up to them, but found he had got among Pit Falls artificially cover’d, several of his Men falling into them, which made him halt, and not pursue those Mohilians who made a feint Retreat to ensnare him, thinking it dangerous to proceed farther; and seeing no Enemy would face them, they retired the same Way they came, and getting into their Boats, went on Board the Ships, resolving to return with a strong Reinforcement, and make Descents at one and the same Time in different Parts of the Island. They ask’d the two Prisoners how the Country lay, and what the Soil was on the North Side the Island; and they answer’d it was morass, and the most dangerous Part to attempt, it being a Place where they shelter on any imminent Danger.

The Ships return’d to Johanna, where the greatest Tenderness and Care was shewn for the Recovery and Cure of the two Captains and of their Men; they lay six Weeks before they were able to walk the Decks, for neither of them would quit his Ship. Their Johanna Wives expressed a Concern they did not think them capable of, nay, a Wife of one of the wounded Men who died, stood some Time looking upon the Corpse as motionless as a Statue, then embracing it, without shedding a Tear, desired she might take it ashore to wash and bury it; and at the same Time, by an Interpreter, and with a little Mixture of European Language, she had, begg’d her late Husband’s Friends would take their Leave of him the next Day.

Accordingly a Number went ashore, and carried with them the Dividend, which fell to his Share, which the Captain order’d to be given his Widow; when she saw the Money, she smil’d, and ask’d if all, all that was for her? Being answered in the affirmative, and what Good will all that shining Dirt do me, if I could with it purchase the Life of my Husband, and call him back from the Grave, I would accept it with Pleasure, but as it is not sufficient to allure him back to this World, I have no Use for it; do with it what you please. Then she desired they would go with her and perform the last Ceremonies to her Husband’s dead Body, after their Country Fashion, least he should be displeased, that she could not stay with them, to be a Witness, because she was in haste to go and be married again. She startled the Europeans who heard this latter Part of her Speech so dissonant from the Beginning; however, they followed her, and she led them into a Plantane Walk, where they found a great many Johanna Men and Women, sitting under the Shade of Plantanes, round the Corpse, which lay (as they all sate) on the Ground, covered with Flowers. She embraced them round, and then the Europeans, one by one, and after these Ceremonies, she poured out a Number of bitter Imprecations against the Mohila Men, whose Treachery had darken’d her Husband’s Eyes, and made him insensible of her Caresses, who was her first Love, to whom she had given her Heart, with her Virginity. She then proceeded in his Praises, calling him the Joy of Infants, the Love of Virgins, the Delight of the old, and the Wonder of the young, adding, he was strong and beautiful as the Cedar, brave as the Bull, tender as the Kid, and loving as the Ground Turtle; having finished this Oration, not unlike those of the Romans, which the nearest Relation of the deceas’d used to pronounce from the Rostrum, she laid her down by the Side of her Husband, embracing him, and sitting up again, gave herself a deep Wound under the left Breast with a Bayonet, and fell dead on her Husband’s Corpse.

The Europeans were astonished at the Tenderness and Resolution of the Girl, for she was not, by what her Mien spoke her, past seventeen; and they now admired, as much as they had secretly detested her, for saying she was in haste to be married again, the Meaning of which they did not understand.

After the Husband and Wife were buried, the Crew return’d on Board, and gave an Account of what had pass’d; the Captains Wives (for Misson and his were on Board the Bijoux, the Name they had given their Prize from her Make and Gilding) seem’d not in the least surprized, and Caraccioli’s Lady only said, she must be of noble Descent, for none but the Families of the Nobility had the Privilege allowed them of following their Husbands, on pain, if they transgressed, of being thrown into the Sea, to be eat by Fish; and they knew, that their Souls could not rest as long as any of the Fish, who fed upon them, lived. Misson asked, if they intended to have done the same Thing had they died? We should not, answer’d his Wife, have disgraced our Families; nor is our Tenderness for our Husbands inferior to hers whom you seem to admire.

After their Recovery, Misson proposed a Cruize, on the Coast of Zangueber, which being agreed to, he and Caraccioli took Leave of the Queen and her Brother, and would have left their Wives on the Island, but they could by no Means be induced to the Separation; it was in vain to urge the Shortness of the Time they were to Cruize; they answer’d it was farther than Mohila they intended to go, and if they were miserable in that short Absence, they could never support a longer; and if they would not allow them to keep them Company the Voyage, they must not expect to see them at their Return, if they intended one.

In a Word they were obliged to yield to them, but told them, if the Wives of their Men should insist as strongly on following their Example, their Tenderness, would be their Ruin, and make them a Prey to their Enemies; they answer’d the Queen should prevent that, by ordering no Woman should go on Board, and if any were in the Ships, they should return on Shore: This Order was accordingly made, and they set Sail for the River of Mozembique. In about ten Days Cruize after they had left Johanna, and about 15 Leagues to the Eastward of this River, they fell in with a stout Portuguese Ship of 60 Guns, which engaged them from Break of Day till Two in the Afternoon, when the Captain being killed, and a great Number of Men lost, she struck: This proved a very rich Prize, for she had the Value of 250000 l. Sterling on Board, in Gold-Dust. The two Women never quitted the Decks all the Time of the Engagement, neither gave they the least Mark of Fear, except for their Husbands: This Engagement cost them thirty Men, and Caraccioli lost his right Leg; the Slaughter fell mostly on the English, for of the above Number, twenty were of that Nation: The Portuguese lost double the Number. Caraccioli’s Wound made them resolve to make the best of their Way for Johanna, where the greatest Care was taken of their wounded, not one of whom died, tho’ their Number amounted to Twenty seven.

Caraccioli kept his Bed two Months, but Misson seeing him in a fair way of Recovery, took what Hands could be spar’d from the Bijoux, leaving her sufficient for Defence, and went out, having mounted ten of the Portuguese Guns, for he had hitherto carried but thirty, though he had Ports for forty. He stretched over to Madagascar, and coasted along this Island to the Northward, as far as the most northerly Point, when turning back, he enter’d a Bay to the northward of Diego Suares. He run ten Leagues up this Bay, and on the larboard Side found it afforded a large, and safe, Harbour, with plenty of fresh Water. He came here to an Anchor, went ashore and examined into the Nature of the Soil, which he found rich, the Air wholesome, and the Country level. He told his Men, that this was an excellent Place for an Asylum, and that he determined here to fortify and raise a small Town, and make Docks for Shipping, that they might have some Place to call their own; and a Receptacle, when Age or Wounds had render’d them incapable of Hardship, where they might enjoy the Fruits of their Labour, and go to their Graves in Peace. That he would not, however, set about this, till he had the Approbation of the whole Company; and were he sure they would all approve this Design, which he hoped, it being evidently for the general Good, he should not think it adviseable to begin any Works, lest the Natives should, in his Absence, destroy them; but however, as they had nothing upon their Hands, if they were of his Opinion, they might begin to fall and square Timber, ready for the raising a wooden Fort, when they return’d with their Companions.

The Captain’s Motion was universally applauded, and in ten Days they fell’d and rough hew’d a hundred and fifty large Trees, without any Interruption from, or seeing any of, the Inhabitants. They fell’d their Timber at the Waters Edge, so that they had not the Trouble of hawling them any way, which would have employ’d a great deal more Time: They returned again, and acquainted their Companions with what they had seen and done, and with the Captain’s Resolution, which they one and all came into.

Captain Misson then told the Queen, as he had been serviceable to her in her War with the Island of Mohila, and might continue to be of farther Use, he did not question her lending him Assistance in the settling himself on the Coast of Madagascar, and to that end, furnish him with 300 Men, to help in his Buildings; the Queen answered, she could do nothing without Consent of Council, and that she would assemble her Nobility, and did not question their agreeing to any Thing he could reasonably desire, for they were sensible of the Obligations the Johannians had to him. The Council was accordingly called, and Misson’s Demand being told, one of the eldest said, he did not think it expedient to comply with it, nor safe to refuse; that they should in agreeing to give him that Assistance, help to raise a Power, which might prove formidable to themselves, by the being so near a Neighbour; and these Men who had lately protected, might, when they found it for their Interest, enslave them. On the other hand, if they did not comply, they had the Power to do them great Damage. That they were to make choice of the least of two possible Evils, for he could prognosticate no Good to Johanna, by their settling near it. Another answered, that many of them had Johanna Wives, that it was not likely they would make Enemies of the Johanna Men at first settling, because their Friendship might be of Use to them; and from their Children there was nothing to be apprehended in the next Generation, for they would be half their own Blood; that in the mean while, if they comply’d with the Request, they might be sure of an Ally, and Protector, against the King of Mohila; wherefore, he was for agreeing to the Demand.

After a long Debate, in which every Inconvenience, and Advantage, was maturely considered, it was agreed to send with him the Number of Men he required, on Condition he should send them back in four Moons, make an Alliance with them, and War against Mohila; this being agreed to, they staid till Caraccioli was thoroughly recovered, then putting the Johannians on board the Portuguese Ship with 40 French and English and 15 Portuguese to work her, and setting Sail, they arrived at the Place where Misson designed his Settlement, which he called Libertalia, and gave the Name of Liberi to his People, desiring in that might be drown’d the distinguish’d Names of French, English, Dutch, Africans, &c.

The first Thing they sat about was, the raising a Fort on each Side the Harbour, which they made of an octogon Figure, and having finished and mounted them with 40 Guns taken out of the Portuguese, they raised a Battery on an Angle of ten Guns, and began to raise Houses and Magazines under the Protection of their Forts and Ships; the Portuguese was unrigg’d, and all her Sails and Cordage carefully laid up. While they were very busily employed in the raising a Town, a Party which had often hunted and rambled four or five Leagues off their Settlement, resolved to venture farther into the Country. They made themselves some Huts, at about 4 Leagues distance from their Companions, and travell’d East South East, about 5 Leagues farther into the Country, when they came up with a Black, who was arm’d with a Bow, Arrows, and a Javelin; they with a friendly Appearance engaged the Fellow to lay by his Fear and go with them. They carried him to their Companions, and there entertained him three Days with a great Deal of Humanity, and then returned with him near the Place they found him, made him a Present of a Piece of scarlet Baze, and an Ax; he appeared overjoy’d at the Present, and left them with seeming Satisfaction.

The Hunters imagined that there might be some Village not far off, and observing that he look’d at the Sun, and then took his Way direct South, they travell’d on the same Point of the Compass, and from the Top of a Hill they spied a pretty large Village, and went down to it; the Men came out with their Arms, such as before described, Bows, Arrows, and Javelins, but upon two only of the Whites advancing, with Presents of Axes, and Baze in their Hands, they sent only four to meet them. The Misfortune was, that they could not understand one another, but by their pointing to the Sun, and holding up one Finger, and making one of them go forward, and return again with shewing their Circumcision, and pointing up to Heaven with one Finger, they apprehended, they gave them to understand, there was but one God, who had sent one Prophet, and concluded from thence, and their Circumcision they were Mahometans; the Presents were carried to their Chief, and he seem’d to receive them kindly, and by Signs invited the Whites into their Village; but they, remembring the late Treachery of the Mohilians, made Signs for Victuals to be brought them where they were.

More of the History of these Adventurers in another Place.

The exact Time of this Person’s setting out I am not certain of; I find him cruising on the Mallabar Coast in the Year 1700, commanding a Ship called the Speaker, whose Crew consisted of Men of all Nations, and their Pyracies were committed upon Ships of all Nations likewise. The Pyrates here met with no Manner of Inconveniencies in carrying on their Designs, for it was made so much a Trade, that the Merchants of one Town never scrupled the buying Commodities taken from another, though but ten Miles distant, in a publick Sale, furnishing the Robbers at the same Time with all Necessaries, even of Vessels, when they had Occasion to go on any Expedition, which they themselves would often advise them of.

Among the rest an English East-India Man, Captain Coneway from Bengal, fell into the Hands of this Crew, which they made Prize of, near Callequilon; they carried her in, and put her up to sale, dividing the Ship and Cargoe into three Shares; one Third was sold to a Merchant, Native of Callequilon aforesaid, another Third to a Merchant of Porca, and the other to one Malpa, a Dutch Factor.

Loaded with the Spoil of this and several Country Ships, they left the Coast, and steer’d for Madagascar; but in their Voyage thither, meeting with adverse Winds, and, being negligent in their Steerage, they ran upon St. Thomas’s Reef, at the Island of Mauritius, where the Ship was lost; but Bowen and the greatest Part of the Crew got safe ashore.

They met here with all the Civility and good Treatment imaginable; Bowen was complimented in a particular Manner by the Governor, and splendidly entertained in his House; the sick Men were got, with great Care, into the Fort, and cured by their Doctor, and no Supplies of any sort wanting for the rest. They spent here three Months, but yet resolving to set down at Madagascar, they bought a Sloop, which they converted into a Brigantine, and, about the middle of March 1701, departed, having first taken formal Leave of the Governor, by making a Present of 2500 Pieces of Eight, leaving him, besides, the Wreck of their Ship, with the Guns, Stores, and every Thing else that was saved. The Governor, on his Part, supply’d them with Necessaries for their Voyage, which was but short, and gave them a kind Invitation to make that Island a Place of Refreshment in the Course of their future Adventures, promising that nothing should be wanting to them that his Government afforded.

Upon their Arrival at Madagascar, they put in at a Place on the East-Side, called Maritan, quitted their Vessel, and settled themselves ashore in a fruitful Plain on the Side of a River. They built themselves a Fort on the River’s Mouth towards the Sea, and another small one on the other Side towards the Country; the first to prevent a Surprize from Shipping, and the other as a Security from the Natives, many of whom they employed in the Building. They built also a little Town for their Habitation, which took up the Remainder of the Year 1701.

When this was done, they soon became dissatisfied with their new Situation, having a hankering Mind after their old Employment, and accordingly resolved to fit up the Brigantine they had from the Dutch at Mauritius, which was laid in a Cove near their Settlement, but an Accident, that they improved, provided for them in a better Manner, and saved them a great deal of Trouble.

It happened that about the beginning of the Year 1702, a Ship called the Speedy Return, belonging to the Scotch-African and East-India Company, Captain Drummond Commander, came into the Port of Maritan in Madagascar, with a Brigantine that belonged to her; they had before taken in Negroes at St. Mary’s, a little Island adjoining to the main Island of Madagascar, and carried them to Don Mascarenhas, from whence they sailed to this Port on the same Trade.

On the Ship’s Arrival, Captain Drummond, with Andrew Wilky, his Surgeon, and several others of the Crew, went on Shore; in the mean while John Bowen, with four others of his Consorts, goes off in a little Boat, on Pretence of buying some of their Merchandize brought from Europe, and finding a fair Opportunity, the chief Mate, Boatswain, and a Hand or two more only upon the Deck, and the rest at Work in the Hold, they threw off their Mask; each drew out a Pistol and Hanger, and told them, they were all dead Men if they did not retire that Moment to the Cabin. The Surprize was sudden, and they thought it necessary to obey; one of the Pyrates placed himself Centry at the Door, with his Arms in his Hands, and the rest immediately laid the Hatches, and then made a Signal to their Fellows on Shore, as agreed on; upon which, about forty or fifty came on Board, and took quiet Possession of the Ship, and afterwards the Brigantine, without Bloodshed, or striking a Stroke.

Bowen was made, or rather made himself, of Course, Captain; he detained the old Crew, or the greatest Part thereof, burnt the Brigantine as being of no Use to them, cleaned and fitted the Ship, took Water, Provisions, and what Necessaries were wanting, and made ready for new Adventures.

I shall leave them a while, to relate an unfortunate Story of a worthy honest Gentleman, who suffered through the Rashness and Folly of a headstrong People, for pyratically taking and murdering the Captain and Crew of this very Ship Bowen and his Gang now seized.

An English-India Man, commanded by Captain Thomas Green, called the Worcester, in her Voyage home to England, was drove by southerly Winds into Scotland, in the Month of July 1704, and anchored in Leith Road; the Captain, and several of the Ship’s Company, going ashore for Refreshments, the People of the Town, who had Acquaintance and Friends in Captain Drummond’s Ship, understanding the Worcester came from the East-Indies, were very importunate in their Enquiries after this Ship, and being told that they had heard of no such Ship in India, the Enquirers pretended to be very much surprized; so that, in short, it grew into a Suspicion that the Worcester had not dealt fairly by the Scotch Ship, which they had not heard of themselves since her Departure. In short, the Magistrates were inform’d that some of the Crew had dropt Words that plainly indicated the supposed Robbery and Murders of their Countrymen. Upon this several Men were privately examined; sometimes they were threaten’d to be hanged, and then again large Promises were made to encourage ’em to discover the pretended Fact; till at length an Indian Boy was prevailed on to confess the whole Matter upon Oath, as they might think. Then the Captain, chief Mate and Crew, were seized and sent to Prison, the Ship was unloaded, and almost ripp’d to Pieces, to search for Goods, Writings, &c. to confirm the Indian’s Deposition, but nothing could be found; therefore they were obliged to try them, and try them they did, upon this Evidence, and some small Circumstances sworn to by Charles May, the Surgeon, which carried great Improbabilities along with it. The Depositions were as follow; the Indian, whose Name was Antonio Ferdinando swore, ‘That on the Coast of Mallabar he came aboard the Sloop that attended the Worcester, and thereafter saw an Engagement between the said Sloop, the Worcester and another Ship, sailed by White Men, speaking English, and bearing English Colours. That they did engage the said Ship for three Days, and on the third Day the said Ship was boarded by those in the Sloop, who took up the Crew of the said Ship from under Deck, killed them with Hatchets, and threw them overboard.’

Charles May only deposed, ‘That being ashore at Callequillon he heard Guns firing at Sea, and asking some Body he met at the Landing Place, what meant this shooting? He was answered, the Worcester was gone out, and was fighting at Sea with another Ship. That the next Morning he saw the Worcester riding at her Birth, where she had rid the Day before, and another Ship riding at her Stern. That the Worcester’s Long-Boat coming ashore, and he asking the Men what brought them ashore? They answered, they were sent for Water, they having spilt and staved all their Water; and that they had been busking all Night. That this Evidence going aboard five or six Days after, saw the Ship lumber’d with Goods, and that he was inform’d that the Ship that was riding at the Worcester’s Stern, was sold to Cogo Comodo, Merchant at Quilon. That Antonio Ferdinando was wounded, and some others; and when he ask’d the Patients how they came by their Wounds, they were forbid to answer by Mr. Madder, the chief Mate. That all this fell out between the Months of January and February 1703.’

As to Antonio’s Deposition, it appear’d to be all Invention, and nothing true in it; and Charles May’s a Heap of sly Insinuations, drawn from a known Fact, which was this; the Worcester departing from Callequillon to Carnipole, was drove by Stress of Weather from near the Road of Quillon to Anjango, where coming near the Aureng Zeb, India Man, she saluted her with five Guns, which were the Guns the Surgeon heard; and the Aureng Zeb came in along with the Worcester, and anchor’d at her Stern, which was the Ship taken Notice of by him. By busking all Night is meant only beating to Windward, which she did in order to fetch Quillon, the Wind being contrary. The Worcester spar’d her Water to the Aureng Zeb, which occasioned their sending for more, and the wounded Men, which were proved to be no more than three in the Voyage; one was from a Fall in the Hold, another by fighting with Knives, between two Dutch Men, and the other by cutting of Wood.

’Tis observable likewise, that May’s Evidence, which is brought to support Antonio’s, contradicted it in several Parts; for Antonio swore the Fact to be done between Callicut and Tallecherry, (where, by the Way, the Ship never was, as was own’d by the Surgeon, and prov’d by the Captain’s and other Journals) and May heard the Guns at Callequillon, which could not be less then 140 Miles asunder. Antonio makes the supposed Engagement hold three Days; according to May, the Worcester was busking only one Night; all the rest of his Evidence is, As he was inform’d, As he was told, &c. And what’s remarkable of this May, is, he was eighteen Months after this in the said Ship, and own’d on the Trial, that he never heard in all that Time one Word spoken of a Fight with any other Ship, or a Prize taken, or any Thing relating to such an Action, which must be very strange, if the Matter had been true.

In short, Captain Green and the rest of the Crew were convicted, and received Sentence for the supposed Crimes, as follows, Green, Madder, Sympson, Keigle and Haines to be hanged on Wednesday, April 4th. Taylor, Glenn, Kitchen and Robertson, on Wednesday, April 11th, and Brown, Bruckley, Wilcocks, Ballantyne and Linsey, on Wednesday, April 18th.

I cannot but here take Notice (though with much Concern) that upon the Condemnation of these unhappy Men, there seemed a universal Joy in and about the City; it was the only Discourse for some Days, and every Man thought himself nearly concerned in it; and some could not forbear in Words openly to express their brutal Joy: Now, said they, we’ll Darien ’em: By this they shall see we’ll do our selves Justice, &c.

After Sentence, the Prisoners desired not to be disturb’d in their dying Moments, that they might improve ’em to the best Advantage; but now they were not only insulted with the most opprobrious Language, by such as could get to ’em, but continually worried by the religious Kirk Teachers. The most dismal Threatnings were denounc’d against ’em, and nothing but God’s Wrath and eternal Torments in all its Horrors, were to be their Portion, if they died obdurate (as they call’d it) that is, without owning themselves guilty; and all this delivered with that Passion peculiar to that bitter Sett of Men. Nay, so restless were they, that even now, after Condemnation, they singled out some they found more terrified by their Cant, and assur’d ’em of Life if they would ingenuously acknowledge the Crimes they were condemned for; and, at last, worked so far upon Haines and Linsey, that they brought them to own almost what they pleased. The former of these, upon their Pardons being granted, gave a frightful Account of the whole Pyracy and Murther upon Drummond’s Ship, and took Care, as near as he could, to keep close with Ferdinando’s Evidence, only here and there he was out in very material Points, as Men always are that don’t relate Matters of Fact. There was a great many bloody Circumstances added to colour the whole, as their Manner of Swearing when they commenced Pyrates (much like the ridiculous Ceremonies at making of Witches) which, he said, was thus; Every one of ’em was let Blood, which they mixed together, and after every Man had drank part, they all swore to Secrecy, &c. with abundance of such Stuff. Linsey, a Man of better Sense, contented himself with saying as little as possible, which was excusable, he being on shoar in the pretended Engagement, so that most of what he said, consisted in Hearsays of the Indians, &c. Thus these poor Wretches screen’d themselves from this fatal Blow, at the Expence of Faith and a good Conscience, and to enjoy a troublesome Life, perhaps a few Years.

