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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 12216 ***
+
+THE PIRATES OWN BOOK
+
+Authentic Narratives of the Most Celebrated Sea Robbers.
+
+by
+
+Charles Ellms
+
+1837
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: _A Piratical Scene--"Walking the Death Plank._"]
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+In the mind of the mariner, there is a superstitious horror connected
+with the name of Pirate; and there are few subjects that interest and
+excite the curiosity of mankind generally, more than the desperate
+exploits, foul doings, and diabolical career of these monsters in human
+form. A piratical crew is generally formed of the desperadoes and
+runagates of every clime and nation. The pirate, from the perilous
+nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great
+highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his
+retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons
+of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can
+escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior. The islands of
+the Indian Ocean, and the east and west coasts of Africa, as well as
+the West Indies, have been their haunts for centuries; and vessels
+navigating the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, are often captured by them,
+the passengers and crew murdered, the money and most valuable part of
+the cargo plundered, the vessel destroyed, thus obliterating all trace
+of their unhappy fate, and leaving friends and relatives to mourn their
+loss from the inclemencies of the elements, when they were butchered in
+cold blood by their fellow men, who by practically adopting the maxim
+that "dead men tell no tales," enable themselves to pursue their
+diabolical career with impunity. The pirate is truly fond of women and
+wine, and when not engaged in robbing, keeps maddened with intoxicating
+liquors, and passes his time in debauchery, singing old songs with
+chorusses like
+
+  "Drain, drain the bowl, each fearless soul,
+    Let the world wag as it will:
+  Let the heavens growl, let the devil howl,
+    Drain, drain the deep bowl and fill."
+
+Thus his hours of relaxation are passed in wild and extravagant frolics
+amongst the lofty forests of palms and spicy groves of the Torrid Zone,
+and amidst the aromatic and beautiful flowering vegetable productions of
+that region. He has fruits delicious to taste, and as companions, the
+unsophisticated daughters of Africa and the Indies. It would be supposed
+that his wild career would be one of delight.
+
+But the apprehension and foreboding of the mind, when under the
+influence of remorse, are powerful, and every man, whether civilized or
+savage, has interwoven in his constitution a moral sense, which
+secretly condemns him when he has committed an atrocious action, even
+when he is placed in situations which raise him above the fear of human
+punishment, for
+
+  "Conscience, the torturer of the soul, unseen.
+  Does fiercely brandish a sharp scourge within;
+  Severe decrees may keep our tongues in awe,
+  But to our minds what edicts can give law?
+  Even you yourself to your own breast shall tell
+  Your crimes, and your own conscience be your hell."
+
+With the name of pirate is also associated ideas of rich plunder,
+caskets of buried jewels, chests of gold ingots, bags of outlandish
+coins, secreted in lonely, out of the way places, or buried about the
+wild shores of rivers, and unexplored sea coasts, near rocks and trees
+bearing mysterious marks, indicating where the treasure was hid. And as
+it is his invariable practice to secrete and bury his booty, and from
+the perilous life he leads, being often killed or captured, he can never
+re-visit the spot again; immense sums remain buried in those places, and
+are irrecoverably lost. Search is often made by persons who labor in
+anticipation of throwing up with their spade and pickaxe, gold bars,
+diamond crosses sparkling amongst the dirt, bags of golden doubloons,
+and chests, wedged close with moidores, ducats and pearls; but although
+great treasures lie hid in this way, it seldom happens that any is so
+recovered.
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+
+By the universal law of nations, robbery or forcible depredation upon
+the "high seas," _animo furandi_, is piracy. The meaning of the phrase
+"high seas," embraces not only the waters of the ocean, which are out of
+sight of land, but the waters on the sea coast below low water mark,
+whether within the territorial boundaries of a foreign nation, or of a
+domestic state. Blackstone says that the main sea or high sea begins at
+low water mark. But between the high water mark and low water mark,
+where the tide ebbs and flows, the common law and the Admiralty have
+_divisum imperium_, an alternate jurisdiction, one upon the water when
+it is full sea; the other upon the land when it is ebb. He doubtless
+here refers to the waters of the ocean on the sea coast, and not in
+creeks and inlets. Lord Hale says that the sea is either that which
+lies within the body of a country or without. That which lies without
+the body of a country is called the main sea or ocean. So far then as
+regards the states of the American union, "high seas," may be taken to
+mean that part of the ocean which washes the sea coast, and is without
+the body of any country, according to the common law; and so far as
+regards foreign nations, any waters on their sea coasts, below low water
+mark.
+
+Piracy is an offence against the universal law of society, a pirate
+being according to Sir Edward Coke, _stis humani generis_. As,
+therefore, he has renounced all the benefits of society and government,
+and has reduced himself to the savage state of nature, by declaring war
+against all mankind, all mankind must declare war against him; so that
+every community has a right by the rule of self-defense, to inflict that
+punishment upon him which every individual would in a state of nature
+otherwise have been entitled to do, for any invasion of his person or
+personal property. By various statutes in England and the United States,
+other offences are made piracy. Thus, if a subject of either of these
+nations commit any act of hostility against a fellow subject on the high
+seas, under color of a commission from any foreign power, this act is
+piracy. So if any captain of any vessel, or mariner, run away with the
+vessel, or the goods, or yield them up to a pirate voluntarily, or if
+any seaman lay violent hands on his commander, to hinder him from
+fighting in defence of the ship or goods committed to his charge, or
+make a revolt in the ship, these offences are acts of piracy, by the
+laws of the United States and England. In England by the statute of 8
+George I, c. 24, the trading or corresponding with known pirates, or the
+forcibly boarding any merchant vessel, (though without seizing her or
+carrying her off,) and destroying any of the goods on board, are
+declared to be acts of piracy; and by the statute 18 George II. c. 30,
+any natural born subject or denizen who in time of war, shall commit any
+hostilities at sea, against any of his fellow subjects, or shall assist
+an enemy, on that element, is liable to be punished as a pirate. By
+statute of George II. c. 25, the ransoming of any neutral vessel, which
+has been taken by the captain of a private ship of war, is declared
+piracy. By the act of congress, April 30, 1790, if any person upon the
+high seas, or in any river, haven, or bay, out of the jurisdiction of
+any particular state, commit murder or robbery, or any other offence
+which if committed within the body of a county, would by the laws of the
+United States, be punishable by death, such offender is to be deemed a
+pirate. By the act of congress, 1820, c. 113, if any citizen of the
+United States, being of the crew of any foreign vessel, or any person
+being of the crew of any vessel owned in whole or part by any citizen of
+the United States, shall be engaged in the foreign slave trade, he shall
+be adjudged a pirate. Notwithstanding the expression used in this
+statute, the question, says Chancellor Kent, remains to be settled,
+whether the act of being concerned in the slave trade would be adjudged
+piracy, within the code of international law. In England by the act of
+parliament passed March 31, 1824, the slave trade is also declared to be
+piracy. An attempt has been made to effect a convention between the
+United States and Great Britain, by which it should be agreed that both
+nations should consider the slave trade as piratical; but this attempt
+has hitherto been unsuccessful. In the time of Richard III, by the laws
+of Oberon, all infidels were regarded as pirates, and their property
+liable to seizure wherever found. By the law of nations, the taking of
+goods by piracy does not divest the actual owner of them. By the civil
+institutions of Spain and Venice, ships taken from pirates became the
+property of those who retake them. Piracy is every where pursued and
+punished with death, and pirates can gain no rights by conquest. It is
+of no importance, for the purpose of giving jurisdiction in cases of
+piracy, on whom or where a piratical offence is committed. A pirate who
+is one by the law of nations, may be tried and punished in any country
+where he may be found; for he is reputed to be out of the protection of
+all laws. But if the statute of any government declares an offence,
+committed on board one of their own vessels, to be piracy; such an
+offence will be punished exclusively by the nation which passes the
+statute. In England the offence was formerly cognizable only by the
+Admiralty courts, which proceeded without a jury in a method founded on
+the civil law. But by the statute of Henry VIII. c. 15, it was enacted
+that piracy should be tried by commissioners nominated by the lord
+chancellor, the indictment being first found by a grand jury, of twelve
+men, and afterwards tried by another jury, as at common law. Among the
+commissioners, there are always some of the common law judges. In the
+United States, pirates are tried before the circuit court of the United
+States. Piracy has been known from the remotest antiquity; for in the
+early ages every small maritime state was addicted to piracy, and
+navigation was perilous. This habit was so general, that it was regarded
+with indifference, and, whether merchant, traveller, or pirate, the
+stranger was received with the rights of hospitality. Thus Nestor,
+having given Mentor and Telemachus a plenteous repast, remarks, that the
+banquet being finished, it was time to ask his guests to their business.
+"Are you," demands the aged prince, "merchants destined to any port, or
+are you merely adventurers and pirates, who roam the seas without any
+place of destination, and live by rapine and ruin."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+TABLE OF CONTENTS
+
+
+PREFACE
+
+PREFACE TO THIS EDITION
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+TABLE OF CONTENTS
+
+THE DANISH AND NORMAN PIRATES
+
+ADVENTURES AND EXPLOITS OF CAPTAIN AVERY
+
+HISTORY OF THE JOASSAMEE PIRATES
+
+SKETCH OF THE JOASSAMEE CHIEF--RAHMAH-BEN-JABIR
+
+LIFE OF LAFITTE, THE PIRATE OF THE GULF
+
+THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN ROBERTS
+
+THE LIFE OF CHARLES GIBBS
+
+HISTORY AND EXECUTION OF THE SPANISH PIRATES
+
+THE LIFE OF BENITO DE SOTO
+
+THE ADVENTURES OF CAPT. ROBERT KIDD
+
+BLOODY CAREER AND EXECUTION OF VINCENT BENAVIDES
+
+THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN DAVIS
+
+AUTHENTIC HISTORY OF THE MALAY PIRATES
+
+THE ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN CONDENT
+
+THE LIFE OF CAPT. EDWARD LOW
+
+LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF CAPT. EDWARD ENGLAND
+
+ACCOUNT OF THE LYNN PIRATES
+
+HISTORY OF THE LADRONE PIRATES
+
+THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN LEWIS
+
+LIFE, CAREER, AND DEATH OF CAPT. THOMAS WHITE
+
+LIFE, ATROCITIES, AND BLOODY DEATH OF BLACK BEARD
+
+EXPLOITS, ARREST, AND EXECUTION OF CAPT. CHARLES VANE
+
+THE WEST INDIA PIRATES
+
+ADVENTURES AND EXECUTION OF CAPT. JOHN RACKAM
+
+LIFE AND EXPLOITS OF ANNE BONNEY
+
+ADVENTURES AND HEROISM OF MARY READ
+
+HISTORY OF THE ALGERINE PIRATES
+
+ADVENTURES, TRIAL AND EXECUTION OF CAPTAIN GOW
+
+THE PIRATE'S SONG
+
+
+
+THE DANISH AND NORMAN PIRATES
+
+
+The Saxons, a people supposed to be derived from the Cimbri, uniting the
+occupations of fishing and piracy, commenced at an early period their
+ravages in the German Ocean; and the shores of Gaul and Britain were for
+ages open to their depredations. About the middle of the fifth century,
+the unwarlike Vortigern, then king of Britain, embraced the fatal
+resolution of requesting these hardy warriors to deliver him from the
+harassing inroads of the Picts and Scots; and the expedition of Hengist
+and Horsa was the consequence. Our mention of this memorable epoch is
+not for its political importance, great as that is, but for its effects
+on piracy; for the success attending such enterprises seems to have
+turned the whole of the northern nations towards sea warfare. The Danes,
+Norwegians, and Swedes, from their superior knowledge of navigation,
+gave into it most; and on whatever coast the winds carried them, they
+made free with all that came in their way. Canute the Fourth endeavored
+in vain to repress these lawless disorders among his subjects; but they
+felt so galled by his restrictions, that they assassinated him. On the
+king of Sweden being taken by the Danes, permission was given to such of
+his subjects as chose, to arm themselves against the enemy, pillage his
+possessions, and sell their prizes at Ribnitz and Golnitz. This proved a
+fertile nursery of pirates, who became so formidable under the name of
+"Victalien Broders," that several princes were obliged to arm against
+them, and hang some of their chiefs.
+
+Even the females of the North caught the epidemic spirit, and proudly
+betook themselves to the dangers of sea-life. Saxo-Grammaticus relates
+an interesting story of one of them. Alwilda, the daughter of Synardus,
+a Gothic king, to deliver herself from the violence imposed on her
+inclination, by a marriage with Alf, the son of Sygarus, king of
+Denmark, embraced the life of a rover; and attired as a man, she
+embarked in a vessel of which the crew was composed of other young women
+of tried courage, dressed in the same manner. Among the first of her
+cruises, she landed at a place where a company of pirates were bewailing
+the loss of their commander; and the strangers were so captivated with
+the air and agreeable manners of Alwilda, that they unanimously chose
+her for their leader. By this reinforcement she became so formidable,
+that Prince Alf was despatched to engage her. She sustained his attacks
+with great courage and talent; but during a severe action in the gulf of
+Finland, Alf boarded her vessel, and having killed the greatest part of
+her crew, seized the captain, namely herself; whom nevertheless he knew
+not, because she had a casque which covered her visage. The prince was
+agreeably surprised, on removing the helmet, to recognize his beloved
+Alwilda; and it seems that his valor had now recommended him to the fair
+princess, for he persuaded her to accept his hand, married her on board,
+and then led her to partake of his wealth, and share his throne.
+
+Charlemagne, though represented as naturally generous and humane, had
+been induced, in his extravagant zeal for the propagation of those
+tenets which he had himself adopted, to enforce them throughout Germany
+at the point of the sword; and his murders and decimations on that
+account disgrace humanity. The more warlike of the Pagans flying into
+Jutland, from whence the Saxons had issued forth, were received with
+kindness, and furnished with the means of punishing their persecutor, by
+harassing his coasts. The maritime towns of France were especially
+ravaged by those pirates called "Normands," or men of the North; and it
+was owing to their being joined by many malcontents, in the provinces
+since called Normandy, that that district acquired its name.
+Charlemagne, roused by this effrontery, besides fortifying the mouths of
+the great rivers, determined on building himself a fleet, which he did,
+consisting of 400 of the largest galleys then known, some having five or
+six benches of oars. His people were, however, extremely ignorant of
+maritime affairs, and in the progress of having them taught, he was
+suddenly called to the south, by the invasion of the Saracens.
+
+[Illustration: _Awilda, the Female Pirate._]
+
+Another division of Normans, some years afterwards, in the same spirit
+of emigration, and thirsting, perhaps, to avenge their injured
+ancestors, burst into the provinces of France, which the degeneracy of
+Charlemagne's posterity, and the dissensions which prevailed there,
+rendered an affair of no great difficulty. Louis le Debonnaire had taken
+every means of keeping on good terms with them; annually persuading some
+to become Christians, and then sending them home so loaded with
+presents, that it was discovered they came to be baptized over and over
+again, merely for the sake of the gifts, as Du Chesne tells us. But on
+the subsequent division of the empire among the undutiful sons of Louis,
+the pirates did not fail to take advantage of the general confusion;
+braving the sea almost every summer in their light coracles, sailing up
+the Seine, the Somme, or the Loire, and devastating the best parts of
+France, almost without resistance. In 845, they went up to Paris,
+pillaged it, and were on the point of attacking the royal camp at St.
+Dennis; but receiving a large sum of money from Charles the Bald, they
+retreated from thence, and with the new means thus supplied them,
+ravaged Bordeaux, and were there joined by Pepin, king of Aquitaine. A
+few years afterwards, they returned in great numbers. Paris was again
+sacked, and the magnificent abbey of St. Germain des Prés burnt. In
+861, Wailand, a famous Norman pirate, returning from England, took up
+his winter quarters on the banks of the Loire, devastated the country as
+high as Tourraine, shared the women and girls among his crews, and even
+carried off the male children, to be brought up in his own profession.
+Charles the Bald, not having the power to expel him, engaged the
+freebooter, for 500 pounds of silver, to dislodge his countrymen, who
+were harassing the vicinity of Paris. In consequence of this subsidy,
+Wailand, with a fleet of 260 sail, went up the Seine, and attacked the
+Normans in the isle of Oiselle: after a long and obstinate resistance,
+they were obliged to capitulate; and having paid 6000 pounds of gold and
+silver, by way of ransom, had leave to join their victors. The riches
+thus acquired rendered a predatory life so popular, that the pirates
+were continually increasing in number, so that under a "sea-king" called
+Eric, they made a descent in the Elbe and the Weser, pillaged Hamburg,
+penetrated far into Germany, and after gaining two battles, retreated
+with immense booty. The pirates, thus reinforced on all sides, long
+continued to devastate Germany, France, and England; some penetrated
+into Andalusia and Hetruria, where they destroyed the flourishing town
+of Luni; whilst others, descending the Dnieper, penetrated even into
+Russia.
+
+[Illustration: _A Priest thrown from the Ramparts of an Abbey._]
+
+Meanwhile the Danes had been making several attempts to effect a
+_lodgment_ in England; and allured by its fertility, were induced to try
+their fortune in various expeditions, which were occasionally completely
+successful, and at other times most fatally disastrous. At length, after
+a struggle of several years, their success was so decided, that king
+Alfred was obliged for a time to abandon his kingdom, as we all know, to
+their ravages. They immediately passed over to Ireland, and divided it
+into three sovereignties; that of Dublin fell to the share of Olauf;
+that of Waterford to Sitrih; and that of Limerick to Yivar. These
+arrangements dispersed the forces of the enemy, and watching his
+opportunity, Alfred issued from his retreat, fell on them like a
+thunderbolt, and made a great carnage of them. This prince, too wise to
+exterminate the pirates after he had conquered them, sent them to settle
+Northumberland, which had been wasted by their countrymen, and by this
+humane policy gained their attachment and services. He then retook
+London, embellished it, equipped fleets, restrained the Danes in
+England, and prevented others from landing. In the twelve years of peace
+which followed his fifty-six battles, this great man composed his body
+of laws; divided England into counties, hundreds, and tithings, and
+founded the University of Oxford. But after Alfred's death, fresh swarms
+of pirates visited the shores, among the most formidable of whom were
+the Danes, who spread desolation and misery along the banks of the
+Thames, the Medway, the Severn, the Tamar, and the Avon, for more than a
+century, though repeatedly tempted to desist by weighty bribes, raised
+by an oppressive and humiliating tax called _Danegelt_, from its object;
+and which, like most others, were continued long after it had answered
+its intent.
+
+About the end of the 9th century, one of the sons of Rognwald, count of
+the Orcades, named Horolf, or Rollo, having infested the coasts of
+Norway with piratical descents, was at length defeated and banished by
+Harold, king of Denmark. He fled for safety to the Scandinavian island
+of Soderoe, where finding many outlaws and discontented fugitives, he
+addressed their passions, and succeeded in placing himself at their
+head. Instead of measuring his sword with his sovereign again, he
+adopted the wiser policy of imitating his countrymen, in making his
+fortune by plundering the more opulent places of southern Europe. The
+first attempt of this powerful gang was upon England, where, finding
+Alfred too powerful to be coped with, he stood over to the mouth of the
+Seine, and availed himself of the state to which France was reduced.
+Horolf, however, did not limit his ambition to the acquisition of booty;
+he wished permanently to enjoy some of the fine countries he was
+ravaging, and after many treaties made and broken, received the dutchy
+of Normandy from the lands of Charles the Simple, as a fief, together
+with Gisla, the daughter of the French monarch, in marriage. Thus did a
+mere pirate found the family which in a few years gave sovereigns to
+England, Naples, and Sicily, and spread the fame of their talents and
+prowess throughout the world.
+
+Nor was Europe open to the depredations of the northern pirates only.
+Some Asiatic moslems, having seized on Syria, immediately invaded
+Africa, and their subsequent conquests in Spain facilitated their
+irruption into France, where they pillaged the devoted country, with but
+few substantial checks. Masters of all the islands in the Mediterranean,
+their corsairs insulted the coasts of Italy, and even threatened the
+destruction of the Eastern empire. While Alexis was occupied in a war
+with Patzinaces, on the banks of the Danube, Zachas, a Saracen pirate,
+scoured the Archipelago, having, with the assistance of an able
+Smyrniote, constructed a flotilla of forty brigantines, and some light
+fast-rowing boats, manned by adventurers like himself. After taking
+several of the surrounding islands, he established himself sovereign of
+Smyrna, that place being about the centre of his newly-acquired
+dominions. Here his fortunes prospered for a time, and Soliman, sultan
+of Nicea, son of the grand Soliman, sought his alliance, and married his
+daughter, about AD. 1093. But in the following year, young Soliman being
+persuaded that his father-in-law had an eye to his possessions, with his
+own hand stabbed Zachas to the heart. The success of this freebooter
+shows that the Eastern emperors could no longer protect, or even assist,
+their islands.
+
+Maritime pursuits had now revived, the improvement of nautical science
+was progressing rapidly, and the advantages of predatory expeditions,
+especially when assisted and masked by commerce, led people of family
+and acquirements to embrace the profession. The foremost of these were
+the Venetians and Genoese, among whom the private adventurers,
+stimulated by an enterprising spirit, fitted out armaments, and
+volunteered themselves into the service of those nations who thought
+proper to retain them; or they engaged in such schemes of plunder as
+were likely to repay their pains and expense. About the same time, the
+Roxolani or Russians, became known in history, making their debut in the
+character of pirates, ravenous for booty, and hungry for the pillage of
+Constantinople--a longing which 900 years have not yet satisfied.
+Pouring hundreds of boats down the Borysthenes, the Russian marauders
+made four desperate attempts to plunder the city of the Caesars, in less
+than two centuries, and appear only to have been repulsed by the
+dreadful effects of the celebrated Greek fire.
+
+England, in the mean time, had little to do with piracy; nor had she any
+thing worthy the name of a navy; yet Coeur de Lion had given maritime
+laws to Europe; her seamen, in point of skill, were esteemed superior to
+their contemporaries; and King John enacted that those foreign ships
+which refused to lower their flags to that of Britain should, if taken,
+be deemed lawful prizes. Under Henry III., though Hugh de Burgh, the
+governor of Dover Castle, had defeated a French fleet by casting lime
+into the eyes of his antagonists, the naval force was impaired to such a
+degree that the Normans and Bretons were too powerful for the Cinque
+Ports, and compelled them to seek relief from the other ports of the
+kingdom. The taste for depredation had become so general and contagious,
+that privateers were now allowed to be fitted out, which equipments
+quickly degenerated to the most cruel of pirates. Nay more: on the
+disputes which took place between Henry and his Barons, in 1244, the
+Cinque Ports, who had shown much indifference to the royal requisitions,
+openly espoused the cause of the revolted nobles; and, under the orders
+of Simon de Montfort, burnt Portsmouth. From this, forgetful of their
+motives for arming, they proceeded to commit various acts of piracy, and
+considering nothing but their private interests, extended their violence
+not only against the shipping of all countries unfortunate enough to
+fall in their way, but even to perpetrate the most unwarrantable ravages
+on the property of their own countrymen. Nor was this confined to the
+Cinque Port vessels only; the example and the profits were too
+stimulating to the restless; and one daring association on the coast of
+Lincolnshire seized the Isle of Ely, and made it their receptacle for
+the plunder of all the adjacent countries. One William Marshall
+fortified the little island of Lundy, in the mouth of the Severn, and
+did so much mischief by his piracies, that at length it became necessary
+to fit out a squadron to reduce him, which was accordingly done, and he
+was executed in London; yet the example did not deter other persons from
+similar practices. The sovereign, however, did not possess sufficient
+naval means to suppress the enormities of the great predatory squadrons,
+and their ravages continued to disgrace the English name for upwards of
+twenty years, when the valor and conciliation of the gallant Prince
+Edward brought them to that submission which his royal parent had failed
+in procuring.
+
+Those "harum-scarum" expeditions, the Crusades, were perhaps influential
+in checking piracy, although the rabble that composed the majority of
+them had as little principle as the worst of the freebooters. From the
+time that Peter the Hermit set Europe in a blaze, all ranks, and all
+nations, streamed to the East, so that few vessels were otherwise
+employed than in conveying the motly groups who sought the shores of
+Palestine; some from religious zeal; some from frantic fanaticism; some
+from desire of distinction; some for the numberless privileges which the
+crusaders acquired; and the rest and greater portion, for the spoil and
+plunder of which they had a prospect. The armaments, fitted in no fewer
+than nine successive efforts, were mostly equipped with such haste and
+ignorance, and with so little choice, that ruinous delays, shipwrecks,
+and final discomfiture, were naturally to be expected. Still, the effect
+of such incredible numbers of people betaking themselves to foreign
+countries, advanced civilization, although vast means of forwarding its
+cause were buried in the East; and those who assert that no benefit
+actually resulted, cannot deny that at least some evils were thereby
+removed. Montesquieu says, that Europe then required a general shock, to
+teach her, but the sight of contrasts, the theorems of public economy
+most conducive to happiness. And it is evident, that notwithstanding
+these follies wasted the population of Europe, squandered its treasures,
+and infected us with new vices and diseases, still the crusades
+diminished the bondage of the feudal system, by augmenting the power of
+the King, and the strength of the Commons; while they also occasioned a
+very increased activity in commerce: thus taming the ferocity of men's
+spirits, increasing agriculture in value from the safety it enjoyed, and
+establishing a base for permanent prosperity.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURES AND EXPLOITS OF CAPTAIN AVERY.
+
+
+_Containing an Account of his capturing one of the great Mogul's ship's
+laden with treasure: and an interesting history of a Colony of Pirates
+on the Island of Madagascar._
+
+During his own time the adventures of Captain Avery were the subject of
+general conversation in Europe. It was reported that he had married the
+Great Mogul's daughter, who was taken in an Indian ship that fell into
+his hands, and that he was about to be the founder of a new
+monarchy--that he gave commissions in his own name to the captains of
+his ships, and the commanders of his forces, and was acknowledged by
+them as their prince. In consequence of these reports, it was at one
+time resolved to fit out a strong squadron to go and take him and his
+men; and at another time it was proposed to invite him home with all his
+riches, by the offer of his Majesty's pardon. These reports, however,
+were soon discovered to be groundless, and he was actually starving
+without a shilling, while he was represented as in the possession of
+millions. Not to exhaust the patience, or lessen the curiosity of the
+reader, the facts in Avery's life shall be briefly related.
+
+He was a native of Devonshire (Eng.), and at an early period sent to
+sea; advanced to the station of a mate in a merchantman, he performed
+several voyages. It happened previous to the peace of Ryswick, when
+there existed an alliance between Spain, England, Holland, and other
+powers, against France, that the French in Martinique carried on a
+smuggling trade with the Spaniards on the continent of Peru. To prevent
+their intrusion into the Spanish dominions, a few vessels were
+commanded to cruise upon that coast, but the French ships were too
+strong for them; the Spaniards, therefore, came to the resolution of
+hiring foreigners to act against them. Accordingly, certain merchants of
+Bristol fitted out two ships of thirty guns, well manned, and provided
+with every necessary munition, and commanded them to sail for Corunna to
+receive their orders.
+
+Captain Gibson commanded one of these ships, and Avery appears to have
+been his mate, in the year 1715. He was a fellow of more cunning than
+courage, and insinuating himself into the confidence of some of the
+boldest men in the ship, he represented the immense riches which were to
+be acquired upon the Spanish coast, and proposed to run off with the
+ship. The proposal was scarcely made when it was agreed upon, and put in
+execution at ten o'clock the following evening. Captain Gibson was one
+of those who mightily love their bottle, and spent much of his time on
+shore; but he remained on board that night, which did not, however,
+frustrate their design, because he had taken his usual dose, and so went
+to bed. The men who were not in the confederacy went also to bed,
+leaving none upon deck but the conspirators. At the time agreed upon,
+the long boat of the other ship came, and Avery hailing her in the usual
+manner, he was answered by the men in her, "Is your drunken boatswain on
+board?" which was the watchword agreed between them. Avery replying in
+the affirmative, the boat came alongside with sixteen stout fellows, who
+joined in the adventure. They next secured the hatches, then softly
+weighed anchor, and immediately put to sea without bustle or noise.
+There were several vessels in the bay, besides a Dutchman of forty guns,
+the captain of which was offered a considerable reward to go in pursuit
+of Avery, but he declined. When the captain awoke, he rang his bell, and
+Avery and another conspirator going into the cabin, found him yet half
+asleep. He inquired, saying, "What is the matter with the ship? does
+she drive? what weather is it?" supposing that it had been a storm, and
+that the ship was driven from her anchors. "No, no," answered Avery,
+"we're at sea, with a fair wind and a good weather." "At sea!" said the
+captain: "how can that be?" "Come," answered Avery, "don't be in a
+fright, but put on your clothes, and I'll let you into a secret. You
+must know that I am captain of this ship now, and this is my cabin,
+therefore you must walk out; I am bound to Madagascar, with a design of
+making my own fortune, and that of all the brave fellows joined with
+me."
+
+The captain, having a little recovered his senses, began to understand
+his meaning. However, his fright was as great as before, which Avery
+perceiving, desired him to fear nothing; "for," said he, "if you have a
+mind to make one of us, we will receive you; and if you turn sober, and
+attend to business, perhaps in time I may make you one of my
+lieutenants; if not, here's a boat, and you shall be set on shore."
+Gibson accepted of the last proposal; and the whole crew being called up
+to know who was willing to go on shore with the captain, there were only
+about five or six who chose to accompany him.
+
+Avery proceeded on his voyage to Madagascar, and it does not appear that
+he captured any vessels upon his way. When arrived at the northeast part
+of that island, he found two sloops at anchor, which, upon seeing him,
+slipped their cables and ran themselves ashore, while the men all landed
+and concealed themselves in the woods. These were two sloops which the
+men had run off with from the East Indies, and seeing Avery's ship,
+supposed that he had been sent out after them. Suspecting who they were,
+he sent some of his men on shore to inform them that they were friends,
+and to propose a union for their common safety. The sloops' men being
+well armed, had posted themselves in a wood, and placed sentinels to
+observe whether the ship's men were landing to pursue them. The
+sentinels only observing two or three men coming towards them unarmed,
+did not oppose them. Upon being informed that they were friends, the
+sentinels conveyed them to the main body, where they delivered their
+message. They were at first afraid that it was a stratagem to entrap
+them, but when the messengers assured them that their captain had also
+run away with his ship, and that a few of their men along with him would
+meet them unarmed, to consult matters for their common advantage,
+confidence was established, and they were mutually well pleased, as it
+added to their strength.
+
+Having consulted what was most proper to be attempted they endeavored to
+get off the sloops, and hastened to prepare all things, in order to sail
+for the Arabian coast. Near the river Indus, the man at the mast-head
+espied a sail, upon which they gave chase; as they came nearer to her,
+they discovered that she was a tall vessel, and might turn out to be an
+East Indiaman. She, however, proved a better prize; for when they fired
+at her she hoisted Mogul colors, and seemed to stand upon her defence.
+Avery only cannonaded at a distance, when some of his men began to
+suspect that he was not the hero they had supposed. The sloops, however
+attacked, the one on the bow, and another upon the quarter of the ship,
+and so boarded her. She then struck her colors. She was one of the Great
+Mogul's own ships, and there were in her several of the greatest persons
+in his court, among whom, it was said, was one of his daughters going
+upon a pilgrimage to Mecca; and they were carrying with them rich
+offerings to present at the shrine of Mahomet. It is a well known fact,
+that the people of the east travel with great magnificence, so that
+these had along with them all their slaves and attendants, with a large
+quantity of vessels of gold and silver, and immense sums of money to
+defray their expenses by land; the spoil therefore which they received
+from that ship was almost incalculable.
+
+[Illustration: _Captain Avery engaging the Great Mogul's Ship._]
+
+Taking the treasure on board their own ships, and plundering their prize
+of every thing valuable, they then allowed her to depart. As soon as the
+Mogul received this intelligence, he threatened to send a mighty army to
+extirpate the English from all their settlements upon the Indian coast.
+The East India Company were greatly alarmed, but found means to calm his
+resentment, by promising to search for the robbers, and deliver them
+into his hands. The noise which this made over all Europe, gave birth to
+the rumors that were circulated concerning Avery's greatness.
+
+In the mean time, our adventurers made the best of their way back to
+Madagascar, intending to make that place the deposit of all their
+treasure, to build a small fort, and to keep always a few men there for
+its protection. Avery, however, disconcerted this plan, and rendered it
+altogether unnecessary.
+
+[Illustration: _Captain Avery receiving the three chests of Treasure on
+board of his Ship._]
+
+While steering their course, Avery sent a boat to each of the sloops,
+requesting that the chiefs would come on board his ship to hold a
+conference. They obeyed, and being assembled, he suggested to them the
+necessity of securing the property which they had acquired in some safe
+place on shore, and observed, that the chief difficulty was to get it
+safe on shore; adding that, if either of the sloops should be attacked
+alone, they would not be able to make any great resistance, and thus she
+must either be sunk or taken with all the property on board. That, for
+his part, his ship was so strong, so well manned, and such a
+swift-sailing vessel, that he did not think it was possible for any
+other ship to take or overcome her. Accordingly, he proposed that all
+their treasure should be sealed up in three chests;--that each of the
+captains should have keys, and that they should not be opened until all
+were present;--that the chests should be then put on board his ship, and
+afterwards lodged in some safe place upon land.
+
+This proposal seemed so reasonable, and so much for the common good,
+that it was without hesitation agreed to, and all the treasure deposited
+in three chests, and carried to Avery's ship. The weather being
+favorable, they remained all three in company during that and the next
+day; meanwhile Avery, tampering with his men, suggested, that they had
+now on board what was sufficient to make them all happy; "and what,"
+continued he, "should hinder us from going to some country where we are
+not known, and living on shore all the rest of our days in plenty?" They
+soon understood his hint, and all readily consented to deceive the men
+of the sloops, and fly with all the booty; this they effected during the
+darkness of the following night. The reader may easily conjecture what
+were the feelings and indignation of the other two crews in the morning,
+when they discovered that Avery had made off with all their property.
+
+Avery and his men hastened towards America, and being strangers in that
+country, agreed to divide the booty, to change their names, and each
+separately to take up his residence, and live in affluence and honor.
+The first land they approached was the Island of Providence, then newly
+settled. It however occurred to them, that the largeness of their
+vessel, and the report that one had been run off with from the Groine,
+might create suspicion; they resolved therefore to dispose of their
+vessel at Providence. Upon this resolution, Avery, pretending that his
+vessel had been equipped for privateering, and having been unsuccessful,
+he had orders from the owners to dispose of her to the best advantage,
+soon found a merchant. Having thus sold his own ship, he immediately
+purchased a small sloop.
+
+In this he and his companions embarked, and landed at several places in
+America, where, none suspecting them, they dispersed and settled in the
+country. Avery, however, had been careful to conceal the greater part of
+the jewels and other valuable articles, so that his riches were immense.
+Arriving at Boston, he was almost resolved to settle there, but, as the
+greater part of his wealth consisted of diamonds, he was apprehensive
+that he could not dispose of them at that place, without being taken up
+as a pirate. Upon reflection, therefore, he resolved to sail for
+Ireland, and in a short time arrived in the northern part of that
+kingdom, and his men dispersed into several places. Some of them
+obtained the pardon of King William, and settled in that country.
+
+The wealth of Avery, however, now proved of small service, and
+occasioned him great uneasiness. He could not offer his diamonds for
+sale in that country without being suspected. Considering, therefore,
+what was best to be done, he thought there might be some person at
+Bristol he could venture to trust. Upon this he resolved, and going into
+Devonshire, sent to one of his friends to meet him at a town called
+Bideford. When he had unbosomed himself to him and other pretended
+friends, they agreed that the safest plan would be to put his effects
+into the hands of some wealthy merchants, and no inquiry would be made
+how they came by them. One of these friends told him, he was acquainted
+with some who were very fit for the purpose, and if he would allow them
+a handsome commission, they would do the business faithfully. Avery
+liked the proposal, particularly as he could think of no other way of
+managing this matter, since he could not appear to act for himself.
+Accordingly, the merchants paid Avery a visit at Bideford, where, after
+strong protestations of honor and integrity, he delivered them his
+effects, consisting of diamonds and some vessels of gold. After giving
+him a little money for his present subsistence, they departed.
+
+He changed his name, and lived quietly at Bideford, so that no notice
+was taken of him. In a short time his money was all spent, and he heard
+nothing from his merchants though he wrote to them repeatedly; at last
+they sent him a small supply, but it was not sufficient to pay his
+debts. In short, the remittances they sent him were so trifling, that he
+could with difficulty exist. He therefore determined to go privately to
+Bristol, and have an interview with the merchants himself,--where,
+instead of money, he met with a mortifying repulse; for, when he desired
+them to come to an account with him, they silenced him by threatening to
+disclose his character; the merchants thus proving themselves as good
+pirates on land as he was at sea.
+
+Whether he was frightened by these menaces, or had seen some other
+person who recognised him, is not known; however, he went immediately to
+Ireland, and from thence solicited his merchants very strongly for a
+supply, but to no purpose; so that he was reduced to beggary. In this
+extremity he was determined to return, and cast himself upon the mercy
+of these honest Bristol merchants, let the consequence be what it would.
+He went on board a trading-vessel, and worked his passage over to
+Plymouth, from whence he travelled on foot to Bideford. He had been
+there but a few days, when he fell sick and died; not being worth so
+much as would buy him a coffin!
+
+We shall now turn back and give our readers some account of the other
+two sloops. Deceiving themselves in the supposition that Avery had
+outsailed them during the night, they held on their course to the place
+of rendezvouse; but, arriving there, to their sad disappointment no ship
+appeared. It was now necessary for them to consult what was most proper
+to do in their desperate circumstances. Their provisions were nearly
+exhausted, and both fish and fowl were to be found on shore, yet they
+were destitute of salt to cure them. As they could not subsist at sea
+without salt provisions, they resolved to form an establishment upon
+land. Accordingly making tents of the sails, and using the other
+materials of the sloops for what purposes they could serve, they
+encamped upon the shore. It was also a fortunate circumstance, that they
+had plenty of ammunition and small arms. Here they met with some of
+their countrymen; and as the digression is short, we will inform our
+readers how they came to inhabit this place.
+
+Captain George Dew, and Thomas Tew, had received a commission from the
+Governor of Bermuda to sail for the river Gambia, in Africa, that, with
+the assistance of the Royal African Company, they might seize the French
+Factory situated upon that coast. Dew, in a violent storm, not only
+sprang a mast, but lost sight of his companion. Upon this returned to
+refit. Instead of proceeding in his voyage, Tew made towards the Cape of
+Good Hope, doubled that cape, and sailed for the straits of
+Babel-Mandeb. There he met with a large ship richly laden coming from
+the Indies, and bound for Arabia. Though she had on board three hundred
+soldiers, besides seamen, yet Tew had the courage to attack her, and
+soon made her his prize. It is reported, that by this one prize every
+man shared near three thousand pounds. Informed by the prisoners that
+five other ships were to pass that way, Tew would have attacked them,
+but was prevented by the remonstrances of his quarter-master and others.
+This difference of opinion terminated in a resolution to abandon the
+sea, and to settle on some convenient spot on shore; and the island of
+Madagascar was chosen. Tew, however, and a few others, in a short time
+went for Rhode Island, and obtained a pardon.
+
+The natives of Madagascar are negroes, but differ from those of Guinea
+in the length of their hair and in the blackness of their complexion.
+They are divided into small nations, each governed by its own prince,
+who carry on a continual war upon each other. The prisoners taken in war
+are either rendered slaves to the conquerors, sold, or slain, according
+to pleasure. When the pirates first settled among them, their alliance
+was much courted by these princes, and those whom they joined were
+always successful in their wars, the natives being ignorant of the use
+of fire-arms. Such terror did they carry along with them, that the very
+appearance of a few pirates in an army would have put the opposing force
+to flight.
+
+By these means they in a little time became very formidable, and the
+prisoners whom they took in war they employed in cultivating the ground,
+and the most beautiful of the women they married; nor were they
+contented with one, but married as many as they could conveniently
+maintain. The natural result was, that they separated, each choosing a
+convenient place for himself, where he lived in a princely style,
+surrounded by his wives, slaves and dependants. Nor was it long before
+jarring interests excited them also to draw the sword against each
+other, and they appeared at the head of their respective forces in the
+field of battle. In these civil wars their numbers and strength were
+greatly lessened.
+
+The servant, exalted to the condition of a master, generally becomes a
+tyrant. These pirates, unexpectedly elevated to the dignity of petty
+princes, used their power with the most wanton barbarity. The punishment
+of the very least offence was to be tied to a tree, and instantly shot
+through the head. The negroes, at length, exasperated by continued
+oppression, formed the determination of extirpating them in one night;
+nor was it a difficult matter to accomplish this, since they were now so
+much divided both in affection and residence. Fortunately, however, for
+them, a negro woman, who was partial to them, ran twenty miles in three
+hours, and warning them of their danger, they were united and in arms to
+oppose the negroes before the latter had assembled. This narrow escape
+made them more cautious, and induced them to adopt the following system
+of policy:--
+
+Convinced that fear was not a sufficient protection, and that the
+bravest man might be murdered by a coward in his bed, they labored to
+foment wars among the negro princes, while they themselves declined to
+aid either party. It naturally followed, that those who were vanquished
+fled to them for protection, and increased their strength. When there
+was no war, they fomented private discords, and encouraged them to wreak
+their vengeance against each other; nay, even taught them how to
+surprise their opponents, and furnished them with fire-arms, with which
+to dispatch them more effectually and expeditiously. The consequences
+were, that the murderer was constrained to fly to them for protection,
+with his wives, children, and kindred. These, from interest, became true
+friends, as their own safety depended upon the lives of their
+protectors. By this time the pirates were so formidable, that none of
+the negro princes durst attack them in open war.
+
+[Illustration: _Captain Tew attacks the ship from India._]
+
+Pursuing this system of policy, in a short time each chief had his party
+greatly increased, and they divided like so many tribes, in order to
+find ground to cultivate, and to choose proper places to build places of
+residence and erect garrisons of defence. The fears that agitated them
+were always obvious in their general policy, for they vied with each
+other in constructing places of safety, and using every precaution to
+prevent the possibility of sudden danger, either from the negroes or
+from one another.
+
+A description of one of these dwellings will both show the fears that
+agitated these tyrants, and prove entertaining to the reader. They
+selected a spot overgrown with wood, near a river, and raised a rampart
+or ditch round it, so straight and steep that it was impossible to climb
+it, more particularly by those who had no scaling ladders. Over that
+ditch there was one passage into the wood; the dwelling, which was a
+hut, was built in that part of the wood which the prince thought most
+secure, but so covered that it could not be discovered until you came
+near it. But the greatest ingenuity was displayed in the construction of
+the passage that led to the hut, which was so narrow, that no more than
+one person could go abreast, and it was contrived in so intricate a
+manner, that it was a perfect labyrinth; the way going round and round
+with several small crossways, so that a person unacquainted with it,
+might walk several hours without finding the hut. Along the sides of
+these paths, certain large thorns, which grew on a tree in that country,
+were stuck into the ground with their points outwards; and the path
+itself being serpentine, as before mentioned, if a man should attempt to
+approach the hut at night, he would certainly have struck upon these
+thorns.
+
+[Illustration: _A Pirate and his Madagascar wife._]
+
+Thus like tyrants they lived, dreading, and dreaded by all, and in this
+state they were found by Captain Woods Rogers, when he went to
+Madagascar in the Delicia, a ship of forty guns, with the design of
+purchasing slaves. He touched upon a part of the island at which no ship
+had been seen for seven or eight years before, where he met with some
+pirates who had been upon the island above twenty-five years. There were
+only eleven of the original stock then alive, surrounded with a numerous
+offspring of children and grandchildren.
+
+They were struck with terror upon the sight of the vessel, supposing
+that it was a man-of-war sent out to apprehend them; they, therefore,
+retired to their secret habitations. But when they found some of the
+ship's crew on shore, without any signs of hostility, and proposing to
+treat with them for slaves, they ventured to come out of their dwellings
+attended like princes. Having been so long upon the island, their cloaks
+were so much worn, that their majesties were extremely out at elbows. It
+cannot be said that they were ragged, but they had nothing to cover them
+but the skins of beasts in their natural state, not even a shoe or
+stocking; so that they resembled the pictures of Hercules in the lion's
+skin; and being overgrown with beard, and hair upon their bodies, they
+appeared the most savage figures that the human imagination could well
+conceive.
+
+The sale of the slaves in their possession soon provided them with more
+suitable clothes, and all other necessaries, which they received in
+exchange. Meanwhile, they became very familiar, went frequently on
+board, and were very eager in examining the inside of the ship, talking
+very familiarly with the men, and inviting them on shore. Their design
+was to surprise the ship during the night. They had a sufficient number
+of men and boats to effect their purpose, but the captain suspecting
+them, kept so strong a watch upon deck, that they found it in vain to
+hazard an attempt. When some of the men went on shore, they entered into
+a plan to seize the ship, but the captain observing their familiarity,
+prevented any one of his men from speaking to the pirates, and only
+permitted a confidential person to purchase their slaves. Thus he
+departed from the island, leaving these pirates to enjoy their savage
+royalty. One of them had been a waterman upon the Thames, and having
+committed a murder, fled to the West Indies. The rest had all been
+foremastmen, nor was there one among them who could either read or
+write.
+
+[Illustration: _Captain Avery's Treasure._]
+
+
+
+
+THE REMARKABLE HISTORY OF THE JOASSAMEE PIRATES OF
+THE PERSIAN GULF.
+
+
+_Containing a description of their chief town, Ras El Khyma, and an
+account of the capture of several European vessels, and the barbarous
+treatment of their crews.--With interesting details of the several
+expeditions sent against them, and their final submission to the troops
+of the English East India Company_.
+
+The line of coast from Cape Mussenndom to Bahrain, on the Arabian side
+of the Persian Gulf, had been from time immemorial occupied by a tribe
+of Arabs called Joassamees. These, from local position, were all engaged
+in maritime pursuits. Some traded in their own small vessels to
+Bussorah, Bushire, Muscat, and even India; others annually fished in
+their own boats on the pearl banks of Bahrain; and a still greater
+number hired themselves out as sailors to navigate the coasting small
+craft of the Persian Gulf.
+
+The Joassamees at length perceiving that their local position enabled
+them to reap a rich harvest by plundering vessels in passing this great
+highway of nations, commenced their piratical career. The small coasting
+vessels of the gulf, from their defenceless state, were the first object
+of their pursuit, and these soon fell an easy prey; until, emboldened by
+success, they directed their views to more arduous enterprises, and
+having tasted the sweets of plunder in the increase of their wealth, had
+determined to attempt more promising victories.
+
+About the year 1797, one of the East India Company's vessels of war, the
+Viper, of ten guns, was lying at anchor in the inner roads of Bushire.
+Some dows of the Joassamees were at the same moment anchored in the
+harbor; but as their warfare had hitherto been waged only against what
+are called native vessels, and they had either feared or respected the
+British flag, no hostile measures were ever pursued against them by the
+British ships. The commanders of these dows had applied to the Persian
+agent of the East India Company there, for a supply of gunpowder and
+cannon shot for their cruise: and as this man had no suspicions of their
+intentions, he furnished them with an order to the commanding officer on
+board for the quantity required. The captain of the Viper was on shore
+at the time, in the agent's house, but the order being produced to the
+officer on board, the powder and shot were delivered, and the dows
+weighed and made sail. The crew of the Viper were at this moment taking
+their breakfast on deck, and the officers below; when on a sudden, a
+cannonading was opened on them by two of the dows, who attempted also to
+board.
+
+[Illustration: _A Joassamee Dow in full chase._]
+
+The officers, leaping on deck, called the crew to quarters, and cutting
+their cable, got sail upon the ship, so as to have the advantage of
+manoeuvring. A regular engagement now took place between this small
+cruiser and four dows, all armed with great guns, and full of men. In
+the contest Lieut. Carruthers, the commanding officer, was once wounded
+by a ball in the loins; but after girding a handkerchief round his
+waist, he still kept the deck, till a ball entering his forehead, he
+fell. Mr. Salter, the midshipman on whom the command devolved, continued
+the fight with determined bravery, and after a stout resistance, beat
+them off, chased them some distance out to sea, and subsequently
+regained the anchorage in safety.
+
+Several years elapsed before the wounds of the first defeat were
+sufficiently healed to induce a second attempt on vessels under the
+British flag, though a constant state of warfare was still kept up
+against the small craft of the gulf. In 1804, the East India Company's
+cruiser, Fly, was taken by a French privateer, off the Island of Kenn,
+in the Persian Gulf; but before the enemy boarded her, she ran into
+shoal water, near that island, and sunk the government dispatches, and
+some treasure with which they were charged, in about two and a half
+fathoms of water, taking marks for the recovery of them, if possible, at
+some future period. The passengers and crew were taken to Bushire where
+they were set at liberty, and having purchased a country dow by
+subscription, they fitted her out and commenced their voyage down the
+gulf, bound for Bombay. On their passage down, as they thought it would
+be practicable to recover the government packet and treasure sunk off
+Kenn, they repaired to that island, and were successful, after much
+exertion, in recovering the former, which being in their estimation of
+the first importance, as the dispatches were from England to Bombay,
+they sailed with them on their way thither, without loss of time.
+
+Near the mouth of the gulf, they were captured by a fleet of Joassamee
+boats, after some resistance, in which several were wounded and taken
+into their chief port at Ras-el-Khyma. Here they were detained in hope
+of ransome, and during their stay were shown to the people of the town
+as curiosities, no similar beings having been before seen there within
+the memory of man. The Joassamee ladies were so minute in their
+enquiries, indeed, that they were not satisfied without determining in
+what respect an uncircumcised infidel differed from a true believer.
+
+When these unfortunate Englishmen had remained for several months in the
+possession of the Arabs, and no hope of their ransom appeared, it was
+determined to put them to death, and thus rid themselves of unprofitable
+enemies. An anxiety to preserve life, however, induced the suggestion,
+on their parts, of a plan for the temporary prolongation of it, at
+least. With this view they communicated to the chief of the pirates the
+fact of their having sunk a quantity of treasure near the island of
+Kenn, and of their knowing the marks of the spot, by the bearings of
+objects on shore, with sufficient accuracy to recover it, if furnished
+with good divers. They offered, therefore, to purchase their own
+liberty, by a recovery of this money for their captors; and on the
+fulfillment of their engagement it was solemnly promised to be granted
+to them.
+
+They soon sailed for the spot, accompanied by divers accustomed to that
+occupation on the pearl banks of Bahrain; and, on their anchoring at the
+precise points of bearing taken, they commenced their labors. The first
+divers who went down were so successful, that all the crew followed in
+their turns, so that the vessel was at one time almost entirely
+abandoned at anchor. As the men, too, were all so busily occupied in
+their golden harvest, the moment appeared favorable for escape; and the
+still captive Englishmen were already at their stations to overpower the
+few on board, cut the cable, and make sail. Their motions were either
+seen or suspected, as the divers repaired on board in haste, and the
+scheme was thus frustrated. They were now given their liberty as
+promised, by being landed on the island of Kenn, where, however, no
+means offered for their immediate escape. The pirates, having at the
+same time landed themselves on the island, commenced a general massacre
+of the inhabitants, in which their released prisoners, fearing they
+might be included, fled for shelter to clefts and hiding places in the
+rocks. During their refuge here, they lived on such food as chance threw
+in their way; going out under cover of the night to steal a goat and
+drag it to their haunts. When the pirates had at length completed their
+work of blood, and either murdered or driven off every former inhabitant
+of the island, they quitted it themselves, with the treasure which they
+had thus collected from the sea and shore. The Englishmen now ventured
+to come out from their hiding places, and to think of devising some
+means of escape. Their good fortune in a moment of despair, threw them
+on the wreck of a boat, near the beach, which was still capable of
+repair. In searching about the now deserted town, other materials were
+found, which were of use to them, and sufficient plank and logs of wood
+for the construction of a raft. These were both completed in a few days,
+and the party embarked on them in two divisions, to effect a passage to
+the Persian shore. One of these rafts was lost in the attempt, and all
+on board her perished; while the raft, with the remainder of the party
+reached land.
+
+Having gained the main land they now set out on foot towards Bushire,
+following the line of the coast for the sake of the villages and water.
+In this they are said to have suffered incredible hardships and
+privations of every kind. No one knew the language of the country
+perfectly, and the roads and places of refreshment still less; they were
+in general destitute of clothes and money, and constantly subject to
+plunder and imposition, poor as they were. Their food was therefore
+often scanty, and always of the worst kind; and they had neither shelter
+from the burning sun of the day, nor from the chilling dews of night.
+
+The Indian sailors, sipakees, and servants, of whom a few were still
+remaining when they set out, had all dropped off by turns; and even
+Europeans had been abandoned on the road, in the most affecting way,
+taking a last adieu of their comrades, who had little else to expect but
+soon to follow their fate. One instance is mentioned of their having
+left one who could march no further, at the distance of only a mile from
+a village; and on returning to the spot on the morrow, to bring him in,
+nothing was found but his mangled bones, as he had been devoured in the
+night by jackals. The packet being light was still, however, carried by
+turns, and preserved through all obstacles and difficulties; and with it
+they reached at length the island of Busheap, to which they crossed over
+in a boat from the main. Here they were detained by the Sheikh, but at
+length he provided them with a boat for the conveyance of themselves and
+dispatches to Bushire. From this place they proceeded to Bombay, but of
+all the company only two survived. A Mr. Jowl, an officer of a merchant
+ship, and an English sailor named Penmel together with the bag of
+letters and dispatches.
+
+In the following year, two English brigs, the Shannon, Capt. Babcock,
+and the Trimmer, Capt. Cummings, were on their voyage from Bombay to
+Bussorah. These were both attacked, near the Islands of Polior and
+Kenn, by several boats, and after a slight resistance on the part of the
+Shannon only, were taken possession of, and a part of the crew of each,
+cruelly put to the sword. Capt. Babcock, having been seen by one of the
+Arabs to discharge a musket during the contest, was taken by them on
+shore; and after a consultation on his fate, it was determined that he
+should forfeit the arm by which this act of resistance was committed. It
+was accordingly severed from his body by one stroke of a sabre, and no
+steps were taken either to bind up the wound, or to prevent his bleeding
+to death. The captain, himself, had yet sufficient presence of mind
+left, however, to think of his own safety, and there being near him some
+clarified butter, he procured this to be heated, and while yet warm,
+thrust the bleeding stump of his arm into it. It had the effect of
+lessening the effusion of blood, and ultimately of saving a life that
+would otherwise most probably have been lost. The crew were then all
+made prisoners, and taken to a port of Arabia, from whence they
+gradually dispersed and escaped. The vessels themselves were
+additionally armed, one of them mounting twenty guns, manned with Arab
+crews, and sent from Ras-el-Khyma to cruise in the gulf, where they
+committed many piracies.
+
+In the year 1808, the force of the Joassamees having gradually
+increased, and becoming flushed with the pride of victory, their
+insulting attacks on the British flag were more numerous and more
+desperate than ever. The first of these was on the ship Minerva, of
+Bombay, on her voyage to Bussorah. The attack was commenced by several
+boats, (for they never cruize singly,) and a spirited resistance in a
+running fight was kept up at intervals for several days in succession. A
+favorable moment offered, however, for boarding; the ship was
+overpowered by numbers, and carried amidst a general massacre. The
+captain was said to have been cut up into separate pieces, and thrown
+overboard by fragments; the second mate and carpenter alone were spared,
+probably to make use of their services; and an Armenian lady, the wife
+of Lieut. Taylor, then at Bushire, was reserved perhaps for still
+greater sufferings. But was subsequently ransomed for a large sum.
+
+[Illustration: _The Pirates striking off the arm of Capt. Babcock._]
+
+A few weeks after this, the Sylph, one of the East India Company's
+cruisers, of sixty tons and mounting eight guns, was accompanying the
+mission under Sir Hartford Jones, from Bombay, to Persia; when being
+separated from the rest of the squadron, she was attacked in the gulf by
+a fleet of dows. These bore down with all the menacing attitude of
+hostility; but as the commander, Lieut. Graham had received orders from
+the Bombay government, not to open his fire on any of these vessels
+until he had been first fired on himself, the ship was hardly prepared
+for battle, and the colors were not even hoisted to apprise them to what
+nation she belonged. The dows approached, threw their long overhanging
+prows across the Sylph's beam, and pouring in a shower of stones on her
+deck, beat down and wounded almost every one who stood on it. They then
+boarded, and made the ship an easy prize, before more than a single shot
+had been fired, and in their usual way, put every one whom they found
+alive to the sword. Lieut. Graham fell, covered with wounds, down the
+fore hatchway of his own vessel, where he was dragged by some of the
+crew into a store room, in which they had secreted themselves, and
+barricaded the door with a crow-bar from within. The cruiser was thus
+completely in the possession of the enemy, who made sail on her, and
+were bearing her off in triumph to their own port, in company with their
+boats. Soon after, however, the commodore of the squadron in the Neried
+frigate hove in sight, and perceiving this vessel in company with the
+dows, judged her to be a prize to the pirates. She accordingly gave them
+all chase, and coming up with the brig, the Arabs took to their boats
+and abandoned her. The chase was continued after the dows, but without
+success.
+
+[Illustration: _The Neried Frigate chasing a Fleet of Joassamee Dows._]
+
+These repeated aggressions at length opened the eyes of the East India
+Government, and an expedition was accordingly assembled at Bombay. The
+naval force consisted of La Chiffone, frigate, Capt. Wainwright, as
+commodore. The Caroline of thirty-eight guns; and eight of the East
+India Company's cruisers, namely, the Mornington, Ternate, Aurora,
+Prince of Wales, Ariel, Nautilus, Vestal and Fury, with four large
+transports, and the Stromboli bomb-ketch. The fleet sailed from Bombay
+in September, and after a long passage they reached Muscat, where it
+remained for many days to refresh and arrange their future plans; they
+sailed and soon reached Ras-el-Khyma, the chief port of the pirates
+within the gulf. Here the squadron anchored abreast of the town, and the
+troops were landed under cover of the ships and boats. The inhabitants
+of the town assembled in crowds to repel the invaders; but the firm
+line, the regular volleys, and the steady charge of the troops at the
+point of the bayonet, overcame every obstacle, and multiplied the heaps
+of the slain. A general conflagration was then ordered, and a general
+plunder to the troops was permitted. The town was set on fire in all
+parts, and about sixty sail of boats and dows, with the Minerva, a ship
+which they had taken, then lying in the roads were all burnt and
+destroyed.
+
+The complete conquest of the place was thus effected with very trifling
+loss on the part of the besiegers, and some plunder collected; though it
+was thought that most of the treasure and valuables had been removed
+into the interior. This career of victory was suddenly damped by the
+report of the approach of a large body of troops from the interior, and
+although none of these were seen, this ideal reinforcement induced the
+besiegers to withdraw. The embarkation took place at daylight in the
+morning; and while the fleet remained at anchor during the whole of the
+day, parties were still seen assembling on the shore, displaying their
+colors, brandishing their spears, and firing muskets from all points; so
+that the conquest was scarcely as complete as could be wished, since no
+formal act of submission had yet been shown. The expedition now sailed
+to Linga, a small port of the Joassamees, and burnt it to the ground.
+The force had now become separated, the greater portion of the troops
+being sent to Muscat for supplies, or being deemed unnecessary, and some
+of the vessels sent on separate services of blockading passages, &c. The
+remaining portion of the blockading squadron consisting of La Chiffone,
+frigate, and four of the cruisers, the Mornington, Ternate, Nautilus,
+and Fury, and two transports, with five hundred troops from Linga, then
+proceeded to Luft, another port of the Joassamees. As the channel here
+was narrow and difficult of approach, the ships were warped into their
+stations of anchorage, and a summons sent on shore, as the people had
+not here abandoned their town, but were found at their posts of defence,
+in a large and strong castle with many batteries, redoubts, &c. The
+summons being treated with disdain, the troops were landed with Col.
+Smith at their head; and while forming on the beach a slight skirmish
+took place with such of the inhabitants of the town, as fled for shelter
+to the castle. The troops then advanced towards the fortress, which is
+described to have had walls fourteen feet thick, pierced with loop
+holes, and only one entrance through a small gate, well cased with iron
+bars and bolts, in the strongest manner. With a howitzer taken for the
+occasion, it was intended to have blown this gate open, and to have
+taken the place by storm; but on reaching it while the ranks opened, and
+the men sought to surround the castle to seek for some other entrance at
+the same time, they were picked off so rapidly and unexpectedly from the
+loop holes above, that a general flight took place, the howitzer was
+abandoned, even before it had been fired, and both the officers and the
+troops sought shelter by lying down behind the ridges of sand and little
+hillocks immediately underneath the castle walls. An Irish officer,
+jumping up from his hiding place, and calling on some of his comrades to
+follow him in an attempt to rescue the howitzer, was killed in the
+enterprise. Such others as even raised their heads to look around them,
+were picked off by the musketry from above; and the whole of the troops
+lay therefore hidden in this way, until the darkness of the night
+favored their escape to the beach, where they embarked after sunset, the
+enemy having made no sally on them from the fort. A second summons was
+sent to the chief in the castle, threatening to bombard the town from a
+nearer anchorage if he did not submit, and no quarter afterwards shown.
+With the dawn of morning, all eyes were directed to the fortress, when,
+to the surprise of the whole squadron, a man was seen waving the British
+Union flag on the summit of its walls. It was lieutenant Hall, who
+commanded the Fury which was one of the vessels nearest the shore.
+During the night he had gone on shore alone, taking an union-jack in his
+hand, and advanced singly to the castle gate. The fortress had already
+been abandoned by the greater number of the inhabitants, but some few
+still remained there. These fled at the approach of an individual
+supposing him to be the herald of those who were to follow. Be this as
+it may, the castle was entirely abandoned, and the British flag waived
+on its walls by this daring officer, to the surprise and admiration of
+all the fleet. The town and fortifications were then taken possession
+of. After sweeping round the bottom of the gulf, the expedition returned
+to Muscat.
+
+On the sailing of the fleet from hence, the forces were augmented by a
+body of troops belonging to the Imaun of Muscat, destined to assist in
+the recovery of a place called Shenaz, on the coast, taken by the
+Joassamees. On their arrival at this place, a summons was sent,
+commanding the fort to surrender, which being refused, a bombardment was
+opened from the ships and boats, but without producing much effect. On
+the following morning, the whole of the troops were landed, and a
+regular encampment formed on the shore, with sand batteries, and other
+necessary works for a siege. After several days bombardment, in which
+about four thousand shot and shells were discharged against the
+fortress, to which the people had fled for refuge after burning down the
+town, a breach was reported to be practicable, and the castle was
+accordingly stormed. The resistance still made was desperate; the Arabs
+fighting as long as they could wield the sword, and even thrusting
+their spears up through the fragments of towers, in whose ruins they
+remained irrevocably buried. The loss in killed and wounded was upwards
+of a thousand men. Notwithstanding that the object of this expedition
+might be said to be incomplete, inasmuch as nothing less than a _total_
+extirpation of their race could secure the tranquility of these seas,
+yet the effect produced by this expedition was such, as to make them
+reverence or dread the British flag for several years afterwards.
+
+[Illustration: _The daring Intrepidity of Lieut. Hall._]
+
+At length in 1815, their boats began to infest the entrance to the Red
+Sea; and in 1816, their numbers had so increased on that coast, that a
+squadron of them commanded by a chief called Ameer Ibrahim, captured
+within sight of Mocha, four vessels bound from Surat to that port,
+richly laden and navigating under the British flag, and the crews were
+massacred.
+
+A squadron consisting of His Majesty's ship Challenger, Captain Brydges,
+and the East India Company's cruisers, Mercury, Ariel, and Vestal, were
+despatched to the chief port of the Joassamees, Ras-el-Khyma. Mr.
+Buckingham the Great Oriental traveller, accompanied the expedition from
+Bushire. Upon their arrival at Ras-el-Khyma, a demand was made for the
+restoration of the four Surat vessels and their cargoes; or in lieu
+thereof twelve lacks of rupees. Also that the commander of the piratical
+squadron, Ameer Ibrahim, should be delivered up for punishment. The
+demand was made by letter, and answer being received, Captain Brydges
+determined to go on shore and have an interview with the Pirate
+Chieftain. Mr. Buckingham (says,) He requested me to accompany him on
+shore as an interpreter. I readily assented. We quitted the ship
+together about 9 o'clock, and pulled straight to the shore, sounding all
+the way as we went, and gradually shoaling our water from six to two
+fathoms, within a quarter of a mile of the beach, where four large dows
+lay at anchor, ranged in a line, with their heads seaward, each of them
+mounting several pieces of cannon, and being full of men. On landing on
+the beach, we found its whole length guarded by a line of armed men,
+some bearing muskets, but the greater part armed with swords, shields,
+and spears; most of them were negroes, whom the Joassamees spare in
+their wars, looking on them rather as property and merchandise, than in
+the light of enemies. We were permitted to pass this line, and upon our
+communicating our wish to see the chief, we were conducted to the gate
+of the principal building, nearly in the centre of the town, and were
+met by the Pirate Chieftain attended by fifty armed men. I offered him
+the Mahometan salutation of peace, which he returned without hesitation.
+
+The chief, Hassan ben Rahma, whom we had seen, was a small man,
+apparently about forty years of age, with an expression of cunning in
+his looks, and something particularly sarcastic in his smile. He was
+dressed in the usual Arab garments, with a cashmeer shawl, turban, and a
+scarlet benish, of the Persian form, to distinguish him from his
+followers. There were habited in the plainest garments. One of his eyes
+had been wounded, but his other features were good, his teeth
+beautifully white and regular, and his complexion very dark.
+
+The town of Ras-el-Khyma stands on a narrow tongue of sandy land,
+pointing to the northeastward, presenting its northwest edge to the open
+sea, and its southeast one to a creek, which runs up within it to the
+southwestward, and affords a safe harbor for boats. There appeared to be
+no continued wall of defence around it, though round towers and portions
+of walls were seen in several parts, probably once connected in line,
+but not yet repaired since their destruction. The strongest points of
+defence appear to be in a fortress at the northeast angle, and a double
+round tower, near the centre of the town; in each of which, guns are
+mounted; but all the other towers appear to afford only shelter for
+musketeers. The rest of the town is composed of ordinary buildings of
+unhewn stone, and huts of rushes and long grass, with narrow avenues
+winding between them. The present number of inhabitants may be computed
+at ten thousand at least. They are thought to have at present (1816),
+sixty large boats out from their own port, manned with crews of from
+eighty, to three hundred men each, and forty other boats that belong to
+other ports. Their force concentrated, would probably amount to at
+least one hundred boats and eight thousand fighting men. After several
+fruitless negociations, the signal was now made to weigh, and stand
+closer in towards the town. It was then followed by the signal to engage
+the enemy. The squadron bore down nearly in line, under easy sail, and
+with the wind right aft, or on shore; the Mercury being on the starboard
+bow, the Challenger next in order, in the centre, the Vestal following
+in the same line, and the Ariel completing the division.
+
+A large fleet of small boats were seen standing in from Cape Mussundum,
+at the same time; but these escaped by keeping closer along shore, and
+at length passing over the bar and getting into the back water behind
+the town. The squadron continued to stand on in a direct line towards
+the four anchored dows, gradually shoaling from the depth of our
+anchorage to two and a half fathoms, where stream anchors were dropped
+under foot, with springs on the cables, so that each vessel lay with her
+broadside to the shore. A fire was now opened by the whole squadron,
+directed to the four dows. These boats were full of men, brandishing
+their weapons in the air, their whole number exceeding, probably, six
+hundred. Some of the shot from the few long guns of the squadron reached
+the shore, and were buried in the sand; others fell across the bows and
+near the hulls of the dows to which they were directed; but the
+cannonades all fell short, as we were then fully a mile from the beach.
+
+The Arab colors were displayed on all the forts; crowds of armed men
+were assembled on the beach, bearing large banners on poles, and dancing
+around them with their arms, as if rallying around a sacred standard, so
+that no sign of submission or conquest was witnessed throughout. The
+Ariel continued to discharge about fifty shot after all the others had
+desisted, but with as little avail as before, and thus ended this wordy
+negociation, and the bloodless battle to which it eventually led.
+
+In 1818, these pirates grew so daring that they made an irruption into
+the Indian Ocean, and plundered vessels and towns on the islands and
+coasts. A fleet was sent against them, and intercepted them off Ashlola
+Island, proceeding to the westward in three divisions; and drove them
+back into the gulf. The Eden and Psyche fell in with two trankies, and
+these were so closely pursued that they were obliged to drop a small
+captured boat they had in tow. The Thetes one day kept in close chase of
+seventeen vessels, but they were enabled to get away owing to their
+superior sailing. The cruisers met with the Joassamees seventeen times
+and were constantly employed in hunting them from place to place.
+
+At length, in 1819, they became such a scourge to commerce that a
+formidable expedition under the command of Major General Sir W. Grant
+Keir, sailed against them. It arrived before the chief town in December,
+and commenced operations. In his despatches Gen. Keir says--
+
+I have the satisfaction to report the town of Ras-el Khyma, after a
+resistance of six days, was taken possession of this morning by the
+force under my command.
+
+On the 18th, after completing my arrangements at Muscat, the Liverpool
+sailed for the rendezvous at Kishme; on the 21st, we fell in with the
+fleet of the Persian Gulf and anchored off the island of Larrack on the
+24th November.
+
+As it appeared probable that a considerable period would elapse before
+the junction of the ships which were detained at Bombay, I conceived it
+would prove highly advantageous to avail myself of all the information
+that could be procured respecting the strength and resources of the
+pirates we had to deal with.
+
+No time was lost in making the necessary preparations for landing, which
+was effected the following morning without opposition, at a spot which
+had been previously selected for that purpose, about two miles to the
+westward of the town. The troops were formed across the isthmus
+connecting the peninsula on which the town is situated with the
+neighboring country, and the whole of the day was occupied in getting
+the tents on shore, to shelter the men from rain, landing engineers,
+tools, sand bags, &c., and making arrangements preparatory to commencing
+our approaches the next day. On the morning of the 4th, our light troops
+were ordered in advance, supported by the pickets, to dislodge the
+enemy from a bank within nine hundred yards of the outer fort, which was
+expected to afford good cover for the men. The whole of the light
+companies of the force under Capt. Backhouse, moved forward, and drove
+the Arabs with great gallantry from a date grove, and over the bank
+close under the walls of the fort, followed by the pickets under Major
+Molesworth, who took post at the sand banks, whilst the European light
+troops were skirmishing in front. The enemy kept up a sharp fire of
+musketry and cannon; during these movements, Major Molesworth, a gallant
+officer was here killed. The troops kept their position during the day,
+and in the night effected a lodgment within three hundred yards of the
+southernmost tower, and erected a battery of four guns, together with a
+mortar battery.
+
+The weather having become rather unfavorable for the disembarkation of
+the stores required for the siege, but this important object being
+effected on the morning of the 6th, we were enabled to open three
+eighteen pounders on the fort, a couple of howitzers, and six pounders
+were also placed in the battery on the right, which played on the
+defences of the towers and nearly silenced the enemy's fire, who, during
+the whole of our progress exhibited a considerable degree of resolution
+in withstanding, and ingenuity in counteracting our attacks, sallied out
+at 8 o'clock this evening along the whole front of our entrenchments,
+crept close up to the mortar battery without being perceived, and
+entered it over the parapet, after spearing the advance sentries. The
+party which occupied it were obliged to retire, but being immediately
+reinforced charged the assailants, who were driven out of the battery
+with great loss. The enemy repeated his attacks towards morning but was
+vigorously repulsed. During the seventh every exertion was made to land
+and bring up the remaining guns and mortars, which was accomplished
+during the night. They were immediately placed in the battery, together
+with two twenty-four pounders which were landed from the Liverpool, and
+in the morning the whole of the ordnance opened on the fort and fired
+with scarcely any intermission till sunset, when the breach on the
+curtain was reported nearly practicable and the towers almost untenable.
+Immediate arrangements were made for the assault, and the troops ordered
+to move down to the entrenchments by daylight the next morning. The
+party moved forward about 8 o'clock, and entered the fort through the
+breaches without firing a shot, and it soon appeared the enemy had
+evacuated the place. The town was taken possession of and found almost
+entirely deserted, only eighteen or twenty men, and a few women
+remaining in their houses.
+
+The expedition next proceeded against Rumps, a piratical town, eight
+miles north of Ras-el-Khyma, but the inhabitants abandoned the town and
+took refuge in the hill fort of Zyah, which is situated at the head of a
+navigable creek nearly two miles from the sea coast. This place was the
+residence of Hussein Bin Alley, a sheikh of considerable importance
+among the Joassamee tribes, and a person who from his talents and
+lawless habits, as well as from the strength and advantageous situation
+of the fort, was likely to attempt the revival of the piratical system
+upon the first occasion. It became a desirable object to reduce the
+power of this chieftain.
+
+On the 18th December, the troops embarked at Ras-el-Khyma, at day break
+in the boats of the fleet under command of Major Warren, with the 65th
+regiment and the flank companies of the first and second regiment, and
+at noon arrived within four miles of their destination. This operation
+was attended with considerable difficulty and risk, owing to the heavy
+surf that beat on the shore; and which was the occasion of some loss of
+ammunition, and of a few boats being upset and stove in.
+
+[Illustration: _The Sheikh of Rumps._]
+
+At half past three P.M., having refreshed the men, (says Major Warren)
+we commenced our march, and fording the creek or back water, took up our
+position at sunset, to the northeastward of the fort, the enemy firing
+at us as we passed, notwithstanding that our messenger, whom we had
+previously sent in to summon the Sheikh, was still in the place; and I
+lost no time in pushing our riflemen and pickets as far forward as I
+could without exposing them too much to the firing of the enemy, whom I
+found strongly posted under secure cover in the date tree groves in
+front of the town. Captain Cocke, with the light company of his
+battalion, was at the same time sent to the westward, to cut off the
+retreat of the enemy on that side.
+
+At day break the next morning, finding it necessary to drive the enemy
+still further in, to get a nearer view of his defences, I moved forward
+the rifle company of the 65th regiment, and after a considerable
+opposition from the enemy, I succeeded in forcing him to retire some
+distance; but not without disputing every inch of ground, which was well
+calculated for resistance, being intersected at every few yards, by
+banks and water courses raised for the purpose of irrigation, and
+covered with date trees. The next morning the riflemen, supported by the
+pickets, were again called into play, and soon established their
+position within three and four hundred yards of the town, which with the
+base of the hill, was so completely surrounded, as to render the escape
+of any of the garrison now almost impossible. This advantage was gained
+by a severe loss. Two twenty-four pounders and the two twelves, the
+landing of which had been retarded by the difficulty of communication
+with the fleet from which we derived all our supplies, having been now
+brought on shore, we broke ground in the evening, and notwithstanding
+the rocky soil, had them to play next morning at daylight.
+
+Aware, however, that the families of the enemy were still in the town,
+and humanity dictating that some effort should be made to save the
+innocent from the fate that awaited the guilty; an opportunity was
+afforded for that purpose by an offer to the garrison of security to
+their women and children, should they be sent out within the hour; but
+the infatuated chief, either from an idea that his fort on the hill was
+not to be reached by our shot, or with the vain hope to gain time by
+procrastination, returning no answer to our communication, while he
+detained our messenger; we opened our fire at half past eight in the
+morning, and such was the precision of the practice, that in two hours
+we perceived the breach would soon be practicable. I was in the act of
+ordering the assault, when a white flag was displayed; and the enemy,
+after some little delay in assembling from the different quarters of the
+place, marched out without their arms, with Hussein Bin Alley at their
+head, to the number of three hundred and ninety-eight; and at half past
+one P.M., the British flags were hoisted on the hill fort and at the
+Sheikh's house. The women and children to the number of four hundred,
+were at the same time collected together in a place of security, and
+sent on board the fleet, together with the men. The service has been
+short but arduous; the enemy defended themselves with great obstinacy
+and ability worthy of a better cause.
+
+From two prisoners retaken from the Joassamees, they learnt that the
+plunder is made a general stock, and distributed by the chief, but in
+what proportions the deponents cannot say; water is generally very
+scarce. There is a quantity of fish caught on the bank, upon which and
+dates they live. There were a few horses, camels, cows, sheep, and
+goats; the greatest part of which they took with them; they were in
+general lean, as the sandy plain produces little or no vegetation,
+except a few dates and cocoa-nut trees. The pirates who abandoned
+Ras-el-Khyma, encamped about three miles in the interior, ready to
+retreat into the desert at a moment's warning. The Sheikh of Rumps is an
+old man, but looks intelligent, and is said to be the man who advises
+upon all occasions the movements of the different tribes of pirates on
+the coast, and when he was told that it was the wish of the Company to
+put a stop to their piracy, and make an honest people of them by
+encouraging them to trade, seemed to regret much that those intentions
+were not made known, as they would have been most readily embraced.
+Rumps is the key to Ras-el-Khyma, and by its strength is defended from a
+strong banditti infesting the mountains, as also the Bedouin Arabs who
+are their enemies. A British garrison of twelve hundred men was
+stationed at Ras-el-Khyma, and a guard-ship. The other places sent in
+tokens of submission, as driven out of their fortresses on the margin of
+the sea, they had to contend within with the interior hostile tribes.
+
+[Illustration: _The Pirate Stronghold._]
+
+
+
+
+THE BARBAROUS CONDUCT AND ROMANTIC DEATH OF THE
+JOASSAMEE CHIEF, RAHMAH-BEN-JABIR.
+
+
+The town of Bushire, on the Persian Gulf is seated in a low peninsula of
+sand, extending out of the general line of the coast, so as to form a
+bay on both sides. One of these bays was in 1816, occupied by the fleet
+of a certain Arab, named Rahmah-ben-Jabir, who has been for more than
+twenty years the terror of the gulf, and who was the most successful and
+the most generally tolerated pirate, perhaps, that ever infested any
+sea. This man by birth was a native of Grain, on the opposite coast, and
+nephew of the governor of that place. His fellow citizens had all the
+honesty, however, to declare him an outlaw, from abhorrence of his
+profession; but he found that aid and protection at Bushire, which his
+own townsmen denied him. With five or six vessels, most of which were
+very large, and manned with crews of from two to three hundred each, he
+sallied forth, and captured whatever he thought himself strong enough to
+carry off as a prize. His followers, to the number of two thousand, were
+maintained by the plunder of his prizes; and as the most of these were
+his own bought African slaves, and the remainder equally subject to his
+authority, he was sometimes as prodigal of their lives in a fit of anger
+as he was of his enemies, whom he was not content to slay in battle
+only, but basely murdered in cold blood, after they had submitted. An
+instance is related of his having put a great number of his own crew,
+who used mutinous expressions, into a tank on board, in which they
+usually kept their water, and this being shut close at the top, the poor
+wretches were all suffocated, and afterwards thrown overboard. This
+butcher chief, like the celebrated Djezzar of Acre, affecting great
+simplicity of dress, manners, and living; and whenever he went out,
+could not be distinguished by a stranger from the crowd of his
+attendants. He carried this simplicity to a degree of filthiness, which
+was disgusting, as his usual dress was a shirt, which was never taken
+off to be washed, from the time it was first put on till worn out; no
+drawers or coverings for the legs of any kind, and a large black goat's
+hair cloak, wrapped over all with a greasy and dirty handkerchief,
+called the keffeea, thrown loosely over his head. Infamous as was this
+man's life and character, he was not only cherished and courted by the
+people of Bushire, who dreaded him, but was courteously received and
+respectfully entertained whenever he visited the British Factory. On one
+occasion (says Mr. Buckingham), at which I was present, he was sent for
+to give some medical gentlemen of the navy and company's cruisers an
+opportunity of inspecting his arm, which had been severely wounded. The
+wound was at first made by grape-shot and splinters, and the arm was one
+mass of blood about the part for several days, while the man himself was
+with difficulty known to be alive. He gradually recovered, however,
+without surgical aid, and the bone of the arm between the shoulder and
+elbow being completely shivered to pieces, the fragments progressively
+worked out, and the singular appearance was left of the fore arm and
+elbow connected to the shoulder by flesh and skin, and tendons, without
+the least vestige of bone. This man when invited to the factory for the
+purpose of making an exhibition of his arm, was himself admitted to sit
+at the table and take some tea, as it was breakfast time, and some of
+his followers took chairs around him. They were all as disgustingly
+filthy in appearance as could well be imagined; and some of them did not
+scruple to hunt for vermin on their skins, of which there was an
+abundance, and throw them on the floor. Rahmah-ben-Jabir's figure
+presented a meagre trunk, with four lank members, all of them cut and
+hacked, and pierced with wounds of sabres, spears and bullets, in every
+part, to the number, perhaps of more than twenty different wounds. He
+had, besides, a face naturally ferocious and ugly, and now rendered
+still more so by several scars there, and by the loss of one eye. When
+asked by one of the English gentlemen present, with a tone of
+encouragement and familiarity, whether he could not still dispatch an
+enemy with his boneless arm, he drew a crooked dagger, or yambeah, from
+the girdle round his shirt, and placing his left hand, which was sound,
+to support the elbow of the right, which was the one that was wounded,
+he grasped the dagger firmly with his clenched fist, and drew it back
+ward and forward, twirling it at the same time, and saying that he
+desired nothing better than to have the cutting of as many throats as he
+could effectually open with his lame hand. Instead of being shocked at
+the uttering of such a brutal wish, and such a savage triumph at still
+possessing the power to murder unoffending victims, I knew not how to
+describe my feelings of shame and sorrow when a loud roar of laughter
+burst from the whole assembly, when I ventured to express my dissent
+from the general feeling of admiration for such a man.
+
+[Illustration: _Rahmah-ben-Jabir, a Joassamee Chief._]
+
+This barbarous pirate in the year 1827, at last experienced a fate
+characteristic of the whole course of his life. His violent aggressions
+having united the Arabs of Bahrene and Ratiffe against him they
+blockaded his port of Daman from which Rahmah-ben-Jabir, having left a
+garrison in the fort under his son, had sailed in a well appointed
+bungalow, for the purpose of endeavoring to raise a confederacy of his
+friends in his support. Having failed in this object he returned to
+Daman, and in spite of the boats blockading the port, succeeded in
+visiting his garrison, and immediately re-embarked, taking with him his
+youngest son. On arriving on board his bungalow, he was received by his
+followers with a salute, which decisive indication of his presence
+immediately attracted the attention of his opponents, one of whose
+boats, commanded by the nephew of the Sheikh of Bahrene, proceeded to
+attack him. A desperate struggle ensued, and the Sheikh finding after
+some time that he had lost nearly the whole of his crew by the firing of
+Rahmah's boat, retired for reinforcements. These being obtained, he
+immediately returned singly to the contest. The fight was renewed with
+redoubled fury; when at last, Rahmah, being informed (for he had been
+long blind) that his men were falling fast around him, mustered the
+remainder of the crew, and issued orders to close and grapple with his
+opponent. When this was effected, and after embracing his son, he was
+led with a lighted torch to the magazine, which instantly exploded,
+blowing his own boat to atoms and setting fire to the Sheikh's, which
+immediately afterwards shared the same fate. Sheikh Ahmed and few of his
+followers escaped to the other boats; but only one of Rahmah's brave
+crew was saved; and it is supposed that upwards of three hundred men
+were killed in this heroic contest.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE LIFE OF LAFITTE, THE FAMOUS PIRATE OF THE GULF OF MEXICO.
+
+
+_With a History of the Pirates of Barrataria--and an account of their
+volunteering for the defence of New Orleans; and their daring
+intrepidity under General Jackson, during the battle of the 8th of
+January, 1815. For which important service they were pardoned by
+President Madison._
+
+Jean Lafitte, was born at St. Maloes in France, in 1781, and went to sea
+at the age of thirteen; after several voyages in Europe, and to the
+coast of Africa, he was appointed mate of a French East Indiaman, bound
+to Madras. On the outward passage they encountered a heavy gale off the
+Cape of Good Hope, which sprung the mainmast and otherwise injured the
+ship, which determined the captain to bear up for the Mauritius, where
+he arrived in safety; a quarrel having taken place on the passage out
+between Lafitte and the captain, he abandoned the ship and refused to
+continue the voyage. Several privateers were at this time fitting out at
+this island, and Lafitte was appointed captain of one of these vessels;
+after a cruise during which he robbed the vessels of other nations,
+besides those of England, and thus committing piracy, he stopped at the
+Seychelles, and took in a load of slaves for the Mauritius; but being
+chased by an English frigate as far north as the equator, he found
+himself in a very awkward condition; not having provisions enough on
+board his ship to carry him back to the French Colony. He therefore
+conceived the bold project of proceeding to the Bay of Bengal, in order
+to get provisions from on board some English ships. In his ship of two
+hundred tons, with only two guns and twenty-six men, he attacked and
+took an English armed schooner with a numerous crew. After putting
+nineteen of his own crew on board the schooner, he took the command of
+her and proceeded to cruise upon the coast of Bengal. He there fell in
+with the Pagoda, a vessel belonging to the English East India Company,
+armed with twenty-six twelve pounders and manned with one hundred and
+fifty men. Expecting that the enemy would take him for a pilot of the
+Ganges, he manoeuvred accordingly. The Pagoda manifested no suspicions,
+whereupon he suddenly darted with his brave followers upon her decks,
+overturned all who opposed them, and speedily took the ship. After a
+very successful cruise he arrived safe at the Mauritius, and took the
+command of La Confiance of twenty-six guns and two hundred and fifty
+men, and sailed for the coast of British India. Off the Sand Heads in
+October, 1807, Lafitte fell in with the Queen East Indiaman, with a crew
+of near four hundred men, and carrying forty guns; he conceived the bold
+project of getting possession of her. Never was there beheld a more
+unequal conflict; even the height of the vessel compared to the feeble
+privateer augmented the chances against Lafitte; but the difficulty and
+danger far from discouraging this intrepid sailor, acted as an
+additional spur to his brilliant valor. After electrifying his crew with
+a few words of hope and ardor, he manoeuvred and ran on board of the
+enemy. In this position he received a broadside when close too; but he
+expected this, and made his men lay flat upon the deck. After the first
+fire they all rose, and from the yards and tops, threw bombs and
+grenades into the forecastle of the Indiaman. This sudden and unforeseen
+attack caused a great havoc. In an instant, death and terror made them
+abandon a part of the vessel near the mizen-mast. Lafitte, who
+observed every thing, seized the decisive moment, beat to arms, and
+forty of his crew prepared to board, with pistols in their hands and
+daggers held between their teeth. As soon as they got on deck, they
+rushed upon the affrighted crowd, who retreated to the steerage, and
+endeavored to defend themselves there. Lafitte thereupon ordered a
+second division to board, which he headed himself; the captain of the
+Indiaman was killed, and all were swept away in a moment. Lafitte caused
+a gun to be loaded with grape, which he pointed towards the place where
+the crowd was assembled, threatening to exterminate them. The English
+deeming resistance fruitless, surrendered, and Lafitte hastened to put a
+stop to the slaughter. This exploit, hitherto unparalleled, resounded
+through India, and the name of Lafitte became the terror of English
+commerce in these latitudes.
+
+[Illustration: _Lafitte boarding the Queen East Indiaman._]
+
+As British vessels now traversed the Indian Ocean under strong convoys,
+game became scarce, and Lafitte determined to visit France; and after
+doubling the Cape of Good Hope, he coasted up to the Gulf of Guinea, and
+in the Bight of Benin, took two valuable prizes loaded with gold dust,
+ivory, and Palm Oil; with this booty he reached St. Maloes in safety.
+After a short stay at his native place he fitted out a brigantine,
+mounting twenty guns and one hundred and fifty men, and sailed for
+Gaudaloupe; amongst the West India Islands, he made several valuable
+prizes; but during his absence on a cruise the island having been taken
+by the British, he proceeded to Carthagena, and from thence to
+Barrataria. After this period, the conduct of Lafitte at Barrataria does
+not appear to be characterized by the audacity and boldness of his
+former career; but he had amassed immense sums of booty, and as he was
+obliged to have dealings with the merchants of the United States, and
+the West Indies, who frequently owed him large sums, and the cautious
+dealings necessary to found and conduct a colony of Pirates and
+Smugglers in the very teeth of a civilized nation, obliged Lafitte to
+cloak as much as possible his real character.
+
+[Illustration: _Lafitte and his crew clearing the decks of the
+Indiaman._]
+
+As we have said before, at the period of the taking of Gaudaloupe by the
+British, most of the privateers commissioned by the government of that
+island, and which were then on a cruise, not being able to return to any
+of the West India Islands, made for Barrataria, there to take in a
+supply of water and provisions, recruit the health of their crews, and
+dispose of their prizes, which could not be admitted into any of the
+ports of the United States, we being at that time in peace with Great
+Britain. Most of the commissions granted to privateers by the French
+government at Gaudaloupe, having expired sometime after the declaration
+of the independence of Carthagena, many of the privateers repaired to
+that port, for the purpose of obtaining from the new government
+commissions for cruising against Spanish vessels. Having duly obtained
+their commissions, they in a manner blockaded for a long time all the
+ports belonging to the royalists, and made numerous captives, which they
+carried into Barrataria. Under this denomination is comprised part of
+the coast of Louisiana to the west of the mouths of the Mississippi,
+comprehended between Bastien bay on the east, and the mouths of the
+river or bayou la Fourche on the west. Not far from the sea are lakes
+called the great and little lakes of Barrataria, communicating with one
+another by several large bayous with a great number of branches. There
+is also the island of Barrataria, at the extremity of which is a place
+called the Temple, which denomination it owes to several mounds of
+shells thrown up there by the Indians. The name of Barrataria is also
+given to a large basin which extends the whole length of the cypress
+swamps, from the Gulf of Mexico to three miles above New Orleans. These
+waters disembogue into the gulf by two entrances of the bayou
+Barrataria, between which lies an island called Grand Terre, six miles
+in length, and from two to three miles in breadth, running parallel
+with the coast. In the western entrance is the great pass of Barrataria,
+which has from nine to ten feet of water. Within this pass about two
+leagues from the open sea, lies the only secure harbor on the coast, and
+accordingly this was the harbor frequented by the _Pirates_, so well
+known by the name of Barratarians.
+
+At Grand Jerre, the privateers publicly made sale by auction, of the
+cargoes of their prizes. From all parts of Lower Louisiana, people
+resorted to Barrataria, without being at all solicitous to conceal the
+object of their journey. The most respectable inhabitants of the state,
+especially those living in the country, were in the habit of purchasing
+smuggled goods coming from Barrataria.
+
+The government of the United States sent an expedition under Commodore
+Patterson, to disperse the settlement of marauders at Barrataria; the
+following is an extract of his letter to the secretary of war.
+
+Sir--I have the honor to inform you that I departed from this city on
+the 11th June, accompanied by Col. Ross, with a detachment of seventy of
+the 44th regiment of infantry. On the 12th, reached the schooner
+Carolina, of Plaquemine, and formed a junction with the gun vessels at
+the Balize on the 13th, sailed from the southwest pass on the evening of
+the 15th, and at half past 8 o'clock, A.M. on the 16th, made the Island
+of Barrataria, and discovered a number of vessels in the harbor, some of
+which shewed Carthagenian colors. At 2 o'clock, perceived the pirates
+forming their vessels, ten in number, including prizes, into a line of
+battle near the entrance of the harbor, and making every preparation to
+offer me battle. At 10 o'clock, wind light and variable, formed the
+order of battle with six gun boats and the Sea Horse tender, mounting
+one six pounder and fifteen men, and a launch mounting one twelve pound
+carronade; the schooner Carolina, drawing too much water to cross the
+bar. At half past 10 o'clock, perceived several smokes along the coasts
+as signals, and at the same time a white flag hoisted on board a
+schooner at the fort, an American flag at the mainmast head and a
+Carthagenian flag (under which the pirates cruise) at her topping lift;
+replied with a white flag at my main; at 11 o'clock, discovered that the
+pirates had fired two of their best schooners; hauled down my white flag
+and made the _signal for battle_; hoisting with a large white flag
+bearing the words "Pardon for Deserters"; having heard there was a
+number on shore from the army and navy. At a quarter past 11 o'clock,
+two gun boats grounded and were passed agreeably to my previous orders,
+by the other four which entered the harbor, manned by my barge and the
+boats belonging to the grounded vessels, and proceeded in to my great
+disappointment. I perceived that the pirates abandoned their vessels,
+and were flying in all directions. I immediately sent the launch and two
+barges with small boats in pursuit of them. At meridian, took possession
+of all their vessels in the harbor consisting of six schooners and one
+felucca, cruisers, and prizes of the pirates, one brig, a prize, and two
+armed schooners under the Carthagenian flag, both in the line of battle,
+with the armed vessels of the pirates, and apparently with an intention
+to aid them in any resistance they might make against me, as their crews
+were at quarters, tompions out of their guns, and matches lighted. Col.
+Ross at the same time landed, and with his command took possession of
+their establishment on shore, consisting of about forty houses of
+different sizes, badly constructed, and thatched with palmetto leaves.
+
+When I perceived the enemy forming their vessels into a line of battle I
+felt confident from their number and very advantageous position, and
+their number of men, that they would have fought me; their not doing so
+I regret; for had they, I should have been enabled more effectually to
+destroy or make prisoners of them and their leaders; but it is a
+subject of great satisfaction to me, to have effected the object of my
+enterprise, without the loss of a man.
+
+The enemy had mounted on their vessels twenty pieces of cannon of
+different calibre; and as I have since learnt, from eight hundred, to
+one thousand men of all nations and colors.
+
+Early in the morning of the 20th, the Carolina at anchor, about five
+miles distant, made the signal of a "strange sail in sight to eastward";
+immediately after she weighed anchor, and gave chase the strange sail,
+standing for Grand Terre, with all sail; at half past 8 o'clock, the
+chase hauled her wind off shore to escape; sent acting Lieut. Spedding
+with four boats manned and armed to prevent her passing the harbor; at 9
+o'clock A.M., the chase fired upon the Carolina, which was returned;
+each vessel continued firing during the chase, when their long guns
+could reach. At 10 o'clock, the chase grounded outside of the bar, at
+which time the Carolina was from the shoalness of the water obliged to
+haul her wind off shore and give up the chase; opened a fire upon the
+chase across the island from the gun vessels. At half past 10 o'clock,
+she hauled down her colors and was taken possession of. She proved to be
+the armed schooner Gen. Boliver; by grounding she broke both her rudder
+pintles and made water; took from her her armament, consisting of one
+long brass eighteen pounder, one long brass six pounder, two twelve
+pounders, small arms, &c., and twenty-one packages of dry goods. On the
+afternoon of the 23d, got underway with the whole squadron, in all
+seventeen vessels, but during the night one escaped, and the next day
+arrived at New Orleans with my whole squadron.
+
+At different times the English had sought to attack the pirates at
+Barrataria, in hopes of taking their prizes, and even their armed
+vessels. Of these attempts of the British, suffice it to instance that
+of June 23d, 1813, when two privateers being at anchor off Cat Island, a
+British sloop of war anchored at the entrance of the pass, and sent her
+boats to endeavor to take the privateers; but they were repulsed with
+considerable loss.
+
+Such was the state of affairs, when on the 2d Sept., 1814, there
+appeared an armed brig on the coast opposite the pass. She fired a gun
+at a vessel about to enter, and forced her to run aground; she then
+tacked and shortly after came to an anchor at the entrance of the pass.
+It was not easy to understand the intentions of this vessel, who, having
+commenced with hostilities on her first appearance now seemed to
+announce an amicable disposition. Mr. Lafitte then went off in a boat to
+examine her, venturing so far that he could not escape from the pinnace
+sent from the brig, and making towards the shore, bearing British colors
+and a flag of truce. In this pinnace were two naval officers. One was
+Capt. Lockyer, commander of the brig. The first question they asked was,
+where was Mr. Lafitte? he not choosing to make himself known to them,
+replied that the person they inquired for was on shore. They then
+delivered to him a packet directed to Mr. Lafitte, Barrataria,
+requesting him to take particular care of it, and to deliver it into Mr.
+Lafitte's hands. He prevailed on them to make for the shore, and as soon
+as they got near enough to be in his power, he made himself known,
+recommending to them at the same time to conceal the business on which
+they had come. Upwards of two hundred persons lined the shore, and it
+was a general cry amongst the crews of the privateers at Grand Terre,
+that those British officers should be made prisoners and sent to New
+Orleans as spies. It was with much difficulty that Lafitte dissuaded the
+multitude from this intent, and led the officers in safety to his
+dwelling. He thought very prudently that the papers contained in the
+packet might be of importance towards the safety of the country and that
+the officers if well watched could obtain no intelligence that might
+turn to the detriment of Louisiana. He now examined the contents of the
+packet, in which he found a proclamation addressed by Col. Edward
+Nichalls, in the service of his Brittanic Majesty, and commander of the
+land forces on the coast of Florida, to the inhabitants of Louisiana. A
+letter from the same to Mr. Lafitte, the commander of Barrataria; an
+official letter from the honorable W.H. Percy, captain of the sloop of
+war Hermes, directed to Lafitte. When he had perused these letters,
+Capt. Lockyer enlarged on the subject of them and proposed to him to
+enter into the service of his Brittanic Majesty with the rank of post
+captain and to receive the command of a 44 gun frigate. Also all those
+under his command, or over whom he had sufficient influence. He was also
+offered thirty thousand dollars, payable at Pensacola, and urged him not
+to let slip this opportunity of acquiring fortune and consideration. On
+Lafitte's requiring a few days to reflect upon these proposals, Capt.
+Lockyer observed to him that no reflection could be necessary,
+respecting proposals that obviously precluded hesitation, as he was a
+Frenchman and proscribed by the American government. But to all his
+splendid promises and daring insinuations, Lafitte replied that in a few
+days he would give a final answer; his object in this procrastination
+being to gain time to inform the officers of the state government of
+this nefarious project. Having occasion to go to some distance for a
+short time, the persons who had proposed to send the British officers
+prisoners to New Orleans, went and seized them in his absence, and
+confined both them and the crew of the pinnace, in a secure place,
+leaving a guard at the door. The British officers sent for Lafitte; but
+he, fearing an insurrection of the crews of the privateers, thought it
+advisable not to see them until he had first persuaded their captains
+and officers to desist from the measures on which they seemed bent. With
+this view he represented to the latter that, besides the infamy that
+would attach to them if they treated as prisoners people who had come
+with a flag of truce, they would lose the opportunity of discovering the
+projects of the British against Louisiana.
+
+Early the next morning Lafitte caused them to be released from their
+confinement and saw them safe on board their pinnace, apologizing the
+detention. He now wrote to Capt. Lockyer the following letter.
+
+To CAPTAIN LOCKYER.
+
+_Barrataria, 4th Sept_. 1814.
+
+Sir--The confusion which prevailed in our camp yesterday and this
+morning, and of which you have a complete knowledge, has prevented me
+from answering in a precise manner to the object of your mission; nor
+even at this moment can I give you all the satisfaction that you desire;
+however, if you could grant me a fortnight, I would be entirely at your
+disposal at the end of that time. This delay is indispensable to enable
+me to put my affairs in order. You may communicate with me by sending a
+boat to the eastern point of the pass, where I will be found. You have
+inspired me with more confidence than the admiral, your superior
+officer, could have done himself; with you alone, I wish to deal, and
+from you also I will claim, in due time the reward of the services,
+which I may render to you. Yours, &c.
+
+J. LAFITTE.
+
+His object in writing that letter was, by appearing disposed to accede
+to their proposals, to give time to communicate the affair to the
+officers of the state government, and to receive from them instructions
+how to act, under circumstances so critical and important to the
+country. He accordingly wrote on the 4th September to Mr. Blanque, one
+of the representatives of the state, sending him all the papers
+delivered to him by the British officers with a letter addressed to his
+excellency, Gov. Claiborne of the state of Louisiana.
+
+To Gov. CLAIBORNE.
+
+_Barrataria, Sept_. 4_th_, 1814.
+
+Sir--In the firm persuasion that the choice made of you to fill the
+office of first magistrate of this state, was dictated by the esteem of
+your fellow citizens, and was conferred on merit, I confidently address
+you on an affair on which may depend the safety of this country. I offer
+to you to restore to this state several citizens, who perhaps in your
+eyes have lost that sacred title. I offer you them, however, such as you
+could wish to find them, ready to exert their utmost efforts in defence
+of the country. This point of Louisiana, which I occupy, is of great
+importance in the present crisis. I tender my services to defend it; and
+the only reward I ask is that a stop be put to the proscription against
+me and my adherents, by an act of oblivion, for all that has been done
+hitherto. I am the stray sheep wishing to return to the fold. If you are
+thoroughly acquainted with the nature of my offences, I should appear to
+you much less guilty, and still worthy to discharge the duties of a good
+citizen. I have never sailed under any flag but that of the republic of
+Carthagena, and my vessels are perfectly regular in that respect. If I
+could have brought my lawful prizes into the ports of this state, I
+should not have employed the illicit means that have caused me to be
+proscribed. I decline saying more on the subject, until I have the honor
+of your excellency's answer, which I am persuaded can be dictated only
+by wisdom. Should your answer not be favorable to my ardent desires, I
+declare to you that I will instantly leave the country, to avoid the
+imputation of having cooperated towards an invasion on this point, which
+cannot fail to take place, and to rest secure in the acquittal of my
+conscience.
+
+I have the honor to be
+
+your excellency's, &c.
+
+J. LAFITTE.
+
+The contents of these letters do honor to Lafitte's judgment, and
+evince his sincere attachment to the American cause. On the receipt of
+this packet from Lafitte, Mr. Blanque immediately laid its contents
+before the governor, who convened the committee of defence lately formed
+of which he was president; and Mr. Rancher the bearer of Lafitte's
+packet, was sent back with a verbal answer to desire Lafitte to take no
+steps until it should be determined what was expedient to be done; the
+message also contained an assurance that, in the meantime no steps
+should be taken against him for his past offences against the laws of
+the United States.
+
+At the expiration of the time agreed on with Captain Lockyer, his ship
+appeared again on the coast with two others, and continued standing off
+and on before the pass for several days. But he pretended not to
+perceive the return of the sloop of war, who tired of waiting to no
+purpose put out to sea and disappeared.
+
+Lafitte having received a guarantee from General Jackson for his safe
+passage from Barrataria to New Orleans and back, he proceeded forthwith
+to the city where he had an interview with Gov. Claiborne and the
+General. After the usual formalities and courtesies had taken place
+between these gentlemen, Lafitte addressed the Governor of Louisiana
+nearly as follows. I have offered to defend for you that part of
+Louisiana I now hold. But not as an outlaw, would I be its defender. In
+that confidence, with which you have inspired me, I offer to restore to
+the state many citizens, now under my command. As I have remarked
+before, the point I occupy is of great importance in the present crisis.
+I tender not only my own services to defend it, but those of all I
+command; and the only reward I ask, is, that a stop be put to the
+proscription against me and my adherents, by an act of oblivion for all
+that has been done hitherto.
+
+"My dear sir," said the Governor, who together with General Jackson, was
+impressed with admiration of his sentiments, "your praiseworthy wishes
+shall be laid before the council of the state, and I will confer with my
+August friend here present, upon this important affair, and send you an
+answer to-morrow." At Lafitte withdrew, the General said farewell; when
+we meet again, I trust it will be in the ranks of the American army. The
+result of the conference was the issuing the following order.
+
+[Illustration: _Interview between Lafitte, General Jackson, and Governor
+Claiborne._]
+
+The Governor of Louisiana, informed that many individuals implicated in
+the offences heretofore committed against the United States at
+Barrataria, express a willingness at the present crisis to enroll
+themselves and march against the enemy.
+
+He does hereby invite them to join the standard of the United States and
+is authorised to say, should their conduct in the field meet the
+approbation of the Major General, that that officer will unite with the
+governor in a request to the president of the United States, to extend
+to each and every individual, so marching and acting, a free and full
+pardon. These general orders were placed in the hands of Lafitte, who
+circulated them among his dispersed followers, most of whom readily
+embraced the conditions of pardon they held out. In a few days many
+brave men and skillful artillerists, whose services contributed greatly
+to the safety of the invaded state, flocked to the standard of the
+United States, and by their conduct, received the highest approbation of
+General Jackson.
+
+BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
+
+A PROCLAMATION.
+
+"Among the many evils produced by the wars, which, with little
+intermission, have afflicted Europe, and extended their ravages into
+other quarters of the globe, for a period exceeding twenty years, the
+dispersion of a considerable portion of the inhabitants of different
+countries, in sorrow and in want, has not been the least injurious to
+human happiness, nor the least severe in the trial of human virtue.
+
+"It had been long ascertained that many foreigners, flying from the
+dangers of their own home, and that some citizens, forgetful of their
+duty, had co-operated in forming an establishment on the island of
+Barrataria, near the mouth of the river Mississippi, for the purpose of
+a clandestine and lawless trade. The government of the United States
+caused the establishment to be broken up and destroyed; and, having
+obtained the means of designating the offenders of every description, it
+only remained to answer the demands of justice by inflicting an
+exemplary punishment.
+
+"But it has since been represented that the offenders have manifested a
+sincere penitence; that they have abandoned the prosecution of the worst
+cause for the support of the best, and, particularly, that they have
+exhibited, in the defence of New Orleans, unequivocal traits of courage
+and fidelity. Offenders, who have refused to become the associates of
+the enemy in the war, upon the most seducing terms of invitation; and
+who have aided to repel his hostile invasion of the territory of the
+United States, can no longer be considered as objects of punishment, but
+as objects of a generous forgiveness.
+
+"It has therefore been seen, with great satisfaction, that the General
+Assembly of the State of Louisiana earnestly recommend those offenders
+to the benefit of a full pardon; And in compliance with that
+recommendation, as well as in consideration of all the other
+extraordinary circumstances in the case, I, _James Madison_, President
+of the United States of America, do issue this proclamation, hereby
+granting, publishing and declaring, a free and full pardon of all
+offences committed in violation of any act or acts of the Congress of
+the said United States, touching the revenue, trade and navigation
+thereof, or touching the intercourse and commerce of the United States
+with foreign nations, at any time before the eighth day of January, in
+the present year one thousand eight hundred and fifteen, by any person
+or persons whatsoever, being inhabitants of New Orleans and the adjacent
+country, or being inhabitants of the said island of Barrataria, and the
+places adjacent; _Provided_, that every person, claiming the benefit of
+this full pardon, in order to entitle himself thereto, shall produce a
+certificate in writing from the governor of the State of Louisiana,
+stating that such person has aided in the defence of New Orleans and
+the adjacent country, during the invasion thereof as aforesaid.
+
+"And I do hereby further authorize and direct all suits, indictments, and
+prosecutions, for fines, penalties, and forfeitures, against any person
+or persons, who shall be entitled to the benefit of this full pardon,
+forthwith to be stayed, discontinued and released: All civil officers
+are hereby required, according to the duties of their respective
+stations, to carry this proclamation into immediate and faithful
+execution.
+
+"Done at the City of Washington, the sixth day of February, in the year
+one thousand eight hundred and fifteen, and of the independence of the
+United States the thirty-ninth.
+
+"By the President,
+
+"JAMES MADISON
+
+"JAMES MONROE,
+
+"_Acting Secretary of State_."
+
+The morning of the eighth of January, was ushered in with the discharge
+of rockets, the sound of cannon, and the cheers of the British soldiers
+advancing to the attack. The Americans, behind the breastwork, awaited
+in calm intrepidity their approach. The enemy advanced in close column
+of sixty men in front, shouldering their muskets and carrying fascines
+and ladders. A storm of rockets preceded them, and an incessant fire
+opened from the battery, which commanded the advanced column. The
+musketry and rifles from the Kentuckians and Tennesseans, joined the
+fire of the artillery, and in a few moments was heard along the line a
+ceaseless, rolling fire, whose tremendous noise resembled the continued
+reverberation of thunder. One of these guns, a twenty-four pounder,
+placed upon the breastwork in the third embrasure from the river, drew,
+from the fatal skill and activity with which it was managed, even in
+the heat of battle, the admiration of both Americans and British; and
+became one of the points most dreaded by the advancing foe.
+
+Here was stationed Lafitte and his lieutenant Dominique and a large band
+of his men, who during the continuance of the battle, fought with
+unparalleled bravery. The British already had been twice driven back in
+the utmost confusion, with the loss of their commander-in-chief, and two
+general officers.
+
+Two other batteries were manned by the Barratarians, who served their
+pieces with the steadiness and precision of veteran gunners. In the
+first attack of the enemy, a column pushed forward between the levee and
+river; and so precipitate was their charge that the outposts were forced
+to retire, closely pressed by the enemy. Before the batteries could meet
+the charge, clearing the ditch, they gained the redoubt through the
+embrasures, leaping over the parapet, and overwhelming by their superior
+force the small party stationed there.
+
+Lafitte, who was commanding in conjunction with his officers, at one of
+the guns, no sooner saw the bold movement of the enemy, than calling a
+few of his best men by his side, he sprung forward to the point of
+danger, and clearing the breastwork of the entrenchments, leaped,
+cutlass in hand, into the midst of the enemy, followed by a score of his
+men, who in many a hard fought battle upon his own deck, had been well
+tried.
+
+Astonished at the intrepidity which could lead men to leave their
+entrenchments and meet them hand to hand, and pressed by the suddenness
+of the charge, which was made with the recklessness, skill and rapidity
+of practised boarders bounding upon the deck of an enemy's vessel, they
+began to give way, while one after another, two British officers fell
+before the cutlass of the pirate, as they were bravely encouraging their
+men. All the energies of the British were now concentrated to scale the
+breastwork, which one daring officer had already mounted. While Lafitte
+and his followers, seconding a gallant band of volunteer riflemen,
+formed a phalanx which they in vain assayed to penetrate.
+
+The British finding it impossible to take the city and the havoc in
+their ranks being dreadful, made a precipitate retreat, leaving the
+field covered with their dead and wounded.
+
+General Jackson, in his correspondence with the secretary of war did not
+fail to notice the conduct of the "Corsairs of Barrataria," who were, as
+we have already seen, employed in the artillery service. In the course
+of the campaign they proved, in an unequivocal manner, that they had
+been misjudged by the enemy, who a short time previous to the invasion
+of Louisiana, had hoped to enlist them in his cause. Many of them were
+killed or wounded in the defence of the country. Their zeal, their
+courage, and their skill, were remarked by the whole army, who could no
+longer consider such brave men as criminals. In a few days peace was
+declared between Great Britain and the United States.
+
+The piratical establishment of Barrataria having been broken up and
+Lafitte not being content with leading an honest, peaceful life,
+procured some fast sailing vessels, and with a great number of his
+followers, proceeded to Galvezton Bay, in Texas, during the year 1819;
+where he received a commission from General Long; and had five vessels
+generally cruising and about 300 men. Two open boats bearing commissions
+from General Humbert, of Galvezton, having robbed a plantation on the
+Marmento river, of negroes, money, &c., were captured in the Sabine
+river, by the boats of the United States schooner Lynx. One of the men
+was hung by Lafitte, who dreaded the vengeance of the American
+government. The Lynx also captured one of his schooners, and her prize
+that had been for a length of time smuggling in the Carmento. One of
+his cruisers, named the Jupiter, returned safe to Galvezton after a
+short cruise with a valuable cargo, principally specie; she was the
+first vessel that sailed under the authority of Texas. The American
+government well knowing that where Lafitte was, piracy and smuggling
+would be the order of the day, sent a vessel of war to cruise in the
+Gulf of Mexico, and scour the coasts of Texas. Lafitte having been
+appointed governor of Galvezton and one of the cruisers being stationed
+off the port to watch his motions, it so annoyed him that he wrote the
+following letter to her commander, Lieutenant Madison.
+
+_To the commandant of the American cruiser, off the port of Galvezton_.
+
+Sir--I am convinced that you are a cruiser of the navy, ordered by your
+government. I have therefore deemed it proper to inquire into the cause
+of your living before this port without communicating your intention. I
+shall by this message inform you, that the port of Galvezton belongs to
+and is in the possession of the republic of Texas, and was made a port
+of entry the 9th October last. And whereas the supreme congress of said
+republic have thought proper to appoint me as governor of this place, in
+consequence of which, if you have any demands on said government, or
+persons belonging to or residing in the same, you will please to send an
+officer with such demands, whom you may be assured will be treated with
+the greatest politeness, and receive every satisfaction required. But if
+you are ordered, or should attempt to enter this port in a hostile
+manner, my oath and duty to the government compels me to rebut your
+intentions at the expense of my life.
+
+To prove to you my intentions towards the welfare and harmony of your
+government I send enclosed the declaration of several prisoners, who
+were taken in custody yesterday, and by a court of inquiry appointed
+for that purpose, were found guilty of robbing the inhabitants of the
+United States of a number of slaves and specie. The gentlemen bearing
+this message will give you any reasonable information relating to this
+place, that may be required.
+
+Yours, &c.
+
+J. LAFITTE.
+
+About this time one Mitchell, who had formerly belonged to Lafitte's
+gang, collected upwards of one hundred and fifty desperadoes and
+fortified himself on an island near Barrataria, with several pieces of
+cannon; and swore that he and all his comrades would perish within their
+trenches before they would surrender to any man. Four of this gang
+having gone to New Orleans on a frolic, information was given to the
+city watch, and the house surrounded, when the whole four with cocked
+pistols in both hands sallied out and marched through the crowd which
+made way for them and no person dared to make an attempt to arrest them.
+
+The United States cutter, Alabama, on her way to the station off the
+mouth of the Mississippi, captured a piratical schooner belonging to
+Lafitte; she carried two guns and twenty-five men, and was fitted out at
+New Orleans, and commanded by one of Lafitte's lieutenants, named Le
+Fage; the schooner had a prize in company and being hailed by the
+cutter, poured into her a volley of musketry; the cutter then opened
+upon the privateer and a smart action ensued which terminated in favor
+of the cutter, which had four men wounded and two of them dangerously;
+but the pirate had six men killed; both vessels were captured and
+brought into the bayou St. John. An expedition was now sent to dislodge
+Mitchell and his comrades from the island he had taken possession of;
+after coming to anchor, a summons was sent for him to surrender, which
+was answered by a brisk cannonade from his breastwork. The vessels were
+warped close in shore; and the boats manned and sent on shore whilst the
+vessels opened upon the pirates; the boat's crews landed under a galling
+fire of grape shot and formed in the most undaunted manner; and although
+a severe loss was sustained they entered the breastwork at the point of
+the bayonet; after a desperate fight the pirates gave way, many were
+taken prisoners but Mitchell and the greatest part escaped to the
+cypress swamps where it was impossible to arrest them. A large quantity
+of dry goods and specie together with other booty was taken. Twenty of
+the pirates were taken and brought to New Orleans, and tried before
+Judge Hall, of the Circuit Court of the United States, sixteen were
+brought in guilty; and after the Judge had finished pronouncing sentence
+of death upon the hardened wretches, several of them cried out in open
+court, _Murder--by God_.
+
+Accounts of these transactions having reached Lafitte, he plainly
+perceived there was a determination to sweep all his cruisers from the
+sea; and a war of extermination appeared to be waged against him.
+
+In a fit of desperation he procured a large and fast sailing brigantine
+mounting sixteen guns and having selected a crew of one hundred and
+sixty men he started without any commission as a regular pirate
+determined to rob all nations and neither to give or receive quarter. A
+British sloop of war which was cruising in the Gulf of Mexico, having
+heard that Lafitte himself was at sea, kept a sharp look out from the
+mast head; when one morning as an officer was sweeping the horizon with
+his glass he discovered a long dark looking vessel, low in the water,
+but having very tall masts, with sails white as the driven snow. As the
+sloop of war had the weather gage of the pirate and could outsail her
+before the wind, she set her studding sails and crowded every inch of
+canvass in chase; as soon as Lafitte ascertained the character of his
+opponent, he ordered the awnings to be furled and set his big
+square-sail and shot rapidly through the water; but as the breeze
+freshened the sloop of war came up rapidly with the pirate, who, finding
+no chance of escaping, determined to sell his life as dearly as
+possible; the guns were cast loose and the shot handed up; and a fire
+opened upon the ship which killed a number of men and carried away her
+foretopmast, but she reserved her fire until within cable's distance of
+the pirate; when she fired a general discharge from her broadside, and a
+volley of small arms; the broadside was too much elevated to hit the low
+hull of the brigantine, but was not without effect; the foretopmast
+fell, the jaws of the main gaff were severed and a large proportion of
+the rigging came rattling down on deck; ten of the pirates were killed,
+but Lafitte remained unhurt. The sloop of war entered her men over the
+starboard bow and a terrific contest with pistols and cutlasses ensued;
+Lafitte received two wounds at this time which disabled him, a grape
+shot broke the bone of his right leg and he received a cut in the
+abdomen, but his crew fought like tigers and the deck was ankle deep
+with blood and gore; the captain of the boarders received such a
+tremendous blow on the head from the butt end of a musket, as stretched
+him senseless on the deck near Lafitte, who raised his dagger to stab
+him to the heart. But the tide of his existence was ebbing like a
+torrent, his brain was giddy, his aim faltered and the point descended
+in the Captain's right thigh; dragging away the blade with the last
+convulsive energy of a death struggle, he lacerated the wound. Again the
+reeking steel was upheld, and Lafitte placed his left hand near the
+Captain's heart, to make his aim more sure; again the dizziness of
+dissolution spread over his sight, down came the dagger into the
+captain's left thigh and Lafitte was a corpse.
+
+The upper deck was cleared, and the boarders rushed below on the main
+deck to complete their conquest. Here the slaughter was dreadful, till
+the pirates called out for quarter, and the carnage ceased; all the
+pirates that surrendered were taken to Jamaica and tried before the
+Admiralty court where sixteen were condemned to die, six were
+subsequently pardoned and ten executed.
+
+[Illustration: _Death of Lafitte, the Pirate._]
+
+Thus perished Lafitte, a man superior in talent, in knowledge of his
+profession, in courage, and moreover in physical strength; but
+unfortunately his reckless career was marked with crimes of the darkest
+dye.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN ROBERTS.
+
+
+Bartholomew Roberts was trained to a sea-faring life. Among other
+voyages which he made during the time that he lawfully procured his
+maintenance, he sailed for the Guinea cost, in November, 1719, where he
+was taken by the pirate Davis. He was at first very averse to that mode
+of life, and would certainly have deserted, had an opportunity occurred.
+It happened to him, however, as to many upon another element, that
+preferment calmed his conscience, and reconciled him to that which he
+formerly hated.
+
+Davis having fallen in the manner related, those who had assumed the
+title of Lords assembled to deliberate concerning the choice of a new
+commander. There were several candidates, who, by their services, had
+risen to eminence among their breathren, and each of them thought
+themselves qualified to bear rule. One addressed the assembled lords,
+saying, "that the good of the whole, and the maintenance of order,
+demanded a head, but that the proper authority was deposited in the
+community at large; so that if one should be elected who did not act and
+govern for the general good, he could be deposed, and another be
+substituted in his place."
+
+"We are the original," said he, "of this claim, and should a captain be
+so saucy as to exceed prescription at any time, why, down with him! It
+will be a caution, after he is dead, to his successors, to what fatal
+results any undue assumption may lead; however, it is my advice, while
+be are sober, to pitch upon a man of courage, and one skilled in
+navigation,--one who, by his prudence and bravery, seems best able to
+defend this commonwealth, and ward us from the dangers and tempests of
+an unstable element, and the fatal consequences of anarchy; and such a
+one I take Roberts to be: a fellow in all respects worthy of your esteem
+and favor."
+
+This speech was applauded by all but Lord Simpson, who had himself
+strong expectations of obtaining the highest command. He at last, in a
+surly tone, said, he did not regard whom they chose as a commander,
+provided he was not a papist, for he had conceived a mortal hatred to
+papists, because his father had been a sufferer in Monmouth's rebellion.
+
+Thus, though Roberts had only been a few weeks among them, his election
+was confirmed by the Lords and Commons. He, with the best face he could,
+accepted of the dignity, saying, "that since he had dipped his hands in
+muddy water, and must be a pirate, it was better being a commander than
+a private man."
+
+The governor being settled, and other officers chosen in the room of
+those who had fallen with Davis, it was resolved not to leave this place
+without revenging his death. Accordingly, thirty men, under the command
+of one Kennedy, a bold and profligate fellow, landed, and under cover of
+the fire of the ship, ascended the hill upon which the fort stood. They
+were no sooner discovered by the Portuguese, than they abandoned the
+fort, and took shelter in the town. The pirates then entered without
+opposition, set fire to the fort, and tumbled the guns into the sea.
+
+Not satisfied with this injury, some proposed to land and set the town
+in flames. Roberts however, reminded them of the great danger to which
+this would inevitably expose them; that there was a thick wood at the
+back of the town, where the inhabitants could hide themselves, and that,
+when their all was at stake, they would make a bolder resistance: and
+that the burning or destroying of a few houses, would be a small return
+for their labor, and the loss that they might sustain. This prudent
+advice had the desired effect, and they contented themselves with
+lightening the French vessel, and battering down several houses of the
+town, to show their high displeasure.
+
+Roberts sailed southward, captured a Dutch Guineaman, and, having
+emptied her of everything they thought proper, returned her to the
+commander. Two days after, he captured an English ship, and, as the men
+joined in pirating, emptied and burned the vessel, and then sailed for
+St. Thomas. Meeting with no prize, he sailed for Anamaboa, and there
+watered and repaired. Having again put to sea, a vote was taken whether
+they should sail for the East Indies or for Brazil. The latter place was
+decided upon, and they arrived there in twenty-eight days.
+
+Upon this coast our rovers cruised for about nine weeks, keeping
+generally out of sight of land, but without seeing a sail; which
+discouraged them so, that they determined to leave the station, and
+steer for the West Indies; and, in order thereto, they stood in to make
+the land for the taking of their departure, by which means they fell in,
+unexpectedly, with a fleet of forty-two sail of Portuguese ships, off
+the Bay of Los Todos Santos, with all their lading in for Lisbon;
+several of them of good force, who lay there waiting for two men of war
+of seventy guns each for their convoy. However, Roberts thought it
+should go hard with him but he would make up his market among them, and
+thereupon he mixed with the fleet, and kept his men concealed till
+proper resolutions could be formed; that done, they came close up to one
+of the deepest, and ordered her to send the master on board quietly,
+threatening to give them no quarter, if any resistance or signal of
+distress was made. The Portuguese, being surprised at these threats, and
+the sudden flourish of cutlasses from the pirates, submitted without a
+word, and the captain came on board. Roberts saluted him in a friendly
+manner, telling him that they were gentlemen of fortune, and that their
+business with him was only to be informed which was the richest ship in
+that fleet; and if he directed them right, he should be restored to his
+ship without molestation, otherwise he must expect instant death.
+
+He then pointed to a vessel of forty guns, and a hundred and fifty men;
+and though her strength was greatly superior to Roberts', yet he made
+towards her, taking the master of the captured vessel along with him.
+Coming alongside of her, Roberts ordered the prisoner to ask, "How
+Seignior Captain did?" and to invite him on board, as he had a matter of
+importance to impart to him. He was answered, "That he would wait upon
+him presently." Roberts, however, observing more than ordinary bustle on
+board, at once concluded they were discovered, and pouring a broadside
+into her, they immediately boarded, grappled, and took her. She was a
+very rich prize, laden with sugar, skins, and tobacco, with four
+thousand moidores of gold, besides other valuable articles.
+
+In possession of so much riches, they now became solicitous to find a
+safe retreat in which to spend their time in mirth and wantonness. They
+determined upon a place called the Devil's Island upon the river
+Surinam, where they arrived in safety, and met with a kind reception
+from the governor and the inhabitants.
+
+In this river they seized a sloop, which informed them that she had
+sailed in company with a brigantine loaded with provisions. This was
+welcome intelligence, as their provisions were nearly exhausted. Deeming
+this too important a business to trust to foreign hands, Roberts, with
+forty men in the sloop, gave chase to that sail. In the keenness of the
+moment, and trusting in his usual good fortune, Roberts supposed that he
+had only to take a short sail in order to bring in the vessel with her
+cargo; but to his sad disappointment, he pursued her during eight days,
+and instead of gaining, was losing way. Under these circumstances, he
+came to anchor, and sent off the boat to give intelligence of their
+distress to their companions.
+
+In their extremity of want, they took up part of the floor of the cabin,
+and patched up a sort of tray with rope-yarns, to paddle on shore to get
+a little water to preserve their lives. When their patience was almost
+exhausted, the boat returned, but instead of provisions, brought the
+unpleasing information, that the lieutenant, one Kennedy, had run off
+with both the ships.
+
+The misfortune and misery of Roberts were greatly aggravated by
+reflecting upon his own imprudence and want of foresight, as well as
+from the baseness of Kennedy and his crew. Impelled by the necessity of
+his situation, he now began to reflect upon the means he should employ
+for future support. Under the foolish supposition that any laws, oaths
+or regulations, could bind those who had bidden open defiance to all
+divine and human laws, he proceeded to form a code of regulations for
+the maintenance of order and unity in his little commonwealth.
+
+But present necessity compelled them to action, and with their small
+sloop they sailed for the West Indies. They were not long before they
+captured two sloops, which supplied them with provisions, and a few days
+after, a brigantine, and then proceeded to Barbadoes. When off that
+island they met a vessel of ten guns, richly laden from Bristol; after
+plundering, and detaining her three days, they allowed her to prosecute
+her voyage. This vessel, however, informed the governor of what had
+befallen them, who sent a vessel of twenty guns and eighty men in quest
+of the pirates.
+
+That vessel was commanded by one Rogers, who, on the second day of his
+cruise, discovered Roberts. Ignorant of any vessel being sent after
+them, they made towards each other. Roberts gave him a gun but instead
+of striking, the other returned a broadside, with three huzzas. A
+severe engagement ensued, and Roberts being hard put to it, lightened
+his vessel and ran off.
+
+Roberts then sailed for the Island of Dominica, where he watered, and
+was supplied by the inhabitants with provisions, for which he gave them
+goods in return. Here he met with fifteen Englishmen left upon the
+island by a Frenchman who had made a prize of their vessel; and they,
+entering into his service, proved a seasonable addition to his strength.
+
+Though he did not think this a proper place for cleaning, yet as it was
+absolutely necessary that it should be done, he directed his course to
+the Granada islands for that purpose. This, however, had well nigh
+proved fatal to him; for the Governor of Martinique fitted out two
+sloops to go in quest of the pirates. They, however, sailed to the
+above-mentioned place, cleaned with unusual despatch, and just left that
+place the night before the sloops in pursuit of them arrived.
+
+They next sailed for Newfoundland, arriving upon the banks in June,
+1720, and entered the harbor of Trepassi, with their black colors
+flying, drums beating, and trumpets sounding. In that harbor there were
+no less than twenty-two ships, which the men abandoned upon the sight of
+the pirates. It is impossible to describe the injury which they did at
+this place, by burning or sinking the ships, destroying the plantations,
+and pillaging the houses. Power in the hands of mean and ignorant men
+renders them wanton, insolent and cruel. They are literally like madmen,
+who cast firebrands, arrows and death, and say, "Are not we in sport?"
+
+Roberts reserved a Bristol galley from his depredations in the harbor,
+which he fitted and manned for his own service. Upon the banks he met
+ten sail of French ships, and destroyed them all, except one of
+twenty-six guns, which he seized and carried off, and called her the
+Fortune. Then giving the Bristol galley to the Frenchman, they sailed
+in quest of new adventures, and soon took several prizes, and out of
+them increased the number of their own hands. The Samuel, one of these,
+was a very rich vessel, having some respectable passengers on board, who
+were roughly used, and threatened with death if they did not deliver up
+their money and their goods. They stripped the vessel of every article,
+either necessary for their vessel or themselves, to the amount of eight
+or nine thousand pounds. They then deliberated whether to sink or burn
+the Samuel, but in the mean time they discovered a sail, so they left
+the empty Samuel, and gave the other chase. At midnight they overtook
+her, and she proved to be the Snow from Bristol; and, because he was an
+Englishman, they used the master in a cruel and barbarous manner. Two
+days after, they took the Little York of Virginia, and the Love of
+Liverpool, both of which they plundered and sent off. In three days they
+captured three other vessels, removing the goods out of them, sinking
+one, and sending off the other two.
+
+They next sailed for the West Indies, but provisions growing short,
+proceeded to St. Christopher's, where, being denied provisions by the
+governor, they fired on the town, and burnt two ships in the roads. They
+then repaired to the island of St. Bartholomew, where the governor
+supplied them with every necessary, and caressed them in the kindest
+manner. Satiated with indulgence, and having taken in a large stock of
+everything necessary, they unanimously voted to hasten to the coast of
+Guinea. In their way they took a Frenchman, and as she was fitter for
+the pirate service than their own, they informed the captain, that, as
+"a fair exchange was no robbery," they would exchange sloops with him;
+accordingly, having shifted their men, they set sail. However, going by
+mistake out of the track of the trade winds, they were under the
+necessity of returning to the West Indies.
+
+They now directed their course to Surinam but not having sufficient
+water for the voyage they were soon reduced to a mouthful of water in
+the day; their numbers daily diminished by thirst and famine and the few
+who survived were reduced to the greatest weakness. They at last had not
+one drop of water or any other liquid, when, to their inexpressible joy,
+they anchored in seven fathoms of water. This tended to revive exhausted
+nature and inspire them with new vigour, though as yet they had received
+no relief. In the morning they discovered land, but at such a distance
+that their hopes were greatly dampened. The boat was however sent off,
+and at night returned with plenty of that necessary element. But this
+remarkable deliverance produced no reformation in the manners of these
+unfeeling and obdurate men.
+
+Steering their course from that place to Barbadoes, in their way they
+met with a vessel which supplied them with all necessaries. Not long
+after, they captured a brigantine, the mate of which joined their
+association. Having from these two obtained a large supply, they changed
+their course and watered at Tobago. Informed, however, that there were
+two vessels sent in pursuit of them, they went to return their
+compliments to the Governor of Martinique for this kindness.
+
+It was the custom of the Dutch interlopers, when they approached this
+island to trade with the inhabitants, to hoist their jacks. Roberts knew
+the signal, and did so likewise. They, supposing that a good market was
+near, strove who could first reach Roberts. Determined to do them all
+possible mischief he destroyed them one by one as they came into his
+power. He only reserved one ship to send the men on shore, and burnt the
+remainder, to the number of twenty.
+
+Roberts and his crew were so fortunate as to capture several vessels and
+to render their liquor so plentiful, that it was esteemed a crime
+against Providence not to be continually drunk. One man, remarkable
+for his sobriety, along with two others, found an opportunity to set off
+without taking leave of their friends. But a despatch being sent after
+them, they were brought back, and in a formal manner tried and
+sentenced, but one of them was saved by the humorous interference of one
+of the judges, whose speech was truly worthy of a pirate--while the
+other two suffered the punishment of death.
+
+[Illustration: _Captain Roberts' Crew carousing at Old Calabar River._]
+
+When necessity again compelled them, they renewed their cruising; and,
+dissatisfied with capturing vessels which only afforded them a temporary
+supply, directed their course to the Guinea coast to forage for gold.
+Intoxication rendered them unruly, and the brigantine at last embraced
+the cover of night to abandon the commodore. Unconcerned at the loss of
+his companion, Roberts pursued his voyage. He fell in with two French
+ships, the one of ten guns and sixty-five men, and the other of sixteen
+guns and seventy-five men. These dastards no sooner beheld the black
+flag than they surrendered. With these they went to Sierra Leone,
+constituting one of them a consort, by the name of the Ranger, and the
+other a store-ship. This port being frequented by the greater part of
+the traders to that quarter, they remained here six weeks, enjoying
+themselves in all the splendor and luxury of a piratical life.
+
+After this they renewed their voyage, and having captured a vessel, the
+greater part of the men united their fortunes with the pirates. On board
+of one of the ships was a clergyman, whom some of them proposed taking
+along with them, for no other reason than that they had not a chaplain
+on board. They endeavored to gain his consent, and assured him that he
+should want for nothing, and his only work would be, to make punch and
+say prayers. Depraved, however, as these men were, they did not choose
+to constrain him to go, but displayed their civility further, by
+permitting him to carry along with him whatever he called his own.
+After several cruises, they now went into a convenient harbor at Old
+Calabar, where they cleaned, refitted, divided their booty, and for a
+considerable time caroused, to banish care and sober reflection.
+
+According to their usual custom, the time of festivity and mirth was
+prolonged until the want of means recalled them to reason and exertion.
+Leaving this port, they cruised from place to place with varied success;
+but in all their captures, either burning, sinking, or devoting their
+prizes to their own use, according to the whim of the moment. The
+Swallow and another man-of-war being sent out expressly to pursue and
+take Roberts and his fleet, he had frequent and certain intelligence of
+their destination; but having so often escaped their vigilance, he
+became rather too secure and fearless. It happened, however, that while
+he lay off Cape Lopez, the Swallow had information of his being in that
+place, and made towards him. Upon the appearance of a sail, one of
+Roberts' ships was sent to chase and take her. The pilot of the Swallow
+seeing her coming, manoeouvred his vessel so well, that though he fled
+at her approach, in order to draw her out of the reach of her
+associates, yet he at his own time allowed her to overtake the
+man-of-war.
+
+Upon her coming up to the Swallow, the pirate hoisted the black flag,
+and fired upon her; but how greatly were her crew astonished, when they
+saw that they had to contend with a man-of-war, and seeing that all
+resistance was vain, they cried out for quarter, which was granted, and
+they were made prisoners, having ten men killed and twenty wounded,
+without the loss or hurt of one of the king's men.
+
+On the 10th, in the morning, the man-of-war bore away to round the cape.
+Roberts' crew, discerning their masts over the land, went down into the
+cabin to acquaint him of it, he being then at breakfast with his new
+guest, captain Hill, on a savoury dish of salmagundy and some of his
+own beer. He took no notice of it, and his men almost as little, some
+saying she was a Portuguese ship, others a French slave ship, but the
+major part swore it was the French Ranger returning; and they were
+merrily debating for some time on the manner of reception, whether they
+should salute her or not; but as the Swallow approached nearer, things
+appeared plainer; and though they who showed any apprehension of danger
+were stigmatized with the name of cowards, yet some of them, now
+undeceived, declared it to Roberts, especially one Armstrong, who had
+deserted from that ship, and knew her well. These Roberts swore at as
+cowards, who meant to dishearten the men, asking them, if it were so,
+whether they were afraid to fight or not? In short, he hardly refrained
+from blows. What his own apprehensions were, till she hauled up her
+ports and hoisted her proper colors, is uncertain; but then, being
+perfectly convinced, he slipped his cable, got under sail, ordered his
+men to arms without any show of timidity, dropping a first-rate oath,
+that it was a bite, but at the same time resolved, like a gallant rogue,
+to get clear or die.
+
+There was one Armstrong, as was just mentioned, a deserter from the
+Swallow, of whom they enquired concerning the trim and sailing of that
+ship; he told them she sailed best upon the wind, and therefore, if they
+designed to leave her, they should go before it.
+
+The danger was imminent, and the time very short, to consult about means
+to extricate himself; his resolution in this strait was as follows: to
+pass close to the Swallow with all their sails, and receive her
+broadside before they returned a shot; if disabled by this, or if they
+could not depend on sailing, then to run on shore at the point, and
+every one to shift for himself among the negroes; or failing these, to
+board, and blow up together, for he saw that the greatest part of his
+men were drunk, passively courageous, and unfit for service.
+
+Roberts, himself, made a gallant figure at the time of the engagement,
+being dressed in a rich crimson damask waistcoat and breeches, a red
+feather in his hat, a gold chain round his neck, with a diamond cross
+hanging to it, a sword in his hand, and two pair of pistols hanging at
+the end of a silk sling flung over his shoulders, according to the
+custom of the pirates. He is said to have given his orders with boldness
+and spirit. Coming, according to what he had purposed, close to the
+man-of-war, he received her fire, and then hoisted his black flag and
+returned it, shooting away from her with all the sail he could pack; and
+had he taken Armstrong's advice to have gone before the wind, he had
+probably escaped; but keeping his tacks down, either by the wind's
+shifting, or ill steerage, or both, he was taken aback with his sails,
+and the Swallow came a second time very nigh to him. He had now,
+perhaps, finished the fight very desperately, if death, who took a swift
+passage in a grape shot, had not interposed, and struck him directly on
+the throat. He settled himself on the tackles of a gun; which one
+Stephenson, from the helm, observing, ran to his assistance, and not
+perceiving him wounded, swore at him, and bade him stand up and fight
+like a man; but when he found his mistake, and that his captain was
+certainly dead, he burst into tears, and wished the next shot might be
+his portion. They presently threw him overboard, with his arms and
+ornaments on, according to his repeated request in his life-time.
+
+This extraordinary man and daring pirate was tall, of a dark complexion,
+about 40 years of age, and born in Pembrokeshire. His parents were
+honest and respectable, and his natural activity, courage, and
+invention, were superior to his education. At a very early period, he,
+in drinking, would imprecate vengeance upon "the head of him who ever
+lived to wear a halter." He went willingly into the pirate service, and
+served three years as a second man. It was not for want of employment,
+but from a roving, wild, and boisterous turn of mind. It was his usual
+declaration, that, "In an honest service, there are commonly low wages
+and hard labor; in this,--plenty, satiety, pleasure and ease, liberty,
+and power; and who would not balance creditor on this side, when all the
+hazard that is run for it at worst, is only a sour look or two at
+choking? No,--a merry life and a short one, shall be my motto!" But it
+was one favorable trait in his character, that he never forced any man
+into the pirate service.
+
+The prisoners were strictly guarded while on board, and being conveyed
+to Cape Coast castle, they underwent a long and solemn trial. The
+generality of them remained daring and impenitent for some time, but
+when they found themselves confined within a castle, and their fate
+drawing near, they changed their course, and became serious, penitent,
+and fervent in their devotions. Though the judges found no small
+difficulty in explaining the law, and different acts of parliament, yet
+the facts were so numerous and flagrant which were proved against them,
+that there was no difficulty in bringing in a verdict of guilty.
+
+
+
+
+THE LIFE OF CHARLES GIBBS.
+
+
+_Containing an Account of his Atrocities committed in the West Indies_.
+
+This atrocious and cruel pirate, when very young became addicted to
+vices uncommon in youths of his age, and so far from the gentle reproof
+and friendly admonition, or the more severe chastisement of a fond
+parent, having its intended effect, it seemed to render him still worse,
+and to incline him to repay those whom he ought to have esteemed as his
+best friends and who had manifested so much regard for his welfare, with
+ingratitude and neglect. His infamous career and ignominious death on
+the gallows; brought down the "grey hairs of his parents in sorrow to
+the grave." The poignant affliction which the infamous crimes of
+children bring upon their relatives ought to be one of the most
+effective persuasions for them to refrain from vice.
+
+Charles Gibbs was born in the state of Rhode Island, in 1794; his
+parents and connexions were of the first respectability. When at school,
+he was very apt to learn, but so refractory and sulky, that neither the
+birch nor good counsel made any impression on him, and he was expelled
+from the school.
+
+He was now made to labor on a farm; but having a great antipathy to
+work, when about fifteen years of age, feeling a great inclination to
+roam, and like too many unreflecting youths of that age, a great
+fondness for the sea, he in opposition to the friendly counsel of his
+parents, privately left them and entered on board the United States
+sloop-of-war, Hornet, and was in the action when she captured the
+British sloop-of-war Peacock, off the coast of Pernambuco. Upon the
+return of the Hornet to the United States, her brave commander, Capt.
+Lawrence, was promoted for his gallantry to the command of the
+unfortunate Chesapeake, and to which he was followed by young Gibbs, who
+took a very distinguished part in the engagement with the Shannon, which
+resulted in the death of Lawrence and the capture of the Chesapeake.
+Gibbs states that while on board the Chesapeake the crew previous to the
+action, were almost in a state of mutiny, growing out of the non payment
+of the prize money, and that the address of Capt. Lawrence was received
+by them with coldness and murmurs.
+
+After the engagement, Gibbs became with the survivors of the crew a
+prisoner of war, and as such was confined in Dartmoor prison until
+exchanged.
+
+After his exchange, he returned to Boston, where having determined to
+abandon the sea, he applied to his friends in Rhode Island, to assist
+him in commencing business; they accordingly lent him one thousand
+dollars as a capital to begin with. He opened a grocery in Ann Street,
+near what was then called the _Tin Pot_, a place full of abandoned women
+and dissolute fellows. As he dealt chiefly in liquor, and had a
+"_License to retail Spirits_," his drunkery was thronged with customers.
+But he sold his groceries chiefly to loose girls who paid him in their
+coin, which, although it answered his purpose, would neither buy him
+goods or pay his rent, and he found his stock rapidly dwindling away
+without his receiving any cash to replenish it. By dissipation and
+inattention his new business proved unsuccessful to him. He resolved to
+abandon it and again try the sea for a subsistence. With a hundred
+dollars in his pocket, the remnant of his property, he embarked in the
+ship John, for Buenos Ayres, and his means being exhausted soon after
+his arrival there, he entered on board a Buenos Ayrean privateer and
+sailed on a cruise. A quarrel between the officers and crew in regard to
+the division of prize money, led eventually to a mutiny; and the
+mutineers gained the ascendancy, took possession of the vessel, landed
+the crew on the coast of Florida, and steered for the West Indies, with
+hearts resolved to make their fortunes at all hazards, and where in a
+short time, more than twenty vessels were captured by them and nearly
+_Four Hundred Human Beings Murdered_!
+
+Havana was the resort of these pirates to dispose of their plunder; and
+Gibbs sauntered about this place with impunity and was acquainted in all
+the out of the way and bye places of that hot bed of pirates the Regla.
+He and his comrades even lodged in the very houses with many of the
+American officers who were sent out to take them. He was acquainted with
+many of the officers and was apprised of all their intended movements
+before they left the harbor. On one occasion, the American ship
+Caroline, was captured by two of their piratical vessels off Cape
+Antonio. They were busily engaged in landing the cargo, when the British
+sloop-of-war, Jearus, hove in sight and sent her barges to attack them.
+The pirates defended themselves for some time behind a small four gun
+battery which they had erected, but in the end were forced to abandon
+their own vessel and the prize and fly to the mountains for safety. The
+Jearus found here twelve vessels burnt to the water's edge, and it was
+satisfactorily ascertained that their crews, amounting to _one hundred
+and fifty persons had been murdered_. The crews, if it was thought not
+necessary otherways to dispose of them were sent adrift in their boats,
+and frequently without any thing on which they could subsist a single
+day; nor were all so fortunate thus to escape. "Dead men can tell no
+tales," was a common saying among them; and as soon as a ship's crew
+were taken, a short consultation was held; and if it was the opinion of
+a majority that it would be better to take life than to spare it, a
+single nod or wink from the captain was sufficient; regardless of age or
+sex, all entreaties for mercy were then made in vain; they possessed not
+the tender feelings, to be operated upon by the shrieks and expiring
+groans of the devoted victims! there was a strife among them, who with
+his own hands could despatch the greatest number, and in the shortest
+period of time.
+
+Without any other motives than to gratify their hellish propensities (in
+their intoxicated moments), blood was not unfrequently and unnecessarily
+shed, and many widows and orphans probably made, when the lives of the
+unfortunate victims might have been spared, and without the most distant
+prospect of any evil consequences (as regarded themselves), resulting
+therefrom.
+
+Gibbs states that sometime in the course of the year 1819, he left
+Havana and came to the United States, bringing with him about $30,000.
+He passed several weeks in the city of New York, and then went to
+Boston, whence he took passage for Liverpool in the ship Emerald. Before
+he sailed, however, he has squandered a large part of his money by
+dissipation and gambling. He remained in Liverpool a few months, and
+then returned to Boston. His residence in Liverpool at that time is
+satisfactorily ascertained from another source besides his own
+confession. A female now in New York was well acquainted with him there,
+where, she says, he lived like a gentleman, with apparently abundant
+means of support. In speaking of his acquaintance with this female he
+says, "I fell in with a woman, who I thought was all virtue, but she
+deceived me, and I am sorry to say that a heart that never felt abashed
+at scenes of carnage and blood, was made a child of for a time by her,
+and I gave way to dissipation to drown the torment. How often when the
+fumes of liquor have subsided, have I thought of my good and
+affectionate parents, and of their Godlike advice! But when the little
+monitor began to move within me, I immediately seized the cup to hide
+myself from myself, and drank until the sense of intoxication was
+renewed. My friends advised me to behave myself like a man, and promised
+me their assistance, but the demon still haunted me, and I spurned their
+advice."
+
+In 1826, he revisited the United States, and hearing of the war between
+Brazil and the Republic of Buenos Ayres, sailed from Boston in the brig
+Hitty, of Portsmouth, with a determination, as he states, of trying his
+fortune in defence of a republican government. Upon his arrival he made
+himself known to Admiral Brown, and communicated his desire to join
+their navy. The admiral accompanied him to the Governor, and a
+Lieutenant's commission being given him, he joined a ship of 34 guns,
+called the 'Twenty Fifth of May.' "Here," says Gibbs, "I found
+Lieutenant Dodge, an old acquaintance, and a number of other persons
+with whom I had sailed. When the Governor gave me the commission he told
+me they wanted no cowards in their navy, to which I replied that I
+thought he would have no apprehension of my cowardice or skill when he
+became acquainted with me. He thanked me, and said he hoped he should
+not be deceived; upon which we drank to his health and to the success of
+the Republic. He then presented me with a sword, and told me to wear
+that as my companion through the doubtful struggle in which the republic
+was engaged. I told him I never would disgrace it, so long as I had a
+nerve in my arm. I remained on board the ship in the capacity of 5th
+Lieutenant, for about four months, during which time we had a number of
+skirmishes with the enemy. Having succeeded in gaining the confidence of
+Admiral Brown, he put me in command of a privateer schooner, mounting
+two long 24 pounders and 46 men. I sailed from Buenos Ayres, made two
+good cruises, and returned safely to port. I then bought one half of a
+new Baltimore schooner, and sailed again, but was captured seven days
+out, and carried into Rio Janeiro, where the Brazilians paid me my
+change. I remained there until peace took place, then returned to Buenos
+Ayres, and thence to New York.
+
+"After the lapse of about a year, which I passed in travelling from place
+to place, the war between France and Algiers attracted my attention.
+Knowing that the French commerce presented a fine opportunity for
+plunder, I determined to embark for Algiers and offer my services to the
+Dey. I accordingly took passage from New York, in the Sally Ann,
+belonging to Bath, landed at Barcelona, crossed to Port Mahon, and
+endeavored to make my way to Algiers. The vigilance of the French fleet
+prevented the accomplishment of my design, and I proceeded to Tunis.
+There finding it unsafe to attempt a journey to Algiers across the
+desert, I amused myself with contemplating the ruins of Carthage, and
+reviving my recollections of her war with the Romans. I afterwards took
+passage to Marseilles, and thence to Boston."
+
+An instance of the most barbarous and cold blooded murder of which the
+wretched Gibbs gives an account in the course of his confessions, is
+that of an innocent and beautiful female of about 17 or 18 years of age!
+she was with her parents a passenger on board a Dutch ship, bound from
+Curracoa to Holland; there were a number of other passengers, male and
+female, on board, all of whom except the young lady above-mentioned were
+put to death; her unfortunate parents were inhumanly butchered before
+her eyes, and she was doomed to witness the agonies and to hear the
+expiring, heart-piercing groans of those whom she held most dear, and on
+whom she depended for protection! The life of their wretched daughter
+was spared for the most nefarious purposes--she was taken by the pirates
+to the west end of Cuba, where they had a rendezvous, with a small fort
+that mounted four guns--here she was confined about two months, and
+where, as has been said by the murderer Gibbs, "she received such
+treatment, the bare recollection of which causes me to shudder!" At the
+expiration of the two months she was taken by the pirates on board of
+one of their vessels, and among whom a consultation was soon after held,
+which resulted in the conclusion that it would be necessary for their
+own personal safety, to put her to death! and to her a fatal dose of
+poison was accordingly administered, which soon proved fatal! when her
+pure and immortal spirit took its flight to that God, whom, we believe,
+will avenge her wrongs! her lifeless body was then committed to the deep
+by two of the merciless wretches with as much unconcern, as if it had
+been that of the meanest brute! Gibbs persists in the declaration that
+in this horrid transaction he took no part, that such was his pity for
+this poor ill-fated female, that he interceded for her life so long as
+he could do it with safety to his own!
+
+[Illustration: _Gibbs carrying the Dutch Girl on board his Vessel._]
+
+Gibbs in his last visit to Boston remained there but a few days, when he
+took passage to New Orleans, and there entered as one of the crew on
+board the brig Vineyard; and for assisting in the murder of the
+unfortunate captain and mate of which, he was justly condemned, and the
+awful sentence of death passed upon him! The particulars of the bloody
+transaction (agreeable to the testimony of Dawes and Brownrigg, the two
+principal witnesses,) are as follows: The brig Vineyard, Capt. William
+Thornby, sailed from New Orleans about the 9th of November, for
+Philadelphia, with a cargo of 112 bales of cotton, 113 hhds. sugar, 54
+casks of molasses and 54,000 dollars in specie. Besides the captain
+there were on board the brig, William Roberts, mate, six seamen shipped
+at New Orleans, and the cook. Robert Dawes, one of the crew, states on
+examination, that when, about five days out, he was told that there was
+money on board, Charles Gibbs, E. Church and the steward then determined
+to take possession of the brig. They asked James Talbot, another of the
+crew, to join them. He said no, as he did not believe there was money in
+the vessel. They concluded to kill the captain and mate, and if Talbot
+and John Brownrigg would not join them, to kill them also. The next
+night they talked of doing it, and got their clubs ready. Dawes dared
+not say a word, as they declared they would kill him if he did; as they
+did not agree about killing Talbot and Brownrigg, two shipmates, it was
+put off. They next concluded to kill the captain and mate on the night
+of November 22, but did not get ready; but, on the night of the 23d,
+between twelve and one o'clock, as Dawes was at the helm, saw the
+steward come up with a light and a knife in his hand; he dropt the light
+and seizing the pump break, struck the captain with it over the head
+or back of the neck; the captain was sent forward by the blow, and
+halloed, oh! and murder! once; he was then seized by Gibbs and the cook,
+one by the head and the other by the heels, and thrown overboard. Atwell
+and Church stood at the companion way, to strike down the mate when he
+should come up. As he came up and enquired what was the matter they
+struck him over the head--he ran back into the cabin, and Charles Gibbs
+followed him down; but as it was dark, he could not find him--Gibbs came
+on deck for the light, with which he returned. Dawes' light being taken
+from him, he could not see to steer, and he in consequence left the
+helm, to see what was going on below. Gibbs found the mate and seized
+him, while Atwell and Church came down and struck him with a pump break
+and a club; he was then dragged upon deck; they called for Dawes to come
+to them, and as he came up the mate seized his hand, and gave him a
+death gripe! three of them then hove him overboard, but which three
+Dawes does not know; the mate when cast overboard was not dead, but
+called after them twice while in the water! Dawes says he was so
+frightened that he hardly knew what to do. They then requested him to
+call Talbot, who was in the forecastle, saying his prayers; he came up
+and said it would be his turn next! but they gave him some grog, and
+told him not to be afraid, as they would not hurt him; if he was true to
+them, he should fare as well as they did. One of those who had been
+engaged in the bloody deed got drunk, and another became crazy!
+
+[Illustration: _Gibbs shooting a comrade._]
+
+After killing the captain and mate, they set about overhauling the
+vessel, and got up one keg of Mexican dollars. They then divided the
+captain's clothes, and money--about 40 dollars, and a gold watch. Dawes,
+Talbot and Brownrigg, (who were all innocent of the murder,) were
+obliged to do as they were commanded--the former, who was placed at the
+helm, was ordered to steer for Long Island. On the day following, they
+divided several kegs of the specie, amounting to five thousand dollars
+each--they made bags and sewed the money up. After this division, they
+divided the remainder of the money without counting it. On Sunday, when
+about 15 miles S.S.E. of Southampton Light, they got the boats out and
+put half the money in each--they then scuttled the vessel and set fire
+to it in the cabin, and took to the boats. Gibbs, after the murder, took
+charge of the vessel as captain. From the papers they learnt that the
+money belonged to Stephen Girard. With the boats they made the land
+about daylight. Dawes and his three companions were in the long boat;
+the others, with Atwell, were in the jolly boat--on coming to the bar
+the boats struck--in the long boat, they threw overboard a trunk of
+clothes and a great deal of money, in all about 5000 dollars--the jolly
+boat foundered; they saw the boat fill, and heard them cry out, and saw
+them clinging to the masts--they went ashore on Barron Island, and
+buried the money in the sand, but very lightly. Soon after they met with
+a gunner, whom they requested to conduct them where they could get some
+refreshments. They were by him conducted to Johnson's (the only man
+living on the island,) where they staid all night--Dawes went to bed at
+about 10 o'clock--Jack Brownrigg set up with Johnson, and in the morning
+told Dawes that he had told Johnson all about the murder. Johnson went
+in the morning with the steward for the clothes, which were left on the
+top of the place where they buried the money, but does not believe they
+took away the money.
+
+[Illustration: _Captain Thornby murdered and thrown overboard by Gibbs
+and the steward._]
+
+The prisoners, (Gibbs and Wansley,) were brought to trial at the
+February term of the United States Court, holden in the city of New
+York; when the foregoing facts being satisfactorily proved, they were
+pronounced guilty, and on the 11th March last, the awful sentence of the
+law was passed upon them in the following affecting and impressive
+manner:--The Court opened at 11 o'clock, Judge Betts presiding. A few
+minutes after that hour, Mr. Hamilton, District Attorney, rose and
+said--May it please the Court, Thomas J. Wansley, the prisoner at the
+bar, having been tried by a jury of his country, and found guilty of the
+murder of Captain Thornby, I now move that the sentence of the Court be
+pronounced upon that verdict.
+
+[Illustration: _Gibbs and Wansley burying the Money._]
+
+_By the Court_. Thomas J. Wansley, you have heard what has been said by
+the District Attorney--by the Grand Jury of the South District of New
+York, you have been arraigned for the wilful murder of Captain Thornby,
+of the brig Vineyard; you have been put upon your trial, and after a
+patient and impartial hearing, you have been found Guilty. The public
+prosecutor now moves for judgment on that verdict; have you any thing to
+say, why the sentence of the law should not be passed upon you?
+
+_Thomas J. Wansley_. I will say a few words, but it is perhaps of no
+use. I have often understood that there is a great deal of difference in
+respect of color, and I have seen it in this Court. Dawes and Brownrigg
+were as guilty as I am, and these witnesses have tried to fasten upon me
+greater guilt than is just, for their life has been given to them. You
+have taken the blacks from their own country, to bring them here to
+treat them ill. I have seen this. The witnesses, the jury, and the
+prosecuting Attorney consider me more guilty than Dawes, to condemn
+me--for otherwise the law must have punished him; he should have had the
+same verdict, for he was a perpetrator in the conspiracy.
+Notwithstanding my participating, they have sworn falsely for the
+purpose of taking my life; they would not even inform the Court, how I
+gave information of money being on board; they had the biggest part of
+the money, and have sworn falsely. I have said enough. I will say no
+more.
+
+_By the Court_. The Court will wait patiently and hear all you have to
+say; if you have any thing further to add, proceed.
+
+_Wansley_ then proceeded. In the first place, I was the first to ship on
+board the Vineyard at New Orleans, I knew nobody; I saw the money come
+on board. The judge that first examined me, did not take my deposition
+down correctly. When talking with the crew on board, said the brig was
+an old craft, and when we arrived at Philadelphia, we all agreed to
+leave her. It was mentioned to me that there was plenty of money on
+board. Henry Atwell said "let's have it." I knew no more of this for
+some days. Atwell came to me again and asked "what think you of taking
+the money." I thought it was a joke, and paid no attention to it. The
+next day he said they had determined to take the brig and money, and
+that they were the strongest party, and would murder the officers, and
+he that informed should suffer with them. I knew Church in Boston, and
+in a joke asked him how it was made up in the ship's company; his reply,
+that it was he and Dawes. There was no arms on board as was ascertained;
+the conspiracy was known to the whole company, and had I informed, my
+life would have been taken, and though I knew if I was found out my life
+would be taken by law, which is the same thing, so I did not inform. I
+have committed murder and I know I must die for it.
+
+_By the Court_. If you wish to add any thing further you will still be
+heard.
+
+_Wansley_. No sir, I believe I have said enough.
+
+The District Attorney rose and moved for judgment on Gibbs, in the same
+manner as in the case of Wansley, and the Court having addressed Gibbs,
+in similar terms, concluded by asking what he had to say why the
+sentence of the law should not now be passed upon him.
+
+_Charles Gibbs_ said, I wish to state to the Court, how far I am guilty
+and how far I am innocent in this transaction. When I left New Orleans,
+I was a stranger to all on board, except Dawes and Church. It was off
+Tortugas that Atwell first told me there was money on board, and
+proposed to me to take possession of the brig. I refused at that time.
+The conspiracy was talked of for some days, and at last I agreed that I
+would join. Brownrigg, Dawes, Church, and the whole agreed that they
+would. A few days after, however, having thought of the affair, I
+mentioned to Atwell, what a dreadful thing it was to take a man's life,
+and commit piracy, and recommended him to "abolish," their plan. Atwell
+and Dawes remonstrated with me; I told Atwell that if ever he would
+speak of the subject again, I would break his nose. Had I kept to my
+resolution I would not have been brought here to receive my sentence. It
+was three days afterwards that the murder was committed. Brownrigg
+agreed to call up the captain from the cabin, and this man, (pointing to
+Wansley,) agreed to strike the first blow. The captain was struck and I
+suppose killed, and I lent a hand to throw him overboard. But for the
+murder of the mate, of which I have been found guilty, I am innocent--I
+had nothing to do with that. The mate was murdered by Dawes and Church;
+that I am innocent of this I commit my soul to that God who will judge
+all flesh--who will judge all murderers and false swearers, and the
+wicked who deprive the innocent of his right. I have nothing more to
+say.
+
+_By the Court_. Thomas J. Wansley and Charles Gibbs, the Court has
+listened to you patiently and attentively; and although you have said
+something in your own behalf, yet the Court has heard nothing to affect
+the deepest and most painful duty that he who presides over a public
+tribunal has to perform.
+
+You, Thomas J. Wansley, conceive that a different measure of justice has
+been meted out to you, because of your color. Look back upon your whole
+course of life; think of the laws under which you have lived, and you
+will find that to white or black, to free or bond, there is no ground
+for your allegations; that they are not supported by truth or justice.
+Admit that Brownrigg and Dawes have sworn falsely; admit that Dawes was
+concerned with you; admit that Brownrigg is not innocent; admit, in
+relation to both, that they are guilty, the whole evidence has proved
+beyond a doubt that you are guilty; and your own words admit that you
+were an active agent in perpetrating this horrid crime. Two fellow
+beings who confided in you, and in their perilous voyage called in your
+assistance, yet you, without reason or provocation, have maliciously
+taken their lives.
+
+If, peradventure, there was the slightest foundation for a doubt of your
+guilt, in the mind of the Court, judgment would be arrested, but there
+is none; and it now remains to the Court to pronounce the most painful
+duty that devolves upon a civil magistrate. The Court is persuaded of
+your guilt; it can form no other opinion. Testimony has been heard
+before the Court and Jury--from that we must form our opinion. We must
+proceed upon testimony, ascertain facts by evidence of witnesses, on
+which we must inquire, judge and determine as to guilt or innocence, by
+that evidence alone. You have been found guilty. You now stand for the
+last time before an earthly tribunal, and by your own acknowledgments,
+the sentence of the law falls just on your heads. When men in ordinary
+cases come under the penalty of the law there is generally some
+palliative--something to warm the sympathy of the Court and Jury. Men
+may be led astray, and under the influence of passion have acted under
+some long smothered resentment, suddenly awakened by the force of
+circumstances, depriving him of reason, and then they may take the life
+of a fellow being. Killing, under that kind of excitement, might
+possibly awaken some sympathy, but that was not your case; you had no
+provocation. What offence had Thornby or Roberts committed against you?
+They entrusted themselves with you, as able and trustworthy citizens;
+confiding implicitly in you; no one act of theirs, after a full
+examination, appears to have been offensive to you; yet for the purpose
+of securing the money you coolly determined to take their lives--you
+slept and deliberated over the act; you were tempted on, and yielded;
+you entered into the conspiracy, with cool and determined calculation to
+deprive two human beings of their lives, and it was done.
+
+You, Charles Gibbs, have said that you are not guilty of the murder of
+Roberts; but were you not there, strongly instigating the murderers on,
+and without stretching out a hand to save him?--It is murder as much to
+stand by and encourage the deed, as to stab with a knife, strike with a
+hatchet, or shoot with a pistol. It is not only murder in law, but in
+your own feelings and in your own conscience. Notwithstanding all this,
+I cannot believe that your feelings are so callous, so wholly callous,
+that your own minds do not melt when you look back upon the unprovoked
+deeds of yourselves, and those confederated with you.
+
+You are American citizens--this country affords means of instruction to
+all: your appearance and your remarks have added evidence that you are
+more than ordinarily intelligent; that your education has enabled you to
+participate in the advantages of information open to all classes. The
+Court will believe that when you were young you looked with strong
+aversion on the course of life of the wicked. In early life, in boyhood,
+when you heard of the conduct of men, who engaged in robbery--nay more,
+when you heard of cold blooded murder--how you must have shrunk from the
+recital. Yet now, after having participated in the advantages of
+education, after having arrived at full maturity, you stand here as
+robbers and murderers.
+
+It is a perilous employment of life that you have followed; in this way
+of life the most enormous crimes that man can commit, are MURDER AND
+PIRACY. With what detestation would you in early life have looked upon
+the man who would have raised his hand against his officer, or have
+committed piracy! yet now you both stand here murderers and pirates,
+tried and found guilty--you Wansley of the murder of your Captain, and
+you, Gibbs, of the murder of your Mate. The evidence has convicted you
+of rising in mutiny against the master of the vessel, for that alone,
+the law is DEATH!--of murder and robbery on the high seas, for that
+crime, the law adjudges DEATH--of destroying the vessel and embezzling
+the cargo, even for scuttling and burning the vessel alone the law is
+DEATH; yet of all these the evidence has convicted you, and it only
+remains now for the Court to pass the sentence of the law. It is, that
+you, Thomas J. Wansley and Charles Gibbs be taken hence to the place of
+confinement, there to remain in close custody, that thence you be taken
+to the place of execution, and on the 22d April next, between the hours
+of 10 and 4 o'clock, you be both publicly hanged by the neck until you
+are DEAD--and that your bodies be given to the College of Physicians and
+Surgeons for dissection.
+
+The Court added, that the only thing discretionary with it, was the time
+of execution; it might have ordered that you should instantly have been
+taken from the stand to the scaffold, but the sentence has been deferred
+to as distant a period as prudent--six weeks. But this time has not been
+granted for the purpose of giving you any hope for pardon or commutation
+of the sentence;--just as sure as you live till the twenty-second of
+April, as surely you will suffer death--therefore indulge not a hope
+that this sentence will be changed!
+
+The Court then spoke of the terror in all men of death!--how they cling
+to life whether in youth, manhood or old age. What an awful thing it is
+to die! how in the perils of the sea, when rocks or storms threaten the
+loss of the vessel, and the lives of all on board, how the crew will
+labor, night and day, in the hope of escaping shipwreck and death!
+alluded to the tumult, bustle and confusion of battle--yet even there
+the hero clings to life. The Court adverted not only to the certainty of
+their coming doom on earth, but to THINK OF HEREAFTER--that they should
+seriously think and reflect of their FUTURE STATE! that they would be
+assisted in their devotions no doubt, by many pious men.
+
+When the Court closed, Charles Gibbs asked, if during his imprisonment,
+his friends would be permitted to see him. The Court answered that that
+lay with the Marshal, who then said that no difficulty would exist on
+that score. The remarks of the Prisoners were delivered in a strong,
+full-toned and unwavering voice, and they both seemed perfectly resigned
+to the fate which inevitably awaited them. While Judge Betts was
+delivering his address to them, Wansley was deeply affected and shed
+tears--but Gibbs gazed with a steady and unwavering eye, and no sign
+betrayed the least emotion of his heart. After his condemnation, and
+during his confinement, his frame became somewhat enfeebled, his face
+paler, and his eyes more sunken; but the air of his bold, enterprising
+and desperate mind still remained. In his narrow cell, he seemed more
+like an object of pity than vengeance--was affable and communicative,
+and when he smiled, exhibited so mild and gentle a countenance, that no
+one would take him to be a villain. His conversation was concise and
+pertinent, and his style of illustration quite original.
+
+Gibbs was married in Buenos Ayres, where he has a child now living. His
+wife is dead. By a singular concurrence of circumstances, the woman with
+whom he became acquainted in Liverpool, and who is said at that time to
+have borne a decent character, was lodged in the same prison with
+himself. During his confinement he wrote her two letters--one of them is
+subjoined, to gratify the perhaps innocent curiosity which is naturally
+felt to know the peculiarities of a man's mind and feelings under such
+circumstances, and not for the purpose of intimating a belief that he
+was truly penitent. The reader will be surprised with the apparent
+readiness with which he made quotations from Scripture.
+
+"BELLEVUE PRISON, March 20, 1831.
+
+"It is with regret that I take my pen in hand to address you with these
+few lines, under the great embarrassment of my feelings placed within
+these gloomy walls, my body bound with chains, and under the awful
+sentence of death! It is enough to throw the strongest mind into gloomy
+prospects! but I find that Jesus Christ is sufficient to give
+consolation to the most despairing soul. For he saith, that he that
+cometh to me I will in no ways cast out. But it is impossible to
+describe unto you the horror of my feelings. My breast is like the
+tempestuous ocean, raging in its own shame, harrowing up the bottom of
+my soul! But I look forward to that serene calm when I shall sleep with
+Kings and Counsellors of the earth. There the wicked cease from
+troubling, and there the weary are at rest!--There the prisoners rest
+together--they hear not the voice of the oppressor; and I trust that
+there my breast will not be ruffled by the storm of sin--for the thing
+which I greatly feared has come upon me. I was not in safety, neither
+had I rest; yet trouble came. It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth to
+him good. When I saw you in Liverpool, and a peaceful calm wafted across
+both our breasts, and justice no claim upon us, little did I think to
+meet you in the gloomy walls of a strong prison, and the arm of justice
+stretched out with the sword of law, awaiting the appointed period to
+execute the dreadful sentence. I have had a fair prospect in the world,
+at last it budded, and brought forth the gallows. I am shortly to mount
+that scaffold, and to bid adieu to this world, and all that was ever
+dear to my breast. But I trust when my body is mounted on the gallows
+high, the heavens above will smile and pity me. I hope that you will
+reflect on your past, and fly to that Jesus who stands with open arms to
+receive you. Your character is lost, it is true. When the wicked turneth
+from the wickedness that they have committed, they shall save their soul
+alive.
+
+"Let us imagine for a moment that we see the souls standing before the
+awful tribunal, and we hear its dreadful sentence, depart ye cursed into
+everlasting fire. Imagine you hear the awful lamentations of a soul in
+hell. It would be enough to melt your heart, if it was as hard as
+adamant. You would fall upon your knees and plead for God's mercy, as a
+famished person would for food, or as a dying criminal would for a
+pardon. We soon, very soon, must go the way whence we shall ne'er
+return. Our names will be struck off the records of the living, and
+enrolled in the vast catalogues of the dead. But may it ne'er be
+numbered with the damned.--I hope it will please God to set you at your
+liberty, and that you may see the sins and follies of your life past. I
+shall now close my letter with a few words which I hope you will receive
+as from a dying man; and I hope that every important truth of this
+letter may sink deep in your heart, and be a lesson to you through life.
+
+ "Rising griefs distress my soul,
+  And tears on tears successive roll--
+  For many an evil voice is near,
+  To chide my woes and mock my fear--
+  And silent memory weeps alone,
+  O'er hours of peace and gladness known.
+
+"I still remain your sincere friend, CHARLES GIBBS."
+
+In another letter which the wretched Gibbs wrote after his condemnation
+to one who had been his early friend, he writes as follows:--"Alas! it
+is now, and not until now, that I have become sensible of my wicked
+life, from my childhood, and the enormity of the crime, for which I must
+shortly suffer an ignominious death!--I would to God that I never had
+been born, or that I had died in my infancy!--the hour of reflection has
+indeed come, but come too late to prevent justice from cutting me
+off--my mind recoils with horror at the thoughts of the unnatural deeds
+of which I have been guilty!--my repose rather prevents than affords me
+relief, as my mind, while I slumber, is constantly disturbed by
+frightful dreams of my approaching awful dissolution!"
+
+On Friday, April twenty-second, Gibbs and Wansley paid the penalty of
+their crimes. Both prisoners arrived at the gallows about twelve
+o'clock, accompanied by the marshal, his aids, and some twenty or thirty
+United States' marines. Two clergymen attended them to the fatal spot,
+where everything being in readiness, and the ropes adjusted about their
+necks, the Throne of Mercy was fervently addressed in their behalf.
+Wansley then prayed earnestly himself, and afterwards joined in singing
+a hymn. These exercises concluded, Gibbs addressed the spectators nearly
+as follows:
+
+MY DEAR FRIENDS,
+
+My crimes have been heinous--and although I am now about to suffer for
+the murder of Mr. Roberts, I solemnly declare my innocence of the
+transaction. It is true, I stood by and saw the fatal deed done, and
+stretched not forth my arm to save him; the technicalities of the law
+believe me guilty of the charge--but in the presence of my God--before
+whom I shall be in a few minutes--I declare I did not murder him.
+
+I have made a full and frank confession to Mr. Hopson, which probably
+most of my hearers present have already read; and should any of the
+friends of those whom I have been accessary to, or engaged in the murder
+of, be now present, before my Maker I beg their forgiveness--it is the
+only boon I ask--and as I hope for pardon through the blood of Christ,
+surely this request will not be withheld by man, to a worm like myself,
+standing as I do, on the very verge of eternity! Another moment, and I
+cease to exist--and could I find in my bosom room to imagine that the
+spectators now assembled had forgiven me, the scaffold would have no
+terrors, nor could the precept which my much respected friend, the
+marshal of the district, is about to execute. Let me then, in this
+public manner, return my sincere thanks to him, for his kind and
+gentlemanly deportment during my confinement. He was to me like a
+father, and his humanity to a dying man I hope will be duly appreciated
+by an enlightened community.
+
+My first crime was _piracy_, for which my _life_ would pay for forfeit
+on conviction; no punishment could be inflicted on me further than that,
+and therefore I had nothing to fear but detection, for had my offences
+been millions of times more aggravated than they are now, _death_ must
+have satisfied all.
+
+Gibbs having concluded, Wansley began. He said he might be called a
+pirate, a robber, and a murderer, and he was all of these, but he hoped
+and trusted God would, through Christ, wash away his aggravated crimes
+and offences, and not cast him entirely out. His feelings, he said, were
+so overpowered that he hardly knew how to address those about him, but
+he frankly admitted the justness of the sentence, and concluded by
+declaring that he had no hope of pardon except through the atoning blood
+of his Redeemer, and wished that his sad fate might teach others to shun
+the broad road to ruin, and travel in that of virtue, which would lead
+to honor and happiness in this world, and an immortal crown of glory in
+that to come.
+
+He then shook hands with Gibbs, the officers, and clergymen--their caps
+were drawn over their faces, a handkerchief dropped by Gibbs as a signal
+to the executioner caused the cord to be severed, and in an instant they
+were suspended in air. Wansley folded his hands before him, soon died
+with very trifling struggles. Gibbs died hard; before he was run up, and
+did not again remove them, but after being near two minutes suspended,
+he raised his right hand and partially removed his cap, and in the
+course of another minute, raised the same hand to his mouth. His dress
+was a blue round-about jacket and trousers, with a foul anchor in white
+on his right arm. Wansley wore a white frock coat, trimmed with black,
+with trousers of the same color.
+
+After the bodies had remained on the gallows the usual time, they were
+taken down and given to the surgeons for dissection.
+
+Gibbs was rather below the middle stature, thick set and powerful. The
+form of Wansley was a perfect model of manly beauty.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+HISTORY OF THE ADVENTURES, CAPTURE AND EXECUTION OF THE SPANISH
+PIRATES.
+
+In the Autumn of 1832, there was anchored in the "Man of War Grounds,"
+off the Havana, a clipper-built vessel of the fairest proportions; she
+had great length and breadth of beam, furnishing stability to bear a
+large surface of sail, and great depth to take hold of the water and
+prevent drifting; long, low in the waist, with lofty raking masts, which
+tapered away till they were almost too fine to be distinguished, the
+beautiful arrowy sharpness of her bow, and the fineness of her gradually
+receding quarters, showed a model capable of the greatest speed in
+sailing. Her low sides were painted black, with one small, narrow
+ribband of white. Her raking masts were clean scraped, her ropes were
+hauled taught, and in every point she wore the appearance of being under
+the control of seamanship and strict discipline. Upon going on board,
+one would be struck with surprise at the deception relative to the
+tonnage of the schooner, when viewed at a distance. Instead of a small
+vessel of about ninety tons, we discover that she is upwards of two
+hundred; that her breadth of beam is enormous; and that those spars
+which appeared so light and elegant, are of unexpected dimensions. In
+the centre of the vessel, between the fore and main masts, there is a
+long brass thirty-two pounder, fixed upon a carriage revolving in a
+circle, and so arranged that in bad weather it can be lowered down and
+housed; while on each side of the deck were mounted guns of smaller
+calibre.
+
+This vessel was fashioned, at the will of avarice, for the aid of
+cruelty and injustice; it was an African slaver--the schooner Panda. She
+was commanded by Don Pedro Gilbert, a native of Catalonia, in Spain, and
+son of a grandee; a man thirty-six years of age, and exceeding handsome,
+having a round face, pearly teeth, round forehead, and full black eyes,
+with beautiful raven hair, and a great favorite with the ladies. He
+united great energy, coolness and decision, with superior knowledge in
+mercantile transactions, and the Guinea trade; having made several
+voyages after slaves. The mate and owner of the Panda was Don Bernardo
+De Soto, a native of Corunna, Spain, and son, of Isidore De Soto,
+manager of the royal revenue in said city; he was now twenty-five years
+of age, and from the time he was fourteen had cultivated the art of
+navigation, and at the age of twenty-two had obtained the degree of
+captain in the India service. After a regular examination the
+correspondent diploma was awarded him. He was married to Donna Petrona
+Pereyra, daughter of Don Benito Pereyra, a merchant of Corunna. She was
+at this time just fifteen, and ripening into that slight fullness of
+form, and roundness of limb, which in that climate mark the early
+passing from girl into woman. Her complexion was the dark olive tinge of
+Spain; her eyes jet black, large and lustrous. She had great sweetness
+of disposition and ingenuousness.
+
+To the strictest discipline De Soto united the practical knowledge of a
+thorough seaman. But "the master spirit of the whole," was Francisco
+Ruiz, the carpenter of the Panda. This individual was of the middle
+size, but muscular, with a short neck. His hair was black and abundant,
+and projected from his forehead, so that he appeared to look out from
+under it, like a bonnet. His eyes were dark chestnut, but always
+restless; his features were well defined; his eye-lashes, jet black. He
+was familiar with all the out-of-the-way places of the Havana, and
+entered into any of the dark abodes without ceremony. From report his
+had been a wild and lawless career. The crew were chiefly Spaniards,
+with a few Portuguese, South Americans, and half castes. The cook was a
+young Guinea negro, with a pleasant countenance, and good humored, with
+a sleek glossy skin, and tatooed on the face; and although entered in
+the schooner's books as free, yet was a slave. In all there were about
+forty men. Her cargo was an assorted one, consisting in part of barrels
+of rum, and gunpowder, muskets, cloth, and numerous articles, with which
+to purchase slaves.
+
+The Panda sailed from the Havana on the night of the 20th of August; and
+upon passing the Moro Castle, she was hailed, and asked, "where bound?"
+She replied, St. Thomas. The schooner now steered through the Bahama
+channel, on the usual route towards the coast of Guinea; a man was
+constantly kept at the mast head, on the lookout; they spoke a corvette,
+and on the morning of the 20th Sept., before light, and during the
+second mate's watch, a brig was discovered heading to the southward.
+Capt. Gilbert was asleep at the time, but got up shortly after she was
+seen, and ordered the Panda to go about and stand for the brig. A
+consultation was held between the captain, mate and carpenter, when the
+latter proposed to board her, and if she had any specie to rob her,
+confine the men below, and burn her. This proposition was instantly
+acceded to, and a musket was fired to make her heave to.
+
+This vessel was the American brig Mexican, Capt. Butman. She had left
+the pleasant harbor of Salem, Mass., on the last Wednesday of August,
+and was quietly pursuing her voyage towards Rio Janeiro. Nothing
+remarkable had happened on board, says Captain B., until half past two
+o'clock, in the morning of September 20th, in lat. 38, 0, N., lon. 24,
+30, W. The attention of the watch on deck was forcibly arrested by the
+appearance of a vessel which passed across our stern about half a mile
+from us. At 4 A.M. saw her again passing across our bow, so near that
+we could perceive that it was a schooner with a fore top sail and top
+gallant sail. As it was somewhat dark she was soon out of sight. At
+daylight saw her about five miles off the weather quarter standing on
+the wind on the same tack we were on, the wind was light at SSW and we
+were standing about S.E. At 8 A.M. she was about two miles right to
+windward of us; could perceive a large number of men upon her deck, and
+one man on the fore top gallant yard looking out; was very suspicious of
+her, but knew not how to avoid her. Soon after saw a brig on our weather
+bow steering to the N.E. By this time the schooner was about three miles
+from us and four points forward of the beam. Expecting that she would
+keep on for the brig ahead of us, we tacked to the westward, keeping a
+little off from the wind to make good way through the water, to get
+clear of her if possible. She kept on to the eastward about ten or
+fifteen minutes after we had tacked, then wore round, set square sail,
+steering directly for us, came down upon us very fast, and was soon
+within gun shot of us, fired a gun and hoisted patriot colors and backed
+main topsail. She ran along to windward of us, hailed us to know where
+we were from, where bound, &c. then ordered me to come on board in my
+boat. Seeing that she was too powerful for us to resist, I accordingly
+went, and soon as I got along-side of the schooner, five ruffians
+instantly jumped into my boat, each of them being armed with a large
+knife, and told me to go on board the brig again; when they got on board
+they insisted that we had got money, and drew their knives, threatening
+us with instant death and demanding to know where it was. As soon as
+they found out where it was they obliged my crew to get it up out of the
+run upon deck, beating and threatening them at the same time because
+they did not do it quicker. When they had got it all upon deck, and
+hailed the schooner, they got out their launch and came and took it on
+board the schooner, viz: ten boxes containing twenty thousand dollars;
+then returned to the brig again, drove all the crew into the forecastle,
+ransacked the cabin, overhauling all the chests, trunks, &c. and rifled
+my pockets, taking my watch, and three doubloons which I had previously
+put there for safety; robbed the mate of his watch and two hundred
+dollars in specie, still insisting that there was more money in the
+hold. Being answered in the negative, they beat me severely over the
+back, said they knew that there was more, that they should search for
+it, and if they found any they would cut all our throats. They continued
+searching about in every part of the vessel for some time longer, but
+not finding any more specie, they took two coils of rigging, a side of
+leather, and some other articles, and went on board the schooner,
+probably to consult what to do with us; for, in eight or ten minutes
+they came back, apparently in great haste, shut us all below, fastened
+up the companion way, fore-scuttle and after hatchway, stove our
+compasses to pieces in the binnacles, cut away tiller-ropes, halliards,
+braces, and most of our running rigging, cut our sails to pieces badly;
+took a tub of tarred rope-yarn and what combustibles they could find
+about deck, put them in the caboose house and set them on fire; then
+left us, taking with them our boat and colors. When they got alongside
+of the schooner they scuttled our boat, took in their own, and made
+sail, steering to the eastward.
+
+As soon as they left us, we got up out of the cabin scuttle, which they
+had neglected to secure, and extinguished the fire, which if it had been
+left a few minutes, would have caught the mainsail and set our masts on
+fire. Soon after we saw a ship to leeward of us steering to the S.E. the
+schooner being in pursuit of her did not overtake her whilst she was in
+sight of us.
+
+It was doubtless their intention to burn us up altogether, but seeing
+the ship, and being eager for more plunder they did not stop fully to
+accomplish their design. She was a low strait schooner of about one
+hundred and fifty tons, painted black with a narrow white streak, a
+large head with the horn of plenty painted white, large maintopmast but
+no yards or sail on it. Mast raked very much, mainsail very square at
+the head, sails made with split cloth and all new; had two long brass
+twelve pounders and a large gun on a pivot amidships, and about seventy
+men, who appeared to be chiefly Spaniards and mulattoes.
+
+[Illustration: _Pirates robbing the brig Mexican of Salem, Mass._]
+
+The object of the voyage being frustrated by the loss of the specie,
+nothing now remained but for the Mexican to make the best of her way
+back to Salem, which she reached in safety. The government of the United
+States struck with the audacity of this piracy, despatched a cruiser in
+pursuit of them. After a fruitless voyage in which every exertion was
+made, and many places visited on the coast of Africa, where it was
+supposed the rascals might be lurking, the chase was abandoned as
+hopeless, no clue being found to their "whereabouts."
+
+The Panda after robbing the Mexican, pursued her course across the
+Atlantic, and made Cape Monte; from this she coasted south, and after
+passing Cape Palmas entered the Gulf of Guinea, and steered for Cape
+Lopez which she reached in the first part of November. Cape Lopez de
+Gonzalves, in lat. 0° 36' 2" south, long. 80° 40' 4" east, is so called
+from its first discoverer. It is covered with wood but low and swampy,
+as is also the neighboring country. The extensive bay formed by this
+cape is fourteen miles in depth, and has several small creeks and rivers
+running into it. The largest is the river Nazareth on the left point of
+which is situated King Gula's town the only assemblage of huts in the
+bay. Here the cargo of the Panda was unloaded, the greater part was
+entrusted to the king, and with the rest Capt. Gilbert opened a factory
+and commenced buying various articles of commerce, as tortoise shell,
+gum, ivory, palm oil, fine straw carpeting, and slaves. After remaining
+here a short time the crew became sickly and Capt. Gilbert sailed for
+Prince's Island to recover the health of his crew. Whilst at Prince's
+Island news arrived of the robbery of the Mexican. And the pirate left
+with the utmost precipitation for Cape Lopez, and the better to evade
+pursuit, a pilot was procured; and the vessel carried several miles up
+the river Nazareth. Soon after the Panda left Prince's Island, the
+British brig of war, Curlew, Capt. Trotter arrived, and from the
+description given of the vessel then said to be lying in the Nazareth,
+Capt. Trotter knew she must be the one, that robbed the Mexican; and he
+instantly sailed in pursuit. On nearing the coast, she was discovered
+lying up the river; three boats containing forty men and commanded by
+Capt. Trotter, started up the river with the sea breeze and flood tide,
+and colors flying to take the desperadoes; the boats kept in near the
+shore until rounding a point they were seen from the Panda. The pirates
+immediately took to their boats, except Francisco Ruiz who seizing a
+fire brand from the camboose went into the magazine and set some
+combustibles on fire with the laudable purpose of blowing up the
+assailants, and then paddled ashore in a canoe. Capt. Trotter chased
+them with his boats, but could not come up with them, and then boarded
+the schooner which he found on fire. The first thing he did was to put
+out the fire which was in the magazine, below the cabin floor; here was
+found a quantity of cotton and brimstone burning and a slow match
+ignited and communicating with the magazine, which contained sixteen
+casks of powder.
+
+The Panda was now warped out of the river and anchored off the negro
+town of Cape Lopez. Negociations were now entered into for the surrender
+of the pirates. An officer was accordingly sent on shore to have an
+interview with the king. He was met on the beach by an ebony chief
+calling himself duke. "We followed the duke through the extensive and
+straggling place, frequently buried up to the ankles in sand, from which
+the vegetation was worn by the constant passing and repassing of the
+inhabitants. We arrived at a large folding door placed in a high bamboo
+and palm tree fence, which inclosed the king's establishment, ornamented
+on our right by two old honeycombed guns, which, although dismounted,
+were probably, according to the practice of the coast, occasionally
+fired to attract the attention of passing vessels, and to imply that
+slaves were to be procured. On the left of the enclosure was a shed,
+with a large ship's bell suspended beneath, serving as an alarum bell in
+case of danger, while the remainder was occupied with neatly built huts,
+inhabited by the numerous wives of the king.
+
+"We sent in to notify him of our arrival; he sent word out that we might
+remain outside until it suited his convenience. But as such an
+arrangement did not suit ours, we immediately entered, and found sitting
+at a table the king. He was a tall, muscular, ugly looking negro, about
+fifty years of age. We explained the object of our visit, which was to
+demand the surrender of the white men, who were now concealed in the
+town, and for permission to pass up the river in pursuit of those who
+had gone up that way. He now expressed the most violent indignation at
+our presumption in demanding the pirates, and the interview was broken
+off by his refusing to deliver up a single man."
+
+We will now return to the pirates. While at Prince's Island, Capt.
+Gilbert bought a magnificent dressing case worth nearly a thousand
+dollars and a patent lever watch, and a quantity of tobacco, and
+provisions, and two valuable cloth coats, some Guinea cloth and black
+and green paint. The paint, cloth and coats were intended as presents
+for the African king at Cape Lopez. These articles were all bought with
+the money taken from the Mexican. After arriving at the Nazareth, $4000
+were taken from the trunk, and buried in the yard of a negro prince.
+Four of the pirates then went to Cape Lopez for $11,000, which had been
+buried there. Boyga, Castillo, Guzman, and the "State's Evidence,"
+Ferez, were the ones who went. Ferez took the bags out, and the others
+counted the money; great haste was made as the musquitoes were biting
+intolerably. $5000 were buried for the captain in canvas bags about two
+feet deep, part of the money was carried to Nazareth, and from there
+carried into the mountains and there buried. A consultation was held by
+Capt. Gilbert, De Soto, and Ruiz, and the latter said, if the money was
+not divided, "there would be the devil to pay." The money was now
+divided in a dark room and a lantern used; Capt. Gilbert sat on the
+floor with the money at his side. He gave the mate about $3000, and the
+other officers $1000, each; and the crew from $300 to $500, each. The
+third mate having fled, the captain sent him $1000, and Ruiz carried it
+to him. When the money was first taken from the Mexican, it was spread
+out on the companion way and examined to see if there was any gold
+amongst it; and then put into bags made of dark coarse linen; the boxes
+were then thrown overboard. After the division of the money the pirates
+secreted themselves in the woods behind Cape Lopez. Perez and four
+others procured a boat, and started for Fernando Po; they put their
+money in the bottom of the boat for ballast, but was thrown overboard,
+near a rock and afterwards recovered by divers; this was done to prevent
+detection. The captain, mate, and carpenter had a conversation
+respecting the attempt of the latter, to blow her up, who could not
+account for the circumstance, that an explosion had not taken place;
+they told him he ought to have burst a barrel of powder over the deck
+and down the stairs to the magazine, loaded a gun, tied a fish line to
+the lock and pulled it when he came off in the canoe.
+
+[Illustration: _View of the Negro village on the river Nazareth, and the
+Panda at anchor._]
+
+The Panda being manned by Capt. Trotter and an English crew, commenced
+firing on the town of Cape Lopez, but after firing several shots, a
+spark communicated with the magazine and she blew up. Several men were
+killed, and Captain Trotter and the others thrown into the water, when
+he was made prisoner with several of his crew, by the King, and it
+required considerable negociations to get them free.
+
+[Illustration: _Burying the money on the beach at Cape Lopez._]
+
+The pirates having gone up the river, an expedition was now equipped to
+take them if possible. The long-boat and pinnace were instantly armed,
+and victualled for several weeks, a brass gun was mounted on the bows of
+each, and awnings fixed up to protect the crew from the extreme heat of
+the sun by day, and the heavy dews at nightfall. As the sea-breeze and
+the flood-tide set in, the boats again started and proceeded up the
+river. It was ascertained the war-canoes were beyond where the Panda was
+first taken; for fear of an ambuscade great caution was observed in
+proceeding. "As we approached a point, a single native was observed
+standing near a hut erected near the river, who, as we approached,
+beckoned, and called for us to land. We endeavored to do so, but
+fortunately the water was too shallow to approach near enough.
+
+"We had hardly steered about for the channel, when the man suddenly
+rushed into the bushes and disappeared. We got into the channel, and
+continued some time in deep water, but this suddenly shoaled, and the
+boats grounded near a mangrove, just as we came in sight of a village.
+Our crew jumped out, and commenced tracking the boat over the sand, and
+while thus employed, I observed by means of my glass, a crowd of
+natives, and some of the pirates running down the other side of a low
+point, apparently with the intention of giving us battle, as they were
+all armed with spears and muskets."
+
+The men had just succeeded in drawing the boats into deep water, when a
+great number of canoes were observed coming round the point, and at the
+same instant another large party running down to launch; some more on
+the beach, when they joined those already afloat, in all made above
+twenty-eight canoes, and about one hundred and fifty men. Having
+collected all their forces, with loud whooping and encouraging shouts to
+one another, they led towards us with great celerity.
+
+We prepared instantly for battle; the awnings were got down to allow
+room to use the cutlasses and to load the muskets. The brass guns were
+loaded with grape shot. They now approached uttering terrific yells, and
+paddling with all speed. On board the canoes the pirates were loading
+the guns and encouraging the natives. Bernardo de Soto and Francisco
+Ruiz were conspicuous, in manoeuvring the negro boats for battle, and
+commenced a straggling fire upon the English boats. In them all was
+still, each man had a cutlass by his side, and a loaded musket in his
+hand. On arriving within pistol-shot a well directed fire was poured
+into them, seconded by a discharge of the three pounders; many of the
+balls took effect, and two of the canoes were sunk. A brisk fire was
+kept up on both sides; a great number of the negroes were killed, and a
+few of the pirates; the English loss was small. The negroes now became
+panic-struck, and some paddled towards the shore, others jumped
+overboard and swam; the sharks caught several. Captain Gilbert and De
+Soto were now caught, together with five of the crew; Ruiz and the rest
+escaped to a village, some ways inland, and with the aid of a telescope
+it was perceived the negroes were rapidly gathering to renew the combat,
+urged on by Ruiz and the other pirates; after dislodging them from this
+village, negociations were entered into by the king of Cape Lopez, who
+surrendered Ruiz and several men to Captain Trotter. They were carried
+in the brig Curlew to Fernando Po, and after an examination, were put in
+irons and conveyed to England, and there put on board the British
+gun-brig Savage, and arrived in the harbor of Salem on the 26th August,
+1834. Her commander, Lieut. Loney, waited upon the authorities of Salem,
+and after the usual formalities, surrendered the prisoners into their
+hands--stating that the British Government waived their right to try and
+punish the prisoners, in favor of the United States, against whom the
+principal offence had been committed. The pirates were landed at
+Crowningshield wharf, and taken from thence in carriages to the Town
+hall; twelve of them, handcuffed in pairs, took their places at the bar.
+They were all young and middle-aged, the oldest was not over forty.
+Physiognomically, they were not uncommonly ill looking, in general,
+although there were exceptions, and they were all clean and wholesome in
+their appearance. They were now removed to Boston and confined in
+prison, where one of them, named Manuel Delgarno cut his throat with a
+piece of glass, thus verifying the old proverb, _that those born to be
+hung, will never be drown'd!_
+
+On the 11th of November, Don Pedro Gilbert, _Captain_, Don Bernardo de
+Soto, _Mate_, Francisco Ruiz, _Carpenter_, Nicola Costa, _Cabin-boy,_
+aged 15, Antonio Ferrer, _Cook_, and Manuel Boyga, Domingo de Guzman,
+_an Indian_, Juan Antonio Portana, Manuel Castillo, Angel Garcia, Jose
+Velasquez, and Juan Montenegro, _alias_ Jose Basilio de Castro, were
+arraigned before the Circuit Court of the United States, charged with
+the crime of Piracy. Joseph Perez appeared as _State's evidence_, and
+two Portuguese sailors who were shipped on board the Panda at Prince's
+Island, as witnesses. After a jury was empannelled, Mr. Dunlap, the
+District Attorney, rose and said--"This is a solemn, and also an unusual
+scene. Here are twelve men, strangers to our country and to our
+language, indicted for a heinous offence, and now before you for life or
+death. They are indicted for a daring crime, and a flagrant violation of
+the laws, not only of this, but of every other civilized people." He
+then gave an outline of the commission of the robbery of the Mexican.
+Numerous witnesses were examined, amongst whom were the captain, mate,
+and several seamen of the Mexican, who recognized several of the pirates
+as being the individuals who maltreated them, and took the specie. When
+Thomas Fuller, one of the crew of the Mexican was called upon to
+identify Ruiz, he went up to him and struck him a violent blow on the
+shoulder. Ruiz immediately started up, and with violent gesticulations
+protested against such conduct, and was joined by his companions. The
+Court reprimanded the witness severely. The trial occupied _fourteen
+days_. The counsel for the prisoners were David L. Child, Esq., and
+George Hillard, Esq., who defended them with great ability. Mr. Child
+brought to the cause his untiring zeal, his various and profound
+learning; and exhibited a labour, and _desperation_ which showed that he
+was fully conscious of the weight of the load--the dead lift--he had
+undertaken to carry. Mr. Hillard concluded his argument, by making an
+eloquent and affecting appeal to the jury in behalf of the boy Costa and
+Antonio Ferrer, the cook, and alluded to the circumstance of Bernardo de
+Soto having rescued the lives of 70 individuals on board the American
+ship Minerva, whilst on a voyage from Philadelphia to Havana, when
+captain of the brig Leon.
+
+[Illustration: _Explosion of the Panda._]
+
+If, gentlemen, said he, you deem with me, that the crew of the Panda,
+(supposing her to have robbed the Mexican,) were merely servants of the
+captain, you cannot convict them. But if you do not agree with me, then
+all that remains for me to do, is to address a few words to you in the
+way of mercy. It does not seem to me that the good of society requires
+the death of all these men, the sacrifice of such a hecatomb of human
+victims, or that the sword of the law should fall till it is clogged
+with massacre. _Antonio Ferrer_ is plainly but a servant. He is set down
+as a free black in the ship's papers, but that is no proof that he is
+free. Were he a slave, he would in all probability be represented as
+free, and this for obvious reasons. He is in all probability a slave,
+and a native African, as the tattooing on his face proves beyond a
+doubt. At any rate, he is but a servant. Now will you make misfortune
+pay the penalty of guilt? Do not, I entreat you, lightly condemn this
+man to death. Do not throw him in to make up the dozen. The regard for
+human life is one of the most prominent proofs of a civilized state of
+society. The Sultan of Turkey may place women in sacks and throw them
+into the Bosphorus, without exciting more than an hour's additional
+conversation at Constantinople. But in our country it is different. You
+well remember the excitement produced by the abduction and death of a
+single individual; the convulsions which ensued, the effect of which
+will long be felt in our political institutions. You will ever find that
+the more a nation becomes civilized, the greater becomes the regard for
+human life. There is in the eye, the form, and heaven-directed
+countenance of man, something holy, that forbids he should be rudely
+touched.
+
+The instinct of life is great. The light of the sun even in chains, is
+pleasant; and life, though supported but by the damp exhalations of a
+dungeon, is desirable. Often, too, we cling with added tenacity to life
+in proportion as we are deprived of all that makes existence to be
+coveted.
+
+[Illustration: _Thomas Fuller striking Ruiz in Court._]
+
+  "The weariest and most loathed worldly life.
+  That age, ache, penury and imprisonment
+  Can lay on Nature, is a Paradise
+  To that we fear of Death."
+
+Death is a fearful thing. The mere mention of it sometimes blanches the
+cheek, and sends the fearful blood to the heart. It is a solemn thing to
+break into the "bloody house of life." Do not, because this man is but
+an African, imagine that his existence is valueless. He is no drift weed
+on the ocean of life. There are in his bosom the same social sympathies
+that animate our own. He has nerves to feel pain, and a heart to throb
+with human affections, even as you have. His life, to establish the law,
+or to further the ends of justice, is not required. _Taken_, it is to us
+of no value; given to him, it is above the price of rubies.
+
+And _Costa_, the cabin boy, only fifteen years of age when this crime
+was committed--shall he die? Shall the sword fall upon his neck? Some of
+you are advanced in years--you may have children. Suppose the news had
+reached you, that your son was under trial for his life, in a foreign
+country--(and every cabin boy who leaves this port may be placed in the
+situation of this prisoner,)--suppose you were told that he had been
+executed, because his captain and officers had violated the laws of a
+distant land; what would be your feelings? I cannot tell, but I believe
+the feelings of all of you would be the same, and that you would
+exclaim, with the Hebrew, "My son! my son! would to God I had died for
+thee." This boy _has_ a father; let the form of that father rise up
+before you, and plead in your hearts for his offspring. Perhaps he has a
+mother, and a home. Think of the lengthened shadow that must have been
+cast over that home by his absence. Think of his mother, during those
+hours of wretchedness, when she has felt hope darkening into
+disappointment, next into anxiety, and from anxiety into despair. How
+often may she have stretched forth her hands in supplication, and asked,
+even the winds of heaven, to bring her tidings of him who was away? Let
+the supplications of that mother touch your hearts, and shield their
+object from the law.
+
+After a luminous charge by Judge Story, the jury retired to agree upon
+their verdict, and at 9 o'clock the next morning came in with their
+verdict.
+
+_Clerk_. Gentlemen of the Jury, have you agreed upon your verdict?
+
+_Jury_. We have.
+
+_Clerk_. Who shall speak for you?
+
+_Jury_. Our foreman.
+
+The prisoners were then directed severally to rise as soon as called,
+and receive the verdict of the jury. The Captain, _Pedro Gilbert_, was
+the first named. He arose, raised his hand, and regarded the jury with a
+firm countenance and steady eye.
+
+_Clerk_. Jurors look upon the prisoner; prisoner look upon the jurors.
+How say you, Gentlemen, is the prisoner at the bar, Pedro Gilbert,
+guilty or not guilty?
+
+_Foreman_. GUILTY.
+
+The same verdict was pronounced against _De Soto_ (the mate) _Ruiz_,
+(the carpenter,) _Boyga, Castillo, Garcia_ and _Montenegro_. But
+_Costa_, (the cabin-boy,) _Ferrer_ (the negro,) _Guzman, Portana_, and
+_Velasquez_, were declared NOT GUILTY.
+
+After having declared the verdict of the Jury, the Foreman read to the
+Court the following recommendation to mercy:
+
+"The sympathies of the Jury have been strongly moved in behalf of
+_Bernardo de Soto_, on account of his generous, noble and
+self-sacrificing conduct in saving the lives of more than 70 human
+beings, constituting the passengers and crew of the ship _Minerva_; and
+they desire that his case should be presented to the merciful
+consideration of the Government."
+
+Judge Story replied that the wish of the jury would certainly be
+complied with both by the Court and the prosecuting officer.
+
+"The appearance and demeanor of Captain Gilbert are the same as when we
+first saw him; his eye is undimmed, and decision and command yet sit
+upon his features. We did not discern the slightest alteration of color
+or countenance when the verdict of the jury was communicated to him; he
+merely slightly bowed and resumed his seat. With _De Soto_ the case was
+different. He is much altered; has become thinner, and his countenance
+this morning was expressive of the deepest despondency. When informed
+of the contents of the paper read by the foreman of the jury, he
+appeared much affected, and while being removed from the Court, covered
+his face with his handkerchief."
+
+Immediately after the delivery of the verdict, the acquitted prisoners,
+on motion of Mr. Hillard, were directed to be discharged, upon which
+several of the others loudly and angrily expressed their dissatisfaction
+at the result of the trial. Castillo (_a half-caste_, with an extremely
+mild and pleasing countenance,) pointed towards heaven, and called upon
+the Almighty to bear witness that he was innocent; _Ruiz_ uttered some
+words with great vehemence; and _Garcia_ said "all were in the same
+ship; and it was strange that some should be permitted to escape while
+others were punished." Most of them on leaving the Court uttered some
+invective against "the _picaro_ who had sworn their lives away."
+
+On _Costa_, the cabin boy, (aged 16) being declared "Not Guilty" some
+degree of approbation was manifested by the audience, but instantly
+checked by the judge, who directed the officers to take into custody,
+every one expressing either assent or dissent. We certainly think the
+sympathy expressed in favor of _Costa_ very ill placed, for although we
+have not deemed ourselves at liberty to mention the fact earlier, his
+conduct during the whole trial was characterized by the most reckless
+effrontery and indecorum. Even when standing up to receive the verdict
+of the jury, his face bore an impudent smile, and he evinced the most
+total disregard of the mercy which had been extended towards him.
+
+About this time vague rumors reached Corunna, that a Captain belonging
+to that place, engaged in the Slave Trade, had turned Pirate, been
+captured, and sent to America with his crew for punishment. Report at
+first fixed it upon a noted slave-dealer, named Begaro. But the
+astounding intelligence soon reached Senora de Soto, that her husband
+was the person captured for this startling crime. The shock to her
+feelings was terrible, but her love and fortitude surmounted them all;
+and she determined to brave the terrors of the ocean, to intercede for
+her husband if condemned, and at all events behold him once more. A
+small schooner was freighted by her own and husband's father, and in it
+she embarked for New-York. After a boisterous passage, the vessel
+reached that port, when she learned her husband had already been tried
+and condemned to die. The humane people of New-York advised her to
+hasten on to Washington, and plead with the President for a pardon. On
+arriving at the capital, she solicited an interview with General
+Jackson, which was readily granted. From the circumstance of her
+husband's having saved the lives of seventy Americans, a merciful ear
+was turned to her solicitations, and a pardon for De Soto was given her,
+with which she hastened to Boston, and communicated to him the joyful
+intelligence.
+
+Andrew Jackson, President of the United States of America, to all to
+whom these presents shall come, _Greeting_: Whereas, at the October
+Term, 1834, of the Circuit Court of the United States, Bernardo de Soto
+was convicted of Piracy, and sentenced to be hung on the 11th day of
+March last from which sentence a respite was granted him for three
+months, bearing date the third day of March, 1835, also a subsequent
+one, dated on the fifth day of June, 1835, for sixty days. And whereas
+the said Bernardo de Soto has been represented as a fit subject for
+executive clemency--
+
+Now therefore, I, Andrew Jackson, President of the United States of
+America, in consideration of the premises, divers good and sufficient
+causes me thereto moving, have pardoned, and hereby do pardon the said
+Bernardo de Soto, from and after the 11th August next, and direct that
+he be then discharged from confinement. In testimony whereof I have
+hereunto subscribed my name, and caused the seal of the United States to
+be affixed to these presents. Done at the City of Washington the sixth
+day of July, AD. 1835, and of the independence of the United States and
+sixtieth. Andrew Jackson.
+
+On the fatal morning of June 11th, 1835, Don Pedro, Juan Montenegro,
+Manuel Castillo, Angel Garcia and Manuel Boyga, were, agreeably to
+sentence, summoned to prepare for immediate execution. On the night
+previous, a mutual agreement had been entered into to commit suicide.
+Angel Garcia made the first attempt by trying to open the veins of each
+arm with a piece of glass; but was prevented. In the morning, however,
+while preparations were making for the execution, Boyga succeeded in
+inflicting a deep gash on the left side of his neck, with a piece of
+tin. The officer's eyes had been withdrawn from him scarcely a minute,
+before he was discovered lying on his pallet, with a convulsive motion
+of his knees, from loss of blood. Medical aid was at hand, the gash
+sewed up, but he did not revive. Two Catholic clergymen attended them on
+the scaffold, one a Spanish priest. They were executed in the rear of
+the jail. When the procession arrived at the foot of the ladder leading
+up to the platform of the gallows the Rev. Mr. Varella looking directly
+at Capt. Gilbert, said, "Spaniards, ascend to heaven." Don Pedro mounted
+with a quick step, and was followed by his comrades at a more moderate
+pace, but without the least hesitation. Boyga, unconscious of his
+situation and destiny, was carried up in a chair, and seated beneath the
+rope prepared for him. Gilbert, Montenegro, Garcia and Castillo all
+smiled subduedly as they took their stations on the platform. Soon after
+Capt. Gilbert ascended the scaffold, he passed over to where the
+apparently lifeless Boyga was seated in the chair, and kissed him.
+Addressing his followers, he said, "Boys, we are going to die; but let
+us be firm, for we are innocent." To Mr. Peyton, the interpreter, he
+said, "I die innocent, but I'll die like a noble Spaniard. Good bye,
+brother." The Marshal having read the warrant for their execution, and
+stated that de Soto was respited _sixty_ and Ruiz _thirty_ days, the
+ropes were adjusted round the necks of the prisoners, and a slight
+hectic flush spread over the countenance of each; but not an eye
+quailed, nor a limb trembled, not a muscle quivered. The fatal cord was
+now cut, and the platform fell, by which the prisoners were launched
+into eternity. After the execution was over, Ruiz, who was confined in
+his cell, attracted considerable attention, by his maniac shouts and
+singing. At one time holding up a piece of blanket, stained with Boyga's
+blood, he gave utterance to his ravings in a sort of recitative, the
+burden of which was--"This is the red flag my companions died under!"
+
+After the expiration of Ruiz' second respite, the Marshal got two
+surgeons of the United States Navy, who understood the Spanish language,
+to attend him in his cell; they, after a patient examination pronounced
+his madness a counterfeit, and his insanity a hoax. Accordingly, on the
+morning of Sept. 11th, the Marshal, in company with a Catholic priest
+and interpreter entered his cell, and made him sensible that longer
+evasion of the sentence of the law was impossible, and that he must
+surely die. They informed him that he had but half an hour to live, and
+retired; when he requested that he might not be disturbed during the
+brief space that remained to him, and turning his back to the open
+entrance to his cell, he unrolled some fragments of printed prayers, and
+commenced reading them to himself. During this interval he neither
+spoke, nor heeded those who were watching him; but undoubtedly suffered
+extreme mental agony. At one minute he would drop his chin on his bosom,
+and stand motionless; at another would press his brow to the wall of his
+cell, or wave his body from side to side, as if wrung with unutterable
+anguish. Suddenly, he would throw himself upon his knees on the
+mattress, and prostrate himself as if in prayer; then throwing his
+prayers from him, he would clutch his rug in his fingers, and like a
+child try to double it up, or pick it to pieces. After snatching up his
+rug and throwing it away again and again, he would suddenly resume his
+prayers and erect posture, and stand mute, gazing through the aperture
+that admitted the light of day for upwards of a minute. This scene of
+imbecility and indecision, of horrible prostration of mind, ceasing in
+some degree when the Catholic clergyman re-entered his cell.
+
+At 10 o'clock, the prisoner was removed from the prison, and during his
+progress to the scaffold, though the hue of death was on his face, and
+he trembled in every joint with fear, he chaunted with a powerful voice
+an appropriate service from the Catholic ritual. Several times he turned
+round to survey the heavens which at that moment were clear and bright
+above him and when he ascended the scaffold after concluding his prayer,
+he took one long and steadfast look at the sun, and waited in silence
+his fate. His powers, mental and physical had been suddenly crushed with
+the appalling reality that surrounded him; his whole soul was absorbed
+with one master feeling, the dread of a speedy and violent death. He
+quailed in the presence of the dreadful paraphernalia of his punishment,
+as much as if he had been a stranger to deeds of blood, and never dealt
+death to his fellow man as he ploughed the deep, under the black flag of
+piracy, with the motto of "Rob, Kill, and Burn." After adjusting the
+rope, a signal was given. The body dropped heavily, and the harsh abrupt
+shock must have instantly deprived him of sensation, as there was no
+voluntary action of the hands afterwards. Thus terminated his career of
+crime in a foreign land without one friend to recognize or cheer him, or
+a single being to regret his death.
+
+The Spanish Consul having requested that the bodies might not be given
+to the faculty, they were interred at night under the direction of the
+Marshal, in the Catholic burial-ground at Charlestown. There being no
+murder committed with the piracy, the laws of the United States do not
+authorize the court to order the bodies for dissection.
+
+[Illustration: _Ruiz leaving the Panda._]
+
+
+
+
+THE LIFE OF BENITO DE SOTO THE PIRATE OF THE MORNING STAR.
+
+
+The following narrative of the career of a desperate pirate who was
+executed in Gibraltar in the month of January, 1830, is one of two
+letters from the pen of the author of "the Military Sketch-Book." The
+writer says Benito de Soto "had been a prisoner in the garrison for
+nineteen months, during which time the British Government spared neither
+the pains not expense to establish a full train of evidence against him.
+The affair had caused the greatest excitement here, as well as at Cadiz,
+owing to the development of the atrocities which marked the character of
+this man, and the diabolical gang of which he was the leader. Nothing
+else is talked of; and a thousand horrors are added to his guilt, which,
+although he was guilty enough, he has no right to bear. The following is
+all the authentic information I could collect concerning him. I have
+drawn it from his trial, from the confession of his accomplices, from
+the keeper of his prison, and not a little from his own lips. It will be
+found more interesting than all the tales and sketches furnished in the
+'Annuals,' magazines, and other vehicles of invention, from the simple
+fact--that it is truth and not fiction."
+
+Benito de Soto was a native of a small village near Courna; he was bred
+a mariner, and was in the guiltless exercise of his calling at Buenos
+Ayres, in the year 1827. A vessel was there being fitted out for a
+voyage to the coast of Africa, for the smuggling of slaves; and as she
+required a strong crew, a great number of sailors were engaged, amongst
+whom was Soto. The Portuguese of South America have yet a privilege of
+dealing in slaves on a certain part of the African coast, but it was the
+intention of the captain of this vessel to exceed the limits of his
+trade, and to run farther down, so as to take his cargo of human beings
+from a part of the country which was proscribed, in the certainty of
+being there enabled to purchase slaves at a much lower rate than he
+could in the regular way; or, perhaps, to take away by force as many as
+he could stow away into his ship. He therefore required a considerable
+number of hands for the enterprise; and in such a traffic, it may be
+easily conceived, that the morals of the crew could not be a subject of
+much consideration with the employer. French, Spanish, Portuguese, and
+others, were entered on board, most of them renegadoes, and they set
+sail on their evil voyage, with every hope of infamous success.
+
+Those who deal in evil carry along with them the springs of their own
+destruction, upon which they will tread, in spite of every caution, and
+their imagined security is but the brink of the pit into which they are
+to fall. It was so with the captain of this slave-ship. He arrived in
+Africa, took in a considerable number of slaves, and in order to
+complete his cargo, went on shore, leaving his mate in charge of the
+vessel. This mate was a bold, wicked, reckless and ungovernable spirit,
+and perceiving in Benito de Soto a mind congenial with his own, he fixed
+on him as a fit person to join in a design he had conceived, of running
+away with the vessel, and becoming a pirate. Accordingly the mate
+proposed his plan to Soto, who not only agreed to join in it, but
+declared that he himself had been contemplating a similar enterprise
+during the voyage. They both were at once of a mind, and they lost no
+time in maturing their plot.
+
+Their first step was to break the matter to the other members of the
+crew. In this they proceeded cautiously, and succeeded so far as to
+gain over twenty-two of the whole, leaving eighteen who remained
+faithful to their trust. Every means were used to corrupt the well
+disposed; both persuasion and threats were resorted to, but without
+effect, and the leader of the conspiracy, the mate, began to despair of
+obtaining the desired object. Soto, however, was not so easily
+depressed. He at once decided on seizing the ship upon the strength of
+his party: and without consulting the mate, he collected all the arms of
+the vessel, called the conspirators together, put into each of their
+possession a cutlass and a brace of pistols, and arming himself in like
+manner, advanced at the head of the gang, drew his sword, and declared
+the mate to be the commander of the ship, and the men who joined him
+part owners. Still, those who had rejected the evil offer remained
+unmoved; on which Soto ordered out the boats, and pointing to the land,
+cried out, "There is the African coast; this is our ship--one or the
+other must be chosen by every man on board within five minutes."
+
+This declaration, although it had the effect of preventing any
+resistance that might have been offered by the well disposed, to the
+taking of the vessel, did not change them from their purpose; they still
+refused to join in the robbery, and entered one by one into the boat, at
+the orders of Soto, and with but one pair of oars (all that was allowed
+to them) put off for the shore, from which they were then ten miles
+distant. Had the weather continued calm, as it was when the boat left
+the ship, she would have made the shore by dusk; but unhappily a strong
+gale of wind set in shortly after her departure, and she was seen by
+Soto and his gang struggling with the billows and approaching night, at
+such a distance from the land as she could not possibly accomplish while
+the gale lasted. All on board the ship agreed in opinion that the boat
+could not live, as they flew away from her at the rate of ten knots an
+hour, under close reefed topsails, leaving their unhappy messmates to
+their inevitable fate. Those of the pirates who were lately executed at
+Cadiz, declared that every soul in the boat perished.
+
+[Illustration: _The Pirates carrying rum on shore to purchase slaves._]
+
+The drunken uproar which that night reigned in the pirate ship was in
+horrid unison with the raging elements around her; contention and
+quarrelling followed the brutal ebriety of the pirates; each evil spirit
+sought the mastery of the others, and Soto's, which was the fiend of
+all, began to grasp and grapple for its proper place--the head of such a
+diabolical community.
+
+The mate (now the chief) at once gave the reins to his ruffian tyranny;
+and the keen eye of Soto saw that he who had fawned with him the day
+before, would next day rule him with an iron rod. Prompt in his actions
+as he was penetrating in his judgment, he had no sooner conceived a
+jealousy of the leader than he determined to put him aside; and as his
+rival lay in his drunken sleep, Soto put a pistol to his head, and
+deliberately shot him. For this act he excused himself to the crew, by
+stating to them that it was in _their_ protection he did the act; that
+_their_ interest was the other's death; and concluded by declaring
+himself their leader, and promising a golden harvest to their future
+labors, provided they obeyed him. Soto succeeded to the height of his
+wishes, and was unanimously hailed by the crew as their captain.
+
+On board the vessel, as I before stated, were a number of slaves, and
+these the pirates had well secured under hatches. They now turned their
+attention to those half starved, half suffocated creatures;--some were
+for throwing them overboard, while others, not less cruel, but more
+desirous of gain, proposed to take them to some port in one of those
+countries that deal in human beings, and there sell them. The latter
+recommendation was adopted, and Soto steered for the West Indies, where
+he received a good price for his slaves. One of those wretched
+creatures, a boy, he reserved as a servant for himself; and this boy was
+destined by Providence to be the witness of the punishment of those
+white men who tore away from their homes himself and his brethren. He
+alone will carry back to his country the truth of Heaven's retribution,
+and heal the wounded feelings of broken kindred with the recital of it.
+
+The pirates now entered freely into their villainous pursuit, and
+plundered many vessels; amongst others was an American brig, the
+treatment of which forms the _chef d'oeuvre_ of their atrocity. Having
+taken out of this brig all the valuables they could find, they hatched
+down all hands to the hold, except a black man, who was allowed to
+remain on deck for the special purpose of affording in his torture an
+amusing exhibition to Soto and his gang. They set fire to the brig, then
+lay to, to observe the progress of the flames; and as the miserable
+African bounded from rope to rope, now climbing to the mast head--now
+clinging to the shrouds--now leaping to one part of the vessel, and now
+to another,--their enjoyment seemed raised to its heighest pitch. At
+length the hatches opened to the devouring element, the tortured victim
+of their fiendish cruelty fell exhausted into the flames, and the horrid
+and revolting scene closed amidst the shouts of the miscreants who had
+caused it.
+
+Of their other exploits, that which ranks next in turpitude, and which
+led to their overthrow, was the piracy of the Morning Star. They fell in
+with that vessel near the island Ascension, in the year 1828, as she was
+on her voyage from Ceylon to England. This vessel, besides a valuable
+cargo, had on board several passengers, consisting of a major and his
+wife, an assistant surgeon, two civilians, about five and twenty invalid
+soldiers, and three or four of their wives. As soon as Benito de Soto
+perceived the ship, which was at daylight on the 21st of February, he
+called up all hands, and prepared for attacking her; he was at the time
+steering on an opposite course to that of the Morning Star. On
+reconnoitring her, he at first supposed she was a French vessel; but
+Barbazan, one of his crew, who was himself a Frenchman, assured him the
+ship was British. "So much the better," exclaimed Soto, in English (for
+he could speak that language), "we shall find the more booty." He then
+ordered the sails to be squared, and ran before the wind in chase of his
+plunder, from which he was about two leagues distant.
+
+The Defensor de Pedro, the name of the pirate ship, was a fast sailer,
+but owing to the press of canvas which the Morning Star hoisted soon
+after the pirate had commenced the chase, he did not come up with her so
+quickly as he had expected: the delay caused great uneasiness to Soto,
+which he manifested by muttering curses, and restlessness of manner.
+Sounds of savage satisfaction were to be heard from every mouth but his
+at the prospect; he alone expressed his anticipated pleasure by oaths,
+menaces, and mental inquietude. While Barbazan was employed in
+superintending the clearing of the decks, the arming and breakfasting of
+the men, he walked rapidly up and down, revolving in his mind the plan
+of the approaching attack, and when interrupted by any of the crew, he
+would run into a volley of imprecations. In one instance, he struck his
+black boy a violent blow with a telescope, because he asked him if he
+would have his morning cup of chocolate; as soon, however, as he set his
+studding sails, and perceived that he was gaining on the Morning Star,
+he became somewhat tranquil, began to eat heartily of cold beef, drank
+his chocolate at a draught, and coolly sat down on the deck to smoke a
+cigar.
+
+In less than a quarter of an hour, the pirate had gained considerable on
+the other vessel. Soto now, without rising from where he sat, ordered a
+gun, with blank cartridge, to be fired, and the British colors to be
+hoisted: but finding this measure had not the effect of bringing the
+Morning Star to, he cried out, "Shot the long gun and give it her point
+blank." The order was obeyed, but the shot fell short of the intention,
+on which he jumped up and cursed the fellows for bunglers who had fired
+the gun. He then ordered them to load with canister shot, and took the
+match in his own hand. He did not, however, fire immediately, but waited
+until he was nearly abreast of his victim; then directing the aim
+himself, and ordering a man to stand by the flag to haul it down, fired
+with an air that showed he was sure of his mark. He then ran to haul up
+the Colombian colors, and having done so, cried out through the speaking
+trumpet, "Lower your boat down this moment, and let your captain come on
+board with his papers."
+
+During this fearful chase the people on board the Morning Star were in
+the greatest alarm; but however their apprehensions might have been
+excited, that courage, which is so characteristic of a British sailor,
+never for a moment forsook the captain. He boldly carried on sail, and
+although one of the men fell from a wound, and the ravages of the shot
+were every where around him, he determined not to strike. But unhappily
+he had not a single gun on board, and no small arms that could render
+his courage availing. The tears of the women, and the prudent advice of
+the passengers overcoming his resolution, he permitted himself to be
+guided by the general opinion. One of the passengers volunteered himself
+to go on board the pirate, and a boat was lowered for the purpose. Both
+vessels now lay to within fifty yards of each other, and a strong hope
+arose in those on board the Morning Star, that the gentleman who had
+volunteered to go to the pirate, might, through his exertions, avert, at
+least, the worst of the dreaded calamity.
+
+Some people here, in their quiet security, have made no scruple of
+declaring, that the commanding officer of the soldiers on board should
+not have so tamely yielded to the pirate, particularly as he had his
+wife along with him, and consequently a misfortune to dread, that might
+be thought even worse than death: but all who knew the true state of the
+circumstances, and reflect upon it, will allow that he adopted the only
+chance of escaping that, which was to be most feared by a husband. The
+long gun, which was on a pivot in the centre of the pirate ship, could
+in a few shots sink the Morning Star; and even had resistance been made
+to the pirates as they boarded her--had they been killed or made
+prisoners--the result would not be much better. It was evident that the
+Defensor de Pedro was the best sailer, consequently the Morning Star
+could not hope to escape; in fact, submission or total destruction was
+the only choice. The commanding officer, therefore, acted for the best
+when he recommended the former. There was some slight hope of escaping
+with life, and without personal abuse, by surrendering, but to contend
+must be inevitable death.
+
+The gentleman who had gone in a boat to the pirate returned in a short
+time, exhibiting every proof of the ill treatment he had received from
+Soto and his crew. It appears that when the villains learned that he was
+not the captain, they fell upon and beat him, as well as the sailors
+along with him, in a most brutal manner, and with the most horrid
+imprecations told him, that if the captain did not instantly come, on
+his return to the vessel, they would blow the ship out of the water.
+This report as once decided the captain in the way he was to act.
+Without hesitation he stepped into the boat, taking with him his second
+mate, three soldiers and a sailor boy, and proceeded to the pirate. On
+going on board that vessel, along with the mate, Soto, who stood near
+the mainmast, with his drawn cutlass in his hand, desired him to
+approach, while the mate was ordered, by Barbazan, to go to the
+forecastle. Both these unfortunate individuals obeyed, and were
+instantly slaughtered.
+
+Soto now ordered six picked men to descend into the boat, amongst whom
+was Barbazan. To him the leader addressed his orders, the last of which
+was, to take care to put all in the prize to death, and then sink her.
+
+The six pirates, who proceeded to execute his savage demand, were all
+armed alike,--they each carried a brace of pistols, a cutlass and a long
+knife. Their dress was composed of a sort of coarse cotton chequered
+jacket and trowsers, shirts that were open at the collar, red woollen
+caps, and broad canvas waistbelts, in which were the pistols and the
+knives. They were all athletic men, and seemed such as might well be
+trusted with the sanguinary errand on which they were despatched. While
+the boat was conveying them, Soto held in his hand a cutlass, reddened
+with the blood of the murdered captain, and stood scowling on them with
+silence: while another ruffian, with a lighted match, stood by the long
+gun, ready to support the boarding, if necessary, with a shot that
+would sweep the deck.
+
+As the boarders approached the Morning Star, the terror of the females
+became excessive; they clung to their husbands in despair, who
+endeavored to allay their fears by their own vain hopes, assuring them
+that a quiet submission nothing more than the plunder of the vessel was
+to be apprehended. But a few minutes miserably undeceived them. The
+pirates rapidly mounted the side, and as they jumped on deck, commenced
+to cut right and left at all within their reach, uttering at the same
+time the most dreadful oaths. The females, screaming, hurried to hide
+themselves below as well as they were able, and the men fell or fled
+before the pirates, leaving them entire masters of the decks.
+
+[Illustration: _The mate begging for his life._]
+
+When the pirates had succeeded in effectually prostrating all the people
+on deck, they drove most of them below, and reserved the remainder to
+assist in their operations. Unless the circumstances be closely
+examined, it may be wondered how six men could have so easily overcome a
+crew of English seamen supported by about twenty soldiers with a major
+at their head:--but it will not appear so surprising, when it is
+considered that the sailors were altogether unarmed, the soldiers were
+worn out invalids, and more particularly, that the pirate carried a
+heavy long gun, ready to sink her victim at a shot. Major Logie was
+fully impressed with the folly of opposing so powerful and desperate an
+enemy, and therefore advised submission as the only course for the
+safety of those under his charge; presuming no doubt that something like
+humanity might be found in the breasts even of the worst of men. But
+alas! he was woefully deceived in his estimate of the villains' nature,
+and felt, when too late, that even death would have been preferable to
+the barbarous treatment he was forced to endure.
+
+Beaten, bleeding, terrified, the men lay huddled together in the hold,
+while the pirates proceeded in their work of pillage and brutality.
+Every trunk was hauled forth, every portable article of value heaped for
+the plunder; money, plate, charts, nautical instruments, and seven
+parcels of valuable jewels, which formed part of the cargo; these were
+carried from below on the backs of those men whom the pirates selected
+to assist them, and for two hours they were thus employed, during which
+time Soto stood upon his own deck directing the operations; for the
+vessels were within a hundred yards of each other. The scene which took
+place in the cabin exhibited a licentious brutality. The sick officer,
+Mr. Gibson, was dragged from his berth; the clothes of the other
+passengers stripped from their backs, and the whole of the cabin
+passengers driven on deck, except the females, whom they locked up in
+the round-house on deck, and the steward, who was detained to serve the
+pirates with wine and eatables. This treatment, no doubt hastened the
+death of Gibson; the unfortunate gentleman did not long survive it. As
+the passengers were forced up the cabin ladder, the feelings of Major
+Logie, it may be imagined, were of the most heart-rending description.
+In vain did he entreat to be allowed to remain; he was hurried away from
+even the chance of protecting his defenceless wife, and battened down
+with the rest in the hold, there to be racked with the fearful
+apprehensions of their almost certain doom.
+
+The labors of the robbers being now concluded, they sat down to regale
+themselves, preparatory to the _chef d'oeuvre_ of their diabolical
+enterprise; and a more terrible group of demi-devils, the steward
+declares, could not be well imagined than commanded his attention at the
+cabin table. However, as he was a Frenchman, and naturally polite, he
+acquitted himself of the office of cup-bearer, if not as gracefully, at
+least as anxiously, as ever did Ganymede herself. Yet, notwithstanding
+this readiness to serve the visitors in their gastronomic desires, the
+poor steward felt ill-requited; he was twice frightened into an icicle,
+and twice thawed back into conscious horror, by the rudeness of those he
+entertained. In one instance, when he had filled out a sparkling glass
+for a ruffian, and believed he had quite won the heart of the drinker by
+the act, he found himself grasped roughly and tightly by the throat, and
+the point of a knife staring him in the face. It seems the fellow who
+thus seized him, had felt between his teeth a sharp bit of broken glass,
+and fancying that something had been put in the wine to poison him, he
+determined to prove his suspicions by making the steward swallow what
+remained in the bottle from which the liquor had been drawn, and thus
+unceremoniously prefaced his command; however, ready and implicit
+obedience averted further bad consequences. The other instance of the
+steward's jeopardy was this; when the repast was ended, one of the
+gentlemen coolly requested him to waive all delicacy, and point out the
+place in which the captain's money was concealed. He might as well have
+asked him to produce the philosopher's stone. However, pleading the
+truth was of no use; his determined requisitor seconded the demand by
+snapping a pistol at his breast; having missed fire, he recocked, and
+again presented; but the fatal weapon was struck aside by Barbazan, who
+reproved the rashness with a threat, and thus averted the steward's
+impending fate. It was then with feelings of satisfaction he heard
+himself ordered to go down to the hold, and in a moment he was bolted in
+among his fellow sufferers.
+
+The ruffians indulged in the pleasures of the bottle for some time
+longer, and then having ordered down the females, treated them with even
+less humanity than characterized their conduct towards the others. The
+screams of the helpless females were heard in the hold by those who were
+unable to render them assistance, and agonizing, indeed, must those
+screams have been to their incarcerated hearers! How far the brutality
+of the pirates was carried in this stage of the horrid proceeding, we
+can only surmise; fortunately, their lives were spared, although, as it
+afterwards appeared, the orders of Soto were to butcher every being on
+board; and it is thought that these orders were not put into action, in
+consequence of the villains having wasted so much time in drinking, and
+otherwise indulging themselves; for it was not until the loud voice of
+their chief was heard to recall them, that they prepared to leave the
+ship; they therefore contented themselves with fastening the women
+within the cabin, heaping heavy lumber on the hatches of the hold, and
+boring holes in the planks of the vessel below the surface of the water,
+so that in destroying the unhappy people at one swoop, they might make
+up for the lost time. They then left the ship, sinking fast to her
+apparently certain fate.
+
+[Illustration: _Horrid abuse of the helpless women in the cabin._]
+
+It may be reasonably supposed, bad as their conduct was towards the
+females, and pitiable as was the suffering it produced, that the lives
+of the whole left to perish were preserved through it; for the ship must
+have gone down if the women had been either taken out of her or
+murdered, and those in the hold inevitably have gone with her to the
+bottom. But by good fortune, the females succeeded in forcing their way
+out of the cabin, and became the means of liberating the men confined in
+the hold. When they came on deck, it was nearly dark, yet they could see
+the pirate ship at a considerable distance, with all her sails set and
+bearing away from them. They prudently waited, concealed from the
+possibility of being seen by the enemy, and when the night fell, they
+crept to the hatchway, and called out to the men below to endeavor to
+effect their liberation, informing them that the pirate was away and out
+of sight. They then united their efforts, and the lumber being removed,
+the hatches gave way to the force below, so that the released captives
+breathed of hope again. The delightful draught, however, was checked,
+when the ship was found to contain six feet of water! A momentary
+collapse took possession of all their newly excited expectations; cries
+and groans of despair burst forth, but the sailors' energy quickly
+returned, and was followed by that of the others; they set to work at
+the pumps, and by dint of labor succeeded in keeping the vessel afloat.
+Yet to direct her course was impossible; the pirates having completely
+disabled her, by cutting away her rigging and sawing the masts all the
+way through. The eye of Providence, however, was not averted from the
+hapless people, for they fell in with a vessel next day that relieved
+them from their distressing situation, and brought them to England in
+safety.
+
+We will now return to Soto, and show how the hand of that Providence
+that secured his intended victims, fell upon himself and his wicked
+associates. Intoxicated with their infamous success, the night had far
+advanced before Soto learned that the people in the Morning Star,
+instead of being slaughtered, were only left to be drowned. The
+information excited his utmost rage. He reproached Barbazan, and those
+who had accompanied them in the boarding, with disobeying his orders,
+and declared that now there could be no security for their lives. Late
+as the hour was, and long as he had been steering away from the Morning
+Star, he determined to put back, in the hope of effectually preventing
+the escape of those in the devoted vessel, by seeing them destroyed
+before his eyes. Soto was a follower of the principle inculcated by the
+old maxim, "Dead men tell no tales;" and in pursuance of his doctrine,
+lost not a moment in putting about and running back. But it was too
+late; he could find no trace of the vessel, and so consoled himself with
+the belief that she was at the bottom of the sea, many fathoms below the
+ken and cognizance of Admiralty Courts.
+
+Soto, thus satisfied, bent his course to Europe. On his voyage he fell
+in with a small brig, boarded, plundered, sunk her, and, that he might
+not again run the hazard of encountering living witnesses of his guilt,
+murdered the crew, with the exception of one individual, whom he took
+along with him, on account of his knowledge of the course to Corunna,
+whither he intended to proceed. But, faithful to his principles of
+self-protection, as soon as he had made full use of the unfortunate
+sailor, and found himself in sight of the destined port, he came up to
+him at the helm, which he held in his hand, "My friend," said he "is
+that the harbor of Corunna?"--"Yes," was the reply. "Then," rejoined
+Soto, "You have done your duty well, and I am obliged to you for your
+services." On the instant he drew a pistol and shot the man; then coolly
+flung his body overboard, took the helm himself, and steered into his
+native harbor as little concerned as if he had returned from an honest
+voyage. At this port he obtained papers in a false name, disposed of a
+great part of his booty, and after a short stay set out for Cadiz, where
+he expected a market for the remainder. He had a fair wind until he came
+within sight of the coast near that city. It was coming on dark and he
+lay to, expecting to go into his anchorage next morning, but the wind
+shifted to the westward, and suddenly began to blow a heavy gale; it was
+right on the land. He luffed his ship as close to the wind as possible,
+in order to clear a point that stretched outward, and beat off to
+windward, but his lee-way carried him towards the land, and he was
+caught when he least expected the trap. The gale increased--the night
+grew pitchy dark--the roaring breakers were on his lee-beam--the
+drifting vessel strikes, rebounds, and strikes again--the cry of horror
+rings through the flapping cordage, and despair is in the eyes of the
+demon-crew. Helpless they lie amid the wrath of the storm, and the
+darkened face of Heaven, for the first time, strikes terror on their
+guilty hearts. Death is before them, but not with a merciful quickness
+does he approach; hour after hour the frightful vision glares upon them,
+and at length disappears only to come upon them again in a more dreadful
+form. The tempest abates, and the sinners were spared for the time.
+
+As the daylight broke they took to their boats, and abandoned the vessel
+to preserve their lives. But there was no repentance in the pirates;
+along with the night and the winds went the voice of conscience, and
+they thought no more of what had passed. They stood upon the beach
+gazing at the wreck, and the first thought of Soto, was to sell it, and
+purchase another vessel for the renewal of his atrocious pursuits. With
+the marked decision of his character, he proposed his intention to his
+followers, and received their full approbation. The plan was instantly
+arranged; they were to present themselves as honest, shipwrecked
+mariners to the authorities at Cadiz; Soto was to take upon himself the
+office of mate, or _contra maestra,_ to an imaginary captain, and thus
+obtain their sanction in disposing of the vessel. In their assumed
+character, the whole proceeded to Cadiz, and presented themselves before
+the proper officers of the marine. Their story was listened to with
+sympathy, and for a few days every thing went on to their satisfaction.
+Soto had succeeded so well as to conclude the sale of the wreck with a
+broker, for the sum of one thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars; the
+contract was signed, but fortunately the money was not yet paid, when
+suspicion arose, from some inconsistencies in the pirates' account of
+themselves, and six of them were arrested by the authorities. Soto and
+one of his crew instantly disappeared from Cadiz, and succeeded in
+arriving at the neutral ground before Gibraltar, and six more made their
+escape to the Carraccas.
+
+None are permitted to enter the fortress of Gibraltar, without
+permission from the governor, or a passport. Soto and his companion,
+therefore, took up their quarters at a Posade on the neutral ground, and
+resided there in security for several days. The busy and daring mind of
+the former could not long remain inactive; he proposed to his companion
+to attempt to enter the garrison in disguise and by stealth, but could
+not prevail upon him to consent. He therefore resolved to go in alone;
+and his object in doing so was to procure a supply of money by a letter
+of credit which he brought with him from Cadiz. His companion, more wise
+than he, chose the safer course; he knew that the neutral ground was not
+much controllable by the laws either of the Spanish or the English, and
+although there was not much probability of being discovered, he resolved
+not to trust to chance in so great a stake as his life; and he proved to
+have been right in his judgment, for had he gone to Gibraltar, he would
+have shared the same fate of his chief. This man is the only one of the
+whole gang, who has not met with the punishment of his crimes, for he
+succeeded in effecting his escape on board some vessel. It is not even
+suspected to what country he is gone; but his description, no doubt, is
+registered. The steward of the Morning Star informed me, that he is a
+tall, stout man, with fair hair, and fresh complexion, of a mild and
+gentle countenance, but that he was one of the worst villains of the
+whole piratical crew. I believe he is stated to be a Frenchman.
+
+Soto secured his admission into the garrison by a false pass, and took
+up his residence at an inferior tavern in a narrow lane, which runs off
+the main street of Gibraltar, and is kept by a man of the name of Basso.
+The appearance of this house suits well with the associations of the
+worthy Benito's life. I have occasion to pass the door frequently at
+night, for our barrack, (the Casement,) is but a few yards from it. I
+never look at the place without feeling an involuntary sensation of
+horror--the smoky and dirty nooks--the distant groups of dark Spaniards,
+Moors, and Jews, their sallow countenances made yellow by the fight of
+dim oil lamps--the unceiled rafters of the rooms above, seen through
+unshuttered windows and the consciousness of their having covered the
+atrocious Soto, combine this effect upon me.
+
+In this den the villain remained for a few weeks, and during this time
+seemed to enjoy himself as if he had never committed a murder. The story
+he told Basso of his circumstances was, that he had come to Gibraltar on
+his way to Cadiz from Malaga, and was merely awaiting the arrival of a
+friend. He dressed expensively--generally wore a white hat of the best
+English quality, silk stockings, white trowsers, and blue frock coat.
+His whiskers were large and bushy, and his hair, which was very black,
+profuse, long and naturally curled, was much in the style of a London
+preacher of prophetic and anti-poetic notoriety. He was deeply browned
+with the sun, and had an air and gait expressive of his bold,
+enterprising, and desperate mind. Indeed, when I saw him in his cell and
+at his trial, although his frame was attenuated almost to a skeleton,
+the color of his face a pale yellow, his eyes sunken, and hair closely
+shorn; he still exhibited strong traces of what he had been, still
+retained his erect and fearless carriage, his quick, fiery, and
+malevolent eye, his hurried and concise speech, and his close and
+pertinent style of remark. He appeared to me such a man as would have
+made a hero in the ranks of his country, had circumstances placed him in
+the proper road to fame; but ignorance and poverty turned into the most
+ferocious robber, one who might have rendered service and been an honor
+to his sunken country. I should like to hear what the phrenologists say
+of his head; it appeared to me to be the most peculiar I had ever seen,
+and certainly, as far as the bump of _destructiveness_ went, bore the
+theory fully out. It is rumored here that the skull has been sent to the
+_savans_ of Edinburg; if this be the case, we shall no doubt be made
+acquainted with their sage opinions upon the subject, and great
+conquerors will receive a farther assurance of how much they resemble in
+their physical natures the greatest murderers.
+
+When I visited the pirate in the Moorish castle where he was confined,
+he was sitting in his cold, narrow, and miserable cell, upon a pallet of
+straw, eating his coarse meal from a tin plate. I thought him more an
+object of pity than vengeance; he looked so worn with disease, so
+crushed with suffering, yet so affable, frank, and kind in his address;
+for he happened to be in a communicative mood, a thing that was by no
+means common with him. He spoke of his long confinement, till I thought
+the tears were about to start from his eyes, and alluded to his
+approaching trial with satisfaction; but his predominant characteristic,
+ferocity, appeared in his small piercing black eyes before I left him,
+as he alluded to his keeper, the Provost, in such a way that made me
+suspect his desire for blood was not yet extinguished. When he appeared
+in court on his trial, his demeanor was quite altered; he seemed to me
+to have suddenly risen out of the wretch he was in his cell, to all the
+qualities I had heard of him; he stood erect and unembarrassed; he spoke
+with a strong voice, attended closely to the proceedings, occasionally
+examined the witnesses, and at the conclusion protested against the
+justice of his trial. He sometimes spoke to the guards around him, and
+sometimes affected an air of carelessness of his awful situation, which,
+however, did not sit easy upon him. Even here the leading trait of his
+mind broke forth; for when the interpreter commenced his office, the
+language which he made use of being pedantic and affected, Soto
+interrupted him thus, while a scowl sat upon his brow that terrified the
+man of words: "I don't understand you, man; speak Spanish like others,
+and I'll listen to you." When the dirk that belonged to Mr. Robertson,
+the trunk and clothes taken from Mr. Gibson, and the pocket book
+containing the ill-fated captain's handwriting were placed before him,
+and proved to have been found in his room, and when the maid servant of
+the tavern proved that she found the dirk under his pillow every morning
+on arranging his bed; and when he was confronted with his own black
+slave, between two wax lights, the countenance of the villain appeared
+in its true nature, not depressed nor sorrowful, but vivid and
+ferocious; and when the patient and dignified governor, Sir George Don,
+passed the just sentence of the law upon him, he looked daggers at his
+heart, and assumed a horrid silence, more eloquent than words.
+
+The criminal persisted up to the day before his execution in asserting
+his innocence, and inveighing against the injustice of his trial, but
+the certainty of his fate, and the awful voice of religion, at length
+subdued him. He made an unreserved confession of his guilt, and became
+truly penitent; gave up to the keeper the blade of a razor which he had
+secreted between the soles of his shoes for the acknowledged purpose of
+adding suicide to his crimes, and seemed to wish for the moment that was
+to send him before his Creator.
+
+I witnessed his execution, and I believe there never was a more contrite
+man than he appeared to be; yet there were no drivelling fears upon
+him--he walked firmly at the tail of the fatal cart, gazing sometimes at
+his coffin, sometimes at the crucifix which he held in his hand. The
+symbol of divinity he frequently pressed to his lips, repeated the
+prayers spoken in his ear by the attendant clergyman, and seemed
+regardless of every thing but the world to come. The gallows was erected
+beside the water, and fronting the neutral ground. He mounted the cart
+as firmly as he had walked behind it, and held up his face to Heaven and
+the beating rain, calm, resigned, but unshaken; and finding the halter
+too high for his neck, he boldly stepped upon his coffin, and placed his
+head in the noose, then watching the first turn of the wheels, he
+murmured "_adios todos_," [Footnote: "Farewell, all."] and leaned
+forward to facilitate his fall.
+
+The black slave of the pirate stood upon the battery trembling before
+his dying master to behold the awful termination of a series of events,
+the recital of which to his African countrymen, when he shall return to
+his home, will give them no doubt, a dreadful picture of European
+civilization. The black boy was acquitted at Cadiz, but the men who had
+fled to the Carraccas, as well as those arrested after the wreck, were
+convicted, executed, their limbs severed, and hung on tenter hooks, as a
+warning to all pirates.
+
+[Illustration: _The Rock of Gibraltar._]
+
+
+
+
+THE ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN ROBERT KIDD
+
+
+The easy access to the harbor of New-York, the number of hiding-places
+about its waters, and the laxity of its newly organized government,
+about the year 1695, made it a great rendezvous of pirates, where they
+might dispose of their booty and concert new depredations. As they
+brought home with them wealthy lading of all kinds, the luxuries of the
+tropics, and the sumptuous spoils of the Spanish provinces, and disposed
+of them with the proverbial carelessness of freebooters, they were
+welcome visitors to the thrifty traders of New-York. Crews of these
+desperadoes, therefore, the runagates of every country and every clime,
+might be seen swaggering in open day about the streets, elbowing its
+quiet inhabitants, trafficking their rich outlandish plunder at half or
+quarter price to the wary merchant; and then squandering their
+prize-money in taverns, drinking, gambling, singing, carousing and
+astounding the neighborhood with midnight brawl and revelry. At length
+these excesses rose to such a height as to become a scandal to the
+provinces, and to call loudly for the interposition of government.
+Measures were accordingly taken to put a stop to this widely extended
+evil, and to drive the pirates out of the colonies.
+
+Among the distinguished individuals who lurked about the colonies, was
+Captain Robert Kidd, [Footnote: His real name was William Kidd.] who in
+the beginning of King William's war, commanded a privateer in the West
+Indies, and by his several adventurous actions, acquired the reputation
+of a brave man, as well as an experienced seaman. But he had now become
+notorious, as a nondescript animal of the ocean. He was somewhat of a
+trader, something more of a smuggler, but mostly a pirate. He had traded
+many years among the pirates, in a little rakish vessel, that could run
+into all kinds of water. He knew all their haunts and lurking places,
+and was always hooking about on mysterious voyages.
+
+Upon the good old maxim of "setting a rogue to catch a rogue," Capt.
+Kidd 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 to the command of a government ship, and to be
+employed in cruising upon the pirates, as knowing those seas perfectly
+well, and being acquainted with all their lurking places; but what
+reasons governed the politics 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 pirates, 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 her to Captain
+Kidd; and to give the thing a greater reputation, as well as to keep
+their seamen under better command, they procured the king's commission
+for the said Capt. Kidd, of which the following is an exact copy:
+
+_William Rex_,
+
+"WILLIAM THE THIRD, by the grace of God, King of England, Scotland,
+France and Ireland, defender of the faith, &c. To our trusty and well
+beloved Capt. ROBERT KIDD, commander of the ship the Adventure galley,
+or to any other, the commander of the same for the time being,
+_Greeting_: Whereas we are informed, that Capt. Thomas Too, John
+Ireland, Capt. Thomas Wake, and Capt. William Maze or Mace, and other
+subjects, natives or inhabitants of New-York, and elsewhere, in our
+plantations in America, have associated themselves with divers others,
+wicked and ill-disposed persons, and do, against the law of nations,
+commit many and great piracies, robberies and depredations on the seas
+upon the parts of America, and in other parts, to the great hindrance
+and discouragement of trade and navigation, and to the great danger and
+hurt of our loving subjects, our allies, and all others, navigating the
+seas upon their lawful occasions. Now KNOW YE, that we being desirous to
+prevent the aforesaid mischiefs, and as much as in us lies, to bring the
+said pirates, free-booters and sea-rovers to justice, have thought fit,
+and do hereby give and grant to the said Robert Kidd, (to whom our
+commissioners for exercising the office of Lord High Admiral of England,
+have granted a commission as a private man-of-war, bearing date the 11th
+day of December, 1695,) and unto the commander of the said ship for the
+time being, and unto the officers, mariners, and others which shall be
+under your command, full power and authority to apprehend, seize, and
+take into your custody as well the said Capt. Thomas Too, John Ireland,
+Capt. Thomas Wake, and Capt. Wm. Maze or Mace, as all such pirates,
+free-booters, and sea-rovers, being either our subjects, or of other
+nations associated with them, which you shall meet with upon the seas or
+coasts of America, or upon any other seas or coasts, with all their
+ships and vessels, and all such merchandizes, money, goods, and wares as
+shall be found on board, or with them, in case they shall willingly
+yield themselves; but if they will not yield without fighting, then you
+are by force to compel them to yield. And we also require you to bring,
+or cause to be brought, such pirates, free-booters, or sea-rovers, as
+you shall seize, to a legal trial, to the end they may be proceeded
+against according to the law in such cases. And we do hereby command
+all our officers, ministers, and other our loving subjects whatsoever,
+to be aiding and assisting to you in the premises. And we do hereby
+enjoin you to keep an exact journal of your proceedings in execution of
+the premises, and set down the names of such pirates, and of their
+officers and company, and the names of such ships and vessels as you
+shall by virtue of these presents take and seize, and the quantities of
+arms, ammunition, provision, and lading of such ships, and the true
+value of the same, as near as you judge. And we do hereby strictly
+charge and command you, as you will answer the contrary at your peril,
+that you do not, in any manner, offend or molest our friends or allies,
+their ships or subjects, by colour or pretence of these presents, or the
+authority thereby granted. _In witness whereof_, we have caused our
+great seal of England to be affixed to these presents. Given at our
+court in Kensington, the 26th day of January, 1695, in the 7th year of
+our reign."
+
+Capt. Kidd 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 reader with it.
+
+Previous to sailing, Capt. Kidd buried his bible on the sea-shore, in
+Plymouth Sound; its divine precepts being so at variance with his wicked
+course of life, that he did not choose to keep a book which condemned
+him in his lawless career.
+
+With these two commissions he sailed out of Plymouth in May, 1696, in
+the Adventure galley, of 30 guns, and 80 men; the place he first
+designed for was New-York; in his voyage thither, he took a French
+banker, but this was no act of piracy, he having a commission for that
+purpose, as we have just observed.
+
+When he arrived at New-York, he put up articles for engaging more hands,
+it being necessary to his ship's 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 increased his company to 155
+men.
+
+[Illustration _Captain Kidd burying his Bible._]
+
+With this company he sailed first for Madeira, where he took in wine and
+some other necessaries; from thence he proceeded to Bonavista, 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 rendezvous of pirates. In his way he
+fell in with Capt. Warren, commodore of three men of war; he acquainted
+him with his design, kept them company two or three days, and then
+leaving them, made the best of his way for Madagascar, where he arrived
+in February, 1696, just nine months from his departure from Plymouth.
+
+It happened that at this time the pirate ships were most of them out in
+search of prey; so that according to the best intelligence Capt. Kidd
+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 cruise,
+touching sometimes at the island of Mohila, and sometimes at that of
+Johanna, between Malabar and Madagascar. His provisions were every day
+wasting, and his ship began to want repair; wherefore, when he was at
+Johanna, he found means of borrowing a sum of money from some Frenchmen
+who had lost their ship, but saved their effects, and with this he
+purchased materials for putting his ship in good repair.
+
+It does not appear all this while that he had the least design of
+turning pirate; for near Mohila and Johanna both, he met with several
+Indian ships richly laden, to which he did not offer the least violence,
+though he was strong enough to have done what he pleased with them; and
+the first outrage or depredation I find he committed upon mankind, was
+after his repairing his ship, and leaving Johanna; he touched at a place
+called Mabbee, upon the Red Sea, where he took some Guinea corn from the
+natives, by force. After this, he sailed 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
+Mocha 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 appeared averse to it, he
+ordered a boat out, well manned, to go upon the coast to make
+discoveries, commanding them to take a prisoner and bring him to him, or
+get intelligence any way they could. The boat returned 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 colors.
+
+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 pirates; but now weary of ill success, and fearing
+lest his owners, out of humor at their great expenses, should dismiss
+him, and he should want employment, and be marked 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 ordered a man continually to watch at the mast head, lest
+this fleet should go by them; and about four days after, towards
+evening, it appeared in sight, being convoyed by one English and one
+Dutch man of war. Kidd soon fell in with them, and getting into the
+midst of them, fired at a Moorish ship which was next him; but the
+men-of-war taking the alarm, bore down upon Kidd, and firing upon him,
+obliged him to sheer off, he not being strong enough to contend with
+them. Now he had begun hostilities, he resolved to go on, and therefore
+he went and cruised 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 Englishman; his
+name was Parker. Kidd forced him and a Portuguese that was called Don
+Antonio, which were all the Europeans on board, to take on with him; the
+first he designed 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 drubbed with a naked cutlass, 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 touched at Carawar, a place upon the same coast,
+where, before he arrived, the news of what he had done to the Moorish
+ship had reached 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 Kidd came in, he was suspected to be the person
+who committed this piracy; and one Mr. Harvey and Mr. Mason, two of the
+English factory, came on board and asked for Parker, and Antonio, the
+Portuguese; but Kidd denied that he knew any such persons, having
+secured them both in a private place in the hold, where they were kept
+for seven or eight days, that is, till Kidd sailed from thence.
+
+However, the coast was alarmed, and a Portuguese man-of-war was sent out
+to cruise. Kidd 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
+called Porca, where he watered his 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 Dutchman, called Schipper Mitchell, and chased her under French
+colors, which they observing hoisted French colors too; when he came
+up with her, he hailed her in French, and they having a Frenchman on
+board, answered him in the same language; upon which he ordered them to
+send their boat on board; they were obliged to do so, and having
+examined who they were, and from whence they came, he asked the
+Frenchman who was a passenger, if he had a French pass for himself; the
+Frenchman gave him to understand that he had. Then he told the Frenchman
+that he must pass for captain, and by----, says he, you are the captain;
+the Frenchman 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 belonged to French subjects, according to a commission he had for
+that purpose; though one would think, after what he had already done, he
+need not have recourse to a quibble to give his actions a color.
+
+[Illustration: _Captain Kidd attacks the Moorish fleet._]
+
+In short, he took the cargo, and sold it some time after; yet still he
+seemed to have some fears upon him, lest these proceedings should have a
+bad end; for, coming up with a Dutch ship some time after, when his men
+thought of nothing but attacking her, Kidd opposed 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 grounded against
+Kidd; for Moor, the gunner, being one day upon deck, and talking with
+Kidd about the said Dutch ship, some words arose between them, and Moor
+told Kidd, that he had ruined them all; upon which Kidd, calling him a
+dog, took up a bucket and struck him with it, which breaking his scull,
+he died next day.
+
+But Kidd's penitential fit did not last long; for coasting along
+Malabar, he met with a great number of boats, all of which he
+plundered. Upon the same coast he also fell in with 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 murdered by the natives;
+upon which Kidd 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
+Englishman, by the name of Wright; for the Indians often make use of
+English or Dutchmen to command their ships, their own mariners not being
+so good artists in navigation. Kidd chased her under French colors, and
+having come up with her, he ordered her to hoist out her boat and 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 cargo. Kidd gave the Armenians to understand, that if they would
+offer anything that was worth his taking for their ransom, he would
+hearken to it. Upon which, they proposed to pay him 20,000 rupees, not
+quite £3,000 sterling; but Kidd 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 cargo as came
+to 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 cargo, and when the division was made, it came to
+about £200 a man; and having reserved forty shares to himself, his
+dividend amounted to about £8,000 sterling.
+
+The Indians along the coast came on board and trafficked 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 pirates, they always
+found them men of honor in the way of trade; a people, enemies to
+deceit, and that scorned to rob but in their own way.
+
+Kidd put some of his men on board the Queda Merchant, and with this ship
+and his own sailed for Madagascar. As soon as he had arrived and cast
+anchor, there came on board of him a canoe, in which were several
+Englishmen, who had formerly been well acquainted with Kidd. 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. Kidd 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 belonged to a pirate ship, called the Resolution, formerly the
+Mocha Merchant, whereof one Capt. Culliford was commander, and which lay
+at anchor not far from them. Kidd went on board with them, promising
+them his friendship and assistance, and Culliford in his turn came on
+board of Kidd; and Kidd, 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 sea again.
+
+The Adventure galley was now so old and leaky, that they were forced to
+keep two pumps continually going; wherefore Kidd 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 Capt. Culliford, and
+others absconding into the country, so that he had not above 40 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 reached
+England, and that he was there declared a pirate.
+
+The truth of it is, his piracies so alarmed our merchants that some
+motions were made in parliament, to inquire into the commission that was
+given him, and the persons who fitted him out. These proceedings seem to
+lean a little hard upon Lord Bellamont, who thought himself so touched
+thereby, that he published a justification of himself in a pamphlet,
+after Kidd's execution. In the meantime it was thought advisable, in
+order to stop the course of these piracies, to publish a proclamation,
+offering the king's free pardon to all such pirates as should
+voluntarily surrender themselves, whatever piracies they had been guilty
+of, at any time before the last day of April, 1699--that is to say, for
+all piracies committed eastward of the Cape of Good Hope, to the
+longitude and meridian of Socatora, and Cape Cormorin; in which
+proclamation, Avery and Kidd were excepted by name.
+
+When Kidd 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, as 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 sailed directly for Boston laden with booty, with a crew of
+swaggering companions at his heels. But no sooner did he show himself in
+Boston, than the alarm was given of his reappearance, and measures were
+taken to arrest him. The daring character which Kidd had acquired,
+however, and the desperate fellows who followed like bull-dogs at his
+heels, caused a little delay in his arrest. He took advantage of this to
+bury the greater part of his immense treasure, which has never been
+found, and then carried a high head about the streets of Boston. He even
+attempted to defend himself when arrested, but was secured and thrown
+into prison. Such was the formidable character of this pirate and his
+crew, that a frigate was sent to convey them to England for trial.
+
+Accordingly a sessions of Admiralty being held at the Old Bailey, in May
+1701, Capt. Kidd, Nicholas Churchill, James How, Robert Lumly, William
+Jenkins, Gabriel Loff, Hugh Parrot, Richard Barlicorn, Abel Owens and
+Darby Mullins, were arraigned for piracy and robbery on the high seas,
+and all found guilty except three; these were Robert Lumly, William
+Jenkins and Richard Barlicorn, 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, though they were proved to be concerned 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 piracy. A pirate 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 pirate, 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_.
+
+Kidd was tried 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 Col. Bass, governor of West
+Jersey, to whom they surrendered, being in court, and called upon,
+proved the same. However, this plea was overruled by the court, because
+there being four commissioners named in the proclamation, viz. Capt.
+Thomas Warren, Israel Hayes, Peter Delannoye, and Christopher Pollard,
+Esquires, who were appointed commissioners, and sent over on purpose to
+receive the submissions of such pirates as should surrender, it was
+adjudged no other person was qualified to receive their surrender, and
+that they could not be entitled to the benefit of the said proclamation,
+because they had not in all circumstances complied with the conditions
+of it.
+
+Darby Mullins urged in his defence, that he served 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 commission, 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 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 seemed to be the best defence the thing could bear; but his taking
+a share of the plunder, the seamen's mutinying on board several times,
+and taking upon them to control the captain, showed there was no
+obedience paid to the commission; and that they acted in all things
+according to the custom of pirates and freebooters, which weighing with
+the jury, they brought him in guilty with the rest.
+
+As to Capt. Kidd's defence, he insisted much on his own innocence, and
+the villainy of his men. He said, he went out in a laudable employment
+and had no occasion, being then in good circumstances, to go a pirating;
+that the men often mutinied against him, and did as they pleased; that
+he was threatened to be shot in the 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
+condemned, 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 Kidd'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, proved of no manner of
+service to the prisoner on his trial.
+
+[Illustration: _Captain Kidd hanging in chains._]
+
+As to the friendship shown to Culliford, a notorious pirate, Kidd
+denied, 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 pirate. But the evidence being
+full and particular against him, he was found guilty as before
+mentioned.
+
+When Kidd 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 and wicked people_. And when sentence was
+pronounced, he said, _My Lord, it is a very hard sentence. For my part,
+I am the most innocent person of them all, only I have been sworn
+against by perjured persons_.
+
+Wherefore about a week after, Capt. Kidd, 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.
+
+Kidd died hard, for the rope with which he was first tied up broke with
+his weight and he tumbled to the ground. He was tied up a second time,
+and more effectually. Hence came the story of Kidd's being twice hung.
+
+Such is Captain Kidd's true history; but it has given birth to an
+innumerable progeny of traditions. The report of his having buried great
+treasures of gold and silver which he actually did before his arrest,
+set the brains of all the good people along the coast in a ferment.
+There were rumors on rumors of great sums of money found here and there,
+sometimes in one part of the country sometimes in another; of coins with
+Moorish inscriptions, doubtless the spoils of his eastern prizes.
+
+Some reported the treasure to have been buried in solitary, unsettled
+places about Plymouth and Cape Cod; but by degrees, various other parts,
+not only on the eastern coast but along the shores of the Sound, and
+even Manhattan and Long Island were gilded by these rumors. In fact the
+vigorous measures of Lord Bellamont had spread sudden consternation
+among the pirates in every part of the provinces; they had secreted
+their money and jewels in lonely out-of-the-way places, about the wild
+shores of the sea coast, and dispersed themselves over the country. The
+hand of justice prevented many of them from ever returning to regain
+their buried treasures, which remain to this day thus secreted, and are
+irrecoverably lost. This is the cause of those frequent reports of trees
+and rocks bearing mysterious marks, supposed to indicate the spots where
+treasure lay hidden; and many have been the ransackings after the
+pirates' booty. A rocky place on the shores of Long Island, called
+Kidd's Ledge, has received great attention from the money diggers; but
+they have not as yet discovered any treasures.
+
+
+
+THE BLOODY CAREER AND EXECUTION OF VINCENT BENAVIDES A
+PIRATE ON THE WEST COAST OF SOUTH AMERICA.
+
+
+Vincent Benavides was the son of the gaoler of Quirihue in the district
+of Conception. He was a man of ferocious manners, and had been guilty of
+several murders. Upon the breaking out of the revolutionary war, he
+entered the patriot army as a private soldier; and was a serjeant of
+grenadiers at the time of the first Chilian revolution. He, however,
+deserted to the Spaniards, and was taken prisoner in their service, when
+they sustained, on the plains of Maypo, on the 5th of April, 1818, that
+defeat which decided their fortunes in that part of America, and secured
+the independence of Chili. Benavides, his brother, and some other
+traitors to the Chilian cause, were sentenced to death, and brought
+forth in the Plaza, or public square of Santiago, in order to be shot.
+Benavides, though terribly wounded by the discharge, was not killed; but
+he had the presence of mind to counterfeit death in so perfect a manner,
+that the imposture was not suspected. The bodies of the traitors were
+not buried, but dragged away to a distance, and there left to be
+devoured by the gallinazos or vultures. The serjeant who had the
+superintendence of this part of the ceremony, had a personal hatred to
+Benavides, on account of that person having murdered some of his
+relations; and, to gratify his revenge, he drew his sword, and gave the
+dead body, (as he thought,) a severe gash in the side, as they were
+dragging it along. The resolute Benavides had fortitude to bear this
+also, without flinching or even showing the least indication of life;
+and one cannot help regretting that so determined a power of endurance
+had not been turned to a better purpose.
+
+Benavides lay like a dead man, in the heap of carcasses, until it became
+dark; and then, pierced with shot, and gashed by the sword as he was, he
+crawled to a neighboring cottage, the inhabitants of which received him
+with the greatest kindness, and attended him with the greatest care.
+
+The daring ruffian, who knew the value of his own talents and courage,
+being aware that General San Martin was planning the expedition to Peru,
+a service in which there would be much of desperation and danger, sent
+word to the General that he was alive, and invited him to a secret
+conference at midnight, in the same Plaza in which it was believed
+Benavides had been shot. The signal agreed upon, was, that they should
+strike fire three times with their flints, as that was not likely to be
+answered by any but the proper party, and yet was not calculated to
+awaken suspicion.
+
+San Martin, alone, and provided with a brace of pistols, met the
+desperado; and after a long conference, it was agreed that Benavides
+should, in the mean time, go out against the Araucan Indians; but that
+he should hold himself in readiness to proceed to Peru, when the
+expedition suited.
+
+Having procured the requisite passports, he proceeded to Chili, where,
+having again diverted the Chilians, he succeeded in persuading the
+commander of the Spanish troops, that he had force sufficient to carry
+on the war against Chili; and the commander in consequence retired to
+Valdivia, and left Benavides commander of the whole frontier on the
+Biobio.
+
+Having thus cleared the coast of the Spanish commander, he went over to
+the Araucans, or rather, he formed a band of armed robbers, who
+committed every cruelty, and were guilty of every perfidy in the south
+of Chili. Whereever Benavides came, his footsteps were marked with
+blood, and the old men, the women, and the children, were butchered lest
+they should give notice of his motions.
+
+When he had rendered himself formidable by land, he resolved to be
+equally powerful upon the sea. He equipped a corsair, with instructions
+to capture the vessels of all nations; and as Araucan is directly
+opposite the island of Santa Maria, where vessels put in for
+refreshment, after having doubled Cape Horn, his situation was well
+adapted for his purpose. He was but too successful. The first of his
+prizes was the American ship Hero, which he took by surprise in the
+night; the second, was the Herculia, a brig belonging to the same
+country. While the unconscious crew were proceeding, as usual, to catch
+seals on this island, lying about three leagues from the main land of
+Arauca, an armed body of men rushed from the woods, and overpowering
+them, tied their hands behind them, and left them under a guard on the
+beach. These were no other than the pirates, who now took the Herculia's
+own boats, and going on board, surprised the captain and four of his
+crew, who had remained to take care of the brig; and having brought off
+the prisoners from the beach, threw them all into the hold, closing the
+hatches over them. They then tripped the vessel's anchor, and sailing
+over in triumph to Arauca, were received by Benavides, with a salute of
+musketry fired under the Spanish flag, which it was their chief's
+pleasure to hoist on that day. In the course of the next night,
+Benavides ordered the captain and his crew to be removed to a house on
+shore, at some distance from the town; then taking them out, one by one,
+he stripped and pillaged them of all they possessed, threatening them
+the whole time with drawn swords and loaded muskets. Next morning he
+paid the prisoners a visit and ordered them to the capital, called
+together the principal people of the town, and desired each to select
+one as a servant. The captain and four others not happening to please
+the fancy of any one, Benavides, after saying he would himself take
+charge of the captain, gave directions, on pain of instant death, that
+some one should hold themselves responsible for the other prisoners.
+Some days after this they were called together, and required to serve as
+soldiers in the pirates army; an order to which they consented, knowing
+well by what they had already seen, that the consequence of refusal
+would be fatal.
+
+Benavides, though unquestionably a ferocious savage, was, nevertheless,
+a man of resource, full of activity, and of considerable energy of
+character. He converted the whale spears and harpoons into lances for
+his cavalry, and halberts for his sergeants; and out of the sails he
+made trowsers for half of his army; the carpenters he set to work making
+baggage carts and repairing his boats; the armourers he kept perpetually
+at work, mending muskets, and making pikes; managing in this way, to
+turn the skill of every one of his prisoners to some useful account. He
+treated the officers, too, not unkindly, allowed them to live in his
+house, and was very anxious on all occasions, to have their advice
+respecting the equipment of his troops.
+
+Upon one occasion, when walking with the captain of the Herculia, he
+remarked, that his army was now almost complete in every respect, except
+in one essential particular, and it cut him, he said to the soul, to
+think of such a deficiency; he had no trumpets for his cavalry, and
+added, that it was utterly impossible to make the fellows believe
+themselves dragoons, unless they heard a blast in their ears at every
+turn; and neither men nor horses would ever do their duty properly, if
+not roused to it by the sound of a trumpet; in short he declared, some
+device must be hit upon to supply this equipment. The captain, willing
+to ingratiate himself with the pirate, after a little reflection,
+suggested to him, that trumpets might easily be made of copper sheets on
+the bottoms of the vessels he had taken. "Very true," cried the
+delighted chief, "how came I not to think of that before?" Instantly
+all hands were employed in ripping off the copper, and the armourers
+being set to work under his personal superintendence, the whole camp,
+before night, resounded with the warlike blasts of the cavalry.
+
+The captain of the ship, who had given him the brilliant idea of the
+copper trumpets, had by these means, so far won upon his good will and
+confidence, as to be allowed a considerable range to walk on. He of
+course, was always looking out for some plan of escape, and at length an
+opportunity occurring, he, with the mate of the Ocean, and nine of his
+crew, seized two whale boats, imprudently left on the banks of the
+river, and rowed off. Before quitting the shore, they took the
+precaution of staving all the other boats, to prevent pursuit, and
+accordingly, though their escape was immediately discovered, they
+succeeded in getting so much the start of the people whom Benavides sent
+in pursuit of them, that they reached St. Mary's Island in safety. Here
+they caught several seals upon which they subsisted very miserably till
+they reached Valparaiso. It was in consequence of their report of
+Benavides proceedings made to Sir Thomas Hardy, the commander-in-chief,
+that he deemed it proper to send a ship to rescue if possible, the
+remaining unfortunate captives at Arauca.
+
+Benavides having manned the Herculia, it suited the mate, (the captain
+and crew being detained as hostages,) to sail with the brig to Chili,
+and seek aid from the Spanish governor. The Herculia returned with a
+twenty-four pounder, two field-pieces, eleven Spanish officers, and
+twenty soldiers, together with the most flattering letters and
+congratulations to the worthy ally of his Most Catholic Majesty. Soon
+after this he captured the Perseverance, English whaler, and the
+American brig Ocean, bound for Lima, with several thousand stand of arms
+on board. The captain of the Herculia, with the mate of the Ocean, and
+several men, after suffering great hardships, landed at Valparaiso, and
+gave notice of the proceedings of Benavides; and in consequence, Sir
+Thomas Hardy directed Captain Hall to proceed to Arauca with the convoy,
+to set the captives free, if possible.
+
+It was for the accomplishment of this service that Capt. Hall sailed
+from Valparaiso; and he called at Conception on his way, in order to
+glean information respecting the pirate. Here the Captain ascertained
+that Benavides was between two considerable bodies of Chilian force, on
+the Chilian side of the Biobio, and one of those bodies between him and
+the river.
+
+Having to wait two days at Conception for information, Captain Hall
+occupied them in observing the place; the country he describes as green
+and fertile, and having none of the dry and desert character of the
+environs of Valparaiso. Abundance of vegetables, wood, and also coals,
+are found on the shores of the bay.
+
+On the 12th of October, the captain heard of the defeat of Benavides,
+and his flight, alone, across the Biobio into the Araucan country; and
+also that two of the Americans whom he had taken with him had made their
+escape, and were on board the Chacabuco. As these were the only persons
+who could give Captain Hall information respecting the prisoners of whom
+he was in quest, he set out in search of the vessel, and after two days'
+search, found her at anchor near the island of Mocha. From thence he
+learned that the captain of the Ocean, with several English and American
+seamen had been left at Arauca, when Benavides went on his expedition,
+and he sailed for that place immediately.
+
+He was too late, however; the Chilian forces had already made a
+successful attack, and the Indians had fled, setting fire to the town
+and the ships. The Indians, who were in league with the Chilians, were
+every way as wild as those who arrayed themselves under Benavides. Capt.
+Hall, upon his return to Conception, though dissuaded from it by the
+governor, visited the Indian encampment.
+
+When the captain and his associates entered the courtyard, they observed
+a party seated on the ground, round a great tub of wine, who hailed
+their entrance with loud shouts, or rather yells, and boisterously
+demanded their business; to all appearance very little pleased with the
+interruption. The interpreter became alarmed, and wished them to retire;
+but this the captain thought imprudent, as each man had his long spear
+close at hand, resting against the eaves of the house. Had they
+attempted to escape they must have been taken, and possibly sacrificed,
+by these drunken savages. As their best chance seemed to lie in treating
+them without any show of distrust, they advanced to the circle with a
+good humored confidence, which appeased them considerably. One of the
+party rose and embraced them in the Indian fashion, which they had
+learned from the gentlemen who had been prisoners with Benavides. After
+this ceremony they roared out to them to sit down on the ground, and
+with the most boisterous hospitality, insisted on their drinking with
+them; a request which they cheerfully complied with. Their anger soon
+vanished, and was succeeded by mirth and satisfaction, which speedily
+became as outrageous as their displeasure had been at first. Seizing a
+favorable opportunity, Captain Hall stated his wish to have an interview
+with their chief, upon which a message was sent to him; but he did not
+think fit to show himself for a considerable time, during which they
+remained with the party round the tub, who continued swilling their wine
+like so many hogs. Their heads soon became affected, and their
+obstreperous mirth increasing every minute, the situation of the
+strangers became by no means agreeable.
+
+At length Peneleo's door opened, and the chief made his appearance; he
+did not condescend, however, to cross the threshold, but leaned against
+the door post to prevent falling, being by some degrees more drunk than
+any of his people. A more finished picture of a savage cannot be
+conceived. He was a tall, broad shouldered man; with a prodigiously
+large head, and a square-shaped bloated face, from which peeped out two
+very small eyes, partly hid by an immense superfluity of black, coarse,
+oily, straight hair, covering his cheeks, hanging over his shoulders,
+and rendering his head somewhat the shape and size of a bee-hive. Over
+his shoulders was thrown a poncho of coarse blanket stuff. He received
+them very gruffly, and appeared irritated and sulky at having been
+disturbed; he was still more offended when he learned that they wished
+to see his captive. They in vain endeavored to explain their real views;
+but he grunted out his answer in a tone and manner which showed them
+plainly that he neither did, nor wished to understand them.
+
+Whilst in conversation with Peneleo, they stole an occasional glance at
+his apartment. By the side of the fire burning in the middle of the
+floor, was seated a young Indian woman, with long black hair reaching to
+the ground; this, they conceived, could be no other than one of the
+unfortunate persons they were in search of; and they were somewhat
+disappointed to observe, that the lady was neither in tears, nor
+apparently very miserable; they therefore came away impressed with the
+unsentimental idea, that the amiable Peneleo had already made some
+impression on her young heart.
+
+Two Indians, who were not so drunk as the rest, followed them to the
+outside of the court, and told them that several foreigners had been
+taken by the Chilians in the battle near Chilian, and were now safe. The
+interpreter hinted to them that this was probably invented by these
+cunning people, on hearing their questions in the court; but he advised
+them, as a matter of policy, to give them each a piece of money, and to
+get away as far as they could.
+
+Captain Hall returned to Conception on the 23d of October, reached
+Valparaiso on the 26th, and in two weeks thereafter, the men of whom he
+was in search, made their appearance.
+
+The bloody career of Benavides now drew near to a close. The defeat on
+the Chilian side of the Biobio, and the burning of Arauca with the loss
+of his vessels, he never recovered. At length, in the end of December
+1821, discovering the miserable state to which he was reduced, he
+entreated the Intendant of Conception, that he might be received on
+giving himself up along with his partisans. This generous chief accepted
+his offer, and informed the supreme government; but in the meantime
+Benavides embarked in a launch, at the mouth of the river Lebo, and
+fled, with the intention of joining a division of the enemy's army,
+which he supposed to be at some one of the ports on the south coast of
+Peru. It was indeed absurd to expect any good faith from such an
+intriguer; for in his letters at this time, he offered his services to
+Chili and promised fidelity, while his real intention was still to
+follow the enemy. He finally left the unhappy province of Conception,
+the theatre of so many miserable scenes, overwhelmed with the misery
+which he had caused, without ever recollecting that it was in that
+province that he had first drawn his breath.
+
+His despair in the boat made his conduct insupportable to those who
+accompanied him, and they rejoiced when they were obliged to put into
+the harbor of Topocalma in search of water of which they had run short.
+He was now arrested by some patriotic individuals. From the notorious
+nature of his crimes, alone, even the most impartial stranger would have
+condemned him to the last punishment; but the supreme government wished
+to hear what he had to say for himself, and ordered him to be tried
+according to the laws. It appearing on his trial that he had placed
+himself beyond the laws of society, such punishment was awarded him as
+any one of his crimes deserved. As a pirate, he merited death, and as a
+destroyer of whole towns, it became necessary to put him to death in
+such a manner as might satisfy outraged humanity, and terrify others who
+should dare to imitate him. In pursuance of the sentence passed upon
+him, he was dragged from the prison in a pannier tied to the tail of a
+mule, and was hanged in the great square; his head and hands were
+afterwards cut off, in order to their being placed upon high poles, to
+point out the places of his horrid crimes, Santa Juona, Tarpellanca and
+Arauca.
+
+[Illustration: _The head of Benavides stuck on a pole._]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN DAVIS
+
+
+_With an account of his surprising the Fort at Gambia_.
+
+Davis was born in Monmouthshire, and, from a boy, trained to the sea.
+His last voyage from England was in the sloop Cadogan from Bristol, in
+the character of chief mate. This vessel was captured by the pirate
+England, upon the Guinea coast, whose companions plundered the crew, and
+murdered the captain, as is related in England's life.
+
+Upon the death of Captain Skinner, Davis pretended that he was urged by
+England to become a pirate, but that he resolutely refused. He added,
+that England, pleased with his conduct, had made him captain in room of
+Skinner, giving him a sealed paper, which he was not to open until he
+was in a certain latitude, and then expressly to follow the given
+directions. When he arrived in the appointed place, he collected the
+whole crew, and solemnly read his sealed instructions, which contained a
+generous grant of the ship and all her stores to Davis and his crew,
+requesting them to go to Brazil, and dispose of the cargo to the best
+advantage, and make an equal division of the money.
+
+Davis then commanded the crew to signify whether they were inclined to
+follow that mode of life, when, to his astonishment and chagrin, the
+majority positively refused. Then, in a transport of rage, he desired
+them to go where they would.
+
+Knowing that part of the cargo was consigned to merchants in Barbadoes,
+they directed their course to that place. When arrived there, they
+informed the merchants of the unfortunate death of Skinner, and of the
+proposal which had been made to them. Davis was accordingly seized, and
+committed to prison, but he having never been in the pirate service,
+nothing could be proved to condemn him, and he was discharged without a
+trial. Convinced that he could never hope for employment in that quarter
+after this detection, he went to the island of Providence, which he knew
+to be a rendezvous for pirates. Upon his arrival there, he was
+grievously disappointed, because the pirates who frequented that place
+had just accepted of his majesty's pardon, and had surrendered.
+
+Captain Rogers having equipped two sloops for trade, Davis obtained
+employment in one of these, called the Buck. They were laden with
+European goods to a considerable value, which they were to sell or
+exchange with the French and Spanish. They first touched at the island
+of Martinique, belonging to the French, and Davis knowing that many of
+the men were formerly in the pirate service, enticed them to seize the
+master, and to run off with the sloop. When they had effected their
+purpose, they hailed the other ship, in which they knew that there were
+many hands ripe for rebellion, and coming to, the greater part joined
+Davis. Those who did not choose to adhere to them were allowed to remain
+in the other sloop, and continue their course, after Davis had pillaged
+her of what things he pleased.
+
+In full possession of the vessel and stores and goods, a large bowl of
+punch was made; under its exhilarating influence, it was proposed to
+choose a commander, and to form their future mode of policy. The
+election was soon over, and a large majority of legal votes were in
+favor of Davis, and no scrutiny demanded, Davis was declared duly
+elected. He then drew up a code of laws, to which he himself swore, and
+required the same bond of alliance from all the rest of the crew. He
+then addressed them in a short and appropriate speech, the substance of
+which was, a proclamation of war with the whole world.
+
+They next consulted, what part would be most convenient to clean the
+vessel, and it was resolved to repair to Coxon's Hole, at the east end
+of the island of Cuba, where they could remain in perfect security, as
+the entrance was so narrow that one ship could keep out a hundred.
+
+They, however, had no small difficulty in cleaning their vessel, as
+there was no carpenter among them. They performed that laborious task in
+the best manner they could, and then made to the north side of
+Hispaniola. The first sail they met with was a French ship of twelve
+guns, which they captured; and while they were plundering her, another
+appeared in view. Enquiring of the Frenchmen, they learned that she was
+a ship of twenty-four guns and sixty men. Davis proposed to his crew to
+attack her, assuring them that she would prove a rich prize. This
+appeared to the crew such a hazardous enterprise, that they were rather
+adverse to the measure. But he acquainted them that he had conceived a
+stratagem that he was confident would succeed; they might, therefore,
+safely leave the matter to his management. He then commenced chase, and
+ordered his prize to do the same. Being a better sailer, he soon came up
+with the enemy, and showed his black colors. With no small surprise at
+his insolence in coming so near them, they commanded him to strike. He
+replied, that he was disposed to give them employment until his
+companion came up, who was able to contend with them; meanwhile assuring
+them that, if they did not strike to him, it would most certainly fare
+the worse for them: then giving them a broadside, he received the same
+in return.
+
+When the other pirate ship drew near, they, according to the directions
+of Davis, appeared upon deck in white shirts, which making an appearance
+of numbers, the Frenchman was intimidated, and struck. Davis ordered
+the captain with twenty of his men to come on board, and they were all
+put in irons except the captain. He then despatched four of his men to
+the other ship, and calling aloud to them, desired that his compliments
+should be given to the captain, with a request to send a sufficient
+number of hands to go on board their new prize, to see what they had got
+in her. At the same time, he gave them a written paper with their proper
+instructions, even to nail up the small guns, to take out all the arms
+and powder, and to go every man on board the new prize. When his men
+were on board her, he ordered the greater part of the prisoners to be
+removed into the empty vessels, and by this means secured himself from
+any attempt to recover their ship.
+
+During three days, these three vessels sailed in company, but finding
+that his late prize was a heavy sailer, he emptied her of everything
+that he stood in need of, and then restored her to the captain with all
+his men. The French captain was so much enraged at being thus miserably
+deceived, that, upon the discovery of the stratagem, he would have
+thrown himself overboard, had not his men prevented him.
+
+Captain Davis then formed the resolution of parting with the other
+prize-ship also, and soon afterwards steered northward, and took a
+Spanish sloop. He next directed his course towards the western islands,
+and from Cape de Verd islands cast anchor at St. Nicholas, and hoisted
+English colors. The Portuguese supposed that he was a privateer, and
+Davis going on shore was hospitably received, and they traded with him
+for such articles as they found most advantageous. He remained here five
+weeks, and he and half of his crew visited the principal town of the
+island. Davis, from his appearing in the dress of a gentleman, was
+greatly caressed by the Portuguese, and nothing was spared to entertain
+and render him and his men happy. Having amused themselves during a
+week, they returned to the ship, and allowed the other half of the crew
+to visit the capital, and enjoy themselves in like manner. Upon their
+return, they cleaned their ship and put to sea, but four of the men were
+so captivated with the ladies and the luxuries of the place, that they
+remained in the island, and one of them married and settled there.
+
+Davis now sailed for Bonavista, and perceiving nothing in that harbor
+steered for the Isle of May. Arrived there, he found several vessels in
+the harbor, and plundered them of whatever he found necessary. He also
+received a considerable reinforcement of men, the greater part of whom
+entered willingly into the piratical service. He likewise made free with
+one of the ships, equipped her for his own purpose, and called her the
+King James. Davis next proceeded to St. Jago to take in water. Davis,
+with some others going on shore to seek water, the governor came to
+inquire who they were, and expressed his suspicion of their being
+pirates. Upon this, Davis seemed highly affronted, and expressed his
+displeasure in the most polite but determined manner. He, however,
+hastened on board, informed his men, and suggested the possibility of
+surprising the fort during the night. Accordingly, all his men being
+well armed, they advanced to the assault; and, from the carelessness of
+the guards, they were in the garrison before the inhabitants were
+alarmed. Upon the discovery of their danger, they took shelter in the
+governor's house, and fortified it against the pirates: but the latter
+throwing in some grando shells, ruined the furniture, and killed several
+people.
+
+The alarm was circulated in the morning, and the country assembled to
+attack them; but, unwilling to stand a siege, the pirates dismounted the
+guns, pillaged the fort, and fled to their ships.
+
+When at sea, they mustered their hands, and found that they were seventy
+strong. They then consulted among themselves what course they should
+steer, and were divided in opinion; but by a majority it was carried to
+sail for Gambia, on the coast of Guinea. Of this opinion was the
+captain, who having been employed in that trade, was acquainted with the
+coast; and informed his companions, that there was always a large
+quantity of money deposited in that castle, and he was confident, if the
+matter was entrusted to him, he should successfully storm that fort.
+From their experience of his former prudence and courage, they
+cheerfully submitted to his direction, in the full assurance of success.
+
+Arrived at Gambia, he ordered all his men below, except just so many as
+were necessary to work the vessel, that those from the fort, seeing so
+few hands, might have no suspicion that she was any other than a trading
+vessel. He then ran under the fort and cast anchor, and having ordered
+out the boat, manned with six men indifferently dressed, he, with the
+master and doctor, dressed themselves like gentlemen, in order that the
+one party might look like foremastmen, and the other like merchants. In
+rowing ashore, he instructed his men what to say if any questions were
+put to them by the garrison.
+
+On reaching land, the party was conducted by a file of musqueteers into
+the fort, and kindly received by the governor, who enquired what they
+were, and whence they came? They replied, that they were from Liverpool,
+and bound for the river Senegal, to trade for gum and elephants teeth;
+but that they were chased on that coast by two French men-of-war, and
+narrowly escaped being taken. "We were now disposed," continued Davis,
+"to make the best of our voyage, and would willingly trade here for
+slaves." The governor then inquired what were the principal articles of
+their cargo. They replied, that they were iron and plate, which were
+necessary articles in that place. The governor then said, that he would
+give them slaves for all their cargo; and asked if they had any European
+liquor on board. They answered, that they had a little for their own
+use, but that he should have a hamper of it. He then treated them with
+the greatest civility, and desired them all to dine with him. Davis
+answered, that as he was commander of the vessel, it would be necessary
+for him to go down to see if she were properly moored, and to give some
+other directions; but that these gentlemen might stay, and he would
+return before dinner, and bring the hamper with him.
+
+While in the fort, his eyes were keenly employed to discover the
+position of the arms, and how the fort might most successfully be
+surprised. He discovered that there was a sentry standing near a
+guard-house, in which there were a quantity of arms heaped up in a
+corner, and that a considerable number of small arms were in the
+governor's hall. When he went on board, he ordered some hands on board a
+sloop lying at anchor, lest, hearing any bustle they should come to the
+aid of the castle; then desiring his men to avoid too much liquor, and
+to be ready when he should hoist the flag from the walls, to come to his
+assistance, he proceeded to the castle.
+
+Having taken these precautions and formed these arrangements, he ordered
+every man who was to accompany him to arm himself with two pair of
+pistols, which he himself also did, concealed under their clothes. He
+then directed them to go into the guard-room, and fall into
+conversation, and immediately upon his firing a pistol out of the
+governor's window, to shut the men up, and secure the arms in the
+guard-room.
+
+When Davis arrived, dinner not being ready, the governor proposed that
+they should pass the time in making a bowl of punch. Davis's boatswain
+attending him, had an opportunity of visiting all parts of the house,
+and observing their strength. He whispered his intelligence to his
+master, who being surrounded by his own friends, and seeing the governor
+unattended by any of his retinue, presented a pistol to the breast of
+the latter, informing him that he was a dead man, unless he should
+surrender the fort and all its riches. The governor, thus taken by
+surprise, was compelled to submit; for Davis took down all the pistols
+that hung in the hall, and loaded them. He then fired his pistol out of
+the window. His men flew like lions, presented their pistols to the
+soldiers, and while some carried out the arms, the rest secured the
+military, and shut them all up in the guard-house, placing a guard on
+the door. Then one of them struck the union flag on the top of the
+castle, which the men from the vessel perceiving, rushed to the combat,
+and in an instant were in possession of the castle, without tumult or
+bloodshed.
+
+Davis then harrangued the soldiers, many of whom enlisted with him; and
+those who declined, he put on board the small ships, and to prevent the
+necessity of a guard, or the possibility of escape, carried off the
+sails, rigging and cables.
+
+That day being spent in feasting and rejoicing, the castle saluting the
+ship, and the ship the castle, on the day following they proceeded to
+examine the contents of their prize. They, however, were greatly
+disappointed in their expectations, a large sum of money having been
+sent off a few days before. But they found money to the amount of about
+two thousand pounds in gold, and many valuable articles of different
+kinds. They carried on board their vessel whatever they deemed useful,
+gave several articles to the captain and crew of the small vessel, and
+allowed them to depart, while they dismounted the guns, and demolished
+the fortifications.
+
+After doing all the mischief that their vicious minds could possibly
+devise, they weighed anchor; but in the mean time, perceiving a sail
+bearing towards them with all possible speed, they hastened to prepare
+for her reception, and made towards her. Upon her near approach they
+discovered that she was a French pirate of fourteen guns and sixty-four
+men, the one half French, and the other half negroes.
+
+The Frenchman was in high expectation of a rich prize, but when he came
+nearer, he suspected, from the number of her guns and men, that she was
+a small English man-of-war; he determined, notwithstanding, upon the
+bold attempt of boarding her, and immediately fired a gun, and hoisted
+his black colors: Davis immediately returned the compliment. The
+Frenchman was highly gratified at this discovery; both hoisted out their
+boats, and congratulated each other. Mutual civilities and good offices
+passed, and the French captain proposed to Davis to sail down the coast
+with him, in order to look out for a better ship, assuring him that the
+very first that could be captured should be his, as he was always
+willing to encourage an industrious brother.
+
+They first touched at Sierra Leone, where they espied a large vessel,
+and Davis being the swifter sailer, came first up with him. He was not a
+little surprised that she did not endeavor to make off, and began to
+suspect her strength. When he came alongside of her, she fired a whole
+broadside, and hoisted black colors. Davis did the same, and fired a gun
+to leeward. The satisfaction of these brothers in iniquity was mutual,
+at having thus acquired so much additional strength and ability to
+undertake more formidable adventures. Two days were devoted to mirth and
+song, and upon the third, Davis and Cochlyn, the captain of the new
+confederate, agreed to go in the French pirate ship to attack the fort.
+When they approached, the men in the fort, apprehensive of their
+character and intentions, fired all the guns upon them at once. The ship
+returned the fire, and afforded employment until the other two ships
+arrived, when the men in the fort seeing such a number on board, lost
+courage, and abandoned the fort to the mercy of the robbers.
+
+They took possession, remained there seven weeks, and cleaned their
+vessels. They then called a council of war, to deliberate concerning
+future undertakings, when it was resolved to sail down the coast in
+company; and, for the greater regularity and grandeur, Davis was chosen
+Commodore. That dangerous enemy, strong drink, had well nigh, however,
+sown the seeds of discord among these affectionate brethren. But Davis,
+alike prepared for council or for war, addressed them to the following
+purport: "Hear ye, you Cochlyn and La Boise, (which was the name of the
+French captain) I find, by strengthening you, I have put a rod into your
+hands to whip myself; but I am still able to deal with you both:
+however, since we met in love, let us part in love; for I find that
+three of a trade can never agree long together." Upon this, the other
+two went on board of their respective ships, and steered different
+courses.
+
+Davis held down the coast, and reaching Cape Appolonia he captured three
+vessels, two English and one Scottish, plundered them, and allowed them
+to proceed. In five days after he met with a Dutchman of thirty guns and
+ninety men. She gave Davis a broadside, and killed nine of his men; a
+desperate engagement ensued, which continued from one o'clock at noon
+until nine next morning, when the Dutchman struck.
+
+Davis equipped her for the pirate service, and called her "The Rover."
+With his two ships he sailed for the bay of Anamaboa, which he entered
+about noon, and took several vessels which were there waiting to take in
+negroes, gold, and elephants' teeth. Davis made a present of one of
+these vessels to the Dutch captain and his crew, and allowed them to go
+in quest of their fortune. When the fort had intelligence that they were
+pirates, they fired at them, but without any effect; Davis fired also,
+and hoisted the black colors, but deemed it prudent to depart.
+
+The next day after he left Anamaboa, the man at the mast-head discovered
+a sail. It may be proper to inform our readers, that, according to the
+laws of pirates, the man who first discovers a vessel, is entitled to
+the best pair of pistols in the ship, and such is the honor attached to
+these, that a pair of them has been known to sell for thirty pounds.
+
+Davis pursued that vessel, which, being between him and the shore,
+labored hard to run aground. Davis perceiving this, got between her and
+the land, and fired a broadside at her, when she immediately struck. She
+proved to be a very rich prize, having on board the Governor of Acra,
+with all his substance, going to Holland. There was in money to the
+amount of fifteen thousand pounds, besides a large quantity of merchant
+goods, and other valuable articles.
+
+Before they reached the Isle of Princes, the St. James sprang a leak, so
+that the men and the valuable articles were removed into Davis's own
+ship. When he came in sight of the fort he hoisted English colors. The
+Portuguese, seeing a large ship sailing towards the shore, sent a sloop
+to discover her character and destination. Davis informed them, that he
+was an English man-of-war, sent out in search of some pirates which they
+had heard were in this quarter. Upon this, he was piloted into the port,
+and anchored below the guns at the fort. The governor was happy to have
+Englishmen in his harbor; and to do honor to Davis, sent down a file of
+musqueteers to escort him into the fort, while Davis, the more to cover
+his design, ordered nine men, according to the custom of the English, to
+row him on shore.
+
+Davis also took the opportunity of cleaning and preparing all things for
+renewing his operations. He, however, could not contentedly leave the
+fort, without receiving some of the riches of the island. He formed a
+scheme to accomplish his purpose, and communicated the same to his men.
+He design was to make the governor a present of a few negroes in return
+for his kindness; then to invite him, with a few of the principal men
+and friars belonging to the island, to dine on board his ship, and
+secure them all in irons, until each of them should give a large ransom.
+They were accordingly invited, and very readily consented to go: and
+deeming themselves honored by his attention, all that were invited,
+would certainly have gone on board. Fortunately however, for them, a
+negro, who was privy to the horrible plan of Davis, swam on shore during
+the night, and gave information of the danger to the governor.
+
+[Illustration: _Retreat of the Pirates and Death of Captain Davis._]
+
+The governor occupied the whole night in strengthening the defences and
+posting the men in the most advantageous places. Soon after day-break,
+the pirates, with Captain Davis at their head were discovered landing
+from the boats; and quickly marched across the open space toward the
+fort. A brisk fire was opened upon them from the fort, which they
+returned in a spirited manner. At length, a hand grenade, thrown from
+the wooden veranda of the fort killed three of the pirates; but several
+of the Portuguese were killed. The veranda of the fort being of wood and
+very dry, it was set fire to by the pirates. This was a great advantage
+to the attacking party, who could now distinguish those in the fort
+without their being so clearly seen themselves; but at this moment
+Captain Davis fell, mortally wounded by a musket ball in his belly. The
+fall of their chief, and the determined resistance of those in the fort,
+checked the impetuosity of the assailants. They hesitated, and at last
+retreated, bearing away with them their wounded commander. The
+Portuguese cheered, and led on by the governor, now became the
+assailants. Still the pirates' retreat was orderly; they fired and
+retired rank behind rank successively. They kept the Portuguese at bay
+until they had arrived at the boats, when a charge was made and a severe
+conflict ensued. But the pirates had lost too many men; and without
+their Captain, felt dispirited. As they lifted Davis into the boat in
+his dying agonies he fired his pistols at his pursuers. They now pulled
+with all their might to escape from the muskets of the Portuguese, who
+followed them along the banks of the river, annoying them in their
+retreat to the vessel. And those on board, who expected to hoist in
+treasure had to receive naught but their wounded comrades and dead
+commander.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+AUTHENTIC HISTORY OF THE MALAY PIRATES OF THE INDIAN OCEAN.
+
+
+_With a Narrative of the Expedition against the Inhabitants of Quallah
+Battoo, commanded by Commodore Downes_.
+
+A glance at the map of the East India Islands will convince us that this
+region of the globe must, from its natural configuration and locality;
+be peculiarly liable to become the seat of piracy. These islands form an
+immense cluster, lying as if it were in the high road which connects the
+commercial nations of Europe and Asia with each other, affording a
+hundred fastnesses from which to waylay the traveller. A large
+proportion of the population is at the same time confined to the coasts
+or the estuaries of rivers; they are fishermen and mariners; they are
+barbarous and poor, therefore rapacious, faithless and sanguinary. These
+are circumstances, it must be confessed, which militate strongly to
+beget a piratical character. It is not surprising, then, that the Malays
+should have been notorious for their depredations from our first
+acquaintance with them.
+
+Among the tribes of the Indian Islands, the most noted for their
+piracies are, of course, the most idle, and the least industrious, and
+particularly such as are unaccustomed to follow agriculture or trade as
+regular pursuits. The agricultural tribes of Java, and many of Sumatra,
+never commit piracy at all; and the most civilized inhabitants of
+Celebes are very little addicted to this vice.
+
+Among the most confirmed pirates are the true Malays, inhabiting the
+small islands about the eastern extremity of the straits of Malacca, and
+those lying between Sumatra and Borneo, down to Billitin and Cavimattir.
+Still more noted than these, are the inhabitants of certain islands
+situated between Borneo and the Phillipines, of whom the most desperate
+and enterprising are the Soolos and Illanoons, the former inhabiting a
+well known group of islands of the same name, and the latter being one
+of the most numerous nations of the great island of Magindando. The
+depredations of the proper Malays extend from Junkceylon to Java,
+through its whole coast, as far as Grip to Papir and Kritti, in Borneo
+and the western coast of Celebes. In another direction they infest the
+coasting trade of the Cochin Chinese and Siamese nations in the Gulf of
+Siam, finding sale for their booty, and shelter for themselves in the
+ports of Tringham, Calantan and Sahang. The most noted piratical
+stations of these people are the small islands about Lingin and Rhio,
+particularly Galang, Tamiang and Maphar. The chief of this last has
+seventy or eighty proas fit to undertake piratical expeditions.
+
+The Soolo pirates chiefly confine their depredations to the Phillipine
+Islands, which they have continued to infest, with little interruption,
+for near three centuries, in open defiance of the Spanish authorities,
+and the numerous establishments maintained to check them. The piracies
+of the Illanoons, on the contrary, are widely extended, being carried on
+all the way from their native country to the Spice Islands, on one side,
+and to the Straits of Malacca on the other. In these last, indeed, they
+have formed, for the last few years, two permanent establishments; one
+of these situated on Sumatra, near Indragiri, is called Ritti, and the
+other a small island on the coast of Linga, is named Salangut. Besides
+those who are avowed pirates, it ought to be particularly noticed that a
+great number of the Malayan princes must be considered as accessories to
+their crimes, for they afford them protection, contribute to their
+outfit, and often share in their booty; so that a piratical proa is too
+commonly more welcome in their harbours than a fair trader.