As soon as their Confessions were made publick, the Gentry, as well as the Mob, was transported with Rage, and the poor Wretches were blackened and reviled in a shameful Manner; and so violent was the Torrent of their Fury, that it reached even their Council for their Tryals, and they were obliged, for their own Safety, to withdraw into the Country.

In the midst of this Confusion two Men, who were known to be of Drummond’s Crew, came home in the Raper Galley, and made Affidavits of the Loss of the said Ship to the Pyrates, as has been mentioned; upon which her Majesty and Council first reprieved them for eight Days, and afterwards desired Execution might be farther respited till they heard from above.

The common People, who for some Time past, with raised Expectations, had waited for the Execution, began to grow very impatient, bitterly inveighing against the Reprieve; and the Council met on the 11th of April in the Morning, to consider what was to be done; which the Mob perceiving, imagined ’twas in order to a further Reprieve or Pardon; immediately all Shops were shut up, and the Streets filled with incredible Numbers of Men, Women and Children, calling for Justice upon those English Murtherers. The Lord Chancellour Seafield’s Coach happening to pass by, they stopp’d it, broke the Sashes, haul’d him out, and oblig’d him to promise Execution should speedily be done before he could get from ’em.

According to the Chancellor’s Promise, soon after, on the same Day, being Wednesday, Captain Green, Madder, and Sympson were brought out, and convey’d to Execution, which was at Leith Road upon the Sands, and all the Way were huzza’d in triumph as it were, and insulted with the sharpest and most bitter Invectives.

Thus fell these unhappy Men a well-pleasing Sacrifice to the Malice of wicked Men.

As for Captain Green’s Speech; after he had taken Notice of the Crimes he was to dye for, and appealed to all present to charge him, or the Crew, with any Injustice, since he had lived there; he goes on in giving an Account of his Faith, his living and dying in the Church of England, of their Manner of Life abroad, their Observance of religious Duties, and the Sense he had of the Impossibility of Salvation, if he dy’d with a Falshood in his Mouth. Then follows,—‘Pursuant to which, I in the Presence of Almighty God, declare to you his People, that I am innocent in Design or Deed, and free from the Crimes for which I am condemned. That to my Knowledge, I never all my Life-time wrong’d Man in his Person or Goods, or had Accession thereto. What the Custom of Pyrates is, I thank God I know not: But I understand my Accusers and Persecuters will have you to believe, that I think it unnecessary to confess before Men. Take what I say as good Christians ought to do; if you have no Charity, you wrong your selves, and cannot hurt me.’

‘I am told some of my Crew have confess’d the Crimes, and load us with Guilt; this is done since Sentence, and in hopes of saving themselves, which I wish they may do by lawful Means, and not have Accession to the shedding innocent Blood. I am a dying, these are still in hopes to live, chuse you which of us to believe, &c.’

To return to Captain Bowen, who pyratically possessed himself of Captain Drummond’s Ship and Brigantine, as aforesaid, he, being inform’d by the Crew, that when they left Don Mascarenhas, a Ship called the Rook Galley, Captain Honeycomb Commander, was lying in that Bay, resolved, with the other Pyrates, to sail thither, but it taking up seven or eight Days in watering their Vessels, and settling their private Affairs, they arrived not at the Island till after the Departure of the said Galley, who thereby happily escaped the villainous Snare of their unprovok’d Enemies.

The Night after the Pyrates left Maritan, the Brigantine ran on a Ledge of Rocks off the West Side of the Island Madagascar, which not being perceived by the Ship, Bowen came into Mascarenhas without her, not knowing what was become of his Consort.

Here Captain Bowen staid eight or ten Days, in which Time he supplied the Ship with Provisions, and judging, that the Rook Galley was gone to some other Island, the Ship sail’d to Mauritius, in search of her; but the Pyrates seeing four or five Ships in the N. W. Harbour, they thought themselves too weak to attempt any thing there, so they stood immediately for Madagascar again, and arrived safe, first to Port Dauphin, and then to Augustin Bay. In a few Days the Content Brigantine, which they supposed either to have been lost, or revolted that honourable Service, came into the same Bay, and informed their Brethren of the Misfortune that happened to them: The Rogues were glad, no doubt, of seeing one another again, and calling a Council together, they found the Brigantine in no Condition for Business, being then very leaky, therefore she was condemned, and forthwith halled ashore and burnt, and the Crew united, and all went aboard the Speedy Return.

At this Place the Pyrates were made acquainted, by the Negroes, of the Adventures of another Gang that had settled for some Time near that Harbour, and had one Howard for their Captain. It was the Misfortune of an India Ship called the Prosperous, to come into the Bay at a Time that these Rogues were looking out for Employment; who, under the Pretence of trading (almost in the same Manner that Bowen and his Gang had seized the Speedy Return) made themselves Masters of her, and sailed with her to New Mathelage. Bowen and his Gang consulting together on this Intelligence, concluded ’twas more for their Interest to join in Alliance with this new Company, than to act single, they being too weak of themselves to undertake any considerable Enterprize, remembring how they were obliged to bear away from the Island of Mauritius, when they were in search of the Rook Gally, which they might have taken, with several others, had they had at that Time a Consort of equal Force to their own Ship.

They accordingly set sail from the Bay, and came into New Mathelage, but found no Ship there, tho’ upon Enquiry they understood that the Pyrate they look’d for, had been at the Place, but was gone; so after some Stay they proceeded to Johanna, but the Prosperous not being there neither, they sailed to Mayotta, where they found her lying at Anchor; this was about Christmas 1702.

Here these two Powers struck up an Alliance, Howard liking the Proposals, came readily into it, and the Treaty was ratified by both Companies. They staid above two Months at this Island, thinking it, perhaps, as likely a Place to meet with Prey as cruising out for it, and so indeed it happened; for about the beginning of March, the Ship Pembroke belonging to our East-India Company, coming in for Water, was boarded by their Boats, and taken, with the Loss of the chief Mate and another Man that were killed in the Skirmish.

The two Pyrate Ships weighed, and went out to Sea along with their Prize, and that Day and the next plundered her of the best Part of her Cargo, Provisions and Stores, and then taking the Captain and Carpenter away, they let the Pembroke go where the Remainder of her Crew pleased, and came with their Ships into New Methelage. Here the two Captains consulted, and laid a Plan for a Cruize to India, for which Purpose they detained Captain Woolley of the Pembroke lately taken, in order to be their Pilot in those Seas; but a very hot Dispute arose between the two Companies, which Ship he should go aboard of, insomuch that they had gone together by the Ears, if an Expedient had not been found to satisfy each Party, that one might not have the Advantage of the other by the Captain’s Skill and Knowledge of the Indian Coast, and this was to knock the poor Man on the Head; and murder him; but at last, by the Authority of Bowen, Captain Woolley escaped the threaten’d Danger, by bringing his Company to consent to his remaining on board the Prosperous, where he then was.

The Speedy Return being foul, and wanting a little Repair, it was judged proper for her to go back to Augustin Bay to clean; in the mean while the Prosperous was to have a Pair of Boot-Tops where she lay, and likewise to take in Water and Provision, and then to join their Consort again at Mayotta, the Island appointed for the Rendezvous.

The Prosperous put into Mayotta as agreed on, and waiting there some Time for Bowen’s Ship, without seeing or hearing any News of her, went to Johanna, but not meeting with her there, they apprehended some Accident had befel her, and therefore left the Place, and sailed on the Expedition themselves. As to the Speedy Return, she arrived safe at St. Augustin’s Bay at Madagascar, and there cleaned and victualled; but tarrying there somewhat too long, the Winds hung contrary, and they could not for their Lives beat up to Mayotta, and therefore went to Johanna, where, hearing that their Friends had lately left that Island, they steered for the Red Sea, but the Wind not proving fair for their Design, they bore away for the High Land of St. John’s, near Surrat, where they once more fell in Company with their Brethren of the Prosperous.

They cruiz’d together, as was first agreed on, and after some Time they had Sight of four Ships, to whom they gave Chace; but these separating, two standing to Northward, and two to the Southward, the Pyrates separated likewise, Bowen standing after those that steered Southerly, and Howard crowded after the others. Bowen came up with the heaviest of the two, which proved to be a Moorish Ship of 700 Tun, bound from the Gulph of Mocha to Surat. The Pyrates brought the Prize into Rajapora, on the Coast of India, where they plundered her; the Merchandize they sold to the Natives, but a small Sum of current Gold they found aboard, amounting to 22,000 l. English Money, they put into their Pockets. Two Days after the Prosperous came in, but without any Prize; however, they soon made their Friends acquainted that they had not succeeded worse than themselves, for at Surat River’s Mouth, where all the four Ships were bound, they came up with their Chace; and with a Broadside, one of them struck, but the other got into the Bay. They stood down the Coast with the Prize till they had plundered her of the best of her Cargoe, the most valuable of which was 84,000 Chequins, a Piece of about ten Shillings each, and then they left her adrift, without either Anchor or Cable, off Daman.

While they were lying at Rajapora they past a Survey on their Shipping, and judging their own to be less serviceable than their Prize, they voted them to the Flames, and straightway fitted up the Surat Ship; they transported both Companies aboard of her, and then set Fire to the Prosperous and Speedy Return. They mustered at this Place 164 fighting Men, 43 only were English, the greater Number French, the rest Danes, Swedes and Dutch; they took aboard 70 Indians to do the Drudgery of the Ship, and mounted 56 Guns, calling her the Defiance, and sailed from Rajapora the latter End of October, in the Year 1703, to cruize on the Coast of Mallabar:

But not meeting with Prey in this first Cruise, they came to an Anchor about three Leagues to the Northward of Cochen, expecting some Boats to come off with Supplies of Refreshments, for which Purpose they fired several Guns, by way of Signal, but none appearing, the Quarter-Master was sent in the Pinnace to confer with the People, which he did with some Caution, keeping the Boat upon their Oars at the Shore-Side: In short, they agreed very well, the Pyrates were promised whatever Necessaries they wanted, and the Boat returned aboard.

The next Day a Boat came off from the Town with Hogs, Goats, Wine, &c. with a private Intimation from Malpa, the Dutch Broker, an old Friend of the Pyrates, that a Ship of that Country called the Rimæ, lay then in Mudbay, not many Leagues off, and if they would go out and take her, he would purchase the Cargo of them, and likewise promised that they should be further supplied with Pitch, Tar, and all other Necessaries, which was made good to them; for People from the Factory flocked aboard every Hour, and dealt with them as in open Market, for all Sorts of Merchandize, Refreshments, Jewels and Plate, returning with Coffers of Money, &c. to a great Value.

The Advice of the Ship was taken very kindly, but the Pyrates judging their own Ship too large to go close into the Bay, consulted their Friend upon Means for taking the said Ship, who readily treated with them for the Sale of one of less Burthen that lay then in the Harbour; but Malpa speaking to one Punt of the Factory to carry her out, he not only refused to be concerned in such a Piece of Villainy, but reproved Malpa for corresponding with the Pyrates, and told him, if he should be guilty of so base an Action, he must never see the Face of any of his Countrymen more; which made the honest Broker change both his Countenance and his Purpose.

At this Place Captain Woolley, whom they had taken for their Pilot on the India Coast, being in a very sick and weak Condition, was, at his earnest Intreaty, discharged from his severe Confinement among them, and set ashore, and the next Day the Pyrates sailed, and ranged along the Mallabar Coast, in quest of more Booty. In their Way they met a second time with the Pembroke, and plundered her of some Sugar, and other small Things, and let her go again. From the Coast they sail’d back for the Island of Mauritius, where they lay some Time, and lived after their usual extravagant Manner.

At Mauritius two of the Crew, viz. Israel Phipeny and Peter Freeland, left the Pyrates and concealed themselves in the Island till the Ship sailed. These two Men were part of Drummond’s Crew, who found an Opportunity of coming to England soon after on board the Raper Galley, and arrived at Portsmouth in March 1725. When this came to be known, Mr. John Green, Brother to Capt. Green, then under Sentence, went thither and got the Affidavits of the said Phipeny and Freeland, made before the Mayor of Portsmouth, containing several Matters herein mentioned, which Affidavits were immediately brought to London, and by the Secretary of State sent away Express to Scotland, which arrived there some Hours before Capt. Green was executed.

We are now going to give an Account of one whose Name is better known in England, than most of those whose Histories we have already related; the Person we mean is Captain Kid, whose publick Trial and Execution here, rendered him the Subject of all Conversation, so that his Actions have been chanted about in Ballads; however, it is now a considerable Time since these Things passed, and though the People knew in general that Captain Kid was hanged, and that his Crime was Pyracy, yet there were scarce any, even at that Time, who were acquainted with his Life or Actions, or could account for his turning Pyrate.

In the Beginning of King William’s War, Captain Kid commanded a Privateer in the West-Indies, and by several adventurous Actions acquired the Reputation of a brave Man, as well as an experienced Seaman. About this Time the Pyrates were very troublesome in those Parts, wherefore Captain Kid was recommended by the Lord Bellamont, then Governor of Barbadoes, as well as by several other Persons, to the Government here, as a Person very fit to be entrusted with the Command of a Government Ship, and to be employed in cruising upon the Pyrates, as knowing those Seas perfectly well, and being acquainted with all their lurking Places; but what Reasons governed the Politicks of those Times, I cannot tell, but this Proposal met with no Encouragement here, though it is certain it would have been of great Consequence to the Subject, our Merchants suffering incredible Damages by those Robbers.

Upon this Neglect the Lord Bellamont and some others, who knew what great Captures had been made by the Pyrates, and what a prodigious Wealth must be in their Possession, were tempted to fit out a Ship at their own private Charge, and to give the Command of it to Captain Kid; and, to give the Thing a greater Reputation, as well as to keep their Seamen under the better Command, they procured the King’s Commission for the said Captain Kid, of which the following is an exact Copy.

William Rex,

Captain Kid had also another Commission, which was called a Commission of Reprisals; for it being then War Time, this Commission was to justify him in the taking of French Merchant Ships, in Case he should meet with any; but as this Commission is nothing to our present Purpose, we shall not burthen the Readers with it.

With these two Commissions he sail’d out of Plymouth in May 1696, in the Adventure Gally of thirty Guns, and eighty Men; the Place he first design’d for was New-York; in his Voyage thither he took a French Banker, but this was no Act of Pyracy, he having a Commission for that Purpose, as we have just observ’d.

When he arrived at New York he put up Articles for engaging more Hands, it being necessary to his Ships Crew, since he proposed to deal with a desperate Enemy: The Terms he offered were, that every Man should have a Share of what was taken, reserving for himself and Owners forty Shares. Upon which Encouragement he soon increas’d his Company to a hundred and fifty five Men.

With this Company he sail’d first for Maderas, where he took in Wine and some other Necessaries; from thence he proceeded to Bonavist, one of the Cape de Verd Islands, to furnish the Ship with Salt, and from thence went immediately to St. Jago, another of the Cape de Verd Islands, in order to stock himself with Provisions. When all this was done, he bent his Course to Madagascar, the known Rendezvouz of Pyrates; in his Way he fell in with Captain Warren, Commadore of three Men of War; he acquainted them with his Design, kept them Company two or three Days, and then leaving them, made the best Way for Madagascar, where he arrived in February 1696, just nine Months from his Departure from Plymouth.

It happen’d that at this Time the Pyrate Ships were most of them out in search of Prey; so that according to the best Intelligence Captain Kid could get, there was not one of them at that Time about the Island, wherefore having spent some Time in watering his Ship, and taking in more Provisions, he thought of trying his Fortune on the Coast of Malabar, where he arrived in the Month of June following, four Months from his reaching Madagascar. Hereabouts he made an unsuccessful Cruize, touching sometimes at the Island of Mahala, sometimes at that of Joanna, betwixt Malabar and Madagascar: His Provisions were every Day wasting, and his Ship began to want Repair; wherefore, when he was at Joanna, he found Means of borrowing a Sum of Money from some French Men who had lost their Ship, but saved their Effects, and with this he purchas’d Materials for putting his Ship in good Repair.

It does not appear all this while that he had the least Design of turning Pyrate; for near Mahala and Joanna both, he met with several Indian Ships richly laden, to which he did not offer the least Violence, tho’ he was strong enough to have done what he pleas’d with them; and the first Outrage or Depredation I find he committed upon Mankind, was after his repairing his Ship, and leaving Joanna; he touch’d at a Place call’d Mabbee, upon the Red Sea, where he took some Guinnea Corn from the Natives, by Force.

After this he sail’d to Bab’s Key, a Place upon a little Island at the Entrance of the Red Sea; here it was that he first began to open himself to his Ship’s Company, and let them understand that he intended to change his Measures; for, happening to talk of the Moca Fleet which was to sail that Way, he said, We have been unsuccessful hitherto, but Courage, my Boys, we’ll make our Fortunes out of this Fleet: And finding that none of them appear’d averse to it, he order’d a Boat out, well mann’d, to go upon the Coast to make Discoveries, commanding them to take a Prisoner and bring to him, or get Intelligence any Way they could. The Boat return’d in a few Days, bringing him Word, that they saw fourteen or fifteen Ships ready to sail, some with English, some with Dutch, and some with Moorish Colours.

We cannot account for this sudden Change in his Conduct, otherwise than by supposing that he first meant well, while he had Hopes of making his Fortune by taking of Pyrates; but now, weary of ill Success, and fearing least his Owners, out of Humour at their great Expences, should dismiss him, and he should want Employment, and be mark’d out for an unlucky Man; rather, I say, than run the Hazard of Poverty, he resolved to do his Business one Way, since he could not do it another.

He therefore order’d a Man continually to watch at the Mast Head, least this Fleet should go by them; and about four Days after, towards Evening, it appear’d in Sight, being convoy’d by one English and one Dutch Man of War. Kid soon fell in with them, and getting into the midst of them, fir’d at a Moorish Ship which was next him; but the Men of War taking the Alarm, bore down upon Kid, and firing upon him, obliged him to sheer off, he not being strong enough to contend with them. Now he had begun Hostilities, he resolv’d to go on, and therefore he went and cruis’d along the Coast of Malabar; the first Prize he met was a small Vessel belonging to Aden, the Vessel was Moorish, and the Owners were Moorish Merchants, but the Master was an English Man, his Name was Parker. Kid forc’d him and a Portugueze that was call’d Don Antonio, which were all the Europeans on Board, to take on with them; the first he design’d as a Pilot, and the last as an Interpreter. He also used the Men very cruelly, causing them to be hoisted up by the Arms, and drubb’d with a naked Cutlash, to force them to discover whether they had Money on Board, and where it lay; but as they had neither Gold nor Silver on Board, he got nothing by his Cruelty; however, he took from them a Bale of Pepper, and a Bale of Coffee, and so let them go.

A little Time after he touch’d at Carawar, a Place upon the same Coast, where, before he arrived, the News of what he had done to the Moorish Ship had reach’d them; for some of the English Merchants there had received an Account of it from the Owners, who corresponded with them; wherefore, as soon as Kid came in, he was suspected to be the Person who committed this Pyracy; and one Mr. Harvey and Mr. Mason, two of the English Factory, came on Board and ask’d for Parker, and Antonio the Portuguese; but Kid deny’d that he knew any such Persons, having secur’d them both in a private Place in the Hold, where they were kept for seven or eight Days, that is, till Kid sail’d from thence.

However, the Coast was alarm’d, and a Portuguese Man of War was sent out to cruize: Kid met with her, and fought her about six Hours, gallantly enough; but finding her too strong to be taken, he quitted her; for he was able to run away from her when he would: Then he went to a Place call’d Porco, where he water’d the Ship, and bought a Number of Hogs of the Natives to victual his Company.

Soon after this, he came up with a Moorish Ship, the Master whereof was a Dutch Man, call’d Schipper Mitchel, and chased her under French Colours, which they observing, hoisted French Colours too: When he came up with her, he hail’d her in French, and they having a French Man on Board, answer’d him in the same Language; upon which he order’d them to send their Boat on Board; they were oblig’d to do so, and having examin’d who they were, and from whence they came; he ask’d the French Man, who was a Passenger, if he had a French Pass for himself? The French Man gave him to understand that he had. Then he told the French Man he must pass for Captain, and by G-d, says he, you are the Captain: The French Man durst not refuse doing as he would have him: The Meaning of this was, that he would seize the Ship as fair Prize, and as if she had belong’d to French Subjects, according to a Commission he had for that Purpose; tho’, one would think, after what he had already done, that he need not have Recourse to a Quibble to give his Actions a Colour.

In short, he took the Cargoe and sold it some Time after; yet still he seem’d to have some Fears upon him least these Proceedings should have a bad End; for, coming up with a Dutch Ship some Time, when his Men thought of nothing but attacking her, Kid oppos’d it; upon which a Mutiny arose, and the Majority being for taking the said Ship, and arming themselves to Man the Boat to go and seize her, he told them, such as did, never should come on Board him again; which put an End to the Design, so that he kept Company with the said Ship some Time, without offering her any Violence: However, this Dispute was the Occasion of an Accident, upon which an Indictment was afterwards grounded against Kid; for Moor, the Gunner, being one Day upon Deck, and talking with Kid about the said Dutch Ship, some Words arose betwixt them, and Moor told Kid, that he had ruin’d them all; upon which, Kid, calling him Dog, took up a Bucket and struck him with it, which breaking his Skull, he died the next Day.

But Kid’s penitential Fit did not last long, for coasting along Malabar, he met with a great Number of Boats, all which he plunder’d. Upon the same Coast he also light upon a Portuguese Ship, which he kept Possession of a Week, and then having taken out of her some Chests of India Goods, thirty Jars of Butter, with some Wax, Iron, and a hundred Bags of Rice, he let her go.

Much about the same Time he went to one of the Malabar Islands for Wood and Water, and his Cooper being ashore, was murder’d by the Natives; upon which Kid himself landed, and burnt and pillaged several of their Houses, the People running away; but having taken one, he caused him to be tied to a Tree, and commanded one of his Men to shoot him; then putting to Sea again he took the greatest Prize, which fell into his Hands, while he followed this Trade; this was a Moorish Ship of 400 Tons richly laden, named the Queda Merchant, the Master whereof was an English Man, he was call’d Wright, for the Indians often make Use of English or Dutch Men to command their Ships, their own Mariners not being so good Artists in Navigation.—Kid chased her under French Colours, and having come up with her, he ordered her to hoist out her Boat, and to send on Board of him, which being done, he told Wright he was his Prisoner; and informing himself concerning the said Ship, he understood there were no Europeans on Board, except two Dutch, and one Frenchman, all the Rest being Indians or Armenians, and that the Armenians were Part Owners of the Cargoe. Kid gave the Armenians to understand, that if they would offer any Thing that was worth his taking for their Ransome, he would hearken to it: Upon which, they proposed to pay him twenty thousand Rupees, not quite three thousand Pounds Sterling; but Kid judged this would be making a bad Bargain, wherefore he rejected it, and setting the Crew on Shore, at different Places on the Coast, he soon sold as much of the Cargoe as came to near ten thousand Pounds. With Part of it he also trafficked, receiving in Exchange Provisions, or such other Goods as he wanted; by Degrees he disposed of the whole Cargoe, and when the Division was made, it came to about two hundred Pounds a Man, and having reserved forty Shares to himself, his Dividend amounted to about eight thousand Pounds Sterling.

The Indians along the Coast came on Board and traffick’d with all Freedom, and he punctually performed his Bargains, till about the Time he was ready to sail; and then thinking he should have no further Occasion for them, he made no Scruple of taking their Goods, and setting them on Shore without any Payment in Money or Goods, which they little expected; for as they had been used to deal with Pyrates, they always found them Men of Honour in the Way of Trade: A People, Enemies to Deceit, and that scorn’d to rob but in their own Way.

Kid put some of his Men on Board the Queda Merchant, and with this Ship and his own sail’d for Madagascar; as soon as he was arrived and had cast Anchor, there came on Board of him a Canoe, in which were several Englishmen, who had formerly been well acquainted with Kid; as soon as they saw him they saluted him, and told him, they were informed he was come to take them, and hang them, which would be a little unkind in such an old Acquaintance; Kid soon dissipated their Doubts, by swearing he had no such Design, and that he was now in every Respect their Brother, and just as bad as they; and calling for a Cup of Bomboo, drank their Captain’s Health.

These Men belong’d to a Pyrate Ship, call’d the Resolution, formerly the Mocco Merchant, whereof one Captain Culliford was Commander, and which lay at an Anchor not far from them; Kid went on Board with them, promising them his Friendship and Assistance, and Culliford in his Turn came on Board of Kid; and Kid to testify his Sincerity in Iniquity, finding Culliford in want of some Necessaries, made him a Present of an Anchor and some Guns, to fit him out for the Sea again.

The Adventure Galley was now so old and leaky, that they were forced to keep two Pumps continually going, wherefore Kid shifted all the Guns and Tackle out of her into the Queda Merchant, intending her for his Man of War; and as he had divided the Money before, he now made a Division of the Remainder of the Cargo: Soon after which, the greatest Part of the Company left him, some going on Board Captain Culliford, and others absconding in the Country, so that he had not above forty Men left.

He put to Sea and happened to touch at Amboyna, one of the Dutch Spice Islands, where he was told, that the News of his Actions had reach’d England, and that he was there declared a Pyrate.

The Truth on’t is, his Pyracies so alarmed our Merchants, that some Motions were made in Parliament, to enquire into the Commission that was given him, and the Persons who fitted him out: These Proceedings seem’d to lean a little hard upon the Lord Bellamont, who thought himself so much touch’d thereby, that he published a Justification of himself in a Pamphlet after Kid’s Execution. In the mean Time, it was thought adviseable, in order to stop the Course of these Pyracies, to publish a Proclamation, offering the King’s free Pardon to all such Pyrates as should voluntarily surrender themselves, whatever Pyracies they had been guilty of at any Time, before the last Day of April, 1699.—That is to say, for all Pyracies committed Eastward of the Cape of Good Hope, to the Longitude and Meridian of Socatora, and Cape Camorin. In which Proclamation, Avery and Kid were excepted by Name.

When Kid left Amboyna he knew nothing of this Proclamation, for certainly had he had Notice of his being excepted in it, he would not have been so infatuated, to run himself into the very Jaws of Danger; but relying upon his Interest with the Lord Bellamont, and fancying, that a French Pass or two he found on Board some of the Ships he took, would serve to countenance the Matter, and that Part of the Booty he got would gain him new Friends.—I say, all these Things made him flatter himself that all would be hushed, and that Justice would but wink at him.—Wherefore he sail’d directly for New-York, where he was no sooner arrived, but by the Lord Bellamont’s Orders, he was secured with all his Papers and Effects. Many of his Fellow-Adventurers who had forsook him at Madagascar, came over from thence Passengers, some to New England and some to Jersey; where hearing of the King’s Proclamation for pardoning of Pyrates, they surrendered themselves to the Governor of those Places: At first they were admitted to Bail, but soon after were laid in strict Confinement where they were kept for some time, till an Opportunity happened of sending them with their Captain over to England to be tried.

Accordingly a Sessions of Admiralty being held at the Old Baily, in May 1701, Captain Kid, Nicholas Churchill, James How, Robert Lumley, William Jenkins, Gabriel Loff, Hugh Parrot, Richard Barlicorn, Abel Owens, and Darby Mullins, were arraign’d for Pyracy and Robbery on the High Seas, and all found guilty, except three; these were Robert Lumley, William Jenkins, and Richard Barlicorne, who proving themselves to be Apprentices to some of the Officers of the Ship, and producing their Indentures in Court, were acquitted.

The three above-mentioned, tho’ they were proved to be concern’d in taking and sharing the Ship and Goods mentioned in the Indictment, yet, as the Gentlemen of the long Robe rightly distinguished, there was a great Difference between their Circumstances and the rest; for there must go an Intention of the Mind and a Freedom of the Will to the committing an Act of Felony or Pyracy. A Pyrate is not to be understood to be under Constraint, but a free Agent; for in this Case, the bare Act will not make a Man guilty, unless the Will make it so.

Now a Servant, it is true, if he go voluntarily and have his Proportion, he must be accounted a Pyrate, for then he acts upon his own Account, and not by Compulsion; and these Persons, according to the Evidence, received their Part, but whether they accounted to their Masters for their Shares afterwards, is the Matter in Question, and what distinguishes them as free Agents or Men, that did go under the Compulsion of their Masters, which being left to the Consideration of the Jury, they found them Not Guilty.

Kid was tryed upon an Indictment of Murder also, viz. for killing Moor the Gunner, and found guilty of the same. Nicholas Churchill and James How pleaded the King’s Pardon, as having surrendered themselves within the Time limited in the Proclamation, and Colonel Bass, Governor of West Jersey, to whom they surrendered, being in Court, and called upon, proved the same; however, this Plea was over-ruled by the Court, because there being four Commissioners named in the Proclamation, viz. Captain Thomas Warren, Israel Hayes, Peter Delannoye, and Christopher Pollard, Esqrs; who were appointed Commissioners, and sent over on Purpose to receive the Submissions of such Pyrates as should surrender, it was adjudged no other Person was qualified to receive their Surrender, and that they could not be intitled to the Benefit of the said Proclamation, because they had not in all Circumstances complied with the Conditions of it.

Darby Mullins urg’d in his Defence, that he serv’d under the King’s Commission, and therefore could not disobey his Commander without incurring great Punishments; that whenever a Ship or Ships went out upon any Expedition under the King’s Commissioners, the Men were never allowed to call their Officers to an Account, why they did this, or, why they did that, because such a Liberty would destroy all Discipline; that if any Thing was done which was unlawful, the Officers were to answer it, for the Men did no more than their Duty in obeying Orders. He was told by the Court, that acting under the Commission justified in what was lawful, but not in what was unlawful; he answered, he stood in Need of nothing to justify him in what was lawful, but that the Case of Seamen must be very hard, if they must be brought into such Danger for obeying the Commands of their Officers, and punished for not obeying them; and if they were allowed to dispute the Orders, there could be no such Thing as Command kept up at Sea.

This seem’d to be the best Defence the Thing could bear; but his taking a Share of the Plunder, the Seamens mutinying on Board several Times, and taking upon them to controul the Captain, shewed there was no Obedience paid to the Commission; and that they acted in all Things according to the Custom of Pyrates and Free-booters, which weighing with the Jury, they brought him in guilty with the rest.

As to Capt. Kid’s Defence, he insisted much upon his own Innocence, and the Villany of his Men; he said, he went out in a laudable Employment, and had no Occasion, being then in good Circumstances, to go a Pyrating; that the Men often mutinied against him, and did as they pleas’d; that he was threatened to be shot in his Cabin, and that Ninety five left him at one Time, and set Fire to his Boat, so that he was disabled from bringing his Ship home, or the Prizes he took, to have them regularly condemn’d, which he said were taken by Virtue of a Commission under the Broad Seal, they having French Passes.—The Captain called one Col. Hewson to his Reputation, who gave him an extraordinary Character, and declared to the Court, that he had served under his Command, and been in two Engagements with him against the French, in which he fought as well as any Man he ever saw; that there were only Kid’s Ship and his own against Monsieur du Cass, who commanded a Squadron of six Sail, and they got the better of him.—But this being several Years before the Facts mentioned in the Indictment were committed, prov’d of no manner of Service to the Prisoner on his Tryal.

As to the Friendship shewn to Culliford, a notorious Pyrate, Kid deny’d, and said, he intended to have taken him, but his Men being a Parcel of Rogues and Villains refused to stand by him, and several of them ran away from his Ship to the said Pyrate.—But the Evidence being full and particular against him, he was found guilty as before mentioned.

When Kid was asked what he had to say why Sentence should not pass against him, he answered, That he had nothing to say, but that he had been sworn against by perjured wicked People. And when Sentence was pronounced, he said, My Lord, it is a very hard Sentence. For my Part, I am the innocentest Person of them all, only I have been sworn against by perjured Persons.

Wherefore about a Week after, Capt. Kid, Nicholas Churchill, James How, Gabriel Loff, Hugh Parrot, Abel Owen, and Darby Mullins, were executed at Execution Dock, and afterwards hung up in Chains, at some Distance from each other, down the River, where their Bodies hung exposed for many Years.

Before I enter on the Adventures of this Pyrate, I must take Notice to the Reader of the Reasons which made me not continue the Life of Misson.

In reading the Notes, which I have by me, relating to Captain Tew, I found him join’d with Misson; and that I must either be guilty of Repetition, or give an Account of Tew in Misson’s Life, which is contrary to the Method I propos’d, that of giving a distinct Relation of every Pyrate who has made any Figure: And surely Tew, in Point of Gallantry, was inferior to none, and may justly claim a particular Account of his Actions.

However, before I enter on the Life of this Pyrate, I shall continue that of Misson to the Time that these two Commanders met.

The Blacks seeing them so much upon their Guard, brought out boiled Rice and Fowls, and after they had satisfied their Hunger, the Chief made Signs that they were the same who had carried a Negroe to their Ships, and sent for the Ax and Piece of Baze they had given him: While this pass’d, the very Negroe came from hunting, who seem’d overjoy’d to see them. The Chief made Signs that they might return, and ten Negroes coming to them laden with Fowls and Kids; he gave them to understand, they should accompany them to their Ships with these Presents.

They parted very amicably, and in hopes of settling a good Correspondence with these Natives; all the Houses were neatly framed and jointed, not built from any Foundation, but so made, that half a dozen Men could lift and transport them from Place to Place; and sometimes a whole Village shall be in Motion, which would be an odd Sight in Europe, and surprizing to see Houses moving. The Hunters returning to their Ships, with these Presents and Negroes, were joyfully received; and the Negroes not only caressed, but laden with Baze, Iron Kettles, and Rum, besides the Present of a Cutlash for the Chief.

While the Negroes stay’d, which was the Space of three Days, they examined and admired the Forts and growing Town, in which all Hands were busied, and not even the Prisoners excused.

As Monsieur Misson apprehended no Danger from the Land, his Fort (tho’ of Wood) being, he thought, a sufficient Defence to his infant Colony; he took a hundred and sixty Hands, and went a second Time on the Coast of Zanguebor, and off Quiloa he gave Chase to a large Ship, which lay by for him: She prov’d an over-match for the Victoire, which engag’d her, with great Loss of Men, near eight Glasses; but finding he was more likely to be took, than to make a Prize, by the Advice of his Officers and Men, endeavour’d to leave the Portuguese, which was a 50 Gun Ship, and had 300 Men on Board; but he found this Attempt vain, for the Portuguese went as well as the Victoire, and the Commander was a resolute and brave Man, who, seeing him endeavour to shake him off, clapp’d him on Board, but lost most of the Men he enter’d. Misson’s Crew not used to be attack’d, and expecting no Quarter, fought so desperately, that they not thoroly clear’d their Decks, but some of them follow’d the Portuguese, who leap’d into their own Ship; which Misson seeing, hop’d to make an Advantage of their Despair, and crying out, Elle est a nous, a l’abordage. She’s our own, board, board her, so many of his Men followed the few, that hardly were there enough left to work the Ship; Misson observing this Resolution in his Men, grappled the Portuguese Ship, and leap’d himself on Board, crying out, la Mort, ou la Victoire, Death or Victory. The Portuguese, who thought themselves in a manner Conquerors, seeing the Enemy not only drive off those who enter’d them, but board with that Resolution, began to quit the Decks in Spight of their Officers: The Captain and Misson met, as he was endeavouring to hinder the Flight of his Men; they engaged with equal Bravery with their Cutlashes; but Misson striking him on the Neck, he fell down the main Hatch, which put an End to the Fight, for the Portuguese seeing their Captain fall, threw down their Arms, and call’d for Quarters, which was granted; and all the Prisoners without Distinction being order’d between Decks, and the Powder-Room secured, he put 35 Men on Board the Prize, and made the best of his Way for Libertatia. This was the dearest Prize he ever made, for he lost fifty six Men: She was vastly rich in Gold, having near 200,000 l. Sterling on Board, being her own and the Cargo of her Companion, which was lost upon the Coast, of whose Crew she had saved 100 Men out of 120, the rest being lost, by endeavouring to swim ashore; whereas had their Fear suffer’d them to have staid, there had not been a Soul lost, the Tide of Ebb leaving their Ship dry: This was the Reason that the Prize was so well mann’d, and proved so considerable.

Being within Sight of Madagascar, they spied a Sloop which stood for them, and when in Gun-Shot, threw out black Colours, and fired a Gun to Windward; Misson brought to, fired another to Leeward, and hoisted out his Boat, which the Sloop perceiving, lay by for. Misson’s Lieutenant went on Board, and was received very civilly by Captain Tew, who was the Commander, to whom the Lieutenant gave a short Account of their Adventures and new Settlement, inviting him very kindly on Board Captain Misson. Tew told him, he could not consent to go with him till he had the Opinion of his Men; in the mean while Misson, coming along-side, hal’d the Sloop, and invited the Captain on Board, desiring his Lieutenant would stay as an Hostage, if they were in the least jealous of him; which they had no Reason to be, since he was of Force so much superior, that he need not employ Stratagem. This determined the Company on Board the Sloop, who advised their Captain to go with the Lieutenant, whom they would not suffer to stay behind, to shew the greater Confidence in their new Friends.

My Reader may be surprized that a single Sloop should venture to give Chase to two Ships of such Countenance as were the Victoire and her Prize: But this Wonder will cease, when he is acquainted with the Sequel.

Captain Tew after being handsomely regal’d on Board the Victoire, and thoroughly satisfied, returned on Board his Sloop, gave an Account of what he had learned, and his Men consenting, he gave Orders to steer the same Course with Misson, whose Settlement it was agreed to visit.

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

Mr. Richier, Governor of Bermudas, fitted out two Sloops on the Privateer Account, commanded by Captain George Drew, and Captain Thomas Tew, with Instructions to make the best of their Way to the River Gambia in Africa, and there, with the Advice and Assistance of the Agent for the Royal African Company, to attempt the taking the French Factory of Goorie on that Coast.

The above Commanders having their Commissions and Instructions from the Governor, took their Departure from Bermudas, and kept Company some Time; but Drew springing his Mast, and a violent Storm coming upon them, they lost each other.

Tew being separated from his Consort, thought of providing for his future case, by making one bold Push; and accordingly, calling all Hands on Deck, he spoke to them to this Purpose.

‘That they were not ignorant of the Design with which the Governor fitted them out; the taking and destroying the French Factory; that he, indeed, readily agreed to take a Commission to this end, tho’ contrary to his Judgment, because it was being employ’d; but that he thought it a very injudicious Expedition, which did they succeed in, would be of no Use to the Publick, and only advantage a private Company of Men, from whom they could expect no Reward of their Bravery; that he could see nothing but Danger in the Undertaking, without the least Prospect of a Booty; that he could not suppose any Man fond of fighting, for fighting-sake; and few ventured their Lives, but with some View either of particular Interest or publick Good; but here was not the least Appearance of either. Wherefore, he was of Opinion, that they should turn their Thoughts on what might better their Circumstances; and if they were so inclined, he would undertake to shape a Course which should lead them to Ease and Plenty, in which they might pass the rest of their Days. That one bold Push would do their Business, and they might return home, not only without Danger, but even with Reputation.’ The Crew finding he expected their Resolution, cry’d out, one and all, A gold Chain, or a wooden Leg, we’ll stand by you.

Hearing this, he desired they would chuse a Quarter Master, who might consult with him for the Common Good; which was accordingly done.

I must acquaint the Reader, that on Board the West-India Privateers and Free-booters, the Quarter Master’s Opinion is like the Mufti’s among the Turk’s; the Captain can undertake nothing which the Quarter Master does not approve. We may say, the Quarter Master is an humble Imitation of the Roman Tribune of the People; he speaks for, and looks after the Interest of the Crew.

Tew now, instead of his proceeding on his Voyage to Gambia, shaped his Course for the Cape of Good Hope, which doubling, he steered for the Streights of Babel Mandel, entring into the Red Sea, where they came up with a tall Ship bound from the Indies to Arabia; she was richly laden, and as she was to clear the Coasts of Rovers, five more, extreamly rich (one especially in Gold) being to follow her, she had 300 Soldiers on Board, beside her Seamen.

Tew, on making this Ship, told his Men she carried their Fortunes, which they would find no Difficulty to take Possession of; for though he was satisfied she was full of Men, and was mounted with a great Number of Guns, they wanted the two Things necessary, Skill and Courage; and, indeed, so it proved, for he boarded and carried her without Loss, every one taking more Care to run from the Danger, than to exert himself in the Defence of his Goods.

In rummaging this Prize, the Pyrates threw over a great many rich Bales, to search for Gold, Silver, and Jewels; and, having taken what they thought proper, together with the Powder, part of which (as being more than they could handsomely stow) they threw into the Sea; they left her, sharing 3000 l. Sterling a Man.

Encouraged by this Success, Captain Tew proprosed the going in quest of the other five Ships, of which he had Intelligence from the Prize; but the Quarter-Master opposing him, he was obliged to drop the Design, and steer for Madagascar.

Here the Quarter Master finding this Island productive of all the Necessaries of Life; that the Air was wholesome, the Soil fruitful, and the Sea abounding with Fish, proposed settling; but only three and twenty of the Crew came into the Proposal: The rest staid with Captain Tew, who having given the new Settlers their Share of Plunder, designed to return to America, as they afterwards did; but spying the Victoire and her Prize, he thought he might, by their Means, return somewhat richer, and resolved to speak with them, as I have already said.

Tew and his Company having taken the above Resolution of visiting Mons. Misson’s Colony, arrived with him, and was not a little surprized to see his Fortifications.

When they came under the first Fort, they saluted it with nine Guns, and they were answered with an equal Number; all the Prisoners, at their coming to an Anchor, were suffer’d to come up, a Privilege they had never before granted them, on account of the few Hands left them, except two or three at a time.