+
+The Malay piratical proas are from six to eight tons burden, and run
+from six to eight fathoms in length. They carry from one to two small
+guns, with commonly four swivels or rantakas to each side, and a crew of
+from twenty to thirty men. When they engage, they put up a strong
+bulwark of thick plank; the Illanoon proas are much larger and more
+formidable, and commonly carry from four to six guns, and a
+proportionable number of swivels, and have not unfrequently a double
+bulwark covered with buffalo hides; their crews consist of from forty to
+eighty men. Both, of course, are provided with spears, krisses, and as
+many fire arms as they can procure. Their modes of attack are cautious
+and cowardly, for plunder and not fame is their object. They lie
+concealed under the land, until they find a fit object and opportunity.
+The time chosen is when a vessel runs aground, or is becalmed, in the
+interval between the land and sea breezes. A vessel underway is seldom
+or never attacked. Several of the marauders attack together, and station
+themselves under the bows and quarters of a ship when she has no longer
+steerage way, and is incapable of pointing her guns. The action
+continues often for several hours, doing very little mischief; but when
+the crew are exhausted with the defence, or have expended their
+ammunition, the pirates take this opportunity of boarding in a mass.
+This may suggest the best means of defence. A ship, when attacked during
+a calm, ought, perhaps, rather to stand on the defensive, and wait if
+possible the setting in of the sea breeze, than attempt any active
+operations, which would only fatigue the crew, and disable them from
+making the necessary defence when boarding is attempted. Boarding
+netting, pikes and pistols, appear to afford effectual security; and,
+indeed, we conceive that a vessel thus defended by resolute crews of
+Europeans or Americans stand but little danger from any open attack of
+pirates whatsoever; for their guns are so ill served, that neither the
+hull or the rigging of a vessel can receive much damage from them,
+however much protracted the contest. The pirates are upon the whole
+extremely impartial in the selection of their prey, making little choice
+between natives and strangers, giving always, however, a natural
+preference to the most timid, and the most easily overcome.
+
+When an expedition is undertaken by the Malay pirates, they range
+themselves under the banner of some piratical chief noted for his
+courage and conduct. The native prince of the place where it is
+prepared, supplies the adventurers with arms, ammunition and opium, and
+claims as his share of the plunder, the female captives, the cannon, and
+one third of all the rest of the booty.
+
+In Nov. 1827, a principal chief of pirates, named Sindana, made a
+descent upon Mamoodgoo with forty-five proas, burnt three-fourths of the
+campong, driving the rajah with his family among the mountains. Some
+scores of men were killed, and 300 made prisoners, besides women and
+children to half that amount. In December following, when I was there,
+the people were slowly returning from the hills, but had not yet
+attempted to rebuild the campong, which lay in ashes. During my stay
+here (ten weeks) the place was visited by two other piratical chiefs,
+one of which was from Kylie, the other from Mandhaar Point under Bem
+Bowan, who appeared to have charge of the whole; between them they had
+134 proas of all sizes.
+
+Among the most desperate and successful pirates of the present day,
+Raga is most distinguished. He is dreaded by people of all
+denominations, and universally known as the "prince of pirates." For
+more than seventeen years this man has carried on a system of piracy to
+an extent never before known; his expeditions and enterprises would fill
+a large volume. They have invariably been marked with singular cunning
+and intelligence, barbarity, and reckless inattention to the shedding of
+human blood. He has emissaries every where, and has intelligence of the
+best description. It was about the year 1813 Raga commenced operations
+on a large scale. In that year he cut off three English vessels, killing
+the captains with his own hands. So extensive were his depredations
+about that time that a proclamation was issued from Batavia, declaring
+the east coast of Borneo to be under strict blockade. Two British sloops
+of war scoured the coast. One of which, the Elk, Capt. Reynolds, was
+attacked during the night by Raga's own proa, who unfortunately was not
+on board at the time. This proa which Raga personally commanded, and the
+loss of which he frequently laments, carried eight guns and was full of
+his best men.
+
+[Illustration: _A Piratical Proa in Full Chase._]
+
+An European vessel was faintly descried about three o'clock one foggy
+morning; the rain fell in torrents; the time and weather were favorable
+circumstances for a surprise, and the commander determined to
+distinguish himself in the absence of the Rajah Raga, gave directions to
+close, fire the guns and board. He was the more confident of success, as
+the European vessel was observed to keep away out of the proper course
+on approaching her. On getting within about an hundred fathoms of the
+Elk they fired their broadside, gave a loud shout, and with their long
+oars pulled towards their prey. The sound of a drum beating to quarters
+no sooner struck the ear of the astonished Malays than they endeavored
+to get away: it was too late; the ports were opened, and a broadside,
+accompanied with three British cheers, gave sure indications of their
+fate. The captain hailed the Elk, and would fain persuade him it was a
+mistake. It was indeed a mistake, and one not to be rectified by the
+Malayan explanation. The proa was sunk by repeated broadsides, and the
+commanding officer refused to pick up any of the people, who, with the
+exception of five were drowned; these, after floating four days on some
+spars, were picked up by a Pergottan proa, and told the story to Raga,
+who swore anew destruction to every European he should henceforth take.
+This desperado has for upwards of seventeen years been the terror of the
+Straits of Macassar, during which period he has committed the most
+extensive and dreadful excesses sparing no one. Few respectable families
+along the coast of Borneo and Celebes but have to complain of the loss
+of a proa, or of some number of their race; he is not more universally
+dreaded than detested; it is well known that he has cut off and murdered
+the crews of more than forty European vessels, which have either been
+wrecked on the coasts, or entrusted themselves in native ports. It is
+his boast that twenty of the commanders have fallen by his hands. The
+western coast of Celebes, for about 250 miles, is absolutely lined with
+proas belonging principally to three considerable rajahs, who act in
+conjunction with Raga and other pirates. Their proas may be seen in
+clusters of from 50, 80, and 100 (at Sediano I counted 147 laying on the
+sand at high water mark in parallel rows,) and kept in a horizontal
+position by poles, completely ready for the sea. Immediately behind them
+are the campongs, in which are the crews; here likewise are kept the
+sails, gunpowder, &c. necessary for their equipment. On the very summits
+of the mountains, which in many parts rise abruptly from the sea, may be
+distinguished innumerable huts; here reside people who are constantly on
+the lookout. A vessel within ten miles of the shore will not probably
+perceive a single proa, yet in less than two hours, if the tide be high,
+she may be surrounded by some hundreds. Should the water be low they
+will push off during the night. Signals are made from mountain to
+mountain along the coast with the utmost rapidity; during the day time
+by flags attached to long bamboos; at night, by fires. Each chief sends
+forth his proas, the crews of which, in hazardous cases, are infuriated
+with opium, when they will most assuredly take the vessel if she be not
+better provided than most merchantmen.
+
+Mr. Dalton, who went to the Pergottan river in 1830 says, "whilst I
+remained here, there were 71 proas of considerable sizes, 39 of which
+were professed pirates. They were anchored off the point of a small
+promontory, on which the rajah has an establishment and bazaar. The
+largest of these proas belonged to Raga, who received by the fleet of
+proas, in which I came, his regular supplies of arms and ammunition from
+Singapore. Here nestle the principal pirates, and Raga holds his head
+quarters; his grand depot was a few miles farther up. Rajah Agi Bota
+himself generally resides some distance up a small river which runs
+eastward of the point; near his habitation stands the principal bazaar,
+which would be a great curiosity for an European to visit if he could
+only manage to return, which very few have. The Raga gave me a pressing
+invitation to spend a couple of days at his country house, but all the
+Bugis' nacodahs strongly dissuaded me from such an attempt. I soon
+discovered the cause of their apprehension; they were jealous of Agi
+Bota, well knowing he would plunder me, and considered every article
+taken by him was so much lost to the Sultan of Coti, who naturally would
+expect the people to reserve me for his own particular plucking. When
+the fact was known of an European having arrived in the Pergottan river,
+this amiable prince and friend of Europeans, impatient to seize his
+prey, came immediately to the point from his country house, and sending
+for the nacodah of the proa, ordered him to land me and all my goods
+instantly. An invitation now came for me to go on shore and amuse myself
+with shooting, and look at some rare birds of beautiful plumage which
+the rajah would give me if I would accept of them; but knowing what were
+his intentions, and being well aware that I should be supported by all
+the Bugis' proas from Coti, I feigned sickness, and requested that the
+birds might be sent on board. Upon this Agi Bota, who could no longer
+restrain himself, sent off two boats of armed men, who robbed me of many
+articles, and would certainly have forced me on shore, or murdered me in
+the proa had not a signal been made to the Bugis' nacodahs, who
+immediately came with their people, and with spears and krisses, drove
+the rajah's people overboard. The nacodahs, nine in number, now went on
+shore, when a scene of contention took place showing clearly the
+character of this chief. The Bugis from Coti explained, that with regard
+to me it was necessary to be particularly circumspect, as I was not only
+well known at Singapore, but the authorities in that settlement knew
+that I was on board the Sultan's proa, and they themselves were
+responsible for my safety. To this circumstance alone I owe my life on
+several occasions, as in the event of any thing happening to me, every
+nacodah was apprehensive of his proa being seized on his return to
+Singapore; I was therefore more peculiarly cared for by this class of
+men, and they are powerful. The rajah answered the nacodahs by saying, I
+might be disposed of as many others had been, and no further notice
+taken of the circumstance; he himself would write to Singapore that I
+had been taken by an alligator, or bitten by a snake whilst out
+shooting; and as for what property I might have in the proa he would
+divide it with the Sultan of Coti. The Bugis, however, refused to listen
+to any terms, knowing the Sultan of Coti would call him to an account
+for the property, and the authorities of Singapore for my life. Our
+proa, with others, therefore dropped about four miles down the river,
+where we took in fresh water. Here we remained six days, every argument
+being in vain to entice me on shore. At length the Bugis' nacodahs came
+to the determination to sail without passes, which brought the rajah to
+terms. The proas returned to the point, and I was given to understand I
+might go on shore in safety. I did so, and was introduced to the rajah
+whom I found under a shed, with about 150 of his people; they were busy
+gambling, and had the appearance of what they really are, a ferocious
+set of banditti. Agi Bota is a good looking man, about forty years of
+age, of no education whatever; he divides his time between gaming, opium
+and cockfighting; that is in the interval of his more serious and
+profitable employment, piracy and rapine. He asked me to produce what
+money I had about me; on seeing only ten rupees, he remarked that it was
+not worth while to win so small a sum, but that if I would fight cocks
+with him he would lend me as much money as I wanted, and added it was
+beneath his dignity to fight under fifty reals a battle. On my saying it
+was contrary to an Englishman's religion to bet wagers, he dismissed me;
+immediately after the two rajahs produced their cocks and commenced
+fighting for one rupee a side. I was now obliged to give the old
+Baudarre five rupees to take some care of me, as whilst walking about,
+the people not only thrust their hands into my pockets, but pulled the
+buttons from my clothes. Whilst sauntering behind the rajah's campong I
+caught sight of an European woman, who on perceiving herself observed,
+instantly ran into one of the houses, no doubt dreading the consequences
+of being recognized. There are now in the house of Agi Bota two European
+women; up the country there are others, besides several men. The Bugis,
+inimical to the rajah, made no secret of the fact; I had heard of it on
+board the proa, and some person in the bazaar confirmed the statement.
+On my arrival, strict orders had been given to the inhabitants to put
+all European articles out of sight. One of my servants going into the
+bazaar, brought me such accounts as induced me to visit it. In one house
+were the following articles: four Bibles, one in English, one in Dutch,
+and two in the Portuguese languages; many articles of wearing apparel,
+such as jackets and trowsers, with the buttons altered to suit the
+natives; pieces of shirts tagged to other parts of dress; several broken
+instruments, such as quadrants, spy glasses (two,) binnacles, with
+pieces of ship's sails, bolts and hoops; a considerable variety of
+gunner's and carpenter's tools, stores, &c. In another shop were two
+pelisses of faded lilac color; these were of modern cut and fashionably
+made. On enquiring how they became possessed of these articles, I was
+told they were some wrecks of European vessels on which no people were
+found, whilst others made no scruple of averring that they were formerly
+the property of people who had died in the country. All the goods in the
+bazaar belonged to the rajah, and were sold on his account; large
+quantities were said to be in his house up the river; but on all hands
+it was admitted Raga and his followers had by far the largest part of
+what was taken. A Mandoor, or head of one of the campongs, showed me
+some women's stockings, several of which were marked with the letters
+S.W.; also two chemises, one with the letters S.W.; two flannel
+petticoats, a miniature portrait frame (the picture was in the rajah's
+house,) with many articles of dress of both sexes. In consequence of the
+strict orders given on the subject I could see no more; indeed there
+were both difficulty and danger attending these inquiries. I
+particularly wanted to obtain the miniature picture, and offered the
+Mandoor fifty rupees if he could procure it; he laughed at me, and
+pointing significantly to his kris, drew one hand across my throat, and
+then across his own, giving me to understand such would be the result to
+us both on such an application to the rajah. It is the universal custom
+of the pirates, on this coast, to sell the people for slaves immediately
+on their arrival, the rajah taking for himself a few of the most useful,
+and receiving a percentage upon the purchase money of the remainder,
+with a moiety of the vessel and every article on board. European vessels
+are taken up the river, where they are immediately broken up. The
+situation of European prisoners is indeed dreadful in a climate like
+this, where even the labor of natives is intolerable; they are compelled
+to bear all the drudgery, and allowed a bare sufficiency of rice and
+salt to eat."
+
+It is utterly impossible for Europeans who have seen these pirates at
+such places as Singapore and Batavia, to form any conception of their
+true character. There they are under immediate control, and every part
+of their behaviour is a tissue of falsehood and deception. They
+constantly carry about with them a smooth tongue, cringing demeanor, a
+complying disposition, which always asserts, and never contradicts; a
+countenance which appears to anticipate the very wish of the Europeans,
+and which so generally imposes upon his understanding, that he at once
+concludes them to be the best and gentlest of human beings; but let the
+European meet them in any of their own campongs, and a very different
+character they will appear. The character and treacherous proceeding
+narrated above, and the manner of cutting off vessels and butchering
+their crews, apply equally to all the pirates of the East India Islands,
+by which many hundred European and American vessels have been surprised
+and their crews butchered.
+
+On the 7th of February, 1831, the ship Friendship, Capt. Endicott, of
+Salem (Mass.,) was captured by the Malays while lying at Quallah Battoo,
+on the coast of Sumatra. In the forenoon of the fatal day, Capt.
+Endicott, Mr. Barry, second mate, and four of the crew, it seems went on
+shore as usual, for the purpose of weighing pepper, expecting to obtain
+that day two boat loads, which had been promised them by the Malays.
+After the first boat was loaded, they observed that she delayed some
+time in passing down the river, and her crew being composed of Malays,
+was supposed by the officers to be stealing pepper from her, and
+secreting it in the bushes. In consequence of this conjecture, two men
+were sent off to watch them, who on approaching the boat, saw five or
+six Malays leap from the jungle, and hurry on board of her. The former,
+however, supposed them to be the boat's crew, as they had seen an equal
+number quit her previous to their own approach. In this they were
+mistaken, as will subsequently appear. At this time a brig hove in
+sight, and was seen standing towards Soo Soo, another pepper port,
+distant about five miles. Capt. Endicott, on going to the beach to
+ascertain whether the brig had hoisted any colors, discovered that the
+boat with pepper had approached within a few yards of the Friendship,
+manned with an unusual number of natives.
+
+It appears that when the pepper boats came alongside of the Friendship,
+as but few of the hands could work at a time, numbers of the Malays came
+on board, and on being questioned by Mr. Knight, the first officer, who
+was in the gangway, taking an account of the pepper, as to their
+business, their reply was, that they had come to see the vessel. Mr.
+Knight ordered them into their boat again, and some of them obeyed, but
+only to return immediately to assist in the work of death, which was now
+commenced by attacking Mr. Knight and the rest of the crew on board. The
+crew of the vessel being so scattered, it was impossible to concentrate
+their force so as to make a successful resistance. Some fell on the
+forecastle, one in the gangway, and Mr. Knight fell upon the quarter
+deck, severely wounded by a stab in the back while in the act of
+snatching from the bulwarks a boarding pike with which to defend
+himself.
+
+The two men who were taking the pepper on a stage, having vainly
+attempted to get on board to the assistance of their comrades, were
+compelled to leap into the sea. One of them, Charles Converse, of Salem,
+being severely wounded, succeeded in swimming to the bobstays, to which
+he clung until taken on board by the natives, and from some cause he was
+not afterwards molested. His companion, John Davis, being unable to
+swim, drifted with the tide near the _boat tackle_, or _davit falls_,
+the blocks being overhauled down near the water; one of these he laid
+hold of, which the Malays perceiving, dropped their boat astern and
+despatched him! the cook sprang into a canoe along side, and in
+attempting to push off she was capsized; and being unable to swim, he
+got on the bottom, and paddled ashore with his hands, where he was made
+prisoner. Gregory, an Italian, sought shelter in the foretop-gallant
+cross-trees, where he was fired at several times by the Malays with the
+muskets of the Friendship, which were always kept loaded and ready for
+use while on the coast.
+
+Three of the crew leaped into the sea, and swam to a point of land near
+a mile distant, to the northward of the town; and, unperceived by the
+Malays on shore, pursued their course to the northward towards Cape
+Felix, intending to go to the port of Annalaboo, about forty-five miles
+distant. Having walked all night, they found themselves, on the
+following morning, near the promontory, and still twenty-five miles
+distant from Annalaboo.
+
+When Mr. Endicott, Mr. Barry, and the four seamen arrived at the beach,
+they saw the crew jumping into the sea; the truth now, with all its
+horrors, flashed upon his mind, that the vessel was attacked, and in an
+instant they jumped on board the boat and pushed off; at the same time a
+friendly rajah named Po Adam, sprang into the boat; he was the
+proprietor of a port and considerable property at a place called Pulo
+Kio, but three miles distant from the mouth of the river Quallah Battoo.
+More business had been done by the rajah during the eight years past
+than by any other on the pepper coast; he had uniformly professed
+himself friendly to the Americans, and he has generally received the
+character of their being honest. Speaking a little English as he sprang
+into the boat, he exclaimed, "Captain, you got trouble; Malay kill you,
+he kill Po Adam too!" Crowds of Malays assembled on both sides of the
+river, brandishing their weapons in a menacing manner, while a ferry
+boat, manned with eight or ten of the natives, armed with spears and
+krisses, pushed off to prevent the officers' regaining their ship. The
+latter exhibited no fear, and flourished the cutlass of Po Adam in a
+menacing manner from the bows of the boat; it so intimidated the Malays
+that they fled to the shore, leaving a free passage to the ship; but as
+they got near her they found that the Malays had got entire possession
+of her; some of them were promenading the deck, others were making
+signals of success to the people on shore, while, with the exception of
+one man aloft, not an individual of the crew could be seen. Three Malay
+boats, with about fifty men, now issued from the river in the direction
+of the ship, while the captain and his men, concluding that their only
+hope of recovering their vessel was to obtain assistance from some other
+ships, directed their course towards Muchie, where they knew that
+several American vessels were lying at anchor. Three American captains,
+upon hearing the misfortunes of their countrymen, weighed anchor
+immediately for Quallah Battoo, determined, if possible, to recover the
+ship. By four o'clock on the same day they gained an anchorage off that
+place; the Malays, in the meantime, had removed on shore every moveable
+article belonging to the ship, including specie, besides several cases
+of opium, amounting in all to upwards of thirty thousand dollars. This
+was done on the night of the 9th, and on the morning of the 10th, they
+contrived to heave in the chain cable, and get the anchor up to the
+bows; and the ship was drifting finely towards the beach, when the
+cable, not being stopped abaft the bitts, began suddenly to run out with
+great velocity; but a bight having by accident been thrown forward of
+the windlass, a riding turn was the consequence, and the anchor, in its
+descent, was suddenly checked about fifteen fathoms from the hawse. A
+squall soon after coming on, the vessel drifted obliquely towards the
+shore, and grounded upon a coral reef near half a mile to the southward
+of the town. The next day, having obtained a convenient anchorage, a
+message was sent by a friendly Malay who came on board at Soo Soo,
+demanding the restoration of the ship. The rajah replied that he would
+not give her up, but that they were welcome to take her if they could; a
+fire was now opened upon the Friendship by the vessels, her decks were
+crowded with Malays, who promptly returned the fire, as did also the
+forts on shore. This mode of warfare appeared undecisive, and it was
+determined to decide the contest by a close action. A number of boats
+being manned and armed with about thirty officers and men, a movement
+was made to carry the ship by boarding. The Malays did not wait the
+approach of this determined attack, but all deserted the vessel to her
+lawful owners, when she was taken possession of and warped out into deep
+water. The appearance of the ship, at the time she was boarded, beggars
+all description; every part of her bore ample testimony of the scene of
+violence and destruction with which she had been visited. The objects of
+the voyage were abandoned, and the Friendship returned to the United
+States. The public were unanimous in calling for a redress of the
+unparalleled outrage on the lives and property of citizens of the United
+States. The government immediately adopted measures to punish so
+outrageous an act of piracy by despatching the frigate Potomac,
+Commodore Downs, Commander. The Potomac sailed from New York the 24th of
+August, 1831, after touching at Rio Janeiro and the Cape of Good Hope.
+She anchored off Quallah Battoo in February 1832, disguised as a Danish
+ship, and came to in merchantman style, a few men being sent aloft,
+dressed in red and blue flannel shirts, and one sail being clewed up and
+furled at a time. A reconnoitering party were sent on shore disguised as
+pepper dealers, but they returned without being able to ascertain the
+situations of the forts. The ship now presented a busy scene; it was
+determined to commence an attack upon the town the next morning, and
+every necessary preparation was accordingly made, muskets were cleaned,
+cartridge-boxes buckled on, cutlasses examined and put in order, &c.
+
+At twelve o'clock at night, all hands were called, those assigned to
+take part in the expedition were mustered, when Lieut. Shubrick, the
+commander of the detachment, gave them special orders; when they entered
+the boats and proceeded to the shore, where they effected a landing near
+the dawn of day, amid a heavy surf, about a mile and a half to the north
+of the town, undiscovered by the enemy, and without any serious accident
+having befallen them, though several of the party were thoroughly
+drenched by the beating of the surf, and some of their ammunition was
+injured.
+
+The troops then formed and took up their line of march against the
+enemy, over a beach of deep and heavy sand. They had not proceeded far
+before they were discovered by a native at a distance, who ran at full
+speed to give the alarm. A rapid march soon brought them up with the
+first fort, when a division of men, under the command of Lieut. Hoff,
+was detached from the main body, and ordered to surround it. The first
+fort was found difficult of access, in consequence of a deep hedge of
+thorn-bushes and brambles with which it was environed. The assault was
+commenced by the pioneers, with their crows and axes, breaking down the
+gates and forcing a passage. This was attended with some difficulty, and
+gave the enemy time for preparation. They raised their warwhoop, and
+resisted most manfully, fighting with spears, sabres, and muskets. They
+had also a few brass pieces in the fort, but they managed them with so
+little skill as to produce no effect, for the balls uniformly whizzed
+over the heads of our men. The resistance of the Malays was in vain, the
+fort was stormed, and soon carried; not, however, till almost every
+individual in it was slain. Po Mahomet, a chief of much distinction, and
+who was one of the principal persons concerned in the outrage on the
+Friendship was here slain; the mother of Chadoolah, another rajah, was
+also slain here; another woman fell at this port, but her rank was not
+ascertained; she fought with the spirit of a desperado. A seaman had
+just scaled one of the ramparts, when he was severely wounded by a blow
+received from a weapon in her hands, but her life paid the forfeit of
+her daring, for she was immediately transfixed by a bayonet in the hands
+of the person whom she had so severely injured. His head was wounded by
+a javelin, his thumb nearly cut off by a sabre, and a ball was shot
+through his hat.
+
+Lieutenants Edson and Ferret proceeded to the rear of the town, and made
+a bold attack upon that fort, which, after a spirited resistance on the
+part of the Malays, surrendered. Both officers and marines here narrowly
+escaped with their lives. One of the natives in the fort had trained his
+piece in such a manner as to rake their whole body, when he was shot
+down by a marine while in the very act of applying a match to it. The
+cannon was afterwards found to have been filled with bullets. This fort,
+like the former, was environed with thick jungle, and great difficulty
+had been experienced in entering it. The engagement had now become
+general, and the alarm universal. Men, women and children were seen
+flying in every direction, carrying the few articles they were able to
+seize in the moments of peril, and some of the men were cut down in the
+flight. Several of the enemy's proas, filled with people, were severely
+raked by a brisk fire from the six pounder, as they were sailing up the
+river to the south of the town, and numbers of the natives were killed.
+The third and most formidable fort was now attacked, and it proved the
+most formidable, and the co-operation of the several divisions was
+required for its reduction; but so spirited was the fire poured into it
+that it was soon obliged to yield, and the next moment the American
+colors were seen triumphantly waving over its battlements. The greater
+part of the town was reduced to ashes. The bazaar, the principal place
+of merchandize, and most of the private dwellings were consumed by fire.
+The triumph had now been completed over the Malays; ample satisfaction
+had been taken for their outrages committed upon our own countrymen, and
+the bugle sounded the return of the ship's forces; and the embarkation
+was soon after effected. The action had continued about two hours and a
+half, and was gallantly sustained both by officers and men, from its
+commencement to its close. The loss on the part of the Malays was near a
+hundred killed, while of the Americans only two lost their lives. Among
+the spoils were a Chinese gong, a Koran, taken at Mahomet's fort, and
+several pieces of rich gold cloth. Many of the men came off richly laden
+with spoils which they had taken from the enemy, such as rajah's scarfs,
+gold and silver chunam boxes, chains, ear rings and finger rings,
+anklets and bracelets, and a variety of shawls, krisses richly hilted
+and with gold scabbards, and a variety of other ornaments. Money to a
+considerable amount was brought off. That nothing should be left undone
+to have an indelible impression on the minds of these people, of the
+power of the United States to inflict punishment for aggressions
+committed on her commerce, in seas however distant, the ship was got
+underway the following morning, and brought to, with a spring on her
+cable, within less than a mile of the shore, when the larboard side was
+brought to bear nearly upon the site of the town. The object of the
+Commodore, in this movement, was not to open an indiscriminate or
+destructive fire upon the town and inhabitants of Quallah Battoo, but to
+show them the irresistible power of thirty-two pound shot, and to reduce
+the fort of Tuca de Lama, which could not be reached on account of the
+jungle and stream of water, on the morning before, and from which a fire
+had been opened and continued during the embarkation of the troops on
+their return to the ship. The fort was very soon deserted, while the
+shot was cutting it to pieces, and tearing up whole cocoa-trees by the
+roots. In the afternoon a boat came off from the shore, bearing a flag
+of truce to the Commodore, beseeching him, in all the practised forms of
+submission of the east, that he would grant them peace, and cease to
+fire his big guns. Hostilities now ceased, and the Commodore informed
+them that the objects of his government in sending him to their shores
+had now been consummated in the punishment of the guilty, who had
+committed their piracies on the Friendship. Thus ended the intercourse
+with Quallah Battoo. The Potomac proceeded from this place to China, and
+from thence to the Pacific Ocean; after looking to the interests of the
+American commerce in those parts she arrived at Boston in 1834, after a
+three years' absence.
+
+
+
+
+THE ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN CONDENT
+
+
+Captain Condent was a Plymouth man born, but we are as yet ignorant of
+the motives and time of his first turning pirate. He was one of those
+who thought fit to retire from Providence, on Governor Rogers' 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 beaten; 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 through the deck
+and kill several of them. He, therefore, taking a pistol in one hand,
+and his cutlass in the other, leaped into the hold. The Indian
+discharged a piece at him, which broke his arm; but, however, he ran up
+and shot the Indian. When he was dead, the crew hacked him to pieces,
+and the gunner, ripping up his belly and tearing out his heart, broiled
+and eat it.
+
+After this, they took a merchantman called the Duke of York; and some
+disputes arising among the pirates, 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 Madeira, laden with
+wine, and 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. Wanting a boom, he took
+out the mainmast of one of these ships to supply the want. Here he took
+upon himself the administration of justice, inquiring into the manner of
+the commanders' behaviour to their men, and those against whom complaint
+was made, he whipped and pickled. He took what provision and other
+necessaries he wanted, and having augmented his company by volunteers
+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 proved 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, and some wounded by his great shot.
+
+The 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, Capt. 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. A few days after he took Spelt, he made prize of a Portuguese,
+laden with bale goods and stores. He rigged the Wright galley anew, and
+put on board of her some of the goods. Soon after he had discharged the
+Portuguese, he met with a Dutch East Indiaman of 28 guns, whose captain
+was killed the first broadside, and took her with little resistance, for
+he had hoisted the pirate's colors on board Spelt's ship.
+
+[Illustration: _Capt. Condent leaping into the hold, to attack the
+Indian._]
+
+He now, with three sail, steered for the island of Ferdinando, where
+he hove down and cleaned the Flying Dragon. Having careened, he put 11
+Dutchmen on board Capt. Spelt, to make amends for the hands he had
+forced from him, and sent him away, making him a present of the goods he
+had taken from the Portuguese ship. When he sailed himself, he ordered
+the Dutch to stay at Ferdinando 24 hours after his departure;
+threatening, 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 hailed him, and he
+answered, _from London, bound to Buenos Ayres_. The Portuguese manned
+his shrouds and cheered him, when Condent fired a broadside, and a smart
+engagement ensued for the space of three glasses; but Condent finding
+himself over-matched, made the best of his way, and being the best
+sailer, got off.
+
+A few days after, he took a vessel of the same nation, who gave an
+account that he had killed above forty 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 Platte. 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 Guinea 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 pirate ship was lost upon it, and
+the pirates 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 mainmast, 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 Guinea coast, and took Capt. Hill, in the
+Indian Queen.
+
+[Illustration: _The Pirates riding the Priests about deck._]
+
+In Luengo Bay he saw two ships at anchor, one a Dutchman of 44 guns, the
+other an English ship, called the Fame, Capt. Bowen, commander. They
+both cut and ran ashore; the Fame was lost, but the Dutch ship the
+pirate 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-Indiaman, of which Mr. Nash, a noted
+merchant of London, was supercargo. Soon after he took a Dutch
+East-Indiaman, discharged the Ostender, and made for Madagascar. At the
+Isle of St. Mary, he met with some of Capt. 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
+with two other pirates he met at St. Mary's, the Cassandra
+East-Indiaman, commanded by Capt. James Macraigh. He continued his
+course for the East-Indies, where he made a very great booty; and
+returning, touched at the island of Mascarenhas, where he met with a
+Portuguese ship of 70 guns, with the viceroy 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 plundered, razed the fort, and
+carried off several men 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 Mascarenhas for a pardon,
+though 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 Mascarenhas, where Condent married the
+governor's sister-in-law, and remained some time; but, as I have been
+credibly informed, he is since come to France, settled at St. Maloes,
+and drives a considerable trade as a merchant.
+
+
+
+
+THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN EDWARD LOW.
+
+
+This ferocious villain was born in Westminster, and received an
+education similar to that of the common people in England. He was by
+nature a pirate; for even when very young he raised contributions among
+the boys of Westminster, and if they declined compliance, a battle was
+the result. When he advanced a step farther in life, he began to exert
+his ingenuity at low games, and cheating all in his power; and those who
+pretended to maintain their own right, he was ready to call to the field
+of combat.
+
+He went to sea in company with his brother, and continued with him for
+three or four years. Going over to America, he wrought in a
+rigging-house at Boston for some time. He then came home to see his
+mother in England, returned to Boston, and continued for some years
+longer at the same business. But being of a quarrelsome temper, he
+differed with his master, and went on board a sloop bound for the Bay of
+Honduras.
+
+While there, he had the command of a boat employed in bringing logwood
+to the ship. In that boat there were twelve men well armed, to be
+prepared for the Spaniards, from whom the wood was taken by force. It
+happened one day that the boat came to the ship just a little before
+dinner was ready, and Low desired that they might dine before they
+returned. The captain, however, ordered them a bottle of rum, and
+requested them to take another trip, as no time was to be lost. The crew
+were enraged, particularly Low, who took up a loaded musket and fired at
+the captain, but missing him, another man was shot, and they ran off
+with the boat. The next day they took a small vessel, went on board her,
+hoisted a black flag, and declared war with the whole world.
+
+In their rovings, Low met with Lowther, who proposed that he should join
+him, and thus promote their mutual advantage. Having captured a
+brigantine, Low, with forty more, went on board her; and leaving
+Lowther, they went to seek their own fortune.
+
+Their first adventure was the capture of a vessel belonging to Amboy,
+out of which they took the provisions, and allowed her to proceed. On
+the same day they took a sloop, plundered her, and permitted her to
+depart. The sloop went into Black Island, and sent intelligence to the
+governor that Low was on the coast. Two small vessels were immediately
+fitted out, but, before their arrival, Low was beyond their reach. After
+this narrow escape, Low went into port to procure water and fresh
+provisions; and then renewed his search of plunder. He next sailed into
+the harbor of Port Rosemary, where were thirteen ships, but none of them
+of any great strength. Low hoisted the black flag, assuring them that if
+they made any resistance they should have no quarter; and manning their
+boat, the pirates took possession of every one of them, which they
+plundered and converted to their own use. They then put on board a
+schooner ten guns and fifty men, named her the Fancy, and Low himself
+went on board of her, while Charles Harris was constituted captain of
+the brigantine. They also constrained a few of the men to join them, and
+sign their articles.
+
+After an unsuccessful pursuit of two sloops from Boston, they steered
+for the Leeward Islands, but in their way were overtaken by a terrible
+hurricane. The search for plunder gave place to the most vigorous
+exertion to save themselves. On board the brigantine, all hands were at
+work both day and night; they were under the necessity of throwing
+overboard six of her guns, and all the weighty provisions. In the storm,
+the two vessels were separated, and it was some time before they again
+saw each other.
+
+After the storm, Low went into a small island west of the Carribbees,
+refitted his vessels, and got provision for them in exchange of goods.
+As soon as the brigantine was ready for sea, they went on a cruise until
+the Fancy should be prepared, and during that cruise, met with a vessel
+which had lost all her masts in the storm, which they plundered of goods
+to the value of 1000_l_. and returned to the island. When the Fancy was
+ready to sail, a council was held what course they should next steer.
+They followed the advice of the captain, who thought it not safe to
+cruise any longer to the leeward, lest they should fall in with any of
+the men-of-war that cruised upon that coast, so they sailed for the
+Azores.
+
+The good fortune of Low was now singular; in his way thither he captured
+a French ship of 34 guns, and carried her along with him. Then entering
+St. Michael's roads, he captured seven sail, threatening with instant
+death all who dared to oppose him. Thus, by inspiring terror, without
+firing a single gun, he became master of all that property. Being in
+want of water and fresh provisions, Low sent to the governor demanding a
+supply, upon condition of releasing the ships he had taken, otherwise he
+would commit them to the flames. The request was instantly complied
+with, and six of the vessels were restored. But a French vessel being
+among them, they emptied her of guns and all her men except the cook,
+who, they said, being a greasy fellow, would fry well; they accordingly
+bound the unfortunate man to the mast, and set the ship on fire.
+
+The next who fell in their way was Captain Carter, in the Wright galley;
+who, because he showed some inclination to defend himself, was cut and
+mangled in a barbarous manner. There were also two Portuguese friars,
+whom they tied to the foremast, and several times let them down before
+they were dead, merely to gratify their own ferocious dispositions.
+Meanwhile, another Portuguese, beholding this cruel scene, expressed
+some sorrow in his countenance, upon which one of the wretches said he
+did not like his looks, and so giving him a stroke across the body with
+his cutlass, he fell upon the spot. Another of the miscreants, aiming a
+blow at a prisoner, missed his aim, and struck Low upon the under jaw.
+The surgeon was called, and stitched up the wound; but Low finding fault
+with the operation, the surgeon gave him a blow which broke all the
+stiches, and left him to sew them himself. After he had plundered this
+vessel, some of them were for burning her, as they had done the
+Frenchman; but instead of that, they cut her cables, rigging, and sails
+to pieces, and sent her adrift to the mercy of the waves.
+
+[Illustration: _The Cruelties practised by Captain Low._]
+
+They next sailed for the island of Madeira, and took up a fishing boat
+with two old men and a boy. They detained one of them, and sent the
+other on shore with a flag of truce, requesting the governor to send
+them a boat of water, else they would hang the other man at the yard
+arm. The water was sent, and the man dismissed.
+
+They next sailed for the Canary Islands, and there took several vessels;
+and being informed that two small galleys were daily expected, the sloop
+was manned and sent in quest of them. They, however, missing their prey,
+and being in great want of provision, went into St. Michael's in the
+character of traders, and being discovered, were apprehended, and the
+whole crew conducted to the castle, and treated according to their
+merits.
+
+Meanwhile, Low's ship was overset upon the careen and lost, so that,
+having only the Fancy schooner remaining, they all, to the number of a
+hundred, went on board her, and set sail in search of new spoils. They
+soon met a rich Portuguese vessel, and after some resistance captured
+her. Low tortured the men to constrain them to inform him where they had
+hid their treasures. He accordingly discovered that, during the chase,
+the captain had hung a bag with eleven thousand moidores out of the
+cabin window, and that, when they were taken, he had cut the rope, and
+allowed it to fall into the sea. Upon this intelligence, Low raved and
+stormed like a fury, ordered the captain's lips to be cut off and
+broiled before his eyes, then murdered him and all his crew.
+
+[Illustration: _The Captain of the Portuguese Ship cutting away the Bag
+of Moidores._]
+
+After this bloody action, the miscreants steered northward, and in their
+course seized several vessels, one of which they burned, and plundering
+the rest, allowed them to proceed. Having cleaned in one of the islands,
+they then sailed for the bay of Honduras. They met a Spaniard coming out
+of the bay, which had captured five Englishmen and a pink, plundered
+them, and brought away the masters prisoners. Low hoisted Spanish
+colors, but, when he came near, hung out the black flag, and the
+Spaniard was seized without resistance. Upon finding the masters of the
+English vessels in the hold, and seeing English goods on board, a
+consultation was held, when it was determined to put all the Spaniards
+to the sword. This was scarcely resolved upon, when they commenced with
+every species of weapons to massacre every man, and some flying from
+their merciless hands into the waves, a canoe was sent in pursuit of
+those who endeavored to swim on shore. They next plundered the Spanish
+vessel, restored the English masters to their respective vessels, and
+set the Spaniard on fire.
+
+Low's next cruise was between the Leeward Islands and the main land,
+where, in a continued course of prosperity, he successively captured no
+less than nineteen ships of different sizes, and in general treated
+their crews with a barbarity unequalled even among pirates. But it
+happened that the Greyhound, of twenty guns and one hundred and twenty
+men, was cruising upon that coast. Informed of the mischief these
+miscreants had done, the Greyhound went in search of them. Supposing
+they had discovered a prize, Low and his crew pursued them, and the
+Greyhound, allowing them to run after her until all things were ready
+to engage, turned upon the two sloops.
+
+One of these sloops was called the Fancy, and commanded by Low himself,
+and the other the Ranger, commanded by Harris; both hoisted their
+piratical colors, and fired each a gun. When the Greyhound came within
+musket shot, she hauled up her mainsail, and clapped close upon a wind,
+to keep the pirates from running to leeward, and then engaged. But when
+the rogues found whom they had to deal with, they edged away under the
+man-of-war's stern, and the Greyhound standing after them, they made a
+running fight for about two hours; but little wind happening, the sloops
+gained from her, by the help of their oars; upon which the Greyhound
+left off firing, turned all hands to her own oars, and at three in the
+afternoon came up with them. The pirates hauled upon a wind to receive
+the man-of-war, and the fight was immediately renewed, with a brisk fire
+on both sides, till the Ranger's mainyard was shot down. Under these
+circumstances, Low abandoned her to the enemy, and fled.
+
+The conduct of Low was surprising in this adventure, because his reputed
+courage and boldness had hitherto so possessed the minds of all people,
+that he became a terror even to his own men; but his behaviour
+throughout this whole action showed him to be a base cowardly villain;
+for had Low's sloop fought half so briskly as Harris' had done (as they
+were under a solemn oath to do,) the man-of-war, in the opinion of some
+present, could never have hurt them.
+
+Nothing, however, could lessen the fury, or reform the manners, of that
+obdurate crew. Their narrow escape had no good effect upon them, and
+with redoubled violence they renewed their depredations and cruelties.
+The next vessel they captured, was eighty miles from land. They used the
+master with the most wanton cruelty, then shot him dead, and forced the
+crew into the boat with a compass, a little water, and a few biscuits,
+and left them to the mercy of the waves; they, however, beyond all
+expectation, got safe to shore.
+
+Low proceeded in his villainous career with too fatal success.
+Unsatisfied with satiating their avarice and walking the common path of
+wickedness, those inhuman wretches, like to Satan himself, made mischief
+their sport, cruelty their delight, and the ruin and murder of their
+fellow men their constant employment. Of all the piratical crews
+belonging to the English nation, none ever equalled Low in barbarity.
+Their mirth and their anger had the same effect. They murdered a man
+from good humor, as well as from anger and passion. Their ferocious
+disposition seemed only to delight in cries, groans, and lamentations.
+One day Low having captured Captain Graves, a Virginia man, took a bowl
+of punch in his hand, and said, "Captain, here's half this to you." The
+poor gentleman was too much touched with his misfortunes to be in a
+humor for drinking, he therefore modestly excused himself. Upon this Low
+cocked and presented a pistol in the one hand, and his bowl in the
+other, saying, "Either take the one or the other."
+
+Low next captured a vessel called the Christmas, mounted her with
+thirty-four guns, went on board her himself, assumed the title of
+admiral, and hoisted the black flag. His next prize was a brigantine
+half manned with Portuguese, and half with English. The former he
+hanged, and the latter he thrust into their boat and dismissed, while he
+set fire to the vessel. The success of Low was unequalled, as well as
+his cruelty; and during a long period he continued to pursue his wicked
+course with impunity.
+
+All wickedness comes to an end and Low's crew at last rose against him
+and he was thrown into a boat without provisions and abandoned to his
+fate. This was because Low murdered the quarter-master while he lay
+asleep. Not long after he was cast adrift a French vessel happened along
+and took him into Martinico, and after a quick trial by the authorities
+he received short shift on a gallows erected for his benefit.
+
+[Illustration: _Low presenting a Pistol and Bowl of Punch._]
+
+
+
+
+LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN EDWARD ENGLAND
+
+
+This adventurer was mate of a sloop that sailed from Jamaica, and was
+taken by Captain Winter, a pirate, just before the settlement of the
+pirates at Providence island. After the pirates had surrendered to his
+Majesty's pardon, and Providence island was peopled by the English
+government, Captain England sailed to Africa. There he took several
+vessels, particularly the Cadogan, from Bristol, commanded by one
+Skinner. When the latter struck to the pirate, he was ordered to come on
+board in his boat. The person upon whom he first cast his eye, proved to
+be his old boatswain, who stared him in the face, and accosted him in
+the following manner: "Ah, Captain Skinner, is it you? the only person I
+wished to see: I am much in your debt, and I shall pay you all in your
+own coin." The poor man trembled in every joint, and dreaded the event,
+as he well might. It happened that Skinner and his old boatswain, with
+some of his men, had quarrelled, so that he thought fit to remove them
+on board a man-of-war, while he refused to pay them their wages. Not
+long after, they found means to leave the man-of-war, and went on board
+a small ship in the West Indies. They were taken by a pirate, and
+brought to Providence, and from thence sailed as pirates with Captain
+England. Thus accidentally meeting their old captain, they severely
+revenged the treatment they had received.
+
+After the rough salutation which has been related, the boatswain called
+to his comrades, laid hold of Skinner, tied him fast to the windlass,
+and pelted him with glass bottles until they cut him in a shocking
+manner, then whipped him about the deck until they were quite fatigued,
+remaining deaf to all his prayers and entreaties; and at last, in an
+insulting tone, observed, that as he had been a good master to his men,
+he should have an easy death, and upon this shot him through the head.
+
+[Illustration: _The Pirates pelting Captain Skinner with Glass
+Bottles._]
+
+Having taken such things out of the ship as they stood most in need of,
+she was given to Captain Davis in order to try his fortune with a few
+hands.
+
+Captain England, some time after, took a ship called the Pearl, for
+which he exchanged his own sloop, fitted her up for piratical service,
+and called her the Royal James. In that vessel he was very fortunate,
+and took several ships of different sizes and different nations. In the
+spring of 1719, the pirates returned to Africa, and beginning at the
+river Gambia, sailed down the coast to Cape Corso, and captured several
+vessels. Some of them they pillaged, and allowed to proceed, some they
+fitted out for the pirate service, and others they burned.
+
+Leaving our pirate upon this coast, the Revenge and the Flying King, two
+other pirate vessels, sailed for the West Indies, where they took
+several prizes, and then cleared and sailed for Brazil. There they
+captured some Portuguese vessels; but a large Portuguese man-of-war
+coming up to them, proved an unwelcome guest. The Revenge escaped, but
+was soon lost upon that coast. The Flying King in despair run ashore.
+There were then seventy on board, twelve of whom were slain, and the
+remainder taken prisoners. The Portuguese hanged thirty-eight of them.
+
+Captain England, whilst cruising upon that coast, took the Peterborough
+of Bristol, and the Victory. The former they detained, the latter they
+plundered and dismissed. In the course of his voyage, England met with
+two ships, but these taking shelter under Cape Corso Castle, he
+unsuccessfully attempted to set them on fire. He next sailed down to
+Whydah road, where Captain La Bouche had been before England, and left
+him no spoil. He now went into the harbor, cleaned his own ship, and
+fitted up the Peterborough, which he called the Victory. During several
+weeks the pirates remained in this quarter, indulging in every species
+of riot and debauchery, until the natives, exasperated with their
+conduct, came to an open rupture, when several of the negroes were
+slain, and one of their towns set on fire by the pirates.
+
+Leaving that port, the pirates, when at sea, determined by vote to sail
+for the East Indies, and arrived at Madagascar. After watering and
+taking in some provisions they sailed for the coast of Malabar. This
+place is situated in the Mogul Empire, and is one of its most beautiful
+and fertile districts. It extends from the coast of Canora to Cape
+Comorin. The original natives are negroes; but a mingled race of
+Mahometans, who are generally merchants, have been introduced in modern
+times. Having sailed almost round the one half of the globe, literally
+seeking whom they might devour, our pirates arrived in this hitherto
+untried and prolific field for their operations.
+
+Not long after their settlement at Madagascar, they took a cruise, in
+which they captured two Indian vessels and a Dutchman. They exchanged
+the latter for one of their own, and directed their course again to
+Madagascar. Several of their hands were sent on shore with tents and
+ammunition, to kill such beasts and venison as the island afforded. They
+also formed the resolution to go in search of Avery's crew, which they
+knew had settled upon the island; but as their residence was upon the
+other side of the island, the loss of time and labour was the only fruit
+of their search.
+
+They tarried here but a very short time, then steered their course to
+Johanna, and coming out of that harbor, fell in with two English vessels
+and an Ostend ship, all Indiamen, which, after a most desperate action,
+they captured. The particulars of this extraordinary action are related
+in the following letter from Captain Mackra.
+
+"_Bombay, November 16th_, 1720.
+
+"We arrived on the 25th of July last, in company with the Greenwich, at
+Johanna, an island not far from Madagascar. Putting in there to refresh
+our men, we found fourteen pirates who came in their canoes from the
+Mayotta, where the pirate ship to which they belonged, viz. the Indian
+Queen, two hundred and fifty tons, twenty-eight guns, and ninety men,
+commanded by Captain Oliver de la Bouche, bound from the Guinea coast to
+the East Indies, had been bulged and lost. They said they left the
+captain and forty of their men building a new vessel, to proceed on
+their wicked designs. Captain Kirby and I concluding that it might be of
+great service to the East India Company to destroy such a nest of
+rogues, were ready to sail for that purpose on the 17th of August, about
+eight o'clock in the morning, when we discovered two pirates standing
+into the bay Johanna, one of thirty-four, and the other of thirty-six
+guns. I immediately went on board the Greenwich, where they seemed very
+diligent in preparation for an engagement, and I left Captain Kirby with
+mutual promises of standing by each other. I then unmoored, got under
+sail, and brought two boats a-head to row me close to the Greenwich; but
+he being open to a valley and a breeze, made the best of his way from
+me; which an Ostender in our company, of twenty-two guns, seeing, did
+the same, though the captain had promised heartily to engage with us,
+and I believe would have been as good as his word, if Captain Kirby had
+kept his. About half an hour after twelve, I called several times to the
+Greenwich to bear down to our assistance, and fired a shot at him, but
+to no purpose; for though we did not doubt but he would join us,
+because, when he got about a league from us he brought his ship to and
+looked on, yet both he and the Ostender basely deserted us, and left us
+engaged with barbarous and inhuman enemies, with their black and bloody
+flags hanging over us, without the least appearance of ever escaping,
+but to be cut to pieces. But God in his good providence determined
+otherwise; for, notwithstanding their superiority, we engaged them both
+about three hours; during which time the biggest of them received some
+shot betwixt wind and water, which made her keep off a little to stop
+her leaks. The other endeavored all she could to board us, by rowing
+with her oars, being within half a ship's length of us above an hour;
+but by good fortune we shot all her oars to pieces, which prevented
+them, and by consequence saved our lives.
+
+"About four o'clock most of the officers and men posted on the
+quarter-deck being killed and wounded, the largest ship making up to us
+with diligence, being still within a cable's length of us, often giving
+us a broadside; there being now no hopes of Captain Kirby's coming to
+our assistance, we endeavored to run a-shore; and though we drew four
+feet of water more than the pirate, it pleased God that he stuck fast on
+a higher ground than happily we fell in with; so was disappointed a
+second time from boarding us. Here we had a more violent engagement than
+before: all my officers and most of my men behaved with unexpected
+courage; and, as we had a considerable advantage by having a broadside
+to his bow, we did him great damage; so that had Captain Kirby come in
+then, I believe we should have taken both the vessels, for we had one of
+them sure; but the other pirate (who was still firing at us,) seeing the
+Greenwich did not offer to assist us, supplied his consort with three
+boats full of fresh men. About five in the evening the Greenwich stood
+clear away to sea, leaving us struggling hard for life, in the very jaws
+of death; which the other pirate that was afloat, seeing, got a warp
+out, and was hauling under our stern.
+
+"By this time many of my men being killed and wounded, and no hopes left
+us of escaping being all murdered by enraged barbarous conquerors, I
+ordered all that could to get into the long-boat, under the cover of the
+smoke of our guns; so that, with what some did in boats, and others by
+swimming, most of us that were able, got ashore by seven o'clock. When
+the pirates came aboard, they cut three of our wounded men to pieces. I
+with some of my people made what haste I could to King's-town,
+twenty-five miles from us, where I arrived next day, almost dead with
+the fatigue and loss of blood, having been sorely wounded in the head by
+a musket-ball.
+
+"At this town I heard that the pirates had offered ten thousand dollars
+to the country people to bring me in, which many of them would have
+accepted, only they knew the king and all his chief people were in my
+interest. Meantime, I caused a report to be spread that I was dead of my
+wounds, which much abated their fury. About ten days after, being pretty
+well recovered, and hoping the malice of our enemies was nigh over, I
+began to consider the dismal condition we were reduced to; being in a
+place where we had no hopes of getting a passage home, all of us in a
+manner naked, not having had time to bring with us either a shirt or a
+pair of shoes, except what we had on. Having obtained leave to go on
+board the pirates with a promise of safety, several of the chief of them
+knew me, and some of them had sailed with me, which I found to be of
+great advantage; because, notwithstanding their promise, some of them
+would have cut me to pieces, and all that would not enter with them, had
+it not been for their chief captain, Edward England, and some others
+whom I knew. They talked of burning one of their ships, which we had so
+entirely disabled as to be no farther useful to them, and to fit the
+Cassandra in her room; but in the end I managed the affair so well, that
+they made me a present of the said shattered ship, which was Dutch
+built, and called the Fancy; her burden was about three hundred tons. I
+procured also a hundred and twenty-nine bales of the Company's cloth,
+though they would not give me a rag of my own clothes.
+
+"They sailed the 3rd of September; and I, with jury-masts, and such old
+sails as they left me, made a shift to do the like on the 8th, together
+with forty-three of my ship's crew, including two passengers and twelve
+soldiers; having no more than five tuns of water aboard. After a passage
+of forty-eight days, I arrived here on the 26th of October, almost naked
+and starved, having been reduced to a pint of water a-day, and almost in
+despair of ever seeing land, by reason of the calms we met with between
+the coast of Arabia and Malabar.
+
+"We had in all thirteen men killed and twenty-four wounded; and we were
+told that we destroyed about ninety or a hundred of the pirates. When
+they left us, they were about three hundred whites, and eighty blacks,
+on both ships. I am persuaded, had our consort the Greenwich done his
+duty, we had destroyed both of them, and got two hundred thousand pounds
+for our owners and selves; whereas the loss of the Cassandra may justly
+be imputed to his deserting us. I have delivered all the bales that were
+given me into the Company's warehouse, for which the governor and
+council have ordered me a reward. Our governor, Mr. Boon, who is
+extremely kind and civil to me, had ordered me home with the packet; but
+Captain Harvey, who had a prior promise, being come in with the fleet,
+goes in my room. The governor had promised me a country voyage to help
+to make up my losses, and would have me stay and accompany him to
+England next year."
+
+Captain Mackra was certainly in imminent danger, in trusting himself and
+his men on board the pirate ship, and unquestionably nothing but the
+desperate circumstances in which he was placed could have justified so
+hazardous a step. The honor and influence of Captain England, however,
+protected him and his men from the fury of the crew, who would willingly
+have wreaked their vengeance upon them.
+
+It is pleasing to discover any instance of generosity or honor among
+such an abandoned race, who bid defiance to all the laws of honor, and,
+indeed, are regardless of all laws human and divine. Captain England was
+so steady to Captain Mackra, that he informed him, it would be with no
+small difficulty and address that he would be able to preserve him and
+his men from the fury of the crew, who were greatly enraged at the
+resistance which had been made. He likewise acquainted him, that his
+influence and authority among them was giving place to that of Captain
+Taylor, chiefly because the dispositions of the latter were more savage
+and brutal. They therefore consulted between them what was the best
+method to secure the favor of Taylor, and keep him in good humor. Mackra
+made the punch to flow in great abundance, and employed every artifice
+to soothe the mind of that ferocious villain.
+
+A single incident was also very favorable to the unfortunate captain. It
+happened that a pirate, with a prodigious pair of whiskers, a wooden
+leg, and stuck round with pistols, came blustering and swearing upon the
+quarter deck, inquiring "where was Captain Mackra." He naturally
+supposed that this barbarous-looking fellow would be his executioner;
+but, as he approached, he took the captain by the hand, swearing "that
+he was an honest fellow, and that he had formerly sailed with him, and
+would stand by him; and let him see the man that would touch him." This
+terminated the dispute, and Captain Taylor's disposition was so
+ameliorated with punch, that he consented that the old pirate ship, and
+so many bales of cloth, should be given to Mackra, and then sank into
+the arms of intoxication. England now pressed Mackra to hasten away,
+lest the ruffian, upon his becoming sober, should not only retract his
+word, but give liberty to the crew to cut him and his men to pieces.
+
+But the gentle temper of Captain England, and his generosity towards the
+unfortunate Mackra, proved the organ of much calamity to himself. The
+crew, in general, deeming the kind of usage which Mackra had received,
+inconsistent with piratical policy, they circulated a report, that he
+was coming against them with the Company's force. The result of these
+invidious reports was to deprive England of his command, and to excite
+these cruel villains to put him on shore, with three others, upon the
+island of Mauritius. If England and his small company had not been
+destitute of every necessary, they might have made a comfortable
+subsistence here, as the island abounds with deer, hogs, and other
+animals. Dissatisfied, however, with their solitary situation, Captain
+England and his three men exerted their industry and ingenuity, and
+formed a small boat, with which they sailed to Madagascar, where they
+subsisted upon the generosity of some more fortunate piratical
+companions.
+
+[Illustration: _Captain Mackra, and the Pirate with a wooden leg._]
+
+Captain Taylor detained some of the officers and men belonging to
+Captain Mackra, and having repaired their vessel, sailed for India. The
+day before they made land, they espied two ships to the eastward, and
+supposing them to be English, Captain Taylor ordered one of the officers
+of Mackra's ship to communicate to him the private signals between the
+Company's ships, swearing that if he did not do so immediately, he would
+cut him into pound pieces. But the poor man being unable to give the
+information demanded, was under the necessity of enduring their threats.
+Arrived at the vessels, they found that they were two Moorish ships,
+laden with horses. The pirates brought the captains and merchants on
+board, and tortured them in a barbarous manner, to constrain them to
+tell where they had hid their treasure. They were, however,
+disappointed; and the next morning they discovered land, and at the same
+time a fleet on shore plying to windward. In this situation they were at
+a considerable loss how to dispose of their prizes. To let them go would
+lead to their discovery, and thus defeat the design of their voyage; and
+it was a distressing matter to sink the men and the horses, though many
+of them were for adopting that measure. They, however, brought them to
+anchor, threw all the sails overboard, and cut one of the masts half
+through.
+
+While they lay at anchor, and were employed in taking in water, one of
+the above-mentioned fleet moved towards them with English colors, and
+was answered by the pirate with a red ensign; but they did not hail each
+other. At night they left the Muscat ships, and sailed after the fleet.
+About four next morning, the pirates were in the midst of the fleet, but
+seeing their vast superiority, were greatly at a loss what method to
+adopt. The Victory had become leaky, and their hands were so few in
+number, that it only remained for them to deceive, if possible, the
+English squadron. They were unsuccessful in gaining any thing out of
+that fleet, and had only the wretched satisfaction of burning a single
+galley. They however that day seized a galliot laden with cotton, and
+made inquiry of the men concerning the fleet. They protested that they
+had not seen a ship since they left Gogo, and earnestly implored their
+mercy; but, instead of treating them with lenity, they put them to the
+rack, in order to extort farther confession. The day following, a fresh
+easterly wind blew hard, and rent the galliot's sails; upon this the
+pirates put her company into a boat, with nothing but a try-sail, no
+provisions, and only four gallons of water, and, though they were out of
+sight of land, left them to shift for themselves.
+
+It may be proper to inform our readers, that one Angria, an Indian
+prince, of considerable territory and strength, had proved a troublesome
+enemy to Europeans, and particularly to the English. Calaba was his
+principal fort, situated not many leagues from Bombay, and he possessed
+an island in sight of the port, from whence he molested the Company's
+ships. His art in bribing the ministers of the Great Mogul, and the
+shallowness of the water, that prevented large ships of war from
+approaching, were the principal causes of his safety.
+
+The Bombay fleet, consisting of four grabs, the London and the Candois,
+and two other ships, with a galliot, having an additional thousand men
+on board for this enterprise, sailed to attack a fort belonging to
+Angria upon the Malabar coast. Though their strength was great, yet they
+were totally unsuccessful in their enterprise. It was this fleet
+returning home that our pirates discovered upon the present occasion.
+Upon the sight of the pirates, the commodore of the fleet intimated to
+Mr. Brown, the general, that as they had no orders to fight, and had
+gone upon a different purpose, it would be improper for them to engage.
+Informed of the loss of this favorable opportunity of destroying the
+robbers, the governor of Bombay was highly enraged, and giving the
+command of the fleet to Captain Mackra, ordered him to pursue and engage
+them wherever they should be found.
+
+The pirates having barbarously sent away the galliot with her men, they
+arrived southward, and between Goa and Carwar they heard several guns,
+so that they came to anchor, and sent their boat to reconnoitre, which
+returned next morning with the intelligence of two grabs, lying at
+anchor in the road. They accordingly weighed, ran towards the bay, and
+in the morning were discovered by the grabs, who had just time to run
+under India-Diva castle for protection. This was the more vexatious to
+the pirates, as they were without water; some of them, therefore, were
+for making a descent upon the island, but that measure not being
+generally approved, they sailed towards the south, and took a small
+ship, which had only a Dutchman and two Portuguese on board. They sent
+one of these on shore to the captain, to inform him that, if he would
+give them some water and fresh provisions, he might have his vessel
+returned. He replied that, if they would give him possession over the
+bar, he would comply with their request. But, suspecting the integrity
+of his design, they sailed for Lacca Deva islands, uttering dreadful
+imprecations against the captain.
+
+Disappointed in finding water at these islands, they sailed to Malinda
+island, and sent their boats on shore, to discover if there was any
+water, or if there were any inhabitants.. They returned with the
+information, that there was abundance of water, that the houses were
+only inhabited by women and children, the men having fled at the
+appearance of the ships. They accordingly hastened to supply themselves
+with water, used the defenceless women in a brutal manner, destroyed
+many of their fruit-trees, and set some of their houses on fire.
+
+While off the island, they lost several of their anchors by the
+rockiness of the ground; and one day, blowing more violently than usual,
+they were forced to take to sea, leaving several people and most of the
+water-casks; but when the gale was over, they returned to take in their
+men and water. Their provisions being nearly exhausted, they resolved to
+visit the Dutch at Cochin. After sailing three days, they arrived off
+Tellechery, and took a small vessel belonging to Governor Adams, and
+brought the master on board, very much intoxicated, who informed them of
+the expedition of Captain Mackra. This intelligence raised their utmost
+indignation. "A villain!" said they, "to whom we have given a ship and
+presents, to come against us! he ought to be hanged; and since we cannot
+show our resentment to him, let us hang the dogs his people, who wish
+him well, and would do the same, if they were clear." "If it be in my
+power," said the quarter-master, "both masters and officers of ships
+shall be carried with us for the future, only to plague them. Now,
+England, we mark him for this."
+
+They proceeded to Calicut, and attempting to cut out a ship, were
+prevented by some guns placed upon the shore. One of Captain Mackra's
+officers was under deck at this time, and was commanded both by the
+captain and the quarter-master to tend the braces on the booms, in hopes
+that a shot would take him before they got clear. He was about to have
+excused himself, but they threatened to shoot him; and when he
+expostulated, and claimed their promise to put him on shore, he received
+an unmerciful beating from the quarter-master; Captain Taylor, to whom
+that duty belonged, being lame in his hands.
+
+The day following they met a Dutch galliot, laden with limestone, bound
+for Calicut, on board of which they put one Captain Fawkes; and some of
+the crew interceding for Mackra's officer, Taylor and his party replied,
+"If we let this dog go, who has overheard our designs and resolutions,
+he will overset all our well-advised resolutions, and particularly this
+supply we are seeking for at the hands of the Dutch."
+
+When they arrived at Cochin, they sent a letter on shore by a
+fishing-boat, entered the road, and anchored, each ship saluting the
+fort with eleven guns, and receiving the same number in return. This was
+the token of their welcome reception, and at night a large boat was
+sent, deeply laden with liquors and all kinds of provisions, and in it a
+servant of John Trumpet, one of their friends, to inform them that it
+would be necessary for them to run farther south, where they would be
+supplied both with provisions and naval stores.
+
+They had scarcely anchored at the appointed place, when several canoes,
+with white and black inhabitants, came on board, and continued without
+interruption to perform all the good offices in their power during their
+stay in that place. In particular, John Trumpet brought a large boat of
+arrack, and sixty bales of sugar, as a present from the governor and his
+daughter; the former receiving in return a table-clock, and the other a
+gold watch, the spoil of Captain Mackra's vessel. When their provisions
+were all on board, Trumpet was rewarded with about six or seven thousand
+pounds, was saluted with three cheers, and eleven guns; and several
+handsfull of silver were thrown into the boat, for the men to gather at
+pleasure.
+
+There being little wind that night, they remained at anchor, and in the
+morning were surprised with the return of Trumpet, bringing another boat
+equally well stored with provisions, with chests of piece-goods and
+ready-made clothes, and along with him the fiscal of the place. At noon
+they espied a sail towards the south, and immediately gave chase, but
+she outsailed them, and sheltered under the fort of Cochin. Informed
+that they would not be molested in taking her from under the castle,
+they sailed towards her, but upon the fort firing two guns, they ran
+off for fear of more serious altercation, and returning, anchored in
+their former station. They were too welcome visitants to be permitted to
+depart, so long as John Trumpet could contrive to detain them. With this
+view he informed them, that in a few days a rich vessel, commanded by
+the Governor of Bombay's brother, was to pass that way.
+
+That government is certainly in a wretched state, which is under the
+necessity of trading with pirates, in order to enrich itself; nor will
+such a government hesitate by what means an injury can be repaired, or a
+fortune gained. Neither can language describe the low and base
+principles of a government which could employ such a miscreant as John
+Trumpet in its service. He was a tool in the hands of the government of
+Cochin; and, as the dog said in the fable, "What is done by the master's
+orders, is the master's action;" or, as the same sentiment is, perhaps,
+better expressed in the legal axiom; "Qui facit per alium facit per se."
+
+While under the direction of Trumpet, some proposed to proceed directly
+to Madagascar, but others were disposed to wait until they should be
+provided with a store ship. The majority being of the latter opinion,
+they steered to the south, and seeing a ship on shore were desirous to
+get near her, but the wind preventing, they separated, the one sailing
+northward and the other southward, in hopes of securing her when she
+should come out, whatever direction she might take. They were now,
+however, almost entrapped in the snare laid for them. In the morning, to
+their astonishment and consternation, instead of being called to give
+chase, five large ships were near, which made a signal for the pirates
+to bear down. The pirates were in the greatest dread lest it should be
+Captain Mackra, of whose activity and courage they had formerly
+sufficient proof. The pirate ships, however, joined and fled with all
+speed from the fleet. In three hours' chase none of the fleet gained
+upon them, except one grab. The remainder of the day was calm, and, to
+their great consolation, the next day this dreaded fleet was entirely
+out of sight.
+
+Their alarm being over, they resolved to spend the Christmas in feasting
+and mirth, in order to drown care, and to banish thought. Nor did one
+day suffice, but they continued their revelling for several days, and
+made so free with their fresh provisions, that in their next cruise they
+were put upon short allowance; and it was entirely owing to the sugar
+and other provisions that were in the leaky ship that they were
+preserved from absolute starvation.
+
+In this condition they reached the island of Mauritius, refitted the
+Victory, and left that place with the following inscription written upon
+one of the walls: "Left this place on the 5th of April, to go to
+Madagascar for Limos." This they did lest any visit should be paid to
+the place during their absence. They, however, did not sail directly for
+Madagascar, but the island of Mascarius, where they fortunately fell in
+with a Portuguese of seventy guns, lying at anchor. The greater part of
+her guns had been thrown overboard, her masts lost, and the whole vessel
+disabled by a storm; she therefore, became an easy prey to the pirates.
+Conde de Ericeira, Viceroy of Goa, who went upon the fruitless
+expedition against Angria the Indian, and several passengers, were on
+board. Besides other valuable articles and specie, they found in her
+diamonds to the amount of four millions of dollars. Supposing that the
+ship was an Englishman, the Viceroy came on board next morning, was made
+prisoner, and obliged to pay two thousand dollars as a ransom for
+himself and the other prisoners. After this he was sent ashore, with an
+express engagement to leave a ship to convey him and his companions to
+another port.
+
+Meanwhile, the pirates received intelligence that a vessel was to the
+leeward of the island, which they pursued and captured. But instead of
+performing their promise to the Viceroy, which they could easily have
+done, they sent the Ostender along with some of their men to Madagascar,
+to inform their friends of their success, with instructions to prepare
+masts for the prize; and they soon followed, carrying two thousand
+negroes in the Portuguese vessel.
+
+Madagascar is an island larger than Great Britain, situated upon the
+eastern coast of Africa, abounding with all sorts of provisions, such as
+oxen, goats, sheep, poultry, fish, citrons, oranges, tamarinds, dates,
+cocoa-nuts, bananas, wax, honey, rice, cotton, indigo, and all other
+fruits common in that quarter of the globe; ebony of which lances are
+made, gums of several kinds, and many other valuable productions. Here,
+in St. Augustine's bay, the ships sometimes stop to take in water, when
+they make the inner passage to India, and do not intend to stop at
+Johanna.
+
+When the Portuguese ship arrived there, they received intelligence that
+the Ostender had taken advantage of an hour when the men were
+intoxicated, had risen upon them, and carried the ship to Mozambique,
+from whence the governor ordered her to Goa.
+
+The pirates now divided their plunder, receiving forty-two diamonds per
+man, or in smaller proportion according to their magnitude. A foolish
+jocular fellow, who had received a large diamond of the value of
+forty-two, was highly displeased, and so went and broke it in pieces,
+exclaiming, that he had many more shares than either of them. Some,
+contended with their treasure, and unwilling to run the risk of losing
+what they possessed, and perhaps their lives also, resolved to remain
+with their friends at Madagascar, under the stipulation that the longest
+livers should enjoy all the booty. The number of adventurers being now
+lessened, they burned the Viceroy, cleaned the Cassandra, and the
+remainder went on board her under the command of Taylor, whom we must
+leave for a little while, in order to give an account of the squadron
+which arrived in India in 1721.
+
+When the commodore arrived at the Cape, he received a letter that had
+been written by the Governor of Pondicherry to the Governor of Madras,
+informing him that the pirates were strong in the Indian seas; that they
+had eleven sail, and fifteen hundred men; but adding, that many of them
+retired about that time to Brazil and Guinea, while others fortified
+themselves at Madagascar, Mauritius, Johanna, and Mohilla; and that a
+crew under the command of Condin, in a ship called the Dragon, had
+captured a vessel with thirteen lacks of rupees on board, and having
+divided their plunder, had taken up their residence with their friends
+at Madagascar.
+
+Upon receiving this intelligence, Commodore Matthews sailed for these
+islands, as the most probable place of success. He endeavored to prevail
+on England, at St. Mary's, to communicate to him what information he
+could give respecting the pirates; but England declined, thinking that
+this would be almost to surrender at discretion. He then took up the
+guns of the Jubilee sloop that were on board, and the men-of-war made
+several cruises in search of the pirates, but to no purpose. The
+squadron was then sent down to Bombay, was saluted by the fort, and
+after these exploits returned home.
+
+The pirate, Captain Taylor, in the Cassandra, now fitted up the
+Portuguese man-of-war, and resolved upon another voyage to the Indies;
+but, informed that four men-of-war had been sent after the pirates in
+that quarter, he changed his determination, and sailed for Africa.
+Arrived there, they put in a place near the river Spirito Sancto, on the
+coast of Monomotapa. As there was no correspondence by land, nor any
+trade carried on by sea to this place, they thought that it would afford
+a safe retreat. To their astonishment, however, when they approached the
+shore, it being in the dusk of the evening, they were accosted by
+several shot. They immediately anchored, and in the morning saw that
+the shot had come from a small fort of six guns, which they attacked and
+destroyed.
+
+This small fort was erected by the Dutch East India Company a few weeks
+before, and committed to the care of 150 men, the one half of whom had
+perished by sickness or other causes. Upon their petition, sixteen of
+these were admitted into the society of the pirates; and the rest would
+also have been received, had they not been Dutchmen, to whom they had a
+rooted aversion.
+
+In this place they continued during four months, refitting their
+vessels, and amusing themselves with all manner of diversions, until the
+scarcity of their provisions awakened them to industry and exertion.
+They, however, left several parcels of goods to the starving Dutchmen,
+which Mynheer joyfully exchanged for provisions with the next vessel
+that touched at that fort.
+
+Leaving that place, they were divided in opinion what course to steer;
+some went on board the Portuguese prize, and, sailing for Madagascar,
+abandoned the pirate life; and others going on board the Cassandra,
+sailed for the Spanish West Indies. The Mermaid man-of-war, returning
+from a convoy, got near the pirates, and would have attacked them, but a
+consultation being held, it was deemed inexpedient, and thus the pirates
+escaped. A sloop was, however, dispatched to Jamaica with the
+intelligence, and the Lancaster was sent after them; but they were some
+days too late, the pirates having, with all their riches, surrendered to
+the Governor of Portobello.
+
+
+
+
+ACCOUNT OF THE LYNN PIRATES
+
+
+_And Thomas Veal, who was buried in his cave by the Great Earthquake_.
+
+In the year 1658 there was a great earthquake in New-England. Some time
+previous, on one pleasant evening, a little after sunset, a small vessel
+was seen to anchor near the mouth of Saugus river. A boat was presently
+lowered from her side, into which four men descended, and moved up the
+river a considerable distance, when they landed, and proceeded directly
+into the woods. They had been noticed by only a few individuals; but in
+those early times, when the people were surrounded by danger, and easily
+susceptible of alarm, such an incident was well calculated to awaken
+suspicion, and in the course of the evening the intelligence was
+conveyed to many houses. In the morning, the people naturally directed
+their eyes toward the shore, in search of the strange vessel--but she
+was gone, and no trace could be found either of her or her singular
+crew. It was afterwards ascertained that, on the morning one of the men
+at the Iron Works, on going into the foundry, discovered a paper, on
+which was written, that if a quantity of shackles, handcuffs, hatchets,
+and other articles of iron manufacture, were made and deposited, with
+secrecy, in a certain place in the woods, which was particularly
+designated, an amount of silver, to their full value, would be found in
+their place. The articles were made in a few days, and placed in
+conformity with the directions. On the next morning they were gone, and
+the money was found according to the promise; but though a watch had
+been kept, no vessel was seen. Some months afterwards, the four men
+returned, and selected one of the most secluded and romantic spots in
+the woods of Saugus, for their abode. The place of their retreat was a
+deep narrow valley, shut in on two sides by craggy, precipitous rocks,
+and shrouded on the others by thick pines, hemlocks and cedars, between
+which there was only one small spot, to which the rays of the sun at
+noon could penetrate. On climbing up the rude and almost perpendicular
+steps of the rock on either side, the eye could command a full view of
+the bay on the south, and a prospect of a considerable portion of the
+surrounding country. The place of their retreat has ever since been
+called the Pirates' Glen, and they could not have selected a spot on the
+coast for many miles, more favorable for the purposes both of
+concealment and observation. Even at this day, when the neighborhood has
+become thickly peopled, it is still a lonely and desolate place, and
+probably not one in a hundred of the inhabitants has ever descended into
+its silent and gloomy recess. There the pirates built a small hut, made
+a garden, and dug a well, the appearance of which is still visible. It
+has been supposed that they buried money; but though people have dug
+there, and in many other places, none has ever been found. After
+residing there some time, their retreat became known, and one of the
+king's cruizers appeared on the coast. They were traced to their glen,
+and three of them were taken, and carried to England, where it is
+probable they were executed. The other, whose name was Thomas Veal,
+escaped to a rock in the woods, about two miles to the north, in which
+was a spacious cavern, where the pirates had previously deposited some
+of their plunder. There the fugitive fixed his residence, and practised
+the trade of a shoemaker, occasionally coming down to the village to
+obtain articles of sustenance. He continued his residence till the great
+earthquake in 1658, when the top of the rock was loosened, and crushed
+down into the mouth of the cavern, enclosing the unfortunate inmate in
+its unyielding prison. It has ever since been called the Pirate's
+Dungeon. A part of the cavern is still open, and is much visited by the
+curious.
+
+This rock is situated on a lofty range of thickly wooded hills, and
+commands an extensive view of the ocean, for fifty miles both north and
+south. A view from the top of it, at once convinces the beholder that it
+would be impossible to select a place more convenient for the haunt of a
+gang of pirates; as all vessels bound in and out of the harbors of
+Boston, Salem, and the adjacent ports, can be distinctly seen from its
+summit. Saugus river meanders among the hills a short distance to the
+south, and its numerous creeks which extend among thick bushes, would
+afford good places to secrete boats, until such time as the pirates
+descried a sail, when they could instantly row down the river, attack
+and plunder them, and with their booty return to the cavern. This was
+evidently their mode of procedure. On an open space in front of the rock
+are still to be seen distinct traces of a small garden spot, and in the
+corner is a small well, full of stones and rubbish; the foundation of
+the wall round the garden remains, and shows that the spot was of a
+triangular shape, and was well selected for the cultivation of potatoes
+and common vegetables. The aperture in the rock is only about five feet
+in height, and extends only fifteen feet into the rock. The needle is
+strongly attracted around this, either by the presence of magnetic iron
+ore or some metallic substance buried in the interior.
+
+The Pirates' Glen, which is some distance from this, is one of Nature's
+wildest and most picturesque spots, and the cellar of the pirate's hut
+remains to the present time, as does a clear space, which was evidently
+cultivated at some remote period.
+
+[Illustration: _The Dungeon Rock and Pirate's Cave, at Lynn, Mass._]
+
+
+
+
+HISTORY OF THE LADRONE PIRATES
+
+
+_And their Depredations on the Coast of China: with an Account of the
+Enterprises and Victories of Mistress Ching, a Female Pirate_.
+
+The Ladrones as they were christened by the Portuguese at Macao, were
+originally a disaffected set of Chinese, that revolted against the
+oppression of the Mandarins. The first scene of their depredations was
+the Western coast, about Cochin China, where they began by attacking
+small trading vessels in row boats, carrying from thirty to forty men
+each. They continued this system of piracy, and thrived and increased in
+numbers under it, for several years. At length the fame of their
+success, and the oppression and horrid poverty and want that many of the
+lower orders of Chinese labored under, had the effect of augmenting
+their bands with astonishing rapidity. Fishermen and other destitute
+classes flocked by hundreds to their standard, and their audacity
+growing with their numbers, they not merely swept the coast, but
+blockaded all the rivers and attacked and took several large government
+war junks, mounting from ten to fifteen guns each.--These junks being
+added to their shoals of boats, the pirates formed a tremendous fleet,
+which was always along shore, so that no small vessel could safely trade
+on the coast. When they lacked prey on the sea, they laid the land under
+tribute. They were at first accustomed to go on shore and attack the
+maritime villages, but becoming bolder, like the Buccaneers, made long
+inland journeys, and surprised and plundered even large towns.
+
+An energetic attempt made by the Chinese government to destroy them,
+only increased their strength; for in their first encounter with the
+pirates, twenty-eight of the Imperial junks struck, and the remaining
+twelve saved themselves, by a precipitate retreat.
+
+The captured junks, fully equipped for war, were a great acquisition to
+the robbers, whose numbers now increased more rapidly than ever. They
+were in their plenitude of power in the year 1809, when Mr. Glasspoole
+had the misfortune to fall into their hands, at which time that
+gentleman supposed their force to consist of 70,000 men, navigating
+eight hundred large vessels, and one thousand small ones, including row
+boats. They were divided into six large squadrons, under different
+flags;--the red, the yellow, the green, the blue, the black and the
+white. "These wasps of the Ocean," as a Chinese historian calls them,
+were further distinguished by the names of their respective commanders:
+by these commanders a certain _Ching-yih_ had been the most
+distinguished by his valor and conduct. By degrees, Ching obtained
+almost a supremacy of command over the whole united fleet; and so
+confident was this robber in his strength and daily augmenting means,
+that he aspired to the dignity of a king, and went so far as openly to
+declare his patriotic intention of hurling the present Tartar family
+from the throne of China, and of restoring the ancient Chinese dynasty.
+But unfortunately for the ambitious pirate, he perished in a heavy gale,
+and instead of placing a sovereign on the Chinese throne, he and his
+lofty aspirations were buried in the yellow sea. And now comes the most
+remarkable passage in the history of these pirates--remarkable with any
+class of men, but doubly so among the Chinese, who entertain more than
+the general oriental opinion of the inferiority of the fair sex. On the
+death of _Ching-yih,_ his legitimate wife had sufficient influence over
+the freebooters to induce them to recognize her authority in the place
+of her deceased husband's, and she appointed one _Paou_ as her
+lieutenant and prime minister, and provided that she should be
+considered the mistress or commander-in-chief of the united squadrons.
+
+This _Paou_ had been a poor fisher-boy, picked up with his father at
+sea, while fishing, by _Ching-yih,_ whose good will and favor he had the
+fortune to captivate, and by whom, before that pirate's death, he had
+been made a captain. Instead of declining under the rule of a woman, the
+pirates became more enterprising than ever. Ching's widow was clever as
+well as brave, and so was her lieutenant Paou. Between them they drew up
+a code of law for the better regulation of the freebooters.
+
+In this it was decreed, that if any man went privately on shore, or did
+what they called "transgressing the bars," he should have his ears slit
+in the presence of the whole fleet; a repetition of the same unlawful
+act, was death! No one article, however trifling in value, was to be
+privately subtracted from the booty or plundered goods. Every thing they
+took was regularly entered on the register of their stores. The
+following clause of Mistress _Ching's_ code is still more delicate. No
+person shall debauch at his pleasure captive women, taken in the
+villages and open places, and brought on board a ship; he must first
+request the ship's purser for permission, and then go aside in the
+ship's hold. To use violence, against any woman, or to wed her, without
+permission, shall be punished with death.
+
+By these means an admirable discipline was maintained on board the
+ships, and the peasantry on shore never let the pirates want for
+gunpowder, provisions, or any other necessary. On a piratical
+expedition, either to advance or retreat without orders, was a capital
+offence. Under these philosophical institutions, and the guidance of a
+woman, the robbers continued to scour the China sea, plundering every
+vessel they came near. The Great War Mandarin, Kwolang-lin sailed from
+the Bocca Tigris into the sea to fight the pirates. Paou gave him a
+tremendous drubbing, and gained a splendid victory. In this battle which
+lasted from morning to night, the Mandarin Kwolang-lin, a desperate
+fellow himself, levelled a gun at Paou, who fell on the deck as the
+piece went off; his disheartened crew concluded it was all over with
+him. But Paou was quick eyed. He had seen the unfriendly intention of
+the mandarin, and thrown himself down. The Great Mandarin was soon after
+taken with fifteen junks; three were sunk. The pirate lieutenant would
+have dealt mercifully with him, but the fierce old man suddenly seized
+him by the hair on the crown of his head, and grinned at him, so that he
+might provoke him to slay him. But even then Paou spoke kindly to him.
+Upon this he committed suicide, being seventy years of age.
+
+After several victories and reverses, the Chinese historian says our
+men-of-war escorting some merchant ships, happened to meet the pirate
+chief nicknamed "The Jewel of the Crew" cruising at sea. The traders
+became exceedingly frightened, but our commander said,--This not being
+the flag of the widow Ching-yih, we are a match for them, therefore we
+will attack and conquer them. Then ensued a battle; they attacked each
+other with guns and stones, and many people were killed and wounded. The
+fighting ceased towards evening, and began again next morning. The
+pirates and the men-of-war were very close to each other, and they
+boasted mutually about their strength and valor. The traders remained at
+some distance; they saw the pirates mixing gunpowder in their
+beverage,--they looked instantly red about the face and the eyes, and
+then fought desperately. This fighting continued three days and nights
+incessantly; at last, becoming tired on both sides, they separated.
+
+To understand this inglorious bulletin, the reader must remember that
+many of the combatants only handled bows and arrows, and pelted stones,
+and that Chinese powder and guns are both exceedingly bad. The pathos
+of the conclusion does somewhat remind one of the Irishman's despatch
+during the American war,--"It was a bloody battle while it lasted; and
+the searjent of marines lost his cartouche box."
+
+The Admiral Ting River was sent to sea against them. This man was
+surprised at anchor by the ever vigilant Paou, to whom many fishermen
+and other people on the coast, must have acted as friendly spies. Seeing
+escape impossible, and that his officers stood pale and inactive by the
+flag-staff, the Admiral conjured them, by their fathers and mothers,
+their wives and children, and by the hopes of brilliant reward if they
+succeeded, and of vengeance if they perished, to do their duty, and the
+combat began. The Admiral had the good fortune, at the onset, of killing
+with one of his great guns the pirate captain, "The Jewel of the Crew."
+But the robbers swarmed thicker and thicker around him, and when the
+dreaded Paou lay him by the board, without help or hope, the Mandarin
+killed himself. An immense number of his men perished in the sea, and
+twenty-five vessels were lost. After his defeat, it was resolved by the
+Chinese Government to cut off all their supplies of food, and starve
+them out. All vessels that were in port were ordered to remain there,
+and those at sea, or on the coast ordered to return with all speed. But
+the pirates, full of confidence, now resolved to attack the harbors
+themselves, and to ascend the rivers, which are navigable for many miles
+up the country, and rob the villages. The consternation was great when
+the Chinese saw them venturing above the government forts.
+
+The pirates separated: Mistress Ching plundering in one place, Paou in
+another, and O-po-tae in another, &c.
+
+It was at this time that Mr. Glasspoole had the ill fortune to fall into
+their power. This gentlemen, then an officer in the East India Company's
+ship the Marquis of Ely, which was anchored under an island about twelve
+miles from Macao, was ordered to proceed to the latter place with a
+boat to procure a pilot. He left the ship in one of the cutters, with
+seven British seamen well armed, on the 17th September, 1809. He reached
+Macao in safety, and having done his business there and procured a
+pilot, returned towards the ship the following day. But, unfortunately,
+the ship had weighed anchor and was under sail, and in consequence of
+squally weather, accompanied with thick fogs, the boat could not reach
+her, and Mr. Glasspoole and his men and the pilot were left at sea, in
+an open boat. "Our situation," says that gentleman, "was truly
+distressing--night closing fast, with a threatening appearance, blowing
+fresh, with a hard rain and a heavy sea; our boat very leaky, without a
+compass, anchor, or provisions, and drifting fast on a lee-shore,
+surrounded with dangerous rocks, and inhabited by the most barbarous
+pirates."
+
+After suffering dreadfully for three whole days, Mr. Glasspoole, by the
+advice of the pilot, made for a narrow channel, where he presently
+discovered three large boats at anchor, which, on seeing the English
+boat, weighed and made sail towards it. The pilot told Mr. Glasspoole
+they were Ladrones, and that if they captured the boat, they would
+certainly put them all to death! After rowing tremendously for six hours
+they escaped these boats, but on the following morning falling in with a
+large fleet of the pirates, which the English mistook for fishing-boats,
+they were captured.
+
+"About twenty savage-looking villains," says Mr. Glasspoole, "who were
+stowed at the bottom of the boat, leaped on board us. They were armed
+with a short sword in either hand, one of which they layed upon our
+necks, and pointed the other to our breasts, keeping their eyes fixed on
+their officer, waiting his signal to cut or desist. Seeing we were
+incapable of making any resistance, the officer sheathed his sword, and
+the others immediately followed his example. They then dragged us into
+their boat, and carried us on board one of their junks, with the most
+savage demonstrations of joy, and, as we supposed, to torture and put us
+to a cruel death."
+
+When on board the junk they rifled the Englishmen, and brought heavy
+chains to chain them to the deck.
+
+"At this time a boat came, and took me, with one of my men and an
+interpreter, on board the chief's vessel. I was then taken before the
+chief. He was seated on deck, in a large chair, dressed in purple silk,
+with a black turban on. He appeared to be about thirty years of age, a
+stout commanding-looking man. He took me by the coat, and drew me close
+to him; then questioned the interpreter very strictly, asking who we
+were, and what was our business in that part of the country. I told him
+to say we were Englishmen in distress, having been four days at sea
+without provisions. This he would not credit, but said we were bad men,
+and that he would put us all to death; and then ordered some men to put
+the interpreter to the torture until he confessed the truth. Upon this
+occasion, a Ladrone, who had been once to England and spoke a few words
+of English, came to the chief, and told him we were really Englishmen,
+and that we had plenty of money, adding that the buttons on my coat were
+gold. The chief then ordered us some coarse brown rice, of which we made
+a tolerable meal, having eaten nothing for nearly four days, except a
+few green oranges. During our repast, a number of Ladrones crowded round
+us, examining our clothes and hair, and giving us every possible
+annoyance. Several of them brought swords, and laid them on our necks,
+making signs that they would soon take us on shore, and cut us in
+pieces, which I am sorry to say was the fate of some hundreds during my
+captivity. I was now summoned before the chief, who had been conversing
+with the interpreter: he said I must write to my captain, and tell him,
+if he did not send an hundred thousand dollars for our ransom, in ten
+days he would put us all to death."
+
+After vainly expostulating to lessen the ransom, Mr. Glasspoole wrote
+the letter, and a small boat came alongside and took it to Macao.
+
+Early in the night the fleet sailed, and anchored about one o'clock the
+following day in a bay under the island of Lantow, where the head
+admiral of Ladrones (our acquaintance Paou) was lying at anchor, with
+about two hundred vessels and a Portuguese brig they had captured a few
+days before, and the captain and part of the crew of which they had
+murdered. Early the next morning, a fishing-boat came to inquire if they
+had captured an European boat; they came to the vessel the English were
+in.
+
+"One of the boatmen spoke a few words of English, and told me he had a
+Ladrone-pass, and was sent by our captain in search of us; I was rather
+surprised to find he had no letter. He appeared to be well acquainted
+with the chief, and remained in his cabin smoking opium, and playing
+cards all the day. In the evening I was summoned with the interpreter
+before the chief. He questioned us in a much milder tone, saying, he now
+believed we were Englishmen, a people he wished to be friendly with; and
+that if our captain would lend him seventy thousand dollars till he
+returned from his cruise up the river, he would repay him, and send us
+all to Macao. I assured him it was useless writing on these terms, and
+unless our ransom was speedily settled, the English fleet would sail,
+and render our enlargement altogether ineffectual. He remained
+determined, and said if it were not sent, he would keep us, and make us
+fight, or put us to death. I accordingly wrote, and gave my letter to
+the man belonging to the boat before mentioned. He said he could not
+return with an answer in less than five days. The chief now gave me the
+letter I wrote when first taken. I have never been able to ascertain his
+reasons for detaining it, but suppose he dared not negociate for our
+ransom without orders from the head admiral, who I understood was sorry
+at our being captured. He said the English ships would join the
+Mandarins and attack them."
+
+While the fleet lay here, one night the Portuguese who were left in the
+captured brig murdered the Ladrones that were on board of her, cut the
+cables, and fortunately escaped through the darkness of the night.
+
+"At day-light the next morning, the fleet, amounting to above five
+hundred sail of different sizes, weighed, to proceed on their intended
+cruise up the rivers, to levy contributions on the towns and villages.
+It is impossible to describe what were my feelings at this critical
+time, having received no answers to my letters, and the fleet under-way
+to sail--hundreds of miles up a country never visited by Europeans,
+there to remain probably for many months, which would render all
+opportunities for negotiating for our enlargement totally ineffectual;
+as the only method of communication is by boats that have a pass from
+the Ladrones, and they dare not venture above twenty miles from Macao,
+being obliged to come and go in the night, to avoid the Mandarins; and
+if these boats should be detected in having any intercourse with the
+Ladrones, they are immediately put to death, and all their relations,
+though they had not joined in the crime, share in the punishment, in
+order that not a single person of their families should be left to
+imitate their crimes or avenge their death."
+
+The following is a very touching incident in Mr. Glasspoole's narrative.
+
+"Wednesday the 26th of September, at day-light, we passed in sight of
+our own ships, at anchor under the island of Chun Po. The chief then
+called me, pointed to the ships, and told the interpreter to tell us to
+look at them, for we should never see them again! About noon we entered
+a river to the westward of the Bogue. Three or four miles from the
+entrance we passed a large town situated on the side of a beautiful
+hill, which is tributary to the Ladrones; the inhabitants saluted them
+with songs as they passed."
+
+After committing numerous minor robberies, "The Ladrones now prepared to
+attack a town with a formidable force, collected in row-boats from the
+different vessels. They sent a messenger to the town, demanding a
+tribute of ten thousand dollars annually, saying, if these terms were
+not complied with, they would land, destroy the town, and murder all the
+inhabitants: which they would certainly have done, had the town laid in
+a more advantageous situation for their purpose; but being placed out of
+the reach of their shot, they allowed them to come to terms. The
+inhabitants agreed to pay six thousand dollars, which they were to
+collect by the time of our return down the river. This finesse had the
+desired effect, for during our absence they mounted a few guns on a
+hill, which commanded the passage, and gave us in lieu of the dollars, a
+warm salute on our return.
+
+"October the 1st, the fleet weighed in the night, dropped by the tide up
+the river, and anchored very quietly before a town surrounded by a thick
+wood. Early in the morning the Ladrones assembled in row-boats, and
+landed; then gave a shout, and rushed into the town, sword in hand. The
+inhabitants fled to the adjacent hills, in numbers apparently superior
+to the Ladrones. We may easily imagine to ourselves the horror with
+which these miserable people must be seized, on being obliged to leave
+their homes, and everything dear to them. It was a most melancholy sight
+to see women in tears, clasping their infants in their arms, and
+imploring mercy for them from those brutal robbers! The old and the
+sick, who were unable to fly, or make resistance, were either made
+prisoners or most inhumanly butchered! The boats continued passing and
+repassing from the junks to the shore, in quick succession, laden with
+booty, and the men besmeared with blood! Two hundred and fifty women
+and several children, were made prisoners, and sent on board different
+vessels. They were unable to escape with the men, owing to that
+abominable practice of cramping their feet; several of them were not
+able to move without assistance. In fact, they might all be said to
+totter, rather than walk. Twenty of these poor women were sent on board
+the vessel I was in; they were hauled on board by the hair, and treated
+in a most savage manner. When the chief came on board, he questioned
+them respecting the circumstances of their friends, and demanded ransoms
+accordingly, from six thousand to six hundred dollars each. He ordered
+them a berth on deck, at the after part of the vessel, where they had
+nothing to shelter them from the weather, which at this time was very
+variable--the days excessively hot, and the nights cold, with heavy
+rains. The town being plundered of everything valuable, it was set on
+fire, and reduced to ashes by the morning. The fleet remained here three
+days, negotiating for the ransom of the prisoners, and plundering the
+fish-tanks and gardens. During all this time, the Chinese never ventured
+from the hills, though there were frequently not more than a hundred
+Ladrones on shore at a time, and I am sure the people on the hills
+exceeded ten times that number.
+
+"On the 10th we formed a junction with the Black-squadron, and proceeded
+many miles up a wide and beautiful river, passing several ruins of
+villages that had been destroyed by the Black-squadron. On the 17th, the
+fleet anchored abreast four mud batteries, which defended a town, so
+entirely surrounded with wood, that it was impossible to form any idea
+of its size. The weather was very hazy, with hard squalls of rain. The
+Ladrones remained perfectly quiet for two days. On the third day the
+forts commenced a brisk fire for several hours: the Ladrones did not
+return a single shot, but weighed in the night and dropped down the
+river. The reasons they gave for not attacking the town, or returning
+the fire, were, that Joss had not promised them success. They are very
+superstitious, and consult their idol on all occasions. If his omens are
+good, they will undertake the most daring enterprises. The fleet now
+anchored opposite the ruins of the town where the women had been made
+prisoners. Here we remained five or six days, during which time about an
+hundred of the women were ransomed; the remainder were offered for sale
+amongst the Ladrones, for forty dollars each. The woman is considered
+the lawful wife of the purchaser, who would be put to death if he
+discarded her. Several of them leaped overboard and drowned themselves,
+rather than submit to such infamous degradation.
+
+"Mei-ying, the wife of Ke-choo-yang, was very beautiful, and a pirate
+being about to seize her by the head, she abused him exceedingly. The
+pirate bound her to the yard-arm; but on abusing him yet more, the
+pirate dragged her down and broke two of her teeth, which filled her
+mouth and jaws with blood. The pirate sprang up again to bind her. Ying
+allowed him to approach, but as soon as he came near her, she laid hold
+of his garments with her bleeding mouth, and threw both him and herself
+into the river, where they were drowned. The remaining captives of both
+sexes were after some months liberated, on having paid a ransom of
+fifteen thousand leang or ounces of silver.
+
+"The fleet then weighed," continues Mr. Glasspoole, "and made sail down
+the river, to receive the ransom from the town before-mentioned. As we
+passed the hill, they fired several shot at us, but without effect. The
+Ladrones were much exasperated, and determined to revenge themselves;
+they dropped out of reach of their shot, and anchored. Every junk sent
+about a hundred men each on shore, to cut paddy, and destroy their
+orange-groves, which was most effectually performed for several miles
+down the river. During our stay here, they received information of nine
+boats lying up a creek, laden with paddy; boats were immediately
+despatched after them. Next morning these boats were brought to the
+fleet; ten or twelve men were taken in them. As these had made no
+resistance, the chief said he would allow them to become Ladrones, if
+they agreed to take the usual oaths before Joss. Three or four of them
+refused to comply, for which they were punished in the following cruel
+manner: their hands were tied behind their backs, a rope from the
+masthead rove through their arms, and hoisted three or four feet from
+the deck, and five or six men flogged them with their rattans twisted
+together till they were apparently dead; then hoisted them up to the
+mast-head, and left them hanging nearly an hour, then lowered them down,
+and repeated the punishment, till they died or complied with the oath.
+
+"On the 28th of October, I received a letter from Captain Kay, brought by
+a fisherman, who had told him he would get us all back for three
+thousand dollars. He advised me to offer three thousand, and if not
+accepted, extend it to four; but not farther, as it was bad policy to
+offer much at first: at the same time assuring me we should be
+liberated, let the ransom be what it would. I offered the chief the
+three thousand, which he disdainfully refused, saying he was not to be
+played with; and unless they sent ten thousand dollars, and two large
+guns, with several casks of gunpowder, he would soon put us to death. I
+wrote to Captain Kay, and informed him of the chief's determination,
+requesting, if an opportunity offered, to send us a shift of clothes,
+for which it may be easily imagined we were much distressed, having been
+seven weeks without a shift; although constantly exposed to the weather,
+and of course frequently wet.
+
+"On the first of November, the fleet sailed up a narrow river, and
+anchored at night within two miles of a town called Little Whampoa. In
+front of it was a small fort, and several Mandarin vessels lying in the
+harbor. The chief sent the interpreter to me, saying, I must order my
+men to make cartridges and clean their muskets, ready to go on shore in
+the morning. I assured the interpreter I should give the men no such
+orders, that they must please themselves. Soon after the chief came on
+board, threatening to put us all to a cruel death if we refused to obey
+his orders. For my own part I remained determined, and advised the men
+not to comply, as I thought by making ourselves useful we should be
+accounted too valuable. A few hours afterwards he sent to me again,
+saying, that if myself and the quarter-master would assist them at the
+great guns, that if also the rest of the men went on shore and succeeded
+in taking the place, he would then take the money offered for our
+ransom, and give them twenty dollars for every Chinaman's head they cut
+off. To these proposals we cheerfully acceded, in hopes of facilitating
+our deliverance.
+
+"The Mandarin vessels continued firing, having blocked up the entrance of
+the harbor to prevent the Ladrone boats entering. At this the Ladrones
+were much exasperated, and about three hundred of them swam on shore,
+with a short sword lashed close under each arm; they then ran along the
+banks of the river till they came abreast of the vessels, and then swam
+off again and boarded them. The Chinese thus attacked, leaped overboard,
+and endeavored to reach the opposite shore; the Ladrones followed, and
+cut the greater number of them to pieces in the water. They next towed
+the vessels out of the harbor, and attacked the town with increased
+fury. The inhabitants fought about a quarter of an hour, and then
+retreated to an adjacent hill, from which they were soon driven with
+great slaughter. After this the Ladrones returned, and plundered the
+town, every boat leaving it with lading. The Chinese on the hills
+perceiving most of the boats were off, rallied, and retook the town,
+after killing near two hundred Ladrones. One of my men was
+unfortunately lost in this dreadful massacre! The Ladrones landed a
+second time, drove the Chinese out of the town, then reduced it to
+ashes, and put all their prisoners to death, without regarding either
+age or sex! I must not omit to mention a most horrid (though ludicrous)
+circumstance which happened at this place. The Ladrones were paid by
+their chief ten dollars for every Chinaman's head they produced. One of
+my men turning the corner of a street was met by a Ladrone running
+furiously after a Chinese; he had a drawn sword in his hand, and two
+Chinaman's heads which he had cut off, tied by their tails, and slung
+round his neck. I was witness myself to some of them producing five or
+six to obtain payment!
+
+"On the 4th of November an order arrived from the admiral for the fleet
+to proceed immediately to Lantow, where he was lying with only two
+vessels, and three Portuguese ships and a brig constantly annoying him;
+several sail of Mandarin vessels were daily expected. The fleet weighed
+and proceeded towards Lantow. On passing the island of Lintin, three
+ships and a brig gave chase to us. The Ladrones prepared to board; but
+night closing we lost sight of them: I am convinced they altered their
+course and stood from us. These vessels were in the pay of the Chinese
+Government, and styled themselves the Invincible Squadron, cruising in
+the river Tigris to annihilate the Ladrones!
+
+"On the fifth, in the morning, the red squadron anchored in a bay under
+Lantow; the black squadron stood to the eastward. In the afternoon of
+the 8th of November, four ships, a brig, and a schooner came off the
+mouth of the bay. At first the pirates were much alarmed, supposing them
+to be English vessels come to rescue us. Some of them threatened to hang
+us to the mast-head for them to fire at; and with much difficulty we
+persuaded them that they were Portuguese. The Ladrones had only seven
+junks in a fit state for action; these they hauled outside, and moored
+them head and stern across the bay, and manned all the boats belonging
+to the repairing vessels ready for boarding. The Portuguese observing
+these manoeuvres hove to, and communicated by boats. Soon afterwards
+they made sail, each ship firing her broadside as she passed, but
+without effect, the shot falling far short. The Ladrones did not return
+a single shot, but waved their colors, and threw up rockets, to induce
+them to come further in, which they might easily have done, the outside
+junks lying in four fathoms water, which I sounded myself: though the
+Portuguese in their letters to Macao lamented there was not sufficient
+water for them to engage closer, but that they would certainly prevent
+their escaping before the Mandarin fleet arrived!
+
+[Illustration: _A Ladrone Pirate, cutting off the Heads of the Chinese._]
+
+"On the 20th of November, early in the morning, discovered an immense
+fleet of Mandarin vessels standing for the bay. On nearing us, they
+formed a line, and stood close in; each vessel, as she discharged her
+guns, tacked to join the rear and reload. They kept up a constant fire
+for about two hours, when one of their largest vessels was blown up by a
+firebrand thrown from a Ladrone junk; after which they kept at a more
+respectful distance, but continued firing without intermission till the
+21st at night, when it fell calm. The Ladrones towed out seven large
+vessels, with about two hundred row-boats to board them: but a breeze
+springing up, they made sail and escaped. The Ladrones returned into the
+bay, and anchored. The Portuguese and Mandarins followed, and continued
+a heavy cannonading during that night and the next day. The vessel I was
+in had her foremast shot away, which they supplied very expeditiously by
+taking a mainmast from a smaller vessel.
+
+"On the 23d, in the evening, it again fell calm; the Ladrones towed out
+fifteen junks in two divisions, with the intention of surrounding them,
+which was nearly effected, having come up with and boarded one, when a
+breeze suddenly sprang up. The captured vessel mounted twenty-two guns.
+Most of her crew leaped overboard; sixty or seventy were taken,
+immediately cut to pieces, and thrown into the river. Early in the
+morning the Ladrones returned into the bay, and anchored in the same
+situation as before. The Portuguese and Mandarins followed, keeping up a
+constant fire. The Ladrones never returned a single shot, but always
+kept in readiness to board, and the Portuguese were careful never to
+allow them an opportunity.
+
+"On the 28th, at night they sent eight fire-vessels, which, if properly
+constructed, must have done great execution, having every advantage they
+could wish for to effect their purpose; a strong breeze and tide
+directed into the bay, and the vessels lying so close together, that it
+was impossible to miss them. On their first appearance, the Ladrones
+gave a general shout, supposing them to be Mandarin vessels on fire, but
+were very soon convinced of their mistake. They came very regularly into
+the centre of the fleet, two and two, burning furiously; one of them
+came alongside of the vessel I was in, but they succeeded in booming her
+off. She appeared to be a vessel of about thirty tons; her hold was
+filled with straw and wood, and there were a few small boxes of
+combustibles on her deck, which exploded alongside of us without doing
+any damage. The Ladrones, however, towed them all on shore, extinguished
+the fire, and broke them up for firewood. The Portuguese claim the
+credit of constructing these destructive machines, and actually sent a
+despatch to the Governor of Macao, saying they had destroyed at least
+one-third of the Ladrone's fleet, and hoped soon to effect their purpose
+by totally annihilating them!
+
+"On the 29th of November, the Ladrones being all ready for sea, they
+weighed and stood boldly out, bidding defiance to the invincible
+squadron and imperial fleet, consisting of ninety-three war-junks, six
+Portuguese ships, a brig, and a schooner. Immediately after the Ladrones
+weighed, they made all sail. The Ladrones chased them two or three
+hours, keeping up a constant fire; finding they did not come up with
+them, they hauled their wind, and stood to the eastward. Thus terminated
+the boasted blockade, which lasted nine days, during which time the
+Ladrones completed all their repairs. In this action not a single
+Ladrone vessel was destroyed, and their loss was about thirty or forty
+men. An American was also killed, one of three that remained out of
+eight taken in a schooner. I had two very narrow escapes: the first, a
+twelve pounder shot fell within three or four feet of me; another took a
+piece out of a small brass-swivel on which I was standing. The chief's
+wife frequently sprinkled me with garlick-water, which they considered
+an effectual charm against shot. The fleet continued under sail all
+night, steering towards the eastward. In the morning they anchored in a
+large bay surrounded by lofty and barren mountains. On the 2d of
+December I received a letter from Lieutenant Maughn, commander of the
+Honorable Company's cruiser Antelope, saying that he had the ransom on
+board, and had been three days cruising after us, and wished me to
+settle with the chief on the securest method of delivering it. The chief
+agreed to send us in a small gun-boat till we came within sight of the
+Antelope; then the compradore's boat was to bring the ransom and receive
+us. I was so agitated at receiving this joyful news, that it was with
+difficulty I could scrawl about two or three lines to inform Lieutenant
+Maughn of the arrangements I had made. We were all so deeply affected by
+the gratifying tidings, that we seldom closed our eyes, but continued
+watching day and night for the boat.
+
+"On the 6th she returned with Lieutenant Maughn's answer, saying, he
+would respect any single boat; but would not allow the fleet to approach
+him. The chief, then, according to his first proposal, ordered a
+gun-boat to take us, and with no small degree of pleasure we left the
+Ladrone fleet about four o'clock in the afternoon. At one P.M. saw the
+Antelope under all sail, standing towards us. The Ladrone boat
+immediately anchored, and dispatched the compradore's boat for the
+ransom, saying, that if she approached nearer they would return to the
+fleet; and they were just weighing when she shortened sail, and anchored
+about two miles from us. The boat did not reach her till late in the
+afternoon, owing to the tide's being strong against her. She received
+the ransom and left the Antelope just before dark. A Mandarin boat that
+had been lying concealed under the land, and watching their manoeuvres,
+gave chace to her, and was within a few fathoms of taking her, when she
+saw a light, which the Ladrones answered, and the Mandarin hauled off.
+Our situation was now a critical one; the ransom was in the hands of the
+Ladrones, and the compradore dare not return with us for fear of a
+second attack from the Mandarin boat. The Ladrones would not wait till
+morning, so we were obliged to return with them to the fleet. In the
+morning the chief inspected the ransom, which consisted of the following
+articles: two bales of superfine cloth; two chests of opium; two casks
+of gunpowder, and a telescope; the rest in dollars. He objected to the
+telescope not being new; and said he should detain one of us till
+another was sent, or a hundred dollars in lieu of it. The compradore,
+however, agreed with him for the hundred dollars. Every thing being at
+length settled, the chief ordered two gun-boats to convey us near the
+Antelope; we saw her just before dusk, when the Ladrone boats left us.
+We had the inexpressible pleasure of arriving on board the Antelope at
+seven, P.M., where we were most cordially received, and heartily
+congratulated on our safe and happy deliverance from a miserable
+captivity, which we had endured for eleven weeks and three days.
+
+(Signed) "RICHARD GLASSPOOLE. _China, December 8th_. 1809."
+
+"The Ladrones have no settled residence on shore, but live constantly in
+their vessels. The after-part is appropriated to the captain and his
+wives; he generally has five or six. With respect to the conjugal rights
+they are religiously strict; no person is allowed to have a woman on
+board, unless married to her according to their laws. Every man is
+allowed a small berth, about four feet square, where he stows with his
+wife and family. From the number of souls crowded in so small a space,
+it must naturally be supposed they are horridly dirty, which is
+evidently the case, and their vessels swarm with all kinds of vermin.
+Rats in particular, which they encourage to breed, and eat as great
+delicacies; in fact, there are very few creatures they will not eat.
+During our captivity we lived three weeks on caterpillars boiled with
+rice. They are much addicted to gambling, and spend all their leisure
+hours at cards and smoking opium."
+
+[Illustration: _The War Junks of the Ladrones._]
+
+At the time of Mr. Glasspoole's liberation, the pirates were at the
+height of their power; after such repeated victories over the Mandarin
+ships, they had set at nought the Imperial allies--the Portuguese, and
+not only the coast, but the rivers of the celestial empire seemed to be
+at their discretion--and yet their formidable association did not many
+months survive this event. It was not, however, defeat that reduced it
+to the obedience of the laws. On the contrary, that extraordinary woman,
+the widow of Ching-yih, and the daring Paou, were victorious and more
+powerful than ever, when dissensions broke out among the pirates
+themselves. Ever since the favor of the chieftainess had elevated Paou
+to the general command, there had been enmity and altercations between
+him and the chief O-po-tae, who commanded one of the flags or divisions
+of the fleet; and it was only by the deference and respect they both
+owed to Ching-yih's widow, that they had been prevented from turning
+their arms against each other long before.
+
+At length, when the brave Paou was surprised and cooped up by a strong
+blockading force of the Emperor's ships, O-po-tae showed all his deadly
+spite, and refused to obey the orders of Paou, and even of the
+chieftainess, which were, that he should sail to the relief of his
+rival.
+
+Paou, with his bravery and usual good fortune, broke through the
+blockade, but when he came in contact with O-po-tae, his rage was too
+violent to be restrained.
+
+O-po-tae at first pleaded that his means and strength had been
+insufficient to do what had been expected of him, but concluded by
+saying,--"Am I bound to come and join the forces of Paou?"
+
+"Would you then separate from us!" cried Paou, more enraged than ever.
+
+O-po-tae answered: "I will not separate myself."
+
+Paou:--"Why then do you not obey the orders of the wife of Ching-yih and
+my own? What is this else than separation, that you do not come to
+assist me, when I am surrounded by the enemy? I have sworn it that I
+will destroy thee, wicked man, that I may do away with this soreness on
+my back."
+
+The summons of Paou, when blockaded, to O-po-tae was in language
+equally figurative:--"I am harassed by the Government's officers outside
+in the sea; lips and teeth must help one another, if the lips are cut
+away the teeth will feel cold. How shall I alone be able to fight the
+Government forces? You should therefore come at the head of your crew,
+to attack the Government squadron in the rear. I will then come out of
+my station and make an attack in front; the enemy being so taken in the
+front and rear, will, even supposing we cannot master him, certainly be
+thrown into disorder."
+
+The angry words of Paou were followed by others, and then by blows.
+Paou, though at the moment far inferior in force, first began the fight,
+and ultimately sustained a sanguinary defeat, and the loss of sixteen
+vessels. Our loathing for this cruel, detestable race, must be increased
+by the fact, that the victors massacred all their prisoners--or three
+hundred men!
+
+This was the death-blow to the confederacy which had so long defied the
+Emperor's power, and which might have effected his dethronement.
+O-po-tae dreading the vengeance of Paou and his mistress, Ching-yih's
+widow, whose united forces would have quintupled his own, gained over
+his men to his views, and proffered a submission to Government, on
+condition of free pardon, and a proper provision for all.
+
+The petition of the pirates is so curious a production, and so
+characteristic of the Chinese, that it deserves to be inserted at
+length. "It is my humble opinion that all robbers of an overpowering
+force, whether they had their origin from this or any other cause, have
+felt the humanity of Government at different times. Leang-sham, who
+three times plundered the city, was nevertheless pardoned, and at last
+made a minister of state. Wakang often challenged the arms of his
+country, and was suffered to live, and at last made a corner-stone of
+the empire. Joo-ming pardoned seven times Mang-hwo; and Kwan-kung three
+times set Tsaou-tsaou at liberty. Ma-yuen pursued not the exhausted
+robbers; and Yo-fei killed not those who made their submission. There
+are many instances of such transactions both in former and recent times,
+by which the country was strengthened, and government increased its
+power. We now live in a very populous age; some of us could not agree
+with their relations, and were driven out like noxious weeds. Some,
+after having tried all they could, without being able to provide for
+themselves, at last joined bad society. Some lost their property by
+shipwrecks; some withdrew into this watery empire to escape from
+punishment. In such a way those who in the beginning were only three or
+five, were in the course of time increased to a thousand or ten
+thousand, and so it went on increasing every year. Would it not have
+been wonderful if such a multitude, being in want of their daily bread,
+had not resorted to plunder and robbery to gain their subsistence, since
+they could not in any other manner be saved from famine? It was from
+necessity that the laws of the empire were violated, and the merchants
+robbed of their goods. Being deprived of our land and of our native
+places, having no house or home to resort to, and relying only on the
+chances of wind and water, even could we for a moment forget our griefs,
+we might fall in with a man-of-war, who with stones, darts, and guns,
+would knock out our brains! Even if we dared to sail up a stream and
+boldly go on with anxiety of mind under wind, rain, and stormy weather,
+we must everywhere prepare for fighting. Whether we went to the east, or
+to the west, and after having felt all the hardships of the sea, the
+night dew was our only dwelling, and the rude wind our meal. But now we
+will avoid these perils, leave our connexions, and desert our comrades;
+we will make our submission. The power of Government knows no bounds; it
+reaches to the islands in the sea, and every man is afraid, and sighs.
+Oh we must be destroyed by our crimes, none can escape who opposeth the
+laws of Government. May you then feel compassion for those who are
+deserving of death; may you sustain us by your humanity!"
+
+The Government that had made so many lamentable displays of its
+weakness, was glad to make an unreal parade of its mercy. It was but too
+happy to grant all the conditions instantly, and, in the fulsome
+language of its historians, "feeling that compassion is the way of
+heaven--that it is the right way to govern by righteousness--it
+therefore redeemed these pirates from destruction, and pardoned their
+former crimes."
+
+O-po-tae, however, had hardly struck his free flag, and the pirates were
+hardly in the power of the Chinese, when it was proposed by many that
+they should all be treacherously murdered. The governor happened to be
+more honorable and humane, or probably, only more politic than those who
+made this foul proposal--he knew that such a bloody breach of faith
+would for ever prevent the pirates still in arms from voluntary
+submitting; he knew equally well, even weakened as they were by
+O-po-tae's defection, that the Government could not reduce them by
+force, and he thought by keeping his faith with them, he might turn the
+force of those who had submitted against those who still held out, and
+so destroy the pirates with the pirates. Consequently the eight thousand
+men, it had been proposed to cut off in cold blood, were allowed to
+remain uninjured, and their leader, O-po-tae, having changed his name to
+that of Hoe-been, or, "The Lustre of Instruction," was elevated to the
+rank of an imperial officer.
+
+The widow of Ching-yih, and her favorite Paou, continued for some months
+to pillage the coast, and to beat the Chinese and the Mandarins' troops
+and ships, and seemed almost as strong as before the separation of
+O-po-tae's flag. But that example was probably operating in the minds of
+many of the outlaws, and finally the lawless heroine herself, who was
+the spirit that kept the complicate body together, seeing that O-po-tae
+had been made a government officer, and that he continued to prosper,
+began also to think of making her submission.
+
+"I am," said she, "ten times stronger than O-po-tae, and government will
+perhaps, if I submit, act towards me as they have done with O-po-tae."
+
+A rumor of her intentions having reached shore, the Mandarin sent off a
+certain Chow, a doctor of Macao, "Who," says the historian, "being
+already well acquainted with the pirates, did not need any
+introduction," to enter on preliminaries with them.
+
+When the worthy practitioner presented himself to Paou, that friend
+concluded he had been committing some crime, and had come for safety to
+that general _refugium peccatorum,_ the pirate fleet.
+
+The Doctor explained, and assured the chief, that if he would submit,
+Government was inclined to treat him and his far more favorably and more
+honorably than O-po-tae. But if he continued to resist, not only a
+general arming of all the coast and the rivers, but O-po-tae was to
+proceed against him.
+
+At this part of his narrative our Chinese historian is again so curious,
+that I shall quote his words at length.
+
+"When Fei-heung-Chow came to Paou, he said: 'Friend Paou, do you know
+why I come to you?'"
+
+"Paou.--'Thou hast committed some crime and comest to me for
+protection?'"
+
+"Chow.--'By no means.'"
+
+"Paou.--'You will then know how it stands concerning the report about
+our submission, if it is true or false?'"
+
+"Chow.--'You are again wrong here, Sir. What are you in comparison with
+O-po-tae?'"
+
+"Paou.--'Who is bold enough to compare me with O-po-tae?'"
+
+"Chow.--'I know very well that O-po-tae could not come up to you, Sir;
+but I mean only, that since O-po-tae has made his submission, since he
+has got his pardon and been created a Government officer,--how would it
+be, if you with your whole crew should also submit, and if his
+Excellency should desire to treat you in the same manner, and to give
+you the same rank as O-po-tae? Your submission would produce more joy to
+Government than the submission of O-po-tae. You should not wait for
+wisdom to act wisely; you should make up your mind to submit to the
+Government with all your followers. I will assist you in every respect,
+it would be the means of securing your own happiness and the lives of
+all your adherents.'"
+
+"Chang-paou remained like a statue without motion, and Fei-heung Chow
+went on to say: 'You should think about this affair in time, and not
+stay till the last moment. Is it not clear that O-po-tae, since you
+could not agree together, has joined Government. He being enraged
+against you, will fight, united with the forces of the Government, for
+your destruction; and who could help you, so that you might overcome
+your enemies? If O-po-tae could before vanquish you quite alone, how
+much more can he now when he is united with Government? O-po-tae will
+then satisfy his hatred against you, and you yourself will soon be taken
+either at Wei-chow or at Neaou-chow. If the merchant-vessels of
+Hwy-chaou, the boats of Kwang-chow, and all the fishing-vessels, unite
+together to surround and attack you in the open sea, you will certainly
+have enough to do. But even supposing they should not attack you, you
+will soon feel the want of provisions to sustain you and all your
+followers. It is always wisdom to provide before things happen;
+stupidity and folly never think about future events. It is too late to
+reflect upon events when things have happened; you should, therefore,
+consider this matter in time!'"
+
+Paou was puzzled, but after being closeted for some time with his
+mistress, Ching-yih's widow, who gave her high permission for him to
+make arrangements with Doctor Chow, he said he would repair with his
+fleet to the Bocca Tigris, and there communicate personally with the
+organs of Government.
+
+After two visits had been paid to the pirate-fleets by two inferior
+Mandarins, who carried the Imperial proclamation of free pardon, and
+who, at the order of Ching-yih's widow, were treated to a sumptuous
+banquet by Paou, the Governor-general of the province went himself in
+one vessel to the pirates' ships, that occupied a line of ten _le_ off
+the mouth of the river.
+
+As the governor approached, the pirates hoisted their flags, played on
+their instruments, and fired their guns, so that the smoke rose in
+clouds, and then bent sail to meet him. On this the dense population
+that were ranged thousands after thousands along the shore, to witness
+the important reconciliation, became sorely alarmed, and the
+Governor-general seems to have had a strong inclination to run away. But
+in brief space of time, the long dreaded widow of Ching-yih, supported
+by her Lieutenant Paou, and followed by three other of her principal
+commanders, mounted the side of the governor's ship, and rushed through
+the smoke to the spot where his excellency was stationed; where they
+fell on their hands and knees, shed tears, knocked their heads on the
+deck before him, and received his gracious pardon, and promised for
+future kind treatment. They then withdrew satisfied, having promised to
+give in a list of their ships, and of all else they possessed, within
+three days.
+
+But the sudden apparition of some large Portuguese ships, and some
+Government war-junks, made the pirates suspect treachery. They
+immediately set sail, and the negociations were interrupted for several
+days.
+
+They were at last concluded by the boldness of their female leader. "If
+the Governor-general," said this heroine, "a man of the highest rank,
+could come to us quite alone, why should not I, a mean woman, go to the
+officers of Government? If there be danger in it, I take it all on
+myself; no person among you need trouble himself about me--my mind is
+made up, and I will go to Canton!"
+
+Paou said--"If the widow of Ching-yih goes, we must fix a time for her
+return. If this pass without our obtaining any information, we must
+collect all our forces, and go before Canton: this is my opinion as to
+what ought to be done; comrades, let me hear yours!"
+
+The pirates, then, struck with the intrepidity of their chieftainess,
+and loving her more than ever, answered, "Friend Paou, we have heard thy
+opinion, but we think it better to wait for the news here, on the water,
+than to send the wife of Ching-yih alone to be killed." Nor would they
+allow her to leave the fleet.
+
+Matters were in this state of indecision, when the two inferior
+Mandarins who had before visited the pirates, ventured out to repeat
+their visit. These officers protested no treachery had been intended,
+and pledged themselves, that if the widow of Ching-yih would repair to
+the Governor, she would be kindly received, and every thing settled to
+their hearts' satisfaction.
+
+With this, in the language of our old ballads, upspoke Mrs. Ching. "You
+say well, gentlemen! and I will go myself to Canton with some other of
+our ladies, accompanied by you!" And accordingly, she and a number of
+the pirates' wives with their children, went fearlessly to Canton,
+arranged every thing, and found they had not been deceived. The fleet
+soon followed. On its arrival every vessel was supplied with pork and
+with wine, and every man (in lieu it may be supposed, of his share of
+the vessels, and plundered property he resigned) received at the same
+time a bill for a certain quantity of money. Those who wished it, could
+join the military force of Government for pursuing the remaining
+pirates; and those who objected, dispersed and withdrew into the
+country. "This is the manner in which the great red squadron of the
+pirates was pacified."
+
+The valiant Paou, following the example of his rival O-po-tae, entered
+into the service of Government, and proceeded against such of his
+former associates and friends as would not accept the pardon offered
+them. There was some hard fighting, but the two renegadoes successively
+took the chief Shih Url, forced the redoubtable captain, styled "The
+scourge of the Eastern Ocean" to surrender himself, drove "Frog's Meal,"
+another dreadful pirate, to Manilla, and finally, and within a few
+months, destroyed or dissipated the "wasps of the ocean" altogether.
+
+I have already noticed the marked intention of the Chinese historian, to
+paint the character of Paou in a poetical or epic manner. When
+describing the battle with Shih-Url, he says:--
+
+"They fought from seven o'clock in the morning till one at noon, burnt
+ten vessels, and killed an immense number of the pirates. Shih-Url was
+so weakened that he could scarcely make any opposition. On perceiving
+this through the smoke, Paou mounted on a sudden the vessel of the
+pirate, and cried out: 'I Chang Paou am come,' and at the same moment he
+cut some pirates to pieces; the remainder were then hardly dealt with.
+Paou addressed himself in an angry tone to Shih-Url, and said: 'I advise
+you to submit: will you not follow my advice? what have you to say?'
+Shih-Url was struck with amazement, and his courage left him. Paou
+advanced and bound him, and the whole crew were then taken captives."
+
+"From that period," says our Chinese historian, in conclusion, "ships
+began to pass and repass in tranquillity. All became quiet on the
+rivers, and tranquil on the four seas. People lived in peace and plenty.
+Men sold their arms and bought oxen to plough their fields; they buried
+sacrifices, said prayers on the tops of the hills, and rejoiced
+themselves by singing behind screens during day-time"--and (grand climax
+to all!) the Governor of the province, in consideration of his valuable
+services in the pacification of the pirates, was allowed by an edict of
+the "Son of Heaven," to wear peacocks' feathers with two eyes!
+
+
+
+
+THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN LEWIS.
+
+
+Captain Lewis was at an early age associated with pirates. We first find
+him a boy in company with the pirate Banister, who was hanged at the
+yard arm of a man-of-war, in sight of Port Royal, Jamaica. This Lewis
+and another boy were taken with him, and brought into the island hanging
+by the middle at the mizen peak. He had a great aptitude for languages,
+and spoke perfectly well that of the Mosquil Indians, French, Spanish,
+and English. I mention our own, because it is doubted whether he was
+French or English, for we cannot trace him back to his origin. He sailed
+out of Jamaica till he was a lusty lad, and was then taken by the
+Spaniards at the Havana, where he tarried some time; but at length he
+and six more ran away with a small canoe, and surprised a Spanish
+periagua, out of which two men joined them, so that they were now nine
+in company. With this periagua they surprised a turtling sloop, and
+forced some of the hands to take on with them; the others they sent away
+in the periagua.
+
+He played at this small game, surprising and taking coasters and
+turtlers, till with forced men and volunteers he made up a company of 40
+men. With these he took a large pink built ship, bound from Jamaica to
+the bay of Campeachy, and after her, several others bound to the same
+place; and having intelligence that there lay in the bay a fine Bermuda
+built brigantine of 10 guns, commanded by Captain Tucker, he sent the
+captain of the pink to him with a letter, the purport of which was, that
+he wanted such a brigantine, and if he would part with her, he would
+pay him 10,000 pieces of eight; if he refused this, he would take care
+to lie in his way, for he was resolved, either by fair or foul means to
+have the vessel. Captain Tucker, having read the letter, sent for the
+masters of vessels then lying in the bay, and told them, after he had
+shown the letter, that if they would make him up 54 men, (for there
+were about ten Bermuda sloops,) he would go out and fight the pirates.
+They said no, they would not hazard their men, they depended on their
+sailing, and every one must take care of himself as well as he could.
+
+[Illustration: _The Pirate Banister, hanging at the Yard Arm._]
+
+However, they all put to sea together, and spied a sail under the land,
+which had a breeze while they lay becalmed. Some said he was a turtler;
+others, the pirate, and so it proved; for it was honest Captain Lewis,
+who putting out his oars, got in among them. Some of the sloops had four
+guns, some two, some none. Joseph Dill had two, which he brought on one
+side, and fired smartly at the pirate, but unfortunately one of them
+split, and killed three men. Tucker called to all the sloops to send him
+men, and he would fight Lewis, but to no purpose; nobody came on board
+him. In the mean while a breeze sprung up, and Tucker, trimming his
+sails, left them, who all fell a prey to the pirate; into whom, however,
+he fired a broadside at going off. One sloop, whose master I will not
+name, was a very good sailer, and was going off; but Lewis firing a
+shot, brought her to, and he lay by till all the sloops were visited and
+secured. Then Lewis sent on board him, and ordered the master into his
+sloop. As soon as he was on board, he asked the reason of his lying by,
+and betraying the trust his owners had reposed in him, which was doing
+like a knave and coward, and he would punish him accordingly; _for_,
+said he, _you might have got off, being so much a better sailer than my
+vessel_. After this speech, he fell upon him with a rope's end, and then
+snatching up his cane, drove him about the decks without mercy. The
+master, thinking to pacify him, told him he had been out trading in that
+sloop several months, and had on board a good quantity of money, which
+was hid, and which, if he would send on board a black belonging to the
+owners, he would discover to him. This had not the desired effect, but
+one quite contrary; for Lewis told him he was a rascal and villain for
+this discovery, and he would pay him for betraying his owners, and
+redoubled his strokes. However, he sent and took the money and negro,
+who was an able sailor. He took out of his prizes what he had occasion
+for, forty able negro sailors, and a white carpenter. The largest sloop,
+which was about ninety tons, he took for his own use, and mounted her
+with 12 guns. His crew was now about eighty men, whites and blacks.
+
+[Illustration: _The Master Caned by Captain Lewis._]
+
+After these captures, he cruised in the Gulf of Florida, laying in wait
+for the West India homeward bound ships that took the leeward passage,
+several of which, falling into his hands, were plundered by him, and
+released. From hence he went to the coast of Carolina, where he cleaned
+his sloop, and a great many men whom he had forced, ran away from him.
+However, the natives traded with him for rum and sugar, and brought him
+all he wanted, without the government's having any knowledge of him, for
+he had got into a very private creek; though he was very much on his
+guard, that he might not be surprised from the shore.
+
+From Carolina he cruised on the coast of Virginia, where he took and
+plundered several merchantmen, and forced several men, and then returned
+to the coast of Carolina, where he did abundance of mischief. As he had
+now an abundance of French on board, who had entered with him, and
+Lewis, hearing the English had a design to maroon them, he secured the
+men he suspected, and put them in a boat, with all the other English,
+ten leagues from shore, with only ten pieces of beef, and sent them
+away, keeping none but French and negroes. These men, it is supposed,
+all perished in the sea.
+
+From the coast of Carolina he shaped his course for the banks of
+Newfoundland, where he overhauled several fishing vessels, and then went
+into Trinity Harbor in Conception Bay, where there lay several
+merchantmen, and seized a 24 gun galley, called the Herman. The
+commander, Captain Beal, told Lewis, if he would send his quarter master
+ashore he would furnish him with necessaries. He being sent ashore, a
+council was held among the masters, the consequence of which was, the
+seizing the quarter master, whom they carried to Captain Woodes Rogers.
+He chained him to a sheet anchor which was ashore, and planted guns at
+the point, to prevent the pirate getting out, but to little purpose; for
+the people at one of these points firing too soon, Lewis quitted the
+ship, and, by the help of oars and the favor of the night, got out in
+his sloop, though she received many shot in her hull. The last shot that
+was fired at the pirate did him considerable damage.
+
+He lay off and on the harbor, swearing he would have his quarter master,
+and intercepted two fishing shallops, on board of one of which was the
+captain of the galley's brother. He detained them, and sent word, if his
+quarter master did not immediately come off, he would put all his
+prisoners to death. He was sent on board without hesitation. Lewis and
+the crew inquired how he had been used, and he answered, very civilly.
+"It's well," said the pirate, "for had you been ill treated, I would
+have put all these rascals to the sword." They were dismissed, and the
+captain's brother going over the side, the quarter master stopped him,
+saying, he must drink the gentlemen's health ashore, particularly
+Captain Rogers' and, whispering him in the ear, told him, if they had
+known of his being chained all night, he would have been cut in pieces,
+with all his men. After this poor man and his shallop's company were
+gone, the quarter master told the usage he had met with, which enraged
+Lewis, and made him reproach his quarter master, whose answer was, that
+he did not think it just the innocent should suffer for the guilty.
+
+The masters of the merchantmen sent to Capt. Tudor Trevor, who lay at
+St. John's in the Sheerness man-of-war. He immediately got under sail,
+and missed the pirate but four hours. She kept along the coast and made
+several prizes, French and English, and put into a harbor where a French
+ship lay making fish. She was built at the latter end of the war, for a
+privateer, was an excellent sailer, and mounted 24 guns. The commander
+hailed him: the pirate answered, _from Jamaica with rum and sugar_. The
+Frenchman bid him go about his business; that a pirate sloop was on the
+coast, and he might be the rogue; if he did not immediately sheer off,
+he would fire a broadside into him. He went off and lay a fortnight out
+at sea, so far as not to be descried from shore, with resolution to have
+the ship. The Frenchman being on his guard, in the meanwhile raised a
+battery on the shore, which commanded the harbor. After a fortnight,
+when he was thought to be gone off, he returned, and took two of the
+fishing shallops belonging to the Frenchman, and manning them with
+pirates, they went in. One shallop attacked the battery; the other
+surprised, boarded and carried the ship, just as the morning star
+appeared, for which reason he gave her that name. In the engagement the
+owner's son was killed, who made the voyage out of curiosity only. The
+ship being taken, seven guns were fired, which was the signal, and the
+sloop came down and lay alongside the ship. The captain told him he
+supposed he only wanted his liquor; but Lewis made answer he wanted his
+ship, and accordingly hoisted all his ammunition and provision into her.
+When the Frenchman saw they would have his ship, he told her trim, and
+Lewis gave him the sloop; and excepting what he took for provision, all
+the fish he had made. Several of the French took on with him, who, with
+others, English and French, had by force or voluntarily, made him up 200
+men.
+
+From Newfoundland he steered for the coast of Guinea, where he took a
+great many ships, English, Dutch and Portuguese. Among these ships was
+one belonging to Carolina, commanded by Capt. Smith. While he was in
+chase of this vessel a circumstance occurred, which made his men
+believe he dealt with the devil; his fore and main top-mast being
+carried away, he, Lewis, running up the shrouds to the maintop, tore off
+a handful of hair, and throwing it into the air used this expression,
+_good devil, take this till I come_. And it was observed, that he came
+afterwards faster up with the chase than before the loss of his
+top-masts.
+
+[Illustration: _Captain Lewis giving a lock of his hair to the Devil._]
+
+Smith being taken, Lewis used him very civilly, and gave him as much or
+more in value than he took from him, and let him go, saying, he would
+come to Carolina when he had made money on the coast, and would rely on
+his friendship.
+
+They kept some time on the coast, when they quarrelled among themselves,
+the French and English, of which the former were more numerous, and they
+resolved to part. The French therefore chose a large sloop newly taken,
+thinking the ship's bottom, which was not sheathed, damaged by the
+worms. According to this agreement they took on board what ammunition
+and provision they thought fit out of the ship, and put off, choosing
+one Le Barre captain. As it blew hard, and the decks were encumbered,
+they came to an anchor under the coast, to stow away their ammunition,
+goods, &c. Lewis told his men they were a parcel of rogues, and he would
+make them refund; accordingly he run alongside, his guns being all
+loaded and new primed, and ordered him to cut away his mast or he would
+sink him. Le Barre was obliged to obey. Then he ordered them all ashore.
+They begged the liberty of carrying their arms, goods, &c. with them,
+but he allowed them only their small arms and cartridge boxes. Then he
+brought the sloop alongside, put every thing on board the ship, and sunk
+the sloop.
+
+Le Barre and the rest begged to be taken on board. However, though he
+denied them, he suffered Le Barre and some few to come, with whom he and
+his men drank plentifully. The negroes on board Lewis told him the
+French had a plot against him. He answered, he could not withstand his
+destiny; for the devil told him in the great cabin he should be murdered
+that night.
+
+In the dead of the night, the rest of the French came on board in
+canoes, got into the cabin and killed Lewis. They fell on the crew; but,
+after an hour and a half's dispute, the French were beaten off, and the
+quarter master, John Cornelius, an Irishman, succeeded Lewis.
+
+  --"He was the mildest manner'd man,
+  That ever scuttled ship or cut a throat;
+  With such true breeding of a gentleman,
+  You never could discern his real thought.
+  Pity he loved an adventurous life's variety,
+  He was so great a loss to good society."
+
+
+
+
+THE LIFE, CAREER AND DEATH OF CAPTAIN THOMAS WHITE.
+
+
+He was born at Plymouth, where his mother kept a public house. She took
+great care of his education, and when he was grown up, as he had an
+inclination to the sea, procured 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 merchant 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 Guinea and back to Barbadoes. In
+his third, he had the misfortune to be taken by a French pirate, 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 Guinea coast more fit for
+their purpose, they went on board her and burnt the brigantine.
+
+It is not my business here to give an account of this French pirate, any
+farther than Capt. White's story obliges me, though 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 cold blood, by way of diversion.
+
+White was marked out for a sacrifice by one of these villains, who, for
+what reason I know not, 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 lie 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.
+
+After some time cruising along the coast, the pirates doubled the Cape
+of Good Hope, and shaped their course for Madagascar, where, being drunk
+and mad, they knocked 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, Capt. White, Capt. Boreman, (born in the Isle of
+Wight, formerly a lieutenant of a man-of-war, but in the merchant
+service when he fell into the hands of the pirates,) Capt. Bowen and
+some other prisoners got into the long-boat, and with broken oars and
+barrel staves, which they found in the bottom of the boat, paddled to
+Augustin Bay, which 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 stayed here a year and a half at the king's expense, 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 such, but the first European vessel that came in, he always obliged
+to take in the unfortunate people, let the vessel be what it would; for
+he had no notion of any difference between pirates and merchants.
+
+At the expiration of the above term, a pirate brigantine came in, on
+board 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 pirate vessel, which was commanded by one
+William Read, who received them very civilly.
+
+This commander went along the coast, and picked up what Europeans he
+could meet with. His crew, however, did not exceed 40 men. He would have
+been glad of taking some of the wrecked 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, steered his course
+for the Persian Gulf, where they met a grab, (a one masted vessel) of
+about 200 tons, which was made a prize. They found nothing on board but
+bale goods, most of which they threw overboard in search of 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
+tossed into the sea!
+
+In this cruise Capt. Read fell ill and died, and 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 grab, and made a ship of her. Here they
+took in a quantity of fresh provisions, which are in this island very
+plentiful and very cheap, and found a twelve-oared boat, which formerly
+belonged to the Ruby East Indiaman, which had been lost there.
+
+They stayed 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 hailed 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 pirates for slaves,
+at Ambonavoula, on the east side of the island, in the latitude of 17
+deg. 30 min. and was by them taken after the following manner.
+
+The pirates, who were headed by George Booth, now 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 pirate ship, called the
+Dolphin. Capt. 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 that entered. The captain told
+him that _he was a rogue, and had a design upon his ship_, and the
+pirates pretended to be so angry with this fellow's offering to come on
+board with arms, that they threatened to knock him on the head, and
+tossing him roughly into the boat, ordered him ashore, though 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 four
+pistols, which were all the arms they had for the enterprise, though
+Fourgette had 20 hands on board, and his small arms on the awning, to be
+in readiness.
+
+The captain invited them into the cabin to dinner, but Booth chose to
+dine with the petty officer, though one Johnson, Isaac and another, went
+down. Booth was to give the watchword, which was _hurrah_. Standing near
+the awning, and being a nimble fellow, at one spring he threw himself
+upon it, drew the arms to him, fired his pistol among the men, one of
+whom he wounded, (who jumping overboard was lost) and gave the signal.
+
+Three, I said, were in the cabin, 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 cabin, hearing the pistol, fell
+upon Johnson, and stabbed him in several places with their forks, but
+they being silver, did him no great damage. Fourgette snatched his
+piece, which he snapped at Isaac's breast several times, but it would
+not go off. At last, finding his resistance vain, he submitted, and the
+pirates 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 humanely, 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 increased their crew, by that means, to the number of 80 hands, they
+sailed to St. Mary's, where Capt. Mosson'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 of
+Madagascar, in the lat. of 16 degrees or thereabouts, to salt up
+provisions and to proceed to the East Indies, cruise off the islands of
+St. John, and lie in wait for the Moor ships from Mocha.
+
+In their way to Methelage they fell in (as I have said) with the pirate,
+on board of which was Capt. White. They joined company, came to an
+anchor together in the above named river, where they had cleaned, salted
+and took in their provisions, and were ready to go to sea, when a large
+ship appeared in sight, and stood into the same river.
+
+The pirates knew not whether she was a merchantman 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, inexperienced man, who was put in
+with a nurse.
+
+The pirates sent their boats to speak with them, but the ship firing at
+them, they concluded it a man of war, and rowed ashore; the grab
+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 fetched her off.
+
+The captain of the Speaker, for that was the name of the ship which
+frightened the pirates, was not a little vain of having forced these two
+vessels ashore, though he did not know whether they were pirates or
+merchantmen, 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
+pirates aground;" which gave handle to a satirical 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 frightened two pirate ships
+ashore, and was taken by their two boats afterwards."
+
+When the Speaker came within shot, she fired several times at the two
+vessels; and when she came to anchor, several more into the country,
+which alarmed the negroes, who, acquainting their king, he would allow
+him no trade, till the pirates living ashore, and who had a design on
+his ship, interceded for them, telling the king, they were their
+countrymen, and what had happened was through 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 fired 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
+Welshman, born in Pembroke, who lived on shore, and had belonged to the
+Charming Mary, of Barbadoes, which went out with a commission but was
+converted to a pirate. He told the purser he was his prisoner, and must
+answer the damage done to two merchants who were slaving. The purser
+answered, that he was not commander; that the captain was a hot rash
+youth, put into 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 used, and the next morning sent up
+to the king with a guide, and peace made for him.
+
+The king allowed them trade, and sent down the usual presents, a couple
+of oxen between twenty and thirty 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 pirates 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
+harbor, 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 taking the ship.
+
+After some days the captain of the Speaker came on shore, and was
+received with great civility by the heads of the pirates, having agreed
+before to make satisfaction. In a day or two after, he was invited by
+them to eat a barbacued shoat, which invitation he accepted. After
+dinner, Capt. Bowen, who was, I have already said, a prisoner on board
+the French pirate, 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
+his ship, his was a good one, and they were resolved to have her, to
+make amends for the damage he had done them."
+
+[Illustration: _Hugh Man wetting the Priming of the Guns._]
+
+In the mean while his boat's crew, and the rest of his men ashore, were
+told by others of the pirates, who were drinking with them, that they
+were also prisoners: some of them answered, _Zounds, we don't trouble
+our heads what we are, let's have t'other bowl of punch_.
+
+A watchword 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 8
+o'clock they manned the twelve-oared boat, and the one 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, as he wanted to
+speak with them. Capt. Booth asked what he wanted! He said, "they could
+never take his ship." "Then," said Booth, "we'll die in or alongside of
+her."--"But," replied the captain, "if you will go with safety, don't
+board on the larboard side, for there is a gun out of the steerage
+loaded with partridge, which will clear the decks." They thanked him,
+and proceeded.
+
+When they were near the ship they were hailed, 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--_Pirates, take to your arms my lads_, and immediately clapped a
+match to a gun, which, as the priming was before wet by the treachery of
+Hugh Man, only fizzed. 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 betrayed his ship;
+for the pirates had both paid him the 100_l_ agreed, and kept his
+secret. The captain having thus lost his ship, sailed in that which the
+pirates gave him, for Johanna, where he fell ill and died with grief.
+
+The pirates having here victualled, they sailed for the Bay of St.
+Augustine, where they took in between 70 and 80 men, who had belonged to
+the ship Alexander, commanded by Capt. James, a pirate. They also took
+up her guns, and mounted the Speaker with 54, which made up their
+number, and 240 men, besides slaves, of which they had about 20.
+
+From hence they sailed for the East Indies, but stopped 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 passed through the guard, and when they had
+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 a
+grappling, was immediately put in by those who looked after her. There
+were not above half a dozen of the pirates who brought their arms
+ashore, but they plied 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 though he was attacked by many, he behaved himself so well, that he
+got into a little canoe, put off, and reached the long-boat.
+
+In the interim, the little fort the Arabians had, played upon the ship,
+which returned the salute very warmly. Thus they got on board, with the
+loss of Captain Booth and 20 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 Moor ships, which they kept company with the
+greater part of the day, but 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 though he said little, did not seem inclined,
+for he was but a young pirate, though an old commander of a merchantman.
+Those who pushed for boarding, then desired Captain Boreman, already
+mentioned, to take the command; but he said he would not be a usurper;
+that nobody was more fit for it than he who had it; that for his part
+he would stand by his fuzil, and went forward to the forecastle with
+such as would have him take 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 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, clapped her on board and carried her; but
+night coming on, they made only this prize, which yielded them £500 per
+man. From hence they sailed to the coast of Malabar. The adventures of
+these pirates on this coast are already set down in Captain Bowen's
+life, to which I refer the reader, and shall only observe, that Captain
+White was all this time before 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 an opportunity of getting off the
+island, till another pirate ship, called the Prosperous, commanded by
+one Howard, who had been bred a lighterman on the river Thames, came in.
+This ship was taken at Augustin, by some pirates from shore, and the
+crew of their long-boat, which joined them, at the instigation of one
+Ranten, boatswain's mate, who sent for water. They came on board in the
+night and surprised her, though not without resistance, in which the
+captain and chief mate were killed, and several others wounded.
+
+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 continued 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. At Port Dolphin he went _off_ in the boats to fetch some of the
+crew left ashore, 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 touched at Augustin, expecting the ship, but she
+not appearing in a week, the time they waited, the king ordered them to
+be gone, telling them they imposed on him with lies, for he did not
+believe they had any ship: however he gave them 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 the ship, but she not appearing they raised their boat a
+streak, salted the provision the king gave them, 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 N.W. for eight months in the
+year, was so strong they found it impossible to get round. Wherefore
+they got into a harbor, of which there are many for small vessels. Here
+they stayed about three weeks or a month, when part of the crew were for
+burning the boat, and travelling over land to a black king of their
+acquaintance, whose name was Reberimbo, who lived at a place called
+Manangaromasigh, in lat. 15 deg. 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 dissuaded 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, conveyed them 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.
+
+[Illustration: _The Murder of the Captain and Chief Mate._]
+
+Here he built a deck on his boat, and lay by three months, in which time
+there came in three pirates with a boat, who had formerly been trepanned
+on board the Severn and Scarborough men-of-war, which had been looking
+for pirates 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 them the boat which brought them to Methelage. The time
+of the current's setting with violence to the N.W. 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 harbor and staid there a month, maintaining themselves with
+fish and wild hogs, of which there was a great plenty. At length, having
+fine weather, and the strength of the current abating, they got round;
+and after sailing about 40 miles on the east side, they went into a
+harbor, where they found a piece of a jacket, which they knew belonged
+to one of those men who had left them 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 anchor in convenient harbors every
+night, till they got as far as Manangaromasigh, where king Reberimbo
+resided, where they went in to inquire for their men, who left them at
+the north end, and to recruit with provisions. The latter was given
+them, but they could get no information of their companions.
+
+From hence they went to the island of St. Mary, where a canoe came off
+to them with a letter directed to any white man. They knew it to be the
+hand of one of their former shipmates. The contents of this letter was
+to advise them to be on their guard, and not trust too much to the
+blacks of this place, they having been formerly treacherous. They
+inquired after their ship, and were informed, 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 them lived
+together in a large house they had built, and fortified with about
+twenty pieces of cannon.
+
+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 itself, as the English, French, Dutch, &c. They made inquiry
+of their consorts after the different prizes which belonged to them, and
+they found all very justly laid by to be given them, if ever they
+returned, as were what belonged to the men who went over land. Captain
+White, hankering after home, proposed going out again in the boat; for
+he was adverse to settling with them; and many others agreed to go under
+his command; and if they could 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 increased 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 tons, and 6 guns, which had been taken by some pirates who
+lived at Maratan, on the east side of the island, and some of the
+Degrave East-Indiaman's crew, to whom the master of her refused a
+passage to Europe; for as he had himself been a pirate, and
+quarter-master to Bowen, in the Speaker, he apprehended their taking
+away his ship. War then existing between England and France, he thought
+they might do it without being called in question as pirates. The
+pirates 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, cleaned and tallowed 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 joining him, and going round
+to Ambonavoula, to make up a company, it was agreed upon, and they
+unanimously chose him commander. They accordingly put to sea, and stood
+away round the south end of the island, and touched at Don Mascarenhas,
+where he took in a surgeon, and stretching over again to Madagascar,
+fell in with Ambonavoula, and made up his complement of 60 men. From
+hence he shaped his course for the island of Mayotta, where he cleaned
+his ship, and waited for the season to go into the Red Sea. His
+provisions being taken in, the time proper, and the ship well fitted, he
+steered for Babel-Mandeb, and running into a harbor, waited for the
+Mocha ships.
+
+He here took two grabs laden with provisions, and having some small
+money and drugs aboard. These he plundered of what was for his turn,
+kept them a fortnight by him, and let them go. Soon after they espied a
+lofty ship, upon which they put to sea; but finding her European built,
+and too strong to attempt, for it was a Dutchman, they gave over the
+chase, and were glad to shake them off, and return to their station.
+Fancying they were here discovered, 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. A few days
+after, they met with a large ship of about 1000 tons and 600 men, called
+the Malabar, which they chased, kept company with her all night, and
+took in the morning, with the loss of only their boatswain, and two or
+three men wounded. In 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. They therefore filled her away with prisoners, gave them
+provision and sent them away.
+
+Some days after this, they espied a Portuguese man-of war of 44 guns,
+which they chased, but gave it over by carrying away their maintopmast,
+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 merchantman, which they chased with English colors
+flying. The chase, taking White for an English man-of-war or
+East-Indiaman, 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 detained, and the pirates
+getting into his boat with their arms, went on board and fired on the
+Portuguese, who being surprised, asked if war was broke out between
+England and Portugal? They answered in the affirmative, but the captain
+could not believe them. 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 shots
+in the chase, but when they came along side of 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 cargo, with what bale 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 plundered the Malabar ship, out of which they took as
+much money as came to £200 sterling a man, but missed 50,000 sequins,
+which were hid in a jar under a cow's stall, kept for the giving milk to
+the Moor supercargo, an ancient man. They then put the Portuguese and
+Moor prisoners on board the Malabar, and sent them about their business.
+The day after they had sent them away, one Captain Benjamin Stacy, in a
+ketch of 6 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,
+who were under the care of Stacy. The children took on for their loss,
+and the captain asked the reason of their tears, was answered by Stacy,
+and the above sum and plate was all the children had to bring them up.
+Captain White made a speech to his men, and told them it was cruel to
+rob the innocent children; upon which, by unanimous consent, all was
+restored to them again. Besides, they made a gathering among themselves,
+and made a present to Stacy's mate, and other of 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 anchor,
+which the people had made prize of, by seizing the master and boat's
+crew ashore. They found a French gentleman, one Monsieur Berger, on
+board, whom they carried with them, took out about 2000 dollars, and
+sold the ketch to the chief ashore for provisions.
+
+Hence they sailed for Madagascar, but touched at Mascarenhas, where
+several of them went ashore with their booty, about £1200 a man. Here
+taking in fresh provisions, White steered for Madagascar, and fell in
+with Hopeful Point where they shared their goods, and took up
+settlements ashore, where White built a house, bought cattle, took off
+the upper deck of 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 more proper vessel for
+their turn, they desisted from working on the ship, and those who had a
+mind for fresh adventures, went on board Halsey, among whom Captain
+White entered before the mast.
+
+At his return to Madagascar, White was taken ill of a flux, which in
+about five or six months ended his days. Finding his time was drawing
+nigh, he made his will, left several legacies, and named three men of
+different nations, guardian to a son he had by a woman in 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
+that he might live a better man than his father. He was buried with the
+same ceremony they used at the funerals of their companions, which is
+mentioned 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 honor.
+
+
+
+
+THE LIFE, ATROCITIES, AND BLOODY DEATH OF BLACK BEARD.
+
+
+Edward Teach was a native of Bristol, and having gone to Jamaica,
+frequently sailed from that port as one of the crew of a privateer
+during the French war. In that station he gave frequent proofs of his
+boldness and personal courage; but he was not entrusted with any command
+until Captain Benjamin Hornigold gave him the command of a prize which
+he had taken.
+
+In the spring of 1717, Hornigold and Teach sailed from Providence for
+the continent of America, and on their way captured a small vessel with
+120 barrels of flour, which they put on board their own vessel. They
+also seized two other vessels; from one they took some gallons of wine,
+and from the other, plunder to a considerable value. After cleaning upon
+the coast of Virginia, they made a prize of a large French Guineaman
+bound to Martinique, and Teach obtaining the command of her, went to the
+island of Providence, and surrendered to the king's clemency.
+
+Teach now began to act an independent part. He mounted his vessel with
+forty guns, and named her "The Queen Anne's Revenge." Cruising near the
+island of St. Vincent, he took a large ship, called the Great Allan, and
+after having plundered her of what he deemed proper, set her on fire. A
+few days after, Teach encountered the Scarborough man-of-war, and
+engaged her for some hours; but perceiving his strength and resolution,
+she retired, and left Teach to pursue his depredations. His next
+adventure was with a sloop of ten guns, commanded by Major Bonnet, and
+these two men co-operated for some time: but Teach finding him
+unacquainted with naval affairs, gave the command of Bonnet's ship to
+Richards, one of his own crew, and entertained Bonnet on board his own
+vessel. Watering at Turniff, they discovered a sail, and Richards with
+the Revenge slipped her cable, and ran out to meet her. Upon seeing the
+black flag hoisted, the vessel struck, and came-to under the stern of
+Teach the commodore. This was the Adventure from Jamaica. They took the
+captain and his men on board the great ship, and manned his sloop for
+their own service.
+
+Weighing from Turniff, where they remained during a week, and sailing to
+the bay, they found there a ship and four sloops. Teach hoisted his
+flag, and began to fire at them, upon which the captain and his men left
+their ship and fled to the shore. Teach burned two of these sloops, and
+let the other three depart.
+
+They afterwards sailed to different places, and having taken two small
+vessels, anchored off the bar of Charleston for a few days. Here they
+captured a ship bound for England, as she was coming out of the harbor.
+They next seized a vessel coming out of Charleston, and two pinks coming
+into the same harbor, together with a brigantine with fourteen negroes.
+The audacity of these transactions, performed in sight of the town,
+struck the inhabitants with terror, as they had been lately visited by
+some other notorious pirates. Meanwhile, there were eight sail in the
+harbor, none of which durst set to sea for fear of falling into the
+hands of Teach. The trade of this place was totally interrupted, and the
+inhabitants were abandoned to despair. Their calamity was greatly
+augmented from this circumstance, that a long and desperate war with the
+natives had just terminated, when they began to be infested by these
+robbers.
+
+Teach having detained all the persons taken in these ships as
+prisoners, they were soon in great want of medicines, and he had the
+audacity to demand a chest from the governor. This demand was made in a
+manner not less daring than insolent. Teach sent Richards, the captain
+of the Revenge, with Mr. Marks, one of the prisoners, and several
+others, to present their request. Richards informed the governor, that
+unless their demand was granted, and he and his companions returned in
+safety, every prisoner on board the captured ships should instantly be
+slain, and the vessels consumed to ashes.
+
+During the time that Mr. Marks was negotiating with the governor,
+Richards and his associates walked the streets at pleasure, while
+indignation flamed from every eye against them, as the robbers of their
+property, and the terror of their country. Though the affront thus
+offered to the Government was great and most audacious, yet, to preserve
+the lives of so many men, they granted their request, and sent on board
+a chest valued at three or four hundred pounds.
+
+Teach, as soon as he received the medicines and his fellow pirates,
+pillaged the ships of gold and provisions, and then dismissed the
+prisoners with their vessels. From the bar of Charleston they sailed to
+North Carolina. Teach now began to reflect how he could best secure the
+spoil, along with some of the crew who were his favorites. Accordingly,
+under pretence of cleaning, he ran his vessel on shore, and grounded;
+then ordered the men in Hands' sloop to come to his assistance, which
+they endeavoring to do, also ran aground, and so they were both lost.
+Then Teach went into the tender with forty hands, and upon a sandy
+island, about a league from shore, where there was neither bird no
+beast, nor herb for their subsistence, he left seventeen of his crew,
+who must inevitably have perished, had not Major Bonnet received
+intelligence of their miserable situation, and sent a long-boat for
+them. After this barbarous deed. Teach, with the remainder of his crew,
+went and surrendered to the governor of North Carolina, retaining all
+the property which had been acquired by his fleet.
+
+The temporary suspension of the depredations of Black Beard, for so he
+was now called, did not proceed from a conviction of his former errors,
+or a determination to reform, but to prepare for future and more
+extensive exploits. As governors are but men, and not unfrequently by no
+means possessed of the most virtuous principles, the gold of Black Beard
+rendered him comely in the governor's eyes, and, by his influence, he
+obtained a legal right to the great ship called "The Queen Anne's
+Revenge." By order of the governor, a court of vice-admiralty was held
+at Bath-town, and that vessel was condemned as a lawful prize which he
+had taken from the Spaniards, though it was a well-known fact that she
+belonged to English merchants. Before he entered upon his new
+adventures, he married a young woman of about sixteen years of age, the
+governor himself attending the ceremony. It was reported that this was
+only his fourteenth wife, about twelve of whom were yet alive; and
+though this woman was young and amiable, he behaved towards her in a
+manner so brutal, that it was shocking to all decency and propriety,
+even among his abandoned crew of pirates.
+
+In his first voyage, Black Beard directed his course to the Bermudas,
+and meeting with two or three English vessels, emptied them of their
+stores and other necessaries, and allowed them to proceed. He also met
+with two French vessels bound for Martinique, the one light, and the
+other laden with sugar and cocoa: he put the men on board the latter
+into the former, and allowed her to depart. He brought the freighted
+vessel into North Carolina, where the governor and Black Beard shared
+the prizes. Nor did their audacity and villany stop here. Teach and some
+of his abandoned crew waited upon his excellency, and swore that they
+had seized the French ship at sea, without a soul on board; therefore a
+court was called, and she was condemned, the honorable governor received
+sixty hogsheads of sugar for his share, his secretary twenty, and the
+pirates the remainder. But as guilt always inspires suspicion, Teach was
+afraid that some one might arrive in the harbor who might detect the
+roguery: therefore, upon pretence that she was leaky, and might sink,
+and so stop up the entrance to the harbor where she lay, they obtained
+the governor's liberty to drag her into the river, where she was set on
+fire, and when burnt down to the water, her bottom was sunk, that so she
+might never rise in judgment against the governor and his confederates.
+
+[Illustration: _The crews of Black Beard's and Vane's vessels carousing
+on the coast of Carolina._]
+
+Black Beard now being in the province of Friendship, passed several
+months in the river, giving and receiving visits from the planters;
+while he traded with the vessels which came to that river, sometimes in
+the way of lawful commerce, and sometimes in his own way. When he chose
+to appear the honest man, he made fair purchases on equal barter; but
+when this did not suit his necessities, or his humor, he would rob at
+pleasure, and leave them to seek their redress from the governor; and
+the better to cover his intrigues with his excellency, he would
+sometimes outbrave him to his face, and administer to him a share of
+that contempt and insolence which he so liberally bestowed upon the rest
+of the inhabitants of the province.
+
+But there are limits to human insolence and depravity. The captains of
+the vessels who frequented that river, and had been so often harrassed
+and plundered by Black Beard, secretly consulted with some of the
+planters what measures to pursue, in order to banish such an infamous
+miscreant from their coasts, and to bring him to deserved punishment.
+Convinced from long experience, that the governor himself, to whom it
+belonged, would give no redress, they represented the matter to the
+governor of Virginia, and entreated that an armed force might be sent
+from the men-of-war lying there, either to take or to destroy those
+pirates who infested their coast.
+
+Upon this representation, the Governor of Virginia consulted with the
+captains of the two men-of-war as to the best measures to be adopted. It
+was resolved that the governor should hire two small vessels, which
+could pursue Bleak Beard into all his inlets and creeks; that they
+should be manned from the men-of-war, and the command given to
+Lieutenant Maynard, an experienced and resolute officer. When all was
+ready for his departure, the governor called an assembly, in which it
+was resolved to issue a proclamation, offering a great reward to any
+who, within a year, should take or destroy any pirate.
+
+Upon the 17th of November, 1717, Maynard left James's river in quest of
+Black Beard, and on the evening of the 21st came in sight of the pirate.
+This expedition was fitted out with all possible expedition and secrecy,
+no boat being permitted to pass that might convey any intelligence,
+while care was taken to discover where the pirates were lurking. His
+excellency the governor of Bermuda, and his secretary, however, having
+obtained information of the intended expedition, the latter wrote a
+letter to Black Beard, intimating, that he had sent him four of his men,
+who were all he could meet within or about town, and so bade him be on
+his guard. These men were sent from Bath-town to the place where Black
+Beard lay, about the distance of twenty leagues.
+
+The hardened and infatuated pirate, having been often deceived by false
+intelligence, was the less attentive to this information, nor was he
+convinced of its accuracy until he saw the sloops sent to apprehend him.
+Though he had then only twenty men on board, he prepared to give battle.
+Lieutenant Maynard arrived with his sloops in the evening, and anchored,
+as he could not venture, under cloud of night, to go into the place
+where Black Beard lay. The latter spent the night in drinking with the
+master of a trading-vessel, with the same indifference as if no danger
+had been near. Nay, such was the desperate wickedness of this villain,
+that, it is reported, during the carousals of that night, one of his men
+asked him, "In case any thing should happen to him during the engagement
+with the two sloops which were waiting to attack him in the morning,
+whether his wife knew where he had buried his money?" when he impiously
+replied, "That nobody but himself and the devil knew where it was, and
+the longest liver should take all."
+
+In the morning Maynard weighed, and sent his boat to sound, which coming
+near the pirate, received her fire. Maynard then hoisted royal colors,
+and made directly towards Black Beard with every sail and oar. In a
+little time the pirate ran aground, and so also did the king's vessels.
+Maynard lightened his vessel of the ballast and water, and made towards
+Black Beard. Upon this he hailed him in his own rude style, "D--n you
+for villains, who are you, and from whence come you?" The lieutenant
+answered, "You may see from our colors we are no pirates." Black Beard
+bade him send his boat on board, that he might see who he was. But
+Maynard replied, "I cannot spare my boat, but I will come on board of
+you as soon as I can with my sloop." Upon this Black Beard took a glass
+of liquor and drank to him, saying, "I'll give no quarter nor take any
+from you." Maynard replied, "He expected no quarter from him, nor should
+he give him any."
+
+During this dialogue the pirate's ship floated, and the sloops were
+rowing with all expedition towards him. As she came near, the pirate
+fired a broadside, charged with all manner of small shot, which killed
+or wounded twenty men. Black Beard's ship in a little after fell
+broadside to the shore; one of the sloops called the Ranger, also fell
+astern. But Maynard finding that his own sloop had way, and would soon
+be on board of Teach, ordered all his men down, while himself and the
+man at the helm, who he commanded to lie concealed, were the only
+persons who remained on deck. He at the same time desired them to take
+their pistols, cutlasses, and swords, and be ready for action upon his
+call, and, for greater expedition, two ladders were placed in the
+hatchway. When the king's sloop boarded, the pirate's case-boxes, filled
+with powder, small shot, slugs, and pieces of lead and iron, with a
+quick-match in the mouth of them, were thrown into Maynard's sloop.
+Fortunately, however, the men being in the hold, they did small injury
+on the present occasion, though they are usually very destructive. Black
+Beard seeing few or no hands upon deck, cried to his men that they were
+all knocked on the head except three or four; "and therefore," said he,
+"let us jump on board, and cut to pieces those that are alive."
+
+[Illustration: _Death of Black Beard._]
+
+Upon this, during the smoke occasioned by one of these case-boxes, Black
+Beard, with fourteen of his men, entered, and were not perceived until
+the smoke was dispelled. The signal was given to Maynard's men, who
+rushed up in an instant. Black Beard and the lieutenant exchange shots,
+and the pirate was wounded; they then engaged sword in hand, until the
+sword of the lieutenant broke, but fortunately one of his men at that
+instant gave Black Beard a terrible wound in the neck and throat. The
+most desperate and bloody conflict ensued:--Maynard with twelve men, and
+Black Beard with fourteen. The sea was dyed with blood all around the
+vessel, and uncommon bravery was displayed upon both sides. Though the
+pirate was wounded by the first shot from Maynard, though he had
+received twenty cuts, and as many shots, he fought with desperate valor;
+but at length, when in the act of cocking his pistol, fell down dead. By
+this time eight of his men had fallen, and the rest being wounded, cried
+out for quarter, which was granted, as the ringleader was slain. The
+other sloop also attacked the men who remained in the pirate vessels,
+until they also cried out for quarter. And such was the desperation of
+Black Beard, that, having small hope of escaping, he had placed a negro
+with a match at the gunpowder door, to blow up the ship the moment that
+he should have been boarded by the king's men, in order to involve the
+whole in general ruin. That destructive broadside at the commencement of
+the action, which at first appeared so unlucky, was, however, the means
+of their preservation from the intended destruction.
+
+Maynard severed the pirate's head from his body, suspended it upon his
+bowsprit-end, and sailed to Bath-town, to obtain medical aid for his
+wounded men. In the pirate sloop several letters and papers were found,
+which Black Beard would certainly have destroyed previous to the
+engagement, had he not determined to blow her up upon his being taken,
+which disclosed the whole villainy between the honorable governor of
+Bermuda and his honest secretary on the one hand, and the notorious
+pirate on the other, who had now suffered the just punishment of his
+crimes.
+
+[Illustration: _Black Beard's Head on the end of the Bowsprit._]
+
+Scarcely was Maynard returned to Bath-town, when he boldly went and made
+free with the sixty hogsheads of sugar in the possession of the
+governor, and the twenty in that of his secretary.
+
+After his men had been healed at Bath-town, the lieutenant proceeded to
+Virginia, with the head of Black Beard still suspended on his
+bowsprit-end, as a trophy of his victory, to the great joy of all the
+inhabitants. The prisoners were tried, condemned, and executed; and thus
+all the crew of that infernal miscreant, Black Beard, were destroyed,
+except two. One of these was taken out of a trading-vessel, only the day
+before the engagement, in which he received no less than seventy wounds,
+of all which he was cured. The other was Israel Hands, who was master of
+the Queen Anne's Revenge; he was taken at Bath-town, being wounded in
+one of Black Beard's savage humors. One night Black Beard, drinking in
+his cabin with Hands, the pilot, and another man, without any pretence,
+took a small pair of pistols, and cocked them under the table; which
+being perceived by the man, he went on deck, leaving the captain, Hands,
+and the pilot together. When his pistols were prepared, he extinguished
+the candle, crossed his arms, and fired at his company. The one pistol
+did no execution, but the other wounded Hands in the knee. Interrogated
+concerning the meaning of this, he answered with an imprecation, "That
+if he did not now and then kill one of them, they would forget who he
+was." Hands was eventually tried and condemned, but as he was about to
+be executed, a vessel arrived with a proclamation prolonging the time of
+his Majesty's pardon, which Hands pleading, he was saved from a violent
+and shameful death.
+
+In the commonwealth of pirates, he who goes the greatest length of
+wickedness, is looked upon with a kind of envy amongst them, as a person
+of a most extraordinary gallantry; he is therefore entitled to be
+distinguished by some post, and, if such a one has but courage, he must
+certainly be a great man. The hero of whom we are writing was thoroughly
+accomplished in this way, and some of his frolics of wickedness were as
+extravagant as if he aimed at making his men believe he was a devil
+incarnate. Being one day at sea, and a little flushed with drink;
+"Come," said he, "let us make a hell of our own, and try how long we can
+bear it." Accordingly he, with two or three others, went down into the
+hold, and closing up all the hatches, filled several pots full of
+brimstone, and other combustible matter; they then set it on fire, and
+so continued till they were almost suffocated, when some of the men
+cried out for air; at length he opened the hatches, not a little pleased
+that he had held out the longest.
+
+Those of his crew who were taken alive, told a story which may appear a
+little incredible. That once, upon a cruise, they found out that they
+had a man on board more than their crew; such a one was seen several
+days amongst them, sometimes below, and sometimes upon deck, yet no man
+in the ship could give any account who he was, or from whence he came;
+but that he disappeared a little before they were cast away in their
+great ship, and, it seems, they verily believed it was the devil.
+
+One would think these things should have induced them to reform their
+lives; but being so many reprobates together, they encouraged and
+spirited one another up in their wickedness, to which a continual course
+of drinking did not a little contribute. In Black Beard's journal,
+which was taken, there were several memoranda of the following nature,
+all written with his own hand.--"Such a day, rum all out;--our company
+somewhat sober;--a d--d confusion amongst us!--rogues a plotting;--great
+talk of separation. So I looked sharp for a prize;--such a day took one,
+with a great deal of liquor on board; so kept the company hot, d--d hot,
+then all things went well again."
+
+We shall close the narrative of this extraordinary man's life by an
+account of the cause why he was denominated Black Beard. He derived this
+name from his long black beard, which, like a frightful meteor, covered
+his whole face, and terrified all America more than any comet that had
+ever appeared. He was accustomed to twist it with ribbon in small
+quantities, and turn them about his ears. In time of action he wore a
+sling over his shoulders with three brace of pistols. He stuck lighted
+matches under his hat, which appeared on both sides of his face and
+eyes, naturally fierce and wild, made him such a figure that the human
+imagination cannot form a conception of a fury more terrible and
+alarming; and if he had the appearance and look of a fury, his actions
+corresponded with that character.
+
+
+
+
+THE EXPLOITS, ARREST, AND EXECUTION OF CAPTAIN CHARLES
+VANE.
+
+
+Charles Vane was one of those who stole away the silver which the
+Spaniards had fished up from the wrecks of the galleons in the Gulf of
+Florida, and was at Providence when governor Rogers arrived there with
+two men-of-war.
+
+All the pirates who were then found at this colony of rogues, submitted
+and received certificates of their pardon, except Captain Vane and his
+crew; who, as soon as they saw the men-of-war enter, slipped their
+cable, set fire to a prize they had in the harbor, sailed out with their
+piratical colors flying, and fired at one of the men-of-war, as they
+went off from the coast.
+
+Two days after, they met with a sloop belonging to Barbadoes, which they
+took, and kept the vessel for their own use, putting aboard five and
+twenty hands, with one Yeates the commander. In a day or two they fell
+in with a small interloping trader, with a quantity of Spanish pieces of
+eight aboard, bound for Providence, which they also took along with
+them. With these two sloops, Vane went to a small island and cleaned;
+where he shared the booty, and spent some time in a riotous manner.
+
+About the latter end of May 1718, Vane and his crew sailed, and being in
+want of provisions, they beat up for the Windward Islands. In the way
+they met with a Spanish sloop, bound from Porto Rico to the Havana,
+which they burnt, stowed the Spaniards into a boat, and left them to
+get to the island by the blaze of their vessel. Steering between St.
+Christopher's and Anguilla, they fell in with a brigantine and a sloop,
+freighted with such cargo as they wanted; from whom they got provisions
+for sea-store.
+
+Sometime after this, standing to the northward, in the track the old
+English ships take in their voyage to the American colonies, they took
+several ships and vessels, which they plundered of what they thought
+fit, and then let them pass.
+
+About the latter end of August, with his consort Yeates, came off South
+Carolina, and took a ship belonging to Ipswich, laden with logwood. This
+was thought convenient enough for their own business, and therefore they
+ordered their prisoners to work, and threw all the lading overboard; but
+when they had more than half cleared the ship, the whim changed, and
+they would not have her; so Coggershall, the captain of the captured
+vessel, had his ship again, and he was suffered to pursue his voyage
+home. In this voyage the pirates took several ships and vessels,
+particularly a sloop from Barbadoes, a small ship from Antigua, a sloop
+belonging to Curaçoa, and a large brigantine from Guinea, with upwards
+of ninety negroes aboard. The pirates plundered them all and let them
+go, putting the negroes out of the brigantine aboard Yeates' vessel.
+
+Captain Vane always treated his consort with very little respect, and
+assumed a superiority over him and his crew, regarding the vessel but as
+a tender to his own: this gave them disgust; for they thought themselves
+as good pirates, and as great rogues as the best of them; so they
+caballed together, and resolved, the first opportunity, to leave the
+company, and accept of his majesty's pardon, or set up for themselves;
+either of which they thought more honorable than to be the servants to
+Vane: the putting aboard so many negroes, where there were so few hands
+to take care of them, aggravated the matter, though they thought fit to
+conceal or stifle their resentment at that time.
+
+In a day or two, the pirates lying off at anchor, Yeates in the evening
+slipped his cable, and put his vessel under sail, standing into the
+shore; which when Vane saw, he was highly provoked, and got his sloop
+under sail to chase his consort. Vane's brigantine sailing best, he
+gained ground of Yeates, and would certainly have come up with them, had
+he had a little longer run; but just as he got over the bar, when Vane
+came within gun-shot of him, he fired a broadside at his old friend, and
+so took his leave.
+
+Yeates came into North Eddisto river, about ten leagues to the southward
+of Charleston, and sent an express to the governor, to know if he and
+his comrades might have the benefit of his majesty's pardon; promising
+that, if they might, they would surrender themselves to his mercy, with
+the sloops and negroes. Their request being granted, they all came up,
+and received certificates; and Captain Thompson, from whom the negroes
+were taken, had them all restored to him, for the use of his owners.
+
+Vane cruised some time off the bar, in hopes to catch Yeates at his
+coming out again, but therein he was disappointed; however, he there
+took two ships from Charleston, which were bound home to England. It
+happened just at this time, that two sloops well manned and armed, were
+equipped to go after a pirate, which the governor of South Carolina was
+informed lay then in Cape Fear river cleaning: but Colonel Rhet, who
+commanded the sloops, meeting with one of the ships that Vane had
+plundered, going back over the bar for such necessaries as had been
+taken from her, and she giving the Colonel an account of being taken by
+the pirate Vane, and also, that some of her men, while they were
+prisoners on board of him, had heard the pirates say they should clean
+in one of the rivers to the southward, he altered his first design, and
+instead of standing to the northward, in pursuit of the pirate in Cape
+Fear river, turned to the southward after Vane, who had ordered such
+reports to be given out, on purpose to put any force that should come
+after him upon a wrong scent; for he stood away to the northward, so
+that the pursuit proved to be of no effect. Colonel Rhet's speaking with
+this ship was the most unlucky thing that could have happened, because
+it turned him out of the road which, in all probability, would have
+brought him into the company of Vane, as well as of the pirate he went
+after, and so they might have been both destroyed; whereas, by the
+Colonel's going a different way, he not only lost the opportunity of
+meeting with one, but if the other had not been infatuated, and lain six
+weeks together at Cape Fear, he would have missed him likewise; however,
+the Colonel having searched the rivers and inlets, as directed, for
+several days without success, at length sailed in prosecution of his
+first design, and met with the pirate accordingly, whom he fought and
+took.
+
+Captain Vane went into an inlet to the northward, where he met with
+Captain Teach, otherwise Black Beard, whom he saluted (when he found who
+he was) with his great guns loaded with shot: it being the custom among
+pirates when they meet, to do so, though they are wide of one another:
+Black Beard answered the salute in the same manner, and mutual
+civilities passed between them some days, when, about the beginning of
+October, Vane took leave, and sailed farther to the northward.
+
+On the 23d of October, off Long Island, he took a small brigantine bound
+from Jamaica to Salem in New England, besides a little sloop: they
+rifled the brigantine, and sent her away. From thence they resolved on a
+cruise between Cape Meise and Cape Nicholas, where they spent some time
+without seeing or speaking with any vessel, till the latter end of
+November; they then fell in with a ship, which it was expected would
+have struck as soon as their black colors were hoisted; but instead of
+this she discharged a broadside upon the pirate, and hoisted French
+colors, which showed her to be a French man-of-war. Vane desired to have
+nothing more to say to her, but trimmed his sails, and stood away from
+the Frenchman; however, Monsieur having a mind to be better informed who
+he was, set all his sails and crowded after him. During this chase the
+pirates were divided in their resolution what to do. Vane, the captain,
+was for making off as fast as he could, alleging that the man-of-war was
+too strong for them to cope with; but one John Rackam, their
+quarter-master, and who was a kind of check upon the captain, rose up in
+defence of a contrary opinion, saying, "that though she had more guns,
+and a greater weight of metal, they might board her, and then the best
+boys would carry the day." Rackam was well seconded, and the majority
+was for boarding; but Vane urged, "that it was too rash and desperate an
+enterprise, the man-of-war appearing to be twice their force, and that
+their brigantine might be sunk by her before they could reach to board
+her." The mate, one Robert Deal, was of Vane's opinion, as were about
+fifteen more, and all the rest joined with Rackam the quarter-master. At
+length the captain made use of his power to determine this dispute,
+which in these cases is absolute and uncontrollable, by their own laws,
+viz., the captain's absolute right of determining in all questions
+concerning fighting, chasing, or being chased; in all other matters
+whatsoever the captain being governed by a majority; so the brigantine
+having the heels, as they term it, of the Frenchman, she came clear off.
+
+But the next day, the captain's conduct was obliged to stand the test of
+a vote, and a resolution passed against his honor and dignity, which
+branded him with the name of coward, deposed him from the command, and
+turned him out of the company with marks of infamy; and with him went
+all those who did not vote for boarding the French man-of-war. They had
+with them a small sloop that had been taken by them some time before,
+which they gave to Vane and the discarded members; and that they might
+be in a condition to provide for themselves by their own honest
+endeavors, they let them have a sufficient quantity of provisions and
+ammunition.
+
+John Rackam was voted captain of the brigantine in Vane's room, and he
+proceeded towards the Carribbee Islands, where we must leave him, till
+we have finished our history of Charles Vane.
+
+The sloop sailed for the bay of Honduras, and Vane and his crew put her
+in as good a condition as they could by the way, that they might follow
+their old trade. They cruised two or three days off the northwest part
+of Jamaica, and took a sloop and two perriaguas, all the men of which
+entered with them: the sloop they kept, and Robert Deal was appointed
+captain.
+
+On the 16th of December, the two sloops came into the bay, where they
+found only one vessel at anchor. She was called the Pearl of Jamaica,
+and got under sail at the sight of them; but the pirate sloops coming
+near Rowland, and showing no colors, he gave them a gun or two,
+whereupon they hoisted the black flag, and fired three guns each at the
+Pearl. She struck, and the pirates took possession, and carried her away
+to a small island called Barnacho, where they cleaned. By the way they
+met with a sloop from Jamaica, as she was going down to the bay, which
+they also took.
+
+In February, Vane sailed from Barnacho, for a cruise; but, some days
+after he was out, a violent tornado overtook him, which separated him
+from his consort, and, after two days' distress, threw his sloop upon a
+small uninhabited island, near the bay of Honduras, where she staved to
+pieces, and most of her men were drowned: Vane himself was saved, but
+reduced to great straits for want of necessaries, having no opportunity
+to get any thing from the wreck. He lived here some weeks, and was
+supported chiefly by fishermen, who frequented the island with small
+crafts from the main, to catch turtles and other fish.
+
+[Illustration: _Vane arrested by Captain Holford._]
+
+While Vane was upon this island, a ship put in there from Jamaica for
+water, the captain of which, one Holford, an old buccaneer, happened to
+be Vane's acquaintance. He thought this a good opportunity to get off,
+and accordingly applied to his old friend: but Holford absolutely
+refused him, saying to him, "Charles, I shan't trust you aboard my ship,
+unless I carry you as a prisoner, for I shall have you caballing with my
+men, knocking me on the head, and running away with my ship pirating."
+Vane made all the protestations of honor in the world to him; but, it
+seems, Captain Holford was too intimately acquainted with him, to repose
+any confidence at all in his words or oaths. He told him, "He might
+easily find a way to get off, if he had a mind to it:--I am going down
+the bay," said he, "and shall return hither in about a month, and if I
+find you upon the island when I come back, I'll carry you to Jamaica,
+and there hang you." "How can I get away?" answered Vane. "Are there not
+fishermen's dories upon the beach? Can't you take one of them?" replied
+Holford. "What!" said Vane, "would you have me steal a dory then?" "Do
+you make it a matter of conscience," replied Holford, "to steal a dory,
+when you have been a common robber and pirate, stealing ships and
+cargoes, and plundering all mankind that fell in your way! Stay here if
+you are so squeamish?" and he left him to consider of the matter.
+
+After Captain Holford's departure, another ship put into the same
+island, in her way home, for water; none of the company knowing Vane, he
+easily passed for another man, and so was shipped for the voyage. One
+would be apt to think that Vane was now pretty safe, and likely to
+escape the fate which his crimes had merited; but here a cross accident
+happened that ruined all. Holford returning from the bay, was met by
+this ship, and the captains being very well acquainted with each other,
+Holford was invited to dine aboard, which he did. As he passed along to
+the cabin, he chanced to cast his eye down into the hold, and there saw
+Charles Vane at work: he immediately spoke to the captain, saying, "Do
+you know whom you have got aboard there?" "Why," said he, "I have
+shipped a man at such an island, who was cast away in a trading sloop,
+and he seems to be a brisk hand." "I tell you," replied Captain Holford,
+"it is Vane the notorious pirate." "If it be he," cried the other, "I
+won't keep him." "Why then," said Holford, "I'll send and take him
+aboard, and surrender him at Jamaica." This being agreed upon, Captain
+Holford, as soon as he returned to his ship, sent his boat with his
+mate, armed, who coming to Vane, showed him a pistol, and told him he
+was his prisoner. No man daring to make opposition, he was brought
+aboard and put into irons; and when Captain Holford arrived at Jamaica,
+he delivered up his old acquaintance to justice, at which place he was
+tried, convicted, and executed, as was some time before, Vane's consort,
+Robert Deal, who was brought thither by one of the men-of-war. It is
+clear from this how little ancient friendship will avail a great
+villain, when he is deprived of the power that had before supported and
+rendered him formidable.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE WEST INDIA PIRATES
+
+
+_Containing Accounts of their Atrocities, Manners of Living, &c., with
+proceedings of the Squadron under Commodore Porter in those seas, the
+victory and death of Lieutenant Allen, the interesting Narrative of
+Captain Lincoln, &c._
+
+Those innumerable groups of islands, keys and sandbanks, known as the
+West-Indies, are peculiarly adapted from their locality and formation,
+to be a favorite resort for pirates; many of them are composed of coral
+rocks, on which a few cocoa trees raise their lofty heads; where there
+is sufficient earth for vegetation between the interstices of the rocks,
+stunted brushwood grows. But a chief peculiarity of some of the islands,
+and which renders them suitable to those who frequent them as pirates,
+are the numerous caves with which the rocks are perforated; some of them
+are above high-water mark, but the majority with the sea water flowing
+in and out of them, in some cases merely rushing in at high-water
+filling deep pools, which are detached from each other when the tide
+recedes, in others with a sufficient depth of water to allow a large
+boat to float in. It is hardly necessary to observe how convenient the
+higher and dry caves are as receptacles for articles which are intended
+to be concealed, until an opportunity occurs to dispose of them. The
+Bahamas, themselves are a singular group of isles, reefs and quays;
+consisting of several hundred in number, and were the chief resort of
+pirates in old times, but now they are all rooted from them; they are
+low and not elevated, and are more than 600 miles in extent, cut up into
+numerous intricate passages and channels, full of sunken rocks and coral
+reefs. They afforded a sure retreat to desperadoes. Other islands are
+full of mountain fastnesses, where all pursuit can be eluded. Many of
+the low shores are skirted, and the islands covered by the mangrove, a
+singular tree, shooting fresh roots as it grows, which, when the tree is
+at its full age, may be found six or eight feet from the ground, to
+which the shoots gradually tend in regular succession; the leaf is very
+thick and stiff and about eight inches long and nine wide, the interval
+between the roots offer secure hiding places for those who are suddenly
+pursued. Another circumstance assists the pirate when pursued.--As the
+islands belong to several different nations, when pursued from one
+island he can pass to that under the jurisdiction of another power. And
+as permission must be got by those in pursuit of him, from the
+authorities of the island to land and take him, he thus gains time to
+secrete himself. A tropical climate is suited to a roving life, and
+liquor as well as dissolute women being in great abundance, to gratify
+him during his hours of relaxation, makes this a congenial region for
+the lawless.
+
+[Illustration: _A Piratical Vessel destroying a Merchant Ship._]
+
+The crews of pirate vessels in these seas are chiefly composed of
+Spaniards, Portuguese, French, Mulattoes, Negroes, and a few natives of
+other countries. The island of Cuba is the great nest of pirates at the
+present day, and at the Havana, piracy is as much tolerated as any other
+profession. As the piracies committed in these seas, during a single
+year, have amounted to more than fifty, we shall give only a few
+accounts of the most interesting.
+
+In November 1821, the brig Cobbessecontee, Captain Jackson, sailed from
+Havana, on the morning of the 8th for Boston, and on the evening of the
+same day, about four miles from the Moro, was brought to by a piratical
+sloop containing about 30 men. A boat from her, with 10 men, came
+alongside, and soon after they got on board commenced plundering. They
+took nearly all the clothing from the captain and mate--all the cooking
+utensils and spare rigging--unrove part of the running rigging--cut the
+small cable--broke the compasses--cut the mast's coats to pieces--took
+from the captain his watch and four boxes cigars--and from the cargo
+three bales cochineal and six boxes cigars. They beat the mate
+unmercifully, and hung him up by the neck under the maintop. They also
+beat the captain severely--broke a large broad sword across his back,
+and ran a long knife through his thigh, so that he almost bled to death.
+Captain Jackson saw the sloop at Regla the day before.
+
+Captain Jackson informs us, and we have also been informed by other
+persons from the Havana, that this system of piracy is openly
+countenanced by some of the inhabitants of that place--who say that it
+is a retaliation on the Americans for interfering against the Slave
+Trade.
+
+About this time the ship Liverpool Packet, Ricker, of Portsmouth, N.H.,
+was boarded off Cape St. Antonio, Cuba, by two piratical schooners; two
+barges containing thirty or forty men, robbed the vessel of every thing
+movable, even of her _flags_, rigging, and a boat which happened to be
+afloat, having a boy in it, which belonged to the ship. They held a
+consultation whether they should murder the crew, as they had done
+before, or not--in the mean time taking the ship into anchoring ground.
+On bringing her to anchor, the crew saw a brig close alongside, burnt to
+the water's edge, and three dead bodies floating near her. The pirates
+said they had burnt the brig the day before, and _murdered all the
+crew!_--and intended doing the same with them. They said "look at the
+turtles (meaning the dead bodies) you will soon be the same." They said
+the vessel was a Baltimore brig, which they had robbed and burnt, and
+murdered the crew as before stated, of which they had little doubt.
+Captain Ricker was most shockingly bruised by them. The mate was hung
+till he was supposed to be dead, but came to, and is now alive. They
+told the captain that they belonged in Regla, and should kill them all
+to prevent discovery.
+
+In 1822, the United States had several cruisers among the West-India
+islands, to keep the pirates in check. Much good was done but still many
+vessels were robbed and destroyed, together with their crews. This year
+the brave Lieutenant Allen fell by the hand of pirates; he was in the
+United States schooner Alligator, and receiving intelligence at
+Matanzas, that several vessels which had sailed from that port, had been
+taken by the pirates, and were then in the bay of Lejuapo. He hastened
+to their assistance. He arrived just in time to save five sail of
+vessels which he found in possession of a gang of pirates, 300 strong,
+established in the bay of Lejuapo, about 15 leagues east of this. He
+fell, pierced by two musket balls, in the van of a division of boats,
+attacking their principal vessel, a fine schooner of about eighty tons,
+with a long eighteen pounder on a pivot, and four smaller guns, _with
+the bloody flag nailed to the mast_. Himself, Captain Freeman of
+Marines, and twelve men, were in the boat, much in advance of his other
+boats, and even took possession of the schooner, after a desperate
+resistance, which nothing but a bravery almost too daring could have
+overcome. The pirates, all but one, escaped by taking to their boats and
+jumping overboard, before the Alligator's boat reached them. Two other
+schooners escaped by the use of their oars, the wind being light.
+
+Captain Allen survived about four hours, during which his conversation
+evinced a composure and firmness of mind, and correctness of feeling, as
+honorable to his character, and more consoling to his friends, than even
+the dauntless bravery he before exhibited.
+
+The surgeon of the Alligator in a letter to a friend, says, "He
+continued giving orders and conversing with Mr. Dale and the rest of us,
+until a few minutes before his death, with a degree of cheerfulness that
+was little to be expected from a man in his condition. He said he wished
+his relatives and his country to know that he had fought well, and added
+that he died in peace and good will towards all the world, and hoped for
+his reward in the next."
+
+Lieutenant Allen had but few equals in the service. He was ardently
+devoted to the interest of his country, was brave, intelligent, and
+accomplished in his profession. He displayed, living and dying, a
+magnanimity that sheds lustre on his relatives, his friends, and his
+country.
+
+[Illustration: _Horrid Piracy and Murder by a Mexican "privateer."_]
+
+About this time Captain Lincoln fell into the hands of the pirates, and
+as his treatment shows the peculiar habits and practices of these
+wretches, we insert the very interesting narrative of the captain.
+
+The schooner Exertion, Captain Lincoln, sailed from Boston, bound for
+Trinidad de Cuba, Nov. 13th, 1821, with the following crew; Joshua
+Bracket, mate; David Warren, cook; and Thomas Young, Francis De Suze,
+and George Reed, seamen.
+
+The cargo consisted of flour, beef, pork, lard, butter, fish, beans,
+onions, potatoes, apples, hams, furniture, sugar box shooks, &c.,
+invoiced at about eight thousand dollars. Nothing remarkable occurred
+during the passage, except much bad weather, until my capture, which was
+as follows:--
+
+Monday, December 17th, 1821, commenced with fine breezes from the
+eastward. At daybreak saw some of the islands northward of Cape Cruz,
+called Keys--stood along northwest; every thing now seemed favorable for
+a happy termination of our voyage. At 3 o'clock, P.M., saw a sail coming
+round one of the Keys, into a channel called Boca de Cavolone by the
+chart, nearly in latitude 20° 55' north, longitude 79° 55' west, she
+made directly for us with all sails set, sweeps on both sides (the wind
+being light) and was soon near enough for us to discover about forty men
+on her deck, armed with muskets, blunderbusses, cutlasses, long knives,
+dirks, &c., two carronades, one a twelve, the other a six pounder; she
+was a schooner, wearing the Patriot flag (blue, white and blue) of the
+Republic of Mexico. I thought it not prudent to resist them, should they
+be pirates, with a crew of seven men, and only five muskets; accordingly
+ordered the arms and ammunition to be immediately stowed away in as
+secret a place as possible, and suffer her to speak us, hoping and
+believing that a republican flag indicated both honor and friendship
+from those who wore it, and which we might expect even from Spaniards.
+But how great was my astonishment, when the schooner having approached
+very near us, hailed in English, and ordered me to heave my boat out
+immediately and come on board of her with my papers.--Accordingly my
+boat was hove out, but filled before I could get into her.--I was then
+ordered to tack ship and lay by for the pirates' boat to board me; which
+was done by Bolidar, their first lieutenant, with six or eight Spaniards
+armed with as many of the before mentioned weapons as they could well
+sling about their bodies. They drove me into the boat, and two of them
+rowed me to their privateer (as they called their vessel), where I shook
+hands with their commander, Captain Jonnia, a Spaniard, who before
+looking at my papers, ordered Bolidar, his lieutenant, to follow the
+Mexican in, back of the Key they had left, which was done. At 6 o'clock,
+P.M., the Exertion was anchored in eleven feet water, near this vessel,
+and an island, which they called Twelve League Key (called by the chart
+Key Largo), about thirty or thirty-five leagues from Trinidad. After
+this strange conduct they began examining my papers by a Scotchman who
+went by the name of Nickola, their sailing master.--He spoke good
+English, had a countenance rather pleasing, although his beard and
+mustachios had a frightful appearance--his face, apparently full of
+anxiety, indicated something in my favor; he gave me my papers, saying
+"take good care of them, for I am afraid you have fallen into bad
+hands." The pirates' boat was then sent to the Exertion with more men
+and arms; a part of them left on board her; the rest returning with
+three of my crew to their vessel; viz., Thomas Young, Thomas Goodall,
+and George Reed--they treated them with something to drink, and offered
+them equal shares with themselves, and some money, if they would enlist,
+but they could not prevail on them. I then requested permission to go on
+board my vessel which was granted, and further requested Nickola should
+go with me, but was refused by the captain, who vociferated in a harsh
+manner, "No, No, No." accompanied with a heavy stamp upon the deck. When
+I got on board, I was invited below by Bolidar, where I found they had
+emptied the case of liquors, and broken a cheese to pieces and crumbled
+it on the table and cabin floor; the pirates, elated with their prize
+(as they called it), had drank so much as to make them desperately
+abusive. I was permitted to lie down in my berth; but, reader, if you
+have ever been awakened by a gang of armed, desperadoes, who have taken
+possession of your habitation in the midnight hour, you can imagine my
+feelings.--Sleep was a stranger to me, and anxiety was my guest.
+Bolidar, however, pretended friendship, and flattered me with the
+prospect of being soon set at liberty. But I found him, as I suspected,
+a consummate hypocrite; indeed, his very looks indicated it. He was a
+stout and well built man, of a dark, swarthy complexion, with keen,
+ferocious eyes, huge whiskers, and beard under his chin and on his lips,
+four or five inches long; he was a Portuguese by birth, but had become a
+naturalized Frenchman--had a wife, if not children (as I was told) in
+France, and was well known there as commander of a first rate privateer.
+His appearance was truly terrific; he could talk some English, and had a
+most lion-like voice.
+
+Tuesday, 18th.--Early this morning the captain of the pirates came on
+board the Exertion; took a look at the cabin stores, and cargo in the
+state rooms, and then ordered me back with him to his vessel, where he,
+with his crew, held a consultation for some time respecting the cargo.
+After which, the interpreter, Nickola, told me that "the captain had, or
+pretended to have, a commission under General Traspelascus,
+commander-in-chief of the republic of Mexico, authorizing him to take
+all cargoes whatever of provisions, bound to any royalist Spanish
+port--that my cargo being bound to an enemy's port, must be condemned;
+but that the vessel should be given up and be put into a fair channel
+for Trinidad, where I was bound." I requested him to examine the papers
+thoroughly, and perhaps he would be convinced to the contrary, and told
+him my cargo was all American property taken in at Boston, and consigned
+to an American gentleman, agent at Trinidad. But the captain would not
+take the trouble, but ordered both vessels under way immediately, and
+commenced beating up amongst the Keys through most of the day, the wind
+being very light. They now sent their boats on board the Exertion for
+stores, and commenced plundering her of bread, butter, lard, onions,
+potatoes, fish, beans, &c., took up some sugar box shocks that were on
+deck, and found the barrels of apples; selected the best of them and
+threw the rest overboard. They inquired for spirits, wine, cider, &c.
+and were told "they had already taken all that was on board." But not
+satisfied they proceeded to search the state rooms and forcastle, ripped
+up the floor of the later and found some boxes of bottled cider, which
+they carried to their vessel, gave three cheers, in an exulting manner
+to me, and then began drinking it with such freedom, that a violent
+quarrel arose between officers and men, which came very near ending in
+bloodshed. I was accused of falsehood, for saying they had got all the
+liquors that were on board, and I thought they had; the truth was, I
+never had any bill of lading of the cider, and consequently had no
+recollection of its being on board; yet it served them as an excuse for
+being insolent. In the evening peace was restored and they sung songs. I
+was suffered to go below for the night, and they placed a guard over me,
+stationed at the companion way.
+
+Wednesday, 19th, commenced with moderate easterly winds, beating towards
+the northeast, the pirate's boats frequently going on board the Exertion
+for potatoes, fish, beans, butter, &c. which were used with great waste
+and extravagance. They gave me food and drink, but of bad quality, more
+particularly the victuals, which was wretchedly cooked. The place
+assigned me to eat was covered with dirt and vermin. It appeared that
+their great object was to hurt my feelings with threats and
+observations, and to make my situation as unpleasant as circumstances
+would admit. We came to anchor near a Key, called by them Brigantine,
+where myself and mate were permitted to go on shore, but were guarded by
+several armed pirates. I soon returned to the Mexican and my mate to the
+Exertion, with George Reed, one of my crew; the other two being kept on
+board the Mexican. In the course of this day I had considerable
+conversation with Nickola, who appeared well disposed towards me. He
+lamented most deeply his own situation, for he was one of those men,
+whose early good impressions were not entirely effaced, although
+confederated with guilt. He told me "those who had taken me were no
+better than pirates, and their end would be the halter; but," he added,
+with peculiar emotion, "I will never be hung as a pirate," showing me a
+bottle of laudanum which he had found in my medicine chest, saying, "If
+we are taken, that shall cheat the hangman, before we are condemned." I
+endeavored to get it from him, but did not succeed. I then asked him how
+he came to be in such company, as he appeared to be dissatisfied. He
+stated, that he was at New Orleans last summer, out of employment, and
+became acquainted with one Captain August Orgamar, a Frenchman, who had
+bought a small schooner of about fifteen tons, and was going down to the
+bay of Mexico to get a commission under General Traspelascus, in order
+to go a privateering under the patriot flag. Capt. Orgamar made him
+liberal offers respecting shares, and promised him a sailing master's
+berth, which he accepted and embarked on board the schooner, without
+sufficiently reflecting on the danger of such an undertaking. Soon after
+she sailed from Mexico, where they got a commission, and the vessel was
+called Mexican. They made up a complement of twenty men, and after
+rendering the General some little service, in transporting his troops
+to a place called ---- proceeded on a cruise; took some small prizes off
+Campeachy; afterwards came on the south coast of Cuba, where they took
+other small prizes, and the one which we were now on board of. By this
+time the crew were increased to about forty, nearly one half Spaniards,
+the others Frenchmen and Portuguese. Several of them had sailed out of
+ports in the United States with American protections; but, I confidently
+believe, none are natives, especially of the northern states. I was
+careful in examining the men, being desirous of knowing if any of my
+countrymen were among this wretched crew; but am satisfied there were
+none, and my Scotch friend concurred in the opinion. And now, with a new
+vessel, which was the prize of these plunderers, they sailed up
+Manganeil bay; previously, however, they fell in with an American
+schooner, from which they bought four barrels of beef, and paid in
+tobacco. At the Bay was an English brig belonging to Jamaica, owned by
+Mr. John Louden of that place. On board of this vessel the Spanish part
+of the crew commenced their depredations as pirates, although Captain
+Orgamar and Nickola protested against it, and refused any participation;
+but they persisted, and like so many ferocious blood-hounds, boarded the
+brig, plundered the cabin, stores, furniture, captain's trunk, &c., took
+a hogshead of rum, one twelve pound carronade, some rigging and sails.
+One of them plundered the chest of a sailor, who made some resistance,
+so that the Spaniard took his cutlass, and beat and wounded him without
+mercy. Nickola asked him "why he did it?" the fellow answered, "I will
+let you know," and took up the cook's axe and gave him a cut on the
+head, which nearly deprived him of life. Then they ordered Captain
+Orgamar to leave his vessel, allowing him his trunk and turned him
+ashore, to seek for himself. Nickola begged them to dismiss him with his
+captain, but no, no, was the answer; for they had no complete navigator
+but him. After Captain Orgamar was gone, they put in his stead the
+present brave (or as I should call him cowardly) Captain Jonnia, who
+headed them in plundering the before mentioned brig, and made Bolidar
+their first lieutenant, and then proceeded down among those Keys or
+Islands, where I was captured. This is the amount of what my friend
+Nickola told me of their history.
+
+Saturday, 22d.--Both vessels under way standing to the eastward, they
+ran the Exertion aground on a bar, but after throwing overboard most of
+her deck load of shooks, she floated off; a pilot was sent to her, and
+she was run into a narrow creek between two keys, where they moored her
+head and stern along side of the mangrove trees, set down her yards and
+topmasts, and covered her mast heads and shrouds with bushes to prevent
+her being seen by vessels which might pass that way. I was then suffered
+to go on board my own vessel, and found her in a very filthy condition;
+sails torn, rigging cut to pieces, and every thing in the cabin in waste
+and confusion. The swarms of moschetoes and sand-flies made it
+impossible to get any sleep or rest. The pirate's large boat was armed
+and manned under Bolidar, and sent off with letters to a merchant (as
+they called him) by the name of Dominico, residing in a town called
+Principe, on the main island of Cuba. I was told by one of them, who
+could speak English, that Principe was a very large and populous town,
+situated at the head of St. Maria, which was about twenty miles
+northeast from where we lay, and the Keys lying around us were called
+Cotton Keys.--The captain pressed into his service Francis de Suze, one
+of my crew, saying that he was one of his countrymen. Francis was very
+reluctant in going, and said to me, with tears in his eyes, "I shall do
+nothing but what I am obliged to do, and will not aid in the least to
+hurt you or the vessel; I am very sorry to leave you." He was
+immediately put on duty and Thomas Goodall sent back to the Exertion.
+
+Sunday, 23d.--Early this morning a large number of the pirates came on
+board of the Exertion, threw out the long boat, broke open the hatches,
+and took out considerable of the cargo, in search of rum, gin, &c.,
+still telling me "I had some and they would find it," uttering the most
+awful profaneness. In the afternoon their boat returned with a perough,
+having on board the captain, his first lieutenant and seven men of a
+patriot or piratical vessel that was chased ashore at Cape Cruz by a
+Spanish armed brig. These seven men made their escape in said boat, and
+after four days, found our pirates and joined them; the remainder of the
+crew being killed or taken prisoners.
+
+Monday, 24th.--Their boat was manned and sent to the before-mentioned
+town.--I was informed by a line from Nickola, that the pirates had a man
+on board, a native of Principe, who, in the garb of a sailor, was a
+partner with Dominico, but I could not get sight of him. This lets us a
+little into the plans by which this atrocious system of piracy has been
+carried on. Merchants having partners on board of these pirates! thus
+pirates at sea and robbers on land are associated to destroy the
+peaceful trader. The willingness exhibited by the seven above-mentioned
+men, to join our gang of pirates, seems to look like a general
+understanding among them; and from there being merchants on shore so
+base as to encourage the plunder and vend the goods, I am persuaded
+there has been a systematic confederacy on the part of these
+unprincipled desperadoes, under cover of the patriot flag; and those on
+land are no better than those on the sea. If the governments to whom
+they belong know of the atrocities committed (and I have but little
+doubt they do) they deserve the execration of all mankind.
+
+Thursday, 27th.--A gang of the pirates came and stripped our masts of
+the green bushes, saying, "she appeared more like a sail than
+trees"--took one barrel of bread and one of potatoes, using about one of
+each every day. I understood they were waiting for boats to take the
+cargo; for the principal merchant had gone to Trinidad.
+
+Sunday, 30th.--The beginning of trouble! This day, which peculiarly
+reminds Christians of the high duties of compassion and benevolence, was
+never observed by these pirates. This, of course, we might expect, as
+they did not often know when the day came, and if they knew it, it was
+spent in gambling. The old saying among seamen, "no Sunday off
+soundings," was not thought of; and even this poor plea was not theirs,
+for they were on soundings and often at anchor.--Early this morning, the
+merchant, as they called him, came with a large boat for the cargo. I
+was immediately ordered into the boat with my crew, not allowed any
+breakfast, and carried about three miles to a small island out of sight
+of the Exertion, and left there by the side of a little pond of thick,
+muddy water, which proved to be very brackish, with nothing to eat but a
+few biscuits. One of the boat's men told us the merchant was afraid of
+being recognized, and when he had gone the boat would return for us; but
+we had great reason to apprehend they would deceive us, and therefore
+passed the day in the utmost anxiety. At night, however, the boats came
+and took us again on board the Exertion; when, to our surprise and
+astonishment, we found they had broken open the trunks and chests, and
+taken all our wearing apparel, not even leaving a shirt or pair of
+pantaloons, nor sparing a small miniature of my wife which was in my
+trunk. The little money I and my mate had, with some belonging to the
+owners, my mate had previously distributed about the cabin in three or
+four parcels, while I was on board the pirate, for we dare not keep it
+about us; one parcel in a butter pot they did not discover.--Amidst the
+hurry with which I was obliged to go to the before-mentioned island, I
+fortunately snatched by vessel's papers, and hid them in my bosom, which
+the reader will find was a happy circumstance for me. My writing desk,
+with papers, accounts, &c., all Mr. Lord's letters (the gentlemen to
+whom my cargo was consigned) and several others were taken and
+maliciously destroyed. My medicine chest, which I so much wanted, was
+kept for their own use. What their motive could be to take my papers I
+could not imagine, except they had hopes of finding bills of lading for
+some Spaniards, to clear them from piracy. Mr. Bracket had some notes
+and papers of consequence to him, which shared the same fate. My
+quadrant, charts, books and bedding were not yet taken, but I found it
+impossible to hide them, and they were soon gone from my sight.
+
+[Illustration: _A Cave in the Caicos group of the West India Islands._]
+
+Tuesday, January 1st, 1822--A sad new-year's day to me. Before breakfast
+orders came for me to cut down the Exertion's railing and bulwarks on
+one side, for their vessel to heave out by, and clean her bottom. On my
+hesitating a little they observed with anger, "very well, captain,
+suppose you no do it quick, we do it for you." Directly afterwards
+another boat full of armed men came along side; they jumped on deck with
+swords drawn, and ordered all of us into her immediately; I stepped
+below, in hopes of getting something which would be of service to us;
+but the captain hallooed, "Go into the boat directly or I will fire upon
+you." Thus compelled to obey, we were carried, together with four
+Spanish prisoners, to a small, low island or key of sand in the shape of
+a half moon, and partly covered with mangrove trees; which was about one
+mile from and in sight of my vessel. There they left nine of us, with a
+little bread, flour, fish, lard, a little coffee and molasses; two or
+three kegs of water, which was brackish; an old sail for a covering, and
+a pot and some other articles no way fit to cook in. Leaving us these,
+which were much less than they appear in the enumeration, they pushed
+off, saying, "we will come to see you in a day or two." Selecting the
+best place, we spread the old sail for an awning; but no place was free
+from flies, moschetoes, snakes, the venomous skinned scorpion, and the
+more venomous santipee. Sometimes they were found crawling inside of
+our pantaloons, but fortunately no injury was received. This afternoon
+the pirates hove their vessel out by the Exertion and cleaned one side,
+using her paints, oil, &c. for that purpose. To see my vessel in that
+situation and to think of our prospects was a source of the deepest
+distress. At night we retired to our tent; but having nothing but the
+cold damp ground for a bed, and the heavy dew of night penetrating the
+old canvass--the situation of the island being fifty miles from the
+usual track of friendly vessels, and one hundred and thirty-five from
+Trinidad--seeing my owner's property so unjustly and wantonly
+destroyed--considering my condition, the hands at whose mercy I was, and
+deprived of all hopes, rendered sleep or rest a stranger to me.
+
+Friday, 4th.--Commenced with light winds and hot sun, saw a boat coming
+from the Exertion, apparently loaded; she passed between two small Keys
+to northward, supposed to be bound for Cuba. At sunset a boat came and
+inquired if we wanted anything, but instead of adding to our provisions,
+took away our molasses, and pushed off. We found one of the Exertion's
+water casks, and several pieces of plank, which we carefully laid up, in
+hopes of getting enough to make a raft.
+
+Saturday, 5th.--Pirates again in sight, coming from the eastward; they
+beat up along side their prize, and commenced loading. In the afternoon
+Nickola came to us, bringing with him two more prisoners, which they had
+taken in a small sail boat coming from Trinidad to Manganeil, one a
+Frenchman, the other a Scotchman, with two Spaniards, who remained on
+board the pirate, and who afterwards joined them. The back of one of
+these poor fellows was extremely sore, having just suffered a cruel
+beating from Bolidar, with the broad side of a cutlass. It appeared,
+that when the officer asked him "where their money was, and how much,"
+he answered, "he was not certain but believed they had only two ounces
+of gold"--Bolidar furiously swore he said "ten," and not finding any
+more, gave him the beating. Nickola now related to me a singular fact;
+which was, that the Spanish part of the crew were determined to shoot
+him; that they tied him to the mast, and a man was appointed for the
+purpose; but Lion, a Frenchman, his particular friend, stepped up and
+told them, if they shot him they must shoot several more; some of the
+Spaniards sided with him, and he was released. Nickola told me, the
+reason for such treatment was, that he continually objected to their
+conduct towards me, and their opinion if he should escape, they would be
+discovered, as he declared he would take no prize money. While with us
+he gave me a letter written in great haste, which contains some
+particulars respecting the cargo;--as follows:--
+
+_January 4th,_ 1822.
+
+Sir,--We arrived here this morning, and before we came to anchor, had
+five canoes alongside ready to take your cargo, part of which we had in;
+and as I heard you express a wish to know what they took out of her, to
+this moment, you may depend upon this account of Jamieson for quality
+and quantity; if I have the same opportunity you will have an account of
+the whole. The villain who bought your cargo is from the town of
+Principe, his name is Dominico, as to that it is all that I can learn;
+they have taken your charts aboard the schooner Mexican, and I suppose
+mean to keep them, as the other captain has agreed to act the same
+infamous part in the tragedy of his life. Your clothes are here on
+board, but do not let me flatter you that you will get them back; it may
+be so, and it may not. Perhaps in your old age, when you recline with
+ease in a corner of your cottage, you will have the goodness to drop a
+tear of pleasure to the memory of him, whose highest ambition should
+have been to subscribe himself, though devoted to the gallows, your
+friend,
+
+Excuse haste. NICKOLA MONACRE.
+
+Sunday, 6th.--The pirates were under way at sunrise, with a full load of
+the Exertion's cargo, going to Principe again to sell a second freight,
+which was done readily for cash. I afterwards heard that the flour only
+fetched five dollars per barrel, when it was worth at Trinidad thirteen;
+so that the villain who bought my cargo at Principe, made very large
+profits by it.
+
+Tuesday, 8th.--Early this morning the pirates in sight again, with fore
+top sail and top gallant sail set; beat up along side of the Exertion
+and commenced loading; having, as I supposed, sold and discharged her
+last freight among some of the inhabitants of Cuba. They appeared to
+load in great haste; and the song, "O he oh," which echoed from one
+vessel to the other, was distinctly heard by us. How wounding was this
+to me! How different was this sound from what it would have been, had I
+been permitted to pass unmolested by these lawless plunderers, and been
+favored with a safe arrival at the port of my destination, where my
+cargo would have found an excellent sale. Then would the "O he oh," on
+its discharging, have been a delightful sound to me. In the afternoon
+she sailed with the perough in tow, both with a full load, having
+chairs, which was part of the cargo, slung at her quarters.
+
+Monday, 14th.--They again hove in sight, and beat up as usual,
+along-side their prize. While passing our solitary island, they laughed
+at our misery, which was almost insupportable--looking upon us as though
+we had committed some heinous crime, and they had not sufficiently
+punished us; they hallooed to us, crying out "Captain, Captain,"
+accompanied with obscene motions and words, with which I shall not
+blacken these pages--yet I heard no check upon such conduct, nor could I
+expect it among such a gang, who have no idea of subordination on
+board, except when in chase of vessels, and even then but very little.
+My resentment was excited at such a malicious outrage, and I felt a
+disposition to revenge myself, should fortune ever favor me with an
+opportunity. It was beyond human nature not to feel and express some
+indignation at such treatment.--Soon after, Bolidar, with five men, well
+armed, came to us; he having a blunderbuss, cutlass, a long knife and
+pair of pistols--but for what purpose did he come? He took me by the
+hand, saying, "Captain, me speak with you, walk this way." I obeyed, and
+when at some distance from my fellow prisoners, (his men following) he
+said, "the captain send me for your _wash_" I pretended not to
+understand what he meant, and replied, "I have no clothes, nor any soap
+to wash with--you have taken them all," for I had kept my watch about
+me, hoping they would not discover it. He demanded it again as before;
+and was answered, "I have nothing to wash;" this raised his anger, and
+lifting his blunderbuss, he roared out, "what the d--l you call him that
+make clock? give it me." I considered it imprudent to contend any
+longer, and submitted to his unlawful demand. As he was going off, he
+gave me a small bundle, in which was a pair of linen drawers, sent to me
+by Nickola, and also the Rev. Mr. Brooks' "Family Prayer Book." This
+gave me great satisfaction. Soon after, he returned with his captain,
+who had one arm slung up, yet with as many implements of war, as his
+diminutive wicked self could conveniently carry; he told me (through an
+interpreter who was his prisoner.) "that on his cruize he had fallen in
+with two Spanish privateers, and beat them off; but had three of his men
+killed, and himself wounded in the arm"--Bolidar turned to me and said,
+"it is a d--n lie"--which words proved to be correct, for his arm was
+not wounded, and when I saw him again, which was soon afterwards, he had
+forgotten to sling it up. He further told me, "after tomorrow you shall
+go with your vessel, and we will accompany you towards Trinidad." This
+gave me some new hopes, and why I could not tell. They then left us
+without rendering any assistance.--This night we got some rest.
+
+Tuesday, 15th. The words "go after tomorrow," were used among our
+Spanish fellow prisoners, as though that happy tomorrow would never
+come--in what manner it came will soon be noticed.
+
+Friday, 18th commenced with brighter prospects of liberty than ever. The
+pirates were employed in setting up our devoted schooner's shrouds,
+stays, &c. My condition now reminded me of the hungry man, chained in
+one corner of a room, while at another part was a table loaded with
+delicious food and fruits, the smell and sight of which he was
+continually to experience, but alas! his chains were never to be loosed
+that he might go and partake--at almost the same moment they were thus
+employed, the axe was applied with the greatest dexterity to both her
+masts and I saw them fall over the side! Here fell my hopes--I looked at
+my condition, and then thought of home.--Our Spanish fellow prisoners
+were so disappointed and alarmed that they recommended hiding ourselves,
+if possible, among the mangrove trees, believing, as they said, we
+should now certainly be put to death; or, what was worse, compelled to
+serve on board the Mexican as pirates. Little else it is true, seemed
+left for us; however, we kept a bright look out for them during the day,
+and at night "an anchor watch" as we called it, determined if we
+discovered their boats coming towards us, to adopt the plan of hiding,
+although starvation stared us in the face--yet preferred that to instant
+death. This night was passed in sufficient anxiety--I took the first
+watch.
+
+Saturday, 19th.--The pirate's largest boat came for us--it being
+day-light, and supposing they could see us, determined to stand our
+ground and wait the result. They ordered us all into the boat, but left
+every thing else; they rowed towards the Exertion--I noticed a
+dejection of spirits in one of the pirates, and inquired of him where
+they were going to carry us? He shook his head and replied, "I do not
+know." I now had some hopes of visiting my vessel again--but the pirates
+made sail, ran down, took us in tow and stood out of the harbor. Bolidar
+afterwards took me, my mate and two of my men on board and gave us some
+coffee. On examination I found they had several additional light sails,
+made of the Exertion's. Almost every man, a pair of canvas trousers; and
+my colors cut up and made into belts to carry their money about them. My
+jolly boat was on deck, and I was informed, all my rigging was disposed
+of. Several of the pirates had on some of my clothes, and the captain
+one of my best shirts, a cleaner one, than I had ever seen him have on
+before.--He kept at a good distance from me, and forbid my friend
+Nickola's speaking to me.--I saw from the companion way in the captain's
+cabin my quadrant, spy glass and other things which belonged to us, and
+observed by the compass, that the course steered was about west by
+south,--distance nearly twenty miles, which brought them up with a
+cluster of islands called by some "Cayman Keys." Here they anchored and
+caught some fish, (one of which was named _guard fish_) of which we had
+a taste. I observed that my friend Mr. Bracket was somewhat dejected,
+and asked him in a low voice, what his opinion was with respects to our
+fate? He answered, "I cannot tell you, but it appears to me the worst is
+to come." I told him that I hoped not, but thought they would give us
+our small boat and liberate the prisoners. But mercy even in this shape
+was not left-for us. Soon after, saw the captain and officers
+whispering for some time in private conference. When over, their boat
+was manned under the commond of Bolidar, and went to one of those
+Islands or Keys before mentioned. On their return, another conference
+took place--whether it was a jury upon our lives we could not tell. I
+did not think conscience could be entirely extinguished in the human
+breast, or that men could become fiends. In the afternoon, while we knew
+not the doom which had been fixed for us, the captain was engaged with
+several of his men in gambling, in hopes to get back some of the five
+hundred dollars, they said, he lost but a few nights before; which had
+made his unusually fractious. A little before sunset he ordered all the
+prisoners into the large boat, with a supply of provisions and water,
+and to be put on shore. While we were getting into her, one of my fellow
+prisoners, a Spaniard, attempted with tears in his eyes to speak to the
+captain, but was refused with the answer. "I'll have nothing to say to
+any prisoner, go into the boat." In the mean time Nickola said to me,
+"My friend, I will give you your book," (being Mr. Colman's Sermons,)
+"it is the only thing of yours that is in my possession; I dare not
+attempt any thing more." But the captain forbid his giving it to me, and
+I stepped into the boat--at that moment Nickola said in a low voice,
+"never mind, I may see you again before I die." The small boat was well
+armed and manned, and both set off together for the island, where they
+had agreed to leave us to perish! The scene to us was a funereal scene.
+There were no arms in the prisoners boat, and, of course, all attempts
+to relieve ourselves would have been throwing our lives away, as Bolidar
+was near us, well armed. We were rowed about two miles north-easterly
+from the pirates, to a small low island, lonely and desolate. We arrived
+about sunset; and for the support of us eleven prisoners, they only left
+a ten gallon keg of water, and perhaps a few quarts, in another small
+vessel, which was very poor; part of a barrel of flour, a small keg of
+lard, one ham and some salt fish; a small kettle and an old broken pot;
+an old sail for a covering, and a small mattress and blanket, which was
+thrown out as the boats hastened away. One of the prisoners happened to
+have a little coffee in his pocket, and these comprehended all our means
+of sustaining life, and for what length of time we knew not. We now
+felt the need of water, and our supply was comparatively nothing. A man
+may live nearly twice as long without food, as without water. Look at us
+now, my friends, left benighted on a little spot of sand in the midst of
+the ocean, far from the usual track of vessels, and every appearance of
+a violent thunder tempest, and a boisterous night. Judge of my feelings,
+and the circumstances which our band of sufferers now witnessed. Perhaps
+you can and have pitied us. I assure you, we were very wretched; and to
+paint the scene, is not within my power. When the boats were moving from
+the shore, on recovering myself a little, I asked Bolidar, "If he was
+going to leave us so?"--he answered, "no, only two days--we go for water
+and wood, then come back, take you." I requested him to give us bread
+and other stores, for they had plenty in the boat, and at least one
+hundred barrels of flour in the Mexican. "No, no, suppose to-morrow
+morning me come, me give you bread," and hurried off to the vessel. This
+was the last time I saw him. We then turned our attention upon finding a
+spot most convenient for our comfort, and soon discovered a little roof
+supported by stakes driven into the sand; it was thatched with leaves of
+the cocoa-nut tree, considerable part of which was torn or blown off.
+After spreading the old sail over this roof, we placed our little stock
+of provisions under it. Soon after came on a heavy shower of rain which
+penetrated the canvas, and made it nearly as uncomfortable inside, as it
+would have been out. We were not prepared to catch water, having nothing
+to put it in. Our next object was to get fire, and after gathering some
+of the driest fuel to be found, and having a small piece of cotton
+wick-yarn, with flint and steel, we kindled a fire, which was never
+afterwards suffered to be extinguished. The night was very dark, but we
+found a piece of old rope, which when well lighted served for a candle.
+On examining the ground under the roof, we found perhaps thousands of
+creeping insects, scorpions, lizards, crickets, &c. After scraping them
+out as well as we could, the most of us having nothing but the damp
+earth for a bed, laid ourselves down in hopes of some rest; but it being
+so wet, gave many of us severe colds, and one of the Spaniards was quite
+sick for several days.
+
+Sunday, 20th.--As soon as day-light came on, we proceeded to take a view
+of our little island, and found it to measure only one acre, of coarse,
+white sand; about two feet, and in some spots perhaps three feet above
+the surface of the ocean. On the highest part were growing some bushes
+and small mangroves, (the dry part of which was our fuel) and the wild
+castor oil beans. We were greatly disappointed in not finding the latter
+suitable food; likewise some of the prickly pear bushes, which gave us
+only a few pears about the size of our small button pear; the outside
+has thorns, which if applied to the fingers or lips, will remain there,
+and cause a severe smarting similar to the nettle; the inside a spungy
+substance, full of juice and seeds, which are red and a little
+tartish--had they been there in abundance, we should not have suffered
+so much for water--but alas! even this substitute was not for us. On the
+northerly side of the island was a hollow, where the tide penetrated the
+sand, leaving stagnant water. We presumed, in hurricanes the island was
+nearly overflowed. According to the best calculations I could make, we
+were about thirty-five miles from any part of Cuba, one hundred from
+Trinidad and forty from the usual track of American vessels, or others
+which might pass that way. No vessel of any considerable size, can
+safely pass among these Keys (or "Queen's Gardens," as the Spaniards
+call them) being a large number extending from Cape Cruz to Trinidad,
+one hundred and fifty miles distance; and many more than the charts have
+laid down, most of them very low and some covered at high water, which
+makes it very dangerous for navigators without a skilful pilot. After
+taking this view of our condition, which was very gloomy, we began to
+suspect we were left on this desolate island by those merciless
+plunderers to perish. Of this I am now fully convinced; still we looked
+anxiously for the pirate's boat to come according to promise with more
+water and provisions, but looked in vain. We saw them soon after get
+under way with all sail set and run directly from us until out of our
+sight, and _we never saw them again_! One may partially imagine our
+feelings, but they cannot be put into words. Before they were entirely
+out of sight of us, we raised the white blanket upon a pole, waving it
+in the air, in hopes, that at two miles distance they would see it and
+be moved to pity. But pity in such monsters was not to be found. It was
+not their interest to save us from the lingering death, which we now saw
+before us. We tried to compose ourselves, trusting to God, who had
+witnessed our sufferings, would yet make use of some one, as the
+instrument of his mercy towards us. Our next care, now, was to try for
+water. We dug several holes in the sand and found it, but quite too salt
+for use. The tide penetrates probably through the island. We now came on
+short allowances for water. Having no means of securing what we had by
+lock and key, some one in the night would slyly drink, and it was soon
+gone. The next was to bake some bread, which we did by mixing flour with
+salt water and frying it in lard, allowing ourselves eight quite small
+pancakes to begin with. The ham was reserved for some more important
+occasion, and the salt fish was lost for want of fresh water. The
+remainder of this day was passed in the most serious conversation and
+reflection. At night, I read prayers from the "Prayer Book," before
+mentioned, which I most carefully concealed while last on board the
+pirates. This plan was pursued morning and evening, during our stay
+there. Then retired for rest and sleep, but realized little of either.
+
+Monday, 21st.--In the morning we walked round the beach, in expectation
+of finding something useful. On our way picked up a paddle about three
+feet long, very similar to the Indian canoe paddle, except the handle,
+which was like that of a shovel, the top part being split off; we laid
+it by for the present. We likewise found some konchs and roasted them;
+they were pretty good shell fish, though rather tough. We discovered at
+low water, a bar or spit of sand extending north-easterly from us, about
+three miles distant, to a cluster of Keys, which were covered with
+mangrove trees, perhaps as high as our quince tree. My friend Mr.
+Bracket and George attempted to wade across, being at that time of tide
+only up to their armpits; but were pursued by a shark, and returned
+without success. The tide rises about four feet.
+
+Tuesday, 22d.--We found several pieces of the palmetto or cabbage tree,
+and some pieces of boards, put them together in the form of a raft, and
+endeavored to cross, but that proved ineffectual. Being disappointed, we
+set down to reflect upon other means of relief, intending to do all in
+our power for safety while our strength continued. While setting here,
+the sun was so powerful and oppressive, reflecting its rays upon the
+sea, which was then calm, and the white sand which dazzled the eye, was
+so painful, that we retired under the awning; there the moschetoes and
+flies were so numerous, that good rest could not be found. We were,
+however, a little cheered, when, in scraping out the top of the ground
+to clear out, I may say, thousands of crickets and bugs, we found a
+hatchet, which was to us peculiarly serviceable. At night the strong
+north-easterly wind, which prevails there at all seasons, was so cold as
+to make it equally uncomfortable with the day. Thus day after day, our
+sufferings and apprehensions multiplying, we were very generally
+alarmed.
+
+Thursday, 24th.--This morning, after taking a little coffee, made of the
+water which we thought least salt, and two or three of the little
+cakes, we felt somewhat refreshed, and concluded to make another visit
+to those Keys, in hopes of finding something more, which might make a
+raft for us to escape the pirates, and avoid perishing by thirst.
+Accordingly seven of us set off, waded across the bar and searched all
+the Keys thereabouts. On one we found a number of sugar-box shooks, two
+lashing plank and some pieces of old spars, which were a part of the
+Exertion's deck load, that was thrown overboard when she grounded on the
+bar, spoken of in the first part of the narrative. It seems they had
+drifted fifteen miles, and had accidentally lodged on these very Keys
+within our reach. Had the pirates known this, they would undoubtedly
+have placed us in another direction. They no doubt thought that they
+could not place us on a worse place. The wind at this time was blowing
+so strong on shore, as to prevent rafting our stuff round to our island,
+and we were obliged to haul it upon the beach for the present; then dug
+for water in the highest place, but found it as salt as ever, and then
+returned to our habitation. But hunger and thirst began to prey upon us,
+and our comforts were as few as our hopes.
+
+Friday, 25th.--Again passed over to those Keys to windward in order to
+raft our stuff to our island, it being most convenient for building. But
+the surf on the beach was so very rough, that we were again compelled to
+postpone it. Our courage, however, did not fail where there was the
+slightest hopes of life. Returning without it, we found on our way an
+old top timber of some vessel; it had several spikes on it, which we
+afterwards found very serviceable. In the hollow of an old tree, we
+found two guarnas of small size, one male, the other female. Only one
+was caught. After taking off the skin, we judged it weighed a pound and
+a half. With some flour and lard, (the only things we had except salt
+water,) it made us a fine little mess. We thought it a rare dish, though
+a small one for eleven half starved persons. At the same time a small
+vessel hove in sight; we made a signal to her with the blanket tied to a
+pole and placed it on the highest tree--some took off their white
+clothes and waved them in the air, hoping they would come to us; should
+they be pirates, they could do no more than kill us, and perhaps would
+give us some water, for which we began to suffer most excessively; but,
+notwithstanding all our efforts, she took no notice of us.
+
+Saturday, 26th.--This day commenced with moderate weather and smooth
+sea; at low tide found some cockles; boiled and eat them, but they were
+very painful to the stomach. David Warren had a fit of strangling, with
+swelling of the bowels; but soon recovered, and said, "something like
+salt rose in his throat and choked him." Most of us then set off for the
+Keys, where the plank and shooks were put together in a raft, which we
+with pieces of boards paddled over to our island; when we consulted the
+best plan, either to build a raft large enough for us all to go on, or a
+boat; but the shooks having three or four nails in each, and having a
+piece of large reed or bamboo, previously found, of which we made pins,
+we concluded to make a boat.
+
+Sunday, 27--Commenced our labor, for which I know we need offer no
+apology. We took the two planks, which were about fourteen feet long,
+and two and a half wide, and fixed them together for the bottom of the
+boat; then with moulds made of palmetto bark, cut timber and knees from
+mangrove trees which spread so much as to make the boat four feet wide
+at the top, placed them exactly the distance apart of an Havana sugar
+box.--Her stern was square and the bows tapered to a peak, making her
+form resemble a flat-iron. We proceeded thus far and returned to rest
+for the night--but Mr. Bracket was too unwell to get much sleep.
+
+Monday, 28--Went on with the work as fast as possible. Some of the
+Spaniards had long knives about them, which proved very useful in
+fitting timbers, and a gimblet of mine, accidentally found on board the
+pirate, enabled us to use the wooden pins. And now our spirits began to
+revive, though _water, water_, was continually in our minds. We now
+feared the pirates might possibly come, find out our plan and put us to
+death, (although before we had wished to see them, being so much in want
+of water.) Our labor was extremely burdensome, and the Spaniards
+considerably peevish--but they would often say to me "never mind
+captain, by and by, Americana or Spanyola catch them, me go and see 'um
+hung." We quitted work for the day, cooked some cakes but found it
+necessary to reduce the quantity again, however small before. We found
+some herbs on a windward Key, which the Spaniards called Spanish
+tea.--This when well boiled we found somewhat palatable, although the
+water was very salt. This herb resembles pennyroyal in look and taste,
+though not so pungent. In the evening when we were setting round the
+fire to keep of the moschetoes, I observed David Warren's eyes shone
+like glass. The mate said to him--"David I think you will die before
+morning--I think you are struck with death now." I thought so too, and
+told him, "I thought it most likely we should all die here soon; but as
+some one of us might survive to carry the tidings to our friends, if you
+have any thing to say respecting your family, now is the time."--He then
+said, "I have a mother in Saco where I belong--she is a second time a
+widow--to-morrow if you can spare a scrap of paper and pencil I will
+write something." But no tomorrow came to him.--In the course of the
+night he had another spell of strangling, and soon after expired,
+without much pain and without a groan. He was about twenty-six years
+old.--How solemn was this scene to us! Here we beheld the ravages of
+death commenced upon us. More than one of us considered death a happy
+release. For myself I thought of my wife and children; and wished to
+live if God should so order it, though extreme thirst, hunger and
+exhaustion had well nigh prostrated my fondest hopes.
+
+Tuesday, 29th.--Part of us recommenced labor on the boat, while myself
+and Mr. Bracket went and selected the highest clear spot of sand on the
+northern side of the island, where we dug Warren's grave, and boxed it
+up with shooks, thinking it would be the most suitable spot for the rest
+of us--whose turn would come next, we knew not. At about ten o'clock,
+A.M. conveyed the corpse to the grave, followed by us survivers--a
+scene, whose awful solemnity can never be painted. We stood around the
+grave, and there I read the funeral prayer from the Rev. Mr. Brooks's
+Family Prayer Book; and committed the body to the earth; covered it with
+some pieces of board and sand, and returned to our labor. One of the
+Spaniards, an old man, named Manuel, who was partial to me, and I to
+him, made a cross and placed it at the head of the grave saying, "Jesus
+Christ hath him now." Although I did not believe in any mysterious
+influence of this cross, yet I was perfectly willing it should stand
+there. The middle part of the day being very warm, our mouths parched
+with thirst, and our spirits so depressed, that we made but little
+progress during the remainder of this day, but in the evening were
+employed in picking oakum out of the bolt rope taken from the old sail.
+
+Wednesday, 30th.--Returned to labor on the boat with as much vigor as
+our weak and debilitated state would admit, but it was a day of trial to
+us all; for the Spaniards and we Americans could not well understand
+each other's plans, and they being naturally petulant, would not work,
+nor listen with any patience for Joseph, our English fellow prisoner, to
+explain our views--they would sometimes undo what they had done, and in
+a few minutes replace it again; however before night we began to caulk
+her seams, by means of pieces of hard mangrove, made in form of a
+caulking-iron, and had the satisfaction of seeing her in a form
+something like a boat.
+
+Thursday, 31st.--Went on with the work, some at caulking, others at
+battening the seams with strips of canvas, and pieces of pine nailed
+over, to keep the oakum in. Having found a suitable pole for a mast, the
+rest went about making a sail from the one we had used for a covering,
+also fitting oars of short pieces of boards, in form of a paddle, tied
+on a pole, we having a piece of fishing line brought by one of the
+prisoners. Thus, at three P.M. the boat was completed and put
+afloat.--We had all this time confidently hoped, that she would be
+sufficiently large and strong to carry us all--we made a trial and were
+disappointed! This was indeed a severe trial, and the emotions it called
+up were not easy to be suppressed. She proved leaky, for we had no
+carpenter's yard, or smith's shop to go to.--And now the question was,
+"who should go, and how many?" I found it necessary for six; four to
+row, one to steer and one to bale. Three of the Spaniards and the
+Frenchman claimed the right, as being best acquainted with the nearest
+inhabitants; likewise, they had when taken, two boats left at St. Maria,
+(about forty miles distant,) which they were confident of finding. They
+promised to return within two or three days for the rest of us--I
+thought it best to consent--Mr. Bracket it was agreed should go in my
+stead, because my papers must accompany me as a necessary protection,
+and my men apprehended danger if they were lost. Joseph Baxter (I think
+was his name) they wished should go, because he could speak both
+languages--leaving Manuel, George, Thomas and myself, to wait their
+return. Having thus made all arrangements, and putting up a keg of the
+least salt water, with a few pancakes of salt fish, they set off a
+little before sunset with our best wishes and prayers for their safety
+and return to our relief.--To launch off into the wide ocean, with
+strength almost exhausted, and in such a frail boat as this, you will
+say was very hazardous, and in truth it was; but what else was left to
+us?--Their intention was to touch at the Key where the Exertion was and
+if no boat was to be found there, to proceed to St. Maria, and if none
+there, to go to Trinidad and send us relief.--But alas! it was the last
+time I ever saw them!--Our suffering this day was most acute.
+
+Tuesday, 5th.--About ten o'clock, A.M. discovered a boat drifting by on
+the southeastern side of the island about a mile distant. I deemed it a
+providential thing to us, and urged Thomas and George trying the raft
+for her. They reluctantly consented and set off, but it was nearly three
+P.M. when they came up with her--it was the same boat we had built!
+Where then was my friend Bracket and those who went with him? Every
+appearance was unfavorable.--I hoped that a good Providence had yet
+preserved him.--The two men who went for the boat, found it full of
+water, without oars, paddle, or sail; being in this condition, and about
+three miles to the leeward, the men found it impossible to tow her up,
+so left her, and were until eleven o'clock at night getting back with
+the raft. They were so exhausted, that had it not been nearly calm, they
+could never have returned.
+
+Wednesday, 6th.--This morning was indeed the most gloomy I had ever
+experienced.--There appeared hardly a ray of hope that my friend Bracket
+could return, seeing the boat was lost. Our provisions nearly gone; our
+mouths parched extremely with thirst; our strength wasted; our spirits
+broken, and our hopes imprisoned within the circumference of this
+desolate island in the midst of an unfrequented ocean; all these things
+gave to the scene around us the hue of death. In the midst of this
+dreadful despondence, a sail hove in sight bearing the white flag! Our
+hopes were raised, of course--but no sooner raised than darkened, by
+hearing a gun fired. Here then was another gang of pirates. She soon,
+however, came near enough to anchor, and her boat pushed off towards us
+with three men in her.--Thinking it now no worse to die by sword than
+famine, I walked down immediately to meet them. I knew them not.--A
+moment before the boat touched the ground, a man leaped from her bows
+and caught me in his arms! _It was Nickola_!--saying, "Do you now
+believe Nickola is your friend? yes, said he, _Jamieson_ will yet prove
+himself so."--No words can express my emotions at this moment. This was
+a friend indeed. The reason of my not recognizing them before, was that
+they had cut their beards and whiskers. Turning to my fellow-sufferers,
+Nickola asked--"Are these all that are left of you? where are the
+others?"--At this moment seeing David's grave--"are they dead then? Ah!
+I suspected it, I know what you were put here for." As soon as I could
+recover myself, I gave him an account of Mr. Bracket and the
+others.--"How unfortunate," he said, "they must be lost, or some pirates
+have taken them."--"But," he continued, "we have no time to lose; you
+had better embark immediately with us, and go where you please, we are
+at your service." The other two in the boat were Frenchmen, one named
+Lyon, the other Parrikete. They affectionately embraced each of us; then
+holding to my mouth the nose of a teakettle, filled with wine, said
+"Drink plenty, no hurt you." I drank as much as I judged prudent. They
+then gave it to my fellow sufferers--I experienced almost immediate
+relief, not feeling it in my head; they had also brought in the boat for
+us, a dish of salt beef and potatoes, of which we took a little. Then
+sent the boat on board for the other two men, being five in all; who
+came ashore, and rejoiced enough was I to see among them Thomas Young,
+one of my crew, who was detained on board the Mexican, but had escaped
+through Nickola's means; the other a Frenchman, named John Cadedt. I now
+thought again and again, with troubled emotion, of my dear friend
+Bracket's fate. I took the last piece of paper I had, and wrote with
+pencil a few words, informing him (should he come there) that "I and the
+rest were safe; that I was not mistaken in the friend in whom I had
+placed so much confidence, that he had accomplished my highest
+expectations; and that I should go immediately to Trinidad, and
+requested him to go there also, and apply to Mr. Isaac W. Lord, my
+consignee, for assistance." I put the paper into a junk bottle,
+previously found on the beach, put in a stopper, and left it, together
+with what little flour remained, a keg of water brought from Nickola's
+vessel, and a few other things which I thought might be of service to
+him. We then repaired with our friends on board, where we were kindly
+treated. She was a sloop from Jamaica, of about twelve tons, with a
+cargo of rum and wine, bound to Trinidad. I asked "which way they
+intended to go?" They said "to Jamaica if agreeable to me." As I
+preferred Trinidad, I told them, "if they would give me the Exertion's
+boat which was along-side (beside their own) some water and provisions,
+we would take chance in her."--"For perhaps," said I, "you will fare
+better at Jamaica, than at Trinidad." After a few minutes consultation,
+they said "you are too much exhausted to row the distance of one hundred
+miles, therefore we will go and carry you--we consider ourselves at your
+service." I expressed a wish to take a look at the Exertion, possibly we
+might hear something of Mr. Bracket. Nickola said "very well," so got
+under way, and run for her, having a light westerly wind. He then
+related to me the manner of their desertion from the pirates; as nearly
+as I can recollect his own words, he said, "A few days since, the
+pirates took four small vessels, I believe Spaniards; they having but
+two officers for the two first, the third fell to me as prize master,
+and having an understanding with the three Frenchmen and Thomas,
+selected them for my crew, and went on board with orders to follow the
+Mexican; which I obeyed. The fourth, the pirates took out all but one
+man and bade him also follow their vessel. Now our schooner leaked so
+bad, that we left her and in her stead agreed to take this little sloop
+(which we are now in) together with the one man. The night being very
+dark we all agreed to desert the pirates--altered our course and touched
+at St. Maria, where we landed the one man--saw no boats there, could
+hear nothing from you, and agreed one and all at the risk of our lives
+to come and liberate you if you were alive; knowing, as we did, that you
+were put on this Key to perish. On our way we boarded the Exertion,
+thinking possibly you might have been there. On board her we found a
+sail and paddle. We took one of the pirate's boats which they had left
+along-side of her, which proves how we came by two boats. My friend, the
+circumstance I am now about to relate, will somewhat astonish you. When
+the pirate's boat with Bolidar was sent to the before mentioned Key, on
+the 19th of January, it was their intention to leave you prisoners
+there, where was nothing but salt water and mangroves, and no
+possibility of escape. This was the plan of Baltizar, their abandoned
+pilot; but Bolidar's heart failed him, and he objected to it; then,
+after a conference, Captain Jonnia ordered you to be put on the little
+island from whence we have now taken you. But after this was done, that
+night the French and Portuguese part of the Mexican's crew protested
+against it; so that Captain Jonnia to satisfy them, sent his large boat
+to take you and your fellow prisoners back again, taking care to select
+his confidential Spaniards for this errand. And you will believe me they
+set off from the Mexican, and after spending about as much time as would
+really have taken them to come to you, they returned, and reported they
+had been to your island, and landed, and that none of you were there,
+somebody having taken you off! This, all my companions here know to be
+true.--I knew it was impossible you could have been liberated, and
+therefore we determined among ourselves, that should an opportunity
+occur we would come and save your lives, as we now have." He then
+expressed, as he hitherto had done (and I believe with sincerity), his
+disgust with the bad company which he had been in, and looked forward
+with anxiety to the day when he might return to his native country. I
+advised him to get on board an American vessel, whenever an opportunity
+offered, and come to the United States; and on his arrival direct a
+letter to me; repeating my earnest desire to make some return for the
+disinterested friendship which he had shown toward me. With the
+Frenchman I had but little conversation, being unacquainted with the
+language.
+
+Here ended Nickola's account. "And now" said the Frenchman, "our hearts
+be easy." Nickola observed he had left all and found us. I gave them my
+warmest tribute of gratitude, saying I looked upon them under God as the
+preservers of our lives, and promised them all the assistance which my
+situation might enable me to afford.--This brings me to,
+
+Thursday evening, 7th, when, at eleven o'clock, we anchored at the
+creek's mouth, near the Exertion. I was anxious to board her;
+accordingly took with me Nickola, Thomas, George and two others, well
+armed, each with a musket and cutlass. I jumped on her deck, saw a fire
+in the camboose, but no person there: I called aloud Mr. Bracket's name
+several times, saying "it is Captain Lincoln, don't be afraid, but show
+yourself," but no answer was given. She had no masts, spars, rigging,
+furniture, provisions or any think left, except her bowsprit, and a few
+barrels of salt provisions of her cargo. Her ceiling had holes cut in
+it, no doubt in their foolish search for money. I left her with peculiar
+emotions, such as I hope never again to experience; and returned to the
+little sloop where we remained till--
+
+Friday, 8th--When I had disposition to visit the island on which we
+were first imprisoned.----Found nothing there--saw a boat among the
+mangroves, near the Exertion. Returned, and got under way immediately
+for Trinidad. In the night while under full sail, run aground on a
+sunken Key, having rocks above the water, resembling old stumps of
+trees; we, however, soon got off and anchored. Most of those Keys have
+similar rocks about them, which navigators must carefully guard against.
+
+Monday, 11th--Got under way--saw a brig at anchor about five miles below
+the mouth of the harbor; we hoped to avoid her speaking us; but when we
+opened in sight of her, discovered a boat making towards us, with a
+number of armed men in her. This alarmed my friends, and as we did not
+see the brig's ensign hoisted, they declared the boat was a pirate, and
+looking through the spy-glass, they knew some of them to be the
+Mexican's men! This state of things was quite alarming. They said, "we
+will not be taken alive by them." Immediately the boat fired a musket;
+the ball passed through our mainsail. My friends insisted on beating
+them off: I endeavored to dissuade them, believing, as I did, that the
+brig was a Spanish man-of-war, who had sent her boat to ascertain who we
+were. I thought we had better heave to. Immediately another shot came.
+Then they insisted on fighting, and said "if I would not help them, I
+was no friend." I reluctantly acquiesced, and handed up the
+guns--commenced firing upon them and they upon us. We received several
+shot through the sails, but no one was hurt on either side. Our boats
+had been cast adrift to make us go the faster, and we gained upon
+them--continued firing until they turned from us, and went for our
+boats, which they took in tow for the brig. Soon after this, it became
+calm: then I saw that the brig had us in her power.--She manned and
+armed two more boats for us. We now concluded, since we had scarcely any
+ammunition, to surrender; and were towed down along-side the brig on
+board, and were asked by the captain, who could speak English, "what for
+you fire on the boat?" I told him "we thought her a pirate, and did not
+like to be taken by them again, having already suffered too much;"
+showing my papers. He said, "Captain Americana, never mind, go and take
+some dinner--which are your men?" I pointed them out to him, and he
+ordered them the liberty of the decks; but my friend Nickola and his
+three associates were immediately put in irons. They were, however,
+afterwards taken out of irons and examined; and I understood the
+Frenchmen agreed to enlist, as they judged it the surest way to better
+their condition. Whether Nickola enlisted, I do not know, but think that
+he did, as I understood that offer was made to him: I however endeavored
+to explain more distinctly to the captain, the benevolent efforts of
+these four men by whom my life had been saved, and used every argument
+in my power to procure their discharge. I also applied to the governor,
+and exerted myself with peculiar interest, dictated as I trust with
+heartfelt gratitude--and I ardently hope ere this, that Nickola is on
+his way to this country, where I may have an opportunity of convincing
+him that such an act of benevolence will not go unrewarded. Previous to
+my leaving Trinidad, I made all the arrangements in my power with my
+influential friends, and doubt not, that their laudable efforts will be
+accomplished.--The sloop's cargo was then taken on board the brig; after
+which the captain requested a certificate that I was politely treated by
+him, saying that his name was Captain Candama, of the privateer brig
+Prudentee of eighteen guns. This request I complied with. His first
+lieutenant told me he had sailed out of Boston, as commander for T.C.
+Amory, Esq. during the last war. In the course of the evening my friends
+were taken out of irons and examined separately, then put back again.
+The captain invited me to supper in his cabin, and a berth for the
+night, which was truly acceptable. The next morning after breakfast, I
+with my people were set on shore with the few things we had, with the
+promise of the Exertion's small boat in a day or two,--but it was never
+sent me--the reason, let the reader imagine. On landing at the wharf
+Casildar, we were immediately taken by soldiers to the guard house,
+which was a very filthy place; thinking I suppose, and even calling us,
+pirates. Soon some friends came to see me. Mr. Cotton, who resides there
+brought us in some soup. Mr. Isaac W. Lord, of Boston, my merchant, came
+with Captain Tate, who sent immediately to the governor; for I would not
+show my papers to any one else. He came about sunset, and after
+examining Manuel my Spanish fellow prisoner, and my papers, said to be,
+giving me the papers, "Captain, you are at liberty." I was kindly
+invited by Captain Matthew Rice, of schooner Galaxy, of Boston, to go on
+board his vessel, and live with him during my stay there. This generous
+offer I accepted, and was treated by him with the greatest hospitality;
+for I was hungered and he gave me meat, I was athirst and he gave me
+drink, I was naked and he clothed me, a stranger and he took me in. He
+likewise took Manuel and my three men for that night. Next day Mr. Lord
+rendered me all necessary assistance in making my protest. He had heard
+nothing from me until my arrival. I was greatly disappointed in not
+finding Mr. Bracket, and requested Mr. Lord to give him all needful aid
+if he should come there. To Captain Carnes, of the schooner Hannah, of
+Boston, I would tender my sincere thanks, for his kindness in giving me
+a passage to Boston, which I gladly accepted. To those gentlemen of
+Trinidad, and many captains of American vessels, who gave me sea
+clothing, &c., I offer my cordial gratitude.
+
+I am fully of the opinion that these ferocious pirates are linked in
+with many inhabitants of Cuba; and the government in many respects
+appears covertly to encourage them.
+
+It is with heartfelt delight, that, since the above narrative was
+written, I have learned that Mr. Bracket and his companions are safe; he
+arrived at Port d'Esprit, about forty leagues east of Trinidad. A letter
+has been received from him, stating that he should proceed to Trinidad
+the first opportunity.--It appears that after reaching the wreck, they
+found a boat from the shore, taking on board some of the Exertion's
+cargo, in which they proceeded to the above place. Why it was not in his
+power to come to our relief will no doubt be satisfactorily disclosed
+when he may be so fortunate as once more to return to his native country
+and friends.
+
+I felt great anxiety to learn what became of Jamieson, who, my readers
+will recollect, was detained on board the Spanish brig Prudentee near
+Trinidad. I heard nothing from him, until I believe eighteen months
+after I reached home, when I received a letter from him, from Montego
+Bay, Jamaica, informing me that he was then residing in that island. I
+immediately wrote to him, and invited him to come on to the United
+States. He accordingly came on passenger with Captain Wilson of
+Cohasset, and arrived in Boston, in August, 1824. Our meeting was very
+affecting. Trying scenes were brought up before us; scenes gone forever,
+through which we had passed together, where our acquaintance was formed,
+and since which time, we had never met. I beheld once more the preserver
+of my life; the instrument, under Providence, of restoring me to my
+home, my family, and my friends, and I regarded him with no ordinary
+emotion. My family were delighted to see him, and cordially united in
+giving him a warm reception. He told me that after we separated in
+Trinidad, he remained on board the Spanish brig. The commander asked him
+and his companions if they would enlist; the Frenchmen replied that they
+would, but he said nothing, being determined to make his escape, the
+very first opportunity which should present. The Spanish brig afterwards
+fell in with a Columbian Patriot, an armed brig of eighteen guns. Being
+of about equal force, they gave battle, and fought between three and
+four hours. Both parties were very much injured; and, without any
+considerable advantage on either side, both drew off to make repairs.
+The Spanish brig Prudentee, put into St. Jago de Cuba. Jamieson was
+wounded in the action, by a musket ball, through his arm, and was taken
+on shore, with the other wounded, and placed in the hospital of St.
+Jago. Here he remained for a considerable time, until he had nearly
+recovered, when he found an opportunity of escaping, and embarking for
+Jamaica. He arrived in safety at Kingston, and from there, travelled
+barefoot over the mountains, until very much exhausted, he reached
+Montego Bay, where he had friends, and where one of his brothers
+possessed some property. From this place, he afterwards wrote to me. He
+told me that before he came to Massachusetts, he saw the villainous
+pilot of the Mexican, the infamous Baltizar, with several other pirates,
+brought into Montego Bay, from whence they were to be conveyed to
+Kingston to be executed. Whether the others were part of the Mexican's
+crew, or not, I do not know. Baltizar was an old man, and as Jamieson
+said, it was a melancholy and heart-rending sight, to see him borne to
+execution with those gray hairs, which might have been venerable in
+virtuous old age, now a shame and reproach to this hoary villain, for he
+was full of years, and old in iniquity. When Jamieson received the
+letter which I wrote him, he immediately embarked with Captain Wilson,
+and came to Boston, as I have before observed.
+
+According to his own account he was of a very respectable family in
+Greenock, Scotland. His father when living was a rich cloth merchant,
+but both his father and mother had been dead many years. He was the
+youngest of thirteen children, and being, as he said, of a roving
+disposition, had always followed the seas. He had received a polite
+education, and was of a very gentlemanly deportment. He spoke several
+living languages, and was skilled in drawing and painting. He had
+travelled extensively in different countries, and acquired in
+consequence an excellent knowledge of their manners and customs. His
+varied information (for hardly any subject escaped him) rendered him a
+very entertaining companion. His observations on the character of
+different nations were very liberal; marking their various traits, their
+virtues and vices, with playful humorousness, quite free from bigotry,
+or narrow prejudice.
+
+I was in trade, between Boston and Philadelphia, at the time he came to
+Massachusetts, and he sailed with me several trips as my mate. He
+afterwards went to Cuba, and was subsequently engaged in the mackerel
+fishery, out of the port of Hingham, during the warm season, and in the
+winter frequently employed himself in teaching navigation to young men,
+for which he was eminently qualified. He remained with us, until his
+death, which took place in 1829. At this time he had been out at sea two
+or three days, when he was taken sick, and was carried into Cape Cod,
+where he died, on the first day of May, 1829, and there his remains lie
+buried. Peace be to his ashes! They rest in a strange land, far from his
+kindred and his native country.
+
+Since his death I have met with Mr. Stewart, of Philadelphia, who was
+Commercial Agent in Trinidad at the time of my capture. He informed me
+that the piratical schooner Mexican, was afterwards chased by an English
+government vessel, from Jamaica, which was cruising in search of it.
+Being hotly pursued, the pirates deserted their vessel, and fled to the
+mangrove bushes, on an island similar to that on which they had placed
+me and my crew to die. The English surrounded them, and thus they were
+cut off from all hopes of escape. They remained there, I think fourteen
+days, when being almost entirely subdued by famine, eleven surrendered
+themselves, and were taken. The others probably perished among the
+mangroves. The few who were taken were carried by the government vessel
+into Trinidad. Mr. Stewart said that he saw them himself, and such
+miserable objects, that had life, he never before beheld. They were in a
+state of starvation; their beards had grown to a frightful length, their
+bodies, were covered with filth and vermin, and their countenances were
+hideous. From Trinidad they were taken to Kingston, Jamaica, and there
+hung on Friday, the 7th of February, 1823.
+
+About a quarter of an hour before day dawn, the wretched culprits were
+taken from the jail, under a guard of soldiers from the 50th regiment,
+and the City Guard. On their arrival at the wherry wharf, the military
+retired, and the prisoners, with the Town Guard were put on board two
+wherries, in which they proceeded to Port Royal Point, the usual place
+of execution in similar cases. They were there met by a strong party of
+military, consisting of 50 men, under command of an officer. They formed
+themselves into a square round the place of execution, with the sheriff
+and his officers with the prisoners in the centre. The gallows was of
+considerable length, and contrived with a drop so as to prevent the
+unpleasant circumstances which frequently occur.
+
+The unfortunate men had been in continual prayer from the time they were
+awakened out of a deep sleep till they arrived at that place, where they
+were to close their existence.
+
+They all expressed their gratitude for the attention they had met with
+from the sheriff and the inferior officers. Many pressed the hands of
+the turnkey to their lips, others to their hearts and on their knees,
+prayed that God, Jesus Christ, and the Virgin Mary would bless him and
+the other jailors for their goodness. They all then fervently joined
+in prayer. To the astonishment of all, no clerical character, of any
+persuasion, was present. They repeatedly called out "Adonde esta el
+padre," (Where is the holy father).
+
+[Illustration: _The execution of ten pirates._]
+
+Juan Hernandez called on all persons present to hear him--he was
+innocent; what they had said about his confessing himself guilty was
+untrue. He had admitted himself guilty, because he hoped for pardon; but
+that now he was to die, he called God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, the
+Virgin Mary, and the Saints, to witness that he spoke the truth--that he
+was no pirate, no murderer--he had been forced. The Lieutenant of the
+pirates was a wretch, who did not fear God, and had compelled him to
+act.
+
+Juan Gutterez and Francisco de Sayas were loud in their protestations of
+innocence.
+
+Manuel Lima said, for himself, he did not care; he felt for the old man
+(Miguel Jose). How could he be a pirate who could not help himself? If
+it were a Christian country, they would have pardoned him for his gray
+hairs. He was innocent--they had both been forced. Let none of his
+friends or relations ever venture to sea--he hoped his death would be a
+warning to them, that the innocent might suffer for the guilty. The
+language of this young man marked him a superior to the generality of
+his companions in misfortune. The seamen of the Whim stated that he was
+very kind to them when prisoners on board the piratical vessel. Just
+before he was turned off, he addressed the old man--"Adios viejo, para
+siempre adios."--(Farewell, old man, forever farewell.)
+
+Several of the prisoners cried out for mercy, pardon, pardon.
+
+Domingo Eucalla, the black man, then addressed them. "Do not look for
+mercy here, but pray to God; we are all brought here to die. This is not
+built for nothing; here we must end our lives. You know I am innocent,
+but I must die the same as you all. There is not any body here who can
+do us any good, so let us think only of God Almighty. We are not
+children but men, you know that all must die; and in a few years those
+who kill us must die too. When I was born, God set the way of my death;
+I do not blame any body. I was taken by the pirates and they made me
+help them; they would not let me be idle. I could not show that this was
+the truth, and therefore they have judged me by the people they have
+found me with. I am put to death unjustly, but I blame nobody. It was my
+misfortune. Come, let us pray. If we are innocent, so much the less we
+have to repent. I do not come here to accuse any one. Death must come
+one day or other; better to the innocent than guilty." He then joined in
+prayer with the others. He seemed to be much reverenced by his fellow
+prisoners. He chose those prayers he thought most adapted to the
+occasion. Hundreds were witnesses to the manly firmness of this negro.
+Observing a bystander listening attentively to the complaints of one of
+his fellow wretches, he translated what had been said into English. With
+a steady pace, and a resolute and resigned countenance, he ascended the
+fatal scaffold. Observing the executioner unable to untie a knot on the
+collar of one of the prisoners, he with his teeth untied it. He then
+prayed most fervently till the drop fell.
+
+Miguel Jose protested his innocence.--"No he robado, no he matado
+ningune, muero innocente."--(I have robbed no one, I have killed no one,
+I die innocent. I am an old man, but my family will feel my disgraceful
+death.)
+
+Francisco Migul prayed devoutly, but inaudibly.--His soul seemed to have
+quitted the body before he was executed.
+
+Breti Gullimillit called on all to witness his innocence; it was of no
+use for him to say an untruth, for he was going before the face of God.
+
+Augustus Hernandez repeatedly declared his innocence, requested that no
+one would say he had made a confession; he had none to make.
+
+Juan Hernandez was rather obstinate when the execution pulled the cap
+over his eyes. He said, rather passionately--"Quita is de mis
+ojos."--(Remove it from my eyes.) He then rubbed it up against one of
+the posts of the gallows.
+
+Miguel Jose made the same complaint, and drew the covering from his eyes
+by rubbing his head against a fellow sufferer.
+
+Pedro Nondre was loud in his ejaculations for mercy. He wept bitterly.
+He was covered with marks of deep wounds.
+
+The whole of the ten included in the death warrant, having been placed
+on the scaffold, and the ropes suspended, the drop was let down. Nondre
+being an immense heavy man, broke the rope, and fell to the ground
+alive. Juan Hernandez struggled long. Lima was much convulsed. The old
+man Gullimillit, and Migul, were apparently dead before the drop fell.
+Eucalla (the black man) gave one convulsion, and all was over.
+
+When Nondre recovered from the fall and saw his nine lifeless companions
+stretched in death, he gave an agonizing shriek; he wrung his hands,
+screamed "Favor, favor, me matan sin causa. O! buenos Christianos, me
+amparen, ampara me, ampara me, no hay Christiano en asta, tiara?"
+
+(Mercy, mercy, they kill me without cause.--Oh, good Christians, protect
+me. Oh, protect me. Is there no Christian in this land?)
+
+He then lifted his eyes to Heaven, and prayed long and loud. Upon being
+again suspended, he was for a long period convulsed. He was an immense
+powerful man, and died hard.
+
+A piratical station was taken in the Island of Cuba by the U.S.
+schooners of war, Greyhound and Beagle. They left Thompson's Island
+June 7, 1823, under the command of Lieuts. Kearney and Newton, and
+cruised within the Key's on the south side of Cuba, as far as Cape Cruz,
+touching at all the intermediate ports on the island, to intercept
+pirates. On the 21st of July, they came to anchor off Cape Cruz, and
+Lieut. Kearney went in his boat to reconnoitre the shore, when he was
+fired on by a party of pirates who were concealed among the bushes. A
+fire was also opened from several pieces of cannon erected on a hill a
+short distance off. The boat returned, and five or six others were
+manned from the vessels, and pushed off for the shore, but a very heavy
+cannonade being kept up by the pirates on the heights, as well as from
+the boats, were compelled to retreat. The two schooners were then warped
+in, when they discharged several broadsides, and covered the landing of
+the boats. After a short time the pirates retreated to a hill that was
+well fortified. A small hamlet, in which the pirates resided, was set
+fire to and destroyed. Three guns, one a four pounder, and two large
+swivels, with several pistols, cutlasses, and eight large boats, were
+captured. A cave, about 150 feet deep, was discovered, near where the
+houses were, and after considerable difficulty, a party of seamen got to
+the bottom, where was found an immense quantity of plunder, consisting
+of broadcloths, dry goods, female dresses, saddlery, &c. Many human
+bones were also in the cave, supposed to have been unfortunate persons
+who were taken and put to death. A great many of the articles were
+brought away, and the rest destroyed. About forty pirates escaped to the
+heights, but many were supposed to have been killed from the fire of the
+schooners, as well as from the men who landed. The bushes were so thick
+that it was impossible to go after them. Several other caves are in the
+neighborhood, in which it was conjectured they occasionally take
+shelter.
+
+In 1823, Commodore Porter commanded the United States squadron in these
+seas; much good was done in preventing new acts of piracy; but these
+wretches kept aloof and did not venture to sea as formerly, but some
+were taken.
+
+Almost every day furnished accounts evincing the activity of Commodore
+Porter, and the officers and men under his command; but for a long time
+their industry and zeal was rather shown in the _suppression_ of piracy
+than the _punishment_ of it. At length, however, an opportunity offered
+for inflicting the latter, as detailed in the following letter, dated
+Matanzas, July 10, 1823.
+
+"I have the pleasure of informing you of a brilliant achievement
+obtained against the pirates on the 5th inst. by two barges attached to
+Commodore Porter's squadron, the Gallinipper, Lieut. Watson, 18 men, and
+the Moscheto, Lieut. Inman, 10 men. The barges were returning from a
+cruise to windward; when they were near Jiguapa Bay, 13 leagues to
+windward of Matanzas, they entered it--it being a rendezvous for
+pirates. They immediately discovered a large schooner under way, which
+they supposed to be a Patriot privateer; and as their stores were nearly
+exhausted, they hoped to obtain some supplies from her. They therefore
+made sail in pursuit. When they were within cannon shot distance, she
+rounded to and fired her long gun, at the same time run up the bloody
+flag, directing her course towards the shore, and continuing to fire
+without effect. When she had got within a short distance of the shore,
+she came to, with springs on her cable, continuing to fire; and when the
+barges were within 30 yards, they fired their muskets without touching
+boat or man; our men gave three cheers, and prepared to board; the
+pirates, discovering their intention, jumped into the water, when the
+bargemen, calling on the name of 'Allen,' commenced a destructive
+slaughter, killing them in the water and as they landed. So exasperated
+were our men, that it was impossible for their officers to restrain
+them, and many were killed after orders were given to grant quarter.
+Twenty-seven dead were counted, some sunk, five taken prisoners by the
+bargemen, and eight taken by a party of Spaniards on shore. The officers
+calculated that from 30 to 35 were killed. The schooner mounted a long
+nine pounder on a pivot, and 4 four pounders, with every other necessary
+armament, and a crew of 50 to 60 men, and ought to have blown the barges
+to atoms. She was commanded by the notorious Diableto or Little Devil.
+This statement I have from Lieut. Watson himself, and it is certainly
+the most decisive operation that has been effected against those
+murderers, either by the English or American force."
+
+[Illustration: _The Pirates fire into Lieut. Kearney's boat, while
+reconnoitering the shore._]
+
+"This affair occurred on the same spot where the brave Allen fell about
+one year since. The prize was sent to Thompson's Island."
+
+A British sloop of war, about the same time, captured a pirate schooner
+off St. Domingo, with a crew of 60 men. She had 200,000 dollars in
+specie, and other valuable articles on board. The brig Vestal sent
+another pirate schooner to New-Providence.
+
+
+
+
+THE ADVENTURES AND EXECUTION OF CAPTAIN JOHN RACKAM.
+
+
+This John Rackam, as has been reported in the foregoing pages, was
+quarter-master to Vane's company, till the crew were divided, and Vane
+turned out of it for refusing to board a French man-of-war, Rackam being
+voted captain of the division that remained in the brigantine. The 24th
+of November 1718, was the first day of his command; his first cruise was
+among the Carribbee Islands, where he took and plundered several
+vessels.
+
+We have already taken notice, that when Captain Woods Rogers went to the
+island of Providence with the king's pardon to such of the pirates as
+should surrender, this brigantine, which Rackam commanded, made its
+escape through another passage, bidding defiance to the mercy that was
+offered.
+
+To the windward of Jamaica, a Madeira-man fell into the pirate's way,
+which they detained two or three days, till they had their market out of
+her, and then they gave her back to the master, and permitted one Hosea
+Tidsel, a tavern keeper at Jamaica, who had been picked up in one of
+their prizes, to depart in her, she being bound for that island.
+
+After this cruise they went into a small island, and cleaned, and spent
+their Christmas ashore, drinking and carousing as long as they had any
+liquor left, and then went to sea again for more. They succeeded but too
+well, though they took no extraordinary prize for above two months,
+except a ship laden with convicts from Newgate, bound for the
+plantations, which in a few days was retaken, with all her cargo, by an
+English man-of-war that was stationed in those seas.
+
+Rackam stood towards the island of Bermuda, and took a ship bound to
+England from Carolina, and a small pink from New England, both of which
+he brought to the Bahama Islands, where, with the pitch, tar and stores
+they cleaned again, and refitted their own vessel; but staying too long
+in that neighborhood, Captain Rogers, who was Governor of Providence,
+hearing of these ships being taken, sent out a sloop well manned and
+armed, which retook both the prizes, though in the mean while the pirate
+had the good fortune to escape.
+
+From hence they sailed to the back of Cuba, where Rackam kept a little
+kind of a family, at which place they stayed a considerable time, living
+ashore with their Delilahs, till their money and provisions were
+expended, and they concluded it time to look out for more. They repaired
+their vessel, and were making ready to put to sea, when a guarda de
+costa came in with a small English sloop, which she had taken as an
+interloper on the coast. The Spanish guard-ship attacked the pirate, but
+Rackam being close in behind a little island, she could do but little
+execution where she lay; the Dons therefore warped into the channel that
+evening, in order to make sure of her the next morning. Rackam finding
+his case desperate, and that there was hardly any possibility of
+escaping, resolved to attempt the following enterprise. The Spanish
+prize lying for better security close into the land, between the little
+island and the Main, our desperado took his crew into the boat with
+their cutlasses, rounded the little island, and fell aboard their prize
+silently in the dead of the night without being discovered, telling the
+Spaniards that were aboard her, that if they spoke a word, or made the
+least noise, they were all dead men; and so they became masters of her.
+When this was done he slipped her cable, and drove out to sea. The
+Spanish man-of-war was so intent upon their expected prize, that they
+minded nothing else, and as soon as day broke, they made a furious fire
+upon the empty sloop; but it was not long before they were rightly
+apprised of the matter, when they cursed themselves sufficiently for a
+company of fools, to be bit out of a good rich prize, as she proved to
+be, and to have nothing but an old crazy hull in the room of her.
+
+Rackam and his crew had no occasion to be displeased at the exchange, as
+it enabled them to continue some time longer in a way of life that
+suited their depraved minds. In August 1720, we find him at sea again,
+scouring the harbours and inlets of the north and west parts of Jamaica,
+where he took several small crafts, which proved no great booty to the
+rovers; but they had but few men, and therefore were obliged to run at
+low game till they could increase their company and their strength.
+
+In the beginning of September, they took seven or eight fishing boats in
+Harbour Island, stole their nets and other tackle, and then went off to
+the French part of Hispaniola, where they landed, and took the cattle
+away, with two or three Frenchmen whom they found near the water-side,
+hunting wild hogs in the evening. The Frenchmen came on board, whether
+by consent or compulsion is not certainly known. They afterwards
+plundered two sloops, and returned to Jamaica, on the north coast of
+which island, near Porto Maria Bay, they took a schooner, Thomas
+Spenlow, master, it being then the 19th of October. The next day Rackam
+seeing a sloop in Dry Harbour Bay, stood in and fired a gun; the men all
+ran ashore, and he took the sloop and lading; but when those ashore
+found that they were pirates, they hailed the sloop, and let them know
+they were all willing to come on board of them.
+
+Rackam's coasting the island in this manner proved fatal to him; for
+intelligence of his expedition came to the governor by a canoe which he
+had surprised ashore in Ocho Bay: upon this a sloop was immediately
+fitted out, and sent round the island in quest of him, commanded by
+Captain Barnet, and manned with a good number of hands. Rackam, rounding
+the island, and drawing round the western point, called Point Negril,
+saw a small pettiaga, which, at the sight of the sloop, ran ashore and
+landed her men, when one of them hailed her. Answer was made that they
+were Englishmen, and begged the pettiaga's men to come on board and
+drink a bowl of punch, which they prevailed upon them to do.
+Accordingly, the company, in an evil hour, came all aboard of the
+pirate, consisting of nine persons; they were armed with muskets and
+cutlasses, but what was their real design in so doing we will not
+pretend to say. They had no sooner laid down their arms and taken up
+their pipes, than Barnet's sloop, which was in pursuit of Rackam's, came
+in sight.
+
+The pirates, finding she stood directly towards them, feared the event,
+and weighed their anchor, which they had but lately let go, and stood
+off. Captain Barnet gave them chase, and, having advantage of little
+breezes of wind which blew off the land, came up with her, and brought
+her into Port Royal, in Jamaica.
+
+About a fortnight after the prisoners were brought ashore, viz. November
+16, 1720, Captain Rackam and eight of his men were condemned and
+executed. Captain Rackam and two others were hung in chains.
+
+But what was very surprising, was the conviction of the nine men that
+came aboard the sloop on the same day she was taken. They were tried at
+an adjournment of the court on the 24th of January, the magistracy
+waiting all that time, it is supposed, for evidence to prove the
+piratical intention of going aboard the said sloop; for it seems there
+was no act or piracy committed by them, as appeared by the witnesses
+against them, two Frenchmen, taken by Rackam off the island of
+Hispaniola, who merely deposed that the prisoners came on board without
+any compulsion.
+
+The court considered the prisoners' cases, and the majority of the
+commissioners being of opinion that they were all guilty of the piracy
+and felony they were charged with, viz. the going over with a piratical
+intent to John Rackam, &c. then notorious pirates, and by them known to
+be so, they all received sentence of death, and were executed on the
+17th of February at Gallows Point at Port Royal.
+
+  Nor holy bell, nor pastoral bleat,
+  In former days within the vale.
+  Flapped in the bay the pirate's sheet,
+  Curses were on the gale;
+  Rich goods lay on the sand, and murdered men,
+  Pirate and wreckers kept their revels there.
+
+  THE BUCCANEER.
+
+
+
+
+THE LIFE AND EXPLOITS OF ANNE BONNEY.
+
+
+This female pirate was a native of Cork. Her father was an attorney,
+and, by his activity in business, rose to considerable respectability in
+that place. Anne was the fruit of an unlawful connexion with his own
+servant maid, with whom he afterwards eloped to America, leaving his own
+affectionate and lawful wife. He settled at Carolina, and for some time
+followed his own profession; but soon commenced merchant, and was so
+successful as to purchase a considerable plantation. There he lived with
+his servant in the character of his wife; but she dying, his daughter
+Anne superintended the domestic affairs of her father.
+
+During her residence with her parent she was supposed to have a
+considerable fortune, and was accordingly addressed by young men of
+respectable situations in life. It happened with Anne, however, as with
+many others of her youth and sex, that her feelings, and not her
+interest, determined her choice of a husband. She married a young sailor
+without a shilling. The avaricious father was so enraged, that, deaf to
+the feelings of a parent, he turned his own child out of doors. Upon
+this cruel usage, and the disappointment of her fortune, Anne and her
+husband sailed for the island of Providence, in the hope of gaining
+employment.
+
+Acting a part very different from that of Mary Read, Anne's affections
+were soon estranged from her husband by Captain Rackam; and eloping with
+him, she went to sea in men's clothes. Proving with child, the captain
+put her on shore, and entrusted her to the care of some friends until
+her recovery, when she again accompanied him in his expeditions.
+
+Upon the king's proclamation offering a pardon to all pirates, he
+surrendered, and went into the privateering business, as we have related
+before: he, however, soon embraced an opportunity to return to his
+favorite employment. In all his piratical exploits Anne accompanied him;
+and, as we have already recorded, displayed such courage and
+intrepidity, that she, along with Mary Read and a seaman, were the last
+three who remained on board when the vessel was taken.
+
+Anne was known to many of the planters in Jamaica, who remembered to
+have seen her in her father's house, and they were disposed to intercede
+in her behalf. Her unprincipled conduct, in leaving her own husband and
+forming an illicit connexion with Rackam, tended, however, to render her
+friends less active. By a special favor, Rackam was permitted to visit
+her the day before he was executed; but, instead of condoling with him
+on account of his sad fate, she only observed, that she was sorry to see
+him there, but if he had fought like a man he needed not have been
+hanged like a dog. Being with child, she remained in prison until her
+recovery, was reprieved from time to time, and though we cannot
+communicate to our readers any particulars of her future life, or the
+manner of her death, yet it is certain that she was not executed.
+
+
+
+
+THE ADVENTURES AND HEROISM OF MARY READ.
+
+
+The attention of our readers is now to be directed to the history of two
+female pirates,--a history which is chiefly remarkable from the
+extraordinary circumstance of the softer sex assuming a character
+peculiarly distinguished for every vice that can disgrace humanity, and
+at the same time for the exertion of the most daring, though brutal,
+courage.
+
+Mary Read was a native of England, but at what place she was born is not
+recorded. Her mother married a sailor when she was very young, who, soon
+after their marriage, went to sea, and never returned. The fruit of that
+marriage was a sprightly boy. The husband not returning, she again found
+herself with child, and to cover her shame, took leave of her husband's
+relations, and went to live in the country, taking her boy along with
+her. Her son in a short time died, and she was relieved from the burden
+of his maintenance and education. The mother had not resided long in the
+country before Mary Read, the subject of the present narrative, was
+born.
+
+After the birth of Mary, her mother resided in the country for three or
+four years, until her money was all spent, and her ingenuity was set at
+work to contrive how to obtain a supply. She knew that her husband's
+mother was in good circumstances, and could easily support her child,
+provided she could make her pass for a boy, and her son's child. But it
+seemed impossible to impose upon an old experienced mother. She,
+however, presented Mary in the character of her grandson. The old woman
+proposed to take the boy to live with her, but the mother would not on
+any account part with her boy; the grandmother, therefore, allowed a
+crown per week for his support.
+
+The ingenuity of the mother being successful, she reared the daughter as
+a boy. But as she grew up, she informed her of the secret of her birth,
+in order that she might conceal her sex. The grandmother, however,
+dying, the support from that quarter failed, and she was obliged to hire
+her out as a footboy to a French lady. The strength and manly
+disposition of this supposed boy increased with her years, and leaving
+that servile employment, she engaged on board a man-of-war.
+
+The volatile disposition of the youth did not permit her to remain long
+in this station, and she next went into Flanders, and joined a regiment
+of foot as a cadet. Though in every action she conducted herself with
+the greatest bravery, yet she could not obtain a commission, as they
+were in general bought and sold. She accordingly quitted that service,
+and enlisted into a regiment of horse; there she behaved herself so
+valiantly, that she gained the esteem of all her officers. It, however,
+happened, that her comrade was a handsome young Fleming, and she fell
+passionately in love with him. The violence of her feelings rendered her
+negligent of her duty, and effected such a change in her behaviour as
+attracted the attention of all. Both her comrade and the rest of the
+regiment deemed her mad. Love, however, is inventive, and as they slept
+in the same tent, she found means to discover her sex without any
+seeming design. He was both surprised and pleased, supposing that he
+would have a mistress to himself; but he was greatly mistaken, and he
+found that it was necessary to court her for his wife. A mutual
+attachment took place, and, as soon as convenient, women's clothes were
+provided for her, and they were publicly married.
+
+The singularity of two troopers marrying caused a general conversation,
+and many of the officers honored the ceremony with their presence, and
+resolved to make presents to the bride, to provide her with necessaries.
+After marriage they were desirous to quit the service, and their
+discharge being easily obtained, they set up an ordinary under the sign
+of the "Three Shoes," and soon acquired a considerable run of business.
+
+But Mary Read's felicity was of short duration; the husband died, and
+peace being concluded, her business diminished. Under these
+circumstances she again resumed her man's dress, and going into Holland,
+enlisted into a regiment of foot quartered in one of the frontier towns.
+But there being no prospect of preferment in time of peace, she went on
+board a vessel bound for the West Indies.
+
+During the voyage, the vessel was captured by English pirates, and as
+Mary was the only English person on board, they detained her, and having
+plundered the vessel of what they chose, allowed it to depart. Mary
+continued in that unlawful commerce for some time, but the royal pardon
+being tendered to all those in the West Indies, who should, before a
+specified day, surrender, the crew to which she was attached, availed
+themselves of this, and lived quietly on shore with the fruits of their
+adventures. But from the want of their usual supplies, their money
+became exhausted; and being informed that Captain Rogers, in the island
+of Providence, was fitting out some vessels for privateering, Mary, with
+some others, repaired to that island to serve on board his privateers.
+We have already heard, that scarcely had the ships sailed, when some of
+their crews mutinied, and ran off with the ships, to pursue their former
+mode of life. Among these was Mary Read. She indeed, frequently
+declared, that the life of a pirate was what she detested, and that she
+was constrained to it both on the former and present occasion. It was,
+however, sufficiently ascertained, that both Mary Read and Anne Bonney
+were among the bravest and most resolute fighters of the whole crew;
+that when the vessel was taken, these two heroines, along with another
+of the pirates, were the last three upon deck; and that Mary, having in
+vain endeavored to rouse the courage of the crew, who had fled below,
+discharged a pistol amongst them, killing one and wounding another.
+
+Nor was Mary less modest than brave; for though she had remained many
+years in the character of a sailor, yet no one had discovered her sex,
+until she was under the necessity of doing so to Anne Bonney. The reason
+of this was, that Anne, supposing her to be a handsome fellow, became
+greatly enamored of her, and discovered her sex and wishes to Mary, who
+was thus constrained to reveal her secret to Anne. Rackam being the
+paramour of Bonney, and observing her partiality towards Mary,
+threatened to shoot her lover; so that to prevent any mischief, Anne
+also informed the captain of the sex of her companion.
+
+Rackam was enjoined to secrecy, and here he behaved honorably; but love
+again assailed the conquered Mary. It was usual with the pirates to
+retain all the artists who were captured in the trading-vessels; among
+these was a very handsome young man, of engaging manners, who vanquished
+the heart of Mary. In a short time her love became so violent, that she
+took every opportunity of enjoying his company and conversation; and,
+after she had gained his friendship, discovered her sex. Esteem and
+friendship were speedily converted into the most ardent affection, and a
+mutual flame burned in the hearts of these two lovers. An occurrence
+soon happened that put the attachment of Mary to a severe trial. Her
+lover having quarrelled with one of the crew, they agreed to fight a
+duel on shore. Mary was all anxiety for the fate of her lover, and she
+manifested a greater concern for the preservation of his life than that
+of her own; but she could not entertain the idea that he could refuse to
+fight, and so be esteemed a coward. Accordingly she quarrelled with the
+man who challenged her lover, and called him to the field two hours
+before his appointment with her lover, engaged him with sword and
+pistol, and laid him dead at her feet.
+
+Though no esteem or love had formerly existed, this action was
+sufficient to have kindled the most violent flame. But this was not
+necessary, for the lover's attachment was equal, if not stronger than
+her own; they pledged their faith, which was esteemed as binding as if
+the ceremony had been performed by a clergyman.
+
+Captain Rackam one day, before he knew that she was a woman, asked her
+why she followed a line of life that exposed her to so much danger, and
+at last to the certainty of being hanged. She replied, that, "As to
+hanging, she thought it no great hardship, for were it not for that,
+every cowardly fellow would turn pirate, and so infest the seas; and men
+of courage would starve. That if it was put to her choice, she would not
+have the punishment less than death, the fear of which kept some
+dastardly rogues honest; that many of those who are now cheating the
+widows and orphans, and oppressing their poor neighbors who have no
+money to obtain justice, would then rob at sea, and the ocean would be
+as crowded with rogues as the land: so that no merchants would venture
+out, and the trade in a little time would not be worth following."
+
+Being with child at the time of her trial, her execution was delayed;
+and it is probable that she would have found favor, but in the mean time
+she fell sick and died.
+
+Mary Read was of a strong and robust constitution, capable of enduring
+much exertion and fatigue. She was vain and bold in her disposition, but
+susceptible of the tenderest emotions, and of the most melting
+affections. Her conduct was generally directed by virtuous principles,
+while at the same time, she was violent in her attachments. Though she
+was inadvertently drawn into that dishonorable mode of life which has
+stained her character, and given her a place among the criminals noticed
+in this work, yet she possessed a rectitude of principle and of conduct,
+far superior to many who have not been exposed to such temptations to
+swerve from the path of female virtue and honor.
+
+[Illustration: _Mary Read kills her antagonist._]
+
+
+
+
+THE ALGERINE PIRATES.
+
+
+_Containing accounts of the cruelties and atrocities of the Barbary
+Corsairs, with narratives of the expeditions sent against them, and the
+final capture of Algiers by the French in_ 1830.
+
+That former den of pirates, the city of Algiers is situated on the
+shores of a pretty deep bay, by which the northern coast of Africa, is
+here indented, and may be said to form an irregular triangular figure,
+the base line of which abuts on the sea, while the apex is formed by the
+Cassaubah, or citadel, which answered the double purpose of a fort to
+defend and awe the city, and a palace for the habitation of the Dey and
+his court. The hill on which the city is built, slopes rather rapidly
+upwards, so that every house is visible from the sea, in consequence of
+which it was always sure to suffer severely from a bombardment. The top
+of the hill has an elevation of nearly five hundred feet, and exactly at
+this point is built the citadel; the whole town lying between it and the
+sea. The houses of Algiers have no roofs, but are all terminated by
+terraces, which are constantly whitewashed; and as the exterior walls,
+the fort, the batteries and the walls are similarly beautified, the
+whole city, from a distance, looks not unlike a vast chalk quarry opened
+on the side of a hill.
+
+The fortifications towards the sea are of amasing strength, and with the
+additions made since Lord Exmouth's attack, may be considered as almost
+impregnable. They occupy the entire of a small island, which lies a
+short distance in front of the city, to which it is connected at one
+end by a magnificent mole of solid masonry, while the other which
+commands the entrance of the port, is crowned with a battery, bristling
+with cannon of immense calibre, which would instantly sink any vessel
+which should now attempt to occupy the station taken by the Queen
+Charlotte on that memorable occasion.
+
+On the land side, the defences are by no means of equal strength, as
+they were always considered rather as a shelter against an
+insurrectionary movement of the natives, than as intended to repulse the
+regular attacks of a disciplined army. In fact defences on this side
+would be of little use as the city is completely commanded by different
+hills, particularly that on which the Emperor's fort is built, and was
+obliged instantly to capitulate, as soon as this latter had fallen into
+the hands of the French, in 1830.
+
+There are four gates; one opening on the mole, which is thence called
+the marine gate, one near the citadel, which is termed the new gate; and
+the other two, at the north and south sides of the city, with the
+principal street running between them. All these gates are strongly
+fortified, and outside the three land gates run the remains of a ditch,
+which once surrounded the city, but is now filled up except at these
+points. The streets of Algiers are all crooked, and all narrow. The best
+are scarcely twelve feet in breadth, and even half of this is occupied
+by the projections of the shops, or the props placed to support the
+first stories of the houses, which are generally made to advance beyond
+the lower, insomuch that in many places a laden mule can scarcely pass.
+Of public buildings, the most remarkable is the Cassaubah, or citadel,
+the situation of which we have already mentioned. It is a huge, heavy
+looking brick building, of a square shape, surrounded by high and
+massive walls, and defended by fifty pieces of cannon, and some mortars,
+so placed as equally to awe the city and country. The apartments set
+apart for the habitation of the Dey and the ladies of his harem, are
+described as extremely magnificent, and abundantly supplied with marble
+pillars, fountains, mirrors, carpets, ottomans, cushions, and other
+articles of oriental luxury; but there are others no less valuable and
+curious, such as the armory, furnished with weapons of every kind, of
+the finest manufacture, and in the greatest abundance, the treasury,
+containing not only a profusion of the precious metals, coined or in
+ingots, but also diamonds, pearls, rubies, and other precious stones of
+great value; and lastly, the store rooms of immense extent, in which
+were piled up the richest silk stuffs, velvets, brocades, together with
+wool, wax, sugar, iron, lead, sabre-blades, gun barrels, and all the
+different productions of the Algerine territories; for the Dey was not
+only the first robber but the first merchant in his own dominions.
+
+Next to the Cassaubah, the mole with the marine forts, presented the
+handsomest and most imposing pile of buildings. The mole is no less than
+one thousand three hundred feet in length, forming a beautiful terrace
+walk, supported by arches, beneath which lay splendid magazines, which
+the French found filled with spars, hemp, cordage, cables, and all
+manner of marine stores. At the extremity of the mole, lay the barracks
+of the Janissaries, entrusted with the defence of the marine forts, and
+consisting of several small separate chambers, in which they each slept
+on sheepskin mats, while in the centre was a handsome coffee-room. The
+Bagnios were the buildings, in which Europeans for a long time felt the
+most interest, inasmuch as it was in these that the Christian slaves
+taken by the corsairs were confined. For many years previous to the
+French invasion, however, the number of prisoners had been so trifling,
+that many of these terrific buildings had fallen to decay, and
+presented, when the French army entered Algiers, little more than piles
+of mouldering ruins. The inmates of the Bagnio when taken by the French
+were the crews of two French brigs, which a short time before had been
+wrecked off Cape Bingut, a few French prisoners of war made during
+their advance, and about twenty Greek, and Genoese sailors, who had been
+there for two years; in all about one hundred and twenty. They
+represented their condition as bad, though by no means so deplorable as
+it would have been in former days. The prison was at first so close,
+that there was some danger of suffocation, to avoid which the Turks had
+made holes in the walls; but as they neglected to supply these with
+windows or shutters of any kind, there was no means of excluding wind or
+rain, from which consequently they often suffered.
+
+[Illustration: _On board an Algerine corsair._]
+
+We shall only trace these pirates back to about the year 1500, when
+Selim, king of Algiers, being invaded by the Spaniards, at last
+entreated the assistance of the famous corsair, Oruj Reis, better known
+by his European name, Barbarossa, composed of two Italian words,
+signifying _red beard_. Nothing could be more agreeable than the number
+and hardihood of his naval exploits, had been such an invitation to this
+ambitious robber, who elated by for some time considering how he might
+best establish his power by land. Accordingly, attended by five thousand
+picked men, he entered Algiers, made himself master of the town,
+assassinated Selim, and had himself proclaimed king in his stead; and
+thus was established that nest of pirates, fresh swarms from which never
+ceased to annoy Christian commerce and enslave Christian mariners, until
+its late final destruction, by the French expedition in 1830.
+
+In a piratical career of many centuries, the countless thousands who
+have been taken, enslaved, and perished in bondage by these monsters
+should long ago have drawn upon them the united vengeance of all
+Christendom. Many a youth of family and fortune, of delicate
+constitution has been captured and sold in the slave market. His labor
+through the long hot days would be to cleanse out the foul bed of some
+large empty reservoir, where he would be made to strip, and descending
+into the pond, bring up in his arms the black stinking mud, heaped up
+and pressed against his bosom; or to labor in drawing huge blocks of
+stone to build the mole; or in building and repairing the
+fortifications, with numerous other painful and disgusting tasks. The
+only food was a scanty supply of black bread, and occasionally a few
+decayed olives, or sheep which had died from some disorder. At night
+they were crowded into that most horrid of prisons the Bagnio, to sleep
+on a little filthy straw, amidst the most noisome stenches. Their limbs
+in chains, and often receiving the lash. Occasionally an individual
+would be ransomed; when his story would draw tears of pity from all who
+heard it. Ladies were frequently taken by these monsters and treated in
+the most inhuman manner. And sometimes whole families were enslaved.
+Numerous facts, of the most heart-rending description are on record: but
+our limits oblige us to be brief.
+
+A Spanish lady, the wife of an officer, with her son, a youth of
+fourteen, and her daughter, six years old, were taken in a Spanish
+vessel by the Algerines. The barbarians treated her and both her
+children with the greatest inhumanity. The eldest they kept in chains;
+and the defenceless little one they wantonly treated so ill, that the
+unhappy mother was often nearly deprived of her reason at the blows her
+infant received from these wretches, who plundered them of every thing.
+They kept them many days at sea on hard and scanty fare, covered only
+with a few soiled rags; and in this state brought them to Algiers. They
+had been long confined in a dreadful dungeon in the Bagnio where the
+slaves are kept, when a messenger was sent to the Aga, or Captain of the
+Bagnio, for a female slave. It fortunately fell to the lot of the
+Spanish lady, but at the instant when she was embracing her son, who was
+tearing himself from his mother with haggard and disordered looks, to go
+to his imperious drivers; and while in despair she gazed on her little
+worn-out infant, she heard herself summoned to attend the guard of the
+prison to a family that had sent for a female slave. She obtained
+permission to take her little daughter with her. She dreaded being
+refused, and sent back to the horrid dungeon she was leaving where no
+difference was paid to rank, and slaves of all conditions were huddled
+together. She went therefore prepared to accept of anything short of
+these sufferings. She was refused, as being in every respect opposite to
+the description of the person sent for. At length her entreaties and
+tears prevailed; compassion overruled every obstacle; and she, with her
+little girl, was accepted. But there remained another difficulty; she
+had left her son chained in the midst of that dungeon from which she had
+just been rescued. Her kind patrons soon learned the cause of her
+distress; but to send for the youth and treat him kindly, or in any way
+above that of a common slave, must hazard the demand of so large a
+ransom for him and his mother, as would forever preclude the hope of
+liberty. He was, however, sent for, and the menial offices they were
+both engaged to perform were only nominal. With circumspection the whole
+family were sheltered in this manner for three years; when the war with
+the Spaniards growing more inveterate, the Algerines demanded the youth
+back to the Bagnio, to work in common with the other slaves, in
+repairing the damages done to the fortresses by the Spanish cannon. He
+was now compelled to go, loaded with heavy stones, through the whole of
+the town; and at almost every step he received dreadful blows, not being
+able to hasten his pace from the great weight.
+
+Overcome at last with ill usage, the delicacy of his form and
+constitution gave way to the excessive labor, and he one morning refused
+the orders of his master, or driver, to rise from the straw on which he
+was stretched, declaring they might kill him if they chose, for he would
+not even try to carry another load of stones. Repeated messages had
+been sent from the Venetian consul's, where his mother and sister were
+sheltered, to the Aga, to return him; and when the Algerines found that
+they had absolutely reduced him so near death, they thought it best to
+spare his life for the sake of future ransom. They agreed, therefore, to
+let him return to the Christians. His life was for some time despaired
+of; but through the kind attention he received, he was rescued from the
+threatened dissolution. His recovery was concealed, for fear of his
+being demanded back to work; and a few months after, the Spanish peace
+of 1784 being concluded, a ransom was accepted by the Algerines for this
+suffering family, and they were set at liberty.
+
+These pirates in old times extended their depredations into the Atlantic
+as far as the British Channel. They swarmed in the Mediterranean, not
+only belonging to Algiers, but Tunis, and other ports on the coast of
+Barbary. Their corsairs making descents on the coasts of those countries
+which border on the Mediterranean, pillaging the villages and carrying
+off the inhabitants into slavery. The corsairs were vessels of different
+descriptions; some large armed ships, and latterly frigates; others were
+row gallies and the various craft used by the nations which navigate
+that sea, and had been taken by them and added to their marine. Upon the
+slaves being landed at Algiers they were marched to the Dey's or
+Bashaw's palace, when he selected the number which according to law
+belonged to him; and the rest were sold in the slave market to the
+highest bidder. A moiety of the plunder, cargoes and vessels taken also
+belonged to the Dey. Occasionally, a person by pretending to renounce
+his religion, and turning Mahometan would have his sufferings mitigated.
+
+The most desperate attempts were sometimes made to effect an escape from
+these ruthless monsters, which occasionally succeeded.
+
+In 1644 William Oakley and four companions escaped from Algiers, in a
+most miraculous manner, in a canvas boat. There was at this time an
+English clergyman, Mr. Sprat, in captivity, and the wretched slaves had
+the privilege of meeting in a cellar, where he would pray with them.
+Oakley had got into the good graces of his master, and was allowed his
+time by giving his master two dollars a month. He traded in tobacco and
+a few trifling articles, so that a strict watch was not kept on his
+movements. He conceived the project of making a canvas boat. He says I
+now first opened my design to my comrades, informing them, that I had
+contrived the model of a boat, which, being formed in pieces, and
+afterwards put together, might be the means of our deliverance. They
+greedily grasped at the prospect; but cooler reflection pointed out
+difficulties innumerable: some of them started objections which they
+thought insuperable, and these I endeavored to overrule.
+
+We began our work in the cellar which had served for our devotions,
+though it was not the sanctity of the place, but its privacy, that
+induced us to this selection. We first provided a piece of wood, twelve
+feet long, and, that it might escape observation, it was cut in two,
+being jointed in the middle. Next we procured the timbers of ribs,
+which, to avoid the same hazard, were in three pieces each, and jointed
+in two places. The flat side of one of the two pieces was laid over the
+other, and two holes bored in every joint to receive nails; so that when
+united, each joint would make an obtuse angle, and approach towards a
+semicircular figure, as we required. We had, in the formation of an
+external covering, to avoid hammering and nailing, which would have made
+such a noise in the cellar as to attract the notice of the Algerines,
+who are insufferably suspicious about their wives and slaves. Therefore,
+we provided as much canvas as would cover the boat twice over, and as
+much pitch, tar and tallow, as would make it a kind of tarpaulin; as
+also earthen pots in which to melt our materials. The two carpenters and
+myself were appointed to this service in the cellar. We stopped up all
+chinks and crevices, that the fumes of these substances might not betray
+us. But we had not been long at work, when the smell of the melting
+materials overcame me, and obligated me to go into the streets gasping
+for breath, where meeting with the cool air, I swooned away, and broke
+my face in the fall. My companions, finding me in this plight, carried
+me back, extremely sick and unserviceable. Before long, I heard one of
+them complain of sickness, and thus he could proceed no further;
+therefore, I saw if we abandoned our project this night, it might not be
+resumed, which made me resolve to set the cellar door wide open, while I
+stood sentinel to give notice of approaching danger. In this way we
+finished the whole, and then carried it to my shop, which was about a
+furlong distant.
+
+Every thing was fitted in the cellar, the timbers to the keel, the
+canvas to the timbers, and the seats to the whole, and then all were
+taken to pieces again. It was a matter of difficulty, however, to get
+the pieces conveyed out of the city; but William Adams carried the keel,
+and hid it at the bottom of a hedge: the rest was carried away with
+similar precautions. As I was carrying a piece of canvas, which we had
+bought for a sail, I looked back, and discovered the same spy, who had
+formerly given us much trouble, following behind. This gave me no small
+concern; but, observing an Englishman washing clothes by the sea side, I
+desired his help in washing the canvas. Just as we were engaged with it,
+the spy came up, and stood on a rock exactly over our heads, to watch
+us. Therefore, to delude him, I took the canvas and spread it before his
+face on the top of the rock to dry; he staid his own time, and then
+marched off. Still I was jealous of his intentions, which induced me to
+carry the canvas, when dry, straight back to the city, an incident that
+greatly discouraged my comrades. We also procured a small quantity of
+provisions, and two goat skins full of fresh water.
+
+In the mean time, I paid my patron my wonted visits, kept up a fair
+correspondence, and duly gave him his demands; while I secretly turned
+all my goods to ready money as fast as I could, and putting it into a
+trunk with a false bottom, I committed it to the charge of Mr. Sprat who
+faithfully preserved it for me.
+
+The place which we chose for joining the boat together was a hill about
+half a mile from the city, thinking by that means the better to descry
+the approach of danger. When the pieces were united, and the canvas
+drawn on, four of our number carried the boat down to the sea, where,
+stripping ourselves naked, and putting our clothes within, we carried it
+as far as we could wade, lest it might be injured by the stones or rocks
+near the shore. But we soon discovered that our calculations of lading
+were erroneous; for no sooner had we embarked, than the water came in
+over the sides, and she was like to sink; so that some new device became
+necessary. At last, one whose heart most failed him was willing to be
+excluded, and wished rather to hazard the uncertain torments of land,
+than the certainty of being drowned at sea. However the boat was still
+so deeply laden, that we all concluded that it was impossible to venture
+to sea. At length another went ashore, and she held her head stoutly,
+and seemed sufficiently capable of our voyage.
+
+Taking a solemn farewell of our two companions left behind, and wishing
+them as much happiness as could be hoped for in slavery, and they to us
+as long life as could be expected by men going to their graves, we
+launched out on the 30th of June 1644, a night ever to be remembered.
+Our company consisted of John Anthony, William Adams, John Jephs, John
+the carpenter and myself. We now put to sea, without helm, tackle, or
+compass. Four of us continually labored at the oars; the employment of
+the fifth was baling out the water that leaked through the canvas. We
+struggled hard the first night to get out of the reach of our old
+masters; but when the day broke, we were still within sight of their
+ships in the haven and road-stead. Yet, out boat being small, and lying
+close and snug upon the sea, either was not discovered at all, or else
+seemed something that was not worth taking up.