The Joy those ashore expressed at the Sight of so considerable a Prize as they judged her at first Sight, was vastly allay’d, when they heard how dear a Purchase she had prov’d to them; however, the Reinforcement of the Sloop made some amends; Captain Tew was received by Caraccioli and the rest, with great Civility and Respect, who did not a little admire his Courage, both in attacking the Prize he made, and afterwards in giving Chase to Misson; he was called to the Council of Officers, which was immediately held, to consider what Methods should be taken with the Prisoners, who were, by 190 brought in by this new Prize, near as numerous as those of his own Party, though Tew join them with 70 Men; it was therefore resolved to keep them separate from the Portuguese and English, who were before taken, to make them believe they were in Amity with a Prince of the Natives, who was very powerful, and to propose to them, at their Choice, the assisting the new Colony in their Works, or the being sent Prisoners up the Country, if they rejected the entering with them. Seventy three took on, and the rest desired they might be any way employ’d, rather than be sent up the Country; 117 then were set to Work upon a Dock, which was laid out about half a Mile above the Mouth of the Harbour, and the other Prisoners were forbid to pass such Bounds as were prescribed them on Pain of Death; lest they, knowing their own Strength, should revolt; for I must acquaint the Reader, that on the Arrival of the Victoire, both their Loss and the Number of Portuguese they brought in, was known to none but themselves, and the Number of those who came over, magnified; besides, the Johanna Men were all arm’d and disciplin’d, and the Bijoux laid a Guardship, where the last Prisoners were set to Work; but while they provided for their Security, both within and without, they did not neglect providing also for their Support, for they dug and sow’d a large Plat of Ground with Indian and European Corn, and other Seeds which they had found on Board their Prizes. In the mean while Caraccioli, who had the Art of Perswasion, wrought on many of the Portuguese, who saw no Hopes of returning home, to join them. Misson, who could not be easy in an inactive Life, would have taken another Cruize; but fearing the Revolt of the Prisoners, durst not weaken his Colony by the Hands he must necessarily take with him: Wherefore, he propos’d giving the last Prize to, and sending away the Prisoners. Carracioli and Captain Tew were against it, saying, that it would discover their Retreat, and cause their being attacked by the Europeans, who had Settlements along the Continent, before they were able to defend themselves. Misson reply’d, he could not bear to be always diffident of those about him; that it was better die once, than live in continual Apprehensions of Death. That the Time was come for the sending away the Johanna Men, and that they could not go without a Ship, neither durst he trust a Ship out, not well mann’d, nor man her while so many Prisoners were with him. Wherefore there was a Necessity of sending them off, or of putting them all to the Sword. A Barbarity by which he would not purchase his Security. A Council was called, and what Captain Misson had proposed, agreed to. The Prisoners were then summon’d and he told them, in few Words, that he knew the Consequence of giving them Liberty; that he expected to be attacked as soon as the Place of his Retreat was known, and had it in his Hands, by putting them to Death to avoid the doubtful Fate of War; but his Humanity would not suffer him to entertain a Thought so cruel, and his Alliances with the Natives, he hoped, would enable him to repel his Assailants; but he required an Oath of every one, that he should not serve against him: He then enquired into the Circumstances of every particular Man, and what they had lost, all which he return’d, telling the Company it should be reckoned as Part of his Share, and the Prisoners, that he did not make War with the Oppressed, but the Oppressors. The Prisoners were charm’d with this Mark of Generosity and Humanity, and wished he might never meet a Treatment unworthy of that he gave them. The Ship being victualled for a Voyage to the Coast of Zanguebar, all her Guns and Ammunitions taken out, with the spare Sails, and spare Rigging, all were ordered to be gone, and 137 departed, highly applauding the Behaviour of their Enemies. All this while they had heard nothing from the Natives, nor had the hunting Parties met with any of them, which made Misson suspect they were afraid of his being their Neighbour, and had shifted their Quarters; but as the Johanna Men were upon going away, there came about 50 Negroes to them, driving about 100 Head of black Cattle, 20 Negroe Men bound, and 25 Women, for which Cattle and Prisoners they barter’d Rum, Hatchets, Baze and Beads; some Hogsheads of which last Commodity they had taken on the Coast of Angola. Here the Negroes belonging to Misson were provided with Wives: The Natives were caress’d, and to the Slaves Signs made that their Liberty was given them, they were immediately cloathed and put under the Care of as many Whites, who, by all possible Demonstrations, endeavoured to make them understand that they were Enemies to Slavery. The Natives staid ten Days, which retarded the Departure of the Johanna Men; but, upon their retiring, the Bijoux sailed with 100 of them on Board, under the command of Caraccioli’s Lieutenant, who excused the keeping them a Month longer than was promised, and not bringing them at once, having no more than two Ships. The Portuguese Ship, which was unrigg’d, being made a Hulk, the ten Men of Misson’s Company who had settled at Johanna, being desirous to return, were brought to Libertatia with their Wives (of which they had two and three a piece) and their Children, the Bijoux, at two more Voyages, carried over the rest of the Johannians.

Misson hove down the Bijoux, and resolving on a Cruise on the Coast of Guiney, to strengthen his Colony by the Capture of some slaving Ship, he gave the Command of her to Captain Tew, and he and Caraccioli press’d the Work of the Dock; he gave him also 200 Hands, of which 40 were Portuguese, 37 Negroes, 17 of them expert Sailors, 30 English, and the rest French. Tew met with nothing in his Way till he came to the Northward of the Cape of Good Hope, when he fell in with a Dutch East-India Galley of 18 Guns, which he took after a small Resistance, and with the Loss of one Man only; on the Coast of Angola he took an English Man with 240 Slaves, Men, Women, and Boys. The Negroes, who had before been taken on this Coast, found among these a great many of their Acquaintance, and several of their Relations, to whom they reported their happy and unexpected change of Fortune, the great Captain (for so they now called Misson) humanly having knocked off their Chains, and of Slaves made them free Men, and Sharers in his Fortunes. That the same good Fortune had attended them in their falling into his Hands, for he abhorr’d even the Name of Slavery. Tew following the Orders, and acquainted with the Policy of Misson, order’d their Fetters and Handcuffs to be taken off, upon his Negroe Sailors, assuring him they would not revolt, and were sensible of their Happiness in falling into his Hands. Content with these Prizes, he made the best of his Way home to Libertatia, where he arrived without any sinister Accident; but I forgot to tell my Reader, that he set his Dutch Prisoners (nine excepted, who took on with him) ashore, about 30 Miles to the Northward of the Cape, in Soldinia Bay, where had been buried, by Captain Misson, the English Commander; he found a great Quantity of English Crowns on Board his Dutch Prize, which were carried into the common Treasury, Money being of no Use where every Thing was in common, and no Hedge bounded any particular Man’s Property. The Slaves he had released in this last Cruize were employ’d in the perfecting the Dock, and treated on the Foot of free People. They were not ignorant of the Change of their Condition, and were therefore extreamly diligent and faithful. A White Man, or one of the old standing Negroes, wrought with every four, and made them understand the French Words (by often Repetition, and the Help of their Country Mens interpreting) used in their Works. Misson ordered a couple of Sloops to be built in a Creek, of 80 Tun each, which he mounted with 8 Guns a piece, out of the Dutch Prize. These were perfected in a little Time, and proved not only shapely Vessels, but excellent Sailors. The Officers of these Sloops were chosen by ballotting, and as their first Design was only to discover and lay down a Chart of the Coast, Sands, Shoals, and Depths of Water round the Island of Madagascar; The School Master being sent for that Reason with the Command of one, Tew desired, and had the other. They were mann’d, each Sloop with 50 Whites and 50 black Men. Which Voyage round the Island was of vast Advantage in giving the new released Angola Negroes a Notion of the working a Vessel; and they were very industrious both in endeavouring to learn the French Language, and to be useful. These Sloops, the one of which was called the Childhood, and the other the Liberty, were near four Months on this Expedition; in the mean while a few of the Natives had come often to the Settlement, and they began to speak a little broken French, mix’d with the other European Languages, which they heard among Misson’s People, and six of the native Families fixed among them, which was of vast Use to the Planters of this new Colony; for they made a very advantageous Report to their Country Men of the Regularity and Harmony they observed in them. The Sloops being return’d, and an exact Chart taken of the Coast, Carraccioli had a mind for a Cruize; he proposed the visiting all the neighbouring Islands, accordingly he went out to Mascarenas, and the other Islands near it, taking one half of his Crew of Negroes, and return’d with a Dutch Prize, which he took off the abovementioned Island, where they were about fixing a Colony. This Prize, as it had on Board all Sorts of European Goods, and Necessaries for settling, was more valuable than if it had been vastly richer. The Negroes growing useful Hands, Misson resolved on a Cruize to the Northward, encouraged by Tew’s Success; and, with all the Blacks, which he divided between the two Ships, one of which Captain Tew commanded, set out with 500 Men: Off the Coast of Arabia Fœlix, they fell in with a Ship belonging to the Great Mogul, bound for Zidon, with Pilgrims to Mecca, who, with Moor Mariners, made up the Number of 1600 Souls. This Ship carried 110 Guns, but made a very poor Defence, being encumber’d with the Goods and Number of Passengers they carried. The two Adventurers did not think it their Business to cannonade, they therefore boarded as soon as they came up with her, and the Moors no sooner saw them enter’d, but they discharged one Volley of small Arms at Random, we may suppose, because no Execution was done, and fled the Decks. Being Masters of this Ship, which did not cost them a single Man, they consulted what they should do with her, and the Prisoners, and it was resolved to set them ashore between Ain and Aden; but as they wanted Women, to keep all the unmarried, and to navigate the Ship to Libertatia; as the Guns might be of Use to them; and, by letting her go, or sinking, they might lose, perhaps, a considerable Booty, which the Moors, might have hid in her Cielings or Ballast.

This Resolution was put in Execution, and they brought off 100 Girls, from 12 to 18 Years old, who designed to make the Pilgrimage with their Parents. The Lamentations this Separation caused among the Prisoners, had such Effect on Misson, that he was for letting them go, but every one of his Men were against him. They now made the best of their Way for Madagascar, putting 200 Hands on board the Prize, which proved a very heavy Sailer, and retarded them very much. Off the Cape Guarde Fin they were overtaken with a cruel Storm, which was very near wrecking them on the Island called Irmanos; but the Wind coming about due North, they had the good Luck to escape this Danger. Though the Fury of the Wind abated, yet it blew so hard for 12 Days together, that they could only carry their Courses reef’d. They spy’d a Sail in their Passage, but the Weather would not permit their endeavouring to speak with her. In a Word, they return’d to Libertatia with their Prize, without any other Accident, but the Captors could make no Estimate of her Value, she having on Board a vast Quantity of Diamonds, besides rich Silks, raw Silks, Spices, Carpets, and wrought and bar Gold. The Prize was taken to pieces, as she was of no Use; her Cordage and knee Timber preserv’d, with all the Bolts, Eyes, Chains, and other Iron Work, and her Guns planted on two Points of the Harbour, where they raised Batteries, so that they were now so strongly fortified they apprehended no Danger from any Number of Shipping which could be brought into those Seas to attack them. They had, by this Time, clear’d, sown, and enclosed a good Parcel of Ground, and taken in a Quantity of Pasturage, where they had above 300 Head of black Cattle, bought of the Natives. The Dock was now finish’d, and the Victoire growing old and unfit for a long Voyage, and the last Storm having shook and loosened her very much, she was pull’d to pieces and rebuilt, keeping the same Name. She was rigg’d, victuall’d, and fit to go to Sea, and was to sail to the Coast of Guinea for more Negroes, when one of the Sloops came in, which had been sent out rather to exercise the Negroes, than with any View of making a Prize, and brought Word five tall Ships chac’d her into the Bay, and stood for their Harbour; that she judg’d them to be Portuguese by their Built, and 50 Gun Ships, full of Men. This prov’d the real Truth. The Alarm was given, the Forts and Batteries mann’d, and every Man stood to his Arms. Misson took upon him the Command of 100 Negroes, who were well disciplin’d, (for every Morning they had been used to perform their Exercise, which was taught them by a French Serjeant, one of their Company, who belong’d to the Victoire) to be ready where his Assistance should be requir’d. Tew commanded all the English. They had hardly order’d their Affairs when these Ships hove in Sight, and stood directly for the Harbour with Portuguese Colours. They were warmly received by the two Forts, which did not stop them, though it brought one of them on the Careen; they enter’d the Harbour, and thought they had done their Business, but were saluted so warmly from the Forts and Batteries, Sloops and Ships, that two of them sunk downright, and a great many Men were drowned, though some got on Board the other Ships. The Portuguese, who did not imagine they had been so well fortified, and thought in passing the two Forts they should, without Difficulty, land their Men, and easily root out this Nest of Pyrates, found now their Mistake, for they durst not venture to hoist out a Boat. They had wisely, however, contriv’d to enter just before the Turn of the Tide. Finding the Attempt vain, and that they lost a great many Men, they clapp’d upon a Wind, and with the Help of the Tide of Ebb, made more Haste out than they did to get in, leaving two of their Ships sunk in the Harbour; but they did not get off so cheaply, for no sooner were they clear of the Forts, but Misson manning, with the utmost Expedition, both the Ships and the Sloops, he gave them Chase, and engag’d them at the Mouth of the Bay. The Portuguese defended themselves with a great deal of Gallantry, and one of them put off the Libertatians twice, who boarded them from the two Sloops; two of them, finding themselves hard press’d, made a running Fight, and got off, and left the third to shift as well as he could. The Bijoux and Victoire finding the Portuguese endeavour’d to clear themselves, and knowing there was little to be got by the Captures, gave over the Chase, and fell upon the third, who defended himself till his Decks swam with Blood, and the greater Number of his Men killed; but finding all Resistance vain, and that he was left to an unequal Fight by his Companions, he called for Quarter, and good Quarter was given, both to himself and Men. This Prize yielded them a great Quantity of Powder and Shot, and, indeed, they expected nothing of Value out of her. None of the Prisoners were stripp’d, and the Officers, Misson, Caraccioli and Tew, invited to their Tables, treating them very civilly, and extolling the Courage they had shewn in their Defence. Unhappily two Prisoners were found on Board, who had been released, and had sworn never to serve against them; these were clapp’d in Irons, and publickly tried for their Perjury. The Portuguese Officers being present, the Witnesses proved them the very discharged Men, and they were condemned to be hanged at the Point of each Fort; which Execution was performed the next Morning after their Condemnation, with the Assistance of the Portuguese Chaplain, who attended, confess’d and absolv’d them. This was the Engagement with the Pyrates, which made so much Noise in the Lisbon Gazette, and these the Men whom the English ignorantly took for Avery; who, we had a Notion here in London, had 32 Sail of Men of War, and had taken upon him the State and Title of King, a Mistake we have already spoken to in the first Volume.

This Execution seeming to impugn the Maxims of the Chiefs, Caraccioli made an Harangue, in which he told them, that there was no Rule could be laid down which did not allow Exceptions: That they were all sensible how tender the Commadore, Monsieur Misson, was in shedding of Blood; and that it was a Tenet of his Faith, that none had Power over the Life of another, but God alone, who gave it; but notwithstanding, Self-Preservation sometimes made it absolutely necessary to take away the Life of another, especially an avow’d and an obliged Enemy, even in cool Blood. As to the Blood shed in a lawful War, in Defence of that Liberty they had generously asserted, it was needless to say any Thing, but thought it proper to lay before them Reasons for the Execution of the Criminals, and the Heinousness of their Crimes. They had not only received their Lives from the Bounty of the Libertatians, but their Liberty, and had every Thing restored them which they laid claim to, consequently their Ingratitude rose in Proportion to the generous Treatment they had met with. That, indeed, both he and Captain Misson would have passed by the Perjury and Ingratitude they had been guilty of, with a corporal Punishment, which had not extended to the Deprivation of Life, but their gallant Friend and Companion the English Commander, Captain Tew, used such cogent Reasons for an exemplary Punishment, to deter others from the like Crimes, that they must have been Enemies to their own Preservation in not following his Advice. That the Lives of their whole Body ought to be preferr’d to those of declared and perjured Enemies, who would not cease to endeavour their Ruin; and, as they were well acquainted with their Settlement, might be fatal Instruments of it, if they were again restored to that Liberty which they had already abused. That he was obliged to do Captain Tew the Justice, to acknowledge he was inclined to the Side of Mercy, till he was thoroughly informed of the Blackness of their Ingratitude, and then he thought it would be Cruelty to themselves to let those Miscreants experience a second Time their Clemency; thus an absolute Necessity had obliged them to act contrary to their declar’d Principles; tho’, to state the Case rightly, these Men, not the Libertatians, were the Authors of their own Deaths: Here the Assembly crying out, their Blood is on their own Heads, they sought their Deaths, and hanging was too good for them; Caraccioli gave over, and every one returned satisfied to his private or the publick Affairs.

Some Differences arising between Misson’s and Tew’s Men, on a national Quarrel, which the latter began; Captain Tew proposed their deciding the Quarrel by the Sword, but Caraccioli was entirely against it, alledging, that such a Decision must necessarily be a Damage to the Publick, since the brave Men who fell, would be a weakening of their Colony; he therefore desired Captain Tew to interpose the Authority he had over his Crew, as he and Misson would endeavour to bring their Men to an amicable Agreement; and for the future, as this Accident proved the Necessity, wholesome Laws should be made, and a Form of Government entered upon, both Parties were call’d, and Caraccioli shew’d them the Necessity of their living in Unity among themselves, who had the whole World for Enemies; and as he had a perswasive and insinuating Way of Argument, with the Assistance of Captain Tew, this Affair was ended to the Satisfaction of both Parties.

The next Day the whole Colony was assembled, and the three Commanders propos’d a Form of Government, being taken up, as necessary to their Conservation; for where there were no coercive Laws, the weakest would always be the Sufferers, and every Thing must tend to Confusion: That Mens Passions blinding them to Justice, and making them ever partial to themselves, they ought to submit the Differences which might arise to calm and disinterested Persons, who could examine with Temper, and determine according to Reason and Equity: That they look’d upon a Democratical Form, where the People were themselves the Makers and Judges of their own Laws, the most agreeable; and therefore, desired they would divide themselves into Companies of ten Men, and every such Company chuse one to assist in the settling a Form of Government, and in making wholesome Laws for the Good of the whole: That the Treasure and Cattle they were Masters of should be equally divided, and such Lands as any particular Man would enclose, should, for the future, be deem’d his Property, which no other should lay any Claim to, if not alienated by a Sale.

The Proposal was received with Applause, and they decimated themselves that very Day, but put off the meeting of the States till a House was built, which they set about very chearfully, and finish’d in about a Fortnight; it being of framed Timber, and they having among them a great many who understood the handling an Ax.

When this Body of Politicians met, Caraccioli open’d the Sessions with a handsome Speech, shewing the Advantage flowing from Order; and then spoke to the Necessity of lodging a supream Power in the Hands of one, who should have that of rewarding brave and vertuous Actions, and of punishing the vicious, according to the Laws which the State should make; by which, he was to be guided. That such a Power however should not be for Life, nor hereditary, but determinate at the end of three Years, when a new Choice should be made by the State, or the Old confirm’d for three Years longer; by which means, the ablest Men would always be at the Head of Affairs, and their Power being of short Duration, none would dare to abuse it: That such a Chief should have the Title of Lord Conservator, and all the Ensigns of Royalty to attend him.

This was approv’d Nemine contradicente, and Misson was chose Conservator, with Power to create great Officers, &c. and with the Title of Supream Excellence.

Then a Law was made for the meeting of the State once every Year at least, but oftner, if the Conservator and his Council thought it necessary for the common Good to convene them; and that nothing of Moment should be undertaken without the Approbation of the State.

In a Word, their first Sessions lasted ten Days; and a great many wholesome Laws were enacted, register’d in the State-Book, printed and dispers’d (for they had some Printers and Letter Founders among them) and then the Conservator dissolved them.

Captain Tew, the Conservator, honoured with the Title of Admiral, and Caraccioli made Secretary of State; he chose a Council of the ablest among them, without Distinction of Nation or Colour; and the different Languages began to be incorporated, and one made out of the many: An equal Division was made of their Treasure and Cattle, and every one began either to inclose Land for himself or his Neighbour, who would hire his Assistance.

Admiral Tew propos’d the building an Arsenal, and augmenting their Naval Force; the first was agreed to be propos’d to the State at the next Convention, but the latter was thought unnecessary, till the Number of Inhabitants was augmented; for should they all be employed in the Sea Service, the Husbandry would be neglected, which would be of fatal Consequence to the growing Colony.

The Admiral then proposed the fetching in those Englishmen who had followed the Quarter Master; but the Council rejected this, alledging, that as they deserted their Captain, it was a Mark of a mutinous Temper, and they might infect others with a Spirit of Disorder; that however, they might have Notice given them of the Settlement, and if they made it their earnest Intreaty to be admitted, and would desert the Quarter-Master, it should be granted as a particular Favour done them, at the instance of the Admiral, and upon his engaging his Parole of Honour for their quiet Behaviour.

The Admiral then desired he might take a Cruize; that he hop’d to meet with some East-India Ships, and bring in some Voluntiers, for the Number of Subjects being the Riches of a Nation, he thought the Colony stood more in need of Men, than of any Thing else; that he would lie in the Way of the Cape, and did not question doing good Service; and as he went to the Northward, would call upon his own Men.

The Victoire was according to the Admiral’s Desire fitted out, and in few Days he sail’d with 300 Men on board; he came to an Anchor at the Settlement his Men had made, and hoisted an English Ensign in his Fore Shrouds, and fir’d a Gun; but after he had waited some Time, perceiving no Signal from the Shore, he landed and sent back his Boat; soon after the Boat was returned towards the Ship, two of his Men came up to him, to whom he gave an Account of Misson’s Settlement: They invited him into the Wood to see that of theirs, and to advise with their Companions, about the propos’d Migration. The Governor, aliàs Quarter-Master, received him mighty civilly, but told him, that he could see no Advantage to themselves in changing their present Situation, tho’ they might prove a great One to the new Colony, by adding to their Force so many brave Fellows: That they there enjoy’d all the Necessaries of Life; were free and independent of all the World; and it would be Madness again to subject themselves to any Government, which, however mild, still exerted some Power. That he was Governor for three Months, by the Choice of his Companions; but his Power extended no farther than to the judging in Matters of small Difference which might arise, which he hop’d to do impartially while his Authority continued; that they had agreed among themselves, and confirm’d that Agreement by Oath, to support the Decrees of the Governor for the Time, that their Tranquillity might not be disturb’d by the capricious Humour of any one Man; and that this Power of determining, was to devolve at the Expiration of three Months, to him on whom the Lot should fall by balloting, provided he had not before enjoyed the Honour, for such a one was not to draw; by which Agreement, every one would be raised, in Time, to the supream Command, which prevented all canvassing and making Interest for Votes, as when it determined by Suffrage; left no Open for making Divisions and Parties, and was a Means to continue to them that Repose inseparable from a Unity among themselves. However, continu’d he, if you will go to America or Europe, and shew the Advantages which may accrue to the English, by fixing a Colony here, out of that Love we bear our Country, and to wipe away the odious Appellation of Pyrates, with Pleasure we’ll submit to any who shall come with a Commission from a lawful Government; but ’tis ridiculous to think we will become Subjects to greater Rogues than our selves; and that you may know what to say on this Head, if you think it expedient to follow my Advice, take with you some few Thoughts, which I have couch’d in Writing, and which I’ll fetch you; he went into his Cabbin, for, tho’ the Governor’s, it did not deserve the Name of a House, brought out some written Papers, and gave them him.