+
+On all occasions we found our want of foresight, for now the bread which
+had lain soaking in the salt water, was quite spoiled, and the tanned
+skins imparted a nauseous quality to the fresh water. So long as bread
+was bread, we made no complaints; with careful economy it lasted three
+days, but then pale famine, which is the most horrible shape in which
+death can be painted, began to stare us in the face. The expedients on
+which we fell to assuage our thirst rather inflamed it, and several
+things added to our distress. For some time the wind was right against
+us; our labour was incessant, for, although much rowing did not carry us
+forward, still, cessation of it drove us back; and the season was raging
+hot, which rendered our toil insupportable. One small alleviation we had
+in the man whose province it was to bale the water out of the boat; he
+threw it on our bodies to cool them. However, what with the scorching of
+the sun and cooling of the water, our skin was blistered all over. By
+day we were stark naked; by night we had on shirts or loose coats; for
+we had left our clothing ashore, on purpose to lighten the boat.
+
+One of our number had a pocket dial, which supplied the place of a
+compass; and, to say the truth, was not ill befitting such a vessel and
+such mariners. By its aid we steered our course by day, while the stars
+served as a guide by night; and, if they were obscured, we guessed our
+way by the motion of the clouds. In this woful plight we continued four
+days and nights. On the fifth day we were at the brink of despair, and
+abandoned all hopes of safety. Thence we ceased our labor, and laid
+aside our oars; for, either we had no strength left to use them, or were
+reluctant to waste the little we had to no purpose. Still we kept
+emptying the boat, loth to drown, loth to die, yet knowing no means to
+avoid death.
+
+They that act least commonly wish the most; and, when we had forsaken
+useful labor, we resorted to fruitless wishes--that we might be taken up
+by some ship, if it were but a ship, no matter of what country.
+
+While we lay hulling up and down, our hopes at so low an ebb, we
+discovered a tortoise, not far from us, asleep in the sea. Had the great
+Drake discovered the Spanish plate fleet, he could not have been more
+rejoiced. Once again we bethought ourselves of our oars, and silently
+rowing to our prey, took it into the boat in great triumph. Having cut
+off its head, and let it bleed in a vessel, we drank the blood, ate the
+liver, and sucked the flesh. Our strength and spirits were wonderfully
+refreshed, and our work was vigorously renewed. Leaving our fears behind
+us, we began to gather hope, and, about noon, discovered, or thought
+that we discovered, land. It is impossible to describe our joy and
+triumph on this occasion. It was new life to us; it brought fresh blood
+into our veins, and fresh vigor into our pale cheeks: we looked like
+persons raised from the dead. After further exertion, becoming more
+confident, we were at last fully satisfied that it was land. Now, like
+distracted persons, we all leapt into the sea, and, being good swimmers,
+cooled our parched bodies, never considering that we might become a
+ready prey to the sharks. But we presently returned to our boat, and
+from being wearied with the exertion, and somewhat cooled by the sea,
+lay down to sleep with as much security as if it had been in our beds.
+It was fortunately of such short duration that the leaking of the boat
+occasioned no danger.
+
+Refreshed by sleep, we found new strength for our work, and tugged hard
+at the oar, in hopes of reaching a more stable element before night. But
+our progress was very slow. Towards evening an island was discovered,
+which was Fromentere, having already seen Majorca; at least, some of our
+company, who had navigated these seas, declared that it was so. We
+debated long to which of the two our course should be directed; and,
+because the last discovered was much infested with venomous serpents, we
+all resolved to make for Majorca. The whole of that night we rowed very
+hard, and also the next, being the sixth from our putting to sea. The
+island was in sight all day, and about ten at night we came under the
+land, but it consisted of rocks so steep and craggy that we could not
+climb up.
+
+Whilst under these rocks a vessel approached very near. Let the reader
+conceive our apprehensions, after all our toil and labor, of being
+seized by some Turkish privateer, such as are never off the seas. Thus
+we were obliged to lie close; and, when the vessel had passed, we crept
+gently along the coast, as near as we durst to the shore, until finding
+a suitable place to receive our weather-beaten boat.
+
+We were not insensible of our deliverance on reaching land; though, like
+men just awakened from a dream, we could not duly appreciate the
+greatness of it. Having had no food since we got the tortoise, John
+Anthony and myself set out in search of fresh water, and three remained
+with the boat. Before proceeding far, we found ourselves in a wood,
+which created great embarrassment. My comrade wished to go one way, and
+I wished to go another. How frail and impotent a being is man! That we,
+whom common dangers by sea had united, should now fall out about our own
+inclinations at land. Yet so we did. He gave me reproachful words; and
+it is well that we did not come to blows, but I went my way, and he,
+seeing me resolute, followed. The path led to one of those watchtowers
+which the Spaniards keep on the coast to give timely notice of the
+approach of privateers. Afraid of being fired on, we called to the
+sentinel, informing him who we were, and earnestly requesting him to
+direct us to fresh water, and to give us some bread. He very kindly
+threw down an old mouldy cake, and directed us to a well close at hand.
+We drank a little water, and ate a bit of the cake, which we had
+difficulty in swallowing, and then hastened to return to our companions
+in the boat, to acquaint them with our success.
+
+Though now necessary to leave the boat, we did not do it without regret;
+but this was lulled by the importunate cravings of hunger and thirst;
+therefore, making her fast ashore, we departed. Advancing, or rather
+crawling towards the well, another quarrel rose amongst us, the
+remembrance of which is so ungrateful that I shall bury it in silence,
+the best tomb for controversies. One of our company, William Adams, in
+attempting to drink, was unable to swallow the water, and sunk to the
+ground, faintly exclaiming, "I am a dead man!" After much straining and
+forcing, he, at length, got a little over; and when we were all
+refreshed with the cake and water, we lay down by the side of the well
+to wait for morning.
+
+When it was broad day, we once more applied to the sentinel, to point
+out the way to the nearest house or town, which he did, directing us to
+a house about two miles distant; but our feet were so raw and blistered
+by the sun that it was long before we could get this short journey over;
+and then, the owners of the house, concluding from our garb that we came
+with a pilfering design, presented a fowling-piece, charging us to
+stand. The first of our number, who could speak the language of the
+country, mildly endeavored to undeceive him, saying, we were a company
+of poor creatures, whom the wonderful providence of God had rescued from
+the slavery of Algiers, and hoped that he would show mercy to our
+afflictions. The honest farmer, moved with our relation, sent out
+bread, water and olives. After refreshing ourselves with these, we lay
+down and rested three or four hours in the field; and, having given him
+thanks for his charity, prepared to crawl away. Pleased with our
+gratitude, he called us into his house, and gave us good warm bean
+pottage, which to me seemed the best food I had ever ate. Again taking
+leave, we advanced towards Majorca, which was about ten miles distant.
+
+Next morning we arrived in the suburbs, where the singularity of our
+attire, being barefoot and bare legged, and having nothing on except
+loose shirts, drawn over our coats, attracted a crowd of enquirers. We
+gave a circumstantial account of our deliverance; and, as they were
+willing to contribute to our relief, they supplied us with food, wine,
+strong waters, and whatever else might renovate our exhausted spirits.
+They said, however, that we must remain in the suburbs until the viceroy
+had notice of our arrival. We were called before him, and when he had
+heard the account of our escape and dangers, he ordered us to be
+maintained at his expense until we should obtain a passage to our own
+country; and, in the meantime, the people collected money to buy clothes
+and shoes.
+
+From Majorca they proceeded to Cadiz, and from thence to England, which
+they reached in safety.
+
+Several expeditions at different periods were fitted out by different
+European nations to chastise the pirates. The Emperor, Charles V., in
+the plenitude of his power, sailed with a formidable armament in the
+year 1541, and affected a landing. Without doubt he would have taken the
+city, if a terrible storm had not risen, which destroyed a great part of
+his fleet and obliged him to re-embark with his shattered forces in the
+greatest precipitation. The exultation of the Algerines was unbounded;
+they now looked on themselves as the special favorites of heaven; the
+most powerful army which had ever attempted their subjection had
+returned with the loss of one third their number, and a great part of
+its ships and transports. Prisoners had been taken in such abundance,
+that to show their worthlessness, they were publicly sold in the
+market-place at Algiers, at an onion a head.
+
+For nearly a century after this, little occurs of note in Algerine
+history except a constant system of piracy. In 1655 the British Admiral
+Blake gave them a drubbing.
+
+The French were the next to attack these common enemies of Europe.
+Admiral Duguesne commanded the expedition, and after bombarding the
+place a short time, the Dey himself soon began to be terrified at the
+destruction these new engines of naval war made, when an unfavorable
+wind arising, compelled the fleet to make all sail for Toulon.
+
+Relieved from the terror of immediate destruction, the Algerines
+returned to their old ways, making descents on the coast of Provence,
+where they committed the most dreadful ravages, killing, burning and
+destroying all that came in their way. The Dey also recovered, not only
+his courage, but his humor; for learning what a large sum the late
+expedition against his city had cost, he sent to say, "that if Louis
+would give him half the money, he would undertake to burn the whole city
+to please him." The French accordingly sent a new expedition under the
+same officers the next year. Duguesne again sailed, and in front of the
+city was joined by the Marquis D'Affranville, at the head of five other
+stout ships. A council of war was held and an immediate attack resolved
+upon, in consequence of which, the vessels having taken up their
+stations, a hundred bombs were thrown into the town during that day, and
+as many more on the following night, when the town was observed to be on
+fire in several places; the Dey's palace, and other public buildings
+were in ruins; some of the batteries were dismounted, and several
+vessels sunk in the fort. This speedy destruction soon determined the
+Dey and Janissaries to sue for peace; and a message to this effect was
+sent to Duguesne, who consented to cease firing, but refused to
+negociate regarding terms, until all the captives taken fighting under
+the French flag were given up as a preliminary step. This was agreed to,
+and one hundred and forty-two prisoners immediately sent off. In the
+mean time the soldiery becoming furious, assassinated the Dey and
+elected a new one, who ordered the flag to be hoisted on the city walls.
+Hostilities were now renewed with greater fury than before, and the
+French admiral threw such volleys of bombs into the city, that in less
+than three days the greatest part of it was reduced to ashes; and the
+fire burnt with such vehemence that the bay was illuminated to the
+distance of two or three leagues. Rendered desperate by the carnage
+around him, the new Dey ordered all the French captives who had been
+collected into the city to be cruelly murdered, and binding Father
+Vacher, the French Resident, hand and foot, had him tied to a mortar and
+fired off like a bomb against the French fleet. This wanton piece of
+atrocity so exasperated Duguesne, that, laying his fleet as near land as
+possible, he continued his cannonade until he had destroyed all their
+shipping, fortifications, buildings; in short, almost the whole of the
+lower town, and about two-thirds of the upper; when finding nothing else
+which a naval force could do, and being unprovided for a land
+expedition, he stood out leisurely to sea, leaving the Algerines to
+reflect over the sad consequences of their obstinacy. For several years
+after this they kept in the old piratical track; and upon the British
+consuls making a complaint to the Dey, on occasion of one of his
+corsairs having captured a vessel, he openly replied, "It is all very
+true, but what would you have? the Algerines are a company of rogues,
+and I am their captain."
+
+To such people force was the argument; and in 1700 Capt. Beach, falling
+in with seven of their frigates, attacked them, drove them on shore, and
+burnt them. Expeditions at various times were sent against them, but
+without effecting much; and most of the maritime nations paid them
+tribute. But a new power was destined to spring up, from which these
+pirates were to receive their first check; that power was the United
+States of America.
+
+In 1792 his corsairs, in a single cruise, swept off ten American
+vessels, and sent their crews to the Bagnio, so that there were one
+hundred and fifteen in slavery.
+
+Negociations were at once set on foot; the Dey's demands had of course
+risen in proportion to the number of his prisoners, and the Americans
+had not only to pay ransom at a high rate, with presents, marine stores,
+and yearly tribute, but to build and present to the Dey, as a
+propitiatory offering, a thirty-six gun frigate; so that the whole
+expenses fell little short of a million of dollars, in return for which
+they obtained liberty for their captives, protection for their merchant
+vessels, and the right of free trade with Algiers. The treaty was signed
+September 5th, 1795; and from that time, up to 1812, the Dey continued
+on tolerable good terms with Congress; indeed, so highly was he pleased
+with them, in 1800, that he signified to the consul his intention of
+sending an ambassador to the Porte, with the customary presents, in the
+Washington, a small American frigate, at that time lying in the harbor
+of Algiers. In vain the consul and captain remonstrated, and represented
+that they had no authority to send the vessel on such a mission; they
+were silenced by the assurance that it was a particular honor conferred
+on them, which the Dey had declined offering to any of the English
+vessels then in harbor, as he was rather angry with that nation. The
+Washington was obliged to be prepared for the service; the corsair flag,
+bearing the turbaned head of Ali, was run up to her main top, under a
+salute of seven guns; and in this respectable plight she sailed up the
+Mediterranean, dropped anchor before the seven towers, where, having
+landed her cargo, she was permitted to resume her own colors, and was
+thus the first vessel to hoist the American Union in the Thracian
+Bosphorus.
+
+[Illustration: _Algerines in the act of firing off the French consul from
+a mortar at the French fleet._]
+
+In 1812, however, the Dey, finding his funds at a low ebb, and receiving
+from all quarters reports that a wealthy American commerce was afloat,
+determined on trying them with a new war. He was peculiarly unfortunate
+in the time chosen, as the States, having about a month previously
+declared war with Great Britain, had, in fact, withdrawn most of the
+merchant ships from the sea, so that the only prize which fell into the
+hands of the Dey's cruizers was a small brig, with a crew of eleven
+persons. The time at length came for putting an end to these lawless
+depredations, and peace having been concluded with England, President
+Madison, in 1815, despatched an American squadron, under commodores
+Bainbridge and Decatur, with Mr. Shaler, as envoy, on board, to demand
+full satisfaction for all injuries done to American subjects, the
+immediate release of such as were captives, the restitution of their
+property, with an assurance that no future violence should be offered,
+and also to negociate the preliminaries of a treaty on terms of perfect
+equality, no proposal of tribute being at all admissible. The squadron
+reached its destination early in June, and, having captured an Algerine
+frigate and brig-of-war, suddenly appeared before Algiers, at a moment
+when all the cruizers were at sea, and delivered, for the consideration
+of the Divan, the terms on which they were commissioned to make peace,
+together with a letter from the President to the Dey. Confounded by the
+sudden and entirely unexpected appearance of this force, the Algerines
+agreed, on the 30th of June, to the proposals of a treaty, almost
+without discussion.
+
+It had long been a reproach to Great Britain, the mistress of the sea,
+that she had tamely suffered a barbarian power to commit such atrocious
+ravages on the fleets and shores of the minor states along the
+Mediterranean. At length a good cause was made for chastising them.
+
+At Bona, a few miles to the east of Algiers, was an establishment for
+carrying on a coral fishery, under the protection of the British flag,
+which, at the season, was frequented by a great number of boats from the
+Corsican, Neapolitan, and other Italian ports. On the 23d of May, the
+feast of Ascension, as the crews of all the boats were preparing to hear
+mass, a gun was fired from the castle, and at the same time appeared
+about two thousand, other accounts say four thousand, infantry and
+cavalry, consisting of Turks, Levanters, and Moors. A part of these
+troops proceeded towards the country, whilst another band advanced
+towards the river, where the fishing boats were lying at different
+distances from the sea; and opening a fire upon the unfortunate
+fishermen, who were partly on board and partly on land, massacred almost
+the whole of them. They then seized the English flags, tore them in
+pieces, and trampling them under foot, dragged them along the ground in
+triumph. The men who happened to be in the country saved themselves by
+flight, and declared that they saw the soldiers pillage the house of the
+British vice-consul, the magazines containing the provisions, and the
+coral that had been fished up. A few boats escaped, and brought the news
+to Genoa, whence it was transmitted by the agent of Lloyd's in a
+despatch, dated June 6th.
+
+No sooner had the account of this atrocious slaughter reached England,
+than all ranks seemed inflamed with a desire that a great and signal
+punishment should be taken on this barbarian prince, who was neither
+restrained by the feelings of humanity nor bound by treaties. An
+expedition, therefore, was fitted out with all speed at Portsmouth, and
+the command intrusted to Lord Exmouth, who, after some delays from
+contrary winds, finally sailed, July 28th, with a fleet complete in all
+points, consisting of his own ship, the Queen Charlotte, one hundred
+and twenty guns; the Impregnable, rear admiral, Sir David Milne; ninety
+guns; Minden, Superb, Albion, each seventy-four guns; the Leander fifty
+guns, with four more frigates and brigs, bombs, fire-ships, and several
+smaller vessels, well supplied, in addition to the ordinary means of
+warfare, with Congreve rockets, and Shrapnell shells, the destructive
+powers of which have lately been abundantly proved on the continent.
+August 9, the fleet anchored at Gibraltar, and was there joined by the
+Dutch admiral, Van Cappillen, commanding five frigates and a corvette,
+who had been already at Algiers, endeavoring to deliver slaves: but
+being refused, and finding his force insufficient, had determined on
+joining himself with the English squadron, which it was understood was
+under weigh. Meanwhile, the Prometheus, Captain Dashwood, had been sent
+forward to Algiers to bring off the British consul and family; but could
+only succeed in getting his wife and daughter, who were obliged to make
+their escape, disguised in midshipmen's uniform; for the Dey, having
+heard through some French papers of the British expedition, had seized
+the consul, Mr. Macdonnell, and put him in chains; and, hearing of the
+escape of his wife, immediately ordered the detention of two boats of
+the Prometheus, which happened to be on shore, and made slaves of the
+crews, amounting to eighteen men. This new outrage was reported to Lord
+Exmouth soon after leaving Gibraltar, and of course added not a little
+to his eagerness to reach Algiers. He arrived off Algiers on the morning
+of the 27th of August, and sent in his interpreter, Mr. Salame, with
+Lieutenant Burgess, under a flag of truce, bearing a letter for the Dey,
+demanding reparation.
+
+Meantime, a light breeze sprung up, and the fleet advanced into the bay,
+and lay to, at about a mile off Algiers "It was now," says Mr. Salame,
+in his entertaining narrative, "half-past two, and no answer coming out,
+notwithstanding we had staid half an hour longer than our instructions,
+and the fleet being almost opposite the town, with a fine breeze, we
+thought proper, after having done our duty, to lose no more time, but to
+go on board, and inform his lordship of what had happened.
+
+"Mr. Burgess, the flag-lieutenant, having agreed with me, we hoisted the
+signal, _that no answer had been given_, and began to row away towards
+the Queen Charlotte. After I had given our report to the admiral, of our
+meeting the captain of the port, and our waiting there, &c., I was quite
+surprised to see how his lordship was altered from what I left him in
+the morning; for I knew his manner was in general very mild, and now he
+seemed to me _all-fightful,_ as a fierce lion, which had been chained in
+its cage, and was set at liberty. With all that, his lordship's answer
+to me was, '_Never mind, we shall see now_;' and at the same time he
+turned towards the officers, saying, '_Be ready_,' whereupon I saw every
+one with the match or the string of the lock in his hand, most anxiously
+expecting the word '_Fire_'!
+
+"No sooner had Salame returned, than his lordship made the signal to know
+whether all the ships were ready, which being answered in the
+affirmative, he directly turned the head of the Queen Charlotte towards
+shore, and, to the utter amazement of the Algerines, ran across all the
+batteries without firing or receiving a single shot, until he brought up
+within eighty yards of the south end of the mole, where he lashed her to
+the mainmast of an Algerine brig, which he had taken as his direction,
+and had then the pleasure of seeing all the rest of the fleet, including
+the Dutch frigates, taking up their assigned stations with the same
+precision and regularity. The position in which the Queen Charlotte was
+laid was so admirable that she was only exposed to the fire of three or
+four flanking guns, while her broadside swept the whole batteries, and
+completely commanded the mole and marine, every part of which could be
+seen distinctly from her quarter-deck. Up to this moment not a shot had
+been fired, and the batteries were all crowded with spectators, gazing
+in astonishment at the quiet and regularity which prevailed through all
+the British ships, and the dangerous vicinity in which they placed
+themselves to such formidable means of defence. Lord Exmouth, therefore,
+began to conceive hopes that his demands would still be granted; but the
+delay, it appeared, was caused by the Algerines being completely
+unprepared for so very sudden an approach, insomuch that their guns were
+not shotted at the moment when the Queen Charlotte swept past them, and
+they were distinctly seen loading them as the other ships were coming
+into line. Anxious, if possible, to spare unnecessary effusion of blood,
+his lordship, standing on the quarter-deck, repeatedly waved his hat as
+a warning to the multitudes assembled on the mole to retire, but his
+signal was unheeded, and at a quarter before three in the afternoon the
+first gun was fired at the Queen Charlotte from the eastern battery, and
+two more at the Albion and Superb, which were following. Then Lord
+Exmouth, having seen only _the smoke of the gun,_ before the sound
+reached him, said, with great alacrity, '_That will do; fire my fine
+fellows!_' and I am sure that before his lordship had finished these
+words, our broadside was given with great cheering, which was fired
+three times within five or six minutes; and at the same time the other
+ships did the same. This first fire was so terrible, that they say more
+than five hundred persons were killed and wounded by it. And I believe
+this, because there was a great crowd of people in every part, many of
+whom, after the first discharge, I saw running away, under the walls,
+like dogs, walking upon their feet and hands.
+
+"After the attack took place on both sides in this horrible manner,
+immediately the sky was darkened by the smoke, the sun completely
+eclipsed, and the horizon became dreary. Being exhausted by the heat of
+that powerful sun, to which I was exposed the whole day, and my ears
+being deafened by the roar of the guns, and finding myself in the
+dreadful danger of such a terrible engagement, in which I had never been
+before, I was quite at a loss, and like an astonished or stupid man, and
+did not know myself where I was. At last his lordship, having perceived
+my situation, said, 'You have done your duty, now go below.' Upon which
+I began to descend from the quarter-deck, quite confounded and
+terrified, and not sure that I should reach the cock-pit alive; for it
+was most tremendous to hear the crashing of the shot, to see the wounded
+men brought from one part, and the killed from the other; and
+especially, at such a time, to be found among the _English seamen_! and
+to witness their manners, their activity, their courage, and their
+cheerfulness during the battle!--it is really most overpowering and
+beyond imagination."
+
+The battle continued to rage furiously, and the havoc on both sides was
+very great. There were some awful moments, particularly when Algerine
+vessels so near our line were set on fire. The officers surrounding Lord
+Exmouth had been anxious for permission to make an attempt upon the
+outer frigate, distant about a hundred yards. He at length consented,
+and Major Gossett, of the corps of marines, eagerly entreated and
+obtained permission to accompany Lieutenant Richards in the ship's
+barge. The frigate was instantly boarded, and, in ten minutes, in a
+perfect blaze. A gallant young midshipman, although forbidden, was led
+by his too ardent spirit to follow in support of the barge, in which
+attempt he was desperately wounded, his brother officer killed, and nine
+of the crew. The barge, by rowing more rapidly, escaped better, having
+but one killed.
+
+About sunset the admiral received a message from rear-admiral Milne,
+stating his severe loss in killed and wounded, amounting to one hundred
+and fifty, and requesting that, if possible, a frigate might be sent him
+to take off some of the enemy's fire. The Glasgow accordingly was
+ordered to get under weigh, but the wind having been laid by the
+cannonade, she was obliged again to anchor, having obtained a rather
+more favorable position. The flotilla of mortar, gun, and rocket boats,
+under the direction of their respective artillery officers, shared to
+the full extent of their powers the honors and toils of this glorious
+day. It was by their fire that all the ships in the port (with the
+exception of the outer frigate already mentioned) were in flames, which,
+extending rapidly over the whole arsenal, gun-boats, and storehouses,
+exhibited a spectacle of awful grandeur and interest which no pen can
+describe. The sloops of war which had been appropriated to aid and
+assist the ships of the line, and prepare for their retreat, performed
+not only that duty well, but embraced every opportunity of firing
+through the intervals, and were constantly in motion. The shells from
+the bombs were admirably well thrown by the royal marine artillery, and,
+though directed over and across our own men-of-war, did not produce a
+single accident. To complete the confusion of the enemy, the admiral now
+ordered the explosion ship, which had been charged for the occasion, to
+be brought within the mole; but upon the representation of Sir David
+Milne that it would do him essential service, if made to act on the
+battery in his front, it was towed to that spot, and blown up with
+tremendous effect.
+
+This was almost the final blow;--the enemy's fire had for some time been
+very slack, and now almost wholly ceased, except that occasionally a few
+shots and shells were discharged from the higher citadel, upon which the
+guns of the fleet could not be brought to bear. The admiral, who from
+the commencement had been in the hottest of the engagement, and had
+fired until his guns were so hot that they could, some of them, not be
+used again; now seeing that he had executed the most important part of
+his instructions, issued orders for drawing off the fleet. This was
+commenced in excellent order about ten at night, and the usual breeze
+having set off from shore favored their manoeuvre, so that, all hands
+being employed in warping and towing, the vessels were got safely into
+the bay, and anchored, beyond reach of shot, about two o'clock the next
+morning.
+
+So signal and well contested a victory could not have been gained
+without a considerable loss and suffering. It amounted in the English
+fleet, to one hundred and twenty-eight men killed, and six hundred and
+ninety wounded; in the Dutch squadron, to thirteen killed, and fifty-two
+wounded; grand total, eight hundred and eighty-three. But the enemy
+suffered much more severly; they are computed to have lost, in killed
+and wounded, not less than between six and seven thousand men. The loss
+sustained by the Algerines by the destruction in the mole was four large
+frigates, of forty-four guns. Five large corvettes, from twenty-four to
+thirty guns. All the gun and mortar-boats, except seven; thirty
+destroyed. Several merchant brigs and schooners. A great number of small
+vessels of various descriptions. All the pontoons, lighters, &c.,
+Store-houses and arsenal, with all the timber, and various marine
+articles destroyed in part. A great many gun-carriages, mortar-beds,
+casks, and ships' stores of all descriptions.
+
+Negociations were immediately opened in form; and on the 30th August the
+admiral published a notification to the fleet, that all demands had been
+complied with, the British consul had been indemnified for his losses,
+and the Dey, in presence of all his officers, had made him a public
+apology for the insults offered him. On the 1st of September, Lord
+Exmouth had the pleasure of informing the secretary of the Admiralty,
+that all the slaves in the city of Algiers, and its immediate vicinity
+were embarked; as also 357,000 dollars for Naples, and 25,000 dollars
+for Sardinia.
+
+The number of slaves thus released amounted to one thousand and
+eighty-three, of whom four hundred and seventy-one were Neapolitans,
+two hundred and thirty-six Sicilians, one hundred and seventy-three
+Romans, six Tuscans, one hundred and sixty-one Spaniards, one
+Portuguese, seven Greeks, twenty-eight Dutch, and not _one Englishman_.
+Were there an action more than another on which an Englishman would
+willingly risk the fame and honor of his nation, it would be this attack
+on Algiers, which, undertaken solely at her own risk, and earned solely
+by the expenditure of her own blood and her own resources, rescued not a
+single subject of her own from the tyrant's grasp, while it freed more
+than a thousand belonging to other European powers.
+
+In August, 1816, the strength of Algiers seemed annihilated; her walls
+were in ruins, her haughty flag was humbled to the dust; her gates lay
+open to a hostile power, and terms were dictated in the palace of her
+princes. A year passed, the hostile squadron had left her ports, the
+clang of the workman's hammer, the hum of busy men resounded through her
+streets, fresh walls had risen, new and more formidable batteries had
+been added; again she resumed her attitude as of yore, bid defiance to
+her foes, and declared war on civilization:--again her blood-stained
+corsairs swept the seas, eager for plunder, ready for combat;--Christian
+commerce once more became shackled by her enterprise, and Christian
+captives once more sent up their cry for deliverance. In 1819, her
+piracies had become so numerous that the Congress of Aix-la-Chapelle
+caused it to be notified to the Dey, that their cessation was required,
+and would be enforced, by a combined French and English squadron. His
+reply was brief and arrogant, and the admirals were obliged to leave
+without obtaining the least satisfaction. By menaces, however,
+accompanied by the presence of some cruisers, England, France, and the
+United States caused their flags to be respected.
+
+Ali, the successor of Amar, had died in 1818, and was succeeded by
+Hassein Pasha, who, from the commencement of his reign, evinced the
+strongest antipathy to the French power. In 1824, he imposed an
+arbitrary tax through all his provinces on French goods and
+manufactures; the consul's house was frequently entered and searched in
+a vexatious manner, contrary to the express stipulations of treaties;
+and, finally, April, 1827, the consul himself, having gone at the feast
+of Bayram to pay his respects, was, upon a slight difference of opinion
+arising during their conversation, struck across the mouth with a
+fly-flap which the Dey held in his hand, and in consequence soon after
+left Algiers, while the Dey ordered the destruction of all the French
+establishments along the coast towards Bona, and oppressed in every
+manner the French residents within his dominions. A blockade was
+instantly commenced by the French, and maintained for nearly three
+years, until it was found that they suffered much more by it than the
+Dey, the expense having reached nearly 800,000_l_ sterling, while he
+appeared no way inconvenienced by their efforts, and even treated them
+with such contempt as to order his forts to fire on the vessel of
+Admiral Le da Bretonnière, who, in 1829, had gone there under a flag of
+truce to make a final proposal of terms of accommodation. So signal a
+violation of the laws of nations could not be overlooked, even by the
+imbecile administrations of Charles X. All France was in an uproar; the
+national flag had been dishonored, and her ambassador insulted; the cry
+for war became loud and universal; conferences on the subject were held;
+the oldest and most experienced mariners were invited by the minister at
+war to assist in his deliberations; and an expedition was finally
+determined on in the month of February, 1830, to consist of about
+thirty-seven thousand men, a number which it was calculated would not
+only be sufficient to overcome all opposition which might be
+encountered, but to enable the French to reduce the kingdom to a
+province, and retain it in subjection for any length of time that might
+be considered advisable. No sooner was this decision promulgated, than
+all the necessary preparations were commenced with the utmost diligence.
+It was now February, and the expedition was to embark by the end of
+April, so that no time could be lost. The arsenals, the naval and
+military workships, were all in full employment. Field and breaching
+batteries were mounted on a new principle lately adopted; gabions,
+earth-bags, _chevaux-de-frise,_ and projectiles were made in the
+greatest abundance maps, notes, and all the information that could be
+procured respecting Barbary were transmitted to the war office, where
+their contents were compared and digested, and a plan of operations was
+drawn out. The commissariat were busied in collecting provisions,
+waggons, and fitting out an efficient hospital train; a
+deputy-commissary was despatched to reconnoitre the coasts of Spain and
+the Balearic Islands, to ascertain what resources could be drawn from
+them, and negociate with the king for leave to establish military
+hospitals at Port Mahon. Eighteen regiments of the line, three squadrons
+of cavalry, and different corps of artillery and engineers were ordered
+to hold themselves in readiness; four hundred transports were assembled,
+and chartered by government in the port of Marseilles, while the vessels
+of war, which were to form the convoy, were appointed their rendezvous
+in the neighborhood of Toulon. After some hesitation as to who should
+command this important expedition, the Count de Bourmont, then minister
+at war, thought fit to appoint himself; and his etat-major was soon
+complete, Desprez acting as chief, and Tholozé as second in command.
+Maubert de Neuilly was chosen provost-marshal, De Bartillat (who
+afterwards wrote an entertaining account of the expedition)
+quarter-master general, and De Carne commissary-general to the forces.
+In addition to these, there were about twenty aid-de-camps, orderlies,
+and young men of rank attached to the staff, together with a Spanish
+general, an English colonel, a Russian colonel and lieutenant, and two
+Saxon officers, deputed by their respective governments. There were also
+a section of engineer-geographers, whose business was to survey and map
+the country as it was conquered, "and," says M. Roget, who was himself
+employed in the service we have just mentioned, and to whose excellent
+work, written in that capacity, we are so much indebted, "twenty-four
+interpreters, the half of whom knew neither French nor Arabic, were
+attached-to the different corps of the army, in order to facilitate
+their intercourse with the inhabitants." As the minister had determined
+on risking his own reputation on the expedition, the supplies were all,
+of course, of the completest kind, and in the greatest abundance.
+Provisions for three months were ordered; an equal quantity was to be
+forwarded as soon as the army had landed in Africa; and, amongst the
+other materials furnished we observe, in looking over the returns,
+thirty wooden legs, and two hundred crutches, for the relief of the
+unfortunate heroes, a boring apparatus to sink pumps, if water should
+run short, and a balloon, with two aeronauts, to reconnoitre the enemy's
+position, in case, as was represented to be their wont, they should
+entrench themselves under the shelter of hedges and brushwood.
+
+The French effected a landing at Sidy-el-Ferruch, a small promontory,
+about five leagues to the west of Algiers, and half a league to the east
+of the river Massaflran, where it discharges itself into the bay. On the
+14th of June they all landed without opposition.
+
+After a continued series of engagements and skirmishes the army got
+within cannon shot of Algiers, where they broke ground and began
+entrenching, and the French works being completed, the heavy breaching
+cannon were all mounted; and at day-break on the 4th of July, General
+Lahitte, having assured himself by personal inspection that all was
+ready, ordered the signal rocket to be thrown, and at the same moment
+the whole French batteries opened their fire within point blank
+distance, and with a report which shook the whole of Algiers, and
+brought the garrison, who were little expecting so speedy an attack,
+running to their posts. The artillery was admirably served, and from one
+battery which enfiladed the fort, the balls were seen to sweep away at
+once an entire row of Algerine cannoneers from their guns. The Turks
+displayed the most undaunted courage; they answered shot for shot,
+supplied with fresh men the places of such as were slain, stopped up
+with woolsacks the breaches made by the balls, replaced the cannon which
+the French fire had dismounted, and never relaxed their exertions for a
+moment. But the nature of their works was ill-calculated to withstand
+the scientific accuracy with which the besiegers made their attack.
+Every ball now told--the tower in the centre was completely riddled by
+shots and shells; the bursting of these latter had disabled great
+numbers of the garrison. By seven o'clock the besieged had begun to
+retire from the most damaged part of their works; by half-past eight the
+whole outer line of defence was abandoned, and by nine the fire of the
+fort was extinct. The Turkish general, finding opposition hopeless, had
+sent to the Dey for commands; and in reply was ordered to retreat with
+his whole remaining force to the Cassaubah, and leave three negroes to
+blow up the fort. The tranquillity with which they performed this fatal
+task deserves record. The French, finding the enemy's fire to fail,
+directed all theirs towards effecting a practicable breach. The fort
+seemed to be abandoned;--two red flags floated still on its outside line
+of defence, and a third on the angle towards the city. Three negroes
+were seen calmly walking on the ramparts, and from time to time looking
+over, as if to examine what progress the breach was making. One of them,
+struck by a cannon-ball, fell, and the others, as if to revenge his
+death, ran to a cannon, pointed it, and fired three shots. At the third,
+the gun turned over, and they were unable to replace it. They tried
+another, and as they were in the act of raising it, a shot swept the
+legs from under one of them. The remaining negro gazed for a moment on
+his comrade, drew him a little back, left him, and once more examined
+the breach. He then snatched one of the flags, and retired to the
+interior of the tower; in a few minutes he re-appeared, took a second
+and descended. The French continued to cannonade, and the breach
+appeared almost practicable, when suddenly they were astounded by a
+terrific explosion, which shook the whole ground as with an earthquake;
+an immense column of smoke, mixed with streaks of flame, burst from the
+centre of the fortress, masses of solid masonry were hurled into the air
+to an amazing height, while cannon, stones, timbers, projectiles, and
+dead bodies, were scattered in every direction--the negro had done his
+duty--the fort was blown up.
+
+In half an hour the French sappers and miners were at work repairing the
+smoking ruins, their advanced guards had effected a reconnoissance along
+the side of the hill towards the fort Bab-azoona, and their engineers
+had broken ground for new works within seven hundred yards of the
+Cassaubah. But these preparations were unnecessary; the Dey had resigned
+all further intention of resistance, and at two o'clock a flag of truce
+was announced, which proved to be Sidy Mustapha, the Dey's private
+secretary, charged with offers of paying the whole expense of the
+campaign, relinquishing all his demands on France, and making any
+further reparation that the French general might require, on condition
+that the troops should not enter Algiers. These proposals met with an
+instant negative:--Bourmont felt that Algiers was in his power, and
+declared that he would grant no other terms than an assurance of life to
+the Dey and inhabitants, adding that if the gates were not opened he
+should recommence his fire. Scarcely had Mustapha gone, than two other
+deputies appeared, sent by the townsmen to plead in their behalf. They
+were a Turk called Omar, and a Moor named Bouderba, who having lived for
+some time at Marseilles, spoke French perfectly. They received nearly
+the same answer as Mustapha; but they proved themselves better
+diplomatists, for they spoke so much to the general of the danger, there
+would be in refusing the Janissaries all terms, and the probability that
+if thus driven to despair they might make a murderous resistance, and
+afterwards destroy all the wealth and blow up all the forts before
+surrendering, that Bourmont, yielding to their representations, became
+less stern in his demands; and Mustapha having returned about the same
+time with the English vice-consul, as a mediator, the following terms
+were finally committed to paper, and sent to the Dey by an interpreter.
+
+"1. The fort of the Cassaubah, with all the other forts dependent on
+Algiers, and the harbor, shall be placed in the hands of the French
+troops the 5th of July, at 10 o'clock, A.M.
+
+"2. The general-in-chief of the French army ensures the Dey of Algiers
+personal liberty, and all his private property.
+
+"3. The Dey shall be free to retire with his family and wealth wherever
+he pleases. While he remains at Algiers he and his family shall be under
+the protection of the commander-in-chief. A guard shall insure his
+safety, and that of his family.
+
+"4. The same advantages, and same protection are assured to all the
+soldiers of the militia.
+
+"5. The exercise of the Mohammedan religion shall remain free; the
+liberty of the inhabitants of all classes, their religion, property,
+commerce, and industry shall receive no injury; their women shall be
+respected: the general takes this on his own responsibility.
+
+"6. The ratification of this convention to be made before 10 A.M., on the
+5th of July, and the French troops immediately after to take possession
+of the Cassaubah, and other forts."
+
+These terms were so much more favorable than the Dey could have
+expected, that, of course, not a moment was lost in signifying his
+acceptance: he only begged to be allowed two hours more to get himself
+and his goods out of the Cassaubah, and these were readily granted. It
+may, indeed, be wondered at that he and his Janissaries should be
+allowed to retain all their ill-gotten booty, under the name of private
+property; but Count de Bourmont, though not without talent, was
+essentially a weak man, and was in this instance overreached by the wily
+Moor. The whole of next morning an immense number of persons were seen
+flying from Algiers, previous to the entry of the French army, and
+carrying with them all their goods, valuables, and money. They fled by
+the fort Bab-azoona, on the roads towards Constantina and Bleeda; and
+about a hundred mounted Arabs were seen caracolling on the beach, as if
+to cover their retreat. No opposition to it, however, was made by the
+French troops, or by their navy, which had now again come in sight.
+
+At twelve o'clock the general, with his staff, artillery, and a strong
+guard, entered the Cassaubah, and at the same moment all the other forts
+were taken possession of by French troops. No one appeared to make a
+formal surrender, nor did any one present himself on the part of the
+inhabitants, to inquire as to what protection they were to receive, yet,
+on the whole, we believe the troops conducted themselves, at least on
+this occasion, with signal forbearance; and that of the robberies which
+took place, the greater number were perpetrated by Moors and Jews. One
+was rather ingenious. The minister of finance had given up the public
+treasures to commissioners regularly appointed for the purpose. Amongst
+others, the mint was visited, a receipt given of its containing bullion
+to the amount of 25,000 or 30,000 francs, the door sealed, and a sentry
+placed. Next morning the seal was perfect, the sentry at his post, but
+the bullion was gone through a small hole made in the back wall.
+
+The amount of public property found in Algiers, and appropriated by the
+French, was very considerable, and much more than repaid the expenses of
+the expedition. The blockade of the last three years had, by
+interrupting their commerce, caused an accumulation of the commodities
+in which the Algerines generally paid their tribute, so that the
+storehouses at the Cassaubah were abundantly filled with wool, hides,
+leather, wax, lead and copper. Quantities of grain, silks, muslins, and
+gold and silver tissues were also found, as well as salt, of which the
+Dey had reserved to himself a monopoly, and, by buying it very cheap at
+the Balearic Isles, used to sell it at an extravagant rate to his
+subjects. The treasure alone amounted to nearly fifty million of francs,
+and the cannon, projectiles, powder magazines, and military stores,
+together with the public buildings, foundries, dock-yards, and vessels
+in the harbor, were estimated at a still larger amount; while the entire
+expense of the expedition, including land and sea service, together with
+the maintenance of an army of occupation up to January, 1831, was
+computed not to exceed 48,500,000 francs; so that France must have
+realized, by her first connection with Algiers, a sum not far short of
+£3,000,000 sterling--a larger amount, we will venture to say, than is
+likely to accrue to her again, even after many years of colonization.
+
+In a few days the Dey had embarked for Naples, which he chose as his
+future place of residence; the Janissaries were sent in French vessels
+to Constantinople; the Bey of Tippery made his submissions, and swore
+allegiance to the French King; orders were issued, and laws enacted in
+his name; the Arabs and Kalyles came into market as usual with their
+fowl and game; a French soldier was tolerably safe, as long as he
+avoided going to any distance beyond the outposts; and, on the whole,
+Algiers the warlike, had assumed all the appearance of a French colony.
+
+
+
+
+THE ADVENTURES, TRIAL AND EXECUTION OF CAPTAIN GOW.
+
+
+Captain Gow sailed from Amsterdam, in July, 1724, on board the George,
+galley, for Santa Cruz, where they took in bees'-wax. Scarcely had they
+sailed from that place, when Gow and several others, who had formed a
+conspiracy, seized the vessel. One of the conspirators cried, "There is
+a man overboard." The captain instantly ran to the side of the vessel,
+when he was seized by two men, who attempted to throw him over; he
+however so struggled, that he escaped from their hands. One Winter, with
+a knife, attempted to cut him in the throat, but missing his aim, the
+captain was yet saved. But Gow coming aft shot him through the body and
+throwing him over the rail he caught hold of the main sheet; but Gow
+taking up an axe, with two blows so disabled him that he fell into the
+sea and was drowned. The conspirators proceeded to murder all who were
+not in their horrid plot, which being done, James Williams came upon
+deck, and striking one of the guns with his cutlass, saluted Gow in the
+following words: "Captain Gow, you are welcome, welcome to your
+command." Williams was declared lieutenant, and the other officers being
+appointed, the captain addressed them, saying: "If, hereafter, I see any
+of you whispering together, or if any of you refuse to obey my orders,
+let every such man depend upon it, that he shall certainly go the same
+way as those that are just gone before."
+
+Their first prize was the Sarah Snow, of Bristol. After they had rifled
+the vessel and received one man from it, they allowed her to prosecute
+her voyage. The Delight, of Poole, was the next vessel that fell into
+their hands; but they not long after captured two others, from one of
+which they received a quantity of fish, and from the other bread, beef,
+and pork. They also forced two men from the latter ship. A French ship,
+not long after, furnished them with wine, oil, figs, oranges, and
+lemons, to the value of 500_l_. In a short time after, they captured
+their last prize, and, as she made no resistance, they plundered and
+dismissed her.
+
+They next sailed for the Orkney Isles to clean, but were apprehended by
+a gentleman of that country, brought up to London, and tried before a
+Court of Admiralty, in May, 1725. When the first indictment was read,
+Gow obstinately refused to plead, for which the Court ordered his thumbs
+to be tied together with whipcord. The punishment was several times
+repeated by the executioner and another officer, they drawing the cord
+every time till it broke. But he still being stubborn, refusing to
+submit to the court, the sentence was pronounced against him, which the
+law appoints in such cases; that is, "That he should be taken back to
+prison, and there pressed to death." The gaoler was then ordered to
+conduct him back, and see that the sentence was executed the next
+morning; meanwhile the trials of the prisoners, his companions, went
+forward.
+
+But the next morning, when the press was prepared, pursuant to the order
+of the Court the day before, he was so terrified with the apprehension
+of dying in that manner, that he sent his humble petition to the Court,
+praying that he might be admitted to plead. This request being granted,
+he was brought again to the bar, and arraigned upon the first
+indictment, to which he pleaded Not guilty. Then the depositions that
+had been given against the other prisoners were repeated, upon which he
+was convicted, and received the sentence of death accordingly, which he
+suffered in company with Captain Weaver and William Ingham.
+
+[Illustration: _Gow killing the Captain._]
+
+The stories of these two men are so interwoven with others, that it
+will be impossible to distinguish many of their particular actions. They
+were, however, proved to have been concerned, if not the principal
+actors, in the following piracies: first, the seizing a Dutch ship in
+August, 1722, and taking from thence a hundred pieces of Holland, value
+800_l_.; a thousand pieces of eight, value 250_l_. Secondly, the
+entering and pillaging the Dolphin of London, William Haddock, out of
+which they got three hundred pieces of eight, value 75_l_.; forty
+gallons of rum, and other things, on the twentieth of November in the
+same year. Thirdly, the stealing out of a ship called the Don Carlos,
+Lot Neekins, master, four hundred ounces of silver, value 100_l_. fifty
+gallons of rum, value 30_s_. a thousand pieces of eight, a hundred
+pistoles, and other valuable goods. And fourthly, the taking from a ship
+called the England, ten pipes of wine, value 250_l_. The two last
+charges both in the year 1721. Weaver returned home, and came to Mr.
+Thomas Smith, at Bristol, in a very ragged condition; and pretending
+that he had been robbed by pirates, Smith, who had been acquainted with
+him eight or nine years before, provided him with necessaries, and he
+walked about unmolested for some time. But Captain Joseph Smith, who
+knew him when a pirate, one day met him, and asked him to go and take a
+bottle with him; when they were in the tavern he told him that he had
+been a considerable sufferer by his boarding his vessel "therefore,"
+said he, "as I understand that you are in good circumstances, I expect
+that you will make me some restitution; which if you do, I will never
+hurt a hair of your head, because you were very civil to me when I was
+in your hands." But as this recompense was never given. Weaver was
+apprehended and executed.
+
+
+
+
+  PIRATE'S SONG.
+
+  To the mast nail our flag it is dark as the grave,
+  Or the death which it bears while it sweeps o'er the wave;
+  Let our deck clear for action, our guns be prepared;
+  Be the boarding-axe sharpened, the scimetar bared:
+  Set the canisters ready, and then bring to me,
+  For the last of my duties, the powder-room key.
+  It shall never be lowered, the black flag we bear;
+  If the sea be denied us, we sweep through the air.
+  Unshared have we left our last victory's prey;
+  It is mine to divide it, and yours to obey:
+  There are shawls that might suit a sultana's white neck,
+  And pearls that are fair as the arms they will deck;
+  There are flasks which, unseal them, the air will disclose
+  Diametta's fair summers, the home of the rose.
+  I claim not a portion: I ask but as mine--
+  'Tis to drink to our victory--one cup of red wine.
+  Some fight, 'tis for riches--some fight, 'tis for fame:
+  The first I despise, and the last is a name.
+  I fight, 'tis for vengeance! I love to see flow,
+  At the stroke of my sabre, the life of my foe.
+  I strike for the memory of long-vanished years;
+  I only shed blood where another shed tears,
+  I come, as the lightning comes red from above,
+  O'er the race that I loathe, to the battle I love.
+
+FINIS.
+
+
+
+INDEX
+
+Algerine pirates
+
+Allen, Lieutenant
+
+Arabian coast
+
+Arabian pirates
+
+Avery, Capt. Henry
+
+Bahamas
+
+Bainbridge, Commodore
+
+Baltic Sea pirates
+
+Banister, Captain
+
+Barbary corsairs
+
+Barrataria, La., pirates
+
+Benavides, Vincent
+
+Black Beard
+
+Bonnet, Major
+
+Bonney, Anne, female pirate
+
+Boston, Mass
+
+Booth, Capt. George
+
+Bowen, Captain
+
+Bracket, Joshua
+
+Charleston, S. C
+
+Chesapeake, frigate
+
+Chilian pirates
+
+Chinese pirates
+
+Ching, Mistress, female pirate
+
+Condent, Captain
+
+Corsairs of the African coast
+
+Crusades
+
+Danish and Norman pirates
+
+Davis, Capt Howel
+
+Decatur, Commodore
+
+De Soto, Bernardo
+
+Dew, Capt. George
+
+Dungeon Rock, Lynn, Mass
+
+Dutch girl kept by pirates
+
+East India Company
+
+East India piracies
+
+England, Capt. Edward
+
+England attacks the Algerines
+
+England overrun by pirates
+
+Female pirates
+
+France ravaged by pirates
+
+French attack Algiers
+
+"Friendship" (ship), piracy of
+
+Germany ravaged by pirates
+
+Gibbs, Capt. Charles
+
+Gibraltar, pirates at
+
+Gibson, Captain
+
+Gilbert, Pedro
+
+Glasspoole, Richard, captured by pirates
+
+Gow, Captain
+
+Guinea coast, pirates on
+
+Halsey, Capt John
+
+Havana, resort for pirates
+
+"Herculia" (brig), piracy of
+
+Hornigold, Capt. Benjamin
+
+Jackson, Captain
+
+Jackson, General
+
+Joassamee pirates
+
+Jonnia, Captain
+
+Kearney, Lieutenant
+
+Kidd, Capt. Robert
+
+Ladrone pirates
+
+Lafitte, Jean
+
+Lewis, Captain
+
+Lincoln, Captain
+
+Low, Capt. Edward
+
+Lynn, Mass., pirates
+
+Mackra, Captain, captured
+
+Madagascar pirates
+
+Malay pirates
+
+Maynard, Lieutenant
+
+Mediterranean, a resort for pirates
+
+"Mexican" (brig), piracy of
+
+Mogul's ships
+
+"Morning Star" (ship), piracy of
+
+Newfoundland, piracy at
+
+New Orleans, battle of
+
+New York, pirates at
+
+Norman pirates
+
+North Carolina coast
+
+Oakley, William
+
+"Panda" (schooner)
+
+Patterson, Commodore, expedition under
+
+Pirate vessel, description of
+
+Pirates, cruelty of
+
+  Dress of
+
+  Executions of
+
+  Song of
+
+  Trials of
+
+Pirate's Glen, Saugus
+
+Privateering on English coast
+
+Porter, Commodore
+
+"Potomac" (frigate), attacks Malay pirates
+
+Quallah Battoo, Sumatra, pirates of
+
+Rackam, Capt. John
+
+Rahmah-ben-Jabir
+
+Ras-el-Khyma
+
+Read, Mary, female pirate
+
+Read, Capt. William
+
+Ricker, Captain
+
+Roberts, Capt. Bartholomew
+
+Rogers, Capt. Woods
+
+Ruiz, Francisco
+
+Rumps, Arabia
+
+Salem, pirates in
+
+Skinner, Captain, murdered
+
+Soto, Benito de
+
+Spanish pirates
+
+Sumatra pirates
+
+"Swallow" (man-of-war), captures pirates
+
+Swedish pirates
+
+Teach, Edward
+
+Texan privateers
+
+Tew, Capt. Thomas
+
+United States attacks Algiers
+
+Vane, Capt. Charles
+
+Veal, Thomas
+
+"Vineyard" (brig), captured
+
+Warren, David
+
+West Indies, piracy in
+
+White, Capt. Thomas
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 12216 ***
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+<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Pirates Own Book, by Charles Ellms</title>
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+<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 12216 ***</div>
+<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Pirates Own Book, by Charles Ellms</h1>
+<br>
+<br>
+<center><b>E-text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, L. Barber,<br>
+            and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team</b></center>
+<br>
+<br>
+<hr class="full" noshade>
+<br>
+<center><img src="./images/001.jpg" alt=
+"A Piratical Scene--Walking the Death Plank." height="324" width=
+"567"></center>
+<center>&nbsp;</center>
+<h1>THE PIRATES OWN BOOK</h1>
+<h2>Authentic Narratives of the Most Celebrated Sea Robbers.</h2>
+<h4>by</h4>
+<h2>Charles Ellms</h2>
+<h4>Originally published 1837</h4>
+<br>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<br>
+<center><img src="./images/004.jpg" alt="Page 4 Illustration"
+height="327" width="300">&nbsp;
+<hr width="100%"></center>
+<h3>CONTENTS</h3>
+<!-- Autogenerated TOC. Modify or delete as required. --><b><a href="#PREFACE">
+PREFACE</a></b><br>
+<b><a href="#INTRODUCTION">INTRODUCTION</a></b><br>
+<b><a href="#DANISH">THE DANISH AND NORMAN PIRATES</a></b><br>
+<b><a href="#ADVENTURES_AND_EXPLOITS_OF_CAPTAIN_AVERY">ADVENTURES
+AND EXPLOITS OF CAPTAIN AVERY</a></b><br>
+<b><a href=
+"#THE_REMARKABLE_HISTORY_OF_THE_JOASSAMEE_PIRATES_OF">HISTORY OF
+THE JOASSAMEE PIRATES</a></b><br>
+<b><a href=
+"#THE_BARBAROUS_CONDUCT_AND_ROMANTIC_DEATH_OF_THE">SKETCH OF THE
+JOASSAMEE CHIEF--RAHMAH-BEN-JABIR</a></b><br>
+<b><a href=
+"#THE_LIFE_OF_LAFITTE_THE_FAMOUS_PIRATE_OF_THE_GULF_OF_MEXICO">LIFE
+OF LAFITTE, THE PIRATE OF THE GULF</a></b><br>
+<b><a href="#THE_LIFE_OF_CAPTAIN_ROBERTS">THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN
+ROBERTS</a></b><br>
+<b><a href="#THE_LIFE_OF_CHARLES_GIBBS">THE LIFE OF CHARLES
+GIBBS</a></b><br>
+<b><a href=
+"#HISTORY_OF_THE_ADVENTURES_CAPTURE_AND_EXECUTION_OF_THE_SPANISH">HISTORY
+AND EXECUTION OF THE SPANISH PIRATES</a></b><br>
+<b><a href=
+"#THE_LIFE_OF_BENITO_DE_SOTO_THE_PIRATE_OF_THE_MORNING_STAR">THE
+LIFE OF BENITO DE SOTO</a></b><br>
+<b><a href="#THE_ADVENTURES_OF_CAPTAIN_ROBERT_KIDD">THE ADVENTURES
+OF CAPT. ROBERT KIDD</a></b><br>
+<b><a href="#VINCENT">BLOODY CAREER AND EXECUTION OF VINCENT
+BENAVIDES</a></b><br>
+<b><a href="#THE_LIFE_OF_CAPTAIN_DAVIS">THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN
+DAVIS</a></b><br>
+<b><a href=
+"#AUTHENTIC_HISTORY_OF_THE_MALAY_PIRATES_OF_THE_INDIAN_OCEAN">AUTHENTIC
+HISTORY OF THE MALAY PIRATES</a></b><br>
+<b><a href="#THE_ADVENTURES_OF_CAPTAIN_CONDENT">THE ADVENTURES OF
+CAPTAIN CONDENT</a></b><br>
+<b><a href="#THE_LIFE_OF_CAPTAIN_EDWARD_LOW">THE LIFE OF CAPT.
+EDWARD LOW</a></b><br>
+<b><a href="#LIFE_AND_ADVENTURES_OF_CAPTAIN_EDWARD_ENGLAND">LIFE
+AND ADVENTURES OF CAPT. EDWARD ENGLAND</a></b><br>
+<b><a href="#ACCOUNT_OF_THE_LYNN_PIRATES">ACCOUNT OF THE LYNN
+PIRATES</a></b><br>
+<b><a href="#HISTORY_OF_THE_LADRONE_PIRATES">HISTORY OF THE LADRONE
+PIRATES</a></b><br>
+<b><a href="#THE_LIFE_OF_CAPTAIN_LEWIS">THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN
+LEWIS</a></b><br>
+<b><a href=
+"#THE_LIFE_CAREER_AND_DEATH_OF_CAPTAIN_THOMAS_WHITE">LIFE, CAREER
+AND DEATH OF CAPT. THOMAS WHITE.</a></b><br>
+<b><a href=
+"#THE_LIFE_ATROCITIES_AND_BLOODY_DEATH_OF_BLACK_BEARD">LIFE,
+ATROCITIES, AND BLOODY DEATH OF BLACK BEARD</a></b><br>
+<b><a href=
+"#THE_EXPLOITS_ARREST_AND_EXECUTION_OF_CAPTAIN_CHARLES">EXPLOITS,
+ARREST, AND EXECUTION OF CAPT. CHARLES VANE</a></b><br>
+<b><a href="#THE_WEST_INDIA_PIRATES">THE WEST INDIA
+PIRATES</a></b><br>
+<b><a href=
+"#THE_ADVENTURES_AND_EXECUTION_OF_CAPTAIN_JOHN_RACKAM">ADVENTURES
+AND EXECUTION OF CAPT. JOHN RACKAM</a></b><br>
+<b><a href="#THE_LIFE_AND_EXPLOITS_OF_ANNE_BONNEY">LIFE AND
+EXPLOITS OF ANNE BONNEY</a></b><br>
+<b><a href="#THE_ADVENTURES_AND_HEROISM_OF_MARY_READ">ADVENTURES
+AND HEROISM OF MARY READ</a></b><br>
+<b><a href="#THE_ALGERINE_PIRATES">HISTORY OF THE ALGERINE
+PIRATES</a></b><br>
+<b><a href=
+"#THE_ADVENTURES_TRIAL_AND_EXECUTION_OF_CAPTAIN_GOW">ADVENTURES,
+TRIAL AND EXECUTION OF CAPTAIN GOW</a></b><br>
+<b><a href="#PIRATES_SONG">THE PIRATE'S SONG</a></b><br>
+<!-- End Autogenerated TOC. -->
+<br>
+&nbsp;
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="PREFACE"></a>
+<h2>PREFACE</h2>
+In the mind of the mariner, there is a superstitious horror
+connected with the name of Pirate; and there are few subjects that
+interest and excite the curiosity of mankind generally, more than
+the desperate exploits, foul doings, and diabolical career of these
+monsters in human form. A piratical crew is generally formed of the
+desperadoes and runagates of every clime and nation. The pirate,
+from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on
+the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely
+isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the
+shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and
+uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the
+woods and mountain glens of the interior. The islands of the Indian
+Ocean, and the east and west coasts of Africa, as well as the West
+Indies, have been their haunts for centuries; and vessels
+navigating the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, are often captured by
+them, the passengers and crew murdered, the money and most valuable
+part of the cargo plundered, the vessel destroyed, thus
+obliterating all trace of their unhappy fate, and leaving friends
+and relatives to mourn their loss from the inclemencies of the
+elements, when they were butchered in cold blood by their fellow
+men, who by practically adopting the maxim that "dead men tell no
+tales," enable themselves to pursue their diabolical career with
+impunity. The pirate is truly fond of women and wine, and when not
+engaged in robbing, keeps maddened with intoxicating liquors, and
+passes his time in debauchery, singing old songs with chorusses
+like
+<p>"Drain, drain the bowl, each fearless soul,<br>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Let the world wag as it
+will:</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Let the heavens growl, let the
+devil howl,</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Drain, drain the deep bowl and
+fill."</span></p>
+<p>Thus his hours of relaxation are passed in wild and extravagant
+frolics amongst the lofty forests of palms and spicy groves of the
+Torrid Zone, and amidst the aromatic and beautiful flowering
+vegetable productions of that region. He has fruits delicious to
+taste, and as companions, the unsophisticated daughters of Africa
+and the Indies. It would be supposed that his wild career would be
+one of delight.</p>
+<p>But the apprehension and foreboding of the mind, when under the
+influence of remorse, are powerful, and every man, whether
+civilized or savage, has interwoven in his constitution a moral
+sense, which secretly condemns him when he has committed an
+atrocious action, even when he is placed in situations which raise
+him above the fear of human punishment, for</p>
+<p>"Conscience, the torturer of the soul, unseen.<br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Does fiercely brandish a sharp
+scourge within;</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Severe decrees may keep our tongues
+in awe,</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">But to our minds what edicts can
+give law?</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Even you yourself to your own
+breast shall tell</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Your crimes, and your own
+conscience be your hell."</span></p>
+<p>With the name of pirate is also associated ideas of rich
+plunder, caskets of buried jewels, chests of gold ingots, bags of
+outlandish coins, secreted in lonely, out of the way places, or
+buried about the wild shores of rivers, and unexplored sea coasts,
+near rocks and trees bearing mysterious marks, indicating where the
+treasure was hid. And as it is his invariable practice to secrete
+and bury his booty, and from the perilous life he leads, being
+often killed or captured, he can never re-visit the spot again;
+immense sums remain buried in those places, and are irrecoverably
+lost. Search is often made by persons who labor in anticipation of
+throwing up with their spade and pickaxe, gold bars, diamond
+crosses sparkling amongst the dirt, bags of golden doubloons, and
+chests, wedged close with moidores, ducats and pearls; but although
+great treasures lie hid in this way, it seldom happens that any is
+so recovered.</p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<center><img src="./images/010.jpg" alt="Page 10 Illustration"
+height="362" width="300"></center>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="INTRODUCTION"></a>
+<h2>INTRODUCTION</h2>
+By the universal law of nations, robbery or forcible depredation
+upon the "high seas," <i>animo furandi</i>, is piracy. The meaning
+of the phrase "high seas," embraces not only the waters of the
+ocean, which are out of sight of land, but the waters on the sea
+coast below low water mark, whether within the territorial
+boundaries of a foreign nation, or of a domestic state. Blackstone
+says that the main sea or high sea begins at low water mark. But
+between the high water mark and low water mark, where the tide ebbs
+and flows, the common law and the Admiralty have <i>divisum
+imperium</i>, an alternate jurisdiction, one upon the water when it
+is full sea; the other upon the land when it is ebb. He doubtless
+here refers to the waters of the ocean on the sea coast, and not in
+creeks and inlets. Lord Hale says that the sea is either that which
+lies within the body of a country or without. That which lies
+without the body of a country is called the main sea or ocean. So
+far then as regards the states of the American union, "high seas,"
+may be taken to mean that part of the ocean which washes the sea
+coast, and is without the body of any country, according to the
+common law; and so far as regards foreign nations, any waters on
+their sea coasts, below low water mark.
+<p>Piracy is an offence against the universal law of society, a
+pirate being according to Sir Edward Coke, <i>hostis humani
+generis</i>. As, therefore, he has renounced all the benefits of
+society and government, and has reduced himself to the savage state
+of nature, by declaring war against all mankind, all mankind must
+declare war against him; so that every community has a right by the
+rule of self-defense, to inflict that punishment upon him which
+every individual would in a state of nature otherwise have been
+entitled to do, for any invasion of his person or personal
+property. By various statutes in England and the United States,
+other offences are made piracy. Thus, if a subject of either of
+these nations commit any act of hostility against a fellow subject
+on the high seas, under color of a commission from any foreign
+power, this act is piracy. So if any captain of any vessel, or
+mariner, run away with the vessel, or the goods, or yield them up
+to a pirate voluntarily, or if any seaman lay violent hands on his
+commander, to hinder him from fighting in defence of the ship or
+goods committed to his charge, or make a revolt in the ship, these
+offences are acts of piracy, by the laws of the United States and
+England. In England by the statute of 8 George I, c. 24, the
+trading or corresponding with known pirates, or the forcibly
+boarding any merchant vessel, (though without seizing her or
+carrying her off,) and destroying any of the goods on board, are
+declared to be acts of piracy; and by the statute 18 George II. c.
+30, any natural born subject or denizen who in time of war, shall
+commit any hostilities at sea, against any of his fellow subjects,
+or shall assist an enemy, on that element, is liable to be punished
+as a pirate. By statute of George II. c. 25, the ransoming of any
+neutral vessel, which has been taken by the captain of a private
+ship of war, is declared piracy. By the act of congress, April 30,
+1790, if any person upon the high seas, or in any river, haven, or
+bay, out of the jurisdiction of any particular state, commit murder
+or robbery, or any other offence which if committed within the body
+of a county, would by the laws of the United States, be punishable
+by death, such offender is to be deemed a pirate. By the act of
+congress, 1820, c. 113, if any citizen of the United States, being
+of the crew of any foreign vessel, or any person being of the crew
+of any vessel owned in whole or part by any citizen of the United
+States, shall be engaged in the foreign slave trade, he shall be
+adjudged a pirate. Notwithstanding the expression used in this
+statute, the question, says Chancellor Kent, remains to be settled,
+whether the act of being concerned in the slave trade would be
+adjudged piracy, within the code of international law. In England
+by the act of parliament passed March 31, 1824, the slave trade is
+also declared to be piracy. An attempt has been made to effect a
+convention between the United States and Great Britain, by which it
+should be agreed that both nations should consider the slave trade
+as piratical; but this attempt has hitherto been unsuccessful. In
+the time of Richard III, by the laws of Oberon, all infidels were
+regarded as pirates, and their property liable to seizure wherever
+found. By the law of nations, the taking of goods by piracy does
+not divest the actual owner of them. By the civil institutions of
+Spain and Venice, ships taken from pirates became the property of
+those who retake them. Piracy is every where pursued and punished
+with death, and pirates can gain no rights by conquest. It is of no
+importance, for the purpose of giving jurisdiction in cases of
+piracy, on whom or where a piratical offence is committed. A pirate
+who is one by the law of nations, may be tried and punished in any
+country where he may be found; for he is reputed to be out of the
+protection of all laws. But if the statute of any government
+declares an offence, committed on board one of their own vessels,
+to be piracy; such an offence will be punished exclusively by the
+nation which passes the statute. In England the offence was
+formerly cognizable only by the Admiralty courts, which proceeded
+without a jury in a method founded on the civil law. But by the
+statute of Henry VIII. c. 15, it was enacted that piracy should be
+tried by commissioners nominated by the lord chancellor, the
+indictment being first found by a grand jury, of twelve men, and
+afterwards tried by another jury, as at common law. Among the
+commissioners, there are always some of the common law judges. In
+the United States, pirates are tried before the circuit court of
+the United States. Piracy has been known from the remotest
+antiquity; for in the early ages every small maritime state was
+addicted to piracy, and navigation was perilous. This habit was so
+general, that it was regarded with indifference, and, whether
+merchant, traveller, or pirate, the stranger was received with the
+rights of hospitality. Thus Nestor, having given Mentor and
+Telemachus a plenteous repast, remarks, that the banquet being
+finished, it was time to ask his guests to their business. "Are
+you," demands the aged prince, "merchants destined to any port, or
+are you merely adventurers and pirates, who roam the seas without
+any place of destination, and live by rapine and ruin."<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/014.jpg" alt="Page 14 Illustration"
+height="124" width="300"></center>
+<hr width="100%">
+<br>
+<a name="DANISH"></a>
+<h2>THE DANISH AND NORMAN PIRATES</h2>
+The Saxons, a people supposed to be derived from the Cimbri,
+uniting the occupations of fishing and piracy, commenced at an
+early period their ravages in the German Ocean; and the shores of
+Gaul and Britain were for ages open to their depredations. About
+the middle of the fifth century, the unwarlike Vortigern, then king
+of Britain, embraced the fatal resolution of requesting these hardy
+warriors to deliver him from the harassing inroads of the Picts and
+Scots; and the expedition of Hengist and Horsa was the consequence.
+Our mention of this memorable epoch is not for its political
+importance, great as that is, but for its effects on piracy; for
+the success attending such enterprises seems to have turned the
+whole of the northern nations towards sea warfare. The Danes,
+Norwegians, and Swedes, from their superior knowledge of
+navigation, gave into it most; and on whatever coast the winds
+carried them, they made free with all that came in their way.
+Canute the Fourth endeavored in vain to repress these lawless
+disorders among his subjects; but they felt so galled by his
+restrictions, that they assassinated him. On the king of Sweden
+being taken by the Danes, permission was given to such of his
+subjects as chose, to arm themselves against the enemy, pillage his
+possessions, and sell their prizes at Ribnitz and Golnitz. This
+proved a fertile nursery of pirates, who became so formidable under
+the name of "Victalien Broders," that several princes were obliged
+to arm against them, and hang some of their chiefs.
+<p>Even the females of the North caught the epidemic spirit, and
+proudly betook themselves to the dangers of sea-life.
+Saxo-Grammaticus relates an interesting story of one of them.
+Alwilda, the daughter of Synardus, a Gothic king, to deliver
+herself from the violence imposed on her inclination, by a marriage
+with Alf, the son of Sygarus, king of Denmark, embraced the life of
+a rover; and attired as a man, she embarked in a vessel of which
+the crew was composed of other young women of tried courage,
+dressed in the same manner. Among the first of her cruises, she
+landed at a place where a company of pirates were bewailing the
+loss of their commander; and the strangers were so captivated with
+the air and agreeable manners of Alwilda, that they unanimously
+chose her for their leader. By this reinforcement she became so
+formidable, that Prince Alf was despatched to engage her. She
+sustained his attacks with great courage and talent; but during a
+severe action in the gulf of Finland, Alf boarded her vessel, and
+having killed the greatest part of her crew, seized the captain,
+namely herself; whom nevertheless he knew not, because she had a
+casque which covered her visage. The prince was agreeably
+surprised, on removing the helmet, to recognize his beloved
+Alwilda; and it seems that his valor had now recommended him to the
+fair princess, for he persuaded her to accept his hand, married her
+on board, and then led her to partake of his wealth, and share his
+throne.</p>
+<p>Charlemagne, though represented as naturally generous and
+humane, had been induced, in his extravagant zeal for the
+propagation of those tenets which he had himself adopted, to
+enforce them throughout Germany at the point of the sword; and his
+murders and decimations on that account disgrace humanity. The more
+warlike of the Pagans flying into Jutland, from whence the Saxons
+had issued forth, were received with kindness, and furnished with
+the means of punishing their persecutor, by harassing his coasts.
+The maritime towns of France were especially ravaged by those
+pirates called "Normands," or men of the North; and it was owing to
+their being joined by many malcontents, in the provinces since
+called Normandy, that that district acquired its name. Charlemagne,
+roused by this effrontery, besides fortifying the mouths of the
+great rivers, determined on building himself a fleet, which he did,
+consisting of 400 of the largest galleys then known, some having
+five or six benches of oars. His people were, however, extremely
+ignorant of maritime affairs, and in the progress of having them
+taught, he was suddenly called to the south, by the invasion of the
+Saracens.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/018.jpg" alt="Awilda, the Female Pirate"
+height="580" width="355"></center>
+&nbsp;
+<h4>&nbsp;<i>Awilda, the Female Pirate.</i></h4>
+Another division of Normans, some years afterwards, in the same
+spirit of emigration, and thirsting, perhaps, to avenge their
+injured ancestors, burst into the provinces of France, which the
+degeneracy of Charlemagne's posterity, and the dissensions which
+prevailed there, rendered an affair of no great difficulty. Louis
+le Debonnaire had taken every means of keeping on good terms with
+them; annually persuading some to become Christians, and then
+sending them home so loaded with presents, that it was discovered
+they came to be baptized over and over again, merely for the sake
+of the gifts, as Du Chesne tells us. But on the subsequent division
+of the empire among the undutiful sons of Louis, the pirates did
+not fail to take advantage of the general confusion; braving the
+sea almost every summer in their light coracles, sailing up the
+Seine, the Somme, or the Loire, and devastating the best parts of
+France, almost without resistance. In 845, they went up to Paris,
+pillaged it, and were on the point of attacking the royal camp at
+St. Dennis; but receiving a large sum of money from Charles the
+Bald, they retreated from thence, and with the new means thus
+supplied them, ravaged Bordeaux, and were there joined by Pepin,
+king of Aquitaine. A few years afterwards, they returned in great
+numbers. Paris was again sacked, and the magnificent abbey of St.
+Germain des Pr&eacute;s burnt. In 861, Wailand, a famous Norman
+pirate, returning from England, took up his winter quarters on the
+banks of the Loire, devastated the country as high as Tourraine,
+shared the women and girls among his crews, and even carried off
+the male children, to be brought up in his own profession. Charles
+the Bald, not having the power to expel him, engaged the
+freebooter, for 500 pounds of silver, to dislodge his countrymen,
+who were harassing the vicinity of Paris. In consequence of this
+subsidy, Wailand, with a fleet of 260 sail, went up the Seine, and
+attacked the Normans in the isle of Oiselle: after a long and
+obstinate resistance, they were obliged to capitulate; and having
+paid 6000 pounds of gold and silver, by way of ransom, had leave to
+join their victors. The riches thus acquired rendered a predatory
+life so popular, that the pirates were continually increasing in
+number, so that under a "sea-king" called Eric, they made a descent
+in the Elbe and the Weser, pillaged Hamburg, penetrated far into
+Germany, and after gaining two battles, retreated with immense
+booty. The pirates, thus reinforced on all sides, long continued to
+devastate Germany, France, and England; some penetrated into
+Andalusia and Hetruria, where they destroyed the flourishing town
+of Luni; whilst others, descending the Dnieper, penetrated even
+into Russia.<br>
+&nbsp;
+<center><img src="./images/020.jpg" alt=
+"A Priest thrown from the Ramparts of an Abbey." height="478"
+width="600"></center>
+&nbsp;
+<h4><i>A Priest thrown from the Ramparts of an Abbey.</i></h4>
+Meanwhile the Danes had been making several attempts to effect a
+<i>lodgment</i> in England; and allured by its fertility, were
+induced to try their fortune in various expeditions, which were
+occasionally completely successful, and at other times most fatally
+disastrous. At length, after a struggle of several years, their
+success was so decided, that king Alfred was obliged for a time to
+abandon his kingdom, as we all know, to their ravages. They
+immediately passed over to Ireland, and divided it into three
+sovereignties; that of Dublin fell to the share of Olauf; that of
+Waterford to Sitrih; and that of Limerick to Yivar. These
+arrangements dispersed the forces of the enemy, and watching his
+opportunity, Alfred issued from his retreat, fell on them like a
+thunderbolt, and made a great carnage of them. This prince, too
+wise to exterminate the pirates after he had conquered them, sent
+them to settle Northumberland, which had been wasted by their
+countrymen, and by this humane policy gained their attachment and
+services. He then retook London, embellished it, equipped fleets,
+restrained the Danes in England, and prevented others from landing.
+In the twelve years of peace which followed his fifty-six battles,
+this great man composed his body of laws; divided England into
+counties, hundreds, and tithings, and founded the University of
+Oxford. But after Alfred's death, fresh swarms of pirates visited
+the shores, among the most formidable of whom were the Danes, who
+spread desolation and misery along the banks of the Thames, the
+Medway, the Severn, the Tamar, and the Avon, for more than a
+century, though repeatedly tempted to desist by weighty bribes,
+raised by an oppressive and humiliating tax called <i>Danegelt</i>,
+from its object; and which, like most others, were continued long
+after it had answered its intent.
+<p>About the end of the 9th century, one of the sons of Rognwald,
+count of the Orcades, named Horolf, or Rollo, having infested the
+coasts of Norway with piratical descents, was at length defeated
+and banished by Harold, king of Denmark. He fled for safety to the
+Scandinavian island of Soderoe, where finding many outlaws and
+discontented fugitives, he addressed their passions, and succeeded
+in placing himself at their head. Instead of measuring his sword
+with his sovereign again, he adopted the wiser policy of imitating
+his countrymen, in making his fortune by plundering the more
+opulent places of southern Europe. The first attempt of this
+powerful gang was upon England, where, finding Alfred too powerful
+to be coped with, he stood over to the mouth of the Seine, and
+availed himself of the state to which France was reduced. Horolf,
+however, did not limit his ambition to the acquisition of booty; he
+wished permanently to enjoy some of the fine countries he was
+ravaging, and after many treaties made and broken, received the
+dutchy of Normandy from the lands of Charles the Simple, as a fief,
+together with Gisla, the daughter of the French monarch, in
+marriage. Thus did a mere pirate found the family which in a few
+years gave sovereigns to England, Naples, and Sicily, and spread
+the fame of their talents and prowess throughout the world.</p>
+<p>Nor was Europe open to the depredations of the northern pirates
+only. Some Asiatic moslems, having seized on Syria, immediately
+invaded Africa, and their subsequent conquests in Spain facilitated
+their irruption into France, where they pillaged the devoted
+country, with but few substantial checks. Masters of all the
+islands in the Mediterranean, their corsairs insulted the coasts of
+Italy, and even threatened the destruction of the Eastern empire.
+While Alexis was occupied in a war with Patzinaces, on the banks of
+the Danube, Zachas, a Saracen pirate, scoured the Archipelago,
+having, with the assistance of an able Smyrniote, constructed a
+flotilla of forty brigantines, and some light fast-rowing boats,
+manned by adventurers like himself. After taking several of the
+surrounding islands, he established himself sovereign of Smyrna,
+that place being about the centre of his newly-acquired dominions.
+Here his fortunes prospered for a time, and Soliman, sultan of
+Nicea, son of the grand Soliman, sought his alliance, and married
+his daughter, about AD. 1093. But in the following year, young
+Soliman being persuaded that his father-in-law had an eye to his
+possessions, with his own hand stabbed Zachas to the heart. The
+success of this freebooter shows that the Eastern emperors could no
+longer protect, or even assist, their islands.</p>
+<p>Maritime pursuits had now revived, the improvement of nautical
+science was progressing rapidly, and the advantages of predatory
+expeditions, especially when assisted and masked by commerce, led
+people of family and acquirements to embrace the profession. The
+foremost of these were the Venetians and Genoese, among whom the
+private adventurers, stimulated by an enterprising spirit, fitted
+out armaments, and volunteered themselves into the service of those
+nations who thought proper to retain them; or they engaged in such
+schemes of plunder as were likely to repay their pains and expense.
+About the same time, the Roxolani or Russians, became known in
+history, making their debut in the character of pirates, ravenous
+for booty, and hungry for the pillage of Constantinople--a longing
+which 900 years have not yet satisfied. Pouring hundreds of boats
+down the Borysthenes, the Russian marauders made four desperate
+attempts to plunder the city of the Caesars, in less than two
+centuries, and appear only to have been repulsed by the dreadful
+effects of the celebrated Greek fire.</p>
+<p>England, in the mean time, had little to do with piracy; nor had
+she any thing worthy the name of a navy; yet Coeur de Lion had
+given maritime laws to Europe; her seamen, in point of skill, were
+esteemed superior to their contemporaries; and King John enacted
+that those foreign ships which refused to lower their flags to that
+of Britain should, if taken, be deemed lawful prizes. Under Henry
+III., though Hugh de Burgh, the governor of Dover Castle, had
+defeated a French fleet by casting lime into the eyes of his
+antagonists, the naval force was impaired to such a degree that the
+Normans and Bretons were too powerful for the Cinque Ports, and
+compelled them to seek relief from the other ports of the kingdom.
+The taste for depredation had become so general and contagious,
+that privateers were now allowed to be fitted out, which equipments
+quickly degenerated to the most cruel of pirates. Nay more: on the
+disputes which took place between Henry and his Barons, in 1244,
+the Cinque Ports, who had shown much indifference to the royal
+requisitions, openly espoused the cause of the revolted nobles;
+and, under the orders of Simon de Montfort, burnt Portsmouth. From
+this, forgetful of their motives for arming, they proceeded to
+commit various acts of piracy, and considering nothing but their
+private interests, extended their violence not only against the
+shipping of all countries unfortunate enough to fall in their way,
+but even to perpetrate the most unwarrantable ravages on the
+property of their own countrymen. Nor was this confined to the
+Cinque Port vessels only; the example and the profits were too
+stimulating to the restless; and one daring association on the
+coast of Lincolnshire seized the Isle of Ely, and made it their
+receptacle for the plunder of all the adjacent countries. One
+William Marshall fortified the little island of Lundy, in the mouth
+of the Severn, and did so much mischief by his piracies, that at
+length it became necessary to fit out a squadron to reduce him,
+which was accordingly done, and he was executed in London; yet the
+example did not deter other persons from similar practices. The
+sovereign, however, did not possess sufficient naval means to
+suppress the enormities of the great predatory squadrons, and their
+ravages continued to disgrace the English name for upwards of
+twenty years, when the valor and conciliation of the gallant Prince
+Edward brought them to that submission which his royal parent had
+failed in procuring.</p>
+<p>Those "harum-scarum" expeditions, the Crusades, were perhaps
+influential in checking piracy, although the rabble that composed
+the majority of them had as little principle as the worst of the
+freebooters. From the time that Peter the Hermit set Europe in a
+blaze, all ranks, and all nations, streamed to the East, so that
+few vessels were otherwise employed than in conveying the motly
+groups who sought the shores of Palestine; some from religious
+zeal; some from frantic fanaticism; some from desire of
+distinction; some for the numberless privileges which the crusaders
+acquired; and the rest and greater portion, for the spoil and
+plunder of which they had a prospect. The armaments, fitted in no
+fewer than nine successive efforts, were mostly equipped with such
+haste and ignorance, and with so little choice, that ruinous
+delays, shipwrecks, and final discomfiture, were naturally to be
+expected. Still, the effect of such incredible numbers of people
+betaking themselves to foreign countries, advanced civilization,
+although vast means of forwarding its cause were buried in the
+East; and those who assert that no benefit actually resulted,
+cannot deny that at least some evils were thereby removed.
+Montesquieu says, that Europe then required a general shock, to
+teach her, but the sight of contrasts, the theorems of public
+economy most conducive to happiness. And it is evident, that
+notwithstanding these follies wasted the population of Europe,
+squandered its treasures, and infected us with new vices and
+diseases, still the crusades diminished the bondage of the feudal
+system, by augmenting the power of the King, and the strength of
+the Commons; while they also occasioned a very increased activity
+in commerce: thus taming the ferocity of men's spirits, increasing
+agriculture in value from the safety it enjoyed, and establishing a
+base for permanent prosperity.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/026.jpg" alt="Page 26 Illustration"
+height="300" width="101"></center>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="ADVENTURES_AND_EXPLOITS_OF_CAPTAIN_AVERY"></a>
+<h2>ADVENTURES AND EXPLOITS OF CAPTAIN AVERY</h2>
+<i>Containing an Account of his capturing one of the great Mogul's
+ship's laden with treasure: and an interesting history of a Colony
+of Pirates on the Island of Madagascar.</i>
+<p>During his own time the adventures of Captain Avery were the
+subject of general conversation in Europe. It was reported that he
+had married the Great Mogul's daughter, who was taken in an Indian
+ship that fell into his hands, and that he was about to be the
+founder of a new monarchy--that he gave commissions in his own name
+to the captains of his ships, and the commanders of his forces, and
+was acknowledged by them as their prince. In consequence of these
+reports, it was at one time resolved to fit out a strong squadron
+to go and take him and his men; and at another time it was proposed
+to invite him home with all his riches, by the offer of his
+Majesty's pardon. These reports, however, were soon discovered to
+be groundless, and he was actually starving without a shilling,
+while he was represented as in the possession of millions. Not to
+exhaust the patience, or lessen the curiosity of the reader, the
+facts in Avery's life shall be briefly related.</p>
+<p>He was a native of Devonshire (Eng.), and at an early period
+sent to sea; advanced to the station of a mate in a merchantman, he
+performed several voyages. It happened previous to the peace of
+Ryswick, when there existed an alliance between Spain, England,
+Holland, and other powers, against France, that the French in
+Martinique carried on a smuggling trade with the Spaniards on the
+continent of Peru. To prevent their intrusion into the Spanish
+dominions, a few vessels were commanded to cruise upon that coast,
+but the French ships were too strong for them; the Spaniards,
+therefore, came to the resolution of hiring foreigners to act
+against them. Accordingly, certain merchants of Bristol fitted out
+two ships of thirty guns, well manned, and provided with every
+necessary munition, and commanded them to sail for Corunna to
+receive their orders.</p>
+<p>Captain Gibson commanded one of these ships, and Avery appears
+to have been his mate, in the year 1715. He was a fellow of more
+cunning than courage, and insinuating himself into the confidence
+of some of the boldest men in the ship, he represented the immense
+riches which were to be acquired upon the Spanish coast, and
+proposed to run off with the ship. The proposal was scarcely made
+when it was agreed upon, and put in execution at ten o'clock the
+following evening. Captain Gibson was one of those who mightily
+love their bottle, and spent much of his time on shore; but he
+remained on board that night, which did not, however, frustrate
+their design, because he had taken his usual dose, and so went to
+bed. The men who were not in the confederacy went also to bed,
+leaving none upon deck but the conspirators. At the time agreed
+upon, the long boat of the other ship came, and Avery hailing her
+in the usual manner, he was answered by the men in her, "Is your
+drunken boatswain on board?" which was the watchword agreed between
+them. Avery replying in the affirmative, the boat came alongside
+with sixteen stout fellows, who joined in the adventure. They next
+secured the hatches, then softly weighed anchor, and immediately
+put to sea without bustle or noise. There were several vessels in
+the bay, besides a Dutchman of forty guns, the captain of which was
+offered a considerable reward to go in pursuit of Avery, but he
+declined. When the captain awoke, he rang his bell, and Avery and
+another conspirator going into the cabin, found him yet half
+asleep. He inquired, saying, "What is the matter with the ship?
+does she drive? what weather is it?" supposing that it had been a
+storm, and that the ship was driven from her anchors. "No, no,"
+answered Avery, "we're at sea, with a fair wind and a good
+weather." "At sea!" said the captain: "how can that be?" "Come,"
+answered Avery, "don't be in a fright, but put on your clothes, and
+I'll let you into a secret. You must know that I am captain of this
+ship now, and this is my cabin, therefore you must walk out; I am
+bound to Madagascar, with a design of making my own fortune, and
+that of all the brave fellows joined with me."</p>
+<p>The captain, having a little recovered his senses, began to
+understand his meaning. However, his fright was as great as before,
+which Avery perceiving, desired him to fear nothing; "for," said
+he, "if you have a mind to make one of us, we will receive you; and
+if you turn sober, and attend to business, perhaps in time I may
+make you one of my lieutenants; if not, here's a boat, and you
+shall be set on shore." Gibson accepted of the last proposal; and
+the whole crew being called up to know who was willing to go on
+shore with the captain, there were only about five or six who chose
+to accompany him.</p>
+<p>Avery proceeded on his voyage to Madagascar, and it does not
+appear that he captured any vessels upon his way. When arrived at
+the northeast part of that island, he found two sloops at anchor,
+which, upon seeing him, slipped their cables and ran themselves
+ashore, while the men all landed and concealed themselves in the
+woods. These were two sloops which the men had run off with from
+the East Indies, and seeing Avery's ship, supposed that he had been
+sent out after them. Suspecting who they were, he sent some of his
+men on shore to inform them that they were friends, and to propose
+a union for their common safety. The sloops' men being well armed,
+had posted themselves in a wood, and placed sentinels to observe
+whether the ship's men were landing to pursue them. The sentinels
+only observing two or three men coming towards them unarmed, did
+not oppose them. Upon being informed that they were friends, the
+sentinels conveyed them to the main body, where they delivered
+their message. They were at first afraid that it was a stratagem to
+entrap them, but when the messengers assured them that their
+captain had also run away with his ship, and that a few of their
+men along with him would meet them unarmed, to consult matters for
+their common advantage, confidence was established, and they were
+mutually well pleased, as it added to their strength.</p>
+<p>Having consulted what was most proper to be attempted they
+endeavored to get off the sloops, and hastened to prepare all
+things, in order to sail for the Arabian coast. Near the river
+Indus, the man at the mast-head espied a sail, upon which they gave
+chase; as they came nearer to her, they discovered that she was a
+tall vessel, and might turn out to be an East Indiaman. She,
+however, proved a better prize; for when they fired at her she
+hoisted Mogul colors, and seemed to stand upon her defence. Avery
+only cannonaded at a distance, when some of his men began to
+suspect that he was not the hero they had supposed. The sloops,
+however attacked, the one on the bow, and another upon the quarter
+of the ship, and so boarded her. She then struck her colors. She
+was one of the Great Mogul's own ships, and there were in her
+several of the greatest persons in his court, among whom, it was
+said, was one of his daughters going upon a pilgrimage to Mecca;
+and they were carrying with them rich offerings to present at the
+shrine of Mahomet. It is a well known fact, that the people of the
+east travel with great magnificence, so that these had along with
+them all their slaves and attendants, with a large quantity of
+vessels of gold and silver, and immense sums of money to defray
+their expenses by land; the spoil therefore which they received
+from that ship was almost incalculable.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/031.jpg" alt=
+"Captain Avery engaging the Great Mogul's Ship" height="580" width=
+"600"></center>
+&nbsp;
+<h4><i>Captain Avery engaging the Great Mogul's Ship.</i></h4>
+Taking the treasure on board their own ships, and plundering their
+prize of every thing valuable, they then allowed her to depart. As
+soon as the Mogul received this intelligence, he threatened to send
+a mighty army to extirpate the English from all their settlements
+upon the Indian coast. The East India Company were greatly alarmed,
+but found means to calm his resentment, by promising to search for
+the robbers, and deliver them into his hands. The noise which this
+made over all Europe, gave birth to the rumors that were circulated
+concerning Avery's greatness.
+<p>In the mean time, our adventurers made the best of their way
+back to Madagascar, intending to make that place the deposit of all
+their treasure, to build a small fort, and to keep always a few men
+there for its protection. Avery, however, disconcerted this plan,
+and rendered it altogether unnecessary.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/032.jpg" alt=
+"Captain Avery receiving the three chests of Treasure on board of his Ship."
+     height="530" width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>Captain Avery receiving the three chests of Treasure on
+board of his Ship.</i></h4>
+While steering their course, Avery sent a boat to each of the
+sloops, requesting that the chiefs would come on board his ship to
+hold a conference. They obeyed, and being assembled, he suggested
+to them the necessity of securing the property which they had
+acquired in some safe place on shore, and observed, that the chief
+difficulty was to get it safe on shore; adding that, if either of
+the sloops should be attacked alone, they would not be able to make
+any great resistance, and thus she must either be sunk or taken
+with all the property on board. That, for his part, his ship was so
+strong, so well manned, and such a swift-sailing vessel, that he
+did not think it was possible for any other ship to take or
+overcome her. Accordingly, he proposed that all their treasure
+should be sealed up in three chests;--that each of the captains
+should have keys, and that they should not be opened until all were
+present;--that the chests should be then put on board his ship, and
+afterwards lodged in some safe place upon land.
+<p>This proposal seemed so reasonable, and so much for the common
+good, that it was without hesitation agreed to, and all the
+treasure deposited in three chests, and carried to Avery's ship.
+The weather being favorable, they remained all three in company
+during that and the next day; meanwhile Avery, tampering with his
+men, suggested, that they had now on board what was sufficient to
+make them all happy; "and what," continued he, "should hinder us
+from going to some country where we are not known, and living on
+shore all the rest of our days in plenty?" They soon understood his
+hint, and all readily consented to deceive the men of the sloops,
+and fly with all the booty; this they effected during the darkness
+of the following night. The reader may easily conjecture what were
+the feelings and indignation of the other two crews in the morning,
+when they discovered that Avery had made off with all their
+property.</p>
+<p>Avery and his men hastened towards America, and being strangers
+in that country, agreed to divide the booty, to change their names,
+and each separately to take up his residence, and live in affluence
+and honor. The first land they approached was the Island of
+Providence, then newly settled. It however occurred to them, that
+the largeness of their vessel, and the report that one had been run
+off with from the Groine, might create suspicion; they resolved
+therefore to dispose of their vessel at Providence. Upon this
+resolution, Avery, pretending that his vessel had been equipped for
+privateering, and having been unsuccessful, he had orders from the
+owners to dispose of her to the best advantage, soon found a
+merchant. Having thus sold his own ship, he immediately purchased a
+small sloop.</p>
+<p>In this he and his companions embarked, and landed at several
+places in America, where, none suspecting them, they dispersed and
+settled in the country. Avery, however, had been careful to conceal
+the greater part of the jewels and other valuable articles, so that
+his riches were immense. Arriving at Boston, he was almost resolved
+to settle there, but, as the greater part of his wealth consisted
+of diamonds, he was apprehensive that he could not dispose of them
+at that place, without being taken up as a pirate. Upon reflection,
+therefore, he resolved to sail for Ireland, and in a short time
+arrived in the northern part of that kingdom, and his men dispersed
+into several places. Some of them obtained the pardon of King
+William, and settled in that country.</p>
+<p>The wealth of Avery, however, now proved of small service, and
+occasioned him great uneasiness. He could not offer his diamonds
+for sale in that country without being suspected. Considering,
+therefore, what was best to be done, he thought there might be some
+person at Bristol he could venture to trust. Upon this he resolved,
+and going into Devonshire, sent to one of his friends to meet him
+at a town called Bideford. When he had unbosomed himself to him and
+other pretended friends, they agreed that the safest plan would be
+to put his effects into the hands of some wealthy merchants, and no
+inquiry would be made how they came by them. One of these friends
+told him, he was acquainted with some who were very fit for the
+purpose, and if he would allow them a handsome commission, they
+would do the business faithfully. Avery liked the proposal,
+particularly as he could think of no other way of managing this
+matter, since he could not appear to act for himself. Accordingly,
+the merchants paid Avery a visit at Bideford, where, after strong
+protestations of honor and integrity, he delivered them his
+effects, consisting of diamonds and some vessels of gold. After
+giving him a little money for his present subsistence, they
+departed.</p>
+<p>He changed his name, and lived quietly at Bideford, so that no
+notice was taken of him. In a short time his money was all spent,
+and he heard nothing from his merchants though he wrote to them
+repeatedly; at last they sent him a small supply, but it was not
+sufficient to pay his debts. In short, the remittances they sent
+him were so trifling, that he could with difficulty exist. He
+therefore determined to go privately to Bristol, and have an
+interview with the merchants himself,--where, instead of money, he
+met with a mortifying repulse; for, when he desired them to come to
+an account with him, they silenced him by threatening to disclose
+his character; the merchants thus proving themselves as good
+pirates on land as he was at sea.</p>
+<p>Whether he was frightened by these menaces, or had seen some
+other person who recognised him, is not known; however, he went
+immediately to Ireland, and from thence solicited his merchants
+very strongly for a supply, but to no purpose; so that he was
+reduced to beggary. In this extremity he was determined to return,
+and cast himself upon the mercy of these honest Bristol merchants,
+let the consequence be what it would. He went on board a
+trading-vessel, and worked his passage over to Plymouth, from
+whence he travelled on foot to Bideford. He had been there but a
+few days, when he fell sick and died; not being worth so much as
+would buy him a coffin!</p>
+<p>We shall now turn back and give our readers some account of the
+other two sloops. Deceiving themselves in the supposition that
+Avery had outsailed them during the night, they held on their
+course to the place of rendezvouse; but, arriving there, to their
+sad disappointment no ship appeared. It was now necessary for them
+to consult what was most proper to do in their desperate
+circumstances. Their provisions were nearly exhausted, and both
+fish and fowl were to be found on shore, yet they were destitute of
+salt to cure them. As they could not subsist at sea without salt
+provisions, they resolved to form an establishment upon land.
+Accordingly making tents of the sails, and using the other
+materials of the sloops for what purposes they could serve, they
+encamped upon the shore. It was also a fortunate circumstance, that
+they had plenty of ammunition and small arms. Here they met with
+some of their countrymen; and as the digression is short, we will
+inform our readers how they came to inhabit this place.</p>
+<p>Captain George Dew, and Thomas Tew, had received a commission
+from the Governor of Bermuda to sail for the river Gambia, in
+Africa, that, with the assistance of the Royal African Company,
+they might seize the French Factory situated upon that coast. Dew,
+in a violent storm, not only sprang a mast, but lost sight of his
+companion. Upon this returned to refit. Instead of proceeding in
+his voyage, Tew made towards the Cape of Good Hope, doubled that
+cape, and sailed for the straits of Babel-Mandeb. There he met with
+a large ship richly laden coming from the Indies, and bound for
+Arabia. Though she had on board three hundred soldiers, besides
+seamen, yet Tew had the courage to attack her, and soon made her
+his prize. It is reported, that by this one prize every man shared
+near three thousand pounds. Informed by the prisoners that five
+other ships were to pass that way, Tew would have attacked them,
+but was prevented by the remonstrances of his quarter-master and
+others. This difference of opinion terminated in a resolution to
+abandon the sea, and to settle on some convenient spot on shore;
+and the island of Madagascar was chosen. Tew, however, and a few
+others, in a short time went for Rhode Island, and obtained a
+pardon.</p>
+<p>The natives of Madagascar are negroes, but differ from those of
+Guinea in the length of their hair and in the blackness of their
+complexion. They are divided into small nations, each governed by
+its own prince, who carry on a continual war upon each other. The
+prisoners taken in war are either rendered slaves to the
+conquerors, sold, or slain, according to pleasure. When the pirates
+first settled among them, their alliance was much courted by these
+princes, and those whom they joined were always successful in their
+wars, the natives being ignorant of the use of fire-arms. Such
+terror did they carry along with them, that the very appearance of
+a few pirates in an army would have put the opposing force to
+flight.</p>
+<p>By these means they in a little time became very formidable, and
+the prisoners whom they took in war they employed in cultivating
+the ground, and the most beautiful of the women they married; nor
+were they contented with one, but married as many as they could
+conveniently maintain. The natural result was, that they separated,
+each choosing a convenient place for himself, where he lived in a
+princely style, surrounded by his wives, slaves and dependants. Nor
+was it long before jarring interests excited them also to draw the
+sword against each other, and they appeared at the head of their
+respective forces in the field of battle. In these civil wars their
+numbers and strength were greatly lessened.</p>
+<p>The servant, exalted to the condition of a master, generally
+becomes a tyrant. These pirates, unexpectedly elevated to the
+dignity of petty princes, used their power with the most wanton
+barbarity. The punishment of the very least offence was to be tied
+to a tree, and instantly shot through the head. The negroes, at
+length, exasperated by continued oppression, formed the
+determination of extirpating them in one night; nor was it a
+difficult matter to accomplish this, since they were now so much
+divided both in affection and residence. Fortunately, however, for
+them, a negro woman, who was partial to them, ran twenty miles in
+three hours, and warning them of their danger, they were united and
+in arms to oppose the negroes before the latter had assembled. This
+narrow escape made them more cautious, and induced them to adopt
+the following system of policy:--</p>
+<p>Convinced that fear was not a sufficient protection, and that
+the bravest man might be murdered by a coward in his bed, they
+labored to foment wars among the negro princes, while they
+themselves declined to aid either party. It naturally followed,
+that those who were vanquished fled to them for protection, and
+increased their strength. When there was no war, they fomented
+private discords, and encouraged them to wreak their vengeance
+against each other; nay, even taught them how to surprise their
+opponents, and furnished them with fire-arms, with which to
+dispatch them more effectually and expeditiously. The consequences
+were, that the murderer was constrained to fly to them for
+protection, with his wives, children, and kindred. These, from
+interest, became true friends, as their own safety depended upon
+the lives of their protectors. By this time the pirates were so
+formidable, that none of the negro princes durst attack them in
+open war.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/038.jpg" alt=
+"Captain Tew attacks the ship from India." height="467" width=
+"600"></center>
+<h4><i>Captain Tew attacks the ship from India.</i></h4>
+Pursuing this system of policy, in a short time each chief had his
+party greatly increased, and they divided like so many tribes, in
+order to find ground to cultivate, and to choose proper places to
+build places of residence and erect garrisons of defence. The fears
+that agitated them were always obvious in their general policy, for
+they vied with each other in constructing places of safety, and
+using every precaution to prevent the possibility of sudden danger,
+either from the negroes or from one another.
+<p>A description of one of these dwellings will both show the fears
+that agitated these tyrants, and prove entertaining to the reader.
+They selected a spot overgrown with wood, near a river, and raised
+a rampart or ditch round it, so straight and steep that it was
+impossible to climb it, more particularly by those who had no
+scaling ladders. Over that ditch there was one passage into the
+wood; the dwelling, which was a hut, was built in that part of the
+wood which the prince thought most secure, but so covered that it
+could not be discovered until you came near it. But the greatest
+ingenuity was displayed in the construction of the passage that led
+to the hut, which was so narrow, that no more than one person could
+go abreast, and it was contrived in so intricate a manner, that it
+was a perfect labyrinth; the way going round and round with several
+small crossways, so that a person unacquainted with it, might walk
+several hours without finding the hut. Along the sides of these
+paths, certain large thorns, which grew on a tree in that country,
+were stuck into the ground with their points outwards; and the path
+itself being serpentine, as before mentioned, if a man should
+attempt to approach the hut at night, he would certainly have
+struck upon these thorns.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/040.jpg" alt=
+"A Pirate and his Madagascar wife" height="600" width=
+"462"></center>
+<h4>&nbsp;<i>A Pirate and his Madagascar wife.</i></h4>
+Thus like tyrants they lived, dreading, and dreaded by all, and in
+this state they were found by Captain Woods Rogers, when he went to
+Madagascar in the Delicia, a ship of forty guns, with the design of
+purchasing slaves. He touched upon a part of the island at which no
+ship had been seen for seven or eight years before, where he met
+with some pirates who had been upon the island above twenty-five
+years. There were only eleven of the original stock then alive,
+surrounded with a numerous offspring of children and grandchildren.
+<p>They were struck with terror upon the sight of the vessel,
+supposing that it was a man-of-war sent out to apprehend them;
+they, therefore, retired to their secret habitations. But when they
+found some of the ship's crew on shore, without any signs of
+hostility, and proposing to treat with them for slaves, they
+ventured to come out of their dwellings attended like princes.
+Having been so long upon the island, their cloaks were so much
+worn, that their majesties were extremely out at elbows. It cannot
+be said that they were ragged, but they had nothing to cover them
+but the skins of beasts in their natural state, not even a shoe or
+stocking; so that they resembled the pictures of Hercules in the
+lion's skin; and being overgrown with beard, and hair upon their
+bodies, they appeared the most savage figures that the human
+imagination could well conceive.</p>
+<p>The sale of the slaves in their possession soon provided them
+with more suitable clothes, and all other necessaries, which they
+received in exchange. Meanwhile, they became very familiar, went
+frequently on board, and were very eager in examining the inside of
+the ship, talking very familiarly with the men, and inviting them
+on shore. Their design was to surprise the ship during the night.
+They had a sufficient number of men and boats to effect their
+purpose, but the captain suspecting them, kept so strong a watch
+upon deck, that they found it in vain to hazard an attempt. When
+some of the men went on shore, they entered into a plan to seize
+the ship, but the captain observing their familiarity, prevented
+any one of his men from speaking to the pirates, and only permitted
+a confidential person to purchase their slaves. Thus he departed
+from the island, leaving these pirates to enjoy their savage
+royalty. One of them had been a waterman upon the Thames, and
+having committed a murder, fled to the West Indies. The rest had
+all been foremastmen, nor was there one among them who could either
+read or write.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/042.jpg" alt="Captain Avery's Treasure"
+height="103" width="300"></center>
+<h4>&nbsp;<i>Captain Avery's Treasure.</i></h4>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="THE_REMARKABLE_HISTORY_OF_THE_JOASSAMEE_PIRATES_OF"></a>
+<h2>THE REMARKABLE HISTORY OF THE JOASSAMEE PIRATES OF THE PERSIAN
+GULF.</h2>
+<i>Containing a description of their chief town, Ras El Khyma, and
+an account of the capture of several European vessels, and the
+barbarous treatment of their crews.--With interesting details of
+the several expeditions sent against them, and their final
+submission to the troops of the English East India Company</i>.
+<p>The line of coast from Cape Mussenndom to Bahrain, on the
+Arabian side of the Persian Gulf, had been from time immemorial
+occupied by a tribe of Arabs called Joassamees. These, from local
+position, were all engaged in maritime pursuits. Some traded in
+their own small vessels to Bussorah, Bushire, Muscat, and even
+India; others annually fished in their own boats on the pearl banks
+of Bahrain; and a still greater number hired themselves out as
+sailors to navigate the coasting small craft of the Persian
+Gulf.</p>
+<p>The Joassamees at length perceiving that their local position
+enabled them to reap a rich harvest by plundering vessels in
+passing this great highway of nations, commenced their piratical
+career. The small coasting vessels of the gulf, from their
+defenceless state, were the first object of their pursuit, and
+these soon fell an easy prey; until, emboldened by success, they
+directed their views to more arduous enterprises, and having tasted
+the sweets of plunder in the increase of their wealth, had
+determined to attempt more promising victories.</p>
+<p>About the year 1797, one of the East India Company's vessels of
+war, the Viper, of ten guns, was lying at anchor in the inner roads
+of Bushire. Some dows of the Joassamees were at the same moment
+anchored in the harbor; but as their warfare had hitherto been
+waged only against what are called native vessels, and they had
+either feared or respected the British flag, no hostile measures
+were ever pursued against them by the British ships. The commanders
+of these dows had applied to the Persian agent of the East India
+Company there, for a supply of gunpowder and cannon shot for their
+cruise: and as this man had no suspicions of their intentions, he
+furnished them with an order to the commanding officer on board for
+the quantity required. The captain of the Viper was on shore at the
+time, in the agent's house, but the order being produced to the
+officer on board, the powder and shot were delivered, and the dows
+weighed and made sail. The crew of the Viper were at this moment
+taking their breakfast on deck, and the officers below; when on a
+sudden, a cannonading was opened on them by two of the dows, who
+attempted also to board.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/044.jpg" alt=
+"A Joassamee Dow in full chase" height="587" width="600"></center>
+<h4>&nbsp;<i>A Joassamee Dow in full chase.</i></h4>
+The officers, leaping on deck, called the crew to quarters, and
+cutting their cable, got sail upon the ship, so as to have the
+advantage of manoeuvring. A regular engagement now took place
+between this small cruiser and four dows, all armed with great
+guns, and full of men. In the contest Lieut. Carruthers, the
+commanding officer, was once wounded by a ball in the loins; but
+after girding a handkerchief round his waist, he still kept the
+deck, till a ball entering his forehead, he fell. Mr. Salter, the
+midshipman on whom the command devolved, continued the fight with
+determined bravery, and after a stout resistance, beat them off,
+chased them some distance out to sea, and subsequently regained the
+anchorage in safety.
+<p>Several years elapsed before the wounds of the first defeat were
+sufficiently healed to induce a second attempt on vessels under the
+British flag, though a constant state of warfare was still kept up
+against the small craft of the gulf. In 1804, the East India
+Company's cruiser, Fly, was taken by a French privateer, off the
+Island of Kenn, in the Persian Gulf; but before the enemy boarded
+her, she ran into shoal water, near that island, and sunk the
+government dispatches, and some treasure with which they were
+charged, in about two and a half fathoms of water, taking marks for
+the recovery of them, if possible, at some future period. The
+passengers and crew were taken to Bushire where they were set at
+liberty, and having purchased a country dow by subscription, they
+fitted her out and commenced their voyage down the gulf, bound for
+Bombay. On their passage down, as they thought it would be
+practicable to recover the government packet and treasure sunk off
+Kenn, they repaired to that island, and were successful, after much
+exertion, in recovering the former, which being in their estimation
+of the first importance, as the dispatches were from England to
+Bombay, they sailed with them on their way thither, without loss of
+time.</p>
+<p>Near the mouth of the gulf, they were captured by a fleet of
+Joassamee boats, after some resistance, in which several were
+wounded and taken into their chief port at Ras-el-Khyma. Here they
+were detained in hope of ransome, and during their stay were shown
+to the people of the town as curiosities, no similar beings having
+been before seen there within the memory of man. The Joassamee
+ladies were so minute in their enquiries, indeed, that they were
+not satisfied without determining in what respect an uncircumcised
+infidel differed from a true believer.</p>
+<p>When these unfortunate Englishmen had remained for several
+months in the possession of the Arabs, and no hope of their ransom
+appeared, it was determined to put them to death, and thus rid
+themselves of unprofitable enemies. An anxiety to preserve life,
+however, induced the suggestion, on their parts, of a plan for the
+temporary prolongation of it, at least. With this view they
+communicated to the chief of the pirates the fact of their having
+sunk a quantity of treasure near the island of Kenn, and of their
+knowing the marks of the spot, by the bearings of objects on shore,
+with sufficient accuracy to recover it, if furnished with good
+divers. They offered, therefore, to purchase their own liberty, by
+a recovery of this money for their captors; and on the fulfillment
+of their engagement it was solemnly promised to be granted to
+them.</p>
+<p>They soon sailed for the spot, accompanied by divers accustomed
+to that occupation on the pearl banks of Bahrain; and, on their
+anchoring at the precise points of bearing taken, they commenced
+their labors. The first divers who went down were so successful,
+that all the crew followed in their turns, so that the vessel was
+at one time almost entirely abandoned at anchor. As the men, too,
+were all so busily occupied in their golden harvest, the moment
+appeared favorable for escape; and the still captive Englishmen
+were already at their stations to overpower the few on board, cut
+the cable, and make sail. Their motions were either seen or
+suspected, as the divers repaired on board in haste, and the scheme
+was thus frustrated. They were now given their liberty as promised,
+by being landed on the island of Kenn, where, however, no means
+offered for their immediate escape. The pirates, having at the same
+time landed themselves on the island, commenced a general massacre
+of the inhabitants, in which their released prisoners, fearing they
+might be included, fled for shelter to clefts and hiding places in
+the rocks. During their refuge here, they lived on such food as
+chance threw in their way; going out under cover of the night to
+steal a goat and drag it to their haunts. When the pirates had at
+length completed their work of blood, and either murdered or driven
+off every former inhabitant of the island, they quitted it
+themselves, with the treasure which they had thus collected from
+the sea and shore. The Englishmen now ventured to come out from
+their hiding places, and to think of devising some means of escape.
+Their good fortune in a moment of despair, threw them on the wreck
+of a boat, near the beach, which was still capable of repair. In
+searching about the now deserted town, other materials were found,
+which were of use to them, and sufficient plank and logs of wood
+for the construction of a raft. These were both completed in a few
+days, and the party embarked on them in two divisions, to effect a
+passage to the Persian shore. One of these rafts was lost in the
+attempt, and all on board her perished; while the raft, with the
+remainder of the party reached land.</p>
+<p>Having gained the main land they now set out on foot towards
+Bushire, following the line of the coast for the sake of the
+villages and water. In this they are said to have suffered
+incredible hardships and privations of every kind. No one knew the
+language of the country perfectly, and the roads and places of
+refreshment still less; they were in general destitute of clothes
+and money, and constantly subject to plunder and imposition, poor
+as they were. Their food was therefore often scanty, and always of
+the worst kind; and they had neither shelter from the burning sun
+of the day, nor from the chilling dews of night.</p>
+<p>The Indian sailors, sipakees, and servants, of whom a few were
+still remaining when they set out, had all dropped off by turns;
+and even Europeans had been abandoned on the road, in the most
+affecting way, taking a last adieu of their comrades, who had
+little else to expect but soon to follow their fate. One instance
+is mentioned of their having left one who could march no further,
+at the distance of only a mile from a village; and on returning to
+the spot on the morrow, to bring him in, nothing was found but his
+mangled bones, as he had been devoured in the night by jackals. The
+packet being light was still, however, carried by turns, and
+preserved through all obstacles and difficulties; and with it they
+reached at length the island of Busheap, to which they crossed over
+in a boat from the main. Here they were detained by the Sheikh, but
+at length he provided them with a boat for the conveyance of
+themselves and dispatches to Bushire. From this place they
+proceeded to Bombay, but of all the company only two survived. A
+Mr. Jowl, an officer of a merchant ship, and an English sailor
+named Penmel together with the bag of letters and dispatches.</p>
+<p>In the following year, two English brigs, the Shannon, Capt.
+Babcock, and the Trimmer, Capt. Cummings, were on their voyage from
+Bombay to Bussorah. These were both attacked, near the Islands of
+Polior and Kenn, by several boats, and after a slight resistance on
+the part of the Shannon only, were taken possession of, and a part
+of the crew of each, cruelly put to the sword. Capt. Babcock,
+having been seen by one of the Arabs to discharge a musket during
+the contest, was taken by them on shore; and after a consultation
+on his fate, it was determined that he should forfeit the arm by
+which this act of resistance was committed. It was accordingly
+severed from his body by one stroke of a sabre, and no steps were
+taken either to bind up the wound, or to prevent his bleeding to
+death. The captain, himself, had yet sufficient presence of mind
+left, however, to think of his own safety, and there being near him
+some clarified butter, he procured this to be heated, and while yet
+warm, thrust the bleeding stump of his arm into it. It had the
+effect of lessening the effusion of blood, and ultimately of saving
+a life that would otherwise most probably have been lost. The crew
+were then all made prisoners, and taken to a port of Arabia, from
+whence they gradually dispersed and escaped. The vessels themselves
+were additionally armed, one of them mounting twenty guns, manned
+with Arab crews, and sent from Ras-el-Khyma to cruise in the gulf,
+where they committed many piracies.</p>
+<p>In the year 1808, the force of the Joassamees having gradually
+increased, and becoming flushed with the pride of victory, their
+insulting attacks on the British flag were more numerous and more
+desperate than ever. The first of these was on the ship Minerva, of
+Bombay, on her voyage to Bussorah. The attack was commenced by
+several boats, (for they never cruize singly,) and a spirited
+resistance in a running fight was kept up at intervals for several
+days in succession. A favorable moment offered, however, for
+boarding; the ship was overpowered by numbers, and carried amidst a
+general massacre. The captain was said to have been cut up into
+separate pieces, and thrown overboard by fragments; the second mate
+and carpenter alone were spared, probably to make use of their
+services; and an Armenian lady, the wife of Lieut. Taylor, then at
+Bushire, was reserved perhaps for still greater sufferings. But was
+subsequently ransomed for a large sum.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/050.jpg" alt=
+"The Pirates striking off the arm of Capt. Babcock" height="340"
+width="600"></center>
+<h4>&nbsp;<i>The Pirates striking off the arm of Capt.
+Babcock.</i></h4>
+A few weeks after this, the Sylph, one of the East India Company's
+cruisers, of sixty tons and mounting eight guns, was accompanying
+the mission under Sir Hartford Jones, from Bombay, to Persia; when
+being separated from the rest of the squadron, she was attacked in
+the gulf by a fleet of dows. These bore down with all the menacing
+attitude of hostility; but as the commander, Lieut. Graham had
+received orders from the Bombay government, not to open his fire on
+any of these vessels until he had been first fired on himself, the
+ship was hardly prepared for battle, and the colors were not even
+hoisted to apprise them to what nation she belonged. The dows
+approached, threw their long overhanging prows across the Sylph's
+beam, and pouring in a shower of stones on her deck, beat down and
+wounded almost every one who stood on it. They then boarded, and
+made the ship an easy prize, before more than a single shot had
+been fired, and in their usual way, put every one whom they found
+alive to the sword. Lieut. Graham fell, covered with wounds, down
+the fore hatchway of his own vessel, where he was dragged by some
+of the crew into a store room, in which they had secreted
+themselves, and barricaded the door with a crow-bar from within.
+The cruiser was thus completely in the possession of the enemy, who
+made sail on her, and were bearing her off in triumph to their own
+port, in company with their boats. Soon after, however, the
+commodore of the squadron in the Neried frigate hove in sight, and
+perceiving this vessel in company with the dows, judged her to be a
+prize to the pirates. She accordingly gave them all chase, and
+coming up with the brig, the Arabs took to their boats and
+abandoned her. The chase was continued after the dows, but without
+success.<br>
+&nbsp;
+<center><img src="./images/052.jpg" alt=
+"The Neried Frigate chasing a Fleet of Joassamee Dows" height="536"
+width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>The Neried Frigate chasing a Fleet of Joassamee
+Dows.</i></h4>
+These repeated aggressions at length opened the eyes of the East
+India Government, and an expedition was accordingly assembled at
+Bombay. The naval force consisted of La Chiffone, frigate, Capt.
+Wainwright, as commodore. The Caroline of thirty-eight guns; and
+eight of the East India Company's cruisers, namely, the Mornington,
+Ternate, Aurora, Prince of Wales, Ariel, Nautilus, Vestal and Fury,
+with four large transports, and the Stromboli bomb-ketch. The fleet
+sailed from Bombay in September, and after a long passage they
+reached Muscat, where it remained for many days to refresh and
+arrange their future plans; they sailed and soon reached
+Ras-el-Khyma, the chief port of the pirates within the gulf. Here
+the squadron anchored abreast of the town, and the troops were
+landed under cover of the ships and boats. The inhabitants of the
+town assembled in crowds to repel the invaders; but the firm line,
+the regular volleys, and the steady charge of the troops at the
+point of the bayonet, overcame every obstacle, and multiplied the
+heaps of the slain. A general conflagration was then ordered, and a
+general plunder to the troops was permitted. The town was set on
+fire in all parts, and about sixty sail of boats and dows, with the
+Minerva, a ship which they had taken, then lying in the roads were
+all burnt and destroyed.
+<p>The complete conquest of the place was thus effected with very
+trifling loss on the part of the besiegers, and some plunder
+collected; though it was thought that most of the treasure and
+valuables had been removed into the interior. This career of
+victory was suddenly damped by the report of the approach of a
+large body of troops from the interior, and although none of these
+were seen, this ideal reinforcement induced the besiegers to
+withdraw. The embarkation took place at daylight in the morning;
+and while the fleet remained at anchor during the whole of the day,
+parties were still seen assembling on the shore, displaying their
+colors, brandishing their spears, and firing muskets from all
+points; so that the conquest was scarcely as complete as could be
+wished, since no formal act of submission had yet been shown. The
+expedition now sailed to Linga, a small port of the Joassamees, and
+burnt it to the ground. The force had now become separated, the
+greater portion of the troops being sent to Muscat for supplies, or
+being deemed unnecessary, and some of the vessels sent on separate
+services of blockading passages, &amp;c. The remaining portion of
+the blockading squadron consisting of La Chiffone, frigate, and
+four of the cruisers, the Mornington, Ternate, Nautilus, and Fury,
+and two transports, with five hundred troops from Linga, then
+proceeded to Luft, another port of the Joassamees. As the channel
+here was narrow and difficult of approach, the ships were warped
+into their stations of anchorage, and a summons sent on shore, as
+the people had not here abandoned their town, but were found at
+their posts of defence, in a large and strong castle with many
+batteries, redoubts, &amp;c. The summons being treated with
+disdain, the troops were landed with Col. Smith at their head; and
+while forming on the beach a slight skirmish took place with such
+of the inhabitants of the town, as fled for shelter to the castle.
+The troops then advanced towards the fortress, which is described
+to have had walls fourteen feet thick, pierced with loop holes, and
+only one entrance through a small gate, well cased with iron bars
+and bolts, in the strongest manner. With a howitzer taken for the
+occasion, it was intended to have blown this gate open, and to have
+taken the place by storm; but on reaching it while the ranks
+opened, and the men sought to surround the castle to seek for some
+other entrance at the same time, they were picked off so rapidly
+and unexpectedly from the loop holes above, that a general flight
+took place, the howitzer was abandoned, even before it had been
+fired, and both the officers and the troops sought shelter by lying
+down behind the ridges of sand and little hillocks immediately
+underneath the castle walls. An Irish officer, jumping up from his
+hiding place, and calling on some of his comrades to follow him in
+an attempt to rescue the howitzer, was killed in the enterprise.
+Such others as even raised their heads to look around them, were
+picked off by the musketry from above; and the whole of the troops
+lay therefore hidden in this way, until the darkness of the night
+favored their escape to the beach, where they embarked after
+sunset, the enemy having made no sally on them from the fort. A
+second summons was sent to the chief in the castle, threatening to
+bombard the town from a nearer anchorage if he did not submit, and
+no quarter afterwards shown. With the dawn of morning, all eyes
+were directed to the fortress, when, to the surprise of the whole
+squadron, a man was seen waving the British Union flag on the
+summit of its walls. It was lieutenant Hall, who commanded the Fury
+which was one of the vessels nearest the shore. During the night he
+had gone on shore alone, taking an union-jack in his hand, and
+advanced singly to the castle gate. The fortress had already been
+abandoned by the greater number of the inhabitants, but some few
+still remained there. These fled at the approach of an individual
+supposing him to be the herald of those who were to follow. Be this
+as it may, the castle was entirely abandoned, and the British flag
+waived on its walls by this daring officer, to the surprise and
+admiration of all the fleet. The town and fortifications were then
+taken possession of. After sweeping round the bottom of the gulf,
+the expedition returned to Muscat.</p>
+<p>On the sailing of the fleet from hence, the forces were
+augmented by a body of troops belonging to the Imaun of Muscat,
+destined to assist in the recovery of a place called Shenaz, on the
+coast, taken by the Joassamees. On their arrival at this place, a
+summons was sent, commanding the fort to surrender, which being
+refused, a bombardment was opened from the ships and boats, but
+without producing much effect. On the following morning, the whole
+of the troops were landed, and a regular encampment formed on the
+shore, with sand batteries, and other necessary works for a siege.
+After several days bombardment, in which about four thousand shot
+and shells were discharged against the fortress, to which the
+people had fled for refuge after burning down the town, a breach
+was reported to be practicable, and the castle was accordingly
+stormed. The resistance still made was desperate; the Arabs
+fighting as long as they could wield the sword, and even thrusting
+their spears up through the fragments of towers, in whose ruins
+they remained irrevocably buried. The loss in killed and wounded
+was upwards of a thousand men. Notwithstanding that the object of
+this expedition might be said to be incomplete, inasmuch as nothing
+less than a <i>total</i> extirpation of their race could secure the
+tranquility of these seas, yet the effect produced by this
+expedition was such, as to make them reverence or dread the British
+flag for several years afterwards.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/056.jpg" alt=
+"The daring Intrepidity of Lieut. Hall" height="600" width=
+"525"></center>
+<h4>&nbsp;<i>The daring Intrepidity of Lieut. Hall.</i></h4>
+At length in 1815, their boats began to infest the entrance to the
+Red Sea; and in 1816, their numbers had so increased on that coast,
+that a squadron of them commanded by a chief called Ameer Ibrahim,
+captured within sight of Mocha, four vessels bound from Surat to
+that port, richly laden and navigating under the British flag, and
+the crews were massacred.
+<p>A squadron consisting of His Majesty's ship Challenger, Captain
+Brydges, and the East India Company's cruisers, Mercury, Ariel, and
+Vestal, were despatched to the chief port of the Joassamees,
+Ras-el-Khyma. Mr. Buckingham the Great Oriental traveller,
+accompanied the expedition from Bushire. Upon their arrival at
+Ras-el-Khyma, a demand was made for the restoration of the four
+Surat vessels and their cargoes; or in lieu thereof twelve lacks of
+rupees. Also that the commander of the piratical squadron, Ameer
+Ibrahim, should be delivered up for punishment. The demand was made
+by letter, and answer being received, Captain Brydges determined to
+go on shore and have an interview with the Pirate Chieftain. Mr.
+Buckingham (says,) He requested me to accompany him on shore as an
+interpreter. I readily assented. We quitted the ship together about
+9 o'clock, and pulled straight to the shore, sounding all the way
+as we went, and gradually shoaling our water from six to two
+fathoms, within a quarter of a mile of the beach, where four large
+dows lay at anchor, ranged in a line, with their heads seaward,
+each of them mounting several pieces of cannon, and being full of
+men. On landing on the beach, we found its whole length guarded by
+a line of armed men, some bearing muskets, but the greater part
+armed with swords, shields, and spears; most of them were negroes,
+whom the Joassamees spare in their wars, looking on them rather as
+property and merchandise, than in the light of enemies. We were
+permitted to pass this line, and upon our communicating our wish to
+see the chief, we were conducted to the gate of the principal
+building, nearly in the centre of the town, and were met by the
+Pirate Chieftain attended by fifty armed men. I offered him the
+Mahometan salutation of peace, which he returned without
+hesitation.</p>
+<p>The chief, Hassan ben Rahma, whom we had seen, was a small man,
+apparently about forty years of age, with an expression of cunning
+in his looks, and something particularly sarcastic in his smile. He
+was dressed in the usual Arab garments, with a cashmeer shawl,
+turban, and a scarlet benish, of the Persian form, to distinguish
+him from his followers. There were habited in the plainest
+garments. One of his eyes had been wounded, but his other features
+were good, his teeth beautifully white and regular, and his
+complexion very dark.</p>
+<p>The town of Ras-el-Khyma stands on a narrow tongue of sandy
+land, pointing to the northeastward, presenting its northwest edge
+to the open sea, and its southeast one to a creek, which runs up
+within it to the southwestward, and affords a safe harbor for
+boats. There appeared to be no continued wall of defence around it,
+though round towers and portions of walls were seen in several
+parts, probably once connected in line, but not yet repaired since
+their destruction. The strongest points of defence appear to be in
+a fortress at the northeast angle, and a double round tower, near
+the centre of the town; in each of which, guns are mounted; but all
+the other towers appear to afford only shelter for musketeers. The
+rest of the town is composed of ordinary buildings of unhewn stone,
+and huts of rushes and long grass, with narrow avenues winding
+between them. The present number of inhabitants may be computed at
+ten thousand at least. They are thought to have at present (1816),
+sixty large boats out from their own port, manned with crews of
+from eighty, to three hundred men each, and forty other boats that
+belong to other ports. Their force concentrated, would probably
+amount to at least one hundred boats and eight thousand fighting
+men. After several fruitless negociations, the signal was now made
+to weigh, and stand closer in towards the town. It was then
+followed by the signal to engage the enemy. The squadron bore down
+nearly in line, under easy sail, and with the wind right aft, or on
+shore; the Mercury being on the starboard bow, the Challenger next
+in order, in the centre, the Vestal following in the same line, and
+the Ariel completing the division.</p>
+<p>A large fleet of small boats were seen standing in from Cape
+Mussundum, at the same time; but these escaped by keeping closer
+along shore, and at length passing over the bar and getting into
+the back water behind the town. The squadron continued to stand on
+in a direct line towards the four anchored dows, gradually shoaling
+from the depth of our anchorage to two and a half fathoms, where
+stream anchors were dropped under foot, with springs on the cables,
+so that each vessel lay with her broadside to the shore. A fire was
+now opened by the whole squadron, directed to the four dows. These
+boats were full of men, brandishing their weapons in the air, their
+whole number exceeding, probably, six hundred. Some of the shot
+from the few long guns of the squadron reached the shore, and were
+buried in the sand; others fell across the bows and near the hulls
+of the dows to which they were directed; but the cannonades all
+fell short, as we were then fully a mile from the beach.</p>
+<p>The Arab colors were displayed on all the forts; crowds of armed
+men were assembled on the beach, bearing large banners on poles,
+and dancing around them with their arms, as if rallying around a
+sacred standard, so that no sign of submission or conquest was
+witnessed throughout. The Ariel continued to discharge about fifty
+shot after all the others had desisted, but with as little avail as
+before, and thus ended this wordy negociation, and the bloodless
+battle to which it eventually led.</p>
+<p>In 1818, these pirates grew so daring that they made an
+irruption into the Indian Ocean, and plundered vessels and towns on
+the islands and coasts. A fleet was sent against them, and
+intercepted them off Ashlola Island, proceeding to the westward in
+three divisions; and drove them back into the gulf. The Eden and
+Psyche fell in with two trankies, and these were so closely pursued
+that they were obliged to drop a small captured boat they had in
+tow. The Thetes one day kept in close chase of seventeen vessels,
+but they were enabled to get away owing to their superior sailing.
+The cruisers met with the Joassamees seventeen times and were
+constantly employed in hunting them from place to place.</p>
+<p>At length, in 1819, they became such a scourge to commerce that
+a formidable expedition under the command of Major General Sir W.
+Grant Keir, sailed against them. It arrived before the chief town
+in December, and commenced operations. In his despatches Gen. Keir
+says--</p>
+<p>I have the satisfaction to report the town of Ras-el Khyma,
+after a resistance of six days, was taken possession of this
+morning by the force under my command.</p>
+<p>On the 18th, after completing my arrangements at Muscat, the
+Liverpool sailed for the rendezvous at Kishme; on the 21st, we fell
+in with the fleet of the Persian Gulf and anchored off the island
+of Larrack on the 24th November.</p>
+<p>As it appeared probable that a considerable period would elapse
+before the junction of the ships which were detained at Bombay, I
+conceived it would prove highly advantageous to avail myself of all
+the information that could be procured respecting the strength and
+resources of the pirates we had to deal with.</p>
+<p>No time was lost in making the necessary preparations for
+landing, which was effected the following morning without
+opposition, at a spot which had been previously selected for that
+purpose, about two miles to the westward of the town. The troops
+were formed across the isthmus connecting the peninsula on which
+the town is situated with the neighboring country, and the whole of
+the day was occupied in getting the tents on shore, to shelter the
+men from rain, landing engineers, tools, sand bags, &amp;c., and
+making arrangements preparatory to commencing our approaches the
+next day. On the morning of the 4th, our light troops were ordered
+in advance, supported by the pickets, to dislodge the enemy from a
+bank within nine hundred yards of the outer fort, which was
+expected to afford good cover for the men. The whole of the light
+companies of the force under Capt. Backhouse, moved forward, and
+drove the Arabs with great gallantry from a date grove, and over
+the bank close under the walls of the fort, followed by the pickets
+under Major Molesworth, who took post at the sand banks, whilst the
+European light troops were skirmishing in front. The enemy kept up
+a sharp fire of musketry and cannon; during these movements, Major
+Molesworth, a gallant officer was here killed. The troops kept
+their position during the day, and in the night effected a lodgment
+within three hundred yards of the southernmost tower, and erected a
+battery of four guns, together with a mortar battery.</p>
+<p>The weather having become rather unfavorable for the
+disembarkation of the stores required for the siege, but this
+important object being effected on the morning of the 6th, we were
+enabled to open three eighteen pounders on the fort, a couple of
+howitzers, and six pounders were also placed in the battery on the
+right, which played on the defences of the towers and nearly
+silenced the enemy's fire, who, during the whole of our progress
+exhibited a considerable degree of resolution in withstanding, and
+ingenuity in counteracting our attacks, sallied out at 8 o'clock
+this evening along the whole front of our entrenchments, crept
+close up to the mortar battery without being perceived, and entered
+it over the parapet, after spearing the advance sentries. The party
+which occupied it were obliged to retire, but being immediately
+reinforced charged the assailants, who were driven out of the
+battery with great loss. The enemy repeated his attacks towards
+morning but was vigorously repulsed. During the seventh every
+exertion was made to land and bring up the remaining guns and
+mortars, which was accomplished during the night. They were
+immediately placed in the battery, together with two twenty-four
+pounders which were landed from the Liverpool, and in the morning
+the whole of the ordnance opened on the fort and fired with
+scarcely any intermission till sunset, when the breach on the
+curtain was reported nearly practicable and the towers almost
+untenable. Immediate arrangements were made for the assault, and
+the troops ordered to move down to the entrenchments by daylight
+the next morning. The party moved forward about 8 o'clock, and
+entered the fort through the breaches without firing a shot, and it
+soon appeared the enemy had evacuated the place. The town was taken
+possession of and found almost entirely deserted, only eighteen or
+twenty men, and a few women remaining in their houses.</p>
+<p>The expedition next proceeded against Rumps, a piratical town,
+eight miles north of Ras-el-Khyma, but the inhabitants abandoned
+the town and took refuge in the hill fort of Zyah, which is
+situated at the head of a navigable creek nearly two miles from the
+sea coast. This place was the residence of Hussein Bin Alley, a
+sheikh of considerable importance among the Joassamee tribes, and a
+person who from his talents and lawless habits, as well as from the
+strength and advantageous situation of the fort, was likely to
+attempt the revival of the piratical system upon the first
+occasion. It became a desirable object to reduce the power of this
+chieftain.</p>
+<p>On the 18th December, the troops embarked at Ras-el-Khyma, at
+day break in the boats of the fleet under command of Major Warren,
+with the 65th regiment and the flank companies of the first and
+second regiment, and at noon arrived within four miles of their
+destination. This operation was attended with considerable
+difficulty and risk, owing to the heavy surf that beat on the
+shore; and which was the occasion of some loss of ammunition, and
+of a few boats being upset and stove in.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/063.jpg" alt="The Sheikh of Rumps."
+height="600" width="334"></center>
+<h4>&nbsp;<i>The Sheikh of Rumps.</i></h4>
+At half past three P.M., having refreshed the men, (says Major
+Warren) we commenced our march, and fording the creek or back
+water, took up our position at sunset, to the northeastward of the
+fort, the enemy firing at us as we passed, notwithstanding that our
+messenger, whom we had previously sent in to summon the Sheikh, was
+still in the place; and I lost no time in pushing our riflemen and
+pickets as far forward as I could without exposing them too much to
+the firing of the enemy, whom I found strongly posted under secure
+cover in the date tree groves in front of the town. Captain Cocke,
+with the light company of his battalion, was at the same time sent
+to the westward, to cut off the retreat of the enemy on that side.
+<p>At day break the next morning, finding it necessary to drive the
+enemy still further in, to get a nearer view of his defences, I
+moved forward the rifle company of the 65th regiment, and after a
+considerable opposition from the enemy, I succeeded in forcing him
+to retire some distance; but not without disputing every inch of
+ground, which was well calculated for resistance, being intersected
+at every few yards, by banks and water courses raised for the
+purpose of irrigation, and covered with date trees. The next
+morning the riflemen, supported by the pickets, were again called
+into play, and soon established their position within three and
+four hundred yards of the town, which with the base of the hill,
+was so completely surrounded, as to render the escape of any of the
+garrison now almost impossible. This advantage was gained by a
+severe loss. Two twenty-four pounders and the two twelves, the
+landing of which had been retarded by the difficulty of
+communication with the fleet from which we derived all our
+supplies, having been now brought on shore, we broke ground in the
+evening, and notwithstanding the rocky soil, had them to play next
+morning at daylight.</p>
+<p>Aware, however, that the families of the enemy were still in the
+town, and humanity dictating that some effort should be made to
+save the innocent from the fate that awaited the guilty; an
+opportunity was afforded for that purpose by an offer to the
+garrison of security to their women and children, should they be
+sent out within the hour; but the infatuated chief, either from an
+idea that his fort on the hill was not to be reached by our shot,
+or with the vain hope to gain time by procrastination, returning no
+answer to our communication, while he detained our messenger; we
+opened our fire at half past eight in the morning, and such was the
+precision of the practice, that in two hours we perceived the
+breach would soon be practicable. I was in the act of ordering the
+assault, when a white flag was displayed; and the enemy, after some
+little delay in assembling from the different quarters of the
+place, marched out without their arms, with Hussein Bin Alley at
+their head, to the number of three hundred and ninety-eight; and at
+half past one P.M., the British flags were hoisted on the hill fort
+and at the Sheikh's house. The women and children to the number of
+four hundred, were at the same time collected together in a place
+of security, and sent on board the fleet, together with the men.
+The service has been short but arduous; the enemy defended
+themselves with great obstinacy and ability worthy of a better
+cause.</p>
+<p>From two prisoners retaken from the Joassamees, they learnt that
+the plunder is made a general stock, and distributed by the chief,
+but in what proportions the deponents cannot say; water is
+generally very scarce. There is a quantity of fish caught on the
+bank, upon which and dates they live. There were a few horses,
+camels, cows, sheep, and goats; the greatest part of which they
+took with them; they were in general lean, as the sandy plain
+produces little or no vegetation, except a few dates and cocoa-nut
+trees. The pirates who abandoned Ras-el-Khyma, encamped about three
+miles in the interior, ready to retreat into the desert at a
+moment's warning. The Sheikh of Rumps is an old man, but looks
+intelligent, and is said to be the man who advises upon all
+occasions the movements of the different tribes of pirates on the
+coast, and when he was told that it was the wish of the Company to
+put a stop to their piracy, and make an honest people of them by
+encouraging them to trade, seemed to regret much that those
+intentions were not made known, as they would have been most
+readily embraced. Rumps is the key to Ras-el-Khyma, and by its
+strength is defended from a strong banditti infesting the
+mountains, as also the Bedouin Arabs who are their enemies. A
+British garrison of twelve hundred men was stationed at
+Ras-el-Khyma, and a guard-ship. The other places sent in tokens of
+submission, as driven out of their fortresses on the margin of the
+sea, they had to contend within with the interior hostile
+tribes.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/066.jpg" alt="The Pirate Stronghold."
+height="483" width="600"></center>
+<h4>&nbsp;<i>The Pirate Stronghold.</i></h4>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="THE_BARBAROUS_CONDUCT_AND_ROMANTIC_DEATH_OF_THE"></a>
+<h2>THE BARBAROUS CONDUCT AND ROMANTIC DEATH OF THE JOASSAMEE
+CHIEF, RAHMAH-BEN-JABIR.</h2>
+The town of Bushire, on the Persian Gulf is seated in a low
+peninsula of sand, extending out of the general line of the coast,
+so as to form a bay on both sides. One of these bays was in 1816,
+occupied by the fleet of a certain Arab, named Rahmah-ben-Jabir,
+who has been for more than twenty years the terror of the gulf, and
+who was the most successful and the most generally tolerated
+pirate, perhaps, that ever infested any sea. This man by birth was
+a native of Grain, on the opposite coast, and nephew of the
+governor of that place. His fellow citizens had all the honesty,
+however, to declare him an outlaw, from abhorrence of his
+profession; but he found that aid and protection at Bushire, which
+his own townsmen denied him. With five or six vessels, most of
+which were very large, and manned with crews of from two to three
+hundred each, he sallied forth, and captured whatever he thought
+himself strong enough to carry off as a prize. His followers, to
+the number of two thousand, were maintained by the plunder of his
+prizes; and as the most of these were his own bought African
+slaves, and the remainder equally subject to his authority, he was
+sometimes as prodigal of their lives in a fit of anger as he was of
+his enemies, whom he was not content to slay in battle only, but
+basely murdered in cold blood, after they had submitted. An
+instance is related of his having put a great number of his own
+crew, who used mutinous expressions, into a tank on board, in which
+they usually kept their water, and this being shut close at the
+top, the poor wretches were all suffocated, and afterwards thrown
+overboard. This butcher chief, like the celebrated Djezzar of Acre,
+affecting great simplicity of dress, manners, and living; and
+whenever he went out, could not be distinguished by a stranger from
+the crowd of his attendants. He carried this simplicity to a degree
+of filthiness, which was disgusting, as his usual dress was a
+shirt, which was never taken off to be washed, from the time it was
+first put on till worn out; no drawers or coverings for the legs of
+any kind, and a large black goat's hair cloak, wrapped over all
+with a greasy and dirty handkerchief, called the keffeea, thrown
+loosely over his head. Infamous as was this man's life and
+character, he was not only cherished and courted by the people of
+Bushire, who dreaded him, but was courteously received and
+respectfully entertained whenever he visited the British Factory.
+On one occasion (says Mr. Buckingham), at which I was present, he
+was sent for to give some medical gentlemen of the navy and
+company's cruisers an opportunity of inspecting his arm, which had
+been severely wounded. The wound was at first made by grape-shot
+and splinters, and the arm was one mass of blood about the part for
+several days, while the man himself was with difficulty known to be
+alive. He gradually recovered, however, without surgical aid, and
+the bone of the arm between the shoulder and elbow being completely
+shivered to pieces, the fragments progressively worked out, and the
+singular appearance was left of the fore arm and elbow connected to
+the shoulder by flesh and skin, and tendons, without the least
+vestige of bone. This man when invited to the factory for the
+purpose of making an exhibition of his arm, was himself admitted to
+sit at the table and take some tea, as it was breakfast time, and
+some of his followers took chairs around him. They were all as
+disgustingly filthy in appearance as could well be imagined; and
+some of them did not scruple to hunt for vermin on their skins, of
+which there was an abundance, and throw them on the floor.
+Rahmah-ben-Jabir's figure presented a meagre trunk, with four lank
+members, all of them cut and hacked, and pierced with wounds of
+sabres, spears and bullets, in every part, to the number, perhaps
+of more than twenty different wounds. He had, besides, a face
+naturally ferocious and ugly, and now rendered still more so by
+several scars there, and by the loss of one eye. When asked by one
+of the English gentlemen present, with a tone of encouragement and
+familiarity, whether he could not still dispatch an enemy with his
+boneless arm, he drew a crooked dagger, or yambeah, from the girdle
+round his shirt, and placing his left hand, which was sound, to
+support the elbow of the right, which was the one that was wounded,
+he grasped the dagger firmly with his clenched fist, and drew it
+back ward and forward, twirling it at the same time, and saying
+that he desired nothing better than to have the cutting of as many
+throats as he could effectually open with his lame hand. Instead of
+being shocked at the uttering of such a brutal wish, and such a
+savage triumph at still possessing the power to murder unoffending
+victims, I knew not how to describe my feelings of shame and sorrow
+when a loud roar of laughter burst from the whole assembly, when I
+ventured to express my dissent from the general feeling of
+admiration for such a man.<br>
+&nbsp;
+<center><img src="./images/068.jpg" alt=
+"Rahmah-ben-Jabir, a Joassamee Chief" height="600" width=
+"273"></center>
+<h4><i>Rahmah-ben-Jabir, a Joassamee Chief.</i></h4>
+This barbarous pirate in the year 1827, at last experienced a fate
+characteristic of the whole course of his life. His violent
+aggressions having united the Arabs of Bahrene and Ratiffe against
+him they blockaded his port of Daman from which Rahmah-ben-Jabir,
+having left a garrison in the fort under his son, had sailed in a
+well appointed bungalow, for the purpose of endeavoring to raise a
+confederacy of his friends in his support. Having failed in this
+object he returned to Daman, and in spite of the boats blockading
+the port, succeeded in visiting his garrison, and immediately
+re-embarked, taking with him his youngest son. On arriving on board
+his bungalow, he was received by his followers with a salute, which
+decisive indication of his presence immediately attracted the
+attention of his opponents, one of whose boats, commanded by the
+nephew of the Sheikh of Bahrene, proceeded to attack him. A
+desperate struggle ensued, and the Sheikh finding after some time
+that he had lost nearly the whole of his crew by the firing of
+Rahmah's boat, retired for reinforcements. These being obtained, he
+immediately returned singly to the contest. The fight was renewed
+with redoubled fury; when at last, Rahmah, being informed (for he
+had been long blind) that his men were falling fast around him,
+mustered the remainder of the crew, and issued orders to close and
+grapple with his opponent. When this was effected, and after
+embracing his son, he was led with a lighted torch to the magazine,
+which instantly exploded, blowing his own boat to atoms and setting
+fire to the Sheikh's, which immediately afterwards shared the same
+fate. Sheikh Ahmed and few of his followers escaped to the other
+boats; but only one of Rahmah's brave crew was saved; and it is
+supposed that upwards of three hundred men were killed in this
+heroic contest.
+<center><img src="./images/071.jpg" alt="Page 71 Illustration"
+height="118" width="600"></center>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name=
+"THE_LIFE_OF_LAFITTE_THE_FAMOUS_PIRATE_OF_THE_GULF_OF_MEXICO"></a>
+<h2>THE LIFE OF LAFITTE, THE FAMOUS PIRATE OF THE GULF OF
+MEXICO.</h2>
+<i>With a History of the Pirates of Barrataria--and an account of
+their volunteering for the defence of New Orleans; and their daring
+intrepidity under General Jackson, during the battle of the 8th of
+January, 1815. For which important service they were pardoned by
+President Madison.</i>
+<p>Jean Lafitte, was born at St. Maloes in France, in 1781, and
+went to sea at the age of thirteen; after several voyages in
+Europe, and to the coast of Africa, he was appointed mate of a
+French East Indiaman, bound to Madras. On the outward passage they
+encountered a heavy gale off the Cape of Good Hope, which sprung
+the mainmast and otherwise injured the ship, which determined the
+captain to bear up for the Mauritius, where he arrived in safety; a
+quarrel having taken place on the passage out between Lafitte and
+the captain, he abandoned the ship and refused to continue the
+voyage. Several privateers were at this time fitting out at this
+island, and Lafitte was appointed captain of one of these vessels;
+after a cruise during which he robbed the vessels of other nations,
+besides those of England, and thus committing piracy, he stopped at
+the Seychelles, and took in a load of slaves for the Mauritius; but
+being chased by an English frigate as far north as the equator, he
+found himself in a very awkward condition; not having provisions
+enough on board his ship to carry him back to the French Colony. He
+therefore conceived the bold project of proceeding to the Bay of
+Bengal, in order to get provisions from on board some English
+ships. In his ship of two hundred tons, with only two guns and
+twenty-six men, he attacked and took an English armed schooner with
+a numerous crew. After putting nineteen of his own crew on board
+the schooner, he took the command of her and proceeded to cruise
+upon the coast of Bengal. He there fell in with the Pagoda, a
+vessel belonging to the English East India Company, armed with
+twenty-six twelve pounders and manned with one hundred and fifty
+men. Expecting that the enemy would take him for a pilot of the
+Ganges, he manoeuvred accordingly. The Pagoda manifested no
+suspicions, whereupon he suddenly darted with his brave followers
+upon her decks, overturned all who opposed them, and speedily took
+the ship. After a very successful cruise he arrived safe at the
+Mauritius, and took the command of La Confiance of twenty-six guns
+and two hundred and fifty men, and sailed for the coast of British
+India. Off the Sand Heads in October, 1807, Lafitte fell in with
+the Queen East Indiaman, with a crew of near four hundred men, and
+carrying forty guns; he conceived the bold project of getting
+possession of her. Never was there beheld a more unequal conflict;
+even the height of the vessel compared to the feeble privateer
+augmented the chances against Lafitte; but the difficulty and
+danger far from discouraging this intrepid sailor, acted as an
+additional spur to his brilliant valor. After electrifying his crew
+with a few words of hope and ardor, he manoeuvred and ran on board
+of the enemy. In this position he received a broadside when close
+too; but he expected this, and made his men lay flat upon the deck.
+After the first fire they all rose, and from the yards and tops,
+threw bombs and grenades into the forecastle of the Indiaman. This
+sudden and unforeseen attack caused a great havoc. In an instant,
+death and terror made them abandon a part of the vessel near the
+mizen-mast. Lafitte, who observed every thing, seized the decisive
+moment, beat to arms, and forty of his crew prepared to board, with
+pistols in their hands and daggers held between their teeth. As
+soon as they got on deck, they rushed upon the affrighted crowd,
+who retreated to the steerage, and endeavored to defend themselves
+there. Lafitte thereupon ordered a second division to board, which
+he headed himself; the captain of the Indiaman was killed, and all
+were swept away in a moment. Lafitte caused a gun to be loaded with
+grape, which he pointed towards the place where the crowd was
+assembled, threatening to exterminate them. The English deeming
+resistance fruitless, surrendered, and Lafitte hastened to put a
+stop to the slaughter. This exploit, hitherto unparalleled,
+resounded through India, and the name of Lafitte became the terror
+of English commerce in these latitudes.</p>
+<center>&nbsp;<img src="./images/074.jpg" alt=
+"Lafitte boarding the Queen East Indiaman" height="600" width=
+"514"></center>
+<center>
+<h4>&nbsp;<i>Lafitte boarding the Queen East Indiaman</i></h4>
+</center>
+As British vessels now traversed the Indian Ocean under strong
+convoys, game became scarce, and Lafitte determined to visit
+France; and after doubling the Cape of Good Hope, he coasted up to
+the Gulf of Guinea, and in the Bight of Benin, took two valuable
+prizes loaded with gold dust, ivory, and Palm Oil; with this booty
+he reached St. Maloes in safety. After a short stay at his native
+place he fitted out a brigantine, mounting twenty guns and one
+hundred and fifty men, and sailed for Gaudaloupe; amongst the West
+India Islands, he made several valuable prizes; but during his
+absence on a cruise the island having been taken by the British, he
+proceeded to Carthagena, and from thence to Barrataria. After this
+period, the conduct of Lafitte at Barrataria does not appear to be
+characterized by the audacity and boldness of his former career;
+but he had amassed immense sums of booty, and as he was obliged to
+have dealings with the merchants of the United States, and the West
+Indies, who frequently owed him large sums, and the cautious
+dealings necessary to found and conduct a colony of Pirates and
+Smugglers in the very teeth of a civilized nation, obliged Lafitte
+to cloak as much as possible his real character.
+<center><img src="./images/076.jpg" alt=
+"Lafitte and his crew clearing the decks of the Indiaman." height=
+"321" width="520"></center>
+<h4><i>Lafitte and his crew clearing the decks of the
+Indiaman.</i></h4>
+As we have said before, at the period of the taking of Gaudaloupe
+by the British, most of the privateers commissioned by the
+government of that island, and which were then on a cruise, not
+being able to return to any of the West India Islands, made for
+Barrataria, there to take in a supply of water and provisions,
+recruit the health of their crews, and dispose of their prizes,
+which could not be admitted into any of the ports of the United
+States, we being at that time in peace with Great Britain. Most of
+the commissions granted to privateers by the French government at
+Gaudaloupe, having expired sometime after the declaration of the
+independence of Carthagena, many of the privateers repaired to that
+port, for the purpose of obtaining from the new government
+commissions for cruising against Spanish vessels. Having duly
+obtained their commissions, they in a manner blockaded for a long
+time all the ports belonging to the royalists, and made numerous
+captives, which they carried into Barrataria. Under this
+denomination is comprised part of the coast of Louisiana to the
+west of the mouths of the Mississippi, comprehended between Bastien
+bay on the east, and the mouths of the river or bayou la Fourche on
+the west. Not far from the sea are lakes called the great and
+little lakes of Barrataria, communicating with one another by
+several large bayous with a great number of branches. There is also
+the island of Barrataria, at the extremity of which is a place
+called the Temple, which denomination it owes to several mounds of
+shells thrown up there by the Indians. The name of Barrataria is
+also given to a large basin which extends the whole length of the
+cypress swamps, from the Gulf of Mexico to three miles above New
+Orleans. These waters disembogue into the gulf by two entrances of
+the bayou Barrataria, between which lies an island called Grand
+Terre, six miles in length, and from two to three miles in breadth,
+running parallel with the coast. In the western entrance is the
+great pass of Barrataria, which has from nine to ten feet of water.
+Within this pass about two leagues from the open sea, lies the only
+secure harbor on the coast, and accordingly this was the harbor
+frequented by the <i>Pirates</i>, so well known by the name of
+Barratarians.
+<p>At Grand Jerre, the privateers publicly made sale by auction, of
+the cargoes of their prizes. From all parts of Lower Louisiana,
+people resorted to Barrataria, without being at all solicitous to
+conceal the object of their journey. The most respectable
+inhabitants of the state, especially those living in the country,
+were in the habit of purchasing smuggled goods coming from
+Barrataria.</p>
+<p>The government of the United States sent an expedition under
+Commodore Patterson, to disperse the settlement of marauders at
+Barrataria; the following is an extract of his letter to the
+secretary of war.</p>
+<p>Sir--I have the honor to inform you that I departed from this
+city on the 11th June, accompanied by Col. Ross, with a detachment
+of seventy of the 44th regiment of infantry. On the 12th, reached
+the schooner Carolina, of Plaquemine, and formed a junction with
+the gun vessels at the Balize on the 13th, sailed from the
+southwest pass on the evening of the 15th, and at half past 8
+o'clock, A.M. on the 16th, made the Island of Barrataria, and
+discovered a number of vessels in the harbor, some of which shewed
+Carthagenian colors. At 2 o'clock, perceived the pirates forming
+their vessels, ten in number, including prizes, into a line of
+battle near the entrance of the harbor, and making every
+preparation to offer me battle. At 10 o'clock, wind light and
+variable, formed the order of battle with six gun boats and the Sea
+Horse tender, mounting one six pounder and fifteen men, and a
+launch mounting one twelve pound carronade; the schooner Carolina,
+drawing too much water to cross the bar. At half past 10 o'clock,
+perceived several smokes along the coasts as signals, and at the
+same time a white flag hoisted on board a schooner at the fort, an
+American flag at the mainmast head and a Carthagenian flag (under
+which the pirates cruise) at her topping lift; replied with a white
+flag at my main; at 11 o'clock, discovered that the pirates had
+fired two of their best schooners; hauled down my white flag and
+made the <i>signal for battle</i>; hoisting with a large white flag
+bearing the words "Pardon for Deserters"; having heard there was a
+number on shore from the army and navy. At a quarter past 11
+o'clock, two gun boats grounded and were passed agreeably to my
+previous orders, by the other four which entered the harbor, manned
+by my barge and the boats belonging to the grounded vessels, and
+proceeded in to my great disappointment. I perceived that the
+pirates abandoned their vessels, and were flying in all directions.
+I immediately sent the launch and two barges with small boats in
+pursuit of them. At meridian, took possession of all their vessels
+in the harbor consisting of six schooners and one felucca,
+cruisers, and prizes of the pirates, one brig, a prize, and two
+armed schooners under the Carthagenian flag, both in the line of
+battle, with the armed vessels of the pirates, and apparently with
+an intention to aid them in any resistance they might make against
+me, as their crews were at quarters, tompions out of their guns,
+and matches lighted. Col. Ross at the same time landed, and with
+his command took possession of their establishment on shore,
+consisting of about forty houses of different sizes, badly
+constructed, and thatched with palmetto leaves.</p>
+<p>When I perceived the enemy forming their vessels into a line of
+battle I felt confident from their number and very advantageous
+position, and their number of men, that they would have fought me;
+their not doing so I regret; for had they, I should have been
+enabled more effectually to destroy or make prisoners of them and
+their leaders; but it is a subject of great satisfaction to me, to
+have effected the object of my enterprise, without the loss of a
+man.</p>
+<p>The enemy had mounted on their vessels twenty pieces of cannon
+of different calibre; and as I have since learnt, from eight
+hundred, to one thousand men of all nations and colors.</p>
+<p>Early in the morning of the 20th, the Carolina at anchor, about
+five miles distant, made the signal of a "strange sail in sight to
+eastward"; immediately after she weighed anchor, and gave chase the
+strange sail, standing for Grand Terre, with all sail; at half past
+8 o'clock, the chase hauled her wind off shore to escape; sent
+acting Lieut. Spedding with four boats manned and armed to prevent
+her passing the harbor; at 9 o'clock A.M., the chase fired upon the
+Carolina, which was returned; each vessel continued firing during
+the chase, when their long guns could reach. At 10 o'clock, the
+chase grounded outside of the bar, at which time the Carolina was
+from the shoalness of the water obliged to haul her wind off shore
+and give up the chase; opened a fire upon the chase across the
+island from the gun vessels. At half past 10 o'clock, she hauled
+down her colors and was taken possession of. She proved to be the
+armed schooner Gen. Boliver; by grounding she broke both her rudder
+pintles and made water; took from her her armament, consisting of
+one long brass eighteen pounder, one long brass six pounder, two
+twelve pounders, small arms, &amp;c., and twenty-one packages of
+dry goods. On the afternoon of the 23d, got underway with the whole
+squadron, in all seventeen vessels, but during the night one
+escaped, and the next day arrived at New Orleans with my whole
+squadron.</p>
+<p>At different times the English had sought to attack the pirates
+at Barrataria, in hopes of taking their prizes, and even their
+armed vessels. Of these attempts of the British, suffice it to
+instance that of June 23d, 1813, when two privateers being at
+anchor off Cat Island, a British sloop of war anchored at the
+entrance of the pass, and sent her boats to endeavor to take the
+privateers; but they were repulsed with considerable loss.</p>
+<p>Such was the state of affairs, when on the 2d Sept., 1814, there
+appeared an armed brig on the coast opposite the pass. She fired a
+gun at a vessel about to enter, and forced her to run aground; she
+then tacked and shortly after came to an anchor at the entrance of
+the pass. It was not easy to understand the intentions of this
+vessel, who, having commenced with hostilities on her first
+appearance now seemed to announce an amicable disposition. Mr.
+Lafitte then went off in a boat to examine her, venturing so far
+that he could not escape from the pinnace sent from the brig, and
+making towards the shore, bearing British colors and a flag of
+truce. In this pinnace were two naval officers. One was Capt.
+Lockyer, commander of the brig. The first question they asked was,
+where was Mr. Lafitte? he not choosing to make himself known to
+them, replied that the person they inquired for was on shore. They
+then delivered to him a packet directed to Mr. Lafitte, Barrataria,
+requesting him to take particular care of it, and to deliver it
+into Mr. Lafitte's hands. He prevailed on them to make for the
+shore, and as soon as they got near enough to be in his power, he
+made himself known, recommending to them at the same time to
+conceal the business on which they had come. Upwards of two hundred
+persons lined the shore, and it was a general cry amongst the crews
+of the privateers at Grand Terre, that those British officers
+should be made prisoners and sent to New Orleans as spies. It was
+with much difficulty that Lafitte dissuaded the multitude from this
+intent, and led the officers in safety to his dwelling. He thought
+very prudently that the papers contained in the packet might be of
+importance towards the safety of the country and that the officers
+if well watched could obtain no intelligence that might turn to the
+detriment of Louisiana. He now examined the contents of the packet,
+in which he found a proclamation addressed by Col. Edward Nichalls,
+in the service of his Brittanic Majesty, and commander of the land
+forces on the coast of Florida, to the inhabitants of Louisiana. A
+letter from the same to Mr. Lafitte, the commander of Barrataria;
+an official letter from the honorable W.H. Percy, captain of the
+sloop of war Hermes, directed to Lafitte. When he had perused these
+letters, Capt. Lockyer enlarged on the subject of them and proposed
+to him to enter into the service of his Brittanic Majesty with the
+rank of post captain and to receive the command of a 44 gun
+frigate. Also all those under his command, or over whom he had
+sufficient influence. He was also offered thirty thousand dollars,
+payable at Pensacola, and urged him not to let slip this
+opportunity of acquiring fortune and consideration. On Lafitte's
+requiring a few days to reflect upon these proposals, Capt. Lockyer
+observed to him that no reflection could be necessary, respecting
+proposals that obviously precluded hesitation, as he was a
+Frenchman and proscribed by the American government. But to all his
+splendid promises and daring insinuations, Lafitte replied that in
+a few days he would give a final answer; his object in this
+procrastination being to gain time to inform the officers of the
+state government of this nefarious project. Having occasion to go
+to some distance for a short time, the persons who had proposed to
+send the British officers prisoners to New Orleans, went and seized
+them in his absence, and confined both them and the crew of the
+pinnace, in a secure place, leaving a guard at the door. The
+British officers sent for Lafitte; but he, fearing an insurrection
+of the crews of the privateers, thought it advisable not to see
+them until he had first persuaded their captains and officers to
+desist from the measures on which they seemed bent. With this view
+he represented to the latter that, besides the infamy that would
+attach to them if they treated as prisoners people who had come
+with a flag of truce, they would lose the opportunity of
+discovering the projects of the British against Louisiana.</p>
+<p>Early the next morning Lafitte caused them to be released from
+their confinement and saw them safe on board their pinnace,
+apologizing the detention. He now wrote to Capt. Lockyer the
+following letter.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<p>To CAPTAIN LOCKYER.</p>
+<p><i>Barrataria, 4th Sept</i>. 1814.</p>
+<p>Sir--The confusion which prevailed in our camp yesterday and
+this morning, and of which you have a complete knowledge, has
+prevented me from answering in a precise manner to the object of
+your mission; nor even at this moment can I give you all the
+satisfaction that you desire; however, if you could grant me a
+fortnight, I would be entirely at your disposal at the end of that
+time. This delay is indispensable to enable me to put my affairs in
+order. You may communicate with me by sending a boat to the eastern
+point of the pass, where I will be found. You have inspired me with
+more confidence than the admiral, your superior officer, could have
+done himself; with you alone, I wish to deal, and from you also I
+will claim, in due time the reward of the services, which I may
+render to you. Yours, &amp;c.</p>
+<p>J. LAFITTE.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<p>His object in writing that letter was, by appearing disposed to
+accede to their proposals, to give time to communicate the affair
+to the officers of the state government, and to receive from them
+instructions how to act, under circumstances so critical and
+important to the country. He accordingly wrote on the 4th September
+to Mr. Blanque, one of the representatives of the state, sending
+him all the papers delivered to him by the British officers with a
+letter addressed to his excellency, Gov. Claiborne of the state of
+Louisiana.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<p>To Gov. CLAIBORNE.</p>
+<p><i>Barrataria, Sept</i>. 4<i>th</i>, 1814.</p>
+<p>Sir--In the firm persuasion that the choice made of you to fill
+the office of first magistrate of this state, was dictated by the
+esteem of your fellow citizens, and was conferred on merit, I
+confidently address you on an affair on which may depend the safety
+of this country. I offer to you to restore to this state several
+citizens, who perhaps in your eyes have lost that sacred title. I
+offer you them, however, such as you could wish to find them, ready
+to exert their utmost efforts in defence of the country. This point
+of Louisiana, which I occupy, is of great importance in the present
+crisis. I tender my services to defend it; and the only reward I
+ask is that a stop be put to the proscription against me and my
+adherents, by an act of oblivion, for all that has been done
+hitherto. I am the stray sheep wishing to return to the fold. If
+you are thoroughly acquainted with the nature of my offences, I
+should appear to you much less guilty, and still worthy to
+discharge the duties of a good citizen. I have never sailed under
+any flag but that of the republic of Carthagena, and my vessels are
+perfectly regular in that respect. If I could have brought my
+lawful prizes into the ports of this state, I should not have
+employed the illicit means that have caused me to be proscribed. I
+decline saying more on the subject, until I have the honor of your
+excellency's answer, which I am persuaded can be dictated only by
+wisdom. Should your answer not be favorable to my ardent desires, I
+declare to you that I will instantly leave the country, to avoid
+the imputation of having cooperated towards an invasion on this
+point, which cannot fail to take place, and to rest secure in the
+acquittal of my conscience.</p>
+<p>I have the honor to be</p>
+<p>your excellency's, &amp;c.</p>
+<p>J. LAFITTE.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<p>The contents of these letters do honor to Lafitte's judgment,
+and evince his sincere attachment to the American cause. On the
+receipt of this packet from Lafitte, Mr. Blanque immediately laid
+its contents before the governor, who convened the committee of
+defence lately formed of which he was president; and Mr. Rancher
+the bearer of Lafitte's packet, was sent back with a verbal answer
+to desire Lafitte to take no steps until it should be determined
+what was expedient to be done; the message also contained an
+assurance that, in the meantime no steps should be taken against
+him for his past offences against the laws of the United
+States.</p>
+<p>At the expiration of the time agreed on with Captain Lockyer,
+his ship appeared again on the coast with two others, and continued
+standing off and on before the pass for several days. But he
+pretended not to perceive the return of the sloop of war, who tired
+of waiting to no purpose put out to sea and disappeared.</p>
+<p>Lafitte having received a guarantee from General Jackson for his
+safe passage from Barrataria to New Orleans and back, he proceeded
+forthwith to the city where he had an interview with Gov. Claiborne
+and the General. After the usual formalities and courtesies had
+taken place between these gentlemen, Lafitte addressed the Governor
+of Louisiana nearly as follows. I have offered to defend for you
+that part of Louisiana I now hold. But not as an outlaw, would I be
+its defender. In that confidence, with which you have inspired me,
+I offer to restore to the state many citizens, now under my
+command. As I have remarked before, the point I occupy is of great
+importance in the present crisis. I tender not only my own services
+to defend it, but those of all I command; and the only reward I
+ask, is, that a stop be put to the proscription against me and my
+adherents, by an act of oblivion for all that has been done
+hitherto.</p>
+<p>"My dear sir," said the Governor, who together with General
+Jackson, was impressed with admiration of his sentiments, "your
+praiseworthy wishes shall be laid before the council of the state,
+and I will confer with my August friend here present, upon this
+important affair, and send you an answer to-morrow." At Lafitte
+withdrew, the General said farewell; when we meet again, I trust it
+will be in the ranks of the American army. The result of the
+conference was the issuing the following order.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/086.jpg" alt=
+"Interview between Lafitte, General Jackson, and Governor Claiborne"
+     height="460" width="495"></center>
+<h4>&nbsp;<i>Interview between Lafitte, General Jackson, and
+Governor Claiborne.</i></h4>
+The Governor of Louisiana, informed that many individuals
+implicated in the offences heretofore committed against the United
+States at Barrataria, express a willingness at the present crisis
+to enroll themselves and march against the enemy.
+<p>He does hereby invite them to join the standard of the United
+States and is authorised to say, should their conduct in the field
+meet the approbation of the Major General, that that officer will
+unite with the governor in a request to the president of the United
+States, to extend to each and every individual, so marching and
+acting, a free and full pardon. These general orders were placed in
+the hands of Lafitte, who circulated them among his dispersed
+followers, most of whom readily embraced the conditions of pardon
+they held out. In a few days many brave men and skillful
+artillerists, whose services contributed greatly to the safety of
+the invaded state, flocked to the standard of the United States,
+and by their conduct, received the highest approbation of General
+Jackson.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<p>BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.</p>
+<p>A PROCLAMATION.</p>
+<p>"Among the many evils produced by the wars, which, with little
+intermission, have afflicted Europe, and extended their ravages
+into other quarters of the globe, for a period exceeding twenty
+years, the dispersion of a considerable portion of the inhabitants
+of different countries, in sorrow and in want, has not been the
+least injurious to human happiness, nor the least severe in the
+trial of human virtue.</p>
+<p>"It had been long ascertained that many foreigners, flying from
+the dangers of their own home, and that some citizens, forgetful of
+their duty, had co-operated in forming an establishment on the
+island of Barrataria, near the mouth of the river Mississippi, for
+the purpose of a clandestine and lawless trade. The government of
+the United States caused the establishment to be broken up and
+destroyed; and, having obtained the means of designating the
+offenders of every description, it only remained to answer the
+demands of justice by inflicting an exemplary punishment.</p>
+<p>"But it has since been represented that the offenders have
+manifested a sincere penitence; that they have abandoned the
+prosecution of the worst cause for the support of the best, and,
+particularly, that they have exhibited, in the defence of New
+Orleans, unequivocal traits of courage and fidelity. Offenders, who
+have refused to become the associates of the enemy in the war, upon
+the most seducing terms of invitation; and who have aided to repel
+his hostile invasion of the territory of the United States, can no
+longer be considered as objects of punishment, but as objects of a
+generous forgiveness.</p>
+<p>"It has therefore been seen, with great satisfaction, that the
+General Assembly of the State of Louisiana earnestly recommend
+those offenders to the benefit of a full pardon; And in compliance
+with that recommendation, as well as in consideration of all the
+other extraordinary circumstances in the case, I, <i>James
+Madison</i>, President of the United States of America, do issue
+this proclamation, hereby granting, publishing and declaring, a
+free and full pardon of all offences committed in violation of any
+act or acts of the Congress of the said United States, touching the
+revenue, trade and navigation thereof, or touching the intercourse
+and commerce of the United States with foreign nations, at any time
+before the eighth day of January, in the present year one thousand
+eight hundred and fifteen, by any person or persons whatsoever,
+being inhabitants of New Orleans and the adjacent country, or being
+inhabitants of the said island of Barrataria, and the places
+adjacent; <i>Provided</i>, that every person, claiming the benefit
+of this full pardon, in order to entitle himself thereto, shall
+produce a certificate in writing from the governor of the State of
+Louisiana, stating that such person has aided in the defence of New
+Orleans and the adjacent country, during the invasion thereof as
+aforesaid.</p>
+<p>"And I do hereby further authorize and direct all suits,
+indictments, and prosecutions, for fines, penalties, and
+forfeitures, against any person or persons, who shall be entitled
+to the benefit of this full pardon, forthwith to be stayed,
+discontinued and released: All civil officers are hereby required,
+according to the duties of their respective stations, to carry this
+proclamation into immediate and faithful execution.</p>
+<p>"Done at the City of Washington, the sixth day of February, in
+the year one thousand eight hundred and fifteen, and of the
+independence of the United States the thirty-ninth.</p>
+<p>"By the President,</p>
+<p>"JAMES MADISON</p>
+<p>"JAMES MONROE,</p>
+<p>"<i>Acting Secretary of State</i>."<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<p>The morning of the eighth of January, was ushered in with the
+discharge of rockets, the sound of cannon, and the cheers of the
+British soldiers advancing to the attack. The Americans, behind the
+breastwork, awaited in calm intrepidity their approach. The enemy
+advanced in close column of sixty men in front, shouldering their
+muskets and carrying fascines and ladders. A storm of rockets
+preceded them, and an incessant fire opened from the battery, which
+commanded the advanced column. The musketry and rifles from the
+Kentuckians and Tennesseans, joined the fire of the artillery, and
+in a few moments was heard along the line a ceaseless, rolling
+fire, whose tremendous noise resembled the continued reverberation
+of thunder. One of these guns, a twenty-four pounder, placed upon
+the breastwork in the third embrasure from the river, drew, from
+the fatal skill and activity with which it was managed, even in the
+heat of battle, the admiration of both Americans and British; and
+became one of the points most dreaded by the advancing foe.</p>
+<p>Here was stationed Lafitte and his lieutenant Dominique and a
+large band of his men, who during the continuance of the battle,
+fought with unparalleled bravery. The British already had been
+twice driven back in the utmost confusion, with the loss of their
+commander-in-chief, and two general officers.</p>
+<p>Two other batteries were manned by the Barratarians, who served
+their pieces with the steadiness and precision of veteran gunners.
+In the first attack of the enemy, a column pushed forward between
+the levee and river; and so precipitate was their charge that the
+outposts were forced to retire, closely pressed by the enemy.
+Before the batteries could meet the charge, clearing the ditch,
+they gained the redoubt through the embrasures, leaping over the
+parapet, and overwhelming by their superior force the small party
+stationed there.</p>
+<p>Lafitte, who was commanding in conjunction with his officers, at
+one of the guns, no sooner saw the bold movement of the enemy, than
+calling a few of his best men by his side, he sprung forward to the
+point of danger, and clearing the breastwork of the entrenchments,
+leaped, cutlass in hand, into the midst of the enemy, followed by a
+score of his men, who in many a hard fought battle upon his own
+deck, had been well tried.</p>
+<p>Astonished at the intrepidity which could lead men to leave
+their entrenchments and meet them hand to hand, and pressed by the
+suddenness of the charge, which was made with the recklessness,
+skill and rapidity of practised boarders bounding upon the deck of
+an enemy's vessel, they began to give way, while one after another,
+two British officers fell before the cutlass of the pirate, as they
+were bravely encouraging their men. All the energies of the British
+were now concentrated to scale the breastwork, which one daring
+officer had already mounted. While Lafitte and his followers,
+seconding a gallant band of volunteer riflemen, formed a phalanx
+which they in vain assayed to penetrate.</p>
+<p>The British finding it impossible to take the city and the havoc
+in their ranks being dreadful, made a precipitate retreat, leaving
+the field covered with their dead and wounded.</p>
+<p>General Jackson, in his correspondence with the secretary of war
+did not fail to notice the conduct of the "Corsairs of Barrataria,"
+who were, as we have already seen, employed in the artillery
+service. In the course of the campaign they proved, in an
+unequivocal manner, that they had been misjudged by the enemy, who
+a short time previous to the invasion of Louisiana, had hoped to
+enlist them in his cause. Many of them were killed or wounded in
+the defence of the country. Their zeal, their courage, and their
+skill, were remarked by the whole army, who could no longer
+consider such brave men as criminals. In a few days peace was
+declared between Great Britain and the United States.</p>
+<p>The piratical establishment of Barrataria having been broken up
+and Lafitte not being content with leading an honest, peaceful
+life, procured some fast sailing vessels, and with a great number
+of his followers, proceeded to Galvezton Bay, in Texas, during the
+year 1819; where he received a commission from General Long; and
+had five vessels generally cruising and about 300 men. Two open
+boats bearing commissions from General Humbert, of Galvezton,
+having robbed a plantation on the Marmento river, of negroes,
+money, &amp;c., were captured in the Sabine river, by the boats of
+the United States schooner Lynx. One of the men was hung by
+Lafitte, who dreaded the vengeance of the American government. The
+Lynx also captured one of his schooners, and her prize that had
+been for a length of time smuggling in the Carmento. One of his
+cruisers, named the Jupiter, returned safe to Galvezton after a
+short cruise with a valuable cargo, principally specie; she was the
+first vessel that sailed under the authority of Texas. The American
+government well knowing that where Lafitte was, piracy and
+smuggling would be the order of the day, sent a vessel of war to
+cruise in the Gulf of Mexico, and scour the coasts of Texas.
+Lafitte having been appointed governor of Galvezton and one of the
+cruisers being stationed off the port to watch his motions, it so
+annoyed him that he wrote the following letter to her commander,
+Lieutenant Madison.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<p><i>To the commandant of the American cruiser, off the port of
+Galvezton</i>.</p>
+<p>Sir--I am convinced that you are a cruiser of the navy, ordered
+by your government. I have therefore deemed it proper to inquire
+into the cause of your living before this port without
+communicating your intention. I shall by this message inform you,
+that the port of Galvezton belongs to and is in the possession of
+the republic of Texas, and was made a port of entry the 9th October
+last. And whereas the supreme congress of said republic have
+thought proper to appoint me as governor of this place, in
+consequence of which, if you have any demands on said government,
+or persons belonging to or residing in the same, you will please to
+send an officer with such demands, whom you may be assured will be
+treated with the greatest politeness, and receive every
+satisfaction required. But if you are ordered, or should attempt to
+enter this port in a hostile manner, my oath and duty to the
+government compels me to rebut your intentions at the expense of my
+life.</p>
+<p>To prove to you my intentions towards the welfare and harmony of
+your government I send enclosed the declaration of several
+prisoners, who were taken in custody yesterday, and by a court of
+inquiry appointed for that purpose, were found guilty of robbing
+the inhabitants of the United States of a number of slaves and
+specie. The gentlemen bearing this message will give you any
+reasonable information relating to this place, that may be
+required.</p>
+<p>Yours, &amp;c.</p>
+<p>J. LAFITTE.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<p>About this time one Mitchell, who had formerly belonged to
+Lafitte's gang, collected upwards of one hundred and fifty
+desperadoes and fortified himself on an island near Barrataria,
+with several pieces of cannon; and swore that he and all his
+comrades would perish within their trenches before they would
+surrender to any man. Four of this gang having gone to New Orleans
+on a frolic, information was given to the city watch, and the house
+surrounded, when the whole four with cocked pistols in both hands
+sallied out and marched through the crowd which made way for them
+and no person dared to make an attempt to arrest them.</p>
+<p>The United States cutter, Alabama, on her way to the station off
+the mouth of the Mississippi, captured a piratical schooner
+belonging to Lafitte; she carried two guns and twenty-five men, and
+was fitted out at New Orleans, and commanded by one of Lafitte's
+lieutenants, named Le Fage; the schooner had a prize in company and
+being hailed by the cutter, poured into her a volley of musketry;
+the cutter then opened upon the privateer and a smart action ensued
+which terminated in favor of the cutter, which had four men wounded
+and two of them dangerously; but the pirate had six men killed;
+both vessels were captured and brought into the bayou St. John. An
+expedition was now sent to dislodge Mitchell and his comrades from
+the island he had taken possession of; after coming to anchor, a
+summons was sent for him to surrender, which was answered by a
+brisk cannonade from his breastwork. The vessels were warped close
+in shore; and the boats manned and sent on shore whilst the vessels
+opened upon the pirates; the boat's crews landed under a galling
+fire of grape shot and formed in the most undaunted manner; and
+although a severe loss was sustained they entered the breastwork at
+the point of the bayonet; after a desperate fight the pirates gave
+way, many were taken prisoners but Mitchell and the greatest part
+escaped to the cypress swamps where it was impossible to arrest
+them. A large quantity of dry goods and specie together with other
+booty was taken. Twenty of the pirates were taken and brought to
+New Orleans, and tried before Judge Hall, of the Circuit Court of
+the United States, sixteen were brought in guilty; and after the
+Judge had finished pronouncing sentence of death upon the hardened
+wretches, several of them cried out in open court, <i>Murder--by
+God</i>.</p>
+<p>Accounts of these transactions having reached Lafitte, he
+plainly perceived there was a determination to sweep all his
+cruisers from the sea; and a war of extermination appeared to be
+waged against him.</p>
+<p>In a fit of desperation he procured a large and fast sailing
+brigantine mounting sixteen guns and having selected a crew of one
+hundred and sixty men he started without any commission as a
+regular pirate determined to rob all nations and neither to give or
+receive quarter. A British sloop of war which was cruising in the
+Gulf of Mexico, having heard that Lafitte himself was at sea, kept
+a sharp look out from the mast head; when one morning as an officer
+was sweeping the horizon with his glass he discovered a long dark
+looking vessel, low in the water, but having very tall masts, with
+sails white as the driven snow. As the sloop of war had the weather
+gage of the pirate and could outsail her before the wind, she set
+her studding sails and crowded every inch of canvass in chase; as
+soon as Lafitte ascertained the character of his opponent, he
+ordered the awnings to be furled and set his big square-sail and
+shot rapidly through the water; but as the breeze freshened the
+sloop of war came up rapidly with the pirate, who, finding no
+chance of escaping, determined to sell his life as dearly as
+possible; the guns were cast loose and the shot handed up; and a
+fire opened upon the ship which killed a number of men and carried
+away her foretopmast, but she reserved her fire until within
+cable's distance of the pirate; when she fired a general discharge
+from her broadside, and a volley of small arms; the broadside was
+too much elevated to hit the low hull of the brigantine, but was
+not without effect; the foretopmast fell, the jaws of the main gaff
+were severed and a large proportion of the rigging came rattling
+down on deck; ten of the pirates were killed, but Lafitte remained
+unhurt. The sloop of war entered her men over the starboard bow and
+a terrific contest with pistols and cutlasses ensued; Lafitte
+received two wounds at this time which disabled him, a grape shot
+broke the bone of his right leg and he received a cut in the
+abdomen, but his crew fought like tigers and the deck was ankle
+deep with blood and gore; the captain of the boarders received such
+a tremendous blow on the head from the butt end of a musket, as
+stretched him senseless on the deck near Lafitte, who raised his
+dagger to stab him to the heart. But the tide of his existence was
+ebbing like a torrent, his brain was giddy, his aim faltered and
+the point descended in the Captain's right thigh; dragging away the
+blade with the last convulsive energy of a death struggle, he
+lacerated the wound. Again the reeking steel was upheld, and
+Lafitte placed his left hand near the Captain's heart, to make his
+aim more sure; again the dizziness of dissolution spread over his
+sight, down came the dagger into the captain's left thigh and
+Lafitte was a corpse.</p>
+<p>The upper deck was cleared, and the boarders rushed below on the
+main deck to complete their conquest. Here the slaughter was
+dreadful, till the pirates called out for quarter, and the carnage
+ceased; all the pirates that surrendered were taken to Jamaica and
+tried before the Admiralty court where sixteen were condemned to
+die, six were subsequently pardoned and ten executed.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/096.jpg" alt=
+"Death of Lafitte, the Pirate" height="363" width="600"></center>
+<h4>&nbsp;<i>Death of Lafitte, the Pirate.</i></h4>
+Thus perished Lafitte, a man superior in talent, in knowledge of
+his profession, in courage, and moreover in physical strength; but
+unfortunately his reckless career was marked with crimes of the
+darkest dye.<br>
+&nbsp;
+<center><img src="./images/097.jpg" alt="Page 97 Illustration"
+height="400" width="92"></center>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="THE_LIFE_OF_CAPTAIN_ROBERTS"></a>
+<h2>THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN ROBERTS.</h2>
+Bartholomew Roberts was trained to a sea-faring life. Among other
+voyages which he made during the time that he lawfully procured his
+maintenance, he sailed for the Guinea cost, in November, 1719,
+where he was taken by the pirate Davis. He was at first very averse
+to that mode of life, and would certainly have deserted, had an
+opportunity occurred. It happened to him, however, as to many upon
+another element, that preferment calmed his conscience, and
+reconciled him to that which he formerly hated.
+<p>Davis having fallen in the manner related, those who had assumed
+the title of Lords assembled to deliberate concerning the choice of
+a new commander. There were several candidates, who, by their
+services, had risen to eminence among their breathren, and each of
+them thought themselves qualified to bear rule. One addressed the
+assembled lords, saying, "that the good of the whole, and the
+maintenance of order, demanded a head, but that the proper
+authority was deposited in the community at large; so that if one
+should be elected who did not act and govern for the general good,
+he could be deposed, and another be substituted in his place."</p>
+<p>"We are the original," said he, "of this claim, and should a
+captain be so saucy as to exceed prescription at any time, why,
+down with him! It will be a caution, after he is dead, to his
+successors, to what fatal results any undue assumption may lead;
+however, it is my advice, while be are sober, to pitch upon a man
+of courage, and one skilled in navigation,--one who, by his
+prudence and bravery, seems best able to defend this commonwealth,
+and ward us from the dangers and tempests of an unstable element,
+and the fatal consequences of anarchy; and such a one I take
+Roberts to be: a fellow in all respects worthy of your esteem and
+favor."</p>
+<p>This speech was applauded by all but Lord Simpson, who had
+himself strong expectations of obtaining the highest command. He at
+last, in a surly tone, said, he did not regard whom they chose as a
+commander, provided he was not a papist, for he had conceived a
+mortal hatred to papists, because his father had been a sufferer in
+Monmouth's rebellion.</p>
+<p>Thus, though Roberts had only been a few weeks among them, his
+election was confirmed by the Lords and Commons. He, with the best
+face he could, accepted of the dignity, saying, "that since he had
+dipped his hands in muddy water, and must be a pirate, it was
+better being a commander than a private man."</p>
+<p>The governor being settled, and other officers chosen in the
+room of those who had fallen with Davis, it was resolved not to
+leave this place without revenging his death. Accordingly, thirty
+men, under the command of one Kennedy, a bold and profligate
+fellow, landed, and under cover of the fire of the ship, ascended
+the hill upon which the fort stood. They were no sooner discovered
+by the Portuguese, than they abandoned the fort, and took shelter
+in the town. The pirates then entered without opposition, set fire
+to the fort, and tumbled the guns into the sea.</p>
+<p>Not satisfied with this injury, some proposed to land and set
+the town in flames. Roberts however, reminded them of the great
+danger to which this would inevitably expose them; that there was a
+thick wood at the back of the town, where the inhabitants could
+hide themselves, and that, when their all was at stake, they would
+make a bolder resistance: and that the burning or destroying of a
+few houses, would be a small return for their labor, and the loss
+that they might sustain. This prudent advice had the desired
+effect, and they contented themselves with lightening the French
+vessel, and battering down several houses of the town, to show
+their high displeasure.</p>
+<p>Roberts sailed southward, captured a Dutch Guineaman, and,
+having emptied her of everything they thought proper, returned her
+to the commander. Two days after, he captured an English ship, and,
+as the men joined in pirating, emptied and burned the vessel, and
+then sailed for St. Thomas. Meeting with no prize, he sailed for
+Anamaboa, and there watered and repaired. Having again put to sea,
+a vote was taken whether they should sail for the East Indies or
+for Brazil. The latter place was decided upon, and they arrived
+there in twenty-eight days.</p>
+<p>Upon this coast our rovers cruised for about nine weeks, keeping
+generally out of sight of land, but without seeing a sail; which
+discouraged them so, that they determined to leave the station, and
+steer for the West Indies; and, in order thereto, they stood in to
+make the land for the taking of their departure, by which means
+they fell in, unexpectedly, with a fleet of forty-two sail of
+Portuguese ships, off the Bay of Los Todos Santos, with all their
+lading in for Lisbon; several of them of good force, who lay there
+waiting for two men of war of seventy guns each for their convoy.
+However, Roberts thought it should go hard with him but he would
+make up his market among them, and thereupon he mixed with the
+fleet, and kept his men concealed till proper resolutions could be
+formed; that done, they came close up to one of the deepest, and
+ordered her to send the master on board quietly, threatening to
+give them no quarter, if any resistance or signal of distress was
+made. The Portuguese, being surprised at these threats, and the
+sudden flourish of cutlasses from the pirates, submitted without a
+word, and the captain came on board. Roberts saluted him in a
+friendly manner, telling him that they were gentlemen of fortune,
+and that their business with him was only to be informed which was
+the richest ship in that fleet; and if he directed them right, he
+should be restored to his ship without molestation, otherwise he
+must expect instant death.</p>
+<p>He then pointed to a vessel of forty guns, and a hundred and
+fifty men; and though her strength was greatly superior to
+Roberts', yet he made towards her, taking the master of the
+captured vessel along with him. Coming alongside of her, Roberts
+ordered the prisoner to ask, "How Seignior Captain did?" and to
+invite him on board, as he had a matter of importance to impart to
+him. He was answered, "That he would wait upon him presently."
+Roberts, however, observing more than ordinary bustle on board, at
+once concluded they were discovered, and pouring a broadside into
+her, they immediately boarded, grappled, and took her. She was a
+very rich prize, laden with sugar, skins, and tobacco, with four
+thousand moidores of gold, besides other valuable articles.</p>
+<p>In possession of so much riches, they now became solicitous to
+find a safe retreat in which to spend their time in mirth and
+wantonness. They determined upon a place called the Devil's Island
+upon the river Surinam, where they arrived in safety, and met with
+a kind reception from the governor and the inhabitants.</p>
+<p>In this river they seized a sloop, which informed them that she
+had sailed in company with a brigantine loaded with provisions.
+This was welcome intelligence, as their provisions were nearly
+exhausted. Deeming this too important a business to trust to
+foreign hands, Roberts, with forty men in the sloop, gave chase to
+that sail. In the keenness of the moment, and trusting in his usual
+good fortune, Roberts supposed that he had only to take a short
+sail in order to bring in the vessel with her cargo; but to his sad
+disappointment, he pursued her during eight days, and instead of
+gaining, was losing way. Under these circumstances, he came to
+anchor, and sent off the boat to give intelligence of their
+distress to their companions.</p>
+<p>In their extremity of want, they took up part of the floor of
+the cabin, and patched up a sort of tray with rope-yarns, to paddle
+on shore to get a little water to preserve their lives. When their
+patience was almost exhausted, the boat returned, but instead of
+provisions, brought the unpleasing information, that the
+lieutenant, one Kennedy, had run off with both the ships.</p>
+<p>The misfortune and misery of Roberts were greatly aggravated by
+reflecting upon his own imprudence and want of foresight, as well
+as from the baseness of Kennedy and his crew. Impelled by the
+necessity of his situation, he now began to reflect upon the means
+he should employ for future support. Under the foolish supposition
+that any laws, oaths or regulations, could bind those who had
+bidden open defiance to all divine and human laws, he proceeded to
+form a code of regulations for the maintenance of order and unity
+in his little commonwealth.</p>
+<p>But present necessity compelled them to action, and with their
+small sloop they sailed for the West Indies. They were not long
+before they captured two sloops, which supplied them with
+provisions, and a few days after, a brigantine, and then proceeded
+to Barbadoes. When off that island they met a vessel of ten guns,
+richly laden from Bristol; after plundering, and detaining her
+three days, they allowed her to prosecute her voyage. This vessel,
+however, informed the governor of what had befallen them, who sent
+a vessel of twenty guns and eighty men in quest of the pirates.</p>
+<p>That vessel was commanded by one Rogers, who, on the second day
+of his cruise, discovered Roberts. Ignorant of any vessel being
+sent after them, they made towards each other. Roberts gave him a
+gun but instead of striking, the other returned a broadside, with
+three huzzas. A severe engagement ensued, and Roberts being hard
+put to it, lightened his vessel and ran off.</p>
+<p>Roberts then sailed for the Island of Dominica, where he
+watered, and was supplied by the inhabitants with provisions, for
+which he gave them goods in return. Here he met with fifteen
+Englishmen left upon the island by a Frenchman who had made a prize
+of their vessel; and they, entering into his service, proved a
+seasonable addition to his strength.</p>
+<p>Though he did not think this a proper place for cleaning, yet as
+it was absolutely necessary that it should be done, he directed his
+course to the Granada islands for that purpose. This, however, had
+well nigh proved fatal to him; for the Governor of Martinique
+fitted out two sloops to go in quest of the pirates. They, however,
+sailed to the above-mentioned place, cleaned with unusual despatch,
+and just left that place the night before the sloops in pursuit of
+them arrived.</p>
+<p>They next sailed for Newfoundland, arriving upon the banks in
+June, 1720, and entered the harbor of Trepassi, with their black
+colors flying, drums beating, and trumpets sounding. In that harbor
+there were no less than twenty-two ships, which the men abandoned
+upon the sight of the pirates. It is impossible to describe the
+injury which they did at this place, by burning or sinking the
+ships, destroying the plantations, and pillaging the houses. Power
+in the hands of mean and ignorant men renders them wanton, insolent
+and cruel. They are literally like madmen, who cast firebrands,
+arrows and death, and say, "Are not we in sport?"</p>
+<p>Roberts reserved a Bristol galley from his depredations in the
+harbor, which he fitted and manned for his own service. Upon the
+banks he met ten sail of French ships, and destroyed them all,
+except one of twenty-six guns, which he seized and carried off, and
+called her the Fortune. Then giving the Bristol galley to the
+Frenchman, they sailed in quest of new adventures, and soon took
+several prizes, and out of them increased the number of their own
+hands. The Samuel, one of these, was a very rich vessel, having
+some respectable passengers on board, who were roughly used, and
+threatened with death if they did not deliver up their money and
+their goods. They stripped the vessel of every article, either
+necessary for their vessel or themselves, to the amount of eight or
+nine thousand pounds. They then deliberated whether to sink or burn
+the Samuel, but in the mean time they discovered a sail, so they
+left the empty Samuel, and gave the other chase. At midnight they
+overtook her, and she proved to be the Snow from Bristol; and,
+because he was an Englishman, they used the master in a cruel and
+barbarous manner. Two days after, they took the Little York of
+Virginia, and the Love of Liverpool, both of which they plundered
+and sent off. In three days they captured three other vessels,
+removing the goods out of them, sinking one, and sending off the
+other two.</p>
+<p>They next sailed for the West Indies, but provisions growing
+short, proceeded to St. Christopher's, where, being denied
+provisions by the governor, they fired on the town, and burnt two
+ships in the roads. They then repaired to the island of St.
+Bartholomew, where the governor supplied them with every necessary,
+and caressed them in the kindest manner. Satiated with indulgence,
+and having taken in a large stock of everything necessary, they
+unanimously voted to hasten to the coast of Guinea. In their way
+they took a Frenchman, and as she was fitter for the pirate service
+than their own, they informed the captain, that, as "a fair
+exchange was no robbery," they would exchange sloops with him;
+accordingly, having shifted their men, they set sail. However,
+going by mistake out of the track of the trade winds, they were
+under the necessity of returning to the West Indies.</p>
+<p>They now directed their course to Surinam but not having
+sufficient water for the voyage they were soon reduced to a
+mouthful of water in the day; their numbers daily diminished by
+thirst and famine and the few who survived were reduced to the
+greatest weakness. They at last had not one drop of water or any
+other liquid, when, to their inexpressible joy, they anchored in
+seven fathoms of water. This tended to revive exhausted nature and
+inspire them with new vigour, though as yet they had received no
+relief. In the morning they discovered land, but at such a distance
+that their hopes were greatly dampened. The boat was however sent
+off, and at night returned with plenty of that necessary element.
+But this remarkable deliverance produced no reformation in the
+manners of these unfeeling and obdurate men.</p>
+<p>Steering their course from that place to Barbadoes, in their way
+they met with a vessel which supplied them with all necessaries.
+Not long after, they captured a brigantine, the mate of which
+joined their association. Having from these two obtained a large
+supply, they changed their course and watered at Tobago. Informed,
+however, that there were two vessels sent in pursuit of them, they
+went to return their compliments to the Governor of Martinique for
+this kindness.</p>
+<p>It was the custom of the Dutch interlopers, when they approached
+this island to trade with the inhabitants, to hoist their jacks.
+Roberts knew the signal, and did so likewise. They, supposing that
+a good market was near, strove who could first reach Roberts.
+Determined to do them all possible mischief he destroyed them one
+by one as they came into his power. He only reserved one ship to
+send the men on shore, and burnt the remainder, to the number of
+twenty.</p>
+<p>Roberts and his crew were so fortunate as to capture several
+vessels and to render their liquor so plentiful, that it was
+esteemed a crime against Providence not to be continually drunk.
+One man, remarkable for his sobriety, along with two others, found
+an opportunity to set off without taking leave of their friends.
+But a despatch being sent after them, they were brought back, and
+in a formal manner tried and sentenced, but one of them was saved
+by the humorous interference of one of the judges, whose speech was
+truly worthy of a pirate--while the other two suffered the
+punishment of death.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/106.jpg" alt=
+"Captain Roberts' Crew carousing at Old Calabar River" height="600"
+width="465"></center>
+<h4><i>Captain Roberts' Crew carousing at Old Calabar
+River.</i></h4>
+When necessity again compelled them, they renewed their cruising;
+and, dissatisfied with capturing vessels which only afforded them a
+temporary supply, directed their course to the Guinea coast to
+forage for gold. Intoxication rendered them unruly, and the
+brigantine at last embraced the cover of night to abandon the
+commodore. Unconcerned at the loss of his companion, Roberts
+pursued his voyage. He fell in with two French ships, the one of
+ten guns and sixty-five men, and the other of sixteen guns and
+seventy-five men. These dastards no sooner beheld the black flag
+than they surrendered. With these they went to Sierra Leone,
+constituting one of them a consort, by the name of the Ranger, and
+the other a store-ship. This port being frequented by the greater
+part of the traders to that quarter, they remained here six weeks,
+enjoying themselves in all the splendor and luxury of a piratical
+life.
+<p>After this they renewed their voyage, and having captured a
+vessel, the greater part of the men united their fortunes with the
+pirates. On board of one of the ships was a clergyman, whom some of
+them proposed taking along with them, for no other reason than that
+they had not a chaplain on board. They endeavored to gain his
+consent, and assured him that he should want for nothing, and his
+only work would be, to make punch and say prayers. Depraved,
+however, as these men were, they did not choose to constrain him to
+go, but displayed their civility further, by permitting him to
+carry along with him whatever he called his own. After several
+cruises, they now went into a convenient harbor at Old Calabar,
+where they cleaned, refitted, divided their booty, and for a
+considerable time caroused, to banish care and sober
+reflection.</p>
+<p>According to their usual custom, the time of festivity and mirth
+was prolonged until the want of means recalled them to reason and
+exertion. Leaving this port, they cruised from place to place with
+varied success; but in all their captures, either burning, sinking,
+or devoting their prizes to their own use, according to the whim of
+the moment. The Swallow and another man-of-war being sent out
+expressly to pursue and take Roberts and his fleet, he had frequent
+and certain intelligence of their destination; but having so often
+escaped their vigilance, he became rather too secure and fearless.
+It happened, however, that while he lay off Cape Lopez, the Swallow
+had information of his being in that place, and made towards him.
+Upon the appearance of a sail, one of Roberts' ships was sent to
+chase and take her. The pilot of the Swallow seeing her coming,
+manoeouvred his vessel so well, that though he fled at her
+approach, in order to draw her out of the reach of her associates,
+yet he at his own time allowed her to overtake the man-of-war.</p>
+<p>Upon her coming up to the Swallow, the pirate hoisted the black
+flag, and fired upon her; but how greatly were her crew astonished,
+when they saw that they had to contend with a man-of-war, and
+seeing that all resistance was vain, they cried out for quarter,
+which was granted, and they were made prisoners, having ten men
+killed and twenty wounded, without the loss or hurt of one of the
+king's men.</p>
+<p>On the 10th, in the morning, the man-of-war bore away to round
+the cape. Roberts' crew, discerning their masts over the land, went
+down into the cabin to acquaint him of it, he being then at
+breakfast with his new guest, captain Hill, on a savoury dish of
+salmagundy and some of his own beer. He took no notice of it, and
+his men almost as little, some saying she was a Portuguese ship,
+others a French slave ship, but the major part swore it was the
+French Ranger returning; and they were merrily debating for some
+time on the manner of reception, whether they should salute her or
+not; but as the Swallow approached nearer, things appeared plainer;
+and though they who showed any apprehension of danger were
+stigmatized with the name of cowards, yet some of them, now
+undeceived, declared it to Roberts, especially one Armstrong, who
+had deserted from that ship, and knew her well. These Roberts swore
+at as cowards, who meant to dishearten the men, asking them, if it
+were so, whether they were afraid to fight or not? In short, he
+hardly refrained from blows. What his own apprehensions were, till
+she hauled up her ports and hoisted her proper colors, is
+uncertain; but then, being perfectly convinced, he slipped his
+cable, got under sail, ordered his men to arms without any show of
+timidity, dropping a first-rate oath, that it was a bite, but at
+the same time resolved, like a gallant rogue, to get clear or
+die.</p>
+<p>There was one Armstrong, as was just mentioned, a deserter from
+the Swallow, of whom they enquired concerning the trim and sailing
+of that ship; he told them she sailed best upon the wind, and
+therefore, if they designed to leave her, they should go before
+it.</p>
+<p>The danger was imminent, and the time very short, to consult
+about means to extricate himself; his resolution in this strait was
+as follows: to pass close to the Swallow with all their sails, and
+receive her broadside before they returned a shot; if disabled by
+this, or if they could not depend on sailing, then to run on shore
+at the point, and every one to shift for himself among the negroes;
+or failing these, to board, and blow up together, for he saw that
+the greatest part of his men were drunk, passively courageous, and
+unfit for service.</p>
+<p>Roberts, himself, made a gallant figure at the time of the
+engagement, being dressed in a rich crimson damask waistcoat and
+breeches, a red feather in his hat, a gold chain round his neck,
+with a diamond cross hanging to it, a sword in his hand, and two
+pair of pistols hanging at the end of a silk sling flung over his
+shoulders, according to the custom of the pirates. He is said to
+have given his orders with boldness and spirit. Coming, according
+to what he had purposed, close to the man-of-war, he received her
+fire, and then hoisted his black flag and returned it, shooting
+away from her with all the sail he could pack; and had he taken
+Armstrong's advice to have gone before the wind, he had probably
+escaped; but keeping his tacks down, either by the wind's shifting,
+or ill steerage, or both, he was taken aback with his sails, and
+the Swallow came a second time very nigh to him. He had now,
+perhaps, finished the fight very desperately, if death, who took a
+swift passage in a grape shot, had not interposed, and struck him
+directly on the throat. He settled himself on the tackles of a gun;
+which one Stephenson, from the helm, observing, ran to his
+assistance, and not perceiving him wounded, swore at him, and bade
+him stand up and fight like a man; but when he found his mistake,
+and that his captain was certainly dead, he burst into tears, and
+wished the next shot might be his portion. They presently threw him
+overboard, with his arms and ornaments on, according to his
+repeated request in his life-time.</p>
+<p>This extraordinary man and daring pirate was tall, of a dark
+complexion, about 40 years of age, and born in Pembrokeshire. His
+parents were honest and respectable, and his natural activity,
+courage, and invention, were superior to his education. At a very
+early period, he, in drinking, would imprecate vengeance upon "the
+head of him who ever lived to wear a halter." He went willingly
+into the pirate service, and served three years as a second man. It
+was not for want of employment, but from a roving, wild, and
+boisterous turn of mind. It was his usual declaration, that, "In an
+honest service, there are commonly low wages and hard labor; in
+this,--plenty, satiety, pleasure and ease, liberty, and power; and
+who would not balance creditor on this side, when all the hazard
+that is run for it at worst, is only a sour look or two at choking?
+No,--a merry life and a short one, shall be my motto!" But it was
+one favorable trait in his character, that he never forced any man
+into the pirate service.</p>
+<p>The prisoners were strictly guarded while on board, and being
+conveyed to Cape Coast castle, they underwent a long and solemn
+trial. The generality of them remained daring and impenitent for
+some time, but when they found themselves confined within a castle,
+and their fate drawing near, they changed their course, and became
+serious, penitent, and fervent in their devotions. Though the
+judges found no small difficulty in explaining the law, and
+different acts of parliament, yet the facts were so numerous and
+flagrant which were proved against them, that there was no
+difficulty in bringing in a verdict of guilty.</p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="THE_LIFE_OF_CHARLES_GIBBS"></a>
+<h2>THE LIFE OF CHARLES GIBBS.</h2>
+<i>Containing an Account of his Atrocities committed in the West
+Indies</i>.
+<p>This atrocious and cruel pirate, when very young became addicted
+to vices uncommon in youths of his age, and so far from the gentle
+reproof and friendly admonition, or the more severe chastisement of
+a fond parent, having its intended effect, it seemed to render him
+still worse, and to incline him to repay those whom he ought to
+have esteemed as his best friends and who had manifested so much
+regard for his welfare, with ingratitude and neglect. His infamous
+career and ignominious death on the gallows; brought down the "grey
+hairs of his parents in sorrow to the grave." The poignant
+affliction which the infamous crimes of children bring upon their
+relatives ought to be one of the most effective persuasions for
+them to refrain from vice.</p>
+<p>Charles Gibbs was born in the state of Rhode Island, in 1794;
+his parents and connexions were of the first respectability. When
+at school, he was very apt to learn, but so refractory and sulky,
+that neither the birch nor good counsel made any impression on him,
+and he was expelled from the school.</p>
+<p>He was now made to labor on a farm; but having a great antipathy
+to work, when about fifteen years of age, feeling a great
+inclination to roam, and like too many unreflecting youths of that
+age, a great fondness for the sea, he in opposition to the friendly
+counsel of his parents, privately left them and entered on board
+the United States sloop-of-war, Hornet, and was in the action when
+she captured the British sloop-of-war Peacock, off the coast of
+Pernambuco. Upon the return of the Hornet to the United States, her
+brave commander, Capt. Lawrence, was promoted for his gallantry to
+the command of the unfortunate Chesapeake, and to which he was
+followed by young Gibbs, who took a very distinguished part in the
+engagement with the Shannon, which resulted in the death of
+Lawrence and the capture of the Chesapeake. Gibbs states that while
+on board the Chesapeake the crew previous to the action, were
+almost in a state of mutiny, growing out of the non payment of the
+prize money, and that the address of Capt. Lawrence was received by
+them with coldness and murmurs.</p>
+<p>After the engagement, Gibbs became with the survivors of the
+crew a prisoner of war, and as such was confined in Dartmoor prison
+until exchanged.</p>
+<p>After his exchange, he returned to Boston, where having
+determined to abandon the sea, he applied to his friends in Rhode
+Island, to assist him in commencing business; they accordingly lent
+him one thousand dollars as a capital to begin with. He opened a
+grocery in Ann Street, near what was then called the <i>Tin
+Pot</i>, a place full of abandoned women and dissolute fellows. As
+he dealt chiefly in liquor, and had a "<i>License to retail
+Spirits</i>," his drunkery was thronged with customers. But he sold
+his groceries chiefly to loose girls who paid him in their coin,
+which, although it answered his purpose, would neither buy him
+goods or pay his rent, and he found his stock rapidly dwindling
+away without his receiving any cash to replenish it. By dissipation
+and inattention his new business proved unsuccessful to him. He
+resolved to abandon it and again try the sea for a subsistence.
+With a hundred dollars in his pocket, the remnant of his property,
+he embarked in the ship John, for Buenos Ayres, and his means being
+exhausted soon after his arrival there, he entered on board a
+Buenos Ayrean privateer and sailed on a cruise. A quarrel between
+the officers and crew in regard to the division of prize money, led
+eventually to a mutiny; and the mutineers gained the ascendancy,
+took possession of the vessel, landed the crew on the coast of
+Florida, and steered for the West Indies, with hearts resolved to
+make their fortunes at all hazards, and where in a short time, more
+than twenty vessels were captured by them and nearly <i>Four
+Hundred Human Beings Murdered</i>!</p>
+<p>Havana was the resort of these pirates to dispose of their
+plunder; and Gibbs sauntered about this place with impunity and was
+acquainted in all the out of the way and bye places of that hot bed
+of pirates the Regla. He and his comrades even lodged in the very
+houses with many of the American officers who were sent out to take
+them. He was acquainted with many of the officers and was apprised
+of all their intended movements before they left the harbor. On one
+occasion, the American ship Caroline, was captured by two of their
+piratical vessels off Cape Antonio. They were busily engaged in
+landing the cargo, when the British sloop-of-war, Jearus, hove in
+sight and sent her barges to attack them. The pirates defended
+themselves for some time behind a small four gun battery which they
+had erected, but in the end were forced to abandon their own vessel
+and the prize and fly to the mountains for safety. The Jearus found
+here twelve vessels burnt to the water's edge, and it was
+satisfactorily ascertained that their crews, amounting to <i>one
+hundred and fifty persons had been murdered</i>. The crews, if it
+was thought not necessary otherways to dispose of them were sent
+adrift in their boats, and frequently without any thing on which
+they could subsist a single day; nor were all so fortunate thus to
+escape. "Dead men can tell no tales," was a common saying among
+them; and as soon as a ship's crew were taken, a short consultation
+was held; and if it was the opinion of a majority that it would be
+better to take life than to spare it, a single nod or wink from the
+captain was sufficient; regardless of age or sex, all entreaties
+for mercy were then made in vain; they possessed not the tender
+feelings, to be operated upon by the shrieks and expiring groans of
+the devoted victims! there was a strife among them, who with his
+own hands could despatch the greatest number, and in the shortest
+period of time.</p>
+<p>Without any other motives than to gratify their hellish
+propensities (in their intoxicated moments), blood was not
+unfrequently and unnecessarily shed, and many widows and orphans
+probably made, when the lives of the unfortunate victims might have
+been spared, and without the most distant prospect of any evil
+consequences (as regarded themselves), resulting therefrom.</p>
+<p>Gibbs states that sometime in the course of the year 1819, he
+left Havana and came to the United States, bringing with him about
+$30,000. He passed several weeks in the city of New York, and then
+went to Boston, whence he took passage for Liverpool in the ship
+Emerald. Before he sailed, however, he has squandered a large part
+of his money by dissipation and gambling. He remained in Liverpool
+a few months, and then returned to Boston. His residence in
+Liverpool at that time is satisfactorily ascertained from another
+source besides his own confession. A female now in New York was
+well acquainted with him there, where, she says, he lived like a
+gentleman, with apparently abundant means of support. In speaking
+of his acquaintance with this female he says, "I fell in with a
+woman, who I thought was all virtue, but she deceived me, and I am
+sorry to say that a heart that never felt abashed at scenes of
+carnage and blood, was made a child of for a time by her, and I
+gave way to dissipation to drown the torment. How often when the
+fumes of liquor have subsided, have I thought of my good and
+affectionate parents, and of their Godlike advice! But when the
+little monitor began to move within me, I immediately seized the
+cup to hide myself from myself, and drank until the sense of
+intoxication was renewed. My friends advised me to behave myself
+like a man, and promised me their assistance, but the demon still
+haunted me, and I spurned their advice."</p>
+<p>In 1826, he revisited the United States, and hearing of the war
+between Brazil and the Republic of Buenos Ayres, sailed from Boston
+in the brig Hitty, of Portsmouth, with a determination, as he
+states, of trying his fortune in defence of a republican
+government. Upon his arrival he made himself known to Admiral
+Brown, and communicated his desire to join their navy. The admiral
+accompanied him to the Governor, and a Lieutenant's commission
+being given him, he joined a ship of 34 guns, called the 'Twenty
+Fifth of May.' "Here," says Gibbs, "I found Lieutenant Dodge, an
+old acquaintance, and a number of other persons with whom I had
+sailed. When the Governor gave me the commission he told me they
+wanted no cowards in their navy, to which I replied that I thought
+he would have no apprehension of my cowardice or skill when he
+became acquainted with me. He thanked me, and said he hoped he
+should not be deceived; upon which we drank to his health and to
+the success of the Republic. He then presented me with a sword, and
+told me to wear that as my companion through the doubtful struggle
+in which the republic was engaged. I told him I never would
+disgrace it, so long as I had a nerve in my arm. I remained on
+board the ship in the capacity of 5th Lieutenant, for about four
+months, during which time we had a number of skirmishes with the
+enemy. Having succeeded in gaining the confidence of Admiral Brown,
+he put me in command of a privateer schooner, mounting two long 24
+pounders and 46 men. I sailed from Buenos Ayres, made two good
+cruises, and returned safely to port. I then bought one half of a
+new Baltimore schooner, and sailed again, but was captured seven
+days out, and carried into Rio Janeiro, where the Brazilians paid
+me my change. I remained there until peace took place, then
+returned to Buenos Ayres, and thence to New York.</p>
+<p>"After the lapse of about a year, which I passed in travelling
+from place to place, the war between France and Algiers attracted
+my attention. Knowing that the French commerce presented a fine
+opportunity for plunder, I determined to embark for Algiers and
+offer my services to the Dey. I accordingly took passage from New
+York, in the Sally Ann, belonging to Bath, landed at Barcelona,
+crossed to Port Mahon, and endeavored to make my way to Algiers.
+The vigilance of the French fleet prevented the accomplishment of
+my design, and I proceeded to Tunis. There finding it unsafe to
+attempt a journey to Algiers across the desert, I amused myself
+with contemplating the ruins of Carthage, and reviving my
+recollections of her war with the Romans. I afterwards took passage
+to Marseilles, and thence to Boston."</p>
+<p>An instance of the most barbarous and cold blooded murder of
+which the wretched Gibbs gives an account in the course of his
+confessions, is that of an innocent and beautiful female of about
+17 or 18 years of age! she was with her parents a passenger on
+board a Dutch ship, bound from Curracoa to Holland; there were a
+number of other passengers, male and female, on board, all of whom
+except the young lady above-mentioned were put to death; her
+unfortunate parents were inhumanly butchered before her eyes, and
+she was doomed to witness the agonies and to hear the expiring,
+heart-piercing groans of those whom she held most dear, and on whom
+she depended for protection! The life of their wretched daughter
+was spared for the most nefarious purposes--she was taken by the
+pirates to the west end of Cuba, where they had a rendezvous, with
+a small fort that mounted four guns--here she was confined about
+two months, and where, as has been said by the murderer Gibbs, "she
+received such treatment, the bare recollection of which causes me
+to shudder!" At the expiration of the two months she was taken by
+the pirates on board of one of their vessels, and among whom a
+consultation was soon after held, which resulted in the conclusion
+that it would be necessary for their own personal safety, to put
+her to death! and to her a fatal dose of poison was accordingly
+administered, which soon proved fatal! when her pure and immortal
+spirit took its flight to that God, whom, we believe, will avenge
+her wrongs! her lifeless body was then committed to the deep by two
+of the merciless wretches with as much unconcern, as if it had been
+that of the meanest brute! Gibbs persists in the declaration that
+in this horrid transaction he took no part, that such was his pity
+for this poor ill-fated female, that he interceded for her life so
+long as he could do it with safety to his own!</p>
+<center><img src="./images/118.jpg" alt=
+"Gibbs carrying the Dutch Girl on board his Vessel" height="486"
+width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>Gibbs carrying the Dutch Girl on board his Vessel.</i></h4>
+Gibbs in his last visit to Boston remained there but a few days,
+when he took passage to New Orleans, and there entered as one of
+the crew on board the brig Vineyard; and for assisting in the
+murder of the unfortunate captain and mate of which, he was justly
+condemned, and the awful sentence of death passed upon him! The
+particulars of the bloody transaction (agreeable to the testimony
+of Dawes and Brownrigg, the two principal witnesses,) are as
+follows: The brig Vineyard, Capt. William Thornby, sailed from New
+Orleans about the 9th of November, for Philadelphia, with a cargo
+of 112 bales of cotton, 113 hhds. sugar, 54 casks of molasses and
+54,000 dollars in specie. Besides the captain there were on board
+the brig, William Roberts, mate, six seamen shipped at New Orleans,
+and the cook. Robert Dawes, one of the crew, states on examination,
+that when, about five days out, he was told that there was money on
+board, Charles Gibbs, E. Church and the steward then determined to
+take possession of the brig. They asked James Talbot, another of
+the crew, to join them. He said no, as he did not believe there was
+money in the vessel. They concluded to kill the captain and mate,
+and if Talbot and John Brownrigg would not join them, to kill them
+also. The next night they talked of doing it, and got their clubs
+ready. Dawes dared not say a word, as they declared they would kill
+him if he did; as they did not agree about killing Talbot and
+Brownrigg, two shipmates, it was put off. They next concluded to
+kill the captain and mate on the night of November 22, but did not
+get ready; but, on the night of the 23d, between twelve and one
+o'clock, as Dawes was at the helm, saw the steward come up with a
+light and a knife in his hand; he dropt the light and seizing the
+pump break, struck the captain with it over the head or back of the
+neck; the captain was sent forward by the blow, and halloed, oh!
+and murder! once; he was then seized by Gibbs and the cook, one by
+the head and the other by the heels, and thrown overboard. Atwell
+and Church stood at the companion way, to strike down the mate when
+he should come up. As he came up and enquired what was the matter
+they struck him over the head--he ran back into the cabin, and
+Charles Gibbs followed him down; but as it was dark, he could not
+find him--Gibbs came on deck for the light, with which he returned.
+Dawes' light being taken from him, he could not see to steer, and
+he in consequence left the helm, to see what was going on below.
+Gibbs found the mate and seized him, while Atwell and Church came
+down and struck him with a pump break and a club; he was then
+dragged upon deck; they called for Dawes to come to them, and as he
+came up the mate seized his hand, and gave him a death gripe! three
+of them then hove him overboard, but which three Dawes does not
+know; the mate when cast overboard was not dead, but called after
+them twice while in the water! Dawes says he was so frightened that
+he hardly knew what to do. They then requested him to call Talbot,
+who was in the forecastle, saying his prayers; he came up and said
+it would be his turn next! but they gave him some grog, and told
+him not to be afraid, as they would not hurt him; if he was true to
+them, he should fare as well as they did. One of those who had been
+engaged in the bloody deed got drunk, and another became crazy!
+<center><img src="./images/120.jpg" alt="Gibbs shooting a comrade"
+height="363" width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>Gibbs shooting a comrade.</i></h4>
+After killing the captain and mate, they set about overhauling the
+vessel, and got up one keg of Mexican dollars. They then divided
+the captain's clothes, and money--about 40 dollars, and a gold
+watch. Dawes, Talbot and Brownrigg, (who were all innocent of the
+murder,) were obliged to do as they were commanded--the former, who
+was placed at the helm, was ordered to steer for Long Island. On
+the day following, they divided several kegs of the specie,
+amounting to five thousand dollars each--they made bags and sewed
+the money up. After this division, they divided the remainder of
+the money without counting it. On Sunday, when about 15 miles
+S.S.E. of Southampton Light, they got the boats out and put half
+the money in each--they then scuttled the vessel and set fire to it
+in the cabin, and took to the boats. Gibbs, after the murder, took
+charge of the vessel as captain. From the papers they learnt that
+the money belonged to Stephen Girard. With the boats they made the
+land about daylight. Dawes and his three companions were in the
+long boat; the others, with Atwell, were in the jolly boat--on
+coming to the bar the boats struck--in the long boat, they threw
+overboard a trunk of clothes and a great deal of money, in all
+about 5000 dollars--the jolly boat foundered; they saw the boat
+fill, and heard them cry out, and saw them clinging to the
+masts--they went ashore on Barron Island, and buried the money in
+the sand, but very lightly. Soon after they met with a gunner, whom
+they requested to conduct them where they could get some
+refreshments. They were by him conducted to Johnson's (the only man
+living on the island,) where they staid all night--Dawes went to
+bed at about 10 o'clock--Jack Brownrigg set up with Johnson, and in
+the morning told Dawes that he had told Johnson all about the
+murder. Johnson went in the morning with the steward for the
+clothes, which were left on the top of the place where they buried
+the money, but does not believe they took away the money.
+<center><img src="./images/122.jpg" alt=
+"Captain Thornby murdered and thrown overboard by Gibbs and the steward"
+     height="373" width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>Captain Thornby murdered and thrown overboard by Gibbs and
+the steward.</i></h4>
+The prisoners, (Gibbs and Wansley,) were brought to trial at the
+February term of the United States Court, holden in the city of New
+York; when the foregoing facts being satisfactorily proved, they
+were pronounced guilty, and on the 11th March last, the awful
+sentence of the law was passed upon them in the following affecting
+and impressive manner:--The Court opened at 11 o'clock, Judge Betts
+presiding. A few minutes after that hour, Mr. Hamilton, District
+Attorney, rose and said--May it please the Court, Thomas J.
+Wansley, the prisoner at the bar, having been tried by a jury of
+his country, and found guilty of the murder of Captain Thornby, I
+now move that the sentence of the Court be pronounced upon that
+verdict.
+<center><img src="./images/124.jpg" alt=
+"Gibbs and Wansley burying the Money" height="497" width=
+"600"></center>
+<h4><i>Gibbs and Wansley burying the Money.</i></h4>
+<i>By the Court</i>. Thomas J. Wansley, you have heard what has
+been said by the District Attorney--by the Grand Jury of the South
+District of New York, you have been arraigned for the wilful murder
+of Captain Thornby, of the brig Vineyard; you have been put upon
+your trial, and after a patient and impartial hearing, you have
+been found Guilty. The public prosecutor now moves for judgment on
+that verdict; have you any thing to say, why the sentence of the
+law should not be passed upon you?
+<p><i>Thomas J. Wansley</i>. I will say a few words, but it is
+perhaps of no use. I have often understood that there is a great
+deal of difference in respect of color, and I have seen it in this
+Court. Dawes and Brownrigg were as guilty as I am, and these
+witnesses have tried to fasten upon me greater guilt than is just,
+for their life has been given to them. You have taken the blacks
+from their own country, to bring them here to treat them ill. I
+have seen this. The witnesses, the jury, and the prosecuting
+Attorney consider me more guilty than Dawes, to condemn me--for
+otherwise the law must have punished him; he should have had the
+same verdict, for he was a perpetrator in the conspiracy.
+Notwithstanding my participating, they have sworn falsely for the
+purpose of taking my life; they would not even inform the Court,
+how I gave information of money being on board; they had the
+biggest part of the money, and have sworn falsely. I have said
+enough. I will say no more.</p>
+<p><i>By the Court</i>. The Court will wait patiently and hear all
+you have to say; if you have any thing further to add, proceed.</p>
+<p><i>Wansley</i> then proceeded. In the first place, I was the
+first to ship on board the Vineyard at New Orleans, I knew nobody;
+I saw the money come on board. The judge that first examined me,
+did not take my deposition down correctly. When talking with the
+crew on board, said the brig was an old craft, and when we arrived
+at Philadelphia, we all agreed to leave her. It was mentioned to me
+that there was plenty of money on board. Henry Atwell said "let's
+have it." I knew no more of this for some days. Atwell came to me
+again and asked "what think you of taking the money." I thought it
+was a joke, and paid no attention to it. The next day he said they
+had determined to take the brig and money, and that they were the
+strongest party, and would murder the officers, and he that
+informed should suffer with them. I knew Church in Boston, and in a
+joke asked him how it was made up in the ship's company; his reply,
+that it was he and Dawes. There was no arms on board as was
+ascertained; the conspiracy was known to the whole company, and had
+I informed, my life would have been taken, and though I knew if I
+was found out my life would be taken by law, which is the same
+thing, so I did not inform. I have committed murder and I know I
+must die for it.</p>
+<p><i>By the Court</i>. If you wish to add any thing further you
+will still be heard.</p>
+<p><i>Wansley</i>. No sir, I believe I have said enough.</p>
+<p>The District Attorney rose and moved for judgment on Gibbs, in
+the same manner as in the case of Wansley, and the Court having
+addressed Gibbs, in similar terms, concluded by asking what he had
+to say why the sentence of the law should not now be passed upon
+him.</p>
+<p><i>Charles Gibbs</i> said, I wish to state to the Court, how far
+I am guilty and how far I am innocent in this transaction. When I
+left New Orleans, I was a stranger to all on board, except Dawes
+and Church. It was off Tortugas that Atwell first told me there was
+money on board, and proposed to me to take possession of the brig.
+I refused at that time. The conspiracy was talked of for some days,
+and at last I agreed that I would join. Brownrigg, Dawes, Church,
+and the whole agreed that they would. A few days after, however,
+having thought of the affair, I mentioned to Atwell, what a
+dreadful thing it was to take a man's life, and commit piracy, and
+recommended him to "abolish," their plan. Atwell and Dawes
+remonstrated with me; I told Atwell that if ever he would speak of
+the subject again, I would break his nose. Had I kept to my
+resolution I would not have been brought here to receive my
+sentence. It was three days afterwards that the murder was
+committed. Brownrigg agreed to call up the captain from the cabin,
+and this man, (pointing to Wansley,) agreed to strike the first
+blow. The captain was struck and I suppose killed, and I lent a
+hand to throw him overboard. But for the murder of the mate, of
+which I have been found guilty, I am innocent--I had nothing to do
+with that. The mate was murdered by Dawes and Church; that I am
+innocent of this I commit my soul to that God who will judge all
+flesh--who will judge all murderers and false swearers, and the
+wicked who deprive the innocent of his right. I have nothing more
+to say.</p>
+<p><i>By the Court</i>. Thomas J. Wansley and Charles Gibbs, the
+Court has listened to you patiently and attentively; and although
+you have said something in your own behalf, yet the Court has heard
+nothing to affect the deepest and most painful duty that he who
+presides over a public tribunal has to perform.</p>
+<p>You, Thomas J. Wansley, conceive that a different measure of
+justice has been meted out to you, because of your color. Look back
+upon your whole course of life; think of the laws under which you
+have lived, and you will find that to white or black, to free or
+bond, there is no ground for your allegations; that they are not
+supported by truth or justice. Admit that Brownrigg and Dawes have
+sworn falsely; admit that Dawes was concerned with you; admit that
+Brownrigg is not innocent; admit, in relation to both, that they
+are guilty, the whole evidence has proved beyond a doubt that you
+are guilty; and your own words admit that you were an active agent
+in perpetrating this horrid crime. Two fellow beings who confided
+in you, and in their perilous voyage called in your assistance, yet
+you, without reason or provocation, have maliciously taken their
+lives.</p>
+<p>If, peradventure, there was the slightest foundation for a doubt
+of your guilt, in the mind of the Court, judgment would be
+arrested, but there is none; and it now remains to the Court to
+pronounce the most painful duty that devolves upon a civil
+magistrate. The Court is persuaded of your guilt; it can form no
+other opinion. Testimony has been heard before the Court and
+Jury--from that we must form our opinion. We must proceed upon
+testimony, ascertain facts by evidence of witnesses, on which we
+must inquire, judge and determine as to guilt or innocence, by that
+evidence alone. You have been found guilty. You now stand for the
+last time before an earthly tribunal, and by your own
+acknowledgments, the sentence of the law falls just on your heads.
+When men in ordinary cases come under the penalty of the law there
+is generally some palliative--something to warm the sympathy of the
+Court and Jury. Men may be led astray, and under the influence of
+passion have acted under some long smothered resentment, suddenly
+awakened by the force of circumstances, depriving him of reason,
+and then they may take the life of a fellow being. Killing, under
+that kind of excitement, might possibly awaken some sympathy, but
+that was not your case; you had no provocation. What offence had
+Thornby or Roberts committed against you? They entrusted themselves
+with you, as able and trustworthy citizens; confiding implicitly in
+you; no one act of theirs, after a full examination, appears to
+have been offensive to you; yet for the purpose of securing the
+money you coolly determined to take their lives--you slept and
+deliberated over the act; you were tempted on, and yielded; you
+entered into the conspiracy, with cool and determined calculation
+to deprive two human beings of their lives, and it was done.</p>
+<p>You, Charles Gibbs, have said that you are not guilty of the
+murder of Roberts; but were you not there, strongly instigating the
+murderers on, and without stretching out a hand to save him?--It is
+murder as much to stand by and encourage the deed, as to stab with
+a knife, strike with a hatchet, or shoot with a pistol. It is not
+only murder in law, but in your own feelings and in your own
+conscience. Notwithstanding all this, I cannot believe that your
+feelings are so callous, so wholly callous, that your own minds do
+not melt when you look back upon the unprovoked deeds of
+yourselves, and those confederated with you.</p>
+<p>You are American citizens--this country affords means of
+instruction to all: your appearance and your remarks have added
+evidence that you are more than ordinarily intelligent; that your
+education has enabled you to participate in the advantages of
+information open to all classes. The Court will believe that when
+you were young you looked with strong aversion on the course of
+life of the wicked. In early life, in boyhood, when you heard of
+the conduct of men, who engaged in robbery--nay more, when you
+heard of cold blooded murder--how you must have shrunk from the
+recital. Yet now, after having participated in the advantages of
+education, after having arrived at full maturity, you stand here as
+robbers and murderers.</p>
+<p>It is a perilous employment of life that you have followed; in
+this way of life the most enormous crimes that man can commit, are
+MURDER AND PIRACY. With what detestation would you in early life
+have looked upon the man who would have raised his hand against his
+officer, or have committed piracy! yet now you both stand here
+murderers and pirates, tried and found guilty--you Wansley of the
+murder of your Captain, and you, Gibbs, of the murder of your Mate.
+The evidence has convicted you of rising in mutiny against the
+master of the vessel, for that alone, the law is DEATH!--of murder
+and robbery on the high seas, for that crime, the law adjudges
+DEATH--of destroying the vessel and embezzling the cargo, even for
+scuttling and burning the vessel alone the law is DEATH; yet of all
+these the evidence has convicted you, and it only remains now for
+the Court to pass the sentence of the law. It is, that you, Thomas
+J. Wansley and Charles Gibbs be taken hence to the place of
+confinement, there to remain in close custody, that thence you be
+taken to the place of execution, and on the 22d April next, between
+the hours of 10 and 4 o'clock, you be both publicly hanged by the
+neck until you are DEAD--and that your bodies be given to the
+College of Physicians and Surgeons for dissection.</p>
+<p>The Court added, that the only thing discretionary with it, was
+the time of execution; it might have ordered that you should
+instantly have been taken from the stand to the scaffold, but the
+sentence has been deferred to as distant a period as prudent--six
+weeks. But this time has not been granted for the purpose of giving
+you any hope for pardon or commutation of the sentence;--just as
+sure as you live till the twenty-second of April, as surely you
+will suffer death--therefore indulge not a hope that this sentence
+will be changed!</p>
+<p>The Court then spoke of the terror in all men of death!--how
+they cling to life whether in youth, manhood or old age. What an
+awful thing it is to die! how in the perils of the sea, when rocks
+or storms threaten the loss of the vessel, and the lives of all on
+board, how the crew will labor, night and day, in the hope of
+escaping shipwreck and death! alluded to the tumult, bustle and
+confusion of battle--yet even there the hero clings to life. The
+Court adverted not only to the certainty of their coming doom on
+earth, but to THINK OF HEREAFTER--that they should seriously think
+and reflect of their FUTURE STATE! that they would be assisted in
+their devotions no doubt, by many pious men.</p>
+<p>When the Court closed, Charles Gibbs asked, if during his
+imprisonment, his friends would be permitted to see him. The Court
+answered that that lay with the Marshal, who then said that no
+difficulty would exist on that score. The remarks of the Prisoners
+were delivered in a strong, full-toned and unwavering voice, and
+they both seemed perfectly resigned to the fate which inevitably
+awaited them. While Judge Betts was delivering his address to them,
+Wansley was deeply affected and shed tears--but Gibbs gazed with a
+steady and unwavering eye, and no sign betrayed the least emotion
+of his heart. After his condemnation, and during his confinement,
+his frame became somewhat enfeebled, his face paler, and his eyes
+more sunken; but the air of his bold, enterprising and desperate
+mind still remained. In his narrow cell, he seemed more like an
+object of pity than vengeance--was affable and communicative, and
+when he smiled, exhibited so mild and gentle a countenance, that no
+one would take him to be a villain. His conversation was concise
+and pertinent, and his style of illustration quite original.</p>
+<p>Gibbs was married in Buenos Ayres, where he has a child now
+living. His wife is dead. By a singular concurrence of
+circumstances, the woman with whom he became acquainted in
+Liverpool, and who is said at that time to have borne a decent
+character, was lodged in the same prison with himself. During his
+confinement he wrote her two letters--one of them is subjoined, to
+gratify the perhaps innocent curiosity which is naturally felt to
+know the peculiarities of a man's mind and feelings under such
+circumstances, and not for the purpose of intimating a belief that
+he was truly penitent. The reader will be surprised with the
+apparent readiness with which he made quotations from
+Scripture.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<p>"BELLEVUE PRISON, March 20, 1831.</p>
+<p>"It is with regret that I take my pen in hand to address you with
+these few lines, under the great embarrassment of my feelings
+placed within these gloomy walls, my body bound with chains, and
+under the awful sentence of death! It is enough to throw the
+strongest mind into gloomy prospects! but I find that Jesus Christ
+is sufficient to give consolation to the most despairing soul. For
+he saith, that he that cometh to me I will in no ways cast out. But
+it is impossible to describe unto you the horror of my feelings. My
+breast is like the tempestuous ocean, raging in its own shame,
+harrowing up the bottom of my soul! But I look forward to that
+serene calm when I shall sleep with Kings and Counsellors of the
+earth. There the wicked cease from troubling, and there the weary
+are at rest!--There the prisoners rest together--they hear not the
+voice of the oppressor; and I trust that there my breast will not
+be ruffled by the storm of sin--for the thing which I greatly
+feared has come upon me. I was not in safety, neither had I rest;
+yet trouble came. It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth to him
+good. When I saw you in Liverpool, and a peaceful calm wafted
+across both our breasts, and justice no claim upon us, little did I
+think to meet you in the gloomy walls of a strong prison, and the
+arm of justice stretched out with the sword of law, awaiting the
+appointed period to execute the dreadful sentence. I have had a
+fair prospect in the world, at last it budded, and brought forth
+the gallows. I am shortly to mount that scaffold, and to bid adieu
+to this world, and all that was ever dear to my breast. But I trust
+when my body is mounted on the gallows high, the heavens above will
+smile and pity me. I hope that you will reflect on your past, and
+fly to that Jesus who stands with open arms to receive you. Your
+character is lost, it is true. When the wicked turneth from the
+wickedness that they have committed, they shall save their soul
+alive.</p>
+<p>"Let us imagine for a moment that we see the souls standing
+before the awful tribunal, and we hear its dreadful sentence,
+depart ye cursed into everlasting fire. Imagine you hear the awful
+lamentations of a soul in hell. It would be enough to melt your
+heart, if it was as hard as adamant. You would fall upon your knees
+and plead for God's mercy, as a famished person would for food, or
+as a dying criminal would for a pardon. We soon, very soon, must go
+the way whence we shall ne'er return. Our names will be struck off
+the records of the living, and enrolled in the vast catalogues of
+the dead. But may it ne'er be numbered with the damned.--I hope it
+will please God to set you at your liberty, and that you may see
+the sins and follies of your life past. I shall now close my letter
+with a few words which I hope you will receive as from a dying man;
+and I hope that every important truth of this letter may sink deep
+in your heart, and be a lesson to you through life.</p>
+<p>"Rising griefs distress my soul,<br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And tears on tears successive
+roll--</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">For many an evil voice is
+near,</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">To chide my woes and mock my
+fear--</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And silent memory weeps
+alone,</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">O'er hours of peace and gladness
+known.</span></p>
+<p>"I still remain your sincere friend, CHARLES GIBBS."<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<p>In another letter which the wretched Gibbs wrote after his
+condemnation to one who had been his early friend, he writes as
+follows:--"Alas! it is now, and not until now, that I have become
+sensible of my wicked life, from my childhood, and the enormity of
+the crime, for which I must shortly suffer an ignominious death!--I
+would to God that I never had been born, or that I had died in my
+infancy!--the hour of reflection has indeed come, but come too late
+to prevent justice from cutting me off--my mind recoils with horror
+at the thoughts of the unnatural deeds of which I have been
+guilty!--my repose rather prevents than affords me relief, as my
+mind, while I slumber, is constantly disturbed by frightful dreams
+of my approaching awful dissolution!"</p>
+<p>On Friday, April twenty-second, Gibbs and Wansley paid the
+penalty of their crimes. Both prisoners arrived at the gallows
+about twelve o'clock, accompanied by the marshal, his aids, and
+some twenty or thirty United States' marines. Two clergymen
+attended them to the fatal spot, where everything being in
+readiness, and the ropes adjusted about their necks, the Throne of
+Mercy was fervently addressed in their behalf. Wansley then prayed
+earnestly himself, and afterwards joined in singing a hymn. These
+exercises concluded, Gibbs addressed the spectators nearly as
+follows:<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<p>MY DEAR FRIENDS,</p>
+<p>My crimes have been heinous--and although I am now about to
+suffer for the murder of Mr. Roberts, I solemnly declare my
+innocence of the transaction. It is true, I stood by and saw the
+fatal deed done, and stretched not forth my arm to save him; the
+technicalities of the law believe me guilty of the charge--but in
+the presence of my God--before whom I shall be in a few minutes--I
+declare I did not murder him.</p>
+<p>I have made a full and frank confession to Mr. Hopson, which
+probably most of my hearers present have already read; and should
+any of the friends of those whom I have been accessary to, or
+engaged in the murder of, be now present, before my Maker I beg
+their forgiveness--it is the only boon I ask--and as I hope for
+pardon through the blood of Christ, surely this request will not be
+withheld by man, to a worm like myself, standing as I do, on the
+very verge of eternity! Another moment, and I cease to exist--and
+could I find in my bosom room to imagine that the spectators now
+assembled had forgiven me, the scaffold would have no terrors, nor
+could the precept which my much respected friend, the marshal of
+the district, is about to execute. Let me then, in this public
+manner, return my sincere thanks to him, for his kind and
+gentlemanly deportment during my confinement. He was to me like a
+father, and his humanity to a dying man I hope will be duly
+appreciated by an enlightened community.</p>
+<p>My first crime was <i>piracy</i>, for which my <i>life</i> would
+pay for forfeit on conviction; no punishment could be inflicted on
+me further than that, and therefore I had nothing to fear but
+detection, for had my offences been millions of times more
+aggravated than they are now, <i>death</i> must have satisfied
+all.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<p>Gibbs having concluded, Wansley began. He said he might be
+called a pirate, a robber, and a murderer, and he was all of these,
+but he hoped and trusted God would, through Christ, wash away his
+aggravated crimes and offences, and not cast him entirely out. His
+feelings, he said, were so overpowered that he hardly knew how to
+address those about him, but he frankly admitted the justness of
+the sentence, and concluded by declaring that he had no hope of
+pardon except through the atoning blood of his Redeemer, and wished
+that his sad fate might teach others to shun the broad road to
+ruin, and travel in that of virtue, which would lead to honor and
+happiness in this world, and an immortal crown of glory in that to
+come.</p>
+<p>He then shook hands with Gibbs, the officers, and
+clergymen--their caps were drawn over their faces, a handkerchief
+dropped by Gibbs as a signal to the executioner caused the cord to
+be severed, and in an instant they were suspended in air. Wansley
+folded his hands before him, soon died with very trifling
+struggles. Gibbs died hard; before he was run up, and did not again
+remove them, but after being near two minutes suspended, he raised
+his right hand and partially removed his cap, and in the course of
+another minute, raised the same hand to his mouth. His dress was a
+blue round-about jacket and trousers, with a foul anchor in white
+on his right arm. Wansley wore a white frock coat, trimmed with
+black, with trousers of the same color.</p>
+<p>After the bodies had remained on the gallows the usual time,
+they were taken down and given to the surgeons for dissection.</p>
+<p>Gibbs was rather below the middle stature, thick set and
+powerful. The form of Wansley was a perfect model of manly
+beauty.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/136.jpg" alt="Page 136 Illustration"
+height="361" width="400"></center>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name=
+"HISTORY_OF_THE_ADVENTURES_CAPTURE_AND_EXECUTION_OF_THE_SPANISH"></a>
+<h2>HISTORY OF THE ADVENTURES, CAPTURE AND EXECUTION OF THE SPANISH
+PIRATES.</h2>
+In the Autumn of 1832, there was anchored in the "Man of War
+Grounds," off the Havana, a clipper-built vessel of the fairest
+proportions; she had great length and breadth of beam, furnishing
+stability to bear a large surface of sail, and great depth to take
+hold of the water and prevent drifting; long, low in the waist,
+with lofty raking masts, which tapered away till they were almost
+too fine to be distinguished, the beautiful arrowy sharpness of her
+bow, and the fineness of her gradually receding quarters, showed a
+model capable of the greatest speed in sailing. Her low sides were
+painted black, with one small, narrow ribband of white. Her raking
+masts were clean scraped, her ropes were hauled taught, and in
+every point she wore the appearance of being under the control of
+seamanship and strict discipline. Upon going on board, one would be
+struck with surprise at the deception relative to the tonnage of
+the schooner, when viewed at a distance. Instead of a small vessel
+of about ninety tons, we discover that she is upwards of two
+hundred; that her breadth of beam is enormous; and that those spars
+which appeared so light and elegant, are of unexpected dimensions.
+In the centre of the vessel, between the fore and main masts, there
+is a long brass thirty-two pounder, fixed upon a carriage revolving
+in a circle, and so arranged that in bad weather it can be lowered
+down and housed; while on each side of the deck were mounted guns
+of smaller calibre.
+<p>This vessel was fashioned, at the will of avarice, for the aid
+of cruelty and injustice; it was an African slaver--the schooner
+Panda. She was commanded by Don Pedro Gilbert, a native of
+Catalonia, in Spain, and son of a grandee; a man thirty-six years
+of age, and exceeding handsome, having a round face, pearly teeth,
+round forehead, and full black eyes, with beautiful raven hair, and
+a great favorite with the ladies. He united great energy, coolness
+and decision, with superior knowledge in mercantile transactions,
+and the Guinea trade; having made several voyages after slaves. The
+mate and owner of the Panda was Don Bernardo De Soto, a native of
+Corunna, Spain, and son, of Isidore De Soto, manager of the royal
+revenue in said city; he was now twenty-five years of age, and from
+the time he was fourteen had cultivated the art of navigation, and
+at the age of twenty-two had obtained the degree of captain in the
+India service. After a regular examination the correspondent
+diploma was awarded him. He was married to Donna Petrona Pereyra,
+daughter of Don Benito Pereyra, a merchant of Corunna. She was at
+this time just fifteen, and ripening into that slight fullness of
+form, and roundness of limb, which in that climate mark the early
+passing from girl into woman. Her complexion was the dark olive
+tinge of Spain; her eyes jet black, large and lustrous. She had
+great sweetness of disposition and ingenuousness.</p>
+<p>To the strictest discipline De Soto united the practical
+knowledge of a thorough seaman. But "the master spirit of the
+whole," was Francisco Ruiz, the carpenter of the Panda. This
+individual was of the middle size, but muscular, with a short neck.
+His hair was black and abundant, and projected from his forehead,
+so that he appeared to look out from under it, like a bonnet. His
+eyes were dark chestnut, but always restless; his features were
+well defined; his eye-lashes, jet black. He was familiar with all
+the out-of-the-way places of the Havana, and entered into any of
+the dark abodes without ceremony. From report his had been a wild
+and lawless career. The crew were chiefly Spaniards, with a few
+Portuguese, South Americans, and half castes. The cook was a young
+Guinea negro, with a pleasant countenance, and good humored, with a
+sleek glossy skin, and tatooed on the face; and although entered in
+the schooner's books as free, yet was a slave. In all there were
+about forty men. Her cargo was an assorted one, consisting in part
+of barrels of rum, and gunpowder, muskets, cloth, and numerous
+articles, with which to purchase slaves.</p>
+<p>The Panda sailed from the Havana on the night of the 20th of
+August; and upon passing the Moro Castle, she was hailed, and
+asked, "where bound?" She replied, St. Thomas. The schooner now
+steered through the Bahama channel, on the usual route towards the
+coast of Guinea; a man was constantly kept at the mast head, on the
+lookout; they spoke a corvette, and on the morning of the 20th
+Sept., before light, and during the second mate's watch, a brig was
+discovered heading to the southward. Capt. Gilbert was asleep at
+the time, but got up shortly after she was seen, and ordered the
+Panda to go about and stand for the brig. A consultation was held
+between the captain, mate and carpenter, when the latter proposed
+to board her, and if she had any specie to rob her, confine the men
+below, and burn her. This proposition was instantly acceded to, and
+a musket was fired to make her heave to.</p>
+<p>This vessel was the American brig Mexican, Capt. Butman. She had
+left the pleasant harbor of Salem, Mass., on the last Wednesday of
+August, and was quietly pursuing her voyage towards Rio Janeiro.
+Nothing remarkable had happened on board, says Captain B., until
+half past two o'clock, in the morning of September 20th, in lat.
+38, 0, N., lon. 24, 30, W. The attention of the watch on deck was
+forcibly arrested by the appearance of a vessel which passed across
+our stern about half a mile from us. At 4 A.M. saw her again
+passing across our bow, so near that we could perceive that it was
+a schooner with a fore top sail and top gallant sail. As it was
+somewhat dark she was soon out of sight. At daylight saw her about
+five miles off the weather quarter standing on the wind on the same
+tack we were on, the wind was light at SSW and we were standing
+about S.E. At 8 A.M. she was about two miles right to windward of
+us; could perceive a large number of men upon her deck, and one man
+on the fore top gallant yard looking out; was very suspicious of
+her, but knew not how to avoid her. Soon after saw a brig on our
+weather bow steering to the N.E. By this time the schooner was
+about three miles from us and four points forward of the beam.
+Expecting that she would keep on for the brig ahead of us, we
+tacked to the westward, keeping a little off from the wind to make
+good way through the water, to get clear of her if possible. She
+kept on to the eastward about ten or fifteen minutes after we had
+tacked, then wore round, set square sail, steering directly for us,
+came down upon us very fast, and was soon within gun shot of us,
+fired a gun and hoisted patriot colors and backed main topsail. She
+ran along to windward of us, hailed us to know where we were from,
+where bound, &amp;c. then ordered me to come on board in my boat.
+Seeing that she was too powerful for us to resist, I accordingly
+went, and soon as I got along-side of the schooner, five ruffians
+instantly jumped into my boat, each of them being armed with a
+large knife, and told me to go on board the brig again; when they
+got on board they insisted that we had got money, and drew their
+knives, threatening us with instant death and demanding to know
+where it was. As soon as they found out where it was they obliged
+my crew to get it up out of the run upon deck, beating and
+threatening them at the same time because they did not do it
+quicker. When they had got it all upon deck, and hailed the
+schooner, they got out their launch and came and took it on board
+the schooner, viz: ten boxes containing twenty thousand dollars;
+then returned to the brig again, drove all the crew into the
+forecastle, ransacked the cabin, overhauling all the chests,
+trunks, &amp;c. and rifled my pockets, taking my watch, and three
+doubloons which I had previously put there for safety; robbed the
+mate of his watch and two hundred dollars in specie, still
+insisting that there was more money in the hold. Being answered in
+the negative, they beat me severely over the back, said they knew
+that there was more, that they should search for it, and if they
+found any they would cut all our throats. They continued searching
+about in every part of the vessel for some time longer, but not
+finding any more specie, they took two coils of rigging, a side of
+leather, and some other articles, and went on board the schooner,
+probably to consult what to do with us; for, in eight or ten
+minutes they came back, apparently in great haste, shut us all
+below, fastened up the companion way, fore-scuttle and after
+hatchway, stove our compasses to pieces in the binnacles, cut away
+tiller-ropes, halliards, braces, and most of our running rigging,
+cut our sails to pieces badly; took a tub of tarred rope-yarn and
+what combustibles they could find about deck, put them in the
+caboose house and set them on fire; then left us, taking with them
+our boat and colors. When they got alongside of the schooner they
+scuttled our boat, took in their own, and made sail, steering to
+the eastward.</p>
+<p>As soon as they left us, we got up out of the cabin scuttle,
+which they had neglected to secure, and extinguished the fire,
+which if it had been left a few minutes, would have caught the
+mainsail and set our masts on fire. Soon after we saw a ship to
+leeward of us steering to the S.E. the schooner being in pursuit of
+her did not overtake her whilst she was in sight of us.</p>
+<p>It was doubtless their intention to burn us up altogether, but
+seeing the ship, and being eager for more plunder they did not stop
+fully to accomplish their design. She was a low strait schooner of
+about one hundred and fifty tons, painted black with a narrow white
+streak, a large head with the horn of plenty painted white, large
+maintopmast but no yards or sail on it. Mast raked very much,
+mainsail very square at the head, sails made with split cloth and
+all new; had two long brass twelve pounders and a large gun on a
+pivot amidships, and about seventy men, who appeared to be chiefly
+Spaniards and mulattoes.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/142.jpg" alt=
+"Pirates robbing the brig Mexican of Salem, Mass." height="373"
+width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>Pirates robbing the brig Mexican of Salem, Mass.</i></h4>
+The object of the voyage being frustrated by the loss of the
+specie, nothing now remained but for the Mexican to make the best
+of her way back to Salem, which she reached in safety. The
+government of the United States struck with the audacity of this
+piracy, despatched a cruiser in pursuit of them. After a fruitless
+voyage in which every exertion was made, and many places visited on
+the coast of Africa, where it was supposed the rascals might be
+lurking, the chase was abandoned as hopeless, no clue being found
+to their "whereabouts."
+<p>The Panda after robbing the Mexican, pursued her course across
+the Atlantic, and made Cape Monte; from this she coasted south, and
+after passing Cape Palmas entered the Gulf of Guinea, and steered
+for Cape Lopez which she reached in the first part of November.
+Cape Lopez de Gonzalves, in lat. 0&deg; 36' 2" south, long. 80&deg;
+40' 4" east, is so called from its first discoverer. It is covered
+with wood but low and swampy, as is also the neighboring country.
+The extensive bay formed by this cape is fourteen miles in depth,
+and has several small creeks and rivers running into it. The
+largest is the river Nazareth on the left point of which is
+situated King Gula's town the only assemblage of huts in the bay.
+Here the cargo of the Panda was unloaded, the greater part was
+entrusted to the king, and with the rest Capt. Gilbert opened a
+factory and commenced buying various articles of commerce, as
+tortoise shell, gum, ivory, palm oil, fine straw carpeting, and
+slaves. After remaining here a short time the crew became sickly
+and Capt. Gilbert sailed for Prince's Island to recover the health
+of his crew. Whilst at Prince's Island news arrived of the robbery
+of the Mexican. And the pirate left with the utmost precipitation
+for Cape Lopez, and the better to evade pursuit, a pilot was
+procured; and the vessel carried several miles up the river
+Nazareth. Soon after the Panda left Prince's Island, the British
+brig of war, Curlew, Capt. Trotter arrived, and from the
+description given of the vessel then said to be lying in the
+Nazareth, Capt. Trotter knew she must be the one, that robbed the
+Mexican; and he instantly sailed in pursuit. On nearing the coast,
+she was discovered lying up the river; three boats containing forty
+men and commanded by Capt. Trotter, started up the river with the
+sea breeze and flood tide, and colors flying to take the
+desperadoes; the boats kept in near the shore until rounding a
+point they were seen from the Panda. The pirates immediately took
+to their boats, except Francisco Ruiz who seizing a fire brand from
+the camboose went into the magazine and set some combustibles on
+fire with the laudable purpose of blowing up the assailants, and
+then paddled ashore in a canoe. Capt. Trotter chased them with his
+boats, but could not come up with them, and then boarded the
+schooner which he found on fire. The first thing he did was to put
+out the fire which was in the magazine, below the cabin floor; here
+was found a quantity of cotton and brimstone burning and a slow
+match ignited and communicating with the magazine, which contained
+sixteen casks of powder.</p>
+<p>The Panda was now warped out of the river and anchored off the
+negro town of Cape Lopez. Negociations were now entered into for
+the surrender of the pirates. An officer was accordingly sent on
+shore to have an interview with the king. He was met on the beach
+by an ebony chief calling himself duke. "We followed the duke
+through the extensive and straggling place, frequently buried up to
+the ankles in sand, from which the vegetation was worn by the
+constant passing and repassing of the inhabitants. We arrived at a
+large folding door placed in a high bamboo and palm tree fence,
+which inclosed the king's establishment, ornamented on our right by
+two old honeycombed guns, which, although dismounted, were
+probably, according to the practice of the coast, occasionally
+fired to attract the attention of passing vessels, and to imply
+that slaves were to be procured. On the left of the enclosure was a
+shed, with a large ship's bell suspended beneath, serving as an
+alarum bell in case of danger, while the remainder was occupied
+with neatly built huts, inhabited by the numerous wives of the
+king.</p>
+<p>"We sent in to notify him of our arrival; he sent word out that
+we might remain outside until it suited his convenience. But as
+such an arrangement did not suit ours, we immediately entered, and
+found sitting at a table the king. He was a tall, muscular, ugly
+looking negro, about fifty years of age. We explained the object of
+our visit, which was to demand the surrender of the white men, who
+were now concealed in the town, and for permission to pass up the
+river in pursuit of those who had gone up that way. He now
+expressed the most violent indignation at our presumption in
+demanding the pirates, and the interview was broken off by his
+refusing to deliver up a single man."</p>
+<p>We will now return to the pirates. While at Prince's Island,
+Capt. Gilbert bought a magnificent dressing case worth nearly a
+thousand dollars and a patent lever watch, and a quantity of
+tobacco, and provisions, and two valuable cloth coats, some Guinea
+cloth and black and green paint. The paint, cloth and coats were
+intended as presents for the African king at Cape Lopez. These
+articles were all bought with the money taken from the Mexican.
+After arriving at the Nazareth, $4000 were taken from the trunk,
+and buried in the yard of a negro prince. Four of the pirates then
+went to Cape Lopez for $11,000, which had been buried there. Boyga,
+Castillo, Guzman, and the "State's Evidence," Ferez, were the ones
+who went. Ferez took the bags out, and the others counted the
+money; great haste was made as the musquitoes were biting
+intolerably. $5000 were buried for the captain in canvas bags about
+two feet deep, part of the money was carried to Nazareth, and from
+there carried into the mountains and there buried. A consultation
+was held by Capt. Gilbert, De Soto, and Ruiz, and the latter said,
+if the money was not divided, "there would be the devil to pay."
+The money was now divided in a dark room and a lantern used; Capt.
+Gilbert sat on the floor with the money at his side. He gave the
+mate about $3000, and the other officers $1000, each; and the crew
+from $300 to $500, each. The third mate having fled, the captain
+sent him $1000, and Ruiz carried it to him. When the money was
+first taken from the Mexican, it was spread out on the companion
+way and examined to see if there was any gold amongst it; and then
+put into bags made of dark coarse linen; the boxes were then thrown
+overboard. After the division of the money the pirates secreted
+themselves in the woods behind Cape Lopez. Perez and four others
+procured a boat, and started for Fernando Po; they put their money
+in the bottom of the boat for ballast, but was thrown overboard,
+near a rock and afterwards recovered by divers; this was done to
+prevent detection. The captain, mate, and carpenter had a
+conversation respecting the attempt of the latter, to blow her up,
+who could not account for the circumstance, that an explosion had
+not taken place; they told him he ought to have burst a barrel of
+powder over the deck and down the stairs to the magazine, loaded a
+gun, tied a fish line to the lock and pulled it when he came off in
+the canoe.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/146.jpg" alt=
+"View of the Negro village on the river Nazareth, and the Panda at anchor"
+     height="347" width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>View of the Negro village on the river Nazareth, and the
+Panda at anchor.</i></h4>
+The Panda being manned by Capt. Trotter and an English crew,
+commenced firing on the town of Cape Lopez, but after firing
+several shots, a spark communicated with the magazine and she blew
+up. Several men were killed, and Captain Trotter and the others
+thrown into the water, when he was made prisoner with several of
+his crew, by the King, and it required considerable negociations to
+get them free.<br>
+&nbsp;
+<center><img src="./images/148.jpg" alt=
+"Burying the money on the beach at Cape Lopez" height="518" width=
+"600"></center>
+<h4><i>Burying the money on the beach at Cape Lopez.</i></h4>
+The pirates having gone up the river, an expedition was now
+equipped to take them if possible. The long-boat and pinnace were
+instantly armed, and victualled for several weeks, a brass gun was
+mounted on the bows of each, and awnings fixed up to protect the
+crew from the extreme heat of the sun by day, and the heavy dews at
+nightfall. As the sea-breeze and the flood-tide set in, the boats
+again started and proceeded up the river. It was ascertained the
+war-canoes were beyond where the Panda was first taken; for fear of
+an ambuscade great caution was observed in proceeding. "As we
+approached a point, a single native was observed standing near a
+hut erected near the river, who, as we approached, beckoned, and
+called for us to land. We endeavored to do so, but fortunately the
+water was too shallow to approach near enough.
+<p>"We had hardly steered about for the channel, when the man
+suddenly rushed into the bushes and disappeared. We got into the
+channel, and continued some time in deep water, but this suddenly
+shoaled, and the boats grounded near a mangrove, just as we came in
+sight of a village. Our crew jumped out, and commenced tracking the
+boat over the sand, and while thus employed, I observed by means of
+my glass, a crowd of natives, and some of the pirates running down
+the other side of a low point, apparently with the intention of
+giving us battle, as they were all armed with spears and
+muskets."</p>
+<p>The men had just succeeded in drawing the boats into deep water,
+when a great number of canoes were observed coming round the point,
+and at the same instant another large party running down to launch;
+some more on the beach, when they joined those already afloat, in
+all made above twenty-eight canoes, and about one hundred and fifty
+men. Having collected all their forces, with loud whooping and
+encouraging shouts to one another, they led towards us with great
+celerity.</p>
+<p>We prepared instantly for battle; the awnings were got down to
+allow room to use the cutlasses and to load the muskets. The brass
+guns were loaded with grape shot. They now approached uttering
+terrific yells, and paddling with all speed. On board the canoes
+the pirates were loading the guns and encouraging the natives.
+Bernardo de Soto and Francisco Ruiz were conspicuous, in
+manoeuvring the negro boats for battle, and commenced a straggling
+fire upon the English boats. In them all was still, each man had a
+cutlass by his side, and a loaded musket in his hand. On arriving
+within pistol-shot a well directed fire was poured into them,
+seconded by a discharge of the three pounders; many of the balls
+took effect, and two of the canoes were sunk. A brisk fire was kept
+up on both sides; a great number of the negroes were killed, and a
+few of the pirates; the English loss was small. The negroes now
+became panic-struck, and some paddled towards the shore, others
+jumped overboard and swam; the sharks caught several. Captain
+Gilbert and De Soto were now caught, together with five of the
+crew; Ruiz and the rest escaped to a village, some ways inland, and
+with the aid of a telescope it was perceived the negroes were
+rapidly gathering to renew the combat, urged on by Ruiz and the
+other pirates; after dislodging them from this village,
+negociations were entered into by the king of Cape Lopez, who
+surrendered Ruiz and several men to Captain Trotter. They were
+carried in the brig Curlew to Fernando Po, and after an
+examination, were put in irons and conveyed to England, and there
+put on board the British gun-brig Savage, and arrived in the harbor
+of Salem on the 26th August, 1834. Her commander, Lieut. Loney,
+waited upon the authorities of Salem, and after the usual
+formalities, surrendered the prisoners into their hands--stating
+that the British Government waived their right to try and punish
+the prisoners, in favor of the United States, against whom the
+principal offence had been committed. The pirates were landed at
+Crowningshield wharf, and taken from thence in carriages to the
+Town hall; twelve of them, handcuffed in pairs, took their places
+at the bar. They were all young and middle-aged, the oldest was not
+over forty. Physiognomically, they were not uncommonly ill looking,
+in general, although there were exceptions, and they were all clean
+and wholesome in their appearance. They were now removed to Boston
+and confined in prison, where one of them, named Manuel Delgarno
+cut his throat with a piece of glass, thus verifying the old
+proverb, <i>that those born to be hung, will never be
+drown'd!</i></p>
+<p>On the 11th of November, Don Pedro Gilbert, <i>Captain</i>, Don
+Bernardo de Soto, <i>Mate</i>, Francisco Ruiz, <i>Carpenter</i>,
+Nicola Costa, <i>Cabin-boy,</i> aged 15, Antonio Ferrer,
+<i>Cook</i>, and Manuel Boyga, Domingo de Guzman, <i>an Indian</i>,
+Juan Antonio Portana, Manuel Castillo, Angel Garcia, Jose
+Velasquez, and Juan Montenegro, <i>alias</i> Jose Basilio de
+Castro, were arraigned before the Circuit Court of the United
+States, charged with the crime of Piracy. Joseph Perez appeared as
+<i>State's evidence</i>, and two Portuguese sailors who were
+shipped on board the Panda at Prince's Island, as witnesses. After
+a jury was empannelled, Mr. Dunlap, the District Attorney, rose and
+said--"This is a solemn, and also an unusual scene. Here are twelve
+men, strangers to our country and to our language, indicted for a
+heinous offence, and now before you for life or death. They are
+indicted for a daring crime, and a flagrant violation of the laws,
+not only of this, but of every other civilized people." He then
+gave an outline of the commission of the robbery of the Mexican.
+Numerous witnesses were examined, amongst whom were the captain,
+mate, and several seamen of the Mexican, who recognized several of
+the pirates as being the individuals who maltreated them, and took
+the specie. When Thomas Fuller, one of the crew of the Mexican was
+called upon to identify Ruiz, he went up to him and struck him a
+violent blow on the shoulder. Ruiz immediately started up, and with
+violent gesticulations protested against such conduct, and was
+joined by his companions. The Court reprimanded the witness
+severely. The trial occupied <i>fourteen days</i>. The counsel for
+the prisoners were David L. Child, Esq., and George Hillard, Esq.,
+who defended them with great ability. Mr. Child brought to the
+cause his untiring zeal, his various and profound learning; and
+exhibited a labour, and <i>desperation</i> which showed that he was
+fully conscious of the weight of the load--the dead lift--he had
+undertaken to carry. Mr. Hillard concluded his argument, by making
+an eloquent and affecting appeal to the jury in behalf of the boy
+Costa and Antonio Ferrer, the cook, and alluded to the circumstance
+of Bernardo de Soto having rescued the lives of 70 individuals on
+board the American ship Minerva, whilst on a voyage from
+Philadelphia to Havana, when captain of the brig Leon.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/150.jpg" alt="Explosion of the Panda"
+height="600" width="510"></center>
+<h4><i>Explosion of the Panda.</i></h4>
+If, gentlemen, said he, you deem with me, that the crew of the
+Panda, (supposing her to have robbed the Mexican,) were merely
+servants of the captain, you cannot convict them. But if you do not
+agree with me, then all that remains for me to do, is to address a
+few words to you in the way of mercy. It does not seem to me that
+the good of society requires the death of all these men, the
+sacrifice of such a hecatomb of human victims, or that the sword of
+the law should fall till it is clogged with massacre. <i>Antonio
+Ferrer</i> is plainly but a servant. He is set down as a free black
+in the ship's papers, but that is no proof that he is free. Were he
+a slave, he would in all probability be represented as free, and
+this for obvious reasons. He is in all probability a slave, and a
+native African, as the tattooing on his face proves beyond a doubt.
+At any rate, he is but a servant. Now will you make misfortune pay
+the penalty of guilt? Do not, I entreat you, lightly condemn this
+man to death. Do not throw him in to make up the dozen. The regard
+for human life is one of the most prominent proofs of a civilized
+state of society. The Sultan of Turkey may place women in sacks and
+throw them into the Bosphorus, without exciting more than an hour's
+additional conversation at Constantinople. But in our country it is
+different. You well remember the excitement produced by the
+abduction and death of a single individual; the convulsions which
+ensued, the effect of which will long be felt in our political
+institutions. You will ever find that the more a nation becomes
+civilized, the greater becomes the regard for human life. There is
+in the eye, the form, and heaven-directed countenance of man,
+something holy, that forbids he should be rudely touched.
+<p>The instinct of life is great. The light of the sun even in
+chains, is pleasant; and life, though supported but by the damp
+exhalations of a dungeon, is desirable. Often, too, we cling with
+added tenacity to life in proportion as we are deprived of all that
+makes existence to be coveted.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/154.jpg" alt=
+"Thomas Fuller striking Ruiz in Court" height="507" width=
+"600"></center>
+<h4><i>Thomas Fuller striking Ruiz in Court.</i></h4>
+<p>"The weariest and most loathed worldly life.<br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">That age, ache, penury and
+imprisonment</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Can lay on Nature, is a
+Paradise</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">To that we fear of
+Death."</span></p>
+<p>Death is a fearful thing. The mere mention of it sometimes
+blanches the cheek, and sends the fearful blood to the heart. It is
+a solemn thing to break into the "bloody house of life." Do not,
+because this man is but an African, imagine that his existence is
+valueless. He is no drift weed on the ocean of life. There are in
+his bosom the same social sympathies that animate our own. He has
+nerves to feel pain, and a heart to throb with human affections,
+even as you have. His life, to establish the law, or to further the
+ends of justice, is not required. <i>Taken</i>, it is to us of no
+value; given to him, it is above the price of rubies.</p>
+<p>And <i>Costa</i>, the cabin boy, only fifteen years of age when
+this crime was committed--shall he die? Shall the sword fall upon
+his neck? Some of you are advanced in years--you may have children.
+Suppose the news had reached you, that your son was under trial for
+his life, in a foreign country--(and every cabin boy who leaves
+this port may be placed in the situation of this
+prisoner,)--suppose you were told that he had been executed,
+because his captain and officers had violated the laws of a distant
+land; what would be your feelings? I cannot tell, but I believe the
+feelings of all of you would be the same, and that you would
+exclaim, with the Hebrew, "My son! my son! would to God I had died
+for thee." This boy <i>has</i> a father; let the form of that
+father rise up before you, and plead in your hearts for his
+offspring. Perhaps he has a mother, and a home. Think of the
+lengthened shadow that must have been cast over that home by his
+absence. Think of his mother, during those hours of wretchedness,
+when she has felt hope darkening into disappointment, next into
+anxiety, and from anxiety into despair. How often may she have
+stretched forth her hands in supplication, and asked, even the
+winds of heaven, to bring her tidings of him who was away? Let the
+supplications of that mother touch your hearts, and shield their
+object from the law.</p>
+<p>After a luminous charge by Judge Story, the jury retired to
+agree upon their verdict, and at 9 o'clock the next morning came in
+with their verdict.</p>
+<p><i>Clerk</i>. Gentlemen of the Jury, have you agreed upon your
+verdict?</p>
+<p><i>Jury</i>. We have.</p>
+<p><i>Clerk</i>. Who shall speak for you?</p>
+<p><i>Jury</i>. Our foreman.</p>
+<p>The prisoners were then directed severally to rise as soon as
+called, and receive the verdict of the jury. The Captain, <i>Pedro
+Gilbert</i>, was the first named. He arose, raised his hand, and
+regarded the jury with a firm countenance and steady eye.</p>
+<p><i>Clerk</i>. Jurors look upon the prisoner; prisoner look upon
+the jurors. How say you, Gentlemen, is the prisoner at the bar,
+Pedro Gilbert, guilty or not guilty?</p>
+<p><i>Foreman</i>. GUILTY.</p>
+<p>The same verdict was pronounced against <i>De Soto</i> (the
+mate) <i>Ruiz</i>, (the carpenter,) <i>Boyga, Castillo, Garcia</i>
+and <i>Montenegro</i>. But <i>Costa</i>, (the cabin-boy,)
+<i>Ferrer</i> (the negro,) <i>Guzman, Portana</i>, and
+<i>Velasquez</i>, were declared NOT GUILTY.</p>
+<p>After having declared the verdict of the Jury, the Foreman read
+to the Court the following recommendation to mercy:</p>
+<p>"The sympathies of the Jury have been strongly moved in behalf
+of <i>Bernardo de Soto</i>, on account of his generous, noble and
+self-sacrificing conduct in saving the lives of more than 70 human
+beings, constituting the passengers and crew of the ship
+<i>Minerva</i>; and they desire that his case should be presented
+to the merciful consideration of the Government."</p>
+<p>Judge Story replied that the wish of the jury would certainly be
+complied with both by the Court and the prosecuting officer.</p>
+<p>"The appearance and demeanor of Captain Gilbert are the same as
+when we first saw him; his eye is undimmed, and decision and
+command yet sit upon his features. We did not discern the slightest
+alteration of color or countenance when the verdict of the jury was
+communicated to him; he merely slightly bowed and resumed his seat.
+With <i>De Soto</i> the case was different. He is much altered; has
+become thinner, and his countenance this morning was expressive of
+the deepest despondency. When informed of the contents of the paper
+read by the foreman of the jury, he appeared much affected, and
+while being removed from the Court, covered his face with his
+handkerchief."</p>
+<p>Immediately after the delivery of the verdict, the acquitted
+prisoners, on motion of Mr. Hillard, were directed to be
+discharged, upon which several of the others loudly and angrily
+expressed their dissatisfaction at the result of the trial.
+Castillo (<i>a half-caste</i>, with an extremely mild and pleasing
+countenance,) pointed towards heaven, and called upon the Almighty
+to bear witness that he was innocent; <i>Ruiz</i> uttered some
+words with great vehemence; and <i>Garcia</i> said "all were in the
+same ship; and it was strange that some should be permitted to
+escape while others were punished." Most of them on leaving the
+Court uttered some invective against "the <i>picaro</i> who had
+sworn their lives away."</p>
+<p>On <i>Costa</i>, the cabin boy, (aged 16) being declared "Not
+Guilty" some degree of approbation was manifested by the audience,
+but instantly checked by the judge, who directed the officers to
+take into custody, every one expressing either assent or dissent.
+We certainly think the sympathy expressed in favor of <i>Costa</i>
+very ill placed, for although we have not deemed ourselves at
+liberty to mention the fact earlier, his conduct during the whole
+trial was characterized by the most reckless effrontery and
+indecorum. Even when standing up to receive the verdict of the
+jury, his face bore an impudent smile, and he evinced the most
+total disregard of the mercy which had been extended towards
+him.</p>
+<p>About this time vague rumors reached Corunna, that a Captain
+belonging to that place, engaged in the Slave Trade, had turned
+Pirate, been captured, and sent to America with his crew for
+punishment. Report at first fixed it upon a noted slave-dealer,
+named Begaro. But the astounding intelligence soon reached Senora
+de Soto, that her husband was the person captured for this
+startling crime. The shock to her feelings was terrible, but her
+love and fortitude surmounted them all; and she determined to brave
+the terrors of the ocean, to intercede for her husband if
+condemned, and at all events behold him once more. A small schooner
+was freighted by her own and husband's father, and in it she
+embarked for New-York. After a boisterous passage, the vessel
+reached that port, when she learned her husband had already been
+tried and condemned to die. The humane people of New-York advised
+her to hasten on to Washington, and plead with the President for a
+pardon. On arriving at the capital, she solicited an interview with
+General Jackson, which was readily granted. From the circumstance
+of her husband's having saved the lives of seventy Americans, a
+merciful ear was turned to her solicitations, and a pardon for De
+Soto was given her, with which she hastened to Boston, and
+communicated to him the joyful intelligence.</p>
+<p>Andrew Jackson, President of the United States of America, to
+all to whom these presents shall come, <i>Greeting</i>: Whereas, at
+the October Term, 1834, of the Circuit Court of the United States,
+Bernardo de Soto was convicted of Piracy, and sentenced to be hung
+on the 11th day of March last from which sentence a respite was
+granted him for three months, bearing date the third day of March,
+1835, also a subsequent one, dated on the fifth day of June, 1835,
+for sixty days. And whereas the said Bernardo de Soto has been
+represented as a fit subject for executive clemency--</p>
+<p>Now therefore, I, Andrew Jackson, President of the United States
+of America, in consideration of the premises, divers good and
+sufficient causes me thereto moving, have pardoned, and hereby do
+pardon the said Bernardo de Soto, from and after the 11th August
+next, and direct that he be then discharged from confinement. In
+testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name, and caused
+the seal of the United States to be affixed to these presents. Done
+at the City of Washington the sixth day of July, AD. 1835, and of
+the independence of the United States and sixtieth. Andrew
+Jackson.</p>
+<p>On the fatal morning of June 11th, 1835, Don Pedro, Juan
+Montenegro, Manuel Castillo, Angel Garcia and Manuel Boyga, were,
+agreeably to sentence, summoned to prepare for immediate execution.
+On the night previous, a mutual agreement had been entered into to
+commit suicide. Angel Garcia made the first attempt by trying to
+open the veins of each arm with a piece of glass; but was
+prevented. In the morning, however, while preparations were making
+for the execution, Boyga succeeded in inflicting a deep gash on the
+left side of his neck, with a piece of tin. The officer's eyes had
+been withdrawn from him scarcely a minute, before he was discovered
+lying on his pallet, with a convulsive motion of his knees, from
+loss of blood. Medical aid was at hand, the gash sewed up, but he
+did not revive. Two Catholic clergymen attended them on the
+scaffold, one a Spanish priest. They were executed in the rear of
+the jail. When the procession arrived at the foot of the ladder
+leading up to the platform of the gallows the Rev. Mr. Varella
+looking directly at Capt. Gilbert, said, "Spaniards, ascend to
+heaven." Don Pedro mounted with a quick step, and was followed by
+his comrades at a more moderate pace, but without the least
+hesitation. Boyga, unconscious of his situation and destiny, was
+carried up in a chair, and seated beneath the rope prepared for
+him. Gilbert, Montenegro, Garcia and Castillo all smiled subduedly
+as they took their stations on the platform. Soon after Capt.
+Gilbert ascended the scaffold, he passed over to where the
+apparently lifeless Boyga was seated in the chair, and kissed him.
+Addressing his followers, he said, "Boys, we are going to die; but
+let us be firm, for we are innocent." To Mr. Peyton, the
+interpreter, he said, "I die innocent, but I'll die like a noble
+Spaniard. Good bye, brother." The Marshal having read the warrant
+for their execution, and stated that de Soto was respited
+<i>sixty</i> and Ruiz <i>thirty</i> days, the ropes were adjusted
+round the necks of the prisoners, and a slight hectic flush spread
+over the countenance of each; but not an eye quailed, nor a limb
+trembled, not a muscle quivered. The fatal cord was now cut, and
+the platform fell, by which the prisoners were launched into
+eternity. After the execution was over, Ruiz, who was confined in
+his cell, attracted considerable attention, by his maniac shouts
+and singing. At one time holding up a piece of blanket, stained
+with Boyga's blood, he gave utterance to his ravings in a sort of
+recitative, the burden of which was--"This is the red flag my
+companions died under!"</p>
+<p>After the expiration of Ruiz' second respite, the Marshal got
+two surgeons of the United States Navy, who understood the Spanish
+language, to attend him in his cell; they, after a patient
+examination pronounced his madness a counterfeit, and his insanity
+a hoax. Accordingly, on the morning of Sept. 11th, the Marshal, in
+company with a Catholic priest and interpreter entered his cell,
+and made him sensible that longer evasion of the sentence of the
+law was impossible, and that he must surely die. They informed him
+that he had but half an hour to live, and retired; when he
+requested that he might not be disturbed during the brief space
+that remained to him, and turning his back to the open entrance to
+his cell, he unrolled some fragments of printed prayers, and
+commenced reading them to himself. During this interval he neither
+spoke, nor heeded those who were watching him; but undoubtedly
+suffered extreme mental agony. At one minute he would drop his chin
+on his bosom, and stand motionless; at another would press his brow
+to the wall of his cell, or wave his body from side to side, as if
+wrung with unutterable anguish. Suddenly, he would throw himself
+upon his knees on the mattress, and prostrate himself as if in
+prayer; then throwing his prayers from him, he would clutch his rug
+in his fingers, and like a child try to double it up, or pick it to
+pieces. After snatching up his rug and throwing it away again and
+again, he would suddenly resume his prayers and erect posture, and
+stand mute, gazing through the aperture that admitted the light of
+day for upwards of a minute. This scene of imbecility and
+indecision, of horrible prostration of mind, ceasing in some degree
+when the Catholic clergyman re-entered his cell.</p>
+<p>At 10 o'clock, the prisoner was removed from the prison, and
+during his progress to the scaffold, though the hue of death was on
+his face, and he trembled in every joint with fear, he chaunted
+with a powerful voice an appropriate service from the Catholic
+ritual. Several times he turned round to survey the heavens which
+at that moment were clear and bright above him and when he ascended
+the scaffold after concluding his prayer, he took one long and
+steadfast look at the sun, and waited in silence his fate. His
+powers, mental and physical had been suddenly crushed with the
+appalling reality that surrounded him; his whole soul was absorbed
+with one master feeling, the dread of a speedy and violent death.
+He quailed in the presence of the dreadful paraphernalia of his
+punishment, as much as if he had been a stranger to deeds of blood,
+and never dealt death to his fellow man as he ploughed the deep,
+under the black flag of piracy, with the motto of "Rob, Kill, and
+Burn." After adjusting the rope, a signal was given. The body
+dropped heavily, and the harsh abrupt shock must have instantly
+deprived him of sensation, as there was no voluntary action of the
+hands afterwards. Thus terminated his career of crime in a foreign
+land without one friend to recognize or cheer him, or a single
+being to regret his death.</p>
+<p>The Spanish Consul having requested that the bodies might not be
+given to the faculty, they were interred at night under the
+direction of the Marshal, in the Catholic burial-ground at
+Charlestown. There being no murder committed with the piracy, the
+laws of the United States do not authorize the court to order the
+bodies for dissection.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/162.jpg" alt="Ruiz leaving the Panda."
+height="142" width="400"></center>
+<h4><i>Ruiz leaving the Panda.</i></h4>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name=
+"THE_LIFE_OF_BENITO_DE_SOTO_THE_PIRATE_OF_THE_MORNING_STAR"></a>
+<h2>THE LIFE OF BENITO DE SOTO THE PIRATE OF THE MORNING STAR.</h2>
+The following narrative of the career of a desperate pirate who was
+executed in Gibraltar in the month of January, 1830, is one of two
+letters from the pen of the author of "the Military Sketch-Book."
+The writer says Benito de Soto "had been a prisoner in the garrison
+for nineteen months, during which time the British Government
+spared neither the pains not expense to establish a full train of
+evidence against him. The affair had caused the greatest excitement
+here, as well as at Cadiz, owing to the development of the
+atrocities which marked the character of this man, and the
+diabolical gang of which he was the leader. Nothing else is talked
+of; and a thousand horrors are added to his guilt, which, although
+he was guilty enough, he has no right to bear. The following is all
+the authentic information I could collect concerning him. I have
+drawn it from his trial, from the confession of his accomplices,
+from the keeper of his prison, and not a little from his own lips.
+It will be found more interesting than all the tales and sketches
+furnished in the 'Annuals,' magazines, and other vehicles of
+invention, from the simple fact--that it is truth and not fiction."
+<p>Benito de Soto was a native of a small village near Courna; he
+was bred a mariner, and was in the guiltless exercise of his
+calling at Buenos Ayres, in the year 1827. A vessel was there being
+fitted out for a voyage to the coast of Africa, for the smuggling
+of slaves; and as she required a strong crew, a great number of
+sailors were engaged, amongst whom was Soto. The Portuguese of
+South America have yet a privilege of dealing in slaves on a
+certain part of the African coast, but it was the intention of the
+captain of this vessel to exceed the limits of his trade, and to
+run farther down, so as to take his cargo of human beings from a
+part of the country which was proscribed, in the certainty of being
+there enabled to purchase slaves at a much lower rate than he could
+in the regular way; or, perhaps, to take away by force as many as
+he could stow away into his ship. He therefore required a
+considerable number of hands for the enterprise; and in such a
+traffic, it may be easily conceived, that the morals of the crew
+could not be a subject of much consideration with the employer.
+French, Spanish, Portuguese, and others, were entered on board,
+most of them renegadoes, and they set sail on their evil voyage,
+with every hope of infamous success.</p>
+<p>Those who deal in evil carry along with them the springs of
+their own destruction, upon which they will tread, in spite of
+every caution, and their imagined security is but the brink of the
+pit into which they are to fall. It was so with the captain of this
+slave-ship. He arrived in Africa, took in a considerable number of
+slaves, and in order to complete his cargo, went on shore, leaving
+his mate in charge of the vessel. This mate was a bold, wicked,
+reckless and ungovernable spirit, and perceiving in Benito de Soto
+a mind congenial with his own, he fixed on him as a fit person to
+join in a design he had conceived, of running away with the vessel,
+and becoming a pirate. Accordingly the mate proposed his plan to
+Soto, who not only agreed to join in it, but declared that he
+himself had been contemplating a similar enterprise during the
+voyage. They both were at once of a mind, and they lost no time in
+maturing their plot.</p>
+<p>Their first step was to break the matter to the other members of
+the crew. In this they proceeded cautiously, and succeeded so far
+as to gain over twenty-two of the whole, leaving eighteen who
+remained faithful to their trust. Every means were used to corrupt
+the well disposed; both persuasion and threats were resorted to,
+but without effect, and the leader of the conspiracy, the mate,
+began to despair of obtaining the desired object. Soto, however,
+was not so easily depressed. He at once decided on seizing the ship
+upon the strength of his party: and without consulting the mate, he
+collected all the arms of the vessel, called the conspirators
+together, put into each of their possession a cutlass and a brace
+of pistols, and arming himself in like manner, advanced at the head
+of the gang, drew his sword, and declared the mate to be the
+commander of the ship, and the men who joined him part owners.
+Still, those who had rejected the evil offer remained unmoved; on
+which Soto ordered out the boats, and pointing to the land, cried
+out, "There is the African coast; this is our ship--one or the
+other must be chosen by every man on board within five
+minutes."</p>
+<p>This declaration, although it had the effect of preventing any
+resistance that might have been offered by the well disposed, to
+the taking of the vessel, did not change them from their purpose;
+they still refused to join in the robbery, and entered one by one
+into the boat, at the orders of Soto, and with but one pair of oars
+(all that was allowed to them) put off for the shore, from which
+they were then ten miles distant. Had the weather continued calm,
+as it was when the boat left the ship, she would have made the
+shore by dusk; but unhappily a strong gale of wind set in shortly
+after her departure, and she was seen by Soto and his gang
+struggling with the billows and approaching night, at such a
+distance from the land as she could not possibly accomplish while
+the gale lasted. All on board the ship agreed in opinion that the
+boat could not live, as they flew away from her at the rate of ten
+knots an hour, under close reefed topsails, leaving their unhappy
+messmates to their inevitable fate. Those of the pirates who were
+lately executed at Cadiz, declared that every soul in the boat
+perished.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/166.jpg" alt=
+"The Pirates carrying rum on shore to purchase slaves" height="600"
+width="507"></center>
+<h4><i>The Pirates carrying rum on shore to purchase
+slaves.</i></h4>
+The drunken uproar which that night reigned in the pirate ship was
+in horrid unison with the raging elements around her; contention
+and quarrelling followed the brutal ebriety of the pirates; each
+evil spirit sought the mastery of the others, and Soto's, which was
+the fiend of all, began to grasp and grapple for its proper
+place--the head of such a diabolical community.
+<p>The mate (now the chief) at once gave the reins to his ruffian
+tyranny; and the keen eye of Soto saw that he who had fawned with
+him the day before, would next day rule him with an iron rod.
+Prompt in his actions as he was penetrating in his judgment, he had
+no sooner conceived a jealousy of the leader than he determined to
+put him aside; and as his rival lay in his drunken sleep, Soto put
+a pistol to his head, and deliberately shot him. For this act he
+excused himself to the crew, by stating to them that it was in
+<i>their</i> protection he did the act; that <i>their</i> interest
+was the other's death; and concluded by declaring himself their
+leader, and promising a golden harvest to their future labors,
+provided they obeyed him. Soto succeeded to the height of his
+wishes, and was unanimously hailed by the crew as their
+captain.</p>
+<p>On board the vessel, as I before stated, were a number of
+slaves, and these the pirates had well secured under hatches. They
+now turned their attention to those half starved, half suffocated
+creatures;--some were for throwing them overboard, while others,
+not less cruel, but more desirous of gain, proposed to take them to
+some port in one of those countries that deal in human beings, and
+there sell them. The latter recommendation was adopted, and Soto
+steered for the West Indies, where he received a good price for his
+slaves. One of those wretched creatures, a boy, he reserved as a
+servant for himself; and this boy was destined by Providence to be
+the witness of the punishment of those white men who tore away from
+their homes himself and his brethren. He alone will carry back to
+his country the truth of Heaven's retribution, and heal the wounded
+feelings of broken kindred with the recital of it.</p>
+<p>The pirates now entered freely into their villainous pursuit,
+and plundered many vessels; amongst others was an American brig,
+the treatment of which forms the <i>chef d'oeuvre</i> of their
+atrocity. Having taken out of this brig all the valuables they
+could find, they hatched down all hands to the hold, except a black
+man, who was allowed to remain on deck for the special purpose of
+affording in his torture an amusing exhibition to Soto and his
+gang. They set fire to the brig, then lay to, to observe the
+progress of the flames; and as the miserable African bounded from
+rope to rope, now climbing to the mast head--now clinging to the
+shrouds--now leaping to one part of the vessel, and now to
+another,--their enjoyment seemed raised to its heighest pitch. At
+length the hatches opened to the devouring element, the tortured
+victim of their fiendish cruelty fell exhausted into the flames,
+and the horrid and revolting scene closed amidst the shouts of the
+miscreants who had caused it.</p>
+<p>Of their other exploits, that which ranks next in turpitude, and
+which led to their overthrow, was the piracy of the Morning Star.
+They fell in with that vessel near the island Ascension, in the
+year 1828, as she was on her voyage from Ceylon to England. This
+vessel, besides a valuable cargo, had on board several passengers,
+consisting of a major and his wife, an assistant surgeon, two
+civilians, about five and twenty invalid soldiers, and three or
+four of their wives. As soon as Benito de Soto perceived the ship,
+which was at daylight on the 21st of February, he called up all
+hands, and prepared for attacking her; he was at the time steering
+on an opposite course to that of the Morning Star. On reconnoitring
+her, he at first supposed she was a French vessel; but Barbazan,
+one of his crew, who was himself a Frenchman, assured him the ship
+was British. "So much the better," exclaimed Soto, in English (for
+he could speak that language), "we shall find the more booty." He
+then ordered the sails to be squared, and ran before the wind in
+chase of his plunder, from which he was about two leagues
+distant.</p>
+<p>The Defensor de Pedro, the name of the pirate ship, was a fast
+sailer, but owing to the press of canvas which the Morning Star
+hoisted soon after the pirate had commenced the chase, he did not
+come up with her so quickly as he had expected: the delay caused
+great uneasiness to Soto, which he manifested by muttering curses,
+and restlessness of manner. Sounds of savage satisfaction were to
+be heard from every mouth but his at the prospect; he alone
+expressed his anticipated pleasure by oaths, menaces, and mental
+inquietude. While Barbazan was employed in superintending the
+clearing of the decks, the arming and breakfasting of the men, he
+walked rapidly up and down, revolving in his mind the plan of the
+approaching attack, and when interrupted by any of the crew, he
+would run into a volley of imprecations. In one instance, he struck
+his black boy a violent blow with a telescope, because he asked him
+if he would have his morning cup of chocolate; as soon, however, as
+he set his studding sails, and perceived that he was gaining on the
+Morning Star, he became somewhat tranquil, began to eat heartily of
+cold beef, drank his chocolate at a draught, and coolly sat down on
+the deck to smoke a cigar.</p>
+<p>In less than a quarter of an hour, the pirate had gained
+considerable on the other vessel. Soto now, without rising from
+where he sat, ordered a gun, with blank cartridge, to be fired, and
+the British colors to be hoisted: but finding this measure had not
+the effect of bringing the Morning Star to, he cried out, "Shot the
+long gun and give it her point blank." The order was obeyed, but
+the shot fell short of the intention, on which he jumped up and
+cursed the fellows for bunglers who had fired the gun. He then
+ordered them to load with canister shot, and took the match in his
+own hand. He did not, however, fire immediately, but waited until
+he was nearly abreast of his victim; then directing the aim
+himself, and ordering a man to stand by the flag to haul it down,
+fired with an air that showed he was sure of his mark. He then ran
+to haul up the Colombian colors, and having done so, cried out
+through the speaking trumpet, "Lower your boat down this moment,
+and let your captain come on board with his papers."</p>
+<p>During this fearful chase the people on board the Morning Star
+were in the greatest alarm; but however their apprehensions might
+have been excited, that courage, which is so characteristic of a
+British sailor, never for a moment forsook the captain. He boldly
+carried on sail, and although one of the men fell from a wound, and
+the ravages of the shot were every where around him, he determined
+not to strike. But unhappily he had not a single gun on board, and
+no small arms that could render his courage availing. The tears of
+the women, and the prudent advice of the passengers overcoming his
+resolution, he permitted himself to be guided by the general
+opinion. One of the passengers volunteered himself to go on board
+the pirate, and a boat was lowered for the purpose. Both vessels
+now lay to within fifty yards of each other, and a strong hope
+arose in those on board the Morning Star, that the gentleman who
+had volunteered to go to the pirate, might, through his exertions,
+avert, at least, the worst of the dreaded calamity.</p>
+<p>Some people here, in their quiet security, have made no scruple
+of declaring, that the commanding officer of the soldiers on board
+should not have so tamely yielded to the pirate, particularly as he
+had his wife along with him, and consequently a misfortune to
+dread, that might be thought even worse than death: but all who
+knew the true state of the circumstances, and reflect upon it, will
+allow that he adopted the only chance of escaping that, which was
+to be most feared by a husband. The long gun, which was on a pivot
+in the centre of the pirate ship, could in a few shots sink the
+Morning Star; and even had resistance been made to the pirates as
+they boarded her--had they been killed or made prisoners--the
+result would not be much better. It was evident that the Defensor
+de Pedro was the best sailer, consequently the Morning Star could
+not hope to escape; in fact, submission or total destruction was
+the only choice. The commanding officer, therefore, acted for the
+best when he recommended the former. There was some slight hope of
+escaping with life, and without personal abuse, by surrendering,
+but to contend must be inevitable death.</p>
+<p>The gentleman who had gone in a boat to the pirate returned in a
+short time, exhibiting every proof of the ill treatment he had
+received from Soto and his crew. It appears that when the villains
+learned that he was not the captain, they fell upon and beat him,
+as well as the sailors along with him, in a most brutal manner, and
+with the most horrid imprecations told him, that if the captain did
+not instantly come, on his return to the vessel, they would blow
+the ship out of the water. This report as once decided the captain
+in the way he was to act. Without hesitation he stepped into the
+boat, taking with him his second mate, three soldiers and a sailor
+boy, and proceeded to the pirate. On going on board that vessel,
+along with the mate, Soto, who stood near the mainmast, with his
+drawn cutlass in his hand, desired him to approach, while the mate
+was ordered, by Barbazan, to go to the forecastle. Both these
+unfortunate individuals obeyed, and were instantly slaughtered.</p>
+<p>Soto now ordered six picked men to descend into the boat,
+amongst whom was Barbazan. To him the leader addressed his orders,
+the last of which was, to take care to put all in the prize to
+death, and then sink her.</p>
+<p>The six pirates, who proceeded to execute his savage demand,
+were all armed alike,--they each carried a brace of pistols, a
+cutlass and a long knife. Their dress was composed of a sort of
+coarse cotton chequered jacket and trowsers, shirts that were open
+at the collar, red woollen caps, and broad canvas waistbelts, in
+which were the pistols and the knives. They were all athletic men,
+and seemed such as might well be trusted with the sanguinary errand
+on which they were despatched. While the boat was conveying them,
+Soto held in his hand a cutlass, reddened with the blood of the
+murdered captain, and stood scowling on them with silence: while
+another ruffian, with a lighted match, stood by the long gun, ready
+to support the boarding, if necessary, with a shot that would sweep
+the deck.</p>
+<p>As the boarders approached the Morning Star, the terror of the
+females became excessive; they clung to their husbands in despair,
+who endeavored to allay their fears by their own vain hopes,
+assuring them that a quiet submission nothing more than the plunder
+of the vessel was to be apprehended. But a few minutes miserably
+undeceived them. The pirates rapidly mounted the side, and as they
+jumped on deck, commenced to cut right and left at all within their
+reach, uttering at the same time the most dreadful oaths. The
+females, screaming, hurried to hide themselves below as well as
+they were able, and the men fell or fled before the pirates,
+leaving them entire masters of the decks.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/172.jpg" alt=
+"The mate begging for his life" height="495" width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>The mate begging for his life.</i></h4>
+When the pirates had succeeded in effectually prostrating all the
+people on deck, they drove most of them below, and reserved the
+remainder to assist in their operations. Unless the circumstances
+be closely examined, it may be wondered how six men could have so
+easily overcome a crew of English seamen supported by about twenty
+soldiers with a major at their head:--but it will not appear so
+surprising, when it is considered that the sailors were altogether
+unarmed, the soldiers were worn out invalids, and more
+particularly, that the pirate carried a heavy long gun, ready to
+sink her victim at a shot. Major Logie was fully impressed with the
+folly of opposing so powerful and desperate an enemy, and therefore
+advised submission as the only course for the safety of those under
+his charge; presuming no doubt that something like humanity might
+be found in the breasts even of the worst of men. But alas! he was
+woefully deceived in his estimate of the villains' nature, and
+felt, when too late, that even death would have been preferable to
+the barbarous treatment he was forced to endure.
+<p>Beaten, bleeding, terrified, the men lay huddled together in the
+hold, while the pirates proceeded in their work of pillage and
+brutality. Every trunk was hauled forth, every portable article of
+value heaped for the plunder; money, plate, charts, nautical
+instruments, and seven parcels of valuable jewels, which formed
+part of the cargo; these were carried from below on the backs of
+those men whom the pirates selected to assist them, and for two
+hours they were thus employed, during which time Soto stood upon
+his own deck directing the operations; for the vessels were within
+a hundred yards of each other. The scene which took place in the
+cabin exhibited a licentious brutality. The sick officer, Mr.
+Gibson, was dragged from his berth; the clothes of the other
+passengers stripped from their backs, and the whole of the cabin
+passengers driven on deck, except the females, whom they locked up
+in the round-house on deck, and the steward, who was detained to
+serve the pirates with wine and eatables. This treatment, no doubt
+hastened the death of Gibson; the unfortunate gentleman did not
+long survive it. As the passengers were forced up the cabin ladder,
+the feelings of Major Logie, it may be imagined, were of the most
+heart-rending description. In vain did he entreat to be allowed to
+remain; he was hurried away from even the chance of protecting his
+defenceless wife, and battened down with the rest in the hold,
+there to be racked with the fearful apprehensions of their almost
+certain doom.</p>
+<p>The labors of the robbers being now concluded, they sat down to
+regale themselves, preparatory to the <i>chef d'oeuvre</i> of their
+diabolical enterprise; and a more terrible group of demi-devils,
+the steward declares, could not be well imagined than commanded his
+attention at the cabin table. However, as he was a Frenchman, and
+naturally polite, he acquitted himself of the office of cup-bearer,
+if not as gracefully, at least as anxiously, as ever did Ganymede
+herself. Yet, notwithstanding this readiness to serve the visitors
+in their gastronomic desires, the poor steward felt ill-requited;
+he was twice frightened into an icicle, and twice thawed back into
+conscious horror, by the rudeness of those he entertained. In one
+instance, when he had filled out a sparkling glass for a ruffian,
+and believed he had quite won the heart of the drinker by the act,
+he found himself grasped roughly and tightly by the throat, and the
+point of a knife staring him in the face. It seems the fellow who
+thus seized him, had felt between his teeth a sharp bit of broken
+glass, and fancying that something had been put in the wine to
+poison him, he determined to prove his suspicions by making the
+steward swallow what remained in the bottle from which the liquor
+had been drawn, and thus unceremoniously prefaced his command;
+however, ready and implicit obedience averted further bad
+consequences. The other instance of the steward's jeopardy was
+this; when the repast was ended, one of the gentlemen coolly
+requested him to waive all delicacy, and point out the place in
+which the captain's money was concealed. He might as well have
+asked him to produce the philosopher's stone. However, pleading the
+truth was of no use; his determined requisitor seconded the demand
+by snapping a pistol at his breast; having missed fire, he
+recocked, and again presented; but the fatal weapon was struck
+aside by Barbazan, who reproved the rashness with a threat, and
+thus averted the steward's impending fate. It was then with
+feelings of satisfaction he heard himself ordered to go down to the
+hold, and in a moment he was bolted in among his fellow
+sufferers.</p>
+<p>The ruffians indulged in the pleasures of the bottle for some
+time longer, and then having ordered down the females, treated them
+with even less humanity than characterized their conduct towards
+the others. The screams of the helpless females were heard in the
+hold by those who were unable to render them assistance, and
+agonizing, indeed, must those screams have been to their
+incarcerated hearers! How far the brutality of the pirates was
+carried in this stage of the horrid proceeding, we can only
+surmise; fortunately, their lives were spared, although, as it
+afterwards appeared, the orders of Soto were to butcher every being
+on board; and it is thought that these orders were not put into
+action, in consequence of the villains having wasted so much time
+in drinking, and otherwise indulging themselves; for it was not
+until the loud voice of their chief was heard to recall them, that
+they prepared to leave the ship; they therefore contented
+themselves with fastening the women within the cabin, heaping heavy
+lumber on the hatches of the hold, and boring holes in the planks
+of the vessel below the surface of the water, so that in destroying
+the unhappy people at one swoop, they might make up for the lost
+time. They then left the ship, sinking fast to her apparently
+certain fate.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/176.jpg" alt=
+"Horrid abuse of the helpless women in the cabin" height="323"
+width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>Horrid abuse of the helpless women in the cabin.</i></h4>
+It may be reasonably supposed, bad as their conduct was towards the
+females, and pitiable as was the suffering it produced, that the
+lives of the whole left to perish were preserved through it; for
+the ship must have gone down if the women had been either taken out
+of her or murdered, and those in the hold inevitably have gone with
+her to the bottom. But by good fortune, the females succeeded in
+forcing their way out of the cabin, and became the means of
+liberating the men confined in the hold. When they came on deck, it
+was nearly dark, yet they could see the pirate ship at a
+considerable distance, with all her sails set and bearing away from
+them. They prudently waited, concealed from the possibility of
+being seen by the enemy, and when the night fell, they crept to the
+hatchway, and called out to the men below to endeavor to effect
+their liberation, informing them that the pirate was away and out
+of sight. They then united their efforts, and the lumber being
+removed, the hatches gave way to the force below, so that the
+released captives breathed of hope again. The delightful draught,
+however, was checked, when the ship was found to contain six feet
+of water! A momentary collapse took possession of all their newly
+excited expectations; cries and groans of despair burst forth, but
+the sailors' energy quickly returned, and was followed by that of
+the others; they set to work at the pumps, and by dint of labor
+succeeded in keeping the vessel afloat. Yet to direct her course
+was impossible; the pirates having completely disabled her, by
+cutting away her rigging and sawing the masts all the way through.
+The eye of Providence, however, was not averted from the hapless
+people, for they fell in with a vessel next day that relieved them
+from their distressing situation, and brought them to England in
+safety.
+<p>We will now return to Soto, and show how the hand of that
+Providence that secured his intended victims, fell upon himself and
+his wicked associates. Intoxicated with their infamous success, the
+night had far advanced before Soto learned that the people in the
+Morning Star, instead of being slaughtered, were only left to be
+drowned. The information excited his utmost rage. He reproached
+Barbazan, and those who had accompanied them in the boarding, with
+disobeying his orders, and declared that now there could be no
+security for their lives. Late as the hour was, and long as he had
+been steering away from the Morning Star, he determined to put
+back, in the hope of effectually preventing the escape of those in
+the devoted vessel, by seeing them destroyed before his eyes. Soto
+was a follower of the principle inculcated by the old maxim, "Dead
+men tell no tales;" and in pursuance of his doctrine, lost not a
+moment in putting about and running back. But it was too late; he
+could find no trace of the vessel, and so consoled himself with the
+belief that she was at the bottom of the sea, many fathoms below
+the ken and cognizance of Admiralty Courts.</p>
+<p>Soto, thus satisfied, bent his course to Europe. On his voyage
+he fell in with a small brig, boarded, plundered, sunk her, and,
+that he might not again run the hazard of encountering living
+witnesses of his guilt, murdered the crew, with the exception of
+one individual, whom he took along with him, on account of his
+knowledge of the course to Corunna, whither he intended to proceed.
+But, faithful to his principles of self-protection, as soon as he
+had made full use of the unfortunate sailor, and found himself in
+sight of the destined port, he came up to him at the helm, which he
+held in his hand, "My friend," said he "is that the harbor of
+Corunna?"--"Yes," was the reply. "Then," rejoined Soto, "You have
+done your duty well, and I am obliged to you for your services." On
+the instant he drew a pistol and shot the man; then coolly flung
+his body overboard, took the helm himself, and steered into his
+native harbor as little concerned as if he had returned from an
+honest voyage. At this port he obtained papers in a false name,
+disposed of a great part of his booty, and after a short stay set
+out for Cadiz, where he expected a market for the remainder. He had
+a fair wind until he came within sight of the coast near that city.
+It was coming on dark and he lay to, expecting to go into his
+anchorage next morning, but the wind shifted to the westward, and
+suddenly began to blow a heavy gale; it was right on the land. He
+luffed his ship as close to the wind as possible, in order to clear
+a point that stretched outward, and beat off to windward, but his
+lee-way carried him towards the land, and he was caught when he
+least expected the trap. The gale increased--the night grew pitchy
+dark--the roaring breakers were on his lee-beam--the drifting
+vessel strikes, rebounds, and strikes again--the cry of horror
+rings through the flapping cordage, and despair is in the eyes of
+the demon-crew. Helpless they lie amid the wrath of the storm, and
+the darkened face of Heaven, for the first time, strikes terror on
+their guilty hearts. Death is before them, but not with a merciful
+quickness does he approach; hour after hour the frightful vision
+glares upon them, and at length disappears only to come upon them
+again in a more dreadful form. The tempest abates, and the sinners
+were spared for the time.</p>
+<p>As the daylight broke they took to their boats, and abandoned
+the vessel to preserve their lives. But there was no repentance in
+the pirates; along with the night and the winds went the voice of
+conscience, and they thought no more of what had passed. They stood
+upon the beach gazing at the wreck, and the first thought of Soto,
+was to sell it, and purchase another vessel for the renewal of his
+atrocious pursuits. With the marked decision of his character, he
+proposed his intention to his followers, and received their full
+approbation. The plan was instantly arranged; they were to present
+themselves as honest, shipwrecked mariners to the authorities at
+Cadiz; Soto was to take upon himself the office of mate, or
+<i>contra maestra,</i> to an imaginary captain, and thus obtain
+their sanction in disposing of the vessel. In their assumed
+character, the whole proceeded to Cadiz, and presented themselves
+before the proper officers of the marine. Their story was listened
+to with sympathy, and for a few days every thing went on to their
+satisfaction. Soto had succeeded so well as to conclude the sale of
+the wreck with a broker, for the sum of one thousand seven hundred
+and fifty dollars; the contract was signed, but fortunately the
+money was not yet paid, when suspicion arose, from some
+inconsistencies in the pirates' account of themselves, and six of
+them were arrested by the authorities. Soto and one of his crew
+instantly disappeared from Cadiz, and succeeded in arriving at the
+neutral ground before Gibraltar, and six more made their escape to
+the Carraccas.</p>
+<p>None are permitted to enter the fortress of Gibraltar, without
+permission from the governor, or a passport. Soto and his
+companion, therefore, took up their quarters at a Posade on the
+neutral ground, and resided there in security for several days. The
+busy and daring mind of the former could not long remain inactive;
+he proposed to his companion to attempt to enter the garrison in
+disguise and by stealth, but could not prevail upon him to consent.
+He therefore resolved to go in alone; and his object in doing so
+was to procure a supply of money by a letter of credit which he
+brought with him from Cadiz. His companion, more wise than he,
+chose the safer course; he knew that the neutral ground was not
+much controllable by the laws either of the Spanish or the English,
+and although there was not much probability of being discovered, he
+resolved not to trust to chance in so great a stake as his life;
+and he proved to have been right in his judgment, for had he gone
+to Gibraltar, he would have shared the same fate of his chief. This
+man is the only one of the whole gang, who has not met with the
+punishment of his crimes, for he succeeded in effecting his escape
+on board some vessel. It is not even suspected to what country he
+is gone; but his description, no doubt, is registered. The steward
+of the Morning Star informed me, that he is a tall, stout man, with
+fair hair, and fresh complexion, of a mild and gentle countenance,
+but that he was one of the worst villains of the whole piratical
+crew. I believe he is stated to be a Frenchman.</p>
+<p>Soto secured his admission into the garrison by a false pass,
+and took up his residence at an inferior tavern in a narrow lane,
+which runs off the main street of Gibraltar, and is kept by a man
+of the name of Basso. The appearance of this house suits well with
+the associations of the worthy Benito's life. I have occasion to
+pass the door frequently at night, for our barrack, (the Casement,)
+is but a few yards from it. I never look at the place without
+feeling an involuntary sensation of horror--the smoky and dirty
+nooks--the distant groups of dark Spaniards, Moors, and Jews, their
+sallow countenances made yellow by the fight of dim oil lamps--the
+unceiled rafters of the rooms above, seen through unshuttered
+windows and the consciousness of their having covered the atrocious
+Soto, combine this effect upon me.</p>
+<p>In this den the villain remained for a few weeks, and during
+this time seemed to enjoy himself as if he had never committed a
+murder. The story he told Basso of his circumstances was, that he
+had come to Gibraltar on his way to Cadiz from Malaga, and was
+merely awaiting the arrival of a friend. He dressed
+expensively--generally wore a white hat of the best English
+quality, silk stockings, white trowsers, and blue frock coat. His
+whiskers were large and bushy, and his hair, which was very black,
+profuse, long and naturally curled, was much in the style of a
+London preacher of prophetic and anti-poetic notoriety. He was
+deeply browned with the sun, and had an air and gait expressive of
+his bold, enterprising, and desperate mind. Indeed, when I saw him
+in his cell and at his trial, although his frame was attenuated
+almost to a skeleton, the color of his face a pale yellow, his eyes
+sunken, and hair closely shorn; he still exhibited strong traces of
+what he had been, still retained his erect and fearless carriage,
+his quick, fiery, and malevolent eye, his hurried and concise
+speech, and his close and pertinent style of remark. He appeared to
+me such a man as would have made a hero in the ranks of his
+country, had circumstances placed him in the proper road to fame;
+but ignorance and poverty turned into the most ferocious robber,
+one who might have rendered service and been an honor to his sunken
+country. I should like to hear what the phrenologists say of his
+head; it appeared to me to be the most peculiar I had ever seen,
+and certainly, as far as the bump of <i>destructiveness</i> went,
+bore the theory fully out. It is rumored here that the skull has
+been sent to the <i>savans</i> of Edinburg; if this be the case, we
+shall no doubt be made acquainted with their sage opinions upon the
+subject, and great conquerors will receive a farther assurance of
+how much they resemble in their physical natures the greatest
+murderers.</p>
+<p>When I visited the pirate in the Moorish castle where he was
+confined, he was sitting in his cold, narrow, and miserable cell,
+upon a pallet of straw, eating his coarse meal from a tin plate. I
+thought him more an object of pity than vengeance; he looked so
+worn with disease, so crushed with suffering, yet so affable,
+frank, and kind in his address; for he happened to be in a
+communicative mood, a thing that was by no means common with him.
+He spoke of his long confinement, till I thought the tears were
+about to start from his eyes, and alluded to his approaching trial
+with satisfaction; but his predominant characteristic, ferocity,
+appeared in his small piercing black eyes before I left him, as he
+alluded to his keeper, the Provost, in such a way that made me
+suspect his desire for blood was not yet extinguished. When he
+appeared in court on his trial, his demeanor was quite altered; he
+seemed to me to have suddenly risen out of the wretch he was in his
+cell, to all the qualities I had heard of him; he stood erect and
+unembarrassed; he spoke with a strong voice, attended closely to
+the proceedings, occasionally examined the witnesses, and at the
+conclusion protested against the justice of his trial. He sometimes
+spoke to the guards around him, and sometimes affected an air of
+carelessness of his awful situation, which, however, did not sit
+easy upon him. Even here the leading trait of his mind broke forth;
+for when the interpreter commenced his office, the language which
+he made use of being pedantic and affected, Soto interrupted him
+thus, while a scowl sat upon his brow that terrified the man of
+words: "I don't understand you, man; speak Spanish like others, and
+I'll listen to you." When the dirk that belonged to Mr. Robertson,
+the trunk and clothes taken from Mr. Gibson, and the pocket book
+containing the ill-fated captain's handwriting were placed before
+him, and proved to have been found in his room, and when the maid
+servant of the tavern proved that she found the dirk under his
+pillow every morning on arranging his bed; and when he was
+confronted with his own black slave, between two wax lights, the
+countenance of the villain appeared in its true nature, not
+depressed nor sorrowful, but vivid and ferocious; and when the
+patient and dignified governor, Sir George Don, passed the just
+sentence of the law upon him, he looked daggers at his heart, and
+assumed a horrid silence, more eloquent than words.</p>
+<p>The criminal persisted up to the day before his execution in
+asserting his innocence, and inveighing against the injustice of
+his trial, but the certainty of his fate, and the awful voice of
+religion, at length subdued him. He made an unreserved confession
+of his guilt, and became truly penitent; gave up to the keeper the
+blade of a razor which he had secreted between the soles of his
+shoes for the acknowledged purpose of adding suicide to his crimes,
+and seemed to wish for the moment that was to send him before his
+Creator.</p>
+<p>I witnessed his execution, and I believe there never was a more
+contrite man than he appeared to be; yet there were no drivelling
+fears upon him--he walked firmly at the tail of the fatal cart,
+gazing sometimes at his coffin, sometimes at the crucifix which he
+held in his hand. The symbol of divinity he frequently pressed to
+his lips, repeated the prayers spoken in his ear by the attendant
+clergyman, and seemed regardless of every thing but the world to
+come. The gallows was erected beside the water, and fronting the
+neutral ground. He mounted the cart as firmly as he had walked
+behind it, and held up his face to Heaven and the beating rain,
+calm, resigned, but unshaken; and finding the halter too high for
+his neck, he boldly stepped upon his coffin, and placed his head in
+the noose, then watching the first turn of the wheels, he murmured
+"<i>adios todos</i>," ["Farewell, all."] and leaned forward to
+facilitate his fall.</p>
+<p>The black slave of the pirate stood upon the battery trembling
+before his dying master to behold the awful termination of a series
+of events, the recital of which to his African countrymen, when he
+shall return to his home, will give them no doubt, a dreadful
+picture of European civilization. The black boy was acquitted at
+Cadiz, but the men who had fled to the Carraccas, as well as those
+arrested after the wreck, were convicted, executed, their limbs
+severed, and hung on tenter hooks, as a warning to all pirates.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/185.jpg" alt="The Rock of Gibraltar"
+height="452" width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>The Rock of Gibraltar.</i></h4>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="THE_ADVENTURES_OF_CAPTAIN_ROBERT_KIDD"></a>
+<h2>THE ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN ROBERT KIDD</h2>
+The easy access to the harbor of New-York, the number of
+hiding-places about its waters, and the laxity of its newly
+organized government, about the year 1695, made it a great
+rendezvous of pirates, where they might dispose of their booty and
+concert new depredations. As they brought home with them wealthy
+lading of all kinds, the luxuries of the tropics, and the sumptuous
+spoils of the Spanish provinces, and disposed of them with the
+proverbial carelessness of freebooters, they were welcome visitors
+to the thrifty traders of New-York. Crews of these desperadoes,
+therefore, the runagates of every country and every clime, might be
+seen swaggering in open day about the streets, elbowing its quiet
+inhabitants, trafficking their rich outlandish plunder at half or
+quarter price to the wary merchant; and then squandering their
+prize-money in taverns, drinking, gambling, singing, carousing and
+astounding the neighborhood with midnight brawl and revelry. At
+length these excesses rose to such a height as to become a scandal
+to the provinces, and to call loudly for the interposition of
+government. Measures were accordingly taken to put a stop to this
+widely extended evil, and to drive the pirates out of the colonies.
+<p>Among the distinguished individuals who lurked about the
+colonies, was Captain Robert Kidd, [Footnote: His real name was
+William Kidd.] who in the beginning of King William's war,
+commanded a privateer in the West Indies, and by his several
+adventurous actions, acquired the reputation of a brave man, as
+well as an experienced seaman. But he had now become notorious, as
+a nondescript animal of the ocean. He was somewhat of a trader,
+something more of a smuggler, but mostly a pirate. He had traded
+many years among the pirates, in a little rakish vessel, that could
+run into all kinds of water. He knew all their haunts and lurking
+places, and was always hooking about on mysterious voyages.</p>
+<p>Upon the good old maxim of "setting a rogue to catch a rogue,"
+Capt. Kidd 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 to the command of a
+government ship, and to be employed in cruising upon the pirates,
+as knowing those seas perfectly well, and being acquainted with all
+their lurking places; but what reasons governed the politics 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.</p>
+<p>Upon this neglect, the lord Bellamont and some others, who knew
+what great captures had been made by the pirates, 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
+her to Captain Kidd; and to give the thing a greater reputation, as
+well as to keep their seamen under better command, they procured
+the king's commission for the said Capt. Kidd, of which the
+following is an exact copy:</p>
+<p><i>William Rex</i>,</p>
+<p>"WILLIAM THE THIRD, by the grace of God, King of England,
+Scotland, France and Ireland, defender of the faith, &amp;c. To our
+trusty and well beloved Capt. ROBERT KIDD, commander of the ship
+the Adventure galley, or to any other, the commander of the same
+for the time being, <i>Greeting</i>: Whereas we are informed, that
+Capt. Thomas Too, John Ireland, Capt. Thomas Wake, and Capt.
+William Maze or Mace, and other subjects, natives or inhabitants of
+New-York, and elsewhere, in our plantations in America, have
+associated themselves with divers others, wicked and ill-disposed
+persons, and do, against the law of nations, commit many and great
+piracies, robberies and depredations on the seas upon the parts of
+America, and in other parts, to the great hindrance and
+discouragement of trade and navigation, and to the great danger and
+hurt of our loving subjects, our allies, and all others, navigating
+the seas upon their lawful occasions. Now KNOW YE, that we being
+desirous to prevent the aforesaid mischiefs, and as much as in us
+lies, to bring the said pirates, free-booters and sea-rovers to
+justice, have thought fit, and do hereby give and grant to the said
+Robert Kidd, (to whom our commissioners for exercising the office
+of Lord High Admiral of England, have granted a commission as a
+private man-of-war, bearing date the 11th day of December, 1695,)
+and unto the commander of the said ship for the time being, and
+unto the officers, mariners, and others which shall be under your
+command, full power and authority to apprehend, seize, and take
+into your custody as well the said Capt. Thomas Too, John Ireland,
+Capt. Thomas Wake, and Capt. Wm. Maze or Mace, as all such pirates,
+free-booters, and sea-rovers, being either our subjects, or of
+other nations associated with them, which you shall meet with upon
+the seas or coasts of America, or upon any other seas or coasts,
+with all their ships and vessels, and all such merchandizes, money,
+goods, and wares as shall be found on board, or with them, in case
+they shall willingly yield themselves; but if they will not yield
+without fighting, then you are by force to compel them to yield.
+And we also require you to bring, or cause to be brought, such
+pirates, free-booters, or sea-rovers, as you shall seize, to a
+legal trial, to the end they may be proceeded against according to
+the law in such cases. And we do hereby command all our officers,
+ministers, and other our loving subjects whatsoever, to be aiding
+and assisting to you in the premises. And we do hereby enjoin you
+to keep an exact journal of your proceedings in execution of the
+premises, and set down the names of such pirates, and of their
+officers and company, and the names of such ships and vessels as
+you shall by virtue of these presents take and seize, and the
+quantities of arms, ammunition, provision, and lading of such
+ships, and the true value of the same, as near as you judge. And we
+do hereby strictly charge and command you, as you will answer the
+contrary at your peril, that you do not, in any manner, offend or
+molest our friends or allies, their ships or subjects, by colour or
+pretence of these presents, or the authority thereby granted. <i>In
+witness whereof</i>, we have caused our great seal of England to be
+affixed to these presents. Given at our court in Kensington, the
+26th day of January, 1695, in the 7th year of our reign."</p>
+<p>Capt. Kidd 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 reader
+with it.</p>
+<p>Previous to sailing, Capt. Kidd buried his bible on the
+sea-shore, in Plymouth Sound; its divine precepts being so at
+variance with his wicked course of life, that he did not choose to
+keep a book which condemned him in his lawless career.</p>
+<p>With these two commissions he sailed out of Plymouth in May,
+1696, in the Adventure galley, of 30 guns, and 80 men; the place he
+first designed for was New-York; in his voyage thither, he took a
+French banker, but this was no act of piracy, he having a
+commission for that purpose, as we have just observed.</p>
+<p>When he arrived at New-York, he put up articles for engaging
+more hands, it being necessary to his ship's 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 increased his company to 155 men.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/190.jpg" alt=
+"Captain Kidd burying his Bible" height="529" width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>Captain Kidd burying his Bible.</i></h4>
+With this company he sailed first for Madeira, where he took in
+wine and some other necessaries; from thence he proceeded to
+Bonavista, 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 rendezvous of pirates. In his way he fell in
+with Capt. Warren, commodore of three men of war; he acquainted him
+with his design, kept them company two or three days, and then
+leaving them, made the best of his way for Madagascar, where he
+arrived in February, 1696, just nine months from his departure from
+Plymouth.
+<p>It happened that at this time the pirate ships were most of them
+out in search of prey; so that according to the best intelligence
+Capt. Kidd 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 cruise, touching sometimes at the island of
+Mohila, and sometimes at that of Johanna, between Malabar and
+Madagascar. His provisions were every day wasting, and his ship
+began to want repair; wherefore, when he was at Johanna, he found
+means of borrowing a sum of money from some Frenchmen who had lost
+their ship, but saved their effects, and with this he purchased
+materials for putting his ship in good repair.</p>
+<p>It does not appear all this while that he had the least design
+of turning pirate; for near Mohila and Johanna both, he met with
+several Indian ships richly laden, to which he did not offer the
+least violence, though he was strong enough to have done what he
+pleased with them; and the first outrage or depredation I find he
+committed upon mankind, was after his repairing his ship, and
+leaving Johanna; he touched at a place called Mabbee, upon the Red
+Sea, where he took some Guinea corn from the natives, by force.
+After this, he sailed 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
+Mocha fleet, which was to sail that way, he said, "<i>We have been
+unsuccessful hitherto; but courage, my boys, we'll make our
+fortunes out of this fleet</i>"; and finding that none of them
+appeared averse to it, he ordered a boat out, well manned, to go
+upon the coast to make discoveries, commanding them to take a
+prisoner and bring him to him, or get intelligence any way they
+could. The boat returned 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 colors.</p>
+<p>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 pirates; but now weary of
+ill success, and fearing lest his owners, out of humor at their
+great expenses, should dismiss him, and he should want employment,
+and be marked 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.</p>
+<p>He therefore ordered a man continually to watch at the mast
+head, lest this fleet should go by them; and about four days after,
+towards evening, it appeared in sight, being convoyed by one
+English and one Dutch man of war. Kidd soon fell in with them, and
+getting into the midst of them, fired at a Moorish ship which was
+next him; but the men-of-war taking the alarm, bore down upon Kidd,
+and firing upon him, obliged him to sheer off, he not being strong
+enough to contend with them. Now he had begun hostilities, he
+resolved to go on, and therefore he went and cruised 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 Englishman; his name was
+Parker. Kidd forced him and a Portuguese that was called Don
+Antonio, which were all the Europeans on board, to take on with
+him; the first he designed 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 drubbed with a naked cutlass, 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.</p>
+<p>A little time after he touched at Carawar, a place upon the same
+coast, where, before he arrived, the news of what he had done to
+the Moorish ship had reached 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 Kidd came in, he was
+suspected to be the person who committed this piracy; and one Mr.
+Harvey and Mr. Mason, two of the English factory, came on board and
+asked for Parker, and Antonio, the Portuguese; but Kidd denied that
+he knew any such persons, having secured them both in a private
+place in the hold, where they were kept for seven or eight days,
+that is, till Kidd sailed from thence.</p>
+<p>However, the coast was alarmed, and a Portuguese man-of-war was
+sent out to cruise. Kidd 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 called Porca, where he watered his ship and
+bought a number of hogs of the natives to victual his company.</p>
+<p>Soon after this, he came up with a Moorish ship, the master
+whereof was a Dutchman, called Schipper Mitchell, and chased her
+under French colors, which they observing hoisted French colors
+too; when he came up with her, he hailed her in French, and they
+having a Frenchman on board, answered him in the same language;
+upon which he ordered them to send their boat on board; they were
+obliged to do so, and having examined who they were, and from
+whence they came, he asked the Frenchman who was a passenger, if he
+had a French pass for himself; the Frenchman gave him to understand
+that he had. Then he told the Frenchman that he must pass for
+captain, and by----, says he, you are the captain; the Frenchman
+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
+belonged to French subjects, according to a commission he had for
+that purpose; though one would think, after what he had already
+done, he need not have recourse to a quibble to give his actions a
+color.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/194.jpg" alt=
+"Captain Kidd attacks the Moorish fleet" height="363" width=
+"600"></center>
+<h4><i>Captain Kidd attacks the Moorish fleet.</i></h4>
+In short, he took the cargo, and sold it some time after; yet still
+he seemed to have some fears upon him, lest these proceedings
+should have a bad end; for, coming up with a Dutch ship some time
+after, when his men thought of nothing but attacking her, Kidd
+opposed 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 grounded against Kidd; for Moor, the
+gunner, being one day upon deck, and talking with Kidd about the
+said Dutch ship, some words arose between them, and Moor told Kidd,
+that he had ruined them all; upon which Kidd, calling him a dog,
+took up a bucket and struck him with it, which breaking his scull,
+he died next day.
+<p>But Kidd's penitential fit did not last long; for coasting along
+Malabar, he met with a great number of boats, all of which he
+plundered. Upon the same coast he also fell in with 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.</p>
+<p>Much about the same time he went to one of the Malabar islands
+for wood and water, and his cooper being ashore, was murdered by
+the natives; upon which Kidd 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 Englishman, by the name of
+Wright; for the Indians often make use of English or Dutchmen to
+command their ships, their own mariners not being so good artists
+in navigation. Kidd chased her under French colors, and having come
+up with her, he ordered her to hoist out her boat and 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 cargo. Kidd gave the Armenians to understand,
+that if they would offer anything that was worth his taking for
+their ransom, he would hearken to it. Upon which, they proposed to
+pay him 20,000 rupees, not quite &pound;3,000 sterling; but Kidd
+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 cargo as came to 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 cargo, and when the division was made, it
+came to about &pound;200 a man; and having reserved forty shares to
+himself, his dividend amounted to about &pound;8,000 sterling.</p>
+<p>The Indians along the coast came on board and trafficked 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
+pirates, they always found them men of honor in the way of trade; a
+people, enemies to deceit, and that scorned to rob but in their own
+way.</p>
+<p>Kidd put some of his men on board the Queda Merchant, and with
+this ship and his own sailed for Madagascar. As soon as he had
+arrived and cast anchor, there came on board of him a canoe, in
+which were several Englishmen, who had formerly been well
+acquainted with Kidd. 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.
+Kidd 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.</p>
+<p>These men belonged to a pirate ship, called the Resolution,
+formerly the Mocha Merchant, whereof one Capt. Culliford was
+commander, and which lay at anchor not far from them. Kidd went on
+board with them, promising them his friendship and assistance, and
+Culliford in his turn came on board of Kidd; and Kidd, 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 sea again.</p>
+<p>The Adventure galley was now so old and leaky, that they were
+forced to keep two pumps continually going; wherefore Kidd 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 Capt. Culliford, and others absconding into the country,
+so that he had not above 40 men left.</p>
+<p>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 reached England, and that he was there declared a pirate.</p>
+<p>The truth of it is, his piracies so alarmed our merchants that
+some motions were made in parliament, to inquire into the
+commission that was given him, and the persons who fitted him out.
+These proceedings seem to lean a little hard upon Lord Bellamont,
+who thought himself so touched thereby, that he published a
+justification of himself in a pamphlet, after Kidd's execution. In
+the meantime it was thought advisable, in order to stop the course
+of these piracies, to publish a proclamation, offering the king's
+free pardon to all such pirates as should voluntarily surrender
+themselves, whatever piracies they had been guilty of, at any time
+before the last day of April, 1699--that is to say, for all
+piracies committed eastward of the Cape of Good Hope, to the
+longitude and meridian of Socatora, and Cape Cormorin; in which
+proclamation, Avery and Kidd were excepted by name.</p>
+<p>When Kidd 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, as 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 sailed directly
+for Boston laden with booty, with a crew of swaggering companions
+at his heels. But no sooner did he show himself in Boston, than the
+alarm was given of his reappearance, and measures were taken to
+arrest him. The daring character which Kidd had acquired, however,
+and the desperate fellows who followed like bull-dogs at his heels,
+caused a little delay in his arrest. He took advantage of this to
+bury the greater part of his immense treasure, which has never been
+found, and then carried a high head about the streets of Boston. He
+even attempted to defend himself when arrested, but was secured and
+thrown into prison. Such was the formidable character of this
+pirate and his crew, that a frigate was sent to convey them to
+England for trial.</p>
+<p>Accordingly a sessions of Admiralty being held at the Old
+Bailey, in May 1701, Capt. Kidd, Nicholas Churchill, James How,
+Robert Lumly, William Jenkins, Gabriel Loff, Hugh Parrot, Richard
+Barlicorn, Abel Owens and Darby Mullins, were arraigned for piracy
+and robbery on the high seas, and all found guilty except three;
+these were Robert Lumly, William Jenkins and Richard Barlicorn, who
+proving themselves to be apprentices to some of the officers of the
+ship, and producing their indentures in court, were acquitted.</p>
+<p>The three above mentioned, though they were proved to be
+concerned 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 piracy. A pirate 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.</p>
+<p>Now a servant, it is true, if he go voluntarily, and have his
+proportion, he must be accounted a pirate, 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 <i>not
+guilty</i>.</p>
+<p>Kidd was tried 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 Col. Bass, governor of West Jersey, to whom they surrendered,
+being in court, and called upon, proved the same. However, this
+plea was overruled by the court, because there being four
+commissioners named in the proclamation, viz. Capt. Thomas Warren,
+Israel Hayes, Peter Delannoye, and Christopher Pollard, Esquires,
+who were appointed commissioners, and sent over on purpose to
+receive the submissions of such pirates as should surrender, it was
+adjudged no other person was qualified to receive their surrender,
+and that they could not be entitled to the benefit of the said
+proclamation, because they had not in all circumstances complied
+with the conditions of it.</p>
+<p>Darby Mullins urged in his defence, that he served 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 commission, 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 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.</p>
+<p>This seemed to be the best defence the thing could bear; but his
+taking a share of the plunder, the seamen's mutinying on board
+several times, and taking upon them to control the captain, showed
+there was no obedience paid to the commission; and that they acted
+in all things according to the custom of pirates and freebooters,
+which weighing with the jury, they brought him in guilty with the
+rest.</p>
+<p>As to Capt. Kidd's defence, he insisted much on his own
+innocence, and the villainy of his men. He said, he went out in a
+laudable employment and had no occasion, being then in good
+circumstances, to go a pirating; that the men often mutinied
+against him, and did as they pleased; that he was threatened to be
+shot in the 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 condemned,
+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 Kidd'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,
+proved of no manner of service to the prisoner on his trial.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/202.jpg" alt=
+"Captain Kidd hanging in chains" height="600" width="357"></center>
+<h4><i>Captain Kidd hanging in chains.</i></h4>
+As to the friendship shown to Culliford, a notorious pirate, Kidd
+denied, 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 pirate. But the
+evidence being full and particular against him, he was found guilty
+as before mentioned.
+<p>When Kidd was asked what he had to say why sentence should not
+pass against him, he answered, that <i>he had nothing to say, but
+that he had been sworn against by perjured and wicked people</i>.
+And when sentence was pronounced, he said, <i>My Lord, it is a very
+hard sentence. For my part, I am the most innocent person of them
+all, only I have been sworn against by perjured persons</i>.</p>
+<p>Wherefore about a week after, Capt. Kidd, 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.</p>
+<p>Kidd died hard, for the rope with which he was first tied up
+broke with his weight and he tumbled to the ground. He was tied up
+a second time, and more effectually. Hence came the story of Kidd's
+being twice hung.</p>
+<p>Such is Captain Kidd's true history; but it has given birth to
+an innumerable progeny of traditions. The report of his having
+buried great treasures of gold and silver which he actually did
+before his arrest, set the brains of all the good people along the
+coast in a ferment. There were rumors on rumors of great sums of
+money found here and there, sometimes in one part of the country
+sometimes in another; of coins with Moorish inscriptions, doubtless
+the spoils of his eastern prizes.</p>
+<p>Some reported the treasure to have been buried in solitary,
+unsettled places about Plymouth and Cape Cod; but by degrees,
+various other parts, not only on the eastern coast but along the
+shores of the Sound, and even Manhattan and Long Island were gilded
+by these rumors. In fact the vigorous measures of Lord Bellamont
+had spread sudden consternation among the pirates in every part of
+the provinces; they had secreted their money and jewels in lonely
+out-of-the-way places, about the wild shores of the sea coast, and
+dispersed themselves over the country. The hand of justice
+prevented many of them from ever returning to regain their buried
+treasures, which remain to this day thus secreted, and are
+irrecoverably lost. This is the cause of those frequent reports of
+trees and rocks bearing mysterious marks, supposed to indicate the
+spots where treasure lay hidden; and many have been the ransackings
+after the pirates' booty. A rocky place on the shores of Long
+Island, called Kidd's Ledge, has received great attention from the
+money diggers; but they have not as yet discovered any
+treasures.</p>
+<hr width="100%">
+<br>
+<a name="VINCENT"></a>
+<h2>THE BLOODY CAREER AND EXECUTION OF VINCENT BENAVIDES A PIRATE
+ON THE WEST COAST OF SOUTH AMERICA.</h2>
+Vincent Benavides was the son of the gaoler of Quirihue in the
+district of Conception. He was a man of ferocious manners, and had
+been guilty of several murders. Upon the breaking out of the
+revolutionary war, he entered the patriot army as a private
+soldier; and was a serjeant of grenadiers at the time of the first
+Chilian revolution. He, however, deserted to the Spaniards, and was
+taken prisoner in their service, when they sustained, on the plains
+of Maypo, on the 5th of April, 1818, that defeat which decided
+their fortunes in that part of America, and secured the
+independence of Chili. Benavides, his brother, and some other
+traitors to the Chilian cause, were sentenced to death, and brought
+forth in the Plaza, or public square of Santiago, in order to be
+shot. Benavides, though terribly wounded by the discharge, was not
+killed; but he had the presence of mind to counterfeit death in so
+perfect a manner, that the imposture was not suspected. The bodies
+of the traitors were not buried, but dragged away to a distance,
+and there left to be devoured by the gallinazos or vultures. The
+serjeant who had the superintendence of this part of the ceremony,
+had a personal hatred to Benavides, on account of that person
+having murdered some of his relations; and, to gratify his revenge,
+he drew his sword, and gave the dead body, (as he thought,) a
+severe gash in the side, as they were dragging it along. The
+resolute Benavides had fortitude to bear this also, without
+flinching or even showing the least indication of life; and one
+cannot help regretting that so determined a power of endurance had
+not been turned to a better purpose.
+<p>Benavides lay like a dead man, in the heap of carcasses, until
+it became dark; and then, pierced with shot, and gashed by the
+sword as he was, he crawled to a neighboring cottage, the
+inhabitants of which received him with the greatest kindness, and
+attended him with the greatest care.</p>
+<p>The daring ruffian, who knew the value of his own talents and
+courage, being aware that General San Martin was planning the
+expedition to Peru, a service in which there would be much of
+desperation and danger, sent word to the General that he was alive,
+and invited him to a secret conference at midnight, in the same
+Plaza in which it was believed Benavides had been shot. The signal
+agreed upon, was, that they should strike fire three times with
+their flints, as that was not likely to be answered by any but the
+proper party, and yet was not calculated to awaken suspicion.</p>
+<p>San Martin, alone, and provided with a brace of pistols, met the
+desperado; and after a long conference, it was agreed that
+Benavides should, in the mean time, go out against the Araucan
+Indians; but that he should hold himself in readiness to proceed to
+Peru, when the expedition suited.</p>
+<p>Having procured the requisite passports, he proceeded to Chili,
+where, having again diverted the Chilians, he succeeded in
+persuading the commander of the Spanish troops, that he had force
+sufficient to carry on the war against Chili; and the commander in
+consequence retired to Valdivia, and left Benavides commander of
+the whole frontier on the Biobio.</p>
+<p>Having thus cleared the coast of the Spanish commander, he went
+over to the Araucans, or rather, he formed a band of armed robbers,
+who committed every cruelty, and were guilty of every perfidy in
+the south of Chili. Whereever Benavides came, his footsteps were
+marked with blood, and the old men, the women, and the children,
+were butchered lest they should give notice of his motions.</p>
+<p>When he had rendered himself formidable by land, he resolved to
+be equally powerful upon the sea. He equipped a corsair, with
+instructions to capture the vessels of all nations; and as Araucan
+is directly opposite the island of Santa Maria, where vessels put
+in for refreshment, after having doubled Cape Horn, his situation
+was well adapted for his purpose. He was but too successful. The
+first of his prizes was the American ship Hero, which he took by
+surprise in the night; the second, was the Herculia, a brig
+belonging to the same country. While the unconscious crew were
+proceeding, as usual, to catch seals on this island, lying about
+three leagues from the main land of Arauca, an armed body of men
+rushed from the woods, and overpowering them, tied their hands
+behind them, and left them under a guard on the beach. These were
+no other than the pirates, who now took the Herculia's own boats,
+and going on board, surprised the captain and four of his crew, who
+had remained to take care of the brig; and having brought off the
+prisoners from the beach, threw them all into the hold, closing the
+hatches over them. They then tripped the vessel's anchor, and
+sailing over in triumph to Arauca, were received by Benavides, with
+a salute of musketry fired under the Spanish flag, which it was
+their chief's pleasure to hoist on that day. In the course of the
+next night, Benavides ordered the captain and his crew to be
+removed to a house on shore, at some distance from the town; then
+taking them out, one by one, he stripped and pillaged them of all
+they possessed, threatening them the whole time with drawn swords
+and loaded muskets. Next morning he paid the prisoners a visit and
+ordered them to the capital, called together the principal people
+of the town, and desired each to select one as a servant. The
+captain and four others not happening to please the fancy of any
+one, Benavides, after saying he would himself take charge of the
+captain, gave directions, on pain of instant death, that some one
+should hold themselves responsible for the other prisoners. Some
+days after this they were called together, and required to serve as
+soldiers in the pirates army; an order to which they consented,
+knowing well by what they had already seen, that the consequence of
+refusal would be fatal.</p>
+<p>Benavides, though unquestionably a ferocious savage, was,
+nevertheless, a man of resource, full of activity, and of
+considerable energy of character. He converted the whale spears and
+harpoons into lances for his cavalry, and halberts for his
+sergeants; and out of the sails he made trowsers for half of his
+army; the carpenters he set to work making baggage carts and
+repairing his boats; the armourers he kept perpetually at work,
+mending muskets, and making pikes; managing in this way, to turn
+the skill of every one of his prisoners to some useful account. He
+treated the officers, too, not unkindly, allowed them to live in
+his house, and was very anxious on all occasions, to have their
+advice respecting the equipment of his troops.</p>
+<p>Upon one occasion, when walking with the captain of the
+Herculia, he remarked, that his army was now almost complete in
+every respect, except in one essential particular, and it cut him,
+he said to the soul, to think of such a deficiency; he had no
+trumpets for his cavalry, and added, that it was utterly impossible
+to make the fellows believe themselves dragoons, unless they heard
+a blast in their ears at every turn; and neither men nor horses
+would ever do their duty properly, if not roused to it by the sound
+of a trumpet; in short he declared, some device must be hit upon to
+supply this equipment. The captain, willing to ingratiate himself
+with the pirate, after a little reflection, suggested to him, that
+trumpets might easily be made of copper sheets on the bottoms of
+the vessels he had taken. "Very true," cried the delighted chief,
+"how came I not to think of that before?" Instantly all hands were
+employed in ripping off the copper, and the armourers being set to
+work under his personal superintendence, the whole camp, before
+night, resounded with the warlike blasts of the cavalry.</p>
+<p>The captain of the ship, who had given him the brilliant idea of
+the copper trumpets, had by these means, so far won upon his good
+will and confidence, as to be allowed a considerable range to walk
+on. He of course, was always looking out for some plan of escape,
+and at length an opportunity occurring, he, with the mate of the
+Ocean, and nine of his crew, seized two whale boats, imprudently
+left on the banks of the river, and rowed off. Before quitting the
+shore, they took the precaution of staving all the other boats, to
+prevent pursuit, and accordingly, though their escape was
+immediately discovered, they succeeded in getting so much the start
+of the people whom Benavides sent in pursuit of them, that they
+reached St. Mary's Island in safety. Here they caught several seals
+upon which they subsisted very miserably till they reached
+Valparaiso. It was in consequence of their report of Benavides
+proceedings made to Sir Thomas Hardy, the commander-in-chief, that
+he deemed it proper to send a ship to rescue if possible, the
+remaining unfortunate captives at Arauca.</p>
+<p>Benavides having manned the Herculia, it suited the mate, (the
+captain and crew being detained as hostages,) to sail with the brig
+to Chili, and seek aid from the Spanish governor. The Herculia
+returned with a twenty-four pounder, two field-pieces, eleven
+Spanish officers, and twenty soldiers, together with the most
+flattering letters and congratulations to the worthy ally of his
+Most Catholic Majesty. Soon after this he captured the
+Perseverance, English whaler, and the American brig Ocean, bound
+for Lima, with several thousand stand of arms on board. The captain
+of the Herculia, with the mate of the Ocean, and several men, after
+suffering great hardships, landed at Valparaiso, and gave notice of
+the proceedings of Benavides; and in consequence, Sir Thomas Hardy
+directed Captain Hall to proceed to Arauca with the convoy, to set
+the captives free, if possible.</p>
+<p>It was for the accomplishment of this service that Capt. Hall
+sailed from Valparaiso; and he called at Conception on his way, in
+order to glean information respecting the pirate. Here the Captain
+ascertained that Benavides was between two considerable bodies of
+Chilian force, on the Chilian side of the Biobio, and one of those
+bodies between him and the river.</p>
+<p>Having to wait two days at Conception for information, Captain
+Hall occupied them in observing the place; the country he describes
+as green and fertile, and having none of the dry and desert
+character of the environs of Valparaiso. Abundance of vegetables,
+wood, and also coals, are found on the shores of the bay.</p>
+<p>On the 12th of October, the captain heard of the defeat of
+Benavides, and his flight, alone, across the Biobio into the
+Araucan country; and also that two of the Americans whom he had
+taken with him had made their escape, and were on board the
+Chacabuco. As these were the only persons who could give Captain
+Hall information respecting the prisoners of whom he was in quest,
+he set out in search of the vessel, and after two days' search,
+found her at anchor near the island of Mocha. From thence he
+learned that the captain of the Ocean, with several English and
+American seamen had been left at Arauca, when Benavides went on his
+expedition, and he sailed for that place immediately.</p>
+<p>He was too late, however; the Chilian forces had already made a
+successful attack, and the Indians had fled, setting fire to the
+town and the ships. The Indians, who were in league with the
+Chilians, were every way as wild as those who arrayed themselves
+under Benavides. Capt. Hall, upon his return to Conception, though
+dissuaded from it by the governor, visited the Indian
+encampment.</p>
+<p>When the captain and his associates entered the courtyard, they
+observed a party seated on the ground, round a great tub of wine,
+who hailed their entrance with loud shouts, or rather yells, and
+boisterously demanded their business; to all appearance very little
+pleased with the interruption. The interpreter became alarmed, and
+wished them to retire; but this the captain thought imprudent, as
+each man had his long spear close at hand, resting against the
+eaves of the house. Had they attempted to escape they must have
+been taken, and possibly sacrificed, by these drunken savages. As
+their best chance seemed to lie in treating them without any show
+of distrust, they advanced to the circle with a good humored
+confidence, which appeased them considerably. One of the party rose
+and embraced them in the Indian fashion, which they had learned
+from the gentlemen who had been prisoners with Benavides. After
+this ceremony they roared out to them to sit down on the ground,
+and with the most boisterous hospitality, insisted on their
+drinking with them; a request which they cheerfully complied with.
+Their anger soon vanished, and was succeeded by mirth and
+satisfaction, which speedily became as outrageous as their
+displeasure had been at first. Seizing a favorable opportunity,
+Captain Hall stated his wish to have an interview with their chief,
+upon which a message was sent to him; but he did not think fit to
+show himself for a considerable time, during which they remained
+with the party round the tub, who continued swilling their wine
+like so many hogs. Their heads soon became affected, and their
+obstreperous mirth increasing every minute, the situation of the
+strangers became by no means agreeable.</p>
+<p>At length Peneleo's door opened, and the chief made his
+appearance; he did not condescend, however, to cross the threshold,
+but leaned against the door post to prevent falling, being by some
+degrees more drunk than any of his people. A more finished picture
+of a savage cannot be conceived. He was a tall, broad shouldered
+man; with a prodigiously large head, and a square-shaped bloated
+face, from which peeped out two very small eyes, partly hid by an
+immense superfluity of black, coarse, oily, straight hair, covering
+his cheeks, hanging over his shoulders, and rendering his head
+somewhat the shape and size of a bee-hive. Over his shoulders was
+thrown a poncho of coarse blanket stuff. He received them very
+gruffly, and appeared irritated and sulky at having been disturbed;
+he was still more offended when he learned that they wished to see
+his captive. They in vain endeavored to explain their real views;
+but he grunted out his answer in a tone and manner which showed
+them plainly that he neither did, nor wished to understand
+them.</p>
+<p>Whilst in conversation with Peneleo, they stole an occasional
+glance at his apartment. By the side of the fire burning in the
+middle of the floor, was seated a young Indian woman, with long
+black hair reaching to the ground; this, they conceived, could be
+no other than one of the unfortunate persons they were in search
+of; and they were somewhat disappointed to observe, that the lady
+was neither in tears, nor apparently very miserable; they therefore
+came away impressed with the unsentimental idea, that the amiable
+Peneleo had already made some impression on her young heart.</p>
+<p>Two Indians, who were not so drunk as the rest, followed them to
+the outside of the court, and told them that several foreigners had
+been taken by the Chilians in the battle near Chilian, and were now
+safe. The interpreter hinted to them that this was probably
+invented by these cunning people, on hearing their questions in the
+court; but he advised them, as a matter of policy, to give them
+each a piece of money, and to get away as far as they could.</p>
+<p>Captain Hall returned to Conception on the 23d of October,
+reached Valparaiso on the 26th, and in two weeks thereafter, the
+men of whom he was in search, made their appearance.</p>
+<p>The bloody career of Benavides now drew near to a close. The
+defeat on the Chilian side of the Biobio, and the burning of Arauca
+with the loss of his vessels, he never recovered. At length, in the
+end of December 1821, discovering the miserable state to which he
+was reduced, he entreated the Intendant of Conception, that he
+might be received on giving himself up along with his partisans.
+This generous chief accepted his offer, and informed the supreme
+government; but in the meantime Benavides embarked in a launch, at
+the mouth of the river Lebo, and fled, with the intention of
+joining a division of the enemy's army, which he supposed to be at
+some one of the ports on the south coast of Peru. It was indeed
+absurd to expect any good faith from such an intriguer; for in his
+letters at this time, he offered his services to Chili and promised
+fidelity, while his real intention was still to follow the enemy.
+He finally left the unhappy province of Conception, the theatre of
+so many miserable scenes, overwhelmed with the misery which he had
+caused, without ever recollecting that it was in that province that
+he had first drawn his breath.</p>
+<p>His despair in the boat made his conduct insupportable to those
+who accompanied him, and they rejoiced when they were obliged to
+put into the harbor of Topocalma in search of water of which they
+had run short. He was now arrested by some patriotic individuals.
+From the notorious nature of his crimes, alone, even the most
+impartial stranger would have condemned him to the last punishment;
+but the supreme government wished to hear what he had to say for
+himself, and ordered him to be tried according to the laws. It
+appearing on his trial that he had placed himself beyond the laws
+of society, such punishment was awarded him as any one of his
+crimes deserved. As a pirate, he merited death, and as a destroyer
+of whole towns, it became necessary to put him to death in such a
+manner as might satisfy outraged humanity, and terrify others who
+should dare to imitate him. In pursuance of the sentence passed
+upon him, he was dragged from the prison in a pannier tied to the
+tail of a mule, and was hanged in the great square; his head and
+hands were afterwards cut off, in order to their being placed upon
+high poles, to point out the places of his horrid crimes, Santa
+Juona, Tarpellanca and Arauca.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/214.jpg" alt=
+"The head of Benavides stuck on a pole" height="600" width=
+"348"></center>
+<h4><i>The head of Benavides stuck on a pole.</i></h4>
+&nbsp;
+<center><img src="./images/215.jpg" alt="Page 215 Illustration"
+height="264" width="400"></center>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="THE_LIFE_OF_CAPTAIN_DAVIS"></a>
+<h2>THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN DAVIS</h2>
+<i>With an account of his surprising the Fort at Gambia</i>.
+<p>Davis was born in Monmouthshire, and, from a boy, trained to the
+sea. His last voyage from England was in the sloop Cadogan from
+Bristol, in the character of chief mate. This vessel was captured
+by the pirate England, upon the Guinea coast, whose companions
+plundered the crew, and murdered the captain, as is related in
+England's life.</p>
+<p>Upon the death of Captain Skinner, Davis pretended that he was
+urged by England to become a pirate, but that he resolutely
+refused. He added, that England, pleased with his conduct, had made
+him captain in room of Skinner, giving him a sealed paper, which he
+was not to open until he was in a certain latitude, and then
+expressly to follow the given directions. When he arrived in the
+appointed place, he collected the whole crew, and solemnly read his
+sealed instructions, which contained a generous grant of the ship
+and all her stores to Davis and his crew, requesting them to go to
+Brazil, and dispose of the cargo to the best advantage, and make an
+equal division of the money.</p>
+<p>Davis then commanded the crew to signify whether they were
+inclined to follow that mode of life, when, to his astonishment and
+chagrin, the majority positively refused. Then, in a transport of
+rage, he desired them to go where they would.</p>
+<p>Knowing that part of the cargo was consigned to merchants in
+Barbadoes, they directed their course to that place. When arrived
+there, they informed the merchants of the unfortunate death of
+Skinner, and of the proposal which had been made to them. Davis was
+accordingly seized, and committed to prison, but he having never
+been in the pirate service, nothing could be proved to condemn him,
+and he was discharged without a trial. Convinced that he could
+never hope for employment in that quarter after this detection, he
+went to the island of Providence, which he knew to be a rendezvous
+for pirates. Upon his arrival there, he was grievously
+disappointed, because the pirates who frequented that place had
+just accepted of his majesty's pardon, and had surrendered.</p>
+<p>Captain Rogers having equipped two sloops for trade, Davis
+obtained employment in one of these, called the Buck. They were
+laden with European goods to a considerable value, which they were
+to sell or exchange with the French and Spanish. They first touched
+at the island of Martinique, belonging to the French, and Davis
+knowing that many of the men were formerly in the pirate service,
+enticed them to seize the master, and to run off with the sloop.
+When they had effected their purpose, they hailed the other ship,
+in which they knew that there were many hands ripe for rebellion,
+and coming to, the greater part joined Davis. Those who did not
+choose to adhere to them were allowed to remain in the other sloop,
+and continue their course, after Davis had pillaged her of what
+things he pleased.</p>
+<p>In full possession of the vessel and stores and goods, a large
+bowl of punch was made; under its exhilarating influence, it was
+proposed to choose a commander, and to form their future mode of
+policy. The election was soon over, and a large majority of legal
+votes were in favor of Davis, and no scrutiny demanded, Davis was
+declared duly elected. He then drew up a code of laws, to which he
+himself swore, and required the same bond of alliance from all the
+rest of the crew. He then addressed them in a short and appropriate
+speech, the substance of which was, a proclamation of war with the
+whole world.</p>
+<p>They next consulted, what part would be most convenient to clean
+the vessel, and it was resolved to repair to Coxon's Hole, at the
+east end of the island of Cuba, where they could remain in perfect
+security, as the entrance was so narrow that one ship could keep
+out a hundred.</p>
+<p>They, however, had no small difficulty in cleaning their vessel,
+as there was no carpenter among them. They performed that laborious
+task in the best manner they could, and then made to the north side
+of Hispaniola. The first sail they met with was a French ship of
+twelve guns, which they captured; and while they were plundering
+her, another appeared in view. Enquiring of the Frenchmen, they
+learned that she was a ship of twenty-four guns and sixty men.
+Davis proposed to his crew to attack her, assuring them that she
+would prove a rich prize. This appeared to the crew such a
+hazardous enterprise, that they were rather adverse to the measure.
+But he acquainted them that he had conceived a stratagem that he
+was confident would succeed; they might, therefore, safely leave
+the matter to his management. He then commenced chase, and ordered
+his prize to do the same. Being a better sailer, he soon came up
+with the enemy, and showed his black colors. With no small surprise
+at his insolence in coming so near them, they commanded him to
+strike. He replied, that he was disposed to give them employment
+until his companion came up, who was able to contend with them;
+meanwhile assuring them that, if they did not strike to him, it
+would most certainly fare the worse for them: then giving them a
+broadside, he received the same in return.</p>
+<p>When the other pirate ship drew near, they, according to the
+directions of Davis, appeared upon deck in white shirts, which
+making an appearance of numbers, the Frenchman was intimidated, and
+struck. Davis ordered the captain with twenty of his men to come on
+board, and they were all put in irons except the captain. He then
+despatched four of his men to the other ship, and calling aloud to
+them, desired that his compliments should be given to the captain,
+with a request to send a sufficient number of hands to go on board
+their new prize, to see what they had got in her. At the same time,
+he gave them a written paper with their proper instructions, even
+to nail up the small guns, to take out all the arms and powder, and
+to go every man on board the new prize. When his men were on board
+her, he ordered the greater part of the prisoners to be removed
+into the empty vessels, and by this means secured himself from any
+attempt to recover their ship.</p>
+<p>During three days, these three vessels sailed in company, but
+finding that his late prize was a heavy sailer, he emptied her of
+everything that he stood in need of, and then restored her to the
+captain with all his men. The French captain was so much enraged at
+being thus miserably deceived, that, upon the discovery of the
+stratagem, he would have thrown himself overboard, had not his men
+prevented him.</p>
+<p>Captain Davis then formed the resolution of parting with the
+other prize-ship also, and soon afterwards steered northward, and
+took a Spanish sloop. He next directed his course towards the
+western islands, and from Cape de Verd islands cast anchor at St.
+Nicholas, and hoisted English colors. The Portuguese supposed that
+he was a privateer, and Davis going on shore was hospitably
+received, and they traded with him for such articles as they found
+most advantageous. He remained here five weeks, and he and half of
+his crew visited the principal town of the island. Davis, from his
+appearing in the dress of a gentleman, was greatly caressed by the
+Portuguese, and nothing was spared to entertain and render him and
+his men happy. Having amused themselves during a week, they
+returned to the ship, and allowed the other half of the crew to
+visit the capital, and enjoy themselves in like manner. Upon their
+return, they cleaned their ship and put to sea, but four of the men
+were so captivated with the ladies and the luxuries of the place,
+that they remained in the island, and one of them married and
+settled there.</p>
+<p>Davis now sailed for Bonavista, and perceiving nothing in that
+harbor steered for the Isle of May. Arrived there, he found several
+vessels in the harbor, and plundered them of whatever he found
+necessary. He also received a considerable reinforcement of men,
+the greater part of whom entered willingly into the piratical
+service. He likewise made free with one of the ships, equipped her
+for his own purpose, and called her the King James. Davis next
+proceeded to St. Jago to take in water. Davis, with some others
+going on shore to seek water, the governor came to inquire who they
+were, and expressed his suspicion of their being pirates. Upon
+this, Davis seemed highly affronted, and expressed his displeasure
+in the most polite but determined manner. He, however, hastened on
+board, informed his men, and suggested the possibility of
+surprising the fort during the night. Accordingly, all his men
+being well armed, they advanced to the assault; and, from the
+carelessness of the guards, they were in the garrison before the
+inhabitants were alarmed. Upon the discovery of their danger, they
+took shelter in the governor's house, and fortified it against the
+pirates: but the latter throwing in some grando shells, ruined the
+furniture, and killed several people.</p>
+<p>The alarm was circulated in the morning, and the country
+assembled to attack them; but, unwilling to stand a siege, the
+pirates dismounted the guns, pillaged the fort, and fled to their
+ships.</p>
+<p>When at sea, they mustered their hands, and found that they were
+seventy strong. They then consulted among themselves what course
+they should steer, and were divided in opinion; but by a majority
+it was carried to sail for Gambia, on the coast of Guinea. Of this
+opinion was the captain, who having been employed in that trade,
+was acquainted with the coast; and informed his companions, that
+there was always a large quantity of money deposited in that
+castle, and he was confident, if the matter was entrusted to him,
+he should successfully storm that fort. From their experience of
+his former prudence and courage, they cheerfully submitted to his
+direction, in the full assurance of success.</p>
+<p>Arrived at Gambia, he ordered all his men below, except just so
+many as were necessary to work the vessel, that those from the
+fort, seeing so few hands, might have no suspicion that she was any
+other than a trading vessel. He then ran under the fort and cast
+anchor, and having ordered out the boat, manned with six men
+indifferently dressed, he, with the master and doctor, dressed
+themselves like gentlemen, in order that the one party might look
+like foremastmen, and the other like merchants. In rowing ashore,
+he instructed his men what to say if any questions were put to them
+by the garrison.</p>
+<p>On reaching land, the party was conducted by a file of
+musqueteers into the fort, and kindly received by the governor, who
+enquired what they were, and whence they came? They replied, that
+they were from Liverpool, and bound for the river Senegal, to trade
+for gum and elephants teeth; but that they were chased on that
+coast by two French men-of-war, and narrowly escaped being taken.
+"We were now disposed," continued Davis, "to make the best of our
+voyage, and would willingly trade here for slaves." The governor
+then inquired what were the principal articles of their cargo. They
+replied, that they were iron and plate, which were necessary
+articles in that place. The governor then said, that he would give
+them slaves for all their cargo; and asked if they had any European
+liquor on board. They answered, that they had a little for their
+own use, but that he should have a hamper of it. He then treated
+them with the greatest civility, and desired them all to dine with
+him. Davis answered, that as he was commander of the vessel, it
+would be necessary for him to go down to see if she were properly
+moored, and to give some other directions; but that these gentlemen
+might stay, and he would return before dinner, and bring the hamper
+with him.</p>
+<p>While in the fort, his eyes were keenly employed to discover the
+position of the arms, and how the fort might most successfully be
+surprised. He discovered that there was a sentry standing near a
+guard-house, in which there were a quantity of arms heaped up in a
+corner, and that a considerable number of small arms were in the
+governor's hall. When he went on board, he ordered some hands on
+board a sloop lying at anchor, lest, hearing any bustle they should
+come to the aid of the castle; then desiring his men to avoid too
+much liquor, and to be ready when he should hoist the flag from the
+walls, to come to his assistance, he proceeded to the castle.</p>
+<p>Having taken these precautions and formed these arrangements, he
+ordered every man who was to accompany him to arm himself with two
+pair of pistols, which he himself also did, concealed under their
+clothes. He then directed them to go into the guard-room, and fall
+into conversation, and immediately upon his firing a pistol out of
+the governor's window, to shut the men up, and secure the arms in
+the guard-room.</p>
+<p>When Davis arrived, dinner not being ready, the governor
+proposed that they should pass the time in making a bowl of punch.
+Davis's boatswain attending him, had an opportunity of visiting all
+parts of the house, and observing their strength. He whispered his
+intelligence to his master, who being surrounded by his own
+friends, and seeing the governor unattended by any of his retinue,
+presented a pistol to the breast of the latter, informing him that
+he was a dead man, unless he should surrender the fort and all its
+riches. The governor, thus taken by surprise, was compelled to
+submit; for Davis took down all the pistols that hung in the hall,
+and loaded them. He then fired his pistol out of the window. His
+men flew like lions, presented their pistols to the soldiers, and
+while some carried out the arms, the rest secured the military, and
+shut them all up in the guard-house, placing a guard on the door.
+Then one of them struck the union flag on the top of the castle,
+which the men from the vessel perceiving, rushed to the combat, and
+in an instant were in possession of the castle, without tumult or
+bloodshed.</p>
+<p>Davis then harrangued the soldiers, many of whom enlisted with
+him; and those who declined, he put on board the small ships, and
+to prevent the necessity of a guard, or the possibility of escape,
+carried off the sails, rigging and cables.</p>
+<p>That day being spent in feasting and rejoicing, the castle
+saluting the ship, and the ship the castle, on the day following
+they proceeded to examine the contents of their prize. They,
+however, were greatly disappointed in their expectations, a large
+sum of money having been sent off a few days before. But they found
+money to the amount of about two thousand pounds in gold, and many
+valuable articles of different kinds. They carried on board their
+vessel whatever they deemed useful, gave several articles to the
+captain and crew of the small vessel, and allowed them to depart,
+while they dismounted the guns, and demolished the
+fortifications.</p>
+<p>After doing all the mischief that their vicious minds could
+possibly devise, they weighed anchor; but in the mean time,
+perceiving a sail bearing towards them with all possible speed,
+they hastened to prepare for her reception, and made towards her.
+Upon her near approach they discovered that she was a French pirate
+of fourteen guns and sixty-four men, the one half French, and the
+other half negroes.</p>
+<p>The Frenchman was in high expectation of a rich prize, but when
+he came nearer, he suspected, from the number of her guns and men,
+that she was a small English man-of-war; he determined,
+notwithstanding, upon the bold attempt of boarding her, and
+immediately fired a gun, and hoisted his black colors: Davis
+immediately returned the compliment. The Frenchman was highly
+gratified at this discovery; both hoisted out their boats, and
+congratulated each other. Mutual civilities and good offices
+passed, and the French captain proposed to Davis to sail down the
+coast with him, in order to look out for a better ship, assuring
+him that the very first that could be captured should be his, as he
+was always willing to encourage an industrious brother.</p>
+<p>They first touched at Sierra Leone, where they espied a large
+vessel, and Davis being the swifter sailer, came first up with him.
+He was not a little surprised that she did not endeavor to make
+off, and began to suspect her strength. When he came alongside of
+her, she fired a whole broadside, and hoisted black colors. Davis
+did the same, and fired a gun to leeward. The satisfaction of these
+brothers in iniquity was mutual, at having thus acquired so much
+additional strength and ability to undertake more formidable
+adventures. Two days were devoted to mirth and song, and upon the
+third, Davis and Cochlyn, the captain of the new confederate,
+agreed to go in the French pirate ship to attack the fort. When
+they approached, the men in the fort, apprehensive of their
+character and intentions, fired all the guns upon them at once. The
+ship returned the fire, and afforded employment until the other two
+ships arrived, when the men in the fort seeing such a number on
+board, lost courage, and abandoned the fort to the mercy of the
+robbers.</p>
+<p>They took possession, remained there seven weeks, and cleaned
+their vessels. They then called a council of war, to deliberate
+concerning future undertakings, when it was resolved to sail down
+the coast in company; and, for the greater regularity and grandeur,
+Davis was chosen Commodore. That dangerous enemy, strong drink, had
+well nigh, however, sown the seeds of discord among these
+affectionate brethren. But Davis, alike prepared for council or for
+war, addressed them to the following purport: "Hear ye, you Cochlyn
+and La Boise, (which was the name of the French captain) I find, by
+strengthening you, I have put a rod into your hands to whip myself;
+but I am still able to deal with you both: however, since we met in
+love, let us part in love; for I find that three of a trade can
+never agree long together." Upon this, the other two went on board
+of their respective ships, and steered different courses.</p>
+<p>Davis held down the coast, and reaching Cape Appolonia he
+captured three vessels, two English and one Scottish, plundered
+them, and allowed them to proceed. In five days after he met with a
+Dutchman of thirty guns and ninety men. She gave Davis a broadside,
+and killed nine of his men; a desperate engagement ensued, which
+continued from one o'clock at noon until nine next morning, when
+the Dutchman struck.</p>
+<p>Davis equipped her for the pirate service, and called her "The
+Rover." With his two ships he sailed for the bay of Anamaboa, which
+he entered about noon, and took several vessels which were there
+waiting to take in negroes, gold, and elephants' teeth. Davis made
+a present of one of these vessels to the Dutch captain and his
+crew, and allowed them to go in quest of their fortune. When the
+fort had intelligence that they were pirates, they fired at them,
+but without any effect; Davis fired also, and hoisted the black
+colors, but deemed it prudent to depart.</p>
+<p>The next day after he left Anamaboa, the man at the mast-head
+discovered a sail. It may be proper to inform our readers, that,
+according to the laws of pirates, the man who first discovers a
+vessel, is entitled to the best pair of pistols in the ship, and
+such is the honor attached to these, that a pair of them has been
+known to sell for thirty pounds.</p>
+<p>Davis pursued that vessel, which, being between him and the
+shore, labored hard to run aground. Davis perceiving this, got
+between her and the land, and fired a broadside at her, when she
+immediately struck. She proved to be a very rich prize, having on
+board the Governor of Acra, with all his substance, going to
+Holland. There was in money to the amount of fifteen thousand
+pounds, besides a large quantity of merchant goods, and other
+valuable articles.</p>
+<p>Before they reached the Isle of Princes, the St. James sprang a
+leak, so that the men and the valuable articles were removed into
+Davis's own ship. When he came in sight of the fort he hoisted
+English colors. The Portuguese, seeing a large ship sailing towards
+the shore, sent a sloop to discover her character and destination.
+Davis informed them, that he was an English man-of-war, sent out in
+search of some pirates which they had heard were in this quarter.
+Upon this, he was piloted into the port, and anchored below the
+guns at the fort. The governor was happy to have Englishmen in his
+harbor; and to do honor to Davis, sent down a file of musqueteers
+to escort him into the fort, while Davis, the more to cover his
+design, ordered nine men, according to the custom of the English,
+to row him on shore.</p>
+<p>Davis also took the opportunity of cleaning and preparing all
+things for renewing his operations. He, however, could not
+contentedly leave the fort, without receiving some of the riches of
+the island. He formed a scheme to accomplish his purpose, and
+communicated the same to his men. He design was to make the
+governor a present of a few negroes in return for his kindness;
+then to invite him, with a few of the principal men and friars
+belonging to the island, to dine on board his ship, and secure them
+all in irons, until each of them should give a large ransom. They
+were accordingly invited, and very readily consented to go: and
+deeming themselves honored by his attention, all that were invited,
+would certainly have gone on board. Fortunately however, for them,
+a negro, who was privy to the horrible plan of Davis, swam on shore
+during the night, and gave information of the danger to the
+governor.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/228.jpg" alt=
+"Retreat of the Pirates and Death of Captain Davis" height="391"
+width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>Retreat of the Pirates and Death of Captain Davis.</i></h4>
+The governor occupied the whole night in strengthening the defences
+and posting the men in the most advantageous places. Soon after
+day-break, the pirates, with Captain Davis at their head were
+discovered landing from the boats; and quickly marched across the
+open space toward the fort. A brisk fire was opened upon them from
+the fort, which they returned in a spirited manner. At length, a
+hand grenade, thrown from the wooden veranda of the fort killed
+three of the pirates; but several of the Portuguese were killed.
+The veranda of the fort being of wood and very dry, it was set fire
+to by the pirates. This was a great advantage to the attacking
+party, who could now distinguish those in the fort without their
+being so clearly seen themselves; but at this moment Captain Davis
+fell, mortally wounded by a musket ball in his belly. The fall of
+their chief, and the determined resistance of those in the fort,
+checked the impetuosity of the assailants. They hesitated, and at
+last retreated, bearing away with them their wounded commander. The
+Portuguese cheered, and led on by the governor, now became the
+assailants. Still the pirates' retreat was orderly; they fired and
+retired rank behind rank successively. They kept the Portuguese at
+bay until they had arrived at the boats, when a charge was made and
+a severe conflict ensued. But the pirates had lost too many men;
+and without their Captain, felt dispirited. As they lifted Davis
+into the boat in his dying agonies he fired his pistols at his
+pursuers. They now pulled with all their might to escape from the
+muskets of the Portuguese, who followed them along the banks of the
+river, annoying them in their retreat to the vessel. And those on
+board, who expected to hoist in treasure had to receive naught but
+their wounded comrades and dead commander.
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/229.jpg" alt="Page 229 Illustration"
+height="248" width="400"></center>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name=
+"AUTHENTIC_HISTORY_OF_THE_MALAY_PIRATES_OF_THE_INDIAN_OCEAN"></a>
+<h2>AUTHENTIC HISTORY OF THE MALAY PIRATES OF THE INDIAN
+OCEAN.</h2>
+<i>With a Narrative of the Expedition against the Inhabitants of
+Quallah Battoo, commanded by Commodore Downes</i>.
+<p>A glance at the map of the East India Islands will convince us
+that this region of the globe must, from its natural configuration
+and locality; be peculiarly liable to become the seat of piracy.
+These islands form an immense cluster, lying as if it were in the
+high road which connects the commercial nations of Europe and Asia
+with each other, affording a hundred fastnesses from which to
+waylay the traveller. A large proportion of the population is at
+the same time confined to the coasts or the estuaries of rivers;
+they are fishermen and mariners; they are barbarous and poor,
+therefore rapacious, faithless and sanguinary. These are
+circumstances, it must be confessed, which militate strongly to
+beget a piratical character. It is not surprising, then, that the
+Malays should have been notorious for their depredations from our
+first acquaintance with them.</p>
+<p>Among the tribes of the Indian Islands, the most noted for their
+piracies are, of course, the most idle, and the least industrious,
+and particularly such as are unaccustomed to follow agriculture or
+trade as regular pursuits. The agricultural tribes of Java, and
+many of Sumatra, never commit piracy at all; and the most civilized
+inhabitants of Celebes are very little addicted to this vice.</p>
+<p>Among the most confirmed pirates are the true Malays, inhabiting
+the small islands about the eastern extremity of the straits of
+Malacca, and those lying between Sumatra and Borneo, down to
+Billitin and Cavimattir. Still more noted than these, are the
+inhabitants of certain islands situated between Borneo and the
+Phillipines, of whom the most desperate and enterprising are the
+Soolos and Illanoons, the former inhabiting a well known group of
+islands of the same name, and the latter being one of the most
+numerous nations of the great island of Magindando. The
+depredations of the proper Malays extend from Junkceylon to Java,
+through its whole coast, as far as Grip to Papir and Kritti, in
+Borneo and the western coast of Celebes. In another direction they
+infest the coasting trade of the Cochin Chinese and Siamese nations
+in the Gulf of Siam, finding sale for their booty, and shelter for
+themselves in the ports of Tringham, Calantan and Sahang. The most
+noted piratical stations of these people are the small islands
+about Lingin and Rhio, particularly Galang, Tamiang and Maphar. The
+chief of this last has seventy or eighty proas fit to undertake
+piratical expeditions.</p>
+<p>The Soolo pirates chiefly confine their depredations to the
+Phillipine Islands, which they have continued to infest, with
+little interruption, for near three centuries, in open defiance of
+the Spanish authorities, and the numerous establishments maintained
+to check them. The piracies of the Illanoons, on the contrary, are
+widely extended, being carried on all the way from their native
+country to the Spice Islands, on one side, and to the Straits of
+Malacca on the other. In these last, indeed, they have formed, for
+the last few years, two permanent establishments; one of these
+situated on Sumatra, near Indragiri, is called Ritti, and the other
+a small island on the coast of Linga, is named Salangut. Besides
+those who are avowed pirates, it ought to be particularly noticed
+that a great number of the Malayan princes must be considered as
+accessories to their crimes, for they afford them protection,
+contribute to their outfit, and often share in their booty; so that
+a piratical proa is too commonly more welcome in their harbours
+than a fair trader.</p>
+<p>The Malay piratical proas are from six to eight tons burden, and
+run from six to eight fathoms in length. They carry from one to two
+small guns, with commonly four swivels or rantakas to each side,
+and a crew of from twenty to thirty men. When they engage, they put
+up a strong bulwark of thick plank; the Illanoon proas are much
+larger and more formidable, and commonly carry from four to six
+guns, and a proportionable number of swivels, and have not
+unfrequently a double bulwark covered with buffalo hides; their
+crews consist of from forty to eighty men. Both, of course, are
+provided with spears, krisses, and as many fire arms as they can
+procure. Their modes of attack are cautious and cowardly, for
+plunder and not fame is their object. They lie concealed under the
+land, until they find a fit object and opportunity. The time chosen
+is when a vessel runs aground, or is becalmed, in the interval
+between the land and sea breezes. A vessel underway is seldom or
+never attacked. Several of the marauders attack together, and
+station themselves under the bows and quarters of a ship when she
+has no longer steerage way, and is incapable of pointing her guns.
+The action continues often for several hours, doing very little
+mischief; but when the crew are exhausted with the defence, or have
+expended their ammunition, the pirates take this opportunity of
+boarding in a mass. This may suggest the best means of defence. A
+ship, when attacked during a calm, ought, perhaps, rather to stand
+on the defensive, and wait if possible the setting in of the sea
+breeze, than attempt any active operations, which would only
+fatigue the crew, and disable them from making the necessary
+defence when boarding is attempted. Boarding netting, pikes and
+pistols, appear to afford effectual security; and, indeed, we
+conceive that a vessel thus defended by resolute crews of Europeans
+or Americans stand but little danger from any open attack of
+pirates whatsoever; for their guns are so ill served, that neither
+the hull or the rigging of a vessel can receive much damage from
+them, however much protracted the contest. The pirates are upon the
+whole extremely impartial in the selection of their prey, making
+little choice between natives and strangers, giving always,
+however, a natural preference to the most timid, and the most
+easily overcome.</p>
+<p>When an expedition is undertaken by the Malay pirates, they
+range themselves under the banner of some piratical chief noted for
+his courage and conduct. The native prince of the place where it is
+prepared, supplies the adventurers with arms, ammunition and opium,
+and claims as his share of the plunder, the female captives, the
+cannon, and one third of all the rest of the booty.</p>
+<p>In Nov. 1827, a principal chief of pirates, named Sindana, made
+a descent upon Mamoodgoo with forty-five proas, burnt three-fourths
+of the campong, driving the rajah with his family among the
+mountains. Some scores of men were killed, and 300 made prisoners,
+besides women and children to half that amount. In December
+following, when I was there, the people were slowly returning from
+the hills, but had not yet attempted to rebuild the campong, which
+lay in ashes. During my stay here (ten weeks) the place was visited
+by two other piratical chiefs, one of which was from Kylie, the
+other from Mandhaar Point under Bem Bowan, who appeared to have
+charge of the whole; between them they had 134 proas of all
+sizes.</p>
+<p>Among the most desperate and successful pirates of the present
+day, Raga is most distinguished. He is dreaded by people of all
+denominations, and universally known as the "prince of pirates."
+For more than seventeen years this man has carried on a system of
+piracy to an extent never before known; his expeditions and
+enterprises would fill a large volume. They have invariably been
+marked with singular cunning and intelligence, barbarity, and
+reckless inattention to the shedding of human blood. He has
+emissaries every where, and has intelligence of the best
+description. It was about the year 1813 Raga commenced operations
+on a large scale. In that year he cut off three English vessels,
+killing the captains with his own hands. So extensive were his
+depredations about that time that a proclamation was issued from
+Batavia, declaring the east coast of Borneo to be under strict
+blockade. Two British sloops of war scoured the coast. One of
+which, the Elk, Capt. Reynolds, was attacked during the night by
+Raga's own proa, who unfortunately was not on board at the time.
+This proa which Raga personally commanded, and the loss of which he
+frequently laments, carried eight guns and was full of his best
+men.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/234.jpg" alt=
+"A Piratical Proa in Full Chase" height="600" width="543"></center>
+<h4><i>A Piratical Proa in Full Chase.</i></h4>
+An European vessel was faintly descried about three o'clock one
+foggy morning; the rain fell in torrents; the time and weather were
+favorable circumstances for a surprise, and the commander
+determined to distinguish himself in the absence of the Rajah Raga,
+gave directions to close, fire the guns and board. He was the more
+confident of success, as the European vessel was observed to keep
+away out of the proper course on approaching her. On getting within
+about an hundred fathoms of the Elk they fired their broadside,
+gave a loud shout, and with their long oars pulled towards their
+prey. The sound of a drum beating to quarters no sooner struck the
+ear of the astonished Malays than they endeavored to get away: it
+was too late; the ports were opened, and a broadside, accompanied
+with three British cheers, gave sure indications of their fate. The
+captain hailed the Elk, and would fain persuade him it was a
+mistake. It was indeed a mistake, and one not to be rectified by
+the Malayan explanation. The proa was sunk by repeated broadsides,
+and the commanding officer refused to pick up any of the people,
+who, with the exception of five were drowned; these, after floating
+four days on some spars, were picked up by a Pergottan proa, and
+told the story to Raga, who swore anew destruction to every
+European he should henceforth take. This desperado has for upwards
+of seventeen years been the terror of the Straits of Macassar,
+during which period he has committed the most extensive and
+dreadful excesses sparing no one. Few respectable families along
+the coast of Borneo and Celebes but have to complain of the loss of
+a proa, or of some number of their race; he is not more universally
+dreaded than detested; it is well known that he has cut off and
+murdered the crews of more than forty European vessels, which have
+either been wrecked on the coasts, or entrusted themselves in
+native ports. It is his boast that twenty of the commanders have
+fallen by his hands. The western coast of Celebes, for about 250
+miles, is absolutely lined with proas belonging principally to
+three considerable rajahs, who act in conjunction with Raga and
+other pirates. Their proas may be seen in clusters of from 50, 80,
+and 100 (at Sediano I counted 147 laying on the sand at high water
+mark in parallel rows,) and kept in a horizontal position by poles,
+completely ready for the sea. Immediately behind them are the
+campongs, in which are the crews; here likewise are kept the sails,
+gunpowder, &amp;c. necessary for their equipment. On the very
+summits of the mountains, which in many parts rise abruptly from
+the sea, may be distinguished innumerable huts; here reside people
+who are constantly on the lookout. A vessel within ten miles of the
+shore will not probably perceive a single proa, yet in less than
+two hours, if the tide be high, she may be surrounded by some
+hundreds. Should the water be low they will push off during the
+night. Signals are made from mountain to mountain along the coast
+with the utmost rapidity; during the day time by flags attached to
+long bamboos; at night, by fires. Each chief sends forth his proas,
+the crews of which, in hazardous cases, are infuriated with opium,
+when they will most assuredly take the vessel if she be not better
+provided than most merchantmen.
+<p>Mr. Dalton, who went to the Pergottan river in 1830 says,
+"whilst I remained here, there were 71 proas of considerable sizes,
+39 of which were professed pirates. They were anchored off the
+point of a small promontory, on which the rajah has an
+establishment and bazaar. The largest of these proas belonged to
+Raga, who received by the fleet of proas, in which I came, his
+regular supplies of arms and ammunition from Singapore. Here nestle
+the principal pirates, and Raga holds his head quarters; his grand
+depot was a few miles farther up. Rajah Agi Bota himself generally
+resides some distance up a small river which runs eastward of the
+point; near his habitation stands the principal bazaar, which would
+be a great curiosity for an European to visit if he could only
+manage to return, which very few have. The Raga gave me a pressing
+invitation to spend a couple of days at his country house, but all
+the Bugis' nacodahs strongly dissuaded me from such an attempt. I
+soon discovered the cause of their apprehension; they were jealous
+of Agi Bota, well knowing he would plunder me, and considered every
+article taken by him was so much lost to the Sultan of Coti, who
+naturally would expect the people to reserve me for his own
+particular plucking. When the fact was known of an European having
+arrived in the Pergottan river, this amiable prince and friend of
+Europeans, impatient to seize his prey, came immediately to the
+point from his country house, and sending for the nacodah of the
+proa, ordered him to land me and all my goods instantly. An
+invitation now came for me to go on shore and amuse myself with
+shooting, and look at some rare birds of beautiful plumage which
+the rajah would give me if I would accept of them; but knowing what
+were his intentions, and being well aware that I should be
+supported by all the Bugis' proas from Coti, I feigned sickness,
+and requested that the birds might be sent on board. Upon this Agi
+Bota, who could no longer restrain himself, sent off two boats of
+armed men, who robbed me of many articles, and would certainly have
+forced me on shore, or murdered me in the proa had not a signal
+been made to the Bugis' nacodahs, who immediately came with their
+people, and with spears and krisses, drove the rajah's people
+overboard. The nacodahs, nine in number, now went on shore, when a
+scene of contention took place showing clearly the character of
+this chief. The Bugis from Coti explained, that with regard to me
+it was necessary to be particularly circumspect, as I was not only
+well known at Singapore, but the authorities in that settlement
+knew that I was on board the Sultan's proa, and they themselves
+were responsible for my safety. To this circumstance alone I owe my
+life on several occasions, as in the event of any thing happening
+to me, every nacodah was apprehensive of his proa being seized on
+his return to Singapore; I was therefore more peculiarly cared for
+by this class of men, and they are powerful. The rajah answered the
+nacodahs by saying, I might be disposed of as many others had been,
+and no further notice taken of the circumstance; he himself would
+write to Singapore that I had been taken by an alligator, or bitten
+by a snake whilst out shooting; and as for what property I might
+have in the proa he would divide it with the Sultan of Coti. The
+Bugis, however, refused to listen to any terms, knowing the Sultan
+of Coti would call him to an account for the property, and the
+authorities of Singapore for my life. Our proa, with others,
+therefore dropped about four miles down the river, where we took in
+fresh water. Here we remained six days, every argument being in
+vain to entice me on shore. At length the Bugis' nacodahs came to
+the determination to sail without passes, which brought the rajah
+to terms. The proas returned to the point, and I was given to
+understand I might go on shore in safety. I did so, and was
+introduced to the rajah whom I found under a shed, with about 150
+of his people; they were busy gambling, and had the appearance of
+what they really are, a ferocious set of banditti. Agi Bota is a
+good looking man, about forty years of age, of no education
+whatever; he divides his time between gaming, opium and
+cockfighting; that is in the interval of his more serious and
+profitable employment, piracy and rapine. He asked me to produce
+what money I had about me; on seeing only ten rupees, he remarked
+that it was not worth while to win so small a sum, but that if I
+would fight cocks with him he would lend me as much money as I
+wanted, and added it was beneath his dignity to fight under fifty
+reals a battle. On my saying it was contrary to an Englishman's
+religion to bet wagers, he dismissed me; immediately after the two
+rajahs produced their cocks and commenced fighting for one rupee a
+side. I was now obliged to give the old Baudarre five rupees to
+take some care of me, as whilst walking about, the people not only
+thrust their hands into my pockets, but pulled the buttons from my
+clothes. Whilst sauntering behind the rajah's campong I caught
+sight of an European woman, who on perceiving herself observed,
+instantly ran into one of the houses, no doubt dreading the
+consequences of being recognized. There are now in the house of Agi
+Bota two European women; up the country there are others, besides
+several men. The Bugis, inimical to the rajah, made no secret of
+the fact; I had heard of it on board the proa, and some person in
+the bazaar confirmed the statement. On my arrival, strict orders
+had been given to the inhabitants to put all European articles out
+of sight. One of my servants going into the bazaar, brought me such
+accounts as induced me to visit it. In one house were the following
+articles: four Bibles, one in English, one in Dutch, and two in the
+Portuguese languages; many articles of wearing apparel, such as
+jackets and trowsers, with the buttons altered to suit the natives;
+pieces of shirts tagged to other parts of dress; several broken
+instruments, such as quadrants, spy glasses (two,) binnacles, with
+pieces of ship's sails, bolts and hoops; a considerable variety of
+gunner's and carpenter's tools, stores, &amp;c. In another shop
+were two pelisses of faded lilac color; these were of modern cut
+and fashionably made. On enquiring how they became possessed of
+these articles, I was told they were some wrecks of European
+vessels on which no people were found, whilst others made no
+scruple of averring that they were formerly the property of people
+who had died in the country. All the goods in the bazaar belonged
+to the rajah, and were sold on his account; large quantities were
+said to be in his house up the river; but on all hands it was
+admitted Raga and his followers had by far the largest part of what
+was taken. A Mandoor, or head of one of the campongs, showed me
+some women's stockings, several of which were marked with the
+letters S.W.; also two chemises, one with the letters S.W.; two
+flannel petticoats, a miniature portrait frame (the picture was in
+the rajah's house,) with many articles of dress of both sexes. In
+consequence of the strict orders given on the subject I could see
+no more; indeed there were both difficulty and danger attending
+these inquiries. I particularly wanted to obtain the miniature
+picture, and offered the Mandoor fifty rupees if he could procure
+it; he laughed at me, and pointing significantly to his kris, drew
+one hand across my throat, and then across his own, giving me to
+understand such would be the result to us both on such an
+application to the rajah. It is the universal custom of the
+pirates, on this coast, to sell the people for slaves immediately
+on their arrival, the rajah taking for himself a few of the most
+useful, and receiving a percentage upon the purchase money of the
+remainder, with a moiety of the vessel and every article on board.
+European vessels are taken up the river, where they are immediately
+broken up. The situation of European prisoners is indeed dreadful
+in a climate like this, where even the labor of natives is
+intolerable; they are compelled to bear all the drudgery, and
+allowed a bare sufficiency of rice and salt to eat."</p>
+<p>It is utterly impossible for Europeans who have seen these
+pirates at such places as Singapore and Batavia, to form any
+conception of their true character. There they are under immediate
+control, and every part of their behaviour is a tissue of falsehood
+and deception. They constantly carry about with them a smooth
+tongue, cringing demeanor, a complying disposition, which always
+asserts, and never contradicts; a countenance which appears to
+anticipate the very wish of the Europeans, and which so generally
+imposes upon his understanding, that he at once concludes them to
+be the best and gentlest of human beings; but let the European meet
+them in any of their own campongs, and a very different character
+they will appear. The character and treacherous proceeding narrated
+above, and the manner of cutting off vessels and butchering their
+crews, apply equally to all the pirates of the East India Islands,
+by which many hundred European and American vessels have been
+surprised and their crews butchered.</p>
+<p>On the 7th of February, 1831, the ship Friendship, Capt.
+Endicott, of Salem (Mass.,) was captured by the Malays while lying
+at Quallah Battoo, on the coast of Sumatra. In the forenoon of the
+fatal day, Capt. Endicott, Mr. Barry, second mate, and four of the
+crew, it seems went on shore as usual, for the purpose of weighing
+pepper, expecting to obtain that day two boat loads, which had been
+promised them by the Malays. After the first boat was loaded, they
+observed that she delayed some time in passing down the river, and
+her crew being composed of Malays, was supposed by the officers to
+be stealing pepper from her, and secreting it in the bushes. In
+consequence of this conjecture, two men were sent off to watch
+them, who on approaching the boat, saw five or six Malays leap from
+the jungle, and hurry on board of her. The former, however,
+supposed them to be the boat's crew, as they had seen an equal
+number quit her previous to their own approach. In this they were
+mistaken, as will subsequently appear. At this time a brig hove in
+sight, and was seen standing towards Soo Soo, another pepper port,
+distant about five miles. Capt. Endicott, on going to the beach to
+ascertain whether the brig had hoisted any colors, discovered that
+the boat with pepper had approached within a few yards of the
+Friendship, manned with an unusual number of natives.</p>
+<p>It appears that when the pepper boats came alongside of the
+Friendship, as but few of the hands could work at a time, numbers
+of the Malays came on board, and on being questioned by Mr. Knight,
+the first officer, who was in the gangway, taking an account of the
+pepper, as to their business, their reply was, that they had come
+to see the vessel. Mr. Knight ordered them into their boat again,
+and some of them obeyed, but only to return immediately to assist
+in the work of death, which was now commenced by attacking Mr.
+Knight and the rest of the crew on board. The crew of the vessel
+being so scattered, it was impossible to concentrate their force so
+as to make a successful resistance. Some fell on the forecastle,
+one in the gangway, and Mr. Knight fell upon the quarter deck,
+severely wounded by a stab in the back while in the act of
+snatching from the bulwarks a boarding pike with which to defend
+himself.</p>
+<p>The two men who were taking the pepper on a stage, having vainly
+attempted to get on board to the assistance of their comrades, were
+compelled to leap into the sea. One of them, Charles Converse, of
+Salem, being severely wounded, succeeded in swimming to the
+bobstays, to which he clung until taken on board by the natives,
+and from some cause he was not afterwards molested. His companion,
+John Davis, being unable to swim, drifted with the tide near the
+<i>boat tackle</i>, or <i>davit falls</i>, the blocks being
+overhauled down near the water; one of these he laid hold of, which
+the Malays perceiving, dropped their boat astern and despatched
+him! the cook sprang into a canoe along side, and in attempting to
+push off she was capsized; and being unable to swim, he got on the
+bottom, and paddled ashore with his hands, where he was made
+prisoner. Gregory, an Italian, sought shelter in the
+foretop-gallant cross-trees, where he was fired at several times by
+the Malays with the muskets of the Friendship, which were always
+kept loaded and ready for use while on the coast.</p>
+<p>Three of the crew leaped into the sea, and swam to a point of
+land near a mile distant, to the northward of the town; and,
+unperceived by the Malays on shore, pursued their course to the
+northward towards Cape Felix, intending to go to the port of
+Annalaboo, about forty-five miles distant. Having walked all night,
+they found themselves, on the following morning, near the
+promontory, and still twenty-five miles distant from Annalaboo.</p>
+<p>When Mr. Endicott, Mr. Barry, and the four seamen arrived at the
+beach, they saw the crew jumping into the sea; the truth now, with
+all its horrors, flashed upon his mind, that the vessel was
+attacked, and in an instant they jumped on board the boat and
+pushed off; at the same time a friendly rajah named Po Adam, sprang
+into the boat; he was the proprietor of a port and considerable
+property at a place called Pulo Kio, but three miles distant from
+the mouth of the river Quallah Battoo. More business had been done
+by the rajah during the eight years past than by any other on the
+pepper coast; he had uniformly professed himself friendly to the
+Americans, and he has generally received the character of their
+being honest. Speaking a little English as he sprang into the boat,
+he exclaimed, "Captain, you got trouble; Malay kill you, he kill Po
+Adam too!" Crowds of Malays assembled on both sides of the river,
+brandishing their weapons in a menacing manner, while a ferry boat,
+manned with eight or ten of the natives, armed with spears and
+krisses, pushed off to prevent the officers' regaining their ship.
+The latter exhibited no fear, and flourished the cutlass of Po Adam
+in a menacing manner from the bows of the boat; it so intimidated
+the Malays that they fled to the shore, leaving a free passage to
+the ship; but as they got near her they found that the Malays had
+got entire possession of her; some of them were promenading the
+deck, others were making signals of success to the people on shore,
+while, with the exception of one man aloft, not an individual of
+the crew could be seen. Three Malay boats, with about fifty men,
+now issued from the river in the direction of the ship, while the
+captain and his men, concluding that their only hope of recovering
+their vessel was to obtain assistance from some other ships,
+directed their course towards Muchie, where they knew that several
+American vessels were lying at anchor. Three American captains,
+upon hearing the misfortunes of their countrymen, weighed anchor
+immediately for Quallah Battoo, determined, if possible, to recover
+the ship. By four o'clock on the same day they gained an anchorage
+off that place; the Malays, in the meantime, had removed on shore
+every moveable article belonging to the ship, including specie,
+besides several cases of opium, amounting in all to upwards of
+thirty thousand dollars. This was done on the night of the 9th, and
+on the morning of the 10th, they contrived to heave in the chain
+cable, and get the anchor up to the bows; and the ship was drifting
+finely towards the beach, when the cable, not being stopped abaft
+the bitts, began suddenly to run out with great velocity; but a
+bight having by accident been thrown forward of the windlass, a
+riding turn was the consequence, and the anchor, in its descent,
+was suddenly checked about fifteen fathoms from the hawse. A squall
+soon after coming on, the vessel drifted obliquely towards the
+shore, and grounded upon a coral reef near half a mile to the
+southward of the town. The next day, having obtained a convenient
+anchorage, a message was sent by a friendly Malay who came on board
+at Soo Soo, demanding the restoration of the ship. The rajah
+replied that he would not give her up, but that they were welcome
+to take her if they could; a fire was now opened upon the
+Friendship by the vessels, her decks were crowded with Malays, who
+promptly returned the fire, as did also the forts on shore. This
+mode of warfare appeared undecisive, and it was determined to
+decide the contest by a close action. A number of boats being
+manned and armed with about thirty officers and men, a movement was
+made to carry the ship by boarding. The Malays did not wait the
+approach of this determined attack, but all deserted the vessel to
+her lawful owners, when she was taken possession of and warped out
+into deep water. The appearance of the ship, at the time she was
+boarded, beggars all description; every part of her bore ample
+testimony of the scene of violence and destruction with which she
+had been visited. The objects of the voyage were abandoned, and the
+Friendship returned to the United States. The public were unanimous
+in calling for a redress of the unparalleled outrage on the lives
+and property of citizens of the United States. The government
+immediately adopted measures to punish so outrageous an act of
+piracy by despatching the frigate Potomac, Commodore Downs,
+Commander. The Potomac sailed from New York the 24th of August,
+1831, after touching at Rio Janeiro and the Cape of Good Hope. She
+anchored off Quallah Battoo in February 1832, disguised as a Danish
+ship, and came to in merchantman style, a few men being sent aloft,
+dressed in red and blue flannel shirts, and one sail being clewed
+up and furled at a time. A reconnoitering party were sent on shore
+disguised as pepper dealers, but they returned without being able
+to ascertain the situations of the forts. The ship now presented a
+busy scene; it was determined to commence an attack upon the town
+the next morning, and every necessary preparation was accordingly
+made, muskets were cleaned, cartridge-boxes buckled on, cutlasses
+examined and put in order, &amp;c.</p>
+<p>At twelve o'clock at night, all hands were called, those
+assigned to take part in the expedition were mustered, when Lieut.
+Shubrick, the commander of the detachment, gave them special
+orders; when they entered the boats and proceeded to the shore,
+where they effected a landing near the dawn of day, amid a heavy
+surf, about a mile and a half to the north of the town,
+undiscovered by the enemy, and without any serious accident having
+befallen them, though several of the party were thoroughly drenched
+by the beating of the surf, and some of their ammunition was
+injured.</p>
+<p>The troops then formed and took up their line of march against
+the enemy, over a beach of deep and heavy sand. They had not
+proceeded far before they were discovered by a native at a
+distance, who ran at full speed to give the alarm. A rapid march
+soon brought them up with the first fort, when a division of men,
+under the command of Lieut. Hoff, was detached from the main body,
+and ordered to surround it. The first fort was found difficult of
+access, in consequence of a deep hedge of thorn-bushes and brambles
+with which it was environed. The assault was commenced by the
+pioneers, with their crows and axes, breaking down the gates and
+forcing a passage. This was attended with some difficulty, and gave
+the enemy time for preparation. They raised their warwhoop, and
+resisted most manfully, fighting with spears, sabres, and muskets.
+They had also a few brass pieces in the fort, but they managed them
+with so little skill as to produce no effect, for the balls
+uniformly whizzed over the heads of our men. The resistance of the
+Malays was in vain, the fort was stormed, and soon carried; not,
+however, till almost every individual in it was slain. Po Mahomet,
+a chief of much distinction, and who was one of the principal
+persons concerned in the outrage on the Friendship was here slain;
+the mother of Chadoolah, another rajah, was also slain here;
+another woman fell at this port, but her rank was not ascertained;
+she fought with the spirit of a desperado. A seaman had just scaled
+one of the ramparts, when he was severely wounded by a blow
+received from a weapon in her hands, but her life paid the forfeit
+of her daring, for she was immediately transfixed by a bayonet in
+the hands of the person whom she had so severely injured. His head
+was wounded by a javelin, his thumb nearly cut off by a sabre, and
+a ball was shot through his hat.</p>
+<p>Lieutenants Edson and Ferret proceeded to the rear of the town,
+and made a bold attack upon that fort, which, after a spirited
+resistance on the part of the Malays, surrendered. Both officers
+and marines here narrowly escaped with their lives. One of the
+natives in the fort had trained his piece in such a manner as to
+rake their whole body, when he was shot down by a marine while in
+the very act of applying a match to it. The cannon was afterwards
+found to have been filled with bullets. This fort, like the former,
+was environed with thick jungle, and great difficulty had been
+experienced in entering it. The engagement had now become general,
+and the alarm universal. Men, women and children were seen flying
+in every direction, carrying the few articles they were able to
+seize in the moments of peril, and some of the men were cut down in
+the flight. Several of the enemy's proas, filled with people, were
+severely raked by a brisk fire from the six pounder, as they were
+sailing up the river to the south of the town, and numbers of the
+natives were killed. The third and most formidable fort was now
+attacked, and it proved the most formidable, and the co-operation
+of the several divisions was required for its reduction; but so
+spirited was the fire poured into it that it was soon obliged to
+yield, and the next moment the American colors were seen
+triumphantly waving over its battlements. The greater part of the
+town was reduced to ashes. The bazaar, the principal place of
+merchandize, and most of the private dwellings were consumed by
+fire. The triumph had now been completed over the Malays; ample
+satisfaction had been taken for their outrages committed upon our
+own countrymen, and the bugle sounded the return of the ship's
+forces; and the embarkation was soon after effected. The action had
+continued about two hours and a half, and was gallantly sustained
+both by officers and men, from its commencement to its close. The
+loss on the part of the Malays was near a hundred killed, while of
+the Americans only two lost their lives. Among the spoils were a
+Chinese gong, a Koran, taken at Mahomet's fort, and several pieces
+of rich gold cloth. Many of the men came off richly laden with
+spoils which they had taken from the enemy, such as rajah's scarfs,
+gold and silver chunam boxes, chains, ear rings and finger rings,
+anklets and bracelets, and a variety of shawls, krisses richly
+hilted and with gold scabbards, and a variety of other ornaments.
+Money to a considerable amount was brought off. That nothing should
+be left undone to have an indelible impression on the minds of
+these people, of the power of the United States to inflict
+punishment for aggressions committed on her commerce, in seas
+however distant, the ship was got underway the following morning,
+and brought to, with a spring on her cable, within less than a mile
+of the shore, when the larboard side was brought to bear nearly
+upon the site of the town. The object of the Commodore, in this
+movement, was not to open an indiscriminate or destructive fire
+upon the town and inhabitants of Quallah Battoo, but to show them
+the irresistible power of thirty-two pound shot, and to reduce the
+fort of Tuca de Lama, which could not be reached on account of the
+jungle and stream of water, on the morning before, and from which a
+fire had been opened and continued during the embarkation of the
+troops on their return to the ship. The fort was very soon
+deserted, while the shot was cutting it to pieces, and tearing up
+whole cocoa-trees by the roots. In the afternoon a boat came off
+from the shore, bearing a flag of truce to the Commodore,
+beseeching him, in all the practised forms of submission of the
+east, that he would grant them peace, and cease to fire his big
+guns. Hostilities now ceased, and the Commodore informed them that
+the objects of his government in sending him to their shores had
+now been consummated in the punishment of the guilty, who had
+committed their piracies on the Friendship. Thus ended the
+intercourse with Quallah Battoo. The Potomac proceeded from this
+place to China, and from thence to the Pacific Ocean; after looking
+to the interests of the American commerce in those parts she
+arrived at Boston in 1834, after a three years' absence.</p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="THE_ADVENTURES_OF_CAPTAIN_CONDENT"></a>
+<h2>THE ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN CONDENT</h2>
+Captain Condent was a Plymouth man born, but we are as yet ignorant
+of the motives and time of his first turning pirate. He was one of
+those who thought fit to retire from Providence, on Governor
+Rogers' 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 beaten; 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 through
+the deck and kill several of them. He, therefore, taking a pistol
+in one hand, and his cutlass in the other, leaped into the hold.
+The Indian discharged a piece at him, which broke his arm; but,
+however, he ran up and shot the Indian. When he was dead, the crew
+hacked him to pieces, and the gunner, ripping up his belly and
+tearing out his heart, broiled and eat it.
+<p>After this, they took a merchantman called the Duke of York; and
+some disputes arising among the pirates, 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 Madeira, laden with wine, and 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. Wanting a boom, he took out the mainmast of one of these
+ships to supply the want. Here he took upon himself the
+administration of justice, inquiring into the manner of the
+commanders' behaviour to their men, and those against whom
+complaint was made, he whipped and pickled. He took what provision
+and other necessaries he wanted, and having augmented his company
+by volunteers 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 proved 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, and some
+wounded by his great shot.</p>
+<p>The 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.</p>
+<p>After these he fell in with the Wright galley, Capt. 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. A few days after he took Spelt, he made
+prize of a Portuguese, laden with bale goods and stores. He rigged
+the Wright galley anew, and put on board of her some of the goods.
+Soon after he had discharged the Portuguese, he met with a Dutch
+East Indiaman of 28 guns, whose captain was killed the first
+broadside, and took her with little resistance, for he had hoisted
+the pirate's colors on board Spelt's ship.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/252.jpg" alt=
+"Capt. Condent leaping into the hold, to attack the Indian."
+height="600" width="378"></center>
+<h4><i>Capt. Condent leaping into the hold, to attack the
+Indian.</i></h4>
+He now, with three sail, steered for the island of Ferdinando,
+where he hove down and cleaned the Flying Dragon. Having careened,
+he put 11 Dutchmen on board Capt. Spelt, to make amends for the
+hands he had forced from him, and sent him away, making him a
+present of the goods he had taken from the Portuguese ship. When he
+sailed himself, he ordered the Dutch to stay at Ferdinando 24 hours
+after his departure; threatening, 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 hailed him, and he answered, <i>from London, bound
+to Buenos Ayres</i>. The Portuguese manned his shrouds and cheered
+him, when Condent fired a broadside, and a smart engagement ensued
+for the space of three glasses; but Condent finding himself
+over-matched, made the best of his way, and being the best sailer,
+got off.
+<p>A few days after, he took a vessel of the same nation, who gave
+an account that he had killed above forty 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 Platte. 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
+Guinea 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 pirate ship was lost upon it, and the
+pirates 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 mainmast, 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 Guinea coast, and took Capt.
+Hill, in the Indian Queen.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/254.jpg" alt=
+"The Pirates riding the Priests about deck" height="600" width=
+"463"></center>
+<h4><i>The Pirates riding the Priests about deck.</i></h4>
+In Luengo Bay he saw two ships at anchor, one a Dutchman of 44
+guns, the other an English ship, called the Fame, Capt. Bowen,
+commander. They both cut and ran ashore; the Fame was lost, but the
+Dutch ship the pirate 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-Indiaman, of which Mr.
+Nash, a noted merchant of London, was supercargo. Soon after he
+took a Dutch East-Indiaman, discharged the Ostender, and made for
+Madagascar. At the Isle of St. Mary, he met with some of Capt.
+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 with two other pirates he met
+at St. Mary's, the Cassandra East-Indiaman, commanded by Capt.
+James Macraigh. He continued his course for the East-Indies, where
+he made a very great booty; and returning, touched at the island of
+Mascarenhas, where he met with a Portuguese ship of 70 guns, with
+the viceroy 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 plundered, razed the fort, and
+carried off several men 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 Mascarenhas for
+a pardon, though 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, &amp;c. Condent and some others went to Mascarenhas,
+where Condent married the governor's sister-in-law, and remained
+some time; but, as I have been credibly informed, he is since come
+to France, settled at St. Maloes, and drives a considerable trade
+as a merchant.<br>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="THE_LIFE_OF_CAPTAIN_EDWARD_LOW"></a>
+<h2>THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN EDWARD LOW.</h2>
+This ferocious villain was born in Westminster, and received an
+education similar to that of the common people in England. He was
+by nature a pirate; for even when very young he raised
+contributions among the boys of Westminster, and if they declined
+compliance, a battle was the result. When he advanced a step
+farther in life, he began to exert his ingenuity at low games, and
+cheating all in his power; and those who pretended to maintain
+their own right, he was ready to call to the field of combat.
+<p>He went to sea in company with his brother, and continued with
+him for three or four years. Going over to America, he wrought in a
+rigging-house at Boston for some time. He then came home to see his
+mother in England, returned to Boston, and continued for some years
+longer at the same business. But being of a quarrelsome temper, he
+differed with his master, and went on board a sloop bound for the
+Bay of Honduras.</p>
+<p>While there, he had the command of a boat employed in bringing
+logwood to the ship. In that boat there were twelve men well armed,
+to be prepared for the Spaniards, from whom the wood was taken by
+force. It happened one day that the boat came to the ship just a
+little before dinner was ready, and Low desired that they might
+dine before they returned. The captain, however, ordered them a
+bottle of rum, and requested them to take another trip, as no time
+was to be lost. The crew were enraged, particularly Low, who took
+up a loaded musket and fired at the captain, but missing him,
+another man was shot, and they ran off with the boat. The next day
+they took a small vessel, went on board her, hoisted a black flag,
+and declared war with the whole world.</p>
+<p>In their rovings, Low met with Lowther, who proposed that he
+should join him, and thus promote their mutual advantage. Having
+captured a brigantine, Low, with forty more, went on board her; and
+leaving Lowther, they went to seek their own fortune.</p>
+<p>Their first adventure was the capture of a vessel belonging to
+Amboy, out of which they took the provisions, and allowed her to
+proceed. On the same day they took a sloop, plundered her, and
+permitted her to depart. The sloop went into Black Island, and sent
+intelligence to the governor that Low was on the coast. Two small
+vessels were immediately fitted out, but, before their arrival, Low
+was beyond their reach. After this narrow escape, Low went into
+port to procure water and fresh provisions; and then renewed his
+search of plunder. He next sailed into the harbor of Port Rosemary,
+where were thirteen ships, but none of them of any great strength.
+Low hoisted the black flag, assuring them that if they made any
+resistance they should have no quarter; and manning their boat, the
+pirates took possession of every one of them, which they plundered
+and converted to their own use. They then put on board a schooner
+ten guns and fifty men, named her the Fancy, and Low himself went
+on board of her, while Charles Harris was constituted captain of
+the brigantine. They also constrained a few of the men to join
+them, and sign their articles.</p>
+<p>After an unsuccessful pursuit of two sloops from Boston, they
+steered for the Leeward Islands, but in their way were overtaken by
+a terrible hurricane. The search for plunder gave place to the most
+vigorous exertion to save themselves. On board the brigantine, all
+hands were at work both day and night; they were under the
+necessity of throwing overboard six of her guns, and all the
+weighty provisions. In the storm, the two vessels were separated,
+and it was some time before they again saw each other.</p>
+<p>After the storm, Low went into a small island west of the
+Carribbees, refitted his vessels, and got provision for them in
+exchange of goods. As soon as the brigantine was ready for sea,
+they went on a cruise until the Fancy should be prepared, and
+during that cruise, met with a vessel which had lost all her masts
+in the storm, which they plundered of goods to the value of
+1000<i>l</i>. and returned to the island. When the Fancy was ready
+to sail, a council was held what course they should next steer.
+They followed the advice of the captain, who thought it not safe to
+cruise any longer to the leeward, lest they should fall in with any
+of the men-of-war that cruised upon that coast, so they sailed for
+the Azores.</p>
+<p>The good fortune of Low was now singular; in his way thither he
+captured a French ship of 34 guns, and carried her along with him.
+Then entering St. Michael's roads, he captured seven sail,
+threatening with instant death all who dared to oppose him. Thus,
+by inspiring terror, without firing a single gun, he became master
+of all that property. Being in want of water and fresh provisions,
+Low sent to the governor demanding a supply, upon condition of
+releasing the ships he had taken, otherwise he would commit them to
+the flames. The request was instantly complied with, and six of the
+vessels were restored. But a French vessel being among them, they
+emptied her of guns and all her men except the cook, who, they
+said, being a greasy fellow, would fry well; they accordingly bound
+the unfortunate man to the mast, and set the ship on fire.</p>
+<p>The next who fell in their way was Captain Carter, in the Wright
+galley; who, because he showed some inclination to defend himself,
+was cut and mangled in a barbarous manner. There were also two
+Portuguese friars, whom they tied to the foremast, and several
+times let them down before they were dead, merely to gratify their
+own ferocious dispositions. Meanwhile, another Portuguese,
+beholding this cruel scene, expressed some sorrow in his
+countenance, upon which one of the wretches said he did not like
+his looks, and so giving him a stroke across the body with his
+cutlass, he fell upon the spot. Another of the miscreants, aiming a
+blow at a prisoner, missed his aim, and struck Low upon the under
+jaw. The surgeon was called, and stitched up the wound; but Low
+finding fault with the operation, the surgeon gave him a blow which
+broke all the stiches, and left him to sew them himself. After he
+had plundered this vessel, some of them were for burning her, as
+they had done the Frenchman; but instead of that, they cut her
+cables, rigging, and sails to pieces, and sent her adrift to the
+mercy of the waves.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/260.jpg" alt=
+"The Cruelties practised by Captain Low" height="418" width=
+"600"></center>
+<h4><i>The Cruelties practised by Captain Low.</i></h4>
+They next sailed for the island of Madeira, and took up a fishing
+boat with two old men and a boy. They detained one of them, and
+sent the other on shore with a flag of truce, requesting the
+governor to send them a boat of water, else they would hang the
+other man at the yard arm. The water was sent, and the man
+dismissed.
+<p>They next sailed for the Canary Islands, and there took several
+vessels; and being informed that two small galleys were daily
+expected, the sloop was manned and sent in quest of them. They,
+however, missing their prey, and being in great want of provision,
+went into St. Michael's in the character of traders, and being
+discovered, were apprehended, and the whole crew conducted to the
+castle, and treated according to their merits.</p>
+<p>Meanwhile, Low's ship was overset upon the careen and lost, so
+that, having only the Fancy schooner remaining, they all, to the
+number of a hundred, went on board her, and set sail in search of
+new spoils. They soon met a rich Portuguese vessel, and after some
+resistance captured her. Low tortured the men to constrain them to
+inform him where they had hid their treasures. He accordingly
+discovered that, during the chase, the captain had hung a bag with
+eleven thousand moidores out of the cabin window, and that, when
+they were taken, he had cut the rope, and allowed it to fall into
+the sea. Upon this intelligence, Low raved and stormed like a fury,
+ordered the captain's lips to be cut off and broiled before his
+eyes, then murdered him and all his crew.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/262.jpg" alt=
+"The Captain of the Portuguese Ship cutting away the Bag of Moidores"
+     height="600" width="592"></center>
+<h4><i>The Captain of the Portuguese Ship cutting away the Bag of
+Moidores.</i></h4>
+After this bloody action, the miscreants steered northward, and in
+their course seized several vessels, one of which they burned, and
+plundering the rest, allowed them to proceed. Having cleaned in one
+of the islands, they then sailed for the bay of Honduras. They met
+a Spaniard coming out of the bay, which had captured five
+Englishmen and a pink, plundered them, and brought away the masters
+prisoners. Low hoisted Spanish colors, but, when he came near, hung
+out the black flag, and the Spaniard was seized without resistance.
+Upon finding the masters of the English vessels in the hold, and
+seeing English goods on board, a consultation was held, when it was
+determined to put all the Spaniards to the sword. This was scarcely
+resolved upon, when they commenced with every species of weapons to
+massacre every man, and some flying from their merciless hands into
+the waves, a canoe was sent in pursuit of those who endeavored to
+swim on shore. They next plundered the Spanish vessel, restored the
+English masters to their respective vessels, and set the Spaniard
+on fire.
+<p>Low's next cruise was between the Leeward Islands and the main
+land, where, in a continued course of prosperity, he successively
+captured no less than nineteen ships of different sizes, and in
+general treated their crews with a barbarity unequalled even among
+pirates. But it happened that the Greyhound, of twenty guns and one
+hundred and twenty men, was cruising upon that coast. Informed of
+the mischief these miscreants had done, the Greyhound went in
+search of them. Supposing they had discovered a prize, Low and his
+crew pursued them, and the Greyhound, allowing them to run after
+her until all things were ready to engage, turned upon the two
+sloops.</p>
+<p>One of these sloops was called the Fancy, and commanded by Low
+himself, and the other the Ranger, commanded by Harris; both
+hoisted their piratical colors, and fired each a gun. When the
+Greyhound came within musket shot, she hauled up her mainsail, and
+clapped close upon a wind, to keep the pirates from running to
+leeward, and then engaged. But when the rogues found whom they had
+to deal with, they edged away under the man-of-war's stern, and the
+Greyhound standing after them, they made a running fight for about
+two hours; but little wind happening, the sloops gained from her,
+by the help of their oars; upon which the Greyhound left off
+firing, turned all hands to her own oars, and at three in the
+afternoon came up with them. The pirates hauled upon a wind to
+receive the man-of-war, and the fight was immediately renewed, with
+a brisk fire on both sides, till the Ranger's mainyard was shot
+down. Under these circumstances, Low abandoned her to the enemy,
+and fled.</p>
+<p>The conduct of Low was surprising in this adventure, because his
+reputed courage and boldness had hitherto so possessed the minds of
+all people, that he became a terror even to his own men; but his
+behaviour throughout this whole action showed him to be a base
+cowardly villain; for had Low's sloop fought half so briskly as
+Harris' had done (as they were under a solemn oath to do,) the
+man-of-war, in the opinion of some present, could never have hurt
+them.</p>
+<p>Nothing, however, could lessen the fury, or reform the manners,
+of that obdurate crew. Their narrow escape had no good effect upon
+them, and with redoubled violence they renewed their depredations
+and cruelties. The next vessel they captured, was eighty miles from
+land. They used the master with the most wanton cruelty, then shot
+him dead, and forced the crew into the boat with a compass, a
+little water, and a few biscuits, and left them to the mercy of the
+waves; they, however, beyond all expectation, got safe to
+shore.</p>
+<p>Low proceeded in his villainous career with too fatal success.
+Unsatisfied with satiating their avarice and walking the common
+path of wickedness, those inhuman wretches, like to Satan himself,
+made mischief their sport, cruelty their delight, and the ruin and
+murder of their fellow men their constant employment. Of all the
+piratical crews belonging to the English nation, none ever equalled
+Low in barbarity. Their mirth and their anger had the same effect.
+They murdered a man from good humor, as well as from anger and
+passion. Their ferocious disposition seemed only to delight in
+cries, groans, and lamentations. One day Low having captured
+Captain Graves, a Virginia man, took a bowl of punch in his hand,
+and said, "Captain, here's half this to you." The poor gentleman
+was too much touched with his misfortunes to be in a humor for
+drinking, he therefore modestly excused himself. Upon this Low
+cocked and presented a pistol in the one hand, and his bowl in the
+other, saying, "Either take the one or the other."</p>
+<p>Low next captured a vessel called the Christmas, mounted her
+with thirty-four guns, went on board her himself, assumed the title
+of admiral, and hoisted the black flag. His next prize was a
+brigantine half manned with Portuguese, and half with English. The
+former he hanged, and the latter he thrust into their boat and
+dismissed, while he set fire to the vessel. The success of Low was
+unequalled, as well as his cruelty; and during a long period he
+continued to pursue his wicked course with impunity.</p>
+<p>All wickedness comes to an end and Low's crew at last rose
+against him and he was thrown into a boat without provisions and
+abandoned to his fate. This was because Low murdered the
+quarter-master while he lay asleep. Not long after he was cast
+adrift a French vessel happened along and took him into Martinico,
+and after a quick trial by the authorities he received short shift
+on a gallows erected for his benefit.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/266.jpg" alt=
+"Low presenting a Pistol and Bowl of Punch" height="548" width=
+"600"></center>
+<h4><i>Low presenting a Pistol and Bowl of Punch.</i></h4>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="LIFE_AND_ADVENTURES_OF_CAPTAIN_EDWARD_ENGLAND"></a>
+<h2>LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN EDWARD ENGLAND</h2>
+This adventurer was mate of a sloop that sailed from Jamaica, and
+was taken by Captain Winter, a pirate, just before the settlement
+of the pirates at Providence island. After the pirates had
+surrendered to his Majesty's pardon, and Providence island was
+peopled by the English government, Captain England sailed to
+Africa. There he took several vessels, particularly the Cadogan,
+from Bristol, commanded by one Skinner. When the latter struck to
+the pirate, he was ordered to come on board in his boat. The person
+upon whom he first cast his eye, proved to be his old boatswain,
+who stared him in the face, and accosted him in the following
+manner: "Ah, Captain Skinner, is it you? the only person I wished
+to see: I am much in your debt, and I shall pay you all in your own
+coin." The poor man trembled in every joint, and dreaded the event,
+as he well might. It happened that Skinner and his old boatswain,
+with some of his men, had quarrelled, so that he thought fit to
+remove them on board a man-of-war, while he refused to pay them
+their wages. Not long after, they found means to leave the
+man-of-war, and went on board a small ship in the West Indies. They
+were taken by a pirate, and brought to Providence, and from thence
+sailed as pirates with Captain England. Thus accidentally meeting
+their old captain, they severely revenged the treatment they had
+received.
+<p>After the rough salutation which has been related, the boatswain
+called to his comrades, laid hold of Skinner, tied him fast to the
+windlass, and pelted him with glass bottles until they cut him in a
+shocking manner, then whipped him about the deck until they were
+quite fatigued, remaining deaf to all his prayers and entreaties;
+and at last, in an insulting tone, observed, that as he had been a
+good master to his men, he should have an easy death, and upon this
+shot him through the head.</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/268.jpg" alt=
+"The Pirates pelting Captain Skinner with Glass Bottles" height=
+"523" width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>The Pirates pelting Captain Skinner with Glass
+Bottles.</i></h4>
+Having taken such things out of the ship as they stood most in need
+of, she was given to Captain Davis in order to try his fortune with
+a few hands.
+<p>Captain England, some time after, took a ship called the Pearl,
+for which he exchanged his own sloop, fitted her up for piratical
+service, and called her the Royal James. In that vessel he was very
+fortunate, and took several ships of different sizes and different
+nations. In the spring of 1719, the pirates returned to Africa, and
+beginning at the river Gambia, sailed down the coast to Cape Corso,
+and captured several vessels. Some of them they pillaged, and
+allowed to proceed, some they fitted out for the pirate service,
+and others they burned.</p>
+<p>Leaving our pirate upon this coast, the Revenge and the Flying
+King, two other pirate vessels, sailed for the West Indies, where
+they took several prizes, and then cleared and sailed for Brazil.
+There they captured some Portuguese vessels; but a large Portuguese
+man-of-war coming up to them, proved an unwelcome guest. The
+Revenge escaped, but was soon lost upon that coast. The Flying King
+in despair run ashore. There were then seventy on board, twelve of
+whom were slain, and the remainder taken prisoners. The Portuguese
+hanged thirty-eight of them.</p>
+<p>Captain England, whilst cruising upon that coast, took the
+Peterborough of Bristol, and the Victory. The former they detained,
+the latter they plundered and dismissed. In the course of his
+voyage, England met with two ships, but these taking shelter under
+Cape Corso Castle, he unsuccessfully attempted to set them on fire.
+He next sailed down to Whydah road, where Captain La Bouche had
+been before England, and left him no spoil. He now went into the
+harbor, cleaned his own ship, and fitted up the Peterborough, which
+he called the Victory. During several weeks the pirates remained in
+this quarter, indulging in every species of riot and debauchery,
+until the natives, exasperated with their conduct, came to an open
+rupture, when several of the negroes were slain, and one of their
+towns set on fire by the pirates.</p>
+<p>Leaving that port, the pirates, when at sea, determined by vote
+to sail for the East Indies, and arrived at Madagascar. After
+watering and taking in some provisions they sailed for the coast of
+Malabar. This place is situated in the Mogul Empire, and is one of
+its most beautiful and fertile districts. It extends from the coast
+of Canora to Cape Comorin. The original natives are negroes; but a
+mingled race of Mahometans, who are generally merchants, have been
+introduced in modern times. Having sailed almost round the one half
+of the globe, literally seeking whom they might devour, our pirates
+arrived in this hitherto untried and prolific field for their
+operations.</p>
+<p>Not long after their settlement at Madagascar, they took a
+cruise, in which they captured two Indian vessels and a Dutchman.
+They exchanged the latter for one of their own, and directed their
+course again to Madagascar. Several of their hands were sent on
+shore with tents and ammunition, to kill such beasts and venison as
+the island afforded. They also formed the resolution to go in
+search of Avery's crew, which they knew had settled upon the
+island; but as their residence was upon the other side of the
+island, the loss of time and labour was the only fruit of their
+search.</p>
+<p>They tarried here but a very short time, then steered their
+course to Johanna, and coming out of that harbor, fell in with two
+English vessels and an Ostend ship, all Indiamen, which, after a
+most desperate action, they captured. The particulars of this
+extraordinary action are related in the following letter from
+Captain Mackra.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<p>"<i>Bombay, November 16th</i>, 1720.</p>
+<p>"We arrived on the 25th of July last, in company with the
+Greenwich, at Johanna, an island not far from Madagascar. Putting
+in there to refresh our men, we found fourteen pirates who came in
+their canoes from the Mayotta, where the pirate ship to which they
+belonged, viz. the Indian Queen, two hundred and fifty tons,
+twenty-eight guns, and ninety men, commanded by Captain Oliver de
+la Bouche, bound from the Guinea coast to the East Indies, had been
+bulged and lost. They said they left the captain and forty of their
+men building a new vessel, to proceed on their wicked designs.
+Captain Kirby and I concluding that it might be of great service to
+the East India Company to destroy such a nest of rogues, were ready
+to sail for that purpose on the 17th of August, about eight o'clock
+in the morning, when we discovered two pirates standing into the
+bay Johanna, one of thirty-four, and the other of thirty-six guns.
+I immediately went on board the Greenwich, where they seemed very
+diligent in preparation for an engagement, and I left Captain Kirby
+with mutual promises of standing by each other. I then unmoored,
+got under sail, and brought two boats a-head to row me close to the
+Greenwich; but he being open to a valley and a breeze, made the
+best of his way from me; which an Ostender in our company, of
+twenty-two guns, seeing, did the same, though the captain had
+promised heartily to engage with us, and I believe would have been
+as good as his word, if Captain Kirby had kept his. About half an
+hour after twelve, I called several times to the Greenwich to bear
+down to our assistance, and fired a shot at him, but to no purpose;
+for though we did not doubt but he would join us, because, when he
+got about a league from us he brought his ship to and looked on,
+yet both he and the Ostender basely deserted us, and left us
+engaged with barbarous and inhuman enemies, with their black and
+bloody flags hanging over us, without the least appearance of ever
+escaping, but to be cut to pieces. But God in his good providence
+determined otherwise; for, notwithstanding their superiority, we
+engaged them both about three hours; during which time the biggest
+of them received some shot betwixt wind and water, which made her
+keep off a little to stop her leaks. The other endeavored all she
+could to board us, by rowing with her oars, being within half a
+ship's length of us above an hour; but by good fortune we shot all
+her oars to pieces, which prevented them, and by consequence saved
+our lives.</p>
+<p>"About four o'clock most of the officers and men posted on the
+quarter-deck being killed and wounded, the largest ship making up
+to us with diligence, being still within a cable's length of us,
+often giving us a broadside; there being now no hopes of Captain
+Kirby's coming to our assistance, we endeavored to run a-shore; and
+though we drew four feet of water more than the pirate, it pleased
+God that he stuck fast on a higher ground than happily we fell in
+with; so was disappointed a second time from boarding us. Here we
+had a more violent engagement than before: all my officers and most
+of my men behaved with unexpected courage; and, as we had a
+considerable advantage by having a broadside to his bow, we did him
+great damage; so that had Captain Kirby come in then, I believe we
+should have taken both the vessels, for we had one of them sure;
+but the other pirate (who was still firing at us,) seeing the
+Greenwich did not offer to assist us, supplied his consort with
+three boats full of fresh men. About five in the evening the
+Greenwich stood clear away to sea, leaving us struggling hard for
+life, in the very jaws of death; which the other pirate that was
+afloat, seeing, got a warp out, and was hauling under our
+stern.</p>
+<p>"By this time many of my men being killed and wounded, and no
+hopes left us of escaping being all murdered by enraged barbarous
+conquerors, I ordered all that could to get into the long-boat,
+under the cover of the smoke of our guns; so that, with what some
+did in boats, and others by swimming, most of us that were able,
+got ashore by seven o'clock. When the pirates came aboard, they cut
+three of our wounded men to pieces. I with some of my people made
+what haste I could to King's-town, twenty-five miles from us, where
+I arrived next day, almost dead with the fatigue and loss of blood,
+having been sorely wounded in the head by a musket-ball.</p>
+<p>"At this town I heard that the pirates had offered ten thousand
+dollars to the country people to bring me in, which many of them
+would have accepted, only they knew the king and all his chief
+people were in my interest. Meantime, I caused a report to be
+spread that I was dead of my wounds, which much abated their fury.
+About ten days after, being pretty well recovered, and hoping the
+malice of our enemies was nigh over, I began to consider the dismal
+condition we were reduced to; being in a place where we had no
+hopes of getting a passage home, all of us in a manner naked, not
+having had time to bring with us either a shirt or a pair of shoes,
+except what we had on. Having obtained leave to go on board the
+pirates with a promise of safety, several of the chief of them knew
+me, and some of them had sailed with me, which I found to be of
+great advantage; because, notwithstanding their promise, some of
+them would have cut me to pieces, and all that would not enter with
+them, had it not been for their chief captain, Edward England, and
+some others whom I knew. They talked of burning one of their ships,
+which we had so entirely disabled as to be no farther useful to
+them, and to fit the Cassandra in her room; but in the end I
+managed the affair so well, that they made me a present of the said
+shattered ship, which was Dutch built, and called the Fancy; her
+burden was about three hundred tons. I procured also a hundred and
+twenty-nine bales of the Company's cloth, though they would not
+give me a rag of my own clothes.</p>
+<p>"They sailed the 3rd of September; and I, with jury-masts, and
+such old sails as they left me, made a shift to do the like on the
+8th, together with forty-three of my ship's crew, including two
+passengers and twelve soldiers; having no more than five tuns of
+water aboard. After a passage of forty-eight days, I arrived here
+on the 26th of October, almost naked and starved, having been
+reduced to a pint of water a-day, and almost in despair of ever
+seeing land, by reason of the calms we met with between the coast
+of Arabia and Malabar.</p>
+<p>"We had in all thirteen men killed and twenty-four wounded; and
+we were told that we destroyed about ninety or a hundred of the
+pirates. When they left us, they were about three hundred whites,
+and eighty blacks, on both ships. I am persuaded, had our consort
+the Greenwich done his duty, we had destroyed both of them, and got
+two hundred thousand pounds for our owners and selves; whereas the
+loss of the Cassandra may justly be imputed to his deserting us. I
+have delivered all the bales that were given me into the Company's
+warehouse, for which the governor and council have ordered me a
+reward. Our governor, Mr. Boon, who is extremely kind and civil to
+me, had ordered me home with the packet; but Captain Harvey, who
+had a prior promise, being come in with the fleet, goes in my room.
+The governor had promised me a country voyage to help to make up my
+losses, and would have me stay and accompany him to England next
+year."<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<p>Captain Mackra was certainly in imminent danger, in trusting
+himself and his men on board the pirate ship, and unquestionably
+nothing but the desperate circumstances in which he was placed
+could have justified so hazardous a step. The honor and influence
+of Captain England, however, protected him and his men from the
+fury of the crew, who would willingly have wreaked their vengeance
+upon them.</p>
+<p>It is pleasing to discover any instance of generosity or honor
+among such an abandoned race, who bid defiance to all the laws of
+honor, and, indeed, are regardless of all laws human and divine.
+Captain England was so steady to Captain Mackra, that he informed
+him, it would be with no small difficulty and address that he would
+be able to preserve him and his men from the fury of the crew, who
+were greatly enraged at the resistance which had been made. He
+likewise acquainted him, that his influence and authority among
+them was giving place to that of Captain Taylor, chiefly because
+the dispositions of the latter were more savage and brutal. They
+therefore consulted between them what was the best method to secure
+the favor of Taylor, and keep him in good humor. Mackra made the
+punch to flow in great abundance, and employed every artifice to
+soothe the mind of that ferocious villain.</p>
+<p>A single incident was also very favorable to the unfortunate
+captain. It happened that a pirate, with a prodigious pair of
+whiskers, a wooden leg, and stuck round with pistols, came
+blustering and swearing upon the quarter deck, inquiring "where was
+Captain Mackra." He naturally supposed that this barbarous-looking
+fellow would be his executioner; but, as he approached, he took the
+captain by the hand, swearing "that he was an honest fellow, and
+that he had formerly sailed with him, and would stand by him; and
+let him see the man that would touch him." This terminated the
+dispute, and Captain Taylor's disposition was so ameliorated with
+punch, that he consented that the old pirate ship, and so many
+bales of cloth, should be given to Mackra, and then sank into the
+arms of intoxication. England now pressed Mackra to hasten away,
+lest the ruffian, upon his becoming sober, should not only retract
+his word, but give liberty to the crew to cut him and his men to
+pieces.</p>
+<p>But the gentle temper of Captain England, and his generosity
+towards the unfortunate Mackra, proved the organ of much calamity
+to himself. The crew, in general, deeming the kind of usage which
+Mackra had received, inconsistent with piratical policy, they
+circulated a report, that he was coming against them with the
+Company's force. The result of these invidious reports was to
+deprive England of his command, and to excite these cruel villains
+to put him on shore, with three others, upon the island of
+Mauritius. If England and his small company had not been destitute
+of every necessary, they might have made a comfortable subsistence
+here, as the island abounds with deer, hogs, and other animals.
+Dissatisfied, however, with their solitary situation, Captain
+England and his three men exerted their industry and ingenuity, and
+formed a small boat, with which they sailed to Madagascar, where
+they subsisted upon the generosity of some more fortunate piratical
+companions.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/276.jpg" alt=
+"Captain Mackra, and the Pirate with a wooden leg" height="495"
+width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>Captain Mackra, and the Pirate with a wooden leg.</i></h4>
+Captain Taylor detained some of the officers and men belonging to
+Captain Mackra, and having repaired their vessel, sailed for India.
+The day before they made land, they espied two ships to the
+eastward, and supposing them to be English, Captain Taylor ordered
+one of the officers of Mackra's ship to communicate to him the
+private signals between the Company's ships, swearing that if he
+did not do so immediately, he would cut him into pound pieces. But
+the poor man being unable to give the information demanded, was
+under the necessity of enduring their threats. Arrived at the
+vessels, they found that they were two Moorish ships, laden with
+horses. The pirates brought the captains and merchants on board,
+and tortured them in a barbarous manner, to constrain them to tell
+where they had hid their treasure. They were, however,
+disappointed; and the next morning they discovered land, and at the
+same time a fleet on shore plying to windward. In this situation
+they were at a considerable loss how to dispose of their prizes. To
+let them go would lead to their discovery, and thus defeat the
+design of their voyage; and it was a distressing matter to sink the
+men and the horses, though many of them were for adopting that
+measure. They, however, brought them to anchor, threw all the sails
+overboard, and cut one of the masts half through.
+<p>While they lay at anchor, and were employed in taking in water,
+one of the above-mentioned fleet moved towards them with English
+colors, and was answered by the pirate with a red ensign; but they
+did not hail each other. At night they left the Muscat ships, and
+sailed after the fleet. About four next morning, the pirates were
+in the midst of the fleet, but seeing their vast superiority, were
+greatly at a loss what method to adopt. The Victory had become
+leaky, and their hands were so few in number, that it only remained
+for them to deceive, if possible, the English squadron. They were
+unsuccessful in gaining any thing out of that fleet, and had only
+the wretched satisfaction of burning a single galley. They however
+that day seized a galliot laden with cotton, and made inquiry of
+the men concerning the fleet. They protested that they had not seen
+a ship since they left Gogo, and earnestly implored their mercy;
+but, instead of treating them with lenity, they put them to the
+rack, in order to extort farther confession. The day following, a
+fresh easterly wind blew hard, and rent the galliot's sails; upon
+this the pirates put her company into a boat, with nothing but a
+try-sail, no provisions, and only four gallons of water, and,
+though they were out of sight of land, left them to shift for
+themselves.</p>
+<p>It may be proper to inform our readers, that one Angria, an
+Indian prince, of considerable territory and strength, had proved a
+troublesome enemy to Europeans, and particularly to the English.
+Calaba was his principal fort, situated not many leagues from
+Bombay, and he possessed an island in sight of the port, from
+whence he molested the Company's ships. His art in bribing the
+ministers of the Great Mogul, and the shallowness of the water,
+that prevented large ships of war from approaching, were the
+principal causes of his safety.</p>
+<p>The Bombay fleet, consisting of four grabs, the London and the
+Candois, and two other ships, with a galliot, having an additional
+thousand men on board for this enterprise, sailed to attack a fort
+belonging to Angria upon the Malabar coast. Though their strength
+was great, yet they were totally unsuccessful in their enterprise.
+It was this fleet returning home that our pirates discovered upon
+the present occasion. Upon the sight of the pirates, the commodore
+of the fleet intimated to Mr. Brown, the general, that as they had
+no orders to fight, and had gone upon a different purpose, it would
+be improper for them to engage. Informed of the loss of this
+favorable opportunity of destroying the robbers, the governor of
+Bombay was highly enraged, and giving the command of the fleet to
+Captain Mackra, ordered him to pursue and engage them wherever they
+should be found.</p>
+<p>The pirates having barbarously sent away the galliot with her
+men, they arrived southward, and between Goa and Carwar they heard
+several guns, so that they came to anchor, and sent their boat to
+reconnoitre, which returned next morning with the intelligence of
+two grabs, lying at anchor in the road. They accordingly weighed,
+ran towards the bay, and in the morning were discovered by the
+grabs, who had just time to run under India-Diva castle for
+protection. This was the more vexatious to the pirates, as they
+were without water; some of them, therefore, were for making a
+descent upon the island, but that measure not being generally
+approved, they sailed towards the south, and took a small ship,
+which had only a Dutchman and two Portuguese on board. They sent
+one of these on shore to the captain, to inform him that, if he
+would give them some water and fresh provisions, he might have his
+vessel returned. He replied that, if they would give him possession
+over the bar, he would comply with their request. But, suspecting
+the integrity of his design, they sailed for Lacca Deva islands,
+uttering dreadful imprecations against the captain.</p>
+<p>Disappointed in finding water at these islands, they sailed to
+Malinda island, and sent their boats on shore, to discover if there
+was any water, or if there were any inhabitants.. They returned
+with the information, that there was abundance of water, that the
+houses were only inhabited by women and children, the men having
+fled at the appearance of the ships. They accordingly hastened to
+supply themselves with water, used the defenceless women in a
+brutal manner, destroyed many of their fruit-trees, and set some of
+their houses on fire.</p>
+<p>While off the island, they lost several of their anchors by the
+rockiness of the ground; and one day, blowing more violently than
+usual, they were forced to take to sea, leaving several people and
+most of the water-casks; but when the gale was over, they returned
+to take in their men and water. Their provisions being nearly
+exhausted, they resolved to visit the Dutch at Cochin. After
+sailing three days, they arrived off Tellechery, and took a small
+vessel belonging to Governor Adams, and brought the master on
+board, very much intoxicated, who informed them of the expedition
+of Captain Mackra. This intelligence raised their utmost
+indignation. "A villain!" said they, "to whom we have given a ship
+and presents, to come against us! he ought to be hanged; and since
+we cannot show our resentment to him, let us hang the dogs his
+people, who wish him well, and would do the same, if they were
+clear." "If it be in my power," said the quarter-master, "both
+masters and officers of ships shall be carried with us for the
+future, only to plague them. Now, England, we mark him for
+this."</p>
+<p>They proceeded to Calicut, and attempting to cut out a ship,
+were prevented by some guns placed upon the shore. One of Captain
+Mackra's officers was under deck at this time, and was commanded
+both by the captain and the quarter-master to tend the braces on
+the booms, in hopes that a shot would take him before they got
+clear. He was about to have excused himself, but they threatened to
+shoot him; and when he expostulated, and claimed their promise to
+put him on shore, he received an unmerciful beating from the
+quarter-master; Captain Taylor, to whom that duty belonged, being
+lame in his hands.</p>
+<p>The day following they met a Dutch galliot, laden with
+limestone, bound for Calicut, on board of which they put one
+Captain Fawkes; and some of the crew interceding for Mackra's
+officer, Taylor and his party replied, "If we let this dog go, who
+has overheard our designs and resolutions, he will overset all our
+well-advised resolutions, and particularly this supply we are
+seeking for at the hands of the Dutch."</p>
+<p>When they arrived at Cochin, they sent a letter on shore by a
+fishing-boat, entered the road, and anchored, each ship saluting
+the fort with eleven guns, and receiving the same number in return.
+This was the token of their welcome reception, and at night a large
+boat was sent, deeply laden with liquors and all kinds of
+provisions, and in it a servant of John Trumpet, one of their
+friends, to inform them that it would be necessary for them to run
+farther south, where they would be supplied both with provisions
+and naval stores.</p>
+<p>They had scarcely anchored at the appointed place, when several
+canoes, with white and black inhabitants, came on board, and
+continued without interruption to perform all the good offices in
+their power during their stay in that place. In particular, John
+Trumpet brought a large boat of arrack, and sixty bales of sugar,
+as a present from the governor and his daughter; the former
+receiving in return a table-clock, and the other a gold watch, the
+spoil of Captain Mackra's vessel. When their provisions were all on
+board, Trumpet was rewarded with about six or seven thousand
+pounds, was saluted with three cheers, and eleven guns; and several
+handsfull of silver were thrown into the boat, for the men to
+gather at pleasure.</p>
+<p>There being little wind that night, they remained at anchor, and
+in the morning were surprised with the return of Trumpet, bringing
+another boat equally well stored with provisions, with chests of
+piece-goods and ready-made clothes, and along with him the fiscal
+of the place. At noon they espied a sail towards the south, and
+immediately gave chase, but she outsailed them, and sheltered under
+the fort of Cochin. Informed that they would not be molested in
+taking her from under the castle, they sailed towards her, but upon
+the fort firing two guns, they ran off for fear of more serious
+altercation, and returning, anchored in their former station. They
+were too welcome visitants to be permitted to depart, so long as
+John Trumpet could contrive to detain them. With this view he
+informed them, that in a few days a rich vessel, commanded by the
+Governor of Bombay's brother, was to pass that way.</p>
+<p>That government is certainly in a wretched state, which is under
+the necessity of trading with pirates, in order to enrich itself;
+nor will such a government hesitate by what means an injury can be
+repaired, or a fortune gained. Neither can language describe the
+low and base principles of a government which could employ such a
+miscreant as John Trumpet in its service. He was a tool in the
+hands of the government of Cochin; and, as the dog said in the
+fable, "What is done by the master's orders, is the master's
+action;" or, as the same sentiment is, perhaps, better expressed in
+the legal axiom; "Qui facit per alium facit per se."</p>
+<p>While under the direction of Trumpet, some proposed to proceed
+directly to Madagascar, but others were disposed to wait until they
+should be provided with a store ship. The majority being of the
+latter opinion, they steered to the south, and seeing a ship on
+shore were desirous to get near her, but the wind preventing, they
+separated, the one sailing northward and the other southward, in
+hopes of securing her when she should come out, whatever direction
+she might take. They were now, however, almost entrapped in the
+snare laid for them. In the morning, to their astonishment and
+consternation, instead of being called to give chase, five large
+ships were near, which made a signal for the pirates to bear down.
+The pirates were in the greatest dread lest it should be Captain
+Mackra, of whose activity and courage they had formerly sufficient
+proof. The pirate ships, however, joined and fled with all speed
+from the fleet. In three hours' chase none of the fleet gained upon
+them, except one grab. The remainder of the day was calm, and, to
+their great consolation, the next day this dreaded fleet was
+entirely out of sight.</p>
+<p>Their alarm being over, they resolved to spend the Christmas in
+feasting and mirth, in order to drown care, and to banish thought.
+Nor did one day suffice, but they continued their revelling for
+several days, and made so free with their fresh provisions, that in
+their next cruise they were put upon short allowance; and it was
+entirely owing to the sugar and other provisions that were in the
+leaky ship that they were preserved from absolute starvation.</p>
+<p>In this condition they reached the island of Mauritius, refitted
+the Victory, and left that place with the following inscription
+written upon one of the walls: "Left this place on the 5th of
+April, to go to Madagascar for Limos." This they did lest any visit
+should be paid to the place during their absence. They, however,
+did not sail directly for Madagascar, but the island of Mascarius,
+where they fortunately fell in with a Portuguese of seventy guns,
+lying at anchor. The greater part of her guns had been thrown
+overboard, her masts lost, and the whole vessel disabled by a
+storm; she therefore, became an easy prey to the pirates. Conde de
+Ericeira, Viceroy of Goa, who went upon the fruitless expedition
+against Angria the Indian, and several passengers, were on board.
+Besides other valuable articles and specie, they found in her
+diamonds to the amount of four millions of dollars. Supposing that
+the ship was an Englishman, the Viceroy came on board next morning,
+was made prisoner, and obliged to pay two thousand dollars as a
+ransom for himself and the other prisoners. After this he was sent
+ashore, with an express engagement to leave a ship to convey him
+and his companions to another port.</p>
+<p>Meanwhile, the pirates received intelligence that a vessel was
+to the leeward of the island, which they pursued and captured. But
+instead of performing their promise to the Viceroy, which they
+could easily have done, they sent the Ostender along with some of
+their men to Madagascar, to inform their friends of their success,
+with instructions to prepare masts for the prize; and they soon
+followed, carrying two thousand negroes in the Portuguese
+vessel.</p>
+<p>Madagascar is an island larger than Great Britain, situated upon
+the eastern coast of Africa, abounding with all sorts of
+provisions, such as oxen, goats, sheep, poultry, fish, citrons,
+oranges, tamarinds, dates, cocoa-nuts, bananas, wax, honey, rice,
+cotton, indigo, and all other fruits common in that quarter of the
+globe; ebony of which lances are made, gums of several kinds, and
+many other valuable productions. Here, in St. Augustine's bay, the
+ships sometimes stop to take in water, when they make the inner
+passage to India, and do not intend to stop at Johanna.</p>
+<p>When the Portuguese ship arrived there, they received
+intelligence that the Ostender had taken advantage of an hour when
+the men were intoxicated, had risen upon them, and carried the ship
+to Mozambique, from whence the governor ordered her to Goa.</p>
+<p>The pirates now divided their plunder, receiving forty-two
+diamonds per man, or in smaller proportion according to their
+magnitude. A foolish jocular fellow, who had received a large
+diamond of the value of forty-two, was highly displeased, and so
+went and broke it in pieces, exclaiming, that he had many more
+shares than either of them. Some, contended with their treasure,
+and unwilling to run the risk of losing what they possessed, and
+perhaps their lives also, resolved to remain with their friends at
+Madagascar, under the stipulation that the longest livers should
+enjoy all the booty. The number of adventurers being now lessened,
+they burned the Viceroy, cleaned the Cassandra, and the remainder
+went on board her under the command of Taylor, whom we must leave
+for a little while, in order to give an account of the squadron
+which arrived in India in 1721.</p>
+<p>When the commodore arrived at the Cape, he received a letter
+that had been written by the Governor of Pondicherry to the
+Governor of Madras, informing him that the pirates were strong in
+the Indian seas; that they had eleven sail, and fifteen hundred
+men; but adding, that many of them retired about that time to
+Brazil and Guinea, while others fortified themselves at Madagascar,
+Mauritius, Johanna, and Mohilla; and that a crew under the command
+of Condin, in a ship called the Dragon, had captured a vessel with
+thirteen lacks of rupees on board, and having divided their
+plunder, had taken up their residence with their friends at
+Madagascar.</p>
+<p>Upon receiving this intelligence, Commodore Matthews sailed for
+these islands, as the most probable place of success. He endeavored
+to prevail on England, at St. Mary's, to communicate to him what
+information he could give respecting the pirates; but England
+declined, thinking that this would be almost to surrender at
+discretion. He then took up the guns of the Jubilee sloop that were
+on board, and the men-of-war made several cruises in search of the
+pirates, but to no purpose. The squadron was then sent down to
+Bombay, was saluted by the fort, and after these exploits returned
+home.</p>
+<p>The pirate, Captain Taylor, in the Cassandra, now fitted up the
+Portuguese man-of-war, and resolved upon another voyage to the
+Indies; but, informed that four men-of-war had been sent after the
+pirates in that quarter, he changed his determination, and sailed
+for Africa. Arrived there, they put in a place near the river
+Spirito Sancto, on the coast of Monomotapa. As there was no
+correspondence by land, nor any trade carried on by sea to this
+place, they thought that it would afford a safe retreat. To their
+astonishment, however, when they approached the shore, it being in
+the dusk of the evening, they were accosted by several shot. They
+immediately anchored, and in the morning saw that the shot had come
+from a small fort of six guns, which they attacked and
+destroyed.</p>
+<p>This small fort was erected by the Dutch East India Company a
+few weeks before, and committed to the care of 150 men, the one
+half of whom had perished by sickness or other causes. Upon their
+petition, sixteen of these were admitted into the society of the
+pirates; and the rest would also have been received, had they not
+been Dutchmen, to whom they had a rooted aversion.</p>
+<p>In this place they continued during four months, refitting their
+vessels, and amusing themselves with all manner of diversions,
+until the scarcity of their provisions awakened them to industry
+and exertion. They, however, left several parcels of goods to the
+starving Dutchmen, which Mynheer joyfully exchanged for provisions
+with the next vessel that touched at that fort.</p>
+<p>Leaving that place, they were divided in opinion what course to
+steer; some went on board the Portuguese prize, and, sailing for
+Madagascar, abandoned the pirate life; and others going on board
+the Cassandra, sailed for the Spanish West Indies. The Mermaid
+man-of-war, returning from a convoy, got near the pirates, and
+would have attacked them, but a consultation being held, it was
+deemed inexpedient, and thus the pirates escaped. A sloop was,
+however, dispatched to Jamaica with the intelligence, and the
+Lancaster was sent after them; but they were some days too late,
+the pirates having, with all their riches, surrendered to the
+Governor of Portobello.</p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="ACCOUNT_OF_THE_LYNN_PIRATES"></a>
+<h2>ACCOUNT OF THE LYNN PIRATES</h2>
+<i>And Thomas Veal, who was buried in his cave by the Great
+Earthquake</i>.
+<p>In the year 1658 there was a great earthquake in New-England.
+Some time previous, on one pleasant evening, a little after sunset,
+a small vessel was seen to anchor near the mouth of Saugus river. A
+boat was presently lowered from her side, into which four men
+descended, and moved up the river a considerable distance, when
+they landed, and proceeded directly into the woods. They had been
+noticed by only a few individuals; but in those early times, when
+the people were surrounded by danger, and easily susceptible of
+alarm, such an incident was well calculated to awaken suspicion,
+and in the course of the evening the intelligence was conveyed to
+many houses. In the morning, the people naturally directed their
+eyes toward the shore, in search of the strange vessel--but she was
+gone, and no trace could be found either of her or her singular
+crew. It was afterwards ascertained that, on the morning one of the
+men at the Iron Works, on going into the foundry, discovered a
+paper, on which was written, that if a quantity of shackles,
+handcuffs, hatchets, and other articles of iron manufacture, were
+made and deposited, with secrecy, in a certain place in the woods,
+which was particularly designated, an amount of silver, to their
+full value, would be found in their place. The articles were made
+in a few days, and placed in conformity with the directions. On the
+next morning they were gone, and the money was found according to
+the promise; but though a watch had been kept, no vessel was seen.
+Some months afterwards, the four men returned, and selected one of
+the most secluded and romantic spots in the woods of Saugus, for
+their abode. The place of their retreat was a deep narrow valley,
+shut in on two sides by craggy, precipitous rocks, and shrouded on
+the others by thick pines, hemlocks and cedars, between which there
+was only one small spot, to which the rays of the sun at noon could
+penetrate. On climbing up the rude and almost perpendicular steps
+of the rock on either side, the eye could command a full view of
+the bay on the south, and a prospect of a considerable portion of
+the surrounding country. The place of their retreat has ever since
+been called the Pirates' Glen, and they could not have selected a
+spot on the coast for many miles, more favorable for the purposes
+both of concealment and observation. Even at this day, when the
+neighborhood has become thickly peopled, it is still a lonely and
+desolate place, and probably not one in a hundred of the
+inhabitants has ever descended into its silent and gloomy recess.
+There the pirates built a small hut, made a garden, and dug a well,
+the appearance of which is still visible. It has been supposed that
+they buried money; but though people have dug there, and in many
+other places, none has ever been found. After residing there some
+time, their retreat became known, and one of the king's cruizers
+appeared on the coast. They were traced to their glen, and three of
+them were taken, and carried to England, where it is probable they
+were executed. The other, whose name was Thomas Veal, escaped to a
+rock in the woods, about two miles to the north, in which was a
+spacious cavern, where the pirates had previously deposited some of
+their plunder. There the fugitive fixed his residence, and
+practised the trade of a shoemaker, occasionally coming down to the
+village to obtain articles of sustenance. He continued his
+residence till the great earthquake in 1658, when the top of the
+rock was loosened, and crushed down into the mouth of the cavern,
+enclosing the unfortunate inmate in its unyielding prison. It has
+ever since been called the Pirate's Dungeon. A part of the cavern
+is still open, and is much visited by the curious.</p>
+<p>This rock is situated on a lofty range of thickly wooded hills,
+and commands an extensive view of the ocean, for fifty miles both
+north and south. A view from the top of it, at once convinces the
+beholder that it would be impossible to select a place more
+convenient for the haunt of a gang of pirates; as all vessels bound
+in and out of the harbors of Boston, Salem, and the adjacent ports,
+can be distinctly seen from its summit. Saugus river meanders among
+the hills a short distance to the south, and its numerous creeks
+which extend among thick bushes, would afford good places to
+secrete boats, until such time as the pirates descried a sail, when
+they could instantly row down the river, attack and plunder them,
+and with their booty return to the cavern. This was evidently their
+mode of procedure. On an open space in front of the rock are still
+to be seen distinct traces of a small garden spot, and in the
+corner is a small well, full of stones and rubbish; the foundation
+of the wall round the garden remains, and shows that the spot was
+of a triangular shape, and was well selected for the cultivation of
+potatoes and common vegetables. The aperture in the rock is only
+about five feet in height, and extends only fifteen feet into the
+rock. The needle is strongly attracted around this, either by the
+presence of magnetic iron ore or some metallic substance buried in
+the interior.</p>
+<p>The Pirates' Glen, which is some distance from this, is one of
+Nature's wildest and most picturesque spots, and the cellar of the
+pirate's hut remains to the present time, as does a clear space,
+which was evidently cultivated at some remote period.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/290.jpg" alt=
+"The Dungeon Rock and Pirate's Cave, at Lynn, Mass." height="338"
+width="568"></center>
+<h4><i>The Dungeon Rock and Pirate's Cave, at Lynn, Mass.</i></h4>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="HISTORY_OF_THE_LADRONE_PIRATES"></a>
+<h2>HISTORY OF THE LADRONE PIRATES</h2>
+<i>And their Depredations on the Coast of China: with an Account of
+the Enterprises and Victories of Mistress Ching, a Female
+Pirate</i>.
+<p>The Ladrones as they were christened by the Portuguese at Macao,
+were originally a disaffected set of Chinese, that revolted against
+the oppression of the Mandarins. The first scene of their
+depredations was the Western coast, about Cochin China, where they
+began by attacking small trading vessels in row boats, carrying
+from thirty to forty men each. They continued this system of
+piracy, and thrived and increased in numbers under it, for several
+years. At length the fame of their success, and the oppression and
+horrid poverty and want that many of the lower orders of Chinese
+labored under, had the effect of augmenting their bands with
+astonishing rapidity. Fishermen and other destitute classes flocked
+by hundreds to their standard, and their audacity growing with
+their numbers, they not merely swept the coast, but blockaded all
+the rivers and attacked and took several large government war
+junks, mounting from ten to fifteen guns each.--These junks being
+added to their shoals of boats, the pirates formed a tremendous
+fleet, which was always along shore, so that no small vessel could
+safely trade on the coast. When they lacked prey on the sea, they
+laid the land under tribute. They were at first accustomed to go on
+shore and attack the maritime villages, but becoming bolder, like
+the Buccaneers, made long inland journeys, and surprised and
+plundered even large towns.</p>
+<p>An energetic attempt made by the Chinese government to destroy
+them, only increased their strength; for in their first encounter
+with the pirates, twenty-eight of the Imperial junks struck, and
+the remaining twelve saved themselves, by a precipitate
+retreat.</p>
+<p>The captured junks, fully equipped for war, were a great
+acquisition to the robbers, whose numbers now increased more
+rapidly than ever. They were in their plenitude of power in the
+year 1809, when Mr. Glasspoole had the misfortune to fall into
+their hands, at which time that gentleman supposed their force to
+consist of 70,000 men, navigating eight hundred large vessels, and
+one thousand small ones, including row boats. They were divided
+into six large squadrons, under different flags;--the red, the
+yellow, the green, the blue, the black and the white. "These wasps
+of the Ocean," as a Chinese historian calls them, were further
+distinguished by the names of their respective commanders: by these
+commanders a certain <i>Ching-yih</i> had been the most
+distinguished by his valor and conduct. By degrees, Ching obtained
+almost a supremacy of command over the whole united fleet; and so
+confident was this robber in his strength and daily augmenting
+means, that he aspired to the dignity of a king, and went so far as
+openly to declare his patriotic intention of hurling the present
+Tartar family from the throne of China, and of restoring the
+ancient Chinese dynasty. But unfortunately for the ambitious
+pirate, he perished in a heavy gale, and instead of placing a
+sovereign on the Chinese throne, he and his lofty aspirations were
+buried in the yellow sea. And now comes the most remarkable passage
+in the history of these pirates--remarkable with any class of men,
+but doubly so among the Chinese, who entertain more than the
+general oriental opinion of the inferiority of the fair sex. On the
+death of <i>Ching-yih,</i> his legitimate wife had sufficient
+influence over the freebooters to induce them to recognize her
+authority in the place of her deceased husband's, and she appointed
+one <i>Paou</i> as her lieutenant and prime minister, and provided
+that she should be considered the mistress or commander-in-chief of
+the united squadrons.</p>
+<p>This <i>Paou</i> had been a poor fisher-boy, picked up with his
+father at sea, while fishing, by <i>Ching-yih,</i> whose good will
+and favor he had the fortune to captivate, and by whom, before that
+pirate's death, he had been made a captain. Instead of declining
+under the rule of a woman, the pirates became more enterprising
+than ever. Ching's widow was clever as well as brave, and so was
+her lieutenant Paou. Between them they drew up a code of law for
+the better regulation of the freebooters.</p>
+<p>In this it was decreed, that if any man went privately on shore,
+or did what they called "transgressing the bars," he should have
+his ears slit in the presence of the whole fleet; a repetition of
+the same unlawful act, was death! No one article, however trifling
+in value, was to be privately subtracted from the booty or
+plundered goods. Every thing they took was regularly entered on the
+register of their stores. The following clause of Mistress
+<i>Ching's</i> code is still more delicate. No person shall debauch
+at his pleasure captive women, taken in the villages and open
+places, and brought on board a ship; he must first request the
+ship's purser for permission, and then go aside in the ship's hold.
+To use violence, against any woman, or to wed her, without
+permission, shall be punished with death.</p>
+<p>By these means an admirable discipline was maintained on board
+the ships, and the peasantry on shore never let the pirates want
+for gunpowder, provisions, or any other necessary. On a piratical
+expedition, either to advance or retreat without orders, was a
+capital offence. Under these philosophical institutions, and the
+guidance of a woman, the robbers continued to scour the China sea,
+plundering every vessel they came near. The Great War Mandarin,
+Kwolang-lin sailed from the Bocca Tigris into the sea to fight the
+pirates. Paou gave him a tremendous drubbing, and gained a splendid
+victory. In this battle which lasted from morning to night, the
+Mandarin Kwolang-lin, a desperate fellow himself, levelled a gun at
+Paou, who fell on the deck as the piece went off; his disheartened
+crew concluded it was all over with him. But Paou was quick eyed.
+He had seen the unfriendly intention of the mandarin, and thrown
+himself down. The Great Mandarin was soon after taken with fifteen
+junks; three were sunk. The pirate lieutenant would have dealt
+mercifully with him, but the fierce old man suddenly seized him by
+the hair on the crown of his head, and grinned at him, so that he
+might provoke him to slay him. But even then Paou spoke kindly to
+him. Upon this he committed suicide, being seventy years of
+age.</p>
+<p>After several victories and reverses, the Chinese historian says
+our men-of-war escorting some merchant ships, happened to meet the
+pirate chief nicknamed "The Jewel of the Crew" cruising at sea. The
+traders became exceedingly frightened, but our commander
+said,--This not being the flag of the widow Ching-yih, we are a
+match for them, therefore we will attack and conquer them. Then
+ensued a battle; they attacked each other with guns and stones, and
+many people were killed and wounded. The fighting ceased towards
+evening, and began again next morning. The pirates and the
+men-of-war were very close to each other, and they boasted mutually
+about their strength and valor. The traders remained at some
+distance; they saw the pirates mixing gunpowder in their
+beverage,--they looked instantly red about the face and the eyes,
+and then fought desperately. This fighting continued three days and
+nights incessantly; at last, becoming tired on both sides, they
+separated.</p>
+<p>To understand this inglorious bulletin, the reader must remember
+that many of the combatants only handled bows and arrows, and
+pelted stones, and that Chinese powder and guns are both
+exceedingly bad. The pathos of the conclusion does somewhat remind
+one of the Irishman's despatch during the American war,--"It was a
+bloody battle while it lasted; and the searjent of marines lost his
+cartouche box."</p>
+<p>The Admiral Ting River was sent to sea against them. This man
+was surprised at anchor by the ever vigilant Paou, to whom many
+fishermen and other people on the coast, must have acted as
+friendly spies. Seeing escape impossible, and that his officers
+stood pale and inactive by the flag-staff, the Admiral conjured
+them, by their fathers and mothers, their wives and children, and
+by the hopes of brilliant reward if they succeeded, and of
+vengeance if they perished, to do their duty, and the combat began.
+The Admiral had the good fortune, at the onset, of killing with one
+of his great guns the pirate captain, "The Jewel of the Crew." But
+the robbers swarmed thicker and thicker around him, and when the
+dreaded Paou lay him by the board, without help or hope, the
+Mandarin killed himself. An immense number of his men perished in
+the sea, and twenty-five vessels were lost. After his defeat, it
+was resolved by the Chinese Government to cut off all their
+supplies of food, and starve them out. All vessels that were in
+port were ordered to remain there, and those at sea, or on the
+coast ordered to return with all speed. But the pirates, full of
+confidence, now resolved to attack the harbors themselves, and to
+ascend the rivers, which are navigable for many miles up the
+country, and rob the villages. The consternation was great when the
+Chinese saw them venturing above the government forts.</p>
+<p>The pirates separated: Mistress Ching plundering in one place,
+Paou in another, and O-po-tae in another, &amp;c.</p>
+<p>It was at this time that Mr. Glasspoole had the ill fortune to
+fall into their power. This gentlemen, then an officer in the East
+India Company's ship the Marquis of Ely, which was anchored under
+an island about twelve miles from Macao, was ordered to proceed to
+the latter place with a boat to procure a pilot. He left the ship
+in one of the cutters, with seven British seamen well armed, on the
+17th September, 1809. He reached Macao in safety, and having done
+his business there and procured a pilot, returned towards the ship
+the following day. But, unfortunately, the ship had weighed anchor
+and was under sail, and in consequence of squally weather,
+accompanied with thick fogs, the boat could not reach her, and Mr.
+Glasspoole and his men and the pilot were left at sea, in an open
+boat. "Our situation," says that gentleman, "was truly
+distressing--night closing fast, with a threatening appearance,
+blowing fresh, with a hard rain and a heavy sea; our boat very
+leaky, without a compass, anchor, or provisions, and drifting fast
+on a lee-shore, surrounded with dangerous rocks, and inhabited by
+the most barbarous pirates."</p>
+<p>After suffering dreadfully for three whole days, Mr. Glasspoole,
+by the advice of the pilot, made for a narrow channel, where he
+presently discovered three large boats at anchor, which, on seeing
+the English boat, weighed and made sail towards it. The pilot told
+Mr. Glasspoole they were Ladrones, and that if they captured the
+boat, they would certainly put them all to death! After rowing
+tremendously for six hours they escaped these boats, but on the
+following morning falling in with a large fleet of the pirates,
+which the English mistook for fishing-boats, they were
+captured.</p>
+<p>"About twenty savage-looking villains," says Mr. Glasspoole,
+"who were stowed at the bottom of the boat, leaped on board us.
+They were armed with a short sword in either hand, one of which
+they layed upon our necks, and pointed the other to our breasts,
+keeping their eyes fixed on their officer, waiting his signal to
+cut or desist. Seeing we were incapable of making any resistance,
+the officer sheathed his sword, and the others immediately followed
+his example. They then dragged us into their boat, and carried us
+on board one of their junks, with the most savage demonstrations of
+joy, and, as we supposed, to torture and put us to a cruel
+death."</p>
+<p>When on board the junk they rifled the Englishmen, and brought
+heavy chains to chain them to the deck.</p>
+<p>"At this time a boat came, and took me, with one of my men and
+an interpreter, on board the chief's vessel. I was then taken
+before the chief. He was seated on deck, in a large chair, dressed
+in purple silk, with a black turban on. He appeared to be about
+thirty years of age, a stout commanding-looking man. He took me by
+the coat, and drew me close to him; then questioned the interpreter
+very strictly, asking who we were, and what was our business in
+that part of the country. I told him to say we were Englishmen in
+distress, having been four days at sea without provisions. This he
+would not credit, but said we were bad men, and that he would put
+us all to death; and then ordered some men to put the interpreter
+to the torture until he confessed the truth. Upon this occasion, a
+Ladrone, who had been once to England and spoke a few words of
+English, came to the chief, and told him we were really Englishmen,
+and that we had plenty of money, adding that the buttons on my coat
+were gold. The chief then ordered us some coarse brown rice, of
+which we made a tolerable meal, having eaten nothing for nearly
+four days, except a few green oranges. During our repast, a number
+of Ladrones crowded round us, examining our clothes and hair, and
+giving us every possible annoyance. Several of them brought swords,
+and laid them on our necks, making signs that they would soon take
+us on shore, and cut us in pieces, which I am sorry to say was the
+fate of some hundreds during my captivity. I was now summoned
+before the chief, who had been conversing with the interpreter: he
+said I must write to my captain, and tell him, if he did not send
+an hundred thousand dollars for our ransom, in ten days he would
+put us all to death."</p>
+<p>After vainly expostulating to lessen the ransom, Mr. Glasspoole
+wrote the letter, and a small boat came alongside and took it to
+Macao.</p>
+<p>Early in the night the fleet sailed, and anchored about one
+o'clock the following day in a bay under the island of Lantow,
+where the head admiral of Ladrones (our acquaintance Paou) was
+lying at anchor, with about two hundred vessels and a Portuguese
+brig they had captured a few days before, and the captain and part
+of the crew of which they had murdered. Early the next morning, a
+fishing-boat came to inquire if they had captured an European boat;
+they came to the vessel the English were in.</p>
+<p>"One of the boatmen spoke a few words of English, and told me he
+had a Ladrone-pass, and was sent by our captain in search of us; I
+was rather surprised to find he had no letter. He appeared to be
+well acquainted with the chief, and remained in his cabin smoking
+opium, and playing cards all the day. In the evening I was summoned
+with the interpreter before the chief. He questioned us in a much
+milder tone, saying, he now believed we were Englishmen, a people
+he wished to be friendly with; and that if our captain would lend
+him seventy thousand dollars till he returned from his cruise up
+the river, he would repay him, and send us all to Macao. I assured
+him it was useless writing on these terms, and unless our ransom
+was speedily settled, the English fleet would sail, and render our
+enlargement altogether ineffectual. He remained determined, and
+said if it were not sent, he would keep us, and make us fight, or
+put us to death. I accordingly wrote, and gave my letter to the man
+belonging to the boat before mentioned. He said he could not return
+with an answer in less than five days. The chief now gave me the
+letter I wrote when first taken. I have never been able to
+ascertain his reasons for detaining it, but suppose he dared not
+negociate for our ransom without orders from the head admiral, who
+I understood was sorry at our being captured. He said the English
+ships would join the Mandarins and attack them."</p>
+<p>While the fleet lay here, one night the Portuguese who were left
+in the captured brig murdered the Ladrones that were on board of
+her, cut the cables, and fortunately escaped through the darkness
+of the night.</p>
+<p>"At day-light the next morning, the fleet, amounting to above
+five hundred sail of different sizes, weighed, to proceed on their
+intended cruise up the rivers, to levy contributions on the towns
+and villages. It is impossible to describe what were my feelings at
+this critical time, having received no answers to my letters, and
+the fleet under-way to sail--hundreds of miles up a country never
+visited by Europeans, there to remain probably for many months,
+which would render all opportunities for negotiating for our
+enlargement totally ineffectual; as the only method of
+communication is by boats that have a pass from the Ladrones, and
+they dare not venture above twenty miles from Macao, being obliged
+to come and go in the night, to avoid the Mandarins; and if these
+boats should be detected in having any intercourse with the
+Ladrones, they are immediately put to death, and all their
+relations, though they had not joined in the crime, share in the
+punishment, in order that not a single person of their families
+should be left to imitate their crimes or avenge their death."</p>
+<p>The following is a very touching incident in Mr. Glasspoole's
+narrative.</p>
+<p>"Wednesday the 26th of September, at day-light, we passed in
+sight of our own ships, at anchor under the island of Chun Po. The
+chief then called me, pointed to the ships, and told the
+interpreter to tell us to look at them, for we should never see
+them again! About noon we entered a river to the westward of the
+Bogue. Three or four miles from the entrance we passed a large town
+situated on the side of a beautiful hill, which is tributary to the
+Ladrones; the inhabitants saluted them with songs as they
+passed."</p>
+<p>After committing numerous minor robberies, "The Ladrones now
+prepared to attack a town with a formidable force, collected in
+row-boats from the different vessels. They sent a messenger to the
+town, demanding a tribute of ten thousand dollars annually, saying,
+if these terms were not complied with, they would land, destroy the
+town, and murder all the inhabitants: which they would certainly
+have done, had the town laid in a more advantageous situation for
+their purpose; but being placed out of the reach of their shot,
+they allowed them to come to terms. The inhabitants agreed to pay
+six thousand dollars, which they were to collect by the time of our
+return down the river. This finesse had the desired effect, for
+during our absence they mounted a few guns on a hill, which
+commanded the passage, and gave us in lieu of the dollars, a warm
+salute on our return.</p>
+<p>"October the 1st, the fleet weighed in the night, dropped by the
+tide up the river, and anchored very quietly before a town
+surrounded by a thick wood. Early in the morning the Ladrones
+assembled in row-boats, and landed; then gave a shout, and rushed
+into the town, sword in hand. The inhabitants fled to the adjacent
+hills, in numbers apparently superior to the Ladrones. We may
+easily imagine to ourselves the horror with which these miserable
+people must be seized, on being obliged to leave their homes, and
+everything dear to them. It was a most melancholy sight to see
+women in tears, clasping their infants in their arms, and imploring
+mercy for them from those brutal robbers! The old and the sick, who
+were unable to fly, or make resistance, were either made prisoners
+or most inhumanly butchered! The boats continued passing and
+repassing from the junks to the shore, in quick succession, laden
+with booty, and the men besmeared with blood! Two hundred and fifty
+women and several children, were made prisoners, and sent on board
+different vessels. They were unable to escape with the men, owing
+to that abominable practice of cramping their feet; several of them
+were not able to move without assistance. In fact, they might all
+be said to totter, rather than walk. Twenty of these poor women
+were sent on board the vessel I was in; they were hauled on board
+by the hair, and treated in a most savage manner. When the chief
+came on board, he questioned them respecting the circumstances of
+their friends, and demanded ransoms accordingly, from six thousand
+to six hundred dollars each. He ordered them a berth on deck, at
+the after part of the vessel, where they had nothing to shelter
+them from the weather, which at this time was very variable--the
+days excessively hot, and the nights cold, with heavy rains. The
+town being plundered of everything valuable, it was set on fire,
+and reduced to ashes by the morning. The fleet remained here three
+days, negotiating for the ransom of the prisoners, and plundering
+the fish-tanks and gardens. During all this time, the Chinese never
+ventured from the hills, though there were frequently not more than
+a hundred Ladrones on shore at a time, and I am sure the people on
+the hills exceeded ten times that number.</p>
+<p>"On the 10th we formed a junction with the Black-squadron, and
+proceeded many miles up a wide and beautiful river, passing several
+ruins of villages that had been destroyed by the Black-squadron. On
+the 17th, the fleet anchored abreast four mud batteries, which
+defended a town, so entirely surrounded with wood, that it was
+impossible to form any idea of its size. The weather was very hazy,
+with hard squalls of rain. The Ladrones remained perfectly quiet
+for two days. On the third day the forts commenced a brisk fire for
+several hours: the Ladrones did not return a single shot, but
+weighed in the night and dropped down the river. The reasons they
+gave for not attacking the town, or returning the fire, were, that
+Joss had not promised them success. They are very superstitious,
+and consult their idol on all occasions. If his omens are good,
+they will undertake the most daring enterprises. The fleet now
+anchored opposite the ruins of the town where the women had been
+made prisoners. Here we remained five or six days, during which
+time about an hundred of the women were ransomed; the remainder
+were offered for sale amongst the Ladrones, for forty dollars each.
+The woman is considered the lawful wife of the purchaser, who would
+be put to death if he discarded her. Several of them leaped
+overboard and drowned themselves, rather than submit to such
+infamous degradation.</p>
+<p>"Mei-ying, the wife of Ke-choo-yang, was very beautiful, and a
+pirate being about to seize her by the head, she abused him
+exceedingly. The pirate bound her to the yard-arm; but on abusing
+him yet more, the pirate dragged her down and broke two of her
+teeth, which filled her mouth and jaws with blood. The pirate
+sprang up again to bind her. Ying allowed him to approach, but as
+soon as he came near her, she laid hold of his garments with her
+bleeding mouth, and threw both him and herself into the river,
+where they were drowned. The remaining captives of both sexes were
+after some months liberated, on having paid a ransom of fifteen
+thousand leang or ounces of silver.</p>
+<p>"The fleet then weighed," continues Mr. Glasspoole, "and made
+sail down the river, to receive the ransom from the town
+before-mentioned. As we passed the hill, they fired several shot at
+us, but without effect. The Ladrones were much exasperated, and
+determined to revenge themselves; they dropped out of reach of
+their shot, and anchored. Every junk sent about a hundred men each
+on shore, to cut paddy, and destroy their orange-groves, which was
+most effectually performed for several miles down the river. During
+our stay here, they received information of nine boats lying up a
+creek, laden with paddy; boats were immediately despatched after
+them. Next morning these boats were brought to the fleet; ten or
+twelve men were taken in them. As these had made no resistance, the
+chief said he would allow them to become Ladrones, if they agreed
+to take the usual oaths before Joss. Three or four of them refused
+to comply, for which they were punished in the following cruel
+manner: their hands were tied behind their backs, a rope from the
+masthead rove through their arms, and hoisted three or four feet
+from the deck, and five or six men flogged them with their rattans
+twisted together till they were apparently dead; then hoisted them
+up to the mast-head, and left them hanging nearly an hour, then
+lowered them down, and repeated the punishment, till they died or
+complied with the oath.</p>
+<p>"On the 28th of October, I received a letter from Captain Kay,
+brought by a fisherman, who had told him he would get us all back
+for three thousand dollars. He advised me to offer three thousand,
+and if not accepted, extend it to four; but not farther, as it was
+bad policy to offer much at first: at the same time assuring me we
+should be liberated, let the ransom be what it would. I offered the
+chief the three thousand, which he disdainfully refused, saying he
+was not to be played with; and unless they sent ten thousand
+dollars, and two large guns, with several casks of gunpowder, he
+would soon put us to death. I wrote to Captain Kay, and informed
+him of the chief's determination, requesting, if an opportunity
+offered, to send us a shift of clothes, for which it may be easily
+imagined we were much distressed, having been seven weeks without a
+shift; although constantly exposed to the weather, and of course
+frequently wet.</p>
+<p>"On the first of November, the fleet sailed up a narrow river,
+and anchored at night within two miles of a town called Little
+Whampoa. In front of it was a small fort, and several Mandarin
+vessels lying in the harbor. The chief sent the interpreter to me,
+saying, I must order my men to make cartridges and clean their
+muskets, ready to go on shore in the morning. I assured the
+interpreter I should give the men no such orders, that they must
+please themselves. Soon after the chief came on board, threatening
+to put us all to a cruel death if we refused to obey his orders.
+For my own part I remained determined, and advised the men not to
+comply, as I thought by making ourselves useful we should be
+accounted too valuable. A few hours afterwards he sent to me again,
+saying, that if myself and the quarter-master would assist them at
+the great guns, that if also the rest of the men went on shore and
+succeeded in taking the place, he would then take the money offered
+for our ransom, and give them twenty dollars for every Chinaman's
+head they cut off. To these proposals we cheerfully acceded, in
+hopes of facilitating our deliverance.</p>
+<p>"The Mandarin vessels continued firing, having blocked up the
+entrance of the harbor to prevent the Ladrone boats entering. At
+this the Ladrones were much exasperated, and about three hundred of
+them swam on shore, with a short sword lashed close under each arm;
+they then ran along the banks of the river till they came abreast
+of the vessels, and then swam off again and boarded them. The
+Chinese thus attacked, leaped overboard, and endeavored to reach
+the opposite shore; the Ladrones followed, and cut the greater
+number of them to pieces in the water. They next towed the vessels
+out of the harbor, and attacked the town with increased fury. The
+inhabitants fought about a quarter of an hour, and then retreated
+to an adjacent hill, from which they were soon driven with great
+slaughter. After this the Ladrones returned, and plundered the
+town, every boat leaving it with lading. The Chinese on the hills
+perceiving most of the boats were off, rallied, and retook the
+town, after killing near two hundred Ladrones. One of my men was
+unfortunately lost in this dreadful massacre! The Ladrones landed a
+second time, drove the Chinese out of the town, then reduced it to
+ashes, and put all their prisoners to death, without regarding
+either age or sex! I must not omit to mention a most horrid (though
+ludicrous) circumstance which happened at this place. The Ladrones
+were paid by their chief ten dollars for every Chinaman's head they
+produced. One of my men turning the corner of a street was met by a
+Ladrone running furiously after a Chinese; he had a drawn sword in
+his hand, and two Chinaman's heads which he had cut off, tied by
+their tails, and slung round his neck. I was witness myself to some
+of them producing five or six to obtain payment!</p>
+<p>"On the 4th of November an order arrived from the admiral for the
+fleet to proceed immediately to Lantow, where he was lying with
+only two vessels, and three Portuguese ships and a brig constantly
+annoying him; several sail of Mandarin vessels were daily expected.
+The fleet weighed and proceeded towards Lantow. On passing the
+island of Lintin, three ships and a brig gave chase to us. The
+Ladrones prepared to board; but night closing we lost sight of
+them: I am convinced they altered their course and stood from us.
+These vessels were in the pay of the Chinese Government, and styled
+themselves the Invincible Squadron, cruising in the river Tigris to
+annihilate the Ladrones!</p>
+<p>"On the fifth, in the morning, the red squadron anchored in a bay
+under Lantow; the black squadron stood to the eastward. In the
+afternoon of the 8th of November, four ships, a brig, and a
+schooner came off the mouth of the bay. At first the pirates were
+much alarmed, supposing them to be English vessels come to rescue
+us. Some of them threatened to hang us to the mast-head for them to
+fire at; and with much difficulty we persuaded them that they were
+Portuguese. The Ladrones had only seven junks in a fit state for
+action; these they hauled outside, and moored them head and stern
+across the bay, and manned all the boats belonging to the repairing
+vessels ready for boarding. The Portuguese observing these
+manoeuvres hove to, and communicated by boats. Soon afterwards they
+made sail, each ship firing her broadside as she passed, but
+without effect, the shot falling far short. The Ladrones did not
+return a single shot, but waved their colors, and threw up rockets,
+to induce them to come further in, which they might easily have
+done, the outside junks lying in four fathoms water, which I
+sounded myself: though the Portuguese in their letters to Macao
+lamented there was not sufficient water for them to engage closer,
+but that they would certainly prevent their escaping before the
+Mandarin fleet arrived!<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/306.jpg" alt=
+"A Ladrone Pirate, cutting off the Heads of the Chinese" height=
+"410" width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>A Ladrone Pirate, cutting off the Heads of the
+Chinese.</i></h4>
+"On the 20th of November, early in the morning, discovered an
+immense fleet of Mandarin vessels standing for the bay. On nearing
+us, they formed a line, and stood close in; each vessel, as she
+discharged her guns, tacked to join the rear and reload. They kept
+up a constant fire for about two hours, when one of their largest
+vessels was blown up by a firebrand thrown from a Ladrone junk;
+after which they kept at a more respectful distance, but continued
+firing without intermission till the 21st at night, when it fell
+calm. The Ladrones towed out seven large vessels, with about two
+hundred row-boats to board them: but a breeze springing up, they
+made sail and escaped. The Ladrones returned into the bay, and
+anchored. The Portuguese and Mandarins followed, and continued a
+heavy cannonading during that night and the next day. The vessel I
+was in had her foremast shot away, which they supplied very
+expeditiously by taking a mainmast from a smaller vessel.
+<p>On the 23d, in the evening, it again fell calm; the Ladrones
+towed out fifteen junks in two divisions, with the intention of
+surrounding them, which was nearly effected, having come up with
+and boarded one, when a breeze suddenly sprang up. The captured
+vessel mounted twenty-two guns. Most of her crew leaped overboard;
+sixty or seventy were taken, immediately cut to pieces, and thrown
+into the river. Early in the morning the Ladrones returned into the
+bay, and anchored in the same situation as before. The Portuguese
+and Mandarins followed, keeping up a constant fire. The Ladrones
+never returned a single shot, but always kept in readiness to
+board, and the Portuguese were careful never to allow them an
+opportunity.</p>
+<p>"On the 28th, at night they sent eight fire-vessels, which, if
+properly constructed, must have done great execution, having every
+advantage they could wish for to effect their purpose; a strong
+breeze and tide directed into the bay, and the vessels lying so
+close together, that it was impossible to miss them. On their first
+appearance, the Ladrones gave a general shout, supposing them to be
+Mandarin vessels on fire, but were very soon convinced of their
+mistake. They came very regularly into the centre of the fleet, two
+and two, burning furiously; one of them came alongside of the
+vessel I was in, but they succeeded in booming her off. She
+appeared to be a vessel of about thirty tons; her hold was filled
+with straw and wood, and there were a few small boxes of
+combustibles on her deck, which exploded alongside of us without
+doing any damage. The Ladrones, however, towed them all on shore,
+extinguished the fire, and broke them up for firewood. The
+Portuguese claim the credit of constructing these destructive
+machines, and actually sent a despatch to the Governor of Macao,
+saying they had destroyed at least one-third of the Ladrone's
+fleet, and hoped soon to effect their purpose by totally
+annihilating them!</p>
+<p>"On the 29th of November, the Ladrones being all ready for sea,
+they weighed and stood boldly out, bidding defiance to the
+invincible squadron and imperial fleet, consisting of ninety-three
+war-junks, six Portuguese ships, a brig, and a schooner.
+Immediately after the Ladrones weighed, they made all sail. The
+Ladrones chased them two or three hours, keeping up a constant
+fire; finding they did not come up with them, they hauled their
+wind, and stood to the eastward. Thus terminated the boasted
+blockade, which lasted nine days, during which time the Ladrones
+completed all their repairs. In this action not a single Ladrone
+vessel was destroyed, and their loss was about thirty or forty men.
+An American was also killed, one of three that remained out of
+eight taken in a schooner. I had two very narrow escapes: the
+first, a twelve pounder shot fell within three or four feet of me;
+another took a piece out of a small brass-swivel on which I was
+standing. The chief's wife frequently sprinkled me with
+garlick-water, which they considered an effectual charm against
+shot. The fleet continued under sail all night, steering towards
+the eastward. In the morning they anchored in a large bay
+surrounded by lofty and barren mountains. On the 2d of December I
+received a letter from Lieutenant Maughn, commander of the
+Honorable Company's cruiser Antelope, saying that he had the ransom
+on board, and had been three days cruising after us, and wished me
+to settle with the chief on the securest method of delivering it.
+The chief agreed to send us in a small gun-boat till we came within
+sight of the Antelope; then the compradore's boat was to bring the
+ransom and receive us. I was so agitated at receiving this joyful
+news, that it was with difficulty I could scrawl about two or three
+lines to inform Lieutenant Maughn of the arrangements I had made.
+We were all so deeply affected by the gratifying tidings, that we
+seldom closed our eyes, but continued watching day and night for
+the boat.</p>
+<p>"On the 6th she returned with Lieutenant Maughn's answer, saying,
+he would respect any single boat; but would not allow the fleet to
+approach him. The chief, then, according to his first proposal,
+ordered a gun-boat to take us, and with no small degree of pleasure
+we left the Ladrone fleet about four o'clock in the afternoon. At
+one P.M. saw the Antelope under all sail, standing towards us. The
+Ladrone boat immediately anchored, and dispatched the compradore's
+boat for the ransom, saying, that if she approached nearer they
+would return to the fleet; and they were just weighing when she
+shortened sail, and anchored about two miles from us. The boat did
+not reach her till late in the afternoon, owing to the tide's being
+strong against her. She received the ransom and left the Antelope
+just before dark. A Mandarin boat that had been lying concealed
+under the land, and watching their manoeuvres, gave chace to her,
+and was within a few fathoms of taking her, when she saw a light,
+which the Ladrones answered, and the Mandarin hauled off. Our
+situation was now a critical one; the ransom was in the hands of
+the Ladrones, and the compradore dare not return with us for fear
+of a second attack from the Mandarin boat. The Ladrones would not
+wait till morning, so we were obliged to return with them to the
+fleet. In the morning the chief inspected the ransom, which
+consisted of the following articles: two bales of superfine cloth;
+two chests of opium; two casks of gunpowder, and a telescope; the
+rest in dollars. He objected to the telescope not being new; and
+said he should detain one of us till another was sent, or a hundred
+dollars in lieu of it. The compradore, however, agreed with him for
+the hundred dollars. Every thing being at length settled, the chief
+ordered two gun-boats to convey us near the Antelope; we saw her
+just before dusk, when the Ladrone boats left us. We had the
+inexpressible pleasure of arriving on board the Antelope at seven,
+P.M., where we were most cordially received, and heartily
+congratulated on our safe and happy deliverance from a miserable
+captivity, which we had endured for eleven weeks and three
+days.</p>
+<p>(Signed) "RICHARD GLASSPOOLE. <i>China, December 8th</i>.
+1809."<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<p>"The Ladrones have no settled residence on shore, but live
+constantly in their vessels. The after-part is appropriated to the
+captain and his wives; he generally has five or six. With respect
+to the conjugal rights they are religiously strict; no person is
+allowed to have a woman on board, unless married to her according
+to their laws. Every man is allowed a small berth, about four feet
+square, where he stows with his wife and family. From the number of
+souls crowded in so small a space, it must naturally be supposed
+they are horridly dirty, which is evidently the case, and their
+vessels swarm with all kinds of vermin. Rats in particular, which
+they encourage to breed, and eat as great delicacies; in fact,
+there are very few creatures they will not eat. During our
+captivity we lived three weeks on caterpillars boiled with rice.
+They are much addicted to gambling, and spend all their leisure
+hours at cards and smoking opium."</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/310.jpg" alt=
+"The War Junks of the Ladrones" height="582" width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>The War Junks of the Ladrones.</i></h4>
+At the time of Mr. Glasspoole's liberation, the pirates were at the
+height of their power; after such repeated victories over the
+Mandarin ships, they had set at nought the Imperial allies--the
+Portuguese, and not only the coast, but the rivers of the celestial
+empire seemed to be at their discretion--and yet their formidable
+association did not many months survive this event. It was not,
+however, defeat that reduced it to the obedience of the laws. On
+the contrary, that extraordinary woman, the widow of Ching-yih, and
+the daring Paou, were victorious and more powerful than ever, when
+dissensions broke out among the pirates themselves. Ever since the
+favor of the chieftainess had elevated Paou to the general command,
+there had been enmity and altercations between him and the chief
+O-po-tae, who commanded one of the flags or divisions of the fleet;
+and it was only by the deference and respect they both owed to
+Ching-yih's widow, that they had been prevented from turning their
+arms against each other long before.
+<p>At length, when the brave Paou was surprised and cooped up by a
+strong blockading force of the Emperor's ships, O-po-tae showed all
+his deadly spite, and refused to obey the orders of Paou, and even
+of the chieftainess, which were, that he should sail to the relief
+of his rival.</p>
+<p>Paou, with his bravery and usual good fortune, broke through the
+blockade, but when he came in contact with O-po-tae, his rage was
+too violent to be restrained.</p>
+<p>O-po-tae at first pleaded that his means and strength had been
+insufficient to do what had been expected of him, but concluded by
+saying,--"Am I bound to come and join the forces of Paou?"</p>
+<p>"Would you then separate from us!" cried Paou, more enraged than
+ever.</p>
+<p>O-po-tae answered: "I will not separate myself."</p>
+<p>Paou:--"Why then do you not obey the orders of the wife of
+Ching-yih and my own? What is this else than separation, that you
+do not come to assist me, when I am surrounded by the enemy? I have
+sworn it that I will destroy thee, wicked man, that I may do away
+with this soreness on my back."</p>
+<p>The summons of Paou, when blockaded, to O-po-tae was in language
+equally figurative:--"I am harassed by the Government's officers
+outside in the sea; lips and teeth must help one another, if the
+lips are cut away the teeth will feel cold. How shall I alone be
+able to fight the Government forces? You should therefore come at
+the head of your crew, to attack the Government squadron in the
+rear. I will then come out of my station and make an attack in
+front; the enemy being so taken in the front and rear, will, even
+supposing we cannot master him, certainly be thrown into
+disorder."</p>
+<p>The angry words of Paou were followed by others, and then by
+blows. Paou, though at the moment far inferior in force, first
+began the fight, and ultimately sustained a sanguinary defeat, and
+the loss of sixteen vessels. Our loathing for this cruel,
+detestable race, must be increased by the fact, that the victors
+massacred all their prisoners--or three hundred men!</p>
+<p>This was the death-blow to the confederacy which had so long
+defied the Emperor's power, and which might have effected his
+dethronement. O-po-tae dreading the vengeance of Paou and his
+mistress, Ching-yih's widow, whose united forces would have
+quintupled his own, gained over his men to his views, and proffered
+a submission to Government, on condition of free pardon, and a
+proper provision for all.</p>
+<p>The petition of the pirates is so curious a production, and so
+characteristic of the Chinese, that it deserves to be inserted at
+length. "It is my humble opinion that all robbers of an
+overpowering force, whether they had their origin from this or any
+other cause, have felt the humanity of Government at different
+times. Leang-sham, who three times plundered the city, was
+nevertheless pardoned, and at last made a minister of state. Wakang
+often challenged the arms of his country, and was suffered to live,
+and at last made a corner-stone of the empire. Joo-ming pardoned
+seven times Mang-hwo; and Kwan-kung three times set Tsaou-tsaou at
+liberty. Ma-yuen pursued not the exhausted robbers; and Yo-fei
+killed not those who made their submission. There are many
+instances of such transactions both in former and recent times, by
+which the country was strengthened, and government increased its
+power. We now live in a very populous age; some of us could not
+agree with their relations, and were driven out like noxious weeds.
+Some, after having tried all they could, without being able to
+provide for themselves, at last joined bad society. Some lost their
+property by shipwrecks; some withdrew into this watery empire to
+escape from punishment. In such a way those who in the beginning
+were only three or five, were in the course of time increased to a
+thousand or ten thousand, and so it went on increasing every year.
+Would it not have been wonderful if such a multitude, being in want
+of their daily bread, had not resorted to plunder and robbery to
+gain their subsistence, since they could not in any other manner be
+saved from famine? It was from necessity that the laws of the
+empire were violated, and the merchants robbed of their goods.
+Being deprived of our land and of our native places, having no
+house or home to resort to, and relying only on the chances of wind
+and water, even could we for a moment forget our griefs, we might
+fall in with a man-of-war, who with stones, darts, and guns, would
+knock out our brains! Even if we dared to sail up a stream and
+boldly go on with anxiety of mind under wind, rain, and stormy
+weather, we must everywhere prepare for fighting. Whether we went
+to the east, or to the west, and after having felt all the
+hardships of the sea, the night dew was our only dwelling, and the
+rude wind our meal. But now we will avoid these perils, leave our
+connexions, and desert our comrades; we will make our submission.
+The power of Government knows no bounds; it reaches to the islands
+in the sea, and every man is afraid, and sighs. Oh we must be
+destroyed by our crimes, none can escape who opposeth the laws of
+Government. May you then feel compassion for those who are
+deserving of death; may you sustain us by your humanity!"</p>
+<p>The Government that had made so many lamentable displays of its
+weakness, was glad to make an unreal parade of its mercy. It was
+but too happy to grant all the conditions instantly, and, in the
+fulsome language of its historians, "feeling that compassion is the
+way of heaven--that it is the right way to govern by
+righteousness--it therefore redeemed these pirates from
+destruction, and pardoned their former crimes."</p>
+<p>O-po-tae, however, had hardly struck his free flag, and the
+pirates were hardly in the power of the Chinese, when it was
+proposed by many that they should all be treacherously murdered.
+The governor happened to be more honorable and humane, or probably,
+only more politic than those who made this foul proposal--he knew
+that such a bloody breach of faith would for ever prevent the
+pirates still in arms from voluntary submitting; he knew equally
+well, even weakened as they were by O-po-tae's defection, that the
+Government could not reduce them by force, and he thought by
+keeping his faith with them, he might turn the force of those who
+had submitted against those who still held out, and so destroy the
+pirates with the pirates. Consequently the eight thousand men, it
+had been proposed to cut off in cold blood, were allowed to remain
+uninjured, and their leader, O-po-tae, having changed his name to
+that of Hoe-been, or, "The Lustre of Instruction," was elevated to
+the rank of an imperial officer.</p>
+<p>The widow of Ching-yih, and her favorite Paou, continued for
+some months to pillage the coast, and to beat the Chinese and the
+Mandarins' troops and ships, and seemed almost as strong as before
+the separation of O-po-tae's flag. But that example was probably
+operating in the minds of many of the outlaws, and finally the
+lawless heroine herself, who was the spirit that kept the
+complicate body together, seeing that O-po-tae had been made a
+government officer, and that he continued to prosper, began also to
+think of making her submission.</p>
+<p>"I am," said she, "ten times stronger than O-po-tae, and
+government will perhaps, if I submit, act towards me as they have
+done with O-po-tae."</p>
+<p>A rumor of her intentions having reached shore, the Mandarin
+sent off a certain Chow, a doctor of Macao, "Who," says the
+historian, "being already well acquainted with the pirates, did not
+need any introduction," to enter on preliminaries with them.</p>
+<p>When the worthy practitioner presented himself to Paou, that
+friend concluded he had been committing some crime, and had come
+for safety to that general <i>refugium peccatorum,</i> the pirate
+fleet.</p>
+<p>The Doctor explained, and assured the chief, that if he would
+submit, Government was inclined to treat him and his far more
+favorably and more honorably than O-po-tae. But if he continued to
+resist, not only a general arming of all the coast and the rivers,
+but O-po-tae was to proceed against him.</p>
+<p>At this part of his narrative our Chinese historian is again so
+curious, that I shall quote his words at length.</p>
+<p>"When Fei-heung-Chow came to Paou, he said: 'Friend Paou, do you
+know why I come to you?'"</p>
+<p>"Paou.--'Thou hast committed some crime and comest to me for
+protection?'"</p>
+<p>"Chow.--'By no means.'"</p>
+<p>"Paou.--'You will then know how it stands concerning the report
+about our submission, if it is true or false?'"</p>
+<p>"Chow.--'You are again wrong here, Sir. What are you in
+comparison with O-po-tae?'"</p>
+<p>"Paou.--'Who is bold enough to compare me with O-po-tae?'"</p>
+<p>"Chow.--'I know very well that O-po-tae could not come up to
+you, Sir; but I mean only, that since O-po-tae has made his
+submission, since he has got his pardon and been created a
+Government officer,--how would it be, if you with your whole crew
+should also submit, and if his Excellency should desire to treat
+you in the same manner, and to give you the same rank as O-po-tae?
+Your submission would produce more joy to Government than the
+submission of O-po-tae. You should not wait for wisdom to act
+wisely; you should make up your mind to submit to the Government
+with all your followers. I will assist you in every respect, it
+would be the means of securing your own happiness and the lives of
+all your adherents.'"</p>
+<p>"Chang-paou remained like a statue without motion, and Fei-heung
+Chow went on to say: 'You should think about this affair in time,
+and not stay till the last moment. Is it not clear that O-po-tae,
+since you could not agree together, has joined Government. He being
+enraged against you, will fight, united with the forces of the
+Government, for your destruction; and who could help you, so that
+you might overcome your enemies? If O-po-tae could before vanquish
+you quite alone, how much more can he now when he is united with
+Government? O-po-tae will then satisfy his hatred against you, and
+you yourself will soon be taken either at Wei-chow or at
+Neaou-chow. If the merchant-vessels of Hwy-chaou, the boats of
+Kwang-chow, and all the fishing-vessels, unite together to surround
+and attack you in the open sea, you will certainly have enough to
+do. But even supposing they should not attack you, you will soon
+feel the want of provisions to sustain you and all your followers.
+It is always wisdom to provide before things happen; stupidity and
+folly never think about future events. It is too late to reflect
+upon events when things have happened; you should, therefore,
+consider this matter in time!'"</p>
+<p>Paou was puzzled, but after being closeted for some time with
+his mistress, Ching-yih's widow, who gave her high permission for
+him to make arrangements with Doctor Chow, he said he would repair
+with his fleet to the Bocca Tigris, and there communicate
+personally with the organs of Government.</p>
+<p>After two visits had been paid to the pirate-fleets by two
+inferior Mandarins, who carried the Imperial proclamation of free
+pardon, and who, at the order of Ching-yih's widow, were treated to
+a sumptuous banquet by Paou, the Governor-general of the province
+went himself in one vessel to the pirates' ships, that occupied a
+line of ten <i>le</i> off the mouth of the river.</p>
+<p>As the governor approached, the pirates hoisted their flags,
+played on their instruments, and fired their guns, so that the
+smoke rose in clouds, and then bent sail to meet him. On this the
+dense population that were ranged thousands after thousands along
+the shore, to witness the important reconciliation, became sorely
+alarmed, and the Governor-general seems to have had a strong
+inclination to run away. But in brief space of time, the long
+dreaded widow of Ching-yih, supported by her Lieutenant Paou, and
+followed by three other of her principal commanders, mounted the
+side of the governor's ship, and rushed through the smoke to the
+spot where his excellency was stationed; where they fell on their
+hands and knees, shed tears, knocked their heads on the deck before
+him, and received his gracious pardon, and promised for future kind
+treatment. They then withdrew satisfied, having promised to give in
+a list of their ships, and of all else they possessed, within three
+days.</p>
+<p>But the sudden apparition of some large Portuguese ships, and
+some Government war-junks, made the pirates suspect treachery. They
+immediately set sail, and the negociations were interrupted for
+several days.</p>
+<p>They were at last concluded by the boldness of their female
+leader. "If the Governor-general," said this heroine, "a man of the
+highest rank, could come to us quite alone, why should not I, a
+mean woman, go to the officers of Government? If there be danger in
+it, I take it all on myself; no person among you need trouble
+himself about me--my mind is made up, and I will go to Canton!"</p>
+<p>Paou said--"If the widow of Ching-yih goes, we must fix a time
+for her return. If this pass without our obtaining any information,
+we must collect all our forces, and go before Canton: this is my
+opinion as to what ought to be done; comrades, let me hear
+yours!"</p>
+<p>The pirates, then, struck with the intrepidity of their
+chieftainess, and loving her more than ever, answered, "Friend
+Paou, we have heard thy opinion, but we think it better to wait for
+the news here, on the water, than to send the wife of Ching-yih
+alone to be killed." Nor would they allow her to leave the
+fleet.</p>
+<p>Matters were in this state of indecision, when the two inferior
+Mandarins who had before visited the pirates, ventured out to
+repeat their visit. These officers protested no treachery had been
+intended, and pledged themselves, that if the widow of Ching-yih
+would repair to the Governor, she would be kindly received, and
+every thing settled to their hearts' satisfaction.</p>
+<p>With this, in the language of our old ballads, upspoke Mrs.
+Ching. "You say well, gentlemen! and I will go myself to Canton
+with some other of our ladies, accompanied by you!" And
+accordingly, she and a number of the pirates' wives with their
+children, went fearlessly to Canton, arranged every thing, and
+found they had not been deceived. The fleet soon followed. On its
+arrival every vessel was supplied with pork and with wine, and
+every man (in lieu it may be supposed, of his share of the vessels,
+and plundered property he resigned) received at the same time a
+bill for a certain quantity of money. Those who wished it, could
+join the military force of Government for pursuing the remaining
+pirates; and those who objected, dispersed and withdrew into the
+country. "This is the manner in which the great red squadron of the
+pirates was pacified."</p>
+<p>The valiant Paou, following the example of his rival O-po-tae,
+entered into the service of Government, and proceeded against such
+of his former associates and friends as would not accept the pardon
+offered them. There was some hard fighting, but the two renegadoes
+successively took the chief Shih Url, forced the redoubtable
+captain, styled "The scourge of the Eastern Ocean" to surrender
+himself, drove "Frog's Meal," another dreadful pirate, to Manilla,
+and finally, and within a few months, destroyed or dissipated the
+"wasps of the ocean" altogether.</p>
+<p>I have already noticed the marked intention of the Chinese
+historian, to paint the character of Paou in a poetical or epic
+manner. When describing the battle with Shih-Url, he says:--</p>
+<p>"They fought from seven o'clock in the morning till one at noon,
+burnt ten vessels, and killed an immense number of the pirates.
+Shih-Url was so weakened that he could scarcely make any
+opposition. On perceiving this through the smoke, Paou mounted on a
+sudden the vessel of the pirate, and cried out: 'I Chang Paou am
+come,' and at the same moment he cut some pirates to pieces; the
+remainder were then hardly dealt with. Paou addressed himself in an
+angry tone to Shih-Url, and said: 'I advise you to submit: will you
+not follow my advice? what have you to say?' Shih-Url was struck
+with amazement, and his courage left him. Paou advanced and bound
+him, and the whole crew were then taken captives."</p>
+<p>"From that period," says our Chinese historian, in conclusion,
+"ships began to pass and repass in tranquillity. All became quiet
+on the rivers, and tranquil on the four seas. People lived in peace
+and plenty. Men sold their arms and bought oxen to plough their
+fields; they buried sacrifices, said prayers on the tops of the
+hills, and rejoiced themselves by singing behind screens during
+day-time"--and (grand climax to all!) the Governor of the province,
+in consideration of his valuable services in the pacification of
+the pirates, was allowed by an edict of the "Son of Heaven," to
+wear peacocks' feathers with two eyes!</p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="THE_LIFE_OF_CAPTAIN_LEWIS"></a>
+<h2>THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN LEWIS.</h2>
+Captain Lewis was at an early age associated with pirates. We first
+find him a boy in company with the pirate Banister, who was hanged
+at the yard arm of a man-of-war, in sight of Port Royal, Jamaica.
+This Lewis and another boy were taken with him, and brought into
+the island hanging by the middle at the mizen peak. He had a great
+aptitude for languages, and spoke perfectly well that of the
+Mosquil Indians, French, Spanish, and English. I mention our own,
+because it is doubted whether he was French or English, for we
+cannot trace him back to his origin. He sailed out of Jamaica till
+he was a lusty lad, and was then taken by the Spaniards at the
+Havana, where he tarried some time; but at length he and six more
+ran away with a small canoe, and surprised a Spanish periagua, out
+of which two men joined them, so that they were now nine in
+company. With this periagua they surprised a turtling sloop, and
+forced some of the hands to take on with them; the others they sent
+away in the periagua.
+<p>He played at this small game, surprising and taking coasters and
+turtlers, till with forced men and volunteers he made up a company
+of 40 men. With these he took a large pink built ship, bound from
+Jamaica to the bay of Campeachy, and after her, several others
+bound to the same place; and having intelligence that there lay in
+the bay a fine Bermuda built brigantine of 10 guns, commanded by
+Captain Tucker, he sent the captain of the pink to him with a
+letter, the purport of which was, that he wanted such a brigantine,
+and if he would part with her, he would pay him 10,000 pieces of
+eight; if he refused this, he would take care to lie in his way,
+for he was resolved, either by fair or foul means to have the
+vessel. Captain Tucker, having read the letter, sent for the
+masters of vessels then lying in the bay, and told them, after he
+had shown the letter, that if they would make him up 54 men, (for
+there were about ten Bermuda sloops,) he would go out and fight the
+pirates. They said no, they would not hazard their men, they
+depended on their sailing, and every one must take care of himself
+as well as he could.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/322.jpg" alt=
+"The Pirate Banister, hanging at the Yard Arm" height="600" width=
+"514"></center>
+<h4><i>The Pirate Banister, hanging at the Yard Arm.</i></h4>
+However, they all put to sea together, and spied a sail under the
+land, which had a breeze while they lay becalmed. Some said he was
+a turtler; others, the pirate, and so it proved; for it was honest
+Captain Lewis, who putting out his oars, got in among them. Some of
+the sloops had four guns, some two, some none. Joseph Dill had two,
+which he brought on one side, and fired smartly at the pirate, but
+unfortunately one of them split, and killed three men. Tucker
+called to all the sloops to send him men, and he would fight Lewis,
+but to no purpose; nobody came on board him. In the mean while a
+breeze sprung up, and Tucker, trimming his sails, left them, who
+all fell a prey to the pirate; into whom, however, he fired a
+broadside at going off. One sloop, whose master I will not name,
+was a very good sailer, and was going off; but Lewis firing a shot,
+brought her to, and he lay by till all the sloops were visited and
+secured. Then Lewis sent on board him, and ordered the master into
+his sloop. As soon as he was on board, he asked the reason of his
+lying by, and betraying the trust his owners had reposed in him,
+which was doing like a knave and coward, and he would punish him
+accordingly; <i>for</i>, said he, <i>you might have got off, being
+so much a better sailer than my vessel</i>. After this speech, he
+fell upon him with a rope's end, and then snatching up his cane,
+drove him about the decks without mercy. The master, thinking to
+pacify him, told him he had been out trading in that sloop several
+months, and had on board a good quantity of money, which was hid,
+and which, if he would send on board a black belonging to the
+owners, he would discover to him. This had not the desired effect,
+but one quite contrary; for Lewis told him he was a rascal and
+villain for this discovery, and he would pay him for betraying his
+owners, and redoubled his strokes. However, he sent and took the
+money and negro, who was an able sailor. He took out of his prizes
+what he had occasion for, forty able negro sailors, and a white
+carpenter. The largest sloop, which was about ninety tons, he took
+for his own use, and mounted her with 12 guns. His crew was now
+about eighty men, whites and blacks.
+<center><img src="./images/324.jpg" alt=
+"The Master Caned by Captain Lewis" height="413" width=
+"600"></center>
+<h4><i>The Master Caned by Captain Lewis.</i></h4>
+After these captures, he cruised in the Gulf of Florida, laying in
+wait for the West India homeward bound ships that took the leeward
+passage, several of which, falling into his hands, were plundered
+by him, and released. From hence he went to the coast of Carolina,
+where he cleaned his sloop, and a great many men whom he had
+forced, ran away from him. However, the natives traded with him for
+rum and sugar, and brought him all he wanted, without the
+government's having any knowledge of him, for he had got into a
+very private creek; though he was very much on his guard, that he
+might not be surprised from the shore.
+<p>From Carolina he cruised on the coast of Virginia, where he took
+and plundered several merchantmen, and forced several men, and then
+returned to the coast of Carolina, where he did abundance of
+mischief. As he had now an abundance of French on board, who had
+entered with him, and Lewis, hearing the English had a design to
+maroon them, he secured the men he suspected, and put them in a
+boat, with all the other English, ten leagues from shore, with only
+ten pieces of beef, and sent them away, keeping none but French and
+negroes. These men, it is supposed, all perished in the sea.</p>
+<p>From the coast of Carolina he shaped his course for the banks of
+Newfoundland, where he overhauled several fishing vessels, and then
+went into Trinity Harbor in Conception Bay, where there lay several
+merchantmen, and seized a 24 gun galley, called the Herman. The
+commander, Captain Beal, told Lewis, if he would send his quarter
+master ashore he would furnish him with necessaries. He being sent
+ashore, a council was held among the masters, the consequence of
+which was, the seizing the quarter master, whom they carried to
+Captain Woodes Rogers. He chained him to a sheet anchor which was
+ashore, and planted guns at the point, to prevent the pirate
+getting out, but to little purpose; for the people at one of these
+points firing too soon, Lewis quitted the ship, and, by the help of
+oars and the favor of the night, got out in his sloop, though she
+received many shot in her hull. The last shot that was fired at the
+pirate did him considerable damage.</p>
+<p>He lay off and on the harbor, swearing he would have his quarter
+master, and intercepted two fishing shallops, on board of one of
+which was the captain of the galley's brother. He detained them,
+and sent word, if his quarter master did not immediately come off,
+he would put all his prisoners to death. He was sent on board
+without hesitation. Lewis and the crew inquired how he had been
+used, and he answered, very civilly. "It's well," said the pirate,
+"for had you been ill treated, I would have put all these rascals
+to the sword." They were dismissed, and the captain's brother going
+over the side, the quarter master stopped him, saying, he must
+drink the gentlemen's health ashore, particularly Captain Rogers'
+and, whispering him in the ear, told him, if they had known of his
+being chained all night, he would have been cut in pieces, with all
+his men. After this poor man and his shallop's company were gone,
+the quarter master told the usage he had met with, which enraged
+Lewis, and made him reproach his quarter master, whose answer was,
+that he did not think it just the innocent should suffer for the
+guilty.</p>
+<p>The masters of the merchantmen sent to Capt. Tudor Trevor, who
+lay at St. John's in the Sheerness man-of-war. He immediately got
+under sail, and missed the pirate but four hours. She kept along
+the coast and made several prizes, French and English, and put into
+a harbor where a French ship lay making fish. She was built at the
+latter end of the war, for a privateer, was an excellent sailer,
+and mounted 24 guns. The commander hailed him: the pirate answered,
+<i>from Jamaica with rum and sugar</i>. The Frenchman bid him go
+about his business; that a pirate sloop was on the coast, and he
+might be the rogue; if he did not immediately sheer off, he would
+fire a broadside into him. He went off and lay a fortnight out at
+sea, so far as not to be descried from shore, with resolution to
+have the ship. The Frenchman being on his guard, in the meanwhile
+raised a battery on the shore, which commanded the harbor. After a
+fortnight, when he was thought to be gone off, he returned, and
+took two of the fishing shallops belonging to the Frenchman, and
+manning them with pirates, they went in. One shallop attacked the
+battery; the other surprised, boarded and carried the ship, just as
+the morning star appeared, for which reason he gave her that name.
+In the engagement the owner's son was killed, who made the voyage
+out of curiosity only. The ship being taken, seven guns were fired,
+which was the signal, and the sloop came down and lay alongside the
+ship. The captain told him he supposed he only wanted his liquor;
+but Lewis made answer he wanted his ship, and accordingly hoisted
+all his ammunition and provision into her. When the Frenchman saw
+they would have his ship, he told her trim, and Lewis gave him the
+sloop; and excepting what he took for provision, all the fish he
+had made. Several of the French took on with him, who, with others,
+English and French, had by force or voluntarily, made him up 200
+men.</p>
+<p>From Newfoundland he steered for the coast of Guinea, where he
+took a great many ships, English, Dutch and Portuguese. Among these
+ships was one belonging to Carolina, commanded by Capt. Smith.
+While he was in chase of this vessel a circumstance occurred, which
+made his men believe he dealt with the devil; his fore and main
+top-mast being carried away, he, Lewis, running up the shrouds to
+the maintop, tore off a handful of hair, and throwing it into the
+air used this expression, <i>good devil, take this till I come</i>.
+And it was observed, that he came afterwards faster up with the
+chase than before the loss of his top-masts.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/328.jpg" alt=
+"Captain Lewis giving a lock of his hair to the Devil" height="600"
+width="376"></center>
+<h4><i>Captain Lewis giving a lock of his hair to the
+Devil.</i></h4>
+Smith being taken, Lewis used him very civilly, and gave him as
+much or more in value than he took from him, and let him go,
+saying, he would come to Carolina when he had made money on the
+coast, and would rely on his friendship.
+<p>They kept some time on the coast, when they quarrelled among
+themselves, the French and English, of which the former were more
+numerous, and they resolved to part. The French therefore chose a
+large sloop newly taken, thinking the ship's bottom, which was not
+sheathed, damaged by the worms. According to this agreement they
+took on board what ammunition and provision they thought fit out of
+the ship, and put off, choosing one Le Barre captain. As it blew
+hard, and the decks were encumbered, they came to an anchor under
+the coast, to stow away their ammunition, goods, &amp;c. Lewis told
+his men they were a parcel of rogues, and he would make them
+refund; accordingly he run alongside, his guns being all loaded and
+new primed, and ordered him to cut away his mast or he would sink
+him. Le Barre was obliged to obey. Then he ordered them all ashore.
+They begged the liberty of carrying their arms, goods, &amp;c. with
+them, but he allowed them only their small arms and cartridge
+boxes. Then he brought the sloop alongside, put every thing on
+board the ship, and sunk the sloop.</p>
+<p>Le Barre and the rest begged to be taken on board. However,
+though he denied them, he suffered Le Barre and some few to come,
+with whom he and his men drank plentifully. The negroes on board
+Lewis told him the French had a plot against him. He answered, he
+could not withstand his destiny; for the devil told him in the
+great cabin he should be murdered that night.</p>
+<p>In the dead of the night, the rest of the French came on board
+in canoes, got into the cabin and killed Lewis. They fell on the
+crew; but, after an hour and a half's dispute, the French were
+beaten off, and the quarter master, John Cornelius, an Irishman,
+succeeded Lewis.</p>
+<p>--"He was the mildest manner'd man,<br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">That ever scuttled ship or cut a
+throat;</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">With such true breeding of a
+gentleman,</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">You never could discern his real
+thought.</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Pity he loved an adventurous life's
+variety,</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">He was so great a loss to good
+society."</span></p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="THE_LIFE_CAREER_AND_DEATH_OF_CAPTAIN_THOMAS_WHITE"></a>
+<h2>THE LIFE, CAREER AND DEATH OF CAPTAIN THOMAS WHITE.</h2>
+He was born at Plymouth, where his mother kept a public house. She
+took great care of his education, and when he was grown up, as he
+had an inclination to the sea, procured 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 merchant 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 Guinea and back to Barbadoes. In his third, he had the
+misfortune to be taken by a French pirate, 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 Guinea coast more
+fit for their purpose, they went on board her and burnt the
+brigantine.
+<p>It is not my business here to give an account of this French
+pirate, any farther than Capt. White's story obliges me, though 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 cold blood, by way of
+diversion.</p>
+<p>White was marked out for a sacrifice by one of these villains,
+who, for what reason I know not, 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 lie 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.</p>
+<p>After some time cruising along the coast, the pirates doubled
+the Cape of Good Hope, and shaped their course for Madagascar,
+where, being drunk and mad, they knocked 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.</p>
+<p>When the ship struck, Capt. White, Capt. Boreman, (born in the
+Isle of Wight, formerly a lieutenant of a man-of-war, but in the
+merchant service when he fell into the hands of the pirates,) Capt.
+Bowen and some other prisoners got into the long-boat, and with
+broken oars and barrel staves, which they found in the bottom of
+the boat, paddled to Augustin Bay, which 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.</p>
+<p>They stayed here a year and a half at the king's expense, 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 such, but the first European vessel
+that came in, he always obliged to take in the unfortunate people,
+let the vessel be what it would; for he had no notion of any
+difference between pirates and merchants.</p>
+<p>At the expiration of the above term, a pirate brigantine came
+in, on board 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 pirate vessel, which
+was commanded by one William Read, who received them very
+civilly.</p>
+<p>This commander went along the coast, and picked up what
+Europeans he could meet with. His crew, however, did not exceed 40
+men. He would have been glad of taking some of the wrecked
+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.</p>
+<p>Read, with this gang, and a brigantine of 60 tons, steered his
+course for the Persian Gulf, where they met a grab, (a one masted
+vessel) of about 200 tons, which was made a prize. They found
+nothing on board but bale goods, most of which they threw overboard
+in search of 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 tossed into the sea!</p>
+<p>In this cruise Capt. Read fell ill and died, and 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 grab, and made a
+ship of her. Here they took in a quantity of fresh provisions,
+which are in this island very plentiful and very cheap, and found a
+twelve-oared boat, which formerly belonged to the Ruby East
+Indiaman, which had been lost there.</p>
+<p>They stayed 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 hailed each other and receiving the same answer from each
+vessel, viz. <i>from the seas,</i> they joined company.</p>
+<p>This vessel was a small French ship, laden with liquors from
+Martinico, first commanded by one Fourgette, to trade with the
+pirates for slaves, at Ambonavoula, on the east side of the island,
+in the latitude of 17 deg. 30 min. and was by them taken after the
+following manner.</p>
+<p>The pirates, who were headed by George Booth, now 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 pirate ship,
+called the Dolphin. Capt. 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 that
+entered. The captain told him that <i>he was a rogue, and had a
+design upon his ship</i>, and the pirates pretended to be so angry
+with this fellow's offering to come on board with arms, that they
+threatened to knock him on the head, and tossing him roughly into
+the boat, ordered him ashore, though they had before taken an oath
+on the Bible, either to carry the ship, or die in the
+undertaking.</p>
+<p>They were all searched, but they however contrived to get on
+board four pistols, which were all the arms they had for the
+enterprise, though Fourgette had 20 hands on board, and his small
+arms on the awning, to be in readiness.</p>
+<p>The captain invited them into the cabin to dinner, but Booth
+chose to dine with the petty officer, though one Johnson, Isaac and
+another, went down. Booth was to give the watchword, which was
+<i>hurrah</i>. Standing near the awning, and being a nimble fellow,
+at one spring he threw himself upon it, drew the arms to him, fired
+his pistol among the men, one of whom he wounded, (who jumping
+overboard was lost) and gave the signal.</p>
+<p>Three, I said, were in the cabin, 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 cabin, hearing
+the pistol, fell upon Johnson, and stabbed him in several places
+with their forks, but they being silver, did him no great damage.
+Fourgette snatched his piece, which he snapped at Isaac's breast
+several times, but it would not go off. At last, finding his
+resistance vain, he submitted, and the pirates 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 humanely, gave him several
+casks of liquor, with arms and powder, to purchase provisions in
+the country.</p>
+<p>I hope this digression, as it was in a manner needful, will be
+excused. I shall now proceed.</p>
+<p>After they had taken in the Dolphin's company, which were on the
+island, and increased their crew, by that means, to the number of
+80 hands, they sailed to St. Mary's, where Capt. Mosson'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.</p>
+<p>Out of her they took water casks and other necessaries; which
+having done, they designed for the river Methelage, on the west
+side of Madagascar, in the lat. of 16 degrees or thereabouts, to
+salt up provisions and to proceed to the East Indies, cruise off
+the islands of St. John, and lie in wait for the Moor ships from
+Mocha.</p>
+<p>In their way to Methelage they fell in (as I have said) with the
+pirate, on board of which was Capt. White. They joined company,
+came to an anchor together in the above named river, where they had
+cleaned, salted and took in their provisions, and were ready to go
+to sea, when a large ship appeared in sight, and stood into the
+same river.</p>
+<p>The pirates knew not whether she was a merchantman 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,
+inexperienced man, who was put in with a nurse.</p>
+<p>The pirates sent their boats to speak with them, but the ship
+firing at them, they concluded it a man of war, and rowed ashore;
+the grab 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 fetched her
+off.</p>
+<p>The captain of the Speaker, for that was the name of the ship
+which frightened the pirates, was not a little vain of having
+forced these two vessels ashore, though he did not know whether
+they were pirates or merchantmen, 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 pirates aground;" which gave handle
+to a satirical 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 frightened two pirate ships ashore, and was taken
+by their two boats afterwards."</p>
+<p>When the Speaker came within shot, she fired several times at
+the two vessels; and when she came to anchor, several more into the
+country, which alarmed the negroes, who, acquainting their king, he
+would allow him no trade, till the pirates living ashore, and who
+had a design on his ship, interceded for them, telling the king,
+they were their countrymen, and what had happened was through 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 fired shot.</p>
+<p>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 Welshman, born in Pembroke, who lived on shore,
+and had belonged to the Charming Mary, of Barbadoes, which went out
+with a commission but was converted to a pirate. He told the purser
+he was his prisoner, and must answer the damage done to two
+merchants who were slaving. The purser answered, that he was not
+commander; that the captain was a hot rash youth, put into 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 used, and the next morning
+sent up to the king with a guide, and peace made for him.</p>
+<p>The king allowed them trade, and sent down the usual presents, a
+couple of oxen between twenty and thirty people laden with rice,
+and as many more with the country liquor, called <i>toke</i>.</p>
+<p>The captain then settled the factory on the shore side, and
+began to buy slaves and provisions. The pirates 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 harbor, 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
+taking the ship.</p>
+<p>After some days the captain of the Speaker came on shore, and
+was received with great civility by the heads of the pirates,
+having agreed before to make satisfaction. In a day or two after,
+he was invited by them to eat a barbacued shoat, which invitation
+he accepted. After dinner, Capt. Bowen, who was, I have already
+said, a prisoner on board the French pirate, 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 his ship, his was a
+good one, and they were resolved to have her, to make amends for
+the damage he had done them."</p>
+<center><img src="./images/338.jpg" alt=
+"Hugh Man wetting the Priming of the Guns." height="446" width=
+"600"></center>
+<h4><i>Hugh Man wetting the Priming of the Guns.</i></h4>
+In the mean while his boat's crew, and the rest of his men ashore,
+were told by others of the pirates, who were drinking with them,
+that they were also prisoners: some of them answered, <i>Zounds, we
+don't trouble our heads what we are, let's have t'other bowl of
+punch</i>.
+<p>A watchword was given, and no boat to be admitted on board the
+ship. This word, which was for that night, <i>Coventry</i>, was
+known to them. At 8 o'clock they manned the twelve-oared boat, and
+the one 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, as he wanted to speak with them. Capt. Booth
+asked what he wanted! He said, "they could never take his ship."
+"Then," said Booth, "we'll die in or alongside of her."--"But,"
+replied the captain, "if you will go with safety, don't board on
+the larboard side, for there is a gun out of the steerage loaded
+with partridge, which will clear the decks." They thanked him, and
+proceeded.</p>
+<p>When they were near the ship they were hailed, and the answer
+was, <i>the Coventry</i>. "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--<i>Pirates, take to your arms my
+lads</i>, and immediately clapped a match to a gun, which, as the
+priming was before wet by the treachery of Hugh Man, only fizzed.
+They boarded in the instant, and made themselves masters of her,
+without the loss of a man on either side.</p>
+<p>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 betrayed
+his ship; for the pirates had both paid him the 100<i>l</i> agreed,
+and kept his secret. The captain having thus lost his ship, sailed
+in that which the pirates gave him, for Johanna, where he fell ill
+and died with grief.</p>
+<p>The pirates having here victualled, they sailed for the Bay of
+St. Augustine, where they took in between 70 and 80 men, who had
+belonged to the ship Alexander, commanded by Capt. James, a pirate.
+They also took up her guns, and mounted the Speaker with 54, which
+made up their number, and 240 men, besides slaves, of which they
+had about 20.</p>
+<p>From hence they sailed for the East Indies, but stopped 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 passed through
+the guard, and when they had 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 a grappling, was
+immediately put in by those who looked after her. There were not
+above half a dozen of the pirates who brought their arms ashore,
+but they plied 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 though he was attacked by many, he behaved himself so well,
+that he got into a little canoe, put off, and reached the
+long-boat.</p>
+<p>In the interim, the little fort the Arabians had, played upon
+the ship, which returned the salute very warmly. Thus they got on
+board, with the loss of Captain Booth and 20 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.</p>
+<p>Things being thus settled, they came to the mouth of the Red
+Sea, and fell in with 13 sail of Moor ships, which they kept
+company with the greater part of the day, but 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 though he said
+little, did not seem inclined, for he was but a young pirate,
+though an old commander of a merchantman. Those who pushed for
+boarding, then desired Captain Boreman, already mentioned, to take
+the command; but he said he would not be a usurper; that nobody was
+more fit for it than he who had it; that for his part he would
+stand by his fuzil, and went forward to the forecastle with such as
+would have him take 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 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, clapped
+her on board and carried her; but night coming on, they made only
+this prize, which yielded them &pound;500 per man. From hence they
+sailed to the coast of Malabar. The adventures of these pirates on
+this coast are already set down in Captain Bowen's life, to which I
+refer the reader, and shall only observe, that Captain White was
+all this time before the mast, being a forced man from the
+beginning.</p>
+<p>Bowen's crew dispersing, Captain White went to Methelage, where
+he lived ashore with the king, not having an opportunity of getting
+off the island, till another pirate ship, called the Prosperous,
+commanded by one Howard, who had been bred a lighterman on the
+river Thames, came in. This ship was taken at Augustin, by some
+pirates from shore, and the crew of their long-boat, which joined
+them, at the instigation of one Ranten, boatswain's mate, who sent
+for water. They came on board in the night and surprised her,
+though not without resistance, in which the captain and chief mate
+were killed, and several others wounded.</p>
+<p>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 continued 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. At Port Dolphin he went <i>off</i>
+in the boats to fetch some of the crew left ashore, 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 touched at Augustin, expecting the ship, but she not
+appearing in a week, the time they waited, the king ordered them to
+be gone, telling them they imposed on him with lies, for he did not
+believe they had any ship: however he gave them 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 the ship, but she not appearing they
+raised their boat a streak, salted the provision the king gave
+them, 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 N.W. for eight months in the year, was so strong they
+found it impossible to get round. Wherefore they got into a harbor,
+of which there are many for small vessels. Here they stayed about
+three weeks or a month, when part of the crew were for burning the
+boat, and travelling over land to a black king of their
+acquaintance, whose name was Reberimbo, who lived at a place called
+Manangaromasigh, in lat. 15 deg. 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 dissuaded 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, conveyed them 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.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/342.jpg" alt=
+"The Murder of the Captain and Chief Mate" height="324" width=
+"500"></center>
+<h4><i>The Murder of the Captain and Chief Mate.</i></h4>
+Here he built a deck on his boat, and lay by three months, in which
+time there came in three pirates with a boat, who had formerly been
+trepanned on board the Severn and Scarborough men-of-war, which had
+been looking for pirates 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 them the boat which
+brought them to Methelage. The time of the current's setting with
+violence to the N.W. 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 harbor and
+staid there a month, maintaining themselves with fish and wild
+hogs, of which there was a great plenty. At length, having fine
+weather, and the strength of the current abating, they got round;
+and after sailing about 40 miles on the east side, they went into a
+harbor, where they found a piece of a jacket, which they knew
+belonged to one of those men who had left them 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
+anchor in convenient harbors every night, till they got as far as
+Manangaromasigh, where king Reberimbo resided, where they went in
+to inquire for their men, who left them at the north end, and to
+recruit with provisions. The latter was given them, but they could
+get no information of their companions.
+<p>From hence they went to the island of St. Mary, where a canoe
+came off to them with a letter directed to any white man. They knew
+it to be the hand of one of their former shipmates. The contents of
+this letter was to advise them to be on their guard, and not trust
+too much to the blacks of this place, they having been formerly
+treacherous. They inquired after their ship, and were informed,
+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.</p>
+<p>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 them lived together in a large house they had built, and
+fortified with about twenty pieces of cannon.</p>
+<p>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 itself, as the English, French, Dutch, &amp;c. They
+made inquiry of their consorts after the different prizes which
+belonged to them, and they found all very justly laid by to be
+given them, if ever they returned, as were what belonged to the men
+who went over land. Captain White, hankering after home, proposed
+going out again in the boat; for he was adverse to settling with
+them; and many others agreed to go under his command; and if they
+could 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 increased 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 tons, and 6 guns, which had been taken by some pirates who
+lived at Maratan, on the east side of the island, and some of the
+Degrave East-Indiaman's crew, to whom the master of her refused a
+passage to Europe; for as he had himself been a pirate, and
+quarter-master to Bowen, in the Speaker, he apprehended their
+taking away his ship. War then existing between England and France,
+he thought they might do it without being called in question as
+pirates. The pirates 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, cleaned
+and tallowed 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.</p>
+<p>Captain White, finding these men proposed joining him, and going
+round to Ambonavoula, to make up a company, it was agreed upon, and
+they unanimously chose him commander. They accordingly put to sea,
+and stood away round the south end of the island, and touched at
+Don Mascarenhas, where he took in a surgeon, and stretching over
+again to Madagascar, fell in with Ambonavoula, and made up his
+complement of 60 men. From hence he shaped his course for the
+island of Mayotta, where he cleaned his ship, and waited for the
+season to go into the Red Sea. His provisions being taken in, the
+time proper, and the ship well fitted, he steered for Babel-Mandeb,
+and running into a harbor, waited for the Mocha ships.</p>
+<p>He here took two grabs laden with provisions, and having some
+small money and drugs aboard. These he plundered of what was for
+his turn, kept them a fortnight by him, and let them go. Soon after
+they espied a lofty ship, upon which they put to sea; but finding
+her European built, and too strong to attempt, for it was a
+Dutchman, they gave over the chase, and were glad to shake them
+off, and return to their station. Fancying they were here
+discovered, 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. A few days after, they
+met with a large ship of about 1000 tons and 600 men, called the
+Malabar, which they chased, kept company with her all night, and
+took in the morning, with the loss of only their boatswain, and two
+or three men wounded. In 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. They therefore filled her away with
+prisoners, gave them provision and sent them away.</p>
+<p>Some days after this, they espied a Portuguese man-of war of 44
+guns, which they chased, but gave it over by carrying away their
+maintopmast, 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 merchantman, which
+they chased with English colors flying. The chase, taking White for
+an English man-of-war or East-Indiaman, 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 detained, and the pirates getting into his boat with their
+arms, went on board and fired on the Portuguese, who being
+surprised, asked if war was broke out between England and Portugal?
+They answered in the affirmative, but the captain could not believe
+them. However they took what they liked, and kept him with
+them.</p>
+<p>After two days they met with the Dorothy, an English ship,
+Captain Penruddock, commander, coming from Mocha. They exchanged
+several shots in the chase, but when they came along side of 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 cargo,
+with what bale 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.</p>
+<p>Soon after they plundered the Malabar ship, out of which they
+took as much money as came to &pound;200 sterling a man, but missed
+50,000 sequins, which were hid in a jar under a cow's stall, kept
+for the giving milk to the Moor supercargo, an ancient man. They
+then put the Portuguese and Moor prisoners on board the Malabar,
+and sent them about their business. The day after they had sent
+them away, one Captain Benjamin Stacy, in a ketch of 6 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, who
+were under the care of Stacy. The children took on for their loss,
+and the captain asked the reason of their tears, was answered by
+Stacy, and the above sum and plate was all the children had to
+bring them up. Captain White made a speech to his men, and told
+them it was cruel to rob the innocent children; upon which, by
+unanimous consent, all was restored to them again. Besides, they
+made a gathering among themselves, and made a present to Stacy's
+mate, and other of 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.</p>
+<p>They came into the bay of Defarr, where they found a ketch at
+anchor, which the people had made prize of, by seizing the master
+and boat's crew ashore. They found a French gentleman, one Monsieur
+Berger, on board, whom they carried with them, took out about 2000
+dollars, and sold the ketch to the chief ashore for provisions.</p>
+<p>Hence they sailed for Madagascar, but touched at Mascarenhas,
+where several of them went ashore with their booty, about
+&pound;1200 a man. Here taking in fresh provisions, White steered
+for Madagascar, and fell in with Hopeful Point where they shared
+their goods, and took up settlements ashore, where White built a
+house, bought cattle, took off the upper deck of 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 more proper vessel for their turn,
+they desisted from working on the ship, and those who had a mind
+for fresh adventures, went on board Halsey, among whom Captain
+White entered before the mast.</p>
+<p>At his return to Madagascar, White was taken ill of a flux,
+which in about five or six months ended his days. Finding his time
+was drawing nigh, he made his will, left several legacies, and
+named three men of different nations, guardian to a son he had by a
+woman in 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 that he might live a better man
+than his father. He was buried with the same ceremony they used at
+the funerals of their companions, which is mentioned 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 honor.</p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="THE_LIFE_ATROCITIES_AND_BLOODY_DEATH_OF_BLACK_BEARD"></a>
+<h2>THE LIFE, ATROCITIES, AND BLOODY DEATH OF BLACK BEARD.</h2>
+Edward Teach was a native of Bristol, and having gone to Jamaica,
+frequently sailed from that port as one of the crew of a privateer
+during the French war. In that station he gave frequent proofs of
+his boldness and personal courage; but he was not entrusted with
+any command until Captain Benjamin Hornigold gave him the command
+of a prize which he had taken.
+<p>In the spring of 1717, Hornigold and Teach sailed from
+Providence for the continent of America, and on their way captured
+a small vessel with 120 barrels of flour, which they put on board
+their own vessel. They also seized two other vessels; from one they
+took some gallons of wine, and from the other, plunder to a
+considerable value. After cleaning upon the coast of Virginia, they
+made a prize of a large French Guineaman bound to Martinique, and
+Teach obtaining the command of her, went to the island of
+Providence, and surrendered to the king's clemency.</p>
+<p>Teach now began to act an independent part. He mounted his
+vessel with forty guns, and named her "The Queen Anne's Revenge."
+Cruising near the island of St. Vincent, he took a large ship,
+called the Great Allan, and after having plundered her of what he
+deemed proper, set her on fire. A few days after, Teach encountered
+the Scarborough man-of-war, and engaged her for some hours; but
+perceiving his strength and resolution, she retired, and left Teach
+to pursue his depredations. His next adventure was with a sloop of
+ten guns, commanded by Major Bonnet, and these two men co-operated
+for some time: but Teach finding him unacquainted with naval
+affairs, gave the command of Bonnet's ship to Richards, one of his
+own crew, and entertained Bonnet on board his own vessel. Watering
+at Turniff, they discovered a sail, and Richards with the Revenge
+slipped her cable, and ran out to meet her. Upon seeing the black
+flag hoisted, the vessel struck, and came-to under the stern of
+Teach the commodore. This was the Adventure from Jamaica. They took
+the captain and his men on board the great ship, and manned his
+sloop for their own service.</p>
+<p>Weighing from Turniff, where they remained during a week, and
+sailing to the bay, they found there a ship and four sloops. Teach
+hoisted his flag, and began to fire at them, upon which the captain
+and his men left their ship and fled to the shore. Teach burned two
+of these sloops, and let the other three depart.</p>
+<p>They afterwards sailed to different places, and having taken two
+small vessels, anchored off the bar of Charleston for a few days.
+Here they captured a ship bound for England, as she was coming out
+of the harbor. They next seized a vessel coming out of Charleston,
+and two pinks coming into the same harbor, together with a
+brigantine with fourteen negroes. The audacity of these
+transactions, performed in sight of the town, struck the
+inhabitants with terror, as they had been lately visited by some
+other notorious pirates. Meanwhile, there were eight sail in the
+harbor, none of which durst set to sea for fear of falling into the
+hands of Teach. The trade of this place was totally interrupted,
+and the inhabitants were abandoned to despair. Their calamity was
+greatly augmented from this circumstance, that a long and desperate
+war with the natives had just terminated, when they began to be
+infested by these robbers.</p>
+<p>Teach having detained all the persons taken in these ships as
+prisoners, they were soon in great want of medicines, and he had
+the audacity to demand a chest from the governor. This demand was
+made in a manner not less daring than insolent. Teach sent
+Richards, the captain of the Revenge, with Mr. Marks, one of the
+prisoners, and several others, to present their request. Richards
+informed the governor, that unless their demand was granted, and he
+and his companions returned in safety, every prisoner on board the
+captured ships should instantly be slain, and the vessels consumed
+to ashes.</p>
+<p>During the time that Mr. Marks was negotiating with the
+governor, Richards and his associates walked the streets at
+pleasure, while indignation flamed from every eye against them, as
+the robbers of their property, and the terror of their country.
+Though the affront thus offered to the Government was great and
+most audacious, yet, to preserve the lives of so many men, they
+granted their request, and sent on board a chest valued at three or
+four hundred pounds.</p>
+<p>Teach, as soon as he received the medicines and his fellow
+pirates, pillaged the ships of gold and provisions, and then
+dismissed the prisoners with their vessels. From the bar of
+Charleston they sailed to North Carolina. Teach now began to
+reflect how he could best secure the spoil, along with some of the
+crew who were his favorites. Accordingly, under pretence of
+cleaning, he ran his vessel on shore, and grounded; then ordered
+the men in Hands' sloop to come to his assistance, which they
+endeavoring to do, also ran aground, and so they were both lost.
+Then Teach went into the tender with forty hands, and upon a sandy
+island, about a league from shore, where there was neither bird no
+beast, nor herb for their subsistence, he left seventeen of his
+crew, who must inevitably have perished, had not Major Bonnet
+received intelligence of their miserable situation, and sent a
+long-boat for them. After this barbarous deed. Teach, with the
+remainder of his crew, went and surrendered to the governor of
+North Carolina, retaining all the property which had been acquired
+by his fleet.</p>
+<p>The temporary suspension of the depredations of Black Beard, for
+so he was now called, did not proceed from a conviction of his
+former errors, or a determination to reform, but to prepare for
+future and more extensive exploits. As governors are but men, and
+not unfrequently by no means possessed of the most virtuous
+principles, the gold of Black Beard rendered him comely in the
+governor's eyes, and, by his influence, he obtained a legal right
+to the great ship called "The Queen Anne's Revenge." By order of
+the governor, a court of vice-admiralty was held at Bath-town, and
+that vessel was condemned as a lawful prize which he had taken from
+the Spaniards, though it was a well-known fact that she belonged to
+English merchants. Before he entered upon his new adventures, he
+married a young woman of about sixteen years of age, the governor
+himself attending the ceremony. It was reported that this was only
+his fourteenth wife, about twelve of whom were yet alive; and
+though this woman was young and amiable, he behaved towards her in
+a manner so brutal, that it was shocking to all decency and
+propriety, even among his abandoned crew of pirates.</p>
+<p>In his first voyage, Black Beard directed his course to the
+Bermudas, and meeting with two or three English vessels, emptied
+them of their stores and other necessaries, and allowed them to
+proceed. He also met with two French vessels bound for Martinique,
+the one light, and the other laden with sugar and cocoa: he put the
+men on board the latter into the former, and allowed her to depart.
+He brought the freighted vessel into North Carolina, where the
+governor and Black Beard shared the prizes. Nor did their audacity
+and villany stop here. Teach and some of his abandoned crew waited
+upon his excellency, and swore that they had seized the French ship
+at sea, without a soul on board; therefore a court was called, and
+she was condemned, the honorable governor received sixty hogsheads
+of sugar for his share, his secretary twenty, and the pirates the
+remainder. But as guilt always inspires suspicion, Teach was afraid
+that some one might arrive in the harbor who might detect the
+roguery: therefore, upon pretence that she was leaky, and might
+sink, and so stop up the entrance to the harbor where she lay, they
+obtained the governor's liberty to drag her into the river, where
+she was set on fire, and when burnt down to the water, her bottom
+was sunk, that so she might never rise in judgment against the
+governor and his confederates.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/354.jpg" alt=
+"The crews of Black Beard's and Vane's vessels carousing on the coast of Carolina"
+     height="330" width="584"></center>
+<h4><i>The crews of Black Beard's and Vane's vessels carousing on
+the coast of Carolina.</i></h4>
+Black Beard now being in the province of Friendship, passed several
+months in the river, giving and receiving visits from the planters;
+while he traded with the vessels which came to that river,
+sometimes in the way of lawful commerce, and sometimes in his own
+way. When he chose to appear the honest man, he made fair purchases
+on equal barter; but when this did not suit his necessities, or his
+humor, he would rob at pleasure, and leave them to seek their
+redress from the governor; and the better to cover his intrigues
+with his excellency, he would sometimes outbrave him to his face,
+and administer to him a share of that contempt and insolence which
+he so liberally bestowed upon the rest of the inhabitants of the
+province.
+<p>But there are limits to human insolence and depravity. The
+captains of the vessels who frequented that river, and had been so
+often harrassed and plundered by Black Beard, secretly consulted
+with some of the planters what measures to pursue, in order to
+banish such an infamous miscreant from their coasts, and to bring
+him to deserved punishment. Convinced from long experience, that
+the governor himself, to whom it belonged, would give no redress,
+they represented the matter to the governor of Virginia, and
+entreated that an armed force might be sent from the men-of-war
+lying there, either to take or to destroy those pirates who
+infested their coast.</p>
+<p>Upon this representation, the Governor of Virginia consulted
+with the captains of the two men-of-war as to the best measures to
+be adopted. It was resolved that the governor should hire two small
+vessels, which could pursue Bleak Beard into all his inlets and
+creeks; that they should be manned from the men-of-war, and the
+command given to Lieutenant Maynard, an experienced and resolute
+officer. When all was ready for his departure, the governor called
+an assembly, in which it was resolved to issue a proclamation,
+offering a great reward to any who, within a year, should take or
+destroy any pirate.</p>
+<p>Upon the 17th of November, 1717, Maynard left James's river in
+quest of Black Beard, and on the evening of the 21st came in sight
+of the pirate. This expedition was fitted out with all possible
+expedition and secrecy, no boat being permitted to pass that might
+convey any intelligence, while care was taken to discover where the
+pirates were lurking. His excellency the governor of Bermuda, and
+his secretary, however, having obtained information of the intended
+expedition, the latter wrote a letter to Black Beard, intimating,
+that he had sent him four of his men, who were all he could meet
+within or about town, and so bade him be on his guard. These men
+were sent from Bath-town to the place where Black Beard lay, about
+the distance of twenty leagues.</p>
+<p>The hardened and infatuated pirate, having been often deceived
+by false intelligence, was the less attentive to this information,
+nor was he convinced of its accuracy until he saw the sloops sent
+to apprehend him. Though he had then only twenty men on board, he
+prepared to give battle. Lieutenant Maynard arrived with his sloops
+in the evening, and anchored, as he could not venture, under cloud
+of night, to go into the place where Black Beard lay. The latter
+spent the night in drinking with the master of a trading-vessel,
+with the same indifference as if no danger had been near. Nay, such
+was the desperate wickedness of this villain, that, it is reported,
+during the carousals of that night, one of his men asked him, "In
+case any thing should happen to him during the engagement with the
+two sloops which were waiting to attack him in the morning, whether
+his wife knew where he had buried his money?" when he impiously
+replied, "That nobody but himself and the devil knew where it was,
+and the longest liver should take all."</p>
+<p>In the morning Maynard weighed, and sent his boat to sound,
+which coming near the pirate, received her fire. Maynard then
+hoisted royal colors, and made directly towards Black Beard with
+every sail and oar. In a little time the pirate ran aground, and so
+also did the king's vessels. Maynard lightened his vessel of the
+ballast and water, and made towards Black Beard. Upon this he
+hailed him in his own rude style, "D--n you for villains, who are
+you, and from whence come you?" The lieutenant answered, "You may
+see from our colors we are no pirates." Black Beard bade him send
+his boat on board, that he might see who he was. But Maynard
+replied, "I cannot spare my boat, but I will come on board of you
+as soon as I can with my sloop." Upon this Black Beard took a glass
+of liquor and drank to him, saying, "I'll give no quarter nor take
+any from you." Maynard replied, "He expected no quarter from him,
+nor should he give him any."</p>
+<p>During this dialogue the pirate's ship floated, and the sloops
+were rowing with all expedition towards him. As she came near, the
+pirate fired a broadside, charged with all manner of small shot,
+which killed or wounded twenty men. Black Beard's ship in a little
+after fell broadside to the shore; one of the sloops called the
+Ranger, also fell astern. But Maynard finding that his own sloop
+had way, and would soon be on board of Teach, ordered all his men
+down, while himself and the man at the helm, who he commanded to
+lie concealed, were the only persons who remained on deck. He at
+the same time desired them to take their pistols, cutlasses, and
+swords, and be ready for action upon his call, and, for greater
+expedition, two ladders were placed in the hatchway. When the
+king's sloop boarded, the pirate's case-boxes, filled with powder,
+small shot, slugs, and pieces of lead and iron, with a quick-match
+in the mouth of them, were thrown into Maynard's sloop.
+Fortunately, however, the men being in the hold, they did small
+injury on the present occasion, though they are usually very
+destructive. Black Beard seeing few or no hands upon deck, cried to
+his men that they were all knocked on the head except three or
+four; "and therefore," said he, "let us jump on board, and cut to
+pieces those that are alive."</p>
+<center><img src="./images/358.jpg" alt="Death of Black Beard."
+height="600" width="488"></center>
+<h4><i>Death of Black Beard.</i></h4>
+Upon this, during the smoke occasioned by one of these case-boxes,
+Black Beard, with fourteen of his men, entered, and were not
+perceived until the smoke was dispelled. The signal was given to
+Maynard's men, who rushed up in an instant. Black Beard and the
+lieutenant exchange shots, and the pirate was wounded; they then
+engaged sword in hand, until the sword of the lieutenant broke, but
+fortunately one of his men at that instant gave Black Beard a
+terrible wound in the neck and throat. The most desperate and
+bloody conflict ensued:--Maynard with twelve men, and Black Beard
+with fourteen. The sea was dyed with blood all around the vessel,
+and uncommon bravery was displayed upon both sides. Though the
+pirate was wounded by the first shot from Maynard, though he had
+received twenty cuts, and as many shots, he fought with desperate
+valor; but at length, when in the act of cocking his pistol, fell
+down dead. By this time eight of his men had fallen, and the rest
+being wounded, cried out for quarter, which was granted, as the
+ringleader was slain. The other sloop also attacked the men who
+remained in the pirate vessels, until they also cried out for
+quarter. And such was the desperation of Black Beard, that, having
+small hope of escaping, he had placed a negro with a match at the
+gunpowder door, to blow up the ship the moment that he should have
+been boarded by the king's men, in order to involve the whole in
+general ruin. That destructive broadside at the commencement of the
+action, which at first appeared so unlucky, was, however, the means
+of their preservation from the intended destruction.
+<p>Maynard severed the pirate's head from his body, suspended it
+upon his bowsprit-end, and sailed to Bath-town, to obtain medical
+aid for his wounded men. In the pirate sloop several letters and
+papers were found, which Black Beard would certainly have destroyed
+previous to the engagement, had he not determined to blow her up
+upon his being taken, which disclosed the whole villainy between
+the honorable governor of Bermuda and his honest secretary on the
+one hand, and the notorious pirate on the other, who had now
+suffered the just punishment of his crimes.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/360.jpg" alt=
+"Black Beard's Head on the end of the Bowsprit" height="600" width=
+"573"></center>
+<h4><i>Black Beard's Head on the end of the Bowsprit.</i></h4>
+Scarcely was Maynard returned to Bath-town, when he boldly went and
+made free with the sixty hogsheads of sugar in the possession of
+the governor, and the twenty in that of his secretary.
+<p>After his men had been healed at Bath-town, the lieutenant
+proceeded to Virginia, with the head of Black Beard still suspended
+on his bowsprit-end, as a trophy of his victory, to the great joy
+of all the inhabitants. The prisoners were tried, condemned, and
+executed; and thus all the crew of that infernal miscreant, Black
+Beard, were destroyed, except two. One of these was taken out of a
+trading-vessel, only the day before the engagement, in which he
+received no less than seventy wounds, of all which he was cured.
+The other was Israel Hands, who was master of the Queen Anne's
+Revenge; he was taken at Bath-town, being wounded in one of Black
+Beard's savage humors. One night Black Beard, drinking in his cabin
+with Hands, the pilot, and another man, without any pretence, took
+a small pair of pistols, and cocked them under the table; which
+being perceived by the man, he went on deck, leaving the captain,
+Hands, and the pilot together. When his pistols were prepared, he
+extinguished the candle, crossed his arms, and fired at his
+company. The one pistol did no execution, but the other wounded
+Hands in the knee. Interrogated concerning the meaning of this, he
+answered with an imprecation, "That if he did not now and then kill
+one of them, they would forget who he was." Hands was eventually
+tried and condemned, but as he was about to be executed, a vessel
+arrived with a proclamation prolonging the time of his Majesty's
+pardon, which Hands pleading, he was saved from a violent and
+shameful death.</p>
+<p>In the commonwealth of pirates, he who goes the greatest length
+of wickedness, is looked upon with a kind of envy amongst them, as
+a person of a most extraordinary gallantry; he is therefore
+entitled to be distinguished by some post, and, if such a one has
+but courage, he must certainly be a great man. The hero of whom we
+are writing was thoroughly accomplished in this way, and some of
+his frolics of wickedness were as extravagant as if he aimed at
+making his men believe he was a devil incarnate. Being one day at
+sea, and a little flushed with drink; "Come," said he, "let us make
+a hell of our own, and try how long we can bear it." Accordingly
+he, with two or three others, went down into the hold, and closing
+up all the hatches, filled several pots full of brimstone, and
+other combustible matter; they then set it on fire, and so
+continued till they were almost suffocated, when some of the men
+cried out for air; at length he opened the hatches, not a little
+pleased that he had held out the longest.</p>
+<p>Those of his crew who were taken alive, told a story which may
+appear a little incredible. That once, upon a cruise, they found
+out that they had a man on board more than their crew; such a one
+was seen several days amongst them, sometimes below, and sometimes
+upon deck, yet no man in the ship could give any account who he
+was, or from whence he came; but that he disappeared a little
+before they were cast away in their great ship, and, it seems, they
+verily believed it was the devil.</p>
+<p>One would think these things should have induced them to reform
+their lives; but being so many reprobates together, they encouraged
+and spirited one another up in their wickedness, to which a
+continual course of drinking did not a little contribute. In Black
+Beard's journal, which was taken, there were several memoranda of
+the following nature, all written with his own hand.--"Such a day,
+rum all out;--our company somewhat sober;--a d--d confusion amongst
+us!--rogues a plotting;--great talk of separation. So I looked
+sharp for a prize;--such a day took one, with a great deal of
+liquor on board; so kept the company hot, d--d hot, then all things
+went well again."</p>
+<p>We shall close the narrative of this extraordinary man's life by
+an account of the cause why he was denominated Black Beard. He
+derived this name from his long black beard, which, like a
+frightful meteor, covered his whole face, and terrified all America
+more than any comet that had ever appeared. He was accustomed to
+twist it with ribbon in small quantities, and turn them about his
+ears. In time of action he wore a sling over his shoulders with
+three brace of pistols. He stuck lighted matches under his hat,
+which appeared on both sides of his face and eyes, naturally fierce
+and wild, made him such a figure that the human imagination cannot
+form a conception of a fury more terrible and alarming; and if he
+had the appearance and look of a fury, his actions corresponded
+with that character.</p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="THE_EXPLOITS_ARREST_AND_EXECUTION_OF_CAPTAIN_CHARLES"></a>
+<h2>THE EXPLOITS, ARREST, AND EXECUTION OF CAPTAIN CHARLES
+VANE.</h2>
+Charles Vane was one of those who stole away the silver which the
+Spaniards had fished up from the wrecks of the galleons in the Gulf
+of Florida, and was at Providence when governor Rogers arrived
+there with two men-of-war.
+<p>All the pirates who were then found at this colony of rogues,
+submitted and received certificates of their pardon, except Captain
+Vane and his crew; who, as soon as they saw the men-of-war enter,
+slipped their cable, set fire to a prize they had in the harbor,
+sailed out with their piratical colors flying, and fired at one of
+the men-of-war, as they went off from the coast.</p>
+<p>Two days after, they met with a sloop belonging to Barbadoes,
+which they took, and kept the vessel for their own use, putting
+aboard five and twenty hands, with one Yeates the commander. In a
+day or two they fell in with a small interloping trader, with a
+quantity of Spanish pieces of eight aboard, bound for Providence,
+which they also took along with them. With these two sloops, Vane
+went to a small island and cleaned; where he shared the booty, and
+spent some time in a riotous manner.</p>
+<p>About the latter end of May 1718, Vane and his crew sailed, and
+being in want of provisions, they beat up for the Windward Islands.
+In the way they met with a Spanish sloop, bound from Porto Rico to
+the Havana, which they burnt, stowed the Spaniards into a boat, and
+left them to get to the island by the blaze of their vessel.
+Steering between St. Christopher's and Anguilla, they fell in with
+a brigantine and a sloop, freighted with such cargo as they wanted;
+from whom they got provisions for sea-store.</p>
+<p>Sometime after this, standing to the northward, in the track the
+old English ships take in their voyage to the American colonies,
+they took several ships and vessels, which they plundered of what
+they thought fit, and then let them pass.</p>
+<p>About the latter end of August, with his consort Yeates, came
+off South Carolina, and took a ship belonging to Ipswich, laden
+with logwood. This was thought convenient enough for their own
+business, and therefore they ordered their prisoners to work, and
+threw all the lading overboard; but when they had more than half
+cleared the ship, the whim changed, and they would not have her; so
+Coggershall, the captain of the captured vessel, had his ship
+again, and he was suffered to pursue his voyage home. In this
+voyage the pirates took several ships and vessels, particularly a
+sloop from Barbadoes, a small ship from Antigua, a sloop belonging
+to Cura&ccedil;oa, and a large brigantine from Guinea, with upwards
+of ninety negroes aboard. The pirates plundered them all and let
+them go, putting the negroes out of the brigantine aboard Yeates'
+vessel.</p>
+<p>Captain Vane always treated his consort with very little
+respect, and assumed a superiority over him and his crew, regarding
+the vessel but as a tender to his own: this gave them disgust; for
+they thought themselves as good pirates, and as great rogues as the
+best of them; so they caballed together, and resolved, the first
+opportunity, to leave the company, and accept of his majesty's
+pardon, or set up for themselves; either of which they thought more
+honorable than to be the servants to Vane: the putting aboard so
+many negroes, where there were so few hands to take care of them,
+aggravated the matter, though they thought fit to conceal or stifle
+their resentment at that time.</p>
+<p>In a day or two, the pirates lying off at anchor, Yeates in the
+evening slipped his cable, and put his vessel under sail, standing
+into the shore; which when Vane saw, he was highly provoked, and
+got his sloop under sail to chase his consort. Vane's brigantine
+sailing best, he gained ground of Yeates, and would certainly have
+come up with them, had he had a little longer run; but just as he
+got over the bar, when Vane came within gun-shot of him, he fired a
+broadside at his old friend, and so took his leave.</p>
+<p>Yeates came into North Eddisto river, about ten leagues to the
+southward of Charleston, and sent an express to the governor, to
+know if he and his comrades might have the benefit of his majesty's
+pardon; promising that, if they might, they would surrender
+themselves to his mercy, with the sloops and negroes. Their request
+being granted, they all came up, and received certificates; and
+Captain Thompson, from whom the negroes were taken, had them all
+restored to him, for the use of his owners.</p>
+<p>Vane cruised some time off the bar, in hopes to catch Yeates at
+his coming out again, but therein he was disappointed; however, he
+there took two ships from Charleston, which were bound home to
+England. It happened just at this time, that two sloops well manned
+and armed, were equipped to go after a pirate, which the governor
+of South Carolina was informed lay then in Cape Fear river
+cleaning: but Colonel Rhet, who commanded the sloops, meeting with
+one of the ships that Vane had plundered, going back over the bar
+for such necessaries as had been taken from her, and she giving the
+Colonel an account of being taken by the pirate Vane, and also,
+that some of her men, while they were prisoners on board of him,
+had heard the pirates say they should clean in one of the rivers to
+the southward, he altered his first design, and instead of standing
+to the northward, in pursuit of the pirate in Cape Fear river,
+turned to the southward after Vane, who had ordered such reports to
+be given out, on purpose to put any force that should come after
+him upon a wrong scent; for he stood away to the northward, so that
+the pursuit proved to be of no effect. Colonel Rhet's speaking with
+this ship was the most unlucky thing that could have happened,
+because it turned him out of the road which, in all probability,
+would have brought him into the company of Vane, as well as of the
+pirate he went after, and so they might have been both destroyed;
+whereas, by the Colonel's going a different way, he not only lost
+the opportunity of meeting with one, but if the other had not been
+infatuated, and lain six weeks together at Cape Fear, he would have
+missed him likewise; however, the Colonel having searched the
+rivers and inlets, as directed, for several days without success,
+at length sailed in prosecution of his first design, and met with
+the pirate accordingly, whom he fought and took.</p>
+<p>Captain Vane went into an inlet to the northward, where he met
+with Captain Teach, otherwise Black Beard, whom he saluted (when he
+found who he was) with his great guns loaded with shot: it being
+the custom among pirates when they meet, to do so, though they are
+wide of one another: Black Beard answered the salute in the same
+manner, and mutual civilities passed between them some days, when,
+about the beginning of October, Vane took leave, and sailed farther
+to the northward.</p>
+<p>On the 23d of October, off Long Island, he took a small
+brigantine bound from Jamaica to Salem in New England, besides a
+little sloop: they rifled the brigantine, and sent her away. From
+thence they resolved on a cruise between Cape Meise and Cape
+Nicholas, where they spent some time without seeing or speaking
+with any vessel, till the latter end of November; they then fell in
+with a ship, which it was expected would have struck as soon as
+their black colors were hoisted; but instead of this she discharged
+a broadside upon the pirate, and hoisted French colors, which
+showed her to be a French man-of-war. Vane desired to have nothing
+more to say to her, but trimmed his sails, and stood away from the
+Frenchman; however, Monsieur having a mind to be better informed
+who he was, set all his sails and crowded after him. During this
+chase the pirates were divided in their resolution what to do.
+Vane, the captain, was for making off as fast as he could, alleging
+that the man-of-war was too strong for them to cope with; but one
+John Rackam, their quarter-master, and who was a kind of check upon
+the captain, rose up in defence of a contrary opinion, saying,
+"that though she had more guns, and a greater weight of metal, they
+might board her, and then the best boys would carry the day."
+Rackam was well seconded, and the majority was for boarding; but
+Vane urged, "that it was too rash and desperate an enterprise, the
+man-of-war appearing to be twice their force, and that their
+brigantine might be sunk by her before they could reach to board
+her." The mate, one Robert Deal, was of Vane's opinion, as were
+about fifteen more, and all the rest joined with Rackam the
+quarter-master. At length the captain made use of his power to
+determine this dispute, which in these cases is absolute and
+uncontrollable, by their own laws, viz., the captain's absolute
+right of determining in all questions concerning fighting, chasing,
+or being chased; in all other matters whatsoever the captain being
+governed by a majority; so the brigantine having the heels, as they
+term it, of the Frenchman, she came clear off.</p>
+<p>But the next day, the captain's conduct was obliged to stand the
+test of a vote, and a resolution passed against his honor and
+dignity, which branded him with the name of coward, deposed him
+from the command, and turned him out of the company with marks of
+infamy; and with him went all those who did not vote for boarding
+the French man-of-war. They had with them a small sloop that had
+been taken by them some time before, which they gave to Vane and
+the discarded members; and that they might be in a condition to
+provide for themselves by their own honest endeavors, they let them
+have a sufficient quantity of provisions and ammunition.</p>
+<p>John Rackam was voted captain of the brigantine in Vane's room,
+and he proceeded towards the Carribbee Islands, where we must leave
+him, till we have finished our history of Charles Vane.</p>
+<p>The sloop sailed for the bay of Honduras, and Vane and his crew
+put her in as good a condition as they could by the way, that they
+might follow their old trade. They cruised two or three days off
+the northwest part of Jamaica, and took a sloop and two perriaguas,
+all the men of which entered with them: the sloop they kept, and
+Robert Deal was appointed captain.</p>
+<p>On the 16th of December, the two sloops came into the bay, where
+they found only one vessel at anchor. She was called the Pearl of
+Jamaica, and got under sail at the sight of them; but the pirate
+sloops coming near Rowland, and showing no colors, he gave them a
+gun or two, whereupon they hoisted the black flag, and fired three
+guns each at the Pearl. She struck, and the pirates took
+possession, and carried her away to a small island called Barnacho,
+where they cleaned. By the way they met with a sloop from Jamaica,
+as she was going down to the bay, which they also took.</p>
+<p>In February, Vane sailed from Barnacho, for a cruise; but, some
+days after he was out, a violent tornado overtook him, which
+separated him from his consort, and, after two days' distress,
+threw his sloop upon a small uninhabited island, near the bay of
+Honduras, where she staved to pieces, and most of her men were
+drowned: Vane himself was saved, but reduced to great straits for
+want of necessaries, having no opportunity to get any thing from
+the wreck. He lived here some weeks, and was supported chiefly by
+fishermen, who frequented the island with small crafts from the
+main, to catch turtles and other fish.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/370.jpg" alt=
+"Vane arrested by Captain Holford" height="553" width=
+"600"></center>
+<h4><i>Vane arrested by Captain Holford.</i></h4>
+While Vane was upon this island, a ship put in there from Jamaica
+for water, the captain of which, one Holford, an old buccaneer,
+happened to be Vane's acquaintance. He thought this a good
+opportunity to get off, and accordingly applied to his old friend:
+but Holford absolutely refused him, saying to him, "Charles, I
+shan't trust you aboard my ship, unless I carry you as a prisoner,
+for I shall have you caballing with my men, knocking me on the
+head, and running away with my ship pirating." Vane made all the
+protestations of honor in the world to him; but, it seems, Captain
+Holford was too intimately acquainted with him, to repose any
+confidence at all in his words or oaths. He told him, "He might
+easily find a way to get off, if he had a mind to it:--I am going
+down the bay," said he, "and shall return hither in about a month,
+and if I find you upon the island when I come back, I'll carry you
+to Jamaica, and there hang you." "How can I get away?" answered
+Vane. "Are there not fishermen's dories upon the beach? Can't you
+take one of them?" replied Holford. "What!" said Vane, "would you
+have me steal a dory then?" "Do you make it a matter of
+conscience," replied Holford, "to steal a dory, when you have been
+a common robber and pirate, stealing ships and cargoes, and
+plundering all mankind that fell in your way! Stay here if you are
+so squeamish?" and he left him to consider of the matter.
+<p>After Captain Holford's departure, another ship put into the
+same island, in her way home, for water; none of the company
+knowing Vane, he easily passed for another man, and so was shipped
+for the voyage. One would be apt to think that Vane was now pretty
+safe, and likely to escape the fate which his crimes had merited;
+but here a cross accident happened that ruined all. Holford
+returning from the bay, was met by this ship, and the captains
+being very well acquainted with each other, Holford was invited to
+dine aboard, which he did. As he passed along to the cabin, he
+chanced to cast his eye down into the hold, and there saw Charles
+Vane at work: he immediately spoke to the captain, saying, "Do you
+know whom you have got aboard there?" "Why," said he, "I have
+shipped a man at such an island, who was cast away in a trading
+sloop, and he seems to be a brisk hand." "I tell you," replied
+Captain Holford, "it is Vane the notorious pirate." "If it be he,"
+cried the other, "I won't keep him." "Why then," said Holford,
+"I'll send and take him aboard, and surrender him at Jamaica." This
+being agreed upon, Captain Holford, as soon as he returned to his
+ship, sent his boat with his mate, armed, who coming to Vane,
+showed him a pistol, and told him he was his prisoner. No man
+daring to make opposition, he was brought aboard and put into
+irons; and when Captain Holford arrived at Jamaica, he delivered up
+his old acquaintance to justice, at which place he was tried,
+convicted, and executed, as was some time before, Vane's consort,
+Robert Deal, who was brought thither by one of the men-of-war. It
+is clear from this how little ancient friendship will avail a great
+villain, when he is deprived of the power that had before supported
+and rendered him formidable.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/372.jpg" alt="Page 372 Illustration"
+height="600" width="501"></center>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="THE_WEST_INDIA_PIRATES"></a>
+<h2>THE WEST INDIA PIRATES</h2>
+<i>Containing Accounts of their Atrocities, Manners of Living,
+&amp;c., with proceedings of the Squadron under Commodore Porter in
+those seas, the victory and death of Lieutenant Allen, the
+interesting Narrative of Captain Lincoln, &amp;c.</i>
+<p>Those innumerable groups of islands, keys and sandbanks, known
+as the West-Indies, are peculiarly adapted from their locality and
+formation, to be a favorite resort for pirates; many of them are
+composed of coral rocks, on which a few cocoa trees raise their
+lofty heads; where there is sufficient earth for vegetation between
+the interstices of the rocks, stunted brushwood grows. But a chief
+peculiarity of some of the islands, and which renders them suitable
+to those who frequent them as pirates, are the numerous caves with
+which the rocks are perforated; some of them are above high-water
+mark, but the majority with the sea water flowing in and out of
+them, in some cases merely rushing in at high-water filling deep
+pools, which are detached from each other when the tide recedes, in
+others with a sufficient depth of water to allow a large boat to
+float in. It is hardly necessary to observe how convenient the
+higher and dry caves are as receptacles for articles which are
+intended to be concealed, until an opportunity occurs to dispose of
+them. The Bahamas, themselves are a singular group of isles, reefs
+and quays; consisting of several hundred in number, and were the
+chief resort of pirates in old times, but now they are all rooted
+from them; they are low and not elevated, and are more than 600
+miles in extent, cut up into numerous intricate passages and
+channels, full of sunken rocks and coral reefs. They afforded a
+sure retreat to desperadoes. Other islands are full of mountain
+fastnesses, where all pursuit can be eluded. Many of the low shores
+are skirted, and the islands covered by the mangrove, a singular
+tree, shooting fresh roots as it grows, which, when the tree is at
+its full age, may be found six or eight feet from the ground, to
+which the shoots gradually tend in regular succession; the leaf is
+very thick and stiff and about eight inches long and nine wide, the
+interval between the roots offer secure hiding places for those who
+are suddenly pursued. Another circumstance assists the pirate when
+pursued.--As the islands belong to several different nations, when
+pursued from one island he can pass to that under the jurisdiction
+of another power. And as permission must be got by those in pursuit
+of him, from the authorities of the island to land and take him, he
+thus gains time to secrete himself. A tropical climate is suited to
+a roving life, and liquor as well as dissolute women being in great
+abundance, to gratify him during his hours of relaxation, makes
+this a congenial region for the lawless.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/374.jpg" alt=
+"A Piratical Vessel destroying a Merchant Ship" height="600" width=
+"599"></center>
+<h4><i>A Piratical Vessel destroying a Merchant Ship.</i></h4>
+The crews of pirate vessels in these seas are chiefly composed of
+Spaniards, Portuguese, French, Mulattoes, Negroes, and a few
+natives of other countries. The island of Cuba is the great nest of
+pirates at the present day, and at the Havana, piracy is as much
+tolerated as any other profession. As the piracies committed in
+these seas, during a single year, have amounted to more than fifty,
+we shall give only a few accounts of the most interesting.
+<p>In November 1821, the brig Cobbessecontee, Captain Jackson,
+sailed from Havana, on the morning of the 8th for Boston, and on
+the evening of the same day, about four miles from the Moro, was
+brought to by a piratical sloop containing about 30 men. A boat
+from her, with 10 men, came alongside, and soon after they got on
+board commenced plundering. They took nearly all the clothing from
+the captain and mate--all the cooking utensils and spare
+rigging--unrove part of the running rigging--cut the small
+cable--broke the compasses--cut the mast's coats to pieces--took
+from the captain his watch and four boxes cigars--and from the
+cargo three bales cochineal and six boxes cigars. They beat the
+mate unmercifully, and hung him up by the neck under the maintop.
+They also beat the captain severely--broke a large broad sword
+across his back, and ran a long knife through his thigh, so that he
+almost bled to death. Captain Jackson saw the sloop at Regla the
+day before.</p>
+<p>Captain Jackson informs us, and we have also been informed by
+other persons from the Havana, that this system of piracy is openly
+countenanced by some of the inhabitants of that place--who say that
+it is a retaliation on the Americans for interfering against the
+Slave Trade.</p>
+<p>About this time the ship Liverpool Packet, Ricker, of
+Portsmouth, N.H., was boarded off Cape St. Antonio, Cuba, by two
+piratical schooners; two barges containing thirty or forty men,
+robbed the vessel of every thing movable, even of her <i>flags</i>,
+rigging, and a boat which happened to be afloat, having a boy in
+it, which belonged to the ship. They held a consultation whether
+they should murder the crew, as they had done before, or not--in
+the mean time taking the ship into anchoring ground. On bringing
+her to anchor, the crew saw a brig close alongside, burnt to the
+water's edge, and three dead bodies floating near her. The pirates
+said they had burnt the brig the day before, and <i>murdered all
+the crew!</i>--and intended doing the same with them. They said
+"look at the turtles (meaning the dead bodies) you will soon be the
+same." They said the vessel was a Baltimore brig, which they had
+robbed and burnt, and murdered the crew as before stated, of which
+they had little doubt. Captain Ricker was most shockingly bruised
+by them. The mate was hung till he was supposed to be dead, but
+came to, and is now alive. They told the captain that they belonged
+in Regla, and should kill them all to prevent discovery.</p>
+<p>In 1822, the United States had several cruisers among the
+West-India islands, to keep the pirates in check. Much good was
+done but still many vessels were robbed and destroyed, together
+with their crews. This year the brave Lieutenant Allen fell by the
+hand of pirates; he was in the United States schooner Alligator,
+and receiving intelligence at Matanzas, that several vessels which
+had sailed from that port, had been taken by the pirates, and were
+then in the bay of Lejuapo. He hastened to their assistance. He
+arrived just in time to save five sail of vessels which he found in
+possession of a gang of pirates, 300 strong, established in the bay
+of Lejuapo, about 15 leagues east of this. He fell, pierced by two
+musket balls, in the van of a division of boats, attacking their
+principal vessel, a fine schooner of about eighty tons, with a long
+eighteen pounder on a pivot, and four smaller guns, <i>with the
+bloody flag nailed to the mast</i>. Himself, Captain Freeman of
+Marines, and twelve men, were in the boat, much in advance of his
+other boats, and even took possession of the schooner, after a
+desperate resistance, which nothing but a bravery almost too daring
+could have overcome. The pirates, all but one, escaped by taking to
+their boats and jumping overboard, before the Alligator's boat
+reached them. Two other schooners escaped by the use of their oars,
+the wind being light.</p>
+<p>Captain Allen survived about four hours, during which his
+conversation evinced a composure and firmness of mind, and
+correctness of feeling, as honorable to his character, and more
+consoling to his friends, than even the dauntless bravery he before
+exhibited.</p>
+<p>The surgeon of the Alligator in a letter to a friend, says, "He
+continued giving orders and conversing with Mr. Dale and the rest
+of us, until a few minutes before his death, with a degree of
+cheerfulness that was little to be expected from a man in his
+condition. He said he wished his relatives and his country to know
+that he had fought well, and added that he died in peace and good
+will towards all the world, and hoped for his reward in the
+next."</p>
+<p>Lieutenant Allen had but few equals in the service. He was
+ardently devoted to the interest of his country, was brave,
+intelligent, and accomplished in his profession. He displayed,
+living and dying, a magnanimity that sheds lustre on his relatives,
+his friends, and his country.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/378.jpg" alt=
+"Horrid Piracy and Murder by a Mexican privateer." height="387"
+width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>Horrid Piracy and Murder by a Mexican "privateer."</i></h4>
+About this time Captain Lincoln fell into the hands of the pirates,
+and as his treatment shows the peculiar habits and practices of
+these wretches, we insert the very interesting narrative of the
+captain.
+<p>The schooner Exertion, Captain Lincoln, sailed from Boston,
+bound for Trinidad de Cuba, Nov. 13th, 1821, with the following
+crew; Joshua Bracket, mate; David Warren, cook; and Thomas Young,
+Francis De Suze, and George Reed, seamen.</p>
+<p>The cargo consisted of flour, beef, pork, lard, butter, fish,
+beans, onions, potatoes, apples, hams, furniture, sugar box shooks,
+&amp;c., invoiced at about eight thousand dollars. Nothing
+remarkable occurred during the passage, except much bad weather,
+until my capture, which was as follows:--</p>
+<p>Monday, December 17th, 1821, commenced with fine breezes from
+the eastward. At daybreak saw some of the islands northward of Cape
+Cruz, called Keys--stood along northwest; every thing now seemed
+favorable for a happy termination of our voyage. At 3 o'clock,
+P.M., saw a sail coming round one of the Keys, into a channel
+called Boca de Cavolone by the chart, nearly in latitude 20&deg;
+55' north, longitude 79&deg; 55' west, she made directly for us
+with all sails set, sweeps on both sides (the wind being light) and
+was soon near enough for us to discover about forty men on her
+deck, armed with muskets, blunderbusses, cutlasses, long knives,
+dirks, &amp;c., two carronades, one a twelve, the other a six
+pounder; she was a schooner, wearing the Patriot flag (blue, white
+and blue) of the Republic of Mexico. I thought it not prudent to
+resist them, should they be pirates, with a crew of seven men, and
+only five muskets; accordingly ordered the arms and ammunition to
+be immediately stowed away in as secret a place as possible, and
+suffer her to speak us, hoping and believing that a republican flag
+indicated both honor and friendship from those who wore it, and
+which we might expect even from Spaniards. But how great was my
+astonishment, when the schooner having approached very near us,
+hailed in English, and ordered me to heave my boat out immediately
+and come on board of her with my papers.--Accordingly my boat was
+hove out, but filled before I could get into her.--I was then
+ordered to tack ship and lay by for the pirates' boat to board me;
+which was done by Bolidar, their first lieutenant, with six or
+eight Spaniards armed with as many of the before mentioned weapons
+as they could well sling about their bodies. They drove me into the
+boat, and two of them rowed me to their privateer (as they called
+their vessel), where I shook hands with their commander, Captain
+Jonnia, a Spaniard, who before looking at my papers, ordered
+Bolidar, his lieutenant, to follow the Mexican in, back of the Key
+they had left, which was done. At 6 o'clock, P.M., the Exertion was
+anchored in eleven feet water, near this vessel, and an island,
+which they called Twelve League Key (called by the chart Key
+Largo), about thirty or thirty-five leagues from Trinidad. After
+this strange conduct they began examining my papers by a Scotchman
+who went by the name of Nickola, their sailing master.--He spoke
+good English, had a countenance rather pleasing, although his beard
+and mustachios had a frightful appearance--his face, apparently
+full of anxiety, indicated something in my favor; he gave me my
+papers, saying "take good care of them, for I am afraid you have
+fallen into bad hands." The pirates' boat was then sent to the
+Exertion with more men and arms; a part of them left on board her;
+the rest returning with three of my crew to their vessel; viz.,
+Thomas Young, Thomas Goodall, and George Reed--they treated them
+with something to drink, and offered them equal shares with
+themselves, and some money, if they would enlist, but they could
+not prevail on them. I then requested permission to go on board my
+vessel which was granted, and further requested Nickola should go
+with me, but was refused by the captain, who vociferated in a harsh
+manner, "No, No, No." accompanied with a heavy stamp upon the deck.
+When I got on board, I was invited below by Bolidar, where I found
+they had emptied the case of liquors, and broken a cheese to pieces
+and crumbled it on the table and cabin floor; the pirates, elated
+with their prize (as they called it), had drank so much as to make
+them desperately abusive. I was permitted to lie down in my berth;
+but, reader, if you have ever been awakened by a gang of armed,
+desperadoes, who have taken possession of your habitation in the
+midnight hour, you can imagine my feelings.--Sleep was a stranger
+to me, and anxiety was my guest. Bolidar, however, pretended
+friendship, and flattered me with the prospect of being soon set at
+liberty. But I found him, as I suspected, a consummate hypocrite;
+indeed, his very looks indicated it. He was a stout and well built
+man, of a dark, swarthy complexion, with keen, ferocious eyes, huge
+whiskers, and beard under his chin and on his lips, four or five
+inches long; he was a Portuguese by birth, but had become a
+naturalized Frenchman--had a wife, if not children (as I was told)
+in France, and was well known there as commander of a first rate
+privateer. His appearance was truly terrific; he could talk some
+English, and had a most lion-like voice.</p>
+<p>Tuesday, 18th.--Early this morning the captain of the pirates
+came on board the Exertion; took a look at the cabin stores, and
+cargo in the state rooms, and then ordered me back with him to his
+vessel, where he, with his crew, held a consultation for some time
+respecting the cargo. After which, the interpreter, Nickola, told
+me that "the captain had, or pretended to have, a commission under
+General Traspelascus, commander-in-chief of the republic of Mexico,
+authorizing him to take all cargoes whatever of provisions, bound
+to any royalist Spanish port--that my cargo being bound to an
+enemy's port, must be condemned; but that the vessel should be
+given up and be put into a fair channel for Trinidad, where I was
+bound." I requested him to examine the papers thoroughly, and
+perhaps he would be convinced to the contrary, and told him my
+cargo was all American property taken in at Boston, and consigned
+to an American gentleman, agent at Trinidad. But the captain would
+not take the trouble, but ordered both vessels under way
+immediately, and commenced beating up amongst the Keys through most
+of the day, the wind being very light. They now sent their boats on
+board the Exertion for stores, and commenced plundering her of
+bread, butter, lard, onions, potatoes, fish, beans, &amp;c., took
+up some sugar box shocks that were on deck, and found the barrels
+of apples; selected the best of them and threw the rest overboard.
+They inquired for spirits, wine, cider, &amp;c. and were told "they
+had already taken all that was on board." But not satisfied they
+proceeded to search the state rooms and forcastle, ripped up the
+floor of the later and found some boxes of bottled cider, which
+they carried to their vessel, gave three cheers, in an exulting
+manner to me, and then began drinking it with such freedom, that a
+violent quarrel arose between officers and men, which came very
+near ending in bloodshed. I was accused of falsehood, for saying
+they had got all the liquors that were on board, and I thought they
+had; the truth was, I never had any bill of lading of the cider,
+and consequently had no recollection of its being on board; yet it
+served them as an excuse for being insolent. In the evening peace
+was restored and they sung songs. I was suffered to go below for
+the night, and they placed a guard over me, stationed at the
+companion way.</p>
+<p>Wednesday, 19th, commenced with moderate easterly winds, beating
+towards the northeast, the pirate's boats frequently going on board
+the Exertion for potatoes, fish, beans, butter, &amp;c. which were
+used with great waste and extravagance. They gave me food and
+drink, but of bad quality, more particularly the victuals, which
+was wretchedly cooked. The place assigned me to eat was covered
+with dirt and vermin. It appeared that their great object was to
+hurt my feelings with threats and observations, and to make my
+situation as unpleasant as circumstances would admit. We came to
+anchor near a Key, called by them Brigantine, where myself and mate
+were permitted to go on shore, but were guarded by several armed
+pirates. I soon returned to the Mexican and my mate to the
+Exertion, with George Reed, one of my crew; the other two being
+kept on board the Mexican. In the course of this day I had
+considerable conversation with Nickola, who appeared well disposed
+towards me. He lamented most deeply his own situation, for he was
+one of those men, whose early good impressions were not entirely
+effaced, although confederated with guilt. He told me "those who
+had taken me were no better than pirates, and their end would be
+the halter; but," he added, with peculiar emotion, "I will never be
+hung as a pirate," showing me a bottle of laudanum which he had
+found in my medicine chest, saying, "If we are taken, that shall
+cheat the hangman, before we are condemned." I endeavored to get it
+from him, but did not succeed. I then asked him how he came to be
+in such company, as he appeared to be dissatisfied. He stated, that
+he was at New Orleans last summer, out of employment, and became
+acquainted with one Captain August Orgamar, a Frenchman, who had
+bought a small schooner of about fifteen tons, and was going down
+to the bay of Mexico to get a commission under General
+Traspelascus, in order to go a privateering under the patriot flag.
+Capt. Orgamar made him liberal offers respecting shares, and
+promised him a sailing master's berth, which he accepted and
+embarked on board the schooner, without sufficiently reflecting on
+the danger of such an undertaking. Soon after she sailed from
+Mexico, where they got a commission, and the vessel was called
+Mexican. They made up a complement of twenty men, and after
+rendering the General some little service, in transporting his
+troops to a place called ---- proceeded on a cruise; took some
+small prizes off Campeachy; afterwards came on the south coast of
+Cuba, where they took other small prizes, and the one which we were
+now on board of. By this time the crew were increased to about
+forty, nearly one half Spaniards, the others Frenchmen and
+Portuguese. Several of them had sailed out of ports in the United
+States with American protections; but, I confidently believe, none
+are natives, especially of the northern states. I was careful in
+examining the men, being desirous of knowing if any of my
+countrymen were among this wretched crew; but am satisfied there
+were none, and my Scotch friend concurred in the opinion. And now,
+with a new vessel, which was the prize of these plunderers, they
+sailed up Manganeil bay; previously, however, they fell in with an
+American schooner, from which they bought four barrels of beef, and
+paid in tobacco. At the Bay was an English brig belonging to
+Jamaica, owned by Mr. John Louden of that place. On board of this
+vessel the Spanish part of the crew commenced their depredations as
+pirates, although Captain Orgamar and Nickola protested against it,
+and refused any participation; but they persisted, and like so many
+ferocious blood-hounds, boarded the brig, plundered the cabin,
+stores, furniture, captain's trunk, &amp;c., took a hogshead of
+rum, one twelve pound carronade, some rigging and sails. One of
+them plundered the chest of a sailor, who made some resistance, so
+that the Spaniard took his cutlass, and beat and wounded him
+without mercy. Nickola asked him "why he did it?" the fellow
+answered, "I will let you know," and took up the cook's axe and
+gave him a cut on the head, which nearly deprived him of life. Then
+they ordered Captain Orgamar to leave his vessel, allowing him his
+trunk and turned him ashore, to seek for himself. Nickola begged
+them to dismiss him with his captain, but no, no, was the answer;
+for they had no complete navigator but him. After Captain Orgamar
+was gone, they put in his stead the present brave (or as I should
+call him cowardly) Captain Jonnia, who headed them in plundering
+the before mentioned brig, and made Bolidar their first lieutenant,
+and then proceeded down among those Keys or Islands, where I was
+captured. This is the amount of what my friend Nickola told me of
+their history.</p>
+<p>Saturday, 22d.--Both vessels under way standing to the eastward,
+they ran the Exertion aground on a bar, but after throwing
+overboard most of her deck load of shooks, she floated off; a pilot
+was sent to her, and she was run into a narrow creek between two
+keys, where they moored her head and stern along side of the
+mangrove trees, set down her yards and topmasts, and covered her
+mast heads and shrouds with bushes to prevent her being seen by
+vessels which might pass that way. I was then suffered to go on
+board my own vessel, and found her in a very filthy condition;
+sails torn, rigging cut to pieces, and every thing in the cabin in
+waste and confusion. The swarms of moschetoes and sand-flies made
+it impossible to get any sleep or rest. The pirate's large boat was
+armed and manned under Bolidar, and sent off with letters to a
+merchant (as they called him) by the name of Dominico, residing in
+a town called Principe, on the main island of Cuba. I was told by
+one of them, who could speak English, that Principe was a very
+large and populous town, situated at the head of St. Maria, which
+was about twenty miles northeast from where we lay, and the Keys
+lying around us were called Cotton Keys.--The captain pressed into
+his service Francis de Suze, one of my crew, saying that he was one
+of his countrymen. Francis was very reluctant in going, and said to
+me, with tears in his eyes, "I shall do nothing but what I am
+obliged to do, and will not aid in the least to hurt you or the
+vessel; I am very sorry to leave you." He was immediately put on
+duty and Thomas Goodall sent back to the Exertion.</p>
+<p>Sunday, 23d.--Early this morning a large number of the pirates
+came on board of the Exertion, threw out the long boat, broke open
+the hatches, and took out considerable of the cargo, in search of
+rum, gin, &amp;c., still telling me "I had some and they would find
+it," uttering the most awful profaneness. In the afternoon their
+boat returned with a perough, having on board the captain, his
+first lieutenant and seven men of a patriot or piratical vessel
+that was chased ashore at Cape Cruz by a Spanish armed brig. These
+seven men made their escape in said boat, and after four days,
+found our pirates and joined them; the remainder of the crew being
+killed or taken prisoners.</p>
+<p>Monday, 24th.--Their boat was manned and sent to the
+before-mentioned town.--I was informed by a line from Nickola, that
+the pirates had a man on board, a native of Principe, who, in the
+garb of a sailor, was a partner with Dominico, but I could not get
+sight of him. This lets us a little into the plans by which this
+atrocious system of piracy has been carried on. Merchants having
+partners on board of these pirates! thus pirates at sea and robbers
+on land are associated to destroy the peaceful trader. The
+willingness exhibited by the seven above-mentioned men, to join our
+gang of pirates, seems to look like a general understanding among
+them; and from there being merchants on shore so base as to
+encourage the plunder and vend the goods, I am persuaded there has
+been a systematic confederacy on the part of these unprincipled
+desperadoes, under cover of the patriot flag; and those on land are
+no better than those on the sea. If the governments to whom they
+belong know of the atrocities committed (and I have but little
+doubt they do) they deserve the execration of all mankind.</p>
+<p>Thursday, 27th.--A gang of the pirates came and stripped our
+masts of the green bushes, saying, "she appeared more like a sail
+than trees"--took one barrel of bread and one of potatoes, using
+about one of each every day. I understood they were waiting for
+boats to take the cargo; for the principal merchant had gone to
+Trinidad.</p>
+<p>Sunday, 30th.--The beginning of trouble! This day, which
+peculiarly reminds Christians of the high duties of compassion and
+benevolence, was never observed by these pirates. This, of course,
+we might expect, as they did not often know when the day came, and
+if they knew it, it was spent in gambling. The old saying among
+seamen, "no Sunday off soundings," was not thought of; and even
+this poor plea was not theirs, for they were on soundings and often
+at anchor.--Early this morning, the merchant, as they called him,
+came with a large boat for the cargo. I was immediately ordered
+into the boat with my crew, not allowed any breakfast, and carried
+about three miles to a small island out of sight of the Exertion,
+and left there by the side of a little pond of thick, muddy water,
+which proved to be very brackish, with nothing to eat but a few
+biscuits. One of the boat's men told us the merchant was afraid of
+being recognized, and when he had gone the boat would return for
+us; but we had great reason to apprehend they would deceive us, and
+therefore passed the day in the utmost anxiety. At night, however,
+the boats came and took us again on board the Exertion; when, to
+our surprise and astonishment, we found they had broken open the
+trunks and chests, and taken all our wearing apparel, not even
+leaving a shirt or pair of pantaloons, nor sparing a small
+miniature of my wife which was in my trunk. The little money I and
+my mate had, with some belonging to the owners, my mate had
+previously distributed about the cabin in three or four parcels,
+while I was on board the pirate, for we dare not keep it about us;
+one parcel in a butter pot they did not discover.--Amidst the hurry
+with which I was obliged to go to the before-mentioned island, I
+fortunately snatched by vessel's papers, and hid them in my bosom,
+which the reader will find was a happy circumstance for me. My
+writing desk, with papers, accounts, &amp;c., all Mr. Lord's
+letters (the gentlemen to whom my cargo was consigned) and several
+others were taken and maliciously destroyed. My medicine chest,
+which I so much wanted, was kept for their own use. What their
+motive could be to take my papers I could not imagine, except they
+had hopes of finding bills of lading for some Spaniards, to clear
+them from piracy. Mr. Bracket had some notes and papers of
+consequence to him, which shared the same fate. My quadrant,
+charts, books and bedding were not yet taken, but I found it
+impossible to hide them, and they were soon gone from my sight.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/388.jpg" alt=
+"A Cave in the Caicos group of the West India Islands" height="392"
+width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>A Cave in the Caicos group of the West India
+Islands.</i></h4>
+Tuesday, January 1st, 1822--A sad new-year's day to me. Before
+breakfast orders came for me to cut down the Exertion's railing and
+bulwarks on one side, for their vessel to heave out by, and clean
+her bottom. On my hesitating a little they observed with anger,
+"very well, captain, suppose you no do it quick, we do it for you."
+Directly afterwards another boat full of armed men came along side;
+they jumped on deck with swords drawn, and ordered all of us into
+her immediately; I stepped below, in hopes of getting something
+which would be of service to us; but the captain hallooed, "Go into
+the boat directly or I will fire upon you." Thus compelled to obey,
+we were carried, together with four Spanish prisoners, to a small,
+low island or key of sand in the shape of a half moon, and partly
+covered with mangrove trees; which was about one mile from and in
+sight of my vessel. There they left nine of us, with a little
+bread, flour, fish, lard, a little coffee and molasses; two or
+three kegs of water, which was brackish; an old sail for a
+covering, and a pot and some other articles no way fit to cook in.
+Leaving us these, which were much less than they appear in the
+enumeration, they pushed off, saying, "we will come to see you in a
+day or two." Selecting the best place, we spread the old sail for
+an awning; but no place was free from flies, moschetoes, snakes,
+the venomous skinned scorpion, and the more venomous santipee.
+Sometimes they were found crawling inside of our pantaloons, but
+fortunately no injury was received. This afternoon the pirates hove
+their vessel out by the Exertion and cleaned one side, using her
+paints, oil, &amp;c. for that purpose. To see my vessel in that
+situation and to think of our prospects was a source of the deepest
+distress. At night we retired to our tent; but having nothing but
+the cold damp ground for a bed, and the heavy dew of night
+penetrating the old canvass--the situation of the island being
+fifty miles from the usual track of friendly vessels, and one
+hundred and thirty-five from Trinidad--seeing my owner's property
+so unjustly and wantonly destroyed--considering my condition, the
+hands at whose mercy I was, and deprived of all hopes, rendered
+sleep or rest a stranger to me.
+<p>Friday, 4th.--Commenced with light winds and hot sun, saw a boat
+coming from the Exertion, apparently loaded; she passed between two
+small Keys to northward, supposed to be bound for Cuba. At sunset a
+boat came and inquired if we wanted anything, but instead of adding
+to our provisions, took away our molasses, and pushed off. We found
+one of the Exertion's water casks, and several pieces of plank,
+which we carefully laid up, in hopes of getting enough to make a
+raft.</p>
+<p>Saturday, 5th.--Pirates again in sight, coming from the
+eastward; they beat up along side their prize, and commenced
+loading. In the afternoon Nickola came to us, bringing with him two
+more prisoners, which they had taken in a small sail boat coming
+from Trinidad to Manganeil, one a Frenchman, the other a Scotchman,
+with two Spaniards, who remained on board the pirate, and who
+afterwards joined them. The back of one of these poor fellows was
+extremely sore, having just suffered a cruel beating from Bolidar,
+with the broad side of a cutlass. It appeared, that when the
+officer asked him "where their money was, and how much," he
+answered, "he was not certain but believed they had only two ounces
+of gold"--Bolidar furiously swore he said "ten," and not finding
+any more, gave him the beating. Nickola now related to me a
+singular fact; which was, that the Spanish part of the crew were
+determined to shoot him; that they tied him to the mast, and a man
+was appointed for the purpose; but Lion, a Frenchman, his
+particular friend, stepped up and told them, if they shot him they
+must shoot several more; some of the Spaniards sided with him, and
+he was released. Nickola told me, the reason for such treatment
+was, that he continually objected to their conduct towards me, and
+their opinion if he should escape, they would be discovered, as he
+declared he would take no prize money. While with us he gave me a
+letter written in great haste, which contains some particulars
+respecting the cargo;--as follows:--<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<p><i>January 4th,</i> 1822.</p>
+<p>Sir,--We arrived here this morning, and before we came to
+anchor, had five canoes alongside ready to take your cargo, part of
+which we had in; and as I heard you express a wish to know what
+they took out of her, to this moment, you may depend upon this
+account of Jamieson for quality and quantity; if I have the same
+opportunity you will have an account of the whole. The villain who
+bought your cargo is from the town of Principe, his name is
+Dominico, as to that it is all that I can learn; they have taken
+your charts aboard the schooner Mexican, and I suppose mean to keep
+them, as the other captain has agreed to act the same infamous part
+in the tragedy of his life. Your clothes are here on board, but do
+not let me flatter you that you will get them back; it may be so,
+and it may not. Perhaps in your old age, when you recline with ease
+in a corner of your cottage, you will have the goodness to drop a
+tear of pleasure to the memory of him, whose highest ambition
+should have been to subscribe himself, though devoted to the
+gallows, your friend,</p>
+<p>Excuse haste. NICKOLA MONACRE.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<p>Sunday, 6th.--The pirates were under way at sunrise, with a full
+load of the Exertion's cargo, going to Principe again to sell a
+second freight, which was done readily for cash. I afterwards heard
+that the flour only fetched five dollars per barrel, when it was
+worth at Trinidad thirteen; so that the villain who bought my cargo
+at Principe, made very large profits by it.</p>
+<p>Tuesday, 8th.--Early this morning the pirates in sight again,
+with fore top sail and top gallant sail set; beat up along side of
+the Exertion and commenced loading; having, as I supposed, sold and
+discharged her last freight among some of the inhabitants of Cuba.
+They appeared to load in great haste; and the song, "O he oh,"
+which echoed from one vessel to the other, was distinctly heard by
+us. How wounding was this to me! How different was this sound from
+what it would have been, had I been permitted to pass unmolested by
+these lawless plunderers, and been favored with a safe arrival at
+the port of my destination, where my cargo would have found an
+excellent sale. Then would the "O he oh," on its discharging, have
+been a delightful sound to me. In the afternoon she sailed with the
+perough in tow, both with a full load, having chairs, which was
+part of the cargo, slung at her quarters.</p>
+<p>Monday, 14th.--They again hove in sight, and beat up as usual,
+along-side their prize. While passing our solitary island, they
+laughed at our misery, which was almost insupportable--looking upon
+us as though we had committed some heinous crime, and they had not
+sufficiently punished us; they hallooed to us, crying out "Captain,
+Captain," accompanied with obscene motions and words, with which I
+shall not blacken these pages--yet I heard no check upon such
+conduct, nor could I expect it among such a gang, who have no idea
+of subordination on board, except when in chase of vessels, and
+even then but very little. My resentment was excited at such a
+malicious outrage, and I felt a disposition to revenge myself,
+should fortune ever favor me with an opportunity. It was beyond
+human nature not to feel and express some indignation at such
+treatment.--Soon after, Bolidar, with five men, well armed, came to
+us; he having a blunderbuss, cutlass, a long knife and pair of
+pistols--but for what purpose did he come? He took me by the hand,
+saying, "Captain, me speak with you, walk this way." I obeyed, and
+when at some distance from my fellow prisoners, (his men following)
+he said, "the captain send me for your <i>wash</i>" I pretended not
+to understand what he meant, and replied, "I have no clothes, nor
+any soap to wash with--you have taken them all," for I had kept my
+watch about me, hoping they would not discover it. He demanded it
+again as before; and was answered, "I have nothing to wash;" this
+raised his anger, and lifting his blunderbuss, he roared out, "what
+the d--l you call him that make clock? give it me." I considered it
+imprudent to contend any longer, and submitted to his unlawful
+demand. As he was going off, he gave me a small bundle, in which
+was a pair of linen drawers, sent to me by Nickola, and also the
+Rev. Mr. Brooks' "Family Prayer Book." This gave me great
+satisfaction. Soon after, he returned with his captain, who had one
+arm slung up, yet with as many implements of war, as his diminutive
+wicked self could conveniently carry; he told me (through an
+interpreter who was his prisoner.) "that on his cruize he had
+fallen in with two Spanish privateers, and beat them off; but had
+three of his men killed, and himself wounded in the arm"--Bolidar
+turned to me and said, "it is a d--n lie"--which words proved to be
+correct, for his arm was not wounded, and when I saw him again,
+which was soon afterwards, he had forgotten to sling it up. He
+further told me, "after tomorrow you shall go with your vessel, and
+we will accompany you towards Trinidad." This gave me some new
+hopes, and why I could not tell. They then left us without
+rendering any assistance.--This night we got some rest.</p>
+<p>Tuesday, 15th. The words "go after tomorrow," were used among
+our Spanish fellow prisoners, as though that happy tomorrow would
+never come--in what manner it came will soon be noticed.</p>
+<p>Friday, 18th commenced with brighter prospects of liberty than
+ever. The pirates were employed in setting up our devoted
+schooner's shrouds, stays, &amp;c. My condition now reminded me of
+the hungry man, chained in one corner of a room, while at another
+part was a table loaded with delicious food and fruits, the smell
+and sight of which he was continually to experience, but alas! his
+chains were never to be loosed that he might go and partake--at
+almost the same moment they were thus employed, the axe was applied
+with the greatest dexterity to both her masts and I saw them fall
+over the side! Here fell my hopes--I looked at my condition, and
+then thought of home.--Our Spanish fellow prisoners were so
+disappointed and alarmed that they recommended hiding ourselves, if
+possible, among the mangrove trees, believing, as they said, we
+should now certainly be put to death; or, what was worse, compelled
+to serve on board the Mexican as pirates. Little else it is true,
+seemed left for us; however, we kept a bright look out for them
+during the day, and at night "an anchor watch" as we called it,
+determined if we discovered their boats coming towards us, to adopt
+the plan of hiding, although starvation stared us in the face--yet
+preferred that to instant death. This night was passed in
+sufficient anxiety--I took the first watch.</p>
+<p>Saturday, 19th.--The pirate's largest boat came for us--it being
+day-light, and supposing they could see us, determined to stand our
+ground and wait the result. They ordered us all into the boat, but
+left every thing else; they rowed towards the Exertion--I noticed a
+dejection of spirits in one of the pirates, and inquired of him
+where they were going to carry us? He shook his head and replied,
+"I do not know." I now had some hopes of visiting my vessel
+again--but the pirates made sail, ran down, took us in tow and
+stood out of the harbor. Bolidar afterwards took me, my mate and
+two of my men on board and gave us some coffee. On examination I
+found they had several additional light sails, made of the
+Exertion's. Almost every man, a pair of canvas trousers; and my
+colors cut up and made into belts to carry their money about them.
+My jolly boat was on deck, and I was informed, all my rigging was
+disposed of. Several of the pirates had on some of my clothes, and
+the captain one of my best shirts, a cleaner one, than I had ever
+seen him have on before.--He kept at a good distance from me, and
+forbid my friend Nickola's speaking to me.--I saw from the
+companion way in the captain's cabin my quadrant, spy glass and
+other things which belonged to us, and observed by the compass,
+that the course steered was about west by south,--distance nearly
+twenty miles, which brought them up with a cluster of islands
+called by some "Cayman Keys." Here they anchored and caught some
+fish, (one of which was named <i>guard fish</i>) of which we had a
+taste. I observed that my friend Mr. Bracket was somewhat dejected,
+and asked him in a low voice, what his opinion was with respects to
+our fate? He answered, "I cannot tell you, but it appears to me the
+worst is to come." I told him that I hoped not, but thought they
+would give us our small boat and liberate the prisoners. But mercy
+even in this shape was not left-for us. Soon after, saw the captain
+and officers whispering for some time in private conference. When
+over, their boat was manned under the commond of Bolidar, and went
+to one of those Islands or Keys before mentioned. On their return,
+another conference took place--whether it was a jury upon our lives
+we could not tell. I did not think conscience could be entirely
+extinguished in the human breast, or that men could become fiends.
+In the afternoon, while we knew not the doom which had been fixed
+for us, the captain was engaged with several of his men in
+gambling, in hopes to get back some of the five hundred dollars,
+they said, he lost but a few nights before; which had made his
+unusually fractious. A little before sunset he ordered all the
+prisoners into the large boat, with a supply of provisions and
+water, and to be put on shore. While we were getting into her, one
+of my fellow prisoners, a Spaniard, attempted with tears in his
+eyes to speak to the captain, but was refused with the answer.