Captain Tew finding the Quarter-Master spoke the Sentiments of his Companions, took Leave, and returned to his Ship.

When the Captain was in his Cabbin, he read the Quarter-Master’s Papers, which, as the Contents of them may oblige the curious, I shall set down.

This Island of Madagascar affords all the Necessaries of Life, and yields to none either in the Wholesomeness of the Air, or Fruitfulness of the Soil: The Seas around it are well stor’d with Fish, the Woods with Fowl, and the Intrails of the Earth are enrich’d with Mines of excellent Iron, as I have learn’d from some Natives, by their having Arms of that Metal; and, doubtless there are here both Gold and Silver Mines in the Mountains.

The Soil will produce Sugar, Cotton, Indigo, and other Growths of our American Colonies, at a far inferior Expence, as I will make plain, by comparing the Charge of erecting a Mill, &c. in Barbadoes, with what it would be here.

A Windmill in Barbadoes will cost 100 l. all Materials and Labour being very dear; but here Wood and Stone may be had for Labour only; so that with Artificers, and the needful Iron and Copper Work brought from Europe, a Sugar Work may be set up for very little Money.

Negroes in Barbadoes are at 30, 40, 50 l. per Head; and I dare answer 10 s. in European Goods, will purchase a Negroe Slave at Madagascar, since we have purchas’d for an old Coat, a lusty Fellow.

Food is very dear at Barbadoes, and here you may feed a Slave, as well as your self without Expence; consequently he will do more Work than a Barbadoes Slave, who is, by the Dearness of Provision, half-starved.

Tho’ a Cattle Mill is of less Expence in Barbadoes, yet the feeding of Horses and Oxen at Barbadoes is very dear.

But, to proceed to other Advantages, all Sorts of medicinal and dying Woods may be carried from hence to Europe; and your Woods for fine Works, as Iron, Wood, Cedar, Mahogony, &c. are here in great Abundance.

If a Colony, with a lawful Power, were settled here, no doubt, but many of the Commodities which we fetch from the Indies might be made here, as Silk, Cotton, &c. the Soil being proper for their Production.

The Natives are, or seem to be, very human; and they have such Plenty of black Cattle, that we have bought an Ox of 800 lb. Weight, for a Pair of Breeches.

Besides, a Settlement here would be a Curb on Pyrates, and a Protection, as well as a great Conveniency to our East India Ships, who might here be stored with fresh or salt Provisions, and consequently not be obliged to carry with them so great a Quantity as they now do, and save a great Deal of Money to the Company in their Victualling.

Captain Tew went on Shore again in the Evening, the Wind not serving to weigh, it blowing due West; he asked the Governor, how he got acquainted with the Natives? and he answered, by meeting them a Hunting, and using them well; that he wheedled one of them down to their Huts, the Fellow being alone, and they three in Company, he suppos’d, thought it best to go with seeming Willingness. After him several came, and they liv’d very friendly with them: The Captain had brought ashore with him some Rum and Brandy, and they were drinking a Bowl of Punch, when, on a sudden, a violent Storm arose; Captain Tew ran to the Shore, and made a Signal for his Boat to carry him off, but the Sea ran too high to venture out of the Ship: The Storm all the while increas’d, and the Victoire, in less than two Hours, parted her Cables, was drove ashore where it was steep to, and perished, with all her Men, in Captain Tew’s Sight.

The Captain staid with his old Companions, without knowing which Way to return to his Friends he had left with Misson, not one of whom was (luckily for them,) on board the Ship. At the End of three Months, as far as they could discover a Hutt, they saw a large Ship, which Tew believed was the Bijoux; but she took no Notice of the Fires they made: As he expected she would return after a short Cruize, he, and his Companions, made large Fires every Night on the Shore, and visited the Coast very often. About a Month after this, as they came early to the Sea-Side, they were surpriz’d at the Sight of two Sloops which lay at an Anchor, about a Canon Shot from the Shore; they had not been long looking upon them, when a Canoe was hoisted out of One, and made to them, with six Men who row’d, and one Sitter.

Tew soon knew him to be Captain Misson; he came ashore, and embracing the former, told him, all their propos’d Happiness was vanished; for without the least Provocation given, in the Dead of the Night, the Natives came down upon them in two great Bodies, and made a great Slaughter, without Distinction of Age or Sex, before they could put themselves in a Posture of Defence; that Caraccioli (who died in the Action) and he got what Men together they could, to make a Stand; but finding all Resistance vain against such Numbers, he made a Shift to secure a considerable Quantity of rough Diamonds and Bar Gold, and to get on board the two Sloops with 45 Men: That the Bijoux being gone to cruize, and the Number of Men he had carried with him in the Victoire, weaken’d the Colony, and given the Natives the Boldness to attack them as they did, but for what Reason he could not imagine.

Tew gave him an Account of the Disaster which had happen’d; and after having mutually condol’d their Misfortunes, Tew propos’d their going to America, where Misson might, with the Riches he had, pass his Life unknown, and in a comfortable Manner.

Misson answer’d he could not yet take any Resolution, tho’ he had Thoughts of returning to Europe, and privately visiting his Family, if any where alive, and then to retire from the World.

They dined with the Quarter-Master, who press’d their Return to America, to procure a Commission for the settling a Colony.

Misson told Tew, he should have one of the Sloops, and what Volunteers would keep him Company, for his Misfortunes had erased all Thoughts of future Settlements; that what Riches they had saved, he would distribute equally, nay, he would be content, if he had only a bare Support left him.

On this Answer, four of the Quarter-Master’s Company offer’d to join Captain Tew.

In the Afternoon they visited both Sloops, and Misson putting the Question to the Men, thirty went on board of one Sloop, tho’ they parted with great Reluctance from their old Commander; and fifteen staid with Misson. The four Men who join’d Tew made the Number of his Crew 34; they staid about a Week, in hopes of the Bijoux’s Return upon the Coast; but she not appearing, they set sail, Captain Misson having first shared the Treasure, with Tew and his other Friends and Companions, hoping to meet the Bijoux on the Guiney Coast, for which they shaped their Course.

Off Cape Infantes, they were over-taken with a Storm, in which the unhappy Misson’s Sloop went down, within a Musket Shot of Captain Tew, who could give him no Assistance.

Tew continued his Course for America, and arrived at Rhode Island without any Accident; his Men dispersed themselves, as they thought fit, and Tew sent to Bermudas for his Owners Account fourteen Times the Value of their Sloop, and not being questioned by any, liv’d in great Tranquillity; the French belonging to Misson, took different Routs, one of whom dying at Rochelle, the French Manuscript of Misson’s Life was found among his Papers, and transmitted to me by a Friend and Correspondent.

Captain Tew lived unquestion’d, &c. he had an easy Fortune, and designed to live quietly at home; but those of his Men, who lived near him, having squandered their Shares, were continually solliciting him to take another Trip: He withstood their Request a considerable Time; but they having got together (by the Report they made of the vast Riches to be acquired) a Number of resolute Fellows, they, in a Body, begg’d him to head them but for one Voyage. They were so earnest in their Desire, that he could not refuse complying. They prepared a small Sloop, and made the best of their Way to the Streights, entering the Red Sea, where they met with, and attack’d a Ship belonging to the Great Mogul; in the Engagement, a Shot carried away the Rim of Tew’s Belly, who held his Bowels with his Hands some small Space; when he dropp’d, it struck such a Terror in his Men, that they suffered themselves to be taken, without making Resistance.

John Halsey was a Boston Man, of New England, commanded the Charles Brigantine, and went out with a Commission from the Governor, to cruize on the Banks of Newfoundland, where he took a French Banker, which he appointed to meet him at Fyal; but missing his Prize here, he went among the Canary Islands, where he took a Spanish Barcalonga, which he plundered and sunk; from thence he went to the Island of Bravo, one of the Cape de Verd, where he wooded and watered, turn’d ashore his Lieutenant, and several of his Men here running away from him, the Governor sent them on board again, his Commission being as yet in Force; from hence he stood away then to the Southward, and doubling the Cape of Good Hope, made for Madagascar and the Bay of Augustine, where he took in Wood and Water, with some straggling Seamen, who were cast away in the Degrave India Man, Capt. Young, Commander. After this, he shap’d his Course for the Red Sea, and met with a Dutchman of 60 Guns, coming from Mocha, whom he kept Company with a Week. Tho’ he was resolved upon turning Pyrate, he intended to rob only the Moor Ships, which occasioned a Dispute between him and his Men; they insisting on the Ship’s being a Moor, he as strenuously asserting she was Dutch, was positive in his Resolve of meddling with no European Ships. The Men were for boarding, but his Obstinacy not being to be conquered, they broke Halsey and his Gunner, confining both, and were ready to board the Dutchman, when one of the Crew perceiving he was about to run out his lower Tire, knock’d down the Quarter-Master (whose Business it is to be at the Helm in Time of Chase or Engagement, according to the Rules of Pyrates) clapp’d the Helm hard a Weather, and wore the Brigantine: The Dutchman staid, and fired a Shot, which taking a Swivel Gun carried it aft, narrowly miss’d the Man at Helm, and shatter’d the Tafrel; the Men perceiving they had catch’d a Tartar, made the best of their Way to shake her off, and some were running down between Decks, whom the Surgeon prick’d up again with his Sword, tho’ he no Way was consenting to their design’d Pyracy. The Captain and a Gunner were again reinstated after they had seen their Mistake, and then they steer’d for the Nicobar Islands, where they met with a Country Ship, called the Buffalo, commanded by Captain Buckley, an Englishman, coming from Bengal, which they took after a short Engagement, there being only three Europeans aboard, the Captain and two Mates, the rest were Moors. This Ship fell seasonably in their Way, she being bound for Achen, with Butter, Rice, and Cloath, and the Pyrates, at that Time, being in great Streights both for Provision and Cloathing. They took the two Mates to Sea with them, but left the Captain and the Moors at Cara Nicobar, at an Anchor, and then took a Cruize. Captain Buckley, who was sick, died before their Return; in the Cruize they met with Captain Collins in a Country Sloop, bound also to Achen: He had also two English Mates with him, but the rest of his Company consisted of Moors; him they carried to the same Harbour where they left the Buffalo.

Here a Dispute arose among the Pyrates, some were for returning to the West Indies, others were against it, for they had got no Money, and that was what engaged their Search; they parted upon this; one Part went on board the Buffalo, made one Rowe Captain, and Myers, a Frenchman, Master, whom they had pick’d up at Madagascar. The Sloop’s Deck they ripp’d up, and mended with it the Bottom of the Brigantine, which Halsey still commanded; the Ship shaped her Course for Madagascar, and the Brigantine made for the Streights of Malacca, to lie in the Tract of the Manila Ships. I must observe, that Capt. Buckley’s two Mates, whom they intended to force with them, were by Strength of Intreaty, permitted to go away with a Canoe. In these Streights, they met an Europe built Ship, of 26 Guns, which they had not the Courage to attack, being sour’d by the Dutchman. They afterwards stood in Shore, and came to an Anchor; few Days after they made a Vessel, which they supposed a China Jonque, and gave Chase, but when they came pretty nigh, notwithstanding the Pilot assured them, she was what they supposed, they swore it was a Dutchman, and would not venture upon him; so leaving off their Chase stood in Shore, and came again to an Anchor under the Peninsula; they lay here some Days, and then spied a tall Vessel, which they chased, and proved the Albemarle East India Man, Captain Bews, Commander, come from China; they came up with him, but thinking it too warm a Ship, after exchanging a few Shot, the Brigantine made off, and the Albemarle chased in her Turn: They however got clear, having a better Share of Heels, and came again to an Anchor, having not above 40 Hands, their Water growing scarce, and not daring to venture ashore for Fear of the Dutch, a Council was called, and it was resolved to make the best of their Way to Madagascar, to pick up more Hands, refresh, and set out on new Adventures; pursuant to this Resolution, they steer’d for that Island, but fell in their Way on Mascarenas where, making a small Present to the Governor, they were supplied with what they wanted; from hence they went to a Place on Madagascar, call’d by the Pyrates Hopeful Point; by the Natives, Harangby, near the Island of St. Mary’s, on the Lat. of 17. 40 S. where they met with the Buffalo, and the Dorothy, a Prize, made by Captain Thomas White and his Company, being about 90 or 100 Men, settled near the same Place, in petty Governments of their own, having some of them 500 or 600, some 1000 Negroe Subjects, who acknowledged their Sovereignty. Here they again repaired their Brigantine, took in Provisions and all Necessaries, augmented their Company to about 100 Men, and set out for the Red Sea; they touch’d at Johanna, and there took in a Quantity of Goats and Cocoa Nuts for fresh Provisions, and thence in eleven Days reach’d the Streights of Babel Mandel: They had not cruised here many Days, when they spied the Moors Fleet from Mocha and Jufa, consisting of 25 Sail, which they fell in with, and had been taken, if their Oars had not help’d them off, it falling a dead Calm. They had not apprehended the Danger so great, if they had not judged these Ships convoy’d by some Portuguese Men of War: Some Days after this, they met a one Mast Vessel, called a Grab, coming from Mocha, which they spied within Gun-Shot, in a thick Fog; they fired a Shot which out her Halliards, and then they took Possession of her with their Boats; she was laden with Drugs, but they took only some Necessaries and 2000 Dollars, and having learned that 4 English Vessels lay at Mocoa, of which one was from Jufa, they let her go.

Three Days after they spied the 4 Ships, which they at first took for the Trees of Babel Mandel; at Night they fell in with, and kept them Company till Morning, the Trumpets sounding on both Sides all the Time, for the Pyrate had two on board as well as the English. When it was clear Day the four Ships drew into a Line, for they had haled the Pyrate, who made no Ceremony of owning who he was, by answering according to their Manner From the Seas. The Brigantine bore up till she had slung her Garf. One of the Ships perceiving this, advised Captain Jago, who led the Van, in a Ship of 24 Guns and 70 Men, to give Chace, for the Pyrate was on the Run; but a Mate, who was acquainted with the Way of working among Pyrates, answered he would find his Mistake, and said he had seen many a warm Day, but feared this would be the hottest. The Brigantine turn’d up again, and coming a Stern, clapp’d the Rising Eagle aboard, a Ship of 16 Guns and the Sternmost; tho’ they entered their Men, the Rising Eagle held them a warm Dispute for 3 Quarters of an Hour, in which Captain Chamberlain’s chief Mate and several others were killed, the Purser was wounded, jumped over-board, and drowned: In the mean while the other Ships call’d to Captain Jago to board the Pyrate; who bearing away, to clap him aboard, the Pyrate gave him a Shot, which raked him fore and aft, and determined Captain Jago to get out of Danger; for he run away with all the Sail he could pack, tho’ he was fitted out to protect the Coast against Pyrates. His Example was followed by the rest, every one steering a different Course: Thus they became Masters of the Rising Eagle. I can’t but take Notice, that the second Mate of the Rising Eagle, after Quarters were called for, fired from out of the Forecastle, and killed two of the Pyrates, one of whom was the Gunner’s Consort, who would have revenged his Death by shooting the Mate, but several Irish and Scots, together with one Captain Thomas White, once a Commander among the Pyrates, but then a private Man, interposed and saved him, in regard that he was an Irishman. They examined the Prisoners to know which was the Ship came from Juffa, for that had Money on board; and having learn’d it was the Essex, they gave Chace, came up with her, hoisted the bloody Flag at the Mainmast-head, fired one single Gun, and she struck; tho’ the Essex was fitted for close Quarters, there were not on board the Brigantine above 20 Hands, and the Prize was a Stern so far, that her Top-mast scarce appeared out of the Water; in chacing this Ship, they pass’d the other two, who held the Fly of their Ensigns in their Hands ready to strike. When the Ship had struck, the Captain of her asked who commanded that Brigantine, he was answered, Captain Halsey; asking again who was Quarter-Master? He was told, Nathaniel North, to whom he called, as he knew him very well. North learning his Name was Punt, said Captain Thomas Punt, I am sorry you are fallen into our Hands; he was civilly treated, and nothing belonging to himself or the English Gentlemen, who were Passengers, touch’d, tho’ they made bold to lay Hands on 40000 l. in Money belonging to the Ship. They had about 10000 l. in Money out of the Rising Eagle. They discharged the Essex, and with the other Prize and the Brigantine, steer’d for Madagascar, where they arrived and shared their Booty. Some of the Passengers, who had been so well treated, came afterwards with a small Ship from India (with License from the Governor of Maderas) called the Greyhound, laden with Necessaries, in Hopes to barter with the Pyrates for the dry Goods they had taken, and recover them at an easy Rate: They were received very kindly, an Invoice of their Goods was asked, the Goods agreed for, shared and paid in Money and Bale Goods. In the mean while came in a Ship from Scotland, called the Neptune, 26 Guns, 54 Men, commanded by Captain James Miller, with a Design to slave, and to go thence to Batavia to dispose of her Negroes (having a Supercargo on board, brought up among the Dutch) and thence to Malacco, to take on board the Cargo of a Ship, call’d the Speedwell, lost on her Return from China; but finding here another Ship trading with the Pyrates, and having many Necessaries, French Brandy, Madera Wine, and English Stout on board, Captain Miller thought it better to trade for Money than Slaves. The Merchants of the Greyhound nettled to see any but themselves take Money, for the Pyrates never haggled about a Price, told ’em, They could not do the Governor of Maderas a more grateful Piece of Service, than to make Prize of the Neptune, which was a Ship fit for their Purpose. To which some of the Scotch and Irish answered, they had not best put such a Design on Foot, for if the Company once got it into their Heads to take one, they’d go nigh to take both Ships. In a short Time after came on a Hurricane, which obliged the Neptune to cut away all her Masts, and lost the three Ships belonging to the Pyrates, which was their whole Fleet. They having now no Ship, and several of them no Money, having been stripp’d at Play, their Thoughts were bent on the Neptune. The Chief Mate of her Daniel Burgis, who had a Spleen to the Captain, joining privately with the Pyrates (among whom he died) got all the small Masts and Yards ashore; and the Pyrates being requested to find him proper Trees for Masting, told Captain Miller, they had found such as would serve his Turn, desiring he would take a Number of Hands ashore to get them down to the Water, which he (suspecting no harm) accordingly did, and he and his Men were seized, and the Long Boat detained ashore. The Captain was forced to send for the second Mate, and afterwards for the Gunner; the Mate, who was the Captain’s Brother, went, but the Gunner suspecting foul Play refused: In the Evening Burgess came on board, and advised the Surrender of the Ship, which, tho’ but sixteen were left on board, they scrupled, and proposed going under the Cover of their own Guns to fetch their Top-masts and Yards, and with them to put to Sea; but the Chief Mate Burgess, whose Villany was not then known, persuaded them to give up a Ship they could neither defend nor sail; which was no small Satisfaction to the Merchants in the Greyhound, little thinking how soon they would meet with the same Treatment; for two Days after the Pyrates mann’d the Neptune’s Pinnace, seized the Greyhound, took away all the Money they had paid, and shifting out of the Neptune ten Pipes of Madera, with two Hogsheads of Brandy, into the Greyhound, and putting on board the Captain, second Mate, Boatswain and Gunner of the Neptune, and about 14 of her Hands, ordered her to Sea; the rest of the Neptune’s Company being young Men fit for their Purpose, they detained, most of which, by hard drinking, fell into Distempers and died. As to Captain Halsey, while the Scotch Ship was fitting, he fell ill of a Fever, died and was buried with great Solemnity and Ceremony; the Prayers of the Church of England were read over him, Colours were flying, and his Sword and Pistol laid on his Coffin, which was covered with a Ship’s Jack; as many Minute Guns fired as he was Years old, viz. 46, and three English Vollies, and one French Volley of small Arms. He was brave in his Person, courteous to all his Prisoners, lived beloved, and died regretted by his own People. His Grave was made in a Garden of Water Melons, and fenced in with Pallisades to prevent his being rooted up by wild Hogs, of which there are Plenty in those Parts.

P. S. The Neptune seized as above, was the Year after Captain Halsey’s Death, ready to go to Sea; but a Hurricane happening she was lost, and prov’d the last Ship that Gang of Pyrates ever got Possession of.

He was born at Plymouth, where his Mother kept a Publick House; she took great Care of his Education and when he was grown up, as he had an Inclination to the Sea, procur’d him the King’s Letter. After he had served some Years on board a Man of War, he went to Barbadoes, where he married, got into the Merchants Service, and designed to settle in the Island: He had the Command of the Marygold Brigantine given him, in which he made two successful Voyages to Guiney and back to Barbadoes; in his third, he had the Misfortune to be taken by a French Pyrate, as were several other English Ships, the Masters and inferior Officers of which they detained, being in Want of good Artists.

The Brigantine belonging to White they kept for their own Use, and sunk the Vessel they before sailed in; but meeting with a Ship on the Guiney Coast more fit for their Purpose, they went on board her, and burnt the Brigantine.

It is not my Business here to give an Acount of this French Pyrate, any farther than Captain White’s Story obliges me, tho’ I beg Leave to take Notice of their Barbarity to the English Prisoners, for they would set them up as a Butt or Mark to shoot at; several of whom were thus murdered in cool Blood, by Way of Diversion.

White was marked out for a Sacrifice by one of these Villains, who, for I know not what Reason, had sworn his Death, which he escaped thus. One of the Crew, who had a Friendship for White, knew this Fellow’s Design, to kill him in the Night, and therefore advised him to lye between him and the Ship’s Side, with Intention to save him; which indeed he did, but was himself shot dead by the murderous Villain, who mistook him for White; but this by the Bye.

After some Time cruizing along the Coast, the Pyrates doubled the Cape of Good Hope, and shaped their Course for Madagascar, where, being drunk and mad, they knock’d their Ship on the Head, at the South End of the Island, at a Place called by the Natives Elexa; the Country thereabouts was governed by a King, named Mafaly.

When the Ship struck, Captain White, Captain Boreman, (born in the Isle of White, formerly a Lieutenant of a Man of War, but in the Merchants Service when he fell into the Hands of the Pyrates) Captain Bowen and some other Prisoners got to the Long-Boat, and with broken Oars and Barrel Staves, which they found in the Bottom of the Boat, paddled to Augustine Bay; that is about 14 or 15 Leagues from the Wreck where they landed, and were kindly received by the King of Bavaw (the Name of that Part of the Island) who spoke good English.

They staid here a Year and a half at the King’s Expence, who gave them a plentiful Allowance of Provision, as was his Custom to all White Men, who met with any Misfortune on his Coast; his Humanity not only provided for all such, but the first European Vessel that came in, he always obliged them to take in the unfortunate People, let the Vessel be what it would; for he had no Notion of any Difference between Pyrates and Merchants.

At the Expiration of the above Term, a Pyrate Brigantine came in, aboard which the King obliged them to enter, or travel by Land to some other Place, which they durst not do; and of two Evils chose the least, that of going on board the Pyrate Vessel, which was commanded by one William Read, who received them very civilly.

This Commander went along the Coast, and pick’d up what Europeans he could meet with; his Crew however did not exceed forty Men, he would have been glad of taking on board some of the wreck’d Frenchmen, but for the Barbarity they had used towards the English Prisoners; however, it was impracticable, for the French pretending to lord it over the Natives, whom they began to treat inhumanly, were set upon by them, one half of their Number cut off, and the other half made Slaves.

Read, with this Gang, and a Brigantine of 60 Tons, steer’d his Course for the Gulf of Persia, where they met a Grabb (a one masted Vessel) of about 200 Tons, which was made Prize.

They found nothing on board but Bale Goods, most of which they threw over-board to search for Gold, and to make Room in the Vessel; but as they learned afterwards, they threw over in their Search, what they so greedily hunted after, for there was a considerable Quantity of Gold concealed in one of the Bales they toss’d into the Sea.

In this Cruise Captain Read fell ill and died; he was succeeded by one James. The Brigantine being small, crazy, and worm eaten, they shaped their Course for the Island of Mayotta, where they took out the Masts of the Brigantine, fitted up the Grabb, and made a Ship of her: Here they took in a Quantity of fresh Provision, which is in this Island very plentiful, and very cheap; and found a twelve oar’d Boat, which formerly belonged to the Ruby East India Man, which had been lost there.

They staid here all the Monsoon Time, which is about six Months; after which they resolved for Madagascar. As they came in with the Land, they spied a Sail coming round from the East Side of the Island; they gave Chase on both Sides, so that they soon met: They haled each other, and receiving the same Answer from each Vessel, viz. from the Seas, they joined Company.

This Vessel was a small French Ship, laden with Liquors from Martinico, first commanded by one Fourgette, to trade with the Pyrates for Slaves, at Ambonawoula, on the East Side the Island, in the Lat. of 17. 30. and was by them taken after the following Manner.

The Pyrates, who were headed by George Booth, Commander of the Ship, went on board (as they had often done) to the Number of ten, and carried Money with them under Pretence of purchasing what they wanted. (This Booth had formerly been Gunner of a Pyrate Ship, called the Dolphin.) Captain Fourgette was pretty much upon his Guard, and searched every Man as he came over the Side, and a Pair of Pocket Pistols were found upon a Dutchman, who was the first enter’d; the Captain told him, he was a Rogue, and had a Design upon his Ship, and the Pyrates pretended to be so angry with this Fellow’s offering to come on board with Arms, that they threatned to knock on the Head, and tossing him roughly into the Boat, ordered him ashore, tho’ they had before taken an Oath on the Bible, either to carry the Ship or die in the Undertaking.

They were all searched, but they however contrived to get on board 4 Pistols, which were all the Arms they had for the Enterprize, tho’ Fourgette had 20 Hands on board, and his small Arms on the Arning to be in Readiness.

The Captain invited them into the Cabbin to Dinner, but Booth chose to dine with the petty Officers, tho’ one Johnson, Isaac, and another, went down.

Booth was to give the Watch Word, which was Hurrah; he pretending to make Water over the Side of the Gunnel, laid his Hand on the Arning, and being a nimble Fellow, at one Spring threw himself upon it, drew the Arms to him, fired his Pistol forward among the Men, one of whom he wounded, (who jumping over-board was lost) and gave the Signal.

Three I said were in the Cabbin, and seven upon Deck, who with Handspikes and the Arms seized, secured the Ship’s Crew. The Captain and his two Mates, who were at Dinner in the Cabbin, hearing the Pistol, fell upon Johnson, and stabb’d him in several Places with their Forks, but they being Silver, did him no great Damage. Fourgette snatch’d his Piece which he snapp’d at Isaac’s Breast several Times, but it would not go off; at last, finding his Resistance vain, he submitted, and the Pyrates set him, and those of his Men who would not join them, on Shore, allowing him to take his Books, Papers, and whatever else he claimed as belonging to himself; and besides treating him very humanly gave him several Casks of Liquor, with Arms and Powder, to purchase Provisions in the Country.

I hope this Digression, as it was in a Manner needful, will be excused; I shall now proceed.

After they had taken in the Dolphin’s Company, which were on the Island, and encreased by that Means their Crew to the Number of 80 Hands, they sail’d to St. Mary’s, where Captain Misson’s Ship lay at Anchor, between the Island and the Main: This Gentleman and his whole Ship’s Company had been cut off, at the Instigation of Ort-Vantyle, a Dutchman of New-York.

Out of her they took Water Casks and other Necessaries, which having done, they designed for the River Methelage, on the West Side Madagascar, in the Lat. of 16 or thereabouts, to salt up Provisions and to proceed to the East Indies, cruize off the Islands of St. John, and lie in Wait for the Moors Ships from Mocha.

In their Way to Methelage they fell in (as I have said) with the Pyrate, on board of which was Captain White; they join’d Company, came to an Anchor together in the above-nam’d River, where they had cleaned, salted up, taken in their Provisions, and were ready to go to Sea, when a large Ship appeared in Sight, and stood into the same River.

The Pyrates knew not whether she was a Merchant Man or Man of War; she had been the latter, belonging to the French King, and could mount 50 Guns; but being taken by the English, she was bought by some London Merchants, and fitted out from that Port, to slave at Madagascar, and go to Jamaica. The Captain was a young unexperienced Man, who was put in with a Nurse.

The Pyrates sent their Boats to speak with him, but the Ship firing at them, they concluded it a Man of War, and rowed to Shore, the two Pyrates slipp’d and run ashore; the Grabb standing in, and not keeping her Wind so well as the French built Ship, run among a Parcel of Mangroves, and a Stump piercing her Bottom, she sunk; the other run aground, let go her Anchor, and came to no Damage, for the Tide of Flood fetch’d her off.

The Captain of the Speaker, for that was the Name of the Ship which frighten’d the Pyrates, was not a little vain of having forced these two Vessels ashore, tho’ he did not know whether they were Pyrates or Merchant Men, and could not help expressing himself in these Words; How will my Name ring on the Exchange, when it is known I have run two Pyrates aground, which gave Handle to a satyrical Return from one of his Men after he was taken, who said, Lord, How our Captain’s Name will ring on the Exchange, when it is heard, he frighten’d two Pyrate Ships ashore, and was taken by their two Boats afterwards.

When the Speaker came within Shot, she fired several at the two Vessels; and when she came to an Anchor, several more into the Country, which alarm’d the Negroes, who, acquainting their King, he would allow him no Trade, till the Pyrates living ashore, and who had a Design on his Ship, interceded for ’em, telling the King, they were their Countrymen, and what had happened was thro’ a Mistake, it being a Custom among them to fire their Guns by Way of Respect, and it was owing to the Gunner of the Ship’s Negligence, that they fir’d Shot.

The Captain of the Speaker sent his Purser ashore, to go up the Country to the King, who lived about 24 Miles from the Coast, to carry a couple of small Arms inlaid with Gold, a couple of Brass Blunderbusses, and a Pair of Pistols, as Presents, and to require Trade.

As soon as the Purser was ashore, he was taken Prisoner, by one Tom Collins, a Welchman, born in Pembroke, who lived on Shore, and had belong’d to the Charming Mary of Barbadoes, which went out with a Commission, but was converted to a Pyrate; he told the Purser, he was his Prisoner, and must answer the Damage done two Merchants, who were slaving.

The Purser answer’d, that he was not Commander, that the Captain was a hot rash Youth, put into a Business by his Friends, which he did not understand; but however, Satisfaction should be made.

He was carried by Collins on board Booth’s Ship, where, at first, he was talked to in pretty strong Terms; but after a while very civilly us’d, and the next Morning sent up to the King with a Guide, and Peace made for him, as already said.

The King allowed them Trade, and sent down the usual Presents, a couple of Oxen, between 20 and 30 People laden with Rice, and as many more with the Country Liquor, called Toke.

The Captain then settled the Factory on the Shore Side, and began to buy Slaves and Provisions; the Pyrates were among them, and had Opportunities of sounding the Men, and knowing in what Posture the Ship lay. They found by one Hugh Man, belonging to the Speaker, that there were not above 40 Men on board, and that they had lost the second Mate and 20 Hands in the Long Boat, on the Coast, before they came into this Harbour, but that they kept a good Look-out, and had their Guns ready primed; however, he, for a hundred Pounds, undertook to wet all the Priming, and assist in the taking the Ship.

After some Days the Captain of the Speaker came on Shore, and was received with a great Deal of Civility by the Heads of the Pyrates, having agreed before to make Satisfaction; in a Day or two after, he was invited by them to eat a Barbacute Shoot, which Invitation he accepted.

After Dinner, Captain Bowen, who was, I have already said, a Prisoner on board the French Pyrate, but now become one of the Fraternity, and Master of the Grab, went out, and returned with a Case of Pistols in his Hand, and told the Captain of the Speaker, whose Name I won’t mention, that he was his Prisoner; he asked, upon what Account? Bowen answered, they wanted a Ship, his was a good One, and they were resolved to have her, to make amends for the Damage he had done them.

In the mean while his Boats Crew, and the rest of his Men ashore, were told by other of the Pyrates, who were drinking with them, that they were also Prisoners; some of them answer’d, Z—ds, we don’t trouble our Heads what we are, let’s have t’other Bowl of Punch.

A Watch Word was given, and no Boat to be admitted on board the Ship; this Word, which was for that Night, Coventry, was known to them: At Eight a-Clock they mann’d the twelve-oar’d Boat, and that they found at Mayotta, with 24 Men, and set out for the Ship.

When they were put off, the Captain of the Speaker desired them to come back, he wanted to speak with them; Captain Booth asked, what he wanted? He said, they could never take his Ship, then said Booth, we’ll die in or along Side of her; but replied the Captain, if you will go with Safety, don’t board on the Lar-board Side, for there is a Gun out of the Steerage loaden with Patridge, will clear the Decks; they thank’d him, and proceeded.

When they were near the Ship they were haled, and the Answer was, the Coventry; all well, said the Mate, get the Lights over the Side, but spying the second Boat, he asked what Boat that was? one answered, it was a Raft of Water, another, that it was a Boat of Beef; this Disagreement in the Answers made the Mate suspicious, who cried out Pyrates, take to your Arms my Lads, and immediately clapp’d a Match to a Gun, which, as the Priming was before wet by the Treachery of Hugh Man, only fizz’d; they boarded in the Instant, and made themselves Masters of her, without the Loss of a Man on either Side.

The next Day they put necessary Provisions on board the French built Ship, and gave her to the Captain of the Speaker, and those Men who would go off with him, among whom was Man, who had betray’d his Ship; for the Pyrates had both paid him the 100 l. agreed, and kept his Secret. The Captain having thus lost his Ship, sail’d in that the Pyrates gave him, for Johanna, where he fell ill and died with Grief.

The Pyrates having here victualled, they sail’d for the Bay of St. Augustine, where they took in between 70 and 80 Men, who had belonged to the Ship Alexander, commanded by Captain James, a Pyrate; they also took up her Guns, and mounted the Speaker with 54, which made up their Number 240 Men besides Slaves, of which they had about 20.

From hence they sailed for the East Indies, but stopp’d at Zanguebar for fresh Provisions, where the Portuguese had once a Settlement, but now inhabited by Arabians; some of them went ashore with the Captain to buy Provisions, the Captain was sent for by the Governor, who went with about 14 in Company: They past thro’ the Guard, and when they were entered the Governor’s House, they were all cut off; and, at the same Time, others who were in different Houses of the Town were set upon, which made them fly to the Shore; the Long-Boat, which lay off at a Grapling, was immediately put in by those who look’d after her: There were not above half a dozen of the Pyrates who brought their Arms ashore, but they plyed them so well, for they were in the Boat, that most of the Men got into her, the Quarter-Master ran down Sword in Hand, and tho’ he was attack’d by many, he behaved himself so well, that he got into a little Canoe, put her off and reached the Long-Boat.

In the Interim, the little Fort the Arabians had, play’d upon the Ship, which returned the Salute very warmly. Thus they got on board, with the Loss of Captain Booth and twenty Men, and set Sail for the East-Indies.

When they were under Sail, they went to Voting for a new Captain, and the Quarter-Master, who had behaved so well in the last Affair with the Arabians, was chosen; but he declining all Command, the Crew made Choice of Bowen for Captain, Pickering to succeed him as Master, Samuel Herault, a Frenchman, for Quarter-Master, and Nathaniel North, for Captain Quarter-Master.

Things being thus settled, they came to the Mouth of the Red Sea, and fell in with 13 Sail of Moors Ships, which they kept Company with the greater Part of the Day, but were afraid to venture on them as they took them for Portuguese Men of War; at length part were for boarding, and advised it, the Captain, tho’ he said little, did not seem inclin’d, for he was but a young Pyrate, tho’ an old Commander of a Merchant Man.

Those who push’d for boarding then, desired Captain Boreman, already mentioned, to take the Command; but he said, he would not usurp on any, that no Body was more fit for it than he who had it, that for his Part, he would stand by his Fusil and went forward to the Forecastle with such as would have had him taken the Command, to be ready to board; on which, the Captain’s Quarter-Master said, if they were resolved to engage their Captain, (whose Representative he was) did not want Resolution, therefore, he ordered them to get their Tacks on board (for they had already made a clear Ship) and get ready for boarding; which they accordingly did, and coming up with the sternmost Ship, they fired a Broadside into her, which killed two Moors, clapp’d her on board and carried her; but Night coming on, they made only this Prize, which yielded them 500 l. per Man.

From hence they sailed to the Coast of Mallabar; the Adventures of these Pyrates on this Coast are already set down in Captain Bowen’s Life, to which I refer the Reader, and shall only observe, Captain White was all this while afore the Mast, being a forced Man from the Beginning.

Bowen’s Crew dispersing, Captain White went to Methelage, where he lived ashore with the King, not having any Opportunity of getting off the Island, till another Pyrate Ship, called the Prosperous, commanded by one Thomas Howard, who had been bred a Lighterman on the River of Thames, came in: This Ship was taken at Augustine, by some Pyrates from Shore, and the Crew of their own Long-Boat, which join’d them, at the Instigation of one Ranten, Boatswain’s Mate, who was sent for Water. They came on board in the Night and surprized her, tho’ not without Resistance, in which the Captain and chief Mate was killed, and several others wounded, the Particulars of which will be found in Hore’s Life. Those who were ashore with Captain White, resolving to enter in this Ship, determined him to go also, rather than be left alone with the Natives, hoping, by some Accident or other, to have an Opportunity of returning home. He continu’d on board this Ship, in which he was made Quarter-Master, till they met with, and all went on board of Bowen, as is set down in his Life, in which Ship he continued after Bowen left them, as shall be mentioned in the Appendix. At Port Dolphin he went off in the Boat to fetch some of the Crew left ashoar, the Ship being blown to Sea the Night before. The Ship not being able to get in, and he supposing her gone to the West-Side of the Island, as they had formerly proposed, he steered that Course in his Boat with 26 Men. They touch’d at Augustine expecting the Ship, but she not appearing in a Week, the Time they waited, the King order’d ’em to be gone, telling ’em they impos’d on him with Lies, for he did not believe they had any Ship; however, he gave ’em fresh Provision. They took in Water, and made for Methelage. Here, as Captain White was known to the King, they were kindly received, and staid about a Fortnight in Expectation of their Ship, but she not appearing, they raised their Boat a-streak, salted up the Provisions the King gave ’em, put Water aboard, and stood for the North-End of the Island, designing to go round, believing their Ship might be at the Island of St. Mary. When they came to the North-End, the Current, which sets to the North-West for eight Months in the Year, was so strong they found it impossible to get round. Wherefore they got into a Harbour, of which there are many for small Vessels. Here they staid about three Weeks or a Month, when part of the Crew were for burning the Boat, and for travelling over Land to a black King of their Acquaintance, whose Name was Reberimbo, who lived at a Place called Manangaromasigh, in the Latitude of 15, or thereabouts. As this King had been several times assisted by the Whites in his Wars, he was a great Friend to them. Captain White disswaded them from this Undertaking, and, with much ado, saved the Boat; but one half of the Men being resolved to go by Land, they took what Provisions they thought necessary, and set out, Captain White, and those who staid with him, convoy’d ’em a Day’s Journey, and then returning, he got into the Boat with his Companions, and went back to Methelage, fearing these Men might return, prevail with the rest, and burn the Boat.

Here he built a Deck on his Boat, and lay by three Months, in which Time there came in three Pyrates with a Boat, who had formerly been trepann’d on board the Severn and Scarborough Men of War, which had been looking for Pyrates on the East-Side; from which Ships they made their escape at Mohila, in a small Canoe to Johanna, and from Johanna to Mayotta, where the King built ’em the Boat which brought ’em to Methelage. The Time of the Current’s setting with Violence to the North-West being over, they proceeded together in White’s Boat (burning that of Mayotta) to the North-End, where the Current running yet too strong to get round, they went into a Harbour and staid there a Month, maintaining themselves with Fish and wild Hog, of which there was great Plenty. At length, having a Slatch of fine Weather, and the Strength of the Current abating, they got round; and after sailing about 40 Mile on the East-Side, they went into a Harbour, where they found a Piece of a Jacket, which they knew belong’d to one of those Men who had left ’em to go over Land; he had been a forced Man, and a Ship Carpenter; this they supposed he had torn to wrap round his Feet, that Part of the Country being barren and rocky. As they sailed along this Coast, they came to an Anchor in convenient Harbours every Night, till they got as far as Manangaromasigh where King Reberimbo resided, where they went in to enquire for their Men, who left ’em at the North-End, and to recruit with Provisions. The latter was given ’em, but they could have no Information of their Companions.

From hence they went to the Island of St. Mary, where a Canoe came off to ’em with a Letter directed to any white Man. They knew it to be the Hand of one of their former Ship-Mates. The Contents of this Letter was to advise ’em to be on their Guard, and not trust too much to the Blacks of this Place, they having been formerly treacherous. They enquired after their Ship, and was inform’d, that the Company had given her to the Moors, who were gone away with her, and that they themselves were settled at Ambonavoula, about 20 Leagues to the Southward of St. Mary, where they lived among the Negroes as so many sovereign Princes.

One of the Blacks, who brought off the Letter, went on board their Boat, carried them to the Place called Olumbah, a Point of Land made by a River on one Side, and the Sea on the other, where twelve of ’em lived together in a large House they had built, and fortified with about 20 Pieces of Canon.

The rest of them were settled in small Companies of about 12 or 14 together, more or less, up the said River, and along the Coast, every Nation by it self, as the English, French, Dutch, &c. They made Enquiry of their Consorts after the Shares of Prizes which belong’d to them, and they found all very justly laid by to be given them, if ever they return’d, as were what belong’d to the Men who went over Land. Captain White hankering after home, proposed going out again in the Boat; for he was averse to settling with them; and many others agreed to go under his Command; and if they could not meet with a Ship to carry them to Europe, to follow their old Vocation. But the others did not think it reasonable he should have the Boat, but that it should be set to Sale for the Benefit of the Company. Accordingly it was set up, and Captain White bought it for 400 Pieces of Eight, and with some of his old Consorts, whose Number was increas’d by others of the Ship’s Crew, he went back the Way he had come, to Methelage: Here he met with a French Ship of about 50 Tuns and 6 Guns; she had been taken by some Pyrates who lived at Maratan, on the East-Side of the Island, and some of the Degrave East-India Man’s Crew, to whom the Master of her refused a Passage to Europe; for as he had himself been a Pyrate and Quarter-Master to Bowen in the Speaker, he apprehended their taking away his Ship, War being then between England and France, he thought they might do it without being called in question as Pyrates. The Pyrates who had been concerned in taking Herault’s Ship, for that was his Name, had gone up the Country, and left her to the Men belonging to the Degrave, who had fitted her up, clean’d and tallow’d her, and got in some Provision, with a Design to go to the East-Indies, that they might light on some Ship to return to their own Country.

Captain White finding these Men proposed their joining him, and going round to Ambonavoula, to make up a Company, which they agreed to, and unanimously chose him Commander. They accordingly put to Sea, and stood away round the South End of the Island, and touch’d at Don Mascarena, where he took in a Surgeon, and stretching over again to Madagascar, fell in with Ambonavoula, and made up his Complement 60 Men. From hence he shaped his Course for the Island of Mayotta, where he cleaned his Ship, and staid for the Season to go into the Red Seas: His Provisions being taken in, the Time proper, and the Ship well fitted, he steer’d for Babelmandel, and running into a Harbour waited for the Mocha Ships.

He here took two Grabs laden with Provision, and having some small Money and Drugs aboard; these he plunder’d of what was for his Turn, kept ’em a Fortnight by him, and then let them go. Soon after they spied a tall Ship, upon which they put to Sea; but finding her Europe built, and too strong to attempt, for it was a Dutch Man, they gave over the Chace, and were glad to shake him off, and return to their Station. Fancying they were here discover’d, from the Coast of Arabia, or that the Grabs had given Information of them, they stood over for the Ethiopian Shore, keeping a good look out for the Mocha Ships.