+"I'll have nothing to say to any prisoner, go into the boat." In
+the mean time Nickola said to me, "My friend, I will give you your
+book," (being Mr. Colman's Sermons,) "it is the only thing of yours
+that is in my possession; I dare not attempt any thing more." But
+the captain forbid his giving it to me, and I stepped into the
+boat--at that moment Nickola said in a low voice, "never mind, I
+may see you again before I die." The small boat was well armed and
+manned, and both set off together for the island, where they had
+agreed to leave us to perish! The scene to us was a funereal scene.
+There were no arms in the prisoners boat, and, of course, all
+attempts to relieve ourselves would have been throwing our lives
+away, as Bolidar was near us, well armed. We were rowed about two
+miles north-easterly from the pirates, to a small low island,
+lonely and desolate. We arrived about sunset; and for the support
+of us eleven prisoners, they only left a ten gallon keg of water,
+and perhaps a few quarts, in another small vessel, which was very
+poor; part of a barrel of flour, a small keg of lard, one ham and
+some salt fish; a small kettle and an old broken pot; an old sail
+for a covering, and a small mattress and blanket, which was thrown
+out as the boats hastened away. One of the prisoners happened to
+have a little coffee in his pocket, and these comprehended all our
+means of sustaining life, and for what length of time we knew not.
+We now felt the need of water, and our supply was comparatively
+nothing. A man may live nearly twice as long without food, as
+without water. Look at us now, my friends, left benighted on a
+little spot of sand in the midst of the ocean, far from the usual
+track of vessels, and every appearance of a violent thunder
+tempest, and a boisterous night. Judge of my feelings, and the
+circumstances which our band of sufferers now witnessed. Perhaps
+you can and have pitied us. I assure you, we were very wretched;
+and to paint the scene, is not within my power. When the boats were
+moving from the shore, on recovering myself a little, I asked
+Bolidar, "If he was going to leave us so?"--he answered, "no, only
+two days--we go for water and wood, then come back, take you." I
+requested him to give us bread and other stores, for they had
+plenty in the boat, and at least one hundred barrels of flour in
+the Mexican. "No, no, suppose to-morrow morning me come, me give
+you bread," and hurried off to the vessel. This was the last time I
+saw him. We then turned our attention upon finding a spot most
+convenient for our comfort, and soon discovered a little roof
+supported by stakes driven into the sand; it was thatched with
+leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, considerable part of which was torn
+or blown off. After spreading the old sail over this roof, we
+placed our little stock of provisions under it. Soon after came on
+a heavy shower of rain which penetrated the canvas, and made it
+nearly as uncomfortable inside, as it would have been out. We were
+not prepared to catch water, having nothing to put it in. Our next
+object was to get fire, and after gathering some of the driest fuel
+to be found, and having a small piece of cotton wick-yarn, with
+flint and steel, we kindled a fire, which was never afterwards
+suffered to be extinguished. The night was very dark, but we found
+a piece of old rope, which when well lighted served for a candle.
+On examining the ground under the roof, we found perhaps thousands
+of creeping insects, scorpions, lizards, crickets, &amp;c. After
+scraping them out as well as we could, the most of us having
+nothing but the damp earth for a bed, laid ourselves down in hopes
+of some rest; but it being so wet, gave many of us severe colds,
+and one of the Spaniards was quite sick for several days.</p>
+<p>Sunday, 20th.--As soon as day-light came on, we proceeded to
+take a view of our little island, and found it to measure only one
+acre, of coarse, white sand; about two feet, and in some spots
+perhaps three feet above the surface of the ocean. On the highest
+part were growing some bushes and small mangroves, (the dry part of
+which was our fuel) and the wild castor oil beans. We were greatly
+disappointed in not finding the latter suitable food; likewise some
+of the prickly pear bushes, which gave us only a few pears about
+the size of our small button pear; the outside has thorns, which if
+applied to the fingers or lips, will remain there, and cause a
+severe smarting similar to the nettle; the inside a spungy
+substance, full of juice and seeds, which are red and a little
+tartish--had they been there in abundance, we should not have
+suffered so much for water--but alas! even this substitute was not
+for us. On the northerly side of the island was a hollow, where the
+tide penetrated the sand, leaving stagnant water. We presumed, in
+hurricanes the island was nearly overflowed. According to the best
+calculations I could make, we were about thirty-five miles from any
+part of Cuba, one hundred from Trinidad and forty from the usual
+track of American vessels, or others which might pass that way. No
+vessel of any considerable size, can safely pass among these Keys
+(or "Queen's Gardens," as the Spaniards call them) being a large
+number extending from Cape Cruz to Trinidad, one hundred and fifty
+miles distance; and many more than the charts have laid down, most
+of them very low and some covered at high water, which makes it
+very dangerous for navigators without a skilful pilot. After taking
+this view of our condition, which was very gloomy, we began to
+suspect we were left on this desolate island by those merciless
+plunderers to perish. Of this I am now fully convinced; still we
+looked anxiously for the pirate's boat to come according to promise
+with more water and provisions, but looked in vain. We saw them
+soon after get under way with all sail set and run directly from us
+until out of our sight, and <i>we never saw them again</i>! One may
+partially imagine our feelings, but they cannot be put into words.
+Before they were entirely out of sight of us, we raised the white
+blanket upon a pole, waving it in the air, in hopes, that at two
+miles distance they would see it and be moved to pity. But pity in
+such monsters was not to be found. It was not their interest to
+save us from the lingering death, which we now saw before us. We
+tried to compose ourselves, trusting to God, who had witnessed our
+sufferings, would yet make use of some one, as the instrument of
+his mercy towards us. Our next care, now, was to try for water. We
+dug several holes in the sand and found it, but quite too salt for
+use. The tide penetrates probably through the island. We now came
+on short allowances for water. Having no means of securing what we
+had by lock and key, some one in the night would slyly drink, and
+it was soon gone. The next was to bake some bread, which we did by
+mixing flour with salt water and frying it in lard, allowing
+ourselves eight quite small pancakes to begin with. The ham was
+reserved for some more important occasion, and the salt fish was
+lost for want of fresh water. The remainder of this day was passed
+in the most serious conversation and reflection. At night, I read
+prayers from the "Prayer Book," before mentioned, which I most
+carefully concealed while last on board the pirates. This plan was
+pursued morning and evening, during our stay there. Then retired
+for rest and sleep, but realized little of either.</p>
+<p>Monday, 21st.--In the morning we walked round the beach, in
+expectation of finding something useful. On our way picked up a
+paddle about three feet long, very similar to the Indian canoe
+paddle, except the handle, which was like that of a shovel, the top
+part being split off; we laid it by for the present. We likewise
+found some konchs and roasted them; they were pretty good shell
+fish, though rather tough. We discovered at low water, a bar or
+spit of sand extending north-easterly from us, about three miles
+distant, to a cluster of Keys, which were covered with mangrove
+trees, perhaps as high as our quince tree. My friend Mr. Bracket
+and George attempted to wade across, being at that time of tide
+only up to their armpits; but were pursued by a shark, and returned
+without success. The tide rises about four feet.</p>
+<p>Tuesday, 22d.--We found several pieces of the palmetto or
+cabbage tree, and some pieces of boards, put them together in the
+form of a raft, and endeavored to cross, but that proved
+ineffectual. Being disappointed, we set down to reflect upon other
+means of relief, intending to do all in our power for safety while
+our strength continued. While setting here, the sun was so powerful
+and oppressive, reflecting its rays upon the sea, which was then
+calm, and the white sand which dazzled the eye, was so painful,
+that we retired under the awning; there the moschetoes and flies
+were so numerous, that good rest could not be found. We were,
+however, a little cheered, when, in scraping out the top of the
+ground to clear out, I may say, thousands of crickets and bugs, we
+found a hatchet, which was to us peculiarly serviceable. At night
+the strong north-easterly wind, which prevails there at all
+seasons, was so cold as to make it equally uncomfortable with the
+day. Thus day after day, our sufferings and apprehensions
+multiplying, we were very generally alarmed.</p>
+<p>Thursday, 24th.--This morning, after taking a little coffee,
+made of the water which we thought least salt, and two or three of
+the little cakes, we felt somewhat refreshed, and concluded to make
+another visit to those Keys, in hopes of finding something more,
+which might make a raft for us to escape the pirates, and avoid
+perishing by thirst. Accordingly seven of us set off, waded across
+the bar and searched all the Keys thereabouts. On one we found a
+number of sugar-box shooks, two lashing plank and some pieces of
+old spars, which were a part of the Exertion's deck load, that was
+thrown overboard when she grounded on the bar, spoken of in the
+first part of the narrative. It seems they had drifted fifteen
+miles, and had accidentally lodged on these very Keys within our
+reach. Had the pirates known this, they would undoubtedly have
+placed us in another direction. They no doubt thought that they
+could not place us on a worse place. The wind at this time was
+blowing so strong on shore, as to prevent rafting our stuff round
+to our island, and we were obliged to haul it upon the beach for
+the present; then dug for water in the highest place, but found it
+as salt as ever, and then returned to our habitation. But hunger
+and thirst began to prey upon us, and our comforts were as few as
+our hopes.</p>
+<p>Friday, 25th.--Again passed over to those Keys to windward in
+order to raft our stuff to our island, it being most convenient for
+building. But the surf on the beach was so very rough, that we were
+again compelled to postpone it. Our courage, however, did not fail
+where there was the slightest hopes of life. Returning without it,
+we found on our way an old top timber of some vessel; it had
+several spikes on it, which we afterwards found very serviceable.
+In the hollow of an old tree, we found two guarnas of small size,
+one male, the other female. Only one was caught. After taking off
+the skin, we judged it weighed a pound and a half. With some flour
+and lard, (the only things we had except salt water,) it made us a
+fine little mess. We thought it a rare dish, though a small one for
+eleven half starved persons. At the same time a small vessel hove
+in sight; we made a signal to her with the blanket tied to a pole
+and placed it on the highest tree--some took off their white
+clothes and waved them in the air, hoping they would come to us;
+should they be pirates, they could do no more than kill us, and
+perhaps would give us some water, for which we began to suffer most
+excessively; but, notwithstanding all our efforts, she took no
+notice of us.</p>
+<p>Saturday, 26th.--This day commenced with moderate weather and
+smooth sea; at low tide found some cockles; boiled and eat them,
+but they were very painful to the stomach. David Warren had a fit
+of strangling, with swelling of the bowels; but soon recovered, and
+said, "something like salt rose in his throat and choked him." Most
+of us then set off for the Keys, where the plank and shooks were
+put together in a raft, which we with pieces of boards paddled over
+to our island; when we consulted the best plan, either to build a
+raft large enough for us all to go on, or a boat; but the shooks
+having three or four nails in each, and having a piece of large
+reed or bamboo, previously found, of which we made pins, we
+concluded to make a boat.</p>
+<p>Sunday, 27--Commenced our labor, for which I know we need offer
+no apology. We took the two planks, which were about fourteen feet
+long, and two and a half wide, and fixed them together for the
+bottom of the boat; then with moulds made of palmetto bark, cut
+timber and knees from mangrove trees which spread so much as to
+make the boat four feet wide at the top, placed them exactly the
+distance apart of an Havana sugar box.--Her stern was square and
+the bows tapered to a peak, making her form resemble a flat-iron.
+We proceeded thus far and returned to rest for the night--but Mr.
+Bracket was too unwell to get much sleep.</p>
+<p>Monday, 28--Went on with the work as fast as possible. Some of
+the Spaniards had long knives about them, which proved very useful
+in fitting timbers, and a gimblet of mine, accidentally found on
+board the pirate, enabled us to use the wooden pins. And now our
+spirits began to revive, though <i>water, water</i>, was
+continually in our minds. We now feared the pirates might possibly
+come, find out our plan and put us to death, (although before we
+had wished to see them, being so much in want of water.) Our labor
+was extremely burdensome, and the Spaniards considerably
+peevish--but they would often say to me "never mind captain, by and
+by, Americana or Spanyola catch them, me go and see 'um hung." We
+quitted work for the day, cooked some cakes but found it necessary
+to reduce the quantity again, however small before. We found some
+herbs on a windward Key, which the Spaniards called Spanish
+tea.--This when well boiled we found somewhat palatable, although
+the water was very salt. This herb resembles pennyroyal in look and
+taste, though not so pungent. In the evening when we were setting
+round the fire to keep of the moschetoes, I observed David Warren's
+eyes shone like glass. The mate said to him--"David I think you
+will die before morning--I think you are struck with death now." I
+thought so too, and told him, "I thought it most likely we should
+all die here soon; but as some one of us might survive to carry the
+tidings to our friends, if you have any thing to say respecting
+your family, now is the time."--He then said, "I have a mother in
+Saco where I belong--she is a second time a widow--to-morrow if you
+can spare a scrap of paper and pencil I will write something." But
+no tomorrow came to him.--In the course of the night he had another
+spell of strangling, and soon after expired, without much pain and
+without a groan. He was about twenty-six years old.--How solemn was
+this scene to us! Here we beheld the ravages of death commenced
+upon us. More than one of us considered death a happy release. For
+myself I thought of my wife and children; and wished to live if God
+should so order it, though extreme thirst, hunger and exhaustion
+had well nigh prostrated my fondest hopes.</p>
+<p>Tuesday, 29th.--Part of us recommenced labor on the boat, while
+myself and Mr. Bracket went and selected the highest clear spot of
+sand on the northern side of the island, where we dug Warren's
+grave, and boxed it up with shooks, thinking it would be the most
+suitable spot for the rest of us--whose turn would come next, we
+knew not. At about ten o'clock, A.M. conveyed the corpse to the
+grave, followed by us survivers--a scene, whose awful solemnity can
+never be painted. We stood around the grave, and there I read the
+funeral prayer from the Rev. Mr. Brooks's Family Prayer Book; and
+committed the body to the earth; covered it with some pieces of
+board and sand, and returned to our labor. One of the Spaniards, an
+old man, named Manuel, who was partial to me, and I to him, made a
+cross and placed it at the head of the grave saying, "Jesus Christ
+hath him now." Although I did not believe in any mysterious
+influence of this cross, yet I was perfectly willing it should
+stand there. The middle part of the day being very warm, our mouths
+parched with thirst, and our spirits so depressed, that we made but
+little progress during the remainder of this day, but in the
+evening were employed in picking oakum out of the bolt rope taken
+from the old sail.</p>
+<p>Wednesday, 30th.--Returned to labor on the boat with as much
+vigor as our weak and debilitated state would admit, but it was a
+day of trial to us all; for the Spaniards and we Americans could
+not well understand each other's plans, and they being naturally
+petulant, would not work, nor listen with any patience for Joseph,
+our English fellow prisoner, to explain our views--they would
+sometimes undo what they had done, and in a few minutes replace it
+again; however before night we began to caulk her seams, by means
+of pieces of hard mangrove, made in form of a caulking-iron, and
+had the satisfaction of seeing her in a form something like a
+boat.</p>
+<p>Thursday, 31st.--Went on with the work, some at caulking, others
+at battening the seams with strips of canvas, and pieces of pine
+nailed over, to keep the oakum in. Having found a suitable pole for
+a mast, the rest went about making a sail from the one we had used
+for a covering, also fitting oars of short pieces of boards, in
+form of a paddle, tied on a pole, we having a piece of fishing line
+brought by one of the prisoners. Thus, at three P.M. the boat was
+completed and put afloat.--We had all this time confidently hoped,
+that she would be sufficiently large and strong to carry us all--we
+made a trial and were disappointed! This was indeed a severe trial,
+and the emotions it called up were not easy to be suppressed. She
+proved leaky, for we had no carpenter's yard, or smith's shop to go
+to.--And now the question was, "who should go, and how many?" I
+found it necessary for six; four to row, one to steer and one to
+bale. Three of the Spaniards and the Frenchman claimed the right,
+as being best acquainted with the nearest inhabitants; likewise,
+they had when taken, two boats left at St. Maria, (about forty
+miles distant,) which they were confident of finding. They promised
+to return within two or three days for the rest of us--I thought it
+best to consent--Mr. Bracket it was agreed should go in my stead,
+because my papers must accompany me as a necessary protection, and
+my men apprehended danger if they were lost. Joseph Baxter (I think
+was his name) they wished should go, because he could speak both
+languages--leaving Manuel, George, Thomas and myself, to wait their
+return. Having thus made all arrangements, and putting up a keg of
+the least salt water, with a few pancakes of salt fish, they set
+off a little before sunset with our best wishes and prayers for
+their safety and return to our relief.--To launch off into the wide
+ocean, with strength almost exhausted, and in such a frail boat as
+this, you will say was very hazardous, and in truth it was; but
+what else was left to us?--Their intention was to touch at the Key
+where the Exertion was and if no boat was to be found there, to
+proceed to St. Maria, and if none there, to go to Trinidad and send
+us relief.--But alas! it was the last time I ever saw them!--Our
+suffering this day was most acute.</p>
+<p>Tuesday, 5th.--About ten o'clock, A.M. discovered a boat
+drifting by on the southeastern side of the island about a mile
+distant. I deemed it a providential thing to us, and urged Thomas
+and George trying the raft for her. They reluctantly consented and
+set off, but it was nearly three P.M. when they came up with
+her--it was the same boat we had built! Where then was my friend
+Bracket and those who went with him? Every appearance was
+unfavorable.--I hoped that a good Providence had yet preserved
+him.--The two men who went for the boat, found it full of water,
+without oars, paddle, or sail; being in this condition, and about
+three miles to the leeward, the men found it impossible to tow her
+up, so left her, and were until eleven o'clock at night getting
+back with the raft. They were so exhausted, that had it not been
+nearly calm, they could never have returned.</p>
+<p>Wednesday, 6th.--This morning was indeed the most gloomy I had
+ever experienced.--There appeared hardly a ray of hope that my
+friend Bracket could return, seeing the boat was lost. Our
+provisions nearly gone; our mouths parched extremely with thirst;
+our strength wasted; our spirits broken, and our hopes imprisoned
+within the circumference of this desolate island in the midst of an
+unfrequented ocean; all these things gave to the scene around us
+the hue of death. In the midst of this dreadful despondence, a sail
+hove in sight bearing the white flag! Our hopes were raised, of
+course--but no sooner raised than darkened, by hearing a gun fired.
+Here then was another gang of pirates. She soon, however, came near
+enough to anchor, and her boat pushed off towards us with three men
+in her.--Thinking it now no worse to die by sword than famine, I
+walked down immediately to meet them. I knew them not.--A moment
+before the boat touched the ground, a man leaped from her bows and
+caught me in his arms! <i>It was Nickola</i>!--saying, "Do you now
+believe Nickola is your friend? yes, said he, <i>Jamieson</i> will
+yet prove himself so."--No words can express my emotions at this
+moment. This was a friend indeed. The reason of my not recognizing
+them before, was that they had cut their beards and whiskers.
+Turning to my fellow-sufferers, Nickola asked--"Are these all that
+are left of you? where are the others?"--At this moment seeing
+David's grave--"are they dead then? Ah! I suspected it, I know what
+you were put here for." As soon as I could recover myself, I gave
+him an account of Mr. Bracket and the others.--"How unfortunate,"
+he said, "they must be lost, or some pirates have taken
+them."--"But," he continued, "we have no time to lose; you had
+better embark immediately with us, and go where you please, we are
+at your service." The other two in the boat were Frenchmen, one
+named Lyon, the other Parrikete. They affectionately embraced each
+of us; then holding to my mouth the nose of a teakettle, filled
+with wine, said "Drink plenty, no hurt you." I drank as much as I
+judged prudent. They then gave it to my fellow sufferers--I
+experienced almost immediate relief, not feeling it in my head;
+they had also brought in the boat for us, a dish of salt beef and
+potatoes, of which we took a little. Then sent the boat on board
+for the other two men, being five in all; who came ashore, and
+rejoiced enough was I to see among them Thomas Young, one of my
+crew, who was detained on board the Mexican, but had escaped
+through Nickola's means; the other a Frenchman, named John Cadedt.
+I now thought again and again, with troubled emotion, of my dear
+friend Bracket's fate. I took the last piece of paper I had, and
+wrote with pencil a few words, informing him (should he come there)
+that "I and the rest were safe; that I was not mistaken in the
+friend in whom I had placed so much confidence, that he had
+accomplished my highest expectations; and that I should go
+immediately to Trinidad, and requested him to go there also, and
+apply to Mr. Isaac W. Lord, my consignee, for assistance." I put
+the paper into a junk bottle, previously found on the beach, put in
+a stopper, and left it, together with what little flour remained, a
+keg of water brought from Nickola's vessel, and a few other things
+which I thought might be of service to him. We then repaired with
+our friends on board, where we were kindly treated. She was a sloop
+from Jamaica, of about twelve tons, with a cargo of rum and wine,
+bound to Trinidad. I asked "which way they intended to go?" They
+said "to Jamaica if agreeable to me." As I preferred Trinidad, I
+told them, "if they would give me the Exertion's boat which was
+along-side (beside their own) some water and provisions, we would
+take chance in her."--"For perhaps," said I, "you will fare better
+at Jamaica, than at Trinidad." After a few minutes consultation,
+they said "you are too much exhausted to row the distance of one
+hundred miles, therefore we will go and carry you--we consider
+ourselves at your service." I expressed a wish to take a look at
+the Exertion, possibly we might hear something of Mr. Bracket.
+Nickola said "very well," so got under way, and run for her, having
+a light westerly wind. He then related to me the manner of their
+desertion from the pirates; as nearly as I can recollect his own
+words, he said, "A few days since, the pirates took four small
+vessels, I believe Spaniards; they having but two officers for the
+two first, the third fell to me as prize master, and having an
+understanding with the three Frenchmen and Thomas, selected them
+for my crew, and went on board with orders to follow the Mexican;
+which I obeyed. The fourth, the pirates took out all but one man
+and bade him also follow their vessel. Now our schooner leaked so
+bad, that we left her and in her stead agreed to take this little
+sloop (which we are now in) together with the one man. The night
+being very dark we all agreed to desert the pirates--altered our
+course and touched at St. Maria, where we landed the one man--saw
+no boats there, could hear nothing from you, and agreed one and all
+at the risk of our lives to come and liberate you if you were
+alive; knowing, as we did, that you were put on this Key to perish.
+On our way we boarded the Exertion, thinking possibly you might
+have been there. On board her we found a sail and paddle. We took
+one of the pirate's boats which they had left along-side of her,
+which proves how we came by two boats. My friend, the circumstance
+I am now about to relate, will somewhat astonish you. When the
+pirate's boat with Bolidar was sent to the before mentioned Key, on
+the 19th of January, it was their intention to leave you prisoners
+there, where was nothing but salt water and mangroves, and no
+possibility of escape. This was the plan of Baltizar, their
+abandoned pilot; but Bolidar's heart failed him, and he objected to
+it; then, after a conference, Captain Jonnia ordered you to be put
+on the little island from whence we have now taken you. But after
+this was done, that night the French and Portuguese part of the
+Mexican's crew protested against it; so that Captain Jonnia to
+satisfy them, sent his large boat to take you and your fellow
+prisoners back again, taking care to select his confidential
+Spaniards for this errand. And you will believe me they set off
+from the Mexican, and after spending about as much time as would
+really have taken them to come to you, they returned, and reported
+they had been to your island, and landed, and that none of you were
+there, somebody having taken you off! This, all my companions here
+know to be true.--I knew it was impossible you could have been
+liberated, and therefore we determined among ourselves, that should
+an opportunity occur we would come and save your lives, as we now
+have." He then expressed, as he hitherto had done (and I believe
+with sincerity), his disgust with the bad company which he had been
+in, and looked forward with anxiety to the day when he might return
+to his native country. I advised him to get on board an American
+vessel, whenever an opportunity offered, and come to the United
+States; and on his arrival direct a letter to me; repeating my
+earnest desire to make some return for the disinterested friendship
+which he had shown toward me. With the Frenchman I had but little
+conversation, being unacquainted with the language.</p>
+<p>Here ended Nickola's account. "And now" said the Frenchman, "our
+hearts be easy." Nickola observed he had left all and found us. I
+gave them my warmest tribute of gratitude, saying I looked upon
+them under God as the preservers of our lives, and promised them
+all the assistance which my situation might enable me to
+afford.--This brings me to,</p>
+<p>Thursday evening, 7th, when, at eleven o'clock, we anchored at
+the creek's mouth, near the Exertion. I was anxious to board her;
+accordingly took with me Nickola, Thomas, George and two others,
+well armed, each with a musket and cutlass. I jumped on her deck,
+saw a fire in the camboose, but no person there: I called aloud Mr.
+Bracket's name several times, saying "it is Captain Lincoln, don't
+be afraid, but show yourself," but no answer was given. She had no
+masts, spars, rigging, furniture, provisions or any think left,
+except her bowsprit, and a few barrels of salt provisions of her
+cargo. Her ceiling had holes cut in it, no doubt in their foolish
+search for money. I left her with peculiar emotions, such as I hope
+never again to experience; and returned to the little sloop where
+we remained till--</p>
+<p>Friday, 8th--When I had disposition to visit the island on which
+we were first imprisoned.----Found nothing there--saw a boat among
+the mangroves, near the Exertion. Returned, and got under way
+immediately for Trinidad. In the night while under full sail, run
+aground on a sunken Key, having rocks above the water, resembling
+old stumps of trees; we, however, soon got off and anchored. Most
+of those Keys have similar rocks about them, which navigators must
+carefully guard against.</p>
+<p>Monday, 11th--Got under way--saw a brig at anchor about five
+miles below the mouth of the harbor; we hoped to avoid her speaking
+us; but when we opened in sight of her, discovered a boat making
+towards us, with a number of armed men in her. This alarmed my
+friends, and as we did not see the brig's ensign hoisted, they
+declared the boat was a pirate, and looking through the spy-glass,
+they knew some of them to be the Mexican's men! This state of
+things was quite alarming. They said, "we will not be taken alive
+by them." Immediately the boat fired a musket; the ball passed
+through our mainsail. My friends insisted on beating them off: I
+endeavored to dissuade them, believing, as I did, that the brig was
+a Spanish man-of-war, who had sent her boat to ascertain who we
+were. I thought we had better heave to. Immediately another shot
+came. Then they insisted on fighting, and said "if I would not help
+them, I was no friend." I reluctantly acquiesced, and handed up the
+guns--commenced firing upon them and they upon us. We received
+several shot through the sails, but no one was hurt on either side.
+Our boats had been cast adrift to make us go the faster, and we
+gained upon them--continued firing until they turned from us, and
+went for our boats, which they took in tow for the brig. Soon after
+this, it became calm: then I saw that the brig had us in her
+power.--She manned and armed two more boats for us. We now
+concluded, since we had scarcely any ammunition, to surrender; and
+were towed down along-side the brig on board, and were asked by the
+captain, who could speak English, "what for you fire on the boat?"
+I told him "we thought her a pirate, and did not like to be taken
+by them again, having already suffered too much;" showing my
+papers. He said, "Captain Americana, never mind, go and take some
+dinner--which are your men?" I pointed them out to him, and he
+ordered them the liberty of the decks; but my friend Nickola and
+his three associates were immediately put in irons. They were,
+however, afterwards taken out of irons and examined; and I
+understood the Frenchmen agreed to enlist, as they judged it the
+surest way to better their condition. Whether Nickola enlisted, I
+do not know, but think that he did, as I understood that offer was
+made to him: I however endeavored to explain more distinctly to the
+captain, the benevolent efforts of these four men by whom my life
+had been saved, and used every argument in my power to procure
+their discharge. I also applied to the governor, and exerted myself
+with peculiar interest, dictated as I trust with heartfelt
+gratitude--and I ardently hope ere this, that Nickola is on his way
+to this country, where I may have an opportunity of convincing him
+that such an act of benevolence will not go unrewarded. Previous to
+my leaving Trinidad, I made all the arrangements in my power with
+my influential friends, and doubt not, that their laudable efforts
+will be accomplished.--The sloop's cargo was then taken on board
+the brig; after which the captain requested a certificate that I
+was politely treated by him, saying that his name was Captain
+Candama, of the privateer brig Prudentee of eighteen guns. This
+request I complied with. His first lieutenant told me he had sailed
+out of Boston, as commander for T.C. Amory, Esq. during the last
+war. In the course of the evening my friends were taken out of
+irons and examined separately, then put back again. The captain
+invited me to supper in his cabin, and a berth for the night, which
+was truly acceptable. The next morning after breakfast, I with my
+people were set on shore with the few things we had, with the
+promise of the Exertion's small boat in a day or two,--but it was
+never sent me--the reason, let the reader imagine. On landing at
+the wharf Casildar, we were immediately taken by soldiers to the
+guard house, which was a very filthy place; thinking I suppose, and
+even calling us, pirates. Soon some friends came to see me. Mr.
+Cotton, who resides there brought us in some soup. Mr. Isaac W.
+Lord, of Boston, my merchant, came with Captain Tate, who sent
+immediately to the governor; for I would not show my papers to any
+one else. He came about sunset, and after examining Manuel my
+Spanish fellow prisoner, and my papers, said to be, giving me the
+papers, "Captain, you are at liberty." I was kindly invited by
+Captain Matthew Rice, of schooner Galaxy, of Boston, to go on board
+his vessel, and live with him during my stay there. This generous
+offer I accepted, and was treated by him with the greatest
+hospitality; for I was hungered and he gave me meat, I was athirst
+and he gave me drink, I was naked and he clothed me, a stranger and
+he took me in. He likewise took Manuel and my three men for that
+night. Next day Mr. Lord rendered me all necessary assistance in
+making my protest. He had heard nothing from me until my arrival. I
+was greatly disappointed in not finding Mr. Bracket, and requested
+Mr. Lord to give him all needful aid if he should come there. To
+Captain Carnes, of the schooner Hannah, of Boston, I would tender
+my sincere thanks, for his kindness in giving me a passage to
+Boston, which I gladly accepted. To those gentlemen of Trinidad,
+and many captains of American vessels, who gave me sea clothing,
+&amp;c., I offer my cordial gratitude.</p>
+<p>I am fully of the opinion that these ferocious pirates are
+linked in with many inhabitants of Cuba; and the government in many
+respects appears covertly to encourage them.</p>
+<p>It is with heartfelt delight, that, since the above narrative
+was written, I have learned that Mr. Bracket and his companions are
+safe; he arrived at Port d'Esprit, about forty leagues east of
+Trinidad. A letter has been received from him, stating that he
+should proceed to Trinidad the first opportunity.--It appears that
+after reaching the wreck, they found a boat from the shore, taking
+on board some of the Exertion's cargo, in which they proceeded to
+the above place. Why it was not in his power to come to our relief
+will no doubt be satisfactorily disclosed when he may be so
+fortunate as once more to return to his native country and
+friends.</p>
+<p>I felt great anxiety to learn what became of Jamieson, who, my
+readers will recollect, was detained on board the Spanish brig
+Prudentee near Trinidad. I heard nothing from him, until I believe
+eighteen months after I reached home, when I received a letter from
+him, from Montego Bay, Jamaica, informing me that he was then
+residing in that island. I immediately wrote to him, and invited
+him to come on to the United States. He accordingly came on
+passenger with Captain Wilson of Cohasset, and arrived in Boston,
+in August, 1824. Our meeting was very affecting. Trying scenes were
+brought up before us; scenes gone forever, through which we had
+passed together, where our acquaintance was formed, and since which
+time, we had never met. I beheld once more the preserver of my
+life; the instrument, under Providence, of restoring me to my home,
+my family, and my friends, and I regarded him with no ordinary
+emotion. My family were delighted to see him, and cordially united
+in giving him a warm reception. He told me that after we separated
+in Trinidad, he remained on board the Spanish brig. The commander
+asked him and his companions if they would enlist; the Frenchmen
+replied that they would, but he said nothing, being determined to
+make his escape, the very first opportunity which should present.
+The Spanish brig afterwards fell in with a Columbian Patriot, an
+armed brig of eighteen guns. Being of about equal force, they gave
+battle, and fought between three and four hours. Both parties were
+very much injured; and, without any considerable advantage on
+either side, both drew off to make repairs. The Spanish brig
+Prudentee, put into St. Jago de Cuba. Jamieson was wounded in the
+action, by a musket ball, through his arm, and was taken on shore,
+with the other wounded, and placed in the hospital of St. Jago.
+Here he remained for a considerable time, until he had nearly
+recovered, when he found an opportunity of escaping, and embarking
+for Jamaica. He arrived in safety at Kingston, and from there,
+travelled barefoot over the mountains, until very much exhausted,
+he reached Montego Bay, where he had friends, and where one of his
+brothers possessed some property. From this place, he afterwards
+wrote to me. He told me that before he came to Massachusetts, he
+saw the villainous pilot of the Mexican, the infamous Baltizar,
+with several other pirates, brought into Montego Bay, from whence
+they were to be conveyed to Kingston to be executed. Whether the
+others were part of the Mexican's crew, or not, I do not know.
+Baltizar was an old man, and as Jamieson said, it was a melancholy
+and heart-rending sight, to see him borne to execution with those
+gray hairs, which might have been venerable in virtuous old age,
+now a shame and reproach to this hoary villain, for he was full of
+years, and old in iniquity. When Jamieson received the letter which
+I wrote him, he immediately embarked with Captain Wilson, and came
+to Boston, as I have before observed.</p>
+<p>According to his own account he was of a very respectable family
+in Greenock, Scotland. His father when living was a rich cloth
+merchant, but both his father and mother had been dead many years.
+He was the youngest of thirteen children, and being, as he said, of
+a roving disposition, had always followed the seas. He had received
+a polite education, and was of a very gentlemanly deportment. He
+spoke several living languages, and was skilled in drawing and
+painting. He had travelled extensively in different countries, and
+acquired in consequence an excellent knowledge of their manners and
+customs. His varied information (for hardly any subject escaped
+him) rendered him a very entertaining companion. His observations
+on the character of different nations were very liberal; marking
+their various traits, their virtues and vices, with playful
+humorousness, quite free from bigotry, or narrow prejudice.</p>
+<p>I was in trade, between Boston and Philadelphia, at the time he
+came to Massachusetts, and he sailed with me several trips as my
+mate. He afterwards went to Cuba, and was subsequently engaged in
+the mackerel fishery, out of the port of Hingham, during the warm
+season, and in the winter frequently employed himself in teaching
+navigation to young men, for which he was eminently qualified. He
+remained with us, until his death, which took place in 1829. At
+this time he had been out at sea two or three days, when he was
+taken sick, and was carried into Cape Cod, where he died, on the
+first day of May, 1829, and there his remains lie buried. Peace be
+to his ashes! They rest in a strange land, far from his kindred and
+his native country.</p>
+<p>Since his death I have met with Mr. Stewart, of Philadelphia,
+who was Commercial Agent in Trinidad at the time of my capture. He
+informed me that the piratical schooner Mexican, was afterwards
+chased by an English government vessel, from Jamaica, which was
+cruising in search of it. Being hotly pursued, the pirates deserted
+their vessel, and fled to the mangrove bushes, on an island similar
+to that on which they had placed me and my crew to die. The English
+surrounded them, and thus they were cut off from all hopes of
+escape. They remained there, I think fourteen days, when being
+almost entirely subdued by famine, eleven surrendered themselves,
+and were taken. The others probably perished among the mangroves.
+The few who were taken were carried by the government vessel into
+Trinidad. Mr. Stewart said that he saw them himself, and such
+miserable objects, that had life, he never before beheld. They were
+in a state of starvation; their beards had grown to a frightful
+length, their bodies, were covered with filth and vermin, and their
+countenances were hideous. From Trinidad they were taken to
+Kingston, Jamaica, and there hung on Friday, the 7th of February,
+1823.</p>
+<p>About a quarter of an hour before day dawn, the wretched
+culprits were taken from the jail, under a guard of soldiers from
+the 50th regiment, and the City Guard. On their arrival at the
+wherry wharf, the military retired, and the prisoners, with the
+Town Guard were put on board two wherries, in which they proceeded
+to Port Royal Point, the usual place of execution in similar cases.
+They were there met by a strong party of military, consisting of 50
+men, under command of an officer. They formed themselves into a
+square round the place of execution, with the sheriff and his
+officers with the prisoners in the centre. The gallows was of
+considerable length, and contrived with a drop so as to prevent the
+unpleasant circumstances which frequently occur.</p>
+<p>The unfortunate men had been in continual prayer from the time
+they were awakened out of a deep sleep till they arrived at that
+place, where they were to close their existence.</p>
+<p>They all expressed their gratitude for the attention they had
+met with from the sheriff and the inferior officers. Many pressed
+the hands of the turnkey to their lips, others to their hearts and
+on their knees, prayed that God, Jesus Christ, and the Virgin Mary
+would bless him and the other jailors for their goodness. They all
+then fervently joined in prayer. To the astonishment of all, no
+clerical character, of any persuasion, was present. They repeatedly
+called out "Adonde esta el padre," (Where is the holy father).</p>
+<center><img src="./images/418.jpg" alt=
+"The execution of ten pirates." height="371" width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>The execution of ten pirates.</i></h4>
+Juan Hernandez called on all persons present to hear him--he was
+innocent; what they had said about his confessing himself guilty
+was untrue. He had admitted himself guilty, because he hoped for
+pardon; but that now he was to die, he called God, Jesus Christ,
+the Holy Ghost, the Virgin Mary, and the Saints, to witness that he
+spoke the truth--that he was no pirate, no murderer--he had been
+forced. The Lieutenant of the pirates was a wretch, who did not
+fear God, and had compelled him to act.
+<p>Juan Gutterez and Francisco de Sayas were loud in their
+protestations of innocence.</p>
+<p>Manuel Lima said, for himself, he did not care; he felt for the
+old man (Miguel Jose). How could he be a pirate who could not help
+himself? If it were a Christian country, they would have pardoned
+him for his gray hairs. He was innocent--they had both been forced.
+Let none of his friends or relations ever venture to sea--he hoped
+his death would be a warning to them, that the innocent might
+suffer for the guilty. The language of this young man marked him a
+superior to the generality of his companions in misfortune. The
+seamen of the Whim stated that he was very kind to them when
+prisoners on board the piratical vessel. Just before he was turned
+off, he addressed the old man--"Adios viejo, para siempre
+adios."--(Farewell, old man, forever farewell.)</p>
+<p>Several of the prisoners cried out for mercy, pardon,
+pardon.</p>
+<p>Domingo Eucalla, the black man, then addressed them. "Do not
+look for mercy here, but pray to God; we are all brought here to
+die. This is not built for nothing; here we must end our lives. You
+know I am innocent, but I must die the same as you all. There is
+not any body here who can do us any good, so let us think only of
+God Almighty. We are not children but men, you know that all must
+die; and in a few years those who kill us must die too. When I was
+born, God set the way of my death; I do not blame any body. I was
+taken by the pirates and they made me help them; they would not let
+me be idle. I could not show that this was the truth, and therefore
+they have judged me by the people they have found me with. I am put
+to death unjustly, but I blame nobody. It was my misfortune. Come,
+let us pray. If we are innocent, so much the less we have to
+repent. I do not come here to accuse any one. Death must come one
+day or other; better to the innocent than guilty." He then joined
+in prayer with the others. He seemed to be much reverenced by his
+fellow prisoners. He chose those prayers he thought most adapted to
+the occasion. Hundreds were witnesses to the manly firmness of this
+negro. Observing a bystander listening attentively to the
+complaints of one of his fellow wretches, he translated what had
+been said into English. With a steady pace, and a resolute and
+resigned countenance, he ascended the fatal scaffold. Observing the
+executioner unable to untie a knot on the collar of one of the
+prisoners, he with his teeth untied it. He then prayed most
+fervently till the drop fell.</p>
+<p>Miguel Jose protested his innocence.--"No he robado, no he
+matado ningune, muero innocente."--(I have robbed no one, I have
+killed no one, I die innocent. I am an old man, but my family will
+feel my disgraceful death.)</p>
+<p>Francisco Migul prayed devoutly, but inaudibly.--His soul seemed
+to have quitted the body before he was executed.</p>
+<p>Breti Gullimillit called on all to witness his innocence; it was
+of no use for him to say an untruth, for he was going before the
+face of God.</p>
+<p>Augustus Hernandez repeatedly declared his innocence, requested
+that no one would say he had made a confession; he had none to
+make.</p>
+<p>Juan Hernandez was rather obstinate when the execution pulled
+the cap over his eyes. He said, rather passionately--"Quita is de
+mis ojos."--(Remove it from my eyes.) He then rubbed it up against
+one of the posts of the gallows.</p>
+<p>Miguel Jose made the same complaint, and drew the covering from
+his eyes by rubbing his head against a fellow sufferer.</p>
+<p>Pedro Nondre was loud in his ejaculations for mercy. He wept
+bitterly. He was covered with marks of deep wounds.</p>
+<p>The whole of the ten included in the death warrant, having been
+placed on the scaffold, and the ropes suspended, the drop was let
+down. Nondre being an immense heavy man, broke the rope, and fell
+to the ground alive. Juan Hernandez struggled long. Lima was much
+convulsed. The old man Gullimillit, and Migul, were apparently dead
+before the drop fell. Eucalla (the black man) gave one convulsion,
+and all was over.</p>
+<p>When Nondre recovered from the fall and saw his nine lifeless
+companions stretched in death, he gave an agonizing shriek; he
+wrung his hands, screamed "Favor, favor, me matan sin causa. O!
+buenos Christianos, me amparen, ampara me, ampara me, no hay
+Christiano en asta, tiara?"</p>
+<p>(Mercy, mercy, they kill me without cause.--Oh, good Christians,
+protect me. Oh, protect me. Is there no Christian in this
+land?)</p>
+<p>He then lifted his eyes to Heaven, and prayed long and loud.
+Upon being again suspended, he was for a long period convulsed. He
+was an immense powerful man, and died hard.</p>
+<p>A piratical station was taken in the Island of Cuba by the U.S.
+schooners of war, Greyhound and Beagle. They left Thompson's Island
+June 7, 1823, under the command of Lieuts. Kearney and Newton, and
+cruised within the Key's on the south side of Cuba, as far as Cape
+Cruz, touching at all the intermediate ports on the island, to
+intercept pirates. On the 21st of July, they came to anchor off
+Cape Cruz, and Lieut. Kearney went in his boat to reconnoitre the
+shore, when he was fired on by a party of pirates who were
+concealed among the bushes. A fire was also opened from several
+pieces of cannon erected on a hill a short distance off. The boat
+returned, and five or six others were manned from the vessels, and
+pushed off for the shore, but a very heavy cannonade being kept up
+by the pirates on the heights, as well as from the boats, were
+compelled to retreat. The two schooners were then warped in, when
+they discharged several broadsides, and covered the landing of the
+boats. After a short time the pirates retreated to a hill that was
+well fortified. A small hamlet, in which the pirates resided, was
+set fire to and destroyed. Three guns, one a four pounder, and two
+large swivels, with several pistols, cutlasses, and eight large
+boats, were captured. A cave, about 150 feet deep, was discovered,
+near where the houses were, and after considerable difficulty, a
+party of seamen got to the bottom, where was found an immense
+quantity of plunder, consisting of broadcloths, dry goods, female
+dresses, saddlery, &amp;c. Many human bones were also in the cave,
+supposed to have been unfortunate persons who were taken and put to
+death. A great many of the articles were brought away, and the rest
+destroyed. About forty pirates escaped to the heights, but many
+were supposed to have been killed from the fire of the schooners,
+as well as from the men who landed. The bushes were so thick that
+it was impossible to go after them. Several other caves are in the
+neighborhood, in which it was conjectured they occasionally take
+shelter.</p>
+<p>In 1823, Commodore Porter commanded the United States squadron
+in these seas; much good was done in preventing new acts of piracy;
+but these wretches kept aloof and did not venture to sea as
+formerly, but some were taken.</p>
+<p>Almost every day furnished accounts evincing the activity of
+Commodore Porter, and the officers and men under his command; but
+for a long time their industry and zeal was rather shown in the
+<i>suppression</i> of piracy than the <i>punishment</i> of it. At
+length, however, an opportunity offered for inflicting the latter,
+as detailed in the following letter, dated Matanzas, July 10,
+1823.</p>
+<p>"I have the pleasure of informing you of a brilliant achievement
+obtained against the pirates on the 5th inst. by two barges
+attached to Commodore Porter's squadron, the Gallinipper, Lieut.
+Watson, 18 men, and the Moscheto, Lieut. Inman, 10 men. The barges
+were returning from a cruise to windward; when they were near
+Jiguapa Bay, 13 leagues to windward of Matanzas, they entered
+it--it being a rendezvous for pirates. They immediately discovered
+a large schooner under way, which they supposed to be a Patriot
+privateer; and as their stores were nearly exhausted, they hoped to
+obtain some supplies from her. They therefore made sail in pursuit.
+When they were within cannon shot distance, she rounded to and
+fired her long gun, at the same time run up the bloody flag,
+directing her course towards the shore, and continuing to fire
+without effect. When she had got within a short distance of the
+shore, she came to, with springs on her cable, continuing to fire;
+and when the barges were within 30 yards, they fired their muskets
+without touching boat or man; our men gave three cheers, and
+prepared to board; the pirates, discovering their intention, jumped
+into the water, when the bargemen, calling on the name of 'Allen,'
+commenced a destructive slaughter, killing them in the water and as
+they landed. So exasperated were our men, that it was impossible
+for their officers to restrain them, and many were killed after
+orders were given to grant quarter. Twenty-seven dead were counted,
+some sunk, five taken prisoners by the bargemen, and eight taken by
+a party of Spaniards on shore. The officers calculated that from 30
+to 35 were killed. The schooner mounted a long nine pounder on a
+pivot, and 4 four pounders, with every other necessary armament,
+and a crew of 50 to 60 men, and ought to have blown the barges to
+atoms. She was commanded by the notorious Diableto or Little Devil.
+This statement I have from Lieut. Watson himself, and it is
+certainly the most decisive operation that has been effected
+against those murderers, either by the English or American
+force."</p>
+<center><img src="./images/424.jpg" alt=
+"The Pirates fire into Lieut. Kearney's boat, while reconnoitering the shore"
+     height="357" width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>The Pirates fire into Lieut. Kearney's boat, while
+reconnoitering the shore.</i></h4>
+"This affair occurred on the same spot where the brave Allen fell
+about one year since. The prize was sent to Thompson's Island."
+<p>A British sloop of war, about the same time, captured a pirate
+schooner off St. Domingo, with a crew of 60 men. She had 200,000
+dollars in specie, and other valuable articles on board. The brig
+Vestal sent another pirate schooner to New-Providence.</p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="THE_ADVENTURES_AND_EXECUTION_OF_CAPTAIN_JOHN_RACKAM"></a>
+<h2>THE ADVENTURES AND EXECUTION OF CAPTAIN JOHN RACKAM.</h2>
+This John Rackam, as has been reported in the foregoing pages, was
+quarter-master to Vane's company, till the crew were divided, and
+Vane turned out of it for refusing to board a French man-of-war,
+Rackam being voted captain of the division that remained in the
+brigantine. The 24th of November 1718, was the first day of his
+command; his first cruise was among the Carribbee Islands, where he
+took and plundered several vessels.
+<p>We have already taken notice, that when Captain Woods Rogers
+went to the island of Providence with the king's pardon to such of
+the pirates as should surrender, this brigantine, which Rackam
+commanded, made its escape through another passage, bidding
+defiance to the mercy that was offered.</p>
+<p>To the windward of Jamaica, a Madeira-man fell into the pirate's
+way, which they detained two or three days, till they had their
+market out of her, and then they gave her back to the master, and
+permitted one Hosea Tidsel, a tavern keeper at Jamaica, who had
+been picked up in one of their prizes, to depart in her, she being
+bound for that island.</p>
+<p>After this cruise they went into a small island, and cleaned,
+and spent their Christmas ashore, drinking and carousing as long as
+they had any liquor left, and then went to sea again for more. They
+succeeded but too well, though they took no extraordinary prize for
+above two months, except a ship laden with convicts from Newgate,
+bound for the plantations, which in a few days was retaken, with
+all her cargo, by an English man-of-war that was stationed in those
+seas.</p>
+<p>Rackam stood towards the island of Bermuda, and took a ship
+bound to England from Carolina, and a small pink from New England,
+both of which he brought to the Bahama Islands, where, with the
+pitch, tar and stores they cleaned again, and refitted their own
+vessel; but staying too long in that neighborhood, Captain Rogers,
+who was Governor of Providence, hearing of these ships being taken,
+sent out a sloop well manned and armed, which retook both the
+prizes, though in the mean while the pirate had the good fortune to
+escape.</p>
+<p>From hence they sailed to the back of Cuba, where Rackam kept a
+little kind of a family, at which place they stayed a considerable
+time, living ashore with their Delilahs, till their money and
+provisions were expended, and they concluded it time to look out
+for more. They repaired their vessel, and were making ready to put
+to sea, when a guarda de costa came in with a small English sloop,
+which she had taken as an interloper on the coast. The Spanish
+guard-ship attacked the pirate, but Rackam being close in behind a
+little island, she could do but little execution where she lay; the
+Dons therefore warped into the channel that evening, in order to
+make sure of her the next morning. Rackam finding his case
+desperate, and that there was hardly any possibility of escaping,
+resolved to attempt the following enterprise. The Spanish prize
+lying for better security close into the land, between the little
+island and the Main, our desperado took his crew into the boat with
+their cutlasses, rounded the little island, and fell aboard their
+prize silently in the dead of the night without being discovered,
+telling the Spaniards that were aboard her, that if they spoke a
+word, or made the least noise, they were all dead men; and so they
+became masters of her. When this was done he slipped her cable, and
+drove out to sea. The Spanish man-of-war was so intent upon their
+expected prize, that they minded nothing else, and as soon as day
+broke, they made a furious fire upon the empty sloop; but it was
+not long before they were rightly apprised of the matter, when they
+cursed themselves sufficiently for a company of fools, to be bit
+out of a good rich prize, as she proved to be, and to have nothing
+but an old crazy hull in the room of her.</p>
+<p>Rackam and his crew had no occasion to be displeased at the
+exchange, as it enabled them to continue some time longer in a way
+of life that suited their depraved minds. In August 1720, we find
+him at sea again, scouring the harbours and inlets of the north and
+west parts of Jamaica, where he took several small crafts, which
+proved no great booty to the rovers; but they had but few men, and
+therefore were obliged to run at low game till they could increase
+their company and their strength.</p>
+<p>In the beginning of September, they took seven or eight fishing
+boats in Harbour Island, stole their nets and other tackle, and
+then went off to the French part of Hispaniola, where they landed,
+and took the cattle away, with two or three Frenchmen whom they
+found near the water-side, hunting wild hogs in the evening. The
+Frenchmen came on board, whether by consent or compulsion is not
+certainly known. They afterwards plundered two sloops, and returned
+to Jamaica, on the north coast of which island, near Porto Maria
+Bay, they took a schooner, Thomas Spenlow, master, it being then
+the 19th of October. The next day Rackam seeing a sloop in Dry
+Harbour Bay, stood in and fired a gun; the men all ran ashore, and
+he took the sloop and lading; but when those ashore found that they
+were pirates, they hailed the sloop, and let them know they were
+all willing to come on board of them.</p>
+<p>Rackam's coasting the island in this manner proved fatal to him;
+for intelligence of his expedition came to the governor by a canoe
+which he had surprised ashore in Ocho Bay: upon this a sloop was
+immediately fitted out, and sent round the island in quest of him,
+commanded by Captain Barnet, and manned with a good number of
+hands. Rackam, rounding the island, and drawing round the western
+point, called Point Negril, saw a small pettiaga, which, at the
+sight of the sloop, ran ashore and landed her men, when one of them
+hailed her. Answer was made that they were Englishmen, and begged
+the pettiaga's men to come on board and drink a bowl of punch,
+which they prevailed upon them to do. Accordingly, the company, in
+an evil hour, came all aboard of the pirate, consisting of nine
+persons; they were armed with muskets and cutlasses, but what was
+their real design in so doing we will not pretend to say. They had
+no sooner laid down their arms and taken up their pipes, than
+Barnet's sloop, which was in pursuit of Rackam's, came in
+sight.</p>
+<p>The pirates, finding she stood directly towards them, feared the
+event, and weighed their anchor, which they had but lately let go,
+and stood off. Captain Barnet gave them chase, and, having
+advantage of little breezes of wind which blew off the land, came
+up with her, and brought her into Port Royal, in Jamaica.</p>
+<p>About a fortnight after the prisoners were brought ashore, viz.
+November 16, 1720, Captain Rackam and eight of his men were
+condemned and executed. Captain Rackam and two others were hung in
+chains.</p>
+<p>But what was very surprising, was the conviction of the nine men
+that came aboard the sloop on the same day she was taken. They were
+tried at an adjournment of the court on the 24th of January, the
+magistracy waiting all that time, it is supposed, for evidence to
+prove the piratical intention of going aboard the said sloop; for
+it seems there was no act or piracy committed by them, as appeared
+by the witnesses against them, two Frenchmen, taken by Rackam off
+the island of Hispaniola, who merely deposed that the prisoners
+came on board without any compulsion.</p>
+<p>The court considered the prisoners' cases, and the majority of
+the commissioners being of opinion that they were all guilty of the
+piracy and felony they were charged with, viz. the going over with
+a piratical intent to John Rackam, &amp;c. then notorious pirates,
+and by them known to be so, they all received sentence of death,
+and were executed on the 17th of February at Gallows Point at Port
+Royal.</p>
+<p>Nor holy bell, nor pastoral bleat,<br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">In former days within the
+vale.</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Flapped in the bay the pirate's
+sheet,</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Curses were on the gale;</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Rich goods lay on the sand, and
+murdered men,</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Pirate and wreckers kept their
+revels there.</span></p>
+<p>THE BUCCANEER.</p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="THE_LIFE_AND_EXPLOITS_OF_ANNE_BONNEY"></a>
+<h2>THE LIFE AND EXPLOITS OF ANNE BONNEY.</h2>
+This female pirate was a native of Cork. Her father was an
+attorney, and, by his activity in business, rose to considerable
+respectability in that place. Anne was the fruit of an unlawful
+connexion with his own servant maid, with whom he afterwards eloped
+to America, leaving his own affectionate and lawful wife. He
+settled at Carolina, and for some time followed his own profession;
+but soon commenced merchant, and was so successful as to purchase a
+considerable plantation. There he lived with his servant in the
+character of his wife; but she dying, his daughter Anne
+superintended the domestic affairs of her father.
+<p>During her residence with her parent she was supposed to have a
+considerable fortune, and was accordingly addressed by young men of
+respectable situations in life. It happened with Anne, however, as
+with many others of her youth and sex, that her feelings, and not
+her interest, determined her choice of a husband. She married a
+young sailor without a shilling. The avaricious father was so
+enraged, that, deaf to the feelings of a parent, he turned his own
+child out of doors. Upon this cruel usage, and the disappointment
+of her fortune, Anne and her husband sailed for the island of
+Providence, in the hope of gaining employment.</p>
+<p>Acting a part very different from that of Mary Read, Anne's
+affections were soon estranged from her husband by Captain Rackam;
+and eloping with him, she went to sea in men's clothes. Proving
+with child, the captain put her on shore, and entrusted her to the
+care of some friends until her recovery, when she again accompanied
+him in his expeditions.</p>
+<p>Upon the king's proclamation offering a pardon to all pirates,
+he surrendered, and went into the privateering business, as we have
+related before: he, however, soon embraced an opportunity to return
+to his favorite employment. In all his piratical exploits Anne
+accompanied him; and, as we have already recorded, displayed such
+courage and intrepidity, that she, along with Mary Read and a
+seaman, were the last three who remained on board when the vessel
+was taken.</p>
+<p>Anne was known to many of the planters in Jamaica, who
+remembered to have seen her in her father's house, and they were
+disposed to intercede in her behalf. Her unprincipled conduct, in
+leaving her own husband and forming an illicit connexion with
+Rackam, tended, however, to render her friends less active. By a
+special favor, Rackam was permitted to visit her the day before he
+was executed; but, instead of condoling with him on account of his
+sad fate, she only observed, that she was sorry to see him there,
+but if he had fought like a man he needed not have been hanged like
+a dog. Being with child, she remained in prison until her recovery,
+was reprieved from time to time, and though we cannot communicate
+to our readers any particulars of her future life, or the manner of
+her death, yet it is certain that she was not executed.</p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="THE_ADVENTURES_AND_HEROISM_OF_MARY_READ"></a>
+<h2>THE ADVENTURES AND HEROISM OF MARY READ.</h2>
+The attention of our readers is now to be directed to the history
+of two female pirates,--a history which is chiefly remarkable from
+the extraordinary circumstance of the softer sex assuming a
+character peculiarly distinguished for every vice that can disgrace
+humanity, and at the same time for the exertion of the most daring,
+though brutal, courage.
+<p>Mary Read was a native of England, but at what place she was
+born is not recorded. Her mother married a sailor when she was very
+young, who, soon after their marriage, went to sea, and never
+returned. The fruit of that marriage was a sprightly boy. The
+husband not returning, she again found herself with child, and to
+cover her shame, took leave of her husband's relations, and went to
+live in the country, taking her boy along with her. Her son in a
+short time died, and she was relieved from the burden of his
+maintenance and education. The mother had not resided long in the
+country before Mary Read, the subject of the present narrative, was
+born.</p>
+<p>After the birth of Mary, her mother resided in the country for
+three or four years, until her money was all spent, and her
+ingenuity was set at work to contrive how to obtain a supply. She
+knew that her husband's mother was in good circumstances, and could
+easily support her child, provided she could make her pass for a
+boy, and her son's child. But it seemed impossible to impose upon
+an old experienced mother. She, however, presented Mary in the
+character of her grandson. The old woman proposed to take the boy
+to live with her, but the mother would not on any account part with
+her boy; the grandmother, therefore, allowed a crown per week for
+his support.</p>
+<p>The ingenuity of the mother being successful, she reared the
+daughter as a boy. But as she grew up, she informed her of the
+secret of her birth, in order that she might conceal her sex. The
+grandmother, however, dying, the support from that quarter failed,
+and she was obliged to hire her out as a footboy to a French lady.
+The strength and manly disposition of this supposed boy increased
+with her years, and leaving that servile employment, she engaged on
+board a man-of-war.</p>
+<p>The volatile disposition of the youth did not permit her to
+remain long in this station, and she next went into Flanders, and
+joined a regiment of foot as a cadet. Though in every action she
+conducted herself with the greatest bravery, yet she could not
+obtain a commission, as they were in general bought and sold. She
+accordingly quitted that service, and enlisted into a regiment of
+horse; there she behaved herself so valiantly, that she gained the
+esteem of all her officers. It, however, happened, that her comrade
+was a handsome young Fleming, and she fell passionately in love
+with him. The violence of her feelings rendered her negligent of
+her duty, and effected such a change in her behaviour as attracted
+the attention of all. Both her comrade and the rest of the regiment
+deemed her mad. Love, however, is inventive, and as they slept in
+the same tent, she found means to discover her sex without any
+seeming design. He was both surprised and pleased, supposing that
+he would have a mistress to himself; but he was greatly mistaken,
+and he found that it was necessary to court her for his wife. A
+mutual attachment took place, and, as soon as convenient, women's
+clothes were provided for her, and they were publicly married.</p>
+<p>The singularity of two troopers marrying caused a general
+conversation, and many of the officers honored the ceremony with
+their presence, and resolved to make presents to the bride, to
+provide her with necessaries. After marriage they were desirous to
+quit the service, and their discharge being easily obtained, they
+set up an ordinary under the sign of the "Three Shoes," and soon
+acquired a considerable run of business.</p>
+<p>But Mary Read's felicity was of short duration; the husband
+died, and peace being concluded, her business diminished. Under
+these circumstances she again resumed her man's dress, and going
+into Holland, enlisted into a regiment of foot quartered in one of
+the frontier towns. But there being no prospect of preferment in
+time of peace, she went on board a vessel bound for the West
+Indies.</p>
+<p>During the voyage, the vessel was captured by English pirates,
+and as Mary was the only English person on board, they detained
+her, and having plundered the vessel of what they chose, allowed it
+to depart. Mary continued in that unlawful commerce for some time,
+but the royal pardon being tendered to all those in the West
+Indies, who should, before a specified day, surrender, the crew to
+which she was attached, availed themselves of this, and lived
+quietly on shore with the fruits of their adventures. But from the
+want of their usual supplies, their money became exhausted; and
+being informed that Captain Rogers, in the island of Providence,
+was fitting out some vessels for privateering, Mary, with some
+others, repaired to that island to serve on board his privateers.
+We have already heard, that scarcely had the ships sailed, when
+some of their crews mutinied, and ran off with the ships, to pursue
+their former mode of life. Among these was Mary Read. She indeed,
+frequently declared, that the life of a pirate was what she
+detested, and that she was constrained to it both on the former and
+present occasion. It was, however, sufficiently ascertained, that
+both Mary Read and Anne Bonney were among the bravest and most
+resolute fighters of the whole crew; that when the vessel was
+taken, these two heroines, along with another of the pirates, were
+the last three upon deck; and that Mary, having in vain endeavored
+to rouse the courage of the crew, who had fled below, discharged a
+pistol amongst them, killing one and wounding another.</p>
+<p>Nor was Mary less modest than brave; for though she had remained
+many years in the character of a sailor, yet no one had discovered
+her sex, until she was under the necessity of doing so to Anne
+Bonney. The reason of this was, that Anne, supposing her to be a
+handsome fellow, became greatly enamored of her, and discovered her
+sex and wishes to Mary, who was thus constrained to reveal her
+secret to Anne. Rackam being the paramour of Bonney, and observing
+her partiality towards Mary, threatened to shoot her lover; so that
+to prevent any mischief, Anne also informed the captain of the sex
+of her companion.</p>
+<p>Rackam was enjoined to secrecy, and here he behaved honorably;
+but love again assailed the conquered Mary. It was usual with the
+pirates to retain all the artists who were captured in the
+trading-vessels; among these was a very handsome young man, of
+engaging manners, who vanquished the heart of Mary. In a short time
+her love became so violent, that she took every opportunity of
+enjoying his company and conversation; and, after she had gained
+his friendship, discovered her sex. Esteem and friendship were
+speedily converted into the most ardent affection, and a mutual
+flame burned in the hearts of these two lovers. An occurrence soon
+happened that put the attachment of Mary to a severe trial. Her
+lover having quarrelled with one of the crew, they agreed to fight
+a duel on shore. Mary was all anxiety for the fate of her lover,
+and she manifested a greater concern for the preservation of his
+life than that of her own; but she could not entertain the idea
+that he could refuse to fight, and so be esteemed a coward.
+Accordingly she quarrelled with the man who challenged her lover,
+and called him to the field two hours before his appointment with
+her lover, engaged him with sword and pistol, and laid him dead at
+her feet.</p>
+<p>Though no esteem or love had formerly existed, this action was
+sufficient to have kindled the most violent flame. But this was not
+necessary, for the lover's attachment was equal, if not stronger
+than her own; they pledged their faith, which was esteemed as
+binding as if the ceremony had been performed by a clergyman.</p>
+<p>Captain Rackam one day, before he knew that she was a woman,
+asked her why she followed a line of life that exposed her to so
+much danger, and at last to the certainty of being hanged. She
+replied, that, "As to hanging, she thought it no great hardship,
+for were it not for that, every cowardly fellow would turn pirate,
+and so infest the seas; and men of courage would starve. That if it
+was put to her choice, she would not have the punishment less than
+death, the fear of which kept some dastardly rogues honest; that
+many of those who are now cheating the widows and orphans, and
+oppressing their poor neighbors who have no money to obtain
+justice, would then rob at sea, and the ocean would be as crowded
+with rogues as the land: so that no merchants would venture out,
+and the trade in a little time would not be worth following."</p>
+<p>Being with child at the time of her trial, her execution was
+delayed; and it is probable that she would have found favor, but in
+the mean time she fell sick and died.</p>
+<p>Mary Read was of a strong and robust constitution, capable of
+enduring much exertion and fatigue. She was vain and bold in her
+disposition, but susceptible of the tenderest emotions, and of the
+most melting affections. Her conduct was generally directed by
+virtuous principles, while at the same time, she was violent in her
+attachments. Though she was inadvertently drawn into that
+dishonorable mode of life which has stained her character, and
+given her a place among the criminals noticed in this work, yet she
+possessed a rectitude of principle and of conduct, far superior to
+many who have not been exposed to such temptations to swerve from
+the path of female virtue and honor.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/438.jpg" alt=
+"Mary Read kills her antagonist." height="414" width=
+"600"></center>
+<h4><i>Mary Read kills her antagonist.</i></h4>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="THE_ALGERINE_PIRATES"></a>
+<h2>THE ALGERINE PIRATES.</h2>
+<i>Containing accounts of the cruelties and atrocities of the
+Barbary Corsairs, with narratives of the expeditions sent against
+them, and the final capture of Algiers by the French in</i> 1830.
+<p>That former den of pirates, the city of Algiers is situated on
+the shores of a pretty deep bay, by which the northern coast of
+Africa, is here indented, and may be said to form an irregular
+triangular figure, the base line of which abuts on the sea, while
+the apex is formed by the Cassaubah, or citadel, which answered the
+double purpose of a fort to defend and awe the city, and a palace
+for the habitation of the Dey and his court. The hill on which the
+city is built, slopes rather rapidly upwards, so that every house
+is visible from the sea, in consequence of which it was always sure
+to suffer severely from a bombardment. The top of the hill has an
+elevation of nearly five hundred feet, and exactly at this point is
+built the citadel; the whole town lying between it and the sea. The
+houses of Algiers have no roofs, but are all terminated by
+terraces, which are constantly whitewashed; and as the exterior
+walls, the fort, the batteries and the walls are similarly
+beautified, the whole city, from a distance, looks not unlike a
+vast chalk quarry opened on the side of a hill.</p>
+<p>The fortifications towards the sea are of amasing strength, and
+with the additions made since Lord Exmouth's attack, may be
+considered as almost impregnable. They occupy the entire of a small
+island, which lies a short distance in front of the city, to which
+it is connected at one end by a magnificent mole of solid masonry,
+while the other which commands the entrance of the port, is crowned
+with a battery, bristling with cannon of immense calibre, which
+would instantly sink any vessel which should now attempt to occupy
+the station taken by the Queen Charlotte on that memorable
+occasion.</p>
+<p>On the land side, the defences are by no means of equal
+strength, as they were always considered rather as a shelter
+against an insurrectionary movement of the natives, than as
+intended to repulse the regular attacks of a disciplined army. In
+fact defences on this side would be of little use as the city is
+completely commanded by different hills, particularly that on which
+the Emperor's fort is built, and was obliged instantly to
+capitulate, as soon as this latter had fallen into the hands of the
+French, in 1830.</p>
+<p>There are four gates; one opening on the mole, which is thence
+called the marine gate, one near the citadel, which is termed the
+new gate; and the other two, at the north and south sides of the
+city, with the principal street running between them. All these
+gates are strongly fortified, and outside the three land gates run
+the remains of a ditch, which once surrounded the city, but is now
+filled up except at these points. The streets of Algiers are all
+crooked, and all narrow. The best are scarcely twelve feet in
+breadth, and even half of this is occupied by the projections of
+the shops, or the props placed to support the first stories of the
+houses, which are generally made to advance beyond the lower,
+insomuch that in many places a laden mule can scarcely pass. Of
+public buildings, the most remarkable is the Cassaubah, or citadel,
+the situation of which we have already mentioned. It is a huge,
+heavy looking brick building, of a square shape, surrounded by high
+and massive walls, and defended by fifty pieces of cannon, and some
+mortars, so placed as equally to awe the city and country. The
+apartments set apart for the habitation of the Dey and the ladies
+of his harem, are described as extremely magnificent, and
+abundantly supplied with marble pillars, fountains, mirrors,
+carpets, ottomans, cushions, and other articles of oriental luxury;
+but there are others no less valuable and curious, such as the
+armory, furnished with weapons of every kind, of the finest
+manufacture, and in the greatest abundance, the treasury,
+containing not only a profusion of the precious metals, coined or
+in ingots, but also diamonds, pearls, rubies, and other precious
+stones of great value; and lastly, the store rooms of immense
+extent, in which were piled up the richest silk stuffs, velvets,
+brocades, together with wool, wax, sugar, iron, lead, sabre-blades,
+gun barrels, and all the different productions of the Algerine
+territories; for the Dey was not only the first robber but the
+first merchant in his own dominions.</p>
+<p>Next to the Cassaubah, the mole with the marine forts, presented
+the handsomest and most imposing pile of buildings. The mole is no
+less than one thousand three hundred feet in length, forming a
+beautiful terrace walk, supported by arches, beneath which lay
+splendid magazines, which the French found filled with spars, hemp,
+cordage, cables, and all manner of marine stores. At the extremity
+of the mole, lay the barracks of the Janissaries, entrusted with
+the defence of the marine forts, and consisting of several small
+separate chambers, in which they each slept on sheepskin mats,
+while in the centre was a handsome coffee-room. The Bagnios were
+the buildings, in which Europeans for a long time felt the most
+interest, inasmuch as it was in these that the Christian slaves
+taken by the corsairs were confined. For many years previous to the
+French invasion, however, the number of prisoners had been so
+trifling, that many of these terrific buildings had fallen to
+decay, and presented, when the French army entered Algiers, little
+more than piles of mouldering ruins. The inmates of the Bagnio when
+taken by the French were the crews of two French brigs, which a
+short time before had been wrecked off Cape Bingut, a few French
+prisoners of war made during their advance, and about twenty Greek,
+and Genoese sailors, who had been there for two years; in all about
+one hundred and twenty. They represented their condition as bad,
+though by no means so deplorable as it would have been in former
+days. The prison was at first so close, that there was some danger
+of suffocation, to avoid which the Turks had made holes in the
+walls; but as they neglected to supply these with windows or
+shutters of any kind, there was no means of excluding wind or rain,
+from which consequently they often suffered.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/442.jpg" alt=
+"On board an Algerine corsair." height="396" width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>On board an Algerine corsair.</i></h4>
+We shall only trace these pirates back to about the year 1500, when
+Selim, king of Algiers, being invaded by the Spaniards, at last
+entreated the assistance of the famous corsair, Oruj Reis, better
+known by his European name, Barbarossa, composed of two Italian
+words, signifying <i>red beard</i>. Nothing could be more agreeable
+than the number and hardihood of his naval exploits, had been such
+an invitation to this ambitious robber, who elated by for some time
+considering how he might best establish his power by land.
+Accordingly, attended by five thousand picked men, he entered
+Algiers, made himself master of the town, assassinated Selim, and
+had himself proclaimed king in his stead; and thus was established
+that nest of pirates, fresh swarms from which never ceased to annoy
+Christian commerce and enslave Christian mariners, until its late
+final destruction, by the French expedition in 1830.
+<p>In a piratical career of many centuries, the countless thousands
+who have been taken, enslaved, and perished in bondage by these
+monsters should long ago have drawn upon them the united vengeance
+of all Christendom. Many a youth of family and fortune, of delicate
+constitution has been captured and sold in the slave market. His
+labor through the long hot days would be to cleanse out the foul
+bed of some large empty reservoir, where he would be made to strip,
+and descending into the pond, bring up in his arms the black
+stinking mud, heaped up and pressed against his bosom; or to labor
+in drawing huge blocks of stone to build the mole; or in building
+and repairing the fortifications, with numerous other painful and
+disgusting tasks. The only food was a scanty supply of black bread,
+and occasionally a few decayed olives, or sheep which had died from
+some disorder. At night they were crowded into that most horrid of
+prisons the Bagnio, to sleep on a little filthy straw, amidst the
+most noisome stenches. Their limbs in chains, and often receiving
+the lash. Occasionally an individual would be ransomed; when his
+story would draw tears of pity from all who heard it. Ladies were
+frequently taken by these monsters and treated in the most inhuman
+manner. And sometimes whole families were enslaved. Numerous facts,
+of the most heart-rending description are on record: but our limits
+oblige us to be brief.</p>
+<p>A Spanish lady, the wife of an officer, with her son, a youth of
+fourteen, and her daughter, six years old, were taken in a Spanish
+vessel by the Algerines. The barbarians treated her and both her
+children with the greatest inhumanity. The eldest they kept in
+chains; and the defenceless little one they wantonly treated so
+ill, that the unhappy mother was often nearly deprived of her
+reason at the blows her infant received from these wretches, who
+plundered them of every thing. They kept them many days at sea on
+hard and scanty fare, covered only with a few soiled rags; and in
+this state brought them to Algiers. They had been long confined in
+a dreadful dungeon in the Bagnio where the slaves are kept, when a
+messenger was sent to the Aga, or Captain of the Bagnio, for a
+female slave. It fortunately fell to the lot of the Spanish lady,
+but at the instant when she was embracing her son, who was tearing
+himself from his mother with haggard and disordered looks, to go to
+his imperious drivers; and while in despair she gazed on her little
+worn-out infant, she heard herself summoned to attend the guard of
+the prison to a family that had sent for a female slave. She
+obtained permission to take her little daughter with her. She
+dreaded being refused, and sent back to the horrid dungeon she was
+leaving where no difference was paid to rank, and slaves of all
+conditions were huddled together. She went therefore prepared to
+accept of anything short of these sufferings. She was refused, as
+being in every respect opposite to the description of the person
+sent for. At length her entreaties and tears prevailed; compassion
+overruled every obstacle; and she, with her little girl, was
+accepted. But there remained another difficulty; she had left her
+son chained in the midst of that dungeon from which she had just
+been rescued. Her kind patrons soon learned the cause of her
+distress; but to send for the youth and treat him kindly, or in any
+way above that of a common slave, must hazard the demand of so
+large a ransom for him and his mother, as would forever preclude
+the hope of liberty. He was, however, sent for, and the menial
+offices they were both engaged to perform were only nominal. With
+circumspection the whole family were sheltered in this manner for
+three years; when the war with the Spaniards growing more
+inveterate, the Algerines demanded the youth back to the Bagnio, to
+work in common with the other slaves, in repairing the damages done
+to the fortresses by the Spanish cannon. He was now compelled to
+go, loaded with heavy stones, through the whole of the town; and at
+almost every step he received dreadful blows, not being able to
+hasten his pace from the great weight.</p>
+<p>Overcome at last with ill usage, the delicacy of his form and
+constitution gave way to the excessive labor, and he one morning
+refused the orders of his master, or driver, to rise from the straw
+on which he was stretched, declaring they might kill him if they
+chose, for he would not even try to carry another load of stones.
+Repeated messages had been sent from the Venetian consul's, where
+his mother and sister were sheltered, to the Aga, to return him;
+and when the Algerines found that they had absolutely reduced him
+so near death, they thought it best to spare his life for the sake
+of future ransom. They agreed, therefore, to let him return to the
+Christians. His life was for some time despaired of; but through
+the kind attention he received, he was rescued from the threatened
+dissolution. His recovery was concealed, for fear of his being
+demanded back to work; and a few months after, the Spanish peace of
+1784 being concluded, a ransom was accepted by the Algerines for
+this suffering family, and they were set at liberty.</p>
+<p>These pirates in old times extended their depredations into the
+Atlantic as far as the British Channel. They swarmed in the
+Mediterranean, not only belonging to Algiers, but Tunis, and other
+ports on the coast of Barbary. Their corsairs making descents on
+the coasts of those countries which border on the Mediterranean,
+pillaging the villages and carrying off the inhabitants into
+slavery. The corsairs were vessels of different descriptions; some
+large armed ships, and latterly frigates; others were row gallies
+and the various craft used by the nations which navigate that sea,
+and had been taken by them and added to their marine. Upon the
+slaves being landed at Algiers they were marched to the Dey's or
+Bashaw's palace, when he selected the number which according to law
+belonged to him; and the rest were sold in the slave market to the
+highest bidder. A moiety of the plunder, cargoes and vessels taken
+also belonged to the Dey. Occasionally, a person by pretending to
+renounce his religion, and turning Mahometan would have his
+sufferings mitigated.</p>
+<p>The most desperate attempts were sometimes made to effect an
+escape from these ruthless monsters, which occasionally
+succeeded.</p>
+<p>In 1644 William Oakley and four companions escaped from Algiers,
+in a most miraculous manner, in a canvas boat. There was at this
+time an English clergyman, Mr. Sprat, in captivity, and the
+wretched slaves had the privilege of meeting in a cellar, where he
+would pray with them. Oakley had got into the good graces of his
+master, and was allowed his time by giving his master two dollars a
+month. He traded in tobacco and a few trifling articles, so that a
+strict watch was not kept on his movements. He conceived the
+project of making a canvas boat. He says I now first opened my
+design to my comrades, informing them, that I had contrived the
+model of a boat, which, being formed in pieces, and afterwards put
+together, might be the means of our deliverance. They greedily
+grasped at the prospect; but cooler reflection pointed out
+difficulties innumerable: some of them started objections which
+they thought insuperable, and these I endeavored to overrule.</p>
+<p>We began our work in the cellar which had served for our
+devotions, though it was not the sanctity of the place, but its
+privacy, that induced us to this selection. We first provided a
+piece of wood, twelve feet long, and, that it might escape
+observation, it was cut in two, being jointed in the middle. Next
+we procured the timbers of ribs, which, to avoid the same hazard,
+were in three pieces each, and jointed in two places. The flat side
+of one of the two pieces was laid over the other, and two holes
+bored in every joint to receive nails; so that when united, each
+joint would make an obtuse angle, and approach towards a
+semicircular figure, as we required. We had, in the formation of an
+external covering, to avoid hammering and nailing, which would have
+made such a noise in the cellar as to attract the notice of the
+Algerines, who are insufferably suspicious about their wives and
+slaves. Therefore, we provided as much canvas as would cover the
+boat twice over, and as much pitch, tar and tallow, as would make
+it a kind of tarpaulin; as also earthen pots in which to melt our
+materials. The two carpenters and myself were appointed to this
+service in the cellar. We stopped up all chinks and crevices, that
+the fumes of these substances might not betray us. But we had not
+been long at work, when the smell of the melting materials overcame
+me, and obligated me to go into the streets gasping for breath,
+where meeting with the cool air, I swooned away, and broke my face
+in the fall. My companions, finding me in this plight, carried me
+back, extremely sick and unserviceable. Before long, I heard one of
+them complain of sickness, and thus he could proceed no further;
+therefore, I saw if we abandoned our project this night, it might
+not be resumed, which made me resolve to set the cellar door wide
+open, while I stood sentinel to give notice of approaching danger.
+In this way we finished the whole, and then carried it to my shop,
+which was about a furlong distant.</p>
+<p>Every thing was fitted in the cellar, the timbers to the keel,
+the canvas to the timbers, and the seats to the whole, and then all
+were taken to pieces again. It was a matter of difficulty, however,
+to get the pieces conveyed out of the city; but William Adams
+carried the keel, and hid it at the bottom of a hedge: the rest was
+carried away with similar precautions. As I was carrying a piece of
+canvas, which we had bought for a sail, I looked back, and
+discovered the same spy, who had formerly given us much trouble,
+following behind. This gave me no small concern; but, observing an
+Englishman washing clothes by the sea side, I desired his help in
+washing the canvas. Just as we were engaged with it, the spy came
+up, and stood on a rock exactly over our heads, to watch us.
+Therefore, to delude him, I took the canvas and spread it before
+his face on the top of the rock to dry; he staid his own time, and
+then marched off. Still I was jealous of his intentions, which
+induced me to carry the canvas, when dry, straight back to the
+city, an incident that greatly discouraged my comrades. We also
+procured a small quantity of provisions, and two goat skins full of
+fresh water.</p>
+<p>In the mean time, I paid my patron my wonted visits, kept up a
+fair correspondence, and duly gave him his demands; while I
+secretly turned all my goods to ready money as fast as I could, and
+putting it into a trunk with a false bottom, I committed it to the
+charge of Mr. Sprat who faithfully preserved it for me.</p>
+<p>The place which we chose for joining the boat together was a
+hill about half a mile from the city, thinking by that means the
+better to descry the approach of danger. When the pieces were
+united, and the canvas drawn on, four of our number carried the
+boat down to the sea, where, stripping ourselves naked, and putting
+our clothes within, we carried it as far as we could wade, lest it
+might be injured by the stones or rocks near the shore. But we soon
+discovered that our calculations of lading were erroneous; for no
+sooner had we embarked, than the water came in over the sides, and
+she was like to sink; so that some new device became necessary. At
+last, one whose heart most failed him was willing to be excluded,
+and wished rather to hazard the uncertain torments of land, than
+the certainty of being drowned at sea. However the boat was still
+so deeply laden, that we all concluded that it was impossible to
+venture to sea. At length another went ashore, and she held her
+head stoutly, and seemed sufficiently capable of our voyage.</p>
+<p>Taking a solemn farewell of our two companions left behind, and
+wishing them as much happiness as could be hoped for in slavery,
+and they to us as long life as could be expected by men going to
+their graves, we launched out on the 30th of June 1644, a night
+ever to be remembered. Our company consisted of John Anthony,
+William Adams, John Jephs, John the carpenter and myself. We now
+put to sea, without helm, tackle, or compass. Four of us
+continually labored at the oars; the employment of the fifth was
+baling out the water that leaked through the canvas. We struggled
+hard the first night to get out of the reach of our old masters;
+but when the day broke, we were still within sight of their ships
+in the haven and road-stead. Yet, out boat being small, and lying
+close and snug upon the sea, either was not discovered at all, or
+else seemed something that was not worth taking up.</p>
+<p>On all occasions we found our want of foresight, for now the
+bread which had lain soaking in the salt water, was quite spoiled,
+and the tanned skins imparted a nauseous quality to the fresh
+water. So long as bread was bread, we made no complaints; with
+careful economy it lasted three days, but then pale famine, which
+is the most horrible shape in which death can be painted, began to
+stare us in the face. The expedients on which we fell to assuage
+our thirst rather inflamed it, and several things added to our
+distress. For some time the wind was right against us; our labour
+was incessant, for, although much rowing did not carry us forward,
+still, cessation of it drove us back; and the season was raging
+hot, which rendered our toil insupportable. One small alleviation
+we had in the man whose province it was to bale the water out of
+the boat; he threw it on our bodies to cool them. However, what
+with the scorching of the sun and cooling of the water, our skin
+was blistered all over. By day we were stark naked; by night we had
+on shirts or loose coats; for we had left our clothing ashore, on
+purpose to lighten the boat.</p>
+<p>One of our number had a pocket dial, which supplied the place of
+a compass; and, to say the truth, was not ill befitting such a
+vessel and such mariners. By its aid we steered our course by day,
+while the stars served as a guide by night; and, if they were
+obscured, we guessed our way by the motion of the clouds. In this
+woful plight we continued four days and nights. On the fifth day we
+were at the brink of despair, and abandoned all hopes of safety.
+Thence we ceased our labor, and laid aside our oars; for, either we
+had no strength left to use them, or were reluctant to waste the
+little we had to no purpose. Still we kept emptying the boat, loth
+to drown, loth to die, yet knowing no means to avoid death.</p>
+<p>They that act least commonly wish the most; and, when we had
+forsaken useful labor, we resorted to fruitless wishes--that we
+might be taken up by some ship, if it were but a ship, no matter of
+what country.</p>
+<p>While we lay hulling up and down, our hopes at so low an ebb, we
+discovered a tortoise, not far from us, asleep in the sea. Had the
+great Drake discovered the Spanish plate fleet, he could not have
+been more rejoiced. Once again we bethought ourselves of our oars,
+and silently rowing to our prey, took it into the boat in great
+triumph. Having cut off its head, and let it bleed in a vessel, we
+drank the blood, ate the liver, and sucked the flesh. Our strength
+and spirits were wonderfully refreshed, and our work was vigorously
+renewed. Leaving our fears behind us, we began to gather hope, and,
+about noon, discovered, or thought that we discovered, land. It is
+impossible to describe our joy and triumph on this occasion. It was
+new life to us; it brought fresh blood into our veins, and fresh
+vigor into our pale cheeks: we looked like persons raised from the
+dead. After further exertion, becoming more confident, we were at
+last fully satisfied that it was land. Now, like distracted
+persons, we all leapt into the sea, and, being good swimmers,
+cooled our parched bodies, never considering that we might become a
+ready prey to the sharks. But we presently returned to our boat,
+and from being wearied with the exertion, and somewhat cooled by
+the sea, lay down to sleep with as much security as if it had been
+in our beds. It was fortunately of such short duration that the
+leaking of the boat occasioned no danger.</p>
+<p>Refreshed by sleep, we found new strength for our work, and
+tugged hard at the oar, in hopes of reaching a more stable element
+before night. But our progress was very slow. Towards evening an
+island was discovered, which was Fromentere, having already seen
+Majorca; at least, some of our company, who had navigated these
+seas, declared that it was so. We debated long to which of the two
+our course should be directed; and, because the last discovered was
+much infested with venomous serpents, we all resolved to make for
+Majorca. The whole of that night we rowed very hard, and also the
+next, being the sixth from our putting to sea. The island was in
+sight all day, and about ten at night we came under the land, but
+it consisted of rocks so steep and craggy that we could not climb
+up.</p>
+<p>Whilst under these rocks a vessel approached very near. Let the
+reader conceive our apprehensions, after all our toil and labor, of
+being seized by some Turkish privateer, such as are never off the
+seas. Thus we were obliged to lie close; and, when the vessel had
+passed, we crept gently along the coast, as near as we durst to the
+shore, until finding a suitable place to receive our weather-beaten
+boat.</p>
+<p>We were not insensible of our deliverance on reaching land;
+though, like men just awakened from a dream, we could not duly
+appreciate the greatness of it. Having had no food since we got the
+tortoise, John Anthony and myself set out in search of fresh water,
+and three remained with the boat. Before proceeding far, we found
+ourselves in a wood, which created great embarrassment. My comrade
+wished to go one way, and I wished to go another. How frail and
+impotent a being is man! That we, whom common dangers by sea had
+united, should now fall out about our own inclinations at land. Yet
+so we did. He gave me reproachful words; and it is well that we did
+not come to blows, but I went my way, and he, seeing me resolute,
+followed. The path led to one of those watchtowers which the
+Spaniards keep on the coast to give timely notice of the approach
+of privateers. Afraid of being fired on, we called to the sentinel,
+informing him who we were, and earnestly requesting him to direct
+us to fresh water, and to give us some bread. He very kindly threw
+down an old mouldy cake, and directed us to a well close at hand.
+We drank a little water, and ate a bit of the cake, which we had
+difficulty in swallowing, and then hastened to return to our
+companions in the boat, to acquaint them with our success.</p>
+<p>Though now necessary to leave the boat, we did not do it without
+regret; but this was lulled by the importunate cravings of hunger
+and thirst; therefore, making her fast ashore, we departed.
+Advancing, or rather crawling towards the well, another quarrel
+rose amongst us, the remembrance of which is so ungrateful that I
+shall bury it in silence, the best tomb for controversies. One of
+our company, William Adams, in attempting to drink, was unable to
+swallow the water, and sunk to the ground, faintly exclaiming, "I
+am a dead man!" After much straining and forcing, he, at length,
+got a little over; and when we were all refreshed with the cake and
+water, we lay down by the side of the well to wait for morning.</p>
+<p>When it was broad day, we once more applied to the sentinel, to
+point out the way to the nearest house or town, which he did,
+directing us to a house about two miles distant; but our feet were
+so raw and blistered by the sun that it was long before we could
+get this short journey over; and then, the owners of the house,
+concluding from our garb that we came with a pilfering design,
+presented a fowling-piece, charging us to stand. The first of our
+number, who could speak the language of the country, mildly
+endeavored to undeceive him, saying, we were a company of poor
+creatures, whom the wonderful providence of God had rescued from
+the slavery of Algiers, and hoped that he would show mercy to our
+afflictions. The honest farmer, moved with our relation, sent out
+bread, water and olives. After refreshing ourselves with these, we
+lay down and rested three or four hours in the field; and, having
+given him thanks for his charity, prepared to crawl away. Pleased
+with our gratitude, he called us into his house, and gave us good
+warm bean pottage, which to me seemed the best food I had ever ate.
+Again taking leave, we advanced towards Majorca, which was about
+ten miles distant.</p>
+<p>Next morning we arrived in the suburbs, where the singularity of
+our attire, being barefoot and bare legged, and having nothing on
+except loose shirts, drawn over our coats, attracted a crowd of
+enquirers. We gave a circumstantial account of our deliverance;
+and, as they were willing to contribute to our relief, they
+supplied us with food, wine, strong waters, and whatever else might
+renovate our exhausted spirits. They said, however, that we must
+remain in the suburbs until the viceroy had notice of our arrival.
+We were called before him, and when he had heard the account of our
+escape and dangers, he ordered us to be maintained at his expense
+until we should obtain a passage to our own country; and, in the
+meantime, the people collected money to buy clothes and shoes.</p>
+<p>From Majorca they proceeded to Cadiz, and from thence to
+England, which they reached in safety.</p>
+<p>Several expeditions at different periods were fitted out by
+different European nations to chastise the pirates. The Emperor,
+Charles V., in the plenitude of his power, sailed with a formidable
+armament in the year 1541, and affected a landing. Without doubt he
+would have taken the city, if a terrible storm had not risen, which
+destroyed a great part of his fleet and obliged him to re-embark
+with his shattered forces in the greatest precipitation. The
+exultation of the Algerines was unbounded; they now looked on
+themselves as the special favorites of heaven; the most powerful
+army which had ever attempted their subjection had returned with
+the loss of one third their number, and a great part of its ships
+and transports. Prisoners had been taken in such abundance, that to
+show their worthlessness, they were publicly sold in the
+market-place at Algiers, at an onion a head.</p>
+<p>For nearly a century after this, little occurs of note in
+Algerine history except a constant system of piracy. In 1655 the
+British Admiral Blake gave them a drubbing.</p>
+<p>The French were the next to attack these common enemies of
+Europe. Admiral Duguesne commanded the expedition, and after
+bombarding the place a short time, the Dey himself soon began to be
+terrified at the destruction these new engines of naval war made,
+when an unfavorable wind arising, compelled the fleet to make all
+sail for Toulon.</p>
+<p>Relieved from the terror of immediate destruction, the Algerines
+returned to their old ways, making descents on the coast of
+Provence, where they committed the most dreadful ravages, killing,
+burning and destroying all that came in their way. The Dey also
+recovered, not only his courage, but his humor; for learning what a
+large sum the late expedition against his city had cost, he sent to
+say, "that if Louis would give him half the money, he would
+undertake to burn the whole city to please him." The French
+accordingly sent a new expedition under the same officers the next
+year. Duguesne again sailed, and in front of the city was joined by
+the Marquis D'Affranville, at the head of five other stout ships. A
+council of war was held and an immediate attack resolved upon, in
+consequence of which, the vessels having taken up their stations, a
+hundred bombs were thrown into the town during that day, and as
+many more on the following night, when the town was observed to be
+on fire in several places; the Dey's palace, and other public
+buildings were in ruins; some of the batteries were dismounted, and
+several vessels sunk in the fort. This speedy destruction soon
+determined the Dey and Janissaries to sue for peace; and a message
+to this effect was sent to Duguesne, who consented to cease firing,
+but refused to negociate regarding terms, until all the captives
+taken fighting under the French flag were given up as a preliminary
+step. This was agreed to, and one hundred and forty-two prisoners
+immediately sent off. In the mean time the soldiery becoming
+furious, assassinated the Dey and elected a new one, who ordered
+the flag to be hoisted on the city walls. Hostilities were now
+renewed with greater fury than before, and the French admiral threw
+such volleys of bombs into the city, that in less than three days
+the greatest part of it was reduced to ashes; and the fire burnt
+with such vehemence that the bay was illuminated to the distance of
+two or three leagues. Rendered desperate by the carnage around him,
+the new Dey ordered all the French captives who had been collected
+into the city to be cruelly murdered, and binding Father Vacher,
+the French Resident, hand and foot, had him tied to a mortar and
+fired off like a bomb against the French fleet. This wanton piece
+of atrocity so exasperated Duguesne, that, laying his fleet as near
+land as possible, he continued his cannonade until he had destroyed
+all their shipping, fortifications, buildings; in short, almost the
+whole of the lower town, and about two-thirds of the upper; when
+finding nothing else which a naval force could do, and being
+unprovided for a land expedition, he stood out leisurely to sea,
+leaving the Algerines to reflect over the sad consequences of their
+obstinacy. For several years after this they kept in the old
+piratical track; and upon the British consuls making a complaint to
+the Dey, on occasion of one of his corsairs having captured a
+vessel, he openly replied, "It is all very true, but what would you
+have? the Algerines are a company of rogues, and I am their
+captain."</p>
+<p>To such people force was the argument; and in 1700 Capt. Beach,
+falling in with seven of their frigates, attacked them, drove them
+on shore, and burnt them. Expeditions at various times were sent
+against them, but without effecting much; and most of the maritime
+nations paid them tribute. But a new power was destined to spring
+up, from which these pirates were to receive their first check;
+that power was the United States of America.</p>
+<p>In 1792 his corsairs, in a single cruise, swept off ten American
+vessels, and sent their crews to the Bagnio, so that there were one
+hundred and fifteen in slavery.</p>
+<p>Negociations were at once set on foot; the Dey's demands had of
+course risen in proportion to the number of his prisoners, and the
+Americans had not only to pay ransom at a high rate, with presents,
+marine stores, and yearly tribute, but to build and present to the
+Dey, as a propitiatory offering, a thirty-six gun frigate; so that
+the whole expenses fell little short of a million of dollars, in
+return for which they obtained liberty for their captives,
+protection for their merchant vessels, and the right of free trade
+with Algiers. The treaty was signed September 5th, 1795; and from
+that time, up to 1812, the Dey continued on tolerable good terms
+with Congress; indeed, so highly was he pleased with them, in 1800,
+that he signified to the consul his intention of sending an
+ambassador to the Porte, with the customary presents, in the
+Washington, a small American frigate, at that time lying in the
+harbor of Algiers. In vain the consul and captain remonstrated, and
+represented that they had no authority to send the vessel on such a
+mission; they were silenced by the assurance that it was a
+particular honor conferred on them, which the Dey had declined
+offering to any of the English vessels then in harbor, as he was
+rather angry with that nation. The Washington was obliged to be
+prepared for the service; the corsair flag, bearing the turbaned
+head of Ali, was run up to her main top, under a salute of seven
+guns; and in this respectable plight she sailed up the
+Mediterranean, dropped anchor before the seven towers, where,
+having landed her cargo, she was permitted to resume her own
+colors, and was thus the first vessel to hoist the American Union
+in the Thracian Bosphorus.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/458.jpg" alt=
+"Algerines in the act of firing off the French consul from a mortar at the French fleet"
+     height="345" width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>Algerines in the act of firing off the French consul from a
+mortar at the French fleet.</i></h4>
+In 1812, however, the Dey, finding his funds at a low ebb, and
+receiving from all quarters reports that a wealthy American
+commerce was afloat, determined on trying them with a new war. He
+was peculiarly unfortunate in the time chosen, as the States,
+having about a month previously declared war with Great Britain,
+had, in fact, withdrawn most of the merchant ships from the sea, so
+that the only prize which fell into the hands of the Dey's cruizers
+was a small brig, with a crew of eleven persons. The time at length
+came for putting an end to these lawless depredations, and peace
+having been concluded with England, President Madison, in 1815,
+despatched an American squadron, under commodores Bainbridge and
+Decatur, with Mr. Shaler, as envoy, on board, to demand full
+satisfaction for all injuries done to American subjects, the
+immediate release of such as were captives, the restitution of
+their property, with an assurance that no future violence should be
+offered, and also to negociate the preliminaries of a treaty on
+terms of perfect equality, no proposal of tribute being at all
+admissible. The squadron reached its destination early in June,
+and, having captured an Algerine frigate and brig-of-war, suddenly
+appeared before Algiers, at a moment when all the cruizers were at
+sea, and delivered, for the consideration of the Divan, the terms
+on which they were commissioned to make peace, together with a
+letter from the President to the Dey. Confounded by the sudden and
+entirely unexpected appearance of this force, the Algerines agreed,
+on the 30th of June, to the proposals of a treaty, almost without
+discussion.
+<p>It had long been a reproach to Great Britain, the mistress of
+the sea, that she had tamely suffered a barbarian power to commit
+such atrocious ravages on the fleets and shores of the minor states
+along the Mediterranean. At length a good cause was made for
+chastising them.</p>
+<p>At Bona, a few miles to the east of Algiers, was an
+establishment for carrying on a coral fishery, under the protection
+of the British flag, which, at the season, was frequented by a
+great number of boats from the Corsican, Neapolitan, and other
+Italian ports. On the 23d of May, the feast of Ascension, as the
+crews of all the boats were preparing to hear mass, a gun was fired
+from the castle, and at the same time appeared about two thousand,
+other accounts say four thousand, infantry and cavalry, consisting
+of Turks, Levanters, and Moors. A part of these troops proceeded
+towards the country, whilst another band advanced towards the
+river, where the fishing boats were lying at different distances
+from the sea; and opening a fire upon the unfortunate fishermen,
+who were partly on board and partly on land, massacred almost the
+whole of them. They then seized the English flags, tore them in
+pieces, and trampling them under foot, dragged them along the
+ground in triumph. The men who happened to be in the country saved
+themselves by flight, and declared that they saw the soldiers
+pillage the house of the British vice-consul, the magazines
+containing the provisions, and the coral that had been fished up. A
+few boats escaped, and brought the news to Genoa, whence it was
+transmitted by the agent of Lloyd's in a despatch, dated June
+6th.</p>
+<p>No sooner had the account of this atrocious slaughter reached
+England, than all ranks seemed inflamed with a desire that a great
+and signal punishment should be taken on this barbarian prince, who
+was neither restrained by the feelings of humanity nor bound by
+treaties. An expedition, therefore, was fitted out with all speed
+at Portsmouth, and the command intrusted to Lord Exmouth, who,
+after some delays from contrary winds, finally sailed, July 28th,
+with a fleet complete in all points, consisting of his own ship,
+the Queen Charlotte, one hundred and twenty guns; the Impregnable,
+rear admiral, Sir David Milne; ninety guns; Minden, Superb, Albion,
+each seventy-four guns; the Leander fifty guns, with four more
+frigates and brigs, bombs, fire-ships, and several smaller vessels,
+well supplied, in addition to the ordinary means of warfare, with
+Congreve rockets, and Shrapnell shells, the destructive powers of
+which have lately been abundantly proved on the continent. August
+9, the fleet anchored at Gibraltar, and was there joined by the
+Dutch admiral, Van Cappillen, commanding five frigates and a
+corvette, who had been already at Algiers, endeavoring to deliver
+slaves: but being refused, and finding his force insufficient, had
+determined on joining himself with the English squadron, which it
+was understood was under weigh. Meanwhile, the Prometheus, Captain
+Dashwood, had been sent forward to Algiers to bring off the British
+consul and family; but could only succeed in getting his wife and
+daughter, who were obliged to make their escape, disguised in
+midshipmen's uniform; for the Dey, having heard through some French
+papers of the British expedition, had seized the consul, Mr.
+Macdonnell, and put him in chains; and, hearing of the escape of
+his wife, immediately ordered the detention of two boats of the
+Prometheus, which happened to be on shore, and made slaves of the
+crews, amounting to eighteen men. This new outrage was reported to
+Lord Exmouth soon after leaving Gibraltar, and of course added not
+a little to his eagerness to reach Algiers. He arrived off Algiers
+on the morning of the 27th of August, and sent in his interpreter,
+Mr. Salame, with Lieutenant Burgess, under a flag of truce, bearing
+a letter for the Dey, demanding reparation.</p>
+<p>Meantime, a light breeze sprung up, and the fleet advanced into
+the bay, and lay to, at about a mile off Algiers "It was now," says
+Mr. Salame, in his entertaining narrative, "half-past two, and no
+answer coming out, notwithstanding we had staid half an hour longer
+than our instructions, and the fleet being almost opposite the
+town, with a fine breeze, we thought proper, after having done our
+duty, to lose no more time, but to go on board, and inform his
+lordship of what had happened.</p>
+<p>"Mr. Burgess, the flag-lieutenant, having agreed with me, we
+hoisted the signal, <i>that no answer had been given</i>, and began
+to row away towards the Queen Charlotte. After I had given our
+report to the admiral, of our meeting the captain of the port, and
+our waiting there, &amp;c., I was quite surprised to see how his
+lordship was altered from what I left him in the morning; for I
+knew his manner was in general very mild, and now he seemed to me
+<i>all-fightful,</i> as a fierce lion, which had been chained in
+its cage, and was set at liberty. With all that, his lordship's
+answer to me was, '<i>Never mind, we shall see now</i>;' and at the
+same time he turned towards the officers, saying, '<i>Be
+ready</i>,' whereupon I saw every one with the match or the string
+of the lock in his hand, most anxiously expecting the word
+'<i>Fire</i>'!</p>
+<p>"No sooner had Salame returned, than his lordship made the signal
+to know whether all the ships were ready, which being answered in
+the affirmative, he directly turned the head of the Queen Charlotte
+towards shore, and, to the utter amazement of the Algerines, ran
+across all the batteries without firing or receiving a single shot,
+until he brought up within eighty yards of the south end of the
+mole, where he lashed her to the mainmast of an Algerine brig,
+which he had taken as his direction, and had then the pleasure of
+seeing all the rest of the fleet, including the Dutch frigates,
+taking up their assigned stations with the same precision and
+regularity. The position in which the Queen Charlotte was laid was
+so admirable that she was only exposed to the fire of three or four
+flanking guns, while her broadside swept the whole batteries, and
+completely commanded the mole and marine, every part of which could
+be seen distinctly from her quarter-deck. Up to this moment not a
+shot had been fired, and the batteries were all crowded with
+spectators, gazing in astonishment at the quiet and regularity
+which prevailed through all the British ships, and the dangerous
+vicinity in which they placed themselves to such formidable means
+of defence. Lord Exmouth, therefore, began to conceive hopes that
+his demands would still be granted; but the delay, it appeared, was
+caused by the Algerines being completely unprepared for so very
+sudden an approach, insomuch that their guns were not shotted at
+the moment when the Queen Charlotte swept past them, and they were
+distinctly seen loading them as the other ships were coming into
+line. Anxious, if possible, to spare unnecessary effusion of blood,
+his lordship, standing on the quarter-deck, repeatedly waved his
+hat as a warning to the multitudes assembled on the mole to retire,
+but his signal was unheeded, and at a quarter before three in the
+afternoon the first gun was fired at the Queen Charlotte from the
+eastern battery, and two more at the Albion and Superb, which were
+following. Then Lord Exmouth, having seen only <i>the smoke of the
+gun,</i> before the sound reached him, said, with great alacrity,
+'<i>That will do; fire my fine fellows!</i>' and I am sure that
+before his lordship had finished these words, our broadside was
+given with great cheering, which was fired three times within five
+or six minutes; and at the same time the other ships did the same.
+This first fire was so terrible, that they say more than five
+hundred persons were killed and wounded by it. And I believe this,
+because there was a great crowd of people in every part, many of
+whom, after the first discharge, I saw running away, under the
+walls, like dogs, walking upon their feet and hands.</p>
+<p>"After the attack took place on both sides in this horrible
+manner, immediately the sky was darkened by the smoke, the sun
+completely eclipsed, and the horizon became dreary. Being exhausted
+by the heat of that powerful sun, to which I was exposed the whole
+day, and my ears being deafened by the roar of the guns, and
+finding myself in the dreadful danger of such a terrible
+engagement, in which I had never been before, I was quite at a
+loss, and like an astonished or stupid man, and did not know myself
+where I was. At last his lordship, having perceived my situation,
+said, 'You have done your duty, now go below.' Upon which I began
+to descend from the quarter-deck, quite confounded and terrified,
+and not sure that I should reach the cock-pit alive; for it was
+most tremendous to hear the crashing of the shot, to see the
+wounded men brought from one part, and the killed from the other;
+and especially, at such a time, to be found among the <i>English
+seamen</i>! and to witness their manners, their activity, their
+courage, and their cheerfulness during the battle!--it is really
+most overpowering and beyond imagination."</p>
+<p>The battle continued to rage furiously, and the havoc on both
+sides was very great. There were some awful moments, particularly
+when Algerine vessels so near our line were set on fire. The
+officers surrounding Lord Exmouth had been anxious for permission
+to make an attempt upon the outer frigate, distant about a hundred
+yards. He at length consented, and Major Gossett, of the corps of
+marines, eagerly entreated and obtained permission to accompany
+Lieutenant Richards in the ship's barge. The frigate was instantly
+boarded, and, in ten minutes, in a perfect blaze. A gallant young
+midshipman, although forbidden, was led by his too ardent spirit to
+follow in support of the barge, in which attempt he was desperately
+wounded, his brother officer killed, and nine of the crew. The
+barge, by rowing more rapidly, escaped better, having but one
+killed.</p>
+<p>About sunset the admiral received a message from rear-admiral
+Milne, stating his severe loss in killed and wounded, amounting to
+one hundred and fifty, and requesting that, if possible, a frigate
+might be sent him to take off some of the enemy's fire. The Glasgow
+accordingly was ordered to get under weigh, but the wind having
+been laid by the cannonade, she was obliged again to anchor, having
+obtained a rather more favorable position. The flotilla of mortar,
+gun, and rocket boats, under the direction of their respective
+artillery officers, shared to the full extent of their powers the
+honors and toils of this glorious day. It was by their fire that
+all the ships in the port (with the exception of the outer frigate
+already mentioned) were in flames, which, extending rapidly over
+the whole arsenal, gun-boats, and storehouses, exhibited a
+spectacle of awful grandeur and interest which no pen can describe.
+The sloops of war which had been appropriated to aid and assist the
+ships of the line, and prepare for their retreat, performed not
+only that duty well, but embraced every opportunity of firing
+through the intervals, and were constantly in motion. The shells
+from the bombs were admirably well thrown by the royal marine
+artillery, and, though directed over and across our own men-of-war,
+did not produce a single accident. To complete the confusion of the
+enemy, the admiral now ordered the explosion ship, which had been
+charged for the occasion, to be brought within the mole; but upon
+the representation of Sir David Milne that it would do him
+essential service, if made to act on the battery in his front, it
+was towed to that spot, and blown up with tremendous effect.</p>
+<p>This was almost the final blow;--the enemy's fire had for some
+time been very slack, and now almost wholly ceased, except that
+occasionally a few shots and shells were discharged from the higher
+citadel, upon which the guns of the fleet could not be brought to
+bear. The admiral, who from the commencement had been in the
+hottest of the engagement, and had fired until his guns were so hot
+that they could, some of them, not be used again; now seeing that
+he had executed the most important part of his instructions, issued
+orders for drawing off the fleet. This was commenced in excellent
+order about ten at night, and the usual breeze having set off from
+shore favored their manoeuvre, so that, all hands being employed in
+warping and towing, the vessels were got safely into the bay, and
+anchored, beyond reach of shot, about two o'clock the next
+morning.</p>
+<p>So signal and well contested a victory could not have been
+gained without a considerable loss and suffering. It amounted in
+the English fleet, to one hundred and twenty-eight men killed, and
+six hundred and ninety wounded; in the Dutch squadron, to thirteen
+killed, and fifty-two wounded; grand total, eight hundred and
+eighty-three. But the enemy suffered much more severly; they are
+computed to have lost, in killed and wounded, not less than between
+six and seven thousand men. The loss sustained by the Algerines by
+the destruction in the mole was four large frigates, of forty-four
+guns. Five large corvettes, from twenty-four to thirty guns. All
+the gun and mortar-boats, except seven; thirty destroyed. Several
+merchant brigs and schooners. A great number of small vessels of
+various descriptions. All the pontoons, lighters, &amp;c.,
+Store-houses and arsenal, with all the timber, and various marine
+articles destroyed in part. A great many gun-carriages,
+mortar-beds, casks, and ships' stores of all descriptions.</p>
+<p>Negociations were immediately opened in form; and on the 30th
+August the admiral published a notification to the fleet, that all
+demands had been complied with, the British consul had been
+indemnified for his losses, and the Dey, in presence of all his
+officers, had made him a public apology for the insults offered
+him. On the 1st of September, Lord Exmouth had the pleasure of
+informing the secretary of the Admiralty, that all the slaves in
+the city of Algiers, and its immediate vicinity were embarked; as
+also 357,000 dollars for Naples, and 25,000 dollars for
+Sardinia.</p>
+<p>The number of slaves thus released amounted to one thousand and
+eighty-three, of whom four hundred and seventy-one were
+Neapolitans, two hundred and thirty-six Sicilians, one hundred and
+seventy-three Romans, six Tuscans, one hundred and sixty-one
+Spaniards, one Portuguese, seven Greeks, twenty-eight Dutch, and
+not <i>one Englishman</i>. Were there an action more than another
+on which an Englishman would willingly risk the fame and honor of
+his nation, it would be this attack on Algiers, which, undertaken
+solely at her own risk, and earned solely by the expenditure of her
+own blood and her own resources, rescued not a single subject of
+her own from the tyrant's grasp, while it freed more than a
+thousand belonging to other European powers.</p>
+<p>In August, 1816, the strength of Algiers seemed annihilated; her
+walls were in ruins, her haughty flag was humbled to the dust; her
+gates lay open to a hostile power, and terms were dictated in the
+palace of her princes. A year passed, the hostile squadron had left
+her ports, the clang of the workman's hammer, the hum of busy men
+resounded through her streets, fresh walls had risen, new and more
+formidable batteries had been added; again she resumed her attitude
+as of yore, bid defiance to her foes, and declared war on
+civilization:--again her blood-stained corsairs swept the seas,
+eager for plunder, ready for combat;--Christian commerce once more
+became shackled by her enterprise, and Christian captives once more
+sent up their cry for deliverance. In 1819, her piracies had become
+so numerous that the Congress of Aix-la-Chapelle caused it to be
+notified to the Dey, that their cessation was required, and would
+be enforced, by a combined French and English squadron. His reply
+was brief and arrogant, and the admirals were obliged to leave
+without obtaining the least satisfaction. By menaces, however,
+accompanied by the presence of some cruisers, England, France, and
+the United States caused their flags to be respected.</p>
+<p>Ali, the successor of Amar, had died in 1818, and was succeeded
+by Hassein Pasha, who, from the commencement of his reign, evinced
+the strongest antipathy to the French power. In 1824, he imposed an
+arbitrary tax through all his provinces on French goods and
+manufactures; the consul's house was frequently entered and
+searched in a vexatious manner, contrary to the express
+stipulations of treaties; and, finally, April, 1827, the consul
+himself, having gone at the feast of Bayram to pay his respects,
+was, upon a slight difference of opinion arising during their
+conversation, struck across the mouth with a fly-flap which the Dey
+held in his hand, and in consequence soon after left Algiers, while
+the Dey ordered the destruction of all the French establishments
+along the coast towards Bona, and oppressed in every manner the
+French residents within his dominions. A blockade was instantly
+commenced by the French, and maintained for nearly three years,
+until it was found that they suffered much more by it than the Dey,
+the expense having reached nearly 800,000<i>l</i> sterling, while
+he appeared no way inconvenienced by their efforts, and even
+treated them with such contempt as to order his forts to fire on
+the vessel of Admiral Le da Bretonni&egrave;re, who, in 1829, had
+gone there under a flag of truce to make a final proposal of terms
+of accommodation. So signal a violation of the laws of nations
+could not be overlooked, even by the imbecile administrations of
+Charles X. All France was in an uproar; the national flag had been
+dishonored, and her ambassador insulted; the cry for war became
+loud and universal; conferences on the subject were held; the
+oldest and most experienced mariners were invited by the minister
+at war to assist in his deliberations; and an expedition was
+finally determined on in the month of February, 1830, to consist of
+about thirty-seven thousand men, a number which it was calculated
+would not only be sufficient to overcome all opposition which might
+be encountered, but to enable the French to reduce the kingdom to a
+province, and retain it in subjection for any length of time that
+might be considered advisable. No sooner was this decision
+promulgated, than all the necessary preparations were commenced
+with the utmost diligence. It was now February, and the expedition
+was to embark by the end of April, so that no time could be lost.
+The arsenals, the naval and military workships, were all in full
+employment. Field and breaching batteries were mounted on a new
+principle lately adopted; gabions, earth-bags,
+<i>chevaux-de-frise,</i> and projectiles were made in the greatest
+abundance maps, notes, and all the information that could be
+procured respecting Barbary were transmitted to the war office,
+where their contents were compared and digested, and a plan of
+operations was drawn out. The commissariat were busied in
+collecting provisions, waggons, and fitting out an efficient
+hospital train; a deputy-commissary was despatched to reconnoitre
+the coasts of Spain and the Balearic Islands, to ascertain what
+resources could be drawn from them, and negociate with the king for
+leave to establish military hospitals at Port Mahon. Eighteen
+regiments of the line, three squadrons of cavalry, and different
+corps of artillery and engineers were ordered to hold themselves in
+readiness; four hundred transports were assembled, and chartered by
+government in the port of Marseilles, while the vessels of war,
+which were to form the convoy, were appointed their rendezvous in
+the neighborhood of Toulon. After some hesitation as to who should
+command this important expedition, the Count de Bourmont, then
+minister at war, thought fit to appoint himself; and his etat-major
+was soon complete, Desprez acting as chief, and Tholoz&eacute; as
+second in command. Maubert de Neuilly was chosen provost-marshal,
+De Bartillat (who afterwards wrote an entertaining account of the
+expedition) quarter-master general, and De Carne commissary-general
+to the forces. In addition to these, there were about twenty
+aid-de-camps, orderlies, and young men of rank attached to the
+staff, together with a Spanish general, an English colonel, a
+Russian colonel and lieutenant, and two Saxon officers, deputed by
+their respective governments. There were also a section of
+engineer-geographers, whose business was to survey and map the
+country as it was conquered, "and," says M. Roget, who was himself
+employed in the service we have just mentioned, and to whose
+excellent work, written in that capacity, we are so much indebted,
+"twenty-four interpreters, the half of whom knew neither French nor
+Arabic, were attached-to the different corps of the army, in order
+to facilitate their intercourse with the inhabitants." As the
+minister had determined on risking his own reputation on the
+expedition, the supplies were all, of course, of the completest
+kind, and in the greatest abundance. Provisions for three months
+were ordered; an equal quantity was to be forwarded as soon as the
+army had landed in Africa; and, amongst the other materials
+furnished we observe, in looking over the returns, thirty wooden
+legs, and two hundred crutches, for the relief of the unfortunate
+heroes, a boring apparatus to sink pumps, if water should run
+short, and a balloon, with two aeronauts, to reconnoitre the
+enemy's position, in case, as was represented to be their wont,
+they should entrench themselves under the shelter of hedges and
+brushwood.</p>
+<p>The French effected a landing at Sidy-el-Ferruch, a small
+promontory, about five leagues to the west of Algiers, and half a
+league to the east of the river Massaflran, where it discharges
+itself into the bay. On the 14th of June they all landed without
+opposition.</p>
+<p>After a continued series of engagements and skirmishes the army
+got within cannon shot of Algiers, where they broke ground and
+began entrenching, and the French works being completed, the heavy
+breaching cannon were all mounted; and at day-break on the 4th of
+July, General Lahitte, having assured himself by personal
+inspection that all was ready, ordered the signal rocket to be
+thrown, and at the same moment the whole French batteries opened
+their fire within point blank distance, and with a report which
+shook the whole of Algiers, and brought the garrison, who were
+little expecting so speedy an attack, running to their posts. The
+artillery was admirably served, and from one battery which
+enfiladed the fort, the balls were seen to sweep away at once an
+entire row of Algerine cannoneers from their guns. The Turks
+displayed the most undaunted courage; they answered shot for shot,
+supplied with fresh men the places of such as were slain, stopped
+up with woolsacks the breaches made by the balls, replaced the
+cannon which the French fire had dismounted, and never relaxed
+their exertions for a moment. But the nature of their works was
+ill-calculated to withstand the scientific accuracy with which the
+besiegers made their attack. Every ball now told--the tower in the
+centre was completely riddled by shots and shells; the bursting of
+these latter had disabled great numbers of the garrison. By seven
+o'clock the besieged had begun to retire from the most damaged part
+of their works; by half-past eight the whole outer line of defence
+was abandoned, and by nine the fire of the fort was extinct. The
+Turkish general, finding opposition hopeless, had sent to the Dey
+for commands; and in reply was ordered to retreat with his whole
+remaining force to the Cassaubah, and leave three negroes to blow
+up the fort. The tranquillity with which they performed this fatal
+task deserves record. The French, finding the enemy's fire to fail,
+directed all theirs towards effecting a practicable breach. The
+fort seemed to be abandoned;--two red flags floated still on its
+outside line of defence, and a third on the angle towards the city.
+Three negroes were seen calmly walking on the ramparts, and from
+time to time looking over, as if to examine what progress the
+breach was making. One of them, struck by a cannon-ball, fell, and
+the others, as if to revenge his death, ran to a cannon, pointed
+it, and fired three shots. At the third, the gun turned over, and
+they were unable to replace it. They tried another, and as they
+were in the act of raising it, a shot swept the legs from under one
+of them. The remaining negro gazed for a moment on his comrade,
+drew him a little back, left him, and once more examined the
+breach. He then snatched one of the flags, and retired to the
+interior of the tower; in a few minutes he re-appeared, took a
+second and descended. The French continued to cannonade, and the
+breach appeared almost practicable, when suddenly they were
+astounded by a terrific explosion, which shook the whole ground as
+with an earthquake; an immense column of smoke, mixed with streaks
+of flame, burst from the centre of the fortress, masses of solid
+masonry were hurled into the air to an amazing height, while
+cannon, stones, timbers, projectiles, and dead bodies, were
+scattered in every direction--the negro had done his duty--the fort
+was blown up.</p>
+<p>In half an hour the French sappers and miners were at work
+repairing the smoking ruins, their advanced guards had effected a
+reconnoissance along the side of the hill towards the fort
+Bab-azoona, and their engineers had broken ground for new works
+within seven hundred yards of the Cassaubah. But these preparations
+were unnecessary; the Dey had resigned all further intention of
+resistance, and at two o'clock a flag of truce was announced, which
+proved to be Sidy Mustapha, the Dey's private secretary, charged
+with offers of paying the whole expense of the campaign,
+relinquishing all his demands on France, and making any further
+reparation that the French general might require, on condition that
+the troops should not enter Algiers. These proposals met with an
+instant negative:--Bourmont felt that Algiers was in his power, and
+declared that he would grant no other terms than an assurance of
+life to the Dey and inhabitants, adding that if the gates were not
+opened he should recommence his fire. Scarcely had Mustapha gone,
+than two other deputies appeared, sent by the townsmen to plead in
+their behalf. They were a Turk called Omar, and a Moor named
+Bouderba, who having lived for some time at Marseilles, spoke
+French perfectly. They received nearly the same answer as Mustapha;
+but they proved themselves better diplomatists, for they spoke so
+much to the general of the danger, there would be in refusing the
+Janissaries all terms, and the probability that if thus driven to
+despair they might make a murderous resistance, and afterwards
+destroy all the wealth and blow up all the forts before
+surrendering, that Bourmont, yielding to their representations,
+became less stern in his demands; and Mustapha having returned
+about the same time with the English vice-consul, as a mediator,
+the following terms were finally committed to paper, and sent to
+the Dey by an interpreter.</p>
+<p>"1. The fort of the Cassaubah, with all the other forts
+dependent on Algiers, and the harbor, shall be placed in the hands
+of the French troops the 5th of July, at 10 o'clock, A.M.</p>
+<p>"2. The general-in-chief of the French army ensures the Dey of
+Algiers personal liberty, and all his private property.</p>
+<p>"3. The Dey shall be free to retire with his family and wealth
+wherever he pleases. While he remains at Algiers he and his family
+shall be under the protection of the commander-in-chief. A guard
+shall insure his safety, and that of his family.</p>
+<p>"4. The same advantages, and same protection are assured to all
+the soldiers of the militia.</p>
+<p>"5. The exercise of the Mohammedan religion shall remain free;
+the liberty of the inhabitants of all classes, their religion,
+property, commerce, and industry shall receive no injury; their
+women shall be respected: the general takes this on his own
+responsibility.</p>
+<p>"6. The ratification of this convention to be made before 10
+A.M., on the 5th of July, and the French troops immediately after
+to take possession of the Cassaubah, and other forts."</p>
+<p>These terms were so much more favorable than the Dey could have
+expected, that, of course, not a moment was lost in signifying his
+acceptance: he only begged to be allowed two hours more to get
+himself and his goods out of the Cassaubah, and these were readily
+granted. It may, indeed, be wondered at that he and his Janissaries
+should be allowed to retain all their ill-gotten booty, under the
+name of private property; but Count de Bourmont, though not without
+talent, was essentially a weak man, and was in this instance
+overreached by the wily Moor. The whole of next morning an immense
+number of persons were seen flying from Algiers, previous to the
+entry of the French army, and carrying with them all their goods,
+valuables, and money. They fled by the fort Bab-azoona, on the
+roads towards Constantina and Bleeda; and about a hundred mounted
+Arabs were seen caracolling on the beach, as if to cover their
+retreat. No opposition to it, however, was made by the French
+troops, or by their navy, which had now again come in sight.</p>
+<p>At twelve o'clock the general, with his staff, artillery, and a
+strong guard, entered the Cassaubah, and at the same moment all the
+other forts were taken possession of by French troops. No one
+appeared to make a formal surrender, nor did any one present
+himself on the part of the inhabitants, to inquire as to what
+protection they were to receive, yet, on the whole, we believe the
+troops conducted themselves, at least on this occasion, with signal
+forbearance; and that of the robberies which took place, the
+greater number were perpetrated by Moors and Jews. One was rather
+ingenious. The minister of finance had given up the public
+treasures to commissioners regularly appointed for the purpose.
+Amongst others, the mint was visited, a receipt given of its
+containing bullion to the amount of 25,000 or 30,000 francs, the
+door sealed, and a sentry placed. Next morning the seal was
+perfect, the sentry at his post, but the bullion was gone through a
+small hole made in the back wall.</p>
+<p>The amount of public property found in Algiers, and appropriated
+by the French, was very considerable, and much more than repaid the
+expenses of the expedition. The blockade of the last three years
+had, by interrupting their commerce, caused an accumulation of the
+commodities in which the Algerines generally paid their tribute, so
+that the storehouses at the Cassaubah were abundantly filled with
+wool, hides, leather, wax, lead and copper. Quantities of grain,
+silks, muslins, and gold and silver tissues were also found, as
+well as salt, of which the Dey had reserved to himself a monopoly,
+and, by buying it very cheap at the Balearic Isles, used to sell it
+at an extravagant rate to his subjects. The treasure alone amounted
+to nearly fifty million of francs, and the cannon, projectiles,
+powder magazines, and military stores, together with the public
+buildings, foundries, dock-yards, and vessels in the harbor, were
+estimated at a still larger amount; while the entire expense of the
+expedition, including land and sea service, together with the
+maintenance of an army of occupation up to January, 1831, was
+computed not to exceed 48,500,000 francs; so that France must have
+realized, by her first connection with Algiers, a sum not far short
+of &pound;3,000,000 sterling--a larger amount, we will venture to
+say, than is likely to accrue to her again, even after many years
+of colonization.</p>
+<p>In a few days the Dey had embarked for Naples, which he chose as
+his future place of residence; the Janissaries were sent in French
+vessels to Constantinople; the Bey of Tippery made his submissions,
+and swore allegiance to the French King; orders were issued, and
+laws enacted in his name; the Arabs and Kalyles came into market as
+usual with their fowl and game; a French soldier was tolerably
+safe, as long as he avoided going to any distance beyond the
+outposts; and, on the whole, Algiers the warlike, had assumed all
+the appearance of a French colony.</p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="THE_ADVENTURES_TRIAL_AND_EXECUTION_OF_CAPTAIN_GOW"></a>
+<h2>THE ADVENTURES, TRIAL AND EXECUTION OF CAPTAIN GOW.</h2>
+Captain Gow sailed from Amsterdam, in July, 1724, on board the
+George, galley, for Santa Cruz, where they took in bees'-wax.
+Scarcely had they sailed from that place, when Gow and several
+others, who had formed a conspiracy, seized the vessel. One of the
+conspirators cried, "There is a man overboard." The captain
+instantly ran to the side of the vessel, when he was seized by two
+men, who attempted to throw him over; he however so struggled, that
+he escaped from their hands. One Winter, with a knife, attempted to
+cut him in the throat, but missing his aim, the captain was yet
+saved. But Gow coming aft shot him through the body and throwing
+him over the rail he caught hold of the main sheet; but Gow taking
+up an axe, with two blows so disabled him that he fell into the sea
+and was drowned. The conspirators proceeded to murder all who were
+not in their horrid plot, which being done, James Williams came
+upon deck, and striking one of the guns with his cutlass, saluted
+Gow in the following words: "Captain Gow, you are welcome, welcome
+to your command." Williams was declared lieutenant, and the other
+officers being appointed, the captain addressed them, saying: "If,
+hereafter, I see any of you whispering together, or if any of you
+refuse to obey my orders, let every such man depend upon it, that
+he shall certainly go the same way as those that are just gone
+before."
+<p>Their first prize was the Sarah Snow, of Bristol. After they had
+rifled the vessel and received one man from it, they allowed her to
+prosecute her voyage. The Delight, of Poole, was the next vessel
+that fell into their hands; but they not long after captured two
+others, from one of which they received a quantity of fish, and
+from the other bread, beef, and pork. They also forced two men from
+the latter ship. A French ship, not long after, furnished them with
+wine, oil, figs, oranges, and lemons, to the value of 500<i>l</i>.
+In a short time after, they captured their last prize, and, as she
+made no resistance, they plundered and dismissed her.</p>
+<p>They next sailed for the Orkney Isles to clean, but were
+apprehended by a gentleman of that country, brought up to London,
+and tried before a Court of Admiralty, in May, 1725. When the first
+indictment was read, Gow obstinately refused to plead, for which
+the Court ordered his thumbs to be tied together with whipcord. The
+punishment was several times repeated by the executioner and
+another officer, they drawing the cord every time till it broke.
+But he still being stubborn, refusing to submit to the court, the
+sentence was pronounced against him, which the law appoints in such
+cases; that is, "That he should be taken back to prison, and there
+pressed to death." The gaoler was then ordered to conduct him back,
+and see that the sentence was executed the next morning; meanwhile
+the trials of the prisoners, his companions, went forward.</p>
+<p>But the next morning, when the press was prepared, pursuant to
+the order of the Court the day before, he was so terrified with the
+apprehension of dying in that manner, that he sent his humble
+petition to the Court, praying that he might be admitted to plead.
+This request being granted, he was brought again to the bar, and
+arraigned upon the first indictment, to which he pleaded Not
+guilty. Then the depositions that had been given against the other
+prisoners were repeated, upon which he was convicted, and received
+the sentence of death accordingly, which he suffered in company
+with Captain Weaver and William Ingham.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/478.jpg" alt="Gow killing the Captain"
+height="600" width="509"></center>
+<h4><i>Gow killing the Captain.</i></h4>
+The stories of these two men are so interwoven with others, that it
+will be impossible to distinguish many of their particular actions.
+They were, however, proved to have been concerned, if not the
+principal actors, in the following piracies: first, the seizing a
+Dutch ship in August, 1722, and taking from thence a hundred pieces
+of Holland, value 800<i>l</i>.; a thousand pieces of eight, value
+250<i>l</i>. Secondly, the entering and pillaging the Dolphin of
+London, William Haddock, out of which they got three hundred pieces
+of eight, value 75<i>l</i>.; forty gallons of rum, and other
+things, on the twentieth of November in the same year. Thirdly, the
+stealing out of a ship called the Don Carlos, Lot Neekins, master,
+four hundred ounces of silver, value 100<i>l</i>. fifty gallons of
+rum, value 30<i>s</i>. a thousand pieces of eight, a hundred
+pistoles, and other valuable goods. And fourthly, the taking from a
+ship called the England, ten pipes of wine, value 250<i>l</i>. The
+two last charges both in the year 1721. Weaver returned home, and
+came to Mr. Thomas Smith, at Bristol, in a very ragged condition;
+and pretending that he had been robbed by pirates, Smith, who had
+been acquainted with him eight or nine years before, provided him
+with necessaries, and he walked about unmolested for some time. But
+Captain Joseph Smith, who knew him when a pirate, one day met him,
+and asked him to go and take a bottle with him; when they were in
+the tavern he told him that he had been a considerable sufferer by
+his boarding his vessel "therefore," said he, "as I understand that
+you are in good circumstances, I expect that you will make me some
+restitution; which if you do, I will never hurt a hair of your
+head, because you were very civil to me when I was in your hands."
+But as this recompense was never given. Weaver was apprehended and
+executed.&nbsp;
+<hr width="100%">
+<br>
+<a name="PIRATES_SONG"></a>
+<h3>PIRATE'S SONG.</h3>
+<p>To the mast nail our flag it is dark as the grave,<br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or the death which it bears while
+it sweeps o'er the wave;</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Let our deck clear for action, our
+guns be prepared;</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Be the boarding-axe sharpened, the
+scimetar bared:</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Set the canisters ready, and then
+bring to me,</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">For the last of my duties, the
+powder-room key.</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">It shall never be lowered, the
+black flag we bear;</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">If the sea be denied us, we sweep
+through the air.</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Unshared have we left our last
+victory's prey;</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">It is mine to divide it, and yours
+to obey:</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">There are shawls that might suit a
+sultana's white neck,</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And pearls that are fair as the
+arms they will deck;</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">There are flasks which, unseal
+them, the air will disclose</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Diametta's fair summers, the home
+of the rose.</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">I claim not a portion: I ask but as
+mine--</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">'Tis to drink to our victory--one
+cup of red wine.</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Some fight, 'tis for riches--some
+fight, 'tis for fame:</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The first I despise, and the last
+is a name.</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">I fight, 'tis for vengeance! I love
+to see flow,</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">At the stroke of my sabre, the life
+of my foe.</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">I strike for the memory of
+long-vanished years;</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">I only shed blood where another
+shed tears,</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">I come, as the lightning comes red
+from above,</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">O'er the race that I loathe, to the
+battle I love.</span></p>
+<p>FINIS.</p>
+<hr width="100%">
+<h3>INDEX</h3>
+<p>Algerine pirates</p>
+<p>Allen, Lieutenant</p>
+<p>Arabian coast</p>
+<p>Arabian pirates</p>
+<p>Avery, Capt. Henry</p>
+<p>Bahamas</p>
+<p>Bainbridge, Commodore</p>
+<p>Baltic Sea pirates</p>
+<p>Banister, Captain</p>
+<p>Barbary corsairs</p>
+<p>Barrataria, La., pirates</p>
+<p>Benavides, Vincent</p>
+<p>Black Beard</p>
+<p>Bonnet, Major</p>
+<p>Bonney, Anne, female pirate</p>
+<p>Boston, Mass</p>
+<p>Booth, Capt. George</p>
+<p>Bowen, Captain</p>
+<p>Bracket, Joshua</p>
+<p>Charleston, S. C</p>
+<p>Chesapeake, frigate</p>
+<p>Chilian pirates</p>
+<p>Chinese pirates</p>
+<p>Ching, Mistress, female pirate</p>
+<p>Condent, Captain</p>
+<p>Corsairs of the African coast</p>
+<p>Crusades</p>
+<p>Danish and Norman pirates</p>
+<p>Davis, Capt Howel</p>
+<p>Decatur, Commodore</p>
+<p>De Soto, Bernardo</p>
+<p>Dew, Capt. George</p>
+<p>Dungeon Rock, Lynn, Mass</p>
+<p>Dutch girl kept by pirates</p>
+<p>East India Company</p>
+<p>East India piracies</p>
+<p>England, Capt. Edward</p>
+<p>England attacks the Algerines</p>
+<p>England overrun by pirates</p>
+<p>Female pirates</p>
+<p>France ravaged by pirates</p>
+<p>French attack Algiers</p>
+<p>"Friendship" (ship), piracy of</p>
+<p>Germany ravaged by pirates</p>
+<p>Gibbs, Capt. Charles</p>
+<p>Gibraltar, pirates at</p>
+<p>Gibson, Captain</p>
+<p>Gilbert, Pedro</p>
+<p>Glasspoole, Richard, captured by pirates</p>
+<p>Gow, Captain</p>
+<p>Guinea coast, pirates on</p>
+<p>Halsey, Capt John</p>
+<p>Havana, resort for pirates</p>
+<p>"Herculia" (brig), piracy of</p>
+<p>Hornigold, Capt. Benjamin</p>
+<p>Jackson, Captain</p>
+<p>Jackson, General</p>
+<p>Joassamee pirates</p>
+<p>Jonnia, Captain</p>
+<p>Kearney, Lieutenant</p>
+<p>Kidd, Capt. Robert</p>
+<p>Ladrone pirates</p>
+<p>Lafitte, Jean</p>
+<p>Lewis, Captain</p>
+<p>Lincoln, Captain</p>
+<p>Low, Capt. Edward</p>
+<p>Lynn, Mass., pirates</p>
+<p>Mackra, Captain, captured</p>
+<p>Madagascar pirates</p>
+<p>Malay pirates</p>
+<p>Maynard, Lieutenant</p>
+<p>Mediterranean, a resort for pirates</p>
+<p>"Mexican" (brig), piracy of</p>
+<p>Mogul's ships</p>
+<p>"Morning Star" (ship), piracy of</p>
+<p>Newfoundland, piracy at</p>
+<p>New Orleans, battle of</p>
+<p>New York, pirates at</p>
+<p>Norman pirates</p>
+<p>North Carolina coast</p>
+<p>Oakley, William</p>
+<p>"Panda" (schooner)</p>
+<p>Patterson, Commodore, expedition under</p>
+<p>Pirate vessel, description of</p>
+<p>Pirates, cruelty of</p>
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">Dress of</span></p>
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">Executions of</span></p>
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">Song of</span></p>
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">Trials of</span></p>
+<p>Pirate's Glen, Saugus</p>
+<p>Privateering on English coast</p>
+<p>Porter, Commodore</p>
+<p>"Potomac" (frigate), attacks Malay pirates</p>
+<p>Quallah Battoo, Sumatra, pirates of</p>
+<p>Rackam, Capt. John</p>
+<p>Rahmah-ben-Jabir</p>
+<p>Ras-el-Khyma</p>
+<p>Read, Mary, female pirate</p>
+<p>Read, Capt. William</p>
+<p>Ricker, Captain</p>
+<p>Roberts, Capt. Bartholomew</p>
+<p>Rogers, Capt. Woods</p>
+<p>Ruiz, Francisco</p>
+<p>Rumps, Arabia</p>
+<p>Salem, pirates in</p>
+<p>Skinner, Captain, murdered</p>
+<p>Soto, Benito de</p>
+<p>Spanish pirates</p>
+<p>Sumatra pirates</p>
+<p>"Swallow" (man-of-war), captures pirates</p>
+<p>Swedish pirates</p>
+<p>Teach, Edward</p>
+<p>Texan privateers</p>
+<p>Tew, Capt. Thomas</p>
+<p>United States attacks Algiers</p>
+<p>Vane, Capt. Charles</p>
+<p>Veal, Thomas</p>
+<p>"Vineyard" (brig), captured</p>
+<p>Warren, David</p>
+<p>West Indies, piracy in</p>
+<p>White, Capt. Thomas</p>
+<hr class="full" noshade>
+<br>
+<br>
+<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 12216 ***</div>
+</body>
+</html>
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+This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements,
+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
+Procedures for determining public domain status are described in
+the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org.
+
+No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in
+jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize
+this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright
+status under the laws that apply to them.
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #12216 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/12216)
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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Pirates Own Book, by Charles Ellms
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: The Pirates Own Book
+
+Author: Charles Ellms
+
+Release Date: April 29, 2004  [eBook #12216]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: iso-8859-1
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE PIRATES OWN BOOK***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, L. Barber, and the Project Gutenberg
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team
+
+
+
+THE PIRATES OWN BOOK
+
+Authentic Narratives of the Most Celebrated Sea Robbers.
+
+by
+
+Charles Ellms
+
+1837
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: _A Piratical Scene--"Walking the Death Plank._"]
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+In the mind of the mariner, there is a superstitious horror connected
+with the name of Pirate; and there are few subjects that interest and
+excite the curiosity of mankind generally, more than the desperate
+exploits, foul doings, and diabolical career of these monsters in human
+form. A piratical crew is generally formed of the desperadoes and
+runagates of every clime and nation. The pirate, from the perilous
+nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great
+highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his
+retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons
+of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can
+escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior. The islands of
+the Indian Ocean, and the east and west coasts of Africa, as well as
+the West Indies, have been their haunts for centuries; and vessels
+navigating the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, are often captured by them,
+the passengers and crew murdered, the money and most valuable part of
+the cargo plundered, the vessel destroyed, thus obliterating all trace
+of their unhappy fate, and leaving friends and relatives to mourn their
+loss from the inclemencies of the elements, when they were butchered in
+cold blood by their fellow men, who by practically adopting the maxim
+that "dead men tell no tales," enable themselves to pursue their
+diabolical career with impunity. The pirate is truly fond of women and
+wine, and when not engaged in robbing, keeps maddened with intoxicating
+liquors, and passes his time in debauchery, singing old songs with
+chorusses like
+
+  "Drain, drain the bowl, each fearless soul,
+    Let the world wag as it will:
+  Let the heavens growl, let the devil howl,
+    Drain, drain the deep bowl and fill."
+
+Thus his hours of relaxation are passed in wild and extravagant frolics
+amongst the lofty forests of palms and spicy groves of the Torrid Zone,
+and amidst the aromatic and beautiful flowering vegetable productions of
+that region. He has fruits delicious to taste, and as companions, the
+unsophisticated daughters of Africa and the Indies. It would be supposed
+that his wild career would be one of delight.
+
+But the apprehension and foreboding of the mind, when under the
+influence of remorse, are powerful, and every man, whether civilized or
+savage, has interwoven in his constitution a moral sense, which
+secretly condemns him when he has committed an atrocious action, even
+when he is placed in situations which raise him above the fear of human
+punishment, for
+
+  "Conscience, the torturer of the soul, unseen.
+  Does fiercely brandish a sharp scourge within;
+  Severe decrees may keep our tongues in awe,
+  But to our minds what edicts can give law?
+  Even you yourself to your own breast shall tell
+  Your crimes, and your own conscience be your hell."
+
+With the name of pirate is also associated ideas of rich plunder,
+caskets of buried jewels, chests of gold ingots, bags of outlandish
+coins, secreted in lonely, out of the way places, or buried about the
+wild shores of rivers, and unexplored sea coasts, near rocks and trees
+bearing mysterious marks, indicating where the treasure was hid. And as
+it is his invariable practice to secrete and bury his booty, and from
+the perilous life he leads, being often killed or captured, he can never
+re-visit the spot again; immense sums remain buried in those places, and
+are irrecoverably lost. Search is often made by persons who labor in
+anticipation of throwing up with their spade and pickaxe, gold bars,
+diamond crosses sparkling amongst the dirt, bags of golden doubloons,
+and chests, wedged close with moidores, ducats and pearls; but although
+great treasures lie hid in this way, it seldom happens that any is so
+recovered.
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+
+By the universal law of nations, robbery or forcible depredation upon
+the "high seas," _animo furandi_, is piracy. The meaning of the phrase
+"high seas," embraces not only the waters of the ocean, which are out of
+sight of land, but the waters on the sea coast below low water mark,
+whether within the territorial boundaries of a foreign nation, or of a
+domestic state. Blackstone says that the main sea or high sea begins at
+low water mark. But between the high water mark and low water mark,
+where the tide ebbs and flows, the common law and the Admiralty have
+_divisum imperium_, an alternate jurisdiction, one upon the water when
+it is full sea; the other upon the land when it is ebb. He doubtless
+here refers to the waters of the ocean on the sea coast, and not in
+creeks and inlets. Lord Hale says that the sea is either that which
+lies within the body of a country or without. That which lies without
+the body of a country is called the main sea or ocean. So far then as
+regards the states of the American union, "high seas," may be taken to
+mean that part of the ocean which washes the sea coast, and is without
+the body of any country, according to the common law; and so far as
+regards foreign nations, any waters on their sea coasts, below low water
+mark.
+
+Piracy is an offence against the universal law of society, a pirate
+being according to Sir Edward Coke, _stis humani generis_. As,
+therefore, he has renounced all the benefits of society and government,
+and has reduced himself to the savage state of nature, by declaring war
+against all mankind, all mankind must declare war against him; so that
+every community has a right by the rule of self-defense, to inflict that
+punishment upon him which every individual would in a state of nature
+otherwise have been entitled to do, for any invasion of his person or
+personal property. By various statutes in England and the United States,
+other offences are made piracy. Thus, if a subject of either of these
+nations commit any act of hostility against a fellow subject on the high
+seas, under color of a commission from any foreign power, this act is
+piracy. So if any captain of any vessel, or mariner, run away with the
+vessel, or the goods, or yield them up to a pirate voluntarily, or if
+any seaman lay violent hands on his commander, to hinder him from
+fighting in defence of the ship or goods committed to his charge, or
+make a revolt in the ship, these offences are acts of piracy, by the
+laws of the United States and England. In England by the statute of 8
+George I, c. 24, the trading or corresponding with known pirates, or the
+forcibly boarding any merchant vessel, (though without seizing her or
+carrying her off,) and destroying any of the goods on board, are
+declared to be acts of piracy; and by the statute 18 George II. c. 30,
+any natural born subject or denizen who in time of war, shall commit any
+hostilities at sea, against any of his fellow subjects, or shall assist
+an enemy, on that element, is liable to be punished as a pirate. By
+statute of George II. c. 25, the ransoming of any neutral vessel, which
+has been taken by the captain of a private ship of war, is declared
+piracy. By the act of congress, April 30, 1790, if any person upon the
+high seas, or in any river, haven, or bay, out of the jurisdiction of
+any particular state, commit murder or robbery, or any other offence
+which if committed within the body of a county, would by the laws of the
+United States, be punishable by death, such offender is to be deemed a
+pirate. By the act of congress, 1820, c. 113, if any citizen of the
+United States, being of the crew of any foreign vessel, or any person
+being of the crew of any vessel owned in whole or part by any citizen of
+the United States, shall be engaged in the foreign slave trade, he shall
+be adjudged a pirate. Notwithstanding the expression used in this
+statute, the question, says Chancellor Kent, remains to be settled,
+whether the act of being concerned in the slave trade would be adjudged
+piracy, within the code of international law. In England by the act of
+parliament passed March 31, 1824, the slave trade is also declared to be
+piracy. An attempt has been made to effect a convention between the
+United States and Great Britain, by which it should be agreed that both
+nations should consider the slave trade as piratical; but this attempt
+has hitherto been unsuccessful. In the time of Richard III, by the laws
+of Oberon, all infidels were regarded as pirates, and their property
+liable to seizure wherever found. By the law of nations, the taking of
+goods by piracy does not divest the actual owner of them. By the civil
+institutions of Spain and Venice, ships taken from pirates became the
+property of those who retake them. Piracy is every where pursued and
+punished with death, and pirates can gain no rights by conquest. It is
+of no importance, for the purpose of giving jurisdiction in cases of
+piracy, on whom or where a piratical offence is committed. A pirate who
+is one by the law of nations, may be tried and punished in any country
+where he may be found; for he is reputed to be out of the protection of
+all laws. But if the statute of any government declares an offence,
+committed on board one of their own vessels, to be piracy; such an
+offence will be punished exclusively by the nation which passes the
+statute. In England the offence was formerly cognizable only by the
+Admiralty courts, which proceeded without a jury in a method founded on
+the civil law. But by the statute of Henry VIII. c. 15, it was enacted
+that piracy should be tried by commissioners nominated by the lord
+chancellor, the indictment being first found by a grand jury, of twelve
+men, and afterwards tried by another jury, as at common law. Among the
+commissioners, there are always some of the common law judges. In the
+United States, pirates are tried before the circuit court of the United
+States. Piracy has been known from the remotest antiquity; for in the
+early ages every small maritime state was addicted to piracy, and
+navigation was perilous. This habit was so general, that it was regarded
+with indifference, and, whether merchant, traveller, or pirate, the
+stranger was received with the rights of hospitality. Thus Nestor,
+having given Mentor and Telemachus a plenteous repast, remarks, that the
+banquet being finished, it was time to ask his guests to their business.
+"Are you," demands the aged prince, "merchants destined to any port, or
+are you merely adventurers and pirates, who roam the seas without any
+place of destination, and live by rapine and ruin."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+TABLE OF CONTENTS
+
+
+PREFACE
+
+PREFACE TO THIS EDITION
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+TABLE OF CONTENTS
+
+THE DANISH AND NORMAN PIRATES
+
+ADVENTURES AND EXPLOITS OF CAPTAIN AVERY
+
+HISTORY OF THE JOASSAMEE PIRATES
+
+SKETCH OF THE JOASSAMEE CHIEF--RAHMAH-BEN-JABIR
+
+LIFE OF LAFITTE, THE PIRATE OF THE GULF
+
+THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN ROBERTS
+
+THE LIFE OF CHARLES GIBBS
+
+HISTORY AND EXECUTION OF THE SPANISH PIRATES
+
+THE LIFE OF BENITO DE SOTO
+
+THE ADVENTURES OF CAPT. ROBERT KIDD
+
+BLOODY CAREER AND EXECUTION OF VINCENT BENAVIDES
+
+THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN DAVIS
+
+AUTHENTIC HISTORY OF THE MALAY PIRATES
+
+THE ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN CONDENT
+
+THE LIFE OF CAPT. EDWARD LOW
+
+LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF CAPT. EDWARD ENGLAND
+
+ACCOUNT OF THE LYNN PIRATES
+
+HISTORY OF THE LADRONE PIRATES
+
+THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN LEWIS
+
+LIFE, CAREER, AND DEATH OF CAPT. THOMAS WHITE
+
+LIFE, ATROCITIES, AND BLOODY DEATH OF BLACK BEARD
+
+EXPLOITS, ARREST, AND EXECUTION OF CAPT. CHARLES VANE
+
+THE WEST INDIA PIRATES
+
+ADVENTURES AND EXECUTION OF CAPT. JOHN RACKAM
+
+LIFE AND EXPLOITS OF ANNE BONNEY
+
+ADVENTURES AND HEROISM OF MARY READ
+
+HISTORY OF THE ALGERINE PIRATES
+
+ADVENTURES, TRIAL AND EXECUTION OF CAPTAIN GOW
+
+THE PIRATE'S SONG
+
+
+
+THE DANISH AND NORMAN PIRATES
+
+
+The Saxons, a people supposed to be derived from the Cimbri, uniting the
+occupations of fishing and piracy, commenced at an early period their
+ravages in the German Ocean; and the shores of Gaul and Britain were for
+ages open to their depredations. About the middle of the fifth century,
+the unwarlike Vortigern, then king of Britain, embraced the fatal
+resolution of requesting these hardy warriors to deliver him from the
+harassing inroads of the Picts and Scots; and the expedition of Hengist
+and Horsa was the consequence. Our mention of this memorable epoch is
+not for its political importance, great as that is, but for its effects
+on piracy; for the success attending such enterprises seems to have
+turned the whole of the northern nations towards sea warfare. The Danes,
+Norwegians, and Swedes, from their superior knowledge of navigation,
+gave into it most; and on whatever coast the winds carried them, they
+made free with all that came in their way. Canute the Fourth endeavored
+in vain to repress these lawless disorders among his subjects; but they
+felt so galled by his restrictions, that they assassinated him. On the
+king of Sweden being taken by the Danes, permission was given to such of
+his subjects as chose, to arm themselves against the enemy, pillage his
+possessions, and sell their prizes at Ribnitz and Golnitz. This proved a
+fertile nursery of pirates, who became so formidable under the name of
+"Victalien Broders," that several princes were obliged to arm against
+them, and hang some of their chiefs.
+
+Even the females of the North caught the epidemic spirit, and proudly
+betook themselves to the dangers of sea-life. Saxo-Grammaticus relates
+an interesting story of one of them. Alwilda, the daughter of Synardus,
+a Gothic king, to deliver herself from the violence imposed on her
+inclination, by a marriage with Alf, the son of Sygarus, king of
+Denmark, embraced the life of a rover; and attired as a man, she
+embarked in a vessel of which the crew was composed of other young women
+of tried courage, dressed in the same manner. Among the first of her
+cruises, she landed at a place where a company of pirates were bewailing
+the loss of their commander; and the strangers were so captivated with
+the air and agreeable manners of Alwilda, that they unanimously chose
+her for their leader. By this reinforcement she became so formidable,
+that Prince Alf was despatched to engage her. She sustained his attacks
+with great courage and talent; but during a severe action in the gulf of
+Finland, Alf boarded her vessel, and having killed the greatest part of
+her crew, seized the captain, namely herself; whom nevertheless he knew
+not, because she had a casque which covered her visage. The prince was
+agreeably surprised, on removing the helmet, to recognize his beloved
+Alwilda; and it seems that his valor had now recommended him to the fair
+princess, for he persuaded her to accept his hand, married her on board,
+and then led her to partake of his wealth, and share his throne.
+
+Charlemagne, though represented as naturally generous and humane, had
+been induced, in his extravagant zeal for the propagation of those
+tenets which he had himself adopted, to enforce them throughout Germany
+at the point of the sword; and his murders and decimations on that
+account disgrace humanity. The more warlike of the Pagans flying into
+Jutland, from whence the Saxons had issued forth, were received with
+kindness, and furnished with the means of punishing their persecutor, by
+harassing his coasts. The maritime towns of France were especially
+ravaged by those pirates called "Normands," or men of the North; and it
+was owing to their being joined by many malcontents, in the provinces
+since called Normandy, that that district acquired its name.
+Charlemagne, roused by this effrontery, besides fortifying the mouths of
+the great rivers, determined on building himself a fleet, which he did,
+consisting of 400 of the largest galleys then known, some having five or
+six benches of oars. His people were, however, extremely ignorant of
+maritime affairs, and in the progress of having them taught, he was
+suddenly called to the south, by the invasion of the Saracens.
+
+[Illustration: _Awilda, the Female Pirate._]
+
+Another division of Normans, some years afterwards, in the same spirit
+of emigration, and thirsting, perhaps, to avenge their injured
+ancestors, burst into the provinces of France, which the degeneracy of
+Charlemagne's posterity, and the dissensions which prevailed there,
+rendered an affair of no great difficulty. Louis le Debonnaire had taken
+every means of keeping on good terms with them; annually persuading some
+to become Christians, and then sending them home so loaded with
+presents, that it was discovered they came to be baptized over and over
+again, merely for the sake of the gifts, as Du Chesne tells us. But on
+the subsequent division of the empire among the undutiful sons of Louis,
+the pirates did not fail to take advantage of the general confusion;
+braving the sea almost every summer in their light coracles, sailing up
+the Seine, the Somme, or the Loire, and devastating the best parts of
+France, almost without resistance. In 845, they went up to Paris,
+pillaged it, and were on the point of attacking the royal camp at St.
+Dennis; but receiving a large sum of money from Charles the Bald, they
+retreated from thence, and with the new means thus supplied them,
+ravaged Bordeaux, and were there joined by Pepin, king of Aquitaine. A
+few years afterwards, they returned in great numbers. Paris was again
+sacked, and the magnificent abbey of St. Germain des Prés burnt. In
+861, Wailand, a famous Norman pirate, returning from England, took up
+his winter quarters on the banks of the Loire, devastated the country as
+high as Tourraine, shared the women and girls among his crews, and even
+carried off the male children, to be brought up in his own profession.
+Charles the Bald, not having the power to expel him, engaged the
+freebooter, for 500 pounds of silver, to dislodge his countrymen, who
+were harassing the vicinity of Paris. In consequence of this subsidy,
+Wailand, with a fleet of 260 sail, went up the Seine, and attacked the
+Normans in the isle of Oiselle: after a long and obstinate resistance,
+they were obliged to capitulate; and having paid 6000 pounds of gold and
+silver, by way of ransom, had leave to join their victors. The riches
+thus acquired rendered a predatory life so popular, that the pirates
+were continually increasing in number, so that under a "sea-king" called
+Eric, they made a descent in the Elbe and the Weser, pillaged Hamburg,
+penetrated far into Germany, and after gaining two battles, retreated
+with immense booty. The pirates, thus reinforced on all sides, long
+continued to devastate Germany, France, and England; some penetrated
+into Andalusia and Hetruria, where they destroyed the flourishing town
+of Luni; whilst others, descending the Dnieper, penetrated even into
+Russia.
+
+[Illustration: _A Priest thrown from the Ramparts of an Abbey._]
+
+Meanwhile the Danes had been making several attempts to effect a
+_lodgment_ in England; and allured by its fertility, were induced to try
+their fortune in various expeditions, which were occasionally completely
+successful, and at other times most fatally disastrous. At length, after
+a struggle of several years, their success was so decided, that king
+Alfred was obliged for a time to abandon his kingdom, as we all know, to
+their ravages. They immediately passed over to Ireland, and divided it
+into three sovereignties; that of Dublin fell to the share of Olauf;
+that of Waterford to Sitrih; and that of Limerick to Yivar. These
+arrangements dispersed the forces of the enemy, and watching his
+opportunity, Alfred issued from his retreat, fell on them like a
+thunderbolt, and made a great carnage of them. This prince, too wise to
+exterminate the pirates after he had conquered them, sent them to settle
+Northumberland, which had been wasted by their countrymen, and by this
+humane policy gained their attachment and services. He then retook
+London, embellished it, equipped fleets, restrained the Danes in
+England, and prevented others from landing. In the twelve years of peace
+which followed his fifty-six battles, this great man composed his body
+of laws; divided England into counties, hundreds, and tithings, and
+founded the University of Oxford. But after Alfred's death, fresh swarms
+of pirates visited the shores, among the most formidable of whom were
+the Danes, who spread desolation and misery along the banks of the
+Thames, the Medway, the Severn, the Tamar, and the Avon, for more than a
+century, though repeatedly tempted to desist by weighty bribes, raised
+by an oppressive and humiliating tax called _Danegelt_, from its object;
+and which, like most others, were continued long after it had answered
+its intent.
+
+About the end of the 9th century, one of the sons of Rognwald, count of
+the Orcades, named Horolf, or Rollo, having infested the coasts of
+Norway with piratical descents, was at length defeated and banished by
+Harold, king of Denmark. He fled for safety to the Scandinavian island
+of Soderoe, where finding many outlaws and discontented fugitives, he
+addressed their passions, and succeeded in placing himself at their
+head. Instead of measuring his sword with his sovereign again, he
+adopted the wiser policy of imitating his countrymen, in making his
+fortune by plundering the more opulent places of southern Europe. The
+first attempt of this powerful gang was upon England, where, finding
+Alfred too powerful to be coped with, he stood over to the mouth of the
+Seine, and availed himself of the state to which France was reduced.
+Horolf, however, did not limit his ambition to the acquisition of booty;
+he wished permanently to enjoy some of the fine countries he was
+ravaging, and after many treaties made and broken, received the dutchy
+of Normandy from the lands of Charles the Simple, as a fief, together
+with Gisla, the daughter of the French monarch, in marriage. Thus did a
+mere pirate found the family which in a few years gave sovereigns to
+England, Naples, and Sicily, and spread the fame of their talents and
+prowess throughout the world.
+
+Nor was Europe open to the depredations of the northern pirates only.
+Some Asiatic moslems, having seized on Syria, immediately invaded
+Africa, and their subsequent conquests in Spain facilitated their
+irruption into France, where they pillaged the devoted country, with but
+few substantial checks. Masters of all the islands in the Mediterranean,
+their corsairs insulted the coasts of Italy, and even threatened the
+destruction of the Eastern empire. While Alexis was occupied in a war
+with Patzinaces, on the banks of the Danube, Zachas, a Saracen pirate,
+scoured the Archipelago, having, with the assistance of an able
+Smyrniote, constructed a flotilla of forty brigantines, and some light
+fast-rowing boats, manned by adventurers like himself. After taking
+several of the surrounding islands, he established himself sovereign of
+Smyrna, that place being about the centre of his newly-acquired
+dominions. Here his fortunes prospered for a time, and Soliman, sultan
+of Nicea, son of the grand Soliman, sought his alliance, and married his
+daughter, about AD. 1093. But in the following year, young Soliman being
+persuaded that his father-in-law had an eye to his possessions, with his
+own hand stabbed Zachas to the heart. The success of this freebooter
+shows that the Eastern emperors could no longer protect, or even assist,
+their islands.
+
+Maritime pursuits had now revived, the improvement of nautical science
+was progressing rapidly, and the advantages of predatory expeditions,
+especially when assisted and masked by commerce, led people of family
+and acquirements to embrace the profession. The foremost of these were
+the Venetians and Genoese, among whom the private adventurers,
+stimulated by an enterprising spirit, fitted out armaments, and
+volunteered themselves into the service of those nations who thought
+proper to retain them; or they engaged in such schemes of plunder as
+were likely to repay their pains and expense. About the same time, the
+Roxolani or Russians, became known in history, making their debut in the
+character of pirates, ravenous for booty, and hungry for the pillage of
+Constantinople--a longing which 900 years have not yet satisfied.
+Pouring hundreds of boats down the Borysthenes, the Russian marauders
+made four desperate attempts to plunder the city of the Caesars, in less
+than two centuries, and appear only to have been repulsed by the
+dreadful effects of the celebrated Greek fire.
+
+England, in the mean time, had little to do with piracy; nor had she any
+thing worthy the name of a navy; yet Coeur de Lion had given maritime
+laws to Europe; her seamen, in point of skill, were esteemed superior to
+their contemporaries; and King John enacted that those foreign ships
+which refused to lower their flags to that of Britain should, if taken,
+be deemed lawful prizes. Under Henry III., though Hugh de Burgh, the
+governor of Dover Castle, had defeated a French fleet by casting lime
+into the eyes of his antagonists, the naval force was impaired to such a
+degree that the Normans and Bretons were too powerful for the Cinque
+Ports, and compelled them to seek relief from the other ports of the
+kingdom. The taste for depredation had become so general and contagious,
+that privateers were now allowed to be fitted out, which equipments
+quickly degenerated to the most cruel of pirates. Nay more: on the
+disputes which took place between Henry and his Barons, in 1244, the
+Cinque Ports, who had shown much indifference to the royal requisitions,
+openly espoused the cause of the revolted nobles; and, under the orders
+of Simon de Montfort, burnt Portsmouth. From this, forgetful of their
+motives for arming, they proceeded to commit various acts of piracy, and
+considering nothing but their private interests, extended their violence
+not only against the shipping of all countries unfortunate enough to
+fall in their way, but even to perpetrate the most unwarrantable ravages
+on the property of their own countrymen. Nor was this confined to the
+Cinque Port vessels only; the example and the profits were too
+stimulating to the restless; and one daring association on the coast of
+Lincolnshire seized the Isle of Ely, and made it their receptacle for
+the plunder of all the adjacent countries. One William Marshall
+fortified the little island of Lundy, in the mouth of the Severn, and
+did so much mischief by his piracies, that at length it became necessary
+to fit out a squadron to reduce him, which was accordingly done, and he
+was executed in London; yet the example did not deter other persons from
+similar practices. The sovereign, however, did not possess sufficient
+naval means to suppress the enormities of the great predatory squadrons,
+and their ravages continued to disgrace the English name for upwards of
+twenty years, when the valor and conciliation of the gallant Prince
+Edward brought them to that submission which his royal parent had failed
+in procuring.
+
+Those "harum-scarum" expeditions, the Crusades, were perhaps influential
+in checking piracy, although the rabble that composed the majority of
+them had as little principle as the worst of the freebooters. From the
+time that Peter the Hermit set Europe in a blaze, all ranks, and all
+nations, streamed to the East, so that few vessels were otherwise
+employed than in conveying the motly groups who sought the shores of
+Palestine; some from religious zeal; some from frantic fanaticism; some
+from desire of distinction; some for the numberless privileges which the
+crusaders acquired; and the rest and greater portion, for the spoil and
+plunder of which they had a prospect. The armaments, fitted in no fewer
+than nine successive efforts, were mostly equipped with such haste and
+ignorance, and with so little choice, that ruinous delays, shipwrecks,
+and final discomfiture, were naturally to be expected. Still, the effect
+of such incredible numbers of people betaking themselves to foreign
+countries, advanced civilization, although vast means of forwarding its
+cause were buried in the East; and those who assert that no benefit
+actually resulted, cannot deny that at least some evils were thereby
+removed. Montesquieu says, that Europe then required a general shock, to
+teach her, but the sight of contrasts, the theorems of public economy
+most conducive to happiness. And it is evident, that notwithstanding
+these follies wasted the population of Europe, squandered its treasures,
+and infected us with new vices and diseases, still the crusades
+diminished the bondage of the feudal system, by augmenting the power of
+the King, and the strength of the Commons; while they also occasioned a
+very increased activity in commerce: thus taming the ferocity of men's
+spirits, increasing agriculture in value from the safety it enjoyed, and
+establishing a base for permanent prosperity.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURES AND EXPLOITS OF CAPTAIN AVERY.
+
+
+_Containing an Account of his capturing one of the great Mogul's ship's
+laden with treasure: and an interesting history of a Colony of Pirates
+on the Island of Madagascar._
+
+During his own time the adventures of Captain Avery were the subject of
+general conversation in Europe. It was reported that he had married the
+Great Mogul's daughter, who was taken in an Indian ship that fell into
+his hands, and that he was about to be the founder of a new
+monarchy--that he gave commissions in his own name to the captains of
+his ships, and the commanders of his forces, and was acknowledged by
+them as their prince. In consequence of these reports, it was at one
+time resolved to fit out a strong squadron to go and take him and his
+men; and at another time it was proposed to invite him home with all his
+riches, by the offer of his Majesty's pardon. These reports, however,
+were soon discovered to be groundless, and he was actually starving
+without a shilling, while he was represented as in the possession of
+millions. Not to exhaust the patience, or lessen the curiosity of the
+reader, the facts in Avery's life shall be briefly related.
+
+He was a native of Devonshire (Eng.), and at an early period sent to
+sea; advanced to the station of a mate in a merchantman, he performed
+several voyages. It happened previous to the peace of Ryswick, when
+there existed an alliance between Spain, England, Holland, and other
+powers, against France, that the French in Martinique carried on a
+smuggling trade with the Spaniards on the continent of Peru. To prevent
+their intrusion into the Spanish dominions, a few vessels were
+commanded to cruise upon that coast, but the French ships were too
+strong for them; the Spaniards, therefore, came to the resolution of
+hiring foreigners to act against them. Accordingly, certain merchants of
+Bristol fitted out two ships of thirty guns, well manned, and provided
+with every necessary munition, and commanded them to sail for Corunna to
+receive their orders.
+
+Captain Gibson commanded one of these ships, and Avery appears to have
+been his mate, in the year 1715. He was a fellow of more cunning than
+courage, and insinuating himself into the confidence of some of the
+boldest men in the ship, he represented the immense riches which were to
+be acquired upon the Spanish coast, and proposed to run off with the
+ship. The proposal was scarcely made when it was agreed upon, and put in
+execution at ten o'clock the following evening. Captain Gibson was one
+of those who mightily love their bottle, and spent much of his time on
+shore; but he remained on board that night, which did not, however,
+frustrate their design, because he had taken his usual dose, and so went
+to bed. The men who were not in the confederacy went also to bed,
+leaving none upon deck but the conspirators. At the time agreed upon,
+the long boat of the other ship came, and Avery hailing her in the usual
+manner, he was answered by the men in her, "Is your drunken boatswain on
+board?" which was the watchword agreed between them. Avery replying in
+the affirmative, the boat came alongside with sixteen stout fellows, who
+joined in the adventure. They next secured the hatches, then softly
+weighed anchor, and immediately put to sea without bustle or noise.
+There were several vessels in the bay, besides a Dutchman of forty guns,
+the captain of which was offered a considerable reward to go in pursuit
+of Avery, but he declined. When the captain awoke, he rang his bell, and
+Avery and another conspirator going into the cabin, found him yet half
+asleep. He inquired, saying, "What is the matter with the ship? does
+she drive? what weather is it?" supposing that it had been a storm, and
+that the ship was driven from her anchors. "No, no," answered Avery,
+"we're at sea, with a fair wind and a good weather." "At sea!" said the
+captain: "how can that be?" "Come," answered Avery, "don't be in a
+fright, but put on your clothes, and I'll let you into a secret. You
+must know that I am captain of this ship now, and this is my cabin,
+therefore you must walk out; I am bound to Madagascar, with a design of
+making my own fortune, and that of all the brave fellows joined with
+me."
+
+The captain, having a little recovered his senses, began to understand
+his meaning. However, his fright was as great as before, which Avery
+perceiving, desired him to fear nothing; "for," said he, "if you have a
+mind to make one of us, we will receive you; and if you turn sober, and
+attend to business, perhaps in time I may make you one of my
+lieutenants; if not, here's a boat, and you shall be set on shore."
+Gibson accepted of the last proposal; and the whole crew being called up
+to know who was willing to go on shore with the captain, there were only
+about five or six who chose to accompany him.
+
+Avery proceeded on his voyage to Madagascar, and it does not appear that
+he captured any vessels upon his way. When arrived at the northeast part
+of that island, he found two sloops at anchor, which, upon seeing him,
+slipped their cables and ran themselves ashore, while the men all landed
+and concealed themselves in the woods. These were two sloops which the
+men had run off with from the East Indies, and seeing Avery's ship,
+supposed that he had been sent out after them. Suspecting who they were,
+he sent some of his men on shore to inform them that they were friends,
+and to propose a union for their common safety. The sloops' men being
+well armed, had posted themselves in a wood, and placed sentinels to
+observe whether the ship's men were landing to pursue them. The
+sentinels only observing two or three men coming towards them unarmed,
+did not oppose them. Upon being informed that they were friends, the
+sentinels conveyed them to the main body, where they delivered their
+message. They were at first afraid that it was a stratagem to entrap
+them, but when the messengers assured them that their captain had also
+run away with his ship, and that a few of their men along with him would
+meet them unarmed, to consult matters for their common advantage,
+confidence was established, and they were mutually well pleased, as it
+added to their strength.
+
+Having consulted what was most proper to be attempted they endeavored to
+get off the sloops, and hastened to prepare all things, in order to sail
+for the Arabian coast. Near the river Indus, the man at the mast-head
+espied a sail, upon which they gave chase; as they came nearer to her,
+they discovered that she was a tall vessel, and might turn out to be an
+East Indiaman. She, however, proved a better prize; for when they fired
+at her she hoisted Mogul colors, and seemed to stand upon her defence.
+Avery only cannonaded at a distance, when some of his men began to
+suspect that he was not the hero they had supposed. The sloops, however
+attacked, the one on the bow, and another upon the quarter of the ship,
+and so boarded her. She then struck her colors. She was one of the Great
+Mogul's own ships, and there were in her several of the greatest persons
+in his court, among whom, it was said, was one of his daughters going
+upon a pilgrimage to Mecca; and they were carrying with them rich
+offerings to present at the shrine of Mahomet. It is a well known fact,
+that the people of the east travel with great magnificence, so that
+these had along with them all their slaves and attendants, with a large
+quantity of vessels of gold and silver, and immense sums of money to
+defray their expenses by land; the spoil therefore which they received
+from that ship was almost incalculable.
+
+[Illustration: _Captain Avery engaging the Great Mogul's Ship._]
+
+Taking the treasure on board their own ships, and plundering their prize
+of every thing valuable, they then allowed her to depart. As soon as the
+Mogul received this intelligence, he threatened to send a mighty army to
+extirpate the English from all their settlements upon the Indian coast.
+The East India Company were greatly alarmed, but found means to calm his
+resentment, by promising to search for the robbers, and deliver them
+into his hands. The noise which this made over all Europe, gave birth to
+the rumors that were circulated concerning Avery's greatness.
+
+In the mean time, our adventurers made the best of their way back to
+Madagascar, intending to make that place the deposit of all their
+treasure, to build a small fort, and to keep always a few men there for
+its protection. Avery, however, disconcerted this plan, and rendered it
+altogether unnecessary.
+
+[Illustration: _Captain Avery receiving the three chests of Treasure on
+board of his Ship._]
+
+While steering their course, Avery sent a boat to each of the sloops,
+requesting that the chiefs would come on board his ship to hold a
+conference. They obeyed, and being assembled, he suggested to them the
+necessity of securing the property which they had acquired in some safe
+place on shore, and observed, that the chief difficulty was to get it
+safe on shore; adding that, if either of the sloops should be attacked
+alone, they would not be able to make any great resistance, and thus she
+must either be sunk or taken with all the property on board. That, for
+his part, his ship was so strong, so well manned, and such a
+swift-sailing vessel, that he did not think it was possible for any
+other ship to take or overcome her. Accordingly, he proposed that all
+their treasure should be sealed up in three chests;--that each of the
+captains should have keys, and that they should not be opened until all
+were present;--that the chests should be then put on board his ship, and
+afterwards lodged in some safe place upon land.
+
+This proposal seemed so reasonable, and so much for the common good,
+that it was without hesitation agreed to, and all the treasure deposited
+in three chests, and carried to Avery's ship. The weather being
+favorable, they remained all three in company during that and the next
+day; meanwhile Avery, tampering with his men, suggested, that they had
+now on board what was sufficient to make them all happy; "and what,"
+continued he, "should hinder us from going to some country where we are
+not known, and living on shore all the rest of our days in plenty?" They
+soon understood his hint, and all readily consented to deceive the men
+of the sloops, and fly with all the booty; this they effected during the
+darkness of the following night. The reader may easily conjecture what
+were the feelings and indignation of the other two crews in the morning,
+when they discovered that Avery had made off with all their property.
+
+Avery and his men hastened towards America, and being strangers in that
+country, agreed to divide the booty, to change their names, and each
+separately to take up his residence, and live in affluence and honor.
+The first land they approached was the Island of Providence, then newly
+settled. It however occurred to them, that the largeness of their
+vessel, and the report that one had been run off with from the Groine,
+might create suspicion; they resolved therefore to dispose of their
+vessel at Providence. Upon this resolution, Avery, pretending that his
+vessel had been equipped for privateering, and having been unsuccessful,
+he had orders from the owners to dispose of her to the best advantage,
+soon found a merchant. Having thus sold his own ship, he immediately
+purchased a small sloop.
+
+In this he and his companions embarked, and landed at several places in
+America, where, none suspecting them, they dispersed and settled in the
+country. Avery, however, had been careful to conceal the greater part of
+the jewels and other valuable articles, so that his riches were immense.
+Arriving at Boston, he was almost resolved to settle there, but, as the
+greater part of his wealth consisted of diamonds, he was apprehensive
+that he could not dispose of them at that place, without being taken up
+as a pirate. Upon reflection, therefore, he resolved to sail for
+Ireland, and in a short time arrived in the northern part of that
+kingdom, and his men dispersed into several places. Some of them
+obtained the pardon of King William, and settled in that country.
+
+The wealth of Avery, however, now proved of small service, and
+occasioned him great uneasiness. He could not offer his diamonds for
+sale in that country without being suspected. Considering, therefore,
+what was best to be done, he thought there might be some person at
+Bristol he could venture to trust. Upon this he resolved, and going into
+Devonshire, sent to one of his friends to meet him at a town called
+Bideford. When he had unbosomed himself to him and other pretended
+friends, they agreed that the safest plan would be to put his effects
+into the hands of some wealthy merchants, and no inquiry would be made
+how they came by them. One of these friends told him, he was acquainted
+with some who were very fit for the purpose, and if he would allow them
+a handsome commission, they would do the business faithfully. Avery
+liked the proposal, particularly as he could think of no other way of
+managing this matter, since he could not appear to act for himself.
+Accordingly, the merchants paid Avery a visit at Bideford, where, after
+strong protestations of honor and integrity, he delivered them his
+effects, consisting of diamonds and some vessels of gold. After giving
+him a little money for his present subsistence, they departed.
+
+He changed his name, and lived quietly at Bideford, so that no notice
+was taken of him. In a short time his money was all spent, and he heard
+nothing from his merchants though he wrote to them repeatedly; at last
+they sent him a small supply, but it was not sufficient to pay his
+debts. In short, the remittances they sent him were so trifling, that he
+could with difficulty exist. He therefore determined to go privately to
+Bristol, and have an interview with the merchants himself,--where,
+instead of money, he met with a mortifying repulse; for, when he desired
+them to come to an account with him, they silenced him by threatening to
+disclose his character; the merchants thus proving themselves as good
+pirates on land as he was at sea.
+
+Whether he was frightened by these menaces, or had seen some other
+person who recognised him, is not known; however, he went immediately to
+Ireland, and from thence solicited his merchants very strongly for a
+supply, but to no purpose; so that he was reduced to beggary. In this
+extremity he was determined to return, and cast himself upon the mercy
+of these honest Bristol merchants, let the consequence be what it would.
+He went on board a trading-vessel, and worked his passage over to
+Plymouth, from whence he travelled on foot to Bideford. He had been
+there but a few days, when he fell sick and died; not being worth so
+much as would buy him a coffin!
+
+We shall now turn back and give our readers some account of the other
+two sloops. Deceiving themselves in the supposition that Avery had
+outsailed them during the night, they held on their course to the place
+of rendezvouse; but, arriving there, to their sad disappointment no ship
+appeared. It was now necessary for them to consult what was most proper
+to do in their desperate circumstances. Their provisions were nearly
+exhausted, and both fish and fowl were to be found on shore, yet they
+were destitute of salt to cure them. As they could not subsist at sea
+without salt provisions, they resolved to form an establishment upon
+land. Accordingly making tents of the sails, and using the other
+materials of the sloops for what purposes they could serve, they
+encamped upon the shore. It was also a fortunate circumstance, that they
+had plenty of ammunition and small arms. Here they met with some of
+their countrymen; and as the digression is short, we will inform our
+readers how they came to inhabit this place.
+
+Captain George Dew, and Thomas Tew, had received a commission from the
+Governor of Bermuda to sail for the river Gambia, in Africa, that, with
+the assistance of the Royal African Company, they might seize the French
+Factory situated upon that coast. Dew, in a violent storm, not only
+sprang a mast, but lost sight of his companion. Upon this returned to
+refit. Instead of proceeding in his voyage, Tew made towards the Cape of
+Good Hope, doubled that cape, and sailed for the straits of
+Babel-Mandeb. There he met with a large ship richly laden coming from
+the Indies, and bound for Arabia. Though she had on board three hundred
+soldiers, besides seamen, yet Tew had the courage to attack her, and
+soon made her his prize. It is reported, that by this one prize every
+man shared near three thousand pounds. Informed by the prisoners that
+five other ships were to pass that way, Tew would have attacked them,
+but was prevented by the remonstrances of his quarter-master and others.
+This difference of opinion terminated in a resolution to abandon the
+sea, and to settle on some convenient spot on shore; and the island of
+Madagascar was chosen. Tew, however, and a few others, in a short time
+went for Rhode Island, and obtained a pardon.
+
+The natives of Madagascar are negroes, but differ from those of Guinea
+in the length of their hair and in the blackness of their complexion.
+They are divided into small nations, each governed by its own prince,
+who carry on a continual war upon each other. The prisoners taken in war
+are either rendered slaves to the conquerors, sold, or slain, according
+to pleasure. When the pirates first settled among them, their alliance
+was much courted by these princes, and those whom they joined were
+always successful in their wars, the natives being ignorant of the use
+of fire-arms. Such terror did they carry along with them, that the very
+appearance of a few pirates in an army would have put the opposing force
+to flight.
+
+By these means they in a little time became very formidable, and the
+prisoners whom they took in war they employed in cultivating the ground,
+and the most beautiful of the women they married; nor were they
+contented with one, but married as many as they could conveniently
+maintain. The natural result was, that they separated, each choosing a
+convenient place for himself, where he lived in a princely style,
+surrounded by his wives, slaves and dependants. Nor was it long before
+jarring interests excited them also to draw the sword against each
+other, and they appeared at the head of their respective forces in the
+field of battle. In these civil wars their numbers and strength were
+greatly lessened.
+
+The servant, exalted to the condition of a master, generally becomes a
+tyrant. These pirates, unexpectedly elevated to the dignity of petty
+princes, used their power with the most wanton barbarity. The punishment
+of the very least offence was to be tied to a tree, and instantly shot
+through the head. The negroes, at length, exasperated by continued
+oppression, formed the determination of extirpating them in one night;
+nor was it a difficult matter to accomplish this, since they were now so
+much divided both in affection and residence. Fortunately, however, for
+them, a negro woman, who was partial to them, ran twenty miles in three
+hours, and warning them of their danger, they were united and in arms to
+oppose the negroes before the latter had assembled. This narrow escape
+made them more cautious, and induced them to adopt the following system
+of policy:--
+
+Convinced that fear was not a sufficient protection, and that the
+bravest man might be murdered by a coward in his bed, they labored to
+foment wars among the negro princes, while they themselves declined to
+aid either party. It naturally followed, that those who were vanquished
+fled to them for protection, and increased their strength. When there
+was no war, they fomented private discords, and encouraged them to wreak
+their vengeance against each other; nay, even taught them how to
+surprise their opponents, and furnished them with fire-arms, with which
+to dispatch them more effectually and expeditiously. The consequences
+were, that the murderer was constrained to fly to them for protection,
+with his wives, children, and kindred. These, from interest, became true
+friends, as their own safety depended upon the lives of their
+protectors. By this time the pirates were so formidable, that none of
+the negro princes durst attack them in open war.
+
+[Illustration: _Captain Tew attacks the ship from India._]
+
+Pursuing this system of policy, in a short time each chief had his party
+greatly increased, and they divided like so many tribes, in order to
+find ground to cultivate, and to choose proper places to build places of
+residence and erect garrisons of defence. The fears that agitated them
+were always obvious in their general policy, for they vied with each
+other in constructing places of safety, and using every precaution to
+prevent the possibility of sudden danger, either from the negroes or
+from one another.
+
+A description of one of these dwellings will both show the fears that
+agitated these tyrants, and prove entertaining to the reader. They
+selected a spot overgrown with wood, near a river, and raised a rampart
+or ditch round it, so straight and steep that it was impossible to climb
+it, more particularly by those who had no scaling ladders. Over that
+ditch there was one passage into the wood; the dwelling, which was a
+hut, was built in that part of the wood which the prince thought most
+secure, but so covered that it could not be discovered until you came
+near it. But the greatest ingenuity was displayed in the construction of
+the passage that led to the hut, which was so narrow, that no more than
+one person could go abreast, and it was contrived in so intricate a
+manner, that it was a perfect labyrinth; the way going round and round
+with several small crossways, so that a person unacquainted with it,
+might walk several hours without finding the hut. Along the sides of
+these paths, certain large thorns, which grew on a tree in that country,
+were stuck into the ground with their points outwards; and the path
+itself being serpentine, as before mentioned, if a man should attempt to
+approach the hut at night, he would certainly have struck upon these
+thorns.
+
+[Illustration: _A Pirate and his Madagascar wife._]
+
+Thus like tyrants they lived, dreading, and dreaded by all, and in this
+state they were found by Captain Woods Rogers, when he went to
+Madagascar in the Delicia, a ship of forty guns, with the design of
+purchasing slaves. He touched upon a part of the island at which no ship
+had been seen for seven or eight years before, where he met with some
+pirates who had been upon the island above twenty-five years. There were
+only eleven of the original stock then alive, surrounded with a numerous
+offspring of children and grandchildren.
+
+They were struck with terror upon the sight of the vessel, supposing
+that it was a man-of-war sent out to apprehend them; they, therefore,
+retired to their secret habitations. But when they found some of the
+ship's crew on shore, without any signs of hostility, and proposing to
+treat with them for slaves, they ventured to come out of their dwellings
+attended like princes. Having been so long upon the island, their cloaks
+were so much worn, that their majesties were extremely out at elbows. It
+cannot be said that they were ragged, but they had nothing to cover them
+but the skins of beasts in their natural state, not even a shoe or
+stocking; so that they resembled the pictures of Hercules in the lion's
+skin; and being overgrown with beard, and hair upon their bodies, they
+appeared the most savage figures that the human imagination could well
+conceive.
+
+The sale of the slaves in their possession soon provided them with more
+suitable clothes, and all other necessaries, which they received in
+exchange. Meanwhile, they became very familiar, went frequently on
+board, and were very eager in examining the inside of the ship, talking
+very familiarly with the men, and inviting them on shore. Their design
+was to surprise the ship during the night. They had a sufficient number
+of men and boats to effect their purpose, but the captain suspecting
+them, kept so strong a watch upon deck, that they found it in vain to
+hazard an attempt. When some of the men went on shore, they entered into
+a plan to seize the ship, but the captain observing their familiarity,
+prevented any one of his men from speaking to the pirates, and only
+permitted a confidential person to purchase their slaves. Thus he
+departed from the island, leaving these pirates to enjoy their savage
+royalty. One of them had been a waterman upon the Thames, and having
+committed a murder, fled to the West Indies. The rest had all been
+foremastmen, nor was there one among them who could either read or
+write.
+
+[Illustration: _Captain Avery's Treasure._]
+
+
+
+
+THE REMARKABLE HISTORY OF THE JOASSAMEE PIRATES OF
+THE PERSIAN GULF.
+
+
+_Containing a description of their chief town, Ras El Khyma, and an
+account of the capture of several European vessels, and the barbarous
+treatment of their crews.--With interesting details of the several
+expeditions sent against them, and their final submission to the troops
+of the English East India Company_.
+
+The line of coast from Cape Mussenndom to Bahrain, on the Arabian side
+of the Persian Gulf, had been from time immemorial occupied by a tribe
+of Arabs called Joassamees. These, from local position, were all engaged
+in maritime pursuits. Some traded in their own small vessels to
+Bussorah, Bushire, Muscat, and even India; others annually fished in
+their own boats on the pearl banks of Bahrain; and a still greater
+number hired themselves out as sailors to navigate the coasting small
+craft of the Persian Gulf.
+
+The Joassamees at length perceiving that their local position enabled
+them to reap a rich harvest by plundering vessels in passing this great
+highway of nations, commenced their piratical career. The small coasting
+vessels of the gulf, from their defenceless state, were the first object
+of their pursuit, and these soon fell an easy prey; until, emboldened by
+success, they directed their views to more arduous enterprises, and
+having tasted the sweets of plunder in the increase of their wealth, had
+determined to attempt more promising victories.
+
+About the year 1797, one of the East India Company's vessels of war, the
+Viper, of ten guns, was lying at anchor in the inner roads of Bushire.
+Some dows of the Joassamees were at the same moment anchored in the
+harbor; but as their warfare had hitherto been waged only against what
+are called native vessels, and they had either feared or respected the
+British flag, no hostile measures were ever pursued against them by the
+British ships. The commanders of these dows had applied to the Persian
+agent of the East India Company there, for a supply of gunpowder and
+cannon shot for their cruise: and as this man had no suspicions of their
+intentions, he furnished them with an order to the commanding officer on
+board for the quantity required. The captain of the Viper was on shore
+at the time, in the agent's house, but the order being produced to the
+officer on board, the powder and shot were delivered, and the dows
+weighed and made sail. The crew of the Viper were at this moment taking
+their breakfast on deck, and the officers below; when on a sudden, a
+cannonading was opened on them by two of the dows, who attempted also to
+board.
+
+[Illustration: _A Joassamee Dow in full chase._]
+
+The officers, leaping on deck, called the crew to quarters, and cutting
+their cable, got sail upon the ship, so as to have the advantage of
+manoeuvring. A regular engagement now took place between this small
+cruiser and four dows, all armed with great guns, and full of men. In
+the contest Lieut. Carruthers, the commanding officer, was once wounded
+by a ball in the loins; but after girding a handkerchief round his
+waist, he still kept the deck, till a ball entering his forehead, he
+fell. Mr. Salter, the midshipman on whom the command devolved, continued
+the fight with determined bravery, and after a stout resistance, beat
+them off, chased them some distance out to sea, and subsequently
+regained the anchorage in safety.
+
+Several years elapsed before the wounds of the first defeat were
+sufficiently healed to induce a second attempt on vessels under the
+British flag, though a constant state of warfare was still kept up
+against the small craft of the gulf. In 1804, the East India Company's
+cruiser, Fly, was taken by a French privateer, off the Island of Kenn,
+in the Persian Gulf; but before the enemy boarded her, she ran into
+shoal water, near that island, and sunk the government dispatches, and
+some treasure with which they were charged, in about two and a half
+fathoms of water, taking marks for the recovery of them, if possible, at
+some future period. The passengers and crew were taken to Bushire where
+they were set at liberty, and having purchased a country dow by
+subscription, they fitted her out and commenced their voyage down the
+gulf, bound for Bombay. On their passage down, as they thought it would
+be practicable to recover the government packet and treasure sunk off
+Kenn, they repaired to that island, and were successful, after much
+exertion, in recovering the former, which being in their estimation of
+the first importance, as the dispatches were from England to Bombay,
+they sailed with them on their way thither, without loss of time.
+
+Near the mouth of the gulf, they were captured by a fleet of Joassamee
+boats, after some resistance, in which several were wounded and taken
+into their chief port at Ras-el-Khyma. Here they were detained in hope
+of ransome, and during their stay were shown to the people of the town
+as curiosities, no similar beings having been before seen there within
+the memory of man. The Joassamee ladies were so minute in their
+enquiries, indeed, that they were not satisfied without determining in
+what respect an uncircumcised infidel differed from a true believer.
+
+When these unfortunate Englishmen had remained for several months in the
+possession of the Arabs, and no hope of their ransom appeared, it was
+determined to put them to death, and thus rid themselves of unprofitable
+enemies. An anxiety to preserve life, however, induced the suggestion,
+on their parts, of a plan for the temporary prolongation of it, at
+least. With this view they communicated to the chief of the pirates the
+fact of their having sunk a quantity of treasure near the island of
+Kenn, and of their knowing the marks of the spot, by the bearings of
+objects on shore, with sufficient accuracy to recover it, if furnished
+with good divers. They offered, therefore, to purchase their own
+liberty, by a recovery of this money for their captors; and on the
+fulfillment of their engagement it was solemnly promised to be granted
+to them.
+
+They soon sailed for the spot, accompanied by divers accustomed to that
+occupation on the pearl banks of Bahrain; and, on their anchoring at the
+precise points of bearing taken, they commenced their labors. The first
+divers who went down were so successful, that all the crew followed in
+their turns, so that the vessel was at one time almost entirely
+abandoned at anchor. As the men, too, were all so busily occupied in
+their golden harvest, the moment appeared favorable for escape; and the
+still captive Englishmen were already at their stations to overpower the
+few on board, cut the cable, and make sail. Their motions were either
+seen or suspected, as the divers repaired on board in haste, and the
+scheme was thus frustrated. They were now given their liberty as
+promised, by being landed on the island of Kenn, where, however, no
+means offered for their immediate escape. The pirates, having at the
+same time landed themselves on the island, commenced a general massacre
+of the inhabitants, in which their released prisoners, fearing they
+might be included, fled for shelter to clefts and hiding places in the
+rocks. During their refuge here, they lived on such food as chance threw
+in their way; going out under cover of the night to steal a goat and
+drag it to their haunts. When the pirates had at length completed their
+work of blood, and either murdered or driven off every former inhabitant
+of the island, they quitted it themselves, with the treasure which they
+had thus collected from the sea and shore. The Englishmen now ventured
+to come out from their hiding places, and to think of devising some
+means of escape. Their good fortune in a moment of despair, threw them
+on the wreck of a boat, near the beach, which was still capable of
+repair. In searching about the now deserted town, other materials were
+found, which were of use to them, and sufficient plank and logs of wood
+for the construction of a raft. These were both completed in a few days,
+and the party embarked on them in two divisions, to effect a passage to
+the Persian shore. One of these rafts was lost in the attempt, and all
+on board her perished; while the raft, with the remainder of the party
+reached land.
+
+Having gained the main land they now set out on foot towards Bushire,
+following the line of the coast for the sake of the villages and water.
+In this they are said to have suffered incredible hardships and
+privations of every kind. No one knew the language of the country
+perfectly, and the roads and places of refreshment still less; they were
+in general destitute of clothes and money, and constantly subject to
+plunder and imposition, poor as they were. Their food was therefore
+often scanty, and always of the worst kind; and they had neither shelter
+from the burning sun of the day, nor from the chilling dews of night.
+
+The Indian sailors, sipakees, and servants, of whom a few were still
+remaining when they set out, had all dropped off by turns; and even
+Europeans had been abandoned on the road, in the most affecting way,
+taking a last adieu of their comrades, who had little else to expect but
+soon to follow their fate. One instance is mentioned of their having
+left one who could march no further, at the distance of only a mile from
+a village; and on returning to the spot on the morrow, to bring him in,
+nothing was found but his mangled bones, as he had been devoured in the
+night by jackals. The packet being light was still, however, carried by
+turns, and preserved through all obstacles and difficulties; and with it
+they reached at length the island of Busheap, to which they crossed over
+in a boat from the main. Here they were detained by the Sheikh, but at
+length he provided them with a boat for the conveyance of themselves and
+dispatches to Bushire. From this place they proceeded to Bombay, but of
+all the company only two survived. A Mr. Jowl, an officer of a merchant
+ship, and an English sailor named Penmel together with the bag of
+letters and dispatches.
+
+In the following year, two English brigs, the Shannon, Capt. Babcock,
+and the Trimmer, Capt. Cummings, were on their voyage from Bombay to
+Bussorah. These were both attacked, near the Islands of Polior and
+Kenn, by several boats, and after a slight resistance on the part of the
+Shannon only, were taken possession of, and a part of the crew of each,
+cruelly put to the sword. Capt. Babcock, having been seen by one of the
+Arabs to discharge a musket during the contest, was taken by them on
+shore; and after a consultation on his fate, it was determined that he
+should forfeit the arm by which this act of resistance was committed. It
+was accordingly severed from his body by one stroke of a sabre, and no
+steps were taken either to bind up the wound, or to prevent his bleeding
+to death. The captain, himself, had yet sufficient presence of mind
+left, however, to think of his own safety, and there being near him some
+clarified butter, he procured this to be heated, and while yet warm,
+thrust the bleeding stump of his arm into it. It had the effect of
+lessening the effusion of blood, and ultimately of saving a life that
+would otherwise most probably have been lost. The crew were then all
+made prisoners, and taken to a port of Arabia, from whence they
+gradually dispersed and escaped. The vessels themselves were
+additionally armed, one of them mounting twenty guns, manned with Arab
+crews, and sent from Ras-el-Khyma to cruise in the gulf, where they
+committed many piracies.
+
+In the year 1808, the force of the Joassamees having gradually
+increased, and becoming flushed with the pride of victory, their
+insulting attacks on the British flag were more numerous and more
+desperate than ever. The first of these was on the ship Minerva, of
+Bombay, on her voyage to Bussorah. The attack was commenced by several
+boats, (for they never cruize singly,) and a spirited resistance in a
+running fight was kept up at intervals for several days in succession. A
+favorable moment offered, however, for boarding; the ship was
+overpowered by numbers, and carried amidst a general massacre. The
+captain was said to have been cut up into separate pieces, and thrown
+overboard by fragments; the second mate and carpenter alone were spared,
+probably to make use of their services; and an Armenian lady, the wife
+of Lieut. Taylor, then at Bushire, was reserved perhaps for still
+greater sufferings. But was subsequently ransomed for a large sum.
+
+[Illustration: _The Pirates striking off the arm of Capt. Babcock._]
+
+A few weeks after this, the Sylph, one of the East India Company's
+cruisers, of sixty tons and mounting eight guns, was accompanying the
+mission under Sir Hartford Jones, from Bombay, to Persia; when being
+separated from the rest of the squadron, she was attacked in the gulf by
+a fleet of dows. These bore down with all the menacing attitude of
+hostility; but as the commander, Lieut. Graham had received orders from
+the Bombay government, not to open his fire on any of these vessels
+until he had been first fired on himself, the ship was hardly prepared
+for battle, and the colors were not even hoisted to apprise them to what
+nation she belonged. The dows approached, threw their long overhanging
+prows across the Sylph's beam, and pouring in a shower of stones on her
+deck, beat down and wounded almost every one who stood on it. They then
+boarded, and made the ship an easy prize, before more than a single shot
+had been fired, and in their usual way, put every one whom they found
+alive to the sword. Lieut. Graham fell, covered with wounds, down the
+fore hatchway of his own vessel, where he was dragged by some of the
+crew into a store room, in which they had secreted themselves, and
+barricaded the door with a crow-bar from within. The cruiser was thus
+completely in the possession of the enemy, who made sail on her, and
+were bearing her off in triumph to their own port, in company with their
+boats. Soon after, however, the commodore of the squadron in the Neried
+frigate hove in sight, and perceiving this vessel in company with the
+dows, judged her to be a prize to the pirates. She accordingly gave them
+all chase, and coming up with the brig, the Arabs took to their boats
+and abandoned her. The chase was continued after the dows, but without
+success.
+
+[Illustration: _The Neried Frigate chasing a Fleet of Joassamee Dows._]
+
+These repeated aggressions at length opened the eyes of the East India
+Government, and an expedition was accordingly assembled at Bombay. The
+naval force consisted of La Chiffone, frigate, Capt. Wainwright, as
+commodore. The Caroline of thirty-eight guns; and eight of the East
+India Company's cruisers, namely, the Mornington, Ternate, Aurora,
+Prince of Wales, Ariel, Nautilus, Vestal and Fury, with four large
+transports, and the Stromboli bomb-ketch. The fleet sailed from Bombay
+in September, and after a long passage they reached Muscat, where it
+remained for many days to refresh and arrange their future plans; they
+sailed and soon reached Ras-el-Khyma, the chief port of the pirates
+within the gulf. Here the squadron anchored abreast of the town, and the
+troops were landed under cover of the ships and boats. The inhabitants
+of the town assembled in crowds to repel the invaders; but the firm
+line, the regular volleys, and the steady charge of the troops at the
+point of the bayonet, overcame every obstacle, and multiplied the heaps
+of the slain. A general conflagration was then ordered, and a general
+plunder to the troops was permitted. The town was set on fire in all
+parts, and about sixty sail of boats and dows, with the Minerva, a ship
+which they had taken, then lying in the roads were all burnt and
+destroyed.
+
+The complete conquest of the place was thus effected with very trifling
+loss on the part of the besiegers, and some plunder collected; though it
+was thought that most of the treasure and valuables had been removed
+into the interior. This career of victory was suddenly damped by the
+report of the approach of a large body of troops from the interior, and
+although none of these were seen, this ideal reinforcement induced the
+besiegers to withdraw. The embarkation took place at daylight in the
+morning; and while the fleet remained at anchor during the whole of the
+day, parties were still seen assembling on the shore, displaying their
+colors, brandishing their spears, and firing muskets from all points; so
+that the conquest was scarcely as complete as could be wished, since no
+formal act of submission had yet been shown. The expedition now sailed
+to Linga, a small port of the Joassamees, and burnt it to the ground.
+The force had now become separated, the greater portion of the troops
+being sent to Muscat for supplies, or being deemed unnecessary, and some
+of the vessels sent on separate services of blockading passages, &c. The
+remaining portion of the blockading squadron consisting of La Chiffone,
+frigate, and four of the cruisers, the Mornington, Ternate, Nautilus,
+and Fury, and two transports, with five hundred troops from Linga, then
+proceeded to Luft, another port of the Joassamees. As the channel here
+was narrow and difficult of approach, the ships were warped into their
+stations of anchorage, and a summons sent on shore, as the people had
+not here abandoned their town, but were found at their posts of defence,
+in a large and strong castle with many batteries, redoubts, &c. The
+summons being treated with disdain, the troops were landed with Col.
+Smith at their head; and while forming on the beach a slight skirmish
+took place with such of the inhabitants of the town, as fled for shelter
+to the castle. The troops then advanced towards the fortress, which is
+described to have had walls fourteen feet thick, pierced with loop
+holes, and only one entrance through a small gate, well cased with iron
+bars and bolts, in the strongest manner. With a howitzer taken for the
+occasion, it was intended to have blown this gate open, and to have
+taken the place by storm; but on reaching it while the ranks opened, and
+the men sought to surround the castle to seek for some other entrance at
+the same time, they were picked off so rapidly and unexpectedly from the
+loop holes above, that a general flight took place, the howitzer was
+abandoned, even before it had been fired, and both the officers and the
+troops sought shelter by lying down behind the ridges of sand and little
+hillocks immediately underneath the castle walls. An Irish officer,
+jumping up from his hiding place, and calling on some of his comrades to
+follow him in an attempt to rescue the howitzer, was killed in the
+enterprise. Such others as even raised their heads to look around them,
+were picked off by the musketry from above; and the whole of the troops
+lay therefore hidden in this way, until the darkness of the night
+favored their escape to the beach, where they embarked after sunset, the
+enemy having made no sally on them from the fort. A second summons was
+sent to the chief in the castle, threatening to bombard the town from a
+nearer anchorage if he did not submit, and no quarter afterwards shown.
+With the dawn of morning, all eyes were directed to the fortress, when,
+to the surprise of the whole squadron, a man was seen waving the British
+Union flag on the summit of its walls. It was lieutenant Hall, who
+commanded the Fury which was one of the vessels nearest the shore.
+During the night he had gone on shore alone, taking an union-jack in his
+hand, and advanced singly to the castle gate. The fortress had already
+been abandoned by the greater number of the inhabitants, but some few
+still remained there. These fled at the approach of an individual
+supposing him to be the herald of those who were to follow. Be this as
+it may, the castle was entirely abandoned, and the British flag waived
+on its walls by this daring officer, to the surprise and admiration of
+all the fleet. The town and fortifications were then taken possession
+of. After sweeping round the bottom of the gulf, the expedition returned
+to Muscat.
+
+On the sailing of the fleet from hence, the forces were augmented by a
+body of troops belonging to the Imaun of Muscat, destined to assist in
+the recovery of a place called Shenaz, on the coast, taken by the
+Joassamees. On their arrival at this place, a summons was sent,
+commanding the fort to surrender, which being refused, a bombardment was
+opened from the ships and boats, but without producing much effect. On
+the following morning, the whole of the troops were landed, and a
+regular encampment formed on the shore, with sand batteries, and other
+necessary works for a siege. After several days bombardment, in which
+about four thousand shot and shells were discharged against the
+fortress, to which the people had fled for refuge after burning down the
+town, a breach was reported to be practicable, and the castle was
+accordingly stormed. The resistance still made was desperate; the Arabs
+fighting as long as they could wield the sword, and even thrusting
+their spears up through the fragments of towers, in whose ruins they
+remained irrevocably buried. The loss in killed and wounded was upwards
+of a thousand men. Notwithstanding that the object of this expedition
+might be said to be incomplete, inasmuch as nothing less than a _total_
+extirpation of their race could secure the tranquility of these seas,
+yet the effect produced by this expedition was such, as to make them
+reverence or dread the British flag for several years afterwards.
+
+[Illustration: _The daring Intrepidity of Lieut. Hall._]
+
+At length in 1815, their boats began to infest the entrance to the Red
+Sea; and in 1816, their numbers had so increased on that coast, that a
+squadron of them commanded by a chief called Ameer Ibrahim, captured
+within sight of Mocha, four vessels bound from Surat to that port,
+richly laden and navigating under the British flag, and the crews were
+massacred.
+
+A squadron consisting of His Majesty's ship Challenger, Captain Brydges,
+and the East India Company's cruisers, Mercury, Ariel, and Vestal, were
+despatched to the chief port of the Joassamees, Ras-el-Khyma. Mr.
+Buckingham the Great Oriental traveller, accompanied the expedition from
+Bushire. Upon their arrival at Ras-el-Khyma, a demand was made for the
+restoration of the four Surat vessels and their cargoes; or in lieu
+thereof twelve lacks of rupees. Also that the commander of the piratical
+squadron, Ameer Ibrahim, should be delivered up for punishment. The
+demand was made by letter, and answer being received, Captain Brydges
+determined to go on shore and have an interview with the Pirate
+Chieftain. Mr. Buckingham (says,) He requested me to accompany him on
+shore as an interpreter. I readily assented. We quitted the ship
+together about 9 o'clock, and pulled straight to the shore, sounding all
+the way as we went, and gradually shoaling our water from six to two
+fathoms, within a quarter of a mile of the beach, where four large dows
+lay at anchor, ranged in a line, with their heads seaward, each of them
+mounting several pieces of cannon, and being full of men. On landing on
+the beach, we found its whole length guarded by a line of armed men,
+some bearing muskets, but the greater part armed with swords, shields,
+and spears; most of them were negroes, whom the Joassamees spare in
+their wars, looking on them rather as property and merchandise, than in
+the light of enemies. We were permitted to pass this line, and upon our
+communicating our wish to see the chief, we were conducted to the gate
+of the principal building, nearly in the centre of the town, and were
+met by the Pirate Chieftain attended by fifty armed men. I offered him
+the Mahometan salutation of peace, which he returned without hesitation.
+
+The chief, Hassan ben Rahma, whom we had seen, was a small man,
+apparently about forty years of age, with an expression of cunning in
+his looks, and something particularly sarcastic in his smile. He was
+dressed in the usual Arab garments, with a cashmeer shawl, turban, and a
+scarlet benish, of the Persian form, to distinguish him from his
+followers. There were habited in the plainest garments. One of his eyes
+had been wounded, but his other features were good, his teeth
+beautifully white and regular, and his complexion very dark.
+
+The town of Ras-el-Khyma stands on a narrow tongue of sandy land,
+pointing to the northeastward, presenting its northwest edge to the open
+sea, and its southeast one to a creek, which runs up within it to the
+southwestward, and affords a safe harbor for boats. There appeared to be
+no continued wall of defence around it, though round towers and portions
+of walls were seen in several parts, probably once connected in line,
+but not yet repaired since their destruction. The strongest points of
+defence appear to be in a fortress at the northeast angle, and a double
+round tower, near the centre of the town; in each of which, guns are
+mounted; but all the other towers appear to afford only shelter for
+musketeers. The rest of the town is composed of ordinary buildings of
+unhewn stone, and huts of rushes and long grass, with narrow avenues
+winding between them. The present number of inhabitants may be computed
+at ten thousand at least. They are thought to have at present (1816),
+sixty large boats out from their own port, manned with crews of from
+eighty, to three hundred men each, and forty other boats that belong to
+other ports. Their force concentrated, would probably amount to at
+least one hundred boats and eight thousand fighting men. After several
+fruitless negociations, the signal was now made to weigh, and stand
+closer in towards the town. It was then followed by the signal to engage
+the enemy. The squadron bore down nearly in line, under easy sail, and
+with the wind right aft, or on shore; the Mercury being on the starboard
+bow, the Challenger next in order, in the centre, the Vestal following
+in the same line, and the Ariel completing the division.
+
+A large fleet of small boats were seen standing in from Cape Mussundum,
+at the same time; but these escaped by keeping closer along shore, and
+at length passing over the bar and getting into the back water behind
+the town. The squadron continued to stand on in a direct line towards
+the four anchored dows, gradually shoaling from the depth of our
+anchorage to two and a half fathoms, where stream anchors were dropped
+under foot, with springs on the cables, so that each vessel lay with her
+broadside to the shore. A fire was now opened by the whole squadron,
+directed to the four dows. These boats were full of men, brandishing
+their weapons in the air, their whole number exceeding, probably, six
+hundred. Some of the shot from the few long guns of the squadron reached
+the shore, and were buried in the sand; others fell across the bows and
+near the hulls of the dows to which they were directed; but the
+cannonades all fell short, as we were then fully a mile from the beach.
+
+The Arab colors were displayed on all the forts; crowds of armed men
+were assembled on the beach, bearing large banners on poles, and dancing
+around them with their arms, as if rallying around a sacred standard, so
+that no sign of submission or conquest was witnessed throughout. The
+Ariel continued to discharge about fifty shot after all the others had
+desisted, but with as little avail as before, and thus ended this wordy
+negociation, and the bloodless battle to which it eventually led.
+
+In 1818, these pirates grew so daring that they made an irruption into
+the Indian Ocean, and plundered vessels and towns on the islands and
+coasts. A fleet was sent against them, and intercepted them off Ashlola
+Island, proceeding to the westward in three divisions; and drove them
+back into the gulf. The Eden and Psyche fell in with two trankies, and
+these were so closely pursued that they were obliged to drop a small
+captured boat they had in tow. The Thetes one day kept in close chase of
+seventeen vessels, but they were enabled to get away owing to their
+superior sailing. The cruisers met with the Joassamees seventeen times
+and were constantly employed in hunting them from place to place.
+
+At length, in 1819, they became such a scourge to commerce that a
+formidable expedition under the command of Major General Sir W. Grant
+Keir, sailed against them. It arrived before the chief town in December,
+and commenced operations. In his despatches Gen. Keir says--
+
+I have the satisfaction to report the town of Ras-el Khyma, after a
+resistance of six days, was taken possession of this morning by the
+force under my command.
+
+On the 18th, after completing my arrangements at Muscat, the Liverpool
+sailed for the rendezvous at Kishme; on the 21st, we fell in with the
+fleet of the Persian Gulf and anchored off the island of Larrack on the
+24th November.
+
+As it appeared probable that a considerable period would elapse before
+the junction of the ships which were detained at Bombay, I conceived it
+would prove highly advantageous to avail myself of all the information
+that could be procured respecting the strength and resources of the
+pirates we had to deal with.
+
+No time was lost in making the necessary preparations for landing, which
+was effected the following morning without opposition, at a spot which
+had been previously selected for that purpose, about two miles to the
+westward of the town. The troops were formed across the isthmus
+connecting the peninsula on which the town is situated with the
+neighboring country, and the whole of the day was occupied in getting
+the tents on shore, to shelter the men from rain, landing engineers,
+tools, sand bags, &c., and making arrangements preparatory to commencing
+our approaches the next day. On the morning of the 4th, our light troops
+were ordered in advance, supported by the pickets, to dislodge the
+enemy from a bank within nine hundred yards of the outer fort, which was
+expected to afford good cover for the men. The whole of the light
+companies of the force under Capt. Backhouse, moved forward, and drove
+the Arabs with great gallantry from a date grove, and over the bank
+close under the walls of the fort, followed by the pickets under Major
+Molesworth, who took post at the sand banks, whilst the European light
+troops were skirmishing in front. The enemy kept up a sharp fire of
+musketry and cannon; during these movements, Major Molesworth, a gallant
+officer was here killed. The troops kept their position during the day,
+and in the night effected a lodgment within three hundred yards of the
+southernmost tower, and erected a battery of four guns, together with a
+mortar battery.
+
+The weather having become rather unfavorable for the disembarkation of
+the stores required for the siege, but this important object being
+effected on the morning of the 6th, we were enabled to open three
+eighteen pounders on the fort, a couple of howitzers, and six pounders
+were also placed in the battery on the right, which played on the
+defences of the towers and nearly silenced the enemy's fire, who, during
+the whole of our progress exhibited a considerable degree of resolution
+in withstanding, and ingenuity in counteracting our attacks, sallied out
+at 8 o'clock this evening along the whole front of our entrenchments,
+crept close up to the mortar battery without being perceived, and
+entered it over the parapet, after spearing the advance sentries. The
+party which occupied it were obliged to retire, but being immediately
+reinforced charged the assailants, who were driven out of the battery
+with great loss. The enemy repeated his attacks towards morning but was
+vigorously repulsed. During the seventh every exertion was made to land
+and bring up the remaining guns and mortars, which was accomplished
+during the night. They were immediately placed in the battery, together
+with two twenty-four pounders which were landed from the Liverpool, and
+in the morning the whole of the ordnance opened on the fort and fired
+with scarcely any intermission till sunset, when the breach on the
+curtain was reported nearly practicable and the towers almost untenable.
+Immediate arrangements were made for the assault, and the troops ordered
+to move down to the entrenchments by daylight the next morning. The
+party moved forward about 8 o'clock, and entered the fort through the
+breaches without firing a shot, and it soon appeared the enemy had
+evacuated the place. The town was taken possession of and found almost
+entirely deserted, only eighteen or twenty men, and a few women
+remaining in their houses.
+
+The expedition next proceeded against Rumps, a piratical town, eight
+miles north of Ras-el-Khyma, but the inhabitants abandoned the town and
+took refuge in the hill fort of Zyah, which is situated at the head of a
+navigable creek nearly two miles from the sea coast. This place was the
+residence of Hussein Bin Alley, a sheikh of considerable importance
+among the Joassamee tribes, and a person who from his talents and
+lawless habits, as well as from the strength and advantageous situation
+of the fort, was likely to attempt the revival of the piratical system
+upon the first occasion. It became a desirable object to reduce the
+power of this chieftain.
+
+On the 18th December, the troops embarked at Ras-el-Khyma, at day break
+in the boats of the fleet under command of Major Warren, with the 65th
+regiment and the flank companies of the first and second regiment, and
+at noon arrived within four miles of their destination. This operation
+was attended with considerable difficulty and risk, owing to the heavy
+surf that beat on the shore; and which was the occasion of some loss of
+ammunition, and of a few boats being upset and stove in.
+
+[Illustration: _The Sheikh of Rumps._]
+
+At half past three P.M., having refreshed the men, (says Major Warren)
+we commenced our march, and fording the creek or back water, took up our
+position at sunset, to the northeastward of the fort, the enemy firing
+at us as we passed, notwithstanding that our messenger, whom we had
+previously sent in to summon the Sheikh, was still in the place; and I
+lost no time in pushing our riflemen and pickets as far forward as I
+could without exposing them too much to the firing of the enemy, whom I
+found strongly posted under secure cover in the date tree groves in
+front of the town. Captain Cocke, with the light company of his
+battalion, was at the same time sent to the westward, to cut off the
+retreat of the enemy on that side.
+
+At day break the next morning, finding it necessary to drive the enemy
+still further in, to get a nearer view of his defences, I moved forward
+the rifle company of the 65th regiment, and after a considerable
+opposition from the enemy, I succeeded in forcing him to retire some
+distance; but not without disputing every inch of ground, which was well
+calculated for resistance, being intersected at every few yards, by
+banks and water courses raised for the purpose of irrigation, and
+covered with date trees. The next morning the riflemen, supported by the
+pickets, were again called into play, and soon established their
+position within three and four hundred yards of the town, which with the
+base of the hill, was so completely surrounded, as to render the escape
+of any of the garrison now almost impossible. This advantage was gained
+by a severe loss. Two twenty-four pounders and the two twelves, the
+landing of which had been retarded by the difficulty of communication
+with the fleet from which we derived all our supplies, having been now
+brought on shore, we broke ground in the evening, and notwithstanding
+the rocky soil, had them to play next morning at daylight.
+
+Aware, however, that the families of the enemy were still in the town,
+and humanity dictating that some effort should be made to save the
+innocent from the fate that awaited the guilty; an opportunity was
+afforded for that purpose by an offer to the garrison of security to
+their women and children, should they be sent out within the hour; but
+the infatuated chief, either from an idea that his fort on the hill was
+not to be reached by our shot, or with the vain hope to gain time by
+procrastination, returning no answer to our communication, while he
+detained our messenger; we opened our fire at half past eight in the
+morning, and such was the precision of the practice, that in two hours
+we perceived the breach would soon be practicable. I was in the act of
+ordering the assault, when a white flag was displayed; and the enemy,
+after some little delay in assembling from the different quarters of the
+place, marched out without their arms, with Hussein Bin Alley at their
+head, to the number of three hundred and ninety-eight; and at half past
+one P.M., the British flags were hoisted on the hill fort and at the
+Sheikh's house. The women and children to the number of four hundred,
+were at the same time collected together in a place of security, and
+sent on board the fleet, together with the men. The service has been
+short but arduous; the enemy defended themselves with great obstinacy
+and ability worthy of a better cause.
+
+From two prisoners retaken from the Joassamees, they learnt that the
+plunder is made a general stock, and distributed by the chief, but in
+what proportions the deponents cannot say; water is generally very
+scarce. There is a quantity of fish caught on the bank, upon which and
+dates they live. There were a few horses, camels, cows, sheep, and
+goats; the greatest part of which they took with them; they were in
+general lean, as the sandy plain produces little or no vegetation,
+except a few dates and cocoa-nut trees. The pirates who abandoned
+Ras-el-Khyma, encamped about three miles in the interior, ready to
+retreat into the desert at a moment's warning. The Sheikh of Rumps is an
+old man, but looks intelligent, and is said to be the man who advises
+upon all occasions the movements of the different tribes of pirates on
+the coast, and when he was told that it was the wish of the Company to
+put a stop to their piracy, and make an honest people of them by
+encouraging them to trade, seemed to regret much that those intentions
+were not made known, as they would have been most readily embraced.
+Rumps is the key to Ras-el-Khyma, and by its strength is defended from a
+strong banditti infesting the mountains, as also the Bedouin Arabs who
+are their enemies. A British garrison of twelve hundred men was
+stationed at Ras-el-Khyma, and a guard-ship. The other places sent in
+tokens of submission, as driven out of their fortresses on the margin of
+the sea, they had to contend within with the interior hostile tribes.
+
+[Illustration: _The Pirate Stronghold._]
+
+
+
+
+THE BARBAROUS CONDUCT AND ROMANTIC DEATH OF THE
+JOASSAMEE CHIEF, RAHMAH-BEN-JABIR.
+
+
+The town of Bushire, on the Persian Gulf is seated in a low peninsula of
+sand, extending out of the general line of the coast, so as to form a
+bay on both sides. One of these bays was in 1816, occupied by the fleet
+of a certain Arab, named Rahmah-ben-Jabir, who has been for more than
+twenty years the terror of the gulf, and who was the most successful and
+the most generally tolerated pirate, perhaps, that ever infested any
+sea. This man by birth was a native of Grain, on the opposite coast, and
+nephew of the governor of that place. His fellow citizens had all the
+honesty, however, to declare him an outlaw, from abhorrence of his
+profession; but he found that aid and protection at Bushire, which his
+own townsmen denied him. With five or six vessels, most of which were
+very large, and manned with crews of from two to three hundred each, he
+sallied forth, and captured whatever he thought himself strong enough to
+carry off as a prize. His followers, to the number of two thousand, were
+maintained by the plunder of his prizes; and as the most of these were
+his own bought African slaves, and the remainder equally subject to his
+authority, he was sometimes as prodigal of their lives in a fit of anger
+as he was of his enemies, whom he was not content to slay in battle
+only, but basely murdered in cold blood, after they had submitted. An
+instance is related of his having put a great number of his own crew,
+who used mutinous expressions, into a tank on board, in which they
+usually kept their water, and this being shut close at the top, the poor
+wretches were all suffocated, and afterwards thrown overboard. This
+butcher chief, like the celebrated Djezzar of Acre, affecting great
+simplicity of dress, manners, and living; and whenever he went out,
+could not be distinguished by a stranger from the crowd of his
+attendants. He carried this simplicity to a degree of filthiness, which
+was disgusting, as his usual dress was a shirt, which was never taken
+off to be washed, from the time it was first put on till worn out; no
+drawers or coverings for the legs of any kind, and a large black goat's
+hair cloak, wrapped over all with a greasy and dirty handkerchief,
+called the keffeea, thrown loosely over his head. Infamous as was this
+man's life and character, he was not only cherished and courted by the
+people of Bushire, who dreaded him, but was courteously received and
+respectfully entertained whenever he visited the British Factory. On one
+occasion (says Mr. Buckingham), at which I was present, he was sent for
+to give some medical gentlemen of the navy and company's cruisers an
+opportunity of inspecting his arm, which had been severely wounded. The
+wound was at first made by grape-shot and splinters, and the arm was one
+mass of blood about the part for several days, while the man himself was
+with difficulty known to be alive. He gradually recovered, however,
+without surgical aid, and the bone of the arm between the shoulder and
+elbow being completely shivered to pieces, the fragments progressively
+worked out, and the singular appearance was left of the fore arm and
+elbow connected to the shoulder by flesh and skin, and tendons, without
+the least vestige of bone. This man when invited to the factory for the
+purpose of making an exhibition of his arm, was himself admitted to sit
+at the table and take some tea, as it was breakfast time, and some of
+his followers took chairs around him. They were all as disgustingly
+filthy in appearance as could well be imagined; and some of them did not
+scruple to hunt for vermin on their skins, of which there was an
+abundance, and throw them on the floor. Rahmah-ben-Jabir's figure
+presented a meagre trunk, with four lank members, all of them cut and
+hacked, and pierced with wounds of sabres, spears and bullets, in every
+part, to the number, perhaps of more than twenty different wounds. He
+had, besides, a face naturally ferocious and ugly, and now rendered
+still more so by several scars there, and by the loss of one eye. When
+asked by one of the English gentlemen present, with a tone of
+encouragement and familiarity, whether he could not still dispatch an
+enemy with his boneless arm, he drew a crooked dagger, or yambeah, from
+the girdle round his shirt, and placing his left hand, which was sound,
+to support the elbow of the right, which was the one that was wounded,
+he grasped the dagger firmly with his clenched fist, and drew it back
+ward and forward, twirling it at the same time, and saying that he
+desired nothing better than to have the cutting of as many throats as he
+could effectually open with his lame hand. Instead of being shocked at
+the uttering of such a brutal wish, and such a savage triumph at still
+possessing the power to murder unoffending victims, I knew not how to
+describe my feelings of shame and sorrow when a loud roar of laughter
+burst from the whole assembly, when I ventured to express my dissent
+from the general feeling of admiration for such a man.
+
+[Illustration: _Rahmah-ben-Jabir, a Joassamee Chief._]
+
+This barbarous pirate in the year 1827, at last experienced a fate
+characteristic of the whole course of his life. His violent aggressions
+having united the Arabs of Bahrene and Ratiffe against him they
+blockaded his port of Daman from which Rahmah-ben-Jabir, having left a
+garrison in the fort under his son, had sailed in a well appointed
+bungalow, for the purpose of endeavoring to raise a confederacy of his
+friends in his support. Having failed in this object he returned to
+Daman, and in spite of the boats blockading the port, succeeded in
+visiting his garrison, and immediately re-embarked, taking with him his
+youngest son. On arriving on board his bungalow, he was received by his
+followers with a salute, which decisive indication of his presence
+immediately attracted the attention of his opponents, one of whose
+boats, commanded by the nephew of the Sheikh of Bahrene, proceeded to
+attack him. A desperate struggle ensued, and the Sheikh finding after
+some time that he had lost nearly the whole of his crew by the firing of
+Rahmah's boat, retired for reinforcements. These being obtained, he
+immediately returned singly to the contest. The fight was renewed with
+redoubled fury; when at last, Rahmah, being informed (for he had been
+long blind) that his men were falling fast around him, mustered the
+remainder of the crew, and issued orders to close and grapple with his
+opponent. When this was effected, and after embracing his son, he was
+led with a lighted torch to the magazine, which instantly exploded,
+blowing his own boat to atoms and setting fire to the Sheikh's, which
+immediately afterwards shared the same fate. Sheikh Ahmed and few of his
+followers escaped to the other boats; but only one of Rahmah's brave
+crew was saved; and it is supposed that upwards of three hundred men
+were killed in this heroic contest.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE LIFE OF LAFITTE, THE FAMOUS PIRATE OF THE GULF OF MEXICO.
+
+
+_With a History of the Pirates of Barrataria--and an account of their
+volunteering for the defence of New Orleans; and their daring
+intrepidity under General Jackson, during the battle of the 8th of
+January, 1815. For which important service they were pardoned by
+President Madison._
+
+Jean Lafitte, was born at St. Maloes in France, in 1781, and went to sea
+at the age of thirteen; after several voyages in Europe, and to the
+coast of Africa, he was appointed mate of a French East Indiaman, bound
+to Madras. On the outward passage they encountered a heavy gale off the
+Cape of Good Hope, which sprung the mainmast and otherwise injured the
+ship, which determined the captain to bear up for the Mauritius, where
+he arrived in safety; a quarrel having taken place on the passage out
+between Lafitte and the captain, he abandoned the ship and refused to
+continue the voyage. Several privateers were at this time fitting out at
+this island, and Lafitte was appointed captain of one of these vessels;
+after a cruise during which he robbed the vessels of other nations,
+besides those of England, and thus committing piracy, he stopped at the
+Seychelles, and took in a load of slaves for the Mauritius; but being
+chased by an English frigate as far north as the equator, he found
+himself in a very awkward condition; not having provisions enough on
+board his ship to carry him back to the French Colony. He therefore
+conceived the bold project of proceeding to the Bay of Bengal, in order
+to get provisions from on board some English ships. In his ship of two
+hundred tons, with only two guns and twenty-six men, he attacked and
+took an English armed schooner with a numerous crew. After putting
+nineteen of his own crew on board the schooner, he took the command of
+her and proceeded to cruise upon the coast of Bengal. He there fell in
+with the Pagoda, a vessel belonging to the English East India Company,
+armed with twenty-six twelve pounders and manned with one hundred and
+fifty men. Expecting that the enemy would take him for a pilot of the
+Ganges, he manoeuvred accordingly. The Pagoda manifested no suspicions,
+whereupon he suddenly darted with his brave followers upon her decks,
+overturned all who opposed them, and speedily took the ship. After a
+very successful cruise he arrived safe at the Mauritius, and took the
+command of La Confiance of twenty-six guns and two hundred and fifty
+men, and sailed for the coast of British India. Off the Sand Heads in
+October, 1807, Lafitte fell in with the Queen East Indiaman, with a crew
+of near four hundred men, and carrying forty guns; he conceived the bold
+project of getting possession of her. Never was there beheld a more
+unequal conflict; even the height of the vessel compared to the feeble
+privateer augmented the chances against Lafitte; but the difficulty and
+danger far from discouraging this intrepid sailor, acted as an
+additional spur to his brilliant valor. After electrifying his crew with
+a few words of hope and ardor, he manoeuvred and ran on board of the
+enemy. In this position he received a broadside when close too; but he
+expected this, and made his men lay flat upon the deck. After the first
+fire they all rose, and from the yards and tops, threw bombs and
+grenades into the forecastle of the Indiaman. This sudden and unforeseen
+attack caused a great havoc. In an instant, death and terror made them
+abandon a part of the vessel near the mizen-mast. Lafitte, who
+observed every thing, seized the decisive moment, beat to arms, and
+forty of his crew prepared to board, with pistols in their hands and
+daggers held between their teeth. As soon as they got on deck, they
+rushed upon the affrighted crowd, who retreated to the steerage, and
+endeavored to defend themselves there. Lafitte thereupon ordered a
+second division to board, which he headed himself; the captain of the
+Indiaman was killed, and all were swept away in a moment. Lafitte caused
+a gun to be loaded with grape, which he pointed towards the place where
+the crowd was assembled, threatening to exterminate them. The English
+deeming resistance fruitless, surrendered, and Lafitte hastened to put a
+stop to the slaughter. This exploit, hitherto unparalleled, resounded
+through India, and the name of Lafitte became the terror of English
+commerce in these latitudes.
+
+[Illustration: _Lafitte boarding the Queen East Indiaman._]
+
+As British vessels now traversed the Indian Ocean under strong convoys,
+game became scarce, and Lafitte determined to visit France; and after
+doubling the Cape of Good Hope, he coasted up to the Gulf of Guinea, and
+in the Bight of Benin, took two valuable prizes loaded with gold dust,
+ivory, and Palm Oil; with this booty he reached St. Maloes in safety.
+After a short stay at his native place he fitted out a brigantine,
+mounting twenty guns and one hundred and fifty men, and sailed for
+Gaudaloupe; amongst the West India Islands, he made several valuable
+prizes; but during his absence on a cruise the island having been taken
+by the British, he proceeded to Carthagena, and from thence to
+Barrataria. After this period, the conduct of Lafitte at Barrataria does
+not appear to be characterized by the audacity and boldness of his
+former career; but he had amassed immense sums of booty, and as he was
+obliged to have dealings with the merchants of the United States, and
+the West Indies, who frequently owed him large sums, and the cautious
+dealings necessary to found and conduct a colony of Pirates and
+Smugglers in the very teeth of a civilized nation, obliged Lafitte to
+cloak as much as possible his real character.
+
+[Illustration: _Lafitte and his crew clearing the decks of the
+Indiaman._]
+
+As we have said before, at the period of the taking of Gaudaloupe by the
+British, most of the privateers commissioned by the government of that
+island, and which were then on a cruise, not being able to return to any
+of the West India Islands, made for Barrataria, there to take in a
+supply of water and provisions, recruit the health of their crews, and
+dispose of their prizes, which could not be admitted into any of the
+ports of the United States, we being at that time in peace with Great
+Britain. Most of the commissions granted to privateers by the French
+government at Gaudaloupe, having expired sometime after the declaration
+of the independence of Carthagena, many of the privateers repaired to
+that port, for the purpose of obtaining from the new government
+commissions for cruising against Spanish vessels. Having duly obtained
+their commissions, they in a manner blockaded for a long time all the
+ports belonging to the royalists, and made numerous captives, which they
+carried into Barrataria. Under this denomination is comprised part of
+the coast of Louisiana to the west of the mouths of the Mississippi,
+comprehended between Bastien bay on the east, and the mouths of the
+river or bayou la Fourche on the west. Not far from the sea are lakes
+called the great and little lakes of Barrataria, communicating with one
+another by several large bayous with a great number of branches. There
+is also the island of Barrataria, at the extremity of which is a place
+called the Temple, which denomination it owes to several mounds of
+shells thrown up there by the Indians. The name of Barrataria is also
+given to a large basin which extends the whole length of the cypress
+swamps, from the Gulf of Mexico to three miles above New Orleans. These
+waters disembogue into the gulf by two entrances of the bayou
+Barrataria, between which lies an island called Grand Terre, six miles
+in length, and from two to three miles in breadth, running parallel
+with the coast. In the western entrance is the great pass of Barrataria,
+which has from nine to ten feet of water. Within this pass about two
+leagues from the open sea, lies the only secure harbor on the coast, and
+accordingly this was the harbor frequented by the _Pirates_, so well
+known by the name of Barratarians.
+
+At Grand Jerre, the privateers publicly made sale by auction, of the
+cargoes of their prizes. From all parts of Lower Louisiana, people
+resorted to Barrataria, without being at all solicitous to conceal the
+object of their journey. The most respectable inhabitants of the state,
+especially those living in the country, were in the habit of purchasing
+smuggled goods coming from Barrataria.
+
+The government of the United States sent an expedition under Commodore
+Patterson, to disperse the settlement of marauders at Barrataria; the
+following is an extract of his letter to the secretary of war.
+
+Sir--I have the honor to inform you that I departed from this city on
+the 11th June, accompanied by Col. Ross, with a detachment of seventy of
+the 44th regiment of infantry. On the 12th, reached the schooner
+Carolina, of Plaquemine, and formed a junction with the gun vessels at
+the Balize on the 13th, sailed from the southwest pass on the evening of
+the 15th, and at half past 8 o'clock, A.M. on the 16th, made the Island
+of Barrataria, and discovered a number of vessels in the harbor, some of
+which shewed Carthagenian colors. At 2 o'clock, perceived the pirates
+forming their vessels, ten in number, including prizes, into a line of
+battle near the entrance of the harbor, and making every preparation to
+offer me battle. At 10 o'clock, wind light and variable, formed the
+order of battle with six gun boats and the Sea Horse tender, mounting
+one six pounder and fifteen men, and a launch mounting one twelve pound
+carronade; the schooner Carolina, drawing too much water to cross the
+bar. At half past 10 o'clock, perceived several smokes along the coasts
+as signals, and at the same time a white flag hoisted on board a
+schooner at the fort, an American flag at the mainmast head and a
+Carthagenian flag (under which the pirates cruise) at her topping lift;
+replied with a white flag at my main; at 11 o'clock, discovered that the
+pirates had fired two of their best schooners; hauled down my white flag
+and made the _signal for battle_; hoisting with a large white flag
+bearing the words "Pardon for Deserters"; having heard there was a
+number on shore from the army and navy. At a quarter past 11 o'clock,
+two gun boats grounded and were passed agreeably to my previous orders,
+by the other four which entered the harbor, manned by my barge and the
+boats belonging to the grounded vessels, and proceeded in to my great
+disappointment. I perceived that the pirates abandoned their vessels,
+and were flying in all directions. I immediately sent the launch and two
+barges with small boats in pursuit of them. At meridian, took possession
+of all their vessels in the harbor consisting of six schooners and one
+felucca, cruisers, and prizes of the pirates, one brig, a prize, and two
+armed schooners under the Carthagenian flag, both in the line of battle,
+with the armed vessels of the pirates, and apparently with an intention
+to aid them in any resistance they might make against me, as their crews
+were at quarters, tompions out of their guns, and matches lighted. Col.
+Ross at the same time landed, and with his command took possession of
+their establishment on shore, consisting of about forty houses of
+different sizes, badly constructed, and thatched with palmetto leaves.
+
+When I perceived the enemy forming their vessels into a line of battle I
+felt confident from their number and very advantageous position, and
+their number of men, that they would have fought me; their not doing so
+I regret; for had they, I should have been enabled more effectually to
+destroy or make prisoners of them and their leaders; but it is a
+subject of great satisfaction to me, to have effected the object of my
+enterprise, without the loss of a man.
+
+The enemy had mounted on their vessels twenty pieces of cannon of
+different calibre; and as I have since learnt, from eight hundred, to
+one thousand men of all nations and colors.
+
+Early in the morning of the 20th, the Carolina at anchor, about five
+miles distant, made the signal of a "strange sail in sight to eastward";
+immediately after she weighed anchor, and gave chase the strange sail,
+standing for Grand Terre, with all sail; at half past 8 o'clock, the
+chase hauled her wind off shore to escape; sent acting Lieut. Spedding
+with four boats manned and armed to prevent her passing the harbor; at 9
+o'clock A.M., the chase fired upon the Carolina, which was returned;
+each vessel continued firing during the chase, when their long guns
+could reach. At 10 o'clock, the chase grounded outside of the bar, at
+which time the Carolina was from the shoalness of the water obliged to
+haul her wind off shore and give up the chase; opened a fire upon the
+chase across the island from the gun vessels. At half past 10 o'clock,
+she hauled down her colors and was taken possession of. She proved to be
+the armed schooner Gen. Boliver; by grounding she broke both her rudder
+pintles and made water; took from her her armament, consisting of one
+long brass eighteen pounder, one long brass six pounder, two twelve
+pounders, small arms, &c., and twenty-one packages of dry goods. On the
+afternoon of the 23d, got underway with the whole squadron, in all
+seventeen vessels, but during the night one escaped, and the next day
+arrived at New Orleans with my whole squadron.
+
+At different times the English had sought to attack the pirates at
+Barrataria, in hopes of taking their prizes, and even their armed
+vessels. Of these attempts of the British, suffice it to instance that
+of June 23d, 1813, when two privateers being at anchor off Cat Island, a
+British sloop of war anchored at the entrance of the pass, and sent her
+boats to endeavor to take the privateers; but they were repulsed with
+considerable loss.
+
+Such was the state of affairs, when on the 2d Sept., 1814, there
+appeared an armed brig on the coast opposite the pass. She fired a gun
+at a vessel about to enter, and forced her to run aground; she then
+tacked and shortly after came to an anchor at the entrance of the pass.
+It was not easy to understand the intentions of this vessel, who, having
+commenced with hostilities on her first appearance now seemed to
+announce an amicable disposition. Mr. Lafitte then went off in a boat to
+examine her, venturing so far that he could not escape from the pinnace
+sent from the brig, and making towards the shore, bearing British colors
+and a flag of truce. In this pinnace were two naval officers. One was
+Capt. Lockyer, commander of the brig. The first question they asked was,
+where was Mr. Lafitte? he not choosing to make himself known to them,
+replied that the person they inquired for was on shore. They then
+delivered to him a packet directed to Mr. Lafitte, Barrataria,
+requesting him to take particular care of it, and to deliver it into Mr.
+Lafitte's hands. He prevailed on them to make for the shore, and as soon
+as they got near enough to be in his power, he made himself known,
+recommending to them at the same time to conceal the business on which
+they had come. Upwards of two hundred persons lined the shore, and it
+was a general cry amongst the crews of the privateers at Grand Terre,
+that those British officers should be made prisoners and sent to New
+Orleans as spies. It was with much difficulty that Lafitte dissuaded the
+multitude from this intent, and led the officers in safety to his
+dwelling. He thought very prudently that the papers contained in the
+packet might be of importance towards the safety of the country and that
+the officers if well watched could obtain no intelligence that might
+turn to the detriment of Louisiana. He now examined the contents of the
+packet, in which he found a proclamation addressed by Col. Edward
+Nichalls, in the service of his Brittanic Majesty, and commander of the
+land forces on the coast of Florida, to the inhabitants of Louisiana. A
+letter from the same to Mr. Lafitte, the commander of Barrataria; an
+official letter from the honorable W.H. Percy, captain of the sloop of
+war Hermes, directed to Lafitte. When he had perused these letters,
+Capt. Lockyer enlarged on the subject of them and proposed to him to
+enter into the service of his Brittanic Majesty with the rank of post
+captain and to receive the command of a 44 gun frigate. Also all those
+under his command, or over whom he had sufficient influence. He was also
+offered thirty thousand dollars, payable at Pensacola, and urged him not
+to let slip this opportunity of acquiring fortune and consideration. On
+Lafitte's requiring a few days to reflect upon these proposals, Capt.
+Lockyer observed to him that no reflection could be necessary,
+respecting proposals that obviously precluded hesitation, as he was a
+Frenchman and proscribed by the American government. But to all his
+splendid promises and daring insinuations, Lafitte replied that in a few
+days he would give a final answer; his object in this procrastination
+being to gain time to inform the officers of the state government of
+this nefarious project. Having occasion to go to some distance for a
+short time, the persons who had proposed to send the British officers
+prisoners to New Orleans, went and seized them in his absence, and
+confined both them and the crew of the pinnace, in a secure place,
+leaving a guard at the door. The British officers sent for Lafitte; but
+he, fearing an insurrection of the crews of the privateers, thought it
+advisable not to see them until he had first persuaded their captains
+and officers to desist from the measures on which they seemed bent. With
+this view he represented to the latter that, besides the infamy that
+would attach to them if they treated as prisoners people who had come
+with a flag of truce, they would lose the opportunity of discovering the
+projects of the British against Louisiana.
+
+Early the next morning Lafitte caused them to be released from their
+confinement and saw them safe on board their pinnace, apologizing the
+detention. He now wrote to Capt. Lockyer the following letter.
+
+To CAPTAIN LOCKYER.
+
+_Barrataria, 4th Sept_. 1814.
+
+Sir--The confusion which prevailed in our camp yesterday and this
+morning, and of which you have a complete knowledge, has prevented me
+from answering in a precise manner to the object of your mission; nor
+even at this moment can I give you all the satisfaction that you desire;
+however, if you could grant me a fortnight, I would be entirely at your
+disposal at the end of that time. This delay is indispensable to enable
+me to put my affairs in order. You may communicate with me by sending a
+boat to the eastern point of the pass, where I will be found. You have
+inspired me with more confidence than the admiral, your superior
+officer, could have done himself; with you alone, I wish to deal, and
+from you also I will claim, in due time the reward of the services,
+which I may render to you. Yours, &c.
+
+J. LAFITTE.
+
+His object in writing that letter was, by appearing disposed to accede
+to their proposals, to give time to communicate the affair to the
+officers of the state government, and to receive from them instructions
+how to act, under circumstances so critical and important to the
+country. He accordingly wrote on the 4th September to Mr. Blanque, one
+of the representatives of the state, sending him all the papers
+delivered to him by the British officers with a letter addressed to his
+excellency, Gov. Claiborne of the state of Louisiana.
+
+To Gov. CLAIBORNE.
+
+_Barrataria, Sept_. 4_th_, 1814.
+
+Sir--In the firm persuasion that the choice made of you to fill the
+office of first magistrate of this state, was dictated by the esteem of
+your fellow citizens, and was conferred on merit, I confidently address
+you on an affair on which may depend the safety of this country. I offer
+to you to restore to this state several citizens, who perhaps in your
+eyes have lost that sacred title. I offer you them, however, such as you
+could wish to find them, ready to exert their utmost efforts in defence
+of the country. This point of Louisiana, which I occupy, is of great
+importance in the present crisis. I tender my services to defend it; and
+the only reward I ask is that a stop be put to the proscription against
+me and my adherents, by an act of oblivion, for all that has been done
+hitherto. I am the stray sheep wishing to return to the fold. If you are
+thoroughly acquainted with the nature of my offences, I should appear to
+you much less guilty, and still worthy to discharge the duties of a good
+citizen. I have never sailed under any flag but that of the republic of
+Carthagena, and my vessels are perfectly regular in that respect. If I
+could have brought my lawful prizes into the ports of this state, I
+should not have employed the illicit means that have caused me to be
+proscribed. I decline saying more on the subject, until I have the honor
+of your excellency's answer, which I am persuaded can be dictated only
+by wisdom. Should your answer not be favorable to my ardent desires, I
+declare to you that I will instantly leave the country, to avoid the
+imputation of having cooperated towards an invasion on this point, which
+cannot fail to take place, and to rest secure in the acquittal of my
+conscience.
+
+I have the honor to be
+
+your excellency's, &c.
+
+J. LAFITTE.
+
+The contents of these letters do honor to Lafitte's judgment, and
+evince his sincere attachment to the American cause. On the receipt of
+this packet from Lafitte, Mr. Blanque immediately laid its contents
+before the governor, who convened the committee of defence lately formed
+of which he was president; and Mr. Rancher the bearer of Lafitte's
+packet, was sent back with a verbal answer to desire Lafitte to take no
+steps until it should be determined what was expedient to be done; the
+message also contained an assurance that, in the meantime no steps
+should be taken against him for his past offences against the laws of
+the United States.
+
+At the expiration of the time agreed on with Captain Lockyer, his ship
+appeared again on the coast with two others, and continued standing off
+and on before the pass for several days. But he pretended not to
+perceive the return of the sloop of war, who tired of waiting to no
+purpose put out to sea and disappeared.
+
+Lafitte having received a guarantee from General Jackson for his safe
+passage from Barrataria to New Orleans and back, he proceeded forthwith
+to the city where he had an interview with Gov. Claiborne and the
+General. After the usual formalities and courtesies had taken place
+between these gentlemen, Lafitte addressed the Governor of Louisiana
+nearly as follows. I have offered to defend for you that part of
+Louisiana I now hold. But not as an outlaw, would I be its defender. In
+that confidence, with which you have inspired me, I offer to restore to
+the state many citizens, now under my command. As I have remarked
+before, the point I occupy is of great importance in the present crisis.
+I tender not only my own services to defend it, but those of all I
+command; and the only reward I ask, is, that a stop be put to the
+proscription against me and my adherents, by an act of oblivion for all
+that has been done hitherto.
+
+"My dear sir," said the Governor, who together with General Jackson, was
+impressed with admiration of his sentiments, "your praiseworthy wishes
+shall be laid before the council of the state, and I will confer with my
+August friend here present, upon this important affair, and send you an
+answer to-morrow." At Lafitte withdrew, the General said farewell; when
+we meet again, I trust it will be in the ranks of the American army. The
+result of the conference was the issuing the following order.
+
+[Illustration: _Interview between Lafitte, General Jackson, and Governor
+Claiborne._]
+
+The Governor of Louisiana, informed that many individuals implicated in
+the offences heretofore committed against the United States at
+Barrataria, express a willingness at the present crisis to enroll
+themselves and march against the enemy.
+
+He does hereby invite them to join the standard of the United States and
+is authorised to say, should their conduct in the field meet the
+approbation of the Major General, that that officer will unite with the
+governor in a request to the president of the United States, to extend
+to each and every individual, so marching and acting, a free and full
+pardon. These general orders were placed in the hands of Lafitte, who
+circulated them among his dispersed followers, most of whom readily
+embraced the conditions of pardon they held out. In a few days many
+brave men and skillful artillerists, whose services contributed greatly
+to the safety of the invaded state, flocked to the standard of the
+United States, and by their conduct, received the highest approbation of
+General Jackson.
+
+BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
+
+A PROCLAMATION.
+
+"Among the many evils produced by the wars, which, with little
+intermission, have afflicted Europe, and extended their ravages into
+other quarters of the globe, for a period exceeding twenty years, the
+dispersion of a considerable portion of the inhabitants of different
+countries, in sorrow and in want, has not been the least injurious to
+human happiness, nor the least severe in the trial of human virtue.
+
+"It had been long ascertained that many foreigners, flying from the
+dangers of their own home, and that some citizens, forgetful of their
+duty, had co-operated in forming an establishment on the island of
+Barrataria, near the mouth of the river Mississippi, for the purpose of
+a clandestine and lawless trade. The government of the United States
+caused the establishment to be broken up and destroyed; and, having
+obtained the means of designating the offenders of every description, it
+only remained to answer the demands of justice by inflicting an
+exemplary punishment.
+
+"But it has since been represented that the offenders have manifested a
+sincere penitence; that they have abandoned the prosecution of the worst
+cause for the support of the best, and, particularly, that they have
+exhibited, in the defence of New Orleans, unequivocal traits of courage
+and fidelity. Offenders, who have refused to become the associates of
+the enemy in the war, upon the most seducing terms of invitation; and
+who have aided to repel his hostile invasion of the territory of the
+United States, can no longer be considered as objects of punishment, but
+as objects of a generous forgiveness.
+
+"It has therefore been seen, with great satisfaction, that the General
+Assembly of the State of Louisiana earnestly recommend those offenders
+to the benefit of a full pardon; And in compliance with that
+recommendation, as well as in consideration of all the other
+extraordinary circumstances in the case, I, _James Madison_, President
+of the United States of America, do issue this proclamation, hereby
+granting, publishing and declaring, a free and full pardon of all
+offences committed in violation of any act or acts of the Congress of
+the said United States, touching the revenue, trade and navigation
+thereof, or touching the intercourse and commerce of the United States
+with foreign nations, at any time before the eighth day of January, in
+the present year one thousand eight hundred and fifteen, by any person
+or persons whatsoever, being inhabitants of New Orleans and the adjacent
+country, or being inhabitants of the said island of Barrataria, and the
+places adjacent; _Provided_, that every person, claiming the benefit of
+this full pardon, in order to entitle himself thereto, shall produce a
+certificate in writing from the governor of the State of Louisiana,
+stating that such person has aided in the defence of New Orleans and
+the adjacent country, during the invasion thereof as aforesaid.
+
+"And I do hereby further authorize and direct all suits, indictments, and
+prosecutions, for fines, penalties, and forfeitures, against any person
+or persons, who shall be entitled to the benefit of this full pardon,
+forthwith to be stayed, discontinued and released: All civil officers
+are hereby required, according to the duties of their respective
+stations, to carry this proclamation into immediate and faithful
+execution.
+
+"Done at the City of Washington, the sixth day of February, in the year
+one thousand eight hundred and fifteen, and of the independence of the
+United States the thirty-ninth.
+
+"By the President,
+
+"JAMES MADISON
+
+"JAMES MONROE,
+
+"_Acting Secretary of State_."
+
+The morning of the eighth of January, was ushered in with the discharge
+of rockets, the sound of cannon, and the cheers of the British soldiers
+advancing to the attack. The Americans, behind the breastwork, awaited
+in calm intrepidity their approach. The enemy advanced in close column
+of sixty men in front, shouldering their muskets and carrying fascines
+and ladders. A storm of rockets preceded them, and an incessant fire
+opened from the battery, which commanded the advanced column. The
+musketry and rifles from the Kentuckians and Tennesseans, joined the
+fire of the artillery, and in a few moments was heard along the line a
+ceaseless, rolling fire, whose tremendous noise resembled the continued
+reverberation of thunder. One of these guns, a twenty-four pounder,
+placed upon the breastwork in the third embrasure from the river, drew,
+from the fatal skill and activity with which it was managed, even in
+the heat of battle, the admiration of both Americans and British; and
+became one of the points most dreaded by the advancing foe.
+
+Here was stationed Lafitte and his lieutenant Dominique and a large band
+of his men, who during the continuance of the battle, fought with
+unparalleled bravery. The British already had been twice driven back in
+the utmost confusion, with the loss of their commander-in-chief, and two
+general officers.
+
+Two other batteries were manned by the Barratarians, who served their
+pieces with the steadiness and precision of veteran gunners. In the
+first attack of the enemy, a column pushed forward between the levee and
+river; and so precipitate was their charge that the outposts were forced
+to retire, closely pressed by the enemy. Before the batteries could meet
+the charge, clearing the ditch, they gained the redoubt through the
+embrasures, leaping over the parapet, and overwhelming by their superior
+force the small party stationed there.
+
+Lafitte, who was commanding in conjunction with his officers, at one of
+the guns, no sooner saw the bold movement of the enemy, than calling a
+few of his best men by his side, he sprung forward to the point of
+danger, and clearing the breastwork of the entrenchments, leaped,
+cutlass in hand, into the midst of the enemy, followed by a score of his
+men, who in many a hard fought battle upon his own deck, had been well
+tried.
+
+Astonished at the intrepidity which could lead men to leave their
+entrenchments and meet them hand to hand, and pressed by the suddenness
+of the charge, which was made with the recklessness, skill and rapidity
+of practised boarders bounding upon the deck of an enemy's vessel, they
+began to give way, while one after another, two British officers fell
+before the cutlass of the pirate, as they were bravely encouraging their
+men. All the energies of the British were now concentrated to scale the
+breastwork, which one daring officer had already mounted. While Lafitte
+and his followers, seconding a gallant band of volunteer riflemen,
+formed a phalanx which they in vain assayed to penetrate.
+
+The British finding it impossible to take the city and the havoc in
+their ranks being dreadful, made a precipitate retreat, leaving the
+field covered with their dead and wounded.
+
+General Jackson, in his correspondence with the secretary of war did not
+fail to notice the conduct of the "Corsairs of Barrataria," who were, as
+we have already seen, employed in the artillery service. In the course
+of the campaign they proved, in an unequivocal manner, that they had
+been misjudged by the enemy, who a short time previous to the invasion
+of Louisiana, had hoped to enlist them in his cause. Many of them were
+killed or wounded in the defence of the country. Their zeal, their
+courage, and their skill, were remarked by the whole army, who could no
+longer consider such brave men as criminals. In a few days peace was
+declared between Great Britain and the United States.
+
+The piratical establishment of Barrataria having been broken up and
+Lafitte not being content with leading an honest, peaceful life,
+procured some fast sailing vessels, and with a great number of his
+followers, proceeded to Galvezton Bay, in Texas, during the year 1819;
+where he received a commission from General Long; and had five vessels
+generally cruising and about 300 men. Two open boats bearing commissions
+from General Humbert, of Galvezton, having robbed a plantation on the
+Marmento river, of negroes, money, &c., were captured in the Sabine
+river, by the boats of the United States schooner Lynx. One of the men
+was hung by Lafitte, who dreaded the vengeance of the American
+government. The Lynx also captured one of his schooners, and her prize
+that had been for a length of time smuggling in the Carmento. One of
+his cruisers, named the Jupiter, returned safe to Galvezton after a
+short cruise with a valuable cargo, principally specie; she was the
+first vessel that sailed under the authority of Texas. The American
+government well knowing that where Lafitte was, piracy and smuggling
+would be the order of the day, sent a vessel of war to cruise in the
+Gulf of Mexico, and scour the coasts of Texas. Lafitte having been
+appointed governor of Galvezton and one of the cruisers being stationed
+off the port to watch his motions, it so annoyed him that he wrote the
+following letter to her commander, Lieutenant Madison.
+
+_To the commandant of the American cruiser, off the port of Galvezton_.
+
+Sir--I am convinced that you are a cruiser of the navy, ordered by your
+government. I have therefore deemed it proper to inquire into the cause
+of your living before this port without communicating your intention. I
+shall by this message inform you, that the port of Galvezton belongs to
+and is in the possession of the republic of Texas, and was made a port
+of entry the 9th October last. And whereas the supreme congress of said
+republic have thought proper to appoint me as governor of this place, in
+consequence of which, if you have any demands on said government, or
+persons belonging to or residing in the same, you will please to send an
+officer with such demands, whom you may be assured will be treated with
+the greatest politeness, and receive every satisfaction required. But if
+you are ordered, or should attempt to enter this port in a hostile
+manner, my oath and duty to the government compels me to rebut your
+intentions at the expense of my life.
+
+To prove to you my intentions towards the welfare and harmony of your
+government I send enclosed the declaration of several prisoners, who
+were taken in custody yesterday, and by a court of inquiry appointed
+for that purpose, were found guilty of robbing the inhabitants of the
+United States of a number of slaves and specie. The gentlemen bearing
+this message will give you any reasonable information relating to this
+place, that may be required.
+
+Yours, &c.
+
+J. LAFITTE.
+
+About this time one Mitchell, who had formerly belonged to Lafitte's
+gang, collected upwards of one hundred and fifty desperadoes and
+fortified himself on an island near Barrataria, with several pieces of
+cannon; and swore that he and all his comrades would perish within their
+trenches before they would surrender to any man. Four of this gang
+having gone to New Orleans on a frolic, information was given to the
+city watch, and the house surrounded, when the whole four with cocked
+pistols in both hands sallied out and marched through the crowd which
+made way for them and no person dared to make an attempt to arrest them.
+
+The United States cutter, Alabama, on her way to the station off the
+mouth of the Mississippi, captured a piratical schooner belonging to
+Lafitte; she carried two guns and twenty-five men, and was fitted out at
+New Orleans, and commanded by one of Lafitte's lieutenants, named Le
+Fage; the schooner had a prize in company and being hailed by the
+cutter, poured into her a volley of musketry; the cutter then opened
+upon the privateer and a smart action ensued which terminated in favor
+of the cutter, which had four men wounded and two of them dangerously;
+but the pirate had six men killed; both vessels were captured and
+brought into the bayou St. John. An expedition was now sent to dislodge
+Mitchell and his comrades from the island he had taken possession of;
+after coming to anchor, a summons was sent for him to surrender, which
+was answered by a brisk cannonade from his breastwork. The vessels were
+warped close in shore; and the boats manned and sent on shore whilst the
+vessels opened upon the pirates; the boat's crews landed under a galling
+fire of grape shot and formed in the most undaunted manner; and although
+a severe loss was sustained they entered the breastwork at the point of
+the bayonet; after a desperate fight the pirates gave way, many were
+taken prisoners but Mitchell and the greatest part escaped to the
+cypress swamps where it was impossible to arrest them. A large quantity
+of dry goods and specie together with other booty was taken. Twenty of
+the pirates were taken and brought to New Orleans, and tried before
+Judge Hall, of the Circuit Court of the United States, sixteen were
+brought in guilty; and after the Judge had finished pronouncing sentence
+of death upon the hardened wretches, several of them cried out in open
+court, _Murder--by God_.
+
+Accounts of these transactions having reached Lafitte, he plainly
+perceived there was a determination to sweep all his cruisers from the
+sea; and a war of extermination appeared to be waged against him.
+
+In a fit of desperation he procured a large and fast sailing brigantine
+mounting sixteen guns and having selected a crew of one hundred and
+sixty men he started without any commission as a regular pirate
+determined to rob all nations and neither to give or receive quarter. A
+British sloop of war which was cruising in the Gulf of Mexico, having
+heard that Lafitte himself was at sea, kept a sharp look out from the
+mast head; when one morning as an officer was sweeping the horizon with
+his glass he discovered a long dark looking vessel, low in the water,
+but having very tall masts, with sails white as the driven snow. As the
+sloop of war had the weather gage of the pirate and could outsail her
+before the wind, she set her studding sails and crowded every inch of
+canvass in chase; as soon as Lafitte ascertained the character of his
+opponent, he ordered the awnings to be furled and set his big
+square-sail and shot rapidly through the water; but as the breeze
+freshened the sloop of war came up rapidly with the pirate, who, finding
+no chance of escaping, determined to sell his life as dearly as
+possible; the guns were cast loose and the shot handed up; and a fire
+opened upon the ship which killed a number of men and carried away her
+foretopmast, but she reserved her fire until within cable's distance of
+the pirate; when she fired a general discharge from her broadside, and a
+volley of small arms; the broadside was too much elevated to hit the low
+hull of the brigantine, but was not without effect; the foretopmast
+fell, the jaws of the main gaff were severed and a large proportion of
+the rigging came rattling down on deck; ten of the pirates were killed,
+but Lafitte remained unhurt. The sloop of war entered her men over the
+starboard bow and a terrific contest with pistols and cutlasses ensued;
+Lafitte received two wounds at this time which disabled him, a grape
+shot broke the bone of his right leg and he received a cut in the
+abdomen, but his crew fought like tigers and the deck was ankle deep
+with blood and gore; the captain of the boarders received such a
+tremendous blow on the head from the butt end of a musket, as stretched
+him senseless on the deck near Lafitte, who raised his dagger to stab
+him to the heart. But the tide of his existence was ebbing like a
+torrent, his brain was giddy, his aim faltered and the point descended
+in the Captain's right thigh; dragging away the blade with the last
+convulsive energy of a death struggle, he lacerated the wound. Again the
+reeking steel was upheld, and Lafitte placed his left hand near the
+Captain's heart, to make his aim more sure; again the dizziness of
+dissolution spread over his sight, down came the dagger into the
+captain's left thigh and Lafitte was a corpse.
+
+The upper deck was cleared, and the boarders rushed below on the main
+deck to complete their conquest. Here the slaughter was dreadful, till
+the pirates called out for quarter, and the carnage ceased; all the
+pirates that surrendered were taken to Jamaica and tried before the
+Admiralty court where sixteen were condemned to die, six were
+subsequently pardoned and ten executed.
+
+[Illustration: _Death of Lafitte, the Pirate._]
+
+Thus perished Lafitte, a man superior in talent, in knowledge of his
+profession, in courage, and moreover in physical strength; but
+unfortunately his reckless career was marked with crimes of the darkest
+dye.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN ROBERTS.
+
+
+Bartholomew Roberts was trained to a sea-faring life. Among other
+voyages which he made during the time that he lawfully procured his
+maintenance, he sailed for the Guinea cost, in November, 1719, where he
+was taken by the pirate Davis. He was at first very averse to that mode
+of life, and would certainly have deserted, had an opportunity occurred.
+It happened to him, however, as to many upon another element, that
+preferment calmed his conscience, and reconciled him to that which he
+formerly hated.
+
+Davis having fallen in the manner related, those who had assumed the
+title of Lords assembled to deliberate concerning the choice of a new
+commander. There were several candidates, who, by their services, had
+risen to eminence among their breathren, and each of them thought
+themselves qualified to bear rule. One addressed the assembled lords,
+saying, "that the good of the whole, and the maintenance of order,
+demanded a head, but that the proper authority was deposited in the
+community at large; so that if one should be elected who did not act and
+govern for the general good, he could be deposed, and another be
+substituted in his place."
+
+"We are the original," said he, "of this claim, and should a captain be
+so saucy as to exceed prescription at any time, why, down with him! It
+will be a caution, after he is dead, to his successors, to what fatal
+results any undue assumption may lead; however, it is my advice, while
+be are sober, to pitch upon a man of courage, and one skilled in
+navigation,--one who, by his prudence and bravery, seems best able to
+defend this commonwealth, and ward us from the dangers and tempests of
+an unstable element, and the fatal consequences of anarchy; and such a
+one I take Roberts to be: a fellow in all respects worthy of your esteem
+and favor."
+
+This speech was applauded by all but Lord Simpson, who had himself
+strong expectations of obtaining the highest command. He at last, in a
+surly tone, said, he did not regard whom they chose as a commander,
+provided he was not a papist, for he had conceived a mortal hatred to
+papists, because his father had been a sufferer in Monmouth's rebellion.
+
+Thus, though Roberts had only been a few weeks among them, his election
+was confirmed by the Lords and Commons. He, with the best face he could,
+accepted of the dignity, saying, "that since he had dipped his hands in
+muddy water, and must be a pirate, it was better being a commander than
+a private man."
+
+The governor being settled, and other officers chosen in the room of
+those who had fallen with Davis, it was resolved not to leave this place
+without revenging his death. Accordingly, thirty men, under the command
+of one Kennedy, a bold and profligate fellow, landed, and under cover of
+the fire of the ship, ascended the hill upon which the fort stood. They
+were no sooner discovered by the Portuguese, than they abandoned the
+fort, and took shelter in the town. The pirates then entered without
+opposition, set fire to the fort, and tumbled the guns into the sea.
+
+Not satisfied with this injury, some proposed to land and set the town
+in flames. Roberts however, reminded them of the great danger to which
+this would inevitably expose them; that there was a thick wood at the
+back of the town, where the inhabitants could hide themselves, and that,
+when their all was at stake, they would make a bolder resistance: and
+that the burning or destroying of a few houses, would be a small return
+for their labor, and the loss that they might sustain. This prudent
+advice had the desired effect, and they contented themselves with
+lightening the French vessel, and battering down several houses of the
+town, to show their high displeasure.
+
+Roberts sailed southward, captured a Dutch Guineaman, and, having
+emptied her of everything they thought proper, returned her to the
+commander. Two days after, he captured an English ship, and, as the men
+joined in pirating, emptied and burned the vessel, and then sailed for
+St. Thomas. Meeting with no prize, he sailed for Anamaboa, and there
+watered and repaired. Having again put to sea, a vote was taken whether
+they should sail for the East Indies or for Brazil. The latter place was
+decided upon, and they arrived there in twenty-eight days.
+
+Upon this coast our rovers cruised for about nine weeks, keeping
+generally out of sight of land, but without seeing a sail; which
+discouraged them so, that they determined to leave the station, and
+steer for the West Indies; and, in order thereto, they stood in to make
+the land for the taking of their departure, by which means they fell in,
+unexpectedly, with a fleet of forty-two sail of Portuguese ships, off
+the Bay of Los Todos Santos, with all their lading in for Lisbon;
+several of them of good force, who lay there waiting for two men of war
+of seventy guns each for their convoy. However, Roberts thought it
+should go hard with him but he would make up his market among them, and
+thereupon he mixed with the fleet, and kept his men concealed till
+proper resolutions could be formed; that done, they came close up to one
+of the deepest, and ordered her to send the master on board quietly,
+threatening to give them no quarter, if any resistance or signal of
+distress was made. The Portuguese, being surprised at these threats, and
+the sudden flourish of cutlasses from the pirates, submitted without a
+word, and the captain came on board. Roberts saluted him in a friendly
+manner, telling him that they were gentlemen of fortune, and that their
+business with him was only to be informed which was the richest ship in
+that fleet; and if he directed them right, he should be restored to his
+ship without molestation, otherwise he must expect instant death.
+
+He then pointed to a vessel of forty guns, and a hundred and fifty men;
+and though her strength was greatly superior to Roberts', yet he made
+towards her, taking the master of the captured vessel along with him.
+Coming alongside of her, Roberts ordered the prisoner to ask, "How
+Seignior Captain did?" and to invite him on board, as he had a matter of
+importance to impart to him. He was answered, "That he would wait upon
+him presently." Roberts, however, observing more than ordinary bustle on
+board, at once concluded they were discovered, and pouring a broadside
+into her, they immediately boarded, grappled, and took her. She was a
+very rich prize, laden with sugar, skins, and tobacco, with four
+thousand moidores of gold, besides other valuable articles.
+
+In possession of so much riches, they now became solicitous to find a
+safe retreat in which to spend their time in mirth and wantonness. They
+determined upon a place called the Devil's Island upon the river
+Surinam, where they arrived in safety, and met with a kind reception
+from the governor and the inhabitants.
+
+In this river they seized a sloop, which informed them that she had
+sailed in company with a brigantine loaded with provisions. This was
+welcome intelligence, as their provisions were nearly exhausted. Deeming
+this too important a business to trust to foreign hands, Roberts, with
+forty men in the sloop, gave chase to that sail. In the keenness of the
+moment, and trusting in his usual good fortune, Roberts supposed that he
+had only to take a short sail in order to bring in the vessel with her
+cargo; but to his sad disappointment, he pursued her during eight days,
+and instead of gaining, was losing way. Under these circumstances, he
+came to anchor, and sent off the boat to give intelligence of their
+distress to their companions.
+
+In their extremity of want, they took up part of the floor of the cabin,
+and patched up a sort of tray with rope-yarns, to paddle on shore to get
+a little water to preserve their lives. When their patience was almost
+exhausted, the boat returned, but instead of provisions, brought the
+unpleasing information, that the lieutenant, one Kennedy, had run off
+with both the ships.
+
+The misfortune and misery of Roberts were greatly aggravated by
+reflecting upon his own imprudence and want of foresight, as well as
+from the baseness of Kennedy and his crew. Impelled by the necessity of
+his situation, he now began to reflect upon the means he should employ
+for future support. Under the foolish supposition that any laws, oaths
+or regulations, could bind those who had bidden open defiance to all
+divine and human laws, he proceeded to form a code of regulations for
+the maintenance of order and unity in his little commonwealth.
+
+But present necessity compelled them to action, and with their small
+sloop they sailed for the West Indies. They were not long before they
+captured two sloops, which supplied them with provisions, and a few days
+after, a brigantine, and then proceeded to Barbadoes. When off that
+island they met a vessel of ten guns, richly laden from Bristol; after
+plundering, and detaining her three days, they allowed her to prosecute
+her voyage. This vessel, however, informed the governor of what had
+befallen them, who sent a vessel of twenty guns and eighty men in quest
+of the pirates.
+
+That vessel was commanded by one Rogers, who, on the second day of his
+cruise, discovered Roberts. Ignorant of any vessel being sent after
+them, they made towards each other. Roberts gave him a gun but instead
+of striking, the other returned a broadside, with three huzzas. A
+severe engagement ensued, and Roberts being hard put to it, lightened
+his vessel and ran off.
+
+Roberts then sailed for the Island of Dominica, where he watered, and
+was supplied by the inhabitants with provisions, for which he gave them
+goods in return. Here he met with fifteen Englishmen left upon the
+island by a Frenchman who had made a prize of their vessel; and they,
+entering into his service, proved a seasonable addition to his strength.
+
+Though he did not think this a proper place for cleaning, yet as it was
+absolutely necessary that it should be done, he directed his course to
+the Granada islands for that purpose. This, however, had well nigh
+proved fatal to him; for the Governor of Martinique fitted out two
+sloops to go in quest of the pirates. They, however, sailed to the
+above-mentioned place, cleaned with unusual despatch, and just left that
+place the night before the sloops in pursuit of them arrived.
+
+They next sailed for Newfoundland, arriving upon the banks in June,
+1720, and entered the harbor of Trepassi, with their black colors
+flying, drums beating, and trumpets sounding. In that harbor there were
+no less than twenty-two ships, which the men abandoned upon the sight of
+the pirates. It is impossible to describe the injury which they did at
+this place, by burning or sinking the ships, destroying the plantations,
+and pillaging the houses. Power in the hands of mean and ignorant men
+renders them wanton, insolent and cruel. They are literally like madmen,
+who cast firebrands, arrows and death, and say, "Are not we in sport?"
+
+Roberts reserved a Bristol galley from his depredations in the harbor,
+which he fitted and manned for his own service. Upon the banks he met
+ten sail of French ships, and destroyed them all, except one of
+twenty-six guns, which he seized and carried off, and called her the
+Fortune. Then giving the Bristol galley to the Frenchman, they sailed
+in quest of new adventures, and soon took several prizes, and out of
+them increased the number of their own hands. The Samuel, one of these,
+was a very rich vessel, having some respectable passengers on board, who
+were roughly used, and threatened with death if they did not deliver up
+their money and their goods. They stripped the vessel of every article,
+either necessary for their vessel or themselves, to the amount of eight
+or nine thousand pounds. They then deliberated whether to sink or burn
+the Samuel, but in the mean time they discovered a sail, so they left
+the empty Samuel, and gave the other chase. At midnight they overtook
+her, and she proved to be the Snow from Bristol; and, because he was an
+Englishman, they used the master in a cruel and barbarous manner. Two
+days after, they took the Little York of Virginia, and the Love of
+Liverpool, both of which they plundered and sent off. In three days they
+captured three other vessels, removing the goods out of them, sinking
+one, and sending off the other two.
+
+They next sailed for the West Indies, but provisions growing short,
+proceeded to St. Christopher's, where, being denied provisions by the
+governor, they fired on the town, and burnt two ships in the roads. They
+then repaired to the island of St. Bartholomew, where the governor
+supplied them with every necessary, and caressed them in the kindest
+manner. Satiated with indulgence, and having taken in a large stock of
+everything necessary, they unanimously voted to hasten to the coast of
+Guinea. In their way they took a Frenchman, and as she was fitter for
+the pirate service than their own, they informed the captain, that, as
+"a fair exchange was no robbery," they would exchange sloops with him;
+accordingly, having shifted their men, they set sail. However, going by
+mistake out of the track of the trade winds, they were under the
+necessity of returning to the West Indies.
+
+They now directed their course to Surinam but not having sufficient
+water for the voyage they were soon reduced to a mouthful of water in
+the day; their numbers daily diminished by thirst and famine and the few
+who survived were reduced to the greatest weakness. They at last had not
+one drop of water or any other liquid, when, to their inexpressible joy,
+they anchored in seven fathoms of water. This tended to revive exhausted
+nature and inspire them with new vigour, though as yet they had received
+no relief. In the morning they discovered land, but at such a distance
+that their hopes were greatly dampened. The boat was however sent off,
+and at night returned with plenty of that necessary element. But this
+remarkable deliverance produced no reformation in the manners of these
+unfeeling and obdurate men.
+
+Steering their course from that place to Barbadoes, in their way they
+met with a vessel which supplied them with all necessaries. Not long
+after, they captured a brigantine, the mate of which joined their
+association. Having from these two obtained a large supply, they changed
+their course and watered at Tobago. Informed, however, that there were
+two vessels sent in pursuit of them, they went to return their
+compliments to the Governor of Martinique for this kindness.
+
+It was the custom of the Dutch interlopers, when they approached this
+island to trade with the inhabitants, to hoist their jacks. Roberts knew
+the signal, and did so likewise. They, supposing that a good market was
+near, strove who could first reach Roberts. Determined to do them all
+possible mischief he destroyed them one by one as they came into his
+power. He only reserved one ship to send the men on shore, and burnt the
+remainder, to the number of twenty.
+
+Roberts and his crew were so fortunate as to capture several vessels and
+to render their liquor so plentiful, that it was esteemed a crime
+against Providence not to be continually drunk. One man, remarkable
+for his sobriety, along with two others, found an opportunity to set off
+without taking leave of their friends. But a despatch being sent after
+them, they were brought back, and in a formal manner tried and
+sentenced, but one of them was saved by the humorous interference of one
+of the judges, whose speech was truly worthy of a pirate--while the
+other two suffered the punishment of death.
+
+[Illustration: _Captain Roberts' Crew carousing at Old Calabar River._]
+
+When necessity again compelled them, they renewed their cruising; and,
+dissatisfied with capturing vessels which only afforded them a temporary
+supply, directed their course to the Guinea coast to forage for gold.
+Intoxication rendered them unruly, and the brigantine at last embraced
+the cover of night to abandon the commodore. Unconcerned at the loss of
+his companion, Roberts pursued his voyage. He fell in with two French
+ships, the one of ten guns and sixty-five men, and the other of sixteen
+guns and seventy-five men. These dastards no sooner beheld the black
+flag than they surrendered. With these they went to Sierra Leone,
+constituting one of them a consort, by the name of the Ranger, and the
+other a store-ship. This port being frequented by the greater part of
+the traders to that quarter, they remained here six weeks, enjoying
+themselves in all the splendor and luxury of a piratical life.
+
+After this they renewed their voyage, and having captured a vessel, the
+greater part of the men united their fortunes with the pirates. On board
+of one of the ships was a clergyman, whom some of them proposed taking
+along with them, for no other reason than that they had not a chaplain
+on board. They endeavored to gain his consent, and assured him that he
+should want for nothing, and his only work would be, to make punch and
+say prayers. Depraved, however, as these men were, they did not choose
+to constrain him to go, but displayed their civility further, by
+permitting him to carry along with him whatever he called his own.
+After several cruises, they now went into a convenient harbor at Old
+Calabar, where they cleaned, refitted, divided their booty, and for a
+considerable time caroused, to banish care and sober reflection.
+
+According to their usual custom, the time of festivity and mirth was
+prolonged until the want of means recalled them to reason and exertion.
+Leaving this port, they cruised from place to place with varied success;
+but in all their captures, either burning, sinking, or devoting their
+prizes to their own use, according to the whim of the moment. The
+Swallow and another man-of-war being sent out expressly to pursue and
+take Roberts and his fleet, he had frequent and certain intelligence of
+their destination; but having so often escaped their vigilance, he
+became rather too secure and fearless. It happened, however, that while
+he lay off Cape Lopez, the Swallow had information of his being in that
+place, and made towards him. Upon the appearance of a sail, one of
+Roberts' ships was sent to chase and take her. The pilot of the Swallow
+seeing her coming, manoeouvred his vessel so well, that though he fled
+at her approach, in order to draw her out of the reach of her
+associates, yet he at his own time allowed her to overtake the
+man-of-war.
+
+Upon her coming up to the Swallow, the pirate hoisted the black flag,
+and fired upon her; but how greatly were her crew astonished, when they
+saw that they had to contend with a man-of-war, and seeing that all
+resistance was vain, they cried out for quarter, which was granted, and
+they were made prisoners, having ten men killed and twenty wounded,
+without the loss or hurt of one of the king's men.
+
+On the 10th, in the morning, the man-of-war bore away to round the cape.
+Roberts' crew, discerning their masts over the land, went down into the
+cabin to acquaint him of it, he being then at breakfast with his new
+guest, captain Hill, on a savoury dish of salmagundy and some of his
+own beer. He took no notice of it, and his men almost as little, some
+saying she was a Portuguese ship, others a French slave ship, but the
+major part swore it was the French Ranger returning; and they were
+merrily debating for some time on the manner of reception, whether they
+should salute her or not; but as the Swallow approached nearer, things
+appeared plainer; and though they who showed any apprehension of danger
+were stigmatized with the name of cowards, yet some of them, now
+undeceived, declared it to Roberts, especially one Armstrong, who had
+deserted from that ship, and knew her well. These Roberts swore at as
+cowards, who meant to dishearten the men, asking them, if it were so,
+whether they were afraid to fight or not? In short, he hardly refrained
+from blows. What his own apprehensions were, till she hauled up her
+ports and hoisted her proper colors, is uncertain; but then, being
+perfectly convinced, he slipped his cable, got under sail, ordered his
+men to arms without any show of timidity, dropping a first-rate oath,
+that it was a bite, but at the same time resolved, like a gallant rogue,
+to get clear or die.
+
+There was one Armstrong, as was just mentioned, a deserter from the
+Swallow, of whom they enquired concerning the trim and sailing of that
+ship; he told them she sailed best upon the wind, and therefore, if they
+designed to leave her, they should go before it.
+
+The danger was imminent, and the time very short, to consult about means
+to extricate himself; his resolution in this strait was as follows: to
+pass close to the Swallow with all their sails, and receive her
+broadside before they returned a shot; if disabled by this, or if they
+could not depend on sailing, then to run on shore at the point, and
+every one to shift for himself among the negroes; or failing these, to
+board, and blow up together, for he saw that the greatest part of his
+men were drunk, passively courageous, and unfit for service.
+
+Roberts, himself, made a gallant figure at the time of the engagement,
+being dressed in a rich crimson damask waistcoat and breeches, a red
+feather in his hat, a gold chain round his neck, with a diamond cross
+hanging to it, a sword in his hand, and two pair of pistols hanging at
+the end of a silk sling flung over his shoulders, according to the
+custom of the pirates. He is said to have given his orders with boldness
+and spirit. Coming, according to what he had purposed, close to the
+man-of-war, he received her fire, and then hoisted his black flag and
+returned it, shooting away from her with all the sail he could pack; and
+had he taken Armstrong's advice to have gone before the wind, he had
+probably escaped; but keeping his tacks down, either by the wind's
+shifting, or ill steerage, or both, he was taken aback with his sails,
+and the Swallow came a second time very nigh to him. He had now,
+perhaps, finished the fight very desperately, if death, who took a swift
+passage in a grape shot, had not interposed, and struck him directly on
+the throat. He settled himself on the tackles of a gun; which one
+Stephenson, from the helm, observing, ran to his assistance, and not
+perceiving him wounded, swore at him, and bade him stand up and fight
+like a man; but when he found his mistake, and that his captain was
+certainly dead, he burst into tears, and wished the next shot might be
+his portion. They presently threw him overboard, with his arms and
+ornaments on, according to his repeated request in his life-time.
+
+This extraordinary man and daring pirate was tall, of a dark complexion,
+about 40 years of age, and born in Pembrokeshire. His parents were
+honest and respectable, and his natural activity, courage, and
+invention, were superior to his education. At a very early period, he,
+in drinking, would imprecate vengeance upon "the head of him who ever
+lived to wear a halter." He went willingly into the pirate service, and
+served three years as a second man. It was not for want of employment,
+but from a roving, wild, and boisterous turn of mind. It was his usual
+declaration, that, "In an honest service, there are commonly low wages
+and hard labor; in this,--plenty, satiety, pleasure and ease, liberty,
+and power; and who would not balance creditor on this side, when all the
+hazard that is run for it at worst, is only a sour look or two at
+choking? No,--a merry life and a short one, shall be my motto!" But it
+was one favorable trait in his character, that he never forced any man
+into the pirate service.
+
+The prisoners were strictly guarded while on board, and being conveyed
+to Cape Coast castle, they underwent a long and solemn trial. The
+generality of them remained daring and impenitent for some time, but
+when they found themselves confined within a castle, and their fate
+drawing near, they changed their course, and became serious, penitent,
+and fervent in their devotions. Though the judges found no small
+difficulty in explaining the law, and different acts of parliament, yet
+the facts were so numerous and flagrant which were proved against them,
+that there was no difficulty in bringing in a verdict of guilty.
+
+
+
+
+THE LIFE OF CHARLES GIBBS.
+
+
+_Containing an Account of his Atrocities committed in the West Indies_.
+
+This atrocious and cruel pirate, when very young became addicted to
+vices uncommon in youths of his age, and so far from the gentle reproof
+and friendly admonition, or the more severe chastisement of a fond
+parent, having its intended effect, it seemed to render him still worse,
+and to incline him to repay those whom he ought to have esteemed as his
+best friends and who had manifested so much regard for his welfare, with
+ingratitude and neglect. His infamous career and ignominious death on
+the gallows; brought down the "grey hairs of his parents in sorrow to
+the grave." The poignant affliction which the infamous crimes of
+children bring upon their relatives ought to be one of the most
+effective persuasions for them to refrain from vice.
+
+Charles Gibbs was born in the state of Rhode Island, in 1794; his
+parents and connexions were of the first respectability. When at school,
+he was very apt to learn, but so refractory and sulky, that neither the
+birch nor good counsel made any impression on him, and he was expelled
+from the school.
+
+He was now made to labor on a farm; but having a great antipathy to
+work, when about fifteen years of age, feeling a great inclination to
+roam, and like too many unreflecting youths of that age, a great
+fondness for the sea, he in opposition to the friendly counsel of his
+parents, privately left them and entered on board the United States
+sloop-of-war, Hornet, and was in the action when she captured the
+British sloop-of-war Peacock, off the coast of Pernambuco. Upon the
+return of the Hornet to the United States, her brave commander, Capt.
+Lawrence, was promoted for his gallantry to the command of the
+unfortunate Chesapeake, and to which he was followed by young Gibbs, who
+took a very distinguished part in the engagement with the Shannon, which
+resulted in the death of Lawrence and the capture of the Chesapeake.
+Gibbs states that while on board the Chesapeake the crew previous to the
+action, were almost in a state of mutiny, growing out of the non payment
+of the prize money, and that the address of Capt. Lawrence was received
+by them with coldness and murmurs.
+
+After the engagement, Gibbs became with the survivors of the crew a
+prisoner of war, and as such was confined in Dartmoor prison until
+exchanged.
+
+After his exchange, he returned to Boston, where having determined to
+abandon the sea, he applied to his friends in Rhode Island, to assist
+him in commencing business; they accordingly lent him one thousand
+dollars as a capital to begin with. He opened a grocery in Ann Street,
+near what was then called the _Tin Pot_, a place full of abandoned women
+and dissolute fellows. As he dealt chiefly in liquor, and had a
+"_License to retail Spirits_," his drunkery was thronged with customers.
+But he sold his groceries chiefly to loose girls who paid him in their
+coin, which, although it answered his purpose, would neither buy him
+goods or pay his rent, and he found his stock rapidly dwindling away
+without his receiving any cash to replenish it. By dissipation and
+inattention his new business proved unsuccessful to him. He resolved to
+abandon it and again try the sea for a subsistence. With a hundred
+dollars in his pocket, the remnant of his property, he embarked in the
+ship John, for Buenos Ayres, and his means being exhausted soon after
+his arrival there, he entered on board a Buenos Ayrean privateer and
+sailed on a cruise. A quarrel between the officers and crew in regard to
+the division of prize money, led eventually to a mutiny; and the
+mutineers gained the ascendancy, took possession of the vessel, landed
+the crew on the coast of Florida, and steered for the West Indies, with
+hearts resolved to make their fortunes at all hazards, and where in a
+short time, more than twenty vessels were captured by them and nearly
+_Four Hundred Human Beings Murdered_!
+
+Havana was the resort of these pirates to dispose of their plunder; and
+Gibbs sauntered about this place with impunity and was acquainted in all
+the out of the way and bye places of that hot bed of pirates the Regla.
+He and his comrades even lodged in the very houses with many of the
+American officers who were sent out to take them. He was acquainted with
+many of the officers and was apprised of all their intended movements
+before they left the harbor. On one occasion, the American ship
+Caroline, was captured by two of their piratical vessels off Cape
+Antonio. They were busily engaged in landing the cargo, when the British
+sloop-of-war, Jearus, hove in sight and sent her barges to attack them.
+The pirates defended themselves for some time behind a small four gun
+battery which they had erected, but in the end were forced to abandon
+their own vessel and the prize and fly to the mountains for safety. The
+Jearus found here twelve vessels burnt to the water's edge, and it was
+satisfactorily ascertained that their crews, amounting to _one hundred
+and fifty persons had been murdered_. The crews, if it was thought not
+necessary otherways to dispose of them were sent adrift in their boats,
+and frequently without any thing on which they could subsist a single
+day; nor were all so fortunate thus to escape. "Dead men can tell no
+tales," was a common saying among them; and as soon as a ship's crew
+were taken, a short consultation was held; and if it was the opinion of
+a majority that it would be better to take life than to spare it, a
+single nod or wink from the captain was sufficient; regardless of age or
+sex, all entreaties for mercy were then made in vain; they possessed not
+the tender feelings, to be operated upon by the shrieks and expiring
+groans of the devoted victims! there was a strife among them, who with
+his own hands could despatch the greatest number, and in the shortest
+period of time.
+
+Without any other motives than to gratify their hellish propensities (in
+their intoxicated moments), blood was not unfrequently and unnecessarily
+shed, and many widows and orphans probably made, when the lives of the
+unfortunate victims might have been spared, and without the most distant
+prospect of any evil consequences (as regarded themselves), resulting
+therefrom.
+
+Gibbs states that sometime in the course of the year 1819, he left
+Havana and came to the United States, bringing with him about $30,000.
+He passed several weeks in the city of New York, and then went to
+Boston, whence he took passage for Liverpool in the ship Emerald. Before
+he sailed, however, he has squandered a large part of his money by
+dissipation and gambling. He remained in Liverpool a few months, and
+then returned to Boston. His residence in Liverpool at that time is
+satisfactorily ascertained from another source besides his own
+confession. A female now in New York was well acquainted with him there,
+where, she says, he lived like a gentleman, with apparently abundant
+means of support. In speaking of his acquaintance with this female he
+says, "I fell in with a woman, who I thought was all virtue, but she
+deceived me, and I am sorry to say that a heart that never felt abashed
+at scenes of carnage and blood, was made a child of for a time by her,
+and I gave way to dissipation to drown the torment. How often when the
+fumes of liquor have subsided, have I thought of my good and
+affectionate parents, and of their Godlike advice! But when the little
+monitor began to move within me, I immediately seized the cup to hide
+myself from myself, and drank until the sense of intoxication was
+renewed. My friends advised me to behave myself like a man, and promised
+me their assistance, but the demon still haunted me, and I spurned their
+advice."
+
+In 1826, he revisited the United States, and hearing of the war between
+Brazil and the Republic of Buenos Ayres, sailed from Boston in the brig
+Hitty, of Portsmouth, with a determination, as he states, of trying his
+fortune in defence of a republican government. Upon his arrival he made
+himself known to Admiral Brown, and communicated his desire to join
+their navy. The admiral accompanied him to the Governor, and a
+Lieutenant's commission being given him, he joined a ship of 34 guns,
+called the 'Twenty Fifth of May.' "Here," says Gibbs, "I found
+Lieutenant Dodge, an old acquaintance, and a number of other persons
+with whom I had sailed. When the Governor gave me the commission he told
+me they wanted no cowards in their navy, to which I replied that I
+thought he would have no apprehension of my cowardice or skill when he
+became acquainted with me. He thanked me, and said he hoped he should
+not be deceived; upon which we drank to his health and to the success of
+the Republic. He then presented me with a sword, and told me to wear
+that as my companion through the doubtful struggle in which the republic
+was engaged. I told him I never would disgrace it, so long as I had a
+nerve in my arm. I remained on board the ship in the capacity of 5th
+Lieutenant, for about four months, during which time we had a number of
+skirmishes with the enemy. Having succeeded in gaining the confidence of
+Admiral Brown, he put me in command of a privateer schooner, mounting
+two long 24 pounders and 46 men. I sailed from Buenos Ayres, made two
+good cruises, and returned safely to port. I then bought one half of a
+new Baltimore schooner, and sailed again, but was captured seven days
+out, and carried into Rio Janeiro, where the Brazilians paid me my
+change. I remained there until peace took place, then returned to Buenos
+Ayres, and thence to New York.
+
+"After the lapse of about a year, which I passed in travelling from place
+to place, the war between France and Algiers attracted my attention.
+Knowing that the French commerce presented a fine opportunity for
+plunder, I determined to embark for Algiers and offer my services to the
+Dey. I accordingly took passage from New York, in the Sally Ann,
+belonging to Bath, landed at Barcelona, crossed to Port Mahon, and
+endeavored to make my way to Algiers. The vigilance of the French fleet
+prevented the accomplishment of my design, and I proceeded to Tunis.
+There finding it unsafe to attempt a journey to Algiers across the
+desert, I amused myself with contemplating the ruins of Carthage, and
+reviving my recollections of her war with the Romans. I afterwards took
+passage to Marseilles, and thence to Boston."
+
+An instance of the most barbarous and cold blooded murder of which the
+wretched Gibbs gives an account in the course of his confessions, is
+that of an innocent and beautiful female of about 17 or 18 years of age!
+she was with her parents a passenger on board a Dutch ship, bound from
+Curracoa to Holland; there were a number of other passengers, male and
+female, on board, all of whom except the young lady above-mentioned were
+put to death; her unfortunate parents were inhumanly butchered before
+her eyes, and she was doomed to witness the agonies and to hear the
+expiring, heart-piercing groans of those whom she held most dear, and on
+whom she depended for protection! The life of their wretched daughter
+was spared for the most nefarious purposes--she was taken by the pirates
+to the west end of Cuba, where they had a rendezvous, with a small fort
+that mounted four guns--here she was confined about two months, and
+where, as has been said by the murderer Gibbs, "she received such
+treatment, the bare recollection of which causes me to shudder!" At the
+expiration of the two months she was taken by the pirates on board of
+one of their vessels, and among whom a consultation was soon after held,
+which resulted in the conclusion that it would be necessary for their
+own personal safety, to put her to death! and to her a fatal dose of
+poison was accordingly administered, which soon proved fatal! when her
+pure and immortal spirit took its flight to that God, whom, we believe,
+will avenge her wrongs! her lifeless body was then committed to the deep
+by two of the merciless wretches with as much unconcern, as if it had
+been that of the meanest brute! Gibbs persists in the declaration that
+in this horrid transaction he took no part, that such was his pity for
+this poor ill-fated female, that he interceded for her life so long as
+he could do it with safety to his own!
+
+[Illustration: _Gibbs carrying the Dutch Girl on board his Vessel._]
+
+Gibbs in his last visit to Boston remained there but a few days, when he
+took passage to New Orleans, and there entered as one of the crew on
+board the brig Vineyard; and for assisting in the murder of the
+unfortunate captain and mate of which, he was justly condemned, and the
+awful sentence of death passed upon him! The particulars of the bloody
+transaction (agreeable to the testimony of Dawes and Brownrigg, the two
+principal witnesses,) are as follows: The brig Vineyard, Capt. William
+Thornby, sailed from New Orleans about the 9th of November, for
+Philadelphia, with a cargo of 112 bales of cotton, 113 hhds. sugar, 54
+casks of molasses and 54,000 dollars in specie. Besides the captain
+there were on board the brig, William Roberts, mate, six seamen shipped
+at New Orleans, and the cook. Robert Dawes, one of the crew, states on
+examination, that when, about five days out, he was told that there was
+money on board, Charles Gibbs, E. Church and the steward then determined
+to take possession of the brig. They asked James Talbot, another of the
+crew, to join them. He said no, as he did not believe there was money in
+the vessel. They concluded to kill the captain and mate, and if Talbot
+and John Brownrigg would not join them, to kill them also. The next
+night they talked of doing it, and got their clubs ready. Dawes dared
+not say a word, as they declared they would kill him if he did; as they
+did not agree about killing Talbot and Brownrigg, two shipmates, it was
+put off. They next concluded to kill the captain and mate on the night
+of November 22, but did not get ready; but, on the night of the 23d,
+between twelve and one o'clock, as Dawes was at the helm, saw the
+steward come up with a light and a knife in his hand; he dropt the light
+and seizing the pump break, struck the captain with it over the head
+or back of the neck; the captain was sent forward by the blow, and
+halloed, oh! and murder! once; he was then seized by Gibbs and the cook,
+one by the head and the other by the heels, and thrown overboard. Atwell
+and Church stood at the companion way, to strike down the mate when he
+should come up. As he came up and enquired what was the matter they
+struck him over the head--he ran back into the cabin, and Charles Gibbs
+followed him down; but as it was dark, he could not find him--Gibbs came
+on deck for the light, with which he returned. Dawes' light being taken
+from him, he could not see to steer, and he in consequence left the
+helm, to see what was going on below. Gibbs found the mate and seized
+him, while Atwell and Church came down and struck him with a pump break
+and a club; he was then dragged upon deck; they called for Dawes to come
+to them, and as he came up the mate seized his hand, and gave him a
+death gripe! three of them then hove him overboard, but which three
+Dawes does not know; the mate when cast overboard was not dead, but
+called after them twice while in the water! Dawes says he was so
+frightened that he hardly knew what to do. They then requested him to
+call Talbot, who was in the forecastle, saying his prayers; he came up
+and said it would be his turn next! but they gave him some grog, and
+told him not to be afraid, as they would not hurt him; if he was true to
+them, he should fare as well as they did. One of those who had been
+engaged in the bloody deed got drunk, and another became crazy!
+
+[Illustration: _Gibbs shooting a comrade._]
+
+After killing the captain and mate, they set about overhauling the
+vessel, and got up one keg of Mexican dollars. They then divided the
+captain's clothes, and money--about 40 dollars, and a gold watch. Dawes,
+Talbot and Brownrigg, (who were all innocent of the murder,) were
+obliged to do as they were commanded--the former, who was placed at the
+helm, was ordered to steer for Long Island. On the day following, they
+divided several kegs of the specie, amounting to five thousand dollars
+each--they made bags and sewed the money up. After this division, they
+divided the remainder of the money without counting it. On Sunday, when
+about 15 miles S.S.E. of Southampton Light, they got the boats out and
+put half the money in each--they then scuttled the vessel and set fire
+to it in the cabin, and took to the boats. Gibbs, after the murder, took
+charge of the vessel as captain. From the papers they learnt that the
+money belonged to Stephen Girard. With the boats they made the land
+about daylight. Dawes and his three companions were in the long boat;
+the others, with Atwell, were in the jolly boat--on coming to the bar
+the boats struck--in the long boat, they threw overboard a trunk of
+clothes and a great deal of money, in all about 5000 dollars--the jolly
+boat foundered; they saw the boat fill, and heard them cry out, and saw
+them clinging to the masts--they went ashore on Barron Island, and
+buried the money in the sand, but very lightly. Soon after they met with
+a gunner, whom they requested to conduct them where they could get some
+refreshments. They were by him conducted to Johnson's (the only man
+living on the island,) where they staid all night--Dawes went to bed at
+about 10 o'clock--Jack Brownrigg set up with Johnson, and in the morning
+told Dawes that he had told Johnson all about the murder. Johnson went
+in the morning with the steward for the clothes, which were left on the
+top of the place where they buried the money, but does not believe they
+took away the money.
+
+[Illustration: _Captain Thornby murdered and thrown overboard by Gibbs
+and the steward._]
+
+The prisoners, (Gibbs and Wansley,) were brought to trial at the
+February term of the United States Court, holden in the city of New
+York; when the foregoing facts being satisfactorily proved, they were
+pronounced guilty, and on the 11th March last, the awful sentence of the
+law was passed upon them in the following affecting and impressive
+manner:--The Court opened at 11 o'clock, Judge Betts presiding. A few
+minutes after that hour, Mr. Hamilton, District Attorney, rose and
+said--May it please the Court, Thomas J. Wansley, the prisoner at the
+bar, having been tried by a jury of his country, and found guilty of the
+murder of Captain Thornby, I now move that the sentence of the Court be
+pronounced upon that verdict.
+
+[Illustration: _Gibbs and Wansley burying the Money._]
+
+_By the Court_. Thomas J. Wansley, you have heard what has been said by
+the District Attorney--by the Grand Jury of the South District of New
+York, you have been arraigned for the wilful murder of Captain Thornby,
+of the brig Vineyard; you have been put upon your trial, and after a
+patient and impartial hearing, you have been found Guilty. The public
+prosecutor now moves for judgment on that verdict; have you any thing to
+say, why the sentence of the law should not be passed upon you?
+
+_Thomas J. Wansley_. I will say a few words, but it is perhaps of no
+use. I have often understood that there is a great deal of difference in
+respect of color, and I have seen it in this Court. Dawes and Brownrigg
+were as guilty as I am, and these witnesses have tried to fasten upon me
+greater guilt than is just, for their life has been given to them. You
+have taken the blacks from their own country, to bring them here to
+treat them ill. I have seen this. The witnesses, the jury, and the
+prosecuting Attorney consider me more guilty than Dawes, to condemn
+me--for otherwise the law must have punished him; he should have had the
+same verdict, for he was a perpetrator in the conspiracy.
+Notwithstanding my participating, they have sworn falsely for the
+purpose of taking my life; they would not even inform the Court, how I
+gave information of money being on board; they had the biggest part of
+the money, and have sworn falsely. I have said enough. I will say no
+more.
+
+_By the Court_. The Court will wait patiently and hear all you have to
+say; if you have any thing further to add, proceed.
+
+_Wansley_ then proceeded. In the first place, I was the first to ship on
+board the Vineyard at New Orleans, I knew nobody; I saw the money come
+on board. The judge that first examined me, did not take my deposition
+down correctly. When talking with the crew on board, said the brig was
+an old craft, and when we arrived at Philadelphia, we all agreed to
+leave her. It was mentioned to me that there was plenty of money on
+board. Henry Atwell said "let's have it." I knew no more of this for
+some days. Atwell came to me again and asked "what think you of taking
+the money." I thought it was a joke, and paid no attention to it. The
+next day he said they had determined to take the brig and money, and
+that they were the strongest party, and would murder the officers, and
+he that informed should suffer with them. I knew Church in Boston, and
+in a joke asked him how it was made up in the ship's company; his reply,
+that it was he and Dawes. There was no arms on board as was ascertained;
+the conspiracy was known to the whole company, and had I informed, my
+life would have been taken, and though I knew if I was found out my life
+would be taken by law, which is the same thing, so I did not inform. I
+have committed murder and I know I must die for it.
+
+_By the Court_. If you wish to add any thing further you will still be
+heard.
+
+_Wansley_. No sir, I believe I have said enough.
+
+The District Attorney rose and moved for judgment on Gibbs, in the same
+manner as in the case of Wansley, and the Court having addressed Gibbs,
+in similar terms, concluded by asking what he had to say why the
+sentence of the law should not now be passed upon him.
+
+_Charles Gibbs_ said, I wish to state to the Court, how far I am guilty
+and how far I am innocent in this transaction. When I left New Orleans,
+I was a stranger to all on board, except Dawes and Church. It was off
+Tortugas that Atwell first told me there was money on board, and
+proposed to me to take possession of the brig. I refused at that time.
+The conspiracy was talked of for some days, and at last I agreed that I
+would join. Brownrigg, Dawes, Church, and the whole agreed that they
+would. A few days after, however, having thought of the affair, I
+mentioned to Atwell, what a dreadful thing it was to take a man's life,
+and commit piracy, and recommended him to "abolish," their plan. Atwell
+and Dawes remonstrated with me; I told Atwell that if ever he would
+speak of the subject again, I would break his nose. Had I kept to my
+resolution I would not have been brought here to receive my sentence. It
+was three days afterwards that the murder was committed. Brownrigg
+agreed to call up the captain from the cabin, and this man, (pointing to
+Wansley,) agreed to strike the first blow. The captain was struck and I
+suppose killed, and I lent a hand to throw him overboard. But for the
+murder of the mate, of which I have been found guilty, I am innocent--I
+had nothing to do with that. The mate was murdered by Dawes and Church;
+that I am innocent of this I commit my soul to that God who will judge
+all flesh--who will judge all murderers and false swearers, and the
+wicked who deprive the innocent of his right. I have nothing more to
+say.
+
+_By the Court_. Thomas J. Wansley and Charles Gibbs, the Court has
+listened to you patiently and attentively; and although you have said
+something in your own behalf, yet the Court has heard nothing to affect
+the deepest and most painful duty that he who presides over a public
+tribunal has to perform.
+
+You, Thomas J. Wansley, conceive that a different measure of justice has
+been meted out to you, because of your color. Look back upon your whole
+course of life; think of the laws under which you have lived, and you
+will find that to white or black, to free or bond, there is no ground
+for your allegations; that they are not supported by truth or justice.