Few Days after they met with a large Ship of about 1000 Tuns and 600 Men, called the Malabar, which they chased, kept Company with all Night, and took in the Morning, with the Loss only of their Boatswain, and two or three Men wounded. In the taking this Ship they damaged their own so much, by springing their Foremast, carrying away their Bowsprit, and beating in part of their upper Works, that they did not think her longer fit for their Use, therefore filled her with Prisoners, gave ’em Provision, and sent them away.

Some Days after this they spied a Portuguese Man of War of 44 Guns, which they chased, but gave it over, by carrying away their Main-Top-Mast, so that they did not speak with her, for the Portuguese took no Notice of them.

Four Days after they had left this Man of War, they fell in with a Portuguese Merchant-Man, which they chased with the English Colours flying, the Chace taking White for an English Man of War or East-India Man, made no Sail to get from him, but on his coming up brought to, and sent his Boat on board with a Present of Sweet-Meats for the English Captain; his Boat’s Crew was detain’d, and the Pyrates getting into his Boat with their Arms, went on board, and fir’d on the Portuguese, who being surprizd, asked if War was broke out between England and Portugal? They answer’d in the Affirmative, but the Captain could not believe ’em. However, they took what they liked, and kept him with them.

After two Days they met with the Dorothy, an English Ship, Captain Penruddock Commander, coming from Mocha. They exchanged several Shot in the Chace, but when they came a Long-side her, they entered their Men, and found no Resistance, she being navigated by Moors, no Europeans except the Officers being on board. On a Vote they gave Captain Penruddock (from whom they took a considerable Quantity of Money) the Portuguese Ship and Cargoe, with what Bales he pleased to take out of his own, bid him go about his Business, and make what he could of her. As to the English Ship, they kept her for their own Use.

Soon after they plunder’d the Mallabar Ship, out of which they took as much Money as came to 200 l. Sterling a man, but miss’d 50000 Chequins which were hid in a Jar under a Cow’s-Stall, kept for the giving Milk to the Moor Supercargoe, an ancient Man. They then put the Portuguese and Moor Prisoners on board the Mallabar, and sent them about their Business. The Day after they had sent them away, one Captain Benjamin Stacy, in a Ketch of six Guns fell into their Hands; they took what Money he had, and what Goods and Provisions they wanted. Among the Money were 500 Dollars, a Silver Mug and two Spoons belonging to a Couple of Children on board, and under the Care of Stacy. The Children took on for their Loss, and the Captain asking the Reason of their Tears, was answer’d by Stacy, that the above Sum and Plate was all the Children had to bring them up.

Captain White made a Speech to his Men, and told ’em, it was cruel to rob the innocent Children; upon which, by unanimous Consent, all was restor’d them again; besides, they made a Gathering among themselves, and made a Present to Stacy’s Mate, and other his inferior Officers, and about 120 Dollars to the Children; they then discharged Stacy and his Crew, and made the best of their Way out of the Red Sea.

They came into the Bay of Defarr, where they found a Ketch at an Anchor, which the People had made Prize of, by seizing the Master and Boat’s Crew ashoar. They found a French Gentleman, one Monsieur Berger, on board, whom they carried with ’em, took out about 2000 Dollars, and sold the Ketch to the Chief ashoar for Provisions.

Hence they sailed for Madagascar, but touch’d at Mascarena, where several of ’em went ashoar with their Booty, about 1200 l. a Man. Here taking in fresh Provision, White steer’d for Madagascar, and fell in with Hopeful Point, where they shar’d their Goods, and took up Settlements ashoar, where White built a House, bought Cattle, took off the upper Deck of his Ship, and was fitting her up for the next Season. When she was near ready for Sea, Captain John Halsey, who had made a broken Voyage, came in with a Brigantine, which being a properer Vessel for their Turn, they desisted from working on the Ship, and who had a Mind for fresh Adventures, went on board Halsey, among whom Captain White enter’d afore the Mast.

At his return to Madagascar, White was taken ill of a Flux, which in about 5 or 6 Months ended his Days; finding his Time was drawing nigh, he made his Will, left several Legacies, and nam’d three Men of different Nations, Guardian to a Son he had by a Woman of the Country, requiring he might be sent to England with the Money he left him, by the first English Ship, to be brought up in the Christian Religion in hopes he might live a better Man than his Father. He was buried with the same Ceremony they use at the Funerals of their Companions, which is mention’d in the Account of Halsey. Some Years after an English Ship touching there, the Guardians faithfully discharged their Trust, and put him on board with the Captain, who brought up the Boy with Care, acting by him as became a Man of Probity and Honour.

Captain Condent was a Plymouth Man born, but we are as yet ignorant of the Motives, and Time of his first turning Pyrate; he was one of those who thought fit to retire from Providence (on Governor Roger’s Arrival at that Island) in a Sloop belonging to Mr. Simpson, of New York, a Jew Merchant, of which Sloop he was then Quarter-Master. Soon after they left the Island, an Accident happened on board, which put the whole Crew into Consternation; they had among them an Indian Man, whom some of them had beat; in revenge, he got most of the Arms forward into the Hold, and designed to blow up the Sloop. Upon which, some advised scuttling the Deck and throwing Grenade Shells down, but Condent said, that was too tedious and dangerous, since the Fellow might fire thro’ the Decks and kill several of them; he, therefore, taking a Pistol in one Hand, and his Cutlash in the other, leaped into the Hold; the Indian discharged a Piece at him, which broke his Arm, but, however, he ran up to and shot the Indian. When he was dead the Crew hack’d him to Pieces, and the Gunner ripping up his Belly, tore out his Heart, broiled and eat it.

After this, they took a Merchant Man, called, the Duke of York; and some Disputes arising among the Pyrates, the Captain, and one half of the Company, went on board the Prize; the other half, who continued in the Sloop, chose Condent Captain; he shaped his Course for the Cape de Verd Islands, and in his Way, took a Merchant Ship from Maderas, laden with Wine, bound for the West Indies, which he plundered and let go; then coming to the Isle of May, one of the said Islands, he took the whole Salt Fleet, consisting of about 20 Sail; he wanting a Boom, took out the Mainmast of one of these Ships, to supply the Want: Here he took upon him the Administration of Justice, enquiring into the Manner of the Commander’s Behaviour to their Men, and those, against whom Complaint was made, he whipp’d and pickled. He took what Provisions and other Necessaries he wanted, and having augmented his Company, by Voluntiers and forced Men, he left the Ships and sailed to St. Jago, where he took a Dutch Ship, which had formerly been a Privateer; this prov’d also an easy Prize, for he fired but one Broadside, and clapping her on board, carried her without Resistance, for the Captain and several Men were killed, beside some wounded by his great Shot.

This Ship proving for his Purpose, he gave her the Name of the Flying Dragon, went on board with his Crew, and made a Present of his Sloop to a Mate of an English Prize, whom he had forced with him; from hence he stood away for the Coast of Brazil, and in his Cruize, took several Portuguese Ships, which he plundered and let go.

After these, he fell in with the Wright Galley, Captain John Spelt, Commander, hired by the South-Sea Company, to go to the Coast of Angola for Slaves, and thence to Buenos Ayres. This Ship he detained a considerable Time, and the Captain being his Townsman, treated him very civilly; few Days after he took Spelt, he made Prize of a Portuguese, laden with Bale Goods and Stores; he new rigg’d the Wright Galley, and put on board her several Goods.

Soon after he had discharged the Portuguese, he met with a Dutch East-India Man of 26 Guns, whose Captain was kill’d the first Broadside, and took her with little Resistance, for he had hoisted the Pyrates Colours on board Spelt’s Ship.

He now, with three Sail, steer’d for the Island of Ferdinando, where he hove down and clean’d the Flying Dragon; having careen’d, he put 11 Dutchmen on board Captain Spelt, to make Amends for the Hands he had forced from him, and sent him away, making him a Present of the Goods he took from the Portuguese Ship. When he sail’d himself, he ordered the Dutch to stay at Ferdinando 24 Hours after his Departure; threatning, if he did not comply, to sink his Ship; if he fell a second Time into his Hands, and to put all the Company to the Sword. He then stood for the Coast of Brazil, where he met a Portuguese Man of War of 70 Guns, which he came up with; the Portuguese hal’d him, and he answer’d, from London, bound for Buenos Ayres: The Portuguese mann’d his Shrouds and chear’d him, when Condent fired a Broadside and a Volley of small Arms, which began a smart Engagement for the Space of 3 Glasses; but Condent finding himself over-match’d, made the best of his Way, and, being the better Sailor, got off.

Few Days after he took a Vessel of the same Nation, who gave an Account, that he had killed above 40 Men in the Guarda del Costa, beside a Number wounded; he kept along the Coast to the Southward, and took a French Ship of 18 Guns, laden with Wine and Brandy, bound for the South-Sea, which he carried with him into the River of Plate. He sent some of his Men ashore to kill some wild Cattle, but they were taken by the Crew of a Spanish Man of War; on their Examination before the Captain, they said they were two Guiney Ships, with Slaves belonging to the South-Sea Company, and on this Story were allowed to return to their Boats: Here five of his forced Men ran away with his Canoe, he plundered the French Ship, cut her adrift, and she was stranded. He proceeded along the Brazil Coast, and hearing a Pyrate Ship was lost upon it, and the Pyrates imprisoned, he used all the Portuguese, who fell into his Hands, who were many, very barbarously, cutting off their Ears and Noses; and as his Master was a Papist, when they took a Priest, they made him say Mass at the Main-mast, and would afterwards get on his Back and ride him about the Decks, or else load and drive him like a Beast. He from this went to the Guiney Coast, and took Captain Hill in the Indian Queen.

In Luengo Bay he saw two Ships at Anchor, one a Dutchman of 44 Guns, the other an English Ship, called the Fame, Captain Bowen, Commander; they both cut and ran ashore, the Fame was lost, but the Dutch Ship, the Pyrate, got off and took with him. When he was at Sea again he discharged Captain Hill, and stood away for the East-Indies. Near the Cape he took an Ostend East-India Man, of which Mr. Nash, a noted Merchant in London, was Supercargo. Soon after he took a Dutch East-India Man, discharged the Ostender, and made for Madagascar; at the Isle of St. Mary, he met with some of Captain Halsey’s Crew, whom he took on board with other Stragglers, and shaped his Course for the East-Indies, and in the Way, at the Island of Johanna, took, in Company of two other Pyrates he met at St. Mary’s, the Cassandra East-India Man, commanded by Captain James Macragh; he continued his Course for the East-Indies, where he made a very great Booty, and returning, touch’d at the Isle of Mascarenas, where he met with a Portuguese Ship of 70 Guns, with the Vice-Roy of Goa, on board. This Ship he made Prize of, and hearing she had Money on board, they would allow of no Ransom, but carried her to the Coast of Zanguebar, where was a Dutch Fortification, which they took and plunder’d, razed the Fort, and carried off several Men who enter’d voluntarily. From hence they stood for St. Mary’s, where they shared their Booty, broke up their Company, and settled among the Natives: Here a Snow came from Bristol, which they obliged to carry a Petition to the Governor of Mascarenas for a Pardon, tho’ they paid the Master very generously. The Governor returned Answer, he would take them into Protection if they would destroy their Ships, which they agreed to, and accordingly sunk the Flying Dragon, &c. Condent and some others went to Mascarenas, where Condent married the Governor’s Sister-in-Law, and stay’d some Time; but as I have been credibly inform’d, he is since come to France, settled at St. Maloes, and drives a considerable Trade as a Merchant.

In the Year 1700, Capt. William Beavis, Commander of the Ship, called the Albemarle, then in the Service of the East-India Company, sail’d from England, bound for Surrat, in the East-Indies, but after having been some Months at Sea, having the Misfortune to meet with contrary Masorns, he lost his Passage, so that he was forced on the Coast of Zanguebar, in the higher Ethiopia, or the Continent of Africk, where he endeavoured to find out some Place of Safety, that the Ship might ride secure, and where he might meet with some Necessaries for refreshing his Company, while he waited for the Change of Winds, which he could not expect in less than three or four Months.

They came in with the Land, and cast Anchor on the ninth of November, the Year before-mentioned; the Tenth it blew hard, but on the Eleventh the Weather being pretty fair, the Captain sent the Yawl on Shore, in two different Places, at considerable Distance from each other, they found the Land every where sandy, and all over green with Shrubs, but saw no Houses, nor could they discover the least Track of any human Creature; however, they saw Deer, but could not come near enough to have a Shot at them; they also found the Dung of Wolves, Hares, and some other Animals, but saw none; and near the Water-side they found the Shells of a great Number of Craw-Fish, but met with none alive; wherefore, they guessed that they were left here by some Creatures, who fished them up and usually fed upon them.

Finding this Place altogether inhospitable, they weigh’d Anchor and sail’d along the Shore, till the 17th of the same Month, when the Captain looking thro’ his Spying-glass, saw three or four Men walking along the Sea-Side, and sometimes sitting down, but could not discern any House, Fire, or Smoak, but when they had sail’d about a League farther, they perceived an Inlet or Bay, where the Captain fancied there might be a River; he could also perceive several tall Trees, which were the first they had seen since they came upon the Coast, which made the Captain conjecture, that there must be some Inhabitants.

Upon this, they came to an Anchor, and manning out the Boat, the Captain sent Mr. Baldwin the third Mate in her, to go into the Bay, in order to discover whether there was any River which discharged itself into it; when they were in with the Shore, they perceived about fifty or sixty People standing upon a Bank near the Water-side, and one separating himself from the Rest, approached nearer to them, and held up a white Piece of Linnen at the End of a Stick, and waved it at them, which they understood to be a Flag of Friendship, and which the Boat answered by the like Signal; then the Person on Shore beckon’d to them with his Hand, which they took to be an Invitation to come on Shore, and accordingly they ventured; there were two of the Boat’s Men who spoke a little Portuguese, who saluted this Man in that Language; as soon as they came near him, his Gesture appeared very civil, but they could not understand a Syllable of what he said in Answer, but by his Signs, they fancied he invited them to come to their Huts, in order to eat and drink.

However, they did not think fit to stay longer at this Time, but returned on Board, to give the Captain an Account of what had pass’d, and to let him know, that they could discover no River in the Bay; they described the People to be pretty tall and well made, their Colour jet black, their Heads and Beards close shaved, wearing upon their Heads Turbants made of a Kind of Linnen, and a Sort of Sash made of Dungeree Linnen about their Wastes, the Rest of their Bodies being quite naked; whereupon, consulting with a Molotto, one of the Ship’s Company, who understood the Turkish and Arabian Languages, what he thought the Language of these People might be, he judg’d it to be a Kind of corrupted Arabick, because their Dress was not unlike that of the Arabians of the Desert, and that it was not unlikely, but that they might be some Way descended from them; wherefore, the Captain resolved to mann the Boat again, and to send the Molotto ashore with them, to try if he could so far understand their Language, as to learn from them, where there was fresh Water, or any other Refreshments to be had; and also to enquire for some Port or Bay, where the Ship might be with Safety till the breaking up of those Easterly Winds.

The Wind blew so fresh all that Day, which was the 19th, that they could not send the Boat on Shore. At Night they watched to see if they could discover any Appearance of Fire any where upon Land, but they could discern nothing like it; wherefore, it seemed strange to them, that in a Country inhabited, there should be neither Smoak by Day, nor Fire by Night, which made them suppose, the Huts of the Natives were far up the Country.

However, the next Day the Boat was sent on Shore with the Molotto Interpreter, and Mr. Courser the fourth Mate; and for Fear of any Surprize, the Captain ordered them to carry Arms in the Boat. When they approach’d near the Shore, several of the Natives made towards the Waterside, but seeing the Boat’s Men take their Arms in their Hands at their Landing, they fled affrighted up the Country, nor would they ever come near them after; the Men went a little Way up the Land and met with some Huts, which were covered with the Shells of Turtles, which Creatures it is supposed the Natives catch in their proper Season for Food, and then making a Covering of their Shells for their Houses; they also saw several Cows, at some Distance, which are very swift at running, and not larger than our Deer; they saw some other Animals, but took none, and so returned on Board without gaining any Intelligence.

The Mistake here was, that they did not lye off with their Boat, and make a Signal as they did at first, which would have disposed the Natives to have staid for them, as they did before, but going ashore abruptly with Arms in their Hands, frighten’d the Natives, as if they had come to kill them; wherefore, there was no Expectation of making any Discovery here, which induced the Captain to weigh Anchor, and steer a little farther Westward.

The next Morning, which was the twenty second, they came to an Anchor, and sent their Boat on Shore again, with Mr. Baldwin the third Mate, and the Gunner; there being some high Hills not far from the Place where they landed, the Mate and Gunner resolved to walk to the Top of one of the highest of those Hills, in order to take a View of the Country beneath. About four in the Afternoon they returned again to the Ship, bringing Word, that there was a pleasant Valley on the other Side, about five Miles in Length, and near as far in Breadth, but that they could see no Houses or other Signs of Inhabitants, but that the Valley seemed to abound with Deer, and several other Creatures; they brought on Board three Antilopes, and two large Guiney Hens, which they shot, and saw great Numbers of both these Creatures about the Bushes on the Sides of those Hills; the Antilopes were small, but extreamly beautiful, their Bodies no bigger than that of a Hare, but their Legs much longer, their Colour was a Mixture of black and white, very smooth, and very bright, with Horns about three Inches long.

They weigh’d and crept along ashore to the Westward, and next Day, which was the Twenty third, the Captain with his Spying-glass saw seven or eight Men near the Shore; wherefore, he sent the Boat to endeavour to speak with them. As soon as they saw the Boat approach them, they went off; the Men however went on Shore, and at some Distance saw two Camels and two Asses loaden, pass along with Men attending them; they did what they could to speak with these too, but when they perceived the Boat’s Men to make towards them, they drove so fast there was no coming near them.

The next Morning the Weather being clearer than ordinary, the Captain looking thro’ his Glass, fancied he saw several tall Spires to the Westward; he weigh’d Anchor, and stood away for them; by four in the Afternoon, he plainly perceived a large Town, and by six came to an Anchor right over against it; however, he did not send the Boat on Shore that Night, but next Morning he ordered Mr. Baldwin the third Mate, Mr. Sale the Purser, with the Molotto before-mentioned, who spoke the Turkish and Arabian Languages, to take the Yawl with four Hands, and to carry with them a white Flag, that they might appear to come in a friendly and peaceable Manner, charging them at the same Time to say or do nothing which might appear harsh or offensive. The Boat was no sooner in with the Shore, but the Natives flock’d as it were to meet them, and appeared very courteous: The Molotto spoke to them in Arabian Tongue, giving them to understand, that they were driven upon their Coasts by the Misfortune of having lost their Voyage, that they were in Want of Water, and begg’d they would shew them where they might be supplied, and that if they would think fit to furnish them with fresh Provision they would pay them in Money, or any Goods or Curiosities of Europe.

It happened the Language they spoke was a Kind of Arabick, so that the Molotto could discourse with them perfectly well; they answered him, that the King was absent from the City, and that they could do nothing till his Return, but that he would be there as that Night, for they had sent him Word of the coming of a Ship, as soon as it appeared in Sight. That however, they might assure themselves, that all they requested should be granted, and shewed them where there were several fine Springs of Water: These Springs being a pretty Way from the Water-side, and the Ground near them craggy and uneven; the Molotto told them it would be difficult to rowl their Casks so long a Way, and over such bad Ground, and ask’d them if there were not any Spring nearer the Sea. They answered them no, but that the King would give them Oxen to draw their Casks to the Boat; and so they returned on Board with a Present from the King’s Son of a Sarne of mash’d Dates, a matted Jar of Sweet-Meats, and four Sheep.

Betimes the next Morning, being the 26th, the Captain sent the Yawl on Shore again with the same Officers, to know if the King was come, and to beg Leave to bring on Board some fresh Water, ordering them to make a Signal for the Long-Boat to be sent on Shore, in Case they obtained the Permission to water; the Yawl had not been long gone before the appointed Signal was made, and the Long-Boat was accordingly sent immediately; after which, the Captain perceived the Yawl was returning back again to the Ship: She came with four Hands in her to advise the Captain, that the Long-Boat would immediately return with a Cow as a Present to him, and to put him in Mind, that it would be proper to send something back for a Present to the Shubander, (the Name by which they call the King’s Son) with whom they, viz. the third Mate Mr. Baldwin, the Gunner, and the Molotto Interpreter, who served in the Ship as a Quartier, were gone to dine.

The Captain was surprized at their Indiscretion, and the more because he had ordered them, to be upon their Guard for Fear of Treachery, having furnished them with Arms for that Purpose, and charged them not to stir far from their Boat; however, there was no Remedy now, so that he sent the Yawl back again with a Present of a small Looking-glass (a great Curiosity there) for the Prince, ordering one Man to carry it, and to tell the Mate, Gunner, and Molotto to come off as soon as they could, the rest to lye a little off with the Yawl, their Arms ready, but out of Sight.

The Captain observing the Yawl with his Glass, perceived the Men contrary to his Orders were gone on Shore, and looking again a little after, saw the Boat without a Mast, or so much as one Hand in her, drag’d towards the Town quite on Shore, and in a little Time after she was hawl’d out of Sight.

This Rashness of his Men gave him a great Deal of Uneasiness, he apprehended some fatal Consequence from it, (and indeed he had Reason) for he knew the Natives of some Part of the Coast were Cannibals; therefore, for Fear of venturing too much at once, he resolved not to trust the Long-Boat on Shore, till he had some Tideings from the Yawl.