+Admit that Brownrigg and Dawes have sworn falsely; admit that Dawes was
+concerned with you; admit that Brownrigg is not innocent; admit, in
+relation to both, that they are guilty, the whole evidence has proved
+beyond a doubt that you are guilty; and your own words admit that you
+were an active agent in perpetrating this horrid crime. Two fellow
+beings who confided in you, and in their perilous voyage called in your
+assistance, yet you, without reason or provocation, have maliciously
+taken their lives.
+
+If, peradventure, there was the slightest foundation for a doubt of your
+guilt, in the mind of the Court, judgment would be arrested, but there
+is none; and it now remains to the Court to pronounce the most painful
+duty that devolves upon a civil magistrate. The Court is persuaded of
+your guilt; it can form no other opinion. Testimony has been heard
+before the Court and Jury--from that we must form our opinion. We must
+proceed upon testimony, ascertain facts by evidence of witnesses, on
+which we must inquire, judge and determine as to guilt or innocence, by
+that evidence alone. You have been found guilty. You now stand for the
+last time before an earthly tribunal, and by your own acknowledgments,
+the sentence of the law falls just on your heads. When men in ordinary
+cases come under the penalty of the law there is generally some
+palliative--something to warm the sympathy of the Court and Jury. Men
+may be led astray, and under the influence of passion have acted under
+some long smothered resentment, suddenly awakened by the force of
+circumstances, depriving him of reason, and then they may take the life
+of a fellow being. Killing, under that kind of excitement, might
+possibly awaken some sympathy, but that was not your case; you had no
+provocation. What offence had Thornby or Roberts committed against you?
+They entrusted themselves with you, as able and trustworthy citizens;
+confiding implicitly in you; no one act of theirs, after a full
+examination, appears to have been offensive to you; yet for the purpose
+of securing the money you coolly determined to take their lives--you
+slept and deliberated over the act; you were tempted on, and yielded;
+you entered into the conspiracy, with cool and determined calculation to
+deprive two human beings of their lives, and it was done.
+
+You, Charles Gibbs, have said that you are not guilty of the murder of
+Roberts; but were you not there, strongly instigating the murderers on,
+and without stretching out a hand to save him?--It is murder as much to
+stand by and encourage the deed, as to stab with a knife, strike with a
+hatchet, or shoot with a pistol. It is not only murder in law, but in
+your own feelings and in your own conscience. Notwithstanding all this,
+I cannot believe that your feelings are so callous, so wholly callous,
+that your own minds do not melt when you look back upon the unprovoked
+deeds of yourselves, and those confederated with you.
+
+You are American citizens--this country affords means of instruction to
+all: your appearance and your remarks have added evidence that you are
+more than ordinarily intelligent; that your education has enabled you to
+participate in the advantages of information open to all classes. The
+Court will believe that when you were young you looked with strong
+aversion on the course of life of the wicked. In early life, in boyhood,
+when you heard of the conduct of men, who engaged in robbery--nay more,
+when you heard of cold blooded murder--how you must have shrunk from the
+recital. Yet now, after having participated in the advantages of
+education, after having arrived at full maturity, you stand here as
+robbers and murderers.
+
+It is a perilous employment of life that you have followed; in this way
+of life the most enormous crimes that man can commit, are MURDER AND
+PIRACY. With what detestation would you in early life have looked upon
+the man who would have raised his hand against his officer, or have
+committed piracy! yet now you both stand here murderers and pirates,
+tried and found guilty--you Wansley of the murder of your Captain, and
+you, Gibbs, of the murder of your Mate. The evidence has convicted you
+of rising in mutiny against the master of the vessel, for that alone,
+the law is DEATH!--of murder and robbery on the high seas, for that
+crime, the law adjudges DEATH--of destroying the vessel and embezzling
+the cargo, even for scuttling and burning the vessel alone the law is
+DEATH; yet of all these the evidence has convicted you, and it only
+remains now for the Court to pass the sentence of the law. It is, that
+you, Thomas J. Wansley and Charles Gibbs be taken hence to the place of
+confinement, there to remain in close custody, that thence you be taken
+to the place of execution, and on the 22d April next, between the hours
+of 10 and 4 o'clock, you be both publicly hanged by the neck until you
+are DEAD--and that your bodies be given to the College of Physicians and
+Surgeons for dissection.
+
+The Court added, that the only thing discretionary with it, was the time
+of execution; it might have ordered that you should instantly have been
+taken from the stand to the scaffold, but the sentence has been deferred
+to as distant a period as prudent--six weeks. But this time has not been
+granted for the purpose of giving you any hope for pardon or commutation
+of the sentence;--just as sure as you live till the twenty-second of
+April, as surely you will suffer death--therefore indulge not a hope
+that this sentence will be changed!
+
+The Court then spoke of the terror in all men of death!--how they cling
+to life whether in youth, manhood or old age. What an awful thing it is
+to die! how in the perils of the sea, when rocks or storms threaten the
+loss of the vessel, and the lives of all on board, how the crew will
+labor, night and day, in the hope of escaping shipwreck and death!
+alluded to the tumult, bustle and confusion of battle--yet even there
+the hero clings to life. The Court adverted not only to the certainty of
+their coming doom on earth, but to THINK OF HEREAFTER--that they should
+seriously think and reflect of their FUTURE STATE! that they would be
+assisted in their devotions no doubt, by many pious men.
+
+When the Court closed, Charles Gibbs asked, if during his imprisonment,
+his friends would be permitted to see him. The Court answered that that
+lay with the Marshal, who then said that no difficulty would exist on
+that score. The remarks of the Prisoners were delivered in a strong,
+full-toned and unwavering voice, and they both seemed perfectly resigned
+to the fate which inevitably awaited them. While Judge Betts was
+delivering his address to them, Wansley was deeply affected and shed
+tears--but Gibbs gazed with a steady and unwavering eye, and no sign
+betrayed the least emotion of his heart. After his condemnation, and
+during his confinement, his frame became somewhat enfeebled, his face
+paler, and his eyes more sunken; but the air of his bold, enterprising
+and desperate mind still remained. In his narrow cell, he seemed more
+like an object of pity than vengeance--was affable and communicative,
+and when he smiled, exhibited so mild and gentle a countenance, that no
+one would take him to be a villain. His conversation was concise and
+pertinent, and his style of illustration quite original.
+
+Gibbs was married in Buenos Ayres, where he has a child now living. His
+wife is dead. By a singular concurrence of circumstances, the woman with
+whom he became acquainted in Liverpool, and who is said at that time to
+have borne a decent character, was lodged in the same prison with
+himself. During his confinement he wrote her two letters--one of them is
+subjoined, to gratify the perhaps innocent curiosity which is naturally
+felt to know the peculiarities of a man's mind and feelings under such
+circumstances, and not for the purpose of intimating a belief that he
+was truly penitent. The reader will be surprised with the apparent
+readiness with which he made quotations from Scripture.
+
+"BELLEVUE PRISON, March 20, 1831.
+
+"It is with regret that I take my pen in hand to address you with these
+few lines, under the great embarrassment of my feelings placed within
+these gloomy walls, my body bound with chains, and under the awful
+sentence of death! It is enough to throw the strongest mind into gloomy
+prospects! but I find that Jesus Christ is sufficient to give
+consolation to the most despairing soul. For he saith, that he that
+cometh to me I will in no ways cast out. But it is impossible to
+describe unto you the horror of my feelings. My breast is like the
+tempestuous ocean, raging in its own shame, harrowing up the bottom of
+my soul! But I look forward to that serene calm when I shall sleep with
+Kings and Counsellors of the earth. There the wicked cease from
+troubling, and there the weary are at rest!--There the prisoners rest
+together--they hear not the voice of the oppressor; and I trust that
+there my breast will not be ruffled by the storm of sin--for the thing
+which I greatly feared has come upon me. I was not in safety, neither
+had I rest; yet trouble came. It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth to
+him good. When I saw you in Liverpool, and a peaceful calm wafted across
+both our breasts, and justice no claim upon us, little did I think to
+meet you in the gloomy walls of a strong prison, and the arm of justice
+stretched out with the sword of law, awaiting the appointed period to
+execute the dreadful sentence. I have had a fair prospect in the world,
+at last it budded, and brought forth the gallows. I am shortly to mount
+that scaffold, and to bid adieu to this world, and all that was ever
+dear to my breast. But I trust when my body is mounted on the gallows
+high, the heavens above will smile and pity me. I hope that you will
+reflect on your past, and fly to that Jesus who stands with open arms to
+receive you. Your character is lost, it is true. When the wicked turneth
+from the wickedness that they have committed, they shall save their soul
+alive.
+
+"Let us imagine for a moment that we see the souls standing before the
+awful tribunal, and we hear its dreadful sentence, depart ye cursed into
+everlasting fire. Imagine you hear the awful lamentations of a soul in
+hell. It would be enough to melt your heart, if it was as hard as
+adamant. You would fall upon your knees and plead for God's mercy, as a
+famished person would for food, or as a dying criminal would for a
+pardon. We soon, very soon, must go the way whence we shall ne'er
+return. Our names will be struck off the records of the living, and
+enrolled in the vast catalogues of the dead. But may it ne'er be
+numbered with the damned.--I hope it will please God to set you at your
+liberty, and that you may see the sins and follies of your life past. I
+shall now close my letter with a few words which I hope you will receive
+as from a dying man; and I hope that every important truth of this
+letter may sink deep in your heart, and be a lesson to you through life.
+
+ "Rising griefs distress my soul,
+  And tears on tears successive roll--
+  For many an evil voice is near,
+  To chide my woes and mock my fear--
+  And silent memory weeps alone,
+  O'er hours of peace and gladness known.
+
+"I still remain your sincere friend, CHARLES GIBBS."
+
+In another letter which the wretched Gibbs wrote after his condemnation
+to one who had been his early friend, he writes as follows:--"Alas! it
+is now, and not until now, that I have become sensible of my wicked
+life, from my childhood, and the enormity of the crime, for which I must
+shortly suffer an ignominious death!--I would to God that I never had
+been born, or that I had died in my infancy!--the hour of reflection has
+indeed come, but come too late to prevent justice from cutting me
+off--my mind recoils with horror at the thoughts of the unnatural deeds
+of which I have been guilty!--my repose rather prevents than affords me
+relief, as my mind, while I slumber, is constantly disturbed by
+frightful dreams of my approaching awful dissolution!"
+
+On Friday, April twenty-second, Gibbs and Wansley paid the penalty of
+their crimes. Both prisoners arrived at the gallows about twelve
+o'clock, accompanied by the marshal, his aids, and some twenty or thirty
+United States' marines. Two clergymen attended them to the fatal spot,
+where everything being in readiness, and the ropes adjusted about their
+necks, the Throne of Mercy was fervently addressed in their behalf.
+Wansley then prayed earnestly himself, and afterwards joined in singing
+a hymn. These exercises concluded, Gibbs addressed the spectators nearly
+as follows:
+
+MY DEAR FRIENDS,
+
+My crimes have been heinous--and although I am now about to suffer for
+the murder of Mr. Roberts, I solemnly declare my innocence of the
+transaction. It is true, I stood by and saw the fatal deed done, and
+stretched not forth my arm to save him; the technicalities of the law
+believe me guilty of the charge--but in the presence of my God--before
+whom I shall be in a few minutes--I declare I did not murder him.
+
+I have made a full and frank confession to Mr. Hopson, which probably
+most of my hearers present have already read; and should any of the
+friends of those whom I have been accessary to, or engaged in the murder
+of, be now present, before my Maker I beg their forgiveness--it is the
+only boon I ask--and as I hope for pardon through the blood of Christ,
+surely this request will not be withheld by man, to a worm like myself,
+standing as I do, on the very verge of eternity! Another moment, and I
+cease to exist--and could I find in my bosom room to imagine that the
+spectators now assembled had forgiven me, the scaffold would have no
+terrors, nor could the precept which my much respected friend, the
+marshal of the district, is about to execute. Let me then, in this
+public manner, return my sincere thanks to him, for his kind and
+gentlemanly deportment during my confinement. He was to me like a
+father, and his humanity to a dying man I hope will be duly appreciated
+by an enlightened community.
+
+My first crime was _piracy_, for which my _life_ would pay for forfeit
+on conviction; no punishment could be inflicted on me further than that,
+and therefore I had nothing to fear but detection, for had my offences
+been millions of times more aggravated than they are now, _death_ must
+have satisfied all.
+
+Gibbs having concluded, Wansley began. He said he might be called a
+pirate, a robber, and a murderer, and he was all of these, but he hoped
+and trusted God would, through Christ, wash away his aggravated crimes
+and offences, and not cast him entirely out. His feelings, he said, were
+so overpowered that he hardly knew how to address those about him, but
+he frankly admitted the justness of the sentence, and concluded by
+declaring that he had no hope of pardon except through the atoning blood
+of his Redeemer, and wished that his sad fate might teach others to shun
+the broad road to ruin, and travel in that of virtue, which would lead
+to honor and happiness in this world, and an immortal crown of glory in
+that to come.
+
+He then shook hands with Gibbs, the officers, and clergymen--their caps
+were drawn over their faces, a handkerchief dropped by Gibbs as a signal
+to the executioner caused the cord to be severed, and in an instant they
+were suspended in air. Wansley folded his hands before him, soon died
+with very trifling struggles. Gibbs died hard; before he was run up, and
+did not again remove them, but after being near two minutes suspended,
+he raised his right hand and partially removed his cap, and in the
+course of another minute, raised the same hand to his mouth. His dress
+was a blue round-about jacket and trousers, with a foul anchor in white
+on his right arm. Wansley wore a white frock coat, trimmed with black,
+with trousers of the same color.
+
+After the bodies had remained on the gallows the usual time, they were
+taken down and given to the surgeons for dissection.
+
+Gibbs was rather below the middle stature, thick set and powerful. The
+form of Wansley was a perfect model of manly beauty.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+HISTORY OF THE ADVENTURES, CAPTURE AND EXECUTION OF THE SPANISH
+PIRATES.
+
+In the Autumn of 1832, there was anchored in the "Man of War Grounds,"
+off the Havana, a clipper-built vessel of the fairest proportions; she
+had great length and breadth of beam, furnishing stability to bear a
+large surface of sail, and great depth to take hold of the water and
+prevent drifting; long, low in the waist, with lofty raking masts, which
+tapered away till they were almost too fine to be distinguished, the
+beautiful arrowy sharpness of her bow, and the fineness of her gradually
+receding quarters, showed a model capable of the greatest speed in
+sailing. Her low sides were painted black, with one small, narrow
+ribband of white. Her raking masts were clean scraped, her ropes were
+hauled taught, and in every point she wore the appearance of being under
+the control of seamanship and strict discipline. Upon going on board,
+one would be struck with surprise at the deception relative to the
+tonnage of the schooner, when viewed at a distance. Instead of a small
+vessel of about ninety tons, we discover that she is upwards of two
+hundred; that her breadth of beam is enormous; and that those spars
+which appeared so light and elegant, are of unexpected dimensions. In
+the centre of the vessel, between the fore and main masts, there is a
+long brass thirty-two pounder, fixed upon a carriage revolving in a
+circle, and so arranged that in bad weather it can be lowered down and
+housed; while on each side of the deck were mounted guns of smaller
+calibre.
+
+This vessel was fashioned, at the will of avarice, for the aid of
+cruelty and injustice; it was an African slaver--the schooner Panda. She
+was commanded by Don Pedro Gilbert, a native of Catalonia, in Spain, and
+son of a grandee; a man thirty-six years of age, and exceeding handsome,
+having a round face, pearly teeth, round forehead, and full black eyes,
+with beautiful raven hair, and a great favorite with the ladies. He
+united great energy, coolness and decision, with superior knowledge in
+mercantile transactions, and the Guinea trade; having made several
+voyages after slaves. The mate and owner of the Panda was Don Bernardo
+De Soto, a native of Corunna, Spain, and son, of Isidore De Soto,
+manager of the royal revenue in said city; he was now twenty-five years
+of age, and from the time he was fourteen had cultivated the art of
+navigation, and at the age of twenty-two had obtained the degree of
+captain in the India service. After a regular examination the
+correspondent diploma was awarded him. He was married to Donna Petrona
+Pereyra, daughter of Don Benito Pereyra, a merchant of Corunna. She was
+at this time just fifteen, and ripening into that slight fullness of
+form, and roundness of limb, which in that climate mark the early
+passing from girl into woman. Her complexion was the dark olive tinge of
+Spain; her eyes jet black, large and lustrous. She had great sweetness
+of disposition and ingenuousness.
+
+To the strictest discipline De Soto united the practical knowledge of a
+thorough seaman. But "the master spirit of the whole," was Francisco
+Ruiz, the carpenter of the Panda. This individual was of the middle
+size, but muscular, with a short neck. His hair was black and abundant,
+and projected from his forehead, so that he appeared to look out from
+under it, like a bonnet. His eyes were dark chestnut, but always
+restless; his features were well defined; his eye-lashes, jet black. He
+was familiar with all the out-of-the-way places of the Havana, and
+entered into any of the dark abodes without ceremony. From report his
+had been a wild and lawless career. The crew were chiefly Spaniards,
+with a few Portuguese, South Americans, and half castes. The cook was a
+young Guinea negro, with a pleasant countenance, and good humored, with
+a sleek glossy skin, and tatooed on the face; and although entered in
+the schooner's books as free, yet was a slave. In all there were about
+forty men. Her cargo was an assorted one, consisting in part of barrels
+of rum, and gunpowder, muskets, cloth, and numerous articles, with which
+to purchase slaves.
+
+The Panda sailed from the Havana on the night of the 20th of August; and
+upon passing the Moro Castle, she was hailed, and asked, "where bound?"
+She replied, St. Thomas. The schooner now steered through the Bahama
+channel, on the usual route towards the coast of Guinea; a man was
+constantly kept at the mast head, on the lookout; they spoke a corvette,
+and on the morning of the 20th Sept., before light, and during the
+second mate's watch, a brig was discovered heading to the southward.
+Capt. Gilbert was asleep at the time, but got up shortly after she was
+seen, and ordered the Panda to go about and stand for the brig. A
+consultation was held between the captain, mate and carpenter, when the
+latter proposed to board her, and if she had any specie to rob her,
+confine the men below, and burn her. This proposition was instantly
+acceded to, and a musket was fired to make her heave to.
+
+This vessel was the American brig Mexican, Capt. Butman. She had left
+the pleasant harbor of Salem, Mass., on the last Wednesday of August,
+and was quietly pursuing her voyage towards Rio Janeiro. Nothing
+remarkable had happened on board, says Captain B., until half past two
+o'clock, in the morning of September 20th, in lat. 38, 0, N., lon. 24,
+30, W. The attention of the watch on deck was forcibly arrested by the
+appearance of a vessel which passed across our stern about half a mile
+from us. At 4 A.M. saw her again passing across our bow, so near that
+we could perceive that it was a schooner with a fore top sail and top
+gallant sail. As it was somewhat dark she was soon out of sight. At
+daylight saw her about five miles off the weather quarter standing on
+the wind on the same tack we were on, the wind was light at SSW and we
+were standing about S.E. At 8 A.M. she was about two miles right to
+windward of us; could perceive a large number of men upon her deck, and
+one man on the fore top gallant yard looking out; was very suspicious of
+her, but knew not how to avoid her. Soon after saw a brig on our weather
+bow steering to the N.E. By this time the schooner was about three miles
+from us and four points forward of the beam. Expecting that she would
+keep on for the brig ahead of us, we tacked to the westward, keeping a
+little off from the wind to make good way through the water, to get
+clear of her if possible. She kept on to the eastward about ten or
+fifteen minutes after we had tacked, then wore round, set square sail,
+steering directly for us, came down upon us very fast, and was soon
+within gun shot of us, fired a gun and hoisted patriot colors and backed
+main topsail. She ran along to windward of us, hailed us to know where
+we were from, where bound, &c. then ordered me to come on board in my
+boat. Seeing that she was too powerful for us to resist, I accordingly
+went, and soon as I got along-side of the schooner, five ruffians
+instantly jumped into my boat, each of them being armed with a large
+knife, and told me to go on board the brig again; when they got on board
+they insisted that we had got money, and drew their knives, threatening
+us with instant death and demanding to know where it was. As soon as
+they found out where it was they obliged my crew to get it up out of the
+run upon deck, beating and threatening them at the same time because
+they did not do it quicker. When they had got it all upon deck, and
+hailed the schooner, they got out their launch and came and took it on
+board the schooner, viz: ten boxes containing twenty thousand dollars;
+then returned to the brig again, drove all the crew into the forecastle,
+ransacked the cabin, overhauling all the chests, trunks, &c. and rifled
+my pockets, taking my watch, and three doubloons which I had previously
+put there for safety; robbed the mate of his watch and two hundred
+dollars in specie, still insisting that there was more money in the
+hold. Being answered in the negative, they beat me severely over the
+back, said they knew that there was more, that they should search for
+it, and if they found any they would cut all our throats. They continued
+searching about in every part of the vessel for some time longer, but
+not finding any more specie, they took two coils of rigging, a side of
+leather, and some other articles, and went on board the schooner,
+probably to consult what to do with us; for, in eight or ten minutes
+they came back, apparently in great haste, shut us all below, fastened
+up the companion way, fore-scuttle and after hatchway, stove our
+compasses to pieces in the binnacles, cut away tiller-ropes, halliards,
+braces, and most of our running rigging, cut our sails to pieces badly;
+took a tub of tarred rope-yarn and what combustibles they could find
+about deck, put them in the caboose house and set them on fire; then
+left us, taking with them our boat and colors. When they got alongside
+of the schooner they scuttled our boat, took in their own, and made
+sail, steering to the eastward.
+
+As soon as they left us, we got up out of the cabin scuttle, which they
+had neglected to secure, and extinguished the fire, which if it had been
+left a few minutes, would have caught the mainsail and set our masts on
+fire. Soon after we saw a ship to leeward of us steering to the S.E. the
+schooner being in pursuit of her did not overtake her whilst she was in
+sight of us.
+
+It was doubtless their intention to burn us up altogether, but seeing
+the ship, and being eager for more plunder they did not stop fully to
+accomplish their design. She was a low strait schooner of about one
+hundred and fifty tons, painted black with a narrow white streak, a
+large head with the horn of plenty painted white, large maintopmast but
+no yards or sail on it. Mast raked very much, mainsail very square at
+the head, sails made with split cloth and all new; had two long brass
+twelve pounders and a large gun on a pivot amidships, and about seventy
+men, who appeared to be chiefly Spaniards and mulattoes.
+
+[Illustration: _Pirates robbing the brig Mexican of Salem, Mass._]
+
+The object of the voyage being frustrated by the loss of the specie,
+nothing now remained but for the Mexican to make the best of her way
+back to Salem, which she reached in safety. The government of the United
+States struck with the audacity of this piracy, despatched a cruiser in
+pursuit of them. After a fruitless voyage in which every exertion was
+made, and many places visited on the coast of Africa, where it was
+supposed the rascals might be lurking, the chase was abandoned as
+hopeless, no clue being found to their "whereabouts."
+
+The Panda after robbing the Mexican, pursued her course across the
+Atlantic, and made Cape Monte; from this she coasted south, and after
+passing Cape Palmas entered the Gulf of Guinea, and steered for Cape
+Lopez which she reached in the first part of November. Cape Lopez de
+Gonzalves, in lat. 0° 36' 2" south, long. 80° 40' 4" east, is so called
+from its first discoverer. It is covered with wood but low and swampy,
+as is also the neighboring country. The extensive bay formed by this
+cape is fourteen miles in depth, and has several small creeks and rivers
+running into it. The largest is the river Nazareth on the left point of
+which is situated King Gula's town the only assemblage of huts in the
+bay. Here the cargo of the Panda was unloaded, the greater part was
+entrusted to the king, and with the rest Capt. Gilbert opened a factory
+and commenced buying various articles of commerce, as tortoise shell,
+gum, ivory, palm oil, fine straw carpeting, and slaves. After remaining
+here a short time the crew became sickly and Capt. Gilbert sailed for
+Prince's Island to recover the health of his crew. Whilst at Prince's
+Island news arrived of the robbery of the Mexican. And the pirate left
+with the utmost precipitation for Cape Lopez, and the better to evade
+pursuit, a pilot was procured; and the vessel carried several miles up
+the river Nazareth. Soon after the Panda left Prince's Island, the
+British brig of war, Curlew, Capt. Trotter arrived, and from the
+description given of the vessel then said to be lying in the Nazareth,
+Capt. Trotter knew she must be the one, that robbed the Mexican; and he
+instantly sailed in pursuit. On nearing the coast, she was discovered
+lying up the river; three boats containing forty men and commanded by
+Capt. Trotter, started up the river with the sea breeze and flood tide,
+and colors flying to take the desperadoes; the boats kept in near the
+shore until rounding a point they were seen from the Panda. The pirates
+immediately took to their boats, except Francisco Ruiz who seizing a
+fire brand from the camboose went into the magazine and set some
+combustibles on fire with the laudable purpose of blowing up the
+assailants, and then paddled ashore in a canoe. Capt. Trotter chased
+them with his boats, but could not come up with them, and then boarded
+the schooner which he found on fire. The first thing he did was to put
+out the fire which was in the magazine, below the cabin floor; here was
+found a quantity of cotton and brimstone burning and a slow match
+ignited and communicating with the magazine, which contained sixteen
+casks of powder.
+
+The Panda was now warped out of the river and anchored off the negro
+town of Cape Lopez. Negociations were now entered into for the surrender
+of the pirates. An officer was accordingly sent on shore to have an
+interview with the king. He was met on the beach by an ebony chief
+calling himself duke. "We followed the duke through the extensive and
+straggling place, frequently buried up to the ankles in sand, from which
+the vegetation was worn by the constant passing and repassing of the
+inhabitants. We arrived at a large folding door placed in a high bamboo
+and palm tree fence, which inclosed the king's establishment, ornamented
+on our right by two old honeycombed guns, which, although dismounted,
+were probably, according to the practice of the coast, occasionally
+fired to attract the attention of passing vessels, and to imply that
+slaves were to be procured. On the left of the enclosure was a shed,
+with a large ship's bell suspended beneath, serving as an alarum bell in
+case of danger, while the remainder was occupied with neatly built huts,
+inhabited by the numerous wives of the king.
+
+"We sent in to notify him of our arrival; he sent word out that we might
+remain outside until it suited his convenience. But as such an
+arrangement did not suit ours, we immediately entered, and found sitting
+at a table the king. He was a tall, muscular, ugly looking negro, about
+fifty years of age. We explained the object of our visit, which was to
+demand the surrender of the white men, who were now concealed in the
+town, and for permission to pass up the river in pursuit of those who
+had gone up that way. He now expressed the most violent indignation at
+our presumption in demanding the pirates, and the interview was broken
+off by his refusing to deliver up a single man."
+
+We will now return to the pirates. While at Prince's Island, Capt.
+Gilbert bought a magnificent dressing case worth nearly a thousand
+dollars and a patent lever watch, and a quantity of tobacco, and
+provisions, and two valuable cloth coats, some Guinea cloth and black
+and green paint. The paint, cloth and coats were intended as presents
+for the African king at Cape Lopez. These articles were all bought with
+the money taken from the Mexican. After arriving at the Nazareth, $4000
+were taken from the trunk, and buried in the yard of a negro prince.
+Four of the pirates then went to Cape Lopez for $11,000, which had been
+buried there. Boyga, Castillo, Guzman, and the "State's Evidence,"
+Ferez, were the ones who went. Ferez took the bags out, and the others
+counted the money; great haste was made as the musquitoes were biting
+intolerably. $5000 were buried for the captain in canvas bags about two
+feet deep, part of the money was carried to Nazareth, and from there
+carried into the mountains and there buried. A consultation was held by
+Capt. Gilbert, De Soto, and Ruiz, and the latter said, if the money was
+not divided, "there would be the devil to pay." The money was now
+divided in a dark room and a lantern used; Capt. Gilbert sat on the
+floor with the money at his side. He gave the mate about $3000, and the
+other officers $1000, each; and the crew from $300 to $500, each. The
+third mate having fled, the captain sent him $1000, and Ruiz carried it
+to him. When the money was first taken from the Mexican, it was spread
+out on the companion way and examined to see if there was any gold
+amongst it; and then put into bags made of dark coarse linen; the boxes
+were then thrown overboard. After the division of the money the pirates
+secreted themselves in the woods behind Cape Lopez. Perez and four
+others procured a boat, and started for Fernando Po; they put their
+money in the bottom of the boat for ballast, but was thrown overboard,
+near a rock and afterwards recovered by divers; this was done to prevent
+detection. The captain, mate, and carpenter had a conversation
+respecting the attempt of the latter, to blow her up, who could not
+account for the circumstance, that an explosion had not taken place;
+they told him he ought to have burst a barrel of powder over the deck
+and down the stairs to the magazine, loaded a gun, tied a fish line to
+the lock and pulled it when he came off in the canoe.
+
+[Illustration: _View of the Negro village on the river Nazareth, and the
+Panda at anchor._]
+
+The Panda being manned by Capt. Trotter and an English crew, commenced
+firing on the town of Cape Lopez, but after firing several shots, a
+spark communicated with the magazine and she blew up. Several men were
+killed, and Captain Trotter and the others thrown into the water, when
+he was made prisoner with several of his crew, by the King, and it
+required considerable negociations to get them free.
+
+[Illustration: _Burying the money on the beach at Cape Lopez._]
+
+The pirates having gone up the river, an expedition was now equipped to
+take them if possible. The long-boat and pinnace were instantly armed,
+and victualled for several weeks, a brass gun was mounted on the bows of
+each, and awnings fixed up to protect the crew from the extreme heat of
+the sun by day, and the heavy dews at nightfall. As the sea-breeze and
+the flood-tide set in, the boats again started and proceeded up the
+river. It was ascertained the war-canoes were beyond where the Panda was
+first taken; for fear of an ambuscade great caution was observed in
+proceeding. "As we approached a point, a single native was observed
+standing near a hut erected near the river, who, as we approached,
+beckoned, and called for us to land. We endeavored to do so, but
+fortunately the water was too shallow to approach near enough.
+
+"We had hardly steered about for the channel, when the man suddenly
+rushed into the bushes and disappeared. We got into the channel, and
+continued some time in deep water, but this suddenly shoaled, and the
+boats grounded near a mangrove, just as we came in sight of a village.
+Our crew jumped out, and commenced tracking the boat over the sand, and
+while thus employed, I observed by means of my glass, a crowd of
+natives, and some of the pirates running down the other side of a low
+point, apparently with the intention of giving us battle, as they were
+all armed with spears and muskets."
+
+The men had just succeeded in drawing the boats into deep water, when a
+great number of canoes were observed coming round the point, and at the
+same instant another large party running down to launch; some more on
+the beach, when they joined those already afloat, in all made above
+twenty-eight canoes, and about one hundred and fifty men. Having
+collected all their forces, with loud whooping and encouraging shouts to
+one another, they led towards us with great celerity.
+
+We prepared instantly for battle; the awnings were got down to allow
+room to use the cutlasses and to load the muskets. The brass guns were
+loaded with grape shot. They now approached uttering terrific yells, and
+paddling with all speed. On board the canoes the pirates were loading
+the guns and encouraging the natives. Bernardo de Soto and Francisco
+Ruiz were conspicuous, in manoeuvring the negro boats for battle, and
+commenced a straggling fire upon the English boats. In them all was
+still, each man had a cutlass by his side, and a loaded musket in his
+hand. On arriving within pistol-shot a well directed fire was poured
+into them, seconded by a discharge of the three pounders; many of the
+balls took effect, and two of the canoes were sunk. A brisk fire was
+kept up on both sides; a great number of the negroes were killed, and a
+few of the pirates; the English loss was small. The negroes now became
+panic-struck, and some paddled towards the shore, others jumped
+overboard and swam; the sharks caught several. Captain Gilbert and De
+Soto were now caught, together with five of the crew; Ruiz and the rest
+escaped to a village, some ways inland, and with the aid of a telescope
+it was perceived the negroes were rapidly gathering to renew the combat,
+urged on by Ruiz and the other pirates; after dislodging them from this
+village, negociations were entered into by the king of Cape Lopez, who
+surrendered Ruiz and several men to Captain Trotter. They were carried
+in the brig Curlew to Fernando Po, and after an examination, were put in
+irons and conveyed to England, and there put on board the British
+gun-brig Savage, and arrived in the harbor of Salem on the 26th August,
+1834. Her commander, Lieut. Loney, waited upon the authorities of Salem,
+and after the usual formalities, surrendered the prisoners into their
+hands--stating that the British Government waived their right to try and
+punish the prisoners, in favor of the United States, against whom the
+principal offence had been committed. The pirates were landed at
+Crowningshield wharf, and taken from thence in carriages to the Town
+hall; twelve of them, handcuffed in pairs, took their places at the bar.
+They were all young and middle-aged, the oldest was not over forty.
+Physiognomically, they were not uncommonly ill looking, in general,
+although there were exceptions, and they were all clean and wholesome in
+their appearance. They were now removed to Boston and confined in
+prison, where one of them, named Manuel Delgarno cut his throat with a
+piece of glass, thus verifying the old proverb, _that those born to be
+hung, will never be drown'd!_
+
+On the 11th of November, Don Pedro Gilbert, _Captain_, Don Bernardo de
+Soto, _Mate_, Francisco Ruiz, _Carpenter_, Nicola Costa, _Cabin-boy,_
+aged 15, Antonio Ferrer, _Cook_, and Manuel Boyga, Domingo de Guzman,
+_an Indian_, Juan Antonio Portana, Manuel Castillo, Angel Garcia, Jose
+Velasquez, and Juan Montenegro, _alias_ Jose Basilio de Castro, were
+arraigned before the Circuit Court of the United States, charged with
+the crime of Piracy. Joseph Perez appeared as _State's evidence_, and
+two Portuguese sailors who were shipped on board the Panda at Prince's
+Island, as witnesses. After a jury was empannelled, Mr. Dunlap, the
+District Attorney, rose and said--"This is a solemn, and also an unusual
+scene. Here are twelve men, strangers to our country and to our
+language, indicted for a heinous offence, and now before you for life or
+death. They are indicted for a daring crime, and a flagrant violation of
+the laws, not only of this, but of every other civilized people." He
+then gave an outline of the commission of the robbery of the Mexican.
+Numerous witnesses were examined, amongst whom were the captain, mate,
+and several seamen of the Mexican, who recognized several of the pirates
+as being the individuals who maltreated them, and took the specie. When
+Thomas Fuller, one of the crew of the Mexican was called upon to
+identify Ruiz, he went up to him and struck him a violent blow on the
+shoulder. Ruiz immediately started up, and with violent gesticulations
+protested against such conduct, and was joined by his companions. The
+Court reprimanded the witness severely. The trial occupied _fourteen
+days_. The counsel for the prisoners were David L. Child, Esq., and
+George Hillard, Esq., who defended them with great ability. Mr. Child
+brought to the cause his untiring zeal, his various and profound
+learning; and exhibited a labour, and _desperation_ which showed that he
+was fully conscious of the weight of the load--the dead lift--he had
+undertaken to carry. Mr. Hillard concluded his argument, by making an
+eloquent and affecting appeal to the jury in behalf of the boy Costa and
+Antonio Ferrer, the cook, and alluded to the circumstance of Bernardo de
+Soto having rescued the lives of 70 individuals on board the American
+ship Minerva, whilst on a voyage from Philadelphia to Havana, when
+captain of the brig Leon.
+
+[Illustration: _Explosion of the Panda._]
+
+If, gentlemen, said he, you deem with me, that the crew of the Panda,
+(supposing her to have robbed the Mexican,) were merely servants of the
+captain, you cannot convict them. But if you do not agree with me, then
+all that remains for me to do, is to address a few words to you in the
+way of mercy. It does not seem to me that the good of society requires
+the death of all these men, the sacrifice of such a hecatomb of human
+victims, or that the sword of the law should fall till it is clogged
+with massacre. _Antonio Ferrer_ is plainly but a servant. He is set down
+as a free black in the ship's papers, but that is no proof that he is
+free. Were he a slave, he would in all probability be represented as
+free, and this for obvious reasons. He is in all probability a slave,
+and a native African, as the tattooing on his face proves beyond a
+doubt. At any rate, he is but a servant. Now will you make misfortune
+pay the penalty of guilt? Do not, I entreat you, lightly condemn this
+man to death. Do not throw him in to make up the dozen. The regard for
+human life is one of the most prominent proofs of a civilized state of
+society. The Sultan of Turkey may place women in sacks and throw them
+into the Bosphorus, without exciting more than an hour's additional
+conversation at Constantinople. But in our country it is different. You
+well remember the excitement produced by the abduction and death of a
+single individual; the convulsions which ensued, the effect of which
+will long be felt in our political institutions. You will ever find that
+the more a nation becomes civilized, the greater becomes the regard for
+human life. There is in the eye, the form, and heaven-directed
+countenance of man, something holy, that forbids he should be rudely
+touched.
+
+The instinct of life is great. The light of the sun even in chains, is
+pleasant; and life, though supported but by the damp exhalations of a
+dungeon, is desirable. Often, too, we cling with added tenacity to life
+in proportion as we are deprived of all that makes existence to be
+coveted.
+
+[Illustration: _Thomas Fuller striking Ruiz in Court._]
+
+  "The weariest and most loathed worldly life.
+  That age, ache, penury and imprisonment
+  Can lay on Nature, is a Paradise
+  To that we fear of Death."
+
+Death is a fearful thing. The mere mention of it sometimes blanches the
+cheek, and sends the fearful blood to the heart. It is a solemn thing to
+break into the "bloody house of life." Do not, because this man is but
+an African, imagine that his existence is valueless. He is no drift weed
+on the ocean of life. There are in his bosom the same social sympathies
+that animate our own. He has nerves to feel pain, and a heart to throb
+with human affections, even as you have. His life, to establish the law,
+or to further the ends of justice, is not required. _Taken_, it is to us
+of no value; given to him, it is above the price of rubies.
+
+And _Costa_, the cabin boy, only fifteen years of age when this crime
+was committed--shall he die? Shall the sword fall upon his neck? Some of
+you are advanced in years--you may have children. Suppose the news had
+reached you, that your son was under trial for his life, in a foreign
+country--(and every cabin boy who leaves this port may be placed in the
+situation of this prisoner,)--suppose you were told that he had been
+executed, because his captain and officers had violated the laws of a
+distant land; what would be your feelings? I cannot tell, but I believe
+the feelings of all of you would be the same, and that you would
+exclaim, with the Hebrew, "My son! my son! would to God I had died for
+thee." This boy _has_ a father; let the form of that father rise up
+before you, and plead in your hearts for his offspring. Perhaps he has a
+mother, and a home. Think of the lengthened shadow that must have been
+cast over that home by his absence. Think of his mother, during those
+hours of wretchedness, when she has felt hope darkening into
+disappointment, next into anxiety, and from anxiety into despair. How
+often may she have stretched forth her hands in supplication, and asked,
+even the winds of heaven, to bring her tidings of him who was away? Let
+the supplications of that mother touch your hearts, and shield their
+object from the law.
+
+After a luminous charge by Judge Story, the jury retired to agree upon
+their verdict, and at 9 o'clock the next morning came in with their
+verdict.
+
+_Clerk_. Gentlemen of the Jury, have you agreed upon your verdict?
+
+_Jury_. We have.
+
+_Clerk_. Who shall speak for you?
+
+_Jury_. Our foreman.
+
+The prisoners were then directed severally to rise as soon as called,
+and receive the verdict of the jury. The Captain, _Pedro Gilbert_, was
+the first named. He arose, raised his hand, and regarded the jury with a
+firm countenance and steady eye.
+
+_Clerk_. Jurors look upon the prisoner; prisoner look upon the jurors.
+How say you, Gentlemen, is the prisoner at the bar, Pedro Gilbert,
+guilty or not guilty?
+
+_Foreman_. GUILTY.
+
+The same verdict was pronounced against _De Soto_ (the mate) _Ruiz_,
+(the carpenter,) _Boyga, Castillo, Garcia_ and _Montenegro_. But
+_Costa_, (the cabin-boy,) _Ferrer_ (the negro,) _Guzman, Portana_, and
+_Velasquez_, were declared NOT GUILTY.
+
+After having declared the verdict of the Jury, the Foreman read to the
+Court the following recommendation to mercy:
+
+"The sympathies of the Jury have been strongly moved in behalf of
+_Bernardo de Soto_, on account of his generous, noble and
+self-sacrificing conduct in saving the lives of more than 70 human
+beings, constituting the passengers and crew of the ship _Minerva_; and
+they desire that his case should be presented to the merciful
+consideration of the Government."
+
+Judge Story replied that the wish of the jury would certainly be
+complied with both by the Court and the prosecuting officer.
+
+"The appearance and demeanor of Captain Gilbert are the same as when we
+first saw him; his eye is undimmed, and decision and command yet sit
+upon his features. We did not discern the slightest alteration of color
+or countenance when the verdict of the jury was communicated to him; he
+merely slightly bowed and resumed his seat. With _De Soto_ the case was
+different. He is much altered; has become thinner, and his countenance
+this morning was expressive of the deepest despondency. When informed
+of the contents of the paper read by the foreman of the jury, he
+appeared much affected, and while being removed from the Court, covered
+his face with his handkerchief."
+
+Immediately after the delivery of the verdict, the acquitted prisoners,
+on motion of Mr. Hillard, were directed to be discharged, upon which
+several of the others loudly and angrily expressed their dissatisfaction
+at the result of the trial. Castillo (_a half-caste_, with an extremely
+mild and pleasing countenance,) pointed towards heaven, and called upon
+the Almighty to bear witness that he was innocent; _Ruiz_ uttered some
+words with great vehemence; and _Garcia_ said "all were in the same
+ship; and it was strange that some should be permitted to escape while
+others were punished." Most of them on leaving the Court uttered some
+invective against "the _picaro_ who had sworn their lives away."
+
+On _Costa_, the cabin boy, (aged 16) being declared "Not Guilty" some
+degree of approbation was manifested by the audience, but instantly
+checked by the judge, who directed the officers to take into custody,
+every one expressing either assent or dissent. We certainly think the
+sympathy expressed in favor of _Costa_ very ill placed, for although we
+have not deemed ourselves at liberty to mention the fact earlier, his
+conduct during the whole trial was characterized by the most reckless
+effrontery and indecorum. Even when standing up to receive the verdict
+of the jury, his face bore an impudent smile, and he evinced the most
+total disregard of the mercy which had been extended towards him.
+
+About this time vague rumors reached Corunna, that a Captain belonging
+to that place, engaged in the Slave Trade, had turned Pirate, been
+captured, and sent to America with his crew for punishment. Report at
+first fixed it upon a noted slave-dealer, named Begaro. But the
+astounding intelligence soon reached Senora de Soto, that her husband
+was the person captured for this startling crime. The shock to her
+feelings was terrible, but her love and fortitude surmounted them all;
+and she determined to brave the terrors of the ocean, to intercede for
+her husband if condemned, and at all events behold him once more. A
+small schooner was freighted by her own and husband's father, and in it
+she embarked for New-York. After a boisterous passage, the vessel
+reached that port, when she learned her husband had already been tried
+and condemned to die. The humane people of New-York advised her to
+hasten on to Washington, and plead with the President for a pardon. On
+arriving at the capital, she solicited an interview with General
+Jackson, which was readily granted. From the circumstance of her
+husband's having saved the lives of seventy Americans, a merciful ear
+was turned to her solicitations, and a pardon for De Soto was given her,
+with which she hastened to Boston, and communicated to him the joyful
+intelligence.
+
+Andrew Jackson, President of the United States of America, to all to
+whom these presents shall come, _Greeting_: Whereas, at the October
+Term, 1834, of the Circuit Court of the United States, Bernardo de Soto
+was convicted of Piracy, and sentenced to be hung on the 11th day of
+March last from which sentence a respite was granted him for three
+months, bearing date the third day of March, 1835, also a subsequent
+one, dated on the fifth day of June, 1835, for sixty days. And whereas
+the said Bernardo de Soto has been represented as a fit subject for
+executive clemency--
+
+Now therefore, I, Andrew Jackson, President of the United States of
+America, in consideration of the premises, divers good and sufficient
+causes me thereto moving, have pardoned, and hereby do pardon the said
+Bernardo de Soto, from and after the 11th August next, and direct that
+he be then discharged from confinement. In testimony whereof I have
+hereunto subscribed my name, and caused the seal of the United States to
+be affixed to these presents. Done at the City of Washington the sixth
+day of July, AD. 1835, and of the independence of the United States and
+sixtieth. Andrew Jackson.
+
+On the fatal morning of June 11th, 1835, Don Pedro, Juan Montenegro,
+Manuel Castillo, Angel Garcia and Manuel Boyga, were, agreeably to
+sentence, summoned to prepare for immediate execution. On the night
+previous, a mutual agreement had been entered into to commit suicide.
+Angel Garcia made the first attempt by trying to open the veins of each
+arm with a piece of glass; but was prevented. In the morning, however,
+while preparations were making for the execution, Boyga succeeded in
+inflicting a deep gash on the left side of his neck, with a piece of
+tin. The officer's eyes had been withdrawn from him scarcely a minute,
+before he was discovered lying on his pallet, with a convulsive motion
+of his knees, from loss of blood. Medical aid was at hand, the gash
+sewed up, but he did not revive. Two Catholic clergymen attended them on
+the scaffold, one a Spanish priest. They were executed in the rear of
+the jail. When the procession arrived at the foot of the ladder leading
+up to the platform of the gallows the Rev. Mr. Varella looking directly
+at Capt. Gilbert, said, "Spaniards, ascend to heaven." Don Pedro mounted
+with a quick step, and was followed by his comrades at a more moderate
+pace, but without the least hesitation. Boyga, unconscious of his
+situation and destiny, was carried up in a chair, and seated beneath the
+rope prepared for him. Gilbert, Montenegro, Garcia and Castillo all
+smiled subduedly as they took their stations on the platform. Soon after
+Capt. Gilbert ascended the scaffold, he passed over to where the
+apparently lifeless Boyga was seated in the chair, and kissed him.
+Addressing his followers, he said, "Boys, we are going to die; but let
+us be firm, for we are innocent." To Mr. Peyton, the interpreter, he
+said, "I die innocent, but I'll die like a noble Spaniard. Good bye,
+brother." The Marshal having read the warrant for their execution, and
+stated that de Soto was respited _sixty_ and Ruiz _thirty_ days, the
+ropes were adjusted round the necks of the prisoners, and a slight
+hectic flush spread over the countenance of each; but not an eye
+quailed, nor a limb trembled, not a muscle quivered. The fatal cord was
+now cut, and the platform fell, by which the prisoners were launched
+into eternity. After the execution was over, Ruiz, who was confined in
+his cell, attracted considerable attention, by his maniac shouts and
+singing. At one time holding up a piece of blanket, stained with Boyga's
+blood, he gave utterance to his ravings in a sort of recitative, the
+burden of which was--"This is the red flag my companions died under!"
+
+After the expiration of Ruiz' second respite, the Marshal got two
+surgeons of the United States Navy, who understood the Spanish language,
+to attend him in his cell; they, after a patient examination pronounced
+his madness a counterfeit, and his insanity a hoax. Accordingly, on the
+morning of Sept. 11th, the Marshal, in company with a Catholic priest
+and interpreter entered his cell, and made him sensible that longer
+evasion of the sentence of the law was impossible, and that he must
+surely die. They informed him that he had but half an hour to live, and
+retired; when he requested that he might not be disturbed during the
+brief space that remained to him, and turning his back to the open
+entrance to his cell, he unrolled some fragments of printed prayers, and
+commenced reading them to himself. During this interval he neither
+spoke, nor heeded those who were watching him; but undoubtedly suffered
+extreme mental agony. At one minute he would drop his chin on his bosom,
+and stand motionless; at another would press his brow to the wall of his
+cell, or wave his body from side to side, as if wrung with unutterable
+anguish. Suddenly, he would throw himself upon his knees on the
+mattress, and prostrate himself as if in prayer; then throwing his
+prayers from him, he would clutch his rug in his fingers, and like a
+child try to double it up, or pick it to pieces. After snatching up his
+rug and throwing it away again and again, he would suddenly resume his
+prayers and erect posture, and stand mute, gazing through the aperture
+that admitted the light of day for upwards of a minute. This scene of
+imbecility and indecision, of horrible prostration of mind, ceasing in
+some degree when the Catholic clergyman re-entered his cell.
+
+At 10 o'clock, the prisoner was removed from the prison, and during his
+progress to the scaffold, though the hue of death was on his face, and
+he trembled in every joint with fear, he chaunted with a powerful voice
+an appropriate service from the Catholic ritual. Several times he turned
+round to survey the heavens which at that moment were clear and bright
+above him and when he ascended the scaffold after concluding his prayer,
+he took one long and steadfast look at the sun, and waited in silence
+his fate. His powers, mental and physical had been suddenly crushed with
+the appalling reality that surrounded him; his whole soul was absorbed
+with one master feeling, the dread of a speedy and violent death. He
+quailed in the presence of the dreadful paraphernalia of his punishment,
+as much as if he had been a stranger to deeds of blood, and never dealt
+death to his fellow man as he ploughed the deep, under the black flag of
+piracy, with the motto of "Rob, Kill, and Burn." After adjusting the
+rope, a signal was given. The body dropped heavily, and the harsh abrupt
+shock must have instantly deprived him of sensation, as there was no
+voluntary action of the hands afterwards. Thus terminated his career of
+crime in a foreign land without one friend to recognize or cheer him, or
+a single being to regret his death.
+
+The Spanish Consul having requested that the bodies might not be given
+to the faculty, they were interred at night under the direction of the
+Marshal, in the Catholic burial-ground at Charlestown. There being no
+murder committed with the piracy, the laws of the United States do not
+authorize the court to order the bodies for dissection.
+
+[Illustration: _Ruiz leaving the Panda._]
+
+
+
+
+THE LIFE OF BENITO DE SOTO THE PIRATE OF THE MORNING STAR.
+
+
+The following narrative of the career of a desperate pirate who was
+executed in Gibraltar in the month of January, 1830, is one of two
+letters from the pen of the author of "the Military Sketch-Book." The
+writer says Benito de Soto "had been a prisoner in the garrison for
+nineteen months, during which time the British Government spared neither
+the pains not expense to establish a full train of evidence against him.
+The affair had caused the greatest excitement here, as well as at Cadiz,
+owing to the development of the atrocities which marked the character of
+this man, and the diabolical gang of which he was the leader. Nothing
+else is talked of; and a thousand horrors are added to his guilt, which,
+although he was guilty enough, he has no right to bear. The following is
+all the authentic information I could collect concerning him. I have
+drawn it from his trial, from the confession of his accomplices, from
+the keeper of his prison, and not a little from his own lips. It will be
+found more interesting than all the tales and sketches furnished in the
+'Annuals,' magazines, and other vehicles of invention, from the simple
+fact--that it is truth and not fiction."
+
+Benito de Soto was a native of a small village near Courna; he was bred
+a mariner, and was in the guiltless exercise of his calling at Buenos
+Ayres, in the year 1827. A vessel was there being fitted out for a
+voyage to the coast of Africa, for the smuggling of slaves; and as she
+required a strong crew, a great number of sailors were engaged, amongst
+whom was Soto. The Portuguese of South America have yet a privilege of
+dealing in slaves on a certain part of the African coast, but it was the
+intention of the captain of this vessel to exceed the limits of his
+trade, and to run farther down, so as to take his cargo of human beings
+from a part of the country which was proscribed, in the certainty of
+being there enabled to purchase slaves at a much lower rate than he
+could in the regular way; or, perhaps, to take away by force as many as
+he could stow away into his ship. He therefore required a considerable
+number of hands for the enterprise; and in such a traffic, it may be
+easily conceived, that the morals of the crew could not be a subject of
+much consideration with the employer. French, Spanish, Portuguese, and
+others, were entered on board, most of them renegadoes, and they set
+sail on their evil voyage, with every hope of infamous success.
+
+Those who deal in evil carry along with them the springs of their own
+destruction, upon which they will tread, in spite of every caution, and
+their imagined security is but the brink of the pit into which they are
+to fall. It was so with the captain of this slave-ship. He arrived in
+Africa, took in a considerable number of slaves, and in order to
+complete his cargo, went on shore, leaving his mate in charge of the
+vessel. This mate was a bold, wicked, reckless and ungovernable spirit,
+and perceiving in Benito de Soto a mind congenial with his own, he fixed
+on him as a fit person to join in a design he had conceived, of running
+away with the vessel, and becoming a pirate. Accordingly the mate
+proposed his plan to Soto, who not only agreed to join in it, but
+declared that he himself had been contemplating a similar enterprise
+during the voyage. They both were at once of a mind, and they lost no
+time in maturing their plot.
+
+Their first step was to break the matter to the other members of the
+crew. In this they proceeded cautiously, and succeeded so far as to
+gain over twenty-two of the whole, leaving eighteen who remained
+faithful to their trust. Every means were used to corrupt the well
+disposed; both persuasion and threats were resorted to, but without
+effect, and the leader of the conspiracy, the mate, began to despair of
+obtaining the desired object. Soto, however, was not so easily
+depressed. He at once decided on seizing the ship upon the strength of
+his party: and without consulting the mate, he collected all the arms of
+the vessel, called the conspirators together, put into each of their
+possession a cutlass and a brace of pistols, and arming himself in like
+manner, advanced at the head of the gang, drew his sword, and declared
+the mate to be the commander of the ship, and the men who joined him
+part owners. Still, those who had rejected the evil offer remained
+unmoved; on which Soto ordered out the boats, and pointing to the land,
+cried out, "There is the African coast; this is our ship--one or the
+other must be chosen by every man on board within five minutes."
+
+This declaration, although it had the effect of preventing any
+resistance that might have been offered by the well disposed, to the
+taking of the vessel, did not change them from their purpose; they still
+refused to join in the robbery, and entered one by one into the boat, at
+the orders of Soto, and with but one pair of oars (all that was allowed
+to them) put off for the shore, from which they were then ten miles
+distant. Had the weather continued calm, as it was when the boat left
+the ship, she would have made the shore by dusk; but unhappily a strong
+gale of wind set in shortly after her departure, and she was seen by
+Soto and his gang struggling with the billows and approaching night, at
+such a distance from the land as she could not possibly accomplish while
+the gale lasted. All on board the ship agreed in opinion that the boat
+could not live, as they flew away from her at the rate of ten knots an
+hour, under close reefed topsails, leaving their unhappy messmates to
+their inevitable fate. Those of the pirates who were lately executed at
+Cadiz, declared that every soul in the boat perished.
+
+[Illustration: _The Pirates carrying rum on shore to purchase slaves._]
+
+The drunken uproar which that night reigned in the pirate ship was in
+horrid unison with the raging elements around her; contention and
+quarrelling followed the brutal ebriety of the pirates; each evil spirit
+sought the mastery of the others, and Soto's, which was the fiend of
+all, began to grasp and grapple for its proper place--the head of such a
+diabolical community.
+
+The mate (now the chief) at once gave the reins to his ruffian tyranny;
+and the keen eye of Soto saw that he who had fawned with him the day
+before, would next day rule him with an iron rod. Prompt in his actions
+as he was penetrating in his judgment, he had no sooner conceived a
+jealousy of the leader than he determined to put him aside; and as his
+rival lay in his drunken sleep, Soto put a pistol to his head, and
+deliberately shot him. For this act he excused himself to the crew, by
+stating to them that it was in _their_ protection he did the act; that
+_their_ interest was the other's death; and concluded by declaring
+himself their leader, and promising a golden harvest to their future
+labors, provided they obeyed him. Soto succeeded to the height of his
+wishes, and was unanimously hailed by the crew as their captain.
+
+On board the vessel, as I before stated, were a number of slaves, and
+these the pirates had well secured under hatches. They now turned their
+attention to those half starved, half suffocated creatures;--some were
+for throwing them overboard, while others, not less cruel, but more
+desirous of gain, proposed to take them to some port in one of those
+countries that deal in human beings, and there sell them. The latter
+recommendation was adopted, and Soto steered for the West Indies, where
+he received a good price for his slaves. One of those wretched
+creatures, a boy, he reserved as a servant for himself; and this boy was
+destined by Providence to be the witness of the punishment of those
+white men who tore away from their homes himself and his brethren. He
+alone will carry back to his country the truth of Heaven's retribution,
+and heal the wounded feelings of broken kindred with the recital of it.
+
+The pirates now entered freely into their villainous pursuit, and
+plundered many vessels; amongst others was an American brig, the
+treatment of which forms the _chef d'oeuvre_ of their atrocity. Having
+taken out of this brig all the valuables they could find, they hatched
+down all hands to the hold, except a black man, who was allowed to
+remain on deck for the special purpose of affording in his torture an
+amusing exhibition to Soto and his gang. They set fire to the brig, then
+lay to, to observe the progress of the flames; and as the miserable
+African bounded from rope to rope, now climbing to the mast head--now
+clinging to the shrouds--now leaping to one part of the vessel, and now
+to another,--their enjoyment seemed raised to its heighest pitch. At
+length the hatches opened to the devouring element, the tortured victim
+of their fiendish cruelty fell exhausted into the flames, and the horrid
+and revolting scene closed amidst the shouts of the miscreants who had
+caused it.
+
+Of their other exploits, that which ranks next in turpitude, and which
+led to their overthrow, was the piracy of the Morning Star. They fell in
+with that vessel near the island Ascension, in the year 1828, as she was
+on her voyage from Ceylon to England. This vessel, besides a valuable
+cargo, had on board several passengers, consisting of a major and his
+wife, an assistant surgeon, two civilians, about five and twenty invalid
+soldiers, and three or four of their wives. As soon as Benito de Soto
+perceived the ship, which was at daylight on the 21st of February, he
+called up all hands, and prepared for attacking her; he was at the time
+steering on an opposite course to that of the Morning Star. On
+reconnoitring her, he at first supposed she was a French vessel; but
+Barbazan, one of his crew, who was himself a Frenchman, assured him the
+ship was British. "So much the better," exclaimed Soto, in English (for
+he could speak that language), "we shall find the more booty." He then
+ordered the sails to be squared, and ran before the wind in chase of his
+plunder, from which he was about two leagues distant.
+
+The Defensor de Pedro, the name of the pirate ship, was a fast sailer,
+but owing to the press of canvas which the Morning Star hoisted soon
+after the pirate had commenced the chase, he did not come up with her so
+quickly as he had expected: the delay caused great uneasiness to Soto,
+which he manifested by muttering curses, and restlessness of manner.
+Sounds of savage satisfaction were to be heard from every mouth but his
+at the prospect; he alone expressed his anticipated pleasure by oaths,
+menaces, and mental inquietude. While Barbazan was employed in
+superintending the clearing of the decks, the arming and breakfasting of
+the men, he walked rapidly up and down, revolving in his mind the plan
+of the approaching attack, and when interrupted by any of the crew, he
+would run into a volley of imprecations. In one instance, he struck his
+black boy a violent blow with a telescope, because he asked him if he
+would have his morning cup of chocolate; as soon, however, as he set his
+studding sails, and perceived that he was gaining on the Morning Star,
+he became somewhat tranquil, began to eat heartily of cold beef, drank
+his chocolate at a draught, and coolly sat down on the deck to smoke a
+cigar.
+
+In less than a quarter of an hour, the pirate had gained considerable on
+the other vessel. Soto now, without rising from where he sat, ordered a
+gun, with blank cartridge, to be fired, and the British colors to be
+hoisted: but finding this measure had not the effect of bringing the
+Morning Star to, he cried out, "Shot the long gun and give it her point
+blank." The order was obeyed, but the shot fell short of the intention,
+on which he jumped up and cursed the fellows for bunglers who had fired
+the gun. He then ordered them to load with canister shot, and took the
+match in his own hand. He did not, however, fire immediately, but waited
+until he was nearly abreast of his victim; then directing the aim
+himself, and ordering a man to stand by the flag to haul it down, fired
+with an air that showed he was sure of his mark. He then ran to haul up
+the Colombian colors, and having done so, cried out through the speaking
+trumpet, "Lower your boat down this moment, and let your captain come on
+board with his papers."
+
+During this fearful chase the people on board the Morning Star were in
+the greatest alarm; but however their apprehensions might have been
+excited, that courage, which is so characteristic of a British sailor,
+never for a moment forsook the captain. He boldly carried on sail, and
+although one of the men fell from a wound, and the ravages of the shot
+were every where around him, he determined not to strike. But unhappily
+he had not a single gun on board, and no small arms that could render
+his courage availing. The tears of the women, and the prudent advice of
+the passengers overcoming his resolution, he permitted himself to be
+guided by the general opinion. One of the passengers volunteered himself
+to go on board the pirate, and a boat was lowered for the purpose. Both
+vessels now lay to within fifty yards of each other, and a strong hope
+arose in those on board the Morning Star, that the gentleman who had
+volunteered to go to the pirate, might, through his exertions, avert, at
+least, the worst of the dreaded calamity.
+
+Some people here, in their quiet security, have made no scruple of
+declaring, that the commanding officer of the soldiers on board should
+not have so tamely yielded to the pirate, particularly as he had his
+wife along with him, and consequently a misfortune to dread, that might
+be thought even worse than death: but all who knew the true state of the
+circumstances, and reflect upon it, will allow that he adopted the only
+chance of escaping that, which was to be most feared by a husband. The
+long gun, which was on a pivot in the centre of the pirate ship, could
+in a few shots sink the Morning Star; and even had resistance been made
+to the pirates as they boarded her--had they been killed or made
+prisoners--the result would not be much better. It was evident that the
+Defensor de Pedro was the best sailer, consequently the Morning Star
+could not hope to escape; in fact, submission or total destruction was
+the only choice. The commanding officer, therefore, acted for the best
+when he recommended the former. There was some slight hope of escaping
+with life, and without personal abuse, by surrendering, but to contend
+must be inevitable death.
+
+The gentleman who had gone in a boat to the pirate returned in a short
+time, exhibiting every proof of the ill treatment he had received from
+Soto and his crew. It appears that when the villains learned that he was
+not the captain, they fell upon and beat him, as well as the sailors
+along with him, in a most brutal manner, and with the most horrid
+imprecations told him, that if the captain did not instantly come, on
+his return to the vessel, they would blow the ship out of the water.
+This report as once decided the captain in the way he was to act.
+Without hesitation he stepped into the boat, taking with him his second
+mate, three soldiers and a sailor boy, and proceeded to the pirate. On
+going on board that vessel, along with the mate, Soto, who stood near
+the mainmast, with his drawn cutlass in his hand, desired him to
+approach, while the mate was ordered, by Barbazan, to go to the
+forecastle. Both these unfortunate individuals obeyed, and were
+instantly slaughtered.
+
+Soto now ordered six picked men to descend into the boat, amongst whom
+was Barbazan. To him the leader addressed his orders, the last of which
+was, to take care to put all in the prize to death, and then sink her.
+
+The six pirates, who proceeded to execute his savage demand, were all
+armed alike,--they each carried a brace of pistols, a cutlass and a long
+knife. Their dress was composed of a sort of coarse cotton chequered
+jacket and trowsers, shirts that were open at the collar, red woollen
+caps, and broad canvas waistbelts, in which were the pistols and the
+knives. They were all athletic men, and seemed such as might well be
+trusted with the sanguinary errand on which they were despatched. While
+the boat was conveying them, Soto held in his hand a cutlass, reddened
+with the blood of the murdered captain, and stood scowling on them with
+silence: while another ruffian, with a lighted match, stood by the long
+gun, ready to support the boarding, if necessary, with a shot that
+would sweep the deck.
+
+As the boarders approached the Morning Star, the terror of the females
+became excessive; they clung to their husbands in despair, who
+endeavored to allay their fears by their own vain hopes, assuring them
+that a quiet submission nothing more than the plunder of the vessel was
+to be apprehended. But a few minutes miserably undeceived them. The
+pirates rapidly mounted the side, and as they jumped on deck, commenced
+to cut right and left at all within their reach, uttering at the same
+time the most dreadful oaths. The females, screaming, hurried to hide
+themselves below as well as they were able, and the men fell or fled
+before the pirates, leaving them entire masters of the decks.
+
+[Illustration: _The mate begging for his life._]
+
+When the pirates had succeeded in effectually prostrating all the people
+on deck, they drove most of them below, and reserved the remainder to
+assist in their operations. Unless the circumstances be closely
+examined, it may be wondered how six men could have so easily overcome a
+crew of English seamen supported by about twenty soldiers with a major
+at their head:--but it will not appear so surprising, when it is
+considered that the sailors were altogether unarmed, the soldiers were
+worn out invalids, and more particularly, that the pirate carried a
+heavy long gun, ready to sink her victim at a shot. Major Logie was
+fully impressed with the folly of opposing so powerful and desperate an
+enemy, and therefore advised submission as the only course for the
+safety of those under his charge; presuming no doubt that something like
+humanity might be found in the breasts even of the worst of men. But
+alas! he was woefully deceived in his estimate of the villains' nature,
+and felt, when too late, that even death would have been preferable to
+the barbarous treatment he was forced to endure.
+
+Beaten, bleeding, terrified, the men lay huddled together in the hold,
+while the pirates proceeded in their work of pillage and brutality.
+Every trunk was hauled forth, every portable article of value heaped for
+the plunder; money, plate, charts, nautical instruments, and seven
+parcels of valuable jewels, which formed part of the cargo; these were
+carried from below on the backs of those men whom the pirates selected
+to assist them, and for two hours they were thus employed, during which
+time Soto stood upon his own deck directing the operations; for the
+vessels were within a hundred yards of each other. The scene which took
+place in the cabin exhibited a licentious brutality. The sick officer,
+Mr. Gibson, was dragged from his berth; the clothes of the other
+passengers stripped from their backs, and the whole of the cabin
+passengers driven on deck, except the females, whom they locked up in
+the round-house on deck, and the steward, who was detained to serve the
+pirates with wine and eatables. This treatment, no doubt hastened the
+death of Gibson; the unfortunate gentleman did not long survive it. As
+the passengers were forced up the cabin ladder, the feelings of Major
+Logie, it may be imagined, were of the most heart-rending description.
+In vain did he entreat to be allowed to remain; he was hurried away from
+even the chance of protecting his defenceless wife, and battened down
+with the rest in the hold, there to be racked with the fearful
+apprehensions of their almost certain doom.
+
+The labors of the robbers being now concluded, they sat down to regale
+themselves, preparatory to the _chef d'oeuvre_ of their diabolical
+enterprise; and a more terrible group of demi-devils, the steward
+declares, could not be well imagined than commanded his attention at the
+cabin table. However, as he was a Frenchman, and naturally polite, he
+acquitted himself of the office of cup-bearer, if not as gracefully, at
+least as anxiously, as ever did Ganymede herself. Yet, notwithstanding
+this readiness to serve the visitors in their gastronomic desires, the
+poor steward felt ill-requited; he was twice frightened into an icicle,
+and twice thawed back into conscious horror, by the rudeness of those he
+entertained. In one instance, when he had filled out a sparkling glass
+for a ruffian, and believed he had quite won the heart of the drinker by
+the act, he found himself grasped roughly and tightly by the throat, and
+the point of a knife staring him in the face. It seems the fellow who
+thus seized him, had felt between his teeth a sharp bit of broken glass,
+and fancying that something had been put in the wine to poison him, he
+determined to prove his suspicions by making the steward swallow what
+remained in the bottle from which the liquor had been drawn, and thus
+unceremoniously prefaced his command; however, ready and implicit
+obedience averted further bad consequences. The other instance of the
+steward's jeopardy was this; when the repast was ended, one of the
+gentlemen coolly requested him to waive all delicacy, and point out the
+place in which the captain's money was concealed. He might as well have
+asked him to produce the philosopher's stone. However, pleading the
+truth was of no use; his determined requisitor seconded the demand by
+snapping a pistol at his breast; having missed fire, he recocked, and
+again presented; but the fatal weapon was struck aside by Barbazan, who
+reproved the rashness with a threat, and thus averted the steward's
+impending fate. It was then with feelings of satisfaction he heard
+himself ordered to go down to the hold, and in a moment he was bolted in
+among his fellow sufferers.
+
+The ruffians indulged in the pleasures of the bottle for some time
+longer, and then having ordered down the females, treated them with even
+less humanity than characterized their conduct towards the others. The
+screams of the helpless females were heard in the hold by those who were
+unable to render them assistance, and agonizing, indeed, must those
+screams have been to their incarcerated hearers! How far the brutality
+of the pirates was carried in this stage of the horrid proceeding, we
+can only surmise; fortunately, their lives were spared, although, as it
+afterwards appeared, the orders of Soto were to butcher every being on
+board; and it is thought that these orders were not put into action, in
+consequence of the villains having wasted so much time in drinking, and
+otherwise indulging themselves; for it was not until the loud voice of
+their chief was heard to recall them, that they prepared to leave the
+ship; they therefore contented themselves with fastening the women
+within the cabin, heaping heavy lumber on the hatches of the hold, and
+boring holes in the planks of the vessel below the surface of the water,
+so that in destroying the unhappy people at one swoop, they might make
+up for the lost time. They then left the ship, sinking fast to her
+apparently certain fate.
+
+[Illustration: _Horrid abuse of the helpless women in the cabin._]
+
+It may be reasonably supposed, bad as their conduct was towards the
+females, and pitiable as was the suffering it produced, that the lives
+of the whole left to perish were preserved through it; for the ship must
+have gone down if the women had been either taken out of her or
+murdered, and those in the hold inevitably have gone with her to the
+bottom. But by good fortune, the females succeeded in forcing their way
+out of the cabin, and became the means of liberating the men confined in
+the hold. When they came on deck, it was nearly dark, yet they could see
+the pirate ship at a considerable distance, with all her sails set and
+bearing away from them. They prudently waited, concealed from the
+possibility of being seen by the enemy, and when the night fell, they
+crept to the hatchway, and called out to the men below to endeavor to
+effect their liberation, informing them that the pirate was away and out
+of sight. They then united their efforts, and the lumber being removed,
+the hatches gave way to the force below, so that the released captives
+breathed of hope again. The delightful draught, however, was checked,
+when the ship was found to contain six feet of water! A momentary
+collapse took possession of all their newly excited expectations; cries
+and groans of despair burst forth, but the sailors' energy quickly
+returned, and was followed by that of the others; they set to work at
+the pumps, and by dint of labor succeeded in keeping the vessel afloat.
+Yet to direct her course was impossible; the pirates having completely
+disabled her, by cutting away her rigging and sawing the masts all the
+way through. The eye of Providence, however, was not averted from the
+hapless people, for they fell in with a vessel next day that relieved
+them from their distressing situation, and brought them to England in
+safety.
+
+We will now return to Soto, and show how the hand of that Providence
+that secured his intended victims, fell upon himself and his wicked
+associates. Intoxicated with their infamous success, the night had far
+advanced before Soto learned that the people in the Morning Star,
+instead of being slaughtered, were only left to be drowned. The
+information excited his utmost rage. He reproached Barbazan, and those
+who had accompanied them in the boarding, with disobeying his orders,
+and declared that now there could be no security for their lives. Late
+as the hour was, and long as he had been steering away from the Morning
+Star, he determined to put back, in the hope of effectually preventing
+the escape of those in the devoted vessel, by seeing them destroyed
+before his eyes. Soto was a follower of the principle inculcated by the
+old maxim, "Dead men tell no tales;" and in pursuance of his doctrine,
+lost not a moment in putting about and running back. But it was too
+late; he could find no trace of the vessel, and so consoled himself with
+the belief that she was at the bottom of the sea, many fathoms below the
+ken and cognizance of Admiralty Courts.
+
+Soto, thus satisfied, bent his course to Europe. On his voyage he fell
+in with a small brig, boarded, plundered, sunk her, and, that he might
+not again run the hazard of encountering living witnesses of his guilt,
+murdered the crew, with the exception of one individual, whom he took
+along with him, on account of his knowledge of the course to Corunna,
+whither he intended to proceed. But, faithful to his principles of
+self-protection, as soon as he had made full use of the unfortunate
+sailor, and found himself in sight of the destined port, he came up to
+him at the helm, which he held in his hand, "My friend," said he "is
+that the harbor of Corunna?"--"Yes," was the reply. "Then," rejoined
+Soto, "You have done your duty well, and I am obliged to you for your
+services." On the instant he drew a pistol and shot the man; then coolly
+flung his body overboard, took the helm himself, and steered into his
+native harbor as little concerned as if he had returned from an honest
+voyage. At this port he obtained papers in a false name, disposed of a
+great part of his booty, and after a short stay set out for Cadiz, where
+he expected a market for the remainder. He had a fair wind until he came
+within sight of the coast near that city. It was coming on dark and he
+lay to, expecting to go into his anchorage next morning, but the wind
+shifted to the westward, and suddenly began to blow a heavy gale; it was
+right on the land. He luffed his ship as close to the wind as possible,
+in order to clear a point that stretched outward, and beat off to
+windward, but his lee-way carried him towards the land, and he was
+caught when he least expected the trap. The gale increased--the night
+grew pitchy dark--the roaring breakers were on his lee-beam--the
+drifting vessel strikes, rebounds, and strikes again--the cry of horror
+rings through the flapping cordage, and despair is in the eyes of the
+demon-crew. Helpless they lie amid the wrath of the storm, and the
+darkened face of Heaven, for the first time, strikes terror on their
+guilty hearts. Death is before them, but not with a merciful quickness
+does he approach; hour after hour the frightful vision glares upon them,
+and at length disappears only to come upon them again in a more dreadful
+form. The tempest abates, and the sinners were spared for the time.
+
+As the daylight broke they took to their boats, and abandoned the vessel
+to preserve their lives. But there was no repentance in the pirates;
+along with the night and the winds went the voice of conscience, and
+they thought no more of what had passed. They stood upon the beach
+gazing at the wreck, and the first thought of Soto, was to sell it, and
+purchase another vessel for the renewal of his atrocious pursuits. With
+the marked decision of his character, he proposed his intention to his
+followers, and received their full approbation. The plan was instantly
+arranged; they were to present themselves as honest, shipwrecked
+mariners to the authorities at Cadiz; Soto was to take upon himself the
+office of mate, or _contra maestra,_ to an imaginary captain, and thus
+obtain their sanction in disposing of the vessel. In their assumed
+character, the whole proceeded to Cadiz, and presented themselves before
+the proper officers of the marine. Their story was listened to with
+sympathy, and for a few days every thing went on to their satisfaction.
+Soto had succeeded so well as to conclude the sale of the wreck with a
+broker, for the sum of one thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars; the
+contract was signed, but fortunately the money was not yet paid, when
+suspicion arose, from some inconsistencies in the pirates' account of
+themselves, and six of them were arrested by the authorities. Soto and
+one of his crew instantly disappeared from Cadiz, and succeeded in
+arriving at the neutral ground before Gibraltar, and six more made their
+escape to the Carraccas.
+
+None are permitted to enter the fortress of Gibraltar, without
+permission from the governor, or a passport. Soto and his companion,
+therefore, took up their quarters at a Posade on the neutral ground, and
+resided there in security for several days. The busy and daring mind of
+the former could not long remain inactive; he proposed to his companion
+to attempt to enter the garrison in disguise and by stealth, but could
+not prevail upon him to consent. He therefore resolved to go in alone;
+and his object in doing so was to procure a supply of money by a letter
+of credit which he brought with him from Cadiz. His companion, more wise
+than he, chose the safer course; he knew that the neutral ground was not
+much controllable by the laws either of the Spanish or the English, and
+although there was not much probability of being discovered, he resolved
+not to trust to chance in so great a stake as his life; and he proved to
+have been right in his judgment, for had he gone to Gibraltar, he would
+have shared the same fate of his chief. This man is the only one of the
+whole gang, who has not met with the punishment of his crimes, for he
+succeeded in effecting his escape on board some vessel. It is not even
+suspected to what country he is gone; but his description, no doubt, is
+registered. The steward of the Morning Star informed me, that he is a
+tall, stout man, with fair hair, and fresh complexion, of a mild and
+gentle countenance, but that he was one of the worst villains of the
+whole piratical crew. I believe he is stated to be a Frenchman.
+
+Soto secured his admission into the garrison by a false pass, and took
+up his residence at an inferior tavern in a narrow lane, which runs off
+the main street of Gibraltar, and is kept by a man of the name of Basso.
+The appearance of this house suits well with the associations of the
+worthy Benito's life. I have occasion to pass the door frequently at
+night, for our barrack, (the Casement,) is but a few yards from it. I
+never look at the place without feeling an involuntary sensation of
+horror--the smoky and dirty nooks--the distant groups of dark Spaniards,
+Moors, and Jews, their sallow countenances made yellow by the fight of
+dim oil lamps--the unceiled rafters of the rooms above, seen through
+unshuttered windows and the consciousness of their having covered the
+atrocious Soto, combine this effect upon me.
+
+In this den the villain remained for a few weeks, and during this time
+seemed to enjoy himself as if he had never committed a murder. The story
+he told Basso of his circumstances was, that he had come to Gibraltar on
+his way to Cadiz from Malaga, and was merely awaiting the arrival of a
+friend. He dressed expensively--generally wore a white hat of the best
+English quality, silk stockings, white trowsers, and blue frock coat.
+His whiskers were large and bushy, and his hair, which was very black,
+profuse, long and naturally curled, was much in the style of a London
+preacher of prophetic and anti-poetic notoriety. He was deeply browned
+with the sun, and had an air and gait expressive of his bold,
+enterprising, and desperate mind. Indeed, when I saw him in his cell and
+at his trial, although his frame was attenuated almost to a skeleton,
+the color of his face a pale yellow, his eyes sunken, and hair closely
+shorn; he still exhibited strong traces of what he had been, still
+retained his erect and fearless carriage, his quick, fiery, and
+malevolent eye, his hurried and concise speech, and his close and
+pertinent style of remark. He appeared to me such a man as would have
+made a hero in the ranks of his country, had circumstances placed him in
+the proper road to fame; but ignorance and poverty turned into the most
+ferocious robber, one who might have rendered service and been an honor
+to his sunken country. I should like to hear what the phrenologists say
+of his head; it appeared to me to be the most peculiar I had ever seen,
+and certainly, as far as the bump of _destructiveness_ went, bore the
+theory fully out. It is rumored here that the skull has been sent to the
+_savans_ of Edinburg; if this be the case, we shall no doubt be made
+acquainted with their sage opinions upon the subject, and great
+conquerors will receive a farther assurance of how much they resemble in
+their physical natures the greatest murderers.
+
+When I visited the pirate in the Moorish castle where he was confined,
+he was sitting in his cold, narrow, and miserable cell, upon a pallet of
+straw, eating his coarse meal from a tin plate. I thought him more an
+object of pity than vengeance; he looked so worn with disease, so
+crushed with suffering, yet so affable, frank, and kind in his address;
+for he happened to be in a communicative mood, a thing that was by no
+means common with him. He spoke of his long confinement, till I thought
+the tears were about to start from his eyes, and alluded to his
+approaching trial with satisfaction; but his predominant characteristic,
+ferocity, appeared in his small piercing black eyes before I left him,
+as he alluded to his keeper, the Provost, in such a way that made me
+suspect his desire for blood was not yet extinguished. When he appeared
+in court on his trial, his demeanor was quite altered; he seemed to me
+to have suddenly risen out of the wretch he was in his cell, to all the
+qualities I had heard of him; he stood erect and unembarrassed; he spoke
+with a strong voice, attended closely to the proceedings, occasionally
+examined the witnesses, and at the conclusion protested against the
+justice of his trial. He sometimes spoke to the guards around him, and
+sometimes affected an air of carelessness of his awful situation, which,
+however, did not sit easy upon him. Even here the leading trait of his
+mind broke forth; for when the interpreter commenced his office, the
+language which he made use of being pedantic and affected, Soto
+interrupted him thus, while a scowl sat upon his brow that terrified the
+man of words: "I don't understand you, man; speak Spanish like others,
+and I'll listen to you." When the dirk that belonged to Mr. Robertson,
+the trunk and clothes taken from Mr. Gibson, and the pocket book
+containing the ill-fated captain's handwriting were placed before him,
+and proved to have been found in his room, and when the maid servant of
+the tavern proved that she found the dirk under his pillow every morning
+on arranging his bed; and when he was confronted with his own black
+slave, between two wax lights, the countenance of the villain appeared
+in its true nature, not depressed nor sorrowful, but vivid and
+ferocious; and when the patient and dignified governor, Sir George Don,
+passed the just sentence of the law upon him, he looked daggers at his
+heart, and assumed a horrid silence, more eloquent than words.
+
+The criminal persisted up to the day before his execution in asserting
+his innocence, and inveighing against the injustice of his trial, but
+the certainty of his fate, and the awful voice of religion, at length
+subdued him. He made an unreserved confession of his guilt, and became
+truly penitent; gave up to the keeper the blade of a razor which he had
+secreted between the soles of his shoes for the acknowledged purpose of
+adding suicide to his crimes, and seemed to wish for the moment that was
+to send him before his Creator.
+
+I witnessed his execution, and I believe there never was a more contrite
+man than he appeared to be; yet there were no drivelling fears upon
+him--he walked firmly at the tail of the fatal cart, gazing sometimes at
+his coffin, sometimes at the crucifix which he held in his hand. The
+symbol of divinity he frequently pressed to his lips, repeated the
+prayers spoken in his ear by the attendant clergyman, and seemed
+regardless of every thing but the world to come. The gallows was erected
+beside the water, and fronting the neutral ground. He mounted the cart
+as firmly as he had walked behind it, and held up his face to Heaven and
+the beating rain, calm, resigned, but unshaken; and finding the halter
+too high for his neck, he boldly stepped upon his coffin, and placed his
+head in the noose, then watching the first turn of the wheels, he
+murmured "_adios todos_," [Footnote: "Farewell, all."] and leaned
+forward to facilitate his fall.
+
+The black slave of the pirate stood upon the battery trembling before
+his dying master to behold the awful termination of a series of events,
+the recital of which to his African countrymen, when he shall return to
+his home, will give them no doubt, a dreadful picture of European
+civilization. The black boy was acquitted at Cadiz, but the men who had
+fled to the Carraccas, as well as those arrested after the wreck, were
+convicted, executed, their limbs severed, and hung on tenter hooks, as a
+warning to all pirates.
+
+[Illustration: _The Rock of Gibraltar._]
+
+
+
+
+THE ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN ROBERT KIDD
+
+
+The easy access to the harbor of New-York, the number of hiding-places
+about its waters, and the laxity of its newly organized government,
+about the year 1695, made it a great rendezvous of pirates, where they
+might dispose of their booty and concert new depredations. As they
+brought home with them wealthy lading of all kinds, the luxuries of the
+tropics, and the sumptuous spoils of the Spanish provinces, and disposed
+of them with the proverbial carelessness of freebooters, they were
+welcome visitors to the thrifty traders of New-York. Crews of these
+desperadoes, therefore, the runagates of every country and every clime,
+might be seen swaggering in open day about the streets, elbowing its
+quiet inhabitants, trafficking their rich outlandish plunder at half or
+quarter price to the wary merchant; and then squandering their
+prize-money in taverns, drinking, gambling, singing, carousing and
+astounding the neighborhood with midnight brawl and revelry. At length
+these excesses rose to such a height as to become a scandal to the
+provinces, and to call loudly for the interposition of government.
+Measures were accordingly taken to put a stop to this widely extended
+evil, and to drive the pirates out of the colonies.
+
+Among the distinguished individuals who lurked about the colonies, was
+Captain Robert Kidd, [Footnote: His real name was William Kidd.] who in
+the beginning of King William's war, commanded a privateer in the West
+Indies, and by his several adventurous actions, acquired the reputation
+of a brave man, as well as an experienced seaman. But he had now become
+notorious, as a nondescript animal of the ocean. He was somewhat of a
+trader, something more of a smuggler, but mostly a pirate. He had traded
+many years among the pirates, in a little rakish vessel, that could run
+into all kinds of water. He knew all their haunts and lurking places,
+and was always hooking about on mysterious voyages.
+
+Upon the good old maxim of "setting a rogue to catch a rogue," Capt.
+Kidd 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 to the command of a government ship, and to be
+employed in cruising upon the pirates, as knowing those seas perfectly
+well, and being acquainted with all their lurking places; but what
+reasons governed the politics 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 pirates, 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 her to Captain
+Kidd; and to give the thing a greater reputation, as well as to keep
+their seamen under better command, they procured the king's commission
+for the said Capt. Kidd, of which the following is an exact copy:
+
+_William Rex_,
+
+"WILLIAM THE THIRD, by the grace of God, King of England, Scotland,
+France and Ireland, defender of the faith, &c. To our trusty and well
+beloved Capt. ROBERT KIDD, commander of the ship the Adventure galley,
+or to any other, the commander of the same for the time being,
+_Greeting_: Whereas we are informed, that Capt. Thomas Too, John
+Ireland, Capt. Thomas Wake, and Capt. William Maze or Mace, and other
+subjects, natives or inhabitants of New-York, and elsewhere, in our
+plantations in America, have associated themselves with divers others,
+wicked and ill-disposed persons, and do, against the law of nations,
+commit many and great piracies, robberies and depredations on the seas
+upon the parts of America, and in other parts, to the great hindrance
+and discouragement of trade and navigation, and to the great danger and
+hurt of our loving subjects, our allies, and all others, navigating the
+seas upon their lawful occasions. Now KNOW YE, that we being desirous to
+prevent the aforesaid mischiefs, and as much as in us lies, to bring the
+said pirates, free-booters and sea-rovers to justice, have thought fit,
+and do hereby give and grant to the said Robert Kidd, (to whom our
+commissioners for exercising the office of Lord High Admiral of England,
+have granted a commission as a private man-of-war, bearing date the 11th
+day of December, 1695,) and unto the commander of the said ship for the
+time being, and unto the officers, mariners, and others which shall be
+under your command, full power and authority to apprehend, seize, and
+take into your custody as well the said Capt. Thomas Too, John Ireland,
+Capt. Thomas Wake, and Capt. Wm. Maze or Mace, as all such pirates,
+free-booters, and sea-rovers, being either our subjects, or of other
+nations associated with them, which you shall meet with upon the seas or
+coasts of America, or upon any other seas or coasts, with all their
+ships and vessels, and all such merchandizes, money, goods, and wares as
+shall be found on board, or with them, in case they shall willingly
+yield themselves; but if they will not yield without fighting, then you
+are by force to compel them to yield. And we also require you to bring,
+or cause to be brought, such pirates, free-booters, or sea-rovers, as
+you shall seize, to a legal trial, to the end they may be proceeded
+against according to the law in such cases. And we do hereby command
+all our officers, ministers, and other our loving subjects whatsoever,
+to be aiding and assisting to you in the premises. And we do hereby
+enjoin you to keep an exact journal of your proceedings in execution of
+the premises, and set down the names of such pirates, and of their
+officers and company, and the names of such ships and vessels as you
+shall by virtue of these presents take and seize, and the quantities of
+arms, ammunition, provision, and lading of such ships, and the true
+value of the same, as near as you judge. And we do hereby strictly
+charge and command you, as you will answer the contrary at your peril,
+that you do not, in any manner, offend or molest our friends or allies,
+their ships or subjects, by colour or pretence of these presents, or the
+authority thereby granted. _In witness whereof_, we have caused our
+great seal of England to be affixed to these presents. Given at our
+court in Kensington, the 26th day of January, 1695, in the 7th year of
+our reign."
+
+Capt. Kidd 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 reader with it.
+
+Previous to sailing, Capt. Kidd buried his bible on the sea-shore, in
+Plymouth Sound; its divine precepts being so at variance with his wicked
+course of life, that he did not choose to keep a book which condemned
+him in his lawless career.
+
+With these two commissions he sailed out of Plymouth in May, 1696, in
+the Adventure galley, of 30 guns, and 80 men; the place he first
+designed for was New-York; in his voyage thither, he took a French
+banker, but this was no act of piracy, he having a commission for that
+purpose, as we have just observed.
+
+When he arrived at New-York, he put up articles for engaging more hands,
+it being necessary to his ship's 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 increased his company to 155
+men.
+
+[Illustration _Captain Kidd burying his Bible._]
+
+With this company he sailed first for Madeira, where he took in wine and
+some other necessaries; from thence he proceeded to Bonavista, 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 rendezvous of pirates. In his way he
+fell in with Capt. Warren, commodore of three men of war; he acquainted
+him with his design, kept them company two or three days, and then
+leaving them, made the best of his way for Madagascar, where he arrived
+in February, 1696, just nine months from his departure from Plymouth.
+
+It happened that at this time the pirate ships were most of them out in
+search of prey; so that according to the best intelligence Capt. Kidd
+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 cruise,
+touching sometimes at the island of Mohila, and sometimes at that of
+Johanna, between Malabar and Madagascar. His provisions were every day
+wasting, and his ship began to want repair; wherefore, when he was at
+Johanna, he found means of borrowing a sum of money from some Frenchmen
+who had lost their ship, but saved their effects, and with this he
+purchased materials for putting his ship in good repair.
+
+It does not appear all this while that he had the least design of
+turning pirate; for near Mohila and Johanna both, he met with several
+Indian ships richly laden, to which he did not offer the least violence,
+though he was strong enough to have done what he pleased with them; and
+the first outrage or depredation I find he committed upon mankind, was
+after his repairing his ship, and leaving Johanna; he touched at a place
+called Mabbee, upon the Red Sea, where he took some Guinea corn from the
+natives, by force. After this, he sailed 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
+Mocha 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 appeared averse to it, he
+ordered a boat out, well manned, to go upon the coast to make
+discoveries, commanding them to take a prisoner and bring him to him, or
+get intelligence any way they could. The boat returned 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 colors.
+
+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 pirates; but now weary of ill success, and fearing
+lest his owners, out of humor at their great expenses, should dismiss
+him, and he should want employment, and be marked 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 ordered a man continually to watch at the mast head, lest
+this fleet should go by them; and about four days after, towards
+evening, it appeared in sight, being convoyed by one English and one
+Dutch man of war. Kidd soon fell in with them, and getting into the
+midst of them, fired at a Moorish ship which was next him; but the
+men-of-war taking the alarm, bore down upon Kidd, and firing upon him,
+obliged him to sheer off, he not being strong enough to contend with
+them. Now he had begun hostilities, he resolved to go on, and therefore
+he went and cruised 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 Englishman; his
+name was Parker. Kidd forced him and a Portuguese that was called Don
+Antonio, which were all the Europeans on board, to take on with him; the
+first he designed 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 drubbed with a naked cutlass, 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 touched at Carawar, a place upon the same coast,
+where, before he arrived, the news of what he had done to the Moorish
+ship had reached 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 Kidd came in, he was suspected to be the person
+who committed this piracy; and one Mr. Harvey and Mr. Mason, two of the
+English factory, came on board and asked for Parker, and Antonio, the
+Portuguese; but Kidd denied that he knew any such persons, having
+secured them both in a private place in the hold, where they were kept
+for seven or eight days, that is, till Kidd sailed from thence.
+
+However, the coast was alarmed, and a Portuguese man-of-war was sent out
+to cruise. Kidd 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
+called Porca, where he watered his 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 Dutchman, called Schipper Mitchell, and chased her under French
+colors, which they observing hoisted French colors too; when he came
+up with her, he hailed her in French, and they having a Frenchman on
+board, answered him in the same language; upon which he ordered them to
+send their boat on board; they were obliged to do so, and having
+examined who they were, and from whence they came, he asked the
+Frenchman who was a passenger, if he had a French pass for himself; the
+Frenchman gave him to understand that he had. Then he told the Frenchman
+that he must pass for captain, and by----, says he, you are the captain;
+the Frenchman 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 belonged to French subjects, according to a commission he had for
+that purpose; though one would think, after what he had already done, he
+need not have recourse to a quibble to give his actions a color.
+
+[Illustration: _Captain Kidd attacks the Moorish fleet._]
+
+In short, he took the cargo, and sold it some time after; yet still he
+seemed to have some fears upon him, lest these proceedings should have a
+bad end; for, coming up with a Dutch ship some time after, when his men
+thought of nothing but attacking her, Kidd opposed 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 grounded against
+Kidd; for Moor, the gunner, being one day upon deck, and talking with
+Kidd about the said Dutch ship, some words arose between them, and Moor
+told Kidd, that he had ruined them all; upon which Kidd, calling him a
+dog, took up a bucket and struck him with it, which breaking his scull,
+he died next day.
+
+But Kidd's penitential fit did not last long; for coasting along
+Malabar, he met with a great number of boats, all of which he
+plundered. Upon the same coast he also fell in with 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 murdered by the natives;
+upon which Kidd 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
+Englishman, by the name of Wright; for the Indians often make use of
+English or Dutchmen to command their ships, their own mariners not being
+so good artists in navigation. Kidd chased her under French colors, and
+having come up with her, he ordered her to hoist out her boat and 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 cargo. Kidd gave the Armenians to understand, that if they would
+offer anything that was worth his taking for their ransom, he would
+hearken to it. Upon which, they proposed to pay him 20,000 rupees, not
+quite £3,000 sterling; but Kidd 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 cargo as came
+to 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 cargo, and when the division was made, it came to
+about £200 a man; and having reserved forty shares to himself, his
+dividend amounted to about £8,000 sterling.
+
+The Indians along the coast came on board and trafficked 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 pirates, they always
+found them men of honor in the way of trade; a people, enemies to
+deceit, and that scorned to rob but in their own way.
+
+Kidd put some of his men on board the Queda Merchant, and with this ship
+and his own sailed for Madagascar. As soon as he had arrived and cast
+anchor, there came on board of him a canoe, in which were several
+Englishmen, who had formerly been well acquainted with Kidd. 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. Kidd 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 belonged to a pirate ship, called the Resolution, formerly the
+Mocha Merchant, whereof one Capt. Culliford was commander, and which lay
+at anchor not far from them. Kidd went on board with them, promising
+them his friendship and assistance, and Culliford in his turn came on
+board of Kidd; and Kidd, 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 sea again.
+
+The Adventure galley was now so old and leaky, that they were forced to
+keep two pumps continually going; wherefore Kidd 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 Capt. Culliford, and
+others absconding into the country, so that he had not above 40 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 reached
+England, and that he was there declared a pirate.
+
+The truth of it is, his piracies so alarmed our merchants that some
+motions were made in parliament, to inquire into the commission that was
+given him, and the persons who fitted him out. These proceedings seem to
+lean a little hard upon Lord Bellamont, who thought himself so touched
+thereby, that he published a justification of himself in a pamphlet,
+after Kidd's execution. In the meantime it was thought advisable, in
+order to stop the course of these piracies, to publish a proclamation,
+offering the king's free pardon to all such pirates as should
+voluntarily surrender themselves, whatever piracies they had been guilty
+of, at any time before the last day of April, 1699--that is to say, for
+all piracies committed eastward of the Cape of Good Hope, to the
+longitude and meridian of Socatora, and Cape Cormorin; in which
+proclamation, Avery and Kidd were excepted by name.
+
+When Kidd 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, as 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 sailed directly for Boston laden with booty, with a crew of
+swaggering companions at his heels. But no sooner did he show himself in
+Boston, than the alarm was given of his reappearance, and measures were
+taken to arrest him. The daring character which Kidd had acquired,
+however, and the desperate fellows who followed like bull-dogs at his
+heels, caused a little delay in his arrest. He took advantage of this to
+bury the greater part of his immense treasure, which has never been
+found, and then carried a high head about the streets of Boston. He even
+attempted to defend himself when arrested, but was secured and thrown
+into prison. Such was the formidable character of this pirate and his
+crew, that a frigate was sent to convey them to England for trial.
+
+Accordingly a sessions of Admiralty being held at the Old Bailey, in May
+1701, Capt. Kidd, Nicholas Churchill, James How, Robert Lumly, William
+Jenkins, Gabriel Loff, Hugh Parrot, Richard Barlicorn, Abel Owens and
+Darby Mullins, were arraigned for piracy and robbery on the high seas,
+and all found guilty except three; these were Robert Lumly, William
+Jenkins and Richard Barlicorn, 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, though they were proved to be concerned 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 piracy. A pirate 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 pirate, 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_.
+
+Kidd was tried 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 Col. Bass, governor of West
+Jersey, to whom they surrendered, being in court, and called upon,
+proved the same. However, this plea was overruled by the court, because
+there being four commissioners named in the proclamation, viz. Capt.
+Thomas Warren, Israel Hayes, Peter Delannoye, and Christopher Pollard,
+Esquires, who were appointed commissioners, and sent over on purpose to
+receive the submissions of such pirates as should surrender, it was
+adjudged no other person was qualified to receive their surrender, and
+that they could not be entitled to the benefit of the said proclamation,
+because they had not in all circumstances complied with the conditions
+of it.
+
+Darby Mullins urged in his defence, that he served 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 commission, 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 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 seemed to be the best defence the thing could bear; but his taking
+a share of the plunder, the seamen's mutinying on board several times,
+and taking upon them to control the captain, showed there was no
+obedience paid to the commission; and that they acted in all things
+according to the custom of pirates and freebooters, which weighing with
+the jury, they brought him in guilty with the rest.
+
+As to Capt. Kidd's defence, he insisted much on his own innocence, and
+the villainy of his men. He said, he went out in a laudable employment
+and had no occasion, being then in good circumstances, to go a pirating;
+that the men often mutinied against him, and did as they pleased; that
+he was threatened to be shot in the 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
+condemned, 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 Kidd'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, proved of no manner of
+service to the prisoner on his trial.
+
+[Illustration: _Captain Kidd hanging in chains._]
+
+As to the friendship shown to Culliford, a notorious pirate, Kidd
+denied, 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 pirate. But the evidence being
+full and particular against him, he was found guilty as before
+mentioned.
+
+When Kidd 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 and wicked people_. And when sentence was
+pronounced, he said, _My Lord, it is a very hard sentence. For my part,
+I am the most innocent person of them all, only I have been sworn
+against by perjured persons_.
+
+Wherefore about a week after, Capt. Kidd, 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.
+
+Kidd died hard, for the rope with which he was first tied up broke with
+his weight and he tumbled to the ground. He was tied up a second time,
+and more effectually. Hence came the story of Kidd's being twice hung.
+
+Such is Captain Kidd's true history; but it has given birth to an
+innumerable progeny of traditions. The report of his having buried great
+treasures of gold and silver which he actually did before his arrest,
+set the brains of all the good people along the coast in a ferment.
+There were rumors on rumors of great sums of money found here and there,
+sometimes in one part of the country sometimes in another; of coins with
+Moorish inscriptions, doubtless the spoils of his eastern prizes.
+
+Some reported the treasure to have been buried in solitary, unsettled
+places about Plymouth and Cape Cod; but by degrees, various other parts,
+not only on the eastern coast but along the shores of the Sound, and
+even Manhattan and Long Island were gilded by these rumors. In fact the
+vigorous measures of Lord Bellamont had spread sudden consternation
+among the pirates in every part of the provinces; they had secreted
+their money and jewels in lonely out-of-the-way places, about the wild
+shores of the sea coast, and dispersed themselves over the country. The
+hand of justice prevented many of them from ever returning to regain
+their buried treasures, which remain to this day thus secreted, and are
+irrecoverably lost. This is the cause of those frequent reports of trees
+and rocks bearing mysterious marks, supposed to indicate the spots where
+treasure lay hidden; and many have been the ransackings after the
+pirates' booty. A rocky place on the shores of Long Island, called
+Kidd's Ledge, has received great attention from the money diggers; but
+they have not as yet discovered any treasures.
+
+
+
+THE BLOODY CAREER AND EXECUTION OF VINCENT BENAVIDES A
+PIRATE ON THE WEST COAST OF SOUTH AMERICA.
+
+
+Vincent Benavides was the son of the gaoler of Quirihue in the district
+of Conception. He was a man of ferocious manners, and had been guilty of
+several murders. Upon the breaking out of the revolutionary war, he
+entered the patriot army as a private soldier; and was a serjeant of
+grenadiers at the time of the first Chilian revolution. He, however,
+deserted to the Spaniards, and was taken prisoner in their service, when
+they sustained, on the plains of Maypo, on the 5th of April, 1818, that
+defeat which decided their fortunes in that part of America, and secured
+the independence of Chili. Benavides, his brother, and some other
+traitors to the Chilian cause, were sentenced to death, and brought
+forth in the Plaza, or public square of Santiago, in order to be shot.
+Benavides, though terribly wounded by the discharge, was not killed; but
+he had the presence of mind to counterfeit death in so perfect a manner,
+that the imposture was not suspected. The bodies of the traitors were
+not buried, but dragged away to a distance, and there left to be
+devoured by the gallinazos or vultures. The serjeant who had the
+superintendence of this part of the ceremony, had a personal hatred to
+Benavides, on account of that person having murdered some of his
+relations; and, to gratify his revenge, he drew his sword, and gave the
+dead body, (as he thought,) a severe gash in the side, as they were
+dragging it along. The resolute Benavides had fortitude to bear this
+also, without flinching or even showing the least indication of life;
+and one cannot help regretting that so determined a power of endurance
+had not been turned to a better purpose.
+
+Benavides lay like a dead man, in the heap of carcasses, until it became
+dark; and then, pierced with shot, and gashed by the sword as he was, he
+crawled to a neighboring cottage, the inhabitants of which received him
+with the greatest kindness, and attended him with the greatest care.
+
+The daring ruffian, who knew the value of his own talents and courage,
+being aware that General San Martin was planning the expedition to Peru,
+a service in which there would be much of desperation and danger, sent
+word to the General that he was alive, and invited him to a secret
+conference at midnight, in the same Plaza in which it was believed
+Benavides had been shot. The signal agreed upon, was, that they should
+strike fire three times with their flints, as that was not likely to be
+answered by any but the proper party, and yet was not calculated to
+awaken suspicion.
+
+San Martin, alone, and provided with a brace of pistols, met the
+desperado; and after a long conference, it was agreed that Benavides
+should, in the mean time, go out against the Araucan Indians; but that
+he should hold himself in readiness to proceed to Peru, when the
+expedition suited.
+
+Having procured the requisite passports, he proceeded to Chili, where,
+having again diverted the Chilians, he succeeded in persuading the
+commander of the Spanish troops, that he had force sufficient to carry
+on the war against Chili; and the commander in consequence retired to
+Valdivia, and left Benavides commander of the whole frontier on the
+Biobio.
+
+Having thus cleared the coast of the Spanish commander, he went over to
+the Araucans, or rather, he formed a band of armed robbers, who
+committed every cruelty, and were guilty of every perfidy in the south
+of Chili. Whereever Benavides came, his footsteps were marked with
+blood, and the old men, the women, and the children, were butchered lest
+they should give notice of his motions.
+
+When he had rendered himself formidable by land, he resolved to be
+equally powerful upon the sea. He equipped a corsair, with instructions
+to capture the vessels of all nations; and as Araucan is directly
+opposite the island of Santa Maria, where vessels put in for
+refreshment, after having doubled Cape Horn, his situation was well
+adapted for his purpose. He was but too successful. The first of his
+prizes was the American ship Hero, which he took by surprise in the
+night; the second, was the Herculia, a brig belonging to the same
+country. While the unconscious crew were proceeding, as usual, to catch
+seals on this island, lying about three leagues from the main land of
+Arauca, an armed body of men rushed from the woods, and overpowering
+them, tied their hands behind them, and left them under a guard on the
+beach. These were no other than the pirates, who now took the Herculia's
+own boats, and going on board, surprised the captain and four of his
+crew, who had remained to take care of the brig; and having brought off
+the prisoners from the beach, threw them all into the hold, closing the
+hatches over them. They then tripped the vessel's anchor, and sailing
+over in triumph to Arauca, were received by Benavides, with a salute of
+musketry fired under the Spanish flag, which it was their chief's
+pleasure to hoist on that day. In the course of the next night,
+Benavides ordered the captain and his crew to be removed to a house on
+shore, at some distance from the town; then taking them out, one by one,
+he stripped and pillaged them of all they possessed, threatening them
+the whole time with drawn swords and loaded muskets. Next morning he
+paid the prisoners a visit and ordered them to the capital, called
+together the principal people of the town, and desired each to select
+one as a servant. The captain and four others not happening to please
+the fancy of any one, Benavides, after saying he would himself take
+charge of the captain, gave directions, on pain of instant death, that
+some one should hold themselves responsible for the other prisoners.
+Some days after this they were called together, and required to serve as
+soldiers in the pirates army; an order to which they consented, knowing
+well by what they had already seen, that the consequence of refusal
+would be fatal.
+
+Benavides, though unquestionably a ferocious savage, was, nevertheless,
+a man of resource, full of activity, and of considerable energy of
+character. He converted the whale spears and harpoons into lances for
+his cavalry, and halberts for his sergeants; and out of the sails he
+made trowsers for half of his army; the carpenters he set to work making
+baggage carts and repairing his boats; the armourers he kept perpetually
+at work, mending muskets, and making pikes; managing in this way, to
+turn the skill of every one of his prisoners to some useful account. He
+treated the officers, too, not unkindly, allowed them to live in his
+house, and was very anxious on all occasions, to have their advice
+respecting the equipment of his troops.
+
+Upon one occasion, when walking with the captain of the Herculia, he
+remarked, that his army was now almost complete in every respect, except
+in one essential particular, and it cut him, he said to the soul, to
+think of such a deficiency; he had no trumpets for his cavalry, and
+added, that it was utterly impossible to make the fellows believe
+themselves dragoons, unless they heard a blast in their ears at every
+turn; and neither men nor horses would ever do their duty properly, if
+not roused to it by the sound of a trumpet; in short he declared, some
+device must be hit upon to supply this equipment. The captain, willing
+to ingratiate himself with the pirate, after a little reflection,
+suggested to him, that trumpets might easily be made of copper sheets on
+the bottoms of the vessels he had taken. "Very true," cried the
+delighted chief, "how came I not to think of that before?" Instantly
+all hands were employed in ripping off the copper, and the armourers
+being set to work under his personal superintendence, the whole camp,
+before night, resounded with the warlike blasts of the cavalry.
+
+The captain of the ship, who had given him the brilliant idea of the
+copper trumpets, had by these means, so far won upon his good will and
+confidence, as to be allowed a considerable range to walk on. He of
+course, was always looking out for some plan of escape, and at length an
+opportunity occurring, he, with the mate of the Ocean, and nine of his
+crew, seized two whale boats, imprudently left on the banks of the
+river, and rowed off. Before quitting the shore, they took the
+precaution of staving all the other boats, to prevent pursuit, and
+accordingly, though their escape was immediately discovered, they
+succeeded in getting so much the start of the people whom Benavides sent
+in pursuit of them, that they reached St. Mary's Island in safety. Here
+they caught several seals upon which they subsisted very miserably till
+they reached Valparaiso. It was in consequence of their report of
+Benavides proceedings made to Sir Thomas Hardy, the commander-in-chief,
+that he deemed it proper to send a ship to rescue if possible, the
+remaining unfortunate captives at Arauca.
+
+Benavides having manned the Herculia, it suited the mate, (the captain
+and crew being detained as hostages,) to sail with the brig to Chili,
+and seek aid from the Spanish governor. The Herculia returned with a
+twenty-four pounder, two field-pieces, eleven Spanish officers, and
+twenty soldiers, together with the most flattering letters and
+congratulations to the worthy ally of his Most Catholic Majesty. Soon
+after this he captured the Perseverance, English whaler, and the
+American brig Ocean, bound for Lima, with several thousand stand of arms
+on board. The captain of the Herculia, with the mate of the Ocean, and
+several men, after suffering great hardships, landed at Valparaiso, and
+gave notice of the proceedings of Benavides; and in consequence, Sir
+Thomas Hardy directed Captain Hall to proceed to Arauca with the convoy,
+to set the captives free, if possible.
+
+It was for the accomplishment of this service that Capt. Hall sailed
+from Valparaiso; and he called at Conception on his way, in order to
+glean information respecting the pirate. Here the Captain ascertained
+that Benavides was between two considerable bodies of Chilian force, on
+the Chilian side of the Biobio, and one of those bodies between him and
+the river.
+
+Having to wait two days at Conception for information, Captain Hall
+occupied them in observing the place; the country he describes as green
+and fertile, and having none of the dry and desert character of the
+environs of Valparaiso. Abundance of vegetables, wood, and also coals,
+are found on the shores of the bay.
+
+On the 12th of October, the captain heard of the defeat of Benavides,
+and his flight, alone, across the Biobio into the Araucan country; and
+also that two of the Americans whom he had taken with him had made their
+escape, and were on board the Chacabuco. As these were the only persons
+who could give Captain Hall information respecting the prisoners of whom
+he was in quest, he set out in search of the vessel, and after two days'
+search, found her at anchor near the island of Mocha. From thence he
+learned that the captain of the Ocean, with several English and American
+seamen had been left at Arauca, when Benavides went on his expedition,
+and he sailed for that place immediately.
+
+He was too late, however; the Chilian forces had already made a
+successful attack, and the Indians had fled, setting fire to the town
+and the ships. The Indians, who were in league with the Chilians, were
+every way as wild as those who arrayed themselves under Benavides. Capt.
+Hall, upon his return to Conception, though dissuaded from it by the
+governor, visited the Indian encampment.
+
+When the captain and his associates entered the courtyard, they observed
+a party seated on the ground, round a great tub of wine, who hailed
+their entrance with loud shouts, or rather yells, and boisterously
+demanded their business; to all appearance very little pleased with the
+interruption. The interpreter became alarmed, and wished them to retire;
+but this the captain thought imprudent, as each man had his long spear
+close at hand, resting against the eaves of the house. Had they
+attempted to escape they must have been taken, and possibly sacrificed,
+by these drunken savages. As their best chance seemed to lie in treating
+them without any show of distrust, they advanced to the circle with a
+good humored confidence, which appeased them considerably. One of the
+party rose and embraced them in the Indian fashion, which they had
+learned from the gentlemen who had been prisoners with Benavides. After
+this ceremony they roared out to them to sit down on the ground, and
+with the most boisterous hospitality, insisted on their drinking with
+them; a request which they cheerfully complied with. Their anger soon
+vanished, and was succeeded by mirth and satisfaction, which speedily
+became as outrageous as their displeasure had been at first. Seizing a
+favorable opportunity, Captain Hall stated his wish to have an interview
+with their chief, upon which a message was sent to him; but he did not
+think fit to show himself for a considerable time, during which they
+remained with the party round the tub, who continued swilling their wine
+like so many hogs. Their heads soon became affected, and their
+obstreperous mirth increasing every minute, the situation of the
+strangers became by no means agreeable.
+
+At length Peneleo's door opened, and the chief made his appearance; he
+did not condescend, however, to cross the threshold, but leaned against
+the door post to prevent falling, being by some degrees more drunk than
+any of his people. A more finished picture of a savage cannot be
+conceived. He was a tall, broad shouldered man; with a prodigiously
+large head, and a square-shaped bloated face, from which peeped out two
+very small eyes, partly hid by an immense superfluity of black, coarse,
+oily, straight hair, covering his cheeks, hanging over his shoulders,
+and rendering his head somewhat the shape and size of a bee-hive. Over
+his shoulders was thrown a poncho of coarse blanket stuff. He received
+them very gruffly, and appeared irritated and sulky at having been
+disturbed; he was still more offended when he learned that they wished
+to see his captive. They in vain endeavored to explain their real views;
+but he grunted out his answer in a tone and manner which showed them
+plainly that he neither did, nor wished to understand them.
+
+Whilst in conversation with Peneleo, they stole an occasional glance at
+his apartment. By the side of the fire burning in the middle of the
+floor, was seated a young Indian woman, with long black hair reaching to
+the ground; this, they conceived, could be no other than one of the
+unfortunate persons they were in search of; and they were somewhat
+disappointed to observe, that the lady was neither in tears, nor
+apparently very miserable; they therefore came away impressed with the
+unsentimental idea, that the amiable Peneleo had already made some
+impression on her young heart.
+
+Two Indians, who were not so drunk as the rest, followed them to the
+outside of the court, and told them that several foreigners had been
+taken by the Chilians in the battle near Chilian, and were now safe. The
+interpreter hinted to them that this was probably invented by these
+cunning people, on hearing their questions in the court; but he advised
+them, as a matter of policy, to give them each a piece of money, and to
+get away as far as they could.
+
+Captain Hall returned to Conception on the 23d of October, reached
+Valparaiso on the 26th, and in two weeks thereafter, the men of whom he
+was in search, made their appearance.
+
+The bloody career of Benavides now drew near to a close. The defeat on
+the Chilian side of the Biobio, and the burning of Arauca with the loss
+of his vessels, he never recovered. At length, in the end of December
+1821, discovering the miserable state to which he was reduced, he
+entreated the Intendant of Conception, that he might be received on
+giving himself up along with his partisans. This generous chief accepted
+his offer, and informed the supreme government; but in the meantime
+Benavides embarked in a launch, at the mouth of the river Lebo, and
+fled, with the intention of joining a division of the enemy's army,
+which he supposed to be at some one of the ports on the south coast of
+Peru. It was indeed absurd to expect any good faith from such an
+intriguer; for in his letters at this time, he offered his services to
+Chili and promised fidelity, while his real intention was still to
+follow the enemy. He finally left the unhappy province of Conception,
+the theatre of so many miserable scenes, overwhelmed with the misery
+which he had caused, without ever recollecting that it was in that
+province that he had first drawn his breath.
+
+His despair in the boat made his conduct insupportable to those who
+accompanied him, and they rejoiced when they were obliged to put into
+the harbor of Topocalma in search of water of which they had run short.
+He was now arrested by some patriotic individuals. From the notorious
+nature of his crimes, alone, even the most impartial stranger would have
+condemned him to the last punishment; but the supreme government wished
+to hear what he had to say for himself, and ordered him to be tried
+according to the laws. It appearing on his trial that he had placed
+himself beyond the laws of society, such punishment was awarded him as
+any one of his crimes deserved. As a pirate, he merited death, and as a
+destroyer of whole towns, it became necessary to put him to death in
+such a manner as might satisfy outraged humanity, and terrify others who
+should dare to imitate him. In pursuance of the sentence passed upon
+him, he was dragged from the prison in a pannier tied to the tail of a
+mule, and was hanged in the great square; his head and hands were
+afterwards cut off, in order to their being placed upon high poles, to
+point out the places of his horrid crimes, Santa Juona, Tarpellanca and
+Arauca.
+
+[Illustration: _The head of Benavides stuck on a pole._]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN DAVIS
+
+
+_With an account of his surprising the Fort at Gambia_.
+
+Davis was born in Monmouthshire, and, from a boy, trained to the sea.
+His last voyage from England was in the sloop Cadogan from Bristol, in
+the character of chief mate. This vessel was captured by the pirate
+England, upon the Guinea coast, whose companions plundered the crew, and
+murdered the captain, as is related in England's life.
+
+Upon the death of Captain Skinner, Davis pretended that he was urged by
+England to become a pirate, but that he resolutely refused. He added,
+that England, pleased with his conduct, had made him captain in room of
+Skinner, giving him a sealed paper, which he was not to open until he
+was in a certain latitude, and then expressly to follow the given
+directions. When he arrived in the appointed place, he collected the
+whole crew, and solemnly read his sealed instructions, which contained a
+generous grant of the ship and all her stores to Davis and his crew,
+requesting them to go to Brazil, and dispose of the cargo to the best
+advantage, and make an equal division of the money.
+
+Davis then commanded the crew to signify whether they were inclined to
+follow that mode of life, when, to his astonishment and chagrin, the
+majority positively refused. Then, in a transport of rage, he desired
+them to go where they would.
+
+Knowing that part of the cargo was consigned to merchants in Barbadoes,
+they directed their course to that place. When arrived there, they
+informed the merchants of the unfortunate death of Skinner, and of the
+proposal which had been made to them. Davis was accordingly seized, and
+committed to prison, but he having never been in the pirate service,
+nothing could be proved to condemn him, and he was discharged without a
+trial. Convinced that he could never hope for employment in that quarter
+after this detection, he went to the island of Providence, which he knew
+to be a rendezvous for pirates. Upon his arrival there, he was
+grievously disappointed, because the pirates who frequented that place
+had just accepted of his majesty's pardon, and had surrendered.
+
+Captain Rogers having equipped two sloops for trade, Davis obtained
+employment in one of these, called the Buck. They were laden with
+European goods to a considerable value, which they were to sell or
+exchange with the French and Spanish. They first touched at the island
+of Martinique, belonging to the French, and Davis knowing that many of
+the men were formerly in the pirate service, enticed them to seize the
+master, and to run off with the sloop. When they had effected their
+purpose, they hailed the other ship, in which they knew that there were
+many hands ripe for rebellion, and coming to, the greater part joined
+Davis. Those who did not choose to adhere to them were allowed to remain
+in the other sloop, and continue their course, after Davis had pillaged
+her of what things he pleased.
+
+In full possession of the vessel and stores and goods, a large bowl of
+punch was made; under its exhilarating influence, it was proposed to
+choose a commander, and to form their future mode of policy. The
+election was soon over, and a large majority of legal votes were in
+favor of Davis, and no scrutiny demanded, Davis was declared duly
+elected. He then drew up a code of laws, to which he himself swore, and
+required the same bond of alliance from all the rest of the crew. He
+then addressed them in a short and appropriate speech, the substance of
+which was, a proclamation of war with the whole world.
+
+They next consulted, what part would be most convenient to clean the
+vessel, and it was resolved to repair to Coxon's Hole, at the east end
+of the island of Cuba, where they could remain in perfect security, as
+the entrance was so narrow that one ship could keep out a hundred.
+
+They, however, had no small difficulty in cleaning their vessel, as
+there was no carpenter among them. They performed that laborious task in
+the best manner they could, and then made to the north side of
+Hispaniola. The first sail they met with was a French ship of twelve
+guns, which they captured; and while they were plundering her, another
+appeared in view. Enquiring of the Frenchmen, they learned that she was
+a ship of twenty-four guns and sixty men. Davis proposed to his crew to
+attack her, assuring them that she would prove a rich prize. This
+appeared to the crew such a hazardous enterprise, that they were rather
+adverse to the measure. But he acquainted them that he had conceived a
+stratagem that he was confident would succeed; they might, therefore,
+safely leave the matter to his management. He then commenced chase, and
+ordered his prize to do the same. Being a better sailer, he soon came up
+with the enemy, and showed his black colors. With no small surprise at
+his insolence in coming so near them, they commanded him to strike. He
+replied, that he was disposed to give them employment until his
+companion came up, who was able to contend with them; meanwhile assuring
+them that, if they did not strike to him, it would most certainly fare
+the worse for them: then giving them a broadside, he received the same
+in return.
+
+When the other pirate ship drew near, they, according to the directions
+of Davis, appeared upon deck in white shirts, which making an appearance
+of numbers, the Frenchman was intimidated, and struck. Davis ordered
+the captain with twenty of his men to come on board, and they were all
+put in irons except the captain. He then despatched four of his men to
+the other ship, and calling aloud to them, desired that his compliments
+should be given to the captain, with a request to send a sufficient
+number of hands to go on board their new prize, to see what they had got
+in her. At the same time, he gave them a written paper with their proper
+instructions, even to nail up the small guns, to take out all the arms
+and powder, and to go every man on board the new prize. When his men
+were on board her, he ordered the greater part of the prisoners to be
+removed into the empty vessels, and by this means secured himself from
+any attempt to recover their ship.
+
+During three days, these three vessels sailed in company, but finding
+that his late prize was a heavy sailer, he emptied her of everything
+that he stood in need of, and then restored her to the captain with all
+his men. The French captain was so much enraged at being thus miserably
+deceived, that, upon the discovery of the stratagem, he would have
+thrown himself overboard, had not his men prevented him.
+
+Captain Davis then formed the resolution of parting with the other
+prize-ship also, and soon afterwards steered northward, and took a
+Spanish sloop. He next directed his course towards the western islands,
+and from Cape de Verd islands cast anchor at St. Nicholas, and hoisted
+English colors. The Portuguese supposed that he was a privateer, and
+Davis going on shore was hospitably received, and they traded with him
+for such articles as they found most advantageous. He remained here five
+weeks, and he and half of his crew visited the principal town of the
+island. Davis, from his appearing in the dress of a gentleman, was
+greatly caressed by the Portuguese, and nothing was spared to entertain
+and render him and his men happy. Having amused themselves during a
+week, they returned to the ship, and allowed the other half of the crew
+to visit the capital, and enjoy themselves in like manner. Upon their
+return, they cleaned their ship and put to sea, but four of the men were
+so captivated with the ladies and the luxuries of the place, that they
+remained in the island, and one of them married and settled there.
+
+Davis now sailed for Bonavista, and perceiving nothing in that harbor
+steered for the Isle of May. Arrived there, he found several vessels in
+the harbor, and plundered them of whatever he found necessary. He also
+received a considerable reinforcement of men, the greater part of whom
+entered willingly into the piratical service. He likewise made free with
+one of the ships, equipped her for his own purpose, and called her the
+King James. Davis next proceeded to St. Jago to take in water. Davis,
+with some others going on shore to seek water, the governor came to
+inquire who they were, and expressed his suspicion of their being
+pirates. Upon this, Davis seemed highly affronted, and expressed his
+displeasure in the most polite but determined manner. He, however,
+hastened on board, informed his men, and suggested the possibility of
+surprising the fort during the night. Accordingly, all his men being
+well armed, they advanced to the assault; and, from the carelessness of
+the guards, they were in the garrison before the inhabitants were
+alarmed. Upon the discovery of their danger, they took shelter in the
+governor's house, and fortified it against the pirates: but the latter
+throwing in some grando shells, ruined the furniture, and killed several
+people.
+
+The alarm was circulated in the morning, and the country assembled to
+attack them; but, unwilling to stand a siege, the pirates dismounted the
+guns, pillaged the fort, and fled to their ships.
+
+When at sea, they mustered their hands, and found that they were seventy
+strong. They then consulted among themselves what course they should
+steer, and were divided in opinion; but by a majority it was carried to
+sail for Gambia, on the coast of Guinea. Of this opinion was the
+captain, who having been employed in that trade, was acquainted with the
+coast; and informed his companions, that there was always a large
+quantity of money deposited in that castle, and he was confident, if the
+matter was entrusted to him, he should successfully storm that fort.
+From their experience of his former prudence and courage, they
+cheerfully submitted to his direction, in the full assurance of success.
+
+Arrived at Gambia, he ordered all his men below, except just so many as
+were necessary to work the vessel, that those from the fort, seeing so
+few hands, might have no suspicion that she was any other than a trading
+vessel. He then ran under the fort and cast anchor, and having ordered
+out the boat, manned with six men indifferently dressed, he, with the
+master and doctor, dressed themselves like gentlemen, in order that the
+one party might look like foremastmen, and the other like merchants. In
+rowing ashore, he instructed his men what to say if any questions were
+put to them by the garrison.
+
+On reaching land, the party was conducted by a file of musqueteers into
+the fort, and kindly received by the governor, who enquired what they
+were, and whence they came? They replied, that they were from Liverpool,
+and bound for the river Senegal, to trade for gum and elephants teeth;
+but that they were chased on that coast by two French men-of-war, and
+narrowly escaped being taken. "We were now disposed," continued Davis,
+"to make the best of our voyage, and would willingly trade here for
+slaves." The governor then inquired what were the principal articles of
+their cargo. They replied, that they were iron and plate, which were
+necessary articles in that place. The governor then said, that he would
+give them slaves for all their cargo; and asked if they had any European
+liquor on board. They answered, that they had a little for their own
+use, but that he should have a hamper of it. He then treated them with
+the greatest civility, and desired them all to dine with him. Davis
+answered, that as he was commander of the vessel, it would be necessary
+for him to go down to see if she were properly moored, and to give some
+other directions; but that these gentlemen might stay, and he would
+return before dinner, and bring the hamper with him.
+
+While in the fort, his eyes were keenly employed to discover the
+position of the arms, and how the fort might most successfully be
+surprised. He discovered that there was a sentry standing near a
+guard-house, in which there were a quantity of arms heaped up in a
+corner, and that a considerable number of small arms were in the
+governor's hall. When he went on board, he ordered some hands on board a
+sloop lying at anchor, lest, hearing any bustle they should come to the
+aid of the castle; then desiring his men to avoid too much liquor, and
+to be ready when he should hoist the flag from the walls, to come to his
+assistance, he proceeded to the castle.
+
+Having taken these precautions and formed these arrangements, he ordered
+every man who was to accompany him to arm himself with two pair of
+pistols, which he himself also did, concealed under their clothes. He
+then directed them to go into the guard-room, and fall into
+conversation, and immediately upon his firing a pistol out of the
+governor's window, to shut the men up, and secure the arms in the
+guard-room.
+
+When Davis arrived, dinner not being ready, the governor proposed that
+they should pass the time in making a bowl of punch. Davis's boatswain
+attending him, had an opportunity of visiting all parts of the house,
+and observing their strength. He whispered his intelligence to his
+master, who being surrounded by his own friends, and seeing the governor
+unattended by any of his retinue, presented a pistol to the breast of
+the latter, informing him that he was a dead man, unless he should
+surrender the fort and all its riches. The governor, thus taken by
+surprise, was compelled to submit; for Davis took down all the pistols
+that hung in the hall, and loaded them. He then fired his pistol out of
+the window. His men flew like lions, presented their pistols to the
+soldiers, and while some carried out the arms, the rest secured the
+military, and shut them all up in the guard-house, placing a guard on
+the door. Then one of them struck the union flag on the top of the
+castle, which the men from the vessel perceiving, rushed to the combat,
+and in an instant were in possession of the castle, without tumult or
+bloodshed.
+
+Davis then harrangued the soldiers, many of whom enlisted with him; and
+those who declined, he put on board the small ships, and to prevent the
+necessity of a guard, or the possibility of escape, carried off the
+sails, rigging and cables.
+
+That day being spent in feasting and rejoicing, the castle saluting the
+ship, and the ship the castle, on the day following they proceeded to
+examine the contents of their prize. They, however, were greatly
+disappointed in their expectations, a large sum of money having been
+sent off a few days before. But they found money to the amount of about
+two thousand pounds in gold, and many valuable articles of different
+kinds. They carried on board their vessel whatever they deemed useful,
+gave several articles to the captain and crew of the small vessel, and
+allowed them to depart, while they dismounted the guns, and demolished
+the fortifications.
+
+After doing all the mischief that their vicious minds could possibly
+devise, they weighed anchor; but in the mean time, perceiving a sail
+bearing towards them with all possible speed, they hastened to prepare
+for her reception, and made towards her. Upon her near approach they
+discovered that she was a French pirate of fourteen guns and sixty-four
+men, the one half French, and the other half negroes.
+
+The Frenchman was in high expectation of a rich prize, but when he came
+nearer, he suspected, from the number of her guns and men, that she was
+a small English man-of-war; he determined, notwithstanding, upon the
+bold attempt of boarding her, and immediately fired a gun, and hoisted
+his black colors: Davis immediately returned the compliment. The
+Frenchman was highly gratified at this discovery; both hoisted out their
+boats, and congratulated each other. Mutual civilities and good offices
+passed, and the French captain proposed to Davis to sail down the coast
+with him, in order to look out for a better ship, assuring him that the
+very first that could be captured should be his, as he was always
+willing to encourage an industrious brother.
+
+They first touched at Sierra Leone, where they espied a large vessel,
+and Davis being the swifter sailer, came first up with him. He was not a
+little surprised that she did not endeavor to make off, and began to
+suspect her strength. When he came alongside of her, she fired a whole
+broadside, and hoisted black colors. Davis did the same, and fired a gun
+to leeward. The satisfaction of these brothers in iniquity was mutual,
+at having thus acquired so much additional strength and ability to
+undertake more formidable adventures. Two days were devoted to mirth and
+song, and upon the third, Davis and Cochlyn, the captain of the new
+confederate, agreed to go in the French pirate ship to attack the fort.
+When they approached, the men in the fort, apprehensive of their
+character and intentions, fired all the guns upon them at once. The ship
+returned the fire, and afforded employment until the other two ships
+arrived, when the men in the fort seeing such a number on board, lost
+courage, and abandoned the fort to the mercy of the robbers.
+
+They took possession, remained there seven weeks, and cleaned their
+vessels. They then called a council of war, to deliberate concerning
+future undertakings, when it was resolved to sail down the coast in
+company; and, for the greater regularity and grandeur, Davis was chosen
+Commodore. That dangerous enemy, strong drink, had well nigh, however,
+sown the seeds of discord among these affectionate brethren. But Davis,
+alike prepared for council or for war, addressed them to the following
+purport: "Hear ye, you Cochlyn and La Boise, (which was the name of the
+French captain) I find, by strengthening you, I have put a rod into your
+hands to whip myself; but I am still able to deal with you both:
+however, since we met in love, let us part in love; for I find that
+three of a trade can never agree long together." Upon this, the other
+two went on board of their respective ships, and steered different
+courses.
+
+Davis held down the coast, and reaching Cape Appolonia he captured three
+vessels, two English and one Scottish, plundered them, and allowed them
+to proceed. In five days after he met with a Dutchman of thirty guns and
+ninety men. She gave Davis a broadside, and killed nine of his men; a
+desperate engagement ensued, which continued from one o'clock at noon
+until nine next morning, when the Dutchman struck.
+
+Davis equipped her for the pirate service, and called her "The Rover."
+With his two ships he sailed for the bay of Anamaboa, which he entered
+about noon, and took several vessels which were there waiting to take in
+negroes, gold, and elephants' teeth. Davis made a present of one of
+these vessels to the Dutch captain and his crew, and allowed them to go
+in quest of their fortune. When the fort had intelligence that they were
+pirates, they fired at them, but without any effect; Davis fired also,
+and hoisted the black colors, but deemed it prudent to depart.
+
+The next day after he left Anamaboa, the man at the mast-head discovered
+a sail. It may be proper to inform our readers, that, according to the
+laws of pirates, the man who first discovers a vessel, is entitled to
+the best pair of pistols in the ship, and such is the honor attached to
+these, that a pair of them has been known to sell for thirty pounds.
+
+Davis pursued that vessel, which, being between him and the shore,
+labored hard to run aground. Davis perceiving this, got between her and
+the land, and fired a broadside at her, when she immediately struck. She
+proved to be a very rich prize, having on board the Governor of Acra,
+with all his substance, going to Holland. There was in money to the
+amount of fifteen thousand pounds, besides a large quantity of merchant
+goods, and other valuable articles.
+
+Before they reached the Isle of Princes, the St. James sprang a leak, so
+that the men and the valuable articles were removed into Davis's own
+ship. When he came in sight of the fort he hoisted English colors. The
+Portuguese, seeing a large ship sailing towards the shore, sent a sloop
+to discover her character and destination. Davis informed them, that he
+was an English man-of-war, sent out in search of some pirates which they
+had heard were in this quarter. Upon this, he was piloted into the port,
+and anchored below the guns at the fort. The governor was happy to have
+Englishmen in his harbor; and to do honor to Davis, sent down a file of
+musqueteers to escort him into the fort, while Davis, the more to cover
+his design, ordered nine men, according to the custom of the English, to
+row him on shore.
+
+Davis also took the opportunity of cleaning and preparing all things for
+renewing his operations. He, however, could not contentedly leave the
+fort, without receiving some of the riches of the island. He formed a
+scheme to accomplish his purpose, and communicated the same to his men.
+He design was to make the governor a present of a few negroes in return
+for his kindness; then to invite him, with a few of the principal men
+and friars belonging to the island, to dine on board his ship, and
+secure them all in irons, until each of them should give a large ransom.
+They were accordingly invited, and very readily consented to go: and
+deeming themselves honored by his attention, all that were invited,
+would certainly have gone on board. Fortunately however, for them, a
+negro, who was privy to the horrible plan of Davis, swam on shore during
+the night, and gave information of the danger to the governor.
+
+[Illustration: _Retreat of the Pirates and Death of Captain Davis._]
+
+The governor occupied the whole night in strengthening the defences and
+posting the men in the most advantageous places. Soon after day-break,
+the pirates, with Captain Davis at their head were discovered landing
+from the boats; and quickly marched across the open space toward the
+fort. A brisk fire was opened upon them from the fort, which they
+returned in a spirited manner. At length, a hand grenade, thrown from
+the wooden veranda of the fort killed three of the pirates; but several
+of the Portuguese were killed. The veranda of the fort being of wood and
+very dry, it was set fire to by the pirates. This was a great advantage
+to the attacking party, who could now distinguish those in the fort
+without their being so clearly seen themselves; but at this moment
+Captain Davis fell, mortally wounded by a musket ball in his belly. The
+fall of their chief, and the determined resistance of those in the fort,
+checked the impetuosity of the assailants. They hesitated, and at last
+retreated, bearing away with them their wounded commander. The
+Portuguese cheered, and led on by the governor, now became the
+assailants. Still the pirates' retreat was orderly; they fired and
+retired rank behind rank successively. They kept the Portuguese at bay
+until they had arrived at the boats, when a charge was made and a severe
+conflict ensued. But the pirates had lost too many men; and without
+their Captain, felt dispirited. As they lifted Davis into the boat in
+his dying agonies he fired his pistols at his pursuers. They now pulled
+with all their might to escape from the muskets of the Portuguese, who
+followed them along the banks of the river, annoying them in their
+retreat to the vessel. And those on board, who expected to hoist in
+treasure had to receive naught but their wounded comrades and dead
+commander.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+AUTHENTIC HISTORY OF THE MALAY PIRATES OF THE INDIAN OCEAN.
+
+
+_With a Narrative of the Expedition against the Inhabitants of Quallah
+Battoo, commanded by Commodore Downes_.
+
+A glance at the map of the East India Islands will convince us that this
+region of the globe must, from its natural configuration and locality;
+be peculiarly liable to become the seat of piracy. These islands form an
+immense cluster, lying as if it were in the high road which connects the
+commercial nations of Europe and Asia with each other, affording a
+hundred fastnesses from which to waylay the traveller. A large
+proportion of the population is at the same time confined to the coasts
+or the estuaries of rivers; they are fishermen and mariners; they are
+barbarous and poor, therefore rapacious, faithless and sanguinary. These
+are circumstances, it must be confessed, which militate strongly to
+beget a piratical character. It is not surprising, then, that the Malays
+should have been notorious for their depredations from our first
+acquaintance with them.
+
+Among the tribes of the Indian Islands, the most noted for their
+piracies are, of course, the most idle, and the least industrious, and
+particularly such as are unaccustomed to follow agriculture or trade as
+regular pursuits. The agricultural tribes of Java, and many of Sumatra,
+never commit piracy at all; and the most civilized inhabitants of
+Celebes are very little addicted to this vice.
+
+Among the most confirmed pirates are the true Malays, inhabiting the
+small islands about the eastern extremity of the straits of Malacca, and
+those lying between Sumatra and Borneo, down to Billitin and Cavimattir.
+Still more noted than these, are the inhabitants of certain islands
+situated between Borneo and the Phillipines, of whom the most desperate
+and enterprising are the Soolos and Illanoons, the former inhabiting a
+well known group of islands of the same name, and the latter being one
+of the most numerous nations of the great island of Magindando. The
+depredations of the proper Malays extend from Junkceylon to Java,
+through its whole coast, as far as Grip to Papir and Kritti, in Borneo
+and the western coast of Celebes. In another direction they infest the
+coasting trade of the Cochin Chinese and Siamese nations in the Gulf of
+Siam, finding sale for their booty, and shelter for themselves in the
+ports of Tringham, Calantan and Sahang. The most noted piratical
+stations of these people are the small islands about Lingin and Rhio,
+particularly Galang, Tamiang and Maphar. The chief of this last has
+seventy or eighty proas fit to undertake piratical expeditions.
+
+The Soolo pirates chiefly confine their depredations to the Phillipine
+Islands, which they have continued to infest, with little interruption,
+for near three centuries, in open defiance of the Spanish authorities,
+and the numerous establishments maintained to check them. The piracies
+of the Illanoons, on the contrary, are widely extended, being carried on
+all the way from their native country to the Spice Islands, on one side,
+and to the Straits of Malacca on the other. In these last, indeed, they
+have formed, for the last few years, two permanent establishments; one
+of these situated on Sumatra, near Indragiri, is called Ritti, and the
+other a small island on the coast of Linga, is named Salangut. Besides
+those who are avowed pirates, it ought to be particularly noticed that a
+great number of the Malayan princes must be considered as accessories to
+their crimes, for they afford them protection, contribute to their
+outfit, and often share in their booty; so that a piratical proa is too
+commonly more welcome in their harbours than a fair trader.
+
+The Malay piratical proas are from six to eight tons burden, and run
+from six to eight fathoms in length. They carry from one to two small
+guns, with commonly four swivels or rantakas to each side, and a crew of
+from twenty to thirty men. When they engage, they put up a strong
+bulwark of thick plank; the Illanoon proas are much larger and more
+formidable, and commonly carry from four to six guns, and a
+proportionable number of swivels, and have not unfrequently a double
+bulwark covered with buffalo hides; their crews consist of from forty to
+eighty men. Both, of course, are provided with spears, krisses, and as
+many fire arms as they can procure. Their modes of attack are cautious
+and cowardly, for plunder and not fame is their object. They lie
+concealed under the land, until they find a fit object and opportunity.
+The time chosen is when a vessel runs aground, or is becalmed, in the
+interval between the land and sea breezes. A vessel underway is seldom
+or never attacked. Several of the marauders attack together, and station
+themselves under the bows and quarters of a ship when she has no longer
+steerage way, and is incapable of pointing her guns. The action
+continues often for several hours, doing very little mischief; but when
+the crew are exhausted with the defence, or have expended their
+ammunition, the pirates take this opportunity of boarding in a mass.
+This may suggest the best means of defence. A ship, when attacked during
+a calm, ought, perhaps, rather to stand on the defensive, and wait if
+possible the setting in of the sea breeze, than attempt any active
+operations, which would only fatigue the crew, and disable them from
+making the necessary defence when boarding is attempted. Boarding
+netting, pikes and pistols, appear to afford effectual security; and,
+indeed, we conceive that a vessel thus defended by resolute crews of
+Europeans or Americans stand but little danger from any open attack of
+pirates whatsoever; for their guns are so ill served, that neither the
+hull or the rigging of a vessel can receive much damage from them,
+however much protracted the contest. The pirates are upon the whole
+extremely impartial in the selection of their prey, making little choice
+between natives and strangers, giving always, however, a natural
+preference to the most timid, and the most easily overcome.
+
+When an expedition is undertaken by the Malay pirates, they range
+themselves under the banner of some piratical chief noted for his
+courage and conduct. The native prince of the place where it is
+prepared, supplies the adventurers with arms, ammunition and opium, and
+claims as his share of the plunder, the female captives, the cannon, and
+one third of all the rest of the booty.
+
+In Nov. 1827, a principal chief of pirates, named Sindana, made a
+descent upon Mamoodgoo with forty-five proas, burnt three-fourths of the
+campong, driving the rajah with his family among the mountains. Some
+scores of men were killed, and 300 made prisoners, besides women and
+children to half that amount. In December following, when I was there,
+the people were slowly returning from the hills, but had not yet
+attempted to rebuild the campong, which lay in ashes. During my stay
+here (ten weeks) the place was visited by two other piratical chiefs,
+one of which was from Kylie, the other from Mandhaar Point under Bem
+Bowan, who appeared to have charge of the whole; between them they had
+134 proas of all sizes.
+
+Among the most desperate and successful pirates of the present day,
+Raga is most distinguished. He is dreaded by people of all
+denominations, and universally known as the "prince of pirates." For
+more than seventeen years this man has carried on a system of piracy to
+an extent never before known; his expeditions and enterprises would fill
+a large volume. They have invariably been marked with singular cunning
+and intelligence, barbarity, and reckless inattention to the shedding of
+human blood. He has emissaries every where, and has intelligence of the
+best description. It was about the year 1813 Raga commenced operations
+on a large scale. In that year he cut off three English vessels, killing
+the captains with his own hands. So extensive were his depredations
+about that time that a proclamation was issued from Batavia, declaring
+the east coast of Borneo to be under strict blockade. Two British sloops
+of war scoured the coast. One of which, the Elk, Capt. Reynolds, was
+attacked during the night by Raga's own proa, who unfortunately was not
+on board at the time. This proa which Raga personally commanded, and the
+loss of which he frequently laments, carried eight guns and was full of
+his best men.
+
+[Illustration: _A Piratical Proa in Full Chase._]
+
+An European vessel was faintly descried about three o'clock one foggy
+morning; the rain fell in torrents; the time and weather were favorable
+circumstances for a surprise, and the commander determined to
+distinguish himself in the absence of the Rajah Raga, gave directions to
+close, fire the guns and board. He was the more confident of success, as
+the European vessel was observed to keep away out of the proper course
+on approaching her. On getting within about an hundred fathoms of the
+Elk they fired their broadside, gave a loud shout, and with their long
+oars pulled towards their prey. The sound of a drum beating to quarters
+no sooner struck the ear of the astonished Malays than they endeavored
+to get away: it was too late; the ports were opened, and a broadside,
+accompanied with three British cheers, gave sure indications of their
+fate. The captain hailed the Elk, and would fain persuade him it was a
+mistake. It was indeed a mistake, and one not to be rectified by the
+Malayan explanation. The proa was sunk by repeated broadsides, and the
+commanding officer refused to pick up any of the people, who, with the
+exception of five were drowned; these, after floating four days on some
+spars, were picked up by a Pergottan proa, and told the story to Raga,
+who swore anew destruction to every European he should henceforth take.
+This desperado has for upwards of seventeen years been the terror of the
+Straits of Macassar, during which period he has committed the most
+extensive and dreadful excesses sparing no one. Few respectable families
+along the coast of Borneo and Celebes but have to complain of the loss
+of a proa, or of some number of their race; he is not more universally
+dreaded than detested; it is well known that he has cut off and murdered
+the crews of more than forty European vessels, which have either been
+wrecked on the coasts, or entrusted themselves in native ports. It is
+his boast that twenty of the commanders have fallen by his hands. The
+western coast of Celebes, for about 250 miles, is absolutely lined with
+proas belonging principally to three considerable rajahs, who act in
+conjunction with Raga and other pirates. Their proas may be seen in
+clusters of from 50, 80, and 100 (at Sediano I counted 147 laying on the
+sand at high water mark in parallel rows,) and kept in a horizontal
+position by poles, completely ready for the sea. Immediately behind them
+are the campongs, in which are the crews; here likewise are kept the
+sails, gunpowder, &c. necessary for their equipment. On the very summits
+of the mountains, which in many parts rise abruptly from the sea, may be
+distinguished innumerable huts; here reside people who are constantly on
+the lookout. A vessel within ten miles of the shore will not probably
+perceive a single proa, yet in less than two hours, if the tide be high,
+she may be surrounded by some hundreds. Should the water be low they
+will push off during the night. Signals are made from mountain to
+mountain along the coast with the utmost rapidity; during the day time
+by flags attached to long bamboos; at night, by fires. Each chief sends
+forth his proas, the crews of which, in hazardous cases, are infuriated
+with opium, when they will most assuredly take the vessel if she be not
+better provided than most merchantmen.
+
+Mr. Dalton, who went to the Pergottan river in 1830 says, "whilst I
+remained here, there were 71 proas of considerable sizes, 39 of which
+were professed pirates. They were anchored off the point of a small
+promontory, on which the rajah has an establishment and bazaar. The
+largest of these proas belonged to Raga, who received by the fleet of
+proas, in which I came, his regular supplies of arms and ammunition from
+Singapore. Here nestle the principal pirates, and Raga holds his head
+quarters; his grand depot was a few miles farther up. Rajah Agi Bota
+himself generally resides some distance up a small river which runs
+eastward of the point; near his habitation stands the principal bazaar,
+which would be a great curiosity for an European to visit if he could
+only manage to return, which very few have. The Raga gave me a pressing
+invitation to spend a couple of days at his country house, but all the
+Bugis' nacodahs strongly dissuaded me from such an attempt. I soon
+discovered the cause of their apprehension; they were jealous of Agi
+Bota, well knowing he would plunder me, and considered every article
+taken by him was so much lost to the Sultan of Coti, who naturally would
+expect the people to reserve me for his own particular plucking. When
+the fact was known of an European having arrived in the Pergottan river,
+this amiable prince and friend of Europeans, impatient to seize his
+prey, came immediately to the point from his country house, and sending
+for the nacodah of the proa, ordered him to land me and all my goods
+instantly. An invitation now came for me to go on shore and amuse myself
+with shooting, and look at some rare birds of beautiful plumage which
+the rajah would give me if I would accept of them; but knowing what were
+his intentions, and being well aware that I should be supported by all
+the Bugis' proas from Coti, I feigned sickness, and requested that the
+birds might be sent on board. Upon this Agi Bota, who could no longer
+restrain himself, sent off two boats of armed men, who robbed me of many
+articles, and would certainly have forced me on shore, or murdered me in
+the proa had not a signal been made to the Bugis' nacodahs, who
+immediately came with their people, and with spears and krisses, drove
+the rajah's people overboard. The nacodahs, nine in number, now went on
+shore, when a scene of contention took place showing clearly the
+character of this chief. The Bugis from Coti explained, that with regard
+to me it was necessary to be particularly circumspect, as I was not only
+well known at Singapore, but the authorities in that settlement knew
+that I was on board the Sultan's proa, and they themselves were
+responsible for my safety. To this circumstance alone I owe my life on
+several occasions, as in the event of any thing happening to me, every
+nacodah was apprehensive of his proa being seized on his return to
+Singapore; I was therefore more peculiarly cared for by this class of
+men, and they are powerful. The rajah answered the nacodahs by saying, I
+might be disposed of as many others had been, and no further notice
+taken of the circumstance; he himself would write to Singapore that I
+had been taken by an alligator, or bitten by a snake whilst out
+shooting; and as for what property I might have in the proa he would
+divide it with the Sultan of Coti. The Bugis, however, refused to listen
+to any terms, knowing the Sultan of Coti would call him to an account
+for the property, and the authorities of Singapore for my life. Our
+proa, with others, therefore dropped about four miles down the river,
+where we took in fresh water. Here we remained six days, every argument
+being in vain to entice me on shore. At length the Bugis' nacodahs came
+to the determination to sail without passes, which brought the rajah to
+terms. The proas returned to the point, and I was given to understand I
+might go on shore in safety. I did so, and was introduced to the rajah
+whom I found under a shed, with about 150 of his people; they were busy
+gambling, and had the appearance of what they really are, a ferocious
+set of banditti. Agi Bota is a good looking man, about forty years of
+age, of no education whatever; he divides his time between gaming, opium
+and cockfighting; that is in the interval of his more serious and
+profitable employment, piracy and rapine. He asked me to produce what
+money I had about me; on seeing only ten rupees, he remarked that it was
+not worth while to win so small a sum, but that if I would fight cocks
+with him he would lend me as much money as I wanted, and added it was
+beneath his dignity to fight under fifty reals a battle. On my saying it
+was contrary to an Englishman's religion to bet wagers, he dismissed me;
+immediately after the two rajahs produced their cocks and commenced
+fighting for one rupee a side. I was now obliged to give the old
+Baudarre five rupees to take some care of me, as whilst walking about,
+the people not only thrust their hands into my pockets, but pulled the
+buttons from my clothes. Whilst sauntering behind the rajah's campong I
+caught sight of an European woman, who on perceiving herself observed,
+instantly ran into one of the houses, no doubt dreading the consequences
+of being recognized. There are now in the house of Agi Bota two European
+women; up the country there are others, besides several men. The Bugis,
+inimical to the rajah, made no secret of the fact; I had heard of it on
+board the proa, and some person in the bazaar confirmed the statement.
+On my arrival, strict orders had been given to the inhabitants to put
+all European articles out of sight. One of my servants going into the
+bazaar, brought me such accounts as induced me to visit it. In one house
+were the following articles: four Bibles, one in English, one in Dutch,
+and two in the Portuguese languages; many articles of wearing apparel,
+such as jackets and trowsers, with the buttons altered to suit the
+natives; pieces of shirts tagged to other parts of dress; several broken
+instruments, such as quadrants, spy glasses (two,) binnacles, with
+pieces of ship's sails, bolts and hoops; a considerable variety of
+gunner's and carpenter's tools, stores, &c. In another shop were two
+pelisses of faded lilac color; these were of modern cut and fashionably
+made. On enquiring how they became possessed of these articles, I was
+told they were some wrecks of European vessels on which no people were
+found, whilst others made no scruple of averring that they were formerly
+the property of people who had died in the country. All the goods in the
+bazaar belonged to the rajah, and were sold on his account; large
+quantities were said to be in his house up the river; but on all hands
+it was admitted Raga and his followers had by far the largest part of
+what was taken. A Mandoor, or head of one of the campongs, showed me
+some women's stockings, several of which were marked with the letters
+S.W.; also two chemises, one with the letters S.W.; two flannel
+petticoats, a miniature portrait frame (the picture was in the rajah's
+house,) with many articles of dress of both sexes. In consequence of the
+strict orders given on the subject I could see no more; indeed there
+were both difficulty and danger attending these inquiries. I
+particularly wanted to obtain the miniature picture, and offered the
+Mandoor fifty rupees if he could procure it; he laughed at me, and
+pointing significantly to his kris, drew one hand across my throat, and
+then across his own, giving me to understand such would be the result to
+us both on such an application to the rajah. It is the universal custom
+of the pirates, on this coast, to sell the people for slaves immediately
+on their arrival, the rajah taking for himself a few of the most useful,
+and receiving a percentage upon the purchase money of the remainder,
+with a moiety of the vessel and every article on board. European vessels
+are taken up the river, where they are immediately broken up. The
+situation of European prisoners is indeed dreadful in a climate like
+this, where even the labor of natives is intolerable; they are compelled
+to bear all the drudgery, and allowed a bare sufficiency of rice and
+salt to eat."
+
+It is utterly impossible for Europeans who have seen these pirates at
+such places as Singapore and Batavia, to form any conception of their
+true character. There they are under immediate control, and every part
+of their behaviour is a tissue of falsehood and deception. They
+constantly carry about with them a smooth tongue, cringing demeanor, a
+complying disposition, which always asserts, and never contradicts; a
+countenance which appears to anticipate the very wish of the Europeans,
+and which so generally imposes upon his understanding, that he at once
+concludes them to be the best and gentlest of human beings; but let the
+European meet them in any of their own campongs, and a very different
+character they will appear. The character and treacherous proceeding
+narrated above, and the manner of cutting off vessels and butchering
+their crews, apply equally to all the pirates of the East India Islands,
+by which many hundred European and American vessels have been surprised
+and their crews butchered.
+
+On the 7th of February, 1831, the ship Friendship, Capt. Endicott, of
+Salem (Mass.,) was captured by the Malays while lying at Quallah Battoo,
+on the coast of Sumatra. In the forenoon of the fatal day, Capt.
+Endicott, Mr. Barry, second mate, and four of the crew, it seems went on
+shore as usual, for the purpose of weighing pepper, expecting to obtain
+that day two boat loads, which had been promised them by the Malays.
+After the first boat was loaded, they observed that she delayed some
+time in passing down the river, and her crew being composed of Malays,
+was supposed by the officers to be stealing pepper from her, and
+secreting it in the bushes. In consequence of this conjecture, two men
+were sent off to watch them, who on approaching the boat, saw five or
+six Malays leap from the jungle, and hurry on board of her. The former,
+however, supposed them to be the boat's crew, as they had seen an equal
+number quit her previous to their own approach. In this they were
+mistaken, as will subsequently appear. At this time a brig hove in
+sight, and was seen standing towards Soo Soo, another pepper port,
+distant about five miles. Capt. Endicott, on going to the beach to
+ascertain whether the brig had hoisted any colors, discovered that the
+boat with pepper had approached within a few yards of the Friendship,
+manned with an unusual number of natives.
+
+It appears that when the pepper boats came alongside of the Friendship,
+as but few of the hands could work at a time, numbers of the Malays came
+on board, and on being questioned by Mr. Knight, the first officer, who
+was in the gangway, taking an account of the pepper, as to their
+business, their reply was, that they had come to see the vessel. Mr.
+Knight ordered them into their boat again, and some of them obeyed, but
+only to return immediately to assist in the work of death, which was now
+commenced by attacking Mr. Knight and the rest of the crew on board. The
+crew of the vessel being so scattered, it was impossible to concentrate
+their force so as to make a successful resistance. Some fell on the
+forecastle, one in the gangway, and Mr. Knight fell upon the quarter
+deck, severely wounded by a stab in the back while in the act of
+snatching from the bulwarks a boarding pike with which to defend
+himself.
+
+The two men who were taking the pepper on a stage, having vainly
+attempted to get on board to the assistance of their comrades, were
+compelled to leap into the sea. One of them, Charles Converse, of Salem,
+being severely wounded, succeeded in swimming to the bobstays, to which
+he clung until taken on board by the natives, and from some cause he was
+not afterwards molested. His companion, John Davis, being unable to
+swim, drifted with the tide near the _boat tackle_, or _davit falls_,
+the blocks being overhauled down near the water; one of these he laid
+hold of, which the Malays perceiving, dropped their boat astern and
+despatched him! the cook sprang into a canoe along side, and in
+attempting to push off she was capsized; and being unable to swim, he
+got on the bottom, and paddled ashore with his hands, where he was made
+prisoner. Gregory, an Italian, sought shelter in the foretop-gallant
+cross-trees, where he was fired at several times by the Malays with the
+muskets of the Friendship, which were always kept loaded and ready for
+use while on the coast.
+
+Three of the crew leaped into the sea, and swam to a point of land near
+a mile distant, to the northward of the town; and, unperceived by the
+Malays on shore, pursued their course to the northward towards Cape
+Felix, intending to go to the port of Annalaboo, about forty-five miles
+distant. Having walked all night, they found themselves, on the
+following morning, near the promontory, and still twenty-five miles
+distant from Annalaboo.
+
+When Mr. Endicott, Mr. Barry, and the four seamen arrived at the beach,
+they saw the crew jumping into the sea; the truth now, with all its
+horrors, flashed upon his mind, that the vessel was attacked, and in an
+instant they jumped on board the boat and pushed off; at the same time a
+friendly rajah named Po Adam, sprang into the boat; he was the
+proprietor of a port and considerable property at a place called Pulo
+Kio, but three miles distant from the mouth of the river Quallah Battoo.
+More business had been done by the rajah during the eight years past
+than by any other on the pepper coast; he had uniformly professed
+himself friendly to the Americans, and he has generally received the
+character of their being honest. Speaking a little English as he sprang
+into the boat, he exclaimed, "Captain, you got trouble; Malay kill you,
+he kill Po Adam too!" Crowds of Malays assembled on both sides of the
+river, brandishing their weapons in a menacing manner, while a ferry
+boat, manned with eight or ten of the natives, armed with spears and
+krisses, pushed off to prevent the officers' regaining their ship. The
+latter exhibited no fear, and flourished the cutlass of Po Adam in a
+menacing manner from the bows of the boat; it so intimidated the Malays
+that they fled to the shore, leaving a free passage to the ship; but as
+they got near her they found that the Malays had got entire possession
+of her; some of them were promenading the deck, others were making
+signals of success to the people on shore, while, with the exception of
+one man aloft, not an individual of the crew could be seen. Three Malay
+boats, with about fifty men, now issued from the river in the direction
+of the ship, while the captain and his men, concluding that their only
+hope of recovering their vessel was to obtain assistance from some other
+ships, directed their course towards Muchie, where they knew that
+several American vessels were lying at anchor. Three American captains,
+upon hearing the misfortunes of their countrymen, weighed anchor
+immediately for Quallah Battoo, determined, if possible, to recover the
+ship. By four o'clock on the same day they gained an anchorage off that
+place; the Malays, in the meantime, had removed on shore every moveable
+article belonging to the ship, including specie, besides several cases
+of opium, amounting in all to upwards of thirty thousand dollars. This
+was done on the night of the 9th, and on the morning of the 10th, they
+contrived to heave in the chain cable, and get the anchor up to the
+bows; and the ship was drifting finely towards the beach, when the
+cable, not being stopped abaft the bitts, began suddenly to run out with
+great velocity; but a bight having by accident been thrown forward of
+the windlass, a riding turn was the consequence, and the anchor, in its
+descent, was suddenly checked about fifteen fathoms from the hawse. A
+squall soon after coming on, the vessel drifted obliquely towards the
+shore, and grounded upon a coral reef near half a mile to the southward
+of the town. The next day, having obtained a convenient anchorage, a
+message was sent by a friendly Malay who came on board at Soo Soo,
+demanding the restoration of the ship. The rajah replied that he would
+not give her up, but that they were welcome to take her if they could; a
+fire was now opened upon the Friendship by the vessels, her decks were
+crowded with Malays, who promptly returned the fire, as did also the
+forts on shore. This mode of warfare appeared undecisive, and it was
+determined to decide the contest by a close action. A number of boats
+being manned and armed with about thirty officers and men, a movement
+was made to carry the ship by boarding. The Malays did not wait the
+approach of this determined attack, but all deserted the vessel to her
+lawful owners, when she was taken possession of and warped out into deep
+water. The appearance of the ship, at the time she was boarded, beggars
+all description; every part of her bore ample testimony of the scene of
+violence and destruction with which she had been visited. The objects of
+the voyage were abandoned, and the Friendship returned to the United
+States. The public were unanimous in calling for a redress of the
+unparalleled outrage on the lives and property of citizens of the United
+States. The government immediately adopted measures to punish so
+outrageous an act of piracy by despatching the frigate Potomac,
+Commodore Downs, Commander. The Potomac sailed from New York the 24th of
+August, 1831, after touching at Rio Janeiro and the Cape of Good Hope.
+She anchored off Quallah Battoo in February 1832, disguised as a Danish
+ship, and came to in merchantman style, a few men being sent aloft,
+dressed in red and blue flannel shirts, and one sail being clewed up and
+furled at a time. A reconnoitering party were sent on shore disguised as
+pepper dealers, but they returned without being able to ascertain the
+situations of the forts. The ship now presented a busy scene; it was
+determined to commence an attack upon the town the next morning, and
+every necessary preparation was accordingly made, muskets were cleaned,
+cartridge-boxes buckled on, cutlasses examined and put in order, &c.
+
+At twelve o'clock at night, all hands were called, those assigned to
+take part in the expedition were mustered, when Lieut. Shubrick, the
+commander of the detachment, gave them special orders; when they entered
+the boats and proceeded to the shore, where they effected a landing near
+the dawn of day, amid a heavy surf, about a mile and a half to the north
+of the town, undiscovered by the enemy, and without any serious accident
+having befallen them, though several of the party were thoroughly
+drenched by the beating of the surf, and some of their ammunition was
+injured.
+
+The troops then formed and took up their line of march against the
+enemy, over a beach of deep and heavy sand. They had not proceeded far
+before they were discovered by a native at a distance, who ran at full
+speed to give the alarm. A rapid march soon brought them up with the
+first fort, when a division of men, under the command of Lieut. Hoff,
+was detached from the main body, and ordered to surround it. The first
+fort was found difficult of access, in consequence of a deep hedge of
+thorn-bushes and brambles with which it was environed. The assault was
+commenced by the pioneers, with their crows and axes, breaking down the
+gates and forcing a passage. This was attended with some difficulty, and
+gave the enemy time for preparation. They raised their warwhoop, and
+resisted most manfully, fighting with spears, sabres, and muskets. They
+had also a few brass pieces in the fort, but they managed them with so
+little skill as to produce no effect, for the balls uniformly whizzed
+over the heads of our men. The resistance of the Malays was in vain, the
+fort was stormed, and soon carried; not, however, till almost every
+individual in it was slain. Po Mahomet, a chief of much distinction, and
+who was one of the principal persons concerned in the outrage on the
+Friendship was here slain; the mother of Chadoolah, another rajah, was
+also slain here; another woman fell at this port, but her rank was not
+ascertained; she fought with the spirit of a desperado. A seaman had
+just scaled one of the ramparts, when he was severely wounded by a blow
+received from a weapon in her hands, but her life paid the forfeit of
+her daring, for she was immediately transfixed by a bayonet in the hands
+of the person whom she had so severely injured. His head was wounded by
+a javelin, his thumb nearly cut off by a sabre, and a ball was shot
+through his hat.
+
+Lieutenants Edson and Ferret proceeded to the rear of the town, and made
+a bold attack upon that fort, which, after a spirited resistance on the
+part of the Malays, surrendered. Both officers and marines here narrowly
+escaped with their lives. One of the natives in the fort had trained his
+piece in such a manner as to rake their whole body, when he was shot
+down by a marine while in the very act of applying a match to it. The
+cannon was afterwards found to have been filled with bullets. This fort,
+like the former, was environed with thick jungle, and great difficulty
+had been experienced in entering it. The engagement had now become
+general, and the alarm universal. Men, women and children were seen
+flying in every direction, carrying the few articles they were able to
+seize in the moments of peril, and some of the men were cut down in the
+flight. Several of the enemy's proas, filled with people, were severely
+raked by a brisk fire from the six pounder, as they were sailing up the
+river to the south of the town, and numbers of the natives were killed.
+The third and most formidable fort was now attacked, and it proved the
+most formidable, and the co-operation of the several divisions was
+required for its reduction; but so spirited was the fire poured into it
+that it was soon obliged to yield, and the next moment the American
+colors were seen triumphantly waving over its battlements. The greater
+part of the town was reduced to ashes. The bazaar, the principal place
+of merchandize, and most of the private dwellings were consumed by fire.
+The triumph had now been completed over the Malays; ample satisfaction
+had been taken for their outrages committed upon our own countrymen, and
+the bugle sounded the return of the ship's forces; and the embarkation
+was soon after effected. The action had continued about two hours and a
+half, and was gallantly sustained both by officers and men, from its
+commencement to its close. The loss on the part of the Malays was near a
+hundred killed, while of the Americans only two lost their lives. Among
+the spoils were a Chinese gong, a Koran, taken at Mahomet's fort, and
+several pieces of rich gold cloth. Many of the men came off richly laden
+with spoils which they had taken from the enemy, such as rajah's scarfs,
+gold and silver chunam boxes, chains, ear rings and finger rings,
+anklets and bracelets, and a variety of shawls, krisses richly hilted
+and with gold scabbards, and a variety of other ornaments. Money to a
+considerable amount was brought off. That nothing should be left undone
+to have an indelible impression on the minds of these people, of the
+power of the United States to inflict punishment for aggressions
+committed on her commerce, in seas however distant, the ship was got
+underway the following morning, and brought to, with a spring on her
+cable, within less than a mile of the shore, when the larboard side was
+brought to bear nearly upon the site of the town. The object of the
+Commodore, in this movement, was not to open an indiscriminate or
+destructive fire upon the town and inhabitants of Quallah Battoo, but to
+show them the irresistible power of thirty-two pound shot, and to reduce
+the fort of Tuca de Lama, which could not be reached on account of the
+jungle and stream of water, on the morning before, and from which a fire
+had been opened and continued during the embarkation of the troops on
+their return to the ship. The fort was very soon deserted, while the
+shot was cutting it to pieces, and tearing up whole cocoa-trees by the
+roots. In the afternoon a boat came off from the shore, bearing a flag
+of truce to the Commodore, beseeching him, in all the practised forms of
+submission of the east, that he would grant them peace, and cease to
+fire his big guns. Hostilities now ceased, and the Commodore informed
+them that the objects of his government in sending him to their shores
+had now been consummated in the punishment of the guilty, who had
+committed their piracies on the Friendship. Thus ended the intercourse
+with Quallah Battoo. The Potomac proceeded from this place to China, and
+from thence to the Pacific Ocean; after looking to the interests of the
+American commerce in those parts she arrived at Boston in 1834, after a
+three years' absence.
+
+
+
+
+THE ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN CONDENT
+
+
+Captain Condent was a Plymouth man born, but we are as yet ignorant of
+the motives and time of his first turning pirate. He was one of those
+who thought fit to retire from Providence, on Governor Rogers' 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 beaten; 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 through the deck
+and kill several of them. He, therefore, taking a pistol in one hand,
+and his cutlass in the other, leaped into the hold. The Indian
+discharged a piece at him, which broke his arm; but, however, he ran up
+and shot the Indian. When he was dead, the crew hacked him to pieces,
+and the gunner, ripping up his belly and tearing out his heart, broiled
+and eat it.
+
+After this, they took a merchantman called the Duke of York; and some
+disputes arising among the pirates, 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 Madeira, laden with
+wine, and 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. Wanting a boom, he took
+out the mainmast of one of these ships to supply the want. Here he took
+upon himself the administration of justice, inquiring into the manner of
+the commanders' behaviour to their men, and those against whom complaint
+was made, he whipped and pickled. He took what provision and other
+necessaries he wanted, and having augmented his company by volunteers
+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 proved 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, and some wounded by his great shot.
+
+The 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, Capt. 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. A few days after he took Spelt, he made prize of a Portuguese,
+laden with bale goods and stores. He rigged the Wright galley anew, and
+put on board of her some of the goods. Soon after he had discharged the
+Portuguese, he met with a Dutch East Indiaman of 28 guns, whose captain
+was killed the first broadside, and took her with little resistance, for
+he had hoisted the pirate's colors on board Spelt's ship.
+
+[Illustration: _Capt. Condent leaping into the hold, to attack the
+Indian._]
+
+He now, with three sail, steered for the island of Ferdinando, where
+he hove down and cleaned the Flying Dragon. Having careened, he put 11
+Dutchmen on board Capt. Spelt, to make amends for the hands he had
+forced from him, and sent him away, making him a present of the goods he
+had taken from the Portuguese ship. When he sailed himself, he ordered
+the Dutch to stay at Ferdinando 24 hours after his departure;
+threatening, 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 hailed him, and he
+answered, _from London, bound to Buenos Ayres_. The Portuguese manned
+his shrouds and cheered him, when Condent fired a broadside, and a smart
+engagement ensued for the space of three glasses; but Condent finding
+himself over-matched, made the best of his way, and being the best
+sailer, got off.
+
+A few days after, he took a vessel of the same nation, who gave an
+account that he had killed above forty 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 Platte. 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 Guinea 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 pirate ship was lost upon it, and
+the pirates 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 mainmast, 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 Guinea coast, and took Capt. Hill, in the
+Indian Queen.
+
+[Illustration: _The Pirates riding the Priests about deck._]
+
+In Luengo Bay he saw two ships at anchor, one a Dutchman of 44 guns, the
+other an English ship, called the Fame, Capt. Bowen, commander. They
+both cut and ran ashore; the Fame was lost, but the Dutch ship the
+pirate 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-Indiaman, of which Mr. Nash, a noted
+merchant of London, was supercargo. Soon after he took a Dutch
+East-Indiaman, discharged the Ostender, and made for Madagascar. At the
+Isle of St. Mary, he met with some of Capt. 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
+with two other pirates he met at St. Mary's, the Cassandra
+East-Indiaman, commanded by Capt. James Macraigh. He continued his
+course for the East-Indies, where he made a very great booty; and
+returning, touched at the island of Mascarenhas, where he met with a
+Portuguese ship of 70 guns, with the viceroy 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 plundered, razed the fort, and
+carried off several men 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 Mascarenhas for a pardon,
+though 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 Mascarenhas, where Condent married the
+governor's sister-in-law, and remained some time; but, as I have been
+credibly informed, he is since come to France, settled at St. Maloes,
+and drives a considerable trade as a merchant.
+
+
+
+
+THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN EDWARD LOW.
+
+
+This ferocious villain was born in Westminster, and received an
+education similar to that of the common people in England. He was by
+nature a pirate; for even when very young he raised contributions among
+the boys of Westminster, and if they declined compliance, a battle was
+the result. When he advanced a step farther in life, he began to exert
+his ingenuity at low games, and cheating all in his power; and those who
+pretended to maintain their own right, he was ready to call to the field
+of combat.
+
+He went to sea in company with his brother, and continued with him for
+three or four years. Going over to America, he wrought in a
+rigging-house at Boston for some time. He then came home to see his
+mother in England, returned to Boston, and continued for some years
+longer at the same business. But being of a quarrelsome temper, he
+differed with his master, and went on board a sloop bound for the Bay of
+Honduras.
+
+While there, he had the command of a boat employed in bringing logwood
+to the ship. In that boat there were twelve men well armed, to be
+prepared for the Spaniards, from whom the wood was taken by force. It
+happened one day that the boat came to the ship just a little before
+dinner was ready, and Low desired that they might dine before they
+returned. The captain, however, ordered them a bottle of rum, and
+requested them to take another trip, as no time was to be lost. The crew
+were enraged, particularly Low, who took up a loaded musket and fired at
+the captain, but missing him, another man was shot, and they ran off
+with the boat. The next day they took a small vessel, went on board her,
+hoisted a black flag, and declared war with the whole world.
+
+In their rovings, Low met with Lowther, who proposed that he should join
+him, and thus promote their mutual advantage. Having captured a
+brigantine, Low, with forty more, went on board her; and leaving
+Lowther, they went to seek their own fortune.
+
+Their first adventure was the capture of a vessel belonging to Amboy,
+out of which they took the provisions, and allowed her to proceed. On
+the same day they took a sloop, plundered her, and permitted her to
+depart. The sloop went into Black Island, and sent intelligence to the
+governor that Low was on the coast. Two small vessels were immediately
+fitted out, but, before their arrival, Low was beyond their reach. After
+this narrow escape, Low went into port to procure water and fresh
+provisions; and then renewed his search of plunder. He next sailed into
+the harbor of Port Rosemary, where were thirteen ships, but none of them
+of any great strength. Low hoisted the black flag, assuring them that if
+they made any resistance they should have no quarter; and manning their
+boat, the pirates took possession of every one of them, which they
+plundered and converted to their own use. They then put on board a
+schooner ten guns and fifty men, named her the Fancy, and Low himself
+went on board of her, while Charles Harris was constituted captain of
+the brigantine. They also constrained a few of the men to join them, and
+sign their articles.
+
+After an unsuccessful pursuit of two sloops from Boston, they steered
+for the Leeward Islands, but in their way were overtaken by a terrible
+hurricane. The search for plunder gave place to the most vigorous
+exertion to save themselves. On board the brigantine, all hands were at
+work both day and night; they were under the necessity of throwing
+overboard six of her guns, and all the weighty provisions. In the storm,
+the two vessels were separated, and it was some time before they again
+saw each other.
+
+After the storm, Low went into a small island west of the Carribbees,
+refitted his vessels, and got provision for them in exchange of goods.
+As soon as the brigantine was ready for sea, they went on a cruise until
+the Fancy should be prepared, and during that cruise, met with a vessel
+which had lost all her masts in the storm, which they plundered of goods
+to the value of 1000_l_. and returned to the island. When the Fancy was
+ready to sail, a council was held what course they should next steer.
+They followed the advice of the captain, who thought it not safe to
+cruise any longer to the leeward, lest they should fall in with any of
+the men-of-war that cruised upon that coast, so they sailed for the
+Azores.
+
+The good fortune of Low was now singular; in his way thither he captured
+a French ship of 34 guns, and carried her along with him. Then entering
+St. Michael's roads, he captured seven sail, threatening with instant
+death all who dared to oppose him. Thus, by inspiring terror, without
+firing a single gun, he became master of all that property. Being in
+want of water and fresh provisions, Low sent to the governor demanding a
+supply, upon condition of releasing the ships he had taken, otherwise he
+would commit them to the flames. The request was instantly complied
+with, and six of the vessels were restored. But a French vessel being
+among them, they emptied her of guns and all her men except the cook,
+who, they said, being a greasy fellow, would fry well; they accordingly
+bound the unfortunate man to the mast, and set the ship on fire.
+
+The next who fell in their way was Captain Carter, in the Wright galley;
+who, because he showed some inclination to defend himself, was cut and
+mangled in a barbarous manner. There were also two Portuguese friars,
+whom they tied to the foremast, and several times let them down before
+they were dead, merely to gratify their own ferocious dispositions.
+Meanwhile, another Portuguese, beholding this cruel scene, expressed
+some sorrow in his countenance, upon which one of the wretches said he
+did not like his looks, and so giving him a stroke across the body with
+his cutlass, he fell upon the spot. Another of the miscreants, aiming a
+blow at a prisoner, missed his aim, and struck Low upon the under jaw.
+The surgeon was called, and stitched up the wound; but Low finding fault
+with the operation, the surgeon gave him a blow which broke all the
+stiches, and left him to sew them himself. After he had plundered this
+vessel, some of them were for burning her, as they had done the
+Frenchman; but instead of that, they cut her cables, rigging, and sails
+to pieces, and sent her adrift to the mercy of the waves.
+
+[Illustration: _The Cruelties practised by Captain Low._]
+
+They next sailed for the island of Madeira, and took up a fishing boat
+with two old men and a boy. They detained one of them, and sent the
+other on shore with a flag of truce, requesting the governor to send
+them a boat of water, else they would hang the other man at the yard
+arm. The water was sent, and the man dismissed.
+
+They next sailed for the Canary Islands, and there took several vessels;
+and being informed that two small galleys were daily expected, the sloop
+was manned and sent in quest of them. They, however, missing their prey,
+and being in great want of provision, went into St. Michael's in the
+character of traders, and being discovered, were apprehended, and the
+whole crew conducted to the castle, and treated according to their
+merits.
+
+Meanwhile, Low's ship was overset upon the careen and lost, so that,
+having only the Fancy schooner remaining, they all, to the number of a
+hundred, went on board her, and set sail in search of new spoils. They
+soon met a rich Portuguese vessel, and after some resistance captured
+her. Low tortured the men to constrain them to inform him where they had
+hid their treasures. He accordingly discovered that, during the chase,
+the captain had hung a bag with eleven thousand moidores out of the
+cabin window, and that, when they were taken, he had cut the rope, and
+allowed it to fall into the sea. Upon this intelligence, Low raved and
+stormed like a fury, ordered the captain's lips to be cut off and
+broiled before his eyes, then murdered him and all his crew.
+
+[Illustration: _The Captain of the Portuguese Ship cutting away the Bag
+of Moidores._]
+
+After this bloody action, the miscreants steered northward, and in their
+course seized several vessels, one of which they burned, and plundering
+the rest, allowed them to proceed. Having cleaned in one of the islands,
+they then sailed for the bay of Honduras. They met a Spaniard coming out
+of the bay, which had captured five Englishmen and a pink, plundered
+them, and brought away the masters prisoners. Low hoisted Spanish
+colors, but, when he came near, hung out the black flag, and the
+Spaniard was seized without resistance. Upon finding the masters of the
+English vessels in the hold, and seeing English goods on board, a
+consultation was held, when it was determined to put all the Spaniards
+to the sword. This was scarcely resolved upon, when they commenced with
+every species of weapons to massacre every man, and some flying from
+their merciless hands into the waves, a canoe was sent in pursuit of
+those who endeavored to swim on shore. They next plundered the Spanish
+vessel, restored the English masters to their respective vessels, and
+set the Spaniard on fire.
+
+Low's next cruise was between the Leeward Islands and the main land,
+where, in a continued course of prosperity, he successively captured no
+less than nineteen ships of different sizes, and in general treated
+their crews with a barbarity unequalled even among pirates. But it
+happened that the Greyhound, of twenty guns and one hundred and twenty
+men, was cruising upon that coast. Informed of the mischief these
+miscreants had done, the Greyhound went in search of them. Supposing
+they had discovered a prize, Low and his crew pursued them, and the
+Greyhound, allowing them to run after her until all things were ready
+to engage, turned upon the two sloops.
+
+One of these sloops was called the Fancy, and commanded by Low himself,
+and the other the Ranger, commanded by Harris; both hoisted their
+piratical colors, and fired each a gun. When the Greyhound came within
+musket shot, she hauled up her mainsail, and clapped close upon a wind,
+to keep the pirates from running to leeward, and then engaged. But when
+the rogues found whom they had to deal with, they edged away under the
+man-of-war's stern, and the Greyhound standing after them, they made a
+running fight for about two hours; but little wind happening, the sloops
+gained from her, by the help of their oars; upon which the Greyhound
+left off firing, turned all hands to her own oars, and at three in the
+afternoon came up with them. The pirates hauled upon a wind to receive
+the man-of-war, and the fight was immediately renewed, with a brisk fire
+on both sides, till the Ranger's mainyard was shot down. Under these
+circumstances, Low abandoned her to the enemy, and fled.
+
+The conduct of Low was surprising in this adventure, because his reputed
+courage and boldness had hitherto so possessed the minds of all people,
+that he became a terror even to his own men; but his behaviour
+throughout this whole action showed him to be a base cowardly villain;
+for had Low's sloop fought half so briskly as Harris' had done (as they
+were under a solemn oath to do,) the man-of-war, in the opinion of some
+present, could never have hurt them.
+
+Nothing, however, could lessen the fury, or reform the manners, of that
+obdurate crew. Their narrow escape had no good effect upon them, and
+with redoubled violence they renewed their depredations and cruelties.
+The next vessel they captured, was eighty miles from land. They used the
+master with the most wanton cruelty, then shot him dead, and forced the
+crew into the boat with a compass, a little water, and a few biscuits,
+and left them to the mercy of the waves; they, however, beyond all
+expectation, got safe to shore.
+
+Low proceeded in his villainous career with too fatal success.
+Unsatisfied with satiating their avarice and walking the common path of
+wickedness, those inhuman wretches, like to Satan himself, made mischief
+their sport, cruelty their delight, and the ruin and murder of their
+fellow men their constant employment. Of all the piratical crews
+belonging to the English nation, none ever equalled Low in barbarity.
+Their mirth and their anger had the same effect. They murdered a man
+from good humor, as well as from anger and passion. Their ferocious
+disposition seemed only to delight in cries, groans, and lamentations.
+One day Low having captured Captain Graves, a Virginia man, took a bowl
+of punch in his hand, and said, "Captain, here's half this to you." The
+poor gentleman was too much touched with his misfortunes to be in a
+humor for drinking, he therefore modestly excused himself. Upon this Low
+cocked and presented a pistol in the one hand, and his bowl in the
+other, saying, "Either take the one or the other."
+
+Low next captured a vessel called the Christmas, mounted her with
+thirty-four guns, went on board her himself, assumed the title of
+admiral, and hoisted the black flag. His next prize was a brigantine
+half manned with Portuguese, and half with English. The former he
+hanged, and the latter he thrust into their boat and dismissed, while he
+set fire to the vessel. The success of Low was unequalled, as well as
+his cruelty; and during a long period he continued to pursue his wicked
+course with impunity.
+
+All wickedness comes to an end and Low's crew at last rose against him
+and he was thrown into a boat without provisions and abandoned to his
+fate. This was because Low murdered the quarter-master while he lay
+asleep. Not long after he was cast adrift a French vessel happened along
+and took him into Martinico, and after a quick trial by the authorities
+he received short shift on a gallows erected for his benefit.
+
+[Illustration: _Low presenting a Pistol and Bowl of Punch._]
+
+
+
+
+LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN EDWARD ENGLAND
+
+
+This adventurer was mate of a sloop that sailed from Jamaica, and was
+taken by Captain Winter, a pirate, just before the settlement of the
+pirates at Providence island. After the pirates had surrendered to his
+Majesty's pardon, and Providence island was peopled by the English
+government, Captain England sailed to Africa. There he took several
+vessels, particularly the Cadogan, from Bristol, commanded by one
+Skinner. When the latter struck to the pirate, he was ordered to come on
+board in his boat. The person upon whom he first cast his eye, proved to
+be his old boatswain, who stared him in the face, and accosted him in
+the following manner: "Ah, Captain Skinner, is it you? the only person I
+wished to see: I am much in your debt, and I shall pay you all in your
+own coin." The poor man trembled in every joint, and dreaded the event,
+as he well might. It happened that Skinner and his old boatswain, with
+some of his men, had quarrelled, so that he thought fit to remove them
+on board a man-of-war, while he refused to pay them their wages. Not
+long after, they found means to leave the man-of-war, and went on board
+a small ship in the West Indies. They were taken by a pirate, and
+brought to Providence, and from thence sailed as pirates with Captain
+England. Thus accidentally meeting their old captain, they severely
+revenged the treatment they had received.
+
+After the rough salutation which has been related, the boatswain called
+to his comrades, laid hold of Skinner, tied him fast to the windlass,
+and pelted him with glass bottles until they cut him in a shocking
+manner, then whipped him about the deck until they were quite fatigued,
+remaining deaf to all his prayers and entreaties; and at last, in an
+insulting tone, observed, that as he had been a good master to his men,
+he should have an easy death, and upon this shot him through the head.
+
+[Illustration: _The Pirates pelting Captain Skinner with Glass
+Bottles._]
+
+Having taken such things out of the ship as they stood most in need of,
+she was given to Captain Davis in order to try his fortune with a few
+hands.
+
+Captain England, some time after, took a ship called the Pearl, for
+which he exchanged his own sloop, fitted her up for piratical service,
+and called her the Royal James. In that vessel he was very fortunate,
+and took several ships of different sizes and different nations. In the
+spring of 1719, the pirates returned to Africa, and beginning at the
+river Gambia, sailed down the coast to Cape Corso, and captured several
+vessels. Some of them they pillaged, and allowed to proceed, some they
+fitted out for the pirate service, and others they burned.
+
+Leaving our pirate upon this coast, the Revenge and the Flying King, two
+other pirate vessels, sailed for the West Indies, where they took
+several prizes, and then cleared and sailed for Brazil. There they
+captured some Portuguese vessels; but a large Portuguese man-of-war
+coming up to them, proved an unwelcome guest. The Revenge escaped, but
+was soon lost upon that coast. The Flying King in despair run ashore.
+There were then seventy on board, twelve of whom were slain, and the
+remainder taken prisoners. The Portuguese hanged thirty-eight of them.
+
+Captain England, whilst cruising upon that coast, took the Peterborough
+of Bristol, and the Victory. The former they detained, the latter they
+plundered and dismissed. In the course of his voyage, England met with
+two ships, but these taking shelter under Cape Corso Castle, he
+unsuccessfully attempted to set them on fire. He next sailed down to
+Whydah road, where Captain La Bouche had been before England, and left
+him no spoil. He now went into the harbor, cleaned his own ship, and
+fitted up the Peterborough, which he called the Victory. During several
+weeks the pirates remained in this quarter, indulging in every species
+of riot and debauchery, until the natives, exasperated with their
+conduct, came to an open rupture, when several of the negroes were
+slain, and one of their towns set on fire by the pirates.
+
+Leaving that port, the pirates, when at sea, determined by vote to sail
+for the East Indies, and arrived at Madagascar. After watering and
+taking in some provisions they sailed for the coast of Malabar. This
+place is situated in the Mogul Empire, and is one of its most beautiful
+and fertile districts. It extends from the coast of Canora to Cape
+Comorin. The original natives are negroes; but a mingled race of
+Mahometans, who are generally merchants, have been introduced in modern
+times. Having sailed almost round the one half of the globe, literally
+seeking whom they might devour, our pirates arrived in this hitherto
+untried and prolific field for their operations.
+
+Not long after their settlement at Madagascar, they took a cruise, in
+which they captured two Indian vessels and a Dutchman. They exchanged
+the latter for one of their own, and directed their course again to
+Madagascar. Several of their hands were sent on shore with tents and
+ammunition, to kill such beasts and venison as the island afforded. They
+also formed the resolution to go in search of Avery's crew, which they
+knew had settled upon the island; but as their residence was upon the
+other side of the island, the loss of time and labour was the only fruit
+of their search.
+
+They tarried here but a very short time, then steered their course to
+Johanna, and coming out of that harbor, fell in with two English vessels
+and an Ostend ship, all Indiamen, which, after a most desperate action,
+they captured. The particulars of this extraordinary action are related
+in the following letter from Captain Mackra.
+
+"_Bombay, November 16th_, 1720.
+
+"We arrived on the 25th of July last, in company with the Greenwich, at
+Johanna, an island not far from Madagascar. Putting in there to refresh
+our men, we found fourteen pirates who came in their canoes from the
+Mayotta, where the pirate ship to which they belonged, viz. the Indian
+Queen, two hundred and fifty tons, twenty-eight guns, and ninety men,
+commanded by Captain Oliver de la Bouche, bound from the Guinea coast to
+the East Indies, had been bulged and lost. They said they left the
+captain and forty of their men building a new vessel, to proceed on
+their wicked designs. Captain Kirby and I concluding that it might be of
+great service to the East India Company to destroy such a nest of
+rogues, were ready to sail for that purpose on the 17th of August, about
+eight o'clock in the morning, when we discovered two pirates standing
+into the bay Johanna, one of thirty-four, and the other of thirty-six
+guns. I immediately went on board the Greenwich, where they seemed very
+diligent in preparation for an engagement, and I left Captain Kirby with
+mutual promises of standing by each other. I then unmoored, got under
+sail, and brought two boats a-head to row me close to the Greenwich; but
+he being open to a valley and a breeze, made the best of his way from
+me; which an Ostender in our company, of twenty-two guns, seeing, did
+the same, though the captain had promised heartily to engage with us,
+and I believe would have been as good as his word, if Captain Kirby had
+kept his. About half an hour after twelve, I called several times to the
+Greenwich to bear down to our assistance, and fired a shot at him, but
+to no purpose; for though we did not doubt but he would join us,
+because, when he got about a league from us he brought his ship to and
+looked on, yet both he and the Ostender basely deserted us, and left us
+engaged with barbarous and inhuman enemies, with their black and bloody
+flags hanging over us, without the least appearance of ever escaping,
+but to be cut to pieces. But God in his good providence determined
+otherwise; for, notwithstanding their superiority, we engaged them both
+about three hours; during which time the biggest of them received some
+shot betwixt wind and water, which made her keep off a little to stop
+her leaks. The other endeavored all she could to board us, by rowing
+with her oars, being within half a ship's length of us above an hour;
+but by good fortune we shot all her oars to pieces, which prevented
+them, and by consequence saved our lives.
+
+"About four o'clock most of the officers and men posted on the
+quarter-deck being killed and wounded, the largest ship making up to us
+with diligence, being still within a cable's length of us, often giving
+us a broadside; there being now no hopes of Captain Kirby's coming to
+our assistance, we endeavored to run a-shore; and though we drew four
+feet of water more than the pirate, it pleased God that he stuck fast on
+a higher ground than happily we fell in with; so was disappointed a
+second time from boarding us. Here we had a more violent engagement than
+before: all my officers and most of my men behaved with unexpected
+courage; and, as we had a considerable advantage by having a broadside
+to his bow, we did him great damage; so that had Captain Kirby come in
+then, I believe we should have taken both the vessels, for we had one of
+them sure; but the other pirate (who was still firing at us,) seeing the
+Greenwich did not offer to assist us, supplied his consort with three
+boats full of fresh men. About five in the evening the Greenwich stood
+clear away to sea, leaving us struggling hard for life, in the very jaws
+of death; which the other pirate that was afloat, seeing, got a warp
+out, and was hauling under our stern.
+
+"By this time many of my men being killed and wounded, and no hopes left
+us of escaping being all murdered by enraged barbarous conquerors, I
+ordered all that could to get into the long-boat, under the cover of the
+smoke of our guns; so that, with what some did in boats, and others by
+swimming, most of us that were able, got ashore by seven o'clock. When
+the pirates came aboard, they cut three of our wounded men to pieces. I
+with some of my people made what haste I could to King's-town,
+twenty-five miles from us, where I arrived next day, almost dead with
+the fatigue and loss of blood, having been sorely wounded in the head by
+a musket-ball.
+
+"At this town I heard that the pirates had offered ten thousand dollars
+to the country people to bring me in, which many of them would have
+accepted, only they knew the king and all his chief people were in my
+interest. Meantime, I caused a report to be spread that I was dead of my
+wounds, which much abated their fury. About ten days after, being pretty
+well recovered, and hoping the malice of our enemies was nigh over, I
+began to consider the dismal condition we were reduced to; being in a
+place where we had no hopes of getting a passage home, all of us in a
+manner naked, not having had time to bring with us either a shirt or a
+pair of shoes, except what we had on. Having obtained leave to go on
+board the pirates with a promise of safety, several of the chief of them
+knew me, and some of them had sailed with me, which I found to be of
+great advantage; because, notwithstanding their promise, some of them
+would have cut me to pieces, and all that would not enter with them, had
+it not been for their chief captain, Edward England, and some others
+whom I knew. They talked of burning one of their ships, which we had so
+entirely disabled as to be no farther useful to them, and to fit the
+Cassandra in her room; but in the end I managed the affair so well, that
+they made me a present of the said shattered ship, which was Dutch
+built, and called the Fancy; her burden was about three hundred tons. I
+procured also a hundred and twenty-nine bales of the Company's cloth,
+though they would not give me a rag of my own clothes.
+
+"They sailed the 3rd of September; and I, with jury-masts, and such old
+sails as they left me, made a shift to do the like on the 8th, together
+with forty-three of my ship's crew, including two passengers and twelve
+soldiers; having no more than five tuns of water aboard. After a passage
+of forty-eight days, I arrived here on the 26th of October, almost naked
+and starved, having been reduced to a pint of water a-day, and almost in
+despair of ever seeing land, by reason of the calms we met with between
+the coast of Arabia and Malabar.
+
+"We had in all thirteen men killed and twenty-four wounded; and we were
+told that we destroyed about ninety or a hundred of the pirates. When
+they left us, they were about three hundred whites, and eighty blacks,
+on both ships. I am persuaded, had our consort the Greenwich done his
+duty, we had destroyed both of them, and got two hundred thousand pounds
+for our owners and selves; whereas the loss of the Cassandra may justly
+be imputed to his deserting us. I have delivered all the bales that were
+given me into the Company's warehouse, for which the governor and
+council have ordered me a reward. Our governor, Mr. Boon, who is
+extremely kind and civil to me, had ordered me home with the packet; but
+Captain Harvey, who had a prior promise, being come in with the fleet,
+goes in my room. The governor had promised me a country voyage to help
+to make up my losses, and would have me stay and accompany him to
+England next year."
+
+Captain Mackra was certainly in imminent danger, in trusting himself and
+his men on board the pirate ship, and unquestionably nothing but the
+desperate circumstances in which he was placed could have justified so
+hazardous a step. The honor and influence of Captain England, however,
+protected him and his men from the fury of the crew, who would willingly
+have wreaked their vengeance upon them.
+
+It is pleasing to discover any instance of generosity or honor among
+such an abandoned race, who bid defiance to all the laws of honor, and,
+indeed, are regardless of all laws human and divine. Captain England was
+so steady to Captain Mackra, that he informed him, it would be with no
+small difficulty and address that he would be able to preserve him and
+his men from the fury of the crew, who were greatly enraged at the
+resistance which had been made. He likewise acquainted him, that his
+influence and authority among them was giving place to that of Captain
+Taylor, chiefly because the dispositions of the latter were more savage
+and brutal. They therefore consulted between them what was the best
+method to secure the favor of Taylor, and keep him in good humor. Mackra
+made the punch to flow in great abundance, and employed every artifice
+to soothe the mind of that ferocious villain.
+
+A single incident was also very favorable to the unfortunate captain. It
+happened that a pirate, with a prodigious pair of whiskers, a wooden
+leg, and stuck round with pistols, came blustering and swearing upon the
+quarter deck, inquiring "where was Captain Mackra." He naturally
+supposed that this barbarous-looking fellow would be his executioner;
+but, as he approached, he took the captain by the hand, swearing "that
+he was an honest fellow, and that he had formerly sailed with him, and
+would stand by him; and let him see the man that would touch him." This
+terminated the dispute, and Captain Taylor's disposition was so
+ameliorated with punch, that he consented that the old pirate ship, and
+so many bales of cloth, should be given to Mackra, and then sank into
+the arms of intoxication. England now pressed Mackra to hasten away,
+lest the ruffian, upon his becoming sober, should not only retract his
+word, but give liberty to the crew to cut him and his men to pieces.
+
+But the gentle temper of Captain England, and his generosity towards the
+unfortunate Mackra, proved the organ of much calamity to himself. The
+crew, in general, deeming the kind of usage which Mackra had received,
+inconsistent with piratical policy, they circulated a report, that he
+was coming against them with the Company's force. The result of these
+invidious reports was to deprive England of his command, and to excite
+these cruel villains to put him on shore, with three others, upon the
+island of Mauritius. If England and his small company had not been
+destitute of every necessary, they might have made a comfortable
+subsistence here, as the island abounds with deer, hogs, and other
+animals. Dissatisfied, however, with their solitary situation, Captain
+England and his three men exerted their industry and ingenuity, and
+formed a small boat, with which they sailed to Madagascar, where they
+subsisted upon the generosity of some more fortunate piratical
+companions.
+
+[Illustration: _Captain Mackra, and the Pirate with a wooden leg._]
+
+Captain Taylor detained some of the officers and men belonging to
+Captain Mackra, and having repaired their vessel, sailed for India. The
+day before they made land, they espied two ships to the eastward, and
+supposing them to be English, Captain Taylor ordered one of the officers
+of Mackra's ship to communicate to him the private signals between the
+Company's ships, swearing that if he did not do so immediately, he would
+cut him into pound pieces. But the poor man being unable to give the
+information demanded, was under the necessity of enduring their threats.
+Arrived at the vessels, they found that they were two Moorish ships,
+laden with horses. The pirates brought the captains and merchants on
+board, and tortured them in a barbarous manner, to constrain them to
+tell where they had hid their treasure. They were, however,
+disappointed; and the next morning they discovered land, and at the same
+time a fleet on shore plying to windward. In this situation they were at
+a considerable loss how to dispose of their prizes. To let them go would
+lead to their discovery, and thus defeat the design of their voyage; and
+it was a distressing matter to sink the men and the horses, though many
+of them were for adopting that measure. They, however, brought them to
+anchor, threw all the sails overboard, and cut one of the masts half
+through.
+
+While they lay at anchor, and were employed in taking in water, one of
+the above-mentioned fleet moved towards them with English colors, and
+was answered by the pirate with a red ensign; but they did not hail each
+other. At night they left the Muscat ships, and sailed after the fleet.
+About four next morning, the pirates were in the midst of the fleet, but
+seeing their vast superiority, were greatly at a loss what method to
+adopt. The Victory had become leaky, and their hands were so few in
+number, that it only remained for them to deceive, if possible, the
+English squadron. They were unsuccessful in gaining any thing out of
+that fleet, and had only the wretched satisfaction of burning a single
+galley. They however that day seized a galliot laden with cotton, and
+made inquiry of the men concerning the fleet. They protested that they
+had not seen a ship since they left Gogo, and earnestly implored their
+mercy; but, instead of treating them with lenity, they put them to the
+rack, in order to extort farther confession. The day following, a fresh
+easterly wind blew hard, and rent the galliot's sails; upon this the
+pirates put her company into a boat, with nothing but a try-sail, no
+provisions, and only four gallons of water, and, though they were out of
+sight of land, left them to shift for themselves.
+
+It may be proper to inform our readers, that one Angria, an Indian
+prince, of considerable territory and strength, had proved a troublesome
+enemy to Europeans, and particularly to the English. Calaba was his
+principal fort, situated not many leagues from Bombay, and he possessed
+an island in sight of the port, from whence he molested the Company's
+ships. His art in bribing the ministers of the Great Mogul, and the
+shallowness of the water, that prevented large ships of war from
+approaching, were the principal causes of his safety.
+
+The Bombay fleet, consisting of four grabs, the London and the Candois,
+and two other ships, with a galliot, having an additional thousand men
+on board for this enterprise, sailed to attack a fort belonging to
+Angria upon the Malabar coast. Though their strength was great, yet they
+were totally unsuccessful in their enterprise. It was this fleet
+returning home that our pirates discovered upon the present occasion.
+Upon the sight of the pirates, the commodore of the fleet intimated to
+Mr. Brown, the general, that as they had no orders to fight, and had
+gone upon a different purpose, it would be improper for them to engage.
+Informed of the loss of this favorable opportunity of destroying the
+robbers, the governor of Bombay was highly enraged, and giving the
+command of the fleet to Captain Mackra, ordered him to pursue and engage
+them wherever they should be found.
+
+The pirates having barbarously sent away the galliot with her men, they
+arrived southward, and between Goa and Carwar they heard several guns,
+so that they came to anchor, and sent their boat to reconnoitre, which
+returned next morning with the intelligence of two grabs, lying at
+anchor in the road. They accordingly weighed, ran towards the bay, and
+in the morning were discovered by the grabs, who had just time to run
+under India-Diva castle for protection. This was the more vexatious to
+the pirates, as they were without water; some of them, therefore, were
+for making a descent upon the island, but that measure not being
+generally approved, they sailed towards the south, and took a small
+ship, which had only a Dutchman and two Portuguese on board. They sent
+one of these on shore to the captain, to inform him that, if he would
+give them some water and fresh provisions, he might have his vessel
+returned. He replied that, if they would give him possession over the
+bar, he would comply with their request. But, suspecting the integrity
+of his design, they sailed for Lacca Deva islands, uttering dreadful
+imprecations against the captain.
+
+Disappointed in finding water at these islands, they sailed to Malinda
+island, and sent their boats on shore, to discover if there was any
+water, or if there were any inhabitants.. They returned with the
+information, that there was abundance of water, that the houses were
+only inhabited by women and children, the men having fled at the
+appearance of the ships. They accordingly hastened to supply themselves
+with water, used the defenceless women in a brutal manner, destroyed
+many of their fruit-trees, and set some of their houses on fire.
+
+While off the island, they lost several of their anchors by the
+rockiness of the ground; and one day, blowing more violently than usual,
+they were forced to take to sea, leaving several people and most of the
+water-casks; but when the gale was over, they returned to take in their
+men and water. Their provisions being nearly exhausted, they resolved to
+visit the Dutch at Cochin. After sailing three days, they arrived off
+Tellechery, and took a small vessel belonging to Governor Adams, and
+brought the master on board, very much intoxicated, who informed them of
+the expedition of Captain Mackra. This intelligence raised their utmost
+indignation. "A villain!" said they, "to whom we have given a ship and
+presents, to come against us! he ought to be hanged; and since we cannot
+show our resentment to him, let us hang the dogs his people, who wish
+him well, and would do the same, if they were clear." "If it be in my
+power," said the quarter-master, "both masters and officers of ships
+shall be carried with us for the future, only to plague them. Now,
+England, we mark him for this."
+
+They proceeded to Calicut, and attempting to cut out a ship, were
+prevented by some guns placed upon the shore. One of Captain Mackra's
+officers was under deck at this time, and was commanded both by the
+captain and the quarter-master to tend the braces on the booms, in hopes
+that a shot would take him before they got clear. He was about to have
+excused himself, but they threatened to shoot him; and when he
+expostulated, and claimed their promise to put him on shore, he received
+an unmerciful beating from the quarter-master; Captain Taylor, to whom
+that duty belonged, being lame in his hands.
+
+The day following they met a Dutch galliot, laden with limestone, bound
+for Calicut, on board of which they put one Captain Fawkes; and some of
+the crew interceding for Mackra's officer, Taylor and his party replied,
+"If we let this dog go, who has overheard our designs and resolutions,
+he will overset all our well-advised resolutions, and particularly this
+supply we are seeking for at the hands of the Dutch."
+
+When they arrived at Cochin, they sent a letter on shore by a
+fishing-boat, entered the road, and anchored, each ship saluting the
+fort with eleven guns, and receiving the same number in return. This was
+the token of their welcome reception, and at night a large boat was
+sent, deeply laden with liquors and all kinds of provisions, and in it a
+servant of John Trumpet, one of their friends, to inform them that it
+would be necessary for them to run farther south, where they would be
+supplied both with provisions and naval stores.
+
+They had scarcely anchored at the appointed place, when several canoes,
+with white and black inhabitants, came on board, and continued without
+interruption to perform all the good offices in their power during their
+stay in that place. In particular, John Trumpet brought a large boat of
+arrack, and sixty bales of sugar, as a present from the governor and his
+daughter; the former receiving in return a table-clock, and the other a
+gold watch, the spoil of Captain Mackra's vessel. When their provisions
+were all on board, Trumpet was rewarded with about six or seven thousand
+pounds, was saluted with three cheers, and eleven guns; and several
+handsfull of silver were thrown into the boat, for the men to gather at
+pleasure.
+
+There being little wind that night, they remained at anchor, and in the
+morning were surprised with the return of Trumpet, bringing another boat
+equally well stored with provisions, with chests of piece-goods and
+ready-made clothes, and along with him the fiscal of the place. At noon
+they espied a sail towards the south, and immediately gave chase, but
+she outsailed them, and sheltered under the fort of Cochin. Informed
+that they would not be molested in taking her from under the castle,
+they sailed towards her, but upon the fort firing two guns, they ran
+off for fear of more serious altercation, and returning, anchored in
+their former station. They were too welcome visitants to be permitted to
+depart, so long as John Trumpet could contrive to detain them. With this
+view he informed them, that in a few days a rich vessel, commanded by
+the Governor of Bombay's brother, was to pass that way.
+
+That government is certainly in a wretched state, which is under the
+necessity of trading with pirates, in order to enrich itself; nor will
+such a government hesitate by what means an injury can be repaired, or a
+fortune gained. Neither can language describe the low and base
+principles of a government which could employ such a miscreant as John
+Trumpet in its service. He was a tool in the hands of the government of
+Cochin; and, as the dog said in the fable, "What is done by the master's
+orders, is the master's action;" or, as the same sentiment is, perhaps,
+better expressed in the legal axiom; "Qui facit per alium facit per se."
+
+While under the direction of Trumpet, some proposed to proceed directly
+to Madagascar, but others were disposed to wait until they should be
+provided with a store ship. The majority being of the latter opinion,
+they steered to the south, and seeing a ship on shore were desirous to
+get near her, but the wind preventing, they separated, the one sailing
+northward and the other southward, in hopes of securing her when she
+should come out, whatever direction she might take. They were now,
+however, almost entrapped in the snare laid for them. In the morning, to
+their astonishment and consternation, instead of being called to give
+chase, five large ships were near, which made a signal for the pirates
+to bear down. The pirates were in the greatest dread lest it should be
+Captain Mackra, of whose activity and courage they had formerly
+sufficient proof. The pirate ships, however, joined and fled with all
+speed from the fleet. In three hours' chase none of the fleet gained
+upon them, except one grab. The remainder of the day was calm, and, to
+their great consolation, the next day this dreaded fleet was entirely
+out of sight.
+
+Their alarm being over, they resolved to spend the Christmas in feasting
+and mirth, in order to drown care, and to banish thought. Nor did one
+day suffice, but they continued their revelling for several days, and
+made so free with their fresh provisions, that in their next cruise they
+were put upon short allowance; and it was entirely owing to the sugar
+and other provisions that were in the leaky ship that they were
+preserved from absolute starvation.
+
+In this condition they reached the island of Mauritius, refitted the
+Victory, and left that place with the following inscription written upon
+one of the walls: "Left this place on the 5th of April, to go to
+Madagascar for Limos." This they did lest any visit should be paid to
+the place during their absence. They, however, did not sail directly for
+Madagascar, but the island of Mascarius, where they fortunately fell in
+with a Portuguese of seventy guns, lying at anchor. The greater part of
+her guns had been thrown overboard, her masts lost, and the whole vessel
+disabled by a storm; she therefore, became an easy prey to the pirates.
+Conde de Ericeira, Viceroy of Goa, who went upon the fruitless
+expedition against Angria the Indian, and several passengers, were on
+board. Besides other valuable articles and specie, they found in her
+diamonds to the amount of four millions of dollars. Supposing that the
+ship was an Englishman, the Viceroy came on board next morning, was made
+prisoner, and obliged to pay two thousand dollars as a ransom for
+himself and the other prisoners. After this he was sent ashore, with an
+express engagement to leave a ship to convey him and his companions to
+another port.
+
+Meanwhile, the pirates received intelligence that a vessel was to the
+leeward of the island, which they pursued and captured. But instead of
+performing their promise to the Viceroy, which they could easily have
+done, they sent the Ostender along with some of their men to Madagascar,
+to inform their friends of their success, with instructions to prepare
+masts for the prize; and they soon followed, carrying two thousand
+negroes in the Portuguese vessel.
+
+Madagascar is an island larger than Great Britain, situated upon the
+eastern coast of Africa, abounding with all sorts of provisions, such as
+oxen, goats, sheep, poultry, fish, citrons, oranges, tamarinds, dates,
+cocoa-nuts, bananas, wax, honey, rice, cotton, indigo, and all other
+fruits common in that quarter of the globe; ebony of which lances are
+made, gums of several kinds, and many other valuable productions. Here,
+in St. Augustine's bay, the ships sometimes stop to take in water, when
+they make the inner passage to India, and do not intend to stop at
+Johanna.
+
+When the Portuguese ship arrived there, they received intelligence that
+the Ostender had taken advantage of an hour when the men were
+intoxicated, had risen upon them, and carried the ship to Mozambique,
+from whence the governor ordered her to Goa.
+
+The pirates now divided their plunder, receiving forty-two diamonds per
+man, or in smaller proportion according to their magnitude. A foolish
+jocular fellow, who had received a large diamond of the value of
+forty-two, was highly displeased, and so went and broke it in pieces,
+exclaiming, that he had many more shares than either of them. Some,
+contended with their treasure, and unwilling to run the risk of losing
+what they possessed, and perhaps their lives also, resolved to remain
+with their friends at Madagascar, under the stipulation that the longest
+livers should enjoy all the booty. The number of adventurers being now
+lessened, they burned the Viceroy, cleaned the Cassandra, and the
+remainder went on board her under the command of Taylor, whom we must
+leave for a little while, in order to give an account of the squadron
+which arrived in India in 1721.
+
+When the commodore arrived at the Cape, he received a letter that had
+been written by the Governor of Pondicherry to the Governor of Madras,
+informing him that the pirates were strong in the Indian seas; that they
+had eleven sail, and fifteen hundred men; but adding, that many of them
+retired about that time to Brazil and Guinea, while others fortified
+themselves at Madagascar, Mauritius, Johanna, and Mohilla; and that a
+crew under the command of Condin, in a ship called the Dragon, had
+captured a vessel with thirteen lacks of rupees on board, and having
+divided their plunder, had taken up their residence with their friends
+at Madagascar.
+
+Upon receiving this intelligence, Commodore Matthews sailed for these
+islands, as the most probable place of success. He endeavored to prevail
+on England, at St. Mary's, to communicate to him what information he
+could give respecting the pirates; but England declined, thinking that
+this would be almost to surrender at discretion. He then took up the
+guns of the Jubilee sloop that were on board, and the men-of-war made
+several cruises in search of the pirates, but to no purpose. The
+squadron was then sent down to Bombay, was saluted by the fort, and
+after these exploits returned home.
+
+The pirate, Captain Taylor, in the Cassandra, now fitted up the
+Portuguese man-of-war, and resolved upon another voyage to the Indies;
+but, informed that four men-of-war had been sent after the pirates in
+that quarter, he changed his determination, and sailed for Africa.
+Arrived there, they put in a place near the river Spirito Sancto, on the
+coast of Monomotapa. As there was no correspondence by land, nor any
+trade carried on by sea to this place, they thought that it would afford
+a safe retreat. To their astonishment, however, when they approached the
+shore, it being in the dusk of the evening, they were accosted by
+several shot. They immediately anchored, and in the morning saw that
+the shot had come from a small fort of six guns, which they attacked and
+destroyed.
+
+This small fort was erected by the Dutch East India Company a few weeks
+before, and committed to the care of 150 men, the one half of whom had
+perished by sickness or other causes. Upon their petition, sixteen of
+these were admitted into the society of the pirates; and the rest would
+also have been received, had they not been Dutchmen, to whom they had a
+rooted aversion.
+
+In this place they continued during four months, refitting their
+vessels, and amusing themselves with all manner of diversions, until the
+scarcity of their provisions awakened them to industry and exertion.
+They, however, left several parcels of goods to the starving Dutchmen,
+which Mynheer joyfully exchanged for provisions with the next vessel
+that touched at that fort.
+
+Leaving that place, they were divided in opinion what course to steer;
+some went on board the Portuguese prize, and, sailing for Madagascar,
+abandoned the pirate life; and others going on board the Cassandra,
+sailed for the Spanish West Indies. The Mermaid man-of-war, returning
+from a convoy, got near the pirates, and would have attacked them, but a
+consultation being held, it was deemed inexpedient, and thus the pirates
+escaped. A sloop was, however, dispatched to Jamaica with the
+intelligence, and the Lancaster was sent after them; but they were some
+days too late, the pirates having, with all their riches, surrendered to
+the Governor of Portobello.
+
+
+
+
+ACCOUNT OF THE LYNN PIRATES
+
+
+_And Thomas Veal, who was buried in his cave by the Great Earthquake_.
+
+In the year 1658 there was a great earthquake in New-England. Some time
+previous, on one pleasant evening, a little after sunset, a small vessel
+was seen to anchor near the mouth of Saugus river. A boat was presently
+lowered from her side, into which four men descended, and moved up the
+river a considerable distance, when they landed, and proceeded directly
+into the woods. They had been noticed by only a few individuals; but in
+those early times, when the people were surrounded by danger, and easily
+susceptible of alarm, such an incident was well calculated to awaken
+suspicion, and in the course of the evening the intelligence was
+conveyed to many houses. In the morning, the people naturally directed
+their eyes toward the shore, in search of the strange vessel--but she
+was gone, and no trace could be found either of her or her singular
+crew. It was afterwards ascertained that, on the morning one of the men
+at the Iron Works, on going into the foundry, discovered a paper, on
+which was written, that if a quantity of shackles, handcuffs, hatchets,
+and other articles of iron manufacture, were made and deposited, with
+secrecy, in a certain place in the woods, which was particularly
+designated, an amount of silver, to their full value, would be found in
+their place. The articles were made in a few days, and placed in
+conformity with the directions. On the next morning they were gone, and
+the money was found according to the promise; but though a watch had
+been kept, no vessel was seen. Some months afterwards, the four men
+returned, and selected one of the most secluded and romantic spots in
+the woods of Saugus, for their abode. The place of their retreat was a
+deep narrow valley, shut in on two sides by craggy, precipitous rocks,
+and shrouded on the others by thick pines, hemlocks and cedars, between
+which there was only one small spot, to which the rays of the sun at
+noon could penetrate. On climbing up the rude and almost perpendicular
+steps of the rock on either side, the eye could command a full view of
+the bay on the south, and a prospect of a considerable portion of the
+surrounding country. The place of their retreat has ever since been
+called the Pirates' Glen, and they could not have selected a spot on the
+coast for many miles, more favorable for the purposes both of
+concealment and observation. Even at this day, when the neighborhood has
+become thickly peopled, it is still a lonely and desolate place, and
+probably not one in a hundred of the inhabitants has ever descended into
+its silent and gloomy recess. There the pirates built a small hut, made
+a garden, and dug a well, the appearance of which is still visible. It
+has been supposed that they buried money; but though people have dug
+there, and in many other places, none has ever been found. After
+residing there some time, their retreat became known, and one of the
+king's cruizers appeared on the coast. They were traced to their glen,
+and three of them were taken, and carried to England, where it is
+probable they were executed. The other, whose name was Thomas Veal,
+escaped to a rock in the woods, about two miles to the north, in which
+was a spacious cavern, where the pirates had previously deposited some
+of their plunder. There the fugitive fixed his residence, and practised
+the trade of a shoemaker, occasionally coming down to the village to
+obtain articles of sustenance. He continued his residence till the great
+earthquake in 1658, when the top of the rock was loosened, and crushed
+down into the mouth of the cavern, enclosing the unfortunate inmate in
+its unyielding prison. It has ever since been called the Pirate's
+Dungeon. A part of the cavern is still open, and is much visited by the
+curious.
+
+This rock is situated on a lofty range of thickly wooded hills, and
+commands an extensive view of the ocean, for fifty miles both north and
+south. A view from the top of it, at once convinces the beholder that it
+would be impossible to select a place more convenient for the haunt of a
+gang of pirates; as all vessels bound in and out of the harbors of
+Boston, Salem, and the adjacent ports, can be distinctly seen from its
+summit. Saugus river meanders among the hills a short distance to the
+south, and its numerous creeks which extend among thick bushes, would
+afford good places to secrete boats, until such time as the pirates
+descried a sail, when they could instantly row down the river, attack
+and plunder them, and with their booty return to the cavern. This was
+evidently their mode of procedure. On an open space in front of the rock
+are still to be seen distinct traces of a small garden spot, and in the
+corner is a small well, full of stones and rubbish; the foundation of
+the wall round the garden remains, and shows that the spot was of a
+triangular shape, and was well selected for the cultivation of potatoes
+and common vegetables. The aperture in the rock is only about five feet
+in height, and extends only fifteen feet into the rock. The needle is
+strongly attracted around this, either by the presence of magnetic iron
+ore or some metallic substance buried in the interior.
+
+The Pirates' Glen, which is some distance from this, is one of Nature's
+wildest and most picturesque spots, and the cellar of the pirate's hut
+remains to the present time, as does a clear space, which was evidently
+cultivated at some remote period.
+
+[Illustration: _The Dungeon Rock and Pirate's Cave, at Lynn, Mass._]
+
+
+
+
+HISTORY OF THE LADRONE PIRATES
+
+
+_And their Depredations on the Coast of China: with an Account of the
+Enterprises and Victories of Mistress Ching, a Female Pirate_.
+
+The Ladrones as they were christened by the Portuguese at Macao, were
+originally a disaffected set of Chinese, that revolted against the
+oppression of the Mandarins. The first scene of their depredations was
+the Western coast, about Cochin China, where they began by attacking
+small trading vessels in row boats, carrying from thirty to forty men
+each. They continued this system of piracy, and thrived and increased in
+numbers under it, for several years. At length the fame of their
+success, and the oppression and horrid poverty and want that many of the
+lower orders of Chinese labored under, had the effect of augmenting
+their bands with astonishing rapidity. Fishermen and other destitute
+classes flocked by hundreds to their standard, and their audacity
+growing with their numbers, they not merely swept the coast, but
+blockaded all the rivers and attacked and took several large government
+war junks, mounting from ten to fifteen guns each.--These junks being
+added to their shoals of boats, the pirates formed a tremendous fleet,
+which was always along shore, so that no small vessel could safely trade
+on the coast. When they lacked prey on the sea, they laid the land under
+tribute. They were at first accustomed to go on shore and attack the
+maritime villages, but becoming bolder, like the Buccaneers, made long
+inland journeys, and surprised and plundered even large towns.
+
+An energetic attempt made by the Chinese government to destroy them,
+only increased their strength; for in their first encounter with the
+pirates, twenty-eight of the Imperial junks struck, and the remaining
+twelve saved themselves, by a precipitate retreat.
+
+The captured junks, fully equipped for war, were a great acquisition to
+the robbers, whose numbers now increased more rapidly than ever. They
+were in their plenitude of power in the year 1809, when Mr. Glasspoole
+had the misfortune to fall into their hands, at which time that
+gentleman supposed their force to consist of 70,000 men, navigating
+eight hundred large vessels, and one thousand small ones, including row
+boats. They were divided into six large squadrons, under different
+flags;--the red, the yellow, the green, the blue, the black and the
+white. "These wasps of the Ocean," as a Chinese historian calls them,
+were further distinguished by the names of their respective commanders:
+by these commanders a certain _Ching-yih_ had been the most
+distinguished by his valor and conduct. By degrees, Ching obtained
+almost a supremacy of command over the whole united fleet; and so
+confident was this robber in his strength and daily augmenting means,
+that he aspired to the dignity of a king, and went so far as openly to
+declare his patriotic intention of hurling the present Tartar family
+from the throne of China, and of restoring the ancient Chinese dynasty.
+But unfortunately for the ambitious pirate, he perished in a heavy gale,
+and instead of placing a sovereign on the Chinese throne, he and his
+lofty aspirations were buried in the yellow sea. And now comes the most
+remarkable passage in the history of these pirates--remarkable with any
+class of men, but doubly so among the Chinese, who entertain more than
+the general oriental opinion of the inferiority of the fair sex. On the
+death of _Ching-yih,_ his legitimate wife had sufficient influence over
+the freebooters to induce them to recognize her authority in the place
+of her deceased husband's, and she appointed one _Paou_ as her
+lieutenant and prime minister, and provided that she should be
+considered the mistress or commander-in-chief of the united squadrons.
+
+This _Paou_ had been a poor fisher-boy, picked up with his father at
+sea, while fishing, by _Ching-yih,_ whose good will and favor he had the
+fortune to captivate, and by whom, before that pirate's death, he had
+been made a captain. Instead of declining under the rule of a woman, the
+pirates became more enterprising than ever. Ching's widow was clever as
+well as brave, and so was her lieutenant Paou. Between them they drew up
+a code of law for the better regulation of the freebooters.
+
+In this it was decreed, that if any man went privately on shore, or did
+what they called "transgressing the bars," he should have his ears slit
+in the presence of the whole fleet; a repetition of the same unlawful
+act, was death! No one article, however trifling in value, was to be
+privately subtracted from the booty or plundered goods. Every thing they
+took was regularly entered on the register of their stores. The
+following clause of Mistress _Ching's_ code is still more delicate. No
+person shall debauch at his pleasure captive women, taken in the
+villages and open places, and brought on board a ship; he must first
+request the ship's purser for permission, and then go aside in the
+ship's hold. To use violence, against any woman, or to wed her, without
+permission, shall be punished with death.
+
+By these means an admirable discipline was maintained on board the
+ships, and the peasantry on shore never let the pirates want for
+gunpowder, provisions, or any other necessary. On a piratical
+expedition, either to advance or retreat without orders, was a capital
+offence. Under these philosophical institutions, and the guidance of a
+woman, the robbers continued to scour the China sea, plundering every
+vessel they came near. The Great War Mandarin, Kwolang-lin sailed from
+the Bocca Tigris into the sea to fight the pirates. Paou gave him a
+tremendous drubbing, and gained a splendid victory. In this battle which
+lasted from morning to night, the Mandarin Kwolang-lin, a desperate
+fellow himself, levelled a gun at Paou, who fell on the deck as the
+piece went off; his disheartened crew concluded it was all over with
+him. But Paou was quick eyed. He had seen the unfriendly intention of
+the mandarin, and thrown himself down. The Great Mandarin was soon after
+taken with fifteen junks; three were sunk. The pirate lieutenant would
+have dealt mercifully with him, but the fierce old man suddenly seized
+him by the hair on the crown of his head, and grinned at him, so that he
+might provoke him to slay him. But even then Paou spoke kindly to him.
+Upon this he committed suicide, being seventy years of age.
+
+After several victories and reverses, the Chinese historian says our
+men-of-war escorting some merchant ships, happened to meet the pirate
+chief nicknamed "The Jewel of the Crew" cruising at sea. The traders
+became exceedingly frightened, but our commander said,--This not being
+the flag of the widow Ching-yih, we are a match for them, therefore we
+will attack and conquer them. Then ensued a battle; they attacked each
+other with guns and stones, and many people were killed and wounded. The
+fighting ceased towards evening, and began again next morning. The
+pirates and the men-of-war were very close to each other, and they
+boasted mutually about their strength and valor. The traders remained at
+some distance; they saw the pirates mixing gunpowder in their
+beverage,--they looked instantly red about the face and the eyes, and
+then fought desperately. This fighting continued three days and nights
+incessantly; at last, becoming tired on both sides, they separated.
+
+To understand this inglorious bulletin, the reader must remember that
+many of the combatants only handled bows and arrows, and pelted stones,
+and that Chinese powder and guns are both exceedingly bad. The pathos
+of the conclusion does somewhat remind one of the Irishman's despatch
+during the American war,--"It was a bloody battle while it lasted; and
+the searjent of marines lost his cartouche box."
+
+The Admiral Ting River was sent to sea against them. This man was
+surprised at anchor by the ever vigilant Paou, to whom many fishermen
+and other people on the coast, must have acted as friendly spies. Seeing
+escape impossible, and that his officers stood pale and inactive by the
+flag-staff, the Admiral conjured them, by their fathers and mothers,
+their wives and children, and by the hopes of brilliant reward if they
+succeeded, and of vengeance if they perished, to do their duty, and the
+combat began. The Admiral had the good fortune, at the onset, of killing
+with one of his great guns the pirate captain, "The Jewel of the Crew."
+But the robbers swarmed thicker and thicker around him, and when the
+dreaded Paou lay him by the board, without help or hope, the Mandarin
+killed himself. An immense number of his men perished in the sea, and
+twenty-five vessels were lost. After his defeat, it was resolved by the
+Chinese Government to cut off all their supplies of food, and starve
+them out. All vessels that were in port were ordered to remain there,
+and those at sea, or on the coast ordered to return with all speed. But
+the pirates, full of confidence, now resolved to attack the harbors
+themselves, and to ascend the rivers, which are navigable for many miles
+up the country, and rob the villages. The consternation was great when
+the Chinese saw them venturing above the government forts.
+
+The pirates separated: Mistress Ching plundering in one place, Paou in
+another, and O-po-tae in another, &c.
+
+It was at this time that Mr. Glasspoole had the ill fortune to fall into
+their power. This gentlemen, then an officer in the East India Company's
+ship the Marquis of Ely, which was anchored under an island about twelve
+miles from Macao, was ordered to proceed to the latter place with a
+boat to procure a pilot. He left the ship in one of the cutters, with
+seven British seamen well armed, on the 17th September, 1809. He reached
+Macao in safety, and having done his business there and procured a
+pilot, returned towards the ship the following day. But, unfortunately,
+the ship had weighed anchor and was under sail, and in consequence of
+squally weather, accompanied with thick fogs, the boat could not reach
+her, and Mr. Glasspoole and his men and the pilot were left at sea, in
+an open boat. "Our situation," says that gentleman, "was truly
+distressing--night closing fast, with a threatening appearance, blowing
+fresh, with a hard rain and a heavy sea; our boat very leaky, without a
+compass, anchor, or provisions, and drifting fast on a lee-shore,
+surrounded with dangerous rocks, and inhabited by the most barbarous
+pirates."
+
+After suffering dreadfully for three whole days, Mr. Glasspoole, by the
+advice of the pilot, made for a narrow channel, where he presently
+discovered three large boats at anchor, which, on seeing the English
+boat, weighed and made sail towards it. The pilot told Mr. Glasspoole
+they were Ladrones, and that if they captured the boat, they would
+certainly put them all to death! After rowing tremendously for six hours
+they escaped these boats, but on the following morning falling in with a
+large fleet of the pirates, which the English mistook for fishing-boats,
+they were captured.
+
+"About twenty savage-looking villains," says Mr. Glasspoole, "who were
+stowed at the bottom of the boat, leaped on board us. They were armed
+with a short sword in either hand, one of which they layed upon our
+necks, and pointed the other to our breasts, keeping their eyes fixed on
+their officer, waiting his signal to cut or desist. Seeing we were
+incapable of making any resistance, the officer sheathed his sword, and
+the others immediately followed his example. They then dragged us into
+their boat, and carried us on board one of their junks, with the most
+savage demonstrations of joy, and, as we supposed, to torture and put us
+to a cruel death."
+
+When on board the junk they rifled the Englishmen, and brought heavy
+chains to chain them to the deck.
+
+"At this time a boat came, and took me, with one of my men and an
+interpreter, on board the chief's vessel. I was then taken before the
+chief. He was seated on deck, in a large chair, dressed in purple silk,
+with a black turban on. He appeared to be about thirty years of age, a
+stout commanding-looking man. He took me by the coat, and drew me close
+to him; then questioned the interpreter very strictly, asking who we
+were, and what was our business in that part of the country. I told him
+to say we were Englishmen in distress, having been four days at sea
+without provisions. This he would not credit, but said we were bad men,
+and that he would put us all to death; and then ordered some men to put
+the interpreter to the torture until he confessed the truth. Upon this
+occasion, a Ladrone, who had been once to England and spoke a few words
+of English, came to the chief, and told him we were really Englishmen,
+and that we had plenty of money, adding that the buttons on my coat were
+gold. The chief then ordered us some coarse brown rice, of which we made
+a tolerable meal, having eaten nothing for nearly four days, except a
+few green oranges. During our repast, a number of Ladrones crowded round
+us, examining our clothes and hair, and giving us every possible
+annoyance. Several of them brought swords, and laid them on our necks,
+making signs that they would soon take us on shore, and cut us in
+pieces, which I am sorry to say was the fate of some hundreds during my
+captivity. I was now summoned before the chief, who had been conversing
+with the interpreter: he said I must write to my captain, and tell him,
+if he did not send an hundred thousand dollars for our ransom, in ten
+days he would put us all to death."
+
+After vainly expostulating to lessen the ransom, Mr. Glasspoole wrote
+the letter, and a small boat came alongside and took it to Macao.
+
+Early in the night the fleet sailed, and anchored about one o'clock the
+following day in a bay under the island of Lantow, where the head
+admiral of Ladrones (our acquaintance Paou) was lying at anchor, with
+about two hundred vessels and a Portuguese brig they had captured a few
+days before, and the captain and part of the crew of which they had
+murdered. Early the next morning, a fishing-boat came to inquire if they
+had captured an European boat; they came to the vessel the English were
+in.
+
+"One of the boatmen spoke a few words of English, and told me he had a
+Ladrone-pass, and was sent by our captain in search of us; I was rather
+surprised to find he had no letter. He appeared to be well acquainted
+with the chief, and remained in his cabin smoking opium, and playing
+cards all the day. In the evening I was summoned with the interpreter
+before the chief. He questioned us in a much milder tone, saying, he now
+believed we were Englishmen, a people he wished to be friendly with; and
+that if our captain would lend him seventy thousand dollars till he
+returned from his cruise up the river, he would repay him, and send us
+all to Macao. I assured him it was useless writing on these terms, and
+unless our ransom was speedily settled, the English fleet would sail,
+and render our enlargement altogether ineffectual. He remained
+determined, and said if it were not sent, he would keep us, and make us
+fight, or put us to death. I accordingly wrote, and gave my letter to
+the man belonging to the boat before mentioned. He said he could not
+return with an answer in less than five days. The chief now gave me the
+letter I wrote when first taken. I have never been able to ascertain his
+reasons for detaining it, but suppose he dared not negociate for our
+ransom without orders from the head admiral, who I understood was sorry
+at our being captured. He said the English ships would join the
+Mandarins and attack them."
+
+While the fleet lay here, one night the Portuguese who were left in the
+captured brig murdered the Ladrones that were on board of her, cut the
+cables, and fortunately escaped through the darkness of the night.
+
+"At day-light the next morning, the fleet, amounting to above five
+hundred sail of different sizes, weighed, to proceed on their intended
+cruise up the rivers, to levy contributions on the towns and villages.
+It is impossible to describe what were my feelings at this critical
+time, having received no answers to my letters, and the fleet under-way
+to sail--hundreds of miles up a country never visited by Europeans,
+there to remain probably for many months, which would render all
+opportunities for negotiating for our enlargement totally ineffectual;
+as the only method of communication is by boats that have a pass from
+the Ladrones, and they dare not venture above twenty miles from Macao,
+being obliged to come and go in the night, to avoid the Mandarins; and
+if these boats should be detected in having any intercourse with the
+Ladrones, they are immediately put to death, and all their relations,
+though they had not joined in the crime, share in the punishment, in
+order that not a single person of their families should be left to
+imitate their crimes or avenge their death."
+
+The following is a very touching incident in Mr. Glasspoole's narrative.
+
+"Wednesday the 26th of September, at day-light, we passed in sight of
+our own ships, at anchor under the island of Chun Po. The chief then
+called me, pointed to the ships, and told the interpreter to tell us to
+look at them, for we should never see them again! About noon we entered
+a river to the westward of the Bogue. Three or four miles from the
+entrance we passed a large town situated on the side of a beautiful
+hill, which is tributary to the Ladrones; the inhabitants saluted them
+with songs as they passed."
+
+After committing numerous minor robberies, "The Ladrones now prepared to
+attack a town with a formidable force, collected in row-boats from the
+different vessels. They sent a messenger to the town, demanding a
+tribute of ten thousand dollars annually, saying, if these terms were
+not complied with, they would land, destroy the town, and murder all the
+inhabitants: which they would certainly have done, had the town laid in
+a more advantageous situation for their purpose; but being placed out of
+the reach of their shot, they allowed them to come to terms. The
+inhabitants agreed to pay six thousand dollars, which they were to
+collect by the time of our return down the river. This finesse had the
+desired effect, for during our absence they mounted a few guns on a
+hill, which commanded the passage, and gave us in lieu of the dollars, a
+warm salute on our return.
+
+"October the 1st, the fleet weighed in the night, dropped by the tide up
+the river, and anchored very quietly before a town surrounded by a thick
+wood. Early in the morning the Ladrones assembled in row-boats, and
+landed; then gave a shout, and rushed into the town, sword in hand. The
+inhabitants fled to the adjacent hills, in numbers apparently superior
+to the Ladrones. We may easily imagine to ourselves the horror with
+which these miserable people must be seized, on being obliged to leave
+their homes, and everything dear to them. It was a most melancholy sight
+to see women in tears, clasping their infants in their arms, and
+imploring mercy for them from those brutal robbers! The old and the
+sick, who were unable to fly, or make resistance, were either made
+prisoners or most inhumanly butchered! The boats continued passing and
+repassing from the junks to the shore, in quick succession, laden with
+booty, and the men besmeared with blood! Two hundred and fifty women
+and several children, were made prisoners, and sent on board different
+vessels. They were unable to escape with the men, owing to that
+abominable practice of cramping their feet; several of them were not
+able to move without assistance. In fact, they might all be said to
+totter, rather than walk. Twenty of these poor women were sent on board
+the vessel I was in; they were hauled on board by the hair, and treated
+in a most savage manner. When the chief came on board, he questioned
+them respecting the circumstances of their friends, and demanded ransoms
+accordingly, from six thousand to six hundred dollars each. He ordered
+them a berth on deck, at the after part of the vessel, where they had
+nothing to shelter them from the weather, which at this time was very
+variable--the days excessively hot, and the nights cold, with heavy
+rains. The town being plundered of everything valuable, it was set on
+fire, and reduced to ashes by the morning. The fleet remained here three
+days, negotiating for the ransom of the prisoners, and plundering the
+fish-tanks and gardens. During all this time, the Chinese never ventured
+from the hills, though there were frequently not more than a hundred
+Ladrones on shore at a time, and I am sure the people on the hills
+exceeded ten times that number.
+
+"On the 10th we formed a junction with the Black-squadron, and proceeded
+many miles up a wide and beautiful river, passing several ruins of
+villages that had been destroyed by the Black-squadron. On the 17th, the
+fleet anchored abreast four mud batteries, which defended a town, so
+entirely surrounded with wood, that it was impossible to form any idea
+of its size. The weather was very hazy, with hard squalls of rain. The
+Ladrones remained perfectly quiet for two days. On the third day the
+forts commenced a brisk fire for several hours: the Ladrones did not
+return a single shot, but weighed in the night and dropped down the
+river. The reasons they gave for not attacking the town, or returning
+the fire, were, that Joss had not promised them success. They are very
+superstitious, and consult their idol on all occasions. If his omens are
+good, they will undertake the most daring enterprises. The fleet now
+anchored opposite the ruins of the town where the women had been made
+prisoners. Here we remained five or six days, during which time about an
+hundred of the women were ransomed; the remainder were offered for sale
+amongst the Ladrones, for forty dollars each. The woman is considered
+the lawful wife of the purchaser, who would be put to death if he
+discarded her. Several of them leaped overboard and drowned themselves,
+rather than submit to such infamous degradation.
+
+"Mei-ying, the wife of Ke-choo-yang, was very beautiful, and a pirate
+being about to seize her by the head, she abused him exceedingly. The
+pirate bound her to the yard-arm; but on abusing him yet more, the
+pirate dragged her down and broke two of her teeth, which filled her
+mouth and jaws with blood. The pirate sprang up again to bind her. Ying
+allowed him to approach, but as soon as he came near her, she laid hold
+of his garments with her bleeding mouth, and threw both him and herself
+into the river, where they were drowned. The remaining captives of both
+sexes were after some months liberated, on having paid a ransom of
+fifteen thousand leang or ounces of silver.
+
+"The fleet then weighed," continues Mr. Glasspoole, "and made sail down
+the river, to receive the ransom from the town before-mentioned. As we
+passed the hill, they fired several shot at us, but without effect. The
+Ladrones were much exasperated, and determined to revenge themselves;
+they dropped out of reach of their shot, and anchored. Every junk sent
+about a hundred men each on shore, to cut paddy, and destroy their
+orange-groves, which was most effectually performed for several miles
+down the river. During our stay here, they received information of nine
+boats lying up a creek, laden with paddy; boats were immediately
+despatched after them. Next morning these boats were brought to the
+fleet; ten or twelve men were taken in them. As these had made no
+resistance, the chief said he would allow them to become Ladrones, if
+they agreed to take the usual oaths before Joss. Three or four of them
+refused to comply, for which they were punished in the following cruel
+manner: their hands were tied behind their backs, a rope from the
+masthead rove through their arms, and hoisted three or four feet from
+the deck, and five or six men flogged them with their rattans twisted
+together till they were apparently dead; then hoisted them up to the
+mast-head, and left them hanging nearly an hour, then lowered them down,
+and repeated the punishment, till they died or complied with the oath.
+
+"On the 28th of October, I received a letter from Captain Kay, brought by
+a fisherman, who had told him he would get us all back for three
+thousand dollars. He advised me to offer three thousand, and if not
+accepted, extend it to four; but not farther, as it was bad policy to
+offer much at first: at the same time assuring me we should be
+liberated, let the ransom be what it would. I offered the chief the
+three thousand, which he disdainfully refused, saying he was not to be
+played with; and unless they sent ten thousand dollars, and two large
+guns, with several casks of gunpowder, he would soon put us to death. I
+wrote to Captain Kay, and informed him of the chief's determination,
+requesting, if an opportunity offered, to send us a shift of clothes,
+for which it may be easily imagined we were much distressed, having been
+seven weeks without a shift; although constantly exposed to the weather,
+and of course frequently wet.
+
+"On the first of November, the fleet sailed up a narrow river, and
+anchored at night within two miles of a town called Little Whampoa. In
+front of it was a small fort, and several Mandarin vessels lying in the
+harbor. The chief sent the interpreter to me, saying, I must order my
+men to make cartridges and clean their muskets, ready to go on shore in
+the morning. I assured the interpreter I should give the men no such
+orders, that they must please themselves. Soon after the chief came on
+board, threatening to put us all to a cruel death if we refused to obey
+his orders. For my own part I remained determined, and advised the men
+not to comply, as I thought by making ourselves useful we should be
+accounted too valuable. A few hours afterwards he sent to me again,
+saying, that if myself and the quarter-master would assist them at the
+great guns, that if also the rest of the men went on shore and succeeded
+in taking the place, he would then take the money offered for our
+ransom, and give them twenty dollars for every Chinaman's head they cut
+off. To these proposals we cheerfully acceded, in hopes of facilitating
+our deliverance.
+
+"The Mandarin vessels continued firing, having blocked up the entrance of
+the harbor to prevent the Ladrone boats entering. At this the Ladrones
+were much exasperated, and about three hundred of them swam on shore,
+with a short sword lashed close under each arm; they then ran along the
+banks of the river till they came abreast of the vessels, and then swam
+off again and boarded them. The Chinese thus attacked, leaped overboard,
+and endeavored to reach the opposite shore; the Ladrones followed, and
+cut the greater number of them to pieces in the water. They next towed
+the vessels out of the harbor, and attacked the town with increased
+fury. The inhabitants fought about a quarter of an hour, and then
+retreated to an adjacent hill, from which they were soon driven with
+great slaughter. After this the Ladrones returned, and plundered the
+town, every boat leaving it with lading. The Chinese on the hills
+perceiving most of the boats were off, rallied, and retook the town,
+after killing near two hundred Ladrones. One of my men was
+unfortunately lost in this dreadful massacre! The Ladrones landed a
+second time, drove the Chinese out of the town, then reduced it to
+ashes, and put all their prisoners to death, without regarding either
+age or sex! I must not omit to mention a most horrid (though ludicrous)
+circumstance which happened at this place. The Ladrones were paid by
+their chief ten dollars for every Chinaman's head they produced. One of
+my men turning the corner of a street was met by a Ladrone running
+furiously after a Chinese; he had a drawn sword in his hand, and two
+Chinaman's heads which he had cut off, tied by their tails, and slung
+round his neck. I was witness myself to some of them producing five or
+six to obtain payment!
+
+"On the 4th of November an order arrived from the admiral for the fleet
+to proceed immediately to Lantow, where he was lying with only two
+vessels, and three Portuguese ships and a brig constantly annoying him;
+several sail of Mandarin vessels were daily expected. The fleet weighed
+and proceeded towards Lantow. On passing the island of Lintin, three
+ships and a brig gave chase to us. The Ladrones prepared to board; but
+night closing we lost sight of them: I am convinced they altered their
+course and stood from us. These vessels were in the pay of the Chinese
+Government, and styled themselves the Invincible Squadron, cruising in
+the river Tigris to annihilate the Ladrones!
+
+"On the fifth, in the morning, the red squadron anchored in a bay under
+Lantow; the black squadron stood to the eastward. In the afternoon of
+the 8th of November, four ships, a brig, and a schooner came off the
+mouth of the bay. At first the pirates were much alarmed, supposing them
+to be English vessels come to rescue us. Some of them threatened to hang
+us to the mast-head for them to fire at; and with much difficulty we
+persuaded them that they were Portuguese. The Ladrones had only seven
+junks in a fit state for action; these they hauled outside, and moored
+them head and stern across the bay, and manned all the boats belonging
+to the repairing vessels ready for boarding. The Portuguese observing
+these manoeuvres hove to, and communicated by boats. Soon afterwards
+they made sail, each ship firing her broadside as she passed, but
+without effect, the shot falling far short. The Ladrones did not return
+a single shot, but waved their colors, and threw up rockets, to induce
+them to come further in, which they might easily have done, the outside
+junks lying in four fathoms water, which I sounded myself: though the
+Portuguese in their letters to Macao lamented there was not sufficient
+water for them to engage closer, but that they would certainly prevent
+their escaping before the Mandarin fleet arrived!
+
+[Illustration: _A Ladrone Pirate, cutting off the Heads of the Chinese._]
+
+"On the 20th of November, early in the morning, discovered an immense
+fleet of Mandarin vessels standing for the bay. On nearing us, they
+formed a line, and stood close in; each vessel, as she discharged her
+guns, tacked to join the rear and reload. They kept up a constant fire
+for about two hours, when one of their largest vessels was blown up by a
+firebrand thrown from a Ladrone junk; after which they kept at a more
+respectful distance, but continued firing without intermission till the
+21st at night, when it fell calm. The Ladrones towed out seven large
+vessels, with about two hundred row-boats to board them: but a breeze
+springing up, they made sail and escaped. The Ladrones returned into the
+bay, and anchored. The Portuguese and Mandarins followed, and continued
+a heavy cannonading during that night and the next day. The vessel I was
+in had her foremast shot away, which they supplied very expeditiously by
+taking a mainmast from a smaller vessel.
+
+"On the 23d, in the evening, it again fell calm; the Ladrones towed out
+fifteen junks in two divisions, with the intention of surrounding them,
+which was nearly effected, having come up with and boarded one, when a
+breeze suddenly sprang up. The captured vessel mounted twenty-two guns.
+Most of her crew leaped overboard; sixty or seventy were taken,
+immediately cut to pieces, and thrown into the river. Early in the
+morning the Ladrones returned into the bay, and anchored in the same
+situation as before. The Portuguese and Mandarins followed, keeping up a
+constant fire. The Ladrones never returned a single shot, but always
+kept in readiness to board, and the Portuguese were careful never to
+allow them an opportunity.
+
+"On the 28th, at night they sent eight fire-vessels, which, if properly
+constructed, must have done great execution, having every advantage they
+could wish for to effect their purpose; a strong breeze and tide
+directed into the bay, and the vessels lying so close together, that it
+was impossible to miss them. On their first appearance, the Ladrones
+gave a general shout, supposing them to be Mandarin vessels on fire, but
+were very soon convinced of their mistake. They came very regularly into
+the centre of the fleet, two and two, burning furiously; one of them
+came alongside of the vessel I was in, but they succeeded in booming her
+off. She appeared to be a vessel of about thirty tons; her hold was
+filled with straw and wood, and there were a few small boxes of
+combustibles on her deck, which exploded alongside of us without doing
+any damage. The Ladrones, however, towed them all on shore, extinguished
+the fire, and broke them up for firewood. The Portuguese claim the
+credit of constructing these destructive machines, and actually sent a
+despatch to the Governor of Macao, saying they had destroyed at least
+one-third of the Ladrone's fleet, and hoped soon to effect their purpose
+by totally annihilating them!
+
+"On the 29th of November, the Ladrones being all ready for sea, they
+weighed and stood boldly out, bidding defiance to the invincible
+squadron and imperial fleet, consisting of ninety-three war-junks, six
+Portuguese ships, a brig, and a schooner. Immediately after the Ladrones
+weighed, they made all sail. The Ladrones chased them two or three
+hours, keeping up a constant fire; finding they did not come up with
+them, they hauled their wind, and stood to the eastward. Thus terminated
+the boasted blockade, which lasted nine days, during which time the
+Ladrones completed all their repairs. In this action not a single
+Ladrone vessel was destroyed, and their loss was about thirty or forty
+men. An American was also killed, one of three that remained out of
+eight taken in a schooner. I had two very narrow escapes: the first, a
+twelve pounder shot fell within three or four feet of me; another took a
+piece out of a small brass-swivel on which I was standing. The chief's
+wife frequently sprinkled me with garlick-water, which they considered
+an effectual charm against shot. The fleet continued under sail all
+night, steering towards the eastward. In the morning they anchored in a
+large bay surrounded by lofty and barren mountains. On the 2d of
+December I received a letter from Lieutenant Maughn, commander of the
+Honorable Company's cruiser Antelope, saying that he had the ransom on
+board, and had been three days cruising after us, and wished me to
+settle with the chief on the securest method of delivering it. The chief
+agreed to send us in a small gun-boat till we came within sight of the
+Antelope; then the compradore's boat was to bring the ransom and receive
+us. I was so agitated at receiving this joyful news, that it was with
+difficulty I could scrawl about two or three lines to inform Lieutenant
+Maughn of the arrangements I had made. We were all so deeply affected by
+the gratifying tidings, that we seldom closed our eyes, but continued
+watching day and night for the boat.
+
+"On the 6th she returned with Lieutenant Maughn's answer, saying, he
+would respect any single boat; but would not allow the fleet to approach
+him. The chief, then, according to his first proposal, ordered a
+gun-boat to take us, and with no small degree of pleasure we left the
+Ladrone fleet about four o'clock in the afternoon. At one P.M. saw the
+Antelope under all sail, standing towards us. The Ladrone boat
+immediately anchored, and dispatched the compradore's boat for the
+ransom, saying, that if she approached nearer they would return to the
+fleet; and they were just weighing when she shortened sail, and anchored
+about two miles from us. The boat did not reach her till late in the
+afternoon, owing to the tide's being strong against her. She received
+the ransom and left the Antelope just before dark. A Mandarin boat that
+had been lying concealed under the land, and watching their manoeuvres,
+gave chace to her, and was within a few fathoms of taking her, when she
+saw a light, which the Ladrones answered, and the Mandarin hauled off.
+Our situation was now a critical one; the ransom was in the hands of the
+Ladrones, and the compradore dare not return with us for fear of a
+second attack from the Mandarin boat. The Ladrones would not wait till
+morning, so we were obliged to return with them to the fleet. In the
+morning the chief inspected the ransom, which consisted of the following
+articles: two bales of superfine cloth; two chests of opium; two casks
+of gunpowder, and a telescope; the rest in dollars. He objected to the
+telescope not being new; and said he should detain one of us till
+another was sent, or a hundred dollars in lieu of it. The compradore,
+however, agreed with him for the hundred dollars. Every thing being at
+length settled, the chief ordered two gun-boats to convey us near the
+Antelope; we saw her just before dusk, when the Ladrone boats left us.
+We had the inexpressible pleasure of arriving on board the Antelope at
+seven, P.M., where we were most cordially received, and heartily
+congratulated on our safe and happy deliverance from a miserable
+captivity, which we had endured for eleven weeks and three days.
+
+(Signed) "RICHARD GLASSPOOLE. _China, December 8th_. 1809."
+
+"The Ladrones have no settled residence on shore, but live constantly in
+their vessels. The after-part is appropriated to the captain and his
+wives; he generally has five or six. With respect to the conjugal rights
+they are religiously strict; no person is allowed to have a woman on
+board, unless married to her according to their laws. Every man is
+allowed a small berth, about four feet square, where he stows with his
+wife and family. From the number of souls crowded in so small a space,
+it must naturally be supposed they are horridly dirty, which is
+evidently the case, and their vessels swarm with all kinds of vermin.
+Rats in particular, which they encourage to breed, and eat as great
+delicacies; in fact, there are very few creatures they will not eat.
+During our captivity we lived three weeks on caterpillars boiled with
+rice. They are much addicted to gambling, and spend all their leisure
+hours at cards and smoking opium."
+
+[Illustration: _The War Junks of the Ladrones._]
+
+At the time of Mr. Glasspoole's liberation, the pirates were at the
+height of their power; after such repeated victories over the Mandarin
+ships, they had set at nought the Imperial allies--the Portuguese, and
+not only the coast, but the rivers of the celestial empire seemed to be
+at their discretion--and yet their formidable association did not many
+months survive this event. It was not, however, defeat that reduced it
+to the obedience of the laws. On the contrary, that extraordinary woman,
+the widow of Ching-yih, and the daring Paou, were victorious and more
+powerful than ever, when dissensions broke out among the pirates
+themselves. Ever since the favor of the chieftainess had elevated Paou
+to the general command, there had been enmity and altercations between
+him and the chief O-po-tae, who commanded one of the flags or divisions
+of the fleet; and it was only by the deference and respect they both
+owed to Ching-yih's widow, that they had been prevented from turning
+their arms against each other long before.
+
+At length, when the brave Paou was surprised and cooped up by a strong
+blockading force of the Emperor's ships, O-po-tae showed all his deadly
+spite, and refused to obey the orders of Paou, and even of the
+chieftainess, which were, that he should sail to the relief of his
+rival.
+
+Paou, with his bravery and usual good fortune, broke through the
+blockade, but when he came in contact with O-po-tae, his rage was too
+violent to be restrained.
+
+O-po-tae at first pleaded that his means and strength had been
+insufficient to do what had been expected of him, but concluded by
+saying,--"Am I bound to come and join the forces of Paou?"
+
+"Would you then separate from us!" cried Paou, more enraged than ever.
+
+O-po-tae answered: "I will not separate myself."
+
+Paou:--"Why then do you not obey the orders of the wife of Ching-yih and
+my own? What is this else than separation, that you do not come to
+assist me, when I am surrounded by the enemy? I have sworn it that I
+will destroy thee, wicked man, that I may do away with this soreness on
+my back."
+
+The summons of Paou, when blockaded, to O-po-tae was in language
+equally figurative:--"I am harassed by the Government's officers outside
+in the sea; lips and teeth must help one another, if the lips are cut
+away the teeth will feel cold. How shall I alone be able to fight the
+Government forces? You should therefore come at the head of your crew,
+to attack the Government squadron in the rear. I will then come out of
+my station and make an attack in front; the enemy being so taken in the
+front and rear, will, even supposing we cannot master him, certainly be
+thrown into disorder."
+
+The angry words of Paou were followed by others, and then by blows.
+Paou, though at the moment far inferior in force, first began the fight,
+and ultimately sustained a sanguinary defeat, and the loss of sixteen
+vessels. Our loathing for this cruel, detestable race, must be increased
+by the fact, that the victors massacred all their prisoners--or three
+hundred men!
+
+This was the death-blow to the confederacy which had so long defied the
+Emperor's power, and which might have effected his dethronement.
+O-po-tae dreading the vengeance of Paou and his mistress, Ching-yih's
+widow, whose united forces would have quintupled his own, gained over
+his men to his views, and proffered a submission to Government, on
+condition of free pardon, and a proper provision for all.
+
+The petition of the pirates is so curious a production, and so
+characteristic of the Chinese, that it deserves to be inserted at
+length. "It is my humble opinion that all robbers of an overpowering
+force, whether they had their origin from this or any other cause, have
+felt the humanity of Government at different times. Leang-sham, who
+three times plundered the city, was nevertheless pardoned, and at last
+made a minister of state. Wakang often challenged the arms of his
+country, and was suffered to live, and at last made a corner-stone of
+the empire. Joo-ming pardoned seven times Mang-hwo; and Kwan-kung three
+times set Tsaou-tsaou at liberty. Ma-yuen pursued not the exhausted
+robbers; and Yo-fei killed not those who made their submission. There
+are many instances of such transactions both in former and recent times,
+by which the country was strengthened, and government increased its
+power. We now live in a very populous age; some of us could not agree
+with their relations, and were driven out like noxious weeds. Some,
+after having tried all they could, without being able to provide for
+themselves, at last joined bad society. Some lost their property by
+shipwrecks; some withdrew into this watery empire to escape from
+punishment. In such a way those who in the beginning were only three or
+five, were in the course of time increased to a thousand or ten
+thousand, and so it went on increasing every year. Would it not have
+been wonderful if such a multitude, being in want of their daily bread,
+had not resorted to plunder and robbery to gain their subsistence, since
+they could not in any other manner be saved from famine? It was from
+necessity that the laws of the empire were violated, and the merchants
+robbed of their goods. Being deprived of our land and of our native
+places, having no house or home to resort to, and relying only on the
+chances of wind and water, even could we for a moment forget our griefs,
+we might fall in with a man-of-war, who with stones, darts, and guns,
+would knock out our brains! Even if we dared to sail up a stream and
+boldly go on with anxiety of mind under wind, rain, and stormy weather,
+we must everywhere prepare for fighting. Whether we went to the east, or
+to the west, and after having felt all the hardships of the sea, the
+night dew was our only dwelling, and the rude wind our meal. But now we
+will avoid these perils, leave our connexions, and desert our comrades;
+we will make our submission. The power of Government knows no bounds; it
+reaches to the islands in the sea, and every man is afraid, and sighs.
+Oh we must be destroyed by our crimes, none can escape who opposeth the
+laws of Government. May you then feel compassion for those who are
+deserving of death; may you sustain us by your humanity!"
+
+The Government that had made so many lamentable displays of its
+weakness, was glad to make an unreal parade of its mercy. It was but too
+happy to grant all the conditions instantly, and, in the fulsome
+language of its historians, "feeling that compassion is the way of
+heaven--that it is the right way to govern by righteousness--it
+therefore redeemed these pirates from destruction, and pardoned their
+former crimes."
+
+O-po-tae, however, had hardly struck his free flag, and the pirates were
+hardly in the power of the Chinese, when it was proposed by many that
+they should all be treacherously murdered. The governor happened to be
+more honorable and humane, or probably, only more politic than those who
+made this foul proposal--he knew that such a bloody breach of faith
+would for ever prevent the pirates still in arms from voluntary
+submitting; he knew equally well, even weakened as they were by
+O-po-tae's defection, that the Government could not reduce them by
+force, and he thought by keeping his faith with them, he might turn the
+force of those who had submitted against those who still held out, and
+so destroy the pirates with the pirates. Consequently the eight thousand
+men, it had been proposed to cut off in cold blood, were allowed to
+remain uninjured, and their leader, O-po-tae, having changed his name to
+that of Hoe-been, or, "The Lustre of Instruction," was elevated to the
+rank of an imperial officer.
+
+The widow of Ching-yih, and her favorite Paou, continued for some months
+to pillage the coast, and to beat the Chinese and the Mandarins' troops
+and ships, and seemed almost as strong as before the separation of
+O-po-tae's flag. But that example was probably operating in the minds of
+many of the outlaws, and finally the lawless heroine herself, who was
+the spirit that kept the complicate body together, seeing that O-po-tae
+had been made a government officer, and that he continued to prosper,
+began also to think of making her submission.
+
+"I am," said she, "ten times stronger than O-po-tae, and government will
+perhaps, if I submit, act towards me as they have done with O-po-tae."
+
+A rumor of her intentions having reached shore, the Mandarin sent off a
+certain Chow, a doctor of Macao, "Who," says the historian, "being
+already well acquainted with the pirates, did not need any
+introduction," to enter on preliminaries with them.
+
+When the worthy practitioner presented himself to Paou, that friend
+concluded he had been committing some crime, and had come for safety to
+that general _refugium peccatorum,_ the pirate fleet.
+
+The Doctor explained, and assured the chief, that if he would submit,
+Government was inclined to treat him and his far more favorably and more
+honorably than O-po-tae. But if he continued to resist, not only a
+general arming of all the coast and the rivers, but O-po-tae was to
+proceed against him.
+
+At this part of his narrative our Chinese historian is again so curious,
+that I shall quote his words at length.
+
+"When Fei-heung-Chow came to Paou, he said: 'Friend Paou, do you know
+why I come to you?'"
+
+"Paou.--'Thou hast committed some crime and comest to me for
+protection?'"
+
+"Chow.--'By no means.'"
+
+"Paou.--'You will then know how it stands concerning the report about
+our submission, if it is true or false?'"
+
+"Chow.--'You are again wrong here, Sir. What are you in comparison with
+O-po-tae?'"
+
+"Paou.--'Who is bold enough to compare me with O-po-tae?'"
+
+"Chow.--'I know very well that O-po-tae could not come up to you, Sir;
+but I mean only, that since O-po-tae has made his submission, since he
+has got his pardon and been created a Government officer,--how would it
+be, if you with your whole crew should also submit, and if his
+Excellency should desire to treat you in the same manner, and to give
+you the same rank as O-po-tae? Your submission would produce more joy to
+Government than the submission of O-po-tae. You should not wait for
+wisdom to act wisely; you should make up your mind to submit to the
+Government with all your followers. I will assist you in every respect,
+it would be the means of securing your own happiness and the lives of
+all your adherents.'"
+
+"Chang-paou remained like a statue without motion, and Fei-heung Chow
+went on to say: 'You should think about this affair in time, and not
+stay till the last moment. Is it not clear that O-po-tae, since you
+could not agree together, has joined Government. He being enraged
+against you, will fight, united with the forces of the Government, for
+your destruction; and who could help you, so that you might overcome
+your enemies? If O-po-tae could before vanquish you quite alone, how
+much more can he now when he is united with Government? O-po-tae will
+then satisfy his hatred against you, and you yourself will soon be taken
+either at Wei-chow or at Neaou-chow. If the merchant-vessels of
+Hwy-chaou, the boats of Kwang-chow, and all the fishing-vessels, unite
+together to surround and attack you in the open sea, you will certainly
+have enough to do. But even supposing they should not attack you, you
+will soon feel the want of provisions to sustain you and all your
+followers. It is always wisdom to provide before things happen;
+stupidity and folly never think about future events. It is too late to
+reflect upon events when things have happened; you should, therefore,
+consider this matter in time!'"
+
+Paou was puzzled, but after being closeted for some time with his
+mistress, Ching-yih's widow, who gave her high permission for him to
+make arrangements with Doctor Chow, he said he would repair with his
+fleet to the Bocca Tigris, and there communicate personally with the
+organs of Government.
+
+After two visits had been paid to the pirate-fleets by two inferior
+Mandarins, who carried the Imperial proclamation of free pardon, and
+who, at the order of Ching-yih's widow, were treated to a sumptuous
+banquet by Paou, the Governor-general of the province went himself in
+one vessel to the pirates' ships, that occupied a line of ten _le_ off
+the mouth of the river.
+
+As the governor approached, the pirates hoisted their flags, played on
+their instruments, and fired their guns, so that the smoke rose in
+clouds, and then bent sail to meet him. On this the dense population
+that were ranged thousands after thousands along the shore, to witness
+the important reconciliation, became sorely alarmed, and the
+Governor-general seems to have had a strong inclination to run away. But
+in brief space of time, the long dreaded widow of Ching-yih, supported
+by her Lieutenant Paou, and followed by three other of her principal
+commanders, mounted the side of the governor's ship, and rushed through
+the smoke to the spot where his excellency was stationed; where they
+fell on their hands and knees, shed tears, knocked their heads on the
+deck before him, and received his gracious pardon, and promised for
+future kind treatment. They then withdrew satisfied, having promised to
+give in a list of their ships, and of all else they possessed, within
+three days.
+
+But the sudden apparition of some large Portuguese ships, and some
+Government war-junks, made the pirates suspect treachery. They
+immediately set sail, and the negociations were interrupted for several
+days.
+
+They were at last concluded by the boldness of their female leader. "If
+the Governor-general," said this heroine, "a man of the highest rank,
+could come to us quite alone, why should not I, a mean woman, go to the
+officers of Government? If there be danger in it, I take it all on
+myself; no person among you need trouble himself about me--my mind is
+made up, and I will go to Canton!"
+
+Paou said--"If the widow of Ching-yih goes, we must fix a time for her
+return. If this pass without our obtaining any information, we must
+collect all our forces, and go before Canton: this is my opinion as to
+what ought to be done; comrades, let me hear yours!"
+
+The pirates, then, struck with the intrepidity of their chieftainess,
+and loving her more than ever, answered, "Friend Paou, we have heard thy
+opinion, but we think it better to wait for the news here, on the water,
+than to send the wife of Ching-yih alone to be killed." Nor would they
+allow her to leave the fleet.
+
+Matters were in this state of indecision, when the two inferior
+Mandarins who had before visited the pirates, ventured out to repeat
+their visit. These officers protested no treachery had been intended,
+and pledged themselves, that if the widow of Ching-yih would repair to
+the Governor, she would be kindly received, and every thing settled to
+their hearts' satisfaction.
+
+With this, in the language of our old ballads, upspoke Mrs. Ching. "You
+say well, gentlemen! and I will go myself to Canton with some other of
+our ladies, accompanied by you!" And accordingly, she and a number of
+the pirates' wives with their children, went fearlessly to Canton,
+arranged every thing, and found they had not been deceived. The fleet
+soon followed. On its arrival every vessel was supplied with pork and
+with wine, and every man (in lieu it may be supposed, of his share of
+the vessels, and plundered property he resigned) received at the same
+time a bill for a certain quantity of money. Those who wished it, could
+join the military force of Government for pursuing the remaining
+pirates; and those who objected, dispersed and withdrew into the
+country. "This is the manner in which the great red squadron of the
+pirates was pacified."
+
+The valiant Paou, following the example of his rival O-po-tae, entered
+into the service of Government, and proceeded against such of his
+former associates and friends as would not accept the pardon offered
+them. There was some hard fighting, but the two renegadoes successively
+took the chief Shih Url, forced the redoubtable captain, styled "The
+scourge of the Eastern Ocean" to surrender himself, drove "Frog's Meal,"
+another dreadful pirate, to Manilla, and finally, and within a few
+months, destroyed or dissipated the "wasps of the ocean" altogether.
+
+I have already noticed the marked intention of the Chinese historian, to
+paint the character of Paou in a poetical or epic manner. When
+describing the battle with Shih-Url, he says:--
+
+"They fought from seven o'clock in the morning till one at noon, burnt
+ten vessels, and killed an immense number of the pirates. Shih-Url was
+so weakened that he could scarcely make any opposition. On perceiving
+this through the smoke, Paou mounted on a sudden the vessel of the
+pirate, and cried out: 'I Chang Paou am come,' and at the same moment he
+cut some pirates to pieces; the remainder were then hardly dealt with.
+Paou addressed himself in an angry tone to Shih-Url, and said: 'I advise
+you to submit: will you not follow my advice? what have you to say?'
+Shih-Url was struck with amazement, and his courage left him. Paou
+advanced and bound him, and the whole crew were then taken captives."
+
+"From that period," says our Chinese historian, in conclusion, "ships
+began to pass and repass in tranquillity. All became quiet on the
+rivers, and tranquil on the four seas. People lived in peace and plenty.
+Men sold their arms and bought oxen to plough their fields; they buried
+sacrifices, said prayers on the tops of the hills, and rejoiced
+themselves by singing behind screens during day-time"--and (grand climax
+to all!) the Governor of the province, in consideration of his valuable
+services in the pacification of the pirates, was allowed by an edict of
+the "Son of Heaven," to wear peacocks' feathers with two eyes!
+
+
+
+
+THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN LEWIS.
+
+
+Captain Lewis was at an early age associated with pirates. We first find
+him a boy in company with the pirate Banister, who was hanged at the
+yard arm of a man-of-war, in sight of Port Royal, Jamaica. This Lewis
+and another boy were taken with him, and brought into the island hanging
+by the middle at the mizen peak. He had a great aptitude for languages,
+and spoke perfectly well that of the Mosquil Indians, French, Spanish,
+and English. I mention our own, because it is doubted whether he was
+French or English, for we cannot trace him back to his origin. He sailed
+out of Jamaica till he was a lusty lad, and was then taken by the
+Spaniards at the Havana, where he tarried some time; but at length he
+and six more ran away with a small canoe, and surprised a Spanish
+periagua, out of which two men joined them, so that they were now nine
+in company. With this periagua they surprised a turtling sloop, and
+forced some of the hands to take on with them; the others they sent away
+in the periagua.
+
+He played at this small game, surprising and taking coasters and
+turtlers, till with forced men and volunteers he made up a company of 40
+men. With these he took a large pink built ship, bound from Jamaica to
+the bay of Campeachy, and after her, several others bound to the same
+place; and having intelligence that there lay in the bay a fine Bermuda
+built brigantine of 10 guns, commanded by Captain Tucker, he sent the
+captain of the pink to him with a letter, the purport of which was, that
+he wanted such a brigantine, and if he would part with her, he would
+pay him 10,000 pieces of eight; if he refused this, he would take care
+to lie in his way, for he was resolved, either by fair or foul means to
+have the vessel. Captain Tucker, having read the letter, sent for the
+masters of vessels then lying in the bay, and told them, after he had
+shown the letter, that if they would make him up 54 men, (for there
+were about ten Bermuda sloops,) he would go out and fight the pirates.
+They said no, they would not hazard their men, they depended on their
+sailing, and every one must take care of himself as well as he could.
+
+[Illustration: _The Pirate Banister, hanging at the Yard Arm._]
+
+However, they all put to sea together, and spied a sail under the land,
+which had a breeze while they lay becalmed. Some said he was a turtler;
+others, the pirate, and so it proved; for it was honest Captain Lewis,
+who putting out his oars, got in among them. Some of the sloops had four
+guns, some two, some none. Joseph Dill had two, which he brought on one
+side, and fired smartly at the pirate, but unfortunately one of them
+split, and killed three men. Tucker called to all the sloops to send him
+men, and he would fight Lewis, but to no purpose; nobody came on board
+him. In the mean while a breeze sprung up, and Tucker, trimming his
+sails, left them, who all fell a prey to the pirate; into whom, however,
+he fired a broadside at going off. One sloop, whose master I will not
+name, was a very good sailer, and was going off; but Lewis firing a
+shot, brought her to, and he lay by till all the sloops were visited and
+secured. Then Lewis sent on board him, and ordered the master into his
+sloop. As soon as he was on board, he asked the reason of his lying by,
+and betraying the trust his owners had reposed in him, which was doing
+like a knave and coward, and he would punish him accordingly; _for_,
+said he, _you might have got off, being so much a better sailer than my
+vessel_. After this speech, he fell upon him with a rope's end, and then
+snatching up his cane, drove him about the decks without mercy. The
+master, thinking to pacify him, told him he had been out trading in that
+sloop several months, and had on board a good quantity of money, which
+was hid, and which, if he would send on board a black belonging to the
+owners, he would discover to him. This had not the desired effect, but
+one quite contrary; for Lewis told him he was a rascal and villain for
+this discovery, and he would pay him for betraying his owners, and
+redoubled his strokes. However, he sent and took the money and negro,
+who was an able sailor. He took out of his prizes what he had occasion
+for, forty able negro sailors, and a white carpenter. The largest sloop,
+which was about ninety tons, he took for his own use, and mounted her
+with 12 guns. His crew was now about eighty men, whites and blacks.
+
+[Illustration: _The Master Caned by Captain Lewis._]
+
+After these captures, he cruised in the Gulf of Florida, laying in wait
+for the West India homeward bound ships that took the leeward passage,
+several of which, falling into his hands, were plundered by him, and
+released. From hence he went to the coast of Carolina, where he cleaned
+his sloop, and a great many men whom he had forced, ran away from him.
+However, the natives traded with him for rum and sugar, and brought him
+all he wanted, without the government's having any knowledge of him, for
+he had got into a very private creek; though he was very much on his
+guard, that he might not be surprised from the shore.
+
+From Carolina he cruised on the coast of Virginia, where he took and
+plundered several merchantmen, and forced several men, and then returned
+to the coast of Carolina, where he did abundance of mischief. As he had
+now an abundance of French on board, who had entered with him, and
+Lewis, hearing the English had a design to maroon them, he secured the
+men he suspected, and put them in a boat, with all the other English,
+ten leagues from shore, with only ten pieces of beef, and sent them
+away, keeping none but French and negroes. These men, it is supposed,
+all perished in the sea.
+
+From the coast of Carolina he shaped his course for the banks of
+Newfoundland, where he overhauled several fishing vessels, and then went
+into Trinity Harbor in Conception Bay, where there lay several
+merchantmen, and seized a 24 gun galley, called the Herman. The
+commander, Captain Beal, told Lewis, if he would send his quarter master
+ashore he would furnish him with necessaries. He being sent ashore, a
+council was held among the masters, the consequence of which was, the
+seizing the quarter master, whom they carried to Captain Woodes Rogers.
+He chained him to a sheet anchor which was ashore, and planted guns at
+the point, to prevent the pirate getting out, but to little purpose; for
+the people at one of these points firing too soon, Lewis quitted the
+ship, and, by the help of oars and the favor of the night, got out in
+his sloop, though she received many shot in her hull. The last shot that
+was fired at the pirate did him considerable damage.
+
+He lay off and on the harbor, swearing he would have his quarter master,
+and intercepted two fishing shallops, on board of one of which was the
+captain of the galley's brother. He detained them, and sent word, if his
+quarter master did not immediately come off, he would put all his
+prisoners to death. He was sent on board without hesitation. Lewis and
+the crew inquired how he had been used, and he answered, very civilly.
+"It's well," said the pirate, "for had you been ill treated, I would
+have put all these rascals to the sword." They were dismissed, and the
+captain's brother going over the side, the quarter master stopped him,
+saying, he must drink the gentlemen's health ashore, particularly
+Captain Rogers' and, whispering him in the ear, told him, if they had
+known of his being chained all night, he would have been cut in pieces,
+with all his men. After this poor man and his shallop's company were
+gone, the quarter master told the usage he had met with, which enraged
+Lewis, and made him reproach his quarter master, whose answer was, that
+he did not think it just the innocent should suffer for the guilty.
+
+The masters of the merchantmen sent to Capt. Tudor Trevor, who lay at
+St. John's in the Sheerness man-of-war. He immediately got under sail,
+and missed the pirate but four hours. She kept along the coast and made
+several prizes, French and English, and put into a harbor where a French
+ship lay making fish. She was built at the latter end of the war, for a
+privateer, was an excellent sailer, and mounted 24 guns. The commander
+hailed him: the pirate answered, _from Jamaica with rum and sugar_. The
+Frenchman bid him go about his business; that a pirate sloop was on the
+coast, and he might be the rogue; if he did not immediately sheer off,
+he would fire a broadside into him. He went off and lay a fortnight out
+at sea, so far as not to be descried from shore, with resolution to have
+the ship. The Frenchman being on his guard, in the meanwhile raised a
+battery on the shore, which commanded the harbor. After a fortnight,
+when he was thought to be gone off, he returned, and took two of the
+fishing shallops belonging to the Frenchman, and manning them with
+pirates, they went in. One shallop attacked the battery; the other
+surprised, boarded and carried the ship, just as the morning star
+appeared, for which reason he gave her that name. In the engagement the
+owner's son was killed, who made the voyage out of curiosity only. The
+ship being taken, seven guns were fired, which was the signal, and the
+sloop came down and lay alongside the ship. The captain told him he
+supposed he only wanted his liquor; but Lewis made answer he wanted his
+ship, and accordingly hoisted all his ammunition and provision into her.
+When the Frenchman saw they would have his ship, he told her trim, and
+Lewis gave him the sloop; and excepting what he took for provision, all
+the fish he had made. Several of the French took on with him, who, with
+others, English and French, had by force or voluntarily, made him up 200
+men.
+
+From Newfoundland he steered for the coast of Guinea, where he took a
+great many ships, English, Dutch and Portuguese. Among these ships was
+one belonging to Carolina, commanded by Capt. Smith. While he was in
+chase of this vessel a circumstance occurred, which made his men
+believe he dealt with the devil; his fore and main top-mast being
+carried away, he, Lewis, running up the shrouds to the maintop, tore off
+a handful of hair, and throwing it into the air used this expression,
+_good devil, take this till I come_. And it was observed, that he came
+afterwards faster up with the chase than before the loss of his
+top-masts.
+
+[Illustration: _Captain Lewis giving a lock of his hair to the Devil._]
+
+Smith being taken, Lewis used him very civilly, and gave him as much or
+more in value than he took from him, and let him go, saying, he would
+come to Carolina when he had made money on the coast, and would rely on
+his friendship.
+
+They kept some time on the coast, when they quarrelled among themselves,
+the French and English, of which the former were more numerous, and they
+resolved to part. The French therefore chose a large sloop newly taken,
+thinking the ship's bottom, which was not sheathed, damaged by the
+worms. According to this agreement they took on board what ammunition
+and provision they thought fit out of the ship, and put off, choosing
+one Le Barre captain. As it blew hard, and the decks were encumbered,
+they came to an anchor under the coast, to stow away their ammunition,
+goods, &c. Lewis told his men they were a parcel of rogues, and he would
+make them refund; accordingly he run alongside, his guns being all
+loaded and new primed, and ordered him to cut away his mast or he would
+sink him. Le Barre was obliged to obey. Then he ordered them all ashore.
+They begged the liberty of carrying their arms, goods, &c. with them,
+but he allowed them only their small arms and cartridge boxes. Then he
+brought the sloop alongside, put every thing on board the ship, and sunk
+the sloop.
+
+Le Barre and the rest begged to be taken on board. However, though he
+denied them, he suffered Le Barre and some few to come, with whom he and
+his men drank plentifully. The negroes on board Lewis told him the
+French had a plot against him. He answered, he could not withstand his
+destiny; for the devil told him in the great cabin he should be murdered
+that night.
+
+In the dead of the night, the rest of the French came on board in
+canoes, got into the cabin and killed Lewis. They fell on the crew; but,
+after an hour and a half's dispute, the French were beaten off, and the
+quarter master, John Cornelius, an Irishman, succeeded Lewis.
+
+  --"He was the mildest manner'd man,
+  That ever scuttled ship or cut a throat;
+  With such true breeding of a gentleman,
+  You never could discern his real thought.
+  Pity he loved an adventurous life's variety,
+  He was so great a loss to good society."
+
+
+
+
+THE LIFE, CAREER AND DEATH OF CAPTAIN THOMAS WHITE.
+
+
+He was born at Plymouth, where his mother kept a public house. She took
+great care of his education, and when he was grown up, as he had an
+inclination to the sea, procured 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 merchant 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 Guinea and back to Barbadoes. In
+his third, he had the misfortune to be taken by a French pirate, 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 Guinea coast more fit for
+their purpose, they went on board her and burnt the brigantine.
+
+It is not my business here to give an account of this French pirate, any
+farther than Capt. White's story obliges me, though 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 cold blood, by way of diversion.
+
+White was marked out for a sacrifice by one of these villains, who, for
+what reason I know not, 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 lie 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.
+
+After some time cruising along the coast, the pirates doubled the Cape
+of Good Hope, and shaped their course for Madagascar, where, being drunk
+and mad, they knocked 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, Capt. White, Capt. Boreman, (born in the Isle of
+Wight, formerly a lieutenant of a man-of-war, but in the merchant
+service when he fell into the hands of the pirates,) Capt. Bowen and
+some other prisoners got into the long-boat, and with broken oars and
+barrel staves, which they found in the bottom of the boat, paddled to
+Augustin Bay, which 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 stayed here a year and a half at the king's expense, 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 such, but the first European vessel that came in, he always obliged
+to take in the unfortunate people, let the vessel be what it would; for
+he had no notion of any difference between pirates and merchants.
+
+At the expiration of the above term, a pirate brigantine came in, on
+board 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 pirate vessel, which was commanded by one
+William Read, who received them very civilly.
+
+This commander went along the coast, and picked up what Europeans he
+could meet with. His crew, however, did not exceed 40 men. He would have
+been glad of taking some of the wrecked 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, steered his course
+for the Persian Gulf, where they met a grab, (a one masted vessel) of
+about 200 tons, which was made a prize. They found nothing on board but
+bale goods, most of which they threw overboard in search of 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
+tossed into the sea!
+
+In this cruise Capt. Read fell ill and died, and 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 grab, and made a ship of her. Here they
+took in a quantity of fresh provisions, which are in this island very
+plentiful and very cheap, and found a twelve-oared boat, which formerly
+belonged to the Ruby East Indiaman, which had been lost there.
+
+They stayed 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 hailed 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 pirates for slaves,
+at Ambonavoula, on the east side of the island, in the latitude of 17
+deg. 30 min. and was by them taken after the following manner.
+
+The pirates, who were headed by George Booth, now 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 pirate ship, called the
+Dolphin. Capt. 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 that entered. The captain told
+him that _he was a rogue, and had a design upon his ship_, and the
+pirates pretended to be so angry with this fellow's offering to come on
+board with arms, that they threatened to knock him on the head, and
+tossing him roughly into the boat, ordered him ashore, though 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 four
+pistols, which were all the arms they had for the enterprise, though
+Fourgette had 20 hands on board, and his small arms on the awning, to be
+in readiness.
+
+The captain invited them into the cabin to dinner, but Booth chose to
+dine with the petty officer, though one Johnson, Isaac and another, went
+down. Booth was to give the watchword, which was _hurrah_. Standing near
+the awning, and being a nimble fellow, at one spring he threw himself
+upon it, drew the arms to him, fired his pistol among the men, one of
+whom he wounded, (who jumping overboard was lost) and gave the signal.
+
+Three, I said, were in the cabin, 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 cabin, hearing the pistol, fell
+upon Johnson, and stabbed him in several places with their forks, but
+they being silver, did him no great damage. Fourgette snatched his
+piece, which he snapped at Isaac's breast several times, but it would
+not go off. At last, finding his resistance vain, he submitted, and the
+pirates 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 humanely, 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 increased their crew, by that means, to the number of 80 hands, they
+sailed to St. Mary's, where Capt. Mosson'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 of
+Madagascar, in the lat. of 16 degrees or thereabouts, to salt up
+provisions and to proceed to the East Indies, cruise off the islands of
+St. John, and lie in wait for the Moor ships from Mocha.
+
+In their way to Methelage they fell in (as I have said) with the pirate,
+on board of which was Capt. White. They joined company, came to an
+anchor together in the above named river, where they had cleaned, salted
+and took in their provisions, and were ready to go to sea, when a large
+ship appeared in sight, and stood into the same river.
+
+The pirates knew not whether she was a merchantman 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, inexperienced man, who was put in
+with a nurse.
+
+The pirates sent their boats to speak with them, but the ship firing at
+them, they concluded it a man of war, and rowed ashore; the grab
+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 fetched her off.
+
+The captain of the Speaker, for that was the name of the ship which
+frightened the pirates, was not a little vain of having forced these two
+vessels ashore, though he did not know whether they were pirates or
+merchantmen, 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
+pirates aground;" which gave handle to a satirical 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 frightened two pirate ships
+ashore, and was taken by their two boats afterwards."
+
+When the Speaker came within shot, she fired several times at the two
+vessels; and when she came to anchor, several more into the country,
+which alarmed the negroes, who, acquainting their king, he would allow
+him no trade, till the pirates living ashore, and who had a design on
+his ship, interceded for them, telling the king, they were their
+countrymen, and what had happened was through 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 fired 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
+Welshman, born in Pembroke, who lived on shore, and had belonged to the
+Charming Mary, of Barbadoes, which went out with a commission but was
+converted to a pirate. He told the purser he was his prisoner, and must
+answer the damage done to two merchants who were slaving. The purser
+answered, that he was not commander; that the captain was a hot rash
+youth, put into 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 used, and the next morning sent up
+to the king with a guide, and peace made for him.
+
+The king allowed them trade, and sent down the usual presents, a couple
+of oxen between twenty and thirty 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 pirates 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
+harbor, 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 taking the ship.
+
+After some days the captain of the Speaker came on shore, and was
+received with great civility by the heads of the pirates, having agreed
+before to make satisfaction. In a day or two after, he was invited by
+them to eat a barbacued shoat, which invitation he accepted. After
+dinner, Capt. Bowen, who was, I have already said, a prisoner on board
+the French pirate, 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
+his ship, his was a good one, and they were resolved to have her, to
+make amends for the damage he had done them."
+
+[Illustration: _Hugh Man wetting the Priming of the Guns._]
+
+In the mean while his boat's crew, and the rest of his men ashore, were
+told by others of the pirates, who were drinking with them, that they
+were also prisoners: some of them answered, _Zounds, we don't trouble
+our heads what we are, let's have t'other bowl of punch_.
+
+A watchword 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 8
+o'clock they manned the twelve-oared boat, and the one 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, as he wanted to
+speak with them. Capt. Booth asked what he wanted! He said, "they could
+never take his ship." "Then," said Booth, "we'll die in or alongside of
+her."--"But," replied the captain, "if you will go with safety, don't
+board on the larboard side, for there is a gun out of the steerage
+loaded with partridge, which will clear the decks." They thanked him,
+and proceeded.
+
+When they were near the ship they were hailed, 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--_Pirates, take to your arms my lads_, and immediately clapped a
+match to a gun, which, as the priming was before wet by the treachery of
+Hugh Man, only fizzed. 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 betrayed his ship;
+for the pirates had both paid him the 100_l_ agreed, and kept his
+secret. The captain having thus lost his ship, sailed in that which the
+pirates gave him, for Johanna, where he fell ill and died with grief.
+
+The pirates having here victualled, they sailed for the Bay of St.
+Augustine, where they took in between 70 and 80 men, who had belonged to
+the ship Alexander, commanded by Capt. James, a pirate. They also took
+up her guns, and mounted the Speaker with 54, which made up their
+number, and 240 men, besides slaves, of which they had about 20.
+
+From hence they sailed for the East Indies, but stopped 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 passed through the guard, and when they had
+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 a
+grappling, was immediately put in by those who looked after her. There
+were not above half a dozen of the pirates who brought their arms
+ashore, but they plied 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 though he was attacked by many, he behaved himself so well, that he
+got into a little canoe, put off, and reached the long-boat.
+
+In the interim, the little fort the Arabians had, played upon the ship,
+which returned the salute very warmly. Thus they got on board, with the
+loss of Captain Booth and 20 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 Moor ships, which they kept company with the
+greater part of the day, but 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 though he said little, did not seem inclined,
+for he was but a young pirate, though an old commander of a merchantman.
+Those who pushed for boarding, then desired Captain Boreman, already
+mentioned, to take the command; but he said he would not be a usurper;
+that nobody was more fit for it than he who had it; that for his part
+he would stand by his fuzil, and went forward to the forecastle with
+such as would have him take 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 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, clapped her on board and carried her; but
+night coming on, they made only this prize, which yielded them £500 per
+man. From hence they sailed to the coast of Malabar. The adventures of
+these pirates on this coast are already set down in Captain Bowen's
+life, to which I refer the reader, and shall only observe, that Captain
+White was all this time before 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 an opportunity of getting off the
+island, till another pirate ship, called the Prosperous, commanded by
+one Howard, who had been bred a lighterman on the river Thames, came in.
+This ship was taken at Augustin, by some pirates from shore, and the
+crew of their long-boat, which joined them, at the instigation of one
+Ranten, boatswain's mate, who sent for water. They came on board in the
+night and surprised her, though not without resistance, in which the
+captain and chief mate were killed, and several others wounded.
+
+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 continued 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. At Port Dolphin he went _off_ in the boats to fetch some of the
+crew left ashore, 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 touched at Augustin, expecting the ship, but she
+not appearing in a week, the time they waited, the king ordered them to
+be gone, telling them they imposed on him with lies, for he did not
+believe they had any ship: however he gave them 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 the ship, but she not appearing they raised their boat a
+streak, salted the provision the king gave them, 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 N.W. for eight months in the
+year, was so strong they found it impossible to get round. Wherefore
+they got into a harbor, of which there are many for small vessels. Here
+they stayed about three weeks or a month, when part of the crew were for
+burning the boat, and travelling over land to a black king of their
+acquaintance, whose name was Reberimbo, who lived at a place called
+Manangaromasigh, in lat. 15 deg. 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 dissuaded 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, conveyed them 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.
+
+[Illustration: _The Murder of the Captain and Chief Mate._]
+
+Here he built a deck on his boat, and lay by three months, in which time
+there came in three pirates with a boat, who had formerly been trepanned
+on board the Severn and Scarborough men-of-war, which had been looking
+for pirates 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 them the boat which brought them to Methelage. The time
+of the current's setting with violence to the N.W. 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 harbor and staid there a month, maintaining themselves with
+fish and wild hogs, of which there was a great plenty. At length, having
+fine weather, and the strength of the current abating, they got round;
+and after sailing about 40 miles on the east side, they went into a
+harbor, where they found a piece of a jacket, which they knew belonged
+to one of those men who had left them 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 anchor in convenient harbors every
+night, till they got as far as Manangaromasigh, where king Reberimbo
+resided, where they went in to inquire for their men, who left them at
+the north end, and to recruit with provisions. The latter was given
+them, but they could get no information of their companions.
+
+From hence they went to the island of St. Mary, where a canoe came off
+to them with a letter directed to any white man. They knew it to be the
+hand of one of their former shipmates. The contents of this letter was
+to advise them to be on their guard, and not trust too much to the
+blacks of this place, they having been formerly treacherous. They
+inquired after their ship, and were informed, 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 them lived
+together in a large house they had built, and fortified with about
+twenty pieces of cannon.
+
+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 itself, as the English, French, Dutch, &c. They made inquiry
+of their consorts after the different prizes which belonged to them, and
+they found all very justly laid by to be given them, if ever they
+returned, as were what belonged to the men who went over land. Captain
+White, hankering after home, proposed going out again in the boat; for
+he was adverse to settling with them; and many others agreed to go under
+his command; and if they could 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 increased 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 tons, and 6 guns, which had been taken by some pirates who
+lived at Maratan, on the east side of the island, and some of the
+Degrave East-Indiaman's crew, to whom the master of her refused a
+passage to Europe; for as he had himself been a pirate, and
+quarter-master to Bowen, in the Speaker, he apprehended their taking
+away his ship. War then existing between England and France, he thought
+they might do it without being called in question as pirates. The
+pirates 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, cleaned and tallowed 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 joining him, and going round
+to Ambonavoula, to make up a company, it was agreed upon, and they
+unanimously chose him commander. They accordingly put to sea, and stood
+away round the south end of the island, and touched at Don Mascarenhas,
+where he took in a surgeon, and stretching over again to Madagascar,
+fell in with Ambonavoula, and made up his complement of 60 men. From
+hence he shaped his course for the island of Mayotta, where he cleaned
+his ship, and waited for the season to go into the Red Sea. His
+provisions being taken in, the time proper, and the ship well fitted, he
+steered for Babel-Mandeb, and running into a harbor, waited for the
+Mocha ships.
+
+He here took two grabs laden with provisions, and having some small
+money and drugs aboard. These he plundered of what was for his turn,
+kept them a fortnight by him, and let them go. Soon after they espied a
+lofty ship, upon which they put to sea; but finding her European built,
+and too strong to attempt, for it was a Dutchman, they gave over the
+chase, and were glad to shake them off, and return to their station.
+Fancying they were here discovered, 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. A few days
+after, they met with a large ship of about 1000 tons and 600 men, called
+the Malabar, which they chased, kept company with her all night, and
+took in the morning, with the loss of only their boatswain, and two or
+three men wounded. In 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. They therefore filled her away with prisoners, gave them
+provision and sent them away.
+
+Some days after this, they espied a Portuguese man-of war of 44 guns,
+which they chased, but gave it over by carrying away their maintopmast,
+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 merchantman, which they chased with English colors
+flying. The chase, taking White for an English man-of-war or
+East-Indiaman, 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 detained, and the pirates
+getting into his boat with their arms, went on board and fired on the
+Portuguese, who being surprised, asked if war was broke out between
+England and Portugal? They answered in the affirmative, but the captain
+could not believe them. 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 shots
+in the chase, but when they came along side of 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 cargo, with what bale 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 plundered the Malabar ship, out of which they took as
+much money as came to £200 sterling a man, but missed 50,000 sequins,
+which were hid in a jar under a cow's stall, kept for the giving milk to
+the Moor supercargo, an ancient man. They then put the Portuguese and
+Moor prisoners on board the Malabar, and sent them about their business.
+The day after they had sent them away, one Captain Benjamin Stacy, in a
+ketch of 6 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,
+who were under the care of Stacy. The children took on for their loss,
+and the captain asked the reason of their tears, was answered by Stacy,
+and the above sum and plate was all the children had to bring them up.
+Captain White made a speech to his men, and told them it was cruel to
+rob the innocent children; upon which, by unanimous consent, all was
+restored to them again. Besides, they made a gathering among themselves,
+and made a present to Stacy's mate, and other of 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 anchor,
+which the people had made prize of, by seizing the master and boat's
+crew ashore. They found a French gentleman, one Monsieur Berger, on
+board, whom they carried with them, took out about 2000 dollars, and
+sold the ketch to the chief ashore for provisions.
+
+Hence they sailed for Madagascar, but touched at Mascarenhas, where
+several of them went ashore with their booty, about £1200 a man. Here
+taking in fresh provisions, White steered for Madagascar, and fell in
+with Hopeful Point where they shared their goods, and took up
+settlements ashore, where White built a house, bought cattle, took off
+the upper deck of 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 more proper vessel for
+their turn, they desisted from working on the ship, and those who had a
+mind for fresh adventures, went on board Halsey, among whom Captain
+White entered before the mast.
+
+At his return to Madagascar, White was taken ill of a flux, which in
+about five or six months ended his days. Finding his time was drawing
+nigh, he made his will, left several legacies, and named three men of
+different nations, guardian to a son he had by a woman in 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
+that he might live a better man than his father. He was buried with the
+same ceremony they used at the funerals of their companions, which is
+mentioned 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 honor.
+
+
+
+
+THE LIFE, ATROCITIES, AND BLOODY DEATH OF BLACK BEARD.
+
+
+Edward Teach was a native of Bristol, and having gone to Jamaica,
+frequently sailed from that port as one of the crew of a privateer
+during the French war. In that station he gave frequent proofs of his
+boldness and personal courage; but he was not entrusted with any command
+until Captain Benjamin Hornigold gave him the command of a prize which
+he had taken.
+
+In the spring of 1717, Hornigold and Teach sailed from Providence for
+the continent of America, and on their way captured a small vessel with
+120 barrels of flour, which they put on board their own vessel. They
+also seized two other vessels; from one they took some gallons of wine,
+and from the other, plunder to a considerable value. After cleaning upon
+the coast of Virginia, they made a prize of a large French Guineaman
+bound to Martinique, and Teach obtaining the command of her, went to the
+island of Providence, and surrendered to the king's clemency.
+
+Teach now began to act an independent part. He mounted his vessel with
+forty guns, and named her "The Queen Anne's Revenge." Cruising near the
+island of St. Vincent, he took a large ship, called the Great Allan, and
+after having plundered her of what he deemed proper, set her on fire. A
+few days after, Teach encountered the Scarborough man-of-war, and
+engaged her for some hours; but perceiving his strength and resolution,
+she retired, and left Teach to pursue his depredations. His next
+adventure was with a sloop of ten guns, commanded by Major Bonnet, and
+these two men co-operated for some time: but Teach finding him
+unacquainted with naval affairs, gave the command of Bonnet's ship to
+Richards, one of his own crew, and entertained Bonnet on board his own
+vessel. Watering at Turniff, they discovered a sail, and Richards with
+the Revenge slipped her cable, and ran out to meet her. Upon seeing the
+black flag hoisted, the vessel struck, and came-to under the stern of
+Teach the commodore. This was the Adventure from Jamaica. They took the
+captain and his men on board the great ship, and manned his sloop for
+their own service.
+
+Weighing from Turniff, where they remained during a week, and sailing to
+the bay, they found there a ship and four sloops. Teach hoisted his
+flag, and began to fire at them, upon which the captain and his men left
+their ship and fled to the shore. Teach burned two of these sloops, and
+let the other three depart.
+
+They afterwards sailed to different places, and having taken two small
+vessels, anchored off the bar of Charleston for a few days. Here they
+captured a ship bound for England, as she was coming out of the harbor.
+They next seized a vessel coming out of Charleston, and two pinks coming
+into the same harbor, together with a brigantine with fourteen negroes.
+The audacity of these transactions, performed in sight of the town,
+struck the inhabitants with terror, as they had been lately visited by
+some other notorious pirates. Meanwhile, there were eight sail in the
+harbor, none of which durst set to sea for fear of falling into the
+hands of Teach. The trade of this place was totally interrupted, and the
+inhabitants were abandoned to despair. Their calamity was greatly
+augmented from this circumstance, that a long and desperate war with the
+natives had just terminated, when they began to be infested by these
+robbers.
+
+Teach having detained all the persons taken in these ships as
+prisoners, they were soon in great want of medicines, and he had the
+audacity to demand a chest from the governor. This demand was made in a
+manner not less daring than insolent. Teach sent Richards, the captain
+of the Revenge, with Mr. Marks, one of the prisoners, and several
+others, to present their request. Richards informed the governor, that
+unless their demand was granted, and he and his companions returned in
+safety, every prisoner on board the captured ships should instantly be
+slain, and the vessels consumed to ashes.
+
+During the time that Mr. Marks was negotiating with the governor,
+Richards and his associates walked the streets at pleasure, while
+indignation flamed from every eye against them, as the robbers of their
+property, and the terror of their country. Though the affront thus
+offered to the Government was great and most audacious, yet, to preserve
+the lives of so many men, they granted their request, and sent on board
+a chest valued at three or four hundred pounds.
+
+Teach, as soon as he received the medicines and his fellow pirates,
+pillaged the ships of gold and provisions, and then dismissed the
+prisoners with their vessels. From the bar of Charleston they sailed to
+North Carolina. Teach now began to reflect how he could best secure the
+spoil, along with some of the crew who were his favorites. Accordingly,
+under pretence of cleaning, he ran his vessel on shore, and grounded;
+then ordered the men in Hands' sloop to come to his assistance, which
+they endeavoring to do, also ran aground, and so they were both lost.
+Then Teach went into the tender with forty hands, and upon a sandy
+island, about a league from shore, where there was neither bird no
+beast, nor herb for their subsistence, he left seventeen of his crew,
+who must inevitably have perished, had not Major Bonnet received
+intelligence of their miserable situation, and sent a long-boat for
+them. After this barbarous deed. Teach, with the remainder of his crew,
+went and surrendered to the governor of North Carolina, retaining all
+the property which had been acquired by his fleet.
+
+The temporary suspension of the depredations of Black Beard, for so he
+was now called, did not proceed from a conviction of his former errors,
+or a determination to reform, but to prepare for future and more
+extensive exploits. As governors are but men, and not unfrequently by no
+means possessed of the most virtuous principles, the gold of Black Beard
+rendered him comely in the governor's eyes, and, by his influence, he
+obtained a legal right to the great ship called "The Queen Anne's
+Revenge." By order of the governor, a court of vice-admiralty was held
+at Bath-town, and that vessel was condemned as a lawful prize which he
+had taken from the Spaniards, though it was a well-known fact that she
+belonged to English merchants. Before he entered upon his new
+adventures, he married a young woman of about sixteen years of age, the
+governor himself attending the ceremony. It was reported that this was
+only his fourteenth wife, about twelve of whom were yet alive; and
+though this woman was young and amiable, he behaved towards her in a
+manner so brutal, that it was shocking to all decency and propriety,
+even among his abandoned crew of pirates.
+
+In his first voyage, Black Beard directed his course to the Bermudas,
+and meeting with two or three English vessels, emptied them of their
+stores and other necessaries, and allowed them to proceed. He also met
+with two French vessels bound for Martinique, the one light, and the
+other laden with sugar and cocoa: he put the men on board the latter
+into the former, and allowed her to depart. He brought the freighted
+vessel into North Carolina, where the governor and Black Beard shared
+the prizes. Nor did their audacity and villany stop here. Teach and some
+of his abandoned crew waited upon his excellency, and swore that they
+had seized the French ship at sea, without a soul on board; therefore a
+court was called, and she was condemned, the honorable governor received
+sixty hogsheads of sugar for his share, his secretary twenty, and the
+pirates the remainder. But as guilt always inspires suspicion, Teach was
+afraid that some one might arrive in the harbor who might detect the
+roguery: therefore, upon pretence that she was leaky, and might sink,
+and so stop up the entrance to the harbor where she lay, they obtained
+the governor's liberty to drag her into the river, where she was set on
+fire, and when burnt down to the water, her bottom was sunk, that so she
+might never rise in judgment against the governor and his confederates.
+
+[Illustration: _The crews of Black Beard's and Vane's vessels carousing
+on the coast of Carolina._]
+
+Black Beard now being in the province of Friendship, passed several
+months in the river, giving and receiving visits from the planters;
+while he traded with the vessels which came to that river, sometimes in
+the way of lawful commerce, and sometimes in his own way. When he chose
+to appear the honest man, he made fair purchases on equal barter; but
+when this did not suit his necessities, or his humor, he would rob at
+pleasure, and leave them to seek their redress from the governor; and
+the better to cover his intrigues with his excellency, he would
+sometimes outbrave him to his face, and administer to him a share of
+that contempt and insolence which he so liberally bestowed upon the rest
+of the inhabitants of the province.
+
+But there are limits to human insolence and depravity. The captains of
+the vessels who frequented that river, and had been so often harrassed
+and plundered by Black Beard, secretly consulted with some of the
+planters what measures to pursue, in order to banish such an infamous
+miscreant from their coasts, and to bring him to deserved punishment.
+Convinced from long experience, that the governor himself, to whom it
+belonged, would give no redress, they represented the matter to the
+governor of Virginia, and entreated that an armed force might be sent
+from the men-of-war lying there, either to take or to destroy those
+pirates who infested their coast.
+
+Upon this representation, the Governor of Virginia consulted with the
+captains of the two men-of-war as to the best measures to be adopted. It
+was resolved that the governor should hire two small vessels, which
+could pursue Bleak Beard into all his inlets and creeks; that they
+should be manned from the men-of-war, and the command given to
+Lieutenant Maynard, an experienced and resolute officer. When all was
+ready for his departure, the governor called an assembly, in which it
+was resolved to issue a proclamation, offering a great reward to any
+who, within a year, should take or destroy any pirate.