All that Day he pass’d with the utmost Uneasiness, keeping a Man continually on the Watch, looking towards the Shore with a Spying-glass, to try if any Thing could be discovered of his Men on the Shore, but all to no Purpose; for nothing could be discerned either of them or the Boat the whole Day. That Night was spent in many doubtful Reflections, and Tears for the Condition of those who were on Shore. Next Morning the Captain resolved to send the Long-Boat towards the Land, with Mr. Nyn his first Mate, and some other of his Officers in her, ordering them to shew a white Flag, as soon as they should discover any People to come near them; but not to venture to go ashore, but to talk and make Signs to the Natives out of the Boat, and to try to discover the Reason of our Mens being detained; and in Case they found they kept them Prisoners, or intended them for Slaves, to try by Means of the Molotto Interpreter to treat with them for their Ransom.

Mr. Nyn obey’d his Orders punctually, and when he came near the Land he lay by, with a white Flag display’d at the End of a Mast, at which Time he observed a great Body of People coming from the Town towards the Sea-Side; the Captain could also discern them from the Ship with his Spying-glass, and judg’d them to be betwixt four and five Thousand, but instead of coming to parley, they marched in a Body behind a Bank, which stood opposite the Boat, where they lay in a Kind of Ambuscade, without returning any Signal, or shewing any Inclination to speak with the Boat.

This look’d plainly, as if they intended to surprize the Men, in Case they should venture to land; wherefore Mr. Nyn resolved to return on Board, and plying along Shore, in order to find the Passage thro’ the Ridge of Rocks of Coral, which runs along ashore, the Natives let fly a Shower of Arrows at the Boat, which however did no Harm, because they fell short; upon which Mr. Nyn commanded his Men to fire their Arms towards the Banks, in order to frighten them, for being so intrench’d, he knew he could do them no Harm; after which he returned on Board.

The Captain now began to despair of ever seeing his Men more; the best he could think which could befal them, was, to be made Slaves, for still he did not apprehend that they had met with so melancholy and cruel a Fate, as their Confidence in the Natives had really brought upon them; he therefore resolved to make one Attempt more, in order to learn some News of what had befallen them: In order to which, he thought of a Stratagem, by which he should run no Hazard of losing any more of his Men, and by which it seemed probable he must hear of them if they were alive. He writ a Letter, which Letter he caused to be fix’d to the Top of a long Pole, which he ordered to be carried on Shore in the Silence of the Night; the Men were to fix the Pole in the Ground, and to make it the more conspicuous, there was a Flag also fastened to the Pole.

He did not doubt, but that if any of his Men had the Liberty of walking about, they would come for the Letter which they must see, and if they had not that Liberty, the Natives not being able to read it themselves, would carry it to them.

In this Letter he advised Mr. Baldwin, and Mr. Sale, the third Mate and Purser, to treat about their own Ransom themselves, and that of the five Men with them (including the Molotto) and since there was no other Way of procuring their Liberty, he would comply with the Terms, let them be what they would; he directed them to fix their Answer upon the same Pole, and least they should want Pen and Ink, he inclosed a Pencil, and also a Sheet of Paper. And in Hopes an Answer should be left, he commanded the Pole to be fix’d just at the Waters Edge, where there was no Bank near, that it might be taken off without the Danger of an Ambuscade.

This was the best Expedient he could think of, for relieving his unhappy Countrymen, who now, alas! were past all Relief. Accordingly the Boat was sent with the said Letter, and two of the Men went on Shore and fixed it, and having returned into the Boat, the Boat put off, and came to an Anchor at some Distance from the Shore, in order to observe what should become of the Letter; they waited till Noon to no Purpose, then taking up their Anchor, in order to come on Board for some Refreshment, they were but a little while under Sail, when they saw a Man come and carry off the Pole; a little while after which, as they ply’d along the Shore, and were opposite to the Bank before described, they were saluted with a Volley of Musquet-Shot, one Ball falling into the Boat, and several others come very near it; wherefore, they made all the Sail they could to give the Captain an Account of what had pass’d.

The Fire Arms they made use of were these they found in the Boat, where they also met with six Cartouch Boxes full of Charges, and their making use of them in this Manner, convinced the Captain that they had no Mind to come to any Parley with them, or to listen to any Terms about the Release of their unhappy Ship Mates; however they were continually upon the Watch, looking out with wishing Eyes, in Expectation of seeing the appointed Signal made for the Answer of the Letter; long they expected to no Purpose, which made the Captain think something very fatal had happened to them, and that he should never see them more; but in the midst of his Despair, a Thought came into his Head, which administred to him a little Comfort, he fancied that perhaps they might be carried up the Country, to the Place where the King at that Time was gone, and that the Natives might send the Letter after them, which might be the Reason there was no Answer yet left. Upon this little Glimmering of Hope, he resolved to wait some Days longer, for he was willing to lay Hold of any Hope, rather than bear the Thoughts of going away without them.

Thus Day after Day they waited in Expectation of some Answer, sending the Boat to lye off near the Shore, to be ready in Case any Signal should be made.—One Day they perceived a great Number of People to come out of the Town, and make towards the Shore, which gave them an Expectation that the Delivery of their Friends was at Hand; they watched their Motions with earnest Eyes, hoping every Minute to see a Flag of Truce, instead of which, they observed them to march directly behind the Bank, where they seem’d to place themselves in a Kind of Ambuscade.

Now there seem’d to be an End of all their Hopes, the Boat return’d on Board, and made a Report to the Captain of what they saw, who calling a Consultation of all his Officers to hear if any Thing could be offered for the Relief of their Companions; it was proposed by one to send the Boat on Shore, to burn some Junks which were hawl’d up about a Musquet-Shot from the Water-side, but the Captain considered, that tho’ this might gratifie their Revenge, it would bring no Relief to their poor captive Friends: On the contrary, the Natives might be provoked to destroy them for it, if they had not done it already, besides as these Junks lay not far from the Bank, their Men might be exposed to the Arrows of the Natives (who now lay in continual Ambuscade) and so they might run the Hazard of losing more Men without the least Advantage to themselves, or unhappy Companions.

Wherefore, this Project was laid aside, and the Winds often blowing hard, and the Captain not judging it safe to lye any longer in that open Road, he weighed Anchor on the fourth of December, steering along ashore, in Search of some Bay or Inlet, where they might ride shelter’d from the Wind and Weather; and still with a View that if either their Companions might have an Opportunity of making their Escape, or the Natives should relent and think of letting them go for a Ransom, they might be near enough to receive them. After about three or four Hours gentle Sail he dropp’d an Anchor, the Town of Magadoxa then bearing N E b’E of them, they perceived it was all along a flat smooth Shore, without any Bay or other Shelter, for Ships to ride; wherefore, the next Day, which was the fifth of December, they stood off to Sea, and then came to a Consultation, what Measures to take in their present Condition; and having considered that they had met with no Place where they could ride with any Safety, and if they should meet with a convenient Bay much farther down the Coast, it would be of no Service to their unhappy Companions, who would never hear of them; and besides they could not venture to traffick with the Natives for Refreshments, for Fear of Surprize and Treachery; and their Men beginning to grow weak and distempered for want of fresh Provisions, they resolved to make for the Island of Joanna, being forced to leave their Companions to Providence, in great Trouble and Anxiety for their unhappy Fate.

We shall leave them to pursue their Voyage, which was happy enough, bating this Accident, and relate what had pass’d on Shore, as we had it from a Manuscript, written by the Molotto Interpreter, who was the only Person who escaped, and return’d to England, after he had lived sixteen Years amongst the Barbarians.

It has been already taken Notice that Mr. Baldwin the third Mate, and Mr. Sale the Purser (unhappily for them) not observing the Cautions the Captain gave them to be upon their Guard, were so indiscreet, to be tempted to accept of an Invitation to dine with the King’s Son; so that having sent the Yawl on Board again, for a Present as has been related, they with the Molotto Interpreter went towards the Town, accompanied by several of the Natives, who made them the Invitation in the Name of the King’s Son. They were no sooner arrived at the first Gate of the City, but they were surrounded by a great Multitude of People, and violently dragg’d into a little Door under the Gateway, and shut up in a dark Hole. When they had remained here about the Space of two Hours, they heard a very great Noise without; soon after which, the Doors leading to their Dungeon were all opened, and they were dragg’d out again; when they were out, they found that what occasioned that great Noise, was the Return of their Men, whom they had sent on Board for a Present for the King’s Son, who were seized in the same Manner they had been, and being encompassed by such a Number of People, they lost them in a Minute; they were also separated from one another, and the Molotto desiring to know of them the Meaning of all this, and in what they had offended them, they only answered him, that they must go before the Accabo, (the Name by which they call the King, who had not been out of Town as they gave out before) accordingly he was conducted with a sufficient Guard, expecting there to meet his Companions again.

When he arrived at the King’s House (which shall be hereafter described) he was led thro’ several Rooms to that where the King was present, whom he found sitting upon the Ground, the Floor being matted; he was dress’d in a long Pair of Drawers of blewish purple Silk, which reach’d down to his Toes, having neither Shoes nor Stockings on, a large Mantle of the same Silk, and a white Turbant on his Head; there were eight others who sat about him, whose Dress was the same with his, as to Form and Fashion, but their Drawers and Mantles were made of a blew and white strip’d Dungeree Stuff, instead of Silk; these were his Councellors and Favourites. The King spoke to him in a Kind of Arabick, asking of what Country he was? he answered of Canton in China. Then he ask’d him, how he came to associate himself with those horrid white Men? The poor Molotto began to tremble at this Question, but excus’d himself by speaking in their Favour, highly extolling them for their Civility of Behaviour, as well as Generosity, and praising them in all Things to the King, telling him, he was sure the Captain would ransom them, if it was his Pleasure to consent to it; to which he returned no Answer, but ask’d what the Ship had in her, the Molotto gave him an Account of her Lading; then he desired to know whether the rest of the Men would come on Shore, he answered, he could not tell, but in Case they were suffered to return again on Board, he was sure they would come on Shore, and that the Captain himself designed to come and see the King, as soon as they should return; but the King made no Offer of suffering that, but commanded him to be carried back to Prison.

The Prison which they call Haulaub, is a square Stone-Building, about twenty Foot high, and flat at Top, fronting one of their broadest Streets; there are no Windows or Iron Bars, as we see in our Prisons, but there are several little Holes about eight or nine Inches square, quite thro’ the Wall, thro’ which, the Place within receives both Light and Air. Here the poor Molotto was put, very anxious about the Fate of his poor Companions, whom he had not seen since their being separated at their first coming out of the Dungeon; wherefore, seeing an old Man looking thro’ one of the Holes before described, he enquired of him what was become of them, who gave him this melancholy Account; that those who came last out of the Boat, which were the four Sailors sent on Board the Ship for the Present for the King’s Son, were kill’d in the Streets by the Multitude, and that making some Resistance, they were torn to Pieces, every Man thinking himself happy that could procure a Piece of their Flesh, shewing a Bit of about two Ounces, which he begg’d of one who had got a great Piece, which many of them eat; that they were all from their Childhood taught to have an Aversion to white Men, and that these were the first that had been seen in the Memory of Man, that as to the tall Man and the little Man which had been in the Dungeon with him (which were Mr. Baldwin and Mr. Sale, the Mate and Purser) they were by the King’s Order carried to the Boderzau (a Place where Tygers and other fierce Beasts are kept for the King’s Pleasure) and delivered up to be torn to Pieces by those Animals.

This was in Effect, the true Account of the most bloody Massacre that was committed upon these unhappy Men; the Story of which, it may be imagined, must throw the poor Molotto into the utmost Consternation and Fear, as imagining himself to be near suffering some cruel Death; sometimes he flattered himself that they would spare him, because of his being a Molotto, but on the other Side, when he reflected on his having given the white Men a good Character, he look’d upon himself to be a dead Man, thinking that alone was sufficient to destroy him.

Betwixt these Doubts and Fears he pass’d the Night, in a Place all covered with Nastiness, where there was not the least Conveniency for easing Nature, and where, had his Mind been at rest, it would have been hard for him to have slept. In the Morning a Man look’d thro’ one of the Holes, and with great Joy in his Countenance, told him, there were more white Men coming on Shore; the Fellow did not relate it as good News to him, but told it for the Pleasure they should have in destroying more of them. The Molotto wish’d within himself, that he could have given Notice of what had pass’d, and some Advice to beware of themselves, but it was safest for him to keep his Wishes to himself; therefore he said nothing. Some Hours after he was sent to go again before the King; now he thought his Execution was at Hand, but when he was brought into the King’s Presence, they put a Letter into his Hand, commanding him to tell what it meant, for that those who had come on Shore had stuck it upon a Pole, and went off before they could be spoke to. He saw at one Cast of an Eye, that it was from the Captain, who talk’d of Ransom, and a sudden Thought came into his Head, that if he had explained it to the King, they would make him some Way instrumental, in decoying more of the Men on Shore, in order to murder them; and knowing his Companions to be past all Ransom, he said he did not know the Ways of the white Men, and could not understand what that meant. The King then ask’d him if he could persuade the white Men, who were at that Time lying at an Anchor, in their Boat some Distance from the Land, to come on Shore, he answered he would endeavour to do it, if it was his Pleasure; upon which the King whisper’d with some others, who were near him, but said no more of it, as being unwilling to trust him. And the Truth on’t is, he designed to tell them what had pass’d, and if the Natives did not hold him fast, to throw himself into the Sea, and venture to swim to them, not doubting, but those in the Boat might with their Fire Arms, secure him from being pursued, but they gave no Opportunity of making the Attempt.

The King then call’d for one of the Fire-Arms, which had been taken in the Boat, and commanded him to shew them how they were to be used, which he was forced to do; and they made use of them soon after, by firing at the Boat as has been related. He was then carried back to Prison, and talking with the Jaylor (whom in their Language they call Kasboo) he ask’d him what he thought the King intended to do with him? The Jaylor answered, he was sure he did not intend to have him kill’d, as the white Men had been, because he had ordered him to give him Food; this News a little revived his drooping Spirits, accordingly he brought him some Plantanes and Bonanas, which was the first Nourishment he had taken since he came on Shore; and having refreshed himself therewith, and with an Alabo of Water, that is, a Vessel not unlike a Pitcher, he begg’d for something to clean the Place, the Jaylor brought him a Parcel of green Sticks tied together, which they call a Tosee, and serves for the Use of a Broom; with this and a Thing like a Shovel, he made a Shift to sweeten the Place pretty well; when it was done, he observed an old Man looking thro’ one of the Holes at him, with whom he fell into Discourse, and enquired of him whether the Ship was gone, the old Man told him no, but that there was another Boat with white Men lying off the Land, and that there were great Numbers of People from the Town lying in Wait for their coming on Shore. He begg’d this old Man to get him a few Palmatu Leaves to lay on the Floor under him, which the old Man did, so that that Night he rested very comfortably to what he had done before.

The next Morning he was again sent for before the King, who ask’d him, if he could kill a Coway with one of those Musquets? he answered he could, and glad he was to be so employed, thinking by these Means he might please the King, at least gain his Favour so far, as to induce him to spare his Life. He was led out to the River-side, the King himself being in Company, and one of the Musquets was put into his Hand, he took the Ball and beat it into a great Length, and then divided it into small Bits about the Size of Swan Shot, for he would not venture to shoot with a single Ball, not knowing but his Life might depend upon the Success of his Shoot, by these Means he kill’d one the first Shot. The King seemed very well pleased, and made him charge the Piece again in the same Manner, and taking it into his own Hands discharged it at another Coway which he also kill’d.

A Coway is a fine beautiful Bird larger than a Swan, and not much unlike it in Shape, the Body is as white as Milk, but the Tuft it wears on its Head, as also its Tail, are adorned with Variety of Colours, the Bill is a little crooked, and uneven, its Legs of a fine Yellow, but its Form is best expressed by the Figure. They are in great Plenty always living near the Water, hatching fourteen or fifteen young Ones at a Time, and set four Times a Year; they are excellent to eat, nor do they taste at all fishy.

After this, he was ordered back to his Prison, as he went along he ask’d the Jaylor (with whom he was now grown more familiar) what he thought the King intended to do with him. The Kasboo or Jaylor told him, he believed he intended to keep him there till the Ship (which they call a Schabew) and the white Men were gone, and that then he would order him to be releas’d from his Confinement, and employ him in some Service. The Jaylor seem’d to talk to him, and use him in a much kinder Manner than before; and when he arrived at the Prison, he brought him a Patue (in their Language a Dish) of boiled Rice with Oyl, which is look’d upon to be very good Food; he left him two large Alaboes or Pitchers of Water, sufficient to drink and to clean his Kennel, after which, he took a comfortable Nights Rest.

The poor Fellow now began to wish that the Ship was gone, since he had no Prospect of making his Escape, and that their Departure would procure him greater Liberty. Next Morning seeing the old Man who had furnish’d him with the Palmatu Leaves, looking thro’ one of the Holes at him, he enquired of him, whether the Ship was still in Sight? He told him it was, that there were still great Numbers of People lying behind the Bank, having with them those Things which were taken in the Boats, describing the Musquets, and great Numbers of Arrows, ready to shoot if they should either Land, or come near enough with their Ship; he begg’d of him to let him know what should happen, and particularly to inform him when the Ship should go off: The old Man whose Name was Morasab, seem’d obliging and kind, and promised him to do so, and that he would return towards Night (which in their Language they call Raham.)

A little after the Kasboo or Jaylor came in, bringing some Plantanes and Bonana’s to him for his Breakfast, and opened a Door which went into a little back Yard, where there was a Spring of fine fresh Water, bidding him draw what Water he pleased in his Alaboes, and clean his Prison, leaving the Place open to him for that Purpose, there being no Way for him to get out; towards Evening he came to him again, bringing him some boyl’d Rice and Oyl, and then he shut up the Door before described, and leaving him Water enough, left him for that Night.

Morasab appeared at one of the Holes according to his Promise, acquainting him, that the Ship remained still in the same Station, and that the Boat had not been seen near the Land that Day. Next Morning Morasab came again, and with great Joy told him, the Ship was then going off, being under Sail; a little after the Kasboo or Jaylor came in as usual, bringing some boyl’d Rice, and gave him the same Account of the Ship.

Tho’ he despaired now of ever getting off, yet he expected to be enlarged from his Prison, and enjoy Liberty, the sweetest Thing to Man. In the Evening Morazab came again to let him know, that the Ship was almost out of Sight, and that the King had sent a Party of Men to the East, and another to the West, to watch the Coast, and lye in Wait for the white Men, in Case they should Land any where else for Water or to get Provisions. The next Day he came again and gave him Notice, that Word had been brought to the King that the Ship had been seen again a great Way off to the Westward, but that the Men had not come on Shore; and the Day following he visited him again, with an Account, that News was brought to the King that the Ship was gone off again, and sail’d out of Sight.

Upon this, he expected to be immediately releas’d from his Confinement, yet he was kept close to his Prison ten Days longer; the Reason as he afterwards found, was, least the Ship might be hovering somewhere upon the Coast, and having his Liberty he might find an Opportunity of escaping to her; but when they seem’d pretty well assured that the Ship was quite gone off, the King sent for him, and ask’d him, if he should give him his Liberty, whether he would attempt to escape? He promised he would not, and indeed any Attempt now would have been in Vain, for to escape would have been a Thing impossible; upon which, the King appointed him to attend upon his Person, and to live with his other Servants, giving him Orders at the same Time not to go out of the City.

There was nothing at all uncomfortable in the Life he led here, for the Service was easy, having very little to do; his chief Business was carrying up the Pataes or Dishes for the King’s Dinner, who eat upon the Ground, the Floor being sometimes covered with a Mat instead of a Cloth, and sometimes bare without any Thing; the Diet was generally boiled Rice, with broiled Meat, sometimes Venison, sometimes wild Goat; as also Fowl of all Sorts, which are smaller than those of Europe, but of an excellent Taste; they have also several Fowl not known to us; their Beef and Mutton are both excellent, but small; they also had Variety of Fish which they dress, either by boiling or broiling, as for Sawce, the King himself had none, except Kajan, Pepper, for they eat most of their Things very hot, and boiled Rice is what serves them instead of Bread.

Thus he lived in Plenty, eating as much as he would of what was left, when the King had done Dinner, so that few People as to Eating and Drinking tasted so great a Variety as he did; the Diet of the common Sort of People, consists generally of Plantanes, Bonana’s, boiled Rice (which they call Pasida) and Oil, and a Dish they call Kaja, which is Plantanes and Rice boiled together, sometimes indeed they have Venison and wild Goat, which they kill themselves, but whatever it is, they eat it out of the Crock it is boiled in, for none but those of great Condition have the Use of Pataes or Dishes; if it be broiled, whether it be Fish or Flesh, they eat it off the Coals, and to avoid burning their Fingers, they take a Bit of green Stick which they break half through, and so bending it together, it serves the Use of a Pair of Tongues as well as a Fork, in turning the Meat upon the Coals as well as taking it off when it is ready. As for Knives and Forks the King himself is not acquainted with the Use of them; so that he pulls his Meat to Pieces with his Fingers, which is generally so well done that it requires no great Labour.

It was about two Months before he ventured to stir abroad beyond the Palace; but one Day one of the Servants who had Business about the City, ask’d him to go along with him, and in Discourse told him, the King would not be displeas’d, if he should go out often; upon this Encouragement he used to walk about the City almost every Day, chusing the Time when the King went to sleep, which was constantly his Practice every Afternoon. He took this Liberty three or four Months together, sometimes being absent several Hours without receiving the least Reprimand; he made an Acquaintance with several in the City, and had Leisure to satisfie his Curiosity, in observing every Thing that appeared new and strange, to one who had lived so long amongst the Europeans.

The City of Magadoxa lies (as has been observ’d) in the Latitude of one Degree and fifty one Minutes: It is built betwixt two Hills or rather on the Sides of two Hills, the greatest Part of it standing on the Declivity of that Hill next the Sea, so that there is scarce any of it to be seen by any Ship in the Road, or that passes by, which indeed are but few; for scarce any ever touch there, except driven by ’Stress of Weather, as was the Case of the Albemarle. They have no Vessels of their own, except a few employ’d in Fishing, which they call Juncks, and not above ten or twelve of those; and tho’ some of them are large enough to carry thirteen or fourteen Ton, they never venture far from the Land.