+
+Upon the 17th of November, 1717, Maynard left James's river in quest of
+Black Beard, and on the evening of the 21st came in sight of the pirate.
+This expedition was fitted out with all possible expedition and secrecy,
+no boat being permitted to pass that might convey any intelligence,
+while care was taken to discover where the pirates were lurking. His
+excellency the governor of Bermuda, and his secretary, however, having
+obtained information of the intended expedition, the latter wrote a
+letter to Black Beard, intimating, that he had sent him four of his men,
+who were all he could meet within or about town, and so bade him be on
+his guard. These men were sent from Bath-town to the place where Black
+Beard lay, about the distance of twenty leagues.
+
+The hardened and infatuated pirate, having been often deceived by false
+intelligence, was the less attentive to this information, nor was he
+convinced of its accuracy until he saw the sloops sent to apprehend him.
+Though he had then only twenty men on board, he prepared to give battle.
+Lieutenant Maynard arrived with his sloops in the evening, and anchored,
+as he could not venture, under cloud of night, to go into the place
+where Black Beard lay. The latter spent the night in drinking with the
+master of a trading-vessel, with the same indifference as if no danger
+had been near. Nay, such was the desperate wickedness of this villain,
+that, it is reported, during the carousals of that night, one of his men
+asked him, "In case any thing should happen to him during the engagement
+with the two sloops which were waiting to attack him in the morning,
+whether his wife knew where he had buried his money?" when he impiously
+replied, "That nobody but himself and the devil knew where it was, and
+the longest liver should take all."
+
+In the morning Maynard weighed, and sent his boat to sound, which coming
+near the pirate, received her fire. Maynard then hoisted royal colors,
+and made directly towards Black Beard with every sail and oar. In a
+little time the pirate ran aground, and so also did the king's vessels.
+Maynard lightened his vessel of the ballast and water, and made towards
+Black Beard. Upon this he hailed him in his own rude style, "D--n you
+for villains, who are you, and from whence come you?" The lieutenant
+answered, "You may see from our colors we are no pirates." Black Beard
+bade him send his boat on board, that he might see who he was. But
+Maynard replied, "I cannot spare my boat, but I will come on board of
+you as soon as I can with my sloop." Upon this Black Beard took a glass
+of liquor and drank to him, saying, "I'll give no quarter nor take any
+from you." Maynard replied, "He expected no quarter from him, nor should
+he give him any."
+
+During this dialogue the pirate's ship floated, and the sloops were
+rowing with all expedition towards him. As she came near, the pirate
+fired a broadside, charged with all manner of small shot, which killed
+or wounded twenty men. Black Beard's ship in a little after fell
+broadside to the shore; one of the sloops called the Ranger, also fell
+astern. But Maynard finding that his own sloop had way, and would soon
+be on board of Teach, ordered all his men down, while himself and the
+man at the helm, who he commanded to lie concealed, were the only
+persons who remained on deck. He at the same time desired them to take
+their pistols, cutlasses, and swords, and be ready for action upon his
+call, and, for greater expedition, two ladders were placed in the
+hatchway. When the king's sloop boarded, the pirate's case-boxes, filled
+with powder, small shot, slugs, and pieces of lead and iron, with a
+quick-match in the mouth of them, were thrown into Maynard's sloop.
+Fortunately, however, the men being in the hold, they did small injury
+on the present occasion, though they are usually very destructive. Black
+Beard seeing few or no hands upon deck, cried to his men that they were
+all knocked on the head except three or four; "and therefore," said he,
+"let us jump on board, and cut to pieces those that are alive."
+
+[Illustration: _Death of Black Beard._]
+
+Upon this, during the smoke occasioned by one of these case-boxes, Black
+Beard, with fourteen of his men, entered, and were not perceived until
+the smoke was dispelled. The signal was given to Maynard's men, who
+rushed up in an instant. Black Beard and the lieutenant exchange shots,
+and the pirate was wounded; they then engaged sword in hand, until the
+sword of the lieutenant broke, but fortunately one of his men at that
+instant gave Black Beard a terrible wound in the neck and throat. The
+most desperate and bloody conflict ensued:--Maynard with twelve men, and
+Black Beard with fourteen. The sea was dyed with blood all around the
+vessel, and uncommon bravery was displayed upon both sides. Though the
+pirate was wounded by the first shot from Maynard, though he had
+received twenty cuts, and as many shots, he fought with desperate valor;
+but at length, when in the act of cocking his pistol, fell down dead. By
+this time eight of his men had fallen, and the rest being wounded, cried
+out for quarter, which was granted, as the ringleader was slain. The
+other sloop also attacked the men who remained in the pirate vessels,
+until they also cried out for quarter. And such was the desperation of
+Black Beard, that, having small hope of escaping, he had placed a negro
+with a match at the gunpowder door, to blow up the ship the moment that
+he should have been boarded by the king's men, in order to involve the
+whole in general ruin. That destructive broadside at the commencement of
+the action, which at first appeared so unlucky, was, however, the means
+of their preservation from the intended destruction.
+
+Maynard severed the pirate's head from his body, suspended it upon his
+bowsprit-end, and sailed to Bath-town, to obtain medical aid for his
+wounded men. In the pirate sloop several letters and papers were found,
+which Black Beard would certainly have destroyed previous to the
+engagement, had he not determined to blow her up upon his being taken,
+which disclosed the whole villainy between the honorable governor of
+Bermuda and his honest secretary on the one hand, and the notorious
+pirate on the other, who had now suffered the just punishment of his
+crimes.
+
+[Illustration: _Black Beard's Head on the end of the Bowsprit._]
+
+Scarcely was Maynard returned to Bath-town, when he boldly went and made
+free with the sixty hogsheads of sugar in the possession of the
+governor, and the twenty in that of his secretary.
+
+After his men had been healed at Bath-town, the lieutenant proceeded to
+Virginia, with the head of Black Beard still suspended on his
+bowsprit-end, as a trophy of his victory, to the great joy of all the
+inhabitants. The prisoners were tried, condemned, and executed; and thus
+all the crew of that infernal miscreant, Black Beard, were destroyed,
+except two. One of these was taken out of a trading-vessel, only the day
+before the engagement, in which he received no less than seventy wounds,
+of all which he was cured. The other was Israel Hands, who was master of
+the Queen Anne's Revenge; he was taken at Bath-town, being wounded in
+one of Black Beard's savage humors. One night Black Beard, drinking in
+his cabin with Hands, the pilot, and another man, without any pretence,
+took a small pair of pistols, and cocked them under the table; which
+being perceived by the man, he went on deck, leaving the captain, Hands,
+and the pilot together. When his pistols were prepared, he extinguished
+the candle, crossed his arms, and fired at his company. The one pistol
+did no execution, but the other wounded Hands in the knee. Interrogated
+concerning the meaning of this, he answered with an imprecation, "That
+if he did not now and then kill one of them, they would forget who he
+was." Hands was eventually tried and condemned, but as he was about to
+be executed, a vessel arrived with a proclamation prolonging the time of
+his Majesty's pardon, which Hands pleading, he was saved from a violent
+and shameful death.
+
+In the commonwealth of pirates, he who goes the greatest length of
+wickedness, is looked upon with a kind of envy amongst them, as a person
+of a most extraordinary gallantry; he is therefore entitled to be
+distinguished by some post, and, if such a one has but courage, he must
+certainly be a great man. The hero of whom we are writing was thoroughly
+accomplished in this way, and some of his frolics of wickedness were as
+extravagant as if he aimed at making his men believe he was a devil
+incarnate. Being one day at sea, and a little flushed with drink;
+"Come," said he, "let us make a hell of our own, and try how long we can
+bear it." Accordingly he, with two or three others, went down into the
+hold, and closing up all the hatches, filled several pots full of
+brimstone, and other combustible matter; they then set it on fire, and
+so continued till they were almost suffocated, when some of the men
+cried out for air; at length he opened the hatches, not a little pleased
+that he had held out the longest.
+
+Those of his crew who were taken alive, told a story which may appear a
+little incredible. That once, upon a cruise, they found out that they
+had a man on board more than their crew; such a one was seen several
+days amongst them, sometimes below, and sometimes upon deck, yet no man
+in the ship could give any account who he was, or from whence he came;
+but that he disappeared a little before they were cast away in their
+great ship, and, it seems, they verily believed it was the devil.
+
+One would think these things should have induced them to reform their
+lives; but being so many reprobates together, they encouraged and
+spirited one another up in their wickedness, to which a continual course
+of drinking did not a little contribute. In Black Beard's journal,
+which was taken, there were several memoranda of the following nature,
+all written with his own hand.--"Such a day, rum all out;--our company
+somewhat sober;--a d--d confusion amongst us!--rogues a plotting;--great
+talk of separation. So I looked sharp for a prize;--such a day took one,
+with a great deal of liquor on board; so kept the company hot, d--d hot,
+then all things went well again."
+
+We shall close the narrative of this extraordinary man's life by an
+account of the cause why he was denominated Black Beard. He derived this
+name from his long black beard, which, like a frightful meteor, covered
+his whole face, and terrified all America more than any comet that had
+ever appeared. He was accustomed to twist it with ribbon in small
+quantities, and turn them about his ears. In time of action he wore a
+sling over his shoulders with three brace of pistols. He stuck lighted
+matches under his hat, which appeared on both sides of his face and
+eyes, naturally fierce and wild, made him such a figure that the human
+imagination cannot form a conception of a fury more terrible and
+alarming; and if he had the appearance and look of a fury, his actions
+corresponded with that character.
+
+
+
+
+THE EXPLOITS, ARREST, AND EXECUTION OF CAPTAIN CHARLES
+VANE.
+
+
+Charles Vane was one of those who stole away the silver which the
+Spaniards had fished up from the wrecks of the galleons in the Gulf of
+Florida, and was at Providence when governor Rogers arrived there with
+two men-of-war.
+
+All the pirates who were then found at this colony of rogues, submitted
+and received certificates of their pardon, except Captain Vane and his
+crew; who, as soon as they saw the men-of-war enter, slipped their
+cable, set fire to a prize they had in the harbor, sailed out with their
+piratical colors flying, and fired at one of the men-of-war, as they
+went off from the coast.
+
+Two days after, they met with a sloop belonging to Barbadoes, which they
+took, and kept the vessel for their own use, putting aboard five and
+twenty hands, with one Yeates the commander. In a day or two they fell
+in with a small interloping trader, with a quantity of Spanish pieces of
+eight aboard, bound for Providence, which they also took along with
+them. With these two sloops, Vane went to a small island and cleaned;
+where he shared the booty, and spent some time in a riotous manner.
+
+About the latter end of May 1718, Vane and his crew sailed, and being in
+want of provisions, they beat up for the Windward Islands. In the way
+they met with a Spanish sloop, bound from Porto Rico to the Havana,
+which they burnt, stowed the Spaniards into a boat, and left them to
+get to the island by the blaze of their vessel. Steering between St.
+Christopher's and Anguilla, they fell in with a brigantine and a sloop,
+freighted with such cargo as they wanted; from whom they got provisions
+for sea-store.
+
+Sometime after this, standing to the northward, in the track the old
+English ships take in their voyage to the American colonies, they took
+several ships and vessels, which they plundered of what they thought
+fit, and then let them pass.
+
+About the latter end of August, with his consort Yeates, came off South
+Carolina, and took a ship belonging to Ipswich, laden with logwood. This
+was thought convenient enough for their own business, and therefore they
+ordered their prisoners to work, and threw all the lading overboard; but
+when they had more than half cleared the ship, the whim changed, and
+they would not have her; so Coggershall, the captain of the captured
+vessel, had his ship again, and he was suffered to pursue his voyage
+home. In this voyage the pirates took several ships and vessels,
+particularly a sloop from Barbadoes, a small ship from Antigua, a sloop
+belonging to Curaçoa, and a large brigantine from Guinea, with upwards
+of ninety negroes aboard. The pirates plundered them all and let them
+go, putting the negroes out of the brigantine aboard Yeates' vessel.
+
+Captain Vane always treated his consort with very little respect, and
+assumed a superiority over him and his crew, regarding the vessel but as
+a tender to his own: this gave them disgust; for they thought themselves
+as good pirates, and as great rogues as the best of them; so they
+caballed together, and resolved, the first opportunity, to leave the
+company, and accept of his majesty's pardon, or set up for themselves;
+either of which they thought more honorable than to be the servants to
+Vane: the putting aboard so many negroes, where there were so few hands
+to take care of them, aggravated the matter, though they thought fit to
+conceal or stifle their resentment at that time.
+
+In a day or two, the pirates lying off at anchor, Yeates in the evening
+slipped his cable, and put his vessel under sail, standing into the
+shore; which when Vane saw, he was highly provoked, and got his sloop
+under sail to chase his consort. Vane's brigantine sailing best, he
+gained ground of Yeates, and would certainly have come up with them, had
+he had a little longer run; but just as he got over the bar, when Vane
+came within gun-shot of him, he fired a broadside at his old friend, and
+so took his leave.
+
+Yeates came into North Eddisto river, about ten leagues to the southward
+of Charleston, and sent an express to the governor, to know if he and
+his comrades might have the benefit of his majesty's pardon; promising
+that, if they might, they would surrender themselves to his mercy, with
+the sloops and negroes. Their request being granted, they all came up,
+and received certificates; and Captain Thompson, from whom the negroes
+were taken, had them all restored to him, for the use of his owners.
+
+Vane cruised some time off the bar, in hopes to catch Yeates at his
+coming out again, but therein he was disappointed; however, he there
+took two ships from Charleston, which were bound home to England. It
+happened just at this time, that two sloops well manned and armed, were
+equipped to go after a pirate, which the governor of South Carolina was
+informed lay then in Cape Fear river cleaning: but Colonel Rhet, who
+commanded the sloops, meeting with one of the ships that Vane had
+plundered, going back over the bar for such necessaries as had been
+taken from her, and she giving the Colonel an account of being taken by
+the pirate Vane, and also, that some of her men, while they were
+prisoners on board of him, had heard the pirates say they should clean
+in one of the rivers to the southward, he altered his first design, and
+instead of standing to the northward, in pursuit of the pirate in Cape
+Fear river, turned to the southward after Vane, who had ordered such
+reports to be given out, on purpose to put any force that should come
+after him upon a wrong scent; for he stood away to the northward, so
+that the pursuit proved to be of no effect. Colonel Rhet's speaking with
+this ship was the most unlucky thing that could have happened, because
+it turned him out of the road which, in all probability, would have
+brought him into the company of Vane, as well as of the pirate he went
+after, and so they might have been both destroyed; whereas, by the
+Colonel's going a different way, he not only lost the opportunity of
+meeting with one, but if the other had not been infatuated, and lain six
+weeks together at Cape Fear, he would have missed him likewise; however,
+the Colonel having searched the rivers and inlets, as directed, for
+several days without success, at length sailed in prosecution of his
+first design, and met with the pirate accordingly, whom he fought and
+took.
+
+Captain Vane went into an inlet to the northward, where he met with
+Captain Teach, otherwise Black Beard, whom he saluted (when he found who
+he was) with his great guns loaded with shot: it being the custom among
+pirates when they meet, to do so, though they are wide of one another:
+Black Beard answered the salute in the same manner, and mutual
+civilities passed between them some days, when, about the beginning of
+October, Vane took leave, and sailed farther to the northward.
+
+On the 23d of October, off Long Island, he took a small brigantine bound
+from Jamaica to Salem in New England, besides a little sloop: they
+rifled the brigantine, and sent her away. From thence they resolved on a
+cruise between Cape Meise and Cape Nicholas, where they spent some time
+without seeing or speaking with any vessel, till the latter end of
+November; they then fell in with a ship, which it was expected would
+have struck as soon as their black colors were hoisted; but instead of
+this she discharged a broadside upon the pirate, and hoisted French
+colors, which showed her to be a French man-of-war. Vane desired to have
+nothing more to say to her, but trimmed his sails, and stood away from
+the Frenchman; however, Monsieur having a mind to be better informed who
+he was, set all his sails and crowded after him. During this chase the
+pirates were divided in their resolution what to do. Vane, the captain,
+was for making off as fast as he could, alleging that the man-of-war was
+too strong for them to cope with; but one John Rackam, their
+quarter-master, and who was a kind of check upon the captain, rose up in
+defence of a contrary opinion, saying, "that though she had more guns,
+and a greater weight of metal, they might board her, and then the best
+boys would carry the day." Rackam was well seconded, and the majority
+was for boarding; but Vane urged, "that it was too rash and desperate an
+enterprise, the man-of-war appearing to be twice their force, and that
+their brigantine might be sunk by her before they could reach to board
+her." The mate, one Robert Deal, was of Vane's opinion, as were about
+fifteen more, and all the rest joined with Rackam the quarter-master. At
+length the captain made use of his power to determine this dispute,
+which in these cases is absolute and uncontrollable, by their own laws,
+viz., the captain's absolute right of determining in all questions
+concerning fighting, chasing, or being chased; in all other matters
+whatsoever the captain being governed by a majority; so the brigantine
+having the heels, as they term it, of the Frenchman, she came clear off.
+
+But the next day, the captain's conduct was obliged to stand the test of
+a vote, and a resolution passed against his honor and dignity, which
+branded him with the name of coward, deposed him from the command, and
+turned him out of the company with marks of infamy; and with him went
+all those who did not vote for boarding the French man-of-war. They had
+with them a small sloop that had been taken by them some time before,
+which they gave to Vane and the discarded members; and that they might
+be in a condition to provide for themselves by their own honest
+endeavors, they let them have a sufficient quantity of provisions and
+ammunition.
+
+John Rackam was voted captain of the brigantine in Vane's room, and he
+proceeded towards the Carribbee Islands, where we must leave him, till
+we have finished our history of Charles Vane.
+
+The sloop sailed for the bay of Honduras, and Vane and his crew put her
+in as good a condition as they could by the way, that they might follow
+their old trade. They cruised two or three days off the northwest part
+of Jamaica, and took a sloop and two perriaguas, all the men of which
+entered with them: the sloop they kept, and Robert Deal was appointed
+captain.
+
+On the 16th of December, the two sloops came into the bay, where they
+found only one vessel at anchor. She was called the Pearl of Jamaica,
+and got under sail at the sight of them; but the pirate sloops coming
+near Rowland, and showing no colors, he gave them a gun or two,
+whereupon they hoisted the black flag, and fired three guns each at the
+Pearl. She struck, and the pirates took possession, and carried her away
+to a small island called Barnacho, where they cleaned. By the way they
+met with a sloop from Jamaica, as she was going down to the bay, which
+they also took.
+
+In February, Vane sailed from Barnacho, for a cruise; but, some days
+after he was out, a violent tornado overtook him, which separated him
+from his consort, and, after two days' distress, threw his sloop upon a
+small uninhabited island, near the bay of Honduras, where she staved to
+pieces, and most of her men were drowned: Vane himself was saved, but
+reduced to great straits for want of necessaries, having no opportunity
+to get any thing from the wreck. He lived here some weeks, and was
+supported chiefly by fishermen, who frequented the island with small
+crafts from the main, to catch turtles and other fish.
+
+[Illustration: _Vane arrested by Captain Holford._]
+
+While Vane was upon this island, a ship put in there from Jamaica for
+water, the captain of which, one Holford, an old buccaneer, happened to
+be Vane's acquaintance. He thought this a good opportunity to get off,
+and accordingly applied to his old friend: but Holford absolutely
+refused him, saying to him, "Charles, I shan't trust you aboard my ship,
+unless I carry you as a prisoner, for I shall have you caballing with my
+men, knocking me on the head, and running away with my ship pirating."
+Vane made all the protestations of honor in the world to him; but, it
+seems, Captain Holford was too intimately acquainted with him, to repose
+any confidence at all in his words or oaths. He told him, "He might
+easily find a way to get off, if he had a mind to it:--I am going down
+the bay," said he, "and shall return hither in about a month, and if I
+find you upon the island when I come back, I'll carry you to Jamaica,
+and there hang you." "How can I get away?" answered Vane. "Are there not
+fishermen's dories upon the beach? Can't you take one of them?" replied
+Holford. "What!" said Vane, "would you have me steal a dory then?" "Do
+you make it a matter of conscience," replied Holford, "to steal a dory,
+when you have been a common robber and pirate, stealing ships and
+cargoes, and plundering all mankind that fell in your way! Stay here if
+you are so squeamish?" and he left him to consider of the matter.
+
+After Captain Holford's departure, another ship put into the same
+island, in her way home, for water; none of the company knowing Vane, he
+easily passed for another man, and so was shipped for the voyage. One
+would be apt to think that Vane was now pretty safe, and likely to
+escape the fate which his crimes had merited; but here a cross accident
+happened that ruined all. Holford returning from the bay, was met by
+this ship, and the captains being very well acquainted with each other,
+Holford was invited to dine aboard, which he did. As he passed along to
+the cabin, he chanced to cast his eye down into the hold, and there saw
+Charles Vane at work: he immediately spoke to the captain, saying, "Do
+you know whom you have got aboard there?" "Why," said he, "I have
+shipped a man at such an island, who was cast away in a trading sloop,
+and he seems to be a brisk hand." "I tell you," replied Captain Holford,
+"it is Vane the notorious pirate." "If it be he," cried the other, "I
+won't keep him." "Why then," said Holford, "I'll send and take him
+aboard, and surrender him at Jamaica." This being agreed upon, Captain
+Holford, as soon as he returned to his ship, sent his boat with his
+mate, armed, who coming to Vane, showed him a pistol, and told him he
+was his prisoner. No man daring to make opposition, he was brought
+aboard and put into irons; and when Captain Holford arrived at Jamaica,
+he delivered up his old acquaintance to justice, at which place he was
+tried, convicted, and executed, as was some time before, Vane's consort,
+Robert Deal, who was brought thither by one of the men-of-war. It is
+clear from this how little ancient friendship will avail a great
+villain, when he is deprived of the power that had before supported and
+rendered him formidable.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE WEST INDIA PIRATES
+
+
+_Containing Accounts of their Atrocities, Manners of Living, &c., with
+proceedings of the Squadron under Commodore Porter in those seas, the
+victory and death of Lieutenant Allen, the interesting Narrative of
+Captain Lincoln, &c._
+
+Those innumerable groups of islands, keys and sandbanks, known as the
+West-Indies, are peculiarly adapted from their locality and formation,
+to be a favorite resort for pirates; many of them are composed of coral
+rocks, on which a few cocoa trees raise their lofty heads; where there
+is sufficient earth for vegetation between the interstices of the rocks,
+stunted brushwood grows. But a chief peculiarity of some of the islands,
+and which renders them suitable to those who frequent them as pirates,
+are the numerous caves with which the rocks are perforated; some of them
+are above high-water mark, but the majority with the sea water flowing
+in and out of them, in some cases merely rushing in at high-water
+filling deep pools, which are detached from each other when the tide
+recedes, in others with a sufficient depth of water to allow a large
+boat to float in. It is hardly necessary to observe how convenient the
+higher and dry caves are as receptacles for articles which are intended
+to be concealed, until an opportunity occurs to dispose of them. The
+Bahamas, themselves are a singular group of isles, reefs and quays;
+consisting of several hundred in number, and were the chief resort of
+pirates in old times, but now they are all rooted from them; they are
+low and not elevated, and are more than 600 miles in extent, cut up into
+numerous intricate passages and channels, full of sunken rocks and coral
+reefs. They afforded a sure retreat to desperadoes. Other islands are
+full of mountain fastnesses, where all pursuit can be eluded. Many of
+the low shores are skirted, and the islands covered by the mangrove, a
+singular tree, shooting fresh roots as it grows, which, when the tree is
+at its full age, may be found six or eight feet from the ground, to
+which the shoots gradually tend in regular succession; the leaf is very
+thick and stiff and about eight inches long and nine wide, the interval
+between the roots offer secure hiding places for those who are suddenly
+pursued. Another circumstance assists the pirate when pursued.--As the
+islands belong to several different nations, when pursued from one
+island he can pass to that under the jurisdiction of another power. And
+as permission must be got by those in pursuit of him, from the
+authorities of the island to land and take him, he thus gains time to
+secrete himself. A tropical climate is suited to a roving life, and
+liquor as well as dissolute women being in great abundance, to gratify
+him during his hours of relaxation, makes this a congenial region for
+the lawless.
+
+[Illustration: _A Piratical Vessel destroying a Merchant Ship._]
+
+The crews of pirate vessels in these seas are chiefly composed of
+Spaniards, Portuguese, French, Mulattoes, Negroes, and a few natives of
+other countries. The island of Cuba is the great nest of pirates at the
+present day, and at the Havana, piracy is as much tolerated as any other
+profession. As the piracies committed in these seas, during a single
+year, have amounted to more than fifty, we shall give only a few
+accounts of the most interesting.
+
+In November 1821, the brig Cobbessecontee, Captain Jackson, sailed from
+Havana, on the morning of the 8th for Boston, and on the evening of the
+same day, about four miles from the Moro, was brought to by a piratical
+sloop containing about 30 men. A boat from her, with 10 men, came
+alongside, and soon after they got on board commenced plundering. They
+took nearly all the clothing from the captain and mate--all the cooking
+utensils and spare rigging--unrove part of the running rigging--cut the
+small cable--broke the compasses--cut the mast's coats to pieces--took
+from the captain his watch and four boxes cigars--and from the cargo
+three bales cochineal and six boxes cigars. They beat the mate
+unmercifully, and hung him up by the neck under the maintop. They also
+beat the captain severely--broke a large broad sword across his back,
+and ran a long knife through his thigh, so that he almost bled to death.
+Captain Jackson saw the sloop at Regla the day before.
+
+Captain Jackson informs us, and we have also been informed by other
+persons from the Havana, that this system of piracy is openly
+countenanced by some of the inhabitants of that place--who say that it
+is a retaliation on the Americans for interfering against the Slave
+Trade.
+
+About this time the ship Liverpool Packet, Ricker, of Portsmouth, N.H.,
+was boarded off Cape St. Antonio, Cuba, by two piratical schooners; two
+barges containing thirty or forty men, robbed the vessel of every thing
+movable, even of her _flags_, rigging, and a boat which happened to be
+afloat, having a boy in it, which belonged to the ship. They held a
+consultation whether they should murder the crew, as they had done
+before, or not--in the mean time taking the ship into anchoring ground.
+On bringing her to anchor, the crew saw a brig close alongside, burnt to
+the water's edge, and three dead bodies floating near her. The pirates
+said they had burnt the brig the day before, and _murdered all the
+crew!_--and intended doing the same with them. They said "look at the
+turtles (meaning the dead bodies) you will soon be the same." They said
+the vessel was a Baltimore brig, which they had robbed and burnt, and
+murdered the crew as before stated, of which they had little doubt.
+Captain Ricker was most shockingly bruised by them. The mate was hung
+till he was supposed to be dead, but came to, and is now alive. They
+told the captain that they belonged in Regla, and should kill them all
+to prevent discovery.
+
+In 1822, the United States had several cruisers among the West-India
+islands, to keep the pirates in check. Much good was done but still many
+vessels were robbed and destroyed, together with their crews. This year
+the brave Lieutenant Allen fell by the hand of pirates; he was in the
+United States schooner Alligator, and receiving intelligence at
+Matanzas, that several vessels which had sailed from that port, had been
+taken by the pirates, and were then in the bay of Lejuapo. He hastened
+to their assistance. He arrived just in time to save five sail of
+vessels which he found in possession of a gang of pirates, 300 strong,
+established in the bay of Lejuapo, about 15 leagues east of this. He
+fell, pierced by two musket balls, in the van of a division of boats,
+attacking their principal vessel, a fine schooner of about eighty tons,
+with a long eighteen pounder on a pivot, and four smaller guns, _with
+the bloody flag nailed to the mast_. Himself, Captain Freeman of
+Marines, and twelve men, were in the boat, much in advance of his other
+boats, and even took possession of the schooner, after a desperate
+resistance, which nothing but a bravery almost too daring could have
+overcome. The pirates, all but one, escaped by taking to their boats and
+jumping overboard, before the Alligator's boat reached them. Two other
+schooners escaped by the use of their oars, the wind being light.
+
+Captain Allen survived about four hours, during which his conversation
+evinced a composure and firmness of mind, and correctness of feeling, as
+honorable to his character, and more consoling to his friends, than even
+the dauntless bravery he before exhibited.
+
+The surgeon of the Alligator in a letter to a friend, says, "He
+continued giving orders and conversing with Mr. Dale and the rest of us,
+until a few minutes before his death, with a degree of cheerfulness that
+was little to be expected from a man in his condition. He said he wished
+his relatives and his country to know that he had fought well, and added
+that he died in peace and good will towards all the world, and hoped for
+his reward in the next."
+
+Lieutenant Allen had but few equals in the service. He was ardently
+devoted to the interest of his country, was brave, intelligent, and
+accomplished in his profession. He displayed, living and dying, a
+magnanimity that sheds lustre on his relatives, his friends, and his
+country.
+
+[Illustration: _Horrid Piracy and Murder by a Mexican "privateer."_]
+
+About this time Captain Lincoln fell into the hands of the pirates, and
+as his treatment shows the peculiar habits and practices of these
+wretches, we insert the very interesting narrative of the captain.
+
+The schooner Exertion, Captain Lincoln, sailed from Boston, bound for
+Trinidad de Cuba, Nov. 13th, 1821, with the following crew; Joshua
+Bracket, mate; David Warren, cook; and Thomas Young, Francis De Suze,
+and George Reed, seamen.
+
+The cargo consisted of flour, beef, pork, lard, butter, fish, beans,
+onions, potatoes, apples, hams, furniture, sugar box shooks, &c.,
+invoiced at about eight thousand dollars. Nothing remarkable occurred
+during the passage, except much bad weather, until my capture, which was
+as follows:--
+
+Monday, December 17th, 1821, commenced with fine breezes from the
+eastward. At daybreak saw some of the islands northward of Cape Cruz,
+called Keys--stood along northwest; every thing now seemed favorable for
+a happy termination of our voyage. At 3 o'clock, P.M., saw a sail coming
+round one of the Keys, into a channel called Boca de Cavolone by the
+chart, nearly in latitude 20° 55' north, longitude 79° 55' west, she
+made directly for us with all sails set, sweeps on both sides (the wind
+being light) and was soon near enough for us to discover about forty men
+on her deck, armed with muskets, blunderbusses, cutlasses, long knives,
+dirks, &c., two carronades, one a twelve, the other a six pounder; she
+was a schooner, wearing the Patriot flag (blue, white and blue) of the
+Republic of Mexico. I thought it not prudent to resist them, should they
+be pirates, with a crew of seven men, and only five muskets; accordingly
+ordered the arms and ammunition to be immediately stowed away in as
+secret a place as possible, and suffer her to speak us, hoping and
+believing that a republican flag indicated both honor and friendship
+from those who wore it, and which we might expect even from Spaniards.
+But how great was my astonishment, when the schooner having approached
+very near us, hailed in English, and ordered me to heave my boat out
+immediately and come on board of her with my papers.--Accordingly my
+boat was hove out, but filled before I could get into her.--I was then
+ordered to tack ship and lay by for the pirates' boat to board me; which
+was done by Bolidar, their first lieutenant, with six or eight Spaniards
+armed with as many of the before mentioned weapons as they could well
+sling about their bodies. They drove me into the boat, and two of them
+rowed me to their privateer (as they called their vessel), where I shook
+hands with their commander, Captain Jonnia, a Spaniard, who before
+looking at my papers, ordered Bolidar, his lieutenant, to follow the
+Mexican in, back of the Key they had left, which was done. At 6 o'clock,
+P.M., the Exertion was anchored in eleven feet water, near this vessel,
+and an island, which they called Twelve League Key (called by the chart
+Key Largo), about thirty or thirty-five leagues from Trinidad. After
+this strange conduct they began examining my papers by a Scotchman who
+went by the name of Nickola, their sailing master.--He spoke good
+English, had a countenance rather pleasing, although his beard and
+mustachios had a frightful appearance--his face, apparently full of
+anxiety, indicated something in my favor; he gave me my papers, saying
+"take good care of them, for I am afraid you have fallen into bad
+hands." The pirates' boat was then sent to the Exertion with more men
+and arms; a part of them left on board her; the rest returning with
+three of my crew to their vessel; viz., Thomas Young, Thomas Goodall,
+and George Reed--they treated them with something to drink, and offered
+them equal shares with themselves, and some money, if they would enlist,
+but they could not prevail on them. I then requested permission to go on
+board my vessel which was granted, and further requested Nickola should
+go with me, but was refused by the captain, who vociferated in a harsh
+manner, "No, No, No." accompanied with a heavy stamp upon the deck. When
+I got on board, I was invited below by Bolidar, where I found they had
+emptied the case of liquors, and broken a cheese to pieces and crumbled
+it on the table and cabin floor; the pirates, elated with their prize
+(as they called it), had drank so much as to make them desperately
+abusive. I was permitted to lie down in my berth; but, reader, if you
+have ever been awakened by a gang of armed, desperadoes, who have taken
+possession of your habitation in the midnight hour, you can imagine my
+feelings.--Sleep was a stranger to me, and anxiety was my guest.
+Bolidar, however, pretended friendship, and flattered me with the
+prospect of being soon set at liberty. But I found him, as I suspected,
+a consummate hypocrite; indeed, his very looks indicated it. He was a
+stout and well built man, of a dark, swarthy complexion, with keen,
+ferocious eyes, huge whiskers, and beard under his chin and on his lips,
+four or five inches long; he was a Portuguese by birth, but had become a
+naturalized Frenchman--had a wife, if not children (as I was told) in
+France, and was well known there as commander of a first rate privateer.
+His appearance was truly terrific; he could talk some English, and had a
+most lion-like voice.
+
+Tuesday, 18th.--Early this morning the captain of the pirates came on
+board the Exertion; took a look at the cabin stores, and cargo in the
+state rooms, and then ordered me back with him to his vessel, where he,
+with his crew, held a consultation for some time respecting the cargo.
+After which, the interpreter, Nickola, told me that "the captain had, or
+pretended to have, a commission under General Traspelascus,
+commander-in-chief of the republic of Mexico, authorizing him to take
+all cargoes whatever of provisions, bound to any royalist Spanish
+port--that my cargo being bound to an enemy's port, must be condemned;
+but that the vessel should be given up and be put into a fair channel
+for Trinidad, where I was bound." I requested him to examine the papers
+thoroughly, and perhaps he would be convinced to the contrary, and told
+him my cargo was all American property taken in at Boston, and consigned
+to an American gentleman, agent at Trinidad. But the captain would not
+take the trouble, but ordered both vessels under way immediately, and
+commenced beating up amongst the Keys through most of the day, the wind
+being very light. They now sent their boats on board the Exertion for
+stores, and commenced plundering her of bread, butter, lard, onions,
+potatoes, fish, beans, &c., took up some sugar box shocks that were on
+deck, and found the barrels of apples; selected the best of them and
+threw the rest overboard. They inquired for spirits, wine, cider, &c.
+and were told "they had already taken all that was on board." But not
+satisfied they proceeded to search the state rooms and forcastle, ripped
+up the floor of the later and found some boxes of bottled cider, which
+they carried to their vessel, gave three cheers, in an exulting manner
+to me, and then began drinking it with such freedom, that a violent
+quarrel arose between officers and men, which came very near ending in
+bloodshed. I was accused of falsehood, for saying they had got all the
+liquors that were on board, and I thought they had; the truth was, I
+never had any bill of lading of the cider, and consequently had no
+recollection of its being on board; yet it served them as an excuse for
+being insolent. In the evening peace was restored and they sung songs. I
+was suffered to go below for the night, and they placed a guard over me,
+stationed at the companion way.
+
+Wednesday, 19th, commenced with moderate easterly winds, beating towards
+the northeast, the pirate's boats frequently going on board the Exertion
+for potatoes, fish, beans, butter, &c. which were used with great waste
+and extravagance. They gave me food and drink, but of bad quality, more
+particularly the victuals, which was wretchedly cooked. The place
+assigned me to eat was covered with dirt and vermin. It appeared that
+their great object was to hurt my feelings with threats and
+observations, and to make my situation as unpleasant as circumstances
+would admit. We came to anchor near a Key, called by them Brigantine,
+where myself and mate were permitted to go on shore, but were guarded by
+several armed pirates. I soon returned to the Mexican and my mate to the
+Exertion, with George Reed, one of my crew; the other two being kept on
+board the Mexican. In the course of this day I had considerable
+conversation with Nickola, who appeared well disposed towards me. He
+lamented most deeply his own situation, for he was one of those men,
+whose early good impressions were not entirely effaced, although
+confederated with guilt. He told me "those who had taken me were no
+better than pirates, and their end would be the halter; but," he added,
+with peculiar emotion, "I will never be hung as a pirate," showing me a
+bottle of laudanum which he had found in my medicine chest, saying, "If
+we are taken, that shall cheat the hangman, before we are condemned." I
+endeavored to get it from him, but did not succeed. I then asked him how
+he came to be in such company, as he appeared to be dissatisfied. He
+stated, that he was at New Orleans last summer, out of employment, and
+became acquainted with one Captain August Orgamar, a Frenchman, who had
+bought a small schooner of about fifteen tons, and was going down to the
+bay of Mexico to get a commission under General Traspelascus, in order
+to go a privateering under the patriot flag. Capt. Orgamar made him
+liberal offers respecting shares, and promised him a sailing master's
+berth, which he accepted and embarked on board the schooner, without
+sufficiently reflecting on the danger of such an undertaking. Soon after
+she sailed from Mexico, where they got a commission, and the vessel was
+called Mexican. They made up a complement of twenty men, and after
+rendering the General some little service, in transporting his troops
+to a place called ---- proceeded on a cruise; took some small prizes off
+Campeachy; afterwards came on the south coast of Cuba, where they took
+other small prizes, and the one which we were now on board of. By this
+time the crew were increased to about forty, nearly one half Spaniards,
+the others Frenchmen and Portuguese. Several of them had sailed out of
+ports in the United States with American protections; but, I confidently
+believe, none are natives, especially of the northern states. I was
+careful in examining the men, being desirous of knowing if any of my
+countrymen were among this wretched crew; but am satisfied there were
+none, and my Scotch friend concurred in the opinion. And now, with a new
+vessel, which was the prize of these plunderers, they sailed up
+Manganeil bay; previously, however, they fell in with an American
+schooner, from which they bought four barrels of beef, and paid in
+tobacco. At the Bay was an English brig belonging to Jamaica, owned by
+Mr. John Louden of that place. On board of this vessel the Spanish part
+of the crew commenced their depredations as pirates, although Captain
+Orgamar and Nickola protested against it, and refused any participation;
+but they persisted, and like so many ferocious blood-hounds, boarded the
+brig, plundered the cabin, stores, furniture, captain's trunk, &c., took
+a hogshead of rum, one twelve pound carronade, some rigging and sails.
+One of them plundered the chest of a sailor, who made some resistance,
+so that the Spaniard took his cutlass, and beat and wounded him without
+mercy. Nickola asked him "why he did it?" the fellow answered, "I will
+let you know," and took up the cook's axe and gave him a cut on the
+head, which nearly deprived him of life. Then they ordered Captain
+Orgamar to leave his vessel, allowing him his trunk and turned him
+ashore, to seek for himself. Nickola begged them to dismiss him with his
+captain, but no, no, was the answer; for they had no complete navigator
+but him. After Captain Orgamar was gone, they put in his stead the
+present brave (or as I should call him cowardly) Captain Jonnia, who
+headed them in plundering the before mentioned brig, and made Bolidar
+their first lieutenant, and then proceeded down among those Keys or
+Islands, where I was captured. This is the amount of what my friend
+Nickola told me of their history.
+
+Saturday, 22d.--Both vessels under way standing to the eastward, they
+ran the Exertion aground on a bar, but after throwing overboard most of
+her deck load of shooks, she floated off; a pilot was sent to her, and
+she was run into a narrow creek between two keys, where they moored her
+head and stern along side of the mangrove trees, set down her yards and
+topmasts, and covered her mast heads and shrouds with bushes to prevent
+her being seen by vessels which might pass that way. I was then suffered
+to go on board my own vessel, and found her in a very filthy condition;
+sails torn, rigging cut to pieces, and every thing in the cabin in waste
+and confusion. The swarms of moschetoes and sand-flies made it
+impossible to get any sleep or rest. The pirate's large boat was armed
+and manned under Bolidar, and sent off with letters to a merchant (as
+they called him) by the name of Dominico, residing in a town called
+Principe, on the main island of Cuba. I was told by one of them, who
+could speak English, that Principe was a very large and populous town,
+situated at the head of St. Maria, which was about twenty miles
+northeast from where we lay, and the Keys lying around us were called
+Cotton Keys.--The captain pressed into his service Francis de Suze, one
+of my crew, saying that he was one of his countrymen. Francis was very
+reluctant in going, and said to me, with tears in his eyes, "I shall do
+nothing but what I am obliged to do, and will not aid in the least to
+hurt you or the vessel; I am very sorry to leave you." He was
+immediately put on duty and Thomas Goodall sent back to the Exertion.
+
+Sunday, 23d.--Early this morning a large number of the pirates came on
+board of the Exertion, threw out the long boat, broke open the hatches,
+and took out considerable of the cargo, in search of rum, gin, &c.,
+still telling me "I had some and they would find it," uttering the most
+awful profaneness. In the afternoon their boat returned with a perough,
+having on board the captain, his first lieutenant and seven men of a
+patriot or piratical vessel that was chased ashore at Cape Cruz by a
+Spanish armed brig. These seven men made their escape in said boat, and
+after four days, found our pirates and joined them; the remainder of the
+crew being killed or taken prisoners.
+
+Monday, 24th.--Their boat was manned and sent to the before-mentioned
+town.--I was informed by a line from Nickola, that the pirates had a man
+on board, a native of Principe, who, in the garb of a sailor, was a
+partner with Dominico, but I could not get sight of him. This lets us a
+little into the plans by which this atrocious system of piracy has been
+carried on. Merchants having partners on board of these pirates! thus
+pirates at sea and robbers on land are associated to destroy the
+peaceful trader. The willingness exhibited by the seven above-mentioned
+men, to join our gang of pirates, seems to look like a general
+understanding among them; and from there being merchants on shore so
+base as to encourage the plunder and vend the goods, I am persuaded
+there has been a systematic confederacy on the part of these
+unprincipled desperadoes, under cover of the patriot flag; and those on
+land are no better than those on the sea. If the governments to whom
+they belong know of the atrocities committed (and I have but little
+doubt they do) they deserve the execration of all mankind.
+
+Thursday, 27th.--A gang of the pirates came and stripped our masts of
+the green bushes, saying, "she appeared more like a sail than
+trees"--took one barrel of bread and one of potatoes, using about one of
+each every day. I understood they were waiting for boats to take the
+cargo; for the principal merchant had gone to Trinidad.
+
+Sunday, 30th.--The beginning of trouble! This day, which peculiarly
+reminds Christians of the high duties of compassion and benevolence, was
+never observed by these pirates. This, of course, we might expect, as
+they did not often know when the day came, and if they knew it, it was
+spent in gambling. The old saying among seamen, "no Sunday off
+soundings," was not thought of; and even this poor plea was not theirs,
+for they were on soundings and often at anchor.--Early this morning, the
+merchant, as they called him, came with a large boat for the cargo. I
+was immediately ordered into the boat with my crew, not allowed any
+breakfast, and carried about three miles to a small island out of sight
+of the Exertion, and left there by the side of a little pond of thick,
+muddy water, which proved to be very brackish, with nothing to eat but a
+few biscuits. One of the boat's men told us the merchant was afraid of
+being recognized, and when he had gone the boat would return for us; but
+we had great reason to apprehend they would deceive us, and therefore
+passed the day in the utmost anxiety. At night, however, the boats came
+and took us again on board the Exertion; when, to our surprise and
+astonishment, we found they had broken open the trunks and chests, and
+taken all our wearing apparel, not even leaving a shirt or pair of
+pantaloons, nor sparing a small miniature of my wife which was in my
+trunk. The little money I and my mate had, with some belonging to the
+owners, my mate had previously distributed about the cabin in three or
+four parcels, while I was on board the pirate, for we dare not keep it
+about us; one parcel in a butter pot they did not discover.--Amidst the
+hurry with which I was obliged to go to the before-mentioned island, I
+fortunately snatched by vessel's papers, and hid them in my bosom, which
+the reader will find was a happy circumstance for me. My writing desk,
+with papers, accounts, &c., all Mr. Lord's letters (the gentlemen to
+whom my cargo was consigned) and several others were taken and
+maliciously destroyed. My medicine chest, which I so much wanted, was
+kept for their own use. What their motive could be to take my papers I
+could not imagine, except they had hopes of finding bills of lading for
+some Spaniards, to clear them from piracy. Mr. Bracket had some notes
+and papers of consequence to him, which shared the same fate. My
+quadrant, charts, books and bedding were not yet taken, but I found it
+impossible to hide them, and they were soon gone from my sight.
+
+[Illustration: _A Cave in the Caicos group of the West India Islands._]
+
+Tuesday, January 1st, 1822--A sad new-year's day to me. Before breakfast
+orders came for me to cut down the Exertion's railing and bulwarks on
+one side, for their vessel to heave out by, and clean her bottom. On my
+hesitating a little they observed with anger, "very well, captain,
+suppose you no do it quick, we do it for you." Directly afterwards
+another boat full of armed men came along side; they jumped on deck with
+swords drawn, and ordered all of us into her immediately; I stepped
+below, in hopes of getting something which would be of service to us;
+but the captain hallooed, "Go into the boat directly or I will fire upon
+you." Thus compelled to obey, we were carried, together with four
+Spanish prisoners, to a small, low island or key of sand in the shape of
+a half moon, and partly covered with mangrove trees; which was about one
+mile from and in sight of my vessel. There they left nine of us, with a
+little bread, flour, fish, lard, a little coffee and molasses; two or
+three kegs of water, which was brackish; an old sail for a covering, and
+a pot and some other articles no way fit to cook in. Leaving us these,
+which were much less than they appear in the enumeration, they pushed
+off, saying, "we will come to see you in a day or two." Selecting the
+best place, we spread the old sail for an awning; but no place was free
+from flies, moschetoes, snakes, the venomous skinned scorpion, and the
+more venomous santipee. Sometimes they were found crawling inside of
+our pantaloons, but fortunately no injury was received. This afternoon
+the pirates hove their vessel out by the Exertion and cleaned one side,
+using her paints, oil, &c. for that purpose. To see my vessel in that
+situation and to think of our prospects was a source of the deepest
+distress. At night we retired to our tent; but having nothing but the
+cold damp ground for a bed, and the heavy dew of night penetrating the
+old canvass--the situation of the island being fifty miles from the
+usual track of friendly vessels, and one hundred and thirty-five from
+Trinidad--seeing my owner's property so unjustly and wantonly
+destroyed--considering my condition, the hands at whose mercy I was, and
+deprived of all hopes, rendered sleep or rest a stranger to me.
+
+Friday, 4th.--Commenced with light winds and hot sun, saw a boat coming
+from the Exertion, apparently loaded; she passed between two small Keys
+to northward, supposed to be bound for Cuba. At sunset a boat came and
+inquired if we wanted anything, but instead of adding to our provisions,
+took away our molasses, and pushed off. We found one of the Exertion's
+water casks, and several pieces of plank, which we carefully laid up, in
+hopes of getting enough to make a raft.
+
+Saturday, 5th.--Pirates again in sight, coming from the eastward; they
+beat up along side their prize, and commenced loading. In the afternoon
+Nickola came to us, bringing with him two more prisoners, which they had
+taken in a small sail boat coming from Trinidad to Manganeil, one a
+Frenchman, the other a Scotchman, with two Spaniards, who remained on
+board the pirate, and who afterwards joined them. The back of one of
+these poor fellows was extremely sore, having just suffered a cruel
+beating from Bolidar, with the broad side of a cutlass. It appeared,
+that when the officer asked him "where their money was, and how much,"
+he answered, "he was not certain but believed they had only two ounces
+of gold"--Bolidar furiously swore he said "ten," and not finding any
+more, gave him the beating. Nickola now related to me a singular fact;
+which was, that the Spanish part of the crew were determined to shoot
+him; that they tied him to the mast, and a man was appointed for the
+purpose; but Lion, a Frenchman, his particular friend, stepped up and
+told them, if they shot him they must shoot several more; some of the
+Spaniards sided with him, and he was released. Nickola told me, the
+reason for such treatment was, that he continually objected to their
+conduct towards me, and their opinion if he should escape, they would be
+discovered, as he declared he would take no prize money. While with us
+he gave me a letter written in great haste, which contains some
+particulars respecting the cargo;--as follows:--
+
+_January 4th,_ 1822.
+
+Sir,--We arrived here this morning, and before we came to anchor, had
+five canoes alongside ready to take your cargo, part of which we had in;
+and as I heard you express a wish to know what they took out of her, to
+this moment, you may depend upon this account of Jamieson for quality
+and quantity; if I have the same opportunity you will have an account of
+the whole. The villain who bought your cargo is from the town of
+Principe, his name is Dominico, as to that it is all that I can learn;
+they have taken your charts aboard the schooner Mexican, and I suppose
+mean to keep them, as the other captain has agreed to act the same
+infamous part in the tragedy of his life. Your clothes are here on
+board, but do not let me flatter you that you will get them back; it may
+be so, and it may not. Perhaps in your old age, when you recline with
+ease in a corner of your cottage, you will have the goodness to drop a
+tear of pleasure to the memory of him, whose highest ambition should
+have been to subscribe himself, though devoted to the gallows, your
+friend,
+
+Excuse haste. NICKOLA MONACRE.
+
+Sunday, 6th.--The pirates were under way at sunrise, with a full load of
+the Exertion's cargo, going to Principe again to sell a second freight,
+which was done readily for cash. I afterwards heard that the flour only
+fetched five dollars per barrel, when it was worth at Trinidad thirteen;
+so that the villain who bought my cargo at Principe, made very large
+profits by it.
+
+Tuesday, 8th.--Early this morning the pirates in sight again, with fore
+top sail and top gallant sail set; beat up along side of the Exertion
+and commenced loading; having, as I supposed, sold and discharged her
+last freight among some of the inhabitants of Cuba. They appeared to
+load in great haste; and the song, "O he oh," which echoed from one
+vessel to the other, was distinctly heard by us. How wounding was this
+to me! How different was this sound from what it would have been, had I
+been permitted to pass unmolested by these lawless plunderers, and been
+favored with a safe arrival at the port of my destination, where my
+cargo would have found an excellent sale. Then would the "O he oh," on
+its discharging, have been a delightful sound to me. In the afternoon
+she sailed with the perough in tow, both with a full load, having
+chairs, which was part of the cargo, slung at her quarters.
+
+Monday, 14th.--They again hove in sight, and beat up as usual,
+along-side their prize. While passing our solitary island, they laughed
+at our misery, which was almost insupportable--looking upon us as though
+we had committed some heinous crime, and they had not sufficiently
+punished us; they hallooed to us, crying out "Captain, Captain,"
+accompanied with obscene motions and words, with which I shall not
+blacken these pages--yet I heard no check upon such conduct, nor could I
+expect it among such a gang, who have no idea of subordination on
+board, except when in chase of vessels, and even then but very little.
+My resentment was excited at such a malicious outrage, and I felt a
+disposition to revenge myself, should fortune ever favor me with an
+opportunity. It was beyond human nature not to feel and express some
+indignation at such treatment.--Soon after, Bolidar, with five men, well
+armed, came to us; he having a blunderbuss, cutlass, a long knife and
+pair of pistols--but for what purpose did he come? He took me by the
+hand, saying, "Captain, me speak with you, walk this way." I obeyed, and
+when at some distance from my fellow prisoners, (his men following) he
+said, "the captain send me for your _wash_" I pretended not to
+understand what he meant, and replied, "I have no clothes, nor any soap
+to wash with--you have taken them all," for I had kept my watch about
+me, hoping they would not discover it. He demanded it again as before;
+and was answered, "I have nothing to wash;" this raised his anger, and
+lifting his blunderbuss, he roared out, "what the d--l you call him that
+make clock? give it me." I considered it imprudent to contend any
+longer, and submitted to his unlawful demand. As he was going off, he
+gave me a small bundle, in which was a pair of linen drawers, sent to me
+by Nickola, and also the Rev. Mr. Brooks' "Family Prayer Book." This
+gave me great satisfaction. Soon after, he returned with his captain,
+who had one arm slung up, yet with as many implements of war, as his
+diminutive wicked self could conveniently carry; he told me (through an
+interpreter who was his prisoner.) "that on his cruize he had fallen in
+with two Spanish privateers, and beat them off; but had three of his men
+killed, and himself wounded in the arm"--Bolidar turned to me and said,
+"it is a d--n lie"--which words proved to be correct, for his arm was
+not wounded, and when I saw him again, which was soon afterwards, he had
+forgotten to sling it up. He further told me, "after tomorrow you shall
+go with your vessel, and we will accompany you towards Trinidad." This
+gave me some new hopes, and why I could not tell. They then left us
+without rendering any assistance.--This night we got some rest.
+
+Tuesday, 15th. The words "go after tomorrow," were used among our
+Spanish fellow prisoners, as though that happy tomorrow would never
+come--in what manner it came will soon be noticed.
+
+Friday, 18th commenced with brighter prospects of liberty than ever. The
+pirates were employed in setting up our devoted schooner's shrouds,
+stays, &c. My condition now reminded me of the hungry man, chained in
+one corner of a room, while at another part was a table loaded with
+delicious food and fruits, the smell and sight of which he was
+continually to experience, but alas! his chains were never to be loosed
+that he might go and partake--at almost the same moment they were thus
+employed, the axe was applied with the greatest dexterity to both her
+masts and I saw them fall over the side! Here fell my hopes--I looked at
+my condition, and then thought of home.--Our Spanish fellow prisoners
+were so disappointed and alarmed that they recommended hiding ourselves,
+if possible, among the mangrove trees, believing, as they said, we
+should now certainly be put to death; or, what was worse, compelled to
+serve on board the Mexican as pirates. Little else it is true, seemed
+left for us; however, we kept a bright look out for them during the day,
+and at night "an anchor watch" as we called it, determined if we
+discovered their boats coming towards us, to adopt the plan of hiding,
+although starvation stared us in the face--yet preferred that to instant
+death. This night was passed in sufficient anxiety--I took the first
+watch.
+
+Saturday, 19th.--The pirate's largest boat came for us--it being
+day-light, and supposing they could see us, determined to stand our
+ground and wait the result. They ordered us all into the boat, but left
+every thing else; they rowed towards the Exertion--I noticed a
+dejection of spirits in one of the pirates, and inquired of him where
+they were going to carry us? He shook his head and replied, "I do not
+know." I now had some hopes of visiting my vessel again--but the pirates
+made sail, ran down, took us in tow and stood out of the harbor. Bolidar
+afterwards took me, my mate and two of my men on board and gave us some
+coffee. On examination I found they had several additional light sails,
+made of the Exertion's. Almost every man, a pair of canvas trousers; and
+my colors cut up and made into belts to carry their money about them. My
+jolly boat was on deck, and I was informed, all my rigging was disposed
+of. Several of the pirates had on some of my clothes, and the captain
+one of my best shirts, a cleaner one, than I had ever seen him have on
+before.--He kept at a good distance from me, and forbid my friend
+Nickola's speaking to me.--I saw from the companion way in the captain's
+cabin my quadrant, spy glass and other things which belonged to us, and
+observed by the compass, that the course steered was about west by
+south,--distance nearly twenty miles, which brought them up with a
+cluster of islands called by some "Cayman Keys." Here they anchored and
+caught some fish, (one of which was named _guard fish_) of which we had
+a taste. I observed that my friend Mr. Bracket was somewhat dejected,
+and asked him in a low voice, what his opinion was with respects to our
+fate? He answered, "I cannot tell you, but it appears to me the worst is
+to come." I told him that I hoped not, but thought they would give us
+our small boat and liberate the prisoners. But mercy even in this shape
+was not left-for us. Soon after, saw the captain and officers
+whispering for some time in private conference. When over, their boat
+was manned under the commond of Bolidar, and went to one of those
+Islands or Keys before mentioned. On their return, another conference
+took place--whether it was a jury upon our lives we could not tell. I
+did not think conscience could be entirely extinguished in the human
+breast, or that men could become fiends. In the afternoon, while we knew
+not the doom which had been fixed for us, the captain was engaged with
+several of his men in gambling, in hopes to get back some of the five
+hundred dollars, they said, he lost but a few nights before; which had
+made his unusually fractious. A little before sunset he ordered all the
+prisoners into the large boat, with a supply of provisions and water,
+and to be put on shore. While we were getting into her, one of my fellow
+prisoners, a Spaniard, attempted with tears in his eyes to speak to the
+captain, but was refused with the answer. "I'll have nothing to say to
+any prisoner, go into the boat." In the mean time Nickola said to me,
+"My friend, I will give you your book," (being Mr. Colman's Sermons,)
+"it is the only thing of yours that is in my possession; I dare not
+attempt any thing more." But the captain forbid his giving it to me, and
+I stepped into the boat--at that moment Nickola said in a low voice,
+"never mind, I may see you again before I die." The small boat was well
+armed and manned, and both set off together for the island, where they
+had agreed to leave us to perish! The scene to us was a funereal scene.
+There were no arms in the prisoners boat, and, of course, all attempts
+to relieve ourselves would have been throwing our lives away, as Bolidar
+was near us, well armed. We were rowed about two miles north-easterly
+from the pirates, to a small low island, lonely and desolate. We arrived
+about sunset; and for the support of us eleven prisoners, they only left
+a ten gallon keg of water, and perhaps a few quarts, in another small
+vessel, which was very poor; part of a barrel of flour, a small keg of
+lard, one ham and some salt fish; a small kettle and an old broken pot;
+an old sail for a covering, and a small mattress and blanket, which was
+thrown out as the boats hastened away. One of the prisoners happened to
+have a little coffee in his pocket, and these comprehended all our means
+of sustaining life, and for what length of time we knew not. We now
+felt the need of water, and our supply was comparatively nothing. A man
+may live nearly twice as long without food, as without water. Look at us
+now, my friends, left benighted on a little spot of sand in the midst of
+the ocean, far from the usual track of vessels, and every appearance of
+a violent thunder tempest, and a boisterous night. Judge of my feelings,
+and the circumstances which our band of sufferers now witnessed. Perhaps
+you can and have pitied us. I assure you, we were very wretched; and to
+paint the scene, is not within my power. When the boats were moving from
+the shore, on recovering myself a little, I asked Bolidar, "If he was
+going to leave us so?"--he answered, "no, only two days--we go for water
+and wood, then come back, take you." I requested him to give us bread
+and other stores, for they had plenty in the boat, and at least one
+hundred barrels of flour in the Mexican. "No, no, suppose to-morrow
+morning me come, me give you bread," and hurried off to the vessel. This
+was the last time I saw him. We then turned our attention upon finding a
+spot most convenient for our comfort, and soon discovered a little roof
+supported by stakes driven into the sand; it was thatched with leaves of
+the cocoa-nut tree, considerable part of which was torn or blown off.
+After spreading the old sail over this roof, we placed our little stock
+of provisions under it. Soon after came on a heavy shower of rain which
+penetrated the canvas, and made it nearly as uncomfortable inside, as it
+would have been out. We were not prepared to catch water, having nothing
+to put it in. Our next object was to get fire, and after gathering some
+of the driest fuel to be found, and having a small piece of cotton
+wick-yarn, with flint and steel, we kindled a fire, which was never
+afterwards suffered to be extinguished. The night was very dark, but we
+found a piece of old rope, which when well lighted served for a candle.
+On examining the ground under the roof, we found perhaps thousands of
+creeping insects, scorpions, lizards, crickets, &c. After scraping them
+out as well as we could, the most of us having nothing but the damp
+earth for a bed, laid ourselves down in hopes of some rest; but it being
+so wet, gave many of us severe colds, and one of the Spaniards was quite
+sick for several days.
+
+Sunday, 20th.--As soon as day-light came on, we proceeded to take a view
+of our little island, and found it to measure only one acre, of coarse,
+white sand; about two feet, and in some spots perhaps three feet above
+the surface of the ocean. On the highest part were growing some bushes
+and small mangroves, (the dry part of which was our fuel) and the wild
+castor oil beans. We were greatly disappointed in not finding the latter
+suitable food; likewise some of the prickly pear bushes, which gave us
+only a few pears about the size of our small button pear; the outside
+has thorns, which if applied to the fingers or lips, will remain there,
+and cause a severe smarting similar to the nettle; the inside a spungy
+substance, full of juice and seeds, which are red and a little
+tartish--had they been there in abundance, we should not have suffered
+so much for water--but alas! even this substitute was not for us. On the
+northerly side of the island was a hollow, where the tide penetrated the
+sand, leaving stagnant water. We presumed, in hurricanes the island was
+nearly overflowed. According to the best calculations I could make, we
+were about thirty-five miles from any part of Cuba, one hundred from
+Trinidad and forty from the usual track of American vessels, or others
+which might pass that way. No vessel of any considerable size, can
+safely pass among these Keys (or "Queen's Gardens," as the Spaniards
+call them) being a large number extending from Cape Cruz to Trinidad,
+one hundred and fifty miles distance; and many more than the charts have
+laid down, most of them very low and some covered at high water, which
+makes it very dangerous for navigators without a skilful pilot. After
+taking this view of our condition, which was very gloomy, we began to
+suspect we were left on this desolate island by those merciless
+plunderers to perish. Of this I am now fully convinced; still we looked
+anxiously for the pirate's boat to come according to promise with more
+water and provisions, but looked in vain. We saw them soon after get
+under way with all sail set and run directly from us until out of our
+sight, and _we never saw them again_! One may partially imagine our
+feelings, but they cannot be put into words. Before they were entirely
+out of sight of us, we raised the white blanket upon a pole, waving it
+in the air, in hopes, that at two miles distance they would see it and
+be moved to pity. But pity in such monsters was not to be found. It was
+not their interest to save us from the lingering death, which we now saw
+before us. We tried to compose ourselves, trusting to God, who had
+witnessed our sufferings, would yet make use of some one, as the
+instrument of his mercy towards us. Our next care, now, was to try for
+water. We dug several holes in the sand and found it, but quite too salt
+for use. The tide penetrates probably through the island. We now came on
+short allowances for water. Having no means of securing what we had by
+lock and key, some one in the night would slyly drink, and it was soon
+gone. The next was to bake some bread, which we did by mixing flour with
+salt water and frying it in lard, allowing ourselves eight quite small
+pancakes to begin with. The ham was reserved for some more important
+occasion, and the salt fish was lost for want of fresh water. The
+remainder of this day was passed in the most serious conversation and
+reflection. At night, I read prayers from the "Prayer Book," before
+mentioned, which I most carefully concealed while last on board the
+pirates. This plan was pursued morning and evening, during our stay
+there. Then retired for rest and sleep, but realized little of either.
+
+Monday, 21st.--In the morning we walked round the beach, in expectation
+of finding something useful. On our way picked up a paddle about three
+feet long, very similar to the Indian canoe paddle, except the handle,
+which was like that of a shovel, the top part being split off; we laid
+it by for the present. We likewise found some konchs and roasted them;
+they were pretty good shell fish, though rather tough. We discovered at
+low water, a bar or spit of sand extending north-easterly from us, about
+three miles distant, to a cluster of Keys, which were covered with
+mangrove trees, perhaps as high as our quince tree. My friend Mr.
+Bracket and George attempted to wade across, being at that time of tide
+only up to their armpits; but were pursued by a shark, and returned
+without success. The tide rises about four feet.
+
+Tuesday, 22d.--We found several pieces of the palmetto or cabbage tree,
+and some pieces of boards, put them together in the form of a raft, and
+endeavored to cross, but that proved ineffectual. Being disappointed, we
+set down to reflect upon other means of relief, intending to do all in
+our power for safety while our strength continued. While setting here,
+the sun was so powerful and oppressive, reflecting its rays upon the
+sea, which was then calm, and the white sand which dazzled the eye, was
+so painful, that we retired under the awning; there the moschetoes and
+flies were so numerous, that good rest could not be found. We were,
+however, a little cheered, when, in scraping out the top of the ground
+to clear out, I may say, thousands of crickets and bugs, we found a
+hatchet, which was to us peculiarly serviceable. At night the strong
+north-easterly wind, which prevails there at all seasons, was so cold as
+to make it equally uncomfortable with the day. Thus day after day, our
+sufferings and apprehensions multiplying, we were very generally
+alarmed.
+
+Thursday, 24th.--This morning, after taking a little coffee, made of the
+water which we thought least salt, and two or three of the little
+cakes, we felt somewhat refreshed, and concluded to make another visit
+to those Keys, in hopes of finding something more, which might make a
+raft for us to escape the pirates, and avoid perishing by thirst.
+Accordingly seven of us set off, waded across the bar and searched all
+the Keys thereabouts. On one we found a number of sugar-box shooks, two
+lashing plank and some pieces of old spars, which were a part of the
+Exertion's deck load, that was thrown overboard when she grounded on the
+bar, spoken of in the first part of the narrative. It seems they had
+drifted fifteen miles, and had accidentally lodged on these very Keys
+within our reach. Had the pirates known this, they would undoubtedly
+have placed us in another direction. They no doubt thought that they
+could not place us on a worse place. The wind at this time was blowing
+so strong on shore, as to prevent rafting our stuff round to our island,
+and we were obliged to haul it upon the beach for the present; then dug
+for water in the highest place, but found it as salt as ever, and then
+returned to our habitation. But hunger and thirst began to prey upon us,
+and our comforts were as few as our hopes.
+
+Friday, 25th.--Again passed over to those Keys to windward in order to
+raft our stuff to our island, it being most convenient for building. But
+the surf on the beach was so very rough, that we were again compelled to
+postpone it. Our courage, however, did not fail where there was the
+slightest hopes of life. Returning without it, we found on our way an
+old top timber of some vessel; it had several spikes on it, which we
+afterwards found very serviceable. In the hollow of an old tree, we
+found two guarnas of small size, one male, the other female. Only one
+was caught. After taking off the skin, we judged it weighed a pound and
+a half. With some flour and lard, (the only things we had except salt
+water,) it made us a fine little mess. We thought it a rare dish, though
+a small one for eleven half starved persons. At the same time a small
+vessel hove in sight; we made a signal to her with the blanket tied to a
+pole and placed it on the highest tree--some took off their white
+clothes and waved them in the air, hoping they would come to us; should
+they be pirates, they could do no more than kill us, and perhaps would
+give us some water, for which we began to suffer most excessively; but,
+notwithstanding all our efforts, she took no notice of us.
+
+Saturday, 26th.--This day commenced with moderate weather and smooth
+sea; at low tide found some cockles; boiled and eat them, but they were
+very painful to the stomach. David Warren had a fit of strangling, with
+swelling of the bowels; but soon recovered, and said, "something like
+salt rose in his throat and choked him." Most of us then set off for the
+Keys, where the plank and shooks were put together in a raft, which we
+with pieces of boards paddled over to our island; when we consulted the
+best plan, either to build a raft large enough for us all to go on, or a
+boat; but the shooks having three or four nails in each, and having a
+piece of large reed or bamboo, previously found, of which we made pins,
+we concluded to make a boat.
+
+Sunday, 27--Commenced our labor, for which I know we need offer no
+apology. We took the two planks, which were about fourteen feet long,
+and two and a half wide, and fixed them together for the bottom of the
+boat; then with moulds made of palmetto bark, cut timber and knees from
+mangrove trees which spread so much as to make the boat four feet wide
+at the top, placed them exactly the distance apart of an Havana sugar
+box.--Her stern was square and the bows tapered to a peak, making her
+form resemble a flat-iron. We proceeded thus far and returned to rest
+for the night--but Mr. Bracket was too unwell to get much sleep.
+
+Monday, 28--Went on with the work as fast as possible. Some of the
+Spaniards had long knives about them, which proved very useful in
+fitting timbers, and a gimblet of mine, accidentally found on board the
+pirate, enabled us to use the wooden pins. And now our spirits began to
+revive, though _water, water_, was continually in our minds. We now
+feared the pirates might possibly come, find out our plan and put us to
+death, (although before we had wished to see them, being so much in want
+of water.) Our labor was extremely burdensome, and the Spaniards
+considerably peevish--but they would often say to me "never mind
+captain, by and by, Americana or Spanyola catch them, me go and see 'um
+hung." We quitted work for the day, cooked some cakes but found it
+necessary to reduce the quantity again, however small before. We found
+some herbs on a windward Key, which the Spaniards called Spanish
+tea.--This when well boiled we found somewhat palatable, although the
+water was very salt. This herb resembles pennyroyal in look and taste,
+though not so pungent. In the evening when we were setting round the
+fire to keep of the moschetoes, I observed David Warren's eyes shone
+like glass. The mate said to him--"David I think you will die before
+morning--I think you are struck with death now." I thought so too, and
+told him, "I thought it most likely we should all die here soon; but as
+some one of us might survive to carry the tidings to our friends, if you
+have any thing to say respecting your family, now is the time."--He then
+said, "I have a mother in Saco where I belong--she is a second time a
+widow--to-morrow if you can spare a scrap of paper and pencil I will
+write something." But no tomorrow came to him.--In the course of the
+night he had another spell of strangling, and soon after expired,
+without much pain and without a groan. He was about twenty-six years
+old.--How solemn was this scene to us! Here we beheld the ravages of
+death commenced upon us. More than one of us considered death a happy
+release. For myself I thought of my wife and children; and wished to
+live if God should so order it, though extreme thirst, hunger and
+exhaustion had well nigh prostrated my fondest hopes.
+
+Tuesday, 29th.--Part of us recommenced labor on the boat, while myself
+and Mr. Bracket went and selected the highest clear spot of sand on the
+northern side of the island, where we dug Warren's grave, and boxed it
+up with shooks, thinking it would be the most suitable spot for the rest
+of us--whose turn would come next, we knew not. At about ten o'clock,
+A.M. conveyed the corpse to the grave, followed by us survivers--a
+scene, whose awful solemnity can never be painted. We stood around the
+grave, and there I read the funeral prayer from the Rev. Mr. Brooks's
+Family Prayer Book; and committed the body to the earth; covered it with
+some pieces of board and sand, and returned to our labor. One of the
+Spaniards, an old man, named Manuel, who was partial to me, and I to
+him, made a cross and placed it at the head of the grave saying, "Jesus
+Christ hath him now." Although I did not believe in any mysterious
+influence of this cross, yet I was perfectly willing it should stand
+there. The middle part of the day being very warm, our mouths parched
+with thirst, and our spirits so depressed, that we made but little
+progress during the remainder of this day, but in the evening were
+employed in picking oakum out of the bolt rope taken from the old sail.
+
+Wednesday, 30th.--Returned to labor on the boat with as much vigor as
+our weak and debilitated state would admit, but it was a day of trial to
+us all; for the Spaniards and we Americans could not well understand
+each other's plans, and they being naturally petulant, would not work,
+nor listen with any patience for Joseph, our English fellow prisoner, to
+explain our views--they would sometimes undo what they had done, and in
+a few minutes replace it again; however before night we began to caulk
+her seams, by means of pieces of hard mangrove, made in form of a
+caulking-iron, and had the satisfaction of seeing her in a form
+something like a boat.
+
+Thursday, 31st.--Went on with the work, some at caulking, others at
+battening the seams with strips of canvas, and pieces of pine nailed
+over, to keep the oakum in. Having found a suitable pole for a mast, the
+rest went about making a sail from the one we had used for a covering,
+also fitting oars of short pieces of boards, in form of a paddle, tied
+on a pole, we having a piece of fishing line brought by one of the
+prisoners. Thus, at three P.M. the boat was completed and put
+afloat.--We had all this time confidently hoped, that she would be
+sufficiently large and strong to carry us all--we made a trial and were
+disappointed! This was indeed a severe trial, and the emotions it called
+up were not easy to be suppressed. She proved leaky, for we had no
+carpenter's yard, or smith's shop to go to.--And now the question was,
+"who should go, and how many?" I found it necessary for six; four to
+row, one to steer and one to bale. Three of the Spaniards and the
+Frenchman claimed the right, as being best acquainted with the nearest
+inhabitants; likewise, they had when taken, two boats left at St. Maria,
+(about forty miles distant,) which they were confident of finding. They
+promised to return within two or three days for the rest of us--I
+thought it best to consent--Mr. Bracket it was agreed should go in my
+stead, because my papers must accompany me as a necessary protection,
+and my men apprehended danger if they were lost. Joseph Baxter (I think
+was his name) they wished should go, because he could speak both
+languages--leaving Manuel, George, Thomas and myself, to wait their
+return. Having thus made all arrangements, and putting up a keg of the
+least salt water, with a few pancakes of salt fish, they set off a
+little before sunset with our best wishes and prayers for their safety
+and return to our relief.--To launch off into the wide ocean, with
+strength almost exhausted, and in such a frail boat as this, you will
+say was very hazardous, and in truth it was; but what else was left to
+us?--Their intention was to touch at the Key where the Exertion was and
+if no boat was to be found there, to proceed to St. Maria, and if none
+there, to go to Trinidad and send us relief.--But alas! it was the last
+time I ever saw them!--Our suffering this day was most acute.
+
+Tuesday, 5th.--About ten o'clock, A.M. discovered a boat drifting by on
+the southeastern side of the island about a mile distant. I deemed it a
+providential thing to us, and urged Thomas and George trying the raft
+for her. They reluctantly consented and set off, but it was nearly three
+P.M. when they came up with her--it was the same boat we had built!
+Where then was my friend Bracket and those who went with him? Every
+appearance was unfavorable.--I hoped that a good Providence had yet
+preserved him.--The two men who went for the boat, found it full of
+water, without oars, paddle, or sail; being in this condition, and about
+three miles to the leeward, the men found it impossible to tow her up,
+so left her, and were until eleven o'clock at night getting back with
+the raft. They were so exhausted, that had it not been nearly calm, they
+could never have returned.
+
+Wednesday, 6th.--This morning was indeed the most gloomy I had ever
+experienced.--There appeared hardly a ray of hope that my friend Bracket
+could return, seeing the boat was lost. Our provisions nearly gone; our
+mouths parched extremely with thirst; our strength wasted; our spirits
+broken, and our hopes imprisoned within the circumference of this
+desolate island in the midst of an unfrequented ocean; all these things
+gave to the scene around us the hue of death. In the midst of this
+dreadful despondence, a sail hove in sight bearing the white flag! Our
+hopes were raised, of course--but no sooner raised than darkened, by
+hearing a gun fired. Here then was another gang of pirates. She soon,
+however, came near enough to anchor, and her boat pushed off towards us
+with three men in her.--Thinking it now no worse to die by sword than
+famine, I walked down immediately to meet them. I knew them not.--A
+moment before the boat touched the ground, a man leaped from her bows
+and caught me in his arms! _It was Nickola_!--saying, "Do you now
+believe Nickola is your friend? yes, said he, _Jamieson_ will yet prove
+himself so."--No words can express my emotions at this moment. This was
+a friend indeed. The reason of my not recognizing them before, was that
+they had cut their beards and whiskers. Turning to my fellow-sufferers,
+Nickola asked--"Are these all that are left of you? where are the
+others?"--At this moment seeing David's grave--"are they dead then? Ah!
+I suspected it, I know what you were put here for." As soon as I could
+recover myself, I gave him an account of Mr. Bracket and the
+others.--"How unfortunate," he said, "they must be lost, or some pirates
+have taken them."--"But," he continued, "we have no time to lose; you
+had better embark immediately with us, and go where you please, we are
+at your service." The other two in the boat were Frenchmen, one named
+Lyon, the other Parrikete. They affectionately embraced each of us; then
+holding to my mouth the nose of a teakettle, filled with wine, said
+"Drink plenty, no hurt you." I drank as much as I judged prudent. They
+then gave it to my fellow sufferers--I experienced almost immediate
+relief, not feeling it in my head; they had also brought in the boat for
+us, a dish of salt beef and potatoes, of which we took a little. Then
+sent the boat on board for the other two men, being five in all; who
+came ashore, and rejoiced enough was I to see among them Thomas Young,
+one of my crew, who was detained on board the Mexican, but had escaped
+through Nickola's means; the other a Frenchman, named John Cadedt. I now
+thought again and again, with troubled emotion, of my dear friend
+Bracket's fate. I took the last piece of paper I had, and wrote with
+pencil a few words, informing him (should he come there) that "I and the
+rest were safe; that I was not mistaken in the friend in whom I had
+placed so much confidence, that he had accomplished my highest
+expectations; and that I should go immediately to Trinidad, and
+requested him to go there also, and apply to Mr. Isaac W. Lord, my
+consignee, for assistance." I put the paper into a junk bottle,
+previously found on the beach, put in a stopper, and left it, together
+with what little flour remained, a keg of water brought from Nickola's
+vessel, and a few other things which I thought might be of service to
+him. We then repaired with our friends on board, where we were kindly
+treated. She was a sloop from Jamaica, of about twelve tons, with a
+cargo of rum and wine, bound to Trinidad. I asked "which way they
+intended to go?" They said "to Jamaica if agreeable to me." As I
+preferred Trinidad, I told them, "if they would give me the Exertion's
+boat which was along-side (beside their own) some water and provisions,
+we would take chance in her."--"For perhaps," said I, "you will fare
+better at Jamaica, than at Trinidad." After a few minutes consultation,
+they said "you are too much exhausted to row the distance of one hundred
+miles, therefore we will go and carry you--we consider ourselves at your
+service." I expressed a wish to take a look at the Exertion, possibly we
+might hear something of Mr. Bracket. Nickola said "very well," so got
+under way, and run for her, having a light westerly wind. He then
+related to me the manner of their desertion from the pirates; as nearly
+as I can recollect his own words, he said, "A few days since, the
+pirates took four small vessels, I believe Spaniards; they having but
+two officers for the two first, the third fell to me as prize master,
+and having an understanding with the three Frenchmen and Thomas,
+selected them for my crew, and went on board with orders to follow the
+Mexican; which I obeyed. The fourth, the pirates took out all but one
+man and bade him also follow their vessel. Now our schooner leaked so
+bad, that we left her and in her stead agreed to take this little sloop
+(which we are now in) together with the one man. The night being very
+dark we all agreed to desert the pirates--altered our course and touched
+at St. Maria, where we landed the one man--saw no boats there, could
+hear nothing from you, and agreed one and all at the risk of our lives
+to come and liberate you if you were alive; knowing, as we did, that you
+were put on this Key to perish. On our way we boarded the Exertion,
+thinking possibly you might have been there. On board her we found a
+sail and paddle. We took one of the pirate's boats which they had left
+along-side of her, which proves how we came by two boats. My friend, the
+circumstance I am now about to relate, will somewhat astonish you. When
+the pirate's boat with Bolidar was sent to the before mentioned Key, on
+the 19th of January, it was their intention to leave you prisoners
+there, where was nothing but salt water and mangroves, and no
+possibility of escape. This was the plan of Baltizar, their abandoned
+pilot; but Bolidar's heart failed him, and he objected to it; then,
+after a conference, Captain Jonnia ordered you to be put on the little
+island from whence we have now taken you. But after this was done, that
+night the French and Portuguese part of the Mexican's crew protested
+against it; so that Captain Jonnia to satisfy them, sent his large boat
+to take you and your fellow prisoners back again, taking care to select
+his confidential Spaniards for this errand. And you will believe me they
+set off from the Mexican, and after spending about as much time as would
+really have taken them to come to you, they returned, and reported they
+had been to your island, and landed, and that none of you were there,
+somebody having taken you off! This, all my companions here know to be
+true.--I knew it was impossible you could have been liberated, and
+therefore we determined among ourselves, that should an opportunity
+occur we would come and save your lives, as we now have." He then
+expressed, as he hitherto had done (and I believe with sincerity), his
+disgust with the bad company which he had been in, and looked forward
+with anxiety to the day when he might return to his native country. I
+advised him to get on board an American vessel, whenever an opportunity
+offered, and come to the United States; and on his arrival direct a
+letter to me; repeating my earnest desire to make some return for the
+disinterested friendship which he had shown toward me. With the
+Frenchman I had but little conversation, being unacquainted with the
+language.
+
+Here ended Nickola's account. "And now" said the Frenchman, "our hearts
+be easy." Nickola observed he had left all and found us. I gave them my
+warmest tribute of gratitude, saying I looked upon them under God as the
+preservers of our lives, and promised them all the assistance which my
+situation might enable me to afford.--This brings me to,
+
+Thursday evening, 7th, when, at eleven o'clock, we anchored at the
+creek's mouth, near the Exertion. I was anxious to board her;
+accordingly took with me Nickola, Thomas, George and two others, well
+armed, each with a musket and cutlass. I jumped on her deck, saw a fire
+in the camboose, but no person there: I called aloud Mr. Bracket's name
+several times, saying "it is Captain Lincoln, don't be afraid, but show
+yourself," but no answer was given. She had no masts, spars, rigging,
+furniture, provisions or any think left, except her bowsprit, and a few
+barrels of salt provisions of her cargo. Her ceiling had holes cut in
+it, no doubt in their foolish search for money. I left her with peculiar
+emotions, such as I hope never again to experience; and returned to the
+little sloop where we remained till--
+
+Friday, 8th--When I had disposition to visit the island on which we
+were first imprisoned.----Found nothing there--saw a boat among the
+mangroves, near the Exertion. Returned, and got under way immediately
+for Trinidad. In the night while under full sail, run aground on a
+sunken Key, having rocks above the water, resembling old stumps of
+trees; we, however, soon got off and anchored. Most of those Keys have
+similar rocks about them, which navigators must carefully guard against.
+
+Monday, 11th--Got under way--saw a brig at anchor about five miles below
+the mouth of the harbor; we hoped to avoid her speaking us; but when we
+opened in sight of her, discovered a boat making towards us, with a
+number of armed men in her. This alarmed my friends, and as we did not
+see the brig's ensign hoisted, they declared the boat was a pirate, and
+looking through the spy-glass, they knew some of them to be the
+Mexican's men! This state of things was quite alarming. They said, "we
+will not be taken alive by them." Immediately the boat fired a musket;
+the ball passed through our mainsail. My friends insisted on beating
+them off: I endeavored to dissuade them, believing, as I did, that the
+brig was a Spanish man-of-war, who had sent her boat to ascertain who we
+were. I thought we had better heave to. Immediately another shot came.
+Then they insisted on fighting, and said "if I would not help them, I
+was no friend." I reluctantly acquiesced, and handed up the
+guns--commenced firing upon them and they upon us. We received several
+shot through the sails, but no one was hurt on either side. Our boats
+had been cast adrift to make us go the faster, and we gained upon
+them--continued firing until they turned from us, and went for our
+boats, which they took in tow for the brig. Soon after this, it became
+calm: then I saw that the brig had us in her power.--She manned and
+armed two more boats for us. We now concluded, since we had scarcely any
+ammunition, to surrender; and were towed down along-side the brig on
+board, and were asked by the captain, who could speak English, "what for
+you fire on the boat?" I told him "we thought her a pirate, and did not
+like to be taken by them again, having already suffered too much;"
+showing my papers. He said, "Captain Americana, never mind, go and take
+some dinner--which are your men?" I pointed them out to him, and he
+ordered them the liberty of the decks; but my friend Nickola and his
+three associates were immediately put in irons. They were, however,
+afterwards taken out of irons and examined; and I understood the
+Frenchmen agreed to enlist, as they judged it the surest way to better
+their condition. Whether Nickola enlisted, I do not know, but think that
+he did, as I understood that offer was made to him: I however endeavored
+to explain more distinctly to the captain, the benevolent efforts of
+these four men by whom my life had been saved, and used every argument
+in my power to procure their discharge. I also applied to the governor,
+and exerted myself with peculiar interest, dictated as I trust with
+heartfelt gratitude--and I ardently hope ere this, that Nickola is on
+his way to this country, where I may have an opportunity of convincing
+him that such an act of benevolence will not go unrewarded. Previous to
+my leaving Trinidad, I made all the arrangements in my power with my
+influential friends, and doubt not, that their laudable efforts will be
+accomplished.--The sloop's cargo was then taken on board the brig; after
+which the captain requested a certificate that I was politely treated by
+him, saying that his name was Captain Candama, of the privateer brig
+Prudentee of eighteen guns. This request I complied with. His first
+lieutenant told me he had sailed out of Boston, as commander for T.C.
+Amory, Esq. during the last war. In the course of the evening my friends
+were taken out of irons and examined separately, then put back again.
+The captain invited me to supper in his cabin, and a berth for the
+night, which was truly acceptable. The next morning after breakfast, I
+with my people were set on shore with the few things we had, with the
+promise of the Exertion's small boat in a day or two,--but it was never
+sent me--the reason, let the reader imagine. On landing at the wharf
+Casildar, we were immediately taken by soldiers to the guard house,
+which was a very filthy place; thinking I suppose, and even calling us,
+pirates. Soon some friends came to see me. Mr. Cotton, who resides there
+brought us in some soup. Mr. Isaac W. Lord, of Boston, my merchant, came
+with Captain Tate, who sent immediately to the governor; for I would not
+show my papers to any one else. He came about sunset, and after
+examining Manuel my Spanish fellow prisoner, and my papers, said to be,
+giving me the papers, "Captain, you are at liberty." I was kindly
+invited by Captain Matthew Rice, of schooner Galaxy, of Boston, to go on
+board his vessel, and live with him during my stay there. This generous
+offer I accepted, and was treated by him with the greatest hospitality;
+for I was hungered and he gave me meat, I was athirst and he gave me
+drink, I was naked and he clothed me, a stranger and he took me in. He
+likewise took Manuel and my three men for that night. Next day Mr. Lord
+rendered me all necessary assistance in making my protest. He had heard
+nothing from me until my arrival. I was greatly disappointed in not
+finding Mr. Bracket, and requested Mr. Lord to give him all needful aid
+if he should come there. To Captain Carnes, of the schooner Hannah, of
+Boston, I would tender my sincere thanks, for his kindness in giving me
+a passage to Boston, which I gladly accepted. To those gentlemen of
+Trinidad, and many captains of American vessels, who gave me sea
+clothing, &c., I offer my cordial gratitude.
+
+I am fully of the opinion that these ferocious pirates are linked in
+with many inhabitants of Cuba; and the government in many respects
+appears covertly to encourage them.
+
+It is with heartfelt delight, that, since the above narrative was
+written, I have learned that Mr. Bracket and his companions are safe; he
+arrived at Port d'Esprit, about forty leagues east of Trinidad. A letter
+has been received from him, stating that he should proceed to Trinidad
+the first opportunity.--It appears that after reaching the wreck, they
+found a boat from the shore, taking on board some of the Exertion's
+cargo, in which they proceeded to the above place. Why it was not in his
+power to come to our relief will no doubt be satisfactorily disclosed
+when he may be so fortunate as once more to return to his native country
+and friends.
+
+I felt great anxiety to learn what became of Jamieson, who, my readers
+will recollect, was detained on board the Spanish brig Prudentee near
+Trinidad. I heard nothing from him, until I believe eighteen months
+after I reached home, when I received a letter from him, from Montego
+Bay, Jamaica, informing me that he was then residing in that island. I
+immediately wrote to him, and invited him to come on to the United
+States. He accordingly came on passenger with Captain Wilson of
+Cohasset, and arrived in Boston, in August, 1824. Our meeting was very
+affecting. Trying scenes were brought up before us; scenes gone forever,
+through which we had passed together, where our acquaintance was formed,
+and since which time, we had never met. I beheld once more the preserver
+of my life; the instrument, under Providence, of restoring me to my
+home, my family, and my friends, and I regarded him with no ordinary
+emotion. My family were delighted to see him, and cordially united in
+giving him a warm reception. He told me that after we separated in
+Trinidad, he remained on board the Spanish brig. The commander asked him
+and his companions if they would enlist; the Frenchmen replied that they
+would, but he said nothing, being determined to make his escape, the
+very first opportunity which should present. The Spanish brig afterwards
+fell in with a Columbian Patriot, an armed brig of eighteen guns. Being
+of about equal force, they gave battle, and fought between three and
+four hours. Both parties were very much injured; and, without any
+considerable advantage on either side, both drew off to make repairs.
+The Spanish brig Prudentee, put into St. Jago de Cuba. Jamieson was
+wounded in the action, by a musket ball, through his arm, and was taken
+on shore, with the other wounded, and placed in the hospital of St.
+Jago. Here he remained for a considerable time, until he had nearly
+recovered, when he found an opportunity of escaping, and embarking for
+Jamaica. He arrived in safety at Kingston, and from there, travelled
+barefoot over the mountains, until very much exhausted, he reached
+Montego Bay, where he had friends, and where one of his brothers
+possessed some property. From this place, he afterwards wrote to me. He
+told me that before he came to Massachusetts, he saw the villainous
+pilot of the Mexican, the infamous Baltizar, with several other pirates,
+brought into Montego Bay, from whence they were to be conveyed to
+Kingston to be executed. Whether the others were part of the Mexican's
+crew, or not, I do not know. Baltizar was an old man, and as Jamieson
+said, it was a melancholy and heart-rending sight, to see him borne to
+execution with those gray hairs, which might have been venerable in
+virtuous old age, now a shame and reproach to this hoary villain, for he
+was full of years, and old in iniquity. When Jamieson received the
+letter which I wrote him, he immediately embarked with Captain Wilson,
+and came to Boston, as I have before observed.
+
+According to his own account he was of a very respectable family in
+Greenock, Scotland. His father when living was a rich cloth merchant,
+but both his father and mother had been dead many years. He was the
+youngest of thirteen children, and being, as he said, of a roving
+disposition, had always followed the seas. He had received a polite
+education, and was of a very gentlemanly deportment. He spoke several
+living languages, and was skilled in drawing and painting. He had
+travelled extensively in different countries, and acquired in
+consequence an excellent knowledge of their manners and customs. His
+varied information (for hardly any subject escaped him) rendered him a
+very entertaining companion. His observations on the character of
+different nations were very liberal; marking their various traits, their
+virtues and vices, with playful humorousness, quite free from bigotry,
+or narrow prejudice.
+
+I was in trade, between Boston and Philadelphia, at the time he came to
+Massachusetts, and he sailed with me several trips as my mate. He
+afterwards went to Cuba, and was subsequently engaged in the mackerel
+fishery, out of the port of Hingham, during the warm season, and in the
+winter frequently employed himself in teaching navigation to young men,
+for which he was eminently qualified. He remained with us, until his
+death, which took place in 1829. At this time he had been out at sea two
+or three days, when he was taken sick, and was carried into Cape Cod,
+where he died, on the first day of May, 1829, and there his remains lie
+buried. Peace be to his ashes! They rest in a strange land, far from his
+kindred and his native country.
+
+Since his death I have met with Mr. Stewart, of Philadelphia, who was
+Commercial Agent in Trinidad at the time of my capture. He informed me
+that the piratical schooner Mexican, was afterwards chased by an English
+government vessel, from Jamaica, which was cruising in search of it.
+Being hotly pursued, the pirates deserted their vessel, and fled to the
+mangrove bushes, on an island similar to that on which they had placed
+me and my crew to die. The English surrounded them, and thus they were
+cut off from all hopes of escape. They remained there, I think fourteen
+days, when being almost entirely subdued by famine, eleven surrendered
+themselves, and were taken. The others probably perished among the
+mangroves. The few who were taken were carried by the government vessel
+into Trinidad. Mr. Stewart said that he saw them himself, and such
+miserable objects, that had life, he never before beheld. They were in a
+state of starvation; their beards had grown to a frightful length, their
+bodies, were covered with filth and vermin, and their countenances were
+hideous. From Trinidad they were taken to Kingston, Jamaica, and there
+hung on Friday, the 7th of February, 1823.
+
+About a quarter of an hour before day dawn, the wretched culprits were
+taken from the jail, under a guard of soldiers from the 50th regiment,
+and the City Guard. On their arrival at the wherry wharf, the military
+retired, and the prisoners, with the Town Guard were put on board two
+wherries, in which they proceeded to Port Royal Point, the usual place
+of execution in similar cases. They were there met by a strong party of
+military, consisting of 50 men, under command of an officer. They formed
+themselves into a square round the place of execution, with the sheriff
+and his officers with the prisoners in the centre. The gallows was of
+considerable length, and contrived with a drop so as to prevent the
+unpleasant circumstances which frequently occur.
+
+The unfortunate men had been in continual prayer from the time they were
+awakened out of a deep sleep till they arrived at that place, where they
+were to close their existence.
+
+They all expressed their gratitude for the attention they had met with
+from the sheriff and the inferior officers. Many pressed the hands of
+the turnkey to their lips, others to their hearts and on their knees,
+prayed that God, Jesus Christ, and the Virgin Mary would bless him and
+the other jailors for their goodness. They all then fervently joined
+in prayer. To the astonishment of all, no clerical character, of any
+persuasion, was present. They repeatedly called out "Adonde esta el
+padre," (Where is the holy father).
+
+[Illustration: _The execution of ten pirates._]
+
+Juan Hernandez called on all persons present to hear him--he was
+innocent; what they had said about his confessing himself guilty was
+untrue. He had admitted himself guilty, because he hoped for pardon; but
+that now he was to die, he called God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, the
+Virgin Mary, and the Saints, to witness that he spoke the truth--that he
+was no pirate, no murderer--he had been forced. The Lieutenant of the
+pirates was a wretch, who did not fear God, and had compelled him to
+act.
+
+Juan Gutterez and Francisco de Sayas were loud in their protestations of
+innocence.
+
+Manuel Lima said, for himself, he did not care; he felt for the old man
+(Miguel Jose). How could he be a pirate who could not help himself? If
+it were a Christian country, they would have pardoned him for his gray
+hairs. He was innocent--they had both been forced. Let none of his
+friends or relations ever venture to sea--he hoped his death would be a
+warning to them, that the innocent might suffer for the guilty. The
+language of this young man marked him a superior to the generality of
+his companions in misfortune. The seamen of the Whim stated that he was
+very kind to them when prisoners on board the piratical vessel. Just
+before he was turned off, he addressed the old man--"Adios viejo, para
+siempre adios."--(Farewell, old man, forever farewell.)
+
+Several of the prisoners cried out for mercy, pardon, pardon.
+
+Domingo Eucalla, the black man, then addressed them. "Do not look for
+mercy here, but pray to God; we are all brought here to die. This is not
+built for nothing; here we must end our lives. You know I am innocent,
+but I must die the same as you all. There is not any body here who can
+do us any good, so let us think only of God Almighty. We are not
+children but men, you know that all must die; and in a few years those
+who kill us must die too. When I was born, God set the way of my death;
+I do not blame any body. I was taken by the pirates and they made me
+help them; they would not let me be idle. I could not show that this was
+the truth, and therefore they have judged me by the people they have
+found me with. I am put to death unjustly, but I blame nobody. It was my
+misfortune. Come, let us pray. If we are innocent, so much the less we
+have to repent. I do not come here to accuse any one. Death must come
+one day or other; better to the innocent than guilty." He then joined in
+prayer with the others. He seemed to be much reverenced by his fellow
+prisoners. He chose those prayers he thought most adapted to the
+occasion. Hundreds were witnesses to the manly firmness of this negro.
+Observing a bystander listening attentively to the complaints of one of
+his fellow wretches, he translated what had been said into English. With
+a steady pace, and a resolute and resigned countenance, he ascended the
+fatal scaffold. Observing the executioner unable to untie a knot on the
+collar of one of the prisoners, he with his teeth untied it. He then
+prayed most fervently till the drop fell.
+
+Miguel Jose protested his innocence.--"No he robado, no he matado
+ningune, muero innocente."--(I have robbed no one, I have killed no one,
+I die innocent. I am an old man, but my family will feel my disgraceful
+death.)
+
+Francisco Migul prayed devoutly, but inaudibly.--His soul seemed to have
+quitted the body before he was executed.
+
+Breti Gullimillit called on all to witness his innocence; it was of no
+use for him to say an untruth, for he was going before the face of God.
+
+Augustus Hernandez repeatedly declared his innocence, requested that no
+one would say he had made a confession; he had none to make.
+
+Juan Hernandez was rather obstinate when the execution pulled the cap
+over his eyes. He said, rather passionately--"Quita is de mis
+ojos."--(Remove it from my eyes.) He then rubbed it up against one of
+the posts of the gallows.
+
+Miguel Jose made the same complaint, and drew the covering from his eyes
+by rubbing his head against a fellow sufferer.
+
+Pedro Nondre was loud in his ejaculations for mercy. He wept bitterly.
+He was covered with marks of deep wounds.
+
+The whole of the ten included in the death warrant, having been placed
+on the scaffold, and the ropes suspended, the drop was let down. Nondre
+being an immense heavy man, broke the rope, and fell to the ground
+alive. Juan Hernandez struggled long. Lima was much convulsed. The old
+man Gullimillit, and Migul, were apparently dead before the drop fell.
+Eucalla (the black man) gave one convulsion, and all was over.
+
+When Nondre recovered from the fall and saw his nine lifeless companions
+stretched in death, he gave an agonizing shriek; he wrung his hands,
+screamed "Favor, favor, me matan sin causa. O! buenos Christianos, me
+amparen, ampara me, ampara me, no hay Christiano en asta, tiara?"
+
+(Mercy, mercy, they kill me without cause.--Oh, good Christians, protect
+me. Oh, protect me. Is there no Christian in this land?)
+
+He then lifted his eyes to Heaven, and prayed long and loud. Upon being
+again suspended, he was for a long period convulsed. He was an immense
+powerful man, and died hard.
+
+A piratical station was taken in the Island of Cuba by the U.S.
+schooners of war, Greyhound and Beagle. They left Thompson's Island
+June 7, 1823, under the command of Lieuts. Kearney and Newton, and
+cruised within the Key's on the south side of Cuba, as far as Cape Cruz,
+touching at all the intermediate ports on the island, to intercept
+pirates. On the 21st of July, they came to anchor off Cape Cruz, and
+Lieut. Kearney went in his boat to reconnoitre the shore, when he was
+fired on by a party of pirates who were concealed among the bushes. A
+fire was also opened from several pieces of cannon erected on a hill a
+short distance off. The boat returned, and five or six others were
+manned from the vessels, and pushed off for the shore, but a very heavy
+cannonade being kept up by the pirates on the heights, as well as from
+the boats, were compelled to retreat. The two schooners were then warped
+in, when they discharged several broadsides, and covered the landing of
+the boats. After a short time the pirates retreated to a hill that was
+well fortified. A small hamlet, in which the pirates resided, was set
+fire to and destroyed. Three guns, one a four pounder, and two large
+swivels, with several pistols, cutlasses, and eight large boats, were
+captured. A cave, about 150 feet deep, was discovered, near where the
+houses were, and after considerable difficulty, a party of seamen got to
+the bottom, where was found an immense quantity of plunder, consisting
+of broadcloths, dry goods, female dresses, saddlery, &c. Many human
+bones were also in the cave, supposed to have been unfortunate persons
+who were taken and put to death. A great many of the articles were
+brought away, and the rest destroyed. About forty pirates escaped to the
+heights, but many were supposed to have been killed from the fire of the
+schooners, as well as from the men who landed. The bushes were so thick
+that it was impossible to go after them. Several other caves are in the
+neighborhood, in which it was conjectured they occasionally take
+shelter.
+
+In 1823, Commodore Porter commanded the United States squadron in these
+seas; much good was done in preventing new acts of piracy; but these
+wretches kept aloof and did not venture to sea as formerly, but some
+were taken.
+
+Almost every day furnished accounts evincing the activity of Commodore
+Porter, and the officers and men under his command; but for a long time
+their industry and zeal was rather shown in the _suppression_ of piracy
+than the _punishment_ of it. At length, however, an opportunity offered
+for inflicting the latter, as detailed in the following letter, dated
+Matanzas, July 10, 1823.
+
+"I have the pleasure of informing you of a brilliant achievement
+obtained against the pirates on the 5th inst. by two barges attached to
+Commodore Porter's squadron, the Gallinipper, Lieut. Watson, 18 men, and
+the Moscheto, Lieut. Inman, 10 men. The barges were returning from a
+cruise to windward; when they were near Jiguapa Bay, 13 leagues to
+windward of Matanzas, they entered it--it being a rendezvous for
+pirates. They immediately discovered a large schooner under way, which
+they supposed to be a Patriot privateer; and as their stores were nearly
+exhausted, they hoped to obtain some supplies from her. They therefore
+made sail in pursuit. When they were within cannon shot distance, she
+rounded to and fired her long gun, at the same time run up the bloody
+flag, directing her course towards the shore, and continuing to fire
+without effect. When she had got within a short distance of the shore,
+she came to, with springs on her cable, continuing to fire; and when the
+barges were within 30 yards, they fired their muskets without touching
+boat or man; our men gave three cheers, and prepared to board; the
+pirates, discovering their intention, jumped into the water, when the
+bargemen, calling on the name of 'Allen,' commenced a destructive
+slaughter, killing them in the water and as they landed. So exasperated
+were our men, that it was impossible for their officers to restrain
+them, and many were killed after orders were given to grant quarter.
+Twenty-seven dead were counted, some sunk, five taken prisoners by the
+bargemen, and eight taken by a party of Spaniards on shore. The officers
+calculated that from 30 to 35 were killed. The schooner mounted a long
+nine pounder on a pivot, and 4 four pounders, with every other necessary
+armament, and a crew of 50 to 60 men, and ought to have blown the barges
+to atoms. She was commanded by the notorious Diableto or Little Devil.
+This statement I have from Lieut. Watson himself, and it is certainly
+the most decisive operation that has been effected against those
+murderers, either by the English or American force."
+
+[Illustration: _The Pirates fire into Lieut. Kearney's boat, while
+reconnoitering the shore._]
+
+"This affair occurred on the same spot where the brave Allen fell about
+one year since. The prize was sent to Thompson's Island."
+
+A British sloop of war, about the same time, captured a pirate schooner
+off St. Domingo, with a crew of 60 men. She had 200,000 dollars in
+specie, and other valuable articles on board. The brig Vestal sent
+another pirate schooner to New-Providence.
+
+
+
+
+THE ADVENTURES AND EXECUTION OF CAPTAIN JOHN RACKAM.
+
+
+This John Rackam, as has been reported in the foregoing pages, was
+quarter-master to Vane's company, till the crew were divided, and Vane
+turned out of it for refusing to board a French man-of-war, Rackam being
+voted captain of the division that remained in the brigantine. The 24th
+of November 1718, was the first day of his command; his first cruise was
+among the Carribbee Islands, where he took and plundered several
+vessels.
+
+We have already taken notice, that when Captain Woods Rogers went to the
+island of Providence with the king's pardon to such of the pirates as
+should surrender, this brigantine, which Rackam commanded, made its
+escape through another passage, bidding defiance to the mercy that was
+offered.
+
+To the windward of Jamaica, a Madeira-man fell into the pirate's way,
+which they detained two or three days, till they had their market out of
+her, and then they gave her back to the master, and permitted one Hosea
+Tidsel, a tavern keeper at Jamaica, who had been picked up in one of
+their prizes, to depart in her, she being bound for that island.
+
+After this cruise they went into a small island, and cleaned, and spent
+their Christmas ashore, drinking and carousing as long as they had any
+liquor left, and then went to sea again for more. They succeeded but too
+well, though they took no extraordinary prize for above two months,
+except a ship laden with convicts from Newgate, bound for the
+plantations, which in a few days was retaken, with all her cargo, by an
+English man-of-war that was stationed in those seas.
+
+Rackam stood towards the island of Bermuda, and took a ship bound to
+England from Carolina, and a small pink from New England, both of which
+he brought to the Bahama Islands, where, with the pitch, tar and stores
+they cleaned again, and refitted their own vessel; but staying too long
+in that neighborhood, Captain Rogers, who was Governor of Providence,
+hearing of these ships being taken, sent out a sloop well manned and
+armed, which retook both the prizes, though in the mean while the pirate
+had the good fortune to escape.
+
+From hence they sailed to the back of Cuba, where Rackam kept a little
+kind of a family, at which place they stayed a considerable time, living
+ashore with their Delilahs, till their money and provisions were
+expended, and they concluded it time to look out for more. They repaired
+their vessel, and were making ready to put to sea, when a guarda de
+costa came in with a small English sloop, which she had taken as an
+interloper on the coast. The Spanish guard-ship attacked the pirate, but
+Rackam being close in behind a little island, she could do but little
+execution where she lay; the Dons therefore warped into the channel that
+evening, in order to make sure of her the next morning. Rackam finding
+his case desperate, and that there was hardly any possibility of
+escaping, resolved to attempt the following enterprise. The Spanish
+prize lying for better security close into the land, between the little
+island and the Main, our desperado took his crew into the boat with
+their cutlasses, rounded the little island, and fell aboard their prize
+silently in the dead of the night without being discovered, telling the
+Spaniards that were aboard her, that if they spoke a word, or made the
+least noise, they were all dead men; and so they became masters of her.
+When this was done he slipped her cable, and drove out to sea. The
+Spanish man-of-war was so intent upon their expected prize, that they
+minded nothing else, and as soon as day broke, they made a furious fire
+upon the empty sloop; but it was not long before they were rightly
+apprised of the matter, when they cursed themselves sufficiently for a
+company of fools, to be bit out of a good rich prize, as she proved to
+be, and to have nothing but an old crazy hull in the room of her.
+
+Rackam and his crew had no occasion to be displeased at the exchange, as
+it enabled them to continue some time longer in a way of life that
+suited their depraved minds. In August 1720, we find him at sea again,
+scouring the harbours and inlets of the north and west parts of Jamaica,
+where he took several small crafts, which proved no great booty to the
+rovers; but they had but few men, and therefore were obliged to run at
+low game till they could increase their company and their strength.
+
+In the beginning of September, they took seven or eight fishing boats in
+Harbour Island, stole their nets and other tackle, and then went off to
+the French part of Hispaniola, where they landed, and took the cattle
+away, with two or three Frenchmen whom they found near the water-side,
+hunting wild hogs in the evening. The Frenchmen came on board, whether
+by consent or compulsion is not certainly known. They afterwards
+plundered two sloops, and returned to Jamaica, on the north coast of
+which island, near Porto Maria Bay, they took a schooner, Thomas
+Spenlow, master, it being then the 19th of October. The next day Rackam
+seeing a sloop in Dry Harbour Bay, stood in and fired a gun; the men all
+ran ashore, and he took the sloop and lading; but when those ashore
+found that they were pirates, they hailed the sloop, and let them know
+they were all willing to come on board of them.
+
+Rackam's coasting the island in this manner proved fatal to him; for
+intelligence of his expedition came to the governor by a canoe which he
+had surprised ashore in Ocho Bay: upon this a sloop was immediately
+fitted out, and sent round the island in quest of him, commanded by
+Captain Barnet, and manned with a good number of hands. Rackam, rounding
+the island, and drawing round the western point, called Point Negril,
+saw a small pettiaga, which, at the sight of the sloop, ran ashore and
+landed her men, when one of them hailed her. Answer was made that they
+were Englishmen, and begged the pettiaga's men to come on board and
+drink a bowl of punch, which they prevailed upon them to do.
+Accordingly, the company, in an evil hour, came all aboard of the
+pirate, consisting of nine persons; they were armed with muskets and
+cutlasses, but what was their real design in so doing we will not
+pretend to say. They had no sooner laid down their arms and taken up
+their pipes, than Barnet's sloop, which was in pursuit of Rackam's, came
+in sight.
+
+The pirates, finding she stood directly towards them, feared the event,
+and weighed their anchor, which they had but lately let go, and stood
+off. Captain Barnet gave them chase, and, having advantage of little
+breezes of wind which blew off the land, came up with her, and brought
+her into Port Royal, in Jamaica.
+
+About a fortnight after the prisoners were brought ashore, viz. November
+16, 1720, Captain Rackam and eight of his men were condemned and
+executed. Captain Rackam and two others were hung in chains.
+
+But what was very surprising, was the conviction of the nine men that
+came aboard the sloop on the same day she was taken. They were tried at
+an adjournment of the court on the 24th of January, the magistracy
+waiting all that time, it is supposed, for evidence to prove the
+piratical intention of going aboard the said sloop; for it seems there
+was no act or piracy committed by them, as appeared by the witnesses
+against them, two Frenchmen, taken by Rackam off the island of
+Hispaniola, who merely deposed that the prisoners came on board without
+any compulsion.
+
+The court considered the prisoners' cases, and the majority of the
+commissioners being of opinion that they were all guilty of the piracy
+and felony they were charged with, viz. the going over with a piratical
+intent to John Rackam, &c. then notorious pirates, and by them known to
+be so, they all received sentence of death, and were executed on the
+17th of February at Gallows Point at Port Royal.
+
+  Nor holy bell, nor pastoral bleat,
+  In former days within the vale.
+  Flapped in the bay the pirate's sheet,
+  Curses were on the gale;
+  Rich goods lay on the sand, and murdered men,
+  Pirate and wreckers kept their revels there.
+
+  THE BUCCANEER.
+
+
+
+
+THE LIFE AND EXPLOITS OF ANNE BONNEY.
+
+
+This female pirate was a native of Cork. Her father was an attorney,
+and, by his activity in business, rose to considerable respectability in
+that place. Anne was the fruit of an unlawful connexion with his own
+servant maid, with whom he afterwards eloped to America, leaving his own
+affectionate and lawful wife. He settled at Carolina, and for some time
+followed his own profession; but soon commenced merchant, and was so
+successful as to purchase a considerable plantation. There he lived with
+his servant in the character of his wife; but she dying, his daughter
+Anne superintended the domestic affairs of her father.
+
+During her residence with her parent she was supposed to have a
+considerable fortune, and was accordingly addressed by young men of
+respectable situations in life. It happened with Anne, however, as with
+many others of her youth and sex, that her feelings, and not her
+interest, determined her choice of a husband. She married a young sailor
+without a shilling. The avaricious father was so enraged, that, deaf to
+the feelings of a parent, he turned his own child out of doors. Upon
+this cruel usage, and the disappointment of her fortune, Anne and her
+husband sailed for the island of Providence, in the hope of gaining
+employment.
+
+Acting a part very different from that of Mary Read, Anne's affections
+were soon estranged from her husband by Captain Rackam; and eloping with
+him, she went to sea in men's clothes. Proving with child, the captain
+put her on shore, and entrusted her to the care of some friends until
+her recovery, when she again accompanied him in his expeditions.
+
+Upon the king's proclamation offering a pardon to all pirates, he
+surrendered, and went into the privateering business, as we have related
+before: he, however, soon embraced an opportunity to return to his
+favorite employment. In all his piratical exploits Anne accompanied him;
+and, as we have already recorded, displayed such courage and
+intrepidity, that she, along with Mary Read and a seaman, were the last
+three who remained on board when the vessel was taken.
+
+Anne was known to many of the planters in Jamaica, who remembered to
+have seen her in her father's house, and they were disposed to intercede
+in her behalf. Her unprincipled conduct, in leaving her own husband and
+forming an illicit connexion with Rackam, tended, however, to render her
+friends less active. By a special favor, Rackam was permitted to visit
+her the day before he was executed; but, instead of condoling with him
+on account of his sad fate, she only observed, that she was sorry to see
+him there, but if he had fought like a man he needed not have been
+hanged like a dog. Being with child, she remained in prison until her
+recovery, was reprieved from time to time, and though we cannot
+communicate to our readers any particulars of her future life, or the
+manner of her death, yet it is certain that she was not executed.
+
+
+
+
+THE ADVENTURES AND HEROISM OF MARY READ.
+
+
+The attention of our readers is now to be directed to the history of two
+female pirates,--a history which is chiefly remarkable from the
+extraordinary circumstance of the softer sex assuming a character
+peculiarly distinguished for every vice that can disgrace humanity, and
+at the same time for the exertion of the most daring, though brutal,
+courage.
+
+Mary Read was a native of England, but at what place she was born is not
+recorded. Her mother married a sailor when she was very young, who, soon
+after their marriage, went to sea, and never returned. The fruit of that
+marriage was a sprightly boy. The husband not returning, she again found
+herself with child, and to cover her shame, took leave of her husband's
+relations, and went to live in the country, taking her boy along with
+her. Her son in a short time died, and she was relieved from the burden
+of his maintenance and education. The mother had not resided long in the
+country before Mary Read, the subject of the present narrative, was
+born.
+
+After the birth of Mary, her mother resided in the country for three or
+four years, until her money was all spent, and her ingenuity was set at
+work to contrive how to obtain a supply. She knew that her husband's
+mother was in good circumstances, and could easily support her child,
+provided she could make her pass for a boy, and her son's child. But it
+seemed impossible to impose upon an old experienced mother. She,
+however, presented Mary in the character of her grandson. The old woman
+proposed to take the boy to live with her, but the mother would not on
+any account part with her boy; the grandmother, therefore, allowed a
+crown per week for his support.
+
+The ingenuity of the mother being successful, she reared the daughter as
+a boy. But as she grew up, she informed her of the secret of her birth,
+in order that she might conceal her sex. The grandmother, however,
+dying, the support from that quarter failed, and she was obliged to hire
+her out as a footboy to a French lady. The strength and manly
+disposition of this supposed boy increased with her years, and leaving
+that servile employment, she engaged on board a man-of-war.
+
+The volatile disposition of the youth did not permit her to remain long
+in this station, and she next went into Flanders, and joined a regiment
+of foot as a cadet. Though in every action she conducted herself with
+the greatest bravery, yet she could not obtain a commission, as they
+were in general bought and sold. She accordingly quitted that service,
+and enlisted into a regiment of horse; there she behaved herself so
+valiantly, that she gained the esteem of all her officers. It, however,
+happened, that her comrade was a handsome young Fleming, and she fell
+passionately in love with him. The violence of her feelings rendered her
+negligent of her duty, and effected such a change in her behaviour as
+attracted the attention of all. Both her comrade and the rest of the
+regiment deemed her mad. Love, however, is inventive, and as they slept
+in the same tent, she found means to discover her sex without any
+seeming design. He was both surprised and pleased, supposing that he
+would have a mistress to himself; but he was greatly mistaken, and he
+found that it was necessary to court her for his wife. A mutual
+attachment took place, and, as soon as convenient, women's clothes were
+provided for her, and they were publicly married.
+
+The singularity of two troopers marrying caused a general conversation,
+and many of the officers honored the ceremony with their presence, and
+resolved to make presents to the bride, to provide her with necessaries.
+After marriage they were desirous to quit the service, and their
+discharge being easily obtained, they set up an ordinary under the sign
+of the "Three Shoes," and soon acquired a considerable run of business.
+
+But Mary Read's felicity was of short duration; the husband died, and
+peace being concluded, her business diminished. Under these
+circumstances she again resumed her man's dress, and going into Holland,
+enlisted into a regiment of foot quartered in one of the frontier towns.
+But there being no prospect of preferment in time of peace, she went on
+board a vessel bound for the West Indies.
+
+During the voyage, the vessel was captured by English pirates, and as
+Mary was the only English person on board, they detained her, and having
+plundered the vessel of what they chose, allowed it to depart. Mary
+continued in that unlawful commerce for some time, but the royal pardon
+being tendered to all those in the West Indies, who should, before a
+specified day, surrender, the crew to which she was attached, availed
+themselves of this, and lived quietly on shore with the fruits of their
+adventures. But from the want of their usual supplies, their money
+became exhausted; and being informed that Captain Rogers, in the island
+of Providence, was fitting out some vessels for privateering, Mary, with
+some others, repaired to that island to serve on board his privateers.
+We have already heard, that scarcely had the ships sailed, when some of
+their crews mutinied, and ran off with the ships, to pursue their former
+mode of life. Among these was Mary Read. She indeed, frequently
+declared, that the life of a pirate was what she detested, and that she
+was constrained to it both on the former and present occasion. It was,
+however, sufficiently ascertained, that both Mary Read and Anne Bonney
+were among the bravest and most resolute fighters of the whole crew;
+that when the vessel was taken, these two heroines, along with another
+of the pirates, were the last three upon deck; and that Mary, having in
+vain endeavored to rouse the courage of the crew, who had fled below,
+discharged a pistol amongst them, killing one and wounding another.
+
+Nor was Mary less modest than brave; for though she had remained many
+years in the character of a sailor, yet no one had discovered her sex,
+until she was under the necessity of doing so to Anne Bonney. The reason
+of this was, that Anne, supposing her to be a handsome fellow, became
+greatly enamored of her, and discovered her sex and wishes to Mary, who
+was thus constrained to reveal her secret to Anne. Rackam being the
+paramour of Bonney, and observing her partiality towards Mary,
+threatened to shoot her lover; so that to prevent any mischief, Anne
+also informed the captain of the sex of her companion.
+
+Rackam was enjoined to secrecy, and here he behaved honorably; but love
+again assailed the conquered Mary. It was usual with the pirates to
+retain all the artists who were captured in the trading-vessels; among
+these was a very handsome young man, of engaging manners, who vanquished
+the heart of Mary. In a short time her love became so violent, that she
+took every opportunity of enjoying his company and conversation; and,
+after she had gained his friendship, discovered her sex. Esteem and
+friendship were speedily converted into the most ardent affection, and a
+mutual flame burned in the hearts of these two lovers. An occurrence
+soon happened that put the attachment of Mary to a severe trial. Her
+lover having quarrelled with one of the crew, they agreed to fight a
+duel on shore. Mary was all anxiety for the fate of her lover, and she
+manifested a greater concern for the preservation of his life than that
+of her own; but she could not entertain the idea that he could refuse to
+fight, and so be esteemed a coward. Accordingly she quarrelled with the
+man who challenged her lover, and called him to the field two hours
+before his appointment with her lover, engaged him with sword and
+pistol, and laid him dead at her feet.
+
+Though no esteem or love had formerly existed, this action was
+sufficient to have kindled the most violent flame. But this was not
+necessary, for the lover's attachment was equal, if not stronger than
+her own; they pledged their faith, which was esteemed as binding as if
+the ceremony had been performed by a clergyman.
+
+Captain Rackam one day, before he knew that she was a woman, asked her
+why she followed a line of life that exposed her to so much danger, and
+at last to the certainty of being hanged. She replied, that, "As to
+hanging, she thought it no great hardship, for were it not for that,
+every cowardly fellow would turn pirate, and so infest the seas; and men
+of courage would starve. That if it was put to her choice, she would not
+have the punishment less than death, the fear of which kept some
+dastardly rogues honest; that many of those who are now cheating the
+widows and orphans, and oppressing their poor neighbors who have no
+money to obtain justice, would then rob at sea, and the ocean would be
+as crowded with rogues as the land: so that no merchants would venture
+out, and the trade in a little time would not be worth following."
+
+Being with child at the time of her trial, her execution was delayed;
+and it is probable that she would have found favor, but in the mean time
+she fell sick and died.
+
+Mary Read was of a strong and robust constitution, capable of enduring
+much exertion and fatigue. She was vain and bold in her disposition, but
+susceptible of the tenderest emotions, and of the most melting
+affections. Her conduct was generally directed by virtuous principles,
+while at the same time, she was violent in her attachments. Though she
+was inadvertently drawn into that dishonorable mode of life which has
+stained her character, and given her a place among the criminals noticed
+in this work, yet she possessed a rectitude of principle and of conduct,
+far superior to many who have not been exposed to such temptations to
+swerve from the path of female virtue and honor.
+
+[Illustration: _Mary Read kills her antagonist._]
+
+
+
+
+THE ALGERINE PIRATES.
+
+
+_Containing accounts of the cruelties and atrocities of the Barbary
+Corsairs, with narratives of the expeditions sent against them, and the
+final capture of Algiers by the French in_ 1830.
+
+That former den of pirates, the city of Algiers is situated on the
+shores of a pretty deep bay, by which the northern coast of Africa, is
+here indented, and may be said to form an irregular triangular figure,
+the base line of which abuts on the sea, while the apex is formed by the
+Cassaubah, or citadel, which answered the double purpose of a fort to
+defend and awe the city, and a palace for the habitation of the Dey and
+his court. The hill on which the city is built, slopes rather rapidly
+upwards, so that every house is visible from the sea, in consequence of
+which it was always sure to suffer severely from a bombardment. The top
+of the hill has an elevation of nearly five hundred feet, and exactly at
+this point is built the citadel; the whole town lying between it and the
+sea. The houses of Algiers have no roofs, but are all terminated by
+terraces, which are constantly whitewashed; and as the exterior walls,
+the fort, the batteries and the walls are similarly beautified, the
+whole city, from a distance, looks not unlike a vast chalk quarry opened
+on the side of a hill.
+
+The fortifications towards the sea are of amasing strength, and with the
+additions made since Lord Exmouth's attack, may be considered as almost
+impregnable. They occupy the entire of a small island, which lies a
+short distance in front of the city, to which it is connected at one
+end by a magnificent mole of solid masonry, while the other which
+commands the entrance of the port, is crowned with a battery, bristling
+with cannon of immense calibre, which would instantly sink any vessel
+which should now attempt to occupy the station taken by the Queen
+Charlotte on that memorable occasion.
+
+On the land side, the defences are by no means of equal strength, as
+they were always considered rather as a shelter against an
+insurrectionary movement of the natives, than as intended to repulse the
+regular attacks of a disciplined army. In fact defences on this side
+would be of little use as the city is completely commanded by different
+hills, particularly that on which the Emperor's fort is built, and was
+obliged instantly to capitulate, as soon as this latter had fallen into
+the hands of the French, in 1830.
+
+There are four gates; one opening on the mole, which is thence called
+the marine gate, one near the citadel, which is termed the new gate; and
+the other two, at the north and south sides of the city, with the
+principal street running between them. All these gates are strongly
+fortified, and outside the three land gates run the remains of a ditch,
+which once surrounded the city, but is now filled up except at these
+points. The streets of Algiers are all crooked, and all narrow. The best
+are scarcely twelve feet in breadth, and even half of this is occupied
+by the projections of the shops, or the props placed to support the
+first stories of the houses, which are generally made to advance beyond
+the lower, insomuch that in many places a laden mule can scarcely pass.
+Of public buildings, the most remarkable is the Cassaubah, or citadel,
+the situation of which we have already mentioned. It is a huge, heavy
+looking brick building, of a square shape, surrounded by high and
+massive walls, and defended by fifty pieces of cannon, and some mortars,
+so placed as equally to awe the city and country. The apartments set
+apart for the habitation of the Dey and the ladies of his harem, are
+described as extremely magnificent, and abundantly supplied with marble
+pillars, fountains, mirrors, carpets, ottomans, cushions, and other
+articles of oriental luxury; but there are others no less valuable and
+curious, such as the armory, furnished with weapons of every kind, of
+the finest manufacture, and in the greatest abundance, the treasury,
+containing not only a profusion of the precious metals, coined or in
+ingots, but also diamonds, pearls, rubies, and other precious stones of
+great value; and lastly, the store rooms of immense extent, in which
+were piled up the richest silk stuffs, velvets, brocades, together with
+wool, wax, sugar, iron, lead, sabre-blades, gun barrels, and all the
+different productions of the Algerine territories; for the Dey was not
+only the first robber but the first merchant in his own dominions.
+
+Next to the Cassaubah, the mole with the marine forts, presented the
+handsomest and most imposing pile of buildings. The mole is no less than
+one thousand three hundred feet in length, forming a beautiful terrace
+walk, supported by arches, beneath which lay splendid magazines, which
+the French found filled with spars, hemp, cordage, cables, and all
+manner of marine stores. At the extremity of the mole, lay the barracks
+of the Janissaries, entrusted with the defence of the marine forts, and
+consisting of several small separate chambers, in which they each slept
+on sheepskin mats, while in the centre was a handsome coffee-room. The
+Bagnios were the buildings, in which Europeans for a long time felt the
+most interest, inasmuch as it was in these that the Christian slaves
+taken by the corsairs were confined. For many years previous to the
+French invasion, however, the number of prisoners had been so trifling,
+that many of these terrific buildings had fallen to decay, and
+presented, when the French army entered Algiers, little more than piles
+of mouldering ruins. The inmates of the Bagnio when taken by the French
+were the crews of two French brigs, which a short time before had been
+wrecked off Cape Bingut, a few French prisoners of war made during
+their advance, and about twenty Greek, and Genoese sailors, who had been
+there for two years; in all about one hundred and twenty. They
+represented their condition as bad, though by no means so deplorable as
+it would have been in former days. The prison was at first so close,
+that there was some danger of suffocation, to avoid which the Turks had
+made holes in the walls; but as they neglected to supply these with
+windows or shutters of any kind, there was no means of excluding wind or
+rain, from which consequently they often suffered.
+
+[Illustration: _On board an Algerine corsair._]
+
+We shall only trace these pirates back to about the year 1500, when
+Selim, king of Algiers, being invaded by the Spaniards, at last
+entreated the assistance of the famous corsair, Oruj Reis, better known
+by his European name, Barbarossa, composed of two Italian words,
+signifying _red beard_. Nothing could be more agreeable than the number
+and hardihood of his naval exploits, had been such an invitation to this
+ambitious robber, who elated by for some time considering how he might
+best establish his power by land. Accordingly, attended by five thousand
+picked men, he entered Algiers, made himself master of the town,
+assassinated Selim, and had himself proclaimed king in his stead; and
+thus was established that nest of pirates, fresh swarms from which never
+ceased to annoy Christian commerce and enslave Christian mariners, until
+its late final destruction, by the French expedition in 1830.
+
+In a piratical career of many centuries, the countless thousands who
+have been taken, enslaved, and perished in bondage by these monsters
+should long ago have drawn upon them the united vengeance of all
+Christendom. Many a youth of family and fortune, of delicate
+constitution has been captured and sold in the slave market. His labor
+through the long hot days would be to cleanse out the foul bed of some
+large empty reservoir, where he would be made to strip, and descending
+into the pond, bring up in his arms the black stinking mud, heaped up
+and pressed against his bosom; or to labor in drawing huge blocks of
+stone to build the mole; or in building and repairing the
+fortifications, with numerous other painful and disgusting tasks. The
+only food was a scanty supply of black bread, and occasionally a few
+decayed olives, or sheep which had died from some disorder. At night
+they were crowded into that most horrid of prisons the Bagnio, to sleep
+on a little filthy straw, amidst the most noisome stenches. Their limbs
+in chains, and often receiving the lash. Occasionally an individual
+would be ransomed; when his story would draw tears of pity from all who
+heard it. Ladies were frequently taken by these monsters and treated in
+the most inhuman manner. And sometimes whole families were enslaved.
+Numerous facts, of the most heart-rending description are on record: but
+our limits oblige us to be brief.
+
+A Spanish lady, the wife of an officer, with her son, a youth of
+fourteen, and her daughter, six years old, were taken in a Spanish
+vessel by the Algerines. The barbarians treated her and both her
+children with the greatest inhumanity. The eldest they kept in chains;
+and the defenceless little one they wantonly treated so ill, that the
+unhappy mother was often nearly deprived of her reason at the blows her
+infant received from these wretches, who plundered them of every thing.
+They kept them many days at sea on hard and scanty fare, covered only
+with a few soiled rags; and in this state brought them to Algiers. They
+had been long confined in a dreadful dungeon in the Bagnio where the
+slaves are kept, when a messenger was sent to the Aga, or Captain of the
+Bagnio, for a female slave. It fortunately fell to the lot of the
+Spanish lady, but at the instant when she was embracing her son, who was
+tearing himself from his mother with haggard and disordered looks, to go
+to his imperious drivers; and while in despair she gazed on her little
+worn-out infant, she heard herself summoned to attend the guard of the
+prison to a family that had sent for a female slave. She obtained
+permission to take her little daughter with her. She dreaded being
+refused, and sent back to the horrid dungeon she was leaving where no
+difference was paid to rank, and slaves of all conditions were huddled
+together. She went therefore prepared to accept of anything short of
+these sufferings. She was refused, as being in every respect opposite to
+the description of the person sent for. At length her entreaties and
+tears prevailed; compassion overruled every obstacle; and she, with her
+little girl, was accepted. But there remained another difficulty; she
+had left her son chained in the midst of that dungeon from which she had
+just been rescued. Her kind patrons soon learned the cause of her
+distress; but to send for the youth and treat him kindly, or in any way
+above that of a common slave, must hazard the demand of so large a
+ransom for him and his mother, as would forever preclude the hope of
+liberty. He was, however, sent for, and the menial offices they were
+both engaged to perform were only nominal. With circumspection the whole
+family were sheltered in this manner for three years; when the war with
+the Spaniards growing more inveterate, the Algerines demanded the youth
+back to the Bagnio, to work in common with the other slaves, in
+repairing the damages done to the fortresses by the Spanish cannon. He
+was now compelled to go, loaded with heavy stones, through the whole of
+the town; and at almost every step he received dreadful blows, not being
+able to hasten his pace from the great weight.
+
+Overcome at last with ill usage, the delicacy of his form and
+constitution gave way to the excessive labor, and he one morning refused
+the orders of his master, or driver, to rise from the straw on which he
+was stretched, declaring they might kill him if they chose, for he would
+not even try to carry another load of stones. Repeated messages had
+been sent from the Venetian consul's, where his mother and sister were
+sheltered, to the Aga, to return him; and when the Algerines found that
+they had absolutely reduced him so near death, they thought it best to
+spare his life for the sake of future ransom. They agreed, therefore, to
+let him return to the Christians. His life was for some time despaired
+of; but through the kind attention he received, he was rescued from the
+threatened dissolution. His recovery was concealed, for fear of his
+being demanded back to work; and a few months after, the Spanish peace
+of 1784 being concluded, a ransom was accepted by the Algerines for this
+suffering family, and they were set at liberty.
+
+These pirates in old times extended their depredations into the Atlantic
+as far as the British Channel. They swarmed in the Mediterranean, not
+only belonging to Algiers, but Tunis, and other ports on the coast of
+Barbary. Their corsairs making descents on the coasts of those countries
+which border on the Mediterranean, pillaging the villages and carrying
+off the inhabitants into slavery. The corsairs were vessels of different
+descriptions; some large armed ships, and latterly frigates; others were
+row gallies and the various craft used by the nations which navigate
+that sea, and had been taken by them and added to their marine. Upon the
+slaves being landed at Algiers they were marched to the Dey's or
+Bashaw's palace, when he selected the number which according to law
+belonged to him; and the rest were sold in the slave market to the
+highest bidder. A moiety of the plunder, cargoes and vessels taken also
+belonged to the Dey. Occasionally, a person by pretending to renounce
+his religion, and turning Mahometan would have his sufferings mitigated.
+
+The most desperate attempts were sometimes made to effect an escape from
+these ruthless monsters, which occasionally succeeded.
+
+In 1644 William Oakley and four companions escaped from Algiers, in a
+most miraculous manner, in a canvas boat. There was at this time an
+English clergyman, Mr. Sprat, in captivity, and the wretched slaves had
+the privilege of meeting in a cellar, where he would pray with them.
+Oakley had got into the good graces of his master, and was allowed his
+time by giving his master two dollars a month. He traded in tobacco and
+a few trifling articles, so that a strict watch was not kept on his
+movements. He conceived the project of making a canvas boat. He says I
+now first opened my design to my comrades, informing them, that I had
+contrived the model of a boat, which, being formed in pieces, and
+afterwards put together, might be the means of our deliverance. They
+greedily grasped at the prospect; but cooler reflection pointed out
+difficulties innumerable: some of them started objections which they
+thought insuperable, and these I endeavored to overrule.
+
+We began our work in the cellar which had served for our devotions,
+though it was not the sanctity of the place, but its privacy, that
+induced us to this selection. We first provided a piece of wood, twelve
+feet long, and, that it might escape observation, it was cut in two,
+being jointed in the middle. Next we procured the timbers of ribs,
+which, to avoid the same hazard, were in three pieces each, and jointed
+in two places. The flat side of one of the two pieces was laid over the
+other, and two holes bored in every joint to receive nails; so that when
+united, each joint would make an obtuse angle, and approach towards a
+semicircular figure, as we required. We had, in the formation of an
+external covering, to avoid hammering and nailing, which would have made
+such a noise in the cellar as to attract the notice of the Algerines,
+who are insufferably suspicious about their wives and slaves. Therefore,
+we provided as much canvas as would cover the boat twice over, and as
+much pitch, tar and tallow, as would make it a kind of tarpaulin; as
+also earthen pots in which to melt our materials. The two carpenters and
+myself were appointed to this service in the cellar. We stopped up all
+chinks and crevices, that the fumes of these substances might not betray
+us. But we had not been long at work, when the smell of the melting
+materials overcame me, and obligated me to go into the streets gasping
+for breath, where meeting with the cool air, I swooned away, and broke
+my face in the fall. My companions, finding me in this plight, carried
+me back, extremely sick and unserviceable. Before long, I heard one of
+them complain of sickness, and thus he could proceed no further;
+therefore, I saw if we abandoned our project this night, it might not be
+resumed, which made me resolve to set the cellar door wide open, while I
+stood sentinel to give notice of approaching danger. In this way we
+finished the whole, and then carried it to my shop, which was about a
+furlong distant.
+
+Every thing was fitted in the cellar, the timbers to the keel, the
+canvas to the timbers, and the seats to the whole, and then all were
+taken to pieces again. It was a matter of difficulty, however, to get
+the pieces conveyed out of the city; but William Adams carried the keel,
+and hid it at the bottom of a hedge: the rest was carried away with
+similar precautions. As I was carrying a piece of canvas, which we had
+bought for a sail, I looked back, and discovered the same spy, who had
+formerly given us much trouble, following behind. This gave me no small
+concern; but, observing an Englishman washing clothes by the sea side, I
+desired his help in washing the canvas. Just as we were engaged with it,
+the spy came up, and stood on a rock exactly over our heads, to watch
+us. Therefore, to delude him, I took the canvas and spread it before his
+face on the top of the rock to dry; he staid his own time, and then
+marched off. Still I was jealous of his intentions, which induced me to
+carry the canvas, when dry, straight back to the city, an incident that
+greatly discouraged my comrades. We also procured a small quantity of
+provisions, and two goat skins full of fresh water.
+
+In the mean time, I paid my patron my wonted visits, kept up a fair
+correspondence, and duly gave him his demands; while I secretly turned
+all my goods to ready money as fast as I could, and putting it into a
+trunk with a false bottom, I committed it to the charge of Mr. Sprat who
+faithfully preserved it for me.
+
+The place which we chose for joining the boat together was a hill about
+half a mile from the city, thinking by that means the better to descry
+the approach of danger. When the pieces were united, and the canvas
+drawn on, four of our number carried the boat down to the sea, where,
+stripping ourselves naked, and putting our clothes within, we carried it
+as far as we could wade, lest it might be injured by the stones or rocks
+near the shore. But we soon discovered that our calculations of lading
+were erroneous; for no sooner had we embarked, than the water came in
+over the sides, and she was like to sink; so that some new device became
+necessary. At last, one whose heart most failed him was willing to be
+excluded, and wished rather to hazard the uncertain torments of land,
+than the certainty of being drowned at sea. However the boat was still
+so deeply laden, that we all concluded that it was impossible to venture
+to sea. At length another went ashore, and she held her head stoutly,
+and seemed sufficiently capable of our voyage.
+
+Taking a solemn farewell of our two companions left behind, and wishing
+them as much happiness as could be hoped for in slavery, and they to us
+as long life as could be expected by men going to their graves, we
+launched out on the 30th of June 1644, a night ever to be remembered.
+Our company consisted of John Anthony, William Adams, John Jephs, John
+the carpenter and myself. We now put to sea, without helm, tackle, or
+compass. Four of us continually labored at the oars; the employment of
+the fifth was baling out the water that leaked through the canvas. We
+struggled hard the first night to get out of the reach of our old
+masters; but when the day broke, we were still within sight of their
+ships in the haven and road-stead. Yet, out boat being small, and lying
+close and snug upon the sea, either was not discovered at all, or else
+seemed something that was not worth taking up.
+
+On all occasions we found our want of foresight, for now the bread which
+had lain soaking in the salt water, was quite spoiled, and the tanned
+skins imparted a nauseous quality to the fresh water. So long as bread
+was bread, we made no complaints; with careful economy it lasted three
+days, but then pale famine, which is the most horrible shape in which
+death can be painted, began to stare us in the face. The expedients on
+which we fell to assuage our thirst rather inflamed it, and several
+things added to our distress. For some time the wind was right against
+us; our labour was incessant, for, although much rowing did not carry us
+forward, still, cessation of it drove us back; and the season was raging
+hot, which rendered our toil insupportable. One small alleviation we had
+in the man whose province it was to bale the water out of the boat; he
+threw it on our bodies to cool them. However, what with the scorching of
+the sun and cooling of the water, our skin was blistered all over. By
+day we were stark naked; by night we had on shirts or loose coats; for
+we had left our clothing ashore, on purpose to lighten the boat.
+
+One of our number had a pocket dial, which supplied the place of a
+compass; and, to say the truth, was not ill befitting such a vessel and
+such mariners. By its aid we steered our course by day, while the stars
+served as a guide by night; and, if they were obscured, we guessed our
+way by the motion of the clouds. In this woful plight we continued four
+days and nights. On the fifth day we were at the brink of despair, and
+abandoned all hopes of safety. Thence we ceased our labor, and laid
+aside our oars; for, either we had no strength left to use them, or were
+reluctant to waste the little we had to no purpose. Still we kept
+emptying the boat, loth to drown, loth to die, yet knowing no means to
+avoid death.
+
+They that act least commonly wish the most; and, when we had forsaken
+useful labor, we resorted to fruitless wishes--that we might be taken up
+by some ship, if it were but a ship, no matter of what country.
+
+While we lay hulling up and down, our hopes at so low an ebb, we
+discovered a tortoise, not far from us, asleep in the sea. Had the great
+Drake discovered the Spanish plate fleet, he could not have been more
+rejoiced. Once again we bethought ourselves of our oars, and silently
+rowing to our prey, took it into the boat in great triumph. Having cut
+off its head, and let it bleed in a vessel, we drank the blood, ate the
+liver, and sucked the flesh. Our strength and spirits were wonderfully
+refreshed, and our work was vigorously renewed. Leaving our fears behind
+us, we began to gather hope, and, about noon, discovered, or thought
+that we discovered, land. It is impossible to describe our joy and
+triumph on this occasion. It was new life to us; it brought fresh blood
+into our veins, and fresh vigor into our pale cheeks: we looked like
+persons raised from the dead. After further exertion, becoming more
+confident, we were at last fully satisfied that it was land. Now, like
+distracted persons, we all leapt into the sea, and, being good swimmers,
+cooled our parched bodies, never considering that we might become a
+ready prey to the sharks. But we presently returned to our boat, and
+from being wearied with the exertion, and somewhat cooled by the sea,
+lay down to sleep with as much security as if it had been in our beds.
+It was fortunately of such short duration that the leaking of the boat
+occasioned no danger.
+
+Refreshed by sleep, we found new strength for our work, and tugged hard
+at the oar, in hopes of reaching a more stable element before night. But
+our progress was very slow. Towards evening an island was discovered,
+which was Fromentere, having already seen Majorca; at least, some of our
+company, who had navigated these seas, declared that it was so. We
+debated long to which of the two our course should be directed; and,
+because the last discovered was much infested with venomous serpents, we
+all resolved to make for Majorca. The whole of that night we rowed very
+hard, and also the next, being the sixth from our putting to sea. The
+island was in sight all day, and about ten at night we came under the
+land, but it consisted of rocks so steep and craggy that we could not
+climb up.
+
+Whilst under these rocks a vessel approached very near. Let the reader
+conceive our apprehensions, after all our toil and labor, of being
+seized by some Turkish privateer, such as are never off the seas. Thus
+we were obliged to lie close; and, when the vessel had passed, we crept
+gently along the coast, as near as we durst to the shore, until finding
+a suitable place to receive our weather-beaten boat.
+
+We were not insensible of our deliverance on reaching land; though, like
+men just awakened from a dream, we could not duly appreciate the
+greatness of it. Having had no food since we got the tortoise, John
+Anthony and myself set out in search of fresh water, and three remained
+with the boat. Before proceeding far, we found ourselves in a wood,
+which created great embarrassment. My comrade wished to go one way, and
+I wished to go another. How frail and impotent a being is man! That we,
+whom common dangers by sea had united, should now fall out about our own
+inclinations at land. Yet so we did. He gave me reproachful words; and
+it is well that we did not come to blows, but I went my way, and he,
+seeing me resolute, followed. The path led to one of those watchtowers
+which the Spaniards keep on the coast to give timely notice of the
+approach of privateers. Afraid of being fired on, we called to the
+sentinel, informing him who we were, and earnestly requesting him to
+direct us to fresh water, and to give us some bread. He very kindly
+threw down an old mouldy cake, and directed us to a well close at hand.
+We drank a little water, and ate a bit of the cake, which we had
+difficulty in swallowing, and then hastened to return to our companions
+in the boat, to acquaint them with our success.
+
+Though now necessary to leave the boat, we did not do it without regret;
+but this was lulled by the importunate cravings of hunger and thirst;
+therefore, making her fast ashore, we departed. Advancing, or rather
+crawling towards the well, another quarrel rose amongst us, the
+remembrance of which is so ungrateful that I shall bury it in silence,
+the best tomb for controversies. One of our company, William Adams, in
+attempting to drink, was unable to swallow the water, and sunk to the
+ground, faintly exclaiming, "I am a dead man!" After much straining and
+forcing, he, at length, got a little over; and when we were all
+refreshed with the cake and water, we lay down by the side of the well
+to wait for morning.
+
+When it was broad day, we once more applied to the sentinel, to point
+out the way to the nearest house or town, which he did, directing us to
+a house about two miles distant; but our feet were so raw and blistered
+by the sun that it was long before we could get this short journey over;
+and then, the owners of the house, concluding from our garb that we came
+with a pilfering design, presented a fowling-piece, charging us to
+stand. The first of our number, who could speak the language of the
+country, mildly endeavored to undeceive him, saying, we were a company
+of poor creatures, whom the wonderful providence of God had rescued from
+the slavery of Algiers, and hoped that he would show mercy to our
+afflictions. The honest farmer, moved with our relation, sent out
+bread, water and olives. After refreshing ourselves with these, we lay
+down and rested three or four hours in the field; and, having given him
+thanks for his charity, prepared to crawl away. Pleased with our
+gratitude, he called us into his house, and gave us good warm bean
+pottage, which to me seemed the best food I had ever ate. Again taking
+leave, we advanced towards Majorca, which was about ten miles distant.
+
+Next morning we arrived in the suburbs, where the singularity of our
+attire, being barefoot and bare legged, and having nothing on except
+loose shirts, drawn over our coats, attracted a crowd of enquirers. We
+gave a circumstantial account of our deliverance; and, as they were
+willing to contribute to our relief, they supplied us with food, wine,
+strong waters, and whatever else might renovate our exhausted spirits.
+They said, however, that we must remain in the suburbs until the viceroy
+had notice of our arrival. We were called before him, and when he had
+heard the account of our escape and dangers, he ordered us to be
+maintained at his expense until we should obtain a passage to our own
+country; and, in the meantime, the people collected money to buy clothes
+and shoes.
+
+From Majorca they proceeded to Cadiz, and from thence to England, which
+they reached in safety.
+
+Several expeditions at different periods were fitted out by different
+European nations to chastise the pirates. The Emperor, Charles V., in
+the plenitude of his power, sailed with a formidable armament in the
+year 1541, and affected a landing. Without doubt he would have taken the
+city, if a terrible storm had not risen, which destroyed a great part of
+his fleet and obliged him to re-embark with his shattered forces in the
+greatest precipitation. The exultation of the Algerines was unbounded;
+they now looked on themselves as the special favorites of heaven; the
+most powerful army which had ever attempted their subjection had
+returned with the loss of one third their number, and a great part of
+its ships and transports. Prisoners had been taken in such abundance,
+that to show their worthlessness, they were publicly sold in the
+market-place at Algiers, at an onion a head.
+
+For nearly a century after this, little occurs of note in Algerine
+history except a constant system of piracy. In 1655 the British Admiral
+Blake gave them a drubbing.
+
+The French were the next to attack these common enemies of Europe.
+Admiral Duguesne commanded the expedition, and after bombarding the
+place a short time, the Dey himself soon began to be terrified at the
+destruction these new engines of naval war made, when an unfavorable
+wind arising, compelled the fleet to make all sail for Toulon.
+
+Relieved from the terror of immediate destruction, the Algerines
+returned to their old ways, making descents on the coast of Provence,
+where they committed the most dreadful ravages, killing, burning and
+destroying all that came in their way. The Dey also recovered, not only
+his courage, but his humor; for learning what a large sum the late
+expedition against his city had cost, he sent to say, "that if Louis
+would give him half the money, he would undertake to burn the whole city
+to please him." The French accordingly sent a new expedition under the
+same officers the next year. Duguesne again sailed, and in front of the
+city was joined by the Marquis D'Affranville, at the head of five other
+stout ships. A council of war was held and an immediate attack resolved
+upon, in consequence of which, the vessels having taken up their
+stations, a hundred bombs were thrown into the town during that day, and
+as many more on the following night, when the town was observed to be on
+fire in several places; the Dey's palace, and other public buildings
+were in ruins; some of the batteries were dismounted, and several
+vessels sunk in the fort. This speedy destruction soon determined the
+Dey and Janissaries to sue for peace; and a message to this effect was
+sent to Duguesne, who consented to cease firing, but refused to
+negociate regarding terms, until all the captives taken fighting under
+the French flag were given up as a preliminary step. This was agreed to,
+and one hundred and forty-two prisoners immediately sent off. In the
+mean time the soldiery becoming furious, assassinated the Dey and
+elected a new one, who ordered the flag to be hoisted on the city walls.
+Hostilities were now renewed with greater fury than before, and the
+French admiral threw such volleys of bombs into the city, that in less
+than three days the greatest part of it was reduced to ashes; and the
+fire burnt with such vehemence that the bay was illuminated to the
+distance of two or three leagues. Rendered desperate by the carnage
+around him, the new Dey ordered all the French captives who had been
+collected into the city to be cruelly murdered, and binding Father
+Vacher, the French Resident, hand and foot, had him tied to a mortar and
+fired off like a bomb against the French fleet. This wanton piece of
+atrocity so exasperated Duguesne, that, laying his fleet as near land as
+possible, he continued his cannonade until he had destroyed all their
+shipping, fortifications, buildings; in short, almost the whole of the
+lower town, and about two-thirds of the upper; when finding nothing else
+which a naval force could do, and being unprovided for a land
+expedition, he stood out leisurely to sea, leaving the Algerines to
+reflect over the sad consequences of their obstinacy. For several years
+after this they kept in the old piratical track; and upon the British
+consuls making a complaint to the Dey, on occasion of one of his
+corsairs having captured a vessel, he openly replied, "It is all very
+true, but what would you have? the Algerines are a company of rogues,
+and I am their captain."
+
+To such people force was the argument; and in 1700 Capt. Beach, falling
+in with seven of their frigates, attacked them, drove them on shore, and
+burnt them. Expeditions at various times were sent against them, but
+without effecting much; and most of the maritime nations paid them
+tribute. But a new power was destined to spring up, from which these
+pirates were to receive their first check; that power was the United
+States of America.
+
+In 1792 his corsairs, in a single cruise, swept off ten American
+vessels, and sent their crews to the Bagnio, so that there were one
+hundred and fifteen in slavery.
+
+Negociations were at once set on foot; the Dey's demands had of course
+risen in proportion to the number of his prisoners, and the Americans
+had not only to pay ransom at a high rate, with presents, marine stores,
+and yearly tribute, but to build and present to the Dey, as a
+propitiatory offering, a thirty-six gun frigate; so that the whole
+expenses fell little short of a million of dollars, in return for which
+they obtained liberty for their captives, protection for their merchant
+vessels, and the right of free trade with Algiers. The treaty was signed
+September 5th, 1795; and from that time, up to 1812, the Dey continued
+on tolerable good terms with Congress; indeed, so highly was he pleased
+with them, in 1800, that he signified to the consul his intention of
+sending an ambassador to the Porte, with the customary presents, in the
+Washington, a small American frigate, at that time lying in the harbor
+of Algiers. In vain the consul and captain remonstrated, and represented
+that they had no authority to send the vessel on such a mission; they
+were silenced by the assurance that it was a particular honor conferred
+on them, which the Dey had declined offering to any of the English
+vessels then in harbor, as he was rather angry with that nation. The
+Washington was obliged to be prepared for the service; the corsair flag,
+bearing the turbaned head of Ali, was run up to her main top, under a
+salute of seven guns; and in this respectable plight she sailed up the
+Mediterranean, dropped anchor before the seven towers, where, having
+landed her cargo, she was permitted to resume her own colors, and was
+thus the first vessel to hoist the American Union in the Thracian
+Bosphorus.
+
+[Illustration: _Algerines in the act of firing off the French consul from
+a mortar at the French fleet._]
+
+In 1812, however, the Dey, finding his funds at a low ebb, and receiving
+from all quarters reports that a wealthy American commerce was afloat,
+determined on trying them with a new war. He was peculiarly unfortunate
+in the time chosen, as the States, having about a month previously
+declared war with Great Britain, had, in fact, withdrawn most of the
+merchant ships from the sea, so that the only prize which fell into the
+hands of the Dey's cruizers was a small brig, with a crew of eleven
+persons. The time at length came for putting an end to these lawless
+depredations, and peace having been concluded with England, President
+Madison, in 1815, despatched an American squadron, under commodores
+Bainbridge and Decatur, with Mr. Shaler, as envoy, on board, to demand
+full satisfaction for all injuries done to American subjects, the
+immediate release of such as were captives, the restitution of their
+property, with an assurance that no future violence should be offered,
+and also to negociate the preliminaries of a treaty on terms of perfect
+equality, no proposal of tribute being at all admissible. The squadron
+reached its destination early in June, and, having captured an Algerine
+frigate and brig-of-war, suddenly appeared before Algiers, at a moment
+when all the cruizers were at sea, and delivered, for the consideration
+of the Divan, the terms on which they were commissioned to make peace,
+together with a letter from the President to the Dey. Confounded by the
+sudden and entirely unexpected appearance of this force, the Algerines
+agreed, on the 30th of June, to the proposals of a treaty, almost
+without discussion.
+
+It had long been a reproach to Great Britain, the mistress of the sea,
+that she had tamely suffered a barbarian power to commit such atrocious
+ravages on the fleets and shores of the minor states along the
+Mediterranean. At length a good cause was made for chastising them.
+
+At Bona, a few miles to the east of Algiers, was an establishment for
+carrying on a coral fishery, under the protection of the British flag,
+which, at the season, was frequented by a great number of boats from the
+Corsican, Neapolitan, and other Italian ports. On the 23d of May, the
+feast of Ascension, as the crews of all the boats were preparing to hear
+mass, a gun was fired from the castle, and at the same time appeared
+about two thousand, other accounts say four thousand, infantry and
+cavalry, consisting of Turks, Levanters, and Moors. A part of these
+troops proceeded towards the country, whilst another band advanced
+towards the river, where the fishing boats were lying at different
+distances from the sea; and opening a fire upon the unfortunate
+fishermen, who were partly on board and partly on land, massacred almost
+the whole of them. They then seized the English flags, tore them in
+pieces, and trampling them under foot, dragged them along the ground in
+triumph. The men who happened to be in the country saved themselves by
+flight, and declared that they saw the soldiers pillage the house of the
+British vice-consul, the magazines containing the provisions, and the
+coral that had been fished up. A few boats escaped, and brought the news
+to Genoa, whence it was transmitted by the agent of Lloyd's in a
+despatch, dated June 6th.
+
+No sooner had the account of this atrocious slaughter reached England,
+than all ranks seemed inflamed with a desire that a great and signal
+punishment should be taken on this barbarian prince, who was neither
+restrained by the feelings of humanity nor bound by treaties. An
+expedition, therefore, was fitted out with all speed at Portsmouth, and
+the command intrusted to Lord Exmouth, who, after some delays from
+contrary winds, finally sailed, July 28th, with a fleet complete in all
+points, consisting of his own ship, the Queen Charlotte, one hundred
+and twenty guns; the Impregnable, rear admiral, Sir David Milne; ninety
+guns; Minden, Superb, Albion, each seventy-four guns; the Leander fifty
+guns, with four more frigates and brigs, bombs, fire-ships, and several
+smaller vessels, well supplied, in addition to the ordinary means of
+warfare, with Congreve rockets, and Shrapnell shells, the destructive
+powers of which have lately been abundantly proved on the continent.
+August 9, the fleet anchored at Gibraltar, and was there joined by the
+Dutch admiral, Van Cappillen, commanding five frigates and a corvette,
+who had been already at Algiers, endeavoring to deliver slaves: but
+being refused, and finding his force insufficient, had determined on
+joining himself with the English squadron, which it was understood was
+under weigh. Meanwhile, the Prometheus, Captain Dashwood, had been sent
+forward to Algiers to bring off the British consul and family; but could
+only succeed in getting his wife and daughter, who were obliged to make
+their escape, disguised in midshipmen's uniform; for the Dey, having
+heard through some French papers of the British expedition, had seized
+the consul, Mr. Macdonnell, and put him in chains; and, hearing of the
+escape of his wife, immediately ordered the detention of two boats of
+the Prometheus, which happened to be on shore, and made slaves of the
+crews, amounting to eighteen men. This new outrage was reported to Lord
+Exmouth soon after leaving Gibraltar, and of course added not a little
+to his eagerness to reach Algiers. He arrived off Algiers on the morning
+of the 27th of August, and sent in his interpreter, Mr. Salame, with
+Lieutenant Burgess, under a flag of truce, bearing a letter for the Dey,
+demanding reparation.
+
+Meantime, a light breeze sprung up, and the fleet advanced into the bay,
+and lay to, at about a mile off Algiers "It was now," says Mr. Salame,
+in his entertaining narrative, "half-past two, and no answer coming out,
+notwithstanding we had staid half an hour longer than our instructions,
+and the fleet being almost opposite the town, with a fine breeze, we
+thought proper, after having done our duty, to lose no more time, but to
+go on board, and inform his lordship of what had happened.
+
+"Mr. Burgess, the flag-lieutenant, having agreed with me, we hoisted the
+signal, _that no answer had been given_, and began to row away towards
+the Queen Charlotte. After I had given our report to the admiral, of our
+meeting the captain of the port, and our waiting there, &c., I was quite
+surprised to see how his lordship was altered from what I left him in
+the morning; for I knew his manner was in general very mild, and now he
+seemed to me _all-fightful,_ as a fierce lion, which had been chained in
+its cage, and was set at liberty. With all that, his lordship's answer
+to me was, '_Never mind, we shall see now_;' and at the same time he
+turned towards the officers, saying, '_Be ready_,' whereupon I saw every
+one with the match or the string of the lock in his hand, most anxiously
+expecting the word '_Fire_'!
+
+"No sooner had Salame returned, than his lordship made the signal to know
+whether all the ships were ready, which being answered in the
+affirmative, he directly turned the head of the Queen Charlotte towards
+shore, and, to the utter amazement of the Algerines, ran across all the
+batteries without firing or receiving a single shot, until he brought up
+within eighty yards of the south end of the mole, where he lashed her to
+the mainmast of an Algerine brig, which he had taken as his direction,
+and had then the pleasure of seeing all the rest of the fleet, including
+the Dutch frigates, taking up their assigned stations with the same
+precision and regularity. The position in which the Queen Charlotte was
+laid was so admirable that she was only exposed to the fire of three or
+four flanking guns, while her broadside swept the whole batteries, and
+completely commanded the mole and marine, every part of which could be
+seen distinctly from her quarter-deck. Up to this moment not a shot had
+been fired, and the batteries were all crowded with spectators, gazing
+in astonishment at the quiet and regularity which prevailed through all
+the British ships, and the dangerous vicinity in which they placed
+themselves to such formidable means of defence. Lord Exmouth, therefore,
+began to conceive hopes that his demands would still be granted; but the
+delay, it appeared, was caused by the Algerines being completely
+unprepared for so very sudden an approach, insomuch that their guns were
+not shotted at the moment when the Queen Charlotte swept past them, and
+they were distinctly seen loading them as the other ships were coming
+into line. Anxious, if possible, to spare unnecessary effusion of blood,
+his lordship, standing on the quarter-deck, repeatedly waved his hat as
+a warning to the multitudes assembled on the mole to retire, but his
+signal was unheeded, and at a quarter before three in the afternoon the
+first gun was fired at the Queen Charlotte from the eastern battery, and
+two more at the Albion and Superb, which were following. Then Lord
+Exmouth, having seen only _the smoke of the gun,_ before the sound
+reached him, said, with great alacrity, '_That will do; fire my fine
+fellows!_' and I am sure that before his lordship had finished these
+words, our broadside was given with great cheering, which was fired
+three times within five or six minutes; and at the same time the other
+ships did the same. This first fire was so terrible, that they say more
+than five hundred persons were killed and wounded by it. And I believe
+this, because there was a great crowd of people in every part, many of
+whom, after the first discharge, I saw running away, under the walls,
+like dogs, walking upon their feet and hands.
+
+"After the attack took place on both sides in this horrible manner,
+immediately the sky was darkened by the smoke, the sun completely
+eclipsed, and the horizon became dreary. Being exhausted by the heat of
+that powerful sun, to which I was exposed the whole day, and my ears
+being deafened by the roar of the guns, and finding myself in the
+dreadful danger of such a terrible engagement, in which I had never been
+before, I was quite at a loss, and like an astonished or stupid man, and
+did not know myself where I was. At last his lordship, having perceived
+my situation, said, 'You have done your duty, now go below.' Upon which
+I began to descend from the quarter-deck, quite confounded and
+terrified, and not sure that I should reach the cock-pit alive; for it
+was most tremendous to hear the crashing of the shot, to see the wounded
+men brought from one part, and the killed from the other; and
+especially, at such a time, to be found among the _English seamen_! and
+to witness their manners, their activity, their courage, and their
+cheerfulness during the battle!--it is really most overpowering and
+beyond imagination."
+
+The battle continued to rage furiously, and the havoc on both sides was
+very great. There were some awful moments, particularly when Algerine
+vessels so near our line were set on fire. The officers surrounding Lord
+Exmouth had been anxious for permission to make an attempt upon the
+outer frigate, distant about a hundred yards. He at length consented,
+and Major Gossett, of the corps of marines, eagerly entreated and
+obtained permission to accompany Lieutenant Richards in the ship's
+barge. The frigate was instantly boarded, and, in ten minutes, in a
+perfect blaze. A gallant young midshipman, although forbidden, was led
+by his too ardent spirit to follow in support of the barge, in which
+attempt he was desperately wounded, his brother officer killed, and nine
+of the crew. The barge, by rowing more rapidly, escaped better, having
+but one killed.
+
+About sunset the admiral received a message from rear-admiral Milne,
+stating his severe loss in killed and wounded, amounting to one hundred
+and fifty, and requesting that, if possible, a frigate might be sent him
+to take off some of the enemy's fire. The Glasgow accordingly was
+ordered to get under weigh, but the wind having been laid by the
+cannonade, she was obliged again to anchor, having obtained a rather
+more favorable position. The flotilla of mortar, gun, and rocket boats,
+under the direction of their respective artillery officers, shared to
+the full extent of their powers the honors and toils of this glorious
+day. It was by their fire that all the ships in the port (with the
+exception of the outer frigate already mentioned) were in flames, which,
+extending rapidly over the whole arsenal, gun-boats, and storehouses,
+exhibited a spectacle of awful grandeur and interest which no pen can
+describe. The sloops of war which had been appropriated to aid and
+assist the ships of the line, and prepare for their retreat, performed
+not only that duty well, but embraced every opportunity of firing
+through the intervals, and were constantly in motion. The shells from
+the bombs were admirably well thrown by the royal marine artillery, and,
+though directed over and across our own men-of-war, did not produce a
+single accident. To complete the confusion of the enemy, the admiral now
+ordered the explosion ship, which had been charged for the occasion, to
+be brought within the mole; but upon the representation of Sir David
+Milne that it would do him essential service, if made to act on the
+battery in his front, it was towed to that spot, and blown up with
+tremendous effect.
+
+This was almost the final blow;--the enemy's fire had for some time been
+very slack, and now almost wholly ceased, except that occasionally a few
+shots and shells were discharged from the higher citadel, upon which the
+guns of the fleet could not be brought to bear. The admiral, who from
+the commencement had been in the hottest of the engagement, and had
+fired until his guns were so hot that they could, some of them, not be
+used again; now seeing that he had executed the most important part of
+his instructions, issued orders for drawing off the fleet. This was
+commenced in excellent order about ten at night, and the usual breeze
+having set off from shore favored their manoeuvre, so that, all hands
+being employed in warping and towing, the vessels were got safely into
+the bay, and anchored, beyond reach of shot, about two o'clock the next
+morning.
+
+So signal and well contested a victory could not have been gained
+without a considerable loss and suffering. It amounted in the English
+fleet, to one hundred and twenty-eight men killed, and six hundred and
+ninety wounded; in the Dutch squadron, to thirteen killed, and fifty-two
+wounded; grand total, eight hundred and eighty-three. But the enemy
+suffered much more severly; they are computed to have lost, in killed
+and wounded, not less than between six and seven thousand men. The loss
+sustained by the Algerines by the destruction in the mole was four large
+frigates, of forty-four guns. Five large corvettes, from twenty-four to
+thirty guns. All the gun and mortar-boats, except seven; thirty
+destroyed. Several merchant brigs and schooners. A great number of small
+vessels of various descriptions. All the pontoons, lighters, &c.,
+Store-houses and arsenal, with all the timber, and various marine
+articles destroyed in part. A great many gun-carriages, mortar-beds,
+casks, and ships' stores of all descriptions.
+
+Negociations were immediately opened in form; and on the 30th August the
+admiral published a notification to the fleet, that all demands had been
+complied with, the British consul had been indemnified for his losses,
+and the Dey, in presence of all his officers, had made him a public
+apology for the insults offered him. On the 1st of September, Lord
+Exmouth had the pleasure of informing the secretary of the Admiralty,
+that all the slaves in the city of Algiers, and its immediate vicinity
+were embarked; as also 357,000 dollars for Naples, and 25,000 dollars
+for Sardinia.
+
+The number of slaves thus released amounted to one thousand and
+eighty-three, of whom four hundred and seventy-one were Neapolitans,
+two hundred and thirty-six Sicilians, one hundred and seventy-three
+Romans, six Tuscans, one hundred and sixty-one Spaniards, one
+Portuguese, seven Greeks, twenty-eight Dutch, and not _one Englishman_.
+Were there an action more than another on which an Englishman would
+willingly risk the fame and honor of his nation, it would be this attack
+on Algiers, which, undertaken solely at her own risk, and earned solely
+by the expenditure of her own blood and her own resources, rescued not a
+single subject of her own from the tyrant's grasp, while it freed more
+than a thousand belonging to other European powers.
+
+In August, 1816, the strength of Algiers seemed annihilated; her walls
+were in ruins, her haughty flag was humbled to the dust; her gates lay
+open to a hostile power, and terms were dictated in the palace of her
+princes. A year passed, the hostile squadron had left her ports, the
+clang of the workman's hammer, the hum of busy men resounded through her
+streets, fresh walls had risen, new and more formidable batteries had
+been added; again she resumed her attitude as of yore, bid defiance to
+her foes, and declared war on civilization:--again her blood-stained
+corsairs swept the seas, eager for plunder, ready for combat;--Christian
+commerce once more became shackled by her enterprise, and Christian
+captives once more sent up their cry for deliverance. In 1819, her
+piracies had become so numerous that the Congress of Aix-la-Chapelle
+caused it to be notified to the Dey, that their cessation was required,
+and would be enforced, by a combined French and English squadron. His
+reply was brief and arrogant, and the admirals were obliged to leave
+without obtaining the least satisfaction. By menaces, however,
+accompanied by the presence of some cruisers, England, France, and the
+United States caused their flags to be respected.
+
+Ali, the successor of Amar, had died in 1818, and was succeeded by
+Hassein Pasha, who, from the commencement of his reign, evinced the
+strongest antipathy to the French power. In 1824, he imposed an
+arbitrary tax through all his provinces on French goods and
+manufactures; the consul's house was frequently entered and searched in
+a vexatious manner, contrary to the express stipulations of treaties;
+and, finally, April, 1827, the consul himself, having gone at the feast
+of Bayram to pay his respects, was, upon a slight difference of opinion
+arising during their conversation, struck across the mouth with a
+fly-flap which the Dey held in his hand, and in consequence soon after
+left Algiers, while the Dey ordered the destruction of all the French
+establishments along the coast towards Bona, and oppressed in every
+manner the French residents within his dominions. A blockade was
+instantly commenced by the French, and maintained for nearly three
+years, until it was found that they suffered much more by it than the
+Dey, the expense having reached nearly 800,000_l_ sterling, while he
+appeared no way inconvenienced by their efforts, and even treated them
+with such contempt as to order his forts to fire on the vessel of
+Admiral Le da Bretonnière, who, in 1829, had gone there under a flag of
+truce to make a final proposal of terms of accommodation. So signal a
+violation of the laws of nations could not be overlooked, even by the
+imbecile administrations of Charles X. All France was in an uproar; the
+national flag had been dishonored, and her ambassador insulted; the cry
+for war became loud and universal; conferences on the subject were held;
+the oldest and most experienced mariners were invited by the minister at
+war to assist in his deliberations; and an expedition was finally
+determined on in the month of February, 1830, to consist of about
+thirty-seven thousand men, a number which it was calculated would not
+only be sufficient to overcome all opposition which might be
+encountered, but to enable the French to reduce the kingdom to a
+province, and retain it in subjection for any length of time that might
+be considered advisable. No sooner was this decision promulgated, than
+all the necessary preparations were commenced with the utmost diligence.
+It was now February, and the expedition was to embark by the end of
+April, so that no time could be lost. The arsenals, the naval and
+military workships, were all in full employment. Field and breaching
+batteries were mounted on a new principle lately adopted; gabions,
+earth-bags, _chevaux-de-frise,_ and projectiles were made in the
+greatest abundance maps, notes, and all the information that could be
+procured respecting Barbary were transmitted to the war office, where
+their contents were compared and digested, and a plan of operations was
+drawn out. The commissariat were busied in collecting provisions,
+waggons, and fitting out an efficient hospital train; a
+deputy-commissary was despatched to reconnoitre the coasts of Spain and
+the Balearic Islands, to ascertain what resources could be drawn from
+them, and negociate with the king for leave to establish military
+hospitals at Port Mahon. Eighteen regiments of the line, three squadrons
+of cavalry, and different corps of artillery and engineers were ordered
+to hold themselves in readiness; four hundred transports were assembled,
+and chartered by government in the port of Marseilles, while the vessels
+of war, which were to form the convoy, were appointed their rendezvous
+in the neighborhood of Toulon. After some hesitation as to who should
+command this important expedition, the Count de Bourmont, then minister
+at war, thought fit to appoint himself; and his etat-major was soon
+complete, Desprez acting as chief, and Tholozé as second in command.
+Maubert de Neuilly was chosen provost-marshal, De Bartillat (who
+afterwards wrote an entertaining account of the expedition)
+quarter-master general, and De Carne commissary-general to the forces.
+In addition to these, there were about twenty aid-de-camps, orderlies,
+and young men of rank attached to the staff, together with a Spanish
+general, an English colonel, a Russian colonel and lieutenant, and two
+Saxon officers, deputed by their respective governments. There were also
+a section of engineer-geographers, whose business was to survey and map
+the country as it was conquered, "and," says M. Roget, who was himself
+employed in the service we have just mentioned, and to whose excellent
+work, written in that capacity, we are so much indebted, "twenty-four
+interpreters, the half of whom knew neither French nor Arabic, were
+attached-to the different corps of the army, in order to facilitate
+their intercourse with the inhabitants." As the minister had determined
+on risking his own reputation on the expedition, the supplies were all,
+of course, of the completest kind, and in the greatest abundance.
+Provisions for three months were ordered; an equal quantity was to be
+forwarded as soon as the army had landed in Africa; and, amongst the
+other materials furnished we observe, in looking over the returns,
+thirty wooden legs, and two hundred crutches, for the relief of the
+unfortunate heroes, a boring apparatus to sink pumps, if water should
+run short, and a balloon, with two aeronauts, to reconnoitre the enemy's
+position, in case, as was represented to be their wont, they should
+entrench themselves under the shelter of hedges and brushwood.
+
+The French effected a landing at Sidy-el-Ferruch, a small promontory,
+about five leagues to the west of Algiers, and half a league to the east
+of the river Massaflran, where it discharges itself into the bay. On the
+14th of June they all landed without opposition.
+
+After a continued series of engagements and skirmishes the army got
+within cannon shot of Algiers, where they broke ground and began
+entrenching, and the French works being completed, the heavy breaching
+cannon were all mounted; and at day-break on the 4th of July, General
+Lahitte, having assured himself by personal inspection that all was
+ready, ordered the signal rocket to be thrown, and at the same moment
+the whole French batteries opened their fire within point blank
+distance, and with a report which shook the whole of Algiers, and
+brought the garrison, who were little expecting so speedy an attack,
+running to their posts. The artillery was admirably served, and from one
+battery which enfiladed the fort, the balls were seen to sweep away at
+once an entire row of Algerine cannoneers from their guns. The Turks
+displayed the most undaunted courage; they answered shot for shot,
+supplied with fresh men the places of such as were slain, stopped up
+with woolsacks the breaches made by the balls, replaced the cannon which
+the French fire had dismounted, and never relaxed their exertions for a
+moment. But the nature of their works was ill-calculated to withstand
+the scientific accuracy with which the besiegers made their attack.
+Every ball now told--the tower in the centre was completely riddled by
+shots and shells; the bursting of these latter had disabled great
+numbers of the garrison. By seven o'clock the besieged had begun to
+retire from the most damaged part of their works; by half-past eight the
+whole outer line of defence was abandoned, and by nine the fire of the
+fort was extinct. The Turkish general, finding opposition hopeless, had
+sent to the Dey for commands; and in reply was ordered to retreat with
+his whole remaining force to the Cassaubah, and leave three negroes to
+blow up the fort. The tranquillity with which they performed this fatal
+task deserves record. The French, finding the enemy's fire to fail,
+directed all theirs towards effecting a practicable breach. The fort
+seemed to be abandoned;--two red flags floated still on its outside line
+of defence, and a third on the angle towards the city. Three negroes
+were seen calmly walking on the ramparts, and from time to time looking
+over, as if to examine what progress the breach was making. One of them,
+struck by a cannon-ball, fell, and the others, as if to revenge his
+death, ran to a cannon, pointed it, and fired three shots. At the third,
+the gun turned over, and they were unable to replace it. They tried
+another, and as they were in the act of raising it, a shot swept the
+legs from under one of them. The remaining negro gazed for a moment on
+his comrade, drew him a little back, left him, and once more examined
+the breach. He then snatched one of the flags, and retired to the
+interior of the tower; in a few minutes he re-appeared, took a second
+and descended. The French continued to cannonade, and the breach
+appeared almost practicable, when suddenly they were astounded by a
+terrific explosion, which shook the whole ground as with an earthquake;
+an immense column of smoke, mixed with streaks of flame, burst from the
+centre of the fortress, masses of solid masonry were hurled into the air
+to an amazing height, while cannon, stones, timbers, projectiles, and
+dead bodies, were scattered in every direction--the negro had done his
+duty--the fort was blown up.
+
+In half an hour the French sappers and miners were at work repairing the
+smoking ruins, their advanced guards had effected a reconnoissance along
+the side of the hill towards the fort Bab-azoona, and their engineers
+had broken ground for new works within seven hundred yards of the
+Cassaubah. But these preparations were unnecessary; the Dey had resigned
+all further intention of resistance, and at two o'clock a flag of truce
+was announced, which proved to be Sidy Mustapha, the Dey's private
+secretary, charged with offers of paying the whole expense of the
+campaign, relinquishing all his demands on France, and making any
+further reparation that the French general might require, on condition
+that the troops should not enter Algiers. These proposals met with an
+instant negative:--Bourmont felt that Algiers was in his power, and
+declared that he would grant no other terms than an assurance of life to
+the Dey and inhabitants, adding that if the gates were not opened he
+should recommence his fire. Scarcely had Mustapha gone, than two other
+deputies appeared, sent by the townsmen to plead in their behalf. They
+were a Turk called Omar, and a Moor named Bouderba, who having lived for
+some time at Marseilles, spoke French perfectly. They received nearly
+the same answer as Mustapha; but they proved themselves better
+diplomatists, for they spoke so much to the general of the danger, there
+would be in refusing the Janissaries all terms, and the probability that
+if thus driven to despair they might make a murderous resistance, and
+afterwards destroy all the wealth and blow up all the forts before
+surrendering, that Bourmont, yielding to their representations, became
+less stern in his demands; and Mustapha having returned about the same
+time with the English vice-consul, as a mediator, the following terms
+were finally committed to paper, and sent to the Dey by an interpreter.
+
+"1. The fort of the Cassaubah, with all the other forts dependent on
+Algiers, and the harbor, shall be placed in the hands of the French
+troops the 5th of July, at 10 o'clock, A.M.
+
+"2. The general-in-chief of the French army ensures the Dey of Algiers
+personal liberty, and all his private property.
+
+"3. The Dey shall be free to retire with his family and wealth wherever
+he pleases. While he remains at Algiers he and his family shall be under
+the protection of the commander-in-chief. A guard shall insure his
+safety, and that of his family.
+
+"4. The same advantages, and same protection are assured to all the
+soldiers of the militia.
+
+"5. The exercise of the Mohammedan religion shall remain free; the
+liberty of the inhabitants of all classes, their religion, property,
+commerce, and industry shall receive no injury; their women shall be
+respected: the general takes this on his own responsibility.
+
+"6. The ratification of this convention to be made before 10 A.M., on the
+5th of July, and the French troops immediately after to take possession
+of the Cassaubah, and other forts."
+
+These terms were so much more favorable than the Dey could have
+expected, that, of course, not a moment was lost in signifying his
+acceptance: he only begged to be allowed two hours more to get himself
+and his goods out of the Cassaubah, and these were readily granted. It
+may, indeed, be wondered at that he and his Janissaries should be
+allowed to retain all their ill-gotten booty, under the name of private
+property; but Count de Bourmont, though not without talent, was
+essentially a weak man, and was in this instance overreached by the wily
+Moor. The whole of next morning an immense number of persons were seen
+flying from Algiers, previous to the entry of the French army, and
+carrying with them all their goods, valuables, and money. They fled by
+the fort Bab-azoona, on the roads towards Constantina and Bleeda; and
+about a hundred mounted Arabs were seen caracolling on the beach, as if
+to cover their retreat. No opposition to it, however, was made by the
+French troops, or by their navy, which had now again come in sight.
+
+At twelve o'clock the general, with his staff, artillery, and a strong
+guard, entered the Cassaubah, and at the same moment all the other forts
+were taken possession of by French troops. No one appeared to make a
+formal surrender, nor did any one present himself on the part of the
+inhabitants, to inquire as to what protection they were to receive, yet,
+on the whole, we believe the troops conducted themselves, at least on
+this occasion, with signal forbearance; and that of the robberies which
+took place, the greater number were perpetrated by Moors and Jews. One
+was rather ingenious. The minister of finance had given up the public
+treasures to commissioners regularly appointed for the purpose. Amongst
+others, the mint was visited, a receipt given of its containing bullion
+to the amount of 25,000 or 30,000 francs, the door sealed, and a sentry
+placed. Next morning the seal was perfect, the sentry at his post, but
+the bullion was gone through a small hole made in the back wall.
+
+The amount of public property found in Algiers, and appropriated by the
+French, was very considerable, and much more than repaid the expenses of
+the expedition. The blockade of the last three years had, by
+interrupting their commerce, caused an accumulation of the commodities
+in which the Algerines generally paid their tribute, so that the
+storehouses at the Cassaubah were abundantly filled with wool, hides,
+leather, wax, lead and copper. Quantities of grain, silks, muslins, and
+gold and silver tissues were also found, as well as salt, of which the
+Dey had reserved to himself a monopoly, and, by buying it very cheap at
+the Balearic Isles, used to sell it at an extravagant rate to his
+subjects. The treasure alone amounted to nearly fifty million of francs,
+and the cannon, projectiles, powder magazines, and military stores,
+together with the public buildings, foundries, dock-yards, and vessels
+in the harbor, were estimated at a still larger amount; while the entire
+expense of the expedition, including land and sea service, together with
+the maintenance of an army of occupation up to January, 1831, was
+computed not to exceed 48,500,000 francs; so that France must have
+realized, by her first connection with Algiers, a sum not far short of
+£3,000,000 sterling--a larger amount, we will venture to say, than is
+likely to accrue to her again, even after many years of colonization.
+
+In a few days the Dey had embarked for Naples, which he chose as his
+future place of residence; the Janissaries were sent in French vessels
+to Constantinople; the Bey of Tippery made his submissions, and swore
+allegiance to the French King; orders were issued, and laws enacted in
+his name; the Arabs and Kalyles came into market as usual with their
+fowl and game; a French soldier was tolerably safe, as long as he
+avoided going to any distance beyond the outposts; and, on the whole,
+Algiers the warlike, had assumed all the appearance of a French colony.
+
+
+
+
+THE ADVENTURES, TRIAL AND EXECUTION OF CAPTAIN GOW.
+
+
+Captain Gow sailed from Amsterdam, in July, 1724, on board the George,
+galley, for Santa Cruz, where they took in bees'-wax. Scarcely had they
+sailed from that place, when Gow and several others, who had formed a
+conspiracy, seized the vessel. One of the conspirators cried, "There is
+a man overboard." The captain instantly ran to the side of the vessel,
+when he was seized by two men, who attempted to throw him over; he
+however so struggled, that he escaped from their hands. One Winter, with
+a knife, attempted to cut him in the throat, but missing his aim, the
+captain was yet saved. But Gow coming aft shot him through the body and
+throwing him over the rail he caught hold of the main sheet; but Gow
+taking up an axe, with two blows so disabled him that he fell into the
+sea and was drowned. The conspirators proceeded to murder all who were
+not in their horrid plot, which being done, James Williams came upon
+deck, and striking one of the guns with his cutlass, saluted Gow in the
+following words: "Captain Gow, you are welcome, welcome to your
+command." Williams was declared lieutenant, and the other officers being
+appointed, the captain addressed them, saying: "If, hereafter, I see any
+of you whispering together, or if any of you refuse to obey my orders,
+let every such man depend upon it, that he shall certainly go the same
+way as those that are just gone before."
+
+Their first prize was the Sarah Snow, of Bristol. After they had rifled
+the vessel and received one man from it, they allowed her to prosecute
+her voyage. The Delight, of Poole, was the next vessel that fell into
+their hands; but they not long after captured two others, from one of
+which they received a quantity of fish, and from the other bread, beef,
+and pork. They also forced two men from the latter ship. A French ship,
+not long after, furnished them with wine, oil, figs, oranges, and
+lemons, to the value of 500_l_. In a short time after, they captured
+their last prize, and, as she made no resistance, they plundered and
+dismissed her.
+
+They next sailed for the Orkney Isles to clean, but were apprehended by
+a gentleman of that country, brought up to London, and tried before a
+Court of Admiralty, in May, 1725. When the first indictment was read,
+Gow obstinately refused to plead, for which the Court ordered his thumbs
+to be tied together with whipcord. The punishment was several times
+repeated by the executioner and another officer, they drawing the cord
+every time till it broke. But he still being stubborn, refusing to
+submit to the court, the sentence was pronounced against him, which the
+law appoints in such cases; that is, "That he should be taken back to
+prison, and there pressed to death." The gaoler was then ordered to
+conduct him back, and see that the sentence was executed the next
+morning; meanwhile the trials of the prisoners, his companions, went
+forward.
+
+But the next morning, when the press was prepared, pursuant to the order
+of the Court the day before, he was so terrified with the apprehension
+of dying in that manner, that he sent his humble petition to the Court,
+praying that he might be admitted to plead. This request being granted,
+he was brought again to the bar, and arraigned upon the first
+indictment, to which he pleaded Not guilty. Then the depositions that
+had been given against the other prisoners were repeated, upon which he
+was convicted, and received the sentence of death accordingly, which he
+suffered in company with Captain Weaver and William Ingham.
+
+[Illustration: _Gow killing the Captain._]
+
+The stories of these two men are so interwoven with others, that it
+will be impossible to distinguish many of their particular actions. They
+were, however, proved to have been concerned, if not the principal
+actors, in the following piracies: first, the seizing a Dutch ship in
+August, 1722, and taking from thence a hundred pieces of Holland, value
+800_l_.; a thousand pieces of eight, value 250_l_. Secondly, the
+entering and pillaging the Dolphin of London, William Haddock, out of
+which they got three hundred pieces of eight, value 75_l_.; forty
+gallons of rum, and other things, on the twentieth of November in the
+same year. Thirdly, the stealing out of a ship called the Don Carlos,
+Lot Neekins, master, four hundred ounces of silver, value 100_l_. fifty
+gallons of rum, value 30_s_. a thousand pieces of eight, a hundred
+pistoles, and other valuable goods. And fourthly, the taking from a ship
+called the England, ten pipes of wine, value 250_l_. The two last
+charges both in the year 1721. Weaver returned home, and came to Mr.
+Thomas Smith, at Bristol, in a very ragged condition; and pretending
+that he had been robbed by pirates, Smith, who had been acquainted with
+him eight or nine years before, provided him with necessaries, and he
+walked about unmolested for some time. But Captain Joseph Smith, who
+knew him when a pirate, one day met him, and asked him to go and take a
+bottle with him; when they were in the tavern he told him that he had
+been a considerable sufferer by his boarding his vessel "therefore,"
+said he, "as I understand that you are in good circumstances, I expect
+that you will make me some restitution; which if you do, I will never
+hurt a hair of your head, because you were very civil to me when I was
+in your hands." But as this recompense was never given. Weaver was
+apprehended and executed.
+
+
+
+
+  PIRATE'S SONG.
+
+  To the mast nail our flag it is dark as the grave,
+  Or the death which it bears while it sweeps o'er the wave;
+  Let our deck clear for action, our guns be prepared;
+  Be the boarding-axe sharpened, the scimetar bared:
+  Set the canisters ready, and then bring to me,
+  For the last of my duties, the powder-room key.
+  It shall never be lowered, the black flag we bear;
+  If the sea be denied us, we sweep through the air.
+  Unshared have we left our last victory's prey;
+  It is mine to divide it, and yours to obey:
+  There are shawls that might suit a sultana's white neck,
+  And pearls that are fair as the arms they will deck;
+  There are flasks which, unseal them, the air will disclose
+  Diametta's fair summers, the home of the rose.
+  I claim not a portion: I ask but as mine--
+  'Tis to drink to our victory--one cup of red wine.
+  Some fight, 'tis for riches--some fight, 'tis for fame:
+  The first I despise, and the last is a name.
+  I fight, 'tis for vengeance! I love to see flow,
+  At the stroke of my sabre, the life of my foe.
+  I strike for the memory of long-vanished years;
+  I only shed blood where another shed tears,
+  I come, as the lightning comes red from above,
+  O'er the race that I loathe, to the battle I love.
+
+FINIS.
+
+
+
+INDEX
+
+Algerine pirates
+
+Allen, Lieutenant
+
+Arabian coast
+
+Arabian pirates
+
+Avery, Capt. Henry
+
+Bahamas
+
+Bainbridge, Commodore
+
+Baltic Sea pirates
+
+Banister, Captain
+
+Barbary corsairs
+
+Barrataria, La., pirates
+
+Benavides, Vincent
+
+Black Beard
+
+Bonnet, Major
+
+Bonney, Anne, female pirate
+
+Boston, Mass
+
+Booth, Capt. George
+
+Bowen, Captain
+
+Bracket, Joshua
+
+Charleston, S. C
+
+Chesapeake, frigate
+
+Chilian pirates
+
+Chinese pirates
+
+Ching, Mistress, female pirate
+
+Condent, Captain
+
+Corsairs of the African coast
+
+Crusades
+
+Danish and Norman pirates
+
+Davis, Capt Howel
+
+Decatur, Commodore
+
+De Soto, Bernardo
+
+Dew, Capt. George
+
+Dungeon Rock, Lynn, Mass
+
+Dutch girl kept by pirates
+
+East India Company
+
+East India piracies
+
+England, Capt. Edward
+
+England attacks the Algerines
+
+England overrun by pirates
+
+Female pirates
+
+France ravaged by pirates
+
+French attack Algiers
+
+"Friendship" (ship), piracy of
+
+Germany ravaged by pirates
+
+Gibbs, Capt. Charles
+
+Gibraltar, pirates at
+
+Gibson, Captain
+
+Gilbert, Pedro
+
+Glasspoole, Richard, captured by pirates
+
+Gow, Captain
+
+Guinea coast, pirates on
+
+Halsey, Capt John
+
+Havana, resort for pirates
+
+"Herculia" (brig), piracy of
+
+Hornigold, Capt. Benjamin
+
+Jackson, Captain
+
+Jackson, General
+
+Joassamee pirates
+
+Jonnia, Captain
+
+Kearney, Lieutenant
+
+Kidd, Capt. Robert
+
+Ladrone pirates
+
+Lafitte, Jean
+
+Lewis, Captain
+
+Lincoln, Captain
+
+Low, Capt. Edward
+
+Lynn, Mass., pirates
+
+Mackra, Captain, captured
+
+Madagascar pirates
+
+Malay pirates
+
+Maynard, Lieutenant
+
+Mediterranean, a resort for pirates
+
+"Mexican" (brig), piracy of
+
+Mogul's ships
+
+"Morning Star" (ship), piracy of
+
+Newfoundland, piracy at
+
+New Orleans, battle of
+
+New York, pirates at
+
+Norman pirates
+
+North Carolina coast
+
+Oakley, William
+
+"Panda" (schooner)
+
+Patterson, Commodore, expedition under
+
+Pirate vessel, description of
+
+Pirates, cruelty of
+
+  Dress of
+
+  Executions of
+
+  Song of
+
+  Trials of
+
+Pirate's Glen, Saugus
+
+Privateering on English coast
+
+Porter, Commodore
+
+"Potomac" (frigate), attacks Malay pirates
+
+Quallah Battoo, Sumatra, pirates of
+
+Rackam, Capt. John
+
+Rahmah-ben-Jabir
+
+Ras-el-Khyma
+
+Read, Mary, female pirate
+
+Read, Capt. William
+
+Ricker, Captain
+
+Roberts, Capt. Bartholomew
+
+Rogers, Capt. Woods
+
+Ruiz, Francisco
+
+Rumps, Arabia
+
+Salem, pirates in
+
+Skinner, Captain, murdered
+
+Soto, Benito de
+
+Spanish pirates
+
+Sumatra pirates
+
+"Swallow" (man-of-war), captures pirates
+
+Swedish pirates
+
+Teach, Edward
+
+Texan privateers
+
+Tew, Capt. Thomas
+
+United States attacks Algiers
+
+Vane, Capt. Charles
+
+Veal, Thomas
+
+"Vineyard" (brig), captured
+
+Warren, David
+
+West Indies, piracy in
+
+White, Capt. Thomas
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE PIRATES OWN BOOK***
+
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+<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Pirates Own Book, by Charles Ellms</title>
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+<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Pirates Own Book, by Charles Ellms</h1>
+<pre>
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at <a href = "https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre>
+<p>Title: The Pirates Own Book</p>
+<p>Author: Charles Ellms</p>
+<p>Release Date: April 29, 2004  [eBook #12216]</p>
+<p>Language: English</p>
+<p>Character set encoding: iso-8859-1</p>
+<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE PIRATES OWN BOOK***</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<center><b>E-text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, L. Barber,<br>
+            and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team</b></center>
+<br>
+<br>
+<hr class="full" noshade>
+<br>
+<center><img src="./images/001.jpg" alt=
+"A Piratical Scene--Walking the Death Plank." height="324" width=
+"567"></center>
+<center>&nbsp;</center>
+<h1>THE PIRATES OWN BOOK</h1>
+<h2>Authentic Narratives of the Most Celebrated Sea Robbers.</h2>
+<h4>by</h4>
+<h2>Charles Ellms</h2>
+<h4>Originally published 1837</h4>
+<br>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<br>
+<center><img src="./images/004.jpg" alt="Page 4 Illustration"
+height="327" width="300">&nbsp;
+<hr width="100%"></center>
+<h3>CONTENTS</h3>
+<!-- Autogenerated TOC. Modify or delete as required. --><b><a href="#PREFACE">
+PREFACE</a></b><br>
+<b><a href="#INTRODUCTION">INTRODUCTION</a></b><br>
+<b><a href="#DANISH">THE DANISH AND NORMAN PIRATES</a></b><br>
+<b><a href="#ADVENTURES_AND_EXPLOITS_OF_CAPTAIN_AVERY">ADVENTURES
+AND EXPLOITS OF CAPTAIN AVERY</a></b><br>
+<b><a href=
+"#THE_REMARKABLE_HISTORY_OF_THE_JOASSAMEE_PIRATES_OF">HISTORY OF
+THE JOASSAMEE PIRATES</a></b><br>
+<b><a href=
+"#THE_BARBAROUS_CONDUCT_AND_ROMANTIC_DEATH_OF_THE">SKETCH OF THE
+JOASSAMEE CHIEF--RAHMAH-BEN-JABIR</a></b><br>
+<b><a href=
+"#THE_LIFE_OF_LAFITTE_THE_FAMOUS_PIRATE_OF_THE_GULF_OF_MEXICO">LIFE
+OF LAFITTE, THE PIRATE OF THE GULF</a></b><br>
+<b><a href="#THE_LIFE_OF_CAPTAIN_ROBERTS">THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN
+ROBERTS</a></b><br>
+<b><a href="#THE_LIFE_OF_CHARLES_GIBBS">THE LIFE OF CHARLES
+GIBBS</a></b><br>
+<b><a href=
+"#HISTORY_OF_THE_ADVENTURES_CAPTURE_AND_EXECUTION_OF_THE_SPANISH">HISTORY
+AND EXECUTION OF THE SPANISH PIRATES</a></b><br>
+<b><a href=
+"#THE_LIFE_OF_BENITO_DE_SOTO_THE_PIRATE_OF_THE_MORNING_STAR">THE
+LIFE OF BENITO DE SOTO</a></b><br>
+<b><a href="#THE_ADVENTURES_OF_CAPTAIN_ROBERT_KIDD">THE ADVENTURES
+OF CAPT. ROBERT KIDD</a></b><br>
+<b><a href="#VINCENT">BLOODY CAREER AND EXECUTION OF VINCENT
+BENAVIDES</a></b><br>
+<b><a href="#THE_LIFE_OF_CAPTAIN_DAVIS">THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN
+DAVIS</a></b><br>
+<b><a href=
+"#AUTHENTIC_HISTORY_OF_THE_MALAY_PIRATES_OF_THE_INDIAN_OCEAN">AUTHENTIC
+HISTORY OF THE MALAY PIRATES</a></b><br>
+<b><a href="#THE_ADVENTURES_OF_CAPTAIN_CONDENT">THE ADVENTURES OF
+CAPTAIN CONDENT</a></b><br>
+<b><a href="#THE_LIFE_OF_CAPTAIN_EDWARD_LOW">THE LIFE OF CAPT.
+EDWARD LOW</a></b><br>
+<b><a href="#LIFE_AND_ADVENTURES_OF_CAPTAIN_EDWARD_ENGLAND">LIFE
+AND ADVENTURES OF CAPT. EDWARD ENGLAND</a></b><br>
+<b><a href="#ACCOUNT_OF_THE_LYNN_PIRATES">ACCOUNT OF THE LYNN
+PIRATES</a></b><br>
+<b><a href="#HISTORY_OF_THE_LADRONE_PIRATES">HISTORY OF THE LADRONE
+PIRATES</a></b><br>
+<b><a href="#THE_LIFE_OF_CAPTAIN_LEWIS">THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN
+LEWIS</a></b><br>
+<b><a href=
+"#THE_LIFE_CAREER_AND_DEATH_OF_CAPTAIN_THOMAS_WHITE">LIFE, CAREER
+AND DEATH OF CAPT. THOMAS WHITE.</a></b><br>
+<b><a href=
+"#THE_LIFE_ATROCITIES_AND_BLOODY_DEATH_OF_BLACK_BEARD">LIFE,
+ATROCITIES, AND BLOODY DEATH OF BLACK BEARD</a></b><br>
+<b><a href=
+"#THE_EXPLOITS_ARREST_AND_EXECUTION_OF_CAPTAIN_CHARLES">EXPLOITS,
+ARREST, AND EXECUTION OF CAPT. CHARLES VANE</a></b><br>
+<b><a href="#THE_WEST_INDIA_PIRATES">THE WEST INDIA
+PIRATES</a></b><br>
+<b><a href=
+"#THE_ADVENTURES_AND_EXECUTION_OF_CAPTAIN_JOHN_RACKAM">ADVENTURES
+AND EXECUTION OF CAPT. JOHN RACKAM</a></b><br>
+<b><a href="#THE_LIFE_AND_EXPLOITS_OF_ANNE_BONNEY">LIFE AND
+EXPLOITS OF ANNE BONNEY</a></b><br>
+<b><a href="#THE_ADVENTURES_AND_HEROISM_OF_MARY_READ">ADVENTURES
+AND HEROISM OF MARY READ</a></b><br>
+<b><a href="#THE_ALGERINE_PIRATES">HISTORY OF THE ALGERINE
+PIRATES</a></b><br>
+<b><a href=
+"#THE_ADVENTURES_TRIAL_AND_EXECUTION_OF_CAPTAIN_GOW">ADVENTURES,
+TRIAL AND EXECUTION OF CAPTAIN GOW</a></b><br>
+<b><a href="#PIRATES_SONG">THE PIRATE'S SONG</a></b><br>
+<!-- End Autogenerated TOC. -->
+<br>
+&nbsp;
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="PREFACE"></a>
+<h2>PREFACE</h2>
+In the mind of the mariner, there is a superstitious horror
+connected with the name of Pirate; and there are few subjects that
+interest and excite the curiosity of mankind generally, more than
+the desperate exploits, foul doings, and diabolical career of these
+monsters in human form. A piratical crew is generally formed of the
+desperadoes and runagates of every clime and nation. The pirate,
+from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on
+the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely
+isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the
+shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and
+uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the
+woods and mountain glens of the interior. The islands of the Indian
+Ocean, and the east and west coasts of Africa, as well as the West
+Indies, have been their haunts for centuries; and vessels
+navigating the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, are often captured by
+them, the passengers and crew murdered, the money and most valuable
+part of the cargo plundered, the vessel destroyed, thus
+obliterating all trace of their unhappy fate, and leaving friends
+and relatives to mourn their loss from the inclemencies of the
+elements, when they were butchered in cold blood by their fellow
+men, who by practically adopting the maxim that "dead men tell no
+tales," enable themselves to pursue their diabolical career with
+impunity. The pirate is truly fond of women and wine, and when not
+engaged in robbing, keeps maddened with intoxicating liquors, and
+passes his time in debauchery, singing old songs with chorusses
+like
+<p>"Drain, drain the bowl, each fearless soul,<br>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Let the world wag as it
+will:</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Let the heavens growl, let the
+devil howl,</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Drain, drain the deep bowl and
+fill."</span></p>
+<p>Thus his hours of relaxation are passed in wild and extravagant
+frolics amongst the lofty forests of palms and spicy groves of the
+Torrid Zone, and amidst the aromatic and beautiful flowering
+vegetable productions of that region. He has fruits delicious to
+taste, and as companions, the unsophisticated daughters of Africa
+and the Indies. It would be supposed that his wild career would be
+one of delight.</p>
+<p>But the apprehension and foreboding of the mind, when under the
+influence of remorse, are powerful, and every man, whether
+civilized or savage, has interwoven in his constitution a moral
+sense, which secretly condemns him when he has committed an
+atrocious action, even when he is placed in situations which raise
+him above the fear of human punishment, for</p>
+<p>"Conscience, the torturer of the soul, unseen.<br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Does fiercely brandish a sharp
+scourge within;</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Severe decrees may keep our tongues
+in awe,</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">But to our minds what edicts can
+give law?</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Even you yourself to your own
+breast shall tell</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Your crimes, and your own
+conscience be your hell."</span></p>
+<p>With the name of pirate is also associated ideas of rich
+plunder, caskets of buried jewels, chests of gold ingots, bags of
+outlandish coins, secreted in lonely, out of the way places, or
+buried about the wild shores of rivers, and unexplored sea coasts,
+near rocks and trees bearing mysterious marks, indicating where the
+treasure was hid. And as it is his invariable practice to secrete
+and bury his booty, and from the perilous life he leads, being
+often killed or captured, he can never re-visit the spot again;
+immense sums remain buried in those places, and are irrecoverably
+lost. Search is often made by persons who labor in anticipation of
+throwing up with their spade and pickaxe, gold bars, diamond
+crosses sparkling amongst the dirt, bags of golden doubloons, and
+chests, wedged close with moidores, ducats and pearls; but although
+great treasures lie hid in this way, it seldom happens that any is
+so recovered.</p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<center><img src="./images/010.jpg" alt="Page 10 Illustration"
+height="362" width="300"></center>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="INTRODUCTION"></a>
+<h2>INTRODUCTION</h2>
+By the universal law of nations, robbery or forcible depredation
+upon the "high seas," <i>animo furandi</i>, is piracy. The meaning
+of the phrase "high seas," embraces not only the waters of the
+ocean, which are out of sight of land, but the waters on the sea
+coast below low water mark, whether within the territorial
+boundaries of a foreign nation, or of a domestic state. Blackstone
+says that the main sea or high sea begins at low water mark. But
+between the high water mark and low water mark, where the tide ebbs
+and flows, the common law and the Admiralty have <i>divisum
+imperium</i>, an alternate jurisdiction, one upon the water when it
+is full sea; the other upon the land when it is ebb. He doubtless
+here refers to the waters of the ocean on the sea coast, and not in
+creeks and inlets. Lord Hale says that the sea is either that which
+lies within the body of a country or without. That which lies
+without the body of a country is called the main sea or ocean. So
+far then as regards the states of the American union, "high seas,"
+may be taken to mean that part of the ocean which washes the sea
+coast, and is without the body of any country, according to the
+common law; and so far as regards foreign nations, any waters on
+their sea coasts, below low water mark.
+<p>Piracy is an offence against the universal law of society, a
+pirate being according to Sir Edward Coke, <i>hostis humani
+generis</i>. As, therefore, he has renounced all the benefits of
+society and government, and has reduced himself to the savage state
+of nature, by declaring war against all mankind, all mankind must
+declare war against him; so that every community has a right by the
+rule of self-defense, to inflict that punishment upon him which
+every individual would in a state of nature otherwise have been
+entitled to do, for any invasion of his person or personal
+property. By various statutes in England and the United States,
+other offences are made piracy. Thus, if a subject of either of
+these nations commit any act of hostility against a fellow subject
+on the high seas, under color of a commission from any foreign
+power, this act is piracy. So if any captain of any vessel, or
+mariner, run away with the vessel, or the goods, or yield them up
+to a pirate voluntarily, or if any seaman lay violent hands on his
+commander, to hinder him from fighting in defence of the ship or
+goods committed to his charge, or make a revolt in the ship, these
+offences are acts of piracy, by the laws of the United States and
+England. In England by the statute of 8 George I, c. 24, the
+trading or corresponding with known pirates, or the forcibly
+boarding any merchant vessel, (though without seizing her or
+carrying her off,) and destroying any of the goods on board, are
+declared to be acts of piracy; and by the statute 18 George II. c.
+30, any natural born subject or denizen who in time of war, shall
+commit any hostilities at sea, against any of his fellow subjects,
+or shall assist an enemy, on that element, is liable to be punished
+as a pirate. By statute of George II. c. 25, the ransoming of any
+neutral vessel, which has been taken by the captain of a private
+ship of war, is declared piracy. By the act of congress, April 30,
+1790, if any person upon the high seas, or in any river, haven, or
+bay, out of the jurisdiction of any particular state, commit murder
+or robbery, or any other offence which if committed within the body
+of a county, would by the laws of the United States, be punishable
+by death, such offender is to be deemed a pirate. By the act of
+congress, 1820, c. 113, if any citizen of the United States, being
+of the crew of any foreign vessel, or any person being of the crew
+of any vessel owned in whole or part by any citizen of the United
+States, shall be engaged in the foreign slave trade, he shall be
+adjudged a pirate. Notwithstanding the expression used in this
+statute, the question, says Chancellor Kent, remains to be settled,
+whether the act of being concerned in the slave trade would be
+adjudged piracy, within the code of international law. In England
+by the act of parliament passed March 31, 1824, the slave trade is
+also declared to be piracy. An attempt has been made to effect a
+convention between the United States and Great Britain, by which it
+should be agreed that both nations should consider the slave trade
+as piratical; but this attempt has hitherto been unsuccessful. In
+the time of Richard III, by the laws of Oberon, all infidels were
+regarded as pirates, and their property liable to seizure wherever
+found. By the law of nations, the taking of goods by piracy does
+not divest the actual owner of them. By the civil institutions of
+Spain and Venice, ships taken from pirates became the property of
+those who retake them. Piracy is every where pursued and punished
+with death, and pirates can gain no rights by conquest. It is of no
+importance, for the purpose of giving jurisdiction in cases of
+piracy, on whom or where a piratical offence is committed. A pirate
+who is one by the law of nations, may be tried and punished in any
+country where he may be found; for he is reputed to be out of the
+protection of all laws. But if the statute of any government
+declares an offence, committed on board one of their own vessels,
+to be piracy; such an offence will be punished exclusively by the
+nation which passes the statute. In England the offence was
+formerly cognizable only by the Admiralty courts, which proceeded
+without a jury in a method founded on the civil law. But by the
+statute of Henry VIII. c. 15, it was enacted that piracy should be
+tried by commissioners nominated by the lord chancellor, the
+indictment being first found by a grand jury, of twelve men, and
+afterwards tried by another jury, as at common law. Among the
+commissioners, there are always some of the common law judges. In
+the United States, pirates are tried before the circuit court of
+the United States. Piracy has been known from the remotest
+antiquity; for in the early ages every small maritime state was
+addicted to piracy, and navigation was perilous. This habit was so
+general, that it was regarded with indifference, and, whether
+merchant, traveller, or pirate, the stranger was received with the
+rights of hospitality. Thus Nestor, having given Mentor and
+Telemachus a plenteous repast, remarks, that the banquet being
+finished, it was time to ask his guests to their business. "Are
+you," demands the aged prince, "merchants destined to any port, or
+are you merely adventurers and pirates, who roam the seas without
+any place of destination, and live by rapine and ruin."<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/014.jpg" alt="Page 14 Illustration"
+height="124" width="300"></center>
+<hr width="100%">
+<br>
+<a name="DANISH"></a>
+<h2>THE DANISH AND NORMAN PIRATES</h2>
+The Saxons, a people supposed to be derived from the Cimbri,
+uniting the occupations of fishing and piracy, commenced at an
+early period their ravages in the German Ocean; and the shores of
+Gaul and Britain were for ages open to their depredations. About
+the middle of the fifth century, the unwarlike Vortigern, then king
+of Britain, embraced the fatal resolution of requesting these hardy
+warriors to deliver him from the harassing inroads of the Picts and
+Scots; and the expedition of Hengist and Horsa was the consequence.
+Our mention of this memorable epoch is not for its political
+importance, great as that is, but for its effects on piracy; for
+the success attending such enterprises seems to have turned the
+whole of the northern nations towards sea warfare. The Danes,
+Norwegians, and Swedes, from their superior knowledge of
+navigation, gave into it most; and on whatever coast the winds
+carried them, they made free with all that came in their way.
+Canute the Fourth endeavored in vain to repress these lawless
+disorders among his subjects; but they felt so galled by his
+restrictions, that they assassinated him. On the king of Sweden
+being taken by the Danes, permission was given to such of his
+subjects as chose, to arm themselves against the enemy, pillage his
+possessions, and sell their prizes at Ribnitz and Golnitz. This
+proved a fertile nursery of pirates, who became so formidable under
+the name of "Victalien Broders," that several princes were obliged
+to arm against them, and hang some of their chiefs.
+<p>Even the females of the North caught the epidemic spirit, and
+proudly betook themselves to the dangers of sea-life.
+Saxo-Grammaticus relates an interesting story of one of them.
+Alwilda, the daughter of Synardus, a Gothic king, to deliver
+herself from the violence imposed on her inclination, by a marriage
+with Alf, the son of Sygarus, king of Denmark, embraced the life of
+a rover; and attired as a man, she embarked in a vessel of which
+the crew was composed of other young women of tried courage,
+dressed in the same manner. Among the first of her cruises, she
+landed at a place where a company of pirates were bewailing the
+loss of their commander; and the strangers were so captivated with
+the air and agreeable manners of Alwilda, that they unanimously
+chose her for their leader. By this reinforcement she became so
+formidable, that Prince Alf was despatched to engage her. She
+sustained his attacks with great courage and talent; but during a
+severe action in the gulf of Finland, Alf boarded her vessel, and
+having killed the greatest part of her crew, seized the captain,
+namely herself; whom nevertheless he knew not, because she had a
+casque which covered her visage. The prince was agreeably
+surprised, on removing the helmet, to recognize his beloved
+Alwilda; and it seems that his valor had now recommended him to the
+fair princess, for he persuaded her to accept his hand, married her
+on board, and then led her to partake of his wealth, and share his
+throne.</p>
+<p>Charlemagne, though represented as naturally generous and
+humane, had been induced, in his extravagant zeal for the
+propagation of those tenets which he had himself adopted, to
+enforce them throughout Germany at the point of the sword; and his
+murders and decimations on that account disgrace humanity. The more
+warlike of the Pagans flying into Jutland, from whence the Saxons
+had issued forth, were received with kindness, and furnished with
+the means of punishing their persecutor, by harassing his coasts.
+The maritime towns of France were especially ravaged by those
+pirates called "Normands," or men of the North; and it was owing to
+their being joined by many malcontents, in the provinces since
+called Normandy, that that district acquired its name. Charlemagne,
+roused by this effrontery, besides fortifying the mouths of the
+great rivers, determined on building himself a fleet, which he did,
+consisting of 400 of the largest galleys then known, some having
+five or six benches of oars. His people were, however, extremely
+ignorant of maritime affairs, and in the progress of having them
+taught, he was suddenly called to the south, by the invasion of the
+Saracens.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/018.jpg" alt="Awilda, the Female Pirate"
+height="580" width="355"></center>
+&nbsp;
+<h4>&nbsp;<i>Awilda, the Female Pirate.</i></h4>
+Another division of Normans, some years afterwards, in the same
+spirit of emigration, and thirsting, perhaps, to avenge their
+injured ancestors, burst into the provinces of France, which the
+degeneracy of Charlemagne's posterity, and the dissensions which
+prevailed there, rendered an affair of no great difficulty. Louis
+le Debonnaire had taken every means of keeping on good terms with
+them; annually persuading some to become Christians, and then
+sending them home so loaded with presents, that it was discovered
+they came to be baptized over and over again, merely for the sake
+of the gifts, as Du Chesne tells us. But on the subsequent division
+of the empire among the undutiful sons of Louis, the pirates did
+not fail to take advantage of the general confusion; braving the
+sea almost every summer in their light coracles, sailing up the
+Seine, the Somme, or the Loire, and devastating the best parts of
+France, almost without resistance. In 845, they went up to Paris,
+pillaged it, and were on the point of attacking the royal camp at
+St. Dennis; but receiving a large sum of money from Charles the
+Bald, they retreated from thence, and with the new means thus
+supplied them, ravaged Bordeaux, and were there joined by Pepin,
+king of Aquitaine. A few years afterwards, they returned in great
+numbers. Paris was again sacked, and the magnificent abbey of St.
+Germain des Pr&eacute;s burnt. In 861, Wailand, a famous Norman
+pirate, returning from England, took up his winter quarters on the
+banks of the Loire, devastated the country as high as Tourraine,
+shared the women and girls among his crews, and even carried off
+the male children, to be brought up in his own profession. Charles
+the Bald, not having the power to expel him, engaged the
+freebooter, for 500 pounds of silver, to dislodge his countrymen,
+who were harassing the vicinity of Paris. In consequence of this
+subsidy, Wailand, with a fleet of 260 sail, went up the Seine, and
+attacked the Normans in the isle of Oiselle: after a long and
+obstinate resistance, they were obliged to capitulate; and having
+paid 6000 pounds of gold and silver, by way of ransom, had leave to
+join their victors. The riches thus acquired rendered a predatory
+life so popular, that the pirates were continually increasing in
+number, so that under a "sea-king" called Eric, they made a descent
+in the Elbe and the Weser, pillaged Hamburg, penetrated far into
+Germany, and after gaining two battles, retreated with immense
+booty. The pirates, thus reinforced on all sides, long continued to
+devastate Germany, France, and England; some penetrated into
+Andalusia and Hetruria, where they destroyed the flourishing town
+of Luni; whilst others, descending the Dnieper, penetrated even
+into Russia.<br>
+&nbsp;
+<center><img src="./images/020.jpg" alt=
+"A Priest thrown from the Ramparts of an Abbey." height="478"
+width="600"></center>
+&nbsp;
+<h4><i>A Priest thrown from the Ramparts of an Abbey.</i></h4>
+Meanwhile the Danes had been making several attempts to effect a
+<i>lodgment</i> in England; and allured by its fertility, were
+induced to try their fortune in various expeditions, which were
+occasionally completely successful, and at other times most fatally
+disastrous. At length, after a struggle of several years, their
+success was so decided, that king Alfred was obliged for a time to
+abandon his kingdom, as we all know, to their ravages. They
+immediately passed over to Ireland, and divided it into three
+sovereignties; that of Dublin fell to the share of Olauf; that of
+Waterford to Sitrih; and that of Limerick to Yivar. These
+arrangements dispersed the forces of the enemy, and watching his
+opportunity, Alfred issued from his retreat, fell on them like a
+thunderbolt, and made a great carnage of them. This prince, too
+wise to exterminate the pirates after he had conquered them, sent
+them to settle Northumberland, which had been wasted by their
+countrymen, and by this humane policy gained their attachment and
+services. He then retook London, embellished it, equipped fleets,
+restrained the Danes in England, and prevented others from landing.
+In the twelve years of peace which followed his fifty-six battles,
+this great man composed his body of laws; divided England into
+counties, hundreds, and tithings, and founded the University of
+Oxford. But after Alfred's death, fresh swarms of pirates visited
+the shores, among the most formidable of whom were the Danes, who
+spread desolation and misery along the banks of the Thames, the
+Medway, the Severn, the Tamar, and the Avon, for more than a
+century, though repeatedly tempted to desist by weighty bribes,
+raised by an oppressive and humiliating tax called <i>Danegelt</i>,
+from its object; and which, like most others, were continued long
+after it had answered its intent.
+<p>About the end of the 9th century, one of the sons of Rognwald,
+count of the Orcades, named Horolf, or Rollo, having infested the
+coasts of Norway with piratical descents, was at length defeated
+and banished by Harold, king of Denmark. He fled for safety to the
+Scandinavian island of Soderoe, where finding many outlaws and
+discontented fugitives, he addressed their passions, and succeeded
+in placing himself at their head. Instead of measuring his sword
+with his sovereign again, he adopted the wiser policy of imitating
+his countrymen, in making his fortune by plundering the more
+opulent places of southern Europe. The first attempt of this
+powerful gang was upon England, where, finding Alfred too powerful
+to be coped with, he stood over to the mouth of the Seine, and
+availed himself of the state to which France was reduced. Horolf,
+however, did not limit his ambition to the acquisition of booty; he
+wished permanently to enjoy some of the fine countries he was
+ravaging, and after many treaties made and broken, received the
+dutchy of Normandy from the lands of Charles the Simple, as a fief,
+together with Gisla, the daughter of the French monarch, in
+marriage. Thus did a mere pirate found the family which in a few
+years gave sovereigns to England, Naples, and Sicily, and spread
+the fame of their talents and prowess throughout the world.</p>
+<p>Nor was Europe open to the depredations of the northern pirates
+only. Some Asiatic moslems, having seized on Syria, immediately
+invaded Africa, and their subsequent conquests in Spain facilitated
+their irruption into France, where they pillaged the devoted
+country, with but few substantial checks. Masters of all the
+islands in the Mediterranean, their corsairs insulted the coasts of
+Italy, and even threatened the destruction of the Eastern empire.
+While Alexis was occupied in a war with Patzinaces, on the banks of
+the Danube, Zachas, a Saracen pirate, scoured the Archipelago,
+having, with the assistance of an able Smyrniote, constructed a
+flotilla of forty brigantines, and some light fast-rowing boats,
+manned by adventurers like himself. After taking several of the
+surrounding islands, he established himself sovereign of Smyrna,
+that place being about the centre of his newly-acquired dominions.
+Here his fortunes prospered for a time, and Soliman, sultan of
+Nicea, son of the grand Soliman, sought his alliance, and married
+his daughter, about AD. 1093. But in the following year, young
+Soliman being persuaded that his father-in-law had an eye to his
+possessions, with his own hand stabbed Zachas to the heart. The
+success of this freebooter shows that the Eastern emperors could no
+longer protect, or even assist, their islands.</p>
+<p>Maritime pursuits had now revived, the improvement of nautical
+science was progressing rapidly, and the advantages of predatory
+expeditions, especially when assisted and masked by commerce, led
+people of family and acquirements to embrace the profession. The
+foremost of these were the Venetians and Genoese, among whom the
+private adventurers, stimulated by an enterprising spirit, fitted
+out armaments, and volunteered themselves into the service of those
+nations who thought proper to retain them; or they engaged in such
+schemes of plunder as were likely to repay their pains and expense.
+About the same time, the Roxolani or Russians, became known in
+history, making their debut in the character of pirates, ravenous
+for booty, and hungry for the pillage of Constantinople--a longing
+which 900 years have not yet satisfied. Pouring hundreds of boats
+down the Borysthenes, the Russian marauders made four desperate
+attempts to plunder the city of the Caesars, in less than two
+centuries, and appear only to have been repulsed by the dreadful
+effects of the celebrated Greek fire.</p>
+<p>England, in the mean time, had little to do with piracy; nor had
+she any thing worthy the name of a navy; yet Coeur de Lion had
+given maritime laws to Europe; her seamen, in point of skill, were
+esteemed superior to their contemporaries; and King John enacted
+that those foreign ships which refused to lower their flags to that
+of Britain should, if taken, be deemed lawful prizes. Under Henry
+III., though Hugh de Burgh, the governor of Dover Castle, had
+defeated a French fleet by casting lime into the eyes of his
+antagonists, the naval force was impaired to such a degree that the
+Normans and Bretons were too powerful for the Cinque Ports, and
+compelled them to seek relief from the other ports of the kingdom.
+The taste for depredation had become so general and contagious,
+that privateers were now allowed to be fitted out, which equipments
+quickly degenerated to the most cruel of pirates. Nay more: on the
+disputes which took place between Henry and his Barons, in 1244,
+the Cinque Ports, who had shown much indifference to the royal
+requisitions, openly espoused the cause of the revolted nobles;
+and, under the orders of Simon de Montfort, burnt Portsmouth. From
+this, forgetful of their motives for arming, they proceeded to
+commit various acts of piracy, and considering nothing but their
+private interests, extended their violence not only against the
+shipping of all countries unfortunate enough to fall in their way,
+but even to perpetrate the most unwarrantable ravages on the
+property of their own countrymen. Nor was this confined to the
+Cinque Port vessels only; the example and the profits were too
+stimulating to the restless; and one daring association on the
+coast of Lincolnshire seized the Isle of Ely, and made it their
+receptacle for the plunder of all the adjacent countries. One
+William Marshall fortified the little island of Lundy, in the mouth
+of the Severn, and did so much mischief by his piracies, that at
+length it became necessary to fit out a squadron to reduce him,
+which was accordingly done, and he was executed in London; yet the
+example did not deter other persons from similar practices. The
+sovereign, however, did not possess sufficient naval means to
+suppress the enormities of the great predatory squadrons, and their
+ravages continued to disgrace the English name for upwards of
+twenty years, when the valor and conciliation of the gallant Prince
+Edward brought them to that submission which his royal parent had
+failed in procuring.</p>
+<p>Those "harum-scarum" expeditions, the Crusades, were perhaps
+influential in checking piracy, although the rabble that composed
+the majority of them had as little principle as the worst of the
+freebooters. From the time that Peter the Hermit set Europe in a
+blaze, all ranks, and all nations, streamed to the East, so that
+few vessels were otherwise employed than in conveying the motly
+groups who sought the shores of Palestine; some from religious
+zeal; some from frantic fanaticism; some from desire of
+distinction; some for the numberless privileges which the crusaders
+acquired; and the rest and greater portion, for the spoil and
+plunder of which they had a prospect. The armaments, fitted in no
+fewer than nine successive efforts, were mostly equipped with such
+haste and ignorance, and with so little choice, that ruinous
+delays, shipwrecks, and final discomfiture, were naturally to be
+expected. Still, the effect of such incredible numbers of people
+betaking themselves to foreign countries, advanced civilization,
+although vast means of forwarding its cause were buried in the
+East; and those who assert that no benefit actually resulted,
+cannot deny that at least some evils were thereby removed.
+Montesquieu says, that Europe then required a general shock, to
+teach her, but the sight of contrasts, the theorems of public
+economy most conducive to happiness. And it is evident, that
+notwithstanding these follies wasted the population of Europe,
+squandered its treasures, and infected us with new vices and
+diseases, still the crusades diminished the bondage of the feudal
+system, by augmenting the power of the King, and the strength of
+the Commons; while they also occasioned a very increased activity
+in commerce: thus taming the ferocity of men's spirits, increasing
+agriculture in value from the safety it enjoyed, and establishing a
+base for permanent prosperity.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/026.jpg" alt="Page 26 Illustration"
+height="300" width="101"></center>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="ADVENTURES_AND_EXPLOITS_OF_CAPTAIN_AVERY"></a>
+<h2>ADVENTURES AND EXPLOITS OF CAPTAIN AVERY</h2>
+<i>Containing an Account of his capturing one of the great Mogul's
+ship's laden with treasure: and an interesting history of a Colony
+of Pirates on the Island of Madagascar.</i>
+<p>During his own time the adventures of Captain Avery were the
+subject of general conversation in Europe. It was reported that he
+had married the Great Mogul's daughter, who was taken in an Indian
+ship that fell into his hands, and that he was about to be the
+founder of a new monarchy--that he gave commissions in his own name
+to the captains of his ships, and the commanders of his forces, and
+was acknowledged by them as their prince. In consequence of these
+reports, it was at one time resolved to fit out a strong squadron
+to go and take him and his men; and at another time it was proposed
+to invite him home with all his riches, by the offer of his
+Majesty's pardon. These reports, however, were soon discovered to
+be groundless, and he was actually starving without a shilling,
+while he was represented as in the possession of millions. Not to
+exhaust the patience, or lessen the curiosity of the reader, the
+facts in Avery's life shall be briefly related.</p>
+<p>He was a native of Devonshire (Eng.), and at an early period
+sent to sea; advanced to the station of a mate in a merchantman, he
+performed several voyages. It happened previous to the peace of
+Ryswick, when there existed an alliance between Spain, England,
+Holland, and other powers, against France, that the French in
+Martinique carried on a smuggling trade with the Spaniards on the
+continent of Peru. To prevent their intrusion into the Spanish
+dominions, a few vessels were commanded to cruise upon that coast,
+but the French ships were too strong for them; the Spaniards,
+therefore, came to the resolution of hiring foreigners to act
+against them. Accordingly, certain merchants of Bristol fitted out
+two ships of thirty guns, well manned, and provided with every
+necessary munition, and commanded them to sail for Corunna to
+receive their orders.</p>
+<p>Captain Gibson commanded one of these ships, and Avery appears
+to have been his mate, in the year 1715. He was a fellow of more
+cunning than courage, and insinuating himself into the confidence
+of some of the boldest men in the ship, he represented the immense
+riches which were to be acquired upon the Spanish coast, and
+proposed to run off with the ship. The proposal was scarcely made
+when it was agreed upon, and put in execution at ten o'clock the
+following evening. Captain Gibson was one of those who mightily
+love their bottle, and spent much of his time on shore; but he
+remained on board that night, which did not, however, frustrate
+their design, because he had taken his usual dose, and so went to
+bed. The men who were not in the confederacy went also to bed,
+leaving none upon deck but the conspirators. At the time agreed
+upon, the long boat of the other ship came, and Avery hailing her
+in the usual manner, he was answered by the men in her, "Is your
+drunken boatswain on board?" which was the watchword agreed between
+them. Avery replying in the affirmative, the boat came alongside
+with sixteen stout fellows, who joined in the adventure. They next
+secured the hatches, then softly weighed anchor, and immediately
+put to sea without bustle or noise. There were several vessels in
+the bay, besides a Dutchman of forty guns, the captain of which was
+offered a considerable reward to go in pursuit of Avery, but he
+declined. When the captain awoke, he rang his bell, and Avery and
+another conspirator going into the cabin, found him yet half
+asleep. He inquired, saying, "What is the matter with the ship?
+does she drive? what weather is it?" supposing that it had been a
+storm, and that the ship was driven from her anchors. "No, no,"
+answered Avery, "we're at sea, with a fair wind and a good
+weather." "At sea!" said the captain: "how can that be?" "Come,"
+answered Avery, "don't be in a fright, but put on your clothes, and
+I'll let you into a secret. You must know that I am captain of this
+ship now, and this is my cabin, therefore you must walk out; I am
+bound to Madagascar, with a design of making my own fortune, and
+that of all the brave fellows joined with me."</p>
+<p>The captain, having a little recovered his senses, began to
+understand his meaning. However, his fright was as great as before,
+which Avery perceiving, desired him to fear nothing; "for," said
+he, "if you have a mind to make one of us, we will receive you; and
+if you turn sober, and attend to business, perhaps in time I may
+make you one of my lieutenants; if not, here's a boat, and you
+shall be set on shore." Gibson accepted of the last proposal; and
+the whole crew being called up to know who was willing to go on
+shore with the captain, there were only about five or six who chose
+to accompany him.</p>
+<p>Avery proceeded on his voyage to Madagascar, and it does not
+appear that he captured any vessels upon his way. When arrived at
+the northeast part of that island, he found two sloops at anchor,
+which, upon seeing him, slipped their cables and ran themselves
+ashore, while the men all landed and concealed themselves in the
+woods. These were two sloops which the men had run off with from
+the East Indies, and seeing Avery's ship, supposed that he had been
+sent out after them. Suspecting who they were, he sent some of his
+men on shore to inform them that they were friends, and to propose
+a union for their common safety. The sloops' men being well armed,
+had posted themselves in a wood, and placed sentinels to observe
+whether the ship's men were landing to pursue them. The sentinels
+only observing two or three men coming towards them unarmed, did
+not oppose them. Upon being informed that they were friends, the
+sentinels conveyed them to the main body, where they delivered
+their message. They were at first afraid that it was a stratagem to
+entrap them, but when the messengers assured them that their
+captain had also run away with his ship, and that a few of their
+men along with him would meet them unarmed, to consult matters for
+their common advantage, confidence was established, and they were
+mutually well pleased, as it added to their strength.</p>
+<p>Having consulted what was most proper to be attempted they
+endeavored to get off the sloops, and hastened to prepare all
+things, in order to sail for the Arabian coast. Near the river
+Indus, the man at the mast-head espied a sail, upon which they gave
+chase; as they came nearer to her, they discovered that she was a
+tall vessel, and might turn out to be an East Indiaman. She,
+however, proved a better prize; for when they fired at her she
+hoisted Mogul colors, and seemed to stand upon her defence. Avery
+only cannonaded at a distance, when some of his men began to
+suspect that he was not the hero they had supposed. The sloops,
+however attacked, the one on the bow, and another upon the quarter
+of the ship, and so boarded her. She then struck her colors. She
+was one of the Great Mogul's own ships, and there were in her
+several of the greatest persons in his court, among whom, it was
+said, was one of his daughters going upon a pilgrimage to Mecca;
+and they were carrying with them rich offerings to present at the
+shrine of Mahomet. It is a well known fact, that the people of the
+east travel with great magnificence, so that these had along with
+them all their slaves and attendants, with a large quantity of
+vessels of gold and silver, and immense sums of money to defray
+their expenses by land; the spoil therefore which they received
+from that ship was almost incalculable.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/031.jpg" alt=
+"Captain Avery engaging the Great Mogul's Ship" height="580" width=
+"600"></center>
+&nbsp;
+<h4><i>Captain Avery engaging the Great Mogul's Ship.</i></h4>
+Taking the treasure on board their own ships, and plundering their
+prize of every thing valuable, they then allowed her to depart. As
+soon as the Mogul received this intelligence, he threatened to send
+a mighty army to extirpate the English from all their settlements
+upon the Indian coast. The East India Company were greatly alarmed,
+but found means to calm his resentment, by promising to search for
+the robbers, and deliver them into his hands. The noise which this
+made over all Europe, gave birth to the rumors that were circulated
+concerning Avery's greatness.
+<p>In the mean time, our adventurers made the best of their way
+back to Madagascar, intending to make that place the deposit of all
+their treasure, to build a small fort, and to keep always a few men
+there for its protection. Avery, however, disconcerted this plan,
+and rendered it altogether unnecessary.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/032.jpg" alt=
+"Captain Avery receiving the three chests of Treasure on board of his Ship."
+     height="530" width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>Captain Avery receiving the three chests of Treasure on
+board of his Ship.</i></h4>
+While steering their course, Avery sent a boat to each of the
+sloops, requesting that the chiefs would come on board his ship to
+hold a conference. They obeyed, and being assembled, he suggested
+to them the necessity of securing the property which they had
+acquired in some safe place on shore, and observed, that the chief
+difficulty was to get it safe on shore; adding that, if either of
+the sloops should be attacked alone, they would not be able to make
+any great resistance, and thus she must either be sunk or taken
+with all the property on board. That, for his part, his ship was so
+strong, so well manned, and such a swift-sailing vessel, that he
+did not think it was possible for any other ship to take or
+overcome her. Accordingly, he proposed that all their treasure
+should be sealed up in three chests;--that each of the captains
+should have keys, and that they should not be opened until all were
+present;--that the chests should be then put on board his ship, and
+afterwards lodged in some safe place upon land.
+<p>This proposal seemed so reasonable, and so much for the common
+good, that it was without hesitation agreed to, and all the
+treasure deposited in three chests, and carried to Avery's ship.
+The weather being favorable, they remained all three in company
+during that and the next day; meanwhile Avery, tampering with his
+men, suggested, that they had now on board what was sufficient to
+make them all happy; "and what," continued he, "should hinder us
+from going to some country where we are not known, and living on
+shore all the rest of our days in plenty?" They soon understood his
+hint, and all readily consented to deceive the men of the sloops,
+and fly with all the booty; this they effected during the darkness
+of the following night. The reader may easily conjecture what were
+the feelings and indignation of the other two crews in the morning,
+when they discovered that Avery had made off with all their
+property.</p>
+<p>Avery and his men hastened towards America, and being strangers
+in that country, agreed to divide the booty, to change their names,
+and each separately to take up his residence, and live in affluence
+and honor. The first land they approached was the Island of
+Providence, then newly settled. It however occurred to them, that
+the largeness of their vessel, and the report that one had been run
+off with from the Groine, might create suspicion; they resolved
+therefore to dispose of their vessel at Providence. Upon this
+resolution, Avery, pretending that his vessel had been equipped for
+privateering, and having been unsuccessful, he had orders from the
+owners to dispose of her to the best advantage, soon found a
+merchant. Having thus sold his own ship, he immediately purchased a
+small sloop.</p>
+<p>In this he and his companions embarked, and landed at several
+places in America, where, none suspecting them, they dispersed and
+settled in the country. Avery, however, had been careful to conceal
+the greater part of the jewels and other valuable articles, so that
+his riches were immense. Arriving at Boston, he was almost resolved
+to settle there, but, as the greater part of his wealth consisted
+of diamonds, he was apprehensive that he could not dispose of them
+at that place, without being taken up as a pirate. Upon reflection,
+therefore, he resolved to sail for Ireland, and in a short time
+arrived in the northern part of that kingdom, and his men dispersed
+into several places. Some of them obtained the pardon of King
+William, and settled in that country.</p>
+<p>The wealth of Avery, however, now proved of small service, and
+occasioned him great uneasiness. He could not offer his diamonds
+for sale in that country without being suspected. Considering,
+therefore, what was best to be done, he thought there might be some
+person at Bristol he could venture to trust. Upon this he resolved,
+and going into Devonshire, sent to one of his friends to meet him
+at a town called Bideford. When he had unbosomed himself to him and
+other pretended friends, they agreed that the safest plan would be
+to put his effects into the hands of some wealthy merchants, and no
+inquiry would be made how they came by them. One of these friends
+told him, he was acquainted with some who were very fit for the
+purpose, and if he would allow them a handsome commission, they
+would do the business faithfully. Avery liked the proposal,
+particularly as he could think of no other way of managing this
+matter, since he could not appear to act for himself. Accordingly,
+the merchants paid Avery a visit at Bideford, where, after strong
+protestations of honor and integrity, he delivered them his
+effects, consisting of diamonds and some vessels of gold. After
+giving him a little money for his present subsistence, they
+departed.</p>
+<p>He changed his name, and lived quietly at Bideford, so that no
+notice was taken of him. In a short time his money was all spent,
+and he heard nothing from his merchants though he wrote to them
+repeatedly; at last they sent him a small supply, but it was not
+sufficient to pay his debts. In short, the remittances they sent
+him were so trifling, that he could with difficulty exist. He
+therefore determined to go privately to Bristol, and have an
+interview with the merchants himself,--where, instead of money, he
+met with a mortifying repulse; for, when he desired them to come to
+an account with him, they silenced him by threatening to disclose
+his character; the merchants thus proving themselves as good
+pirates on land as he was at sea.</p>
+<p>Whether he was frightened by these menaces, or had seen some
+other person who recognised him, is not known; however, he went
+immediately to Ireland, and from thence solicited his merchants
+very strongly for a supply, but to no purpose; so that he was
+reduced to beggary. In this extremity he was determined to return,
+and cast himself upon the mercy of these honest Bristol merchants,
+let the consequence be what it would. He went on board a
+trading-vessel, and worked his passage over to Plymouth, from
+whence he travelled on foot to Bideford. He had been there but a
+few days, when he fell sick and died; not being worth so much as
+would buy him a coffin!</p>
+<p>We shall now turn back and give our readers some account of the
+other two sloops. Deceiving themselves in the supposition that
+Avery had outsailed them during the night, they held on their
+course to the place of rendezvouse; but, arriving there, to their
+sad disappointment no ship appeared. It was now necessary for them
+to consult what was most proper to do in their desperate
+circumstances. Their provisions were nearly exhausted, and both
+fish and fowl were to be found on shore, yet they were destitute of
+salt to cure them. As they could not subsist at sea without salt
+provisions, they resolved to form an establishment upon land.
+Accordingly making tents of the sails, and using the other
+materials of the sloops for what purposes they could serve, they
+encamped upon the shore. It was also a fortunate circumstance, that
+they had plenty of ammunition and small arms. Here they met with
+some of their countrymen; and as the digression is short, we will
+inform our readers how they came to inhabit this place.</p>
+<p>Captain George Dew, and Thomas Tew, had received a commission
+from the Governor of Bermuda to sail for the river Gambia, in
+Africa, that, with the assistance of the Royal African Company,
+they might seize the French Factory situated upon that coast. Dew,
+in a violent storm, not only sprang a mast, but lost sight of his
+companion. Upon this returned to refit. Instead of proceeding in
+his voyage, Tew made towards the Cape of Good Hope, doubled that
+cape, and sailed for the straits of Babel-Mandeb. There he met with
+a large ship richly laden coming from the Indies, and bound for
+Arabia. Though she had on board three hundred soldiers, besides
+seamen, yet Tew had the courage to attack her, and soon made her
+his prize. It is reported, that by this one prize every man shared
+near three thousand pounds. Informed by the prisoners that five
+other ships were to pass that way, Tew would have attacked them,
+but was prevented by the remonstrances of his quarter-master and
+others. This difference of opinion terminated in a resolution to
+abandon the sea, and to settle on some convenient spot on shore;
+and the island of Madagascar was chosen. Tew, however, and a few
+others, in a short time went for Rhode Island, and obtained a
+pardon.</p>
+<p>The natives of Madagascar are negroes, but differ from those of
+Guinea in the length of their hair and in the blackness of their
+complexion. They are divided into small nations, each governed by
+its own prince, who carry on a continual war upon each other. The
+prisoners taken in war are either rendered slaves to the
+conquerors, sold, or slain, according to pleasure. When the pirates
+first settled among them, their alliance was much courted by these
+princes, and those whom they joined were always successful in their
+wars, the natives being ignorant of the use of fire-arms. Such
+terror did they carry along with them, that the very appearance of
+a few pirates in an army would have put the opposing force to
+flight.</p>
+<p>By these means they in a little time became very formidable, and
+the prisoners whom they took in war they employed in cultivating
+the ground, and the most beautiful of the women they married; nor
+were they contented with one, but married as many as they could
+conveniently maintain. The natural result was, that they separated,
+each choosing a convenient place for himself, where he lived in a
+princely style, surrounded by his wives, slaves and dependants. Nor
+was it long before jarring interests excited them also to draw the
+sword against each other, and they appeared at the head of their
+respective forces in the field of battle. In these civil wars their
+numbers and strength were greatly lessened.</p>
+<p>The servant, exalted to the condition of a master, generally
+becomes a tyrant. These pirates, unexpectedly elevated to the
+dignity of petty princes, used their power with the most wanton
+barbarity. The punishment of the very least offence was to be tied
+to a tree, and instantly shot through the head. The negroes, at
+length, exasperated by continued oppression, formed the
+determination of extirpating them in one night; nor was it a
+difficult matter to accomplish this, since they were now so much
+divided both in affection and residence. Fortunately, however, for
+them, a negro woman, who was partial to them, ran twenty miles in
+three hours, and warning them of their danger, they were united and
+in arms to oppose the negroes before the latter had assembled. This
+narrow escape made them more cautious, and induced them to adopt
+the following system of policy:--</p>
+<p>Convinced that fear was not a sufficient protection, and that
+the bravest man might be murdered by a coward in his bed, they
+labored to foment wars among the negro princes, while they
+themselves declined to aid either party. It naturally followed,
+that those who were vanquished fled to them for protection, and
+increased their strength. When there was no war, they fomented
+private discords, and encouraged them to wreak their vengeance
+against each other; nay, even taught them how to surprise their
+opponents, and furnished them with fire-arms, with which to
+dispatch them more effectually and expeditiously. The consequences
+were, that the murderer was constrained to fly to them for
+protection, with his wives, children, and kindred. These, from
+interest, became true friends, as their own safety depended upon
+the lives of their protectors. By this time the pirates were so
+formidable, that none of the negro princes durst attack them in
+open war.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/038.jpg" alt=
+"Captain Tew attacks the ship from India." height="467" width=
+"600"></center>
+<h4><i>Captain Tew attacks the ship from India.</i></h4>
+Pursuing this system of policy, in a short time each chief had his
+party greatly increased, and they divided like so many tribes, in
+order to find ground to cultivate, and to choose proper places to
+build places of residence and erect garrisons of defence. The fears
+that agitated them were always obvious in their general policy, for
+they vied with each other in constructing places of safety, and
+using every precaution to prevent the possibility of sudden danger,
+either from the negroes or from one another.
+<p>A description of one of these dwellings will both show the fears
+that agitated these tyrants, and prove entertaining to the reader.
+They selected a spot overgrown with wood, near a river, and raised
+a rampart or ditch round it, so straight and steep that it was
+impossible to climb it, more particularly by those who had no
+scaling ladders. Over that ditch there was one passage into the
+wood; the dwelling, which was a hut, was built in that part of the
+wood which the prince thought most secure, but so covered that it
+could not be discovered until you came near it. But the greatest
+ingenuity was displayed in the construction of the passage that led
+to the hut, which was so narrow, that no more than one person could
+go abreast, and it was contrived in so intricate a manner, that it
+was a perfect labyrinth; the way going round and round with several
+small crossways, so that a person unacquainted with it, might walk
+several hours without finding the hut. Along the sides of these
+paths, certain large thorns, which grew on a tree in that country,
+were stuck into the ground with their points outwards; and the path
+itself being serpentine, as before mentioned, if a man should
+attempt to approach the hut at night, he would certainly have
+struck upon these thorns.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/040.jpg" alt=
+"A Pirate and his Madagascar wife" height="600" width=
+"462"></center>
+<h4>&nbsp;<i>A Pirate and his Madagascar wife.</i></h4>
+Thus like tyrants they lived, dreading, and dreaded by all, and in
+this state they were found by Captain Woods Rogers, when he went to
+Madagascar in the Delicia, a ship of forty guns, with the design of
+purchasing slaves. He touched upon a part of the island at which no
+ship had been seen for seven or eight years before, where he met
+with some pirates who had been upon the island above twenty-five
+years. There were only eleven of the original stock then alive,
+surrounded with a numerous offspring of children and grandchildren.
+<p>They were struck with terror upon the sight of the vessel,
+supposing that it was a man-of-war sent out to apprehend them;
+they, therefore, retired to their secret habitations. But when they
+found some of the ship's crew on shore, without any signs of
+hostility, and proposing to treat with them for slaves, they
+ventured to come out of their dwellings attended like princes.
+Having been so long upon the island, their cloaks were so much
+worn, that their majesties were extremely out at elbows. It cannot
+be said that they were ragged, but they had nothing to cover them
+but the skins of beasts in their natural state, not even a shoe or
+stocking; so that they resembled the pictures of Hercules in the
+lion's skin; and being overgrown with beard, and hair upon their
+bodies, they appeared the most savage figures that the human
+imagination could well conceive.</p>
+<p>The sale of the slaves in their possession soon provided them
+with more suitable clothes, and all other necessaries, which they
+received in exchange. Meanwhile, they became very familiar, went
+frequently on board, and were very eager in examining the inside of
+the ship, talking very familiarly with the men, and inviting them
+on shore. Their design was to surprise the ship during the night.
+They had a sufficient number of men and boats to effect their
+purpose, but the captain suspecting them, kept so strong a watch
+upon deck, that they found it in vain to hazard an attempt. When
+some of the men went on shore, they entered into a plan to seize
+the ship, but the captain observing their familiarity, prevented
+any one of his men from speaking to the pirates, and only permitted
+a confidential person to purchase their slaves. Thus he departed
+from the island, leaving these pirates to enjoy their savage
+royalty. One of them had been a waterman upon the Thames, and
+having committed a murder, fled to the West Indies. The rest had
+all been foremastmen, nor was there one among them who could either
+read or write.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/042.jpg" alt="Captain Avery's Treasure"
+height="103" width="300"></center>
+<h4>&nbsp;<i>Captain Avery's Treasure.</i></h4>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="THE_REMARKABLE_HISTORY_OF_THE_JOASSAMEE_PIRATES_OF"></a>
+<h2>THE REMARKABLE HISTORY OF THE JOASSAMEE PIRATES OF THE PERSIAN
+GULF.</h2>
+<i>Containing a description of their chief town, Ras El Khyma, and
+an account of the capture of several European vessels, and the
+barbarous treatment of their crews.--With interesting details of
+the several expeditions sent against them, and their final
+submission to the troops of the English East India Company</i>.
+<p>The line of coast from Cape Mussenndom to Bahrain, on the
+Arabian side of the Persian Gulf, had been from time immemorial
+occupied by a tribe of Arabs called Joassamees. These, from local
+position, were all engaged in maritime pursuits. Some traded in
+their own small vessels to Bussorah, Bushire, Muscat, and even
+India; others annually fished in their own boats on the pearl banks
+of Bahrain; and a still greater number hired themselves out as
+sailors to navigate the coasting small craft of the Persian
+Gulf.</p>
+<p>The Joassamees at length perceiving that their local position
+enabled them to reap a rich harvest by plundering vessels in
+passing this great highway of nations, commenced their piratical
+career. The small coasting vessels of the gulf, from their
+defenceless state, were the first object of their pursuit, and
+these soon fell an easy prey; until, emboldened by success, they
+directed their views to more arduous enterprises, and having tasted
+the sweets of plunder in the increase of their wealth, had
+determined to attempt more promising victories.</p>
+<p>About the year 1797, one of the East India Company's vessels of
+war, the Viper, of ten guns, was lying at anchor in the inner roads
+of Bushire. Some dows of the Joassamees were at the same moment
+anchored in the harbor; but as their warfare had hitherto been
+waged only against what are called native vessels, and they had
+either feared or respected the British flag, no hostile measures
+were ever pursued against them by the British ships. The commanders
+of these dows had applied to the Persian agent of the East India
+Company there, for a supply of gunpowder and cannon shot for their
+cruise: and as this man had no suspicions of their intentions, he
+furnished them with an order to the commanding officer on board for
+the quantity required. The captain of the Viper was on shore at the
+time, in the agent's house, but the order being produced to the
+officer on board, the powder and shot were delivered, and the dows
+weighed and made sail. The crew of the Viper were at this moment
+taking their breakfast on deck, and the officers below; when on a
+sudden, a cannonading was opened on them by two of the dows, who
+attempted also to board.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/044.jpg" alt=
+"A Joassamee Dow in full chase" height="587" width="600"></center>
+<h4>&nbsp;<i>A Joassamee Dow in full chase.</i></h4>
+The officers, leaping on deck, called the crew to quarters, and
+cutting their cable, got sail upon the ship, so as to have the
+advantage of manoeuvring. A regular engagement now took place
+between this small cruiser and four dows, all armed with great
+guns, and full of men. In the contest Lieut. Carruthers, the
+commanding officer, was once wounded by a ball in the loins; but
+after girding a handkerchief round his waist, he still kept the
+deck, till a ball entering his forehead, he fell. Mr. Salter, the
+midshipman on whom the command devolved, continued the fight with
+determined bravery, and after a stout resistance, beat them off,
+chased them some distance out to sea, and subsequently regained the
+anchorage in safety.
+<p>Several years elapsed before the wounds of the first defeat were
+sufficiently healed to induce a second attempt on vessels under the
+British flag, though a constant state of warfare was still kept up
+against the small craft of the gulf. In 1804, the East India
+Company's cruiser, Fly, was taken by a French privateer, off the
+Island of Kenn, in the Persian Gulf; but before the enemy boarded
+her, she ran into shoal water, near that island, and sunk the
+government dispatches, and some treasure with which they were
+charged, in about two and a half fathoms of water, taking marks for
+the recovery of them, if possible, at some future period. The
+passengers and crew were taken to Bushire where they were set at
+liberty, and having purchased a country dow by subscription, they
+fitted her out and commenced their voyage down the gulf, bound for
+Bombay. On their passage down, as they thought it would be
+practicable to recover the government packet and treasure sunk off
+Kenn, they repaired to that island, and were successful, after much
+exertion, in recovering the former, which being in their estimation
+of the first importance, as the dispatches were from England to
+Bombay, they sailed with them on their way thither, without loss of
+time.</p>
+<p>Near the mouth of the gulf, they were captured by a fleet of
+Joassamee boats, after some resistance, in which several were
+wounded and taken into their chief port at Ras-el-Khyma. Here they
+were detained in hope of ransome, and during their stay were shown
+to the people of the town as curiosities, no similar beings having
+been before seen there within the memory of man. The Joassamee
+ladies were so minute in their enquiries, indeed, that they were
+not satisfied without determining in what respect an uncircumcised
+infidel differed from a true believer.</p>
+<p>When these unfortunate Englishmen had remained for several
+months in the possession of the Arabs, and no hope of their ransom
+appeared, it was determined to put them to death, and thus rid
+themselves of unprofitable enemies. An anxiety to preserve life,
+however, induced the suggestion, on their parts, of a plan for the
+temporary prolongation of it, at least. With this view they
+communicated to the chief of the pirates the fact of their having
+sunk a quantity of treasure near the island of Kenn, and of their
+knowing the marks of the spot, by the bearings of objects on shore,
+with sufficient accuracy to recover it, if furnished with good
+divers. They offered, therefore, to purchase their own liberty, by
+a recovery of this money for their captors; and on the fulfillment
+of their engagement it was solemnly promised to be granted to
+them.</p>
+<p>They soon sailed for the spot, accompanied by divers accustomed
+to that occupation on the pearl banks of Bahrain; and, on their
+anchoring at the precise points of bearing taken, they commenced
+their labors. The first divers who went down were so successful,
+that all the crew followed in their turns, so that the vessel was
+at one time almost entirely abandoned at anchor. As the men, too,
+were all so busily occupied in their golden harvest, the moment
+appeared favorable for escape; and the still captive Englishmen
+were already at their stations to overpower the few on board, cut
+the cable, and make sail. Their motions were either seen or
+suspected, as the divers repaired on board in haste, and the scheme
+was thus frustrated. They were now given their liberty as promised,
+by being landed on the island of Kenn, where, however, no means
+offered for their immediate escape. The pirates, having at the same
+time landed themselves on the island, commenced a general massacre
+of the inhabitants, in which their released prisoners, fearing they
+might be included, fled for shelter to clefts and hiding places in
+the rocks. During their refuge here, they lived on such food as
+chance threw in their way; going out under cover of the night to
+steal a goat and drag it to their haunts. When the pirates had at
+length completed their work of blood, and either murdered or driven
+off every former inhabitant of the island, they quitted it
+themselves, with the treasure which they had thus collected from
+the sea and shore. The Englishmen now ventured to come out from
+their hiding places, and to think of devising some means of escape.
+Their good fortune in a moment of despair, threw them on the wreck
+of a boat, near the beach, which was still capable of repair. In
+searching about the now deserted town, other materials were found,
+which were of use to them, and sufficient plank and logs of wood
+for the construction of a raft. These were both completed in a few
+days, and the party embarked on them in two divisions, to effect a
+passage to the Persian shore. One of these rafts was lost in the
+attempt, and all on board her perished; while the raft, with the
+remainder of the party reached land.</p>
+<p>Having gained the main land they now set out on foot towards
+Bushire, following the line of the coast for the sake of the
+villages and water. In this they are said to have suffered
+incredible hardships and privations of every kind. No one knew the
+language of the country perfectly, and the roads and places of
+refreshment still less; they were in general destitute of clothes
+and money, and constantly subject to plunder and imposition, poor
+as they were. Their food was therefore often scanty, and always of
+the worst kind; and they had neither shelter from the burning sun
+of the day, nor from the chilling dews of night.</p>
+<p>The Indian sailors, sipakees, and servants, of whom a few were
+still remaining when they set out, had all dropped off by turns;
+and even Europeans had been abandoned on the road, in the most
+affecting way, taking a last adieu of their comrades, who had
+little else to expect but soon to follow their fate. One instance
+is mentioned of their having left one who could march no further,
+at the distance of only a mile from a village; and on returning to
+the spot on the morrow, to bring him in, nothing was found but his
+mangled bones, as he had been devoured in the night by jackals. The
+packet being light was still, however, carried by turns, and
+preserved through all obstacles and difficulties; and with it they
+reached at length the island of Busheap, to which they crossed over
+in a boat from the main. Here they were detained by the Sheikh, but
+at length he provided them with a boat for the conveyance of
+themselves and dispatches to Bushire. From this place they
+proceeded to Bombay, but of all the company only two survived. A
+Mr. Jowl, an officer of a merchant ship, and an English sailor
+named Penmel together with the bag of letters and dispatches.</p>
+<p>In the following year, two English brigs, the Shannon, Capt.
+Babcock, and the Trimmer, Capt. Cummings, were on their voyage from
+Bombay to Bussorah. These were both attacked, near the Islands of
+Polior and Kenn, by several boats, and after a slight resistance on
+the part of the Shannon only, were taken possession of, and a part
+of the crew of each, cruelly put to the sword. Capt. Babcock,
+having been seen by one of the Arabs to discharge a musket during
+the contest, was taken by them on shore; and after a consultation
+on his fate, it was determined that he should forfeit the arm by
+which this act of resistance was committed. It was accordingly
+severed from his body by one stroke of a sabre, and no steps were
+taken either to bind up the wound, or to prevent his bleeding to
+death. The captain, himself, had yet sufficient presence of mind
+left, however, to think of his own safety, and there being near him
+some clarified butter, he procured this to be heated, and while yet
+warm, thrust the bleeding stump of his arm into it. It had the
+effect of lessening the effusion of blood, and ultimately of saving
+a life that would otherwise most probably have been lost. The crew
+were then all made prisoners, and taken to a port of Arabia, from
+whence they gradually dispersed and escaped. The vessels themselves
+were additionally armed, one of them mounting twenty guns, manned
+with Arab crews, and sent from Ras-el-Khyma to cruise in the gulf,
+where they committed many piracies.</p>
+<p>In the year 1808, the force of the Joassamees having gradually
+increased, and becoming flushed with the pride of victory, their
+insulting attacks on the British flag were more numerous and more
+desperate than ever. The first of these was on the ship Minerva, of
+Bombay, on her voyage to Bussorah. The attack was commenced by
+several boats, (for they never cruize singly,) and a spirited
+resistance in a running fight was kept up at intervals for several
+days in succession. A favorable moment offered, however, for
+boarding; the ship was overpowered by numbers, and carried amidst a
+general massacre. The captain was said to have been cut up into
+separate pieces, and thrown overboard by fragments; the second mate
+and carpenter alone were spared, probably to make use of their
+services; and an Armenian lady, the wife of Lieut. Taylor, then at
+Bushire, was reserved perhaps for still greater sufferings. But was
+subsequently ransomed for a large sum.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/050.jpg" alt=
+"The Pirates striking off the arm of Capt. Babcock" height="340"
+width="600"></center>
+<h4>&nbsp;<i>The Pirates striking off the arm of Capt.
+Babcock.</i></h4>
+A few weeks after this, the Sylph, one of the East India Company's
+cruisers, of sixty tons and mounting eight guns, was accompanying
+the mission under Sir Hartford Jones, from Bombay, to Persia; when
+being separated from the rest of the squadron, she was attacked in
+the gulf by a fleet of dows. These bore down with all the menacing
+attitude of hostility; but as the commander, Lieut. Graham had
+received orders from the Bombay government, not to open his fire on
+any of these vessels until he had been first fired on himself, the
+ship was hardly prepared for battle, and the colors were not even
+hoisted to apprise them to what nation she belonged. The dows
+approached, threw their long overhanging prows across the Sylph's
+beam, and pouring in a shower of stones on her deck, beat down and
+wounded almost every one who stood on it. They then boarded, and
+made the ship an easy prize, before more than a single shot had
+been fired, and in their usual way, put every one whom they found
+alive to the sword. Lieut. Graham fell, covered with wounds, down
+the fore hatchway of his own vessel, where he was dragged by some
+of the crew into a store room, in which they had secreted
+themselves, and barricaded the door with a crow-bar from within.
+The cruiser was thus completely in the possession of the enemy, who
+made sail on her, and were bearing her off in triumph to their own
+port, in company with their boats. Soon after, however, the
+commodore of the squadron in the Neried frigate hove in sight, and
+perceiving this vessel in company with the dows, judged her to be a
+prize to the pirates. She accordingly gave them all chase, and
+coming up with the brig, the Arabs took to their boats and
+abandoned her. The chase was continued after the dows, but without
+success.<br>
+&nbsp;
+<center><img src="./images/052.jpg" alt=
+"The Neried Frigate chasing a Fleet of Joassamee Dows" height="536"
+width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>The Neried Frigate chasing a Fleet of Joassamee
+Dows.</i></h4>
+These repeated aggressions at length opened the eyes of the East
+India Government, and an expedition was accordingly assembled at
+Bombay. The naval force consisted of La Chiffone, frigate, Capt.
+Wainwright, as commodore. The Caroline of thirty-eight guns; and
+eight of the East India Company's cruisers, namely, the Mornington,
+Ternate, Aurora, Prince of Wales, Ariel, Nautilus, Vestal and Fury,
+with four large transports, and the Stromboli bomb-ketch. The fleet
+sailed from Bombay in September, and after a long passage they
+reached Muscat, where it remained for many days to refresh and
+arrange their future plans; they sailed and soon reached
+Ras-el-Khyma, the chief port of the pirates within the gulf. Here
+the squadron anchored abreast of the town, and the troops were
+landed under cover of the ships and boats. The inhabitants of the
+town assembled in crowds to repel the invaders; but the firm line,
+the regular volleys, and the steady charge of the troops at the
+point of the bayonet, overcame every obstacle, and multiplied the
+heaps of the slain. A general conflagration was then ordered, and a
+general plunder to the troops was permitted. The town was set on
+fire in all parts, and about sixty sail of boats and dows, with the
+Minerva, a ship which they had taken, then lying in the roads were
+all burnt and destroyed.
+<p>The complete conquest of the place was thus effected with very
+trifling loss on the part of the besiegers, and some plunder
+collected; though it was thought that most of the treasure and
+valuables had been removed into the interior. This career of
+victory was suddenly damped by the report of the approach of a
+large body of troops from the interior, and although none of these
+were seen, this ideal reinforcement induced the besiegers to
+withdraw. The embarkation took place at daylight in the morning;
+and while the fleet remained at anchor during the whole of the day,
+parties were still seen assembling on the shore, displaying their
+colors, brandishing their spears, and firing muskets from all
+points; so that the conquest was scarcely as complete as could be
+wished, since no formal act of submission had yet been shown. The
+expedition now sailed to Linga, a small port of the Joassamees, and
+burnt it to the ground. The force had now become separated, the
+greater portion of the troops being sent to Muscat for supplies, or
+being deemed unnecessary, and some of the vessels sent on separate
+services of blockading passages, &amp;c. The remaining portion of
+the blockading squadron consisting of La Chiffone, frigate, and
+four of the cruisers, the Mornington, Ternate, Nautilus, and Fury,
+and two transports, with five hundred troops from Linga, then
+proceeded to Luft, another port of the Joassamees. As the channel
+here was narrow and difficult of approach, the ships were warped
+into their stations of anchorage, and a summons sent on shore, as
+the people had not here abandoned their town, but were found at
+their posts of defence, in a large and strong castle with many
+batteries, redoubts, &amp;c. The summons being treated with
+disdain, the troops were landed with Col. Smith at their head; and
+while forming on the beach a slight skirmish took place with such
+of the inhabitants of the town, as fled for shelter to the castle.
+The troops then advanced towards the fortress, which is described
+to have had walls fourteen feet thick, pierced with loop holes, and
+only one entrance through a small gate, well cased with iron bars
+and bolts, in the strongest manner. With a howitzer taken for the
+occasion, it was intended to have blown this gate open, and to have
+taken the place by storm; but on reaching it while the ranks
+opened, and the men sought to surround the castle to seek for some
+other entrance at the same time, they were picked off so rapidly
+and unexpectedly from the loop holes above, that a general flight
+took place, the howitzer was abandoned, even before it had been
+fired, and both the officers and the troops sought shelter by lying
+down behind the ridges of sand and little hillocks immediately
+underneath the castle walls. An Irish officer, jumping up from his
+hiding place, and calling on some of his comrades to follow him in
+an attempt to rescue the howitzer, was killed in the enterprise.
+Such others as even raised their heads to look around them, were
+picked off by the musketry from above; and the whole of the troops
+lay therefore hidden in this way, until the darkness of the night
+favored their escape to the beach, where they embarked after
+sunset, the enemy having made no sally on them from the fort. A
+second summons was sent to the chief in the castle, threatening to
+bombard the town from a nearer anchorage if he did not submit, and
+no quarter afterwards shown. With the dawn of morning, all eyes
+were directed to the fortress, when, to the surprise of the whole
+squadron, a man was seen waving the British Union flag on the
+summit of its walls. It was lieutenant Hall, who commanded the Fury
+which was one of the vessels nearest the shore. During the night he
+had gone on shore alone, taking an union-jack in his hand, and
+advanced singly to the castle gate. The fortress had already been
+abandoned by the greater number of the inhabitants, but some few
+still remained there. These fled at the approach of an individual
+supposing him to be the herald of those who were to follow. Be this
+as it may, the castle was entirely abandoned, and the British flag
+waived on its walls by this daring officer, to the surprise and
+admiration of all the fleet. The town and fortifications were then
+taken possession of. After sweeping round the bottom of the gulf,
+the expedition returned to Muscat.</p>
+<p>On the sailing of the fleet from hence, the forces were
+augmented by a body of troops belonging to the Imaun of Muscat,
+destined to assist in the recovery of a place called Shenaz, on the
+coast, taken by the Joassamees. On their arrival at this place, a
+summons was sent, commanding the fort to surrender, which being
+refused, a bombardment was opened from the ships and boats, but
+without producing much effect. On the following morning, the whole
+of the troops were landed, and a regular encampment formed on the
+shore, with sand batteries, and other necessary works for a siege.
+After several days bombardment, in which about four thousand shot
+and shells were discharged against the fortress, to which the
+people had fled for refuge after burning down the town, a breach
+was reported to be practicable, and the castle was accordingly
+stormed. The resistance still made was desperate; the Arabs
+fighting as long as they could wield the sword, and even thrusting
+their spears up through the fragments of towers, in whose ruins
+they remained irrevocably buried. The loss in killed and wounded
+was upwards of a thousand men. Notwithstanding that the object of
+this expedition might be said to be incomplete, inasmuch as nothing
+less than a <i>total</i> extirpation of their race could secure the
+tranquility of these seas, yet the effect produced by this
+expedition was such, as to make them reverence or dread the British
+flag for several years afterwards.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/056.jpg" alt=
+"The daring Intrepidity of Lieut. Hall" height="600" width=
+"525"></center>
+<h4>&nbsp;<i>The daring Intrepidity of Lieut. Hall.</i></h4>
+At length in 1815, their boats began to infest the entrance to the
+Red Sea; and in 1816, their numbers had so increased on that coast,
+that a squadron of them commanded by a chief called Ameer Ibrahim,
+captured within sight of Mocha, four vessels bound from Surat to
+that port, richly laden and navigating under the British flag, and
+the crews were massacred.
+<p>A squadron consisting of His Majesty's ship Challenger, Captain
+Brydges, and the East India Company's cruisers, Mercury, Ariel, and
+Vestal, were despatched to the chief port of the Joassamees,
+Ras-el-Khyma. Mr. Buckingham the Great Oriental traveller,
+accompanied the expedition from Bushire. Upon their arrival at
+Ras-el-Khyma, a demand was made for the restoration of the four
+Surat vessels and their cargoes; or in lieu thereof twelve lacks of
+rupees. Also that the commander of the piratical squadron, Ameer
+Ibrahim, should be delivered up for punishment. The demand was made
+by letter, and answer being received, Captain Brydges determined to
+go on shore and have an interview with the Pirate Chieftain. Mr.
+Buckingham (says,) He requested me to accompany him on shore as an
+interpreter. I readily assented. We quitted the ship together about
+9 o'clock, and pulled straight to the shore, sounding all the way
+as we went, and gradually shoaling our water from six to two
+fathoms, within a quarter of a mile of the beach, where four large
+dows lay at anchor, ranged in a line, with their heads seaward,
+each of them mounting several pieces of cannon, and being full of
+men. On landing on the beach, we found its whole length guarded by
+a line of armed men, some bearing muskets, but the greater part
+armed with swords, shields, and spears; most of them were negroes,
+whom the Joassamees spare in their wars, looking on them rather as
+property and merchandise, than in the light of enemies. We were
+permitted to pass this line, and upon our communicating our wish to
+see the chief, we were conducted to the gate of the principal
+building, nearly in the centre of the town, and were met by the
+Pirate Chieftain attended by fifty armed men. I offered him the
+Mahometan salutation of peace, which he returned without
+hesitation.</p>
+<p>The chief, Hassan ben Rahma, whom we had seen, was a small man,
+apparently about forty years of age, with an expression of cunning
+in his looks, and something particularly sarcastic in his smile. He
+was dressed in the usual Arab garments, with a cashmeer shawl,
+turban, and a scarlet benish, of the Persian form, to distinguish
+him from his followers. There were habited in the plainest
+garments. One of his eyes had been wounded, but his other features
+were good, his teeth beautifully white and regular, and his
+complexion very dark.</p>
+<p>The town of Ras-el-Khyma stands on a narrow tongue of sandy
+land, pointing to the northeastward, presenting its northwest edge
+to the open sea, and its southeast one to a creek, which runs up
+within it to the southwestward, and affords a safe harbor for
+boats. There appeared to be no continued wall of defence around it,
+though round towers and portions of walls were seen in several
+parts, probably once connected in line, but not yet repaired since
+their destruction. The strongest points of defence appear to be in
+a fortress at the northeast angle, and a double round tower, near
+the centre of the town; in each of which, guns are mounted; but all
+the other towers appear to afford only shelter for musketeers. The
+rest of the town is composed of ordinary buildings of unhewn stone,
+and huts of rushes and long grass, with narrow avenues winding
+between them. The present number of inhabitants may be computed at
+ten thousand at least. They are thought to have at present (1816),
+sixty large boats out from their own port, manned with crews of
+from eighty, to three hundred men each, and forty other boats that
+belong to other ports. Their force concentrated, would probably
+amount to at least one hundred boats and eight thousand fighting
+men. After several fruitless negociations, the signal was now made
+to weigh, and stand closer in towards the town. It was then
+followed by the signal to engage the enemy. The squadron bore down
+nearly in line, under easy sail, and with the wind right aft, or on
+shore; the Mercury being on the starboard bow, the Challenger next
+in order, in the centre, the Vestal following in the same line, and
+the Ariel completing the division.</p>
+<p>A large fleet of small boats were seen standing in from Cape
+Mussundum, at the same time; but these escaped by keeping closer
+along shore, and at length passing over the bar and getting into
+the back water behind the town. The squadron continued to stand on
+in a direct line towards the four anchored dows, gradually shoaling
+from the depth of our anchorage to two and a half fathoms, where
+stream anchors were dropped under foot, with springs on the cables,
+so that each vessel lay with her broadside to the shore. A fire was
+now opened by the whole squadron, directed to the four dows. These
+boats were full of men, brandishing their weapons in the air, their
+whole number exceeding, probably, six hundred. Some of the shot
+from the few long guns of the squadron reached the shore, and were
+buried in the sand; others fell across the bows and near the hulls
+of the dows to which they were directed; but the cannonades all
+fell short, as we were then fully a mile from the beach.</p>
+<p>The Arab colors were displayed on all the forts; crowds of armed
+men were assembled on the beach, bearing large banners on poles,
+and dancing around them with their arms, as if rallying around a
+sacred standard, so that no sign of submission or conquest was
+witnessed throughout. The Ariel continued to discharge about fifty
+shot after all the others had desisted, but with as little avail as
+before, and thus ended this wordy negociation, and the bloodless
+battle to which it eventually led.</p>
+<p>In 1818, these pirates grew so daring that they made an
+irruption into the Indian Ocean, and plundered vessels and towns on
+the islands and coasts. A fleet was sent against them, and
+intercepted them off Ashlola Island, proceeding to the westward in
+three divisions; and drove them back into the gulf. The Eden and
+Psyche fell in with two trankies, and these were so closely pursued
+that they were obliged to drop a small captured boat they had in
+tow. The Thetes one day kept in close chase of seventeen vessels,
+but they were enabled to get away owing to their superior sailing.
+The cruisers met with the Joassamees seventeen times and were
+constantly employed in hunting them from place to place.</p>
+<p>At length, in 1819, they became such a scourge to commerce that
+a formidable expedition under the command of Major General Sir W.
+Grant Keir, sailed against them. It arrived before the chief town
+in December, and commenced operations. In his despatches Gen. Keir
+says--</p>
+<p>I have the satisfaction to report the town of Ras-el Khyma,
+after a resistance of six days, was taken possession of this
+morning by the force under my command.</p>
+<p>On the 18th, after completing my arrangements at Muscat, the
+Liverpool sailed for the rendezvous at Kishme; on the 21st, we fell
+in with the fleet of the Persian Gulf and anchored off the island
+of Larrack on the 24th November.</p>
+<p>As it appeared probable that a considerable period would elapse
+before the junction of the ships which were detained at Bombay, I
+conceived it would prove highly advantageous to avail myself of all
+the information that could be procured respecting the strength and
+resources of the pirates we had to deal with.</p>
+<p>No time was lost in making the necessary preparations for
+landing, which was effected the following morning without
+opposition, at a spot which had been previously selected for that
+purpose, about two miles to the westward of the town. The troops
+were formed across the isthmus connecting the peninsula on which
+the town is situated with the neighboring country, and the whole of
+the day was occupied in getting the tents on shore, to shelter the
+men from rain, landing engineers, tools, sand bags, &amp;c., and
+making arrangements preparatory to commencing our approaches the
+next day. On the morning of the 4th, our light troops were ordered
+in advance, supported by the pickets, to dislodge the enemy from a
+bank within nine hundred yards of the outer fort, which was
+expected to afford good cover for the men. The whole of the light
+companies of the force under Capt. Backhouse, moved forward, and
+drove the Arabs with great gallantry from a date grove, and over
+the bank close under the walls of the fort, followed by the pickets
+under Major Molesworth, who took post at the sand banks, whilst the
+European light troops were skirmishing in front. The enemy kept up
+a sharp fire of musketry and cannon; during these movements, Major
+Molesworth, a gallant officer was here killed. The troops kept
+their position during the day, and in the night effected a lodgment
+within three hundred yards of the southernmost tower, and erected a
+battery of four guns, together with a mortar battery.</p>
+<p>The weather having become rather unfavorable for the
+disembarkation of the stores required for the siege, but this
+important object being effected on the morning of the 6th, we were
+enabled to open three eighteen pounders on the fort, a couple of
+howitzers, and six pounders were also placed in the battery on the
+right, which played on the defences of the towers and nearly
+silenced the enemy's fire, who, during the whole of our progress
+exhibited a considerable degree of resolution in withstanding, and
+ingenuity in counteracting our attacks, sallied out at 8 o'clock
+this evening along the whole front of our entrenchments, crept
+close up to the mortar battery without being perceived, and entered
+it over the parapet, after spearing the advance sentries. The party
+which occupied it were obliged to retire, but being immediately
+reinforced charged the assailants, who were driven out of the
+battery with great loss. The enemy repeated his attacks towards
+morning but was vigorously repulsed. During the seventh every
+exertion was made to land and bring up the remaining guns and
+mortars, which was accomplished during the night. They were
+immediately placed in the battery, together with two twenty-four
+pounders which were landed from the Liverpool, and in the morning
+the whole of the ordnance opened on the fort and fired with
+scarcely any intermission till sunset, when the breach on the
+curtain was reported nearly practicable and the towers almost
+untenable. Immediate arrangements were made for the assault, and
+the troops ordered to move down to the entrenchments by daylight
+the next morning. The party moved forward about 8 o'clock, and
+entered the fort through the breaches without firing a shot, and it
+soon appeared the enemy had evacuated the place. The town was taken
+possession of and found almost entirely deserted, only eighteen or
+twenty men, and a few women remaining in their houses.</p>
+<p>The expedition next proceeded against Rumps, a piratical town,
+eight miles north of Ras-el-Khyma, but the inhabitants abandoned
+the town and took refuge in the hill fort of Zyah, which is
+situated at the head of a navigable creek nearly two miles from the
+sea coast. This place was the residence of Hussein Bin Alley, a
+sheikh of considerable importance among the Joassamee tribes, and a
+person who from his talents and lawless habits, as well as from the
+strength and advantageous situation of the fort, was likely to
+attempt the revival of the piratical system upon the first
+occasion. It became a desirable object to reduce the power of this
+chieftain.</p>
+<p>On the 18th December, the troops embarked at Ras-el-Khyma, at
+day break in the boats of the fleet under command of Major Warren,
+with the 65th regiment and the flank companies of the first and
+second regiment, and at noon arrived within four miles of their
+destination. This operation was attended with considerable
+difficulty and risk, owing to the heavy surf that beat on the
+shore; and which was the occasion of some loss of ammunition, and
+of a few boats being upset and stove in.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/063.jpg" alt="The Sheikh of Rumps."
+height="600" width="334"></center>
+<h4>&nbsp;<i>The Sheikh of Rumps.</i></h4>
+At half past three P.M., having refreshed the men, (says Major
+Warren) we commenced our march, and fording the creek or back
+water, took up our position at sunset, to the northeastward of the
+fort, the enemy firing at us as we passed, notwithstanding that our
+messenger, whom we had previously sent in to summon the Sheikh, was
+still in the place; and I lost no time in pushing our riflemen and
+pickets as far forward as I could without exposing them too much to
+the firing of the enemy, whom I found strongly posted under secure
+cover in the date tree groves in front of the town. Captain Cocke,
+with the light company of his battalion, was at the same time sent
+to the westward, to cut off the retreat of the enemy on that side.
+<p>At day break the next morning, finding it necessary to drive the
+enemy still further in, to get a nearer view of his defences, I
+moved forward the rifle company of the 65th regiment, and after a
+considerable opposition from the enemy, I succeeded in forcing him
+to retire some distance; but not without disputing every inch of
+ground, which was well calculated for resistance, being intersected
+at every few yards, by banks and water courses raised for the
+purpose of irrigation, and covered with date trees. The next
+morning the riflemen, supported by the pickets, were again called
+into play, and soon established their position within three and
+four hundred yards of the town, which with the base of the hill,
+was so completely surrounded, as to render the escape of any of the
+garrison now almost impossible. This advantage was gained by a
+severe loss. Two twenty-four pounders and the two twelves, the
+landing of which had been retarded by the difficulty of
+communication with the fleet from which we derived all our
+supplies, having been now brought on shore, we broke ground in the
+evening, and notwithstanding the rocky soil, had them to play next
+morning at daylight.</p>
+<p>Aware, however, that the families of the enemy were still in the
+town, and humanity dictating that some effort should be made to
+save the innocent from the fate that awaited the guilty; an
+opportunity was afforded for that purpose by an offer to the
+garrison of security to their women and children, should they be
+sent out within the hour; but the infatuated chief, either from an
+idea that his fort on the hill was not to be reached by our shot,
+or with the vain hope to gain time by procrastination, returning no
+answer to our communication, while he detained our messenger; we
+opened our fire at half past eight in the morning, and such was the
+precision of the practice, that in two hours we perceived the
+breach would soon be practicable. I was in the act of ordering the
+assault, when a white flag was displayed; and the enemy, after some
+little delay in assembling from the different quarters of the
+place, marched out without their arms, with Hussein Bin Alley at
+their head, to the number of three hundred and ninety-eight; and at
+half past one P.M., the British flags were hoisted on the hill fort
+and at the Sheikh's house. The women and children to the number of
+four hundred, were at the same time collected together in a place
+of security, and sent on board the fleet, together with the men.
+The service has been short but arduous; the enemy defended
+themselves with great obstinacy and ability worthy of a better
+cause.</p>
+<p>From two prisoners retaken from the Joassamees, they learnt that
+the plunder is made a general stock, and distributed by the chief,
+but in what proportions the deponents cannot say; water is
+generally very scarce. There is a quantity of fish caught on the
+bank, upon which and dates they live. There were a few horses,
+camels, cows, sheep, and goats; the greatest part of which they
+took with them; they were in general lean, as the sandy plain
+produces little or no vegetation, except a few dates and cocoa-nut
+trees. The pirates who abandoned Ras-el-Khyma, encamped about three
+miles in the interior, ready to retreat into the desert at a
+moment's warning. The Sheikh of Rumps is an old man, but looks
+intelligent, and is said to be the man who advises upon all
+occasions the movements of the different tribes of pirates on the
+coast, and when he was told that it was the wish of the Company to
+put a stop to their piracy, and make an honest people of them by
+encouraging them to trade, seemed to regret much that those
+intentions were not made known, as they would have been most
+readily embraced. Rumps is the key to Ras-el-Khyma, and by its
+strength is defended from a strong banditti infesting the
+mountains, as also the Bedouin Arabs who are their enemies. A
+British garrison of twelve hundred men was stationed at
+Ras-el-Khyma, and a guard-ship. The other places sent in tokens of
+submission, as driven out of their fortresses on the margin of the
+sea, they had to contend within with the interior hostile
+tribes.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/066.jpg" alt="The Pirate Stronghold."
+height="483" width="600"></center>
+<h4>&nbsp;<i>The Pirate Stronghold.</i></h4>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="THE_BARBAROUS_CONDUCT_AND_ROMANTIC_DEATH_OF_THE"></a>
+<h2>THE BARBAROUS CONDUCT AND ROMANTIC DEATH OF THE JOASSAMEE
+CHIEF, RAHMAH-BEN-JABIR.</h2>
+The town of Bushire, on the Persian Gulf is seated in a low
+peninsula of sand, extending out of the general line of the coast,
+so as to form a bay on both sides. One of these bays was in 1816,
+occupied by the fleet of a certain Arab, named Rahmah-ben-Jabir,
+who has been for more than twenty years the terror of the gulf, and
+who was the most successful and the most generally tolerated
+pirate, perhaps, that ever infested any sea. This man by birth was
+a native of Grain, on the opposite coast, and nephew of the
+governor of that place. His fellow citizens had all the honesty,
+however, to declare him an outlaw, from abhorrence of his
+profession; but he found that aid and protection at Bushire, which
+his own townsmen denied him. With five or six vessels, most of
+which were very large, and manned with crews of from two to three
+hundred each, he sallied forth, and captured whatever he thought
+himself strong enough to carry off as a prize. His followers, to
+the number of two thousand, were maintained by the plunder of his
+prizes; and as the most of these were his own bought African
+slaves, and the remainder equally subject to his authority, he was
+sometimes as prodigal of their lives in a fit of anger as he was of
+his enemies, whom he was not content to slay in battle only, but
+basely murdered in cold blood, after they had submitted. An
+instance is related of his having put a great number of his own
+crew, who used mutinous expressions, into a tank on board, in which
+they usually kept their water, and this being shut close at the
+top, the poor wretches were all suffocated, and afterwards thrown
+overboard. This butcher chief, like the celebrated Djezzar of Acre,
+affecting great simplicity of dress, manners, and living; and
+whenever he went out, could not be distinguished by a stranger from
+the crowd of his attendants. He carried this simplicity to a degree
+of filthiness, which was disgusting, as his usual dress was a
+shirt, which was never taken off to be washed, from the time it was
+first put on till worn out; no drawers or coverings for the legs of
+any kind, and a large black goat's hair cloak, wrapped over all
+with a greasy and dirty handkerchief, called the keffeea, thrown
+loosely over his head. Infamous as was this man's life and
+character, he was not only cherished and courted by the people of
+Bushire, who dreaded him, but was courteously received and
+respectfully entertained whenever he visited the British Factory.
+On one occasion (says Mr. Buckingham), at which I was present, he
+was sent for to give some medical gentlemen of the navy and
+company's cruisers an opportunity of inspecting his arm, which had
+been severely wounded. The wound was at first made by grape-shot
+and splinters, and the arm was one mass of blood about the part for
+several days, while the man himself was with difficulty known to be
+alive. He gradually recovered, however, without surgical aid, and
+the bone of the arm between the shoulder and elbow being completely
+shivered to pieces, the fragments progressively worked out, and the
+singular appearance was left of the fore arm and elbow connected to
+the shoulder by flesh and skin, and tendons, without the least
+vestige of bone. This man when invited to the factory for the
+purpose of making an exhibition of his arm, was himself admitted to
+sit at the table and take some tea, as it was breakfast time, and
+some of his followers took chairs around him. They were all as
+disgustingly filthy in appearance as could well be imagined; and
+some of them did not scruple to hunt for vermin on their skins, of
+which there was an abundance, and throw them on the floor.
+Rahmah-ben-Jabir's figure presented a meagre trunk, with four lank
+members, all of them cut and hacked, and pierced with wounds of
+sabres, spears and bullets, in every part, to the number, perhaps
+of more than twenty different wounds. He had, besides, a face
+naturally ferocious and ugly, and now rendered still more so by
+several scars there, and by the loss of one eye. When asked by one
+of the English gentlemen present, with a tone of encouragement and
+familiarity, whether he could not still dispatch an enemy with his
+boneless arm, he drew a crooked dagger, or yambeah, from the girdle
+round his shirt, and placing his left hand, which was sound, to
+support the elbow of the right, which was the one that was wounded,
+he grasped the dagger firmly with his clenched fist, and drew it
+back ward and forward, twirling it at the same time, and saying
+that he desired nothing better than to have the cutting of as many
+throats as he could effectually open with his lame hand. Instead of
+being shocked at the uttering of such a brutal wish, and such a
+savage triumph at still possessing the power to murder unoffending
+victims, I knew not how to describe my feelings of shame and sorrow
+when a loud roar of laughter burst from the whole assembly, when I
+ventured to express my dissent from the general feeling of
+admiration for such a man.<br>
+&nbsp;
+<center><img src="./images/068.jpg" alt=
+"Rahmah-ben-Jabir, a Joassamee Chief" height="600" width=
+"273"></center>
+<h4><i>Rahmah-ben-Jabir, a Joassamee Chief.</i></h4>
+This barbarous pirate in the year 1827, at last experienced a fate
+characteristic of the whole course of his life. His violent
+aggressions having united the Arabs of Bahrene and Ratiffe against
+him they blockaded his port of Daman from which Rahmah-ben-Jabir,
+having left a garrison in the fort under his son, had sailed in a
+well appointed bungalow, for the purpose of endeavoring to raise a
+confederacy of his friends in his support. Having failed in this
+object he returned to Daman, and in spite of the boats blockading
+the port, succeeded in visiting his garrison, and immediately
+re-embarked, taking with him his youngest son. On arriving on board
+his bungalow, he was received by his followers with a salute, which
+decisive indication of his presence immediately attracted the
+attention of his opponents, one of whose boats, commanded by the
+nephew of the Sheikh of Bahrene, proceeded to attack him. A
+desperate struggle ensued, and the Sheikh finding after some time
+that he had lost nearly the whole of his crew by the firing of
+Rahmah's boat, retired for reinforcements. These being obtained, he
+immediately returned singly to the contest. The fight was renewed
+with redoubled fury; when at last, Rahmah, being informed (for he
+had been long blind) that his men were falling fast around him,
+mustered the remainder of the crew, and issued orders to close and
+grapple with his opponent. When this was effected, and after
+embracing his son, he was led with a lighted torch to the magazine,
+which instantly exploded, blowing his own boat to atoms and setting
+fire to the Sheikh's, which immediately afterwards shared the same
+fate. Sheikh Ahmed and few of his followers escaped to the other
+boats; but only one of Rahmah's brave crew was saved; and it is
+supposed that upwards of three hundred men were killed in this
+heroic contest.
+<center><img src="./images/071.jpg" alt="Page 71 Illustration"
+height="118" width="600"></center>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name=
+"THE_LIFE_OF_LAFITTE_THE_FAMOUS_PIRATE_OF_THE_GULF_OF_MEXICO"></a>
+<h2>THE LIFE OF LAFITTE, THE FAMOUS PIRATE OF THE GULF OF
+MEXICO.</h2>
+<i>With a History of the Pirates of Barrataria--and an account of
+their volunteering for the defence of New Orleans; and their daring
+intrepidity under General Jackson, during the battle of the 8th of
+January, 1815. For which important service they were pardoned by
+President Madison.</i>
+<p>Jean Lafitte, was born at St. Maloes in France, in 1781, and
+went to sea at the age of thirteen; after several voyages in
+Europe, and to the coast of Africa, he was appointed mate of a
+French East Indiaman, bound to Madras. On the outward passage they
+encountered a heavy gale off the Cape of Good Hope, which sprung
+the mainmast and otherwise injured the ship, which determined the
+captain to bear up for the Mauritius, where he arrived in safety; a
+quarrel having taken place on the passage out between Lafitte and
+the captain, he abandoned the ship and refused to continue the
+voyage. Several privateers were at this time fitting out at this
+island, and Lafitte was appointed captain of one of these vessels;
+after a cruise during which he robbed the vessels of other nations,
+besides those of England, and thus committing piracy, he stopped at
+the Seychelles, and took in a load of slaves for the Mauritius; but
+being chased by an English frigate as far north as the equator, he
+found himself in a very awkward condition; not having provisions
+enough on board his ship to carry him back to the French Colony. He
+therefore conceived the bold project of proceeding to the Bay of
+Bengal, in order to get provisions from on board some English
+ships. In his ship of two hundred tons, with only two guns and
+twenty-six men, he attacked and took an English armed schooner with
+a numerous crew. After putting nineteen of his own crew on board
+the schooner, he took the command of her and proceeded to cruise
+upon the coast of Bengal. He there fell in with the Pagoda, a
+vessel belonging to the English East India Company, armed with
+twenty-six twelve pounders and manned with one hundred and fifty
+men. Expecting that the enemy would take him for a pilot of the
+Ganges, he manoeuvred accordingly. The Pagoda manifested no
+suspicions, whereupon he suddenly darted with his brave followers
+upon her decks, overturned all who opposed them, and speedily took
+the ship. After a very successful cruise he arrived safe at the
+Mauritius, and took the command of La Confiance of twenty-six guns
+and two hundred and fifty men, and sailed for the coast of British
+India. Off the Sand Heads in October, 1807, Lafitte fell in with
+the Queen East Indiaman, with a crew of near four hundred men, and
+carrying forty guns; he conceived the bold project of getting
+possession of her. Never was there beheld a more unequal conflict;
+even the height of the vessel compared to the feeble privateer
+augmented the chances against Lafitte; but the difficulty and
+danger far from discouraging this intrepid sailor, acted as an
+additional spur to his brilliant valor. After electrifying his crew
+with a few words of hope and ardor, he manoeuvred and ran on board
+of the enemy. In this position he received a broadside when close
+too; but he expected this, and made his men lay flat upon the deck.
+After the first fire they all rose, and from the yards and tops,
+threw bombs and grenades into the forecastle of the Indiaman. This
+sudden and unforeseen attack caused a great havoc. In an instant,
+death and terror made them abandon a part of the vessel near the
+mizen-mast. Lafitte, who observed every thing, seized the decisive
+moment, beat to arms, and forty of his crew prepared to board, with
+pistols in their hands and daggers held between their teeth. As
+soon as they got on deck, they rushed upon the affrighted crowd,
+who retreated to the steerage, and endeavored to defend themselves
+there. Lafitte thereupon ordered a second division to board, which
+he headed himself; the captain of the Indiaman was killed, and all
+were swept away in a moment. Lafitte caused a gun to be loaded with
+grape, which he pointed towards the place where the crowd was
+assembled, threatening to exterminate them. The English deeming
+resistance fruitless, surrendered, and Lafitte hastened to put a
+stop to the slaughter. This exploit, hitherto unparalleled,
+resounded through India, and the name of Lafitte became the terror
+of English commerce in these latitudes.</p>
+<center>&nbsp;<img src="./images/074.jpg" alt=
+"Lafitte boarding the Queen East Indiaman" height="600" width=
+"514"></center>
+<center>
+<h4>&nbsp;<i>Lafitte boarding the Queen East Indiaman</i></h4>
+</center>
+As British vessels now traversed the Indian Ocean under strong
+convoys, game became scarce, and Lafitte determined to visit
+France; and after doubling the Cape of Good Hope, he coasted up to
+the Gulf of Guinea, and in the Bight of Benin, took two valuable
+prizes loaded with gold dust, ivory, and Palm Oil; with this booty
+he reached St. Maloes in safety. After a short stay at his native
+place he fitted out a brigantine, mounting twenty guns and one
+hundred and fifty men, and sailed for Gaudaloupe; amongst the West
+India Islands, he made several valuable prizes; but during his
+absence on a cruise the island having been taken by the British, he
+proceeded to Carthagena, and from thence to Barrataria. After this
+period, the conduct of Lafitte at Barrataria does not appear to be
+characterized by the audacity and boldness of his former career;
+but he had amassed immense sums of booty, and as he was obliged to
+have dealings with the merchants of the United States, and the West
+Indies, who frequently owed him large sums, and the cautious
+dealings necessary to found and conduct a colony of Pirates and
+Smugglers in the very teeth of a civilized nation, obliged Lafitte
+to cloak as much as possible his real character.
+<center><img src="./images/076.jpg" alt=
+"Lafitte and his crew clearing the decks of the Indiaman." height=
+"321" width="520"></center>
+<h4><i>Lafitte and his crew clearing the decks of the
+Indiaman.</i></h4>
+As we have said before, at the period of the taking of Gaudaloupe
+by the British, most of the privateers commissioned by the
+government of that island, and which were then on a cruise, not
+being able to return to any of the West India Islands, made for
+Barrataria, there to take in a supply of water and provisions,
+recruit the health of their crews, and dispose of their prizes,
+which could not be admitted into any of the ports of the United
+States, we being at that time in peace with Great Britain. Most of
+the commissions granted to privateers by the French government at
+Gaudaloupe, having expired sometime after the declaration of the
+independence of Carthagena, many of the privateers repaired to that
+port, for the purpose of obtaining from the new government
+commissions for cruising against Spanish vessels. Having duly
+obtained their commissions, they in a manner blockaded for a long
+time all the ports belonging to the royalists, and made numerous
+captives, which they carried into Barrataria. Under this
+denomination is comprised part of the coast of Louisiana to the
+west of the mouths of the Mississippi, comprehended between Bastien
+bay on the east, and the mouths of the river or bayou la Fourche on
+the west. Not far from the sea are lakes called the great and
+little lakes of Barrataria, communicating with one another by
+several large bayous with a great number of branches. There is also
+the island of Barrataria, at the extremity of which is a place
+called the Temple, which denomination it owes to several mounds of
+shells thrown up there by the Indians. The name of Barrataria is
+also given to a large basin which extends the whole length of the
+cypress swamps, from the Gulf of Mexico to three miles above New
+Orleans. These waters disembogue into the gulf by two entrances of
+the bayou Barrataria, between which lies an island called Grand
+Terre, six miles in length, and from two to three miles in breadth,
+running parallel with the coast. In the western entrance is the
+great pass of Barrataria, which has from nine to ten feet of water.
+Within this pass about two leagues from the open sea, lies the only
+secure harbor on the coast, and accordingly this was the harbor
+frequented by the <i>Pirates</i>, so well known by the name of
+Barratarians.
+<p>At Grand Jerre, the privateers publicly made sale by auction, of
+the cargoes of their prizes. From all parts of Lower Louisiana,
+people resorted to Barrataria, without being at all solicitous to
+conceal the object of their journey. The most respectable
+inhabitants of the state, especially those living in the country,
+were in the habit of purchasing smuggled goods coming from
+Barrataria.</p>
+<p>The government of the United States sent an expedition under
+Commodore Patterson, to disperse the settlement of marauders at
+Barrataria; the following is an extract of his letter to the
+secretary of war.</p>
+<p>Sir--I have the honor to inform you that I departed from this
+city on the 11th June, accompanied by Col. Ross, with a detachment
+of seventy of the 44th regiment of infantry. On the 12th, reached
+the schooner Carolina, of Plaquemine, and formed a junction with
+the gun vessels at the Balize on the 13th, sailed from the
+southwest pass on the evening of the 15th, and at half past 8
+o'clock, A.M. on the 16th, made the Island of Barrataria, and
+discovered a number of vessels in the harbor, some of which shewed
+Carthagenian colors. At 2 o'clock, perceived the pirates forming
+their vessels, ten in number, including prizes, into a line of
+battle near the entrance of the harbor, and making every
+preparation to offer me battle. At 10 o'clock, wind light and
+variable, formed the order of battle with six gun boats and the Sea
+Horse tender, mounting one six pounder and fifteen men, and a
+launch mounting one twelve pound carronade; the schooner Carolina,
+drawing too much water to cross the bar. At half past 10 o'clock,
+perceived several smokes along the coasts as signals, and at the
+same time a white flag hoisted on board a schooner at the fort, an
+American flag at the mainmast head and a Carthagenian flag (under
+which the pirates cruise) at her topping lift; replied with a white
+flag at my main; at 11 o'clock, discovered that the pirates had
+fired two of their best schooners; hauled down my white flag and
+made the <i>signal for battle</i>; hoisting with a large white flag
+bearing the words "Pardon for Deserters"; having heard there was a
+number on shore from the army and navy. At a quarter past 11
+o'clock, two gun boats grounded and were passed agreeably to my
+previous orders, by the other four which entered the harbor, manned
+by my barge and the boats belonging to the grounded vessels, and
+proceeded in to my great disappointment. I perceived that the
+pirates abandoned their vessels, and were flying in all directions.
+I immediately sent the launch and two barges with small boats in
+pursuit of them. At meridian, took possession of all their vessels
+in the harbor consisting of six schooners and one felucca,
+cruisers, and prizes of the pirates, one brig, a prize, and two
+armed schooners under the Carthagenian flag, both in the line of
+battle, with the armed vessels of the pirates, and apparently with
+an intention to aid them in any resistance they might make against
+me, as their crews were at quarters, tompions out of their guns,
+and matches lighted. Col. Ross at the same time landed, and with
+his command took possession of their establishment on shore,
+consisting of about forty houses of different sizes, badly
+constructed, and thatched with palmetto leaves.</p>
+<p>When I perceived the enemy forming their vessels into a line of
+battle I felt confident from their number and very advantageous
+position, and their number of men, that they would have fought me;
+their not doing so I regret; for had they, I should have been
+enabled more effectually to destroy or make prisoners of them and
+their leaders; but it is a subject of great satisfaction to me, to
+have effected the object of my enterprise, without the loss of a
+man.</p>
+<p>The enemy had mounted on their vessels twenty pieces of cannon
+of different calibre; and as I have since learnt, from eight
+hundred, to one thousand men of all nations and colors.</p>
+<p>Early in the morning of the 20th, the Carolina at anchor, about
+five miles distant, made the signal of a "strange sail in sight to
+eastward"; immediately after she weighed anchor, and gave chase the
+strange sail, standing for Grand Terre, with all sail; at half past
+8 o'clock, the chase hauled her wind off shore to escape; sent
+acting Lieut. Spedding with four boats manned and armed to prevent
+her passing the harbor; at 9 o'clock A.M., the chase fired upon the
+Carolina, which was returned; each vessel continued firing during
+the chase, when their long guns could reach. At 10 o'clock, the
+chase grounded outside of the bar, at which time the Carolina was
+from the shoalness of the water obliged to haul her wind off shore
+and give up the chase; opened a fire upon the chase across the
+island from the gun vessels. At half past 10 o'clock, she hauled
+down her colors and was taken possession of. She proved to be the
+armed schooner Gen. Boliver; by grounding she broke both her rudder
+pintles and made water; took from her her armament, consisting of
+one long brass eighteen pounder, one long brass six pounder, two
+twelve pounders, small arms, &amp;c., and twenty-one packages of
+dry goods. On the afternoon of the 23d, got underway with the whole
+squadron, in all seventeen vessels, but during the night one
+escaped, and the next day arrived at New Orleans with my whole
+squadron.</p>
+<p>At different times the English had sought to attack the pirates
+at Barrataria, in hopes of taking their prizes, and even their
+armed vessels. Of these attempts of the British, suffice it to
+instance that of June 23d, 1813, when two privateers being at
+anchor off Cat Island, a British sloop of war anchored at the
+entrance of the pass, and sent her boats to endeavor to take the
+privateers; but they were repulsed with considerable loss.</p>
+<p>Such was the state of affairs, when on the 2d Sept., 1814, there
+appeared an armed brig on the coast opposite the pass. She fired a
+gun at a vessel about to enter, and forced her to run aground; she
+then tacked and shortly after came to an anchor at the entrance of
+the pass. It was not easy to understand the intentions of this
+vessel, who, having commenced with hostilities on her first
+appearance now seemed to announce an amicable disposition. Mr.
+Lafitte then went off in a boat to examine her, venturing so far
+that he could not escape from the pinnace sent from the brig, and
+making towards the shore, bearing British colors and a flag of
+truce. In this pinnace were two naval officers. One was Capt.
+Lockyer, commander of the brig. The first question they asked was,
+where was Mr. Lafitte? he not choosing to make himself known to
+them, replied that the person they inquired for was on shore. They
+then delivered to him a packet directed to Mr. Lafitte, Barrataria,
+requesting him to take particular care of it, and to deliver it
+into Mr. Lafitte's hands. He prevailed on them to make for the
+shore, and as soon as they got near enough to be in his power, he
+made himself known, recommending to them at the same time to
+conceal the business on which they had come. Upwards of two hundred
+persons lined the shore, and it was a general cry amongst the crews
+of the privateers at Grand Terre, that those British officers
+should be made prisoners and sent to New Orleans as spies. It was
+with much difficulty that Lafitte dissuaded the multitude from this
+intent, and led the officers in safety to his dwelling. He thought
+very prudently that the papers contained in the packet might be of
+importance towards the safety of the country and that the officers
+if well watched could obtain no intelligence that might turn to the
+detriment of Louisiana. He now examined the contents of the packet,
+in which he found a proclamation addressed by Col. Edward Nichalls,
+in the service of his Brittanic Majesty, and commander of the land
+forces on the coast of Florida, to the inhabitants of Louisiana. A
+letter from the same to Mr. Lafitte, the commander of Barrataria;
+an official letter from the honorable W.H. Percy, captain of the
+sloop of war Hermes, directed to Lafitte. When he had perused these
+letters, Capt. Lockyer enlarged on the subject of them and proposed
+to him to enter into the service of his Brittanic Majesty with the
+rank of post captain and to receive the command of a 44 gun
+frigate. Also all those under his command, or over whom he had
+sufficient influence. He was also offered thirty thousand dollars,
+payable at Pensacola, and urged him not to let slip this
+opportunity of acquiring fortune and consideration. On Lafitte's
+requiring a few days to reflect upon these proposals, Capt. Lockyer
+observed to him that no reflection could be necessary, respecting
+proposals that obviously precluded hesitation, as he was a
+Frenchman and proscribed by the American government. But to all his
+splendid promises and daring insinuations, Lafitte replied that in
+a few days he would give a final answer; his object in this
+procrastination being to gain time to inform the officers of the
+state government of this nefarious project. Having occasion to go
+to some distance for a short time, the persons who had proposed to
+send the British officers prisoners to New Orleans, went and seized
+them in his absence, and confined both them and the crew of the
+pinnace, in a secure place, leaving a guard at the door. The
+British officers sent for Lafitte; but he, fearing an insurrection
+of the crews of the privateers, thought it advisable not to see
+them until he had first persuaded their captains and officers to
+desist from the measures on which they seemed bent. With this view
+he represented to the latter that, besides the infamy that would
+attach to them if they treated as prisoners people who had come
+with a flag of truce, they would lose the opportunity of
+discovering the projects of the British against Louisiana.</p>
+<p>Early the next morning Lafitte caused them to be released from
+their confinement and saw them safe on board their pinnace,
+apologizing the detention. He now wrote to Capt. Lockyer the
+following letter.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<p>To CAPTAIN LOCKYER.</p>
+<p><i>Barrataria, 4th Sept</i>. 1814.</p>
+<p>Sir--The confusion which prevailed in our camp yesterday and
+this morning, and of which you have a complete knowledge, has
+prevented me from answering in a precise manner to the object of
+your mission; nor even at this moment can I give you all the
+satisfaction that you desire; however, if you could grant me a
+fortnight, I would be entirely at your disposal at the end of that
+time. This delay is indispensable to enable me to put my affairs in
+order. You may communicate with me by sending a boat to the eastern
+point of the pass, where I will be found. You have inspired me with
+more confidence than the admiral, your superior officer, could have
+done himself; with you alone, I wish to deal, and from you also I
+will claim, in due time the reward of the services, which I may
+render to you. Yours, &amp;c.</p>
+<p>J. LAFITTE.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<p>His object in writing that letter was, by appearing disposed to
+accede to their proposals, to give time to communicate the affair
+to the officers of the state government, and to receive from them
+instructions how to act, under circumstances so critical and
+important to the country. He accordingly wrote on the 4th September
+to Mr. Blanque, one of the representatives of the state, sending
+him all the papers delivered to him by the British officers with a
+letter addressed to his excellency, Gov. Claiborne of the state of
+Louisiana.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<p>To Gov. CLAIBORNE.</p>
+<p><i>Barrataria, Sept</i>. 4<i>th</i>, 1814.</p>
+<p>Sir--In the firm persuasion that the choice made of you to fill
+the office of first magistrate of this state, was dictated by the
+esteem of your fellow citizens, and was conferred on merit, I
+confidently address you on an affair on which may depend the safety
+of this country. I offer to you to restore to this state several
+citizens, who perhaps in your eyes have lost that sacred title. I
+offer you them, however, such as you could wish to find them, ready
+to exert their utmost efforts in defence of the country. This point
+of Louisiana, which I occupy, is of great importance in the present
+crisis. I tender my services to defend it; and the only reward I
+ask is that a stop be put to the proscription against me and my
+adherents, by an act of oblivion, for all that has been done
+hitherto. I am the stray sheep wishing to return to the fold. If
+you are thoroughly acquainted with the nature of my offences, I
+should appear to you much less guilty, and still worthy to
+discharge the duties of a good citizen. I have never sailed under
+any flag but that of the republic of Carthagena, and my vessels are
+perfectly regular in that respect. If I could have brought my
+lawful prizes into the ports of this state, I should not have
+employed the illicit means that have caused me to be proscribed. I
+decline saying more on the subject, until I have the honor of your
+excellency's answer, which I am persuaded can be dictated only by
+wisdom. Should your answer not be favorable to my ardent desires, I
+declare to you that I will instantly leave the country, to avoid
+the imputation of having cooperated towards an invasion on this
+point, which cannot fail to take place, and to rest secure in the
+acquittal of my conscience.</p>
+<p>I have the honor to be</p>
+<p>your excellency's, &amp;c.</p>
+<p>J. LAFITTE.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<p>The contents of these letters do honor to Lafitte's judgment,
+and evince his sincere attachment to the American cause. On the
+receipt of this packet from Lafitte, Mr. Blanque immediately laid
+its contents before the governor, who convened the committee of
+defence lately formed of which he was president; and Mr. Rancher
+the bearer of Lafitte's packet, was sent back with a verbal answer
+to desire Lafitte to take no steps until it should be determined
+what was expedient to be done; the message also contained an
+assurance that, in the meantime no steps should be taken against
+him for his past offences against the laws of the United
+States.</p>
+<p>At the expiration of the time agreed on with Captain Lockyer,
+his ship appeared again on the coast with two others, and continued
+standing off and on before the pass for several days. But he
+pretended not to perceive the return of the sloop of war, who tired
+of waiting to no purpose put out to sea and disappeared.</p>
+<p>Lafitte having received a guarantee from General Jackson for his
+safe passage from Barrataria to New Orleans and back, he proceeded
+forthwith to the city where he had an interview with Gov. Claiborne
+and the General. After the usual formalities and courtesies had
+taken place between these gentlemen, Lafitte addressed the Governor
+of Louisiana nearly as follows. I have offered to defend for you
+that part of Louisiana I now hold. But not as an outlaw, would I be
+its defender. In that confidence, with which you have inspired me,
+I offer to restore to the state many citizens, now under my
+command. As I have remarked before, the point I occupy is of great
+importance in the present crisis. I tender not only my own services
+to defend it, but those of all I command; and the only reward I
+ask, is, that a stop be put to the proscription against me and my
+adherents, by an act of oblivion for all that has been done
+hitherto.</p>
+<p>"My dear sir," said the Governor, who together with General
+Jackson, was impressed with admiration of his sentiments, "your
+praiseworthy wishes shall be laid before the council of the state,
+and I will confer with my August friend here present, upon this
+important affair, and send you an answer to-morrow." At Lafitte
+withdrew, the General said farewell; when we meet again, I trust it
+will be in the ranks of the American army. The result of the
+conference was the issuing the following order.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/086.jpg" alt=
+"Interview between Lafitte, General Jackson, and Governor Claiborne"
+     height="460" width="495"></center>
+<h4>&nbsp;<i>Interview between Lafitte, General Jackson, and
+Governor Claiborne.</i></h4>
+The Governor of Louisiana, informed that many individuals
+implicated in the offences heretofore committed against the United
+States at Barrataria, express a willingness at the present crisis
+to enroll themselves and march against the enemy.
+<p>He does hereby invite them to join the standard of the United
+States and is authorised to say, should their conduct in the field
+meet the approbation of the Major General, that that officer will
+unite with the governor in a request to the president of the United
+States, to extend to each and every individual, so marching and
+acting, a free and full pardon. These general orders were placed in
+the hands of Lafitte, who circulated them among his dispersed
+followers, most of whom readily embraced the conditions of pardon
+they held out. In a few days many brave men and skillful
+artillerists, whose services contributed greatly to the safety of
+the invaded state, flocked to the standard of the United States,
+and by their conduct, received the highest approbation of General
+Jackson.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<p>BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.</p>
+<p>A PROCLAMATION.</p>
+<p>"Among the many evils produced by the wars, which, with little
+intermission, have afflicted Europe, and extended their ravages
+into other quarters of the globe, for a period exceeding twenty
+years, the dispersion of a considerable portion of the inhabitants
+of different countries, in sorrow and in want, has not been the
+least injurious to human happiness, nor the least severe in the
+trial of human virtue.</p>
+<p>"It had been long ascertained that many foreigners, flying from
+the dangers of their own home, and that some citizens, forgetful of
+their duty, had co-operated in forming an establishment on the
+island of Barrataria, near the mouth of the river Mississippi, for
+the purpose of a clandestine and lawless trade. The government of
+the United States caused the establishment to be broken up and
+destroyed; and, having obtained the means of designating the
+offenders of every description, it only remained to answer the
+demands of justice by inflicting an exemplary punishment.</p>
+<p>"But it has since been represented that the offenders have
+manifested a sincere penitence; that they have abandoned the
+prosecution of the worst cause for the support of the best, and,
+particularly, that they have exhibited, in the defence of New
+Orleans, unequivocal traits of courage and fidelity. Offenders, who
+have refused to become the associates of the enemy in the war, upon
+the most seducing terms of invitation; and who have aided to repel
+his hostile invasion of the territory of the United States, can no
+longer be considered as objects of punishment, but as objects of a
+generous forgiveness.</p>
+<p>"It has therefore been seen, with great satisfaction, that the
+General Assembly of the State of Louisiana earnestly recommend
+those offenders to the benefit of a full pardon; And in compliance
+with that recommendation, as well as in consideration of all the
+other extraordinary circumstances in the case, I, <i>James
+Madison</i>, President of the United States of America, do issue
+this proclamation, hereby granting, publishing and declaring, a
+free and full pardon of all offences committed in violation of any
+act or acts of the Congress of the said United States, touching the
+revenue, trade and navigation thereof, or touching the intercourse
+and commerce of the United States with foreign nations, at any time
+before the eighth day of January, in the present year one thousand
+eight hundred and fifteen, by any person or persons whatsoever,
+being inhabitants of New Orleans and the adjacent country, or being
+inhabitants of the said island of Barrataria, and the places
+adjacent; <i>Provided</i>, that every person, claiming the benefit
+of this full pardon, in order to entitle himself thereto, shall
+produce a certificate in writing from the governor of the State of
+Louisiana, stating that such person has aided in the defence of New
+Orleans and the adjacent country, during the invasion thereof as
+aforesaid.</p>
+<p>"And I do hereby further authorize and direct all suits,
+indictments, and prosecutions, for fines, penalties, and
+forfeitures, against any person or persons, who shall be entitled
+to the benefit of this full pardon, forthwith to be stayed,
+discontinued and released: All civil officers are hereby required,
+according to the duties of their respective stations, to carry this
+proclamation into immediate and faithful execution.</p>
+<p>"Done at the City of Washington, the sixth day of February, in
+the year one thousand eight hundred and fifteen, and of the
+independence of the United States the thirty-ninth.</p>
+<p>"By the President,</p>
+<p>"JAMES MADISON</p>
+<p>"JAMES MONROE,</p>
+<p>"<i>Acting Secretary of State</i>."<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<p>The morning of the eighth of January, was ushered in with the
+discharge of rockets, the sound of cannon, and the cheers of the
+British soldiers advancing to the attack. The Americans, behind the
+breastwork, awaited in calm intrepidity their approach. The enemy
+advanced in close column of sixty men in front, shouldering their
+muskets and carrying fascines and ladders. A storm of rockets
+preceded them, and an incessant fire opened from the battery, which
+commanded the advanced column. The musketry and rifles from the
+Kentuckians and Tennesseans, joined the fire of the artillery, and
+in a few moments was heard along the line a ceaseless, rolling
+fire, whose tremendous noise resembled the continued reverberation
+of thunder. One of these guns, a twenty-four pounder, placed upon
+the breastwork in the third embrasure from the river, drew, from
+the fatal skill and activity with which it was managed, even in the
+heat of battle, the admiration of both Americans and British; and
+became one of the points most dreaded by the advancing foe.</p>
+<p>Here was stationed Lafitte and his lieutenant Dominique and a
+large band of his men, who during the continuance of the battle,
+fought with unparalleled bravery. The British already had been
+twice driven back in the utmost confusion, with the loss of their
+commander-in-chief, and two general officers.</p>
+<p>Two other batteries were manned by the Barratarians, who served
+their pieces with the steadiness and precision of veteran gunners.
+In the first attack of the enemy, a column pushed forward between
+the levee and river; and so precipitate was their charge that the
+outposts were forced to retire, closely pressed by the enemy.
+Before the batteries could meet the charge, clearing the ditch,
+they gained the redoubt through the embrasures, leaping over the
+parapet, and overwhelming by their superior force the small party
+stationed there.</p>
+<p>Lafitte, who was commanding in conjunction with his officers, at
+one of the guns, no sooner saw the bold movement of the enemy, than
+calling a few of his best men by his side, he sprung forward to the
+point of danger, and clearing the breastwork of the entrenchments,
+leaped, cutlass in hand, into the midst of the enemy, followed by a
+score of his men, who in many a hard fought battle upon his own
+deck, had been well tried.</p>
+<p>Astonished at the intrepidity which could lead men to leave
+their entrenchments and meet them hand to hand, and pressed by the
+suddenness of the charge, which was made with the recklessness,
+skill and rapidity of practised boarders bounding upon the deck of
+an enemy's vessel, they began to give way, while one after another,
+two British officers fell before the cutlass of the pirate, as they
+were bravely encouraging their men. All the energies of the British
+were now concentrated to scale the breastwork, which one daring
+officer had already mounted. While Lafitte and his followers,
+seconding a gallant band of volunteer riflemen, formed a phalanx
+which they in vain assayed to penetrate.</p>
+<p>The British finding it impossible to take the city and the havoc
+in their ranks being dreadful, made a precipitate retreat, leaving
+the field covered with their dead and wounded.</p>
+<p>General Jackson, in his correspondence with the secretary of war
+did not fail to notice the conduct of the "Corsairs of Barrataria,"
+who were, as we have already seen, employed in the artillery
+service. In the course of the campaign they proved, in an
+unequivocal manner, that they had been misjudged by the enemy, who
+a short time previous to the invasion of Louisiana, had hoped to
+enlist them in his cause. Many of them were killed or wounded in
+the defence of the country. Their zeal, their courage, and their
+skill, were remarked by the whole army, who could no longer
+consider such brave men as criminals. In a few days peace was
+declared between Great Britain and the United States.</p>
+<p>The piratical establishment of Barrataria having been broken up
+and Lafitte not being content with leading an honest, peaceful
+life, procured some fast sailing vessels, and with a great number
+of his followers, proceeded to Galvezton Bay, in Texas, during the
+year 1819; where he received a commission from General Long; and
+had five vessels generally cruising and about 300 men. Two open
+boats bearing commissions from General Humbert, of Galvezton,
+having robbed a plantation on the Marmento river, of negroes,
+money, &amp;c., were captured in the Sabine river, by the boats of
+the United States schooner Lynx. One of the men was hung by
+Lafitte, who dreaded the vengeance of the American government. The
+Lynx also captured one of his schooners, and her prize that had
+been for a length of time smuggling in the Carmento. One of his
+cruisers, named the Jupiter, returned safe to Galvezton after a
+short cruise with a valuable cargo, principally specie; she was the
+first vessel that sailed under the authority of Texas. The American
+government well knowing that where Lafitte was, piracy and
+smuggling would be the order of the day, sent a vessel of war to
+cruise in the Gulf of Mexico, and scour the coasts of Texas.
+Lafitte having been appointed governor of Galvezton and one of the
+cruisers being stationed off the port to watch his motions, it so
+annoyed him that he wrote the following letter to her commander,
+Lieutenant Madison.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<p><i>To the commandant of the American cruiser, off the port of
+Galvezton</i>.</p>
+<p>Sir--I am convinced that you are a cruiser of the navy, ordered
+by your government. I have therefore deemed it proper to inquire
+into the cause of your living before this port without
+communicating your intention. I shall by this message inform you,
+that the port of Galvezton belongs to and is in the possession of
+the republic of Texas, and was made a port of entry the 9th October
+last. And whereas the supreme congress of said republic have
+thought proper to appoint me as governor of this place, in
+consequence of which, if you have any demands on said government,
+or persons belonging to or residing in the same, you will please to
+send an officer with such demands, whom you may be assured will be
+treated with the greatest politeness, and receive every
+satisfaction required. But if you are ordered, or should attempt to
+enter this port in a hostile manner, my oath and duty to the
+government compels me to rebut your intentions at the expense of my
+life.</p>
+<p>To prove to you my intentions towards the welfare and harmony of
+your government I send enclosed the declaration of several
+prisoners, who were taken in custody yesterday, and by a court of
+inquiry appointed for that purpose, were found guilty of robbing
+the inhabitants of the United States of a number of slaves and
+specie. The gentlemen bearing this message will give you any
+reasonable information relating to this place, that may be
+required.</p>
+<p>Yours, &amp;c.</p>
+<p>J. LAFITTE.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<p>About this time one Mitchell, who had formerly belonged to
+Lafitte's gang, collected upwards of one hundred and fifty
+desperadoes and fortified himself on an island near Barrataria,
+with several pieces of cannon; and swore that he and all his
+comrades would perish within their trenches before they would
+surrender to any man. Four of this gang having gone to New Orleans
+on a frolic, information was given to the city watch, and the house
+surrounded, when the whole four with cocked pistols in both hands
+sallied out and marched through the crowd which made way for them
+and no person dared to make an attempt to arrest them.</p>
+<p>The United States cutter, Alabama, on her way to the station off
+the mouth of the Mississippi, captured a piratical schooner
+belonging to Lafitte; she carried two guns and twenty-five men, and
+was fitted out at New Orleans, and commanded by one of Lafitte's
+lieutenants, named Le Fage; the schooner had a prize in company and
+being hailed by the cutter, poured into her a volley of musketry;
+the cutter then opened upon the privateer and a smart action ensued
+which terminated in favor of the cutter, which had four men wounded
+and two of them dangerously; but the pirate had six men killed;
+both vessels were captured and brought into the bayou St. John. An
+expedition was now sent to dislodge Mitchell and his comrades from
+the island he had taken possession of; after coming to anchor, a
+summons was sent for him to surrender, which was answered by a
+brisk cannonade from his breastwork. The vessels were warped close
+in shore; and the boats manned and sent on shore whilst the vessels
+opened upon the pirates; the boat's crews landed under a galling
+fire of grape shot and formed in the most undaunted manner; and
+although a severe loss was sustained they entered the breastwork at
+the point of the bayonet; after a desperate fight the pirates gave
+way, many were taken prisoners but Mitchell and the greatest part
+escaped to the cypress swamps where it was impossible to arrest
+them. A large quantity of dry goods and specie together with other
+booty was taken. Twenty of the pirates were taken and brought to
+New Orleans, and tried before Judge Hall, of the Circuit Court of
+the United States, sixteen were brought in guilty; and after the
+Judge had finished pronouncing sentence of death upon the hardened
+wretches, several of them cried out in open court, <i>Murder--by
+God</i>.</p>
+<p>Accounts of these transactions having reached Lafitte, he
+plainly perceived there was a determination to sweep all his
+cruisers from the sea; and a war of extermination appeared to be
+waged against him.</p>
+<p>In a fit of desperation he procured a large and fast sailing
+brigantine mounting sixteen guns and having selected a crew of one
+hundred and sixty men he started without any commission as a
+regular pirate determined to rob all nations and neither to give or
+receive quarter. A British sloop of war which was cruising in the
+Gulf of Mexico, having heard that Lafitte himself was at sea, kept
+a sharp look out from the mast head; when one morning as an officer
+was sweeping the horizon with his glass he discovered a long dark
+looking vessel, low in the water, but having very tall masts, with
+sails white as the driven snow. As the sloop of war had the weather
+gage of the pirate and could outsail her before the wind, she set
+her studding sails and crowded every inch of canvass in chase; as
+soon as Lafitte ascertained the character of his opponent, he
+ordered the awnings to be furled and set his big square-sail and
+shot rapidly through the water; but as the breeze freshened the
+sloop of war came up rapidly with the pirate, who, finding no
+chance of escaping, determined to sell his life as dearly as
+possible; the guns were cast loose and the shot handed up; and a
+fire opened upon the ship which killed a number of men and carried
+away her foretopmast, but she reserved her fire until within
+cable's distance of the pirate; when she fired a general discharge
+from her broadside, and a volley of small arms; the broadside was
+too much elevated to hit the low hull of the brigantine, but was
+not without effect; the foretopmast fell, the jaws of the main gaff
+were severed and a large proportion of the rigging came rattling
+down on deck; ten of the pirates were killed, but Lafitte remained
+unhurt. The sloop of war entered her men over the starboard bow and
+a terrific contest with pistols and cutlasses ensued; Lafitte
+received two wounds at this time which disabled him, a grape shot
+broke the bone of his right leg and he received a cut in the
+abdomen, but his crew fought like tigers and the deck was ankle
+deep with blood and gore; the captain of the boarders received such
+a tremendous blow on the head from the butt end of a musket, as
+stretched him senseless on the deck near Lafitte, who raised his
+dagger to stab him to the heart. But the tide of his existence was
+ebbing like a torrent, his brain was giddy, his aim faltered and
+the point descended in the Captain's right thigh; dragging away the
+blade with the last convulsive energy of a death struggle, he
+lacerated the wound. Again the reeking steel was upheld, and
+Lafitte placed his left hand near the Captain's heart, to make his
+aim more sure; again the dizziness of dissolution spread over his
+sight, down came the dagger into the captain's left thigh and
+Lafitte was a corpse.</p>
+<p>The upper deck was cleared, and the boarders rushed below on the
+main deck to complete their conquest. Here the slaughter was
+dreadful, till the pirates called out for quarter, and the carnage
+ceased; all the pirates that surrendered were taken to Jamaica and
+tried before the Admiralty court where sixteen were condemned to
+die, six were subsequently pardoned and ten executed.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/096.jpg" alt=
+"Death of Lafitte, the Pirate" height="363" width="600"></center>
+<h4>&nbsp;<i>Death of Lafitte, the Pirate.</i></h4>
+Thus perished Lafitte, a man superior in talent, in knowledge of
+his profession, in courage, and moreover in physical strength; but
+unfortunately his reckless career was marked with crimes of the
+darkest dye.<br>
+&nbsp;
+<center><img src="./images/097.jpg" alt="Page 97 Illustration"
+height="400" width="92"></center>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="THE_LIFE_OF_CAPTAIN_ROBERTS"></a>
+<h2>THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN ROBERTS.</h2>
+Bartholomew Roberts was trained to a sea-faring life. Among other
+voyages which he made during the time that he lawfully procured his
+maintenance, he sailed for the Guinea cost, in November, 1719,
+where he was taken by the pirate Davis. He was at first very averse
+to that mode of life, and would certainly have deserted, had an
+opportunity occurred. It happened to him, however, as to many upon
+another element, that preferment calmed his conscience, and
+reconciled him to that which he formerly hated.
+<p>Davis having fallen in the manner related, those who had assumed
+the title of Lords assembled to deliberate concerning the choice of
+a new commander. There were several candidates, who, by their
+services, had risen to eminence among their breathren, and each of
+them thought themselves qualified to bear rule. One addressed the
+assembled lords, saying, "that the good of the whole, and the
+maintenance of order, demanded a head, but that the proper
+authority was deposited in the community at large; so that if one
+should be elected who did not act and govern for the general good,
+he could be deposed, and another be substituted in his place."</p>
+<p>"We are the original," said he, "of this claim, and should a
+captain be so saucy as to exceed prescription at any time, why,
+down with him! It will be a caution, after he is dead, to his
+successors, to what fatal results any undue assumption may lead;
+however, it is my advice, while be are sober, to pitch upon a man
+of courage, and one skilled in navigation,--one who, by his
+prudence and bravery, seems best able to defend this commonwealth,
+and ward us from the dangers and tempests of an unstable element,
+and the fatal consequences of anarchy; and such a one I take
+Roberts to be: a fellow in all respects worthy of your esteem and
+favor."</p>
+<p>This speech was applauded by all but Lord Simpson, who had
+himself strong expectations of obtaining the highest command. He at
+last, in a surly tone, said, he did not regard whom they chose as a
+commander, provided he was not a papist, for he had conceived a
+mortal hatred to papists, because his father had been a sufferer in
+Monmouth's rebellion.</p>
+<p>Thus, though Roberts had only been a few weeks among them, his
+election was confirmed by the Lords and Commons. He, with the best
+face he could, accepted of the dignity, saying, "that since he had
+dipped his hands in muddy water, and must be a pirate, it was
+better being a commander than a private man."</p>
+<p>The governor being settled, and other officers chosen in the
+room of those who had fallen with Davis, it was resolved not to
+leave this place without revenging his death. Accordingly, thirty
+men, under the command of one Kennedy, a bold and profligate
+fellow, landed, and under cover of the fire of the ship, ascended
+the hill upon which the fort stood. They were no sooner discovered
+by the Portuguese, than they abandoned the fort, and took shelter
+in the town. The pirates then entered without opposition, set fire
+to the fort, and tumbled the guns into the sea.</p>
+<p>Not satisfied with this injury, some proposed to land and set
+the town in flames. Roberts however, reminded them of the great
+danger to which this would inevitably expose them; that there was a
+thick wood at the back of the town, where the inhabitants could
+hide themselves, and that, when their all was at stake, they would
+make a bolder resistance: and that the burning or destroying of a
+few houses, would be a small return for their labor, and the loss
+that they might sustain. This prudent advice had the desired
+effect, and they contented themselves with lightening the French
+vessel, and battering down several houses of the town, to show
+their high displeasure.</p>
+<p>Roberts sailed southward, captured a Dutch Guineaman, and,
+having emptied her of everything they thought proper, returned her
+to the commander. Two days after, he captured an English ship, and,
+as the men joined in pirating, emptied and burned the vessel, and
+then sailed for St. Thomas. Meeting with no prize, he sailed for
+Anamaboa, and there watered and repaired. Having again put to sea,
+a vote was taken whether they should sail for the East Indies or
+for Brazil. The latter place was decided upon, and they arrived
+there in twenty-eight days.</p>
+<p>Upon this coast our rovers cruised for about nine weeks, keeping
+generally out of sight of land, but without seeing a sail; which
+discouraged them so, that they determined to leave the station, and
+steer for the West Indies; and, in order thereto, they stood in to
+make the land for the taking of their departure, by which means
+they fell in, unexpectedly, with a fleet of forty-two sail of
+Portuguese ships, off the Bay of Los Todos Santos, with all their
+lading in for Lisbon; several of them of good force, who lay there
+waiting for two men of war of seventy guns each for their convoy.
+However, Roberts thought it should go hard with him but he would
+make up his market among them, and thereupon he mixed with the
+fleet, and kept his men concealed till proper resolutions could be
+formed; that done, they came close up to one of the deepest, and
+ordered her to send the master on board quietly, threatening to
+give them no quarter, if any resistance or signal of distress was
+made. The Portuguese, being surprised at these threats, and the
+sudden flourish of cutlasses from the pirates, submitted without a
+word, and the captain came on board. Roberts saluted him in a
+friendly manner, telling him that they were gentlemen of fortune,
+and that their business with him was only to be informed which was
+the richest ship in that fleet; and if he directed them right, he
+should be restored to his ship without molestation, otherwise he
+must expect instant death.</p>
+<p>He then pointed to a vessel of forty guns, and a hundred and
+fifty men; and though her strength was greatly superior to
+Roberts', yet he made towards her, taking the master of the
+captured vessel along with him. Coming alongside of her, Roberts
+ordered the prisoner to ask, "How Seignior Captain did?" and to
+invite him on board, as he had a matter of importance to impart to
+him. He was answered, "That he would wait upon him presently."
+Roberts, however, observing more than ordinary bustle on board, at
+once concluded they were discovered, and pouring a broadside into
+her, they immediately boarded, grappled, and took her. She was a
+very rich prize, laden with sugar, skins, and tobacco, with four
+thousand moidores of gold, besides other valuable articles.</p>
+<p>In possession of so much riches, they now became solicitous to
+find a safe retreat in which to spend their time in mirth and
+wantonness. They determined upon a place called the Devil's Island
+upon the river Surinam, where they arrived in safety, and met with
+a kind reception from the governor and the inhabitants.</p>
+<p>In this river they seized a sloop, which informed them that she
+had sailed in company with a brigantine loaded with provisions.
+This was welcome intelligence, as their provisions were nearly
+exhausted. Deeming this too important a business to trust to
+foreign hands, Roberts, with forty men in the sloop, gave chase to
+that sail. In the keenness of the moment, and trusting in his usual
+good fortune, Roberts supposed that he had only to take a short
+sail in order to bring in the vessel with her cargo; but to his sad
+disappointment, he pursued her during eight days, and instead of
+gaining, was losing way. Under these circumstances, he came to
+anchor, and sent off the boat to give intelligence of their
+distress to their companions.</p>
+<p>In their extremity of want, they took up part of the floor of
+the cabin, and patched up a sort of tray with rope-yarns, to paddle
+on shore to get a little water to preserve their lives. When their
+patience was almost exhausted, the boat returned, but instead of
+provisions, brought the unpleasing information, that the
+lieutenant, one Kennedy, had run off with both the ships.</p>
+<p>The misfortune and misery of Roberts were greatly aggravated by
+reflecting upon his own imprudence and want of foresight, as well
+as from the baseness of Kennedy and his crew. Impelled by the
+necessity of his situation, he now began to reflect upon the means
+he should employ for future support. Under the foolish supposition
+that any laws, oaths or regulations, could bind those who had
+bidden open defiance to all divine and human laws, he proceeded to
+form a code of regulations for the maintenance of order and unity
+in his little commonwealth.</p>
+<p>But present necessity compelled them to action, and with their
+small sloop they sailed for the West Indies. They were not long
+before they captured two sloops, which supplied them with
+provisions, and a few days after, a brigantine, and then proceeded
+to Barbadoes. When off that island they met a vessel of ten guns,
+richly laden from Bristol; after plundering, and detaining her
+three days, they allowed her to prosecute her voyage. This vessel,
+however, informed the governor of what had befallen them, who sent
+a vessel of twenty guns and eighty men in quest of the pirates.</p>
+<p>That vessel was commanded by one Rogers, who, on the second day
+of his cruise, discovered Roberts. Ignorant of any vessel being
+sent after them, they made towards each other. Roberts gave him a
+gun but instead of striking, the other returned a broadside, with
+three huzzas. A severe engagement ensued, and Roberts being hard
+put to it, lightened his vessel and ran off.</p>
+<p>Roberts then sailed for the Island of Dominica, where he
+watered, and was supplied by the inhabitants with provisions, for
+which he gave them goods in return. Here he met with fifteen
+Englishmen left upon the island by a Frenchman who had made a prize
+of their vessel; and they, entering into his service, proved a
+seasonable addition to his strength.</p>
+<p>Though he did not think this a proper place for cleaning, yet as
+it was absolutely necessary that it should be done, he directed his
+course to the Granada islands for that purpose. This, however, had
+well nigh proved fatal to him; for the Governor of Martinique
+fitted out two sloops to go in quest of the pirates. They, however,
+sailed to the above-mentioned place, cleaned with unusual despatch,
+and just left that place the night before the sloops in pursuit of
+them arrived.</p>
+<p>They next sailed for Newfoundland, arriving upon the banks in
+June, 1720, and entered the harbor of Trepassi, with their black
+colors flying, drums beating, and trumpets sounding. In that harbor
+there were no less than twenty-two ships, which the men abandoned
+upon the sight of the pirates. It is impossible to describe the
+injury which they did at this place, by burning or sinking the
+ships, destroying the plantations, and pillaging the houses. Power
+in the hands of mean and ignorant men renders them wanton, insolent
+and cruel. They are literally like madmen, who cast firebrands,
+arrows and death, and say, "Are not we in sport?"</p>
+<p>Roberts reserved a Bristol galley from his depredations in the
+harbor, which he fitted and manned for his own service. Upon the
+banks he met ten sail of French ships, and destroyed them all,
+except one of twenty-six guns, which he seized and carried off, and
+called her the Fortune. Then giving the Bristol galley to the
+Frenchman, they sailed in quest of new adventures, and soon took
+several prizes, and out of them increased the number of their own
+hands. The Samuel, one of these, was a very rich vessel, having
+some respectable passengers on board, who were roughly used, and
+threatened with death if they did not deliver up their money and
+their goods. They stripped the vessel of every article, either
+necessary for their vessel or themselves, to the amount of eight or
+nine thousand pounds. They then deliberated whether to sink or burn
+the Samuel, but in the mean time they discovered a sail, so they
+left the empty Samuel, and gave the other chase. At midnight they
+overtook her, and she proved to be the Snow from Bristol; and,
+because he was an Englishman, they used the master in a cruel and
+barbarous manner. Two days after, they took the Little York of
+Virginia, and the Love of Liverpool, both of which they plundered
+and sent off. In three days they captured three other vessels,
+removing the goods out of them, sinking one, and sending off the
+other two.</p>
+<p>They next sailed for the West Indies, but provisions growing
+short, proceeded to St. Christopher's, where, being denied
+provisions by the governor, they fired on the town, and burnt two
+ships in the roads. They then repaired to the island of St.
+Bartholomew, where the governor supplied them with every necessary,
+and caressed them in the kindest manner. Satiated with indulgence,
+and having taken in a large stock of everything necessary, they
+unanimously voted to hasten to the coast of Guinea. In their way
+they took a Frenchman, and as she was fitter for the pirate service
+than their own, they informed the captain, that, as "a fair
+exchange was no robbery," they would exchange sloops with him;
+accordingly, having shifted their men, they set sail. However,
+going by mistake out of the track of the trade winds, they were
+under the necessity of returning to the West Indies.</p>
+<p>They now directed their course to Surinam but not having
+sufficient water for the voyage they were soon reduced to a
+mouthful of water in the day; their numbers daily diminished by
+thirst and famine and the few who survived were reduced to the
+greatest weakness. They at last had not one drop of water or any
+other liquid, when, to their inexpressible joy, they anchored in
+seven fathoms of water. This tended to revive exhausted nature and
+inspire them with new vigour, though as yet they had received no
+relief. In the morning they discovered land, but at such a distance
+that their hopes were greatly dampened. The boat was however sent
+off, and at night returned with plenty of that necessary element.
+But this remarkable deliverance produced no reformation in the
+manners of these unfeeling and obdurate men.</p>
+<p>Steering their course from that place to Barbadoes, in their way
+they met with a vessel which supplied them with all necessaries.
+Not long after, they captured a brigantine, the mate of which
+joined their association. Having from these two obtained a large
+supply, they changed their course and watered at Tobago. Informed,
+however, that there were two vessels sent in pursuit of them, they
+went to return their compliments to the Governor of Martinique for
+this kindness.</p>
+<p>It was the custom of the Dutch interlopers, when they approached
+this island to trade with the inhabitants, to hoist their jacks.
+Roberts knew the signal, and did so likewise. They, supposing that
+a good market was near, strove who could first reach Roberts.
+Determined to do them all possible mischief he destroyed them one
+by one as they came into his power. He only reserved one ship to
+send the men on shore, and burnt the remainder, to the number of
+twenty.</p>
+<p>Roberts and his crew were so fortunate as to capture several
+vessels and to render their liquor so plentiful, that it was
+esteemed a crime against Providence not to be continually drunk.
+One man, remarkable for his sobriety, along with two others, found
+an opportunity to set off without taking leave of their friends.
+But a despatch being sent after them, they were brought back, and
+in a formal manner tried and sentenced, but one of them was saved
+by the humorous interference of one of the judges, whose speech was
+truly worthy of a pirate--while the other two suffered the
+punishment of death.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/106.jpg" alt=
+"Captain Roberts' Crew carousing at Old Calabar River" height="600"
+width="465"></center>
+<h4><i>Captain Roberts' Crew carousing at Old Calabar
+River.</i></h4>
+When necessity again compelled them, they renewed their cruising;
+and, dissatisfied with capturing vessels which only afforded them a
+temporary supply, directed their course to the Guinea coast to
+forage for gold. Intoxication rendered them unruly, and the
+brigantine at last embraced the cover of night to abandon the
+commodore. Unconcerned at the loss of his companion, Roberts
+pursued his voyage. He fell in with two French ships, the one of
+ten guns and sixty-five men, and the other of sixteen guns and
+seventy-five men. These dastards no sooner beheld the black flag
+than they surrendered. With these they went to Sierra Leone,
+constituting one of them a consort, by the name of the Ranger, and
+the other a store-ship. This port being frequented by the greater
+part of the traders to that quarter, they remained here six weeks,
+enjoying themselves in all the splendor and luxury of a piratical
+life.
+<p>After this they renewed their voyage, and having captured a
+vessel, the greater part of the men united their fortunes with the
+pirates. On board of one of the ships was a clergyman, whom some of
+them proposed taking along with them, for no other reason than that
+they had not a chaplain on board. They endeavored to gain his
+consent, and assured him that he should want for nothing, and his
+only work would be, to make punch and say prayers. Depraved,
+however, as these men were, they did not choose to constrain him to
+go, but displayed their civility further, by permitting him to
+carry along with him whatever he called his own. After several
+cruises, they now went into a convenient harbor at Old Calabar,
+where they cleaned, refitted, divided their booty, and for a
+considerable time caroused, to banish care and sober
+reflection.</p>
+<p>According to their usual custom, the time of festivity and mirth
+was prolonged until the want of means recalled them to reason and
+exertion. Leaving this port, they cruised from place to place with
+varied success; but in all their captures, either burning, sinking,
+or devoting their prizes to their own use, according to the whim of
+the moment. The Swallow and another man-of-war being sent out
+expressly to pursue and take Roberts and his fleet, he had frequent
+and certain intelligence of their destination; but having so often
+escaped their vigilance, he became rather too secure and fearless.
+It happened, however, that while he lay off Cape Lopez, the Swallow
+had information of his being in that place, and made towards him.
+Upon the appearance of a sail, one of Roberts' ships was sent to
+chase and take her. The pilot of the Swallow seeing her coming,
+manoeouvred his vessel so well, that though he fled at her
+approach, in order to draw her out of the reach of her associates,
+yet he at his own time allowed her to overtake the man-of-war.</p>
+<p>Upon her coming up to the Swallow, the pirate hoisted the black
+flag, and fired upon her; but how greatly were her crew astonished,
+when they saw that they had to contend with a man-of-war, and
+seeing that all resistance was vain, they cried out for quarter,
+which was granted, and they were made prisoners, having ten men
+killed and twenty wounded, without the loss or hurt of one of the
+king's men.</p>
+<p>On the 10th, in the morning, the man-of-war bore away to round
+the cape. Roberts' crew, discerning their masts over the land, went
+down into the cabin to acquaint him of it, he being then at
+breakfast with his new guest, captain Hill, on a savoury dish of
+salmagundy and some of his own beer. He took no notice of it, and
+his men almost as little, some saying she was a Portuguese ship,
+others a French slave ship, but the major part swore it was the
+French Ranger returning; and they were merrily debating for some
+time on the manner of reception, whether they should salute her or
+not; but as the Swallow approached nearer, things appeared plainer;
+and though they who showed any apprehension of danger were
+stigmatized with the name of cowards, yet some of them, now
+undeceived, declared it to Roberts, especially one Armstrong, who
+had deserted from that ship, and knew her well. These Roberts swore
+at as cowards, who meant to dishearten the men, asking them, if it
+were so, whether they were afraid to fight or not? In short, he
+hardly refrained from blows. What his own apprehensions were, till
+she hauled up her ports and hoisted her proper colors, is
+uncertain; but then, being perfectly convinced, he slipped his
+cable, got under sail, ordered his men to arms without any show of
+timidity, dropping a first-rate oath, that it was a bite, but at
+the same time resolved, like a gallant rogue, to get clear or
+die.</p>
+<p>There was one Armstrong, as was just mentioned, a deserter from
+the Swallow, of whom they enquired concerning the trim and sailing
+of that ship; he told them she sailed best upon the wind, and
+therefore, if they designed to leave her, they should go before
+it.</p>
+<p>The danger was imminent, and the time very short, to consult
+about means to extricate himself; his resolution in this strait was
+as follows: to pass close to the Swallow with all their sails, and
+receive her broadside before they returned a shot; if disabled by
+this, or if they could not depend on sailing, then to run on shore
+at the point, and every one to shift for himself among the negroes;
+or failing these, to board, and blow up together, for he saw that
+the greatest part of his men were drunk, passively courageous, and
+unfit for service.</p>
+<p>Roberts, himself, made a gallant figure at the time of the
+engagement, being dressed in a rich crimson damask waistcoat and
+breeches, a red feather in his hat, a gold chain round his neck,
+with a diamond cross hanging to it, a sword in his hand, and two
+pair of pistols hanging at the end of a silk sling flung over his
+shoulders, according to the custom of the pirates. He is said to
+have given his orders with boldness and spirit. Coming, according
+to what he had purposed, close to the man-of-war, he received her
+fire, and then hoisted his black flag and returned it, shooting
+away from her with all the sail he could pack; and had he taken
+Armstrong's advice to have gone before the wind, he had probably
+escaped; but keeping his tacks down, either by the wind's shifting,
+or ill steerage, or both, he was taken aback with his sails, and
+the Swallow came a second time very nigh to him. He had now,
+perhaps, finished the fight very desperately, if death, who took a
+swift passage in a grape shot, had not interposed, and struck him
+directly on the throat. He settled himself on the tackles of a gun;
+which one Stephenson, from the helm, observing, ran to his
+assistance, and not perceiving him wounded, swore at him, and bade
+him stand up and fight like a man; but when he found his mistake,
+and that his captain was certainly dead, he burst into tears, and
+wished the next shot might be his portion. They presently threw him
+overboard, with his arms and ornaments on, according to his
+repeated request in his life-time.</p>
+<p>This extraordinary man and daring pirate was tall, of a dark
+complexion, about 40 years of age, and born in Pembrokeshire. His
+parents were honest and respectable, and his natural activity,
+courage, and invention, were superior to his education. At a very
+early period, he, in drinking, would imprecate vengeance upon "the
+head of him who ever lived to wear a halter." He went willingly
+into the pirate service, and served three years as a second man. It
+was not for want of employment, but from a roving, wild, and
+boisterous turn of mind. It was his usual declaration, that, "In an
+honest service, there are commonly low wages and hard labor; in
+this,--plenty, satiety, pleasure and ease, liberty, and power; and
+who would not balance creditor on this side, when all the hazard
+that is run for it at worst, is only a sour look or two at choking?
+No,--a merry life and a short one, shall be my motto!" But it was
+one favorable trait in his character, that he never forced any man
+into the pirate service.</p>
+<p>The prisoners were strictly guarded while on board, and being
+conveyed to Cape Coast castle, they underwent a long and solemn
+trial. The generality of them remained daring and impenitent for
+some time, but when they found themselves confined within a castle,
+and their fate drawing near, they changed their course, and became
+serious, penitent, and fervent in their devotions. Though the
+judges found no small difficulty in explaining the law, and
+different acts of parliament, yet the facts were so numerous and
+flagrant which were proved against them, that there was no
+difficulty in bringing in a verdict of guilty.</p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="THE_LIFE_OF_CHARLES_GIBBS"></a>
+<h2>THE LIFE OF CHARLES GIBBS.</h2>
+<i>Containing an Account of his Atrocities committed in the West
+Indies</i>.
+<p>This atrocious and cruel pirate, when very young became addicted
+to vices uncommon in youths of his age, and so far from the gentle
+reproof and friendly admonition, or the more severe chastisement of
+a fond parent, having its intended effect, it seemed to render him
+still worse, and to incline him to repay those whom he ought to
+have esteemed as his best friends and who had manifested so much
+regard for his welfare, with ingratitude and neglect. His infamous
+career and ignominious death on the gallows; brought down the "grey
+hairs of his parents in sorrow to the grave." The poignant
+affliction which the infamous crimes of children bring upon their
+relatives ought to be one of the most effective persuasions for
+them to refrain from vice.</p>
+<p>Charles Gibbs was born in the state of Rhode Island, in 1794;
+his parents and connexions were of the first respectability. When
+at school, he was very apt to learn, but so refractory and sulky,
+that neither the birch nor good counsel made any impression on him,
+and he was expelled from the school.</p>
+<p>He was now made to labor on a farm; but having a great antipathy
+to work, when about fifteen years of age, feeling a great
+inclination to roam, and like too many unreflecting youths of that
+age, a great fondness for the sea, he in opposition to the friendly
+counsel of his parents, privately left them and entered on board
+the United States sloop-of-war, Hornet, and was in the action when
+she captured the British sloop-of-war Peacock, off the coast of
+Pernambuco. Upon the return of the Hornet to the United States, her
+brave commander, Capt. Lawrence, was promoted for his gallantry to
+the command of the unfortunate Chesapeake, and to which he was
+followed by young Gibbs, who took a very distinguished part in the
+engagement with the Shannon, which resulted in the death of
+Lawrence and the capture of the Chesapeake. Gibbs states that while
+on board the Chesapeake the crew previous to the action, were
+almost in a state of mutiny, growing out of the non payment of the
+prize money, and that the address of Capt. Lawrence was received by
+them with coldness and murmurs.</p>
+<p>After the engagement, Gibbs became with the survivors of the
+crew a prisoner of war, and as such was confined in Dartmoor prison
+until exchanged.</p>
+<p>After his exchange, he returned to Boston, where having
+determined to abandon the sea, he applied to his friends in Rhode
+Island, to assist him in commencing business; they accordingly lent
+him one thousand dollars as a capital to begin with. He opened a
+grocery in Ann Street, near what was then called the <i>Tin
+Pot</i>, a place full of abandoned women and dissolute fellows. As
+he dealt chiefly in liquor, and had a "<i>License to retail
+Spirits</i>," his drunkery was thronged with customers. But he sold
+his groceries chiefly to loose girls who paid him in their coin,
+which, although it answered his purpose, would neither buy him
+goods or pay his rent, and he found his stock rapidly dwindling
+away without his receiving any cash to replenish it. By dissipation
+and inattention his new business proved unsuccessful to him. He
+resolved to abandon it and again try the sea for a subsistence.
+With a hundred dollars in his pocket, the remnant of his property,
+he embarked in the ship John, for Buenos Ayres, and his means being
+exhausted soon after his arrival there, he entered on board a
+Buenos Ayrean privateer and sailed on a cruise. A quarrel between
+the officers and crew in regard to the division of prize money, led
+eventually to a mutiny; and the mutineers gained the ascendancy,
+took possession of the vessel, landed the crew on the coast of
+Florida, and steered for the West Indies, with hearts resolved to
+make their fortunes at all hazards, and where in a short time, more
+than twenty vessels were captured by them and nearly <i>Four
+Hundred Human Beings Murdered</i>!</p>
+<p>Havana was the resort of these pirates to dispose of their
+plunder; and Gibbs sauntered about this place with impunity and was
+acquainted in all the out of the way and bye places of that hot bed
+of pirates the Regla. He and his comrades even lodged in the very
+houses with many of the American officers who were sent out to take
+them. He was acquainted with many of the officers and was apprised
+of all their intended movements before they left the harbor. On one
+occasion, the American ship Caroline, was captured by two of their
+piratical vessels off Cape Antonio. They were busily engaged in
+landing the cargo, when the British sloop-of-war, Jearus, hove in
+sight and sent her barges to attack them. The pirates defended
+themselves for some time behind a small four gun battery which they
+had erected, but in the end were forced to abandon their own vessel
+and the prize and fly to the mountains for safety. The Jearus found
+here twelve vessels burnt to the water's edge, and it was
+satisfactorily ascertained that their crews, amounting to <i>one
+hundred and fifty persons had been murdered</i>. The crews, if it
+was thought not necessary otherways to dispose of them were sent
+adrift in their boats, and frequently without any thing on which
+they could subsist a single day; nor were all so fortunate thus to
+escape. "Dead men can tell no tales," was a common saying among
+them; and as soon as a ship's crew were taken, a short consultation
+was held; and if it was the opinion of a majority that it would be
+better to take life than to spare it, a single nod or wink from the
+captain was sufficient; regardless of age or sex, all entreaties
+for mercy were then made in vain; they possessed not the tender
+feelings, to be operated upon by the shrieks and expiring groans of
+the devoted victims! there was a strife among them, who with his
+own hands could despatch the greatest number, and in the shortest
+period of time.</p>
+<p>Without any other motives than to gratify their hellish
+propensities (in their intoxicated moments), blood was not
+unfrequently and unnecessarily shed, and many widows and orphans
+probably made, when the lives of the unfortunate victims might have
+been spared, and without the most distant prospect of any evil
+consequences (as regarded themselves), resulting therefrom.</p>
+<p>Gibbs states that sometime in the course of the year 1819, he
+left Havana and came to the United States, bringing with him about
+$30,000. He passed several weeks in the city of New York, and then
+went to Boston, whence he took passage for Liverpool in the ship
+Emerald. Before he sailed, however, he has squandered a large part
+of his money by dissipation and gambling. He remained in Liverpool
+a few months, and then returned to Boston. His residence in
+Liverpool at that time is satisfactorily ascertained from another
+source besides his own confession. A female now in New York was
+well acquainted with him there, where, she says, he lived like a
+gentleman, with apparently abundant means of support. In speaking
+of his acquaintance with this female he says, "I fell in with a
+woman, who I thought was all virtue, but she deceived me, and I am
+sorry to say that a heart that never felt abashed at scenes of
+carnage and blood, was made a child of for a time by her, and I
+gave way to dissipation to drown the torment. How often when the
+fumes of liquor have subsided, have I thought of my good and
+affectionate parents, and of their Godlike advice! But when the
+little monitor began to move within me, I immediately seized the
+cup to hide myself from myself, and drank until the sense of
+intoxication was renewed. My friends advised me to behave myself
+like a man, and promised me their assistance, but the demon still
+haunted me, and I spurned their advice."</p>
+<p>In 1826, he revisited the United States, and hearing of the war
+between Brazil and the Republic of Buenos Ayres, sailed from Boston
+in the brig Hitty, of Portsmouth, with a determination, as he
+states, of trying his fortune in defence of a republican
+government. Upon his arrival he made himself known to Admiral
+Brown, and communicated his desire to join their navy. The admiral
+accompanied him to the Governor, and a Lieutenant's commission
+being given him, he joined a ship of 34 guns, called the 'Twenty
+Fifth of May.' "Here," says Gibbs, "I found Lieutenant Dodge, an
+old acquaintance, and a number of other persons with whom I had
+sailed. When the Governor gave me the commission he told me they
+wanted no cowards in their navy, to which I replied that I thought
+he would have no apprehension of my cowardice or skill when he
+became acquainted with me. He thanked me, and said he hoped he
+should not be deceived; upon which we drank to his health and to
+the success of the Republic. He then presented me with a sword, and
+told me to wear that as my companion through the doubtful struggle
+in which the republic was engaged. I told him I never would
+disgrace it, so long as I had a nerve in my arm. I remained on
+board the ship in the capacity of 5th Lieutenant, for about four
+months, during which time we had a number of skirmishes with the
+enemy. Having succeeded in gaining the confidence of Admiral Brown,
+he put me in command of a privateer schooner, mounting two long 24
+pounders and 46 men. I sailed from Buenos Ayres, made two good
+cruises, and returned safely to port. I then bought one half of a
+new Baltimore schooner, and sailed again, but was captured seven
+days out, and carried into Rio Janeiro, where the Brazilians paid
+me my change. I remained there until peace took place, then
+returned to Buenos Ayres, and thence to New York.</p>
+<p>"After the lapse of about a year, which I passed in travelling
+from place to place, the war between France and Algiers attracted
+my attention. Knowing that the French commerce presented a fine
+opportunity for plunder, I determined to embark for Algiers and
+offer my services to the Dey. I accordingly took passage from New
+York, in the Sally Ann, belonging to Bath, landed at Barcelona,
+crossed to Port Mahon, and endeavored to make my way to Algiers.
+The vigilance of the French fleet prevented the accomplishment of
+my design, and I proceeded to Tunis. There finding it unsafe to
+attempt a journey to Algiers across the desert, I amused myself
+with contemplating the ruins of Carthage, and reviving my
+recollections of her war with the Romans. I afterwards took passage
+to Marseilles, and thence to Boston."</p>
+<p>An instance of the most barbarous and cold blooded murder of
+which the wretched Gibbs gives an account in the course of his
+confessions, is that of an innocent and beautiful female of about
+17 or 18 years of age! she was with her parents a passenger on
+board a Dutch ship, bound from Curracoa to Holland; there were a
+number of other passengers, male and female, on board, all of whom
+except the young lady above-mentioned were put to death; her
+unfortunate parents were inhumanly butchered before her eyes, and
+she was doomed to witness the agonies and to hear the expiring,
+heart-piercing groans of those whom she held most dear, and on whom
+she depended for protection! The life of their wretched daughter
+was spared for the most nefarious purposes--she was taken by the
+pirates to the west end of Cuba, where they had a rendezvous, with
+a small fort that mounted four guns--here she was confined about
+two months, and where, as has been said by the murderer Gibbs, "she
+received such treatment, the bare recollection of which causes me
+to shudder!" At the expiration of the two months she was taken by
+the pirates on board of one of their vessels, and among whom a
+consultation was soon after held, which resulted in the conclusion
+that it would be necessary for their own personal safety, to put
+her to death! and to her a fatal dose of poison was accordingly
+administered, which soon proved fatal! when her pure and immortal
+spirit took its flight to that God, whom, we believe, will avenge
+her wrongs! her lifeless body was then committed to the deep by two
+of the merciless wretches with as much unconcern, as if it had been
+that of the meanest brute! Gibbs persists in the declaration that
+in this horrid transaction he took no part, that such was his pity
+for this poor ill-fated female, that he interceded for her life so
+long as he could do it with safety to his own!</p>
+<center><img src="./images/118.jpg" alt=
+"Gibbs carrying the Dutch Girl on board his Vessel" height="486"
+width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>Gibbs carrying the Dutch Girl on board his Vessel.</i></h4>
+Gibbs in his last visit to Boston remained there but a few days,
+when he took passage to New Orleans, and there entered as one of
+the crew on board the brig Vineyard; and for assisting in the
+murder of the unfortunate captain and mate of which, he was justly
+condemned, and the awful sentence of death passed upon him! The
+particulars of the bloody transaction (agreeable to the testimony
+of Dawes and Brownrigg, the two principal witnesses,) are as
+follows: The brig Vineyard, Capt. William Thornby, sailed from New
+Orleans about the 9th of November, for Philadelphia, with a cargo
+of 112 bales of cotton, 113 hhds. sugar, 54 casks of molasses and
+54,000 dollars in specie. Besides the captain there were on board
+the brig, William Roberts, mate, six seamen shipped at New Orleans,
+and the cook. Robert Dawes, one of the crew, states on examination,
+that when, about five days out, he was told that there was money on
+board, Charles Gibbs, E. Church and the steward then determined to
+take possession of the brig. They asked James Talbot, another of
+the crew, to join them. He said no, as he did not believe there was
+money in the vessel. They concluded to kill the captain and mate,
+and if Talbot and John Brownrigg would not join them, to kill them
+also. The next night they talked of doing it, and got their clubs
+ready. Dawes dared not say a word, as they declared they would kill
+him if he did; as they did not agree about killing Talbot and
+Brownrigg, two shipmates, it was put off. They next concluded to
+kill the captain and mate on the night of November 22, but did not
+get ready; but, on the night of the 23d, between twelve and one
+o'clock, as Dawes was at the helm, saw the steward come up with a
+light and a knife in his hand; he dropt the light and seizing the
+pump break, struck the captain with it over the head or back of the
+neck; the captain was sent forward by the blow, and halloed, oh!
+and murder! once; he was then seized by Gibbs and the cook, one by
+the head and the other by the heels, and thrown overboard. Atwell
+and Church stood at the companion way, to strike down the mate when
+he should come up. As he came up and enquired what was the matter
+they struck him over the head--he ran back into the cabin, and
+Charles Gibbs followed him down; but as it was dark, he could not
+find him--Gibbs came on deck for the light, with which he returned.
+Dawes' light being taken from him, he could not see to steer, and
+he in consequence left the helm, to see what was going on below.
+Gibbs found the mate and seized him, while Atwell and Church came
+down and struck him with a pump break and a club; he was then
+dragged upon deck; they called for Dawes to come to them, and as he
+came up the mate seized his hand, and gave him a death gripe! three
+of them then hove him overboard, but which three Dawes does not
+know; the mate when cast overboard was not dead, but called after
+them twice while in the water! Dawes says he was so frightened that
+he hardly knew what to do. They then requested him to call Talbot,
+who was in the forecastle, saying his prayers; he came up and said
+it would be his turn next! but they gave him some grog, and told
+him not to be afraid, as they would not hurt him; if he was true to
+them, he should fare as well as they did. One of those who had been
+engaged in the bloody deed got drunk, and another became crazy!
+<center><img src="./images/120.jpg" alt="Gibbs shooting a comrade"
+height="363" width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>Gibbs shooting a comrade.</i></h4>
+After killing the captain and mate, they set about overhauling the
+vessel, and got up one keg of Mexican dollars. They then divided
+the captain's clothes, and money--about 40 dollars, and a gold
+watch. Dawes, Talbot and Brownrigg, (who were all innocent of the
+murder,) were obliged to do as they were commanded--the former, who
+was placed at the helm, was ordered to steer for Long Island. On
+the day following, they divided several kegs of the specie,
+amounting to five thousand dollars each--they made bags and sewed
+the money up. After this division, they divided the remainder of
+the money without counting it. On Sunday, when about 15 miles
+S.S.E. of Southampton Light, they got the boats out and put half
+the money in each--they then scuttled the vessel and set fire to it
+in the cabin, and took to the boats. Gibbs, after the murder, took
+charge of the vessel as captain. From the papers they learnt that
+the money belonged to Stephen Girard. With the boats they made the
+land about daylight. Dawes and his three companions were in the
+long boat; the others, with Atwell, were in the jolly boat--on
+coming to the bar the boats struck--in the long boat, they threw
+overboard a trunk of clothes and a great deal of money, in all
+about 5000 dollars--the jolly boat foundered; they saw the boat
+fill, and heard them cry out, and saw them clinging to the
+masts--they went ashore on Barron Island, and buried the money in
+the sand, but very lightly. Soon after they met with a gunner, whom
+they requested to conduct them where they could get some
+refreshments. They were by him conducted to Johnson's (the only man
+living on the island,) where they staid all night--Dawes went to
+bed at about 10 o'clock--Jack Brownrigg set up with Johnson, and in
+the morning told Dawes that he had told Johnson all about the
+murder. Johnson went in the morning with the steward for the
+clothes, which were left on the top of the place where they buried
+the money, but does not believe they took away the money.
+<center><img src="./images/122.jpg" alt=
+"Captain Thornby murdered and thrown overboard by Gibbs and the steward"
+     height="373" width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>Captain Thornby murdered and thrown overboard by Gibbs and
+the steward.</i></h4>
+The prisoners, (Gibbs and Wansley,) were brought to trial at the
+February term of the United States Court, holden in the city of New
+York; when the foregoing facts being satisfactorily proved, they
+were pronounced guilty, and on the 11th March last, the awful
+sentence of the law was passed upon them in the following affecting
+and impressive manner:--The Court opened at 11 o'clock, Judge Betts
+presiding. A few minutes after that hour, Mr. Hamilton, District
+Attorney, rose and said--May it please the Court, Thomas J.
+Wansley, the prisoner at the bar, having been tried by a jury of
+his country, and found guilty of the murder of Captain Thornby, I
+now move that the sentence of the Court be pronounced upon that
+verdict.
+<center><img src="./images/124.jpg" alt=
+"Gibbs and Wansley burying the Money" height="497" width=
+"600"></center>
+<h4><i>Gibbs and Wansley burying the Money.</i></h4>
+<i>By the Court</i>. Thomas J. Wansley, you have heard what has
+been said by the District Attorney--by the Grand Jury of the South
+District of New York, you have been arraigned for the wilful murder
+of Captain Thornby, of the brig Vineyard; you have been put upon
+your trial, and after a patient and impartial hearing, you have
+been found Guilty. The public prosecutor now moves for judgment on
+that verdict; have you any thing to say, why the sentence of the
+law should not be passed upon you?
+<p><i>Thomas J. Wansley</i>. I will say a few words, but it is
+perhaps of no use. I have often understood that there is a great
+deal of difference in respect of color, and I have seen it in this
+Court. Dawes and Brownrigg were as guilty as I am, and these
+witnesses have tried to fasten upon me greater guilt than is just,
+for their life has been given to them. You have taken the blacks
+from their own country, to bring them here to treat them ill. I
+have seen this. The witnesses, the jury, and the prosecuting
+Attorney consider me more guilty than Dawes, to condemn me--for
+otherwise the law must have punished him; he should have had the
+same verdict, for he was a perpetrator in the conspiracy.
+Notwithstanding my participating, they have sworn falsely for the
+purpose of taking my life; they would not even inform the Court,
+how I gave information of money being on board; they had the
+biggest part of the money, and have sworn falsely. I have said
+enough. I will say no more.</p>
+<p><i>By the Court</i>. The Court will wait patiently and hear all
+you have to say; if you have any thing further to add, proceed.</p>
+<p><i>Wansley</i> then proceeded. In the first place, I was the
+first to ship on board the Vineyard at New Orleans, I knew nobody;
+I saw the money come on board. The judge that first examined me,
+did not take my deposition down correctly. When talking with the
+crew on board, said the brig was an old craft, and when we arrived
+at Philadelphia, we all agreed to leave her. It was mentioned to me
+that there was plenty of money on board. Henry Atwell said "let's
+have it." I knew no more of this for some days. Atwell came to me
+again and asked "what think you of taking the money." I thought it
+was a joke, and paid no attention to it. The next day he said they
+had determined to take the brig and money, and that they were the
+strongest party, and would murder the officers, and he that
+informed should suffer with them. I knew Church in Boston, and in a
+joke asked him how it was made up in the ship's company; his reply,
+that it was he and Dawes. There was no arms on board as was
+ascertained; the conspiracy was known to the whole company, and had
+I informed, my life would have been taken, and though I knew if I
+was found out my life would be taken by law, which is the same
+thing, so I did not inform. I have committed murder and I know I
+must die for it.</p>
+<p><i>By the Court</i>. If you wish to add any thing further you
+will still be heard.</p>
+<p><i>Wansley</i>. No sir, I believe I have said enough.</p>
+<p>The District Attorney rose and moved for judgment on Gibbs, in
+the same manner as in the case of Wansley, and the Court having
+addressed Gibbs, in similar terms, concluded by asking what he had
+to say why the sentence of the law should not now be passed upon
+him.</p>
+<p><i>Charles Gibbs</i> said, I wish to state to the Court, how far
+I am guilty and how far I am innocent in this transaction. When I
+left New Orleans, I was a stranger to all on board, except Dawes
+and Church. It was off Tortugas that Atwell first told me there was
+money on board, and proposed to me to take possession of the brig.
+I refused at that time. The conspiracy was talked of for some days,
+and at last I agreed that I would join. Brownrigg, Dawes, Church,
+and the whole agreed that they would. A few days after, however,
+having thought of the affair, I mentioned to Atwell, what a
+dreadful thing it was to take a man's life, and commit piracy, and
+recommended him to "abolish," their plan. Atwell and Dawes
+remonstrated with me; I told Atwell that if ever he would speak of
+the subject again, I would break his nose. Had I kept to my
+resolution I would not have been brought here to receive my
+sentence. It was three days afterwards that the murder was
+committed. Brownrigg agreed to call up the captain from the cabin,
+and this man, (pointing to Wansley,) agreed to strike the first
+blow. The captain was struck and I suppose killed, and I lent a
+hand to throw him overboard. But for the murder of the mate, of
+which I have been found guilty, I am innocent--I had nothing to do
+with that. The mate was murdered by Dawes and Church; that I am
+innocent of this I commit my soul to that God who will judge all
+flesh--who will judge all murderers and false swearers, and the
+wicked who deprive the innocent of his right. I have nothing more
+to say.</p>
+<p><i>By the Court</i>. Thomas J. Wansley and Charles Gibbs, the
+Court has listened to you patiently and attentively; and although
+you have said something in your own behalf, yet the Court has heard
+nothing to affect the deepest and most painful duty that he who
+presides over a public tribunal has to perform.</p>
+<p>You, Thomas J. Wansley, conceive that a different measure of
+justice has been meted out to you, because of your color. Look back
+upon your whole course of life; think of the laws under which you
+have lived, and you will find that to white or black, to free or
+bond, there is no ground for your allegations; that they are not
+supported by truth or justice. Admit that Brownrigg and Dawes have
+sworn falsely; admit that Dawes was concerned with you; admit that
+Brownrigg is not innocent; admit, in relation to both, that they
+are guilty, the whole evidence has proved beyond a doubt that you
+are guilty; and your own words admit that you were an active agent
+in perpetrating this horrid crime. Two fellow beings who confided
+in you, and in their perilous voyage called in your assistance, yet
+you, without reason or provocation, have maliciously taken their
+lives.</p>
+<p>If, peradventure, there was the slightest foundation for a doubt
+of your guilt, in the mind of the Court, judgment would be
+arrested, but there is none; and it now remains to the Court to
+pronounce the most painful duty that devolves upon a civil
+magistrate. The Court is persuaded of your guilt; it can form no
+other opinion. Testimony has been heard before the Court and
+Jury--from that we must form our opinion. We must proceed upon
+testimony, ascertain facts by evidence of witnesses, on which we
+must inquire, judge and determine as to guilt or innocence, by that
+evidence alone. You have been found guilty. You now stand for the
+last time before an earthly tribunal, and by your own
+acknowledgments, the sentence of the law falls just on your heads.
+When men in ordinary cases come under the penalty of the law there
+is generally some palliative--something to warm the sympathy of the
+Court and Jury. Men may be led astray, and under the influence of
+passion have acted under some long smothered resentment, suddenly
+awakened by the force of circumstances, depriving him of reason,
+and then they may take the life of a fellow being. Killing, under
+that kind of excitement, might possibly awaken some sympathy, but
+that was not your case; you had no provocation. What offence had
+Thornby or Roberts committed against you? They entrusted themselves
+with you, as able and trustworthy citizens; confiding implicitly in
+you; no one act of theirs, after a full examination, appears to
+have been offensive to you; yet for the purpose of securing the
+money you coolly determined to take their lives--you slept and
+deliberated over the act; you were tempted on, and yielded; you
+entered into the conspiracy, with cool and determined calculation
+to deprive two human beings of their lives, and it was done.</p>
+<p>You, Charles Gibbs, have said that you are not guilty of the
+murder of Roberts; but were you not there, strongly instigating the
+murderers on, and without stretching out a hand to save him?--It is
+murder as much to stand by and encourage the deed, as to stab with
+a knife, strike with a hatchet, or shoot with a pistol. It is not
+only murder in law, but in your own feelings and in your own
+conscience. Notwithstanding all this, I cannot believe that your
+feelings are so callous, so wholly callous, that your own minds do
+not melt when you look back upon the unprovoked deeds of
+yourselves, and those confederated with you.</p>
+<p>You are American citizens--this country affords means of
+instruction to all: your appearance and your remarks have added
+evidence that you are more than ordinarily intelligent; that your
+education has enabled you to participate in the advantages of
+information open to all classes. The Court will believe that when
+you were young you looked with strong aversion on the course of
+life of the wicked. In early life, in boyhood, when you heard of
+the conduct of men, who engaged in robbery--nay more, when you
+heard of cold blooded murder--how you must have shrunk from the
+recital. Yet now, after having participated in the advantages of
+education, after having arrived at full maturity, you stand here as
+robbers and murderers.</p>
+<p>It is a perilous employment of life that you have followed; in
+this way of life the most enormous crimes that man can commit, are
+MURDER AND PIRACY. With what detestation would you in early life
+have looked upon the man who would have raised his hand against his
+officer, or have committed piracy! yet now you both stand here
+murderers and pirates, tried and found guilty--you Wansley of the
+murder of your Captain, and you, Gibbs, of the murder of your Mate.
+The evidence has convicted you of rising in mutiny against the
+master of the vessel, for that alone, the law is DEATH!--of murder
+and robbery on the high seas, for that crime, the law adjudges
+DEATH--of destroying the vessel and embezzling the cargo, even for
+scuttling and burning the vessel alone the law is DEATH; yet of all
+these the evidence has convicted you, and it only remains now for
+the Court to pass the sentence of the law. It is, that you, Thomas
+J. Wansley and Charles Gibbs be taken hence to the place of
+confinement, there to remain in close custody, that thence you be
+taken to the place of execution, and on the 22d April next, between
+the hours of 10 and 4 o'clock, you be both publicly hanged by the
+neck until you are DEAD--and that your bodies be given to the
+College of Physicians and Surgeons for dissection.</p>
+<p>The Court added, that the only thing discretionary with it, was
+the time of execution; it might have ordered that you should
+instantly have been taken from the stand to the scaffold, but the
+sentence has been deferred to as distant a period as prudent--six
+weeks. But this time has not been granted for the purpose of giving
+you any hope for pardon or commutation of the sentence;--just as
+sure as you live till the twenty-second of April, as surely you
+will suffer death--therefore indulge not a hope that this sentence
+will be changed!</p>
+<p>The Court then spoke of the terror in all men of death!--how
+they cling to life whether in youth, manhood or old age. What an
+awful thing it is to die! how in the perils of the sea, when rocks
+or storms threaten the loss of the vessel, and the lives of all on
+board, how the crew will labor, night and day, in the hope of
+escaping shipwreck and death! alluded to the tumult, bustle and
+confusion of battle--yet even there the hero clings to life. The
+Court adverted not only to the certainty of their coming doom on
+earth, but to THINK OF HEREAFTER--that they should seriously think
+and reflect of their FUTURE STATE! that they would be assisted in
+their devotions no doubt, by many pious men.</p>
+<p>When the Court closed, Charles Gibbs asked, if during his
+imprisonment, his friends would be permitted to see him. The Court
+answered that that lay with the Marshal, who then said that no
+difficulty would exist on that score. The remarks of the Prisoners
+were delivered in a strong, full-toned and unwavering voice, and
+they both seemed perfectly resigned to the fate which inevitably
+awaited them. While Judge Betts was delivering his address to them,
+Wansley was deeply affected and shed tears--but Gibbs gazed with a
+steady and unwavering eye, and no sign betrayed the least emotion
+of his heart. After his condemnation, and during his confinement,
+his frame became somewhat enfeebled, his face paler, and his eyes
+more sunken; but the air of his bold, enterprising and desperate
+mind still remained. In his narrow cell, he seemed more like an
+object of pity than vengeance--was affable and communicative, and
+when he smiled, exhibited so mild and gentle a countenance, that no
+one would take him to be a villain. His conversation was concise
+and pertinent, and his style of illustration quite original.</p>
+<p>Gibbs was married in Buenos Ayres, where he has a child now
+living. His wife is dead. By a singular concurrence of
+circumstances, the woman with whom he became acquainted in
+Liverpool, and who is said at that time to have borne a decent
+character, was lodged in the same prison with himself. During his
+confinement he wrote her two letters--one of them is subjoined, to
+gratify the perhaps innocent curiosity which is naturally felt to
+know the peculiarities of a man's mind and feelings under such
+circumstances, and not for the purpose of intimating a belief that
+he was truly penitent. The reader will be surprised with the
+apparent readiness with which he made quotations from
+Scripture.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<p>"BELLEVUE PRISON, March 20, 1831.</p>
+<p>"It is with regret that I take my pen in hand to address you with
+these few lines, under the great embarrassment of my feelings
+placed within these gloomy walls, my body bound with chains, and
+under the awful sentence of death! It is enough to throw the
+strongest mind into gloomy prospects! but I find that Jesus Christ
+is sufficient to give consolation to the most despairing soul. For
+he saith, that he that cometh to me I will in no ways cast out. But
+it is impossible to describe unto you the horror of my feelings. My
+breast is like the tempestuous ocean, raging in its own shame,
+harrowing up the bottom of my soul! But I look forward to that
+serene calm when I shall sleep with Kings and Counsellors of the
+earth. There the wicked cease from troubling, and there the weary
+are at rest!--There the prisoners rest together--they hear not the
+voice of the oppressor; and I trust that there my breast will not
+be ruffled by the storm of sin--for the thing which I greatly
+feared has come upon me. I was not in safety, neither had I rest;
+yet trouble came. It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth to him
+good. When I saw you in Liverpool, and a peaceful calm wafted
+across both our breasts, and justice no claim upon us, little did I
+think to meet you in the gloomy walls of a strong prison, and the
+arm of justice stretched out with the sword of law, awaiting the
+appointed period to execute the dreadful sentence. I have had a
+fair prospect in the world, at last it budded, and brought forth
+the gallows. I am shortly to mount that scaffold, and to bid adieu
+to this world, and all that was ever dear to my breast. But I trust
+when my body is mounted on the gallows high, the heavens above will
+smile and pity me. I hope that you will reflect on your past, and
+fly to that Jesus who stands with open arms to receive you. Your
+character is lost, it is true. When the wicked turneth from the
+wickedness that they have committed, they shall save their soul
+alive.</p>
+<p>"Let us imagine for a moment that we see the souls standing
+before the awful tribunal, and we hear its dreadful sentence,
+depart ye cursed into everlasting fire. Imagine you hear the awful
+lamentations of a soul in hell. It would be enough to melt your
+heart, if it was as hard as adamant. You would fall upon your knees
+and plead for God's mercy, as a famished person would for food, or
+as a dying criminal would for a pardon. We soon, very soon, must go
+the way whence we shall ne'er return. Our names will be struck off
+the records of the living, and enrolled in the vast catalogues of
+the dead. But may it ne'er be numbered with the damned.--I hope it
+will please God to set you at your liberty, and that you may see
+the sins and follies of your life past. I shall now close my letter
+with a few words which I hope you will receive as from a dying man;
+and I hope that every important truth of this letter may sink deep
+in your heart, and be a lesson to you through life.</p>
+<p>"Rising griefs distress my soul,<br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And tears on tears successive
+roll--</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">For many an evil voice is
+near,</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">To chide my woes and mock my
+fear--</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And silent memory weeps
+alone,</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">O'er hours of peace and gladness
+known.</span></p>
+<p>"I still remain your sincere friend, CHARLES GIBBS."<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<p>In another letter which the wretched Gibbs wrote after his
+condemnation to one who had been his early friend, he writes as
+follows:--"Alas! it is now, and not until now, that I have become
+sensible of my wicked life, from my childhood, and the enormity of
+the crime, for which I must shortly suffer an ignominious death!--I
+would to God that I never had been born, or that I had died in my
+infancy!--the hour of reflection has indeed come, but come too late
+to prevent justice from cutting me off--my mind recoils with horror
+at the thoughts of the unnatural deeds of which I have been
+guilty!--my repose rather prevents than affords me relief, as my
+mind, while I slumber, is constantly disturbed by frightful dreams
+of my approaching awful dissolution!"</p>
+<p>On Friday, April twenty-second, Gibbs and Wansley paid the
+penalty of their crimes. Both prisoners arrived at the gallows
+about twelve o'clock, accompanied by the marshal, his aids, and
+some twenty or thirty United States' marines. Two clergymen
+attended them to the fatal spot, where everything being in
+readiness, and the ropes adjusted about their necks, the Throne of
+Mercy was fervently addressed in their behalf. Wansley then prayed
+earnestly himself, and afterwards joined in singing a hymn. These
+exercises concluded, Gibbs addressed the spectators nearly as
+follows:<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<p>MY DEAR FRIENDS,</p>
+<p>My crimes have been heinous--and although I am now about to
+suffer for the murder of Mr. Roberts, I solemnly declare my
+innocence of the transaction. It is true, I stood by and saw the
+fatal deed done, and stretched not forth my arm to save him; the
+technicalities of the law believe me guilty of the charge--but in
+the presence of my God--before whom I shall be in a few minutes--I
+declare I did not murder him.</p>
+<p>I have made a full and frank confession to Mr. Hopson, which
+probably most of my hearers present have already read; and should
+any of the friends of those whom I have been accessary to, or
+engaged in the murder of, be now present, before my Maker I beg
+their forgiveness--it is the only boon I ask--and as I hope for
+pardon through the blood of Christ, surely this request will not be
+withheld by man, to a worm like myself, standing as I do, on the
+very verge of eternity! Another moment, and I cease to exist--and
+could I find in my bosom room to imagine that the spectators now
+assembled had forgiven me, the scaffold would have no terrors, nor
+could the precept which my much respected friend, the marshal of
+the district, is about to execute. Let me then, in this public
+manner, return my sincere thanks to him, for his kind and
+gentlemanly deportment during my confinement. He was to me like a
+father, and his humanity to a dying man I hope will be duly
+appreciated by an enlightened community.</p>
+<p>My first crime was <i>piracy</i>, for which my <i>life</i> would
+pay for forfeit on conviction; no punishment could be inflicted on
+me further than that, and therefore I had nothing to fear but
+detection, for had my offences been millions of times more
+aggravated than they are now, <i>death</i> must have satisfied
+all.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<p>Gibbs having concluded, Wansley began. He said he might be
+called a pirate, a robber, and a murderer, and he was all of these,
+but he hoped and trusted God would, through Christ, wash away his
+aggravated crimes and offences, and not cast him entirely out. His
+feelings, he said, were so overpowered that he hardly knew how to
+address those about him, but he frankly admitted the justness of
+the sentence, and concluded by declaring that he had no hope of
+pardon except through the atoning blood of his Redeemer, and wished
+that his sad fate might teach others to shun the broad road to
+ruin, and travel in that of virtue, which would lead to honor and
+happiness in this world, and an immortal crown of glory in that to
+come.</p>
+<p>He then shook hands with Gibbs, the officers, and
+clergymen--their caps were drawn over their faces, a handkerchief
+dropped by Gibbs as a signal to the executioner caused the cord to
+be severed, and in an instant they were suspended in air. Wansley
+folded his hands before him, soon died with very trifling
+struggles. Gibbs died hard; before he was run up, and did not again
+remove them, but after being near two minutes suspended, he raised
+his right hand and partially removed his cap, and in the course of
+another minute, raised the same hand to his mouth. His dress was a
+blue round-about jacket and trousers, with a foul anchor in white
+on his right arm. Wansley wore a white frock coat, trimmed with
+black, with trousers of the same color.</p>
+<p>After the bodies had remained on the gallows the usual time,
+they were taken down and given to the surgeons for dissection.</p>
+<p>Gibbs was rather below the middle stature, thick set and
+powerful. The form of Wansley was a perfect model of manly
+beauty.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/136.jpg" alt="Page 136 Illustration"
+height="361" width="400"></center>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name=
+"HISTORY_OF_THE_ADVENTURES_CAPTURE_AND_EXECUTION_OF_THE_SPANISH"></a>
+<h2>HISTORY OF THE ADVENTURES, CAPTURE AND EXECUTION OF THE SPANISH
+PIRATES.</h2>
+In the Autumn of 1832, there was anchored in the "Man of War
+Grounds," off the Havana, a clipper-built vessel of the fairest
+proportions; she had great length and breadth of beam, furnishing
+stability to bear a large surface of sail, and great depth to take
+hold of the water and prevent drifting; long, low in the waist,
+with lofty raking masts, which tapered away till they were almost
+too fine to be distinguished, the beautiful arrowy sharpness of her
+bow, and the fineness of her gradually receding quarters, showed a
+model capable of the greatest speed in sailing. Her low sides were
+painted black, with one small, narrow ribband of white. Her raking
+masts were clean scraped, her ropes were hauled taught, and in
+every point she wore the appearance of being under the control of
+seamanship and strict discipline. Upon going on board, one would be
+struck with surprise at the deception relative to the tonnage of
+the schooner, when viewed at a distance. Instead of a small vessel
+of about ninety tons, we discover that she is upwards of two
+hundred; that her breadth of beam is enormous; and that those spars
+which appeared so light and elegant, are of unexpected dimensions.
+In the centre of the vessel, between the fore and main masts, there
+is a long brass thirty-two pounder, fixed upon a carriage revolving
+in a circle, and so arranged that in bad weather it can be lowered
+down and housed; while on each side of the deck were mounted guns
+of smaller calibre.
+<p>This vessel was fashioned, at the will of avarice, for the aid
+of cruelty and injustice; it was an African slaver--the schooner
+Panda. She was commanded by Don Pedro Gilbert, a native of
+Catalonia, in Spain, and son of a grandee; a man thirty-six years
+of age, and exceeding handsome, having a round face, pearly teeth,
+round forehead, and full black eyes, with beautiful raven hair, and
+a great favorite with the ladies. He united great energy, coolness
+and decision, with superior knowledge in mercantile transactions,
+and the Guinea trade; having made several voyages after slaves. The
+mate and owner of the Panda was Don Bernardo De Soto, a native of
+Corunna, Spain, and son, of Isidore De Soto, manager of the royal
+revenue in said city; he was now twenty-five years of age, and from
+the time he was fourteen had cultivated the art of navigation, and
+at the age of twenty-two had obtained the degree of captain in the
+India service. After a regular examination the correspondent
+diploma was awarded him. He was married to Donna Petrona Pereyra,
+daughter of Don Benito Pereyra, a merchant of Corunna. She was at
+this time just fifteen, and ripening into that slight fullness of
+form, and roundness of limb, which in that climate mark the early
+passing from girl into woman. Her complexion was the dark olive
+tinge of Spain; her eyes jet black, large and lustrous. She had
+great sweetness of disposition and ingenuousness.</p>
+<p>To the strictest discipline De Soto united the practical
+knowledge of a thorough seaman. But "the master spirit of the
+whole," was Francisco Ruiz, the carpenter of the Panda. This
+individual was of the middle size, but muscular, with a short neck.
+His hair was black and abundant, and projected from his forehead,
+so that he appeared to look out from under it, like a bonnet. His
+eyes were dark chestnut, but always restless; his features were
+well defined; his eye-lashes, jet black. He was familiar with all
+the out-of-the-way places of the Havana, and entered into any of
+the dark abodes without ceremony. From report his had been a wild
+and lawless career. The crew were chiefly Spaniards, with a few
+Portuguese, South Americans, and half castes. The cook was a young
+Guinea negro, with a pleasant countenance, and good humored, with a
+sleek glossy skin, and tatooed on the face; and although entered in
+the schooner's books as free, yet was a slave. In all there were
+about forty men. Her cargo was an assorted one, consisting in part
+of barrels of rum, and gunpowder, muskets, cloth, and numerous
+articles, with which to purchase slaves.</p>
+<p>The Panda sailed from the Havana on the night of the 20th of
+August; and upon passing the Moro Castle, she was hailed, and
+asked, "where bound?" She replied, St. Thomas. The schooner now
+steered through the Bahama channel, on the usual route towards the
+coast of Guinea; a man was constantly kept at the mast head, on the
+lookout; they spoke a corvette, and on the morning of the 20th
+Sept., before light, and during the second mate's watch, a brig was
+discovered heading to the southward. Capt. Gilbert was asleep at
+the time, but got up shortly after she was seen, and ordered the
+Panda to go about and stand for the brig. A consultation was held
+between the captain, mate and carpenter, when the latter proposed
+to board her, and if she had any specie to rob her, confine the men
+below, and burn her. This proposition was instantly acceded to, and
+a musket was fired to make her heave to.</p>
+<p>This vessel was the American brig Mexican, Capt. Butman. She had
+left the pleasant harbor of Salem, Mass., on the last Wednesday of
+August, and was quietly pursuing her voyage towards Rio Janeiro.
+Nothing remarkable had happened on board, says Captain B., until
+half past two o'clock, in the morning of September 20th, in lat.
+38, 0, N., lon. 24, 30, W. The attention of the watch on deck was
+forcibly arrested by the appearance of a vessel which passed across
+our stern about half a mile from us. At 4 A.M. saw her again
+passing across our bow, so near that we could perceive that it was
+a schooner with a fore top sail and top gallant sail. As it was
+somewhat dark she was soon out of sight. At daylight saw her about
+five miles off the weather quarter standing on the wind on the same
+tack we were on, the wind was light at SSW and we were standing
+about S.E. At 8 A.M. she was about two miles right to windward of
+us; could perceive a large number of men upon her deck, and one man
+on the fore top gallant yard looking out; was very suspicious of
+her, but knew not how to avoid her. Soon after saw a brig on our
+weather bow steering to the N.E. By this time the schooner was
+about three miles from us and four points forward of the beam.
+Expecting that she would keep on for the brig ahead of us, we
+tacked to the westward, keeping a little off from the wind to make
+good way through the water, to get clear of her if possible. She
+kept on to the eastward about ten or fifteen minutes after we had
+tacked, then wore round, set square sail, steering directly for us,
+came down upon us very fast, and was soon within gun shot of us,
+fired a gun and hoisted patriot colors and backed main topsail. She
+ran along to windward of us, hailed us to know where we were from,
+where bound, &amp;c. then ordered me to come on board in my boat.
+Seeing that she was too powerful for us to resist, I accordingly
+went, and soon as I got along-side of the schooner, five ruffians
+instantly jumped into my boat, each of them being armed with a
+large knife, and told me to go on board the brig again; when they
+got on board they insisted that we had got money, and drew their
+knives, threatening us with instant death and demanding to know
+where it was. As soon as they found out where it was they obliged
+my crew to get it up out of the run upon deck, beating and
+threatening them at the same time because they did not do it
+quicker. When they had got it all upon deck, and hailed the
+schooner, they got out their launch and came and took it on board
+the schooner, viz: ten boxes containing twenty thousand dollars;
+then returned to the brig again, drove all the crew into the
+forecastle, ransacked the cabin, overhauling all the chests,
+trunks, &amp;c. and rifled my pockets, taking my watch, and three
+doubloons which I had previously put there for safety; robbed the
+mate of his watch and two hundred dollars in specie, still
+insisting that there was more money in the hold. Being answered in
+the negative, they beat me severely over the back, said they knew
+that there was more, that they should search for it, and if they
+found any they would cut all our throats. They continued searching
+about in every part of the vessel for some time longer, but not
+finding any more specie, they took two coils of rigging, a side of
+leather, and some other articles, and went on board the schooner,
+probably to consult what to do with us; for, in eight or ten
+minutes they came back, apparently in great haste, shut us all
+below, fastened up the companion way, fore-scuttle and after
+hatchway, stove our compasses to pieces in the binnacles, cut away
+tiller-ropes, halliards, braces, and most of our running rigging,
+cut our sails to pieces badly; took a tub of tarred rope-yarn and
+what combustibles they could find about deck, put them in the
+caboose house and set them on fire; then left us, taking with them
+our boat and colors. When they got alongside of the schooner they
+scuttled our boat, took in their own, and made sail, steering to
+the eastward.</p>
+<p>As soon as they left us, we got up out of the cabin scuttle,
+which they had neglected to secure, and extinguished the fire,
+which if it had been left a few minutes, would have caught the
+mainsail and set our masts on fire. Soon after we saw a ship to
+leeward of us steering to the S.E. the schooner being in pursuit of
+her did not overtake her whilst she was in sight of us.</p>
+<p>It was doubtless their intention to burn us up altogether, but
+seeing the ship, and being eager for more plunder they did not stop
+fully to accomplish their design. She was a low strait schooner of
+about one hundred and fifty tons, painted black with a narrow white
+streak, a large head with the horn of plenty painted white, large
+maintopmast but no yards or sail on it. Mast raked very much,
+mainsail very square at the head, sails made with split cloth and
+all new; had two long brass twelve pounders and a large gun on a
+pivot amidships, and about seventy men, who appeared to be chiefly
+Spaniards and mulattoes.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/142.jpg" alt=
+"Pirates robbing the brig Mexican of Salem, Mass." height="373"
+width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>Pirates robbing the brig Mexican of Salem, Mass.</i></h4>
+The object of the voyage being frustrated by the loss of the
+specie, nothing now remained but for the Mexican to make the best
+of her way back to Salem, which she reached in safety. The
+government of the United States struck with the audacity of this
+piracy, despatched a cruiser in pursuit of them. After a fruitless
+voyage in which every exertion was made, and many places visited on
+the coast of Africa, where it was supposed the rascals might be
+lurking, the chase was abandoned as hopeless, no clue being found
+to their "whereabouts."
+<p>The Panda after robbing the Mexican, pursued her course across
+the Atlantic, and made Cape Monte; from this she coasted south, and
+after passing Cape Palmas entered the Gulf of Guinea, and steered
+for Cape Lopez which she reached in the first part of November.
+Cape Lopez de Gonzalves, in lat. 0&deg; 36' 2" south, long. 80&deg;
+40' 4" east, is so called from its first discoverer. It is covered
+with wood but low and swampy, as is also the neighboring country.
+The extensive bay formed by this cape is fourteen miles in depth,
+and has several small creeks and rivers running into it. The
+largest is the river Nazareth on the left point of which is
+situated King Gula's town the only assemblage of huts in the bay.
+Here the cargo of the Panda was unloaded, the greater part was
+entrusted to the king, and with the rest Capt. Gilbert opened a
+factory and commenced buying various articles of commerce, as
+tortoise shell, gum, ivory, palm oil, fine straw carpeting, and
+slaves. After remaining here a short time the crew became sickly
+and Capt. Gilbert sailed for Prince's Island to recover the health
+of his crew. Whilst at Prince's Island news arrived of the robbery
+of the Mexican. And the pirate left with the utmost precipitation
+for Cape Lopez, and the better to evade pursuit, a pilot was
+procured; and the vessel carried several miles up the river
+Nazareth. Soon after the Panda left Prince's Island, the British
+brig of war, Curlew, Capt. Trotter arrived, and from the
+description given of the vessel then said to be lying in the
+Nazareth, Capt. Trotter knew she must be the one, that robbed the
+Mexican; and he instantly sailed in pursuit. On nearing the coast,
+she was discovered lying up the river; three boats containing forty
+men and commanded by Capt. Trotter, started up the river with the
+sea breeze and flood tide, and colors flying to take the
+desperadoes; the boats kept in near the shore until rounding a
+point they were seen from the Panda. The pirates immediately took
+to their boats, except Francisco Ruiz who seizing a fire brand from
+the camboose went into the magazine and set some combustibles on
+fire with the laudable purpose of blowing up the assailants, and
+then paddled ashore in a canoe. Capt. Trotter chased them with his
+boats, but could not come up with them, and then boarded the
+schooner which he found on fire. The first thing he did was to put
+out the fire which was in the magazine, below the cabin floor; here
+was found a quantity of cotton and brimstone burning and a slow
+match ignited and communicating with the magazine, which contained
+sixteen casks of powder.</p>
+<p>The Panda was now warped out of the river and anchored off the
+negro town of Cape Lopez. Negociations were now entered into for
+the surrender of the pirates. An officer was accordingly sent on
+shore to have an interview with the king. He was met on the beach
+by an ebony chief calling himself duke. "We followed the duke
+through the extensive and straggling place, frequently buried up to
+the ankles in sand, from which the vegetation was worn by the
+constant passing and repassing of the inhabitants. We arrived at a
+large folding door placed in a high bamboo and palm tree fence,
+which inclosed the king's establishment, ornamented on our right by
+two old honeycombed guns, which, although dismounted, were
+probably, according to the practice of the coast, occasionally
+fired to attract the attention of passing vessels, and to imply
+that slaves were to be procured. On the left of the enclosure was a
+shed, with a large ship's bell suspended beneath, serving as an
+alarum bell in case of danger, while the remainder was occupied
+with neatly built huts, inhabited by the numerous wives of the
+king.</p>
+<p>"We sent in to notify him of our arrival; he sent word out that
+we might remain outside until it suited his convenience. But as
+such an arrangement did not suit ours, we immediately entered, and
+found sitting at a table the king. He was a tall, muscular, ugly
+looking negro, about fifty years of age. We explained the object of
+our visit, which was to demand the surrender of the white men, who
+were now concealed in the town, and for permission to pass up the
+river in pursuit of those who had gone up that way. He now
+expressed the most violent indignation at our presumption in
+demanding the pirates, and the interview was broken off by his
+refusing to deliver up a single man."</p>
+<p>We will now return to the pirates. While at Prince's Island,
+Capt. Gilbert bought a magnificent dressing case worth nearly a
+thousand dollars and a patent lever watch, and a quantity of
+tobacco, and provisions, and two valuable cloth coats, some Guinea
+cloth and black and green paint. The paint, cloth and coats were
+intended as presents for the African king at Cape Lopez. These
+articles were all bought with the money taken from the Mexican.
+After arriving at the Nazareth, $4000 were taken from the trunk,
+and buried in the yard of a negro prince. Four of the pirates then
+went to Cape Lopez for $11,000, which had been buried there. Boyga,
+Castillo, Guzman, and the "State's Evidence," Ferez, were the ones
+who went. Ferez took the bags out, and the others counted the
+money; great haste was made as the musquitoes were biting
+intolerably. $5000 were buried for the captain in canvas bags about
+two feet deep, part of the money was carried to Nazareth, and from
+there carried into the mountains and there buried. A consultation
+was held by Capt. Gilbert, De Soto, and Ruiz, and the latter said,
+if the money was not divided, "there would be the devil to pay."
+The money was now divided in a dark room and a lantern used; Capt.
+Gilbert sat on the floor with the money at his side. He gave the
+mate about $3000, and the other officers $1000, each; and the crew
+from $300 to $500, each. The third mate having fled, the captain
+sent him $1000, and Ruiz carried it to him. When the money was
+first taken from the Mexican, it was spread out on the companion
+way and examined to see if there was any gold amongst it; and then
+put into bags made of dark coarse linen; the boxes were then thrown
+overboard. After the division of the money the pirates secreted
+themselves in the woods behind Cape Lopez. Perez and four others
+procured a boat, and started for Fernando Po; they put their money
+in the bottom of the boat for ballast, but was thrown overboard,
+near a rock and afterwards recovered by divers; this was done to
+prevent detection. The captain, mate, and carpenter had a
+conversation respecting the attempt of the latter, to blow her up,
+who could not account for the circumstance, that an explosion had
+not taken place; they told him he ought to have burst a barrel of
+powder over the deck and down the stairs to the magazine, loaded a
+gun, tied a fish line to the lock and pulled it when he came off in
+the canoe.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/146.jpg" alt=
+"View of the Negro village on the river Nazareth, and the Panda at anchor"
+     height="347" width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>View of the Negro village on the river Nazareth, and the
+Panda at anchor.</i></h4>
+The Panda being manned by Capt. Trotter and an English crew,
+commenced firing on the town of Cape Lopez, but after firing
+several shots, a spark communicated with the magazine and she blew
+up. Several men were killed, and Captain Trotter and the others
+thrown into the water, when he was made prisoner with several of
+his crew, by the King, and it required considerable negociations to
+get them free.<br>
+&nbsp;
+<center><img src="./images/148.jpg" alt=
+"Burying the money on the beach at Cape Lopez" height="518" width=
+"600"></center>
+<h4><i>Burying the money on the beach at Cape Lopez.</i></h4>
+The pirates having gone up the river, an expedition was now
+equipped to take them if possible. The long-boat and pinnace were
+instantly armed, and victualled for several weeks, a brass gun was
+mounted on the bows of each, and awnings fixed up to protect the
+crew from the extreme heat of the sun by day, and the heavy dews at
+nightfall. As the sea-breeze and the flood-tide set in, the boats
+again started and proceeded up the river. It was ascertained the
+war-canoes were beyond where the Panda was first taken; for fear of
+an ambuscade great caution was observed in proceeding. "As we
+approached a point, a single native was observed standing near a
+hut erected near the river, who, as we approached, beckoned, and
+called for us to land. We endeavored to do so, but fortunately the
+water was too shallow to approach near enough.
+<p>"We had hardly steered about for the channel, when the man
+suddenly rushed into the bushes and disappeared. We got into the
+channel, and continued some time in deep water, but this suddenly
+shoaled, and the boats grounded near a mangrove, just as we came in
+sight of a village. Our crew jumped out, and commenced tracking the
+boat over the sand, and while thus employed, I observed by means of
+my glass, a crowd of natives, and some of the pirates running down
+the other side of a low point, apparently with the intention of
+giving us battle, as they were all armed with spears and
+muskets."</p>
+<p>The men had just succeeded in drawing the boats into deep water,
+when a great number of canoes were observed coming round the point,
+and at the same instant another large party running down to launch;
+some more on the beach, when they joined those already afloat, in
+all made above twenty-eight canoes, and about one hundred and fifty
+men. Having collected all their forces, with loud whooping and
+encouraging shouts to one another, they led towards us with great
+celerity.</p>
+<p>We prepared instantly for battle; the awnings were got down to
+allow room to use the cutlasses and to load the muskets. The brass
+guns were loaded with grape shot. They now approached uttering
+terrific yells, and paddling with all speed. On board the canoes
+the pirates were loading the guns and encouraging the natives.
+Bernardo de Soto and Francisco Ruiz were conspicuous, in
+manoeuvring the negro boats for battle, and commenced a straggling
+fire upon the English boats. In them all was still, each man had a
+cutlass by his side, and a loaded musket in his hand. On arriving
+within pistol-shot a well directed fire was poured into them,
+seconded by a discharge of the three pounders; many of the balls
+took effect, and two of the canoes were sunk. A brisk fire was kept
+up on both sides; a great number of the negroes were killed, and a
+few of the pirates; the English loss was small. The negroes now
+became panic-struck, and some paddled towards the shore, others
+jumped overboard and swam; the sharks caught several. Captain
+Gilbert and De Soto were now caught, together with five of the
+crew; Ruiz and the rest escaped to a village, some ways inland, and
+with the aid of a telescope it was perceived the negroes were
+rapidly gathering to renew the combat, urged on by Ruiz and the
+other pirates; after dislodging them from this village,
+negociations were entered into by the king of Cape Lopez, who
+surrendered Ruiz and several men to Captain Trotter. They were
+carried in the brig Curlew to Fernando Po, and after an
+examination, were put in irons and conveyed to England, and there
+put on board the British gun-brig Savage, and arrived in the harbor
+of Salem on the 26th August, 1834. Her commander, Lieut. Loney,
+waited upon the authorities of Salem, and after the usual
+formalities, surrendered the prisoners into their hands--stating
+that the British Government waived their right to try and punish
+the prisoners, in favor of the United States, against whom the
+principal offence had been committed. The pirates were landed at
+Crowningshield wharf, and taken from thence in carriages to the
+Town hall; twelve of them, handcuffed in pairs, took their places
+at the bar. They were all young and middle-aged, the oldest was not
+over forty. Physiognomically, they were not uncommonly ill looking,
+in general, although there were exceptions, and they were all clean
+and wholesome in their appearance. They were now removed to Boston
+and confined in prison, where one of them, named Manuel Delgarno
+cut his throat with a piece of glass, thus verifying the old
+proverb, <i>that those born to be hung, will never be
+drown'd!</i></p>
+<p>On the 11th of November, Don Pedro Gilbert, <i>Captain</i>, Don
+Bernardo de Soto, <i>Mate</i>, Francisco Ruiz, <i>Carpenter</i>,
+Nicola Costa, <i>Cabin-boy,</i> aged 15, Antonio Ferrer,
+<i>Cook</i>, and Manuel Boyga, Domingo de Guzman, <i>an Indian</i>,
+Juan Antonio Portana, Manuel Castillo, Angel Garcia, Jose
+Velasquez, and Juan Montenegro, <i>alias</i> Jose Basilio de
+Castro, were arraigned before the Circuit Court of the United
+States, charged with the crime of Piracy. Joseph Perez appeared as
+<i>State's evidence</i>, and two Portuguese sailors who were
+shipped on board the Panda at Prince's Island, as witnesses. After
+a jury was empannelled, Mr. Dunlap, the District Attorney, rose and
+said--"This is a solemn, and also an unusual scene. Here are twelve
+men, strangers to our country and to our language, indicted for a
+heinous offence, and now before you for life or death. They are
+indicted for a daring crime, and a flagrant violation of the laws,
+not only of this, but of every other civilized people." He then
+gave an outline of the commission of the robbery of the Mexican.
+Numerous witnesses were examined, amongst whom were the captain,
+mate, and several seamen of the Mexican, who recognized several of
+the pirates as being the individuals who maltreated them, and took
+the specie. When Thomas Fuller, one of the crew of the Mexican was
+called upon to identify Ruiz, he went up to him and struck him a
+violent blow on the shoulder. Ruiz immediately started up, and with
+violent gesticulations protested against such conduct, and was
+joined by his companions. The Court reprimanded the witness
+severely. The trial occupied <i>fourteen days</i>. The counsel for
+the prisoners were David L. Child, Esq., and George Hillard, Esq.,
+who defended them with great ability. Mr. Child brought to the
+cause his untiring zeal, his various and profound learning; and
+exhibited a labour, and <i>desperation</i> which showed that he was
+fully conscious of the weight of the load--the dead lift--he had
+undertaken to carry. Mr. Hillard concluded his argument, by making
+an eloquent and affecting appeal to the jury in behalf of the boy
+Costa and Antonio Ferrer, the cook, and alluded to the circumstance
+of Bernardo de Soto having rescued the lives of 70 individuals on
+board the American ship Minerva, whilst on a voyage from
+Philadelphia to Havana, when captain of the brig Leon.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/150.jpg" alt="Explosion of the Panda"
+height="600" width="510"></center>
+<h4><i>Explosion of the Panda.</i></h4>
+If, gentlemen, said he, you deem with me, that the crew of the
+Panda, (supposing her to have robbed the Mexican,) were merely
+servants of the captain, you cannot convict them. But if you do not
+agree with me, then all that remains for me to do, is to address a
+few words to you in the way of mercy. It does not seem to me that
+the good of society requires the death of all these men, the
+sacrifice of such a hecatomb of human victims, or that the sword of
+the law should fall till it is clogged with massacre. <i>Antonio
+Ferrer</i> is plainly but a servant. He is set down as a free black
+in the ship's papers, but that is no proof that he is free. Were he
+a slave, he would in all probability be represented as free, and
+this for obvious reasons. He is in all probability a slave, and a
+native African, as the tattooing on his face proves beyond a doubt.
+At any rate, he is but a servant. Now will you make misfortune pay
+the penalty of guilt? Do not, I entreat you, lightly condemn this
+man to death. Do not throw him in to make up the dozen. The regard
+for human life is one of the most prominent proofs of a civilized
+state of society. The Sultan of Turkey may place women in sacks and
+throw them into the Bosphorus, without exciting more than an hour's
+additional conversation at Constantinople. But in our country it is
+different. You well remember the excitement produced by the
+abduction and death of a single individual; the convulsions which
+ensued, the effect of which will long be felt in our political
+institutions. You will ever find that the more a nation becomes
+civilized, the greater becomes the regard for human life. There is
+in the eye, the form, and heaven-directed countenance of man,
+something holy, that forbids he should be rudely touched.
+<p>The instinct of life is great. The light of the sun even in
+chains, is pleasant; and life, though supported but by the damp
+exhalations of a dungeon, is desirable. Often, too, we cling with
+added tenacity to life in proportion as we are deprived of all that
+makes existence to be coveted.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/154.jpg" alt=
+"Thomas Fuller striking Ruiz in Court" height="507" width=
+"600"></center>
+<h4><i>Thomas Fuller striking Ruiz in Court.</i></h4>
+<p>"The weariest and most loathed worldly life.<br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">That age, ache, penury and
+imprisonment</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Can lay on Nature, is a
+Paradise</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">To that we fear of
+Death."</span></p>
+<p>Death is a fearful thing. The mere mention of it sometimes
+blanches the cheek, and sends the fearful blood to the heart. It is
+a solemn thing to break into the "bloody house of life." Do not,
+because this man is but an African, imagine that his existence is
+valueless. He is no drift weed on the ocean of life. There are in
+his bosom the same social sympathies that animate our own. He has
+nerves to feel pain, and a heart to throb with human affections,
+even as you have. His life, to establish the law, or to further the
+ends of justice, is not required. <i>Taken</i>, it is to us of no
+value; given to him, it is above the price of rubies.</p>
+<p>And <i>Costa</i>, the cabin boy, only fifteen years of age when
+this crime was committed--shall he die? Shall the sword fall upon
+his neck? Some of you are advanced in years--you may have children.
+Suppose the news had reached you, that your son was under trial for
+his life, in a foreign country--(and every cabin boy who leaves
+this port may be placed in the situation of this
+prisoner,)--suppose you were told that he had been executed,
+because his captain and officers had violated the laws of a distant
+land; what would be your feelings? I cannot tell, but I believe the
+feelings of all of you would be the same, and that you would
+exclaim, with the Hebrew, "My son! my son! would to God I had died
+for thee." This boy <i>has</i> a father; let the form of that
+father rise up before you, and plead in your hearts for his
+offspring. Perhaps he has a mother, and a home. Think of the
+lengthened shadow that must have been cast over that home by his
+absence. Think of his mother, during those hours of wretchedness,
+when she has felt hope darkening into disappointment, next into
+anxiety, and from anxiety into despair. How often may she have
+stretched forth her hands in supplication, and asked, even the
+winds of heaven, to bring her tidings of him who was away? Let the
+supplications of that mother touch your hearts, and shield their
+object from the law.</p>
+<p>After a luminous charge by Judge Story, the jury retired to
+agree upon their verdict, and at 9 o'clock the next morning came in
+with their verdict.</p>
+<p><i>Clerk</i>. Gentlemen of the Jury, have you agreed upon your
+verdict?</p>
+<p><i>Jury</i>. We have.</p>
+<p><i>Clerk</i>. Who shall speak for you?</p>
+<p><i>Jury</i>. Our foreman.</p>
+<p>The prisoners were then directed severally to rise as soon as
+called, and receive the verdict of the jury. The Captain, <i>Pedro
+Gilbert</i>, was the first named. He arose, raised his hand, and
+regarded the jury with a firm countenance and steady eye.</p>
+<p><i>Clerk</i>. Jurors look upon the prisoner; prisoner look upon
+the jurors. How say you, Gentlemen, is the prisoner at the bar,
+Pedro Gilbert, guilty or not guilty?</p>
+<p><i>Foreman</i>. GUILTY.</p>
+<p>The same verdict was pronounced against <i>De Soto</i> (the
+mate) <i>Ruiz</i>, (the carpenter,) <i>Boyga, Castillo, Garcia</i>
+and <i>Montenegro</i>. But <i>Costa</i>, (the cabin-boy,)
+<i>Ferrer</i> (the negro,) <i>Guzman, Portana</i>, and
+<i>Velasquez</i>, were declared NOT GUILTY.</p>
+<p>After having declared the verdict of the Jury, the Foreman read
+to the Court the following recommendation to mercy:</p>
+<p>"The sympathies of the Jury have been strongly moved in behalf
+of <i>Bernardo de Soto</i>, on account of his generous, noble and
+self-sacrificing conduct in saving the lives of more than 70 human
+beings, constituting the passengers and crew of the ship
+<i>Minerva</i>; and they desire that his case should be presented
+to the merciful consideration of the Government."</p>
+<p>Judge Story replied that the wish of the jury would certainly be
+complied with both by the Court and the prosecuting officer.</p>
+<p>"The appearance and demeanor of Captain Gilbert are the same as
+when we first saw him; his eye is undimmed, and decision and
+command yet sit upon his features. We did not discern the slightest
+alteration of color or countenance when the verdict of the jury was
+communicated to him; he merely slightly bowed and resumed his seat.
+With <i>De Soto</i> the case was different. He is much altered; has
+become thinner, and his countenance this morning was expressive of
+the deepest despondency. When informed of the contents of the paper
+read by the foreman of the jury, he appeared much affected, and
+while being removed from the Court, covered his face with his
+handkerchief."</p>
+<p>Immediately after the delivery of the verdict, the acquitted
+prisoners, on motion of Mr. Hillard, were directed to be
+discharged, upon which several of the others loudly and angrily
+expressed their dissatisfaction at the result of the trial.
+Castillo (<i>a half-caste</i>, with an extremely mild and pleasing
+countenance,) pointed towards heaven, and called upon the Almighty
+to bear witness that he was innocent; <i>Ruiz</i> uttered some
+words with great vehemence; and <i>Garcia</i> said "all were in the
+same ship; and it was strange that some should be permitted to
+escape while others were punished." Most of them on leaving the
+Court uttered some invective against "the <i>picaro</i> who had
+sworn their lives away."</p>
+<p>On <i>Costa</i>, the cabin boy, (aged 16) being declared "Not
+Guilty" some degree of approbation was manifested by the audience,
+but instantly checked by the judge, who directed the officers to
+take into custody, every one expressing either assent or dissent.
+We certainly think the sympathy expressed in favor of <i>Costa</i>
+very ill placed, for although we have not deemed ourselves at
+liberty to mention the fact earlier, his conduct during the whole
+trial was characterized by the most reckless effrontery and
+indecorum. Even when standing up to receive the verdict of the
+jury, his face bore an impudent smile, and he evinced the most
+total disregard of the mercy which had been extended towards
+him.</p>
+<p>About this time vague rumors reached Corunna, that a Captain
+belonging to that place, engaged in the Slave Trade, had turned
+Pirate, been captured, and sent to America with his crew for
+punishment. Report at first fixed it upon a noted slave-dealer,
+named Begaro. But the astounding intelligence soon reached Senora
+de Soto, that her husband was the person captured for this
+startling crime. The shock to her feelings was terrible, but her
+love and fortitude surmounted them all; and she determined to brave
+the terrors of the ocean, to intercede for her husband if
+condemned, and at all events behold him once more. A small schooner
+was freighted by her own and husband's father, and in it she
+embarked for New-York. After a boisterous passage, the vessel
+reached that port, when she learned her husband had already been
+tried and condemned to die. The humane people of New-York advised
+her to hasten on to Washington, and plead with the President for a
+pardon. On arriving at the capital, she solicited an interview with
+General Jackson, which was readily granted. From the circumstance
+of her husband's having saved the lives of seventy Americans, a
+merciful ear was turned to her solicitations, and a pardon for De
+Soto was given her, with which she hastened to Boston, and
+communicated to him the joyful intelligence.</p>
+<p>Andrew Jackson, President of the United States of America, to
+all to whom these presents shall come, <i>Greeting</i>: Whereas, at
+the October Term, 1834, of the Circuit Court of the United States,
+Bernardo de Soto was convicted of Piracy, and sentenced to be hung
+on the 11th day of March last from which sentence a respite was
+granted him for three months, bearing date the third day of March,
+1835, also a subsequent one, dated on the fifth day of June, 1835,
+for sixty days. And whereas the said Bernardo de Soto has been
+represented as a fit subject for executive clemency--</p>
+<p>Now therefore, I, Andrew Jackson, President of the United States
+of America, in consideration of the premises, divers good and
+sufficient causes me thereto moving, have pardoned, and hereby do
+pardon the said Bernardo de Soto, from and after the 11th August
+next, and direct that he be then discharged from confinement. In
+testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name, and caused
+the seal of the United States to be affixed to these presents. Done
+at the City of Washington the sixth day of July, AD. 1835, and of
+the independence of the United States and sixtieth. Andrew
+Jackson.</p>
+<p>On the fatal morning of June 11th, 1835, Don Pedro, Juan
+Montenegro, Manuel Castillo, Angel Garcia and Manuel Boyga, were,
+agreeably to sentence, summoned to prepare for immediate execution.
+On the night previous, a mutual agreement had been entered into to
+commit suicide. Angel Garcia made the first attempt by trying to
+open the veins of each arm with a piece of glass; but was
+prevented. In the morning, however, while preparations were making
+for the execution, Boyga succeeded in inflicting a deep gash on the
+left side of his neck, with a piece of tin. The officer's eyes had
+been withdrawn from him scarcely a minute, before he was discovered
+lying on his pallet, with a convulsive motion of his knees, from
+loss of blood. Medical aid was at hand, the gash sewed up, but he
+did not revive. Two Catholic clergymen attended them on the
+scaffold, one a Spanish priest. They were executed in the rear of
+the jail. When the procession arrived at the foot of the ladder
+leading up to the platform of the gallows the Rev. Mr. Varella
+looking directly at Capt. Gilbert, said, "Spaniards, ascend to
+heaven." Don Pedro mounted with a quick step, and was followed by
+his comrades at a more moderate pace, but without the least
+hesitation. Boyga, unconscious of his situation and destiny, was
+carried up in a chair, and seated beneath the rope prepared for
+him. Gilbert, Montenegro, Garcia and Castillo all smiled subduedly
+as they took their stations on the platform. Soon after Capt.
+Gilbert ascended the scaffold, he passed over to where the
+apparently lifeless Boyga was seated in the chair, and kissed him.
+Addressing his followers, he said, "Boys, we are going to die; but
+let us be firm, for we are innocent." To Mr. Peyton, the
+interpreter, he said, "I die innocent, but I'll die like a noble
+Spaniard. Good bye, brother." The Marshal having read the warrant
+for their execution, and stated that de Soto was respited
+<i>sixty</i> and Ruiz <i>thirty</i> days, the ropes were adjusted
+round the necks of the prisoners, and a slight hectic flush spread
+over the countenance of each; but not an eye quailed, nor a limb
+trembled, not a muscle quivered. The fatal cord was now cut, and
+the platform fell, by which the prisoners were launched into
+eternity. After the execution was over, Ruiz, who was confined in
+his cell, attracted considerable attention, by his maniac shouts
+and singing. At one time holding up a piece of blanket, stained
+with Boyga's blood, he gave utterance to his ravings in a sort of
+recitative, the burden of which was--"This is the red flag my
+companions died under!"</p>
+<p>After the expiration of Ruiz' second respite, the Marshal got
+two surgeons of the United States Navy, who understood the Spanish
+language, to attend him in his cell; they, after a patient
+examination pronounced his madness a counterfeit, and his insanity
+a hoax. Accordingly, on the morning of Sept. 11th, the Marshal, in
+company with a Catholic priest and interpreter entered his cell,
+and made him sensible that longer evasion of the sentence of the
+law was impossible, and that he must surely die. They informed him
+that he had but half an hour to live, and retired; when he
+requested that he might not be disturbed during the brief space
+that remained to him, and turning his back to the open entrance to
+his cell, he unrolled some fragments of printed prayers, and
+commenced reading them to himself. During this interval he neither
+spoke, nor heeded those who were watching him; but undoubtedly
+suffered extreme mental agony. At one minute he would drop his chin
+on his bosom, and stand motionless; at another would press his brow
+to the wall of his cell, or wave his body from side to side, as if
+wrung with unutterable anguish. Suddenly, he would throw himself
+upon his knees on the mattress, and prostrate himself as if in
+prayer; then throwing his prayers from him, he would clutch his rug
+in his fingers, and like a child try to double it up, or pick it to
+pieces. After snatching up his rug and throwing it away again and
+again, he would suddenly resume his prayers and erect posture, and
+stand mute, gazing through the aperture that admitted the light of
+day for upwards of a minute. This scene of imbecility and
+indecision, of horrible prostration of mind, ceasing in some degree
+when the Catholic clergyman re-entered his cell.</p>
+<p>At 10 o'clock, the prisoner was removed from the prison, and
+during his progress to the scaffold, though the hue of death was on
+his face, and he trembled in every joint with fear, he chaunted
+with a powerful voice an appropriate service from the Catholic
+ritual. Several times he turned round to survey the heavens which
+at that moment were clear and bright above him and when he ascended
+the scaffold after concluding his prayer, he took one long and
+steadfast look at the sun, and waited in silence his fate. His
+powers, mental and physical had been suddenly crushed with the
+appalling reality that surrounded him; his whole soul was absorbed
+with one master feeling, the dread of a speedy and violent death.
+He quailed in the presence of the dreadful paraphernalia of his
+punishment, as much as if he had been a stranger to deeds of blood,
+and never dealt death to his fellow man as he ploughed the deep,
+under the black flag of piracy, with the motto of "Rob, Kill, and
+Burn." After adjusting the rope, a signal was given. The body
+dropped heavily, and the harsh abrupt shock must have instantly
+deprived him of sensation, as there was no voluntary action of the
+hands afterwards. Thus terminated his career of crime in a foreign
+land without one friend to recognize or cheer him, or a single
+being to regret his death.</p>
+<p>The Spanish Consul having requested that the bodies might not be
+given to the faculty, they were interred at night under the
+direction of the Marshal, in the Catholic burial-ground at
+Charlestown. There being no murder committed with the piracy, the
+laws of the United States do not authorize the court to order the
+bodies for dissection.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/162.jpg" alt="Ruiz leaving the Panda."
+height="142" width="400"></center>
+<h4><i>Ruiz leaving the Panda.</i></h4>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name=
+"THE_LIFE_OF_BENITO_DE_SOTO_THE_PIRATE_OF_THE_MORNING_STAR"></a>
+<h2>THE LIFE OF BENITO DE SOTO THE PIRATE OF THE MORNING STAR.</h2>
+The following narrative of the career of a desperate pirate who was
+executed in Gibraltar in the month of January, 1830, is one of two
+letters from the pen of the author of "the Military Sketch-Book."
+The writer says Benito de Soto "had been a prisoner in the garrison
+for nineteen months, during which time the British Government
+spared neither the pains not expense to establish a full train of
+evidence against him. The affair had caused the greatest excitement
+here, as well as at Cadiz, owing to the development of the
+atrocities which marked the character of this man, and the
+diabolical gang of which he was the leader. Nothing else is talked
+of; and a thousand horrors are added to his guilt, which, although
+he was guilty enough, he has no right to bear. The following is all
+the authentic information I could collect concerning him. I have
+drawn it from his trial, from the confession of his accomplices,
+from the keeper of his prison, and not a little from his own lips.
+It will be found more interesting than all the tales and sketches
+furnished in the 'Annuals,' magazines, and other vehicles of
+invention, from the simple fact--that it is truth and not fiction."
+<p>Benito de Soto was a native of a small village near Courna; he
+was bred a mariner, and was in the guiltless exercise of his
+calling at Buenos Ayres, in the year 1827. A vessel was there being
+fitted out for a voyage to the coast of Africa, for the smuggling
+of slaves; and as she required a strong crew, a great number of
+sailors were engaged, amongst whom was Soto. The Portuguese of
+South America have yet a privilege of dealing in slaves on a
+certain part of the African coast, but it was the intention of the
+captain of this vessel to exceed the limits of his trade, and to
+run farther down, so as to take his cargo of human beings from a
+part of the country which was proscribed, in the certainty of being
+there enabled to purchase slaves at a much lower rate than he could
+in the regular way; or, perhaps, to take away by force as many as
+he could stow away into his ship. He therefore required a
+considerable number of hands for the enterprise; and in such a
+traffic, it may be easily conceived, that the morals of the crew
+could not be a subject of much consideration with the employer.
+French, Spanish, Portuguese, and others, were entered on board,
+most of them renegadoes, and they set sail on their evil voyage,
+with every hope of infamous success.</p>
+<p>Those who deal in evil carry along with them the springs of
+their own destruction, upon which they will tread, in spite of
+every caution, and their imagined security is but the brink of the
+pit into which they are to fall. It was so with the captain of this
+slave-ship. He arrived in Africa, took in a considerable number of
+slaves, and in order to complete his cargo, went on shore, leaving
+his mate in charge of the vessel. This mate was a bold, wicked,
+reckless and ungovernable spirit, and perceiving in Benito de Soto
+a mind congenial with his own, he fixed on him as a fit person to
+join in a design he had conceived, of running away with the vessel,
+and becoming a pirate. Accordingly the mate proposed his plan to
+Soto, who not only agreed to join in it, but declared that he
+himself had been contemplating a similar enterprise during the
+voyage. They both were at once of a mind, and they lost no time in
+maturing their plot.</p>
+<p>Their first step was to break the matter to the other members of
+the crew. In this they proceeded cautiously, and succeeded so far
+as to gain over twenty-two of the whole, leaving eighteen who
+remained faithful to their trust. Every means were used to corrupt
+the well disposed; both persuasion and threats were resorted to,
+but without effect, and the leader of the conspiracy, the mate,
+began to despair of obtaining the desired object. Soto, however,
+was not so easily depressed. He at once decided on seizing the ship
+upon the strength of his party: and without consulting the mate, he
+collected all the arms of the vessel, called the conspirators
+together, put into each of their possession a cutlass and a brace
+of pistols, and arming himself in like manner, advanced at the head
+of the gang, drew his sword, and declared the mate to be the
+commander of the ship, and the men who joined him part owners.
+Still, those who had rejected the evil offer remained unmoved; on
+which Soto ordered out the boats, and pointing to the land, cried
+out, "There is the African coast; this is our ship--one or the
+other must be chosen by every man on board within five
+minutes."</p>
+<p>This declaration, although it had the effect of preventing any
+resistance that might have been offered by the well disposed, to
+the taking of the vessel, did not change them from their purpose;
+they still refused to join in the robbery, and entered one by one
+into the boat, at the orders of Soto, and with but one pair of oars
+(all that was allowed to them) put off for the shore, from which
+they were then ten miles distant. Had the weather continued calm,
+as it was when the boat left the ship, she would have made the
+shore by dusk; but unhappily a strong gale of wind set in shortly
+after her departure, and she was seen by Soto and his gang
+struggling with the billows and approaching night, at such a
+distance from the land as she could not possibly accomplish while
+the gale lasted. All on board the ship agreed in opinion that the
+boat could not live, as they flew away from her at the rate of ten
+knots an hour, under close reefed topsails, leaving their unhappy
+messmates to their inevitable fate. Those of the pirates who were
+lately executed at Cadiz, declared that every soul in the boat
+perished.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/166.jpg" alt=
+"The Pirates carrying rum on shore to purchase slaves" height="600"
+width="507"></center>
+<h4><i>The Pirates carrying rum on shore to purchase
+slaves.</i></h4>
+The drunken uproar which that night reigned in the pirate ship was
+in horrid unison with the raging elements around her; contention
+and quarrelling followed the brutal ebriety of the pirates; each
+evil spirit sought the mastery of the others, and Soto's, which was
+the fiend of all, began to grasp and grapple for its proper
+place--the head of such a diabolical community.
+<p>The mate (now the chief) at once gave the reins to his ruffian
+tyranny; and the keen eye of Soto saw that he who had fawned with
+him the day before, would next day rule him with an iron rod.
+Prompt in his actions as he was penetrating in his judgment, he had
+no sooner conceived a jealousy of the leader than he determined to
+put him aside; and as his rival lay in his drunken sleep, Soto put
+a pistol to his head, and deliberately shot him. For this act he
+excused himself to the crew, by stating to them that it was in
+<i>their</i> protection he did the act; that <i>their</i> interest
+was the other's death; and concluded by declaring himself their
+leader, and promising a golden harvest to their future labors,
+provided they obeyed him. Soto succeeded to the height of his
+wishes, and was unanimously hailed by the crew as their
+captain.</p>
+<p>On board the vessel, as I before stated, were a number of
+slaves, and these the pirates had well secured under hatches. They
+now turned their attention to those half starved, half suffocated
+creatures;--some were for throwing them overboard, while others,
+not less cruel, but more desirous of gain, proposed to take them to
+some port in one of those countries that deal in human beings, and
+there sell them. The latter recommendation was adopted, and Soto
+steered for the West Indies, where he received a good price for his
+slaves. One of those wretched creatures, a boy, he reserved as a
+servant for himself; and this boy was destined by Providence to be
+the witness of the punishment of those white men who tore away from
+their homes himself and his brethren. He alone will carry back to
+his country the truth of Heaven's retribution, and heal the wounded
+feelings of broken kindred with the recital of it.</p>
+<p>The pirates now entered freely into their villainous pursuit,
+and plundered many vessels; amongst others was an American brig,
+the treatment of which forms the <i>chef d'oeuvre</i> of their
+atrocity. Having taken out of this brig all the valuables they
+could find, they hatched down all hands to the hold, except a black
+man, who was allowed to remain on deck for the special purpose of
+affording in his torture an amusing exhibition to Soto and his
+gang. They set fire to the brig, then lay to, to observe the
+progress of the flames; and as the miserable African bounded from
+rope to rope, now climbing to the mast head--now clinging to the
+shrouds--now leaping to one part of the vessel, and now to
+another,--their enjoyment seemed raised to its heighest pitch. At
+length the hatches opened to the devouring element, the tortured
+victim of their fiendish cruelty fell exhausted into the flames,
+and the horrid and revolting scene closed amidst the shouts of the
+miscreants who had caused it.</p>
+<p>Of their other exploits, that which ranks next in turpitude, and
+which led to their overthrow, was the piracy of the Morning Star.
+They fell in with that vessel near the island Ascension, in the
+year 1828, as she was on her voyage from Ceylon to England. This
+vessel, besides a valuable cargo, had on board several passengers,
+consisting of a major and his wife, an assistant surgeon, two
+civilians, about five and twenty invalid soldiers, and three or
+four of their wives. As soon as Benito de Soto perceived the ship,
+which was at daylight on the 21st of February, he called up all
+hands, and prepared for attacking her; he was at the time steering
+on an opposite course to that of the Morning Star. On reconnoitring
+her, he at first supposed she was a French vessel; but Barbazan,
+one of his crew, who was himself a Frenchman, assured him the ship
+was British. "So much the better," exclaimed Soto, in English (for
+he could speak that language), "we shall find the more booty." He
+then ordered the sails to be squared, and ran before the wind in
+chase of his plunder, from which he was about two leagues
+distant.</p>
+<p>The Defensor de Pedro, the name of the pirate ship, was a fast
+sailer, but owing to the press of canvas which the Morning Star
+hoisted soon after the pirate had commenced the chase, he did not
+come up with her so quickly as he had expected: the delay caused
+great uneasiness to Soto, which he manifested by muttering curses,
+and restlessness of manner. Sounds of savage satisfaction were to
+be heard from every mouth but his at the prospect; he alone
+expressed his anticipated pleasure by oaths, menaces, and mental
+inquietude. While Barbazan was employed in superintending the
+clearing of the decks, the arming and breakfasting of the men, he
+walked rapidly up and down, revolving in his mind the plan of the
+approaching attack, and when interrupted by any of the crew, he
+would run into a volley of imprecations. In one instance, he struck
+his black boy a violent blow with a telescope, because he asked him
+if he would have his morning cup of chocolate; as soon, however, as
+he set his studding sails, and perceived that he was gaining on the
+Morning Star, he became somewhat tranquil, began to eat heartily of
+cold beef, drank his chocolate at a draught, and coolly sat down on
+the deck to smoke a cigar.</p>
+<p>In less than a quarter of an hour, the pirate had gained
+considerable on the other vessel. Soto now, without rising from
+where he sat, ordered a gun, with blank cartridge, to be fired, and
+the British colors to be hoisted: but finding this measure had not
+the effect of bringing the Morning Star to, he cried out, "Shot the
+long gun and give it her point blank." The order was obeyed, but
+the shot fell short of the intention, on which he jumped up and
+cursed the fellows for bunglers who had fired the gun. He then
+ordered them to load with canister shot, and took the match in his
+own hand. He did not, however, fire immediately, but waited until
+he was nearly abreast of his victim; then directing the aim
+himself, and ordering a man to stand by the flag to haul it down,
+fired with an air that showed he was sure of his mark. He then ran
+to haul up the Colombian colors, and having done so, cried out
+through the speaking trumpet, "Lower your boat down this moment,
+and let your captain come on board with his papers."</p>
+<p>During this fearful chase the people on board the Morning Star
+were in the greatest alarm; but however their apprehensions might
+have been excited, that courage, which is so characteristic of a
+British sailor, never for a moment forsook the captain. He boldly
+carried on sail, and although one of the men fell from a wound, and
+the ravages of the shot were every where around him, he determined
+not to strike. But unhappily he had not a single gun on board, and
+no small arms that could render his courage availing. The tears of
+the women, and the prudent advice of the passengers overcoming his
+resolution, he permitted himself to be guided by the general
+opinion. One of the passengers volunteered himself to go on board
+the pirate, and a boat was lowered for the purpose. Both vessels
+now lay to within fifty yards of each other, and a strong hope
+arose in those on board the Morning Star, that the gentleman who
+had volunteered to go to the pirate, might, through his exertions,
+avert, at least, the worst of the dreaded calamity.</p>
+<p>Some people here, in their quiet security, have made no scruple
+of declaring, that the commanding officer of the soldiers on board
+should not have so tamely yielded to the pirate, particularly as he
+had his wife along with him, and consequently a misfortune to
+dread, that might be thought even worse than death: but all who
+knew the true state of the circumstances, and reflect upon it, will
+allow that he adopted the only chance of escaping that, which was
+to be most feared by a husband. The long gun, which was on a pivot
+in the centre of the pirate ship, could in a few shots sink the
+Morning Star; and even had resistance been made to the pirates as
+they boarded her--had they been killed or made prisoners--the
+result would not be much better. It was evident that the Defensor
+de Pedro was the best sailer, consequently the Morning Star could
+not hope to escape; in fact, submission or total destruction was
+the only choice. The commanding officer, therefore, acted for the
+best when he recommended the former. There was some slight hope of
+escaping with life, and without personal abuse, by surrendering,
+but to contend must be inevitable death.</p>
+<p>The gentleman who had gone in a boat to the pirate returned in a
+short time, exhibiting every proof of the ill treatment he had
+received from Soto and his crew. It appears that when the villains
+learned that he was not the captain, they fell upon and beat him,
+as well as the sailors along with him, in a most brutal manner, and
+with the most horrid imprecations told him, that if the captain did
+not instantly come, on his return to the vessel, they would blow
+the ship out of the water. This report as once decided the captain
+in the way he was to act. Without hesitation he stepped into the
+boat, taking with him his second mate, three soldiers and a sailor
+boy, and proceeded to the pirate. On going on board that vessel,
+along with the mate, Soto, who stood near the mainmast, with his
+drawn cutlass in his hand, desired him to approach, while the mate
+was ordered, by Barbazan, to go to the forecastle. Both these
+unfortunate individuals obeyed, and were instantly slaughtered.</p>
+<p>Soto now ordered six picked men to descend into the boat,
+amongst whom was Barbazan. To him the leader addressed his orders,
+the last of which was, to take care to put all in the prize to
+death, and then sink her.</p>
+<p>The six pirates, who proceeded to execute his savage demand,
+were all armed alike,--they each carried a brace of pistols, a
+cutlass and a long knife. Their dress was composed of a sort of
+coarse cotton chequered jacket and trowsers, shirts that were open
+at the collar, red woollen caps, and broad canvas waistbelts, in
+which were the pistols and the knives. They were all athletic men,
+and seemed such as might well be trusted with the sanguinary errand
+on which they were despatched. While the boat was conveying them,
+Soto held in his hand a cutlass, reddened with the blood of the
+murdered captain, and stood scowling on them with silence: while
+another ruffian, with a lighted match, stood by the long gun, ready
+to support the boarding, if necessary, with a shot that would sweep
+the deck.</p>
+<p>As the boarders approached the Morning Star, the terror of the
+females became excessive; they clung to their husbands in despair,
+who endeavored to allay their fears by their own vain hopes,
+assuring them that a quiet submission nothing more than the plunder
+of the vessel was to be apprehended. But a few minutes miserably
+undeceived them. The pirates rapidly mounted the side, and as they
+jumped on deck, commenced to cut right and left at all within their
+reach, uttering at the same time the most dreadful oaths. The
+females, screaming, hurried to hide themselves below as well as
+they were able, and the men fell or fled before the pirates,
+leaving them entire masters of the decks.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/172.jpg" alt=
+"The mate begging for his life" height="495" width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>The mate begging for his life.</i></h4>
+When the pirates had succeeded in effectually prostrating all the
+people on deck, they drove most of them below, and reserved the
+remainder to assist in their operations. Unless the circumstances
+be closely examined, it may be wondered how six men could have so
+easily overcome a crew of English seamen supported by about twenty
+soldiers with a major at their head:--but it will not appear so
+surprising, when it is considered that the sailors were altogether
+unarmed, the soldiers were worn out invalids, and more
+particularly, that the pirate carried a heavy long gun, ready to
+sink her victim at a shot. Major Logie was fully impressed with the
+folly of opposing so powerful and desperate an enemy, and therefore
+advised submission as the only course for the safety of those under
+his charge; presuming no doubt that something like humanity might
+be found in the breasts even of the worst of men. But alas! he was
+woefully deceived in his estimate of the villains' nature, and
+felt, when too late, that even death would have been preferable to
+the barbarous treatment he was forced to endure.
+<p>Beaten, bleeding, terrified, the men lay huddled together in the
+hold, while the pirates proceeded in their work of pillage and
+brutality. Every trunk was hauled forth, every portable article of
+value heaped for the plunder; money, plate, charts, nautical
+instruments, and seven parcels of valuable jewels, which formed
+part of the cargo; these were carried from below on the backs of
+those men whom the pirates selected to assist them, and for two
+hours they were thus employed, during which time Soto stood upon
+his own deck directing the operations; for the vessels were within
+a hundred yards of each other. The scene which took place in the
+cabin exhibited a licentious brutality. The sick officer, Mr.
+Gibson, was dragged from his berth; the clothes of the other
+passengers stripped from their backs, and the whole of the cabin
+passengers driven on deck, except the females, whom they locked up
+in the round-house on deck, and the steward, who was detained to
+serve the pirates with wine and eatables. This treatment, no doubt
+hastened the death of Gibson; the unfortunate gentleman did not
+long survive it. As the passengers were forced up the cabin ladder,
+the feelings of Major Logie, it may be imagined, were of the most
+heart-rending description. In vain did he entreat to be allowed to
+remain; he was hurried away from even the chance of protecting his
+defenceless wife, and battened down with the rest in the hold,
+there to be racked with the fearful apprehensions of their almost
+certain doom.</p>
+<p>The labors of the robbers being now concluded, they sat down to
+regale themselves, preparatory to the <i>chef d'oeuvre</i> of their
+diabolical enterprise; and a more terrible group of demi-devils,
+the steward declares, could not be well imagined than commanded his
+attention at the cabin table. However, as he was a Frenchman, and
+naturally polite, he acquitted himself of the office of cup-bearer,
+if not as gracefully, at least as anxiously, as ever did Ganymede
+herself. Yet, notwithstanding this readiness to serve the visitors
+in their gastronomic desires, the poor steward felt ill-requited;
+he was twice frightened into an icicle, and twice thawed back into
+conscious horror, by the rudeness of those he entertained. In one
+instance, when he had filled out a sparkling glass for a ruffian,
+and believed he had quite won the heart of the drinker by the act,
+he found himself grasped roughly and tightly by the throat, and the
+point of a knife staring him in the face. It seems the fellow who
+thus seized him, had felt between his teeth a sharp bit of broken
+glass, and fancying that something had been put in the wine to
+poison him, he determined to prove his suspicions by making the
+steward swallow what remained in the bottle from which the liquor
+had been drawn, and thus unceremoniously prefaced his command;
+however, ready and implicit obedience averted further bad
+consequences. The other instance of the steward's jeopardy was
+this; when the repast was ended, one of the gentlemen coolly
+requested him to waive all delicacy, and point out the place in
+which the captain's money was concealed. He might as well have
+asked him to produce the philosopher's stone. However, pleading the
+truth was of no use; his determined requisitor seconded the demand
+by snapping a pistol at his breast; having missed fire, he
+recocked, and again presented; but the fatal weapon was struck
+aside by Barbazan, who reproved the rashness with a threat, and
+thus averted the steward's impending fate. It was then with
+feelings of satisfaction he heard himself ordered to go down to the
+hold, and in a moment he was bolted in among his fellow
+sufferers.</p>
+<p>The ruffians indulged in the pleasures of the bottle for some
+time longer, and then having ordered down the females, treated them
+with even less humanity than characterized their conduct towards
+the others. The screams of the helpless females were heard in the
+hold by those who were unable to render them assistance, and
+agonizing, indeed, must those screams have been to their
+incarcerated hearers! How far the brutality of the pirates was
+carried in this stage of the horrid proceeding, we can only
+surmise; fortunately, their lives were spared, although, as it
+afterwards appeared, the orders of Soto were to butcher every being
+on board; and it is thought that these orders were not put into
+action, in consequence of the villains having wasted so much time
+in drinking, and otherwise indulging themselves; for it was not
+until the loud voice of their chief was heard to recall them, that
+they prepared to leave the ship; they therefore contented
+themselves with fastening the women within the cabin, heaping heavy
+lumber on the hatches of the hold, and boring holes in the planks
+of the vessel below the surface of the water, so that in destroying
+the unhappy people at one swoop, they might make up for the lost
+time. They then left the ship, sinking fast to her apparently
+certain fate.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/176.jpg" alt=
+"Horrid abuse of the helpless women in the cabin" height="323"
+width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>Horrid abuse of the helpless women in the cabin.</i></h4>
+It may be reasonably supposed, bad as their conduct was towards the
+females, and pitiable as was the suffering it produced, that the
+lives of the whole left to perish were preserved through it; for
+the ship must have gone down if the women had been either taken out
+of her or murdered, and those in the hold inevitably have gone with
+her to the bottom. But by good fortune, the females succeeded in
+forcing their way out of the cabin, and became the means of
+liberating the men confined in the hold. When they came on deck, it
+was nearly dark, yet they could see the pirate ship at a
+considerable distance, with all her sails set and bearing away from
+them. They prudently waited, concealed from the possibility of
+being seen by the enemy, and when the night fell, they crept to the
+hatchway, and called out to the men below to endeavor to effect
+their liberation, informing them that the pirate was away and out
+of sight. They then united their efforts, and the lumber being
+removed, the hatches gave way to the force below, so that the
+released captives breathed of hope again. The delightful draught,
+however, was checked, when the ship was found to contain six feet
+of water! A momentary collapse took possession of all their newly
+excited expectations; cries and groans of despair burst forth, but
+the sailors' energy quickly returned, and was followed by that of
+the others; they set to work at the pumps, and by dint of labor
+succeeded in keeping the vessel afloat. Yet to direct her course
+was impossible; the pirates having completely disabled her, by
+cutting away her rigging and sawing the masts all the way through.
+The eye of Providence, however, was not averted from the hapless
+people, for they fell in with a vessel next day that relieved them
+from their distressing situation, and brought them to England in
+safety.
+<p>We will now return to Soto, and show how the hand of that
+Providence that secured his intended victims, fell upon himself and
+his wicked associates. Intoxicated with their infamous success, the
+night had far advanced before Soto learned that the people in the
+Morning Star, instead of being slaughtered, were only left to be
+drowned. The information excited his utmost rage. He reproached
+Barbazan, and those who had accompanied them in the boarding, with
+disobeying his orders, and declared that now there could be no
+security for their lives. Late as the hour was, and long as he had
+been steering away from the Morning Star, he determined to put
+back, in the hope of effectually preventing the escape of those in
+the devoted vessel, by seeing them destroyed before his eyes. Soto
+was a follower of the principle inculcated by the old maxim, "Dead
+men tell no tales;" and in pursuance of his doctrine, lost not a
+moment in putting about and running back. But it was too late; he
+could find no trace of the vessel, and so consoled himself with the
+belief that she was at the bottom of the sea, many fathoms below
+the ken and cognizance of Admiralty Courts.</p>
+<p>Soto, thus satisfied, bent his course to Europe. On his voyage
+he fell in with a small brig, boarded, plundered, sunk her, and,
+that he might not again run the hazard of encountering living
+witnesses of his guilt, murdered the crew, with the exception of
+one individual, whom he took along with him, on account of his
+knowledge of the course to Corunna, whither he intended to proceed.
+But, faithful to his principles of self-protection, as soon as he
+had made full use of the unfortunate sailor, and found himself in
+sight of the destined port, he came up to him at the helm, which he
+held in his hand, "My friend," said he "is that the harbor of
+Corunna?"--"Yes," was the reply. "Then," rejoined Soto, "You have
+done your duty well, and I am obliged to you for your services." On
+the instant he drew a pistol and shot the man; then coolly flung
+his body overboard, took the helm himself, and steered into his
+native harbor as little concerned as if he had returned from an
+honest voyage. At this port he obtained papers in a false name,
+disposed of a great part of his booty, and after a short stay set
+out for Cadiz, where he expected a market for the remainder. He had
+a fair wind until he came within sight of the coast near that city.
+It was coming on dark and he lay to, expecting to go into his
+anchorage next morning, but the wind shifted to the westward, and
+suddenly began to blow a heavy gale; it was right on the land. He
+luffed his ship as close to the wind as possible, in order to clear
+a point that stretched outward, and beat off to windward, but his
+lee-way carried him towards the land, and he was caught when he
+least expected the trap. The gale increased--the night grew pitchy
+dark--the roaring breakers were on his lee-beam--the drifting
+vessel strikes, rebounds, and strikes again--the cry of horror
+rings through the flapping cordage, and despair is in the eyes of
+the demon-crew. Helpless they lie amid the wrath of the storm, and
+the darkened face of Heaven, for the first time, strikes terror on
+their guilty hearts. Death is before them, but not with a merciful
+quickness does he approach; hour after hour the frightful vision
+glares upon them, and at length disappears only to come upon them
+again in a more dreadful form. The tempest abates, and the sinners
+were spared for the time.</p>
+<p>As the daylight broke they took to their boats, and abandoned
+the vessel to preserve their lives. But there was no repentance in
+the pirates; along with the night and the winds went the voice of
+conscience, and they thought no more of what had passed. They stood
+upon the beach gazing at the wreck, and the first thought of Soto,
+was to sell it, and purchase another vessel for the renewal of his
+atrocious pursuits. With the marked decision of his character, he
+proposed his intention to his followers, and received their full
+approbation. The plan was instantly arranged; they were to present
+themselves as honest, shipwrecked mariners to the authorities at
+Cadiz; Soto was to take upon himself the office of mate, or
+<i>contra maestra,</i> to an imaginary captain, and thus obtain
+their sanction in disposing of the vessel. In their assumed
+character, the whole proceeded to Cadiz, and presented themselves
+before the proper officers of the marine. Their story was listened
+to with sympathy, and for a few days every thing went on to their
+satisfaction. Soto had succeeded so well as to conclude the sale of
+the wreck with a broker, for the sum of one thousand seven hundred
+and fifty dollars; the contract was signed, but fortunately the
+money was not yet paid, when suspicion arose, from some
+inconsistencies in the pirates' account of themselves, and six of
+them were arrested by the authorities. Soto and one of his crew
+instantly disappeared from Cadiz, and succeeded in arriving at the
+neutral ground before Gibraltar, and six more made their escape to
+the Carraccas.</p>
+<p>None are permitted to enter the fortress of Gibraltar, without
+permission from the governor, or a passport. Soto and his
+companion, therefore, took up their quarters at a Posade on the
+neutral ground, and resided there in security for several days. The
+busy and daring mind of the former could not long remain inactive;
+he proposed to his companion to attempt to enter the garrison in
+disguise and by stealth, but could not prevail upon him to consent.
+He therefore resolved to go in alone; and his object in doing so
+was to procure a supply of money by a letter of credit which he
+brought with him from Cadiz. His companion, more wise than he,
+chose the safer course; he knew that the neutral ground was not
+much controllable by the laws either of the Spanish or the English,
+and although there was not much probability of being discovered, he
+resolved not to trust to chance in so great a stake as his life;
+and he proved to have been right in his judgment, for had he gone
+to Gibraltar, he would have shared the same fate of his chief. This
+man is the only one of the whole gang, who has not met with the
+punishment of his crimes, for he succeeded in effecting his escape
+on board some vessel. It is not even suspected to what country he
+is gone; but his description, no doubt, is registered. The steward
+of the Morning Star informed me, that he is a tall, stout man, with
+fair hair, and fresh complexion, of a mild and gentle countenance,
+but that he was one of the worst villains of the whole piratical
+crew. I believe he is stated to be a Frenchman.</p>
+<p>Soto secured his admission into the garrison by a false pass,
+and took up his residence at an inferior tavern in a narrow lane,
+which runs off the main street of Gibraltar, and is kept by a man
+of the name of Basso. The appearance of this house suits well with
+the associations of the worthy Benito's life. I have occasion to
+pass the door frequently at night, for our barrack, (the Casement,)
+is but a few yards from it. I never look at the place without
+feeling an involuntary sensation of horror--the smoky and dirty
+nooks--the distant groups of dark Spaniards, Moors, and Jews, their
+sallow countenances made yellow by the fight of dim oil lamps--the
+unceiled rafters of the rooms above, seen through unshuttered
+windows and the consciousness of their having covered the atrocious
+Soto, combine this effect upon me.</p>
+<p>In this den the villain remained for a few weeks, and during
+this time seemed to enjoy himself as if he had never committed a
+murder. The story he told Basso of his circumstances was, that he
+had come to Gibraltar on his way to Cadiz from Malaga, and was
+merely awaiting the arrival of a friend. He dressed
+expensively--generally wore a white hat of the best English
+quality, silk stockings, white trowsers, and blue frock coat. His
+whiskers were large and bushy, and his hair, which was very black,
+profuse, long and naturally curled, was much in the style of a
+London preacher of prophetic and anti-poetic notoriety. He was
+deeply browned with the sun, and had an air and gait expressive of
+his bold, enterprising, and desperate mind. Indeed, when I saw him
+in his cell and at his trial, although his frame was attenuated
+almost to a skeleton, the color of his face a pale yellow, his eyes
+sunken, and hair closely shorn; he still exhibited strong traces of
+what he had been, still retained his erect and fearless carriage,
+his quick, fiery, and malevolent eye, his hurried and concise
+speech, and his close and pertinent style of remark. He appeared to
+me such a man as would have made a hero in the ranks of his
+country, had circumstances placed him in the proper road to fame;
+but ignorance and poverty turned into the most ferocious robber,
+one who might have rendered service and been an honor to his sunken
+country. I should like to hear what the phrenologists say of his
+head; it appeared to me to be the most peculiar I had ever seen,
+and certainly, as far as the bump of <i>destructiveness</i> went,
+bore the theory fully out. It is rumored here that the skull has
+been sent to the <i>savans</i> of Edinburg; if this be the case, we
+shall no doubt be made acquainted with their sage opinions upon the
+subject, and great conquerors will receive a farther assurance of
+how much they resemble in their physical natures the greatest
+murderers.</p>
+<p>When I visited the pirate in the Moorish castle where he was
+confined, he was sitting in his cold, narrow, and miserable cell,
+upon a pallet of straw, eating his coarse meal from a tin plate. I
+thought him more an object of pity than vengeance; he looked so
+worn with disease, so crushed with suffering, yet so affable,
+frank, and kind in his address; for he happened to be in a
+communicative mood, a thing that was by no means common with him.
+He spoke of his long confinement, till I thought the tears were
+about to start from his eyes, and alluded to his approaching trial
+with satisfaction; but his predominant characteristic, ferocity,
+appeared in his small piercing black eyes before I left him, as he
+alluded to his keeper, the Provost, in such a way that made me
+suspect his desire for blood was not yet extinguished. When he
+appeared in court on his trial, his demeanor was quite altered; he
+seemed to me to have suddenly risen out of the wretch he was in his
+cell, to all the qualities I had heard of him; he stood erect and
+unembarrassed; he spoke with a strong voice, attended closely to
+the proceedings, occasionally examined the witnesses, and at the
+conclusion protested against the justice of his trial. He sometimes
+spoke to the guards around him, and sometimes affected an air of
+carelessness of his awful situation, which, however, did not sit
+easy upon him. Even here the leading trait of his mind broke forth;
+for when the interpreter commenced his office, the language which
+he made use of being pedantic and affected, Soto interrupted him
+thus, while a scowl sat upon his brow that terrified the man of
+words: "I don't understand you, man; speak Spanish like others, and
+I'll listen to you." When the dirk that belonged to Mr. Robertson,
+the trunk and clothes taken from Mr. Gibson, and the pocket book
+containing the ill-fated captain's handwriting were placed before
+him, and proved to have been found in his room, and when the maid
+servant of the tavern proved that she found the dirk under his
+pillow every morning on arranging his bed; and when he was
+confronted with his own black slave, between two wax lights, the
+countenance of the villain appeared in its true nature, not
+depressed nor sorrowful, but vivid and ferocious; and when the
+patient and dignified governor, Sir George Don, passed the just
+sentence of the law upon him, he looked daggers at his heart, and
+assumed a horrid silence, more eloquent than words.</p>
+<p>The criminal persisted up to the day before his execution in
+asserting his innocence, and inveighing against the injustice of
+his trial, but the certainty of his fate, and the awful voice of
+religion, at length subdued him. He made an unreserved confession
+of his guilt, and became truly penitent; gave up to the keeper the
+blade of a razor which he had secreted between the soles of his
+shoes for the acknowledged purpose of adding suicide to his crimes,
+and seemed to wish for the moment that was to send him before his
+Creator.</p>
+<p>I witnessed his execution, and I believe there never was a more
+contrite man than he appeared to be; yet there were no drivelling
+fears upon him--he walked firmly at the tail of the fatal cart,
+gazing sometimes at his coffin, sometimes at the crucifix which he
+held in his hand. The symbol of divinity he frequently pressed to
+his lips, repeated the prayers spoken in his ear by the attendant
+clergyman, and seemed regardless of every thing but the world to
+come. The gallows was erected beside the water, and fronting the
+neutral ground. He mounted the cart as firmly as he had walked
+behind it, and held up his face to Heaven and the beating rain,
+calm, resigned, but unshaken; and finding the halter too high for
+his neck, he boldly stepped upon his coffin, and placed his head in
+the noose, then watching the first turn of the wheels, he murmured
+"<i>adios todos</i>," ["Farewell, all."] and leaned forward to
+facilitate his fall.</p>
+<p>The black slave of the pirate stood upon the battery trembling
+before his dying master to behold the awful termination of a series
+of events, the recital of which to his African countrymen, when he
+shall return to his home, will give them no doubt, a dreadful
+picture of European civilization. The black boy was acquitted at
+Cadiz, but the men who had fled to the Carraccas, as well as those
+arrested after the wreck, were convicted, executed, their limbs
+severed, and hung on tenter hooks, as a warning to all pirates.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/185.jpg" alt="The Rock of Gibraltar"
+height="452" width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>The Rock of Gibraltar.</i></h4>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="THE_ADVENTURES_OF_CAPTAIN_ROBERT_KIDD"></a>
+<h2>THE ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN ROBERT KIDD</h2>
+The easy access to the harbor of New-York, the number of
+hiding-places about its waters, and the laxity of its newly
+organized government, about the year 1695, made it a great
+rendezvous of pirates, where they might dispose of their booty and
+concert new depredations. As they brought home with them wealthy
+lading of all kinds, the luxuries of the tropics, and the sumptuous
+spoils of the Spanish provinces, and disposed of them with the
+proverbial carelessness of freebooters, they were welcome visitors
+to the thrifty traders of New-York. Crews of these desperadoes,
+therefore, the runagates of every country and every clime, might be
+seen swaggering in open day about the streets, elbowing its quiet
+inhabitants, trafficking their rich outlandish plunder at half or
+quarter price to the wary merchant; and then squandering their
+prize-money in taverns, drinking, gambling, singing, carousing and
+astounding the neighborhood with midnight brawl and revelry. At
+length these excesses rose to such a height as to become a scandal
+to the provinces, and to call loudly for the interposition of
+government. Measures were accordingly taken to put a stop to this
+widely extended evil, and to drive the pirates out of the colonies.
+<p>Among the distinguished individuals who lurked about the
+colonies, was Captain Robert Kidd, [Footnote: His real name was
+William Kidd.] who in the beginning of King William's war,
+commanded a privateer in the West Indies, and by his several
+adventurous actions, acquired the reputation of a brave man, as
+well as an experienced seaman. But he had now become notorious, as
+a nondescript animal of the ocean. He was somewhat of a trader,
+something more of a smuggler, but mostly a pirate. He had traded
+many years among the pirates, in a little rakish vessel, that could
+run into all kinds of water. He knew all their haunts and lurking
+places, and was always hooking about on mysterious voyages.</p>
+<p>Upon the good old maxim of "setting a rogue to catch a rogue,"
+Capt. Kidd 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 to the command of a
+government ship, and to be employed in cruising upon the pirates,
+as knowing those seas perfectly well, and being acquainted with all
+their lurking places; but what reasons governed the politics 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.</p>
+<p>Upon this neglect, the lord Bellamont and some others, who knew
+what great captures had been made by the pirates, 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
+her to Captain Kidd; and to give the thing a greater reputation, as
+well as to keep their seamen under better command, they procured
+the king's commission for the said Capt. Kidd, of which the
+following is an exact copy:</p>
+<p><i>William Rex</i>,</p>
+<p>"WILLIAM THE THIRD, by the grace of God, King of England,
+Scotland, France and Ireland, defender of the faith, &amp;c. To our
+trusty and well beloved Capt. ROBERT KIDD, commander of the ship
+the Adventure galley, or to any other, the commander of the same
+for the time being, <i>Greeting</i>: Whereas we are informed, that
+Capt. Thomas Too, John Ireland, Capt. Thomas Wake, and Capt.
+William Maze or Mace, and other subjects, natives or inhabitants of
+New-York, and elsewhere, in our plantations in America, have
+associated themselves with divers others, wicked and ill-disposed
+persons, and do, against the law of nations, commit many and great
+piracies, robberies and depredations on the seas upon the parts of
+America, and in other parts, to the great hindrance and
+discouragement of trade and navigation, and to the great danger and
+hurt of our loving subjects, our allies, and all others, navigating
+the seas upon their lawful occasions. Now KNOW YE, that we being
+desirous to prevent the aforesaid mischiefs, and as much as in us
+lies, to bring the said pirates, free-booters and sea-rovers to
+justice, have thought fit, and do hereby give and grant to the said
+Robert Kidd, (to whom our commissioners for exercising the office
+of Lord High Admiral of England, have granted a commission as a
+private man-of-war, bearing date the 11th day of December, 1695,)
+and unto the commander of the said ship for the time being, and
+unto the officers, mariners, and others which shall be under your
+command, full power and authority to apprehend, seize, and take
+into your custody as well the said Capt. Thomas Too, John Ireland,
+Capt. Thomas Wake, and Capt. Wm. Maze or Mace, as all such pirates,
+free-booters, and sea-rovers, being either our subjects, or of
+other nations associated with them, which you shall meet with upon
+the seas or coasts of America, or upon any other seas or coasts,
+with all their ships and vessels, and all such merchandizes, money,
+goods, and wares as shall be found on board, or with them, in case
+they shall willingly yield themselves; but if they will not yield
+without fighting, then you are by force to compel them to yield.
+And we also require you to bring, or cause to be brought, such
+pirates, free-booters, or sea-rovers, as you shall seize, to a
+legal trial, to the end they may be proceeded against according to
+the law in such cases. And we do hereby command all our officers,
+ministers, and other our loving subjects whatsoever, to be aiding
+and assisting to you in the premises. And we do hereby enjoin you
+to keep an exact journal of your proceedings in execution of the
+premises, and set down the names of such pirates, and of their
+officers and company, and the names of such ships and vessels as
+you shall by virtue of these presents take and seize, and the
+quantities of arms, ammunition, provision, and lading of such
+ships, and the true value of the same, as near as you judge. And we
+do hereby strictly charge and command you, as you will answer the
+contrary at your peril, that you do not, in any manner, offend or
+molest our friends or allies, their ships or subjects, by colour or
+pretence of these presents, or the authority thereby granted. <i>In
+witness whereof</i>, we have caused our great seal of England to be
+affixed to these presents. Given at our court in Kensington, the
+26th day of January, 1695, in the 7th year of our reign."</p>
+<p>Capt. Kidd 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 reader
+with it.</p>
+<p>Previous to sailing, Capt. Kidd buried his bible on the
+sea-shore, in Plymouth Sound; its divine precepts being so at
+variance with his wicked course of life, that he did not choose to
+keep a book which condemned him in his lawless career.</p>
+<p>With these two commissions he sailed out of Plymouth in May,
+1696, in the Adventure galley, of 30 guns, and 80 men; the place he
+first designed for was New-York; in his voyage thither, he took a
+French banker, but this was no act of piracy, he having a
+commission for that purpose, as we have just observed.</p>
+<p>When he arrived at New-York, he put up articles for engaging
+more hands, it being necessary to his ship's 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 increased his company to 155 men.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/190.jpg" alt=
+"Captain Kidd burying his Bible" height="529" width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>Captain Kidd burying his Bible.</i></h4>
+With this company he sailed first for Madeira, where he took in
+wine and some other necessaries; from thence he proceeded to
+Bonavista, 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 rendezvous of pirates. In his way he fell in
+with Capt. Warren, commodore of three men of war; he acquainted him
+with his design, kept them company two or three days, and then
+leaving them, made the best of his way for Madagascar, where he
+arrived in February, 1696, just nine months from his departure from
+Plymouth.
+<p>It happened that at this time the pirate ships were most of them
+out in search of prey; so that according to the best intelligence
+Capt. Kidd 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 cruise, touching sometimes at the island of
+Mohila, and sometimes at that of Johanna, between Malabar and
+Madagascar. His provisions were every day wasting, and his ship
+began to want repair; wherefore, when he was at Johanna, he found
+means of borrowing a sum of money from some Frenchmen who had lost
+their ship, but saved their effects, and with this he purchased
+materials for putting his ship in good repair.</p>
+<p>It does not appear all this while that he had the least design
+of turning pirate; for near Mohila and Johanna both, he met with
+several Indian ships richly laden, to which he did not offer the
+least violence, though he was strong enough to have done what he
+pleased with them; and the first outrage or depredation I find he
+committed upon mankind, was after his repairing his ship, and
+leaving Johanna; he touched at a place called Mabbee, upon the Red
+Sea, where he took some Guinea corn from the natives, by force.
+After this, he sailed 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
+Mocha fleet, which was to sail that way, he said, "<i>We have been
+unsuccessful hitherto; but courage, my boys, we'll make our
+fortunes out of this fleet</i>"; and finding that none of them
+appeared averse to it, he ordered a boat out, well manned, to go
+upon the coast to make discoveries, commanding them to take a
+prisoner and bring him to him, or get intelligence any way they
+could. The boat returned 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 colors.</p>
+<p>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 pirates; but now weary of
+ill success, and fearing lest his owners, out of humor at their
+great expenses, should dismiss him, and he should want employment,
+and be marked 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.</p>
+<p>He therefore ordered a man continually to watch at the mast
+head, lest this fleet should go by them; and about four days after,
+towards evening, it appeared in sight, being convoyed by one
+English and one Dutch man of war. Kidd soon fell in with them, and
+getting into the midst of them, fired at a Moorish ship which was
+next him; but the men-of-war taking the alarm, bore down upon Kidd,
+and firing upon him, obliged him to sheer off, he not being strong
+enough to contend with them. Now he had begun hostilities, he
+resolved to go on, and therefore he went and cruised 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 Englishman; his name was
+Parker. Kidd forced him and a Portuguese that was called Don
+Antonio, which were all the Europeans on board, to take on with
+him; the first he designed 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 drubbed with a naked cutlass, 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.</p>
+<p>A little time after he touched at Carawar, a place upon the same
+coast, where, before he arrived, the news of what he had done to
+the Moorish ship had reached 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 Kidd came in, he was
+suspected to be the person who committed this piracy; and one Mr.
+Harvey and Mr. Mason, two of the English factory, came on board and
+asked for Parker, and Antonio, the Portuguese; but Kidd denied that
+he knew any such persons, having secured them both in a private
+place in the hold, where they were kept for seven or eight days,
+that is, till Kidd sailed from thence.</p>
+<p>However, the coast was alarmed, and a Portuguese man-of-war was
+sent out to cruise. Kidd 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 called Porca, where he watered his ship and
+bought a number of hogs of the natives to victual his company.</p>
+<p>Soon after this, he came up with a Moorish ship, the master
+whereof was a Dutchman, called Schipper Mitchell, and chased her
+under French colors, which they observing hoisted French colors
+too; when he came up with her, he hailed her in French, and they
+having a Frenchman on board, answered him in the same language;
+upon which he ordered them to send their boat on board; they were
+obliged to do so, and having examined who they were, and from
+whence they came, he asked the Frenchman who was a passenger, if he
+had a French pass for himself; the Frenchman gave him to understand
+that he had. Then he told the Frenchman that he must pass for
+captain, and by----, says he, you are the captain; the Frenchman
+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
+belonged to French subjects, according to a commission he had for
+that purpose; though one would think, after what he had already
+done, he need not have recourse to a quibble to give his actions a
+color.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/194.jpg" alt=
+"Captain Kidd attacks the Moorish fleet" height="363" width=
+"600"></center>
+<h4><i>Captain Kidd attacks the Moorish fleet.</i></h4>
+In short, he took the cargo, and sold it some time after; yet still
+he seemed to have some fears upon him, lest these proceedings
+should have a bad end; for, coming up with a Dutch ship some time
+after, when his men thought of nothing but attacking her, Kidd
+opposed 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 grounded against Kidd; for Moor, the
+gunner, being one day upon deck, and talking with Kidd about the
+said Dutch ship, some words arose between them, and Moor told Kidd,
+that he had ruined them all; upon which Kidd, calling him a dog,
+took up a bucket and struck him with it, which breaking his scull,
+he died next day.
+<p>But Kidd's penitential fit did not last long; for coasting along
+Malabar, he met with a great number of boats, all of which he
+plundered. Upon the same coast he also fell in with 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.</p>
+<p>Much about the same time he went to one of the Malabar islands
+for wood and water, and his cooper being ashore, was murdered by
+the natives; upon which Kidd 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 Englishman, by the name of
+Wright; for the Indians often make use of English or Dutchmen to
+command their ships, their own mariners not being so good artists
+in navigation. Kidd chased her under French colors, and having come
+up with her, he ordered her to hoist out her boat and 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 cargo. Kidd gave the Armenians to understand,
+that if they would offer anything that was worth his taking for
+their ransom, he would hearken to it. Upon which, they proposed to
+pay him 20,000 rupees, not quite &pound;3,000 sterling; but Kidd
+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 cargo as came to 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 cargo, and when the division was made, it
+came to about &pound;200 a man; and having reserved forty shares to
+himself, his dividend amounted to about &pound;8,000 sterling.</p>
+<p>The Indians along the coast came on board and trafficked 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
+pirates, they always found them men of honor in the way of trade; a
+people, enemies to deceit, and that scorned to rob but in their own
+way.</p>
+<p>Kidd put some of his men on board the Queda Merchant, and with
+this ship and his own sailed for Madagascar. As soon as he had
+arrived and cast anchor, there came on board of him a canoe, in
+which were several Englishmen, who had formerly been well
+acquainted with Kidd. 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.
+Kidd 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.</p>
+<p>These men belonged to a pirate ship, called the Resolution,
+formerly the Mocha Merchant, whereof one Capt. Culliford was
+commander, and which lay at anchor not far from them. Kidd went on
+board with them, promising them his friendship and assistance, and
+Culliford in his turn came on board of Kidd; and Kidd, 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 sea again.</p>
+<p>The Adventure galley was now so old and leaky, that they were
+forced to keep two pumps continually going; wherefore Kidd 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 Capt. Culliford, and others absconding into the country,
+so that he had not above 40 men left.</p>
+<p>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 reached England, and that he was there declared a pirate.</p>
+<p>The truth of it is, his piracies so alarmed our merchants that
+some motions were made in parliament, to inquire into the
+commission that was given him, and the persons who fitted him out.
+These proceedings seem to lean a little hard upon Lord Bellamont,
+who thought himself so touched thereby, that he published a
+justification of himself in a pamphlet, after Kidd's execution. In
+the meantime it was thought advisable, in order to stop the course
+of these piracies, to publish a proclamation, offering the king's
+free pardon to all such pirates as should voluntarily surrender
+themselves, whatever piracies they had been guilty of, at any time
+before the last day of April, 1699--that is to say, for all
+piracies committed eastward of the Cape of Good Hope, to the
+longitude and meridian of Socatora, and Cape Cormorin; in which
+proclamation, Avery and Kidd were excepted by name.</p>
+<p>When Kidd 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, as 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 sailed directly
+for Boston laden with booty, with a crew of swaggering companions
+at his heels. But no sooner did he show himself in Boston, than the
+alarm was given of his reappearance, and measures were taken to
+arrest him. The daring character which Kidd had acquired, however,
+and the desperate fellows who followed like bull-dogs at his heels,
+caused a little delay in his arrest. He took advantage of this to
+bury the greater part of his immense treasure, which has never been
+found, and then carried a high head about the streets of Boston. He
+even attempted to defend himself when arrested, but was secured and
+thrown into prison. Such was the formidable character of this
+pirate and his crew, that a frigate was sent to convey them to
+England for trial.</p>
+<p>Accordingly a sessions of Admiralty being held at the Old
+Bailey, in May 1701, Capt. Kidd, Nicholas Churchill, James How,
+Robert Lumly, William Jenkins, Gabriel Loff, Hugh Parrot, Richard
+Barlicorn, Abel Owens and Darby Mullins, were arraigned for piracy
+and robbery on the high seas, and all found guilty except three;
+these were Robert Lumly, William Jenkins and Richard Barlicorn, who
+proving themselves to be apprentices to some of the officers of the
+ship, and producing their indentures in court, were acquitted.</p>
+<p>The three above mentioned, though they were proved to be
+concerned 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 piracy. A pirate 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.</p>
+<p>Now a servant, it is true, if he go voluntarily, and have his
+proportion, he must be accounted a pirate, 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 <i>not
+guilty</i>.</p>
+<p>Kidd was tried 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 Col. Bass, governor of West Jersey, to whom they surrendered,
+being in court, and called upon, proved the same. However, this
+plea was overruled by the court, because there being four
+commissioners named in the proclamation, viz. Capt. Thomas Warren,
+Israel Hayes, Peter Delannoye, and Christopher Pollard, Esquires,
+who were appointed commissioners, and sent over on purpose to
+receive the submissions of such pirates as should surrender, it was
+adjudged no other person was qualified to receive their surrender,
+and that they could not be entitled to the benefit of the said
+proclamation, because they had not in all circumstances complied
+with the conditions of it.</p>
+<p>Darby Mullins urged in his defence, that he served 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 commission, 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 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.</p>
+<p>This seemed to be the best defence the thing could bear; but his
+taking a share of the plunder, the seamen's mutinying on board
+several times, and taking upon them to control the captain, showed
+there was no obedience paid to the commission; and that they acted
+in all things according to the custom of pirates and freebooters,
+which weighing with the jury, they brought him in guilty with the
+rest.</p>
+<p>As to Capt. Kidd's defence, he insisted much on his own
+innocence, and the villainy of his men. He said, he went out in a
+laudable employment and had no occasion, being then in good
+circumstances, to go a pirating; that the men often mutinied
+against him, and did as they pleased; that he was threatened to be
+shot in the 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 condemned,
+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 Kidd'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,
+proved of no manner of service to the prisoner on his trial.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/202.jpg" alt=
+"Captain Kidd hanging in chains" height="600" width="357"></center>
+<h4><i>Captain Kidd hanging in chains.</i></h4>
+As to the friendship shown to Culliford, a notorious pirate, Kidd
+denied, 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 pirate. But the
+evidence being full and particular against him, he was found guilty
+as before mentioned.
+<p>When Kidd was asked what he had to say why sentence should not
+pass against him, he answered, that <i>he had nothing to say, but
+that he had been sworn against by perjured and wicked people</i>.
+And when sentence was pronounced, he said, <i>My Lord, it is a very
+hard sentence. For my part, I am the most innocent person of them
+all, only I have been sworn against by perjured persons</i>.</p>
+<p>Wherefore about a week after, Capt. Kidd, 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.</p>
+<p>Kidd died hard, for the rope with which he was first tied up
+broke with his weight and he tumbled to the ground. He was tied up
+a second time, and more effectually. Hence came the story of Kidd's
+being twice hung.</p>
+<p>Such is Captain Kidd's true history; but it has given birth to
+an innumerable progeny of traditions. The report of his having
+buried great treasures of gold and silver which he actually did
+before his arrest, set the brains of all the good people along the
+coast in a ferment. There were rumors on rumors of great sums of
+money found here and there, sometimes in one part of the country
+sometimes in another; of coins with Moorish inscriptions, doubtless
+the spoils of his eastern prizes.</p>
+<p>Some reported the treasure to have been buried in solitary,
+unsettled places about Plymouth and Cape Cod; but by degrees,
+various other parts, not only on the eastern coast but along the
+shores of the Sound, and even Manhattan and Long Island were gilded
+by these rumors. In fact the vigorous measures of Lord Bellamont
+had spread sudden consternation among the pirates in every part of
+the provinces; they had secreted their money and jewels in lonely
+out-of-the-way places, about the wild shores of the sea coast, and
+dispersed themselves over the country. The hand of justice
+prevented many of them from ever returning to regain their buried
+treasures, which remain to this day thus secreted, and are
+irrecoverably lost. This is the cause of those frequent reports of
+trees and rocks bearing mysterious marks, supposed to indicate the
+spots where treasure lay hidden; and many have been the ransackings
+after the pirates' booty. A rocky place on the shores of Long
+Island, called Kidd's Ledge, has received great attention from the
+money diggers; but they have not as yet discovered any
+treasures.</p>
+<hr width="100%">
+<br>
+<a name="VINCENT"></a>
+<h2>THE BLOODY CAREER AND EXECUTION OF VINCENT BENAVIDES A PIRATE
+ON THE WEST COAST OF SOUTH AMERICA.</h2>
+Vincent Benavides was the son of the gaoler of Quirihue in the
+district of Conception. He was a man of ferocious manners, and had
+been guilty of several murders. Upon the breaking out of the
+revolutionary war, he entered the patriot army as a private
+soldier; and was a serjeant of grenadiers at the time of the first
+Chilian revolution. He, however, deserted to the Spaniards, and was
+taken prisoner in their service, when they sustained, on the plains
+of Maypo, on the 5th of April, 1818, that defeat which decided
+their fortunes in that part of America, and secured the
+independence of Chili. Benavides, his brother, and some other
+traitors to the Chilian cause, were sentenced to death, and brought
+forth in the Plaza, or public square of Santiago, in order to be
+shot. Benavides, though terribly wounded by the discharge, was not
+killed; but he had the presence of mind to counterfeit death in so
+perfect a manner, that the imposture was not suspected. The bodies
+of the traitors were not buried, but dragged away to a distance,
+and there left to be devoured by the gallinazos or vultures. The
+serjeant who had the superintendence of this part of the ceremony,
+had a personal hatred to Benavides, on account of that person
+having murdered some of his relations; and, to gratify his revenge,
+he drew his sword, and gave the dead body, (as he thought,) a
+severe gash in the side, as they were dragging it along. The
+resolute Benavides had fortitude to bear this also, without
+flinching or even showing the least indication of life; and one
+cannot help regretting that so determined a power of endurance had
+not been turned to a better purpose.
+<p>Benavides lay like a dead man, in the heap of carcasses, until
+it became dark; and then, pierced with shot, and gashed by the
+sword as he was, he crawled to a neighboring cottage, the
+inhabitants of which received him with the greatest kindness, and
+attended him with the greatest care.</p>
+<p>The daring ruffian, who knew the value of his own talents and
+courage, being aware that General San Martin was planning the
+expedition to Peru, a service in which there would be much of
+desperation and danger, sent word to the General that he was alive,
+and invited him to a secret conference at midnight, in the same
+Plaza in which it was believed Benavides had been shot. The signal
+agreed upon, was, that they should strike fire three times with
+their flints, as that was not likely to be answered by any but the
+proper party, and yet was not calculated to awaken suspicion.</p>
+<p>San Martin, alone, and provided with a brace of pistols, met the
+desperado; and after a long conference, it was agreed that
+Benavides should, in the mean time, go out against the Araucan
+Indians; but that he should hold himself in readiness to proceed to
+Peru, when the expedition suited.</p>
+<p>Having procured the requisite passports, he proceeded to Chili,
+where, having again diverted the Chilians, he succeeded in
+persuading the commander of the Spanish troops, that he had force
+sufficient to carry on the war against Chili; and the commander in
+consequence retired to Valdivia, and left Benavides commander of
+the whole frontier on the Biobio.</p>
+<p>Having thus cleared the coast of the Spanish commander, he went
+over to the Araucans, or rather, he formed a band of armed robbers,
+who committed every cruelty, and were guilty of every perfidy in
+the south of Chili. Whereever Benavides came, his footsteps were
+marked with blood, and the old men, the women, and the children,
+were butchered lest they should give notice of his motions.</p>
+<p>When he had rendered himself formidable by land, he resolved to
+be equally powerful upon the sea. He equipped a corsair, with
+instructions to capture the vessels of all nations; and as Araucan
+is directly opposite the island of Santa Maria, where vessels put
+in for refreshment, after having doubled Cape Horn, his situation
+was well adapted for his purpose. He was but too successful. The
+first of his prizes was the American ship Hero, which he took by
+surprise in the night; the second, was the Herculia, a brig
+belonging to the same country. While the unconscious crew were
+proceeding, as usual, to catch seals on this island, lying about
+three leagues from the main land of Arauca, an armed body of men
+rushed from the woods, and overpowering them, tied their hands
+behind them, and left them under a guard on the beach. These were
+no other than the pirates, who now took the Herculia's own boats,
+and going on board, surprised the captain and four of his crew, who
+had remained to take care of the brig; and having brought off the
+prisoners from the beach, threw them all into the hold, closing the
+hatches over them. They then tripped the vessel's anchor, and
+sailing over in triumph to Arauca, were received by Benavides, with
+a salute of musketry fired under the Spanish flag, which it was
+their chief's pleasure to hoist on that day. In the course of the
+next night, Benavides ordered the captain and his crew to be
+removed to a house on shore, at some distance from the town; then
+taking them out, one by one, he stripped and pillaged them of all
+they possessed, threatening them the whole time with drawn swords
+and loaded muskets. Next morning he paid the prisoners a visit and
+ordered them to the capital, called together the principal people
+of the town, and desired each to select one as a servant. The
+captain and four others not happening to please the fancy of any
+one, Benavides, after saying he would himself take charge of the
+captain, gave directions, on pain of instant death, that some one
+should hold themselves responsible for the other prisoners. Some
+days after this they were called together, and required to serve as
+soldiers in the pirates army; an order to which they consented,
+knowing well by what they had already seen, that the consequence of
+refusal would be fatal.</p>
+<p>Benavides, though unquestionably a ferocious savage, was,
+nevertheless, a man of resource, full of activity, and of
+considerable energy of character. He converted the whale spears and
+harpoons into lances for his cavalry, and halberts for his
+sergeants; and out of the sails he made trowsers for half of his
+army; the carpenters he set to work making baggage carts and
+repairing his boats; the armourers he kept perpetually at work,
+mending muskets, and making pikes; managing in this way, to turn
+the skill of every one of his prisoners to some useful account. He
+treated the officers, too, not unkindly, allowed them to live in
+his house, and was very anxious on all occasions, to have their
+advice respecting the equipment of his troops.</p>
+<p>Upon one occasion, when walking with the captain of the
+Herculia, he remarked, that his army was now almost complete in
+every respect, except in one essential particular, and it cut him,
+he said to the soul, to think of such a deficiency; he had no
+trumpets for his cavalry, and added, that it was utterly impossible
+to make the fellows believe themselves dragoons, unless they heard
+a blast in their ears at every turn; and neither men nor horses
+would ever do their duty properly, if not roused to it by the sound
+of a trumpet; in short he declared, some device must be hit upon to
+supply this equipment. The captain, willing to ingratiate himself
+with the pirate, after a little reflection, suggested to him, that
+trumpets might easily be made of copper sheets on the bottoms of
+the vessels he had taken. "Very true," cried the delighted chief,
+"how came I not to think of that before?" Instantly all hands were
+employed in ripping off the copper, and the armourers being set to
+work under his personal superintendence, the whole camp, before
+night, resounded with the warlike blasts of the cavalry.</p>
+<p>The captain of the ship, who had given him the brilliant idea of
+the copper trumpets, had by these means, so far won upon his good
+will and confidence, as to be allowed a considerable range to walk
+on. He of course, was always looking out for some plan of escape,
+and at length an opportunity occurring, he, with the mate of the
+Ocean, and nine of his crew, seized two whale boats, imprudently
+left on the banks of the river, and rowed off. Before quitting the
+shore, they took the precaution of staving all the other boats, to
+prevent pursuit, and accordingly, though their escape was
+immediately discovered, they succeeded in getting so much the start
+of the people whom Benavides sent in pursuit of them, that they
+reached St. Mary's Island in safety. Here they caught several seals
+upon which they subsisted very miserably till they reached
+Valparaiso. It was in consequence of their report of Benavides
+proceedings made to Sir Thomas Hardy, the commander-in-chief, that
+he deemed it proper to send a ship to rescue if possible, the
+remaining unfortunate captives at Arauca.</p>
+<p>Benavides having manned the Herculia, it suited the mate, (the
+captain and crew being detained as hostages,) to sail with the brig
+to Chili, and seek aid from the Spanish governor. The Herculia
+returned with a twenty-four pounder, two field-pieces, eleven
+Spanish officers, and twenty soldiers, together with the most
+flattering letters and congratulations to the worthy ally of his
+Most Catholic Majesty. Soon after this he captured the
+Perseverance, English whaler, and the American brig Ocean, bound
+for Lima, with several thousand stand of arms on board. The captain
+of the Herculia, with the mate of the Ocean, and several men, after
+suffering great hardships, landed at Valparaiso, and gave notice of
+the proceedings of Benavides; and in consequence, Sir Thomas Hardy
+directed Captain Hall to proceed to Arauca with the convoy, to set
+the captives free, if possible.</p>
+<p>It was for the accomplishment of this service that Capt. Hall
+sailed from Valparaiso; and he called at Conception on his way, in
+order to glean information respecting the pirate. Here the Captain
+ascertained that Benavides was between two considerable bodies of
+Chilian force, on the Chilian side of the Biobio, and one of those
+bodies between him and the river.</p>
+<p>Having to wait two days at Conception for information, Captain
+Hall occupied them in observing the place; the country he describes
+as green and fertile, and having none of the dry and desert
+character of the environs of Valparaiso. Abundance of vegetables,
+wood, and also coals, are found on the shores of the bay.</p>
+<p>On the 12th of October, the captain heard of the defeat of
+Benavides, and his flight, alone, across the Biobio into the
+Araucan country; and also that two of the Americans whom he had
+taken with him had made their escape, and were on board the
+Chacabuco. As these were the only persons who could give Captain
+Hall information respecting the prisoners of whom he was in quest,
+he set out in search of the vessel, and after two days' search,
+found her at anchor near the island of Mocha. From thence he
+learned that the captain of the Ocean, with several English and
+American seamen had been left at Arauca, when Benavides went on his
+expedition, and he sailed for that place immediately.</p>
+<p>He was too late, however; the Chilian forces had already made a
+successful attack, and the Indians had fled, setting fire to the
+town and the ships. The Indians, who were in league with the
+Chilians, were every way as wild as those who arrayed themselves
+under Benavides. Capt. Hall, upon his return to Conception, though
+dissuaded from it by the governor, visited the Indian
+encampment.</p>
+<p>When the captain and his associates entered the courtyard, they
+observed a party seated on the ground, round a great tub of wine,
+who hailed their entrance with loud shouts, or rather yells, and
+boisterously demanded their business; to all appearance very little
+pleased with the interruption. The interpreter became alarmed, and
+wished them to retire; but this the captain thought imprudent, as
+each man had his long spear close at hand, resting against the
+eaves of the house. Had they attempted to escape they must have
+been taken, and possibly sacrificed, by these drunken savages. As
+their best chance seemed to lie in treating them without any show
+of distrust, they advanced to the circle with a good humored
+confidence, which appeased them considerably. One of the party rose
+and embraced them in the Indian fashion, which they had learned
+from the gentlemen who had been prisoners with Benavides. After
+this ceremony they roared out to them to sit down on the ground,
+and with the most boisterous hospitality, insisted on their
+drinking with them; a request which they cheerfully complied with.
+Their anger soon vanished, and was succeeded by mirth and
+satisfaction, which speedily became as outrageous as their
+displeasure had been at first. Seizing a favorable opportunity,
+Captain Hall stated his wish to have an interview with their chief,
+upon which a message was sent to him; but he did not think fit to
+show himself for a considerable time, during which they remained
+with the party round the tub, who continued swilling their wine
+like so many hogs. Their heads soon became affected, and their
+obstreperous mirth increasing every minute, the situation of the
+strangers became by no means agreeable.</p>
+<p>At length Peneleo's door opened, and the chief made his
+appearance; he did not condescend, however, to cross the threshold,
+but leaned against the door post to prevent falling, being by some
+degrees more drunk than any of his people. A more finished picture
+of a savage cannot be conceived. He was a tall, broad shouldered
+man; with a prodigiously large head, and a square-shaped bloated
+face, from which peeped out two very small eyes, partly hid by an
+immense superfluity of black, coarse, oily, straight hair, covering
+his cheeks, hanging over his shoulders, and rendering his head
+somewhat the shape and size of a bee-hive. Over his shoulders was
+thrown a poncho of coarse blanket stuff. He received them very
+gruffly, and appeared irritated and sulky at having been disturbed;
+he was still more offended when he learned that they wished to see
+his captive. They in vain endeavored to explain their real views;
+but he grunted out his answer in a tone and manner which showed
+them plainly that he neither did, nor wished to understand
+them.</p>
+<p>Whilst in conversation with Peneleo, they stole an occasional
+glance at his apartment. By the side of the fire burning in the
+middle of the floor, was seated a young Indian woman, with long
+black hair reaching to the ground; this, they conceived, could be
+no other than one of the unfortunate persons they were in search
+of; and they were somewhat disappointed to observe, that the lady
+was neither in tears, nor apparently very miserable; they therefore
+came away impressed with the unsentimental idea, that the amiable
+Peneleo had already made some impression on her young heart.</p>
+<p>Two Indians, who were not so drunk as the rest, followed them to
+the outside of the court, and told them that several foreigners had
+been taken by the Chilians in the battle near Chilian, and were now
+safe. The interpreter hinted to them that this was probably
+invented by these cunning people, on hearing their questions in the
+court; but he advised them, as a matter of policy, to give them
+each a piece of money, and to get away as far as they could.</p>
+<p>Captain Hall returned to Conception on the 23d of October,
+reached Valparaiso on the 26th, and in two weeks thereafter, the
+men of whom he was in search, made their appearance.</p>
+<p>The bloody career of Benavides now drew near to a close. The
+defeat on the Chilian side of the Biobio, and the burning of Arauca
+with the loss of his vessels, he never recovered. At length, in the
+end of December 1821, discovering the miserable state to which he
+was reduced, he entreated the Intendant of Conception, that he
+might be received on giving himself up along with his partisans.
+This generous chief accepted his offer, and informed the supreme
+government; but in the meantime Benavides embarked in a launch, at
+the mouth of the river Lebo, and fled, with the intention of
+joining a division of the enemy's army, which he supposed to be at
+some one of the ports on the south coast of Peru. It was indeed
+absurd to expect any good faith from such an intriguer; for in his
+letters at this time, he offered his services to Chili and promised
+fidelity, while his real intention was still to follow the enemy.
+He finally left the unhappy province of Conception, the theatre of
+so many miserable scenes, overwhelmed with the misery which he had
+caused, without ever recollecting that it was in that province that
+he had first drawn his breath.</p>
+<p>His despair in the boat made his conduct insupportable to those
+who accompanied him, and they rejoiced when they were obliged to
+put into the harbor of Topocalma in search of water of which they
+had run short. He was now arrested by some patriotic individuals.
+From the notorious nature of his crimes, alone, even the most
+impartial stranger would have condemned him to the last punishment;
+but the supreme government wished to hear what he had to say for
+himself, and ordered him to be tried according to the laws. It
+appearing on his trial that he had placed himself beyond the laws
+of society, such punishment was awarded him as any one of his
+crimes deserved. As a pirate, he merited death, and as a destroyer
+of whole towns, it became necessary to put him to death in such a
+manner as might satisfy outraged humanity, and terrify others who
+should dare to imitate him. In pursuance of the sentence passed
+upon him, he was dragged from the prison in a pannier tied to the
+tail of a mule, and was hanged in the great square; his head and
+hands were afterwards cut off, in order to their being placed upon
+high poles, to point out the places of his horrid crimes, Santa
+Juona, Tarpellanca and Arauca.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/214.jpg" alt=
+"The head of Benavides stuck on a pole" height="600" width=
+"348"></center>
+<h4><i>The head of Benavides stuck on a pole.</i></h4>
+&nbsp;
+<center><img src="./images/215.jpg" alt="Page 215 Illustration"
+height="264" width="400"></center>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="THE_LIFE_OF_CAPTAIN_DAVIS"></a>
+<h2>THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN DAVIS</h2>
+<i>With an account of his surprising the Fort at Gambia</i>.
+<p>Davis was born in Monmouthshire, and, from a boy, trained to the
+sea. His last voyage from England was in the sloop Cadogan from
+Bristol, in the character of chief mate. This vessel was captured
+by the pirate England, upon the Guinea coast, whose companions
+plundered the crew, and murdered the captain, as is related in
+England's life.</p>
+<p>Upon the death of Captain Skinner, Davis pretended that he was
+urged by England to become a pirate, but that he resolutely
+refused. He added, that England, pleased with his conduct, had made
+him captain in room of Skinner, giving him a sealed paper, which he
+was not to open until he was in a certain latitude, and then
+expressly to follow the given directions. When he arrived in the
+appointed place, he collected the whole crew, and solemnly read his
+sealed instructions, which contained a generous grant of the ship
+and all her stores to Davis and his crew, requesting them to go to
+Brazil, and dispose of the cargo to the best advantage, and make an
+equal division of the money.</p>
+<p>Davis then commanded the crew to signify whether they were
+inclined to follow that mode of life, when, to his astonishment and
+chagrin, the majority positively refused. Then, in a transport of
+rage, he desired them to go where they would.</p>
+<p>Knowing that part of the cargo was consigned to merchants in
+Barbadoes, they directed their course to that place. When arrived
+there, they informed the merchants of the unfortunate death of
+Skinner, and of the proposal which had been made to them. Davis was
+accordingly seized, and committed to prison, but he having never
+been in the pirate service, nothing could be proved to condemn him,
+and he was discharged without a trial. Convinced that he could
+never hope for employment in that quarter after this detection, he
+went to the island of Providence, which he knew to be a rendezvous
+for pirates. Upon his arrival there, he was grievously
+disappointed, because the pirates who frequented that place had
+just accepted of his majesty's pardon, and had surrendered.</p>
+<p>Captain Rogers having equipped two sloops for trade, Davis
+obtained employment in one of these, called the Buck. They were
+laden with European goods to a considerable value, which they were
+to sell or exchange with the French and Spanish. They first touched
+at the island of Martinique, belonging to the French, and Davis
+knowing that many of the men were formerly in the pirate service,
+enticed them to seize the master, and to run off with the sloop.
+When they had effected their purpose, they hailed the other ship,
+in which they knew that there were many hands ripe for rebellion,
+and coming to, the greater part joined Davis. Those who did not
+choose to adhere to them were allowed to remain in the other sloop,
+and continue their course, after Davis had pillaged her of what
+things he pleased.</p>
+<p>In full possession of the vessel and stores and goods, a large
+bowl of punch was made; under its exhilarating influence, it was
+proposed to choose a commander, and to form their future mode of
+policy. The election was soon over, and a large majority of legal
+votes were in favor of Davis, and no scrutiny demanded, Davis was
+declared duly elected. He then drew up a code of laws, to which he
+himself swore, and required the same bond of alliance from all the
+rest of the crew. He then addressed them in a short and appropriate
+speech, the substance of which was, a proclamation of war with the
+whole world.</p>
+<p>They next consulted, what part would be most convenient to clean
+the vessel, and it was resolved to repair to Coxon's Hole, at the
+east end of the island of Cuba, where they could remain in perfect
+security, as the entrance was so narrow that one ship could keep
+out a hundred.</p>
+<p>They, however, had no small difficulty in cleaning their vessel,
+as there was no carpenter among them. They performed that laborious
+task in the best manner they could, and then made to the north side
+of Hispaniola. The first sail they met with was a French ship of
+twelve guns, which they captured; and while they were plundering
+her, another appeared in view. Enquiring of the Frenchmen, they
+learned that she was a ship of twenty-four guns and sixty men.
+Davis proposed to his crew to attack her, assuring them that she
+would prove a rich prize. This appeared to the crew such a
+hazardous enterprise, that they were rather adverse to the measure.
+But he acquainted them that he had conceived a stratagem that he
+was confident would succeed; they might, therefore, safely leave
+the matter to his management. He then commenced chase, and ordered
+his prize to do the same. Being a better sailer, he soon came up
+with the enemy, and showed his black colors. With no small surprise
+at his insolence in coming so near them, they commanded him to
+strike. He replied, that he was disposed to give them employment
+until his companion came up, who was able to contend with them;
+meanwhile assuring them that, if they did not strike to him, it
+would most certainly fare the worse for them: then giving them a
+broadside, he received the same in return.</p>
+<p>When the other pirate ship drew near, they, according to the
+directions of Davis, appeared upon deck in white shirts, which
+making an appearance of numbers, the Frenchman was intimidated, and
+struck. Davis ordered the captain with twenty of his men to come on
+board, and they were all put in irons except the captain. He then
+despatched four of his men to the other ship, and calling aloud to
+them, desired that his compliments should be given to the captain,
+with a request to send a sufficient number of hands to go on board
+their new prize, to see what they had got in her. At the same time,
+he gave them a written paper with their proper instructions, even
+to nail up the small guns, to take out all the arms and powder, and
+to go every man on board the new prize. When his men were on board
+her, he ordered the greater part of the prisoners to be removed
+into the empty vessels, and by this means secured himself from any
+attempt to recover their ship.</p>
+<p>During three days, these three vessels sailed in company, but
+finding that his late prize was a heavy sailer, he emptied her of
+everything that he stood in need of, and then restored her to the
+captain with all his men. The French captain was so much enraged at
+being thus miserably deceived, that, upon the discovery of the
+stratagem, he would have thrown himself overboard, had not his men
+prevented him.</p>
+<p>Captain Davis then formed the resolution of parting with the
+other prize-ship also, and soon afterwards steered northward, and
+took a Spanish sloop. He next directed his course towards the
+western islands, and from Cape de Verd islands cast anchor at St.
+Nicholas, and hoisted English colors. The Portuguese supposed that
+he was a privateer, and Davis going on shore was hospitably
+received, and they traded with him for such articles as they found
+most advantageous. He remained here five weeks, and he and half of
+his crew visited the principal town of the island. Davis, from his
+appearing in the dress of a gentleman, was greatly caressed by the
+Portuguese, and nothing was spared to entertain and render him and
+his men happy. Having amused themselves during a week, they
+returned to the ship, and allowed the other half of the crew to
+visit the capital, and enjoy themselves in like manner. Upon their
+return, they cleaned their ship and put to sea, but four of the men
+were so captivated with the ladies and the luxuries of the place,
+that they remained in the island, and one of them married and
+settled there.</p>
+<p>Davis now sailed for Bonavista, and perceiving nothing in that
+harbor steered for the Isle of May. Arrived there, he found several
+vessels in the harbor, and plundered them of whatever he found
+necessary. He also received a considerable reinforcement of men,
+the greater part of whom entered willingly into the piratical
+service. He likewise made free with one of the ships, equipped her
+for his own purpose, and called her the King James. Davis next
+proceeded to St. Jago to take in water. Davis, with some others
+going on shore to seek water, the governor came to inquire who they
+were, and expressed his suspicion of their being pirates. Upon
+this, Davis seemed highly affronted, and expressed his displeasure
+in the most polite but determined manner. He, however, hastened on
+board, informed his men, and suggested the possibility of
+surprising the fort during the night. Accordingly, all his men
+being well armed, they advanced to the assault; and, from the
+carelessness of the guards, they were in the garrison before the
+inhabitants were alarmed. Upon the discovery of their danger, they
+took shelter in the governor's house, and fortified it against the
+pirates: but the latter throwing in some grando shells, ruined the
+furniture, and killed several people.</p>
+<p>The alarm was circulated in the morning, and the country
+assembled to attack them; but, unwilling to stand a siege, the
+pirates dismounted the guns, pillaged the fort, and fled to their
+ships.</p>
+<p>When at sea, they mustered their hands, and found that they were
+seventy strong. They then consulted among themselves what course
+they should steer, and were divided in opinion; but by a majority
+it was carried to sail for Gambia, on the coast of Guinea. Of this
+opinion was the captain, who having been employed in that trade,
+was acquainted with the coast; and informed his companions, that
+there was always a large quantity of money deposited in that
+castle, and he was confident, if the matter was entrusted to him,
+he should successfully storm that fort. From their experience of
+his former prudence and courage, they cheerfully submitted to his
+direction, in the full assurance of success.</p>
+<p>Arrived at Gambia, he ordered all his men below, except just so
+many as were necessary to work the vessel, that those from the
+fort, seeing so few hands, might have no suspicion that she was any
+other than a trading vessel. He then ran under the fort and cast
+anchor, and having ordered out the boat, manned with six men
+indifferently dressed, he, with the master and doctor, dressed
+themselves like gentlemen, in order that the one party might look
+like foremastmen, and the other like merchants. In rowing ashore,
+he instructed his men what to say if any questions were put to them
+by the garrison.</p>
+<p>On reaching land, the party was conducted by a file of
+musqueteers into the fort, and kindly received by the governor, who
+enquired what they were, and whence they came? They replied, that
+they were from Liverpool, and bound for the river Senegal, to trade
+for gum and elephants teeth; but that they were chased on that
+coast by two French men-of-war, and narrowly escaped being taken.
+"We were now disposed," continued Davis, "to make the best of our
+voyage, and would willingly trade here for slaves." The governor
+then inquired what were the principal articles of their cargo. They
+replied, that they were iron and plate, which were necessary
+articles in that place. The governor then said, that he would give
+them slaves for all their cargo; and asked if they had any European
+liquor on board. They answered, that they had a little for their
+own use, but that he should have a hamper of it. He then treated
+them with the greatest civility, and desired them all to dine with
+him. Davis answered, that as he was commander of the vessel, it
+would be necessary for him to go down to see if she were properly
+moored, and to give some other directions; but that these gentlemen
+might stay, and he would return before dinner, and bring the hamper
+with him.</p>
+<p>While in the fort, his eyes were keenly employed to discover the
+position of the arms, and how the fort might most successfully be
+surprised. He discovered that there was a sentry standing near a
+guard-house, in which there were a quantity of arms heaped up in a
+corner, and that a considerable number of small arms were in the
+governor's hall. When he went on board, he ordered some hands on
+board a sloop lying at anchor, lest, hearing any bustle they should
+come to the aid of the castle; then desiring his men to avoid too
+much liquor, and to be ready when he should hoist the flag from the
+walls, to come to his assistance, he proceeded to the castle.</p>
+<p>Having taken these precautions and formed these arrangements, he
+ordered every man who was to accompany him to arm himself with two
+pair of pistols, which he himself also did, concealed under their
+clothes. He then directed them to go into the guard-room, and fall
+into conversation, and immediately upon his firing a pistol out of
+the governor's window, to shut the men up, and secure the arms in
+the guard-room.</p>
+<p>When Davis arrived, dinner not being ready, the governor
+proposed that they should pass the time in making a bowl of punch.
+Davis's boatswain attending him, had an opportunity of visiting all
+parts of the house, and observing their strength. He whispered his
+intelligence to his master, who being surrounded by his own
+friends, and seeing the governor unattended by any of his retinue,
+presented a pistol to the breast of the latter, informing him that
+he was a dead man, unless he should surrender the fort and all its
+riches. The governor, thus taken by surprise, was compelled to
+submit; for Davis took down all the pistols that hung in the hall,
+and loaded them. He then fired his pistol out of the window. His
+men flew like lions, presented their pistols to the soldiers, and
+while some carried out the arms, the rest secured the military, and
+shut them all up in the guard-house, placing a guard on the door.
+Then one of them struck the union flag on the top of the castle,
+which the men from the vessel perceiving, rushed to the combat, and
+in an instant were in possession of the castle, without tumult or
+bloodshed.</p>
+<p>Davis then harrangued the soldiers, many of whom enlisted with
+him; and those who declined, he put on board the small ships, and
+to prevent the necessity of a guard, or the possibility of escape,
+carried off the sails, rigging and cables.</p>
+<p>That day being spent in feasting and rejoicing, the castle
+saluting the ship, and the ship the castle, on the day following
+they proceeded to examine the contents of their prize. They,
+however, were greatly disappointed in their expectations, a large
+sum of money having been sent off a few days before. But they found
+money to the amount of about two thousand pounds in gold, and many
+valuable articles of different kinds. They carried on board their
+vessel whatever they deemed useful, gave several articles to the
+captain and crew of the small vessel, and allowed them to depart,
+while they dismounted the guns, and demolished the
+fortifications.</p>
+<p>After doing all the mischief that their vicious minds could
+possibly devise, they weighed anchor; but in the mean time,
+perceiving a sail bearing towards them with all possible speed,
+they hastened to prepare for her reception, and made towards her.
+Upon her near approach they discovered that she was a French pirate
+of fourteen guns and sixty-four men, the one half French, and the
+other half negroes.</p>
+<p>The Frenchman was in high expectation of a rich prize, but when
+he came nearer, he suspected, from the number of her guns and men,
+that she was a small English man-of-war; he determined,
+notwithstanding, upon the bold attempt of boarding her, and
+immediately fired a gun, and hoisted his black colors: Davis
+immediately returned the compliment. The Frenchman was highly
+gratified at this discovery; both hoisted out their boats, and
+congratulated each other. Mutual civilities and good offices
+passed, and the French captain proposed to Davis to sail down the
+coast with him, in order to look out for a better ship, assuring
+him that the very first that could be captured should be his, as he
+was always willing to encourage an industrious brother.</p>
+<p>They first touched at Sierra Leone, where they espied a large
+vessel, and Davis being the swifter sailer, came first up with him.
+He was not a little surprised that she did not endeavor to make
+off, and began to suspect her strength. When he came alongside of
+her, she fired a whole broadside, and hoisted black colors. Davis
+did the same, and fired a gun to leeward. The satisfaction of these
+brothers in iniquity was mutual, at having thus acquired so much
+additional strength and ability to undertake more formidable
+adventures. Two days were devoted to mirth and song, and upon the
+third, Davis and Cochlyn, the captain of the new confederate,
+agreed to go in the French pirate ship to attack the fort. When
+they approached, the men in the fort, apprehensive of their
+character and intentions, fired all the guns upon them at once. The
+ship returned the fire, and afforded employment until the other two
+ships arrived, when the men in the fort seeing such a number on
+board, lost courage, and abandoned the fort to the mercy of the
+robbers.</p>
+<p>They took possession, remained there seven weeks, and cleaned
+their vessels. They then called a council of war, to deliberate
+concerning future undertakings, when it was resolved to sail down
+the coast in company; and, for the greater regularity and grandeur,
+Davis was chosen Commodore. That dangerous enemy, strong drink, had
+well nigh, however, sown the seeds of discord among these
+affectionate brethren. But Davis, alike prepared for council or for
+war, addressed them to the following purport: "Hear ye, you Cochlyn
+and La Boise, (which was the name of the French captain) I find, by
+strengthening you, I have put a rod into your hands to whip myself;
+but I am still able to deal with you both: however, since we met in
+love, let us part in love; for I find that three of a trade can
+never agree long together." Upon this, the other two went on board
+of their respective ships, and steered different courses.</p>
+<p>Davis held down the coast, and reaching Cape Appolonia he
+captured three vessels, two English and one Scottish, plundered
+them, and allowed them to proceed. In five days after he met with a
+Dutchman of thirty guns and ninety men. She gave Davis a broadside,
+and killed nine of his men; a desperate engagement ensued, which
+continued from one o'clock at noon until nine next morning, when
+the Dutchman struck.</p>
+<p>Davis equipped her for the pirate service, and called her "The
+Rover." With his two ships he sailed for the bay of Anamaboa, which
+he entered about noon, and took several vessels which were there
+waiting to take in negroes, gold, and elephants' teeth. Davis made
+a present of one of these vessels to the Dutch captain and his
+crew, and allowed them to go in quest of their fortune. When the
+fort had intelligence that they were pirates, they fired at them,
+but without any effect; Davis fired also, and hoisted the black
+colors, but deemed it prudent to depart.</p>
+<p>The next day after he left Anamaboa, the man at the mast-head
+discovered a sail. It may be proper to inform our readers, that,
+according to the laws of pirates, the man who first discovers a
+vessel, is entitled to the best pair of pistols in the ship, and
+such is the honor attached to these, that a pair of them has been
+known to sell for thirty pounds.</p>
+<p>Davis pursued that vessel, which, being between him and the
+shore, labored hard to run aground. Davis perceiving this, got
+between her and the land, and fired a broadside at her, when she
+immediately struck. She proved to be a very rich prize, having on
+board the Governor of Acra, with all his substance, going to
+Holland. There was in money to the amount of fifteen thousand
+pounds, besides a large quantity of merchant goods, and other
+valuable articles.</p>
+<p>Before they reached the Isle of Princes, the St. James sprang a
+leak, so that the men and the valuable articles were removed into
+Davis's own ship. When he came in sight of the fort he hoisted
+English colors. The Portuguese, seeing a large ship sailing towards
+the shore, sent a sloop to discover her character and destination.
+Davis informed them, that he was an English man-of-war, sent out in
+search of some pirates which they had heard were in this quarter.
+Upon this, he was piloted into the port, and anchored below the
+guns at the fort. The governor was happy to have Englishmen in his
+harbor; and to do honor to Davis, sent down a file of musqueteers
+to escort him into the fort, while Davis, the more to cover his
+design, ordered nine men, according to the custom of the English,
+to row him on shore.</p>
+<p>Davis also took the opportunity of cleaning and preparing all
+things for renewing his operations. He, however, could not
+contentedly leave the fort, without receiving some of the riches of
+the island. He formed a scheme to accomplish his purpose, and
+communicated the same to his men. He design was to make the
+governor a present of a few negroes in return for his kindness;
+then to invite him, with a few of the principal men and friars
+belonging to the island, to dine on board his ship, and secure them
+all in irons, until each of them should give a large ransom. They
+were accordingly invited, and very readily consented to go: and
+deeming themselves honored by his attention, all that were invited,
+would certainly have gone on board. Fortunately however, for them,
+a negro, who was privy to the horrible plan of Davis, swam on shore
+during the night, and gave information of the danger to the
+governor.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/228.jpg" alt=
+"Retreat of the Pirates and Death of Captain Davis" height="391"
+width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>Retreat of the Pirates and Death of Captain Davis.</i></h4>
+The governor occupied the whole night in strengthening the defences
+and posting the men in the most advantageous places. Soon after
+day-break, the pirates, with Captain Davis at their head were
+discovered landing from the boats; and quickly marched across the
+open space toward the fort. A brisk fire was opened upon them from
+the fort, which they returned in a spirited manner. At length, a
+hand grenade, thrown from the wooden veranda of the fort killed
+three of the pirates; but several of the Portuguese were killed.
+The veranda of the fort being of wood and very dry, it was set fire
+to by the pirates. This was a great advantage to the attacking
+party, who could now distinguish those in the fort without their
+being so clearly seen themselves; but at this moment Captain Davis
+fell, mortally wounded by a musket ball in his belly. The fall of
+their chief, and the determined resistance of those in the fort,
+checked the impetuosity of the assailants. They hesitated, and at
+last retreated, bearing away with them their wounded commander. The
+Portuguese cheered, and led on by the governor, now became the
+assailants. Still the pirates' retreat was orderly; they fired and
+retired rank behind rank successively. They kept the Portuguese at
+bay until they had arrived at the boats, when a charge was made and
+a severe conflict ensued. But the pirates had lost too many men;
+and without their Captain, felt dispirited. As they lifted Davis
+into the boat in his dying agonies he fired his pistols at his
+pursuers. They now pulled with all their might to escape from the
+muskets of the Portuguese, who followed them along the banks of the
+river, annoying them in their retreat to the vessel. And those on
+board, who expected to hoist in treasure had to receive naught but
+their wounded comrades and dead commander.
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/229.jpg" alt="Page 229 Illustration"
+height="248" width="400"></center>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name=
+"AUTHENTIC_HISTORY_OF_THE_MALAY_PIRATES_OF_THE_INDIAN_OCEAN"></a>
+<h2>AUTHENTIC HISTORY OF THE MALAY PIRATES OF THE INDIAN
+OCEAN.</h2>
+<i>With a Narrative of the Expedition against the Inhabitants of
+Quallah Battoo, commanded by Commodore Downes</i>.
+<p>A glance at the map of the East India Islands will convince us
+that this region of the globe must, from its natural configuration
+and locality; be peculiarly liable to become the seat of piracy.
+These islands form an immense cluster, lying as if it were in the
+high road which connects the commercial nations of Europe and Asia
+with each other, affording a hundred fastnesses from which to
+waylay the traveller. A large proportion of the population is at
+the same time confined to the coasts or the estuaries of rivers;
+they are fishermen and mariners; they are barbarous and poor,
+therefore rapacious, faithless and sanguinary. These are
+circumstances, it must be confessed, which militate strongly to
+beget a piratical character. It is not surprising, then, that the
+Malays should have been notorious for their depredations from our
+first acquaintance with them.</p>
+<p>Among the tribes of the Indian Islands, the most noted for their
+piracies are, of course, the most idle, and the least industrious,
+and particularly such as are unaccustomed to follow agriculture or
+trade as regular pursuits. The agricultural tribes of Java, and
+many of Sumatra, never commit piracy at all; and the most civilized
+inhabitants of Celebes are very little addicted to this vice.</p>
+<p>Among the most confirmed pirates are the true Malays, inhabiting
+the small islands about the eastern extremity of the straits of
+Malacca, and those lying between Sumatra and Borneo, down to
+Billitin and Cavimattir. Still more noted than these, are the
+inhabitants of certain islands situated between Borneo and the
+Phillipines, of whom the most desperate and enterprising are the
+Soolos and Illanoons, the former inhabiting a well known group of
+islands of the same name, and the latter being one of the most
+numerous nations of the great island of Magindando. The
+depredations of the proper Malays extend from Junkceylon to Java,
+through its whole coast, as far as Grip to Papir and Kritti, in
+Borneo and the western coast of Celebes. In another direction they
+infest the coasting trade of the Cochin Chinese and Siamese nations
+in the Gulf of Siam, finding sale for their booty, and shelter for
+themselves in the ports of Tringham, Calantan and Sahang. The most
+noted piratical stations of these people are the small islands
+about Lingin and Rhio, particularly Galang, Tamiang and Maphar. The
+chief of this last has seventy or eighty proas fit to undertake
+piratical expeditions.</p>
+<p>The Soolo pirates chiefly confine their depredations to the
+Phillipine Islands, which they have continued to infest, with
+little interruption, for near three centuries, in open defiance of
+the Spanish authorities, and the numerous establishments maintained
+to check them. The piracies of the Illanoons, on the contrary, are
+widely extended, being carried on all the way from their native
+country to the Spice Islands, on one side, and to the Straits of
+Malacca on the other. In these last, indeed, they have formed, for
+the last few years, two permanent establishments; one of these
+situated on Sumatra, near Indragiri, is called Ritti, and the other
+a small island on the coast of Linga, is named Salangut. Besides
+those who are avowed pirates, it ought to be particularly noticed
+that a great number of the Malayan princes must be considered as
+accessories to their crimes, for they afford them protection,
+contribute to their outfit, and often share in their booty; so that
+a piratical proa is too commonly more welcome in their harbours
+than a fair trader.</p>
+<p>The Malay piratical proas are from six to eight tons burden, and
+run from six to eight fathoms in length. They carry from one to two
+small guns, with commonly four swivels or rantakas to each side,
+and a crew of from twenty to thirty men. When they engage, they put
+up a strong bulwark of thick plank; the Illanoon proas are much
+larger and more formidable, and commonly carry from four to six
+guns, and a proportionable number of swivels, and have not
+unfrequently a double bulwark covered with buffalo hides; their
+crews consist of from forty to eighty men. Both, of course, are
+provided with spears, krisses, and as many fire arms as they can
+procure. Their modes of attack are cautious and cowardly, for
+plunder and not fame is their object. They lie concealed under the
+land, until they find a fit object and opportunity. The time chosen
+is when a vessel runs aground, or is becalmed, in the interval
+between the land and sea breezes. A vessel underway is seldom or
+never attacked. Several of the marauders attack together, and
+station themselves under the bows and quarters of a ship when she
+has no longer steerage way, and is incapable of pointing her guns.
+The action continues often for several hours, doing very little
+mischief; but when the crew are exhausted with the defence, or have
+expended their ammunition, the pirates take this opportunity of
+boarding in a mass. This may suggest the best means of defence. A
+ship, when attacked during a calm, ought, perhaps, rather to stand
+on the defensive, and wait if possible the setting in of the sea
+breeze, than attempt any active operations, which would only
+fatigue the crew, and disable them from making the necessary
+defence when boarding is attempted. Boarding netting, pikes and
+pistols, appear to afford effectual security; and, indeed, we
+conceive that a vessel thus defended by resolute crews of Europeans
+or Americans stand but little danger from any open attack of
+pirates whatsoever; for their guns are so ill served, that neither
+the hull or the rigging of a vessel can receive much damage from
+them, however much protracted the contest. The pirates are upon the
+whole extremely impartial in the selection of their prey, making
+little choice between natives and strangers, giving always,
+however, a natural preference to the most timid, and the most
+easily overcome.</p>
+<p>When an expedition is undertaken by the Malay pirates, they
+range themselves under the banner of some piratical chief noted for
+his courage and conduct. The native prince of the place where it is
+prepared, supplies the adventurers with arms, ammunition and opium,
+and claims as his share of the plunder, the female captives, the
+cannon, and one third of all the rest of the booty.</p>
+<p>In Nov. 1827, a principal chief of pirates, named Sindana, made
+a descent upon Mamoodgoo with forty-five proas, burnt three-fourths
+of the campong, driving the rajah with his family among the
+mountains. Some scores of men were killed, and 300 made prisoners,
+besides women and children to half that amount. In December
+following, when I was there, the people were slowly returning from
+the hills, but had not yet attempted to rebuild the campong, which
+lay in ashes. During my stay here (ten weeks) the place was visited
+by two other piratical chiefs, one of which was from Kylie, the
+other from Mandhaar Point under Bem Bowan, who appeared to have
+charge of the whole; between them they had 134 proas of all
+sizes.</p>
+<p>Among the most desperate and successful pirates of the present
+day, Raga is most distinguished. He is dreaded by people of all
+denominations, and universally known as the "prince of pirates."
+For more than seventeen years this man has carried on a system of
+piracy to an extent never before known; his expeditions and
+enterprises would fill a large volume. They have invariably been
+marked with singular cunning and intelligence, barbarity, and
+reckless inattention to the shedding of human blood. He has
+emissaries every where, and has intelligence of the best
+description. It was about the year 1813 Raga commenced operations
+on a large scale. In that year he cut off three English vessels,
+killing the captains with his own hands. So extensive were his
+depredations about that time that a proclamation was issued from
+Batavia, declaring the east coast of Borneo to be under strict
+blockade. Two British sloops of war scoured the coast. One of
+which, the Elk, Capt. Reynolds, was attacked during the night by
+Raga's own proa, who unfortunately was not on board at the time.
+This proa which Raga personally commanded, and the loss of which he
+frequently laments, carried eight guns and was full of his best
+men.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/234.jpg" alt=
+"A Piratical Proa in Full Chase" height="600" width="543"></center>
+<h4><i>A Piratical Proa in Full Chase.</i></h4>
+An European vessel was faintly descried about three o'clock one
+foggy morning; the rain fell in torrents; the time and weather were
+favorable circumstances for a surprise, and the commander
+determined to distinguish himself in the absence of the Rajah Raga,
+gave directions to close, fire the guns and board. He was the more
+confident of success, as the European vessel was observed to keep
+away out of the proper course on approaching her. On getting within
+about an hundred fathoms of the Elk they fired their broadside,
+gave a loud shout, and with their long oars pulled towards their
+prey. The sound of a drum beating to quarters no sooner struck the
+ear of the astonished Malays than they endeavored to get away: it
+was too late; the ports were opened, and a broadside, accompanied
+with three British cheers, gave sure indications of their fate. The
+captain hailed the Elk, and would fain persuade him it was a
+mistake. It was indeed a mistake, and one not to be rectified by
+the Malayan explanation. The proa was sunk by repeated broadsides,
+and the commanding officer refused to pick up any of the people,
+who, with the exception of five were drowned; these, after floating
+four days on some spars, were picked up by a Pergottan proa, and
+told the story to Raga, who swore anew destruction to every
+European he should henceforth take. This desperado has for upwards
+of seventeen years been the terror of the Straits of Macassar,
+during which period he has committed the most extensive and
+dreadful excesses sparing no one. Few respectable families along
+the coast of Borneo and Celebes but have to complain of the loss of
+a proa, or of some number of their race; he is not more universally
+dreaded than detested; it is well known that he has cut off and
+murdered the crews of more than forty European vessels, which have
+either been wrecked on the coasts, or entrusted themselves in
+native ports. It is his boast that twenty of the commanders have
+fallen by his hands. The western coast of Celebes, for about 250
+miles, is absolutely lined with proas belonging principally to
+three considerable rajahs, who act in conjunction with Raga and
+other pirates. Their proas may be seen in clusters of from 50, 80,
+and 100 (at Sediano I counted 147 laying on the sand at high water
+mark in parallel rows,) and kept in a horizontal position by poles,
+completely ready for the sea. Immediately behind them are the
+campongs, in which are the crews; here likewise are kept the sails,
+gunpowder, &amp;c. necessary for their equipment. On the very
+summits of the mountains, which in many parts rise abruptly from
+the sea, may be distinguished innumerable huts; here reside people
+who are constantly on the lookout. A vessel within ten miles of the
+shore will not probably perceive a single proa, yet in less than
+two hours, if the tide be high, she may be surrounded by some
+hundreds. Should the water be low they will push off during the
+night. Signals are made from mountain to mountain along the coast
+with the utmost rapidity; during the day time by flags attached to
+long bamboos; at night, by fires. Each chief sends forth his proas,
+the crews of which, in hazardous cases, are infuriated with opium,
+when they will most assuredly take the vessel if she be not better
+provided than most merchantmen.
+<p>Mr. Dalton, who went to the Pergottan river in 1830 says,
+"whilst I remained here, there were 71 proas of considerable sizes,
+39 of which were professed pirates. They were anchored off the
+point of a small promontory, on which the rajah has an
+establishment and bazaar. The largest of these proas belonged to
+Raga, who received by the fleet of proas, in which I came, his
+regular supplies of arms and ammunition from Singapore. Here nestle
+the principal pirates, and Raga holds his head quarters; his grand
+depot was a few miles farther up. Rajah Agi Bota himself generally
+resides some distance up a small river which runs eastward of the
+point; near his habitation stands the principal bazaar, which would
+be a great curiosity for an European to visit if he could only
+manage to return, which very few have. The Raga gave me a pressing
+invitation to spend a couple of days at his country house, but all
+the Bugis' nacodahs strongly dissuaded me from such an attempt. I
+soon discovered the cause of their apprehension; they were jealous
+of Agi Bota, well knowing he would plunder me, and considered every
+article taken by him was so much lost to the Sultan of Coti, who
+naturally would expect the people to reserve me for his own
+particular plucking. When the fact was known of an European having
+arrived in the Pergottan river, this amiable prince and friend of
+Europeans, impatient to seize his prey, came immediately to the
+point from his country house, and sending for the nacodah of the
+proa, ordered him to land me and all my goods instantly. An
+invitation now came for me to go on shore and amuse myself with
+shooting, and look at some rare birds of beautiful plumage which
+the rajah would give me if I would accept of them; but knowing what
+were his intentions, and being well aware that I should be
+supported by all the Bugis' proas from Coti, I feigned sickness,
+and requested that the birds might be sent on board. Upon this Agi
+Bota, who could no longer restrain himself, sent off two boats of
+armed men, who robbed me of many articles, and would certainly have
+forced me on shore, or murdered me in the proa had not a signal
+been made to the Bugis' nacodahs, who immediately came with their
+people, and with spears and krisses, drove the rajah's people
+overboard. The nacodahs, nine in number, now went on shore, when a
+scene of contention took place showing clearly the character of
+this chief. The Bugis from Coti explained, that with regard to me
+it was necessary to be particularly circumspect, as I was not only
+well known at Singapore, but the authorities in that settlement
+knew that I was on board the Sultan's proa, and they themselves
+were responsible for my safety. To this circumstance alone I owe my
+life on several occasions, as in the event of any thing happening
+to me, every nacodah was apprehensive of his proa being seized on
+his return to Singapore; I was therefore more peculiarly cared for
+by this class of men, and they are powerful. The rajah answered the
+nacodahs by saying, I might be disposed of as many others had been,
+and no further notice taken of the circumstance; he himself would
+write to Singapore that I had been taken by an alligator, or bitten
+by a snake whilst out shooting; and as for what property I might
+have in the proa he would divide it with the Sultan of Coti. The
+Bugis, however, refused to listen to any terms, knowing the Sultan
+of Coti would call him to an account for the property, and the
+authorities of Singapore for my life. Our proa, with others,
+therefore dropped about four miles down the river, where we took in
+fresh water. Here we remained six days, every argument being in
+vain to entice me on shore. At length the Bugis' nacodahs came to
+the determination to sail without passes, which brought the rajah
+to terms. The proas returned to the point, and I was given to
+understand I might go on shore in safety. I did so, and was
+introduced to the rajah whom I found under a shed, with about 150
+of his people; they were busy gambling, and had the appearance of
+what they really are, a ferocious set of banditti. Agi Bota is a
+good looking man, about forty years of age, of no education
+whatever; he divides his time between gaming, opium and
+cockfighting; that is in the interval of his more serious and
+profitable employment, piracy and rapine. He asked me to produce
+what money I had about me; on seeing only ten rupees, he remarked
+that it was not worth while to win so small a sum, but that if I
+would fight cocks with him he would lend me as much money as I
+wanted, and added it was beneath his dignity to fight under fifty
+reals a battle. On my saying it was contrary to an Englishman's
+religion to bet wagers, he dismissed me; immediately after the two
+rajahs produced their cocks and commenced fighting for one rupee a
+side. I was now obliged to give the old Baudarre five rupees to
+take some care of me, as whilst walking about, the people not only
+thrust their hands into my pockets, but pulled the buttons from my
+clothes. Whilst sauntering behind the rajah's campong I caught
+sight of an European woman, who on perceiving herself observed,
+instantly ran into one of the houses, no doubt dreading the
+consequences of being recognized. There are now in the house of Agi
+Bota two European women; up the country there are others, besides
+several men. The Bugis, inimical to the rajah, made no secret of
+the fact; I had heard of it on board the proa, and some person in
+the bazaar confirmed the statement. On my arrival, strict orders
+had been given to the inhabitants to put all European articles out
+of sight. One of my servants going into the bazaar, brought me such
+accounts as induced me to visit it. In one house were the following
+articles: four Bibles, one in English, one in Dutch, and two in the
+Portuguese languages; many articles of wearing apparel, such as
+jackets and trowsers, with the buttons altered to suit the natives;
+pieces of shirts tagged to other parts of dress; several broken
+instruments, such as quadrants, spy glasses (two,) binnacles, with
+pieces of ship's sails, bolts and hoops; a considerable variety of
+gunner's and carpenter's tools, stores, &amp;c. In another shop
+were two pelisses of faded lilac color; these were of modern cut
+and fashionably made. On enquiring how they became possessed of
+these articles, I was told they were some wrecks of European
+vessels on which no people were found, whilst others made no
+scruple of averring that they were formerly the property of people
+who had died in the country. All the goods in the bazaar belonged
+to the rajah, and were sold on his account; large quantities were
+said to be in his house up the river; but on all hands it was
+admitted Raga and his followers had by far the largest part of what
+was taken. A Mandoor, or head of one of the campongs, showed me
+some women's stockings, several of which were marked with the
+letters S.W.; also two chemises, one with the letters S.W.; two
+flannel petticoats, a miniature portrait frame (the picture was in
+the rajah's house,) with many articles of dress of both sexes. In
+consequence of the strict orders given on the subject I could see
+no more; indeed there were both difficulty and danger attending
+these inquiries. I particularly wanted to obtain the miniature
+picture, and offered the Mandoor fifty rupees if he could procure
+it; he laughed at me, and pointing significantly to his kris, drew
+one hand across my throat, and then across his own, giving me to
+understand such would be the result to us both on such an
+application to the rajah. It is the universal custom of the
+pirates, on this coast, to sell the people for slaves immediately
+on their arrival, the rajah taking for himself a few of the most
+useful, and receiving a percentage upon the purchase money of the
+remainder, with a moiety of the vessel and every article on board.
+European vessels are taken up the river, where they are immediately
+broken up. The situation of European prisoners is indeed dreadful
+in a climate like this, where even the labor of natives is
+intolerable; they are compelled to bear all the drudgery, and
+allowed a bare sufficiency of rice and salt to eat."</p>
+<p>It is utterly impossible for Europeans who have seen these
+pirates at such places as Singapore and Batavia, to form any
+conception of their true character. There they are under immediate
+control, and every part of their behaviour is a tissue of falsehood
+and deception. They constantly carry about with them a smooth
+tongue, cringing demeanor, a complying disposition, which always
+asserts, and never contradicts; a countenance which appears to
+anticipate the very wish of the Europeans, and which so generally
+imposes upon his understanding, that he at once concludes them to
+be the best and gentlest of human beings; but let the European meet
+them in any of their own campongs, and a very different character
+they will appear. The character and treacherous proceeding narrated
+above, and the manner of cutting off vessels and butchering their
+crews, apply equally to all the pirates of the East India Islands,
+by which many hundred European and American vessels have been
+surprised and their crews butchered.</p>
+<p>On the 7th of February, 1831, the ship Friendship, Capt.
+Endicott, of Salem (Mass.,) was captured by the Malays while lying
+at Quallah Battoo, on the coast of Sumatra. In the forenoon of the
+fatal day, Capt. Endicott, Mr. Barry, second mate, and four of the
+crew, it seems went on shore as usual, for the purpose of weighing
+pepper, expecting to obtain that day two boat loads, which had been
+promised them by the Malays. After the first boat was loaded, they
+observed that she delayed some time in passing down the river, and
+her crew being composed of Malays, was supposed by the officers to
+be stealing pepper from her, and secreting it in the bushes. In
+consequence of this conjecture, two men were sent off to watch
+them, who on approaching the boat, saw five or six Malays leap from
+the jungle, and hurry on board of her. The former, however,
+supposed them to be the boat's crew, as they had seen an equal
+number quit her previous to their own approach. In this they were
+mistaken, as will subsequently appear. At this time a brig hove in
+sight, and was seen standing towards Soo Soo, another pepper port,
+distant about five miles. Capt. Endicott, on going to the beach to
+ascertain whether the brig had hoisted any colors, discovered that
+the boat with pepper had approached within a few yards of the
+Friendship, manned with an unusual number of natives.</p>
+<p>It appears that when the pepper boats came alongside of the
+Friendship, as but few of the hands could work at a time, numbers
+of the Malays came on board, and on being questioned by Mr. Knight,
+the first officer, who was in the gangway, taking an account of the
+pepper, as to their business, their reply was, that they had come
+to see the vessel. Mr. Knight ordered them into their boat again,
+and some of them obeyed, but only to return immediately to assist
+in the work of death, which was now commenced by attacking Mr.
+Knight and the rest of the crew on board. The crew of the vessel
+being so scattered, it was impossible to concentrate their force so
+as to make a successful resistance. Some fell on the forecastle,
+one in the gangway, and Mr. Knight fell upon the quarter deck,
+severely wounded by a stab in the back while in the act of
+snatching from the bulwarks a boarding pike with which to defend
+himself.</p>
+<p>The two men who were taking the pepper on a stage, having vainly
+attempted to get on board to the assistance of their comrades, were
+compelled to leap into the sea. One of them, Charles Converse, of
+Salem, being severely wounded, succeeded in swimming to the
+bobstays, to which he clung until taken on board by the natives,
+and from some cause he was not afterwards molested. His companion,
+John Davis, being unable to swim, drifted with the tide near the
+<i>boat tackle</i>, or <i>davit falls</i>, the blocks being
+overhauled down near the water; one of these he laid hold of, which
+the Malays perceiving, dropped their boat astern and despatched
+him! the cook sprang into a canoe along side, and in attempting to
+push off she was capsized; and being unable to swim, he got on the
+bottom, and paddled ashore with his hands, where he was made
+prisoner. Gregory, an Italian, sought shelter in the
+foretop-gallant cross-trees, where he was fired at several times by
+the Malays with the muskets of the Friendship, which were always
+kept loaded and ready for use while on the coast.</p>
+<p>Three of the crew leaped into the sea, and swam to a point of
+land near a mile distant, to the northward of the town; and,
+unperceived by the Malays on shore, pursued their course to the
+northward towards Cape Felix, intending to go to the port of
+Annalaboo, about forty-five miles distant. Having walked all night,
+they found themselves, on the following morning, near the
+promontory, and still twenty-five miles distant from Annalaboo.</p>
+<p>When Mr. Endicott, Mr. Barry, and the four seamen arrived at the
+beach, they saw the crew jumping into the sea; the truth now, with
+all its horrors, flashed upon his mind, that the vessel was
+attacked, and in an instant they jumped on board the boat and
+pushed off; at the same time a friendly rajah named Po Adam, sprang
+into the boat; he was the proprietor of a port and considerable
+property at a place called Pulo Kio, but three miles distant from
+the mouth of the river Quallah Battoo. More business had been done
+by the rajah during the eight years past than by any other on the
+pepper coast; he had uniformly professed himself friendly to the
+Americans, and he has generally received the character of their
+being honest. Speaking a little English as he sprang into the boat,
+he exclaimed, "Captain, you got trouble; Malay kill you, he kill Po
+Adam too!" Crowds of Malays assembled on both sides of the river,
+brandishing their weapons in a menacing manner, while a ferry boat,
+manned with eight or ten of the natives, armed with spears and
+krisses, pushed off to prevent the officers' regaining their ship.
+The latter exhibited no fear, and flourished the cutlass of Po Adam
+in a menacing manner from the bows of the boat; it so intimidated
+the Malays that they fled to the shore, leaving a free passage to
+the ship; but as they got near her they found that the Malays had
+got entire possession of her; some of them were promenading the
+deck, others were making signals of success to the people on shore,
+while, with the exception of one man aloft, not an individual of
+the crew could be seen. Three Malay boats, with about fifty men,
+now issued from the river in the direction of the ship, while the
+captain and his men, concluding that their only hope of recovering
+their vessel was to obtain assistance from some other ships,
+directed their course towards Muchie, where they knew that several
+American vessels were lying at anchor. Three American captains,
+upon hearing the misfortunes of their countrymen, weighed anchor
+immediately for Quallah Battoo, determined, if possible, to recover
+the ship. By four o'clock on the same day they gained an anchorage
+off that place; the Malays, in the meantime, had removed on shore
+every moveable article belonging to the ship, including specie,
+besides several cases of opium, amounting in all to upwards of
+thirty thousand dollars. This was done on the night of the 9th, and
+on the morning of the 10th, they contrived to heave in the chain
+cable, and get the anchor up to the bows; and the ship was drifting
+finely towards the beach, when the cable, not being stopped abaft
+the bitts, began suddenly to run out with great velocity; but a
+bight having by accident been thrown forward of the windlass, a
+riding turn was the consequence, and the anchor, in its descent,
+was suddenly checked about fifteen fathoms from the hawse. A squall
+soon after coming on, the vessel drifted obliquely towards the
+shore, and grounded upon a coral reef near half a mile to the
+southward of the town. The next day, having obtained a convenient
+anchorage, a message was sent by a friendly Malay who came on board
+at Soo Soo, demanding the restoration of the ship. The rajah
+replied that he would not give her up, but that they were welcome
+to take her if they could; a fire was now opened upon the
+Friendship by the vessels, her decks were crowded with Malays, who
+promptly returned the fire, as did also the forts on shore. This
+mode of warfare appeared undecisive, and it was determined to
+decide the contest by a close action. A number of boats being
+manned and armed with about thirty officers and men, a movement was
+made to carry the ship by boarding. The Malays did not wait the
+approach of this determined attack, but all deserted the vessel to
+her lawful owners, when she was taken possession of and warped out
+into deep water. The appearance of the ship, at the time she was
+boarded, beggars all description; every part of her bore ample
+testimony of the scene of violence and destruction with which she
+had been visited. The objects of the voyage were abandoned, and the
+Friendship returned to the United States. The public were unanimous
+in calling for a redress of the unparalleled outrage on the lives
+and property of citizens of the United States. The government
+immediately adopted measures to punish so outrageous an act of
+piracy by despatching the frigate Potomac, Commodore Downs,
+Commander. The Potomac sailed from New York the 24th of August,
+1831, after touching at Rio Janeiro and the Cape of Good Hope. She
+anchored off Quallah Battoo in February 1832, disguised as a Danish
+ship, and came to in merchantman style, a few men being sent aloft,
+dressed in red and blue flannel shirts, and one sail being clewed
+up and furled at a time. A reconnoitering party were sent on shore
+disguised as pepper dealers, but they returned without being able
+to ascertain the situations of the forts. The ship now presented a
+busy scene; it was determined to commence an attack upon the town
+the next morning, and every necessary preparation was accordingly
+made, muskets were cleaned, cartridge-boxes buckled on, cutlasses
+examined and put in order, &amp;c.</p>
+<p>At twelve o'clock at night, all hands were called, those
+assigned to take part in the expedition were mustered, when Lieut.
+Shubrick, the commander of the detachment, gave them special
+orders; when they entered the boats and proceeded to the shore,
+where they effected a landing near the dawn of day, amid a heavy
+surf, about a mile and a half to the north of the town,
+undiscovered by the enemy, and without any serious accident having
+befallen them, though several of the party were thoroughly drenched
+by the beating of the surf, and some of their ammunition was
+injured.</p>
+<p>The troops then formed and took up their line of march against
+the enemy, over a beach of deep and heavy sand. They had not
+proceeded far before they were discovered by a native at a
+distance, who ran at full speed to give the alarm. A rapid march
+soon brought them up with the first fort, when a division of men,
+under the command of Lieut. Hoff, was detached from the main body,
+and ordered to surround it. The first fort was found difficult of
+access, in consequence of a deep hedge of thorn-bushes and brambles
+with which it was environed. The assault was commenced by the
+pioneers, with their crows and axes, breaking down the gates and
+forcing a passage. This was attended with some difficulty, and gave
+the enemy time for preparation. They raised their warwhoop, and
+resisted most manfully, fighting with spears, sabres, and muskets.
+They had also a few brass pieces in the fort, but they managed them
+with so little skill as to produce no effect, for the balls
+uniformly whizzed over the heads of our men. The resistance of the
+Malays was in vain, the fort was stormed, and soon carried; not,
+however, till almost every individual in it was slain. Po Mahomet,
+a chief of much distinction, and who was one of the principal
+persons concerned in the outrage on the Friendship was here slain;
+the mother of Chadoolah, another rajah, was also slain here;
+another woman fell at this port, but her rank was not ascertained;
+she fought with the spirit of a desperado. A seaman had just scaled
+one of the ramparts, when he was severely wounded by a blow
+received from a weapon in her hands, but her life paid the forfeit
+of her daring, for she was immediately transfixed by a bayonet in
+the hands of the person whom she had so severely injured. His head
+was wounded by a javelin, his thumb nearly cut off by a sabre, and
+a ball was shot through his hat.</p>
+<p>Lieutenants Edson and Ferret proceeded to the rear of the town,
+and made a bold attack upon that fort, which, after a spirited
+resistance on the part of the Malays, surrendered. Both officers
+and marines here narrowly escaped with their lives. One of the
+natives in the fort had trained his piece in such a manner as to
+rake their whole body, when he was shot down by a marine while in
+the very act of applying a match to it. The cannon was afterwards
+found to have been filled with bullets. This fort, like the former,
+was environed with thick jungle, and great difficulty had been
+experienced in entering it. The engagement had now become general,
+and the alarm universal. Men, women and children were seen flying
+in every direction, carrying the few articles they were able to
+seize in the moments of peril, and some of the men were cut down in
+the flight. Several of the enemy's proas, filled with people, were
+severely raked by a brisk fire from the six pounder, as they were
+sailing up the river to the south of the town, and numbers of the
+natives were killed. The third and most formidable fort was now
+attacked, and it proved the most formidable, and the co-operation
+of the several divisions was required for its reduction; but so
+spirited was the fire poured into it that it was soon obliged to
+yield, and the next moment the American colors were seen
+triumphantly waving over its battlements. The greater part of the
+town was reduced to ashes. The bazaar, the principal place of
+merchandize, and most of the private dwellings were consumed by
+fire. The triumph had now been completed over the Malays; ample
+satisfaction had been taken for their outrages committed upon our
+own countrymen, and the bugle sounded the return of the ship's
+forces; and the embarkation was soon after effected. The action had
+continued about two hours and a half, and was gallantly sustained
+both by officers and men, from its commencement to its close. The
+loss on the part of the Malays was near a hundred killed, while of
+the Americans only two lost their lives. Among the spoils were a
+Chinese gong, a Koran, taken at Mahomet's fort, and several pieces
+of rich gold cloth. Many of the men came off richly laden with
+spoils which they had taken from the enemy, such as rajah's scarfs,
+gold and silver chunam boxes, chains, ear rings and finger rings,
+anklets and bracelets, and a variety of shawls, krisses richly
+hilted and with gold scabbards, and a variety of other ornaments.
+Money to a considerable amount was brought off. That nothing should
+be left undone to have an indelible impression on the minds of
+these people, of the power of the United States to inflict
+punishment for aggressions committed on her commerce, in seas
+however distant, the ship was got underway the following morning,
+and brought to, with a spring on her cable, within less than a mile
+of the shore, when the larboard side was brought to bear nearly
+upon the site of the town. The object of the Commodore, in this
+movement, was not to open an indiscriminate or destructive fire
+upon the town and inhabitants of Quallah Battoo, but to show them
+the irresistible power of thirty-two pound shot, and to reduce the
+fort of Tuca de Lama, which could not be reached on account of the
+jungle and stream of water, on the morning before, and from which a
+fire had been opened and continued during the embarkation of the
+troops on their return to the ship. The fort was very soon
+deserted, while the shot was cutting it to pieces, and tearing up
+whole cocoa-trees by the roots. In the afternoon a boat came off
+from the shore, bearing a flag of truce to the Commodore,
+beseeching him, in all the practised forms of submission of the
+east, that he would grant them peace, and cease to fire his big
+guns. Hostilities now ceased, and the Commodore informed them that
+the objects of his government in sending him to their shores had
+now been consummated in the punishment of the guilty, who had
+committed their piracies on the Friendship. Thus ended the
+intercourse with Quallah Battoo. The Potomac proceeded from this
+place to China, and from thence to the Pacific Ocean; after looking
+to the interests of the American commerce in those parts she
+arrived at Boston in 1834, after a three years' absence.</p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="THE_ADVENTURES_OF_CAPTAIN_CONDENT"></a>
+<h2>THE ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN CONDENT</h2>
+Captain Condent was a Plymouth man born, but we are as yet ignorant
+of the motives and time of his first turning pirate. He was one of
+those who thought fit to retire from Providence, on Governor
+Rogers' 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 beaten; 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 through
+the deck and kill several of them. He, therefore, taking a pistol
+in one hand, and his cutlass in the other, leaped into the hold.
+The Indian discharged a piece at him, which broke his arm; but,
+however, he ran up and shot the Indian. When he was dead, the crew
+hacked him to pieces, and the gunner, ripping up his belly and
+tearing out his heart, broiled and eat it.
+<p>After this, they took a merchantman called the Duke of York; and
+some disputes arising among the pirates, 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 Madeira, laden with wine, and 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. Wanting a boom, he took out the mainmast of one of these
+ships to supply the want. Here he took upon himself the
+administration of justice, inquiring into the manner of the
+commanders' behaviour to their men, and those against whom
+complaint was made, he whipped and pickled. He took what provision
+and other necessaries he wanted, and having augmented his company
+by volunteers 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 proved 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, and some
+wounded by his great shot.</p>
+<p>The 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.</p>
+<p>After these he fell in with the Wright galley, Capt. 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. A few days after he took Spelt, he made
+prize of a Portuguese, laden with bale goods and stores. He rigged
+the Wright galley anew, and put on board of her some of the goods.
+Soon after he had discharged the Portuguese, he met with a Dutch
+East Indiaman of 28 guns, whose captain was killed the first
+broadside, and took her with little resistance, for he had hoisted
+the pirate's colors on board Spelt's ship.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/252.jpg" alt=
+"Capt. Condent leaping into the hold, to attack the Indian."
+height="600" width="378"></center>
+<h4><i>Capt. Condent leaping into the hold, to attack the
+Indian.</i></h4>
+He now, with three sail, steered for the island of Ferdinando,
+where he hove down and cleaned the Flying Dragon. Having careened,
+he put 11 Dutchmen on board Capt. Spelt, to make amends for the
+hands he had forced from him, and sent him away, making him a
+present of the goods he had taken from the Portuguese ship. When he
+sailed himself, he ordered the Dutch to stay at Ferdinando 24 hours
+after his departure; threatening, 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 hailed him, and he answered, <i>from London, bound
+to Buenos Ayres</i>. The Portuguese manned his shrouds and cheered
+him, when Condent fired a broadside, and a smart engagement ensued
+for the space of three glasses; but Condent finding himself
+over-matched, made the best of his way, and being the best sailer,
+got off.
+<p>A few days after, he took a vessel of the same nation, who gave
+an account that he had killed above forty 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 Platte. 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
+Guinea 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 pirate ship was lost upon it, and the
+pirates 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 mainmast, 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 Guinea coast, and took Capt.
+Hill, in the Indian Queen.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/254.jpg" alt=
+"The Pirates riding the Priests about deck" height="600" width=
+"463"></center>
+<h4><i>The Pirates riding the Priests about deck.</i></h4>
+In Luengo Bay he saw two ships at anchor, one a Dutchman of 44
+guns, the other an English ship, called the Fame, Capt. Bowen,
+commander. They both cut and ran ashore; the Fame was lost, but the
+Dutch ship the pirate 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-Indiaman, of which Mr.
+Nash, a noted merchant of London, was supercargo. Soon after he
+took a Dutch East-Indiaman, discharged the Ostender, and made for
+Madagascar. At the Isle of St. Mary, he met with some of Capt.
+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 with two other pirates he met
+at St. Mary's, the Cassandra East-Indiaman, commanded by Capt.
+James Macraigh. He continued his course for the East-Indies, where
+he made a very great booty; and returning, touched at the island of
+Mascarenhas, where he met with a Portuguese ship of 70 guns, with
+the viceroy 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 plundered, razed the fort, and
+carried off several men 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 Mascarenhas for
+a pardon, though 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, &amp;c. Condent and some others went to Mascarenhas,
+where Condent married the governor's sister-in-law, and remained
+some time; but, as I have been credibly informed, he is since come
+to France, settled at St. Maloes, and drives a considerable trade
+as a merchant.<br>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="THE_LIFE_OF_CAPTAIN_EDWARD_LOW"></a>
+<h2>THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN EDWARD LOW.</h2>
+This ferocious villain was born in Westminster, and received an
+education similar to that of the common people in England. He was
+by nature a pirate; for even when very young he raised
+contributions among the boys of Westminster, and if they declined
+compliance, a battle was the result. When he advanced a step
+farther in life, he began to exert his ingenuity at low games, and
+cheating all in his power; and those who pretended to maintain
+their own right, he was ready to call to the field of combat.
+<p>He went to sea in company with his brother, and continued with
+him for three or four years. Going over to America, he wrought in a
+rigging-house at Boston for some time. He then came home to see his
+mother in England, returned to Boston, and continued for some years
+longer at the same business. But being of a quarrelsome temper, he
+differed with his master, and went on board a sloop bound for the
+Bay of Honduras.</p>
+<p>While there, he had the command of a boat employed in bringing
+logwood to the ship. In that boat there were twelve men well armed,
+to be prepared for the Spaniards, from whom the wood was taken by
+force. It happened one day that the boat came to the ship just a
+little before dinner was ready, and Low desired that they might
+dine before they returned. The captain, however, ordered them a
+bottle of rum, and requested them to take another trip, as no time
+was to be lost. The crew were enraged, particularly Low, who took
+up a loaded musket and fired at the captain, but missing him,
+another man was shot, and they ran off with the boat. The next day
+they took a small vessel, went on board her, hoisted a black flag,
+and declared war with the whole world.</p>
+<p>In their rovings, Low met with Lowther, who proposed that he
+should join him, and thus promote their mutual advantage. Having
+captured a brigantine, Low, with forty more, went on board her; and
+leaving Lowther, they went to seek their own fortune.</p>
+<p>Their first adventure was the capture of a vessel belonging to
+Amboy, out of which they took the provisions, and allowed her to
+proceed. On the same day they took a sloop, plundered her, and
+permitted her to depart. The sloop went into Black Island, and sent
+intelligence to the governor that Low was on the coast. Two small
+vessels were immediately fitted out, but, before their arrival, Low
+was beyond their reach. After this narrow escape, Low went into
+port to procure water and fresh provisions; and then renewed his
+search of plunder. He next sailed into the harbor of Port Rosemary,
+where were thirteen ships, but none of them of any great strength.
+Low hoisted the black flag, assuring them that if they made any
+resistance they should have no quarter; and manning their boat, the
+pirates took possession of every one of them, which they plundered
+and converted to their own use. They then put on board a schooner
+ten guns and fifty men, named her the Fancy, and Low himself went
+on board of her, while Charles Harris was constituted captain of
+the brigantine. They also constrained a few of the men to join
+them, and sign their articles.</p>
+<p>After an unsuccessful pursuit of two sloops from Boston, they
+steered for the Leeward Islands, but in their way were overtaken by
+a terrible hurricane. The search for plunder gave place to the most
+vigorous exertion to save themselves. On board the brigantine, all
+hands were at work both day and night; they were under the
+necessity of throwing overboard six of her guns, and all the
+weighty provisions. In the storm, the two vessels were separated,
+and it was some time before they again saw each other.</p>
+<p>After the storm, Low went into a small island west of the
+Carribbees, refitted his vessels, and got provision for them in
+exchange of goods. As soon as the brigantine was ready for sea,
+they went on a cruise until the Fancy should be prepared, and
+during that cruise, met with a vessel which had lost all her masts
+in the storm, which they plundered of goods to the value of
+1000<i>l</i>. and returned to the island. When the Fancy was ready
+to sail, a council was held what course they should next steer.
+They followed the advice of the captain, who thought it not safe to
+cruise any longer to the leeward, lest they should fall in with any
+of the men-of-war that cruised upon that coast, so they sailed for
+the Azores.</p>
+<p>The good fortune of Low was now singular; in his way thither he
+captured a French ship of 34 guns, and carried her along with him.
+Then entering St. Michael's roads, he captured seven sail,
+threatening with instant death all who dared to oppose him. Thus,
+by inspiring terror, without firing a single gun, he became master
+of all that property. Being in want of water and fresh provisions,
+Low sent to the governor demanding a supply, upon condition of
+releasing the ships he had taken, otherwise he would commit them to
+the flames. The request was instantly complied with, and six of the
+vessels were restored. But a French vessel being among them, they
+emptied her of guns and all her men except the cook, who, they
+said, being a greasy fellow, would fry well; they accordingly bound
+the unfortunate man to the mast, and set the ship on fire.</p>
+<p>The next who fell in their way was Captain Carter, in the Wright
+galley; who, because he showed some inclination to defend himself,
+was cut and mangled in a barbarous manner. There were also two
+Portuguese friars, whom they tied to the foremast, and several
+times let them down before they were dead, merely to gratify their
+own ferocious dispositions. Meanwhile, another Portuguese,
+beholding this cruel scene, expressed some sorrow in his
+countenance, upon which one of the wretches said he did not like
+his looks, and so giving him a stroke across the body with his
+cutlass, he fell upon the spot. Another of the miscreants, aiming a
+blow at a prisoner, missed his aim, and struck Low upon the under
+jaw. The surgeon was called, and stitched up the wound; but Low
+finding fault with the operation, the surgeon gave him a blow which
+broke all the stiches, and left him to sew them himself. After he
+had plundered this vessel, some of them were for burning her, as
+they had done the Frenchman; but instead of that, they cut her
+cables, rigging, and sails to pieces, and sent her adrift to the
+mercy of the waves.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/260.jpg" alt=
+"The Cruelties practised by Captain Low" height="418" width=
+"600"></center>
+<h4><i>The Cruelties practised by Captain Low.</i></h4>
+They next sailed for the island of Madeira, and took up a fishing
+boat with two old men and a boy. They detained one of them, and
+sent the other on shore with a flag of truce, requesting the
+governor to send them a boat of water, else they would hang the
+other man at the yard arm. The water was sent, and the man
+dismissed.
+<p>They next sailed for the Canary Islands, and there took several
+vessels; and being informed that two small galleys were daily
+expected, the sloop was manned and sent in quest of them. They,
+however, missing their prey, and being in great want of provision,
+went into St. Michael's in the character of traders, and being
+discovered, were apprehended, and the whole crew conducted to the
+castle, and treated according to their merits.</p>
+<p>Meanwhile, Low's ship was overset upon the careen and lost, so
+that, having only the Fancy schooner remaining, they all, to the
+number of a hundred, went on board her, and set sail in search of
+new spoils. They soon met a rich Portuguese vessel, and after some
+resistance captured her. Low tortured the men to constrain them to
+inform him where they had hid their treasures. He accordingly
+discovered that, during the chase, the captain had hung a bag with
+eleven thousand moidores out of the cabin window, and that, when
+they were taken, he had cut the rope, and allowed it to fall into
+the sea. Upon this intelligence, Low raved and stormed like a fury,
+ordered the captain's lips to be cut off and broiled before his
+eyes, then murdered him and all his crew.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/262.jpg" alt=
+"The Captain of the Portuguese Ship cutting away the Bag of Moidores"
+     height="600" width="592"></center>
+<h4><i>The Captain of the Portuguese Ship cutting away the Bag of
+Moidores.</i></h4>
+After this bloody action, the miscreants steered northward, and in
+their course seized several vessels, one of which they burned, and
+plundering the rest, allowed them to proceed. Having cleaned in one
+of the islands, they then sailed for the bay of Honduras. They met
+a Spaniard coming out of the bay, which had captured five
+Englishmen and a pink, plundered them, and brought away the masters
+prisoners. Low hoisted Spanish colors, but, when he came near, hung
+out the black flag, and the Spaniard was seized without resistance.
+Upon finding the masters of the English vessels in the hold, and
+seeing English goods on board, a consultation was held, when it was
+determined to put all the Spaniards to the sword. This was scarcely
+resolved upon, when they commenced with every species of weapons to
+massacre every man, and some flying from their merciless hands into
+the waves, a canoe was sent in pursuit of those who endeavored to
+swim on shore. They next plundered the Spanish vessel, restored the
+English masters to their respective vessels, and set the Spaniard
+on fire.
+<p>Low's next cruise was between the Leeward Islands and the main
+land, where, in a continued course of prosperity, he successively
+captured no less than nineteen ships of different sizes, and in
+general treated their crews with a barbarity unequalled even among
+pirates. But it happened that the Greyhound, of twenty guns and one
+hundred and twenty men, was cruising upon that coast. Informed of
+the mischief these miscreants had done, the Greyhound went in
+search of them. Supposing they had discovered a prize, Low and his
+crew pursued them, and the Greyhound, allowing them to run after
+her until all things were ready to engage, turned upon the two
+sloops.</p>
+<p>One of these sloops was called the Fancy, and commanded by Low
+himself, and the other the Ranger, commanded by Harris; both
+hoisted their piratical colors, and fired each a gun. When the
+Greyhound came within musket shot, she hauled up her mainsail, and
+clapped close upon a wind, to keep the pirates from running to
+leeward, and then engaged. But when the rogues found whom they had
+to deal with, they edged away under the man-of-war's stern, and the
+Greyhound standing after them, they made a running fight for about
+two hours; but little wind happening, the sloops gained from her,
+by the help of their oars; upon which the Greyhound left off
+firing, turned all hands to her own oars, and at three in the
+afternoon came up with them. The pirates hauled upon a wind to
+receive the man-of-war, and the fight was immediately renewed, with
+a brisk fire on both sides, till the Ranger's mainyard was shot
+down. Under these circumstances, Low abandoned her to the enemy,
+and fled.</p>
+<p>The conduct of Low was surprising in this adventure, because his
+reputed courage and boldness had hitherto so possessed the minds of
+all people, that he became a terror even to his own men; but his
+behaviour throughout this whole action showed him to be a base
+cowardly villain; for had Low's sloop fought half so briskly as
+Harris' had done (as they were under a solemn oath to do,) the
+man-of-war, in the opinion of some present, could never have hurt
+them.</p>
+<p>Nothing, however, could lessen the fury, or reform the manners,
+of that obdurate crew. Their narrow escape had no good effect upon
+them, and with redoubled violence they renewed their depredations
+and cruelties. The next vessel they captured, was eighty miles from
+land. They used the master with the most wanton cruelty, then shot
+him dead, and forced the crew into the boat with a compass, a
+little water, and a few biscuits, and left them to the mercy of the
+waves; they, however, beyond all expectation, got safe to
+shore.</p>
+<p>Low proceeded in his villainous career with too fatal success.
+Unsatisfied with satiating their avarice and walking the common
+path of wickedness, those inhuman wretches, like to Satan himself,
+made mischief their sport, cruelty their delight, and the ruin and
+murder of their fellow men their constant employment. Of all the
+piratical crews belonging to the English nation, none ever equalled
+Low in barbarity. Their mirth and their anger had the same effect.
+They murdered a man from good humor, as well as from anger and
+passion. Their ferocious disposition seemed only to delight in
+cries, groans, and lamentations. One day Low having captured
+Captain Graves, a Virginia man, took a bowl of punch in his hand,
+and said, "Captain, here's half this to you." The poor gentleman
+was too much touched with his misfortunes to be in a humor for
+drinking, he therefore modestly excused himself. Upon this Low
+cocked and presented a pistol in the one hand, and his bowl in the
+other, saying, "Either take the one or the other."</p>
+<p>Low next captured a vessel called the Christmas, mounted her
+with thirty-four guns, went on board her himself, assumed the title
+of admiral, and hoisted the black flag. His next prize was a
+brigantine half manned with Portuguese, and half with English. The
+former he hanged, and the latter he thrust into their boat and
+dismissed, while he set fire to the vessel. The success of Low was
+unequalled, as well as his cruelty; and during a long period he
+continued to pursue his wicked course with impunity.</p>
+<p>All wickedness comes to an end and Low's crew at last rose
+against him and he was thrown into a boat without provisions and
+abandoned to his fate. This was because Low murdered the
+quarter-master while he lay asleep. Not long after he was cast
+adrift a French vessel happened along and took him into Martinico,
+and after a quick trial by the authorities he received short shift
+on a gallows erected for his benefit.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/266.jpg" alt=
+"Low presenting a Pistol and Bowl of Punch" height="548" width=
+"600"></center>
+<h4><i>Low presenting a Pistol and Bowl of Punch.</i></h4>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="LIFE_AND_ADVENTURES_OF_CAPTAIN_EDWARD_ENGLAND"></a>
+<h2>LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN EDWARD ENGLAND</h2>
+This adventurer was mate of a sloop that sailed from Jamaica, and
+was taken by Captain Winter, a pirate, just before the settlement
+of the pirates at Providence island. After the pirates had
+surrendered to his Majesty's pardon, and Providence island was
+peopled by the English government, Captain England sailed to
+Africa. There he took several vessels, particularly the Cadogan,
+from Bristol, commanded by one Skinner. When the latter struck to
+the pirate, he was ordered to come on board in his boat. The person
+upon whom he first cast his eye, proved to be his old boatswain,
+who stared him in the face, and accosted him in the following
+manner: "Ah, Captain Skinner, is it you? the only person I wished
+to see: I am much in your debt, and I shall pay you all in your own
+coin." The poor man trembled in every joint, and dreaded the event,
+as he well might. It happened that Skinner and his old boatswain,
+with some of his men, had quarrelled, so that he thought fit to
+remove them on board a man-of-war, while he refused to pay them
+their wages. Not long after, they found means to leave the
+man-of-war, and went on board a small ship in the West Indies. They
+were taken by a pirate, and brought to Providence, and from thence
+sailed as pirates with Captain England. Thus accidentally meeting
+their old captain, they severely revenged the treatment they had
+received.
+<p>After the rough salutation which has been related, the boatswain
+called to his comrades, laid hold of Skinner, tied him fast to the
+windlass, and pelted him with glass bottles until they cut him in a
+shocking manner, then whipped him about the deck until they were
+quite fatigued, remaining deaf to all his prayers and entreaties;
+and at last, in an insulting tone, observed, that as he had been a
+good master to his men, he should have an easy death, and upon this
+shot him through the head.</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/268.jpg" alt=
+"The Pirates pelting Captain Skinner with Glass Bottles" height=
+"523" width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>The Pirates pelting Captain Skinner with Glass
+Bottles.</i></h4>
+Having taken such things out of the ship as they stood most in need
+of, she was given to Captain Davis in order to try his fortune with
+a few hands.
+<p>Captain England, some time after, took a ship called the Pearl,
+for which he exchanged his own sloop, fitted her up for piratical
+service, and called her the Royal James. In that vessel he was very
+fortunate, and took several ships of different sizes and different
+nations. In the spring of 1719, the pirates returned to Africa, and
+beginning at the river Gambia, sailed down the coast to Cape Corso,
+and captured several vessels. Some of them they pillaged, and
+allowed to proceed, some they fitted out for the pirate service,
+and others they burned.</p>
+<p>Leaving our pirate upon this coast, the Revenge and the Flying
+King, two other pirate vessels, sailed for the West Indies, where
+they took several prizes, and then cleared and sailed for Brazil.
+There they captured some Portuguese vessels; but a large Portuguese
+man-of-war coming up to them, proved an unwelcome guest. The
+Revenge escaped, but was soon lost upon that coast. The Flying King
+in despair run ashore. There were then seventy on board, twelve of
+whom were slain, and the remainder taken prisoners. The Portuguese
+hanged thirty-eight of them.</p>
+<p>Captain England, whilst cruising upon that coast, took the
+Peterborough of Bristol, and the Victory. The former they detained,
+the latter they plundered and dismissed. In the course of his
+voyage, England met with two ships, but these taking shelter under
+Cape Corso Castle, he unsuccessfully attempted to set them on fire.
+He next sailed down to Whydah road, where Captain La Bouche had
+been before England, and left him no spoil. He now went into the
+harbor, cleaned his own ship, and fitted up the Peterborough, which
+he called the Victory. During several weeks the pirates remained in
+this quarter, indulging in every species of riot and debauchery,
+until the natives, exasperated with their conduct, came to an open
+rupture, when several of the negroes were slain, and one of their
+towns set on fire by the pirates.</p>
+<p>Leaving that port, the pirates, when at sea, determined by vote
+to sail for the East Indies, and arrived at Madagascar. After
+watering and taking in some provisions they sailed for the coast of
+Malabar. This place is situated in the Mogul Empire, and is one of
+its most beautiful and fertile districts. It extends from the coast
+of Canora to Cape Comorin. The original natives are negroes; but a
+mingled race of Mahometans, who are generally merchants, have been
+introduced in modern times. Having sailed almost round the one half
+of the globe, literally seeking whom they might devour, our pirates
+arrived in this hitherto untried and prolific field for their
+operations.</p>
+<p>Not long after their settlement at Madagascar, they took a
+cruise, in which they captured two Indian vessels and a Dutchman.
+They exchanged the latter for one of their own, and directed their
+course again to Madagascar. Several of their hands were sent on
+shore with tents and ammunition, to kill such beasts and venison as
+the island afforded. They also formed the resolution to go in
+search of Avery's crew, which they knew had settled upon the
+island; but as their residence was upon the other side of the
+island, the loss of time and labour was the only fruit of their
+search.</p>
+<p>They tarried here but a very short time, then steered their
+course to Johanna, and coming out of that harbor, fell in with two
+English vessels and an Ostend ship, all Indiamen, which, after a
+most desperate action, they captured. The particulars of this
+extraordinary action are related in the following letter from
+Captain Mackra.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<p>"<i>Bombay, November 16th</i>, 1720.</p>
+<p>"We arrived on the 25th of July last, in company with the
+Greenwich, at Johanna, an island not far from Madagascar. Putting
+in there to refresh our men, we found fourteen pirates who came in
+their canoes from the Mayotta, where the pirate ship to which they
+belonged, viz. the Indian Queen, two hundred and fifty tons,
+twenty-eight guns, and ninety men, commanded by Captain Oliver de
+la Bouche, bound from the Guinea coast to the East Indies, had been
+bulged and lost. They said they left the captain and forty of their
+men building a new vessel, to proceed on their wicked designs.
+Captain Kirby and I concluding that it might be of great service to
+the East India Company to destroy such a nest of rogues, were ready
+to sail for that purpose on the 17th of August, about eight o'clock
+in the morning, when we discovered two pirates standing into the
+bay Johanna, one of thirty-four, and the other of thirty-six guns.
+I immediately went on board the Greenwich, where they seemed very
+diligent in preparation for an engagement, and I left Captain Kirby
+with mutual promises of standing by each other. I then unmoored,
+got under sail, and brought two boats a-head to row me close to the
+Greenwich; but he being open to a valley and a breeze, made the
+best of his way from me; which an Ostender in our company, of
+twenty-two guns, seeing, did the same, though the captain had
+promised heartily to engage with us, and I believe would have been
+as good as his word, if Captain Kirby had kept his. About half an
+hour after twelve, I called several times to the Greenwich to bear
+down to our assistance, and fired a shot at him, but to no purpose;
+for though we did not doubt but he would join us, because, when he
+got about a league from us he brought his ship to and looked on,
+yet both he and the Ostender basely deserted us, and left us
+engaged with barbarous and inhuman enemies, with their black and
+bloody flags hanging over us, without the least appearance of ever
+escaping, but to be cut to pieces. But God in his good providence
+determined otherwise; for, notwithstanding their superiority, we
+engaged them both about three hours; during which time the biggest
+of them received some shot betwixt wind and water, which made her
+keep off a little to stop her leaks. The other endeavored all she
+could to board us, by rowing with her oars, being within half a
+ship's length of us above an hour; but by good fortune we shot all
+her oars to pieces, which prevented them, and by consequence saved
+our lives.</p>
+<p>"About four o'clock most of the officers and men posted on the
+quarter-deck being killed and wounded, the largest ship making up
+to us with diligence, being still within a cable's length of us,
+often giving us a broadside; there being now no hopes of Captain
+Kirby's coming to our assistance, we endeavored to run a-shore; and
+though we drew four feet of water more than the pirate, it pleased
+God that he stuck fast on a higher ground than happily we fell in
+with; so was disappointed a second time from boarding us. Here we
+had a more violent engagement than before: all my officers and most
+of my men behaved with unexpected courage; and, as we had a
+considerable advantage by having a broadside to his bow, we did him
+great damage; so that had Captain Kirby come in then, I believe we
+should have taken both the vessels, for we had one of them sure;
+but the other pirate (who was still firing at us,) seeing the
+Greenwich did not offer to assist us, supplied his consort with
+three boats full of fresh men. About five in the evening the
+Greenwich stood clear away to sea, leaving us struggling hard for
+life, in the very jaws of death; which the other pirate that was
+afloat, seeing, got a warp out, and was hauling under our
+stern.</p>
+<p>"By this time many of my men being killed and wounded, and no
+hopes left us of escaping being all murdered by enraged barbarous
+conquerors, I ordered all that could to get into the long-boat,
+under the cover of the smoke of our guns; so that, with what some
+did in boats, and others by swimming, most of us that were able,
+got ashore by seven o'clock. When the pirates came aboard, they cut
+three of our wounded men to pieces. I with some of my people made
+what haste I could to King's-town, twenty-five miles from us, where
+I arrived next day, almost dead with the fatigue and loss of blood,
+having been sorely wounded in the head by a musket-ball.</p>
+<p>"At this town I heard that the pirates had offered ten thousand
+dollars to the country people to bring me in, which many of them
+would have accepted, only they knew the king and all his chief
+people were in my interest. Meantime, I caused a report to be
+spread that I was dead of my wounds, which much abated their fury.
+About ten days after, being pretty well recovered, and hoping the
+malice of our enemies was nigh over, I began to consider the dismal
+condition we were reduced to; being in a place where we had no
+hopes of getting a passage home, all of us in a manner naked, not
+having had time to bring with us either a shirt or a pair of shoes,
+except what we had on. Having obtained leave to go on board the
+pirates with a promise of safety, several of the chief of them knew
+me, and some of them had sailed with me, which I found to be of
+great advantage; because, notwithstanding their promise, some of
+them would have cut me to pieces, and all that would not enter with
+them, had it not been for their chief captain, Edward England, and
+some others whom I knew. They talked of burning one of their ships,
+which we had so entirely disabled as to be no farther useful to
+them, and to fit the Cassandra in her room; but in the end I
+managed the affair so well, that they made me a present of the said
+shattered ship, which was Dutch built, and called the Fancy; her
+burden was about three hundred tons. I procured also a hundred and
+twenty-nine bales of the Company's cloth, though they would not
+give me a rag of my own clothes.</p>
+<p>"They sailed the 3rd of September; and I, with jury-masts, and
+such old sails as they left me, made a shift to do the like on the
+8th, together with forty-three of my ship's crew, including two
+passengers and twelve soldiers; having no more than five tuns of
+water aboard. After a passage of forty-eight days, I arrived here
+on the 26th of October, almost naked and starved, having been
+reduced to a pint of water a-day, and almost in despair of ever
+seeing land, by reason of the calms we met with between the coast
+of Arabia and Malabar.</p>
+<p>"We had in all thirteen men killed and twenty-four wounded; and
+we were told that we destroyed about ninety or a hundred of the
+pirates. When they left us, they were about three hundred whites,
+and eighty blacks, on both ships. I am persuaded, had our consort
+the Greenwich done his duty, we had destroyed both of them, and got
+two hundred thousand pounds for our owners and selves; whereas the
+loss of the Cassandra may justly be imputed to his deserting us. I
+have delivered all the bales that were given me into the Company's
+warehouse, for which the governor and council have ordered me a
+reward. Our governor, Mr. Boon, who is extremely kind and civil to
+me, had ordered me home with the packet; but Captain Harvey, who
+had a prior promise, being come in with the fleet, goes in my room.
+The governor had promised me a country voyage to help to make up my
+losses, and would have me stay and accompany him to England next
+year."<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<p>Captain Mackra was certainly in imminent danger, in trusting
+himself and his men on board the pirate ship, and unquestionably
+nothing but the desperate circumstances in which he was placed
+could have justified so hazardous a step. The honor and influence
+of Captain England, however, protected him and his men from the
+fury of the crew, who would willingly have wreaked their vengeance
+upon them.</p>
+<p>It is pleasing to discover any instance of generosity or honor
+among such an abandoned race, who bid defiance to all the laws of
+honor, and, indeed, are regardless of all laws human and divine.
+Captain England was so steady to Captain Mackra, that he informed
+him, it would be with no small difficulty and address that he would
+be able to preserve him and his men from the fury of the crew, who
+were greatly enraged at the resistance which had been made. He
+likewise acquainted him, that his influence and authority among
+them was giving place to that of Captain Taylor, chiefly because
+the dispositions of the latter were more savage and brutal. They
+therefore consulted between them what was the best method to secure
+the favor of Taylor, and keep him in good humor. Mackra made the
+punch to flow in great abundance, and employed every artifice to
+soothe the mind of that ferocious villain.</p>
+<p>A single incident was also very favorable to the unfortunate
+captain. It happened that a pirate, with a prodigious pair of
+whiskers, a wooden leg, and stuck round with pistols, came
+blustering and swearing upon the quarter deck, inquiring "where was
+Captain Mackra." He naturally supposed that this barbarous-looking
+fellow would be his executioner; but, as he approached, he took the
+captain by the hand, swearing "that he was an honest fellow, and
+that he had formerly sailed with him, and would stand by him; and
+let him see the man that would touch him." This terminated the
+dispute, and Captain Taylor's disposition was so ameliorated with
+punch, that he consented that the old pirate ship, and so many
+bales of cloth, should be given to Mackra, and then sank into the
+arms of intoxication. England now pressed Mackra to hasten away,
+lest the ruffian, upon his becoming sober, should not only retract
+his word, but give liberty to the crew to cut him and his men to
+pieces.</p>
+<p>But the gentle temper of Captain England, and his generosity
+towards the unfortunate Mackra, proved the organ of much calamity
+to himself. The crew, in general, deeming the kind of usage which
+Mackra had received, inconsistent with piratical policy, they
+circulated a report, that he was coming against them with the
+Company's force. The result of these invidious reports was to
+deprive England of his command, and to excite these cruel villains
+to put him on shore, with three others, upon the island of
+Mauritius. If England and his small company had not been destitute
+of every necessary, they might have made a comfortable subsistence
+here, as the island abounds with deer, hogs, and other animals.
+Dissatisfied, however, with their solitary situation, Captain
+England and his three men exerted their industry and ingenuity, and
+formed a small boat, with which they sailed to Madagascar, where
+they subsisted upon the generosity of some more fortunate piratical
+companions.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/276.jpg" alt=
+"Captain Mackra, and the Pirate with a wooden leg" height="495"
+width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>Captain Mackra, and the Pirate with a wooden leg.</i></h4>
+Captain Taylor detained some of the officers and men belonging to
+Captain Mackra, and having repaired their vessel, sailed for India.
+The day before they made land, they espied two ships to the
+eastward, and supposing them to be English, Captain Taylor ordered
+one of the officers of Mackra's ship to communicate to him the
+private signals between the Company's ships, swearing that if he
+did not do so immediately, he would cut him into pound pieces. But
+the poor man being unable to give the information demanded, was
+under the necessity of enduring their threats. Arrived at the
+vessels, they found that they were two Moorish ships, laden with
+horses. The pirates brought the captains and merchants on board,
+and tortured them in a barbarous manner, to constrain them to tell
+where they had hid their treasure. They were, however,
+disappointed; and the next morning they discovered land, and at the
+same time a fleet on shore plying to windward. In this situation
+they were at a considerable loss how to dispose of their prizes. To
+let them go would lead to their discovery, and thus defeat the
+design of their voyage; and it was a distressing matter to sink the
+men and the horses, though many of them were for adopting that
+measure. They, however, brought them to anchor, threw all the sails
+overboard, and cut one of the masts half through.
+<p>While they lay at anchor, and were employed in taking in water,
+one of the above-mentioned fleet moved towards them with English
+colors, and was answered by the pirate with a red ensign; but they
+did not hail each other. At night they left the Muscat ships, and
+sailed after the fleet. About four next morning, the pirates were
+in the midst of the fleet, but seeing their vast superiority, were
+greatly at a loss what method to adopt. The Victory had become
+leaky, and their hands were so few in number, that it only remained
+for them to deceive, if possible, the English squadron. They were
+unsuccessful in gaining any thing out of that fleet, and had only
+the wretched satisfaction of burning a single galley. They however
+that day seized a galliot laden with cotton, and made inquiry of
+the men concerning the fleet. They protested that they had not seen
+a ship since they left Gogo, and earnestly implored their mercy;
+but, instead of treating them with lenity, they put them to the
+rack, in order to extort farther confession. The day following, a
+fresh easterly wind blew hard, and rent the galliot's sails; upon
+this the pirates put her company into a boat, with nothing but a
+try-sail, no provisions, and only four gallons of water, and,
+though they were out of sight of land, left them to shift for
+themselves.</p>
+<p>It may be proper to inform our readers, that one Angria, an
+Indian prince, of considerable territory and strength, had proved a
+troublesome enemy to Europeans, and particularly to the English.
+Calaba was his principal fort, situated not many leagues from
+Bombay, and he possessed an island in sight of the port, from
+whence he molested the Company's ships. His art in bribing the
+ministers of the Great Mogul, and the shallowness of the water,
+that prevented large ships of war from approaching, were the
+principal causes of his safety.</p>
+<p>The Bombay fleet, consisting of four grabs, the London and the
+Candois, and two other ships, with a galliot, having an additional
+thousand men on board for this enterprise, sailed to attack a fort
+belonging to Angria upon the Malabar coast. Though their strength
+was great, yet they were totally unsuccessful in their enterprise.
+It was this fleet returning home that our pirates discovered upon
+the present occasion. Upon the sight of the pirates, the commodore
+of the fleet intimated to Mr. Brown, the general, that as they had
+no orders to fight, and had gone upon a different purpose, it would
+be improper for them to engage. Informed of the loss of this
+favorable opportunity of destroying the robbers, the governor of
+Bombay was highly enraged, and giving the command of the fleet to
+Captain Mackra, ordered him to pursue and engage them wherever they
+should be found.</p>
+<p>The pirates having barbarously sent away the galliot with her
+men, they arrived southward, and between Goa and Carwar they heard
+several guns, so that they came to anchor, and sent their boat to
+reconnoitre, which returned next morning with the intelligence of
+two grabs, lying at anchor in the road. They accordingly weighed,
+ran towards the bay, and in the morning were discovered by the
+grabs, who had just time to run under India-Diva castle for
+protection. This was the more vexatious to the pirates, as they
+were without water; some of them, therefore, were for making a
+descent upon the island, but that measure not being generally
+approved, they sailed towards the south, and took a small ship,
+which had only a Dutchman and two Portuguese on board. They sent
+one of these on shore to the captain, to inform him that, if he
+would give them some water and fresh provisions, he might have his
+vessel returned. He replied that, if they would give him possession
+over the bar, he would comply with their request. But, suspecting
+the integrity of his design, they sailed for Lacca Deva islands,
+uttering dreadful imprecations against the captain.</p>
+<p>Disappointed in finding water at these islands, they sailed to
+Malinda island, and sent their boats on shore, to discover if there
+was any water, or if there were any inhabitants.. They returned
+with the information, that there was abundance of water, that the
+houses were only inhabited by women and children, the men having
+fled at the appearance of the ships. They accordingly hastened to
+supply themselves with water, used the defenceless women in a
+brutal manner, destroyed many of their fruit-trees, and set some of
+their houses on fire.</p>
+<p>While off the island, they lost several of their anchors by the
+rockiness of the ground; and one day, blowing more violently than
+usual, they were forced to take to sea, leaving several people and
+most of the water-casks; but when the gale was over, they returned
+to take in their men and water. Their provisions being nearly
+exhausted, they resolved to visit the Dutch at Cochin. After
+sailing three days, they arrived off Tellechery, and took a small
+vessel belonging to Governor Adams, and brought the master on
+board, very much intoxicated, who informed them of the expedition
+of Captain Mackra. This intelligence raised their utmost
+indignation. "A villain!" said they, "to whom we have given a ship
+and presents, to come against us! he ought to be hanged; and since
+we cannot show our resentment to him, let us hang the dogs his
+people, who wish him well, and would do the same, if they were
+clear." "If it be in my power," said the quarter-master, "both
+masters and officers of ships shall be carried with us for the
+future, only to plague them. Now, England, we mark him for
+this."</p>
+<p>They proceeded to Calicut, and attempting to cut out a ship,
+were prevented by some guns placed upon the shore. One of Captain
+Mackra's officers was under deck at this time, and was commanded
+both by the captain and the quarter-master to tend the braces on
+the booms, in hopes that a shot would take him before they got
+clear. He was about to have excused himself, but they threatened to
+shoot him; and when he expostulated, and claimed their promise to
+put him on shore, he received an unmerciful beating from the
+quarter-master; Captain Taylor, to whom that duty belonged, being
+lame in his hands.</p>
+<p>The day following they met a Dutch galliot, laden with
+limestone, bound for Calicut, on board of which they put one
+Captain Fawkes; and some of the crew interceding for Mackra's
+officer, Taylor and his party replied, "If we let this dog go, who
+has overheard our designs and resolutions, he will overset all our
+well-advised resolutions, and particularly this supply we are
+seeking for at the hands of the Dutch."</p>
+<p>When they arrived at Cochin, they sent a letter on shore by a
+fishing-boat, entered the road, and anchored, each ship saluting
+the fort with eleven guns, and receiving the same number in return.
+This was the token of their welcome reception, and at night a large
+boat was sent, deeply laden with liquors and all kinds of
+provisions, and in it a servant of John Trumpet, one of their
+friends, to inform them that it would be necessary for them to run
+farther south, where they would be supplied both with provisions
+and naval stores.</p>
+<p>They had scarcely anchored at the appointed place, when several
+canoes, with white and black inhabitants, came on board, and
+continued without interruption to perform all the good offices in
+their power during their stay in that place. In particular, John
+Trumpet brought a large boat of arrack, and sixty bales of sugar,
+as a present from the governor and his daughter; the former
+receiving in return a table-clock, and the other a gold watch, the
+spoil of Captain Mackra's vessel. When their provisions were all on
+board, Trumpet was rewarded with about six or seven thousand
+pounds, was saluted with three cheers, and eleven guns; and several
+handsfull of silver were thrown into the boat, for the men to
+gather at pleasure.</p>
+<p>There being little wind that night, they remained at anchor, and
+in the morning were surprised with the return of Trumpet, bringing
+another boat equally well stored with provisions, with chests of
+piece-goods and ready-made clothes, and along with him the fiscal
+of the place. At noon they espied a sail towards the south, and
+immediately gave chase, but she outsailed them, and sheltered under
+the fort of Cochin. Informed that they would not be molested in
+taking her from under the castle, they sailed towards her, but upon
+the fort firing two guns, they ran off for fear of more serious
+altercation, and returning, anchored in their former station. They
+were too welcome visitants to be permitted to depart, so long as
+John Trumpet could contrive to detain them. With this view he
+informed them, that in a few days a rich vessel, commanded by the
+Governor of Bombay's brother, was to pass that way.</p>
+<p>That government is certainly in a wretched state, which is under
+the necessity of trading with pirates, in order to enrich itself;
+nor will such a government hesitate by what means an injury can be
+repaired, or a fortune gained. Neither can language describe the
+low and base principles of a government which could employ such a
+miscreant as John Trumpet in its service. He was a tool in the
+hands of the government of Cochin; and, as the dog said in the
+fable, "What is done by the master's orders, is the master's
+action;" or, as the same sentiment is, perhaps, better expressed in
+the legal axiom; "Qui facit per alium facit per se."</p>
+<p>While under the direction of Trumpet, some proposed to proceed
+directly to Madagascar, but others were disposed to wait until they
+should be provided with a store ship. The majority being of the
+latter opinion, they steered to the south, and seeing a ship on
+shore were desirous to get near her, but the wind preventing, they
+separated, the one sailing northward and the other southward, in
+hopes of securing her when she should come out, whatever direction
+she might take. They were now, however, almost entrapped in the
+snare laid for them. In the morning, to their astonishment and
+consternation, instead of being called to give chase, five large
+ships were near, which made a signal for the pirates to bear down.
+The pirates were in the greatest dread lest it should be Captain
+Mackra, of whose activity and courage they had formerly sufficient
+proof. The pirate ships, however, joined and fled with all speed
+from the fleet. In three hours' chase none of the fleet gained upon
+them, except one grab. The remainder of the day was calm, and, to
+their great consolation, the next day this dreaded fleet was
+entirely out of sight.</p>
+<p>Their alarm being over, they resolved to spend the Christmas in
+feasting and mirth, in order to drown care, and to banish thought.
+Nor did one day suffice, but they continued their revelling for
+several days, and made so free with their fresh provisions, that in
+their next cruise they were put upon short allowance; and it was
+entirely owing to the sugar and other provisions that were in the
+leaky ship that they were preserved from absolute starvation.</p>
+<p>In this condition they reached the island of Mauritius, refitted
+the Victory, and left that place with the following inscription
+written upon one of the walls: "Left this place on the 5th of
+April, to go to Madagascar for Limos." This they did lest any visit
+should be paid to the place during their absence. They, however,
+did not sail directly for Madagascar, but the island of Mascarius,
+where they fortunately fell in with a Portuguese of seventy guns,
+lying at anchor. The greater part of her guns had been thrown
+overboard, her masts lost, and the whole vessel disabled by a
+storm; she therefore, became an easy prey to the pirates. Conde de
+Ericeira, Viceroy of Goa, who went upon the fruitless expedition
+against Angria the Indian, and several passengers, were on board.
+Besides other valuable articles and specie, they found in her
+diamonds to the amount of four millions of dollars. Supposing that
+the ship was an Englishman, the Viceroy came on board next morning,
+was made prisoner, and obliged to pay two thousand dollars as a
+ransom for himself and the other prisoners. After this he was sent
+ashore, with an express engagement to leave a ship to convey him
+and his companions to another port.</p>
+<p>Meanwhile, the pirates received intelligence that a vessel was
+to the leeward of the island, which they pursued and captured. But
+instead of performing their promise to the Viceroy, which they
+could easily have done, they sent the Ostender along with some of
+their men to Madagascar, to inform their friends of their success,
+with instructions to prepare masts for the prize; and they soon
+followed, carrying two thousand negroes in the Portuguese
+vessel.</p>
+<p>Madagascar is an island larger than Great Britain, situated upon
+the eastern coast of Africa, abounding with all sorts of
+provisions, such as oxen, goats, sheep, poultry, fish, citrons,
+oranges, tamarinds, dates, cocoa-nuts, bananas, wax, honey, rice,
+cotton, indigo, and all other fruits common in that quarter of the
+globe; ebony of which lances are made, gums of several kinds, and
+many other valuable productions. Here, in St. Augustine's bay, the
+ships sometimes stop to take in water, when they make the inner
+passage to India, and do not intend to stop at Johanna.</p>
+<p>When the Portuguese ship arrived there, they received
+intelligence that the Ostender had taken advantage of an hour when
+the men were intoxicated, had risen upon them, and carried the ship
+to Mozambique, from whence the governor ordered her to Goa.</p>
+<p>The pirates now divided their plunder, receiving forty-two
+diamonds per man, or in smaller proportion according to their
+magnitude. A foolish jocular fellow, who had received a large
+diamond of the value of forty-two, was highly displeased, and so
+went and broke it in pieces, exclaiming, that he had many more
+shares than either of them. Some, contended with their treasure,
+and unwilling to run the risk of losing what they possessed, and
+perhaps their lives also, resolved to remain with their friends at
+Madagascar, under the stipulation that the longest livers should
+enjoy all the booty. The number of adventurers being now lessened,
+they burned the Viceroy, cleaned the Cassandra, and the remainder
+went on board her under the command of Taylor, whom we must leave
+for a little while, in order to give an account of the squadron
+which arrived in India in 1721.</p>
+<p>When the commodore arrived at the Cape, he received a letter
+that had been written by the Governor of Pondicherry to the
+Governor of Madras, informing him that the pirates were strong in
+the Indian seas; that they had eleven sail, and fifteen hundred
+men; but adding, that many of them retired about that time to
+Brazil and Guinea, while others fortified themselves at Madagascar,
+Mauritius, Johanna, and Mohilla; and that a crew under the command
+of Condin, in a ship called the Dragon, had captured a vessel with
+thirteen lacks of rupees on board, and having divided their
+plunder, had taken up their residence with their friends at
+Madagascar.</p>
+<p>Upon receiving this intelligence, Commodore Matthews sailed for
+these islands, as the most probable place of success. He endeavored
+to prevail on England, at St. Mary's, to communicate to him what
+information he could give respecting the pirates; but England
+declined, thinking that this would be almost to surrender at
+discretion. He then took up the guns of the Jubilee sloop that were
+on board, and the men-of-war made several cruises in search of the
+pirates, but to no purpose. The squadron was then sent down to
+Bombay, was saluted by the fort, and after these exploits returned
+home.</p>
+<p>The pirate, Captain Taylor, in the Cassandra, now fitted up the
+Portuguese man-of-war, and resolved upon another voyage to the
+Indies; but, informed that four men-of-war had been sent after the
+pirates in that quarter, he changed his determination, and sailed
+for Africa. Arrived there, they put in a place near the river
+Spirito Sancto, on the coast of Monomotapa. As there was no
+correspondence by land, nor any trade carried on by sea to this
+place, they thought that it would afford a safe retreat. To their
+astonishment, however, when they approached the shore, it being in
+the dusk of the evening, they were accosted by several shot. They
+immediately anchored, and in the morning saw that the shot had come
+from a small fort of six guns, which they attacked and
+destroyed.</p>
+<p>This small fort was erected by the Dutch East India Company a
+few weeks before, and committed to the care of 150 men, the one
+half of whom had perished by sickness or other causes. Upon their
+petition, sixteen of these were admitted into the society of the
+pirates; and the rest would also have been received, had they not
+been Dutchmen, to whom they had a rooted aversion.</p>
+<p>In this place they continued during four months, refitting their
+vessels, and amusing themselves with all manner of diversions,
+until the scarcity of their provisions awakened them to industry
+and exertion. They, however, left several parcels of goods to the
+starving Dutchmen, which Mynheer joyfully exchanged for provisions
+with the next vessel that touched at that fort.</p>
+<p>Leaving that place, they were divided in opinion what course to
+steer; some went on board the Portuguese prize, and, sailing for
+Madagascar, abandoned the pirate life; and others going on board
+the Cassandra, sailed for the Spanish West Indies. The Mermaid
+man-of-war, returning from a convoy, got near the pirates, and
+would have attacked them, but a consultation being held, it was
+deemed inexpedient, and thus the pirates escaped. A sloop was,
+however, dispatched to Jamaica with the intelligence, and the
+Lancaster was sent after them; but they were some days too late,
+the pirates having, with all their riches, surrendered to the
+Governor of Portobello.</p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="ACCOUNT_OF_THE_LYNN_PIRATES"></a>
+<h2>ACCOUNT OF THE LYNN PIRATES</h2>
+<i>And Thomas Veal, who was buried in his cave by the Great
+Earthquake</i>.
+<p>In the year 1658 there was a great earthquake in New-England.
+Some time previous, on one pleasant evening, a little after sunset,
+a small vessel was seen to anchor near the mouth of Saugus river. A
+boat was presently lowered from her side, into which four men
+descended, and moved up the river a considerable distance, when
+they landed, and proceeded directly into the woods. They had been
+noticed by only a few individuals; but in those early times, when
+the people were surrounded by danger, and easily susceptible of
+alarm, such an incident was well calculated to awaken suspicion,
+and in the course of the evening the intelligence was conveyed to
+many houses. In the morning, the people naturally directed their
+eyes toward the shore, in search of the strange vessel--but she was
+gone, and no trace could be found either of her or her singular
+crew. It was afterwards ascertained that, on the morning one of the
+men at the Iron Works, on going into the foundry, discovered a
+paper, on which was written, that if a quantity of shackles,
+handcuffs, hatchets, and other articles of iron manufacture, were
+made and deposited, with secrecy, in a certain place in the woods,
+which was particularly designated, an amount of silver, to their
+full value, would be found in their place. The articles were made
+in a few days, and placed in conformity with the directions. On the
+next morning they were gone, and the money was found according to
+the promise; but though a watch had been kept, no vessel was seen.
+Some months afterwards, the four men returned, and selected one of
+the most secluded and romantic spots in the woods of Saugus, for
+their abode. The place of their retreat was a deep narrow valley,
+shut in on two sides by craggy, precipitous rocks, and shrouded on
+the others by thick pines, hemlocks and cedars, between which there
+was only one small spot, to which the rays of the sun at noon could
+penetrate. On climbing up the rude and almost perpendicular steps
+of the rock on either side, the eye could command a full view of
+the bay on the south, and a prospect of a considerable portion of
+the surrounding country. The place of their retreat has ever since
+been called the Pirates' Glen, and they could not have selected a
+spot on the coast for many miles, more favorable for the purposes
+both of concealment and observation. Even at this day, when the
+neighborhood has become thickly peopled, it is still a lonely and
+desolate place, and probably not one in a hundred of the
+inhabitants has ever descended into its silent and gloomy recess.
+There the pirates built a small hut, made a garden, and dug a well,
+the appearance of which is still visible. It has been supposed that
+they buried money; but though people have dug there, and in many
+other places, none has ever been found. After residing there some
+time, their retreat became known, and one of the king's cruizers
+appeared on the coast. They were traced to their glen, and three of
+them were taken, and carried to England, where it is probable they
+were executed. The other, whose name was Thomas Veal, escaped to a
+rock in the woods, about two miles to the north, in which was a
+spacious cavern, where the pirates had previously deposited some of
+their plunder. There the fugitive fixed his residence, and
+practised the trade of a shoemaker, occasionally coming down to the
+village to obtain articles of sustenance. He continued his
+residence till the great earthquake in 1658, when the top of the
+rock was loosened, and crushed down into the mouth of the cavern,
+enclosing the unfortunate inmate in its unyielding prison. It has
+ever since been called the Pirate's Dungeon. A part of the cavern
+is still open, and is much visited by the curious.</p>
+<p>This rock is situated on a lofty range of thickly wooded hills,
+and commands an extensive view of the ocean, for fifty miles both
+north and south. A view from the top of it, at once convinces the
+beholder that it would be impossible to select a place more
+convenient for the haunt of a gang of pirates; as all vessels bound
+in and out of the harbors of Boston, Salem, and the adjacent ports,
+can be distinctly seen from its summit. Saugus river meanders among
+the hills a short distance to the south, and its numerous creeks
+which extend among thick bushes, would afford good places to
+secrete boats, until such time as the pirates descried a sail, when
+they could instantly row down the river, attack and plunder them,
+and with their booty return to the cavern. This was evidently their
+mode of procedure. On an open space in front of the rock are still
+to be seen distinct traces of a small garden spot, and in the
+corner is a small well, full of stones and rubbish; the foundation
+of the wall round the garden remains, and shows that the spot was
+of a triangular shape, and was well selected for the cultivation of
+potatoes and common vegetables. The aperture in the rock is only
+about five feet in height, and extends only fifteen feet into the
+rock. The needle is strongly attracted around this, either by the
+presence of magnetic iron ore or some metallic substance buried in
+the interior.</p>
+<p>The Pirates' Glen, which is some distance from this, is one of
+Nature's wildest and most picturesque spots, and the cellar of the
+pirate's hut remains to the present time, as does a clear space,
+which was evidently cultivated at some remote period.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/290.jpg" alt=
+"The Dungeon Rock and Pirate's Cave, at Lynn, Mass." height="338"
+width="568"></center>
+<h4><i>The Dungeon Rock and Pirate's Cave, at Lynn, Mass.</i></h4>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="HISTORY_OF_THE_LADRONE_PIRATES"></a>
+<h2>HISTORY OF THE LADRONE PIRATES</h2>
+<i>And their Depredations on the Coast of China: with an Account of
+the Enterprises and Victories of Mistress Ching, a Female
+Pirate</i>.
+<p>The Ladrones as they were christened by the Portuguese at Macao,
+were originally a disaffected set of Chinese, that revolted against
+the oppression of the Mandarins. The first scene of their
+depredations was the Western coast, about Cochin China, where they
+began by attacking small trading vessels in row boats, carrying
+from thirty to forty men each. They continued this system of
+piracy, and thrived and increased in numbers under it, for several
+years. At length the fame of their success, and the oppression and
+horrid poverty and want that many of the lower orders of Chinese
+labored under, had the effect of augmenting their bands with
+astonishing rapidity. Fishermen and other destitute classes flocked
+by hundreds to their standard, and their audacity growing with
+their numbers, they not merely swept the coast, but blockaded all
+the rivers and attacked and took several large government war
+junks, mounting from ten to fifteen guns each.--These junks being
+added to their shoals of boats, the pirates formed a tremendous
+fleet, which was always along shore, so that no small vessel could
+safely trade on the coast. When they lacked prey on the sea, they
+laid the land under tribute. They were at first accustomed to go on
+shore and attack the maritime villages, but becoming bolder, like
+the Buccaneers, made long inland journeys, and surprised and
+plundered even large towns.</p>
+<p>An energetic attempt made by the Chinese government to destroy
+them, only increased their strength; for in their first encounter
+with the pirates, twenty-eight of the Imperial junks struck, and
+the remaining twelve saved themselves, by a precipitate
+retreat.</p>
+<p>The captured junks, fully equipped for war, were a great
+acquisition to the robbers, whose numbers now increased more
+rapidly than ever. They were in their plenitude of power in the
+year 1809, when Mr. Glasspoole had the misfortune to fall into
+their hands, at which time that gentleman supposed their force to
+consist of 70,000 men, navigating eight hundred large vessels, and
+one thousand small ones, including row boats. They were divided
+into six large squadrons, under different flags;--the red, the
+yellow, the green, the blue, the black and the white. "These wasps
+of the Ocean," as a Chinese historian calls them, were further
+distinguished by the names of their respective commanders: by these
+commanders a certain <i>Ching-yih</i> had been the most
+distinguished by his valor and conduct. By degrees, Ching obtained
+almost a supremacy of command over the whole united fleet; and so
+confident was this robber in his strength and daily augmenting
+means, that he aspired to the dignity of a king, and went so far as
+openly to declare his patriotic intention of hurling the present
+Tartar family from the throne of China, and of restoring the
+ancient Chinese dynasty. But unfortunately for the ambitious
+pirate, he perished in a heavy gale, and instead of placing a
+sovereign on the Chinese throne, he and his lofty aspirations were
+buried in the yellow sea. And now comes the most remarkable passage
+in the history of these pirates--remarkable with any class of men,
+but doubly so among the Chinese, who entertain more than the
+general oriental opinion of the inferiority of the fair sex. On the
+death of <i>Ching-yih,</i> his legitimate wife had sufficient
+influence over the freebooters to induce them to recognize her
+authority in the place of her deceased husband's, and she appointed
+one <i>Paou</i> as her lieutenant and prime minister, and provided
+that she should be considered the mistress or commander-in-chief of
+the united squadrons.</p>
+<p>This <i>Paou</i> had been a poor fisher-boy, picked up with his
+father at sea, while fishing, by <i>Ching-yih,</i> whose good will
+and favor he had the fortune to captivate, and by whom, before that
+pirate's death, he had been made a captain. Instead of declining
+under the rule of a woman, the pirates became more enterprising
+than ever. Ching's widow was clever as well as brave, and so was
+her lieutenant Paou. Between them they drew up a code of law for
+the better regulation of the freebooters.</p>
+<p>In this it was decreed, that if any man went privately on shore,
+or did what they called "transgressing the bars," he should have
+his ears slit in the presence of the whole fleet; a repetition of
+the same unlawful act, was death! No one article, however trifling
+in value, was to be privately subtracted from the booty or
+plundered goods. Every thing they took was regularly entered on the
+register of their stores. The following clause of Mistress
+<i>Ching's</i> code is still more delicate. No person shall debauch
+at his pleasure captive women, taken in the villages and open
+places, and brought on board a ship; he must first request the
+ship's purser for permission, and then go aside in the ship's hold.
+To use violence, against any woman, or to wed her, without
+permission, shall be punished with death.</p>
+<p>By these means an admirable discipline was maintained on board
+the ships, and the peasantry on shore never let the pirates want
+for gunpowder, provisions, or any other necessary. On a piratical
+expedition, either to advance or retreat without orders, was a
+capital offence. Under these philosophical institutions, and the
+guidance of a woman, the robbers continued to scour the China sea,
+plundering every vessel they came near. The Great War Mandarin,
+Kwolang-lin sailed from the Bocca Tigris into the sea to fight the
+pirates. Paou gave him a tremendous drubbing, and gained a splendid
+victory. In this battle which lasted from morning to night, the
+Mandarin Kwolang-lin, a desperate fellow himself, levelled a gun at
+Paou, who fell on the deck as the piece went off; his disheartened
+crew concluded it was all over with him. But Paou was quick eyed.
+He had seen the unfriendly intention of the mandarin, and thrown
+himself down. The Great Mandarin was soon after taken with fifteen
+junks; three were sunk. The pirate lieutenant would have dealt
+mercifully with him, but the fierce old man suddenly seized him by
+the hair on the crown of his head, and grinned at him, so that he
+might provoke him to slay him. But even then Paou spoke kindly to
+him. Upon this he committed suicide, being seventy years of
+age.</p>
+<p>After several victories and reverses, the Chinese historian says
+our men-of-war escorting some merchant ships, happened to meet the
+pirate chief nicknamed "The Jewel of the Crew" cruising at sea. The
+traders became exceedingly frightened, but our commander
+said,--This not being the flag of the widow Ching-yih, we are a
+match for them, therefore we will attack and conquer them. Then
+ensued a battle; they attacked each other with guns and stones, and
+many people were killed and wounded. The fighting ceased towards
+evening, and began again next morning. The pirates and the
+men-of-war were very close to each other, and they boasted mutually
+about their strength and valor. The traders remained at some
+distance; they saw the pirates mixing gunpowder in their
+beverage,--they looked instantly red about the face and the eyes,
+and then fought desperately. This fighting continued three days and
+nights incessantly; at last, becoming tired on both sides, they
+separated.</p>
+<p>To understand this inglorious bulletin, the reader must remember
+that many of the combatants only handled bows and arrows, and
+pelted stones, and that Chinese powder and guns are both
+exceedingly bad. The pathos of the conclusion does somewhat remind
+one of the Irishman's despatch during the American war,--"It was a
+bloody battle while it lasted; and the searjent of marines lost his
+cartouche box."</p>
+<p>The Admiral Ting River was sent to sea against them. This man
+was surprised at anchor by the ever vigilant Paou, to whom many
+fishermen and other people on the coast, must have acted as
+friendly spies. Seeing escape impossible, and that his officers
+stood pale and inactive by the flag-staff, the Admiral conjured
+them, by their fathers and mothers, their wives and children, and
+by the hopes of brilliant reward if they succeeded, and of
+vengeance if they perished, to do their duty, and the combat began.
+The Admiral had the good fortune, at the onset, of killing with one
+of his great guns the pirate captain, "The Jewel of the Crew." But
+the robbers swarmed thicker and thicker around him, and when the
+dreaded Paou lay him by the board, without help or hope, the
+Mandarin killed himself. An immense number of his men perished in
+the sea, and twenty-five vessels were lost. After his defeat, it
+was resolved by the Chinese Government to cut off all their
+supplies of food, and starve them out. All vessels that were in
+port were ordered to remain there, and those at sea, or on the
+coast ordered to return with all speed. But the pirates, full of
+confidence, now resolved to attack the harbors themselves, and to
+ascend the rivers, which are navigable for many miles up the
+country, and rob the villages. The consternation was great when the
+Chinese saw them venturing above the government forts.</p>
+<p>The pirates separated: Mistress Ching plundering in one place,
+Paou in another, and O-po-tae in another, &amp;c.</p>
+<p>It was at this time that Mr. Glasspoole had the ill fortune to
+fall into their power. This gentlemen, then an officer in the East
+India Company's ship the Marquis of Ely, which was anchored under
+an island about twelve miles from Macao, was ordered to proceed to
+the latter place with a boat to procure a pilot. He left the ship
+in one of the cutters, with seven British seamen well armed, on the
+17th September, 1809. He reached Macao in safety, and having done
+his business there and procured a pilot, returned towards the ship
+the following day. But, unfortunately, the ship had weighed anchor
+and was under sail, and in consequence of squally weather,
+accompanied with thick fogs, the boat could not reach her, and Mr.
+Glasspoole and his men and the pilot were left at sea, in an open
+boat. "Our situation," says that gentleman, "was truly
+distressing--night closing fast, with a threatening appearance,
+blowing fresh, with a hard rain and a heavy sea; our boat very
+leaky, without a compass, anchor, or provisions, and drifting fast
+on a lee-shore, surrounded with dangerous rocks, and inhabited by
+the most barbarous pirates."</p>
+<p>After suffering dreadfully for three whole days, Mr. Glasspoole,
+by the advice of the pilot, made for a narrow channel, where he
+presently discovered three large boats at anchor, which, on seeing
+the English boat, weighed and made sail towards it. The pilot told
+Mr. Glasspoole they were Ladrones, and that if they captured the
+boat, they would certainly put them all to death! After rowing
+tremendously for six hours they escaped these boats, but on the
+following morning falling in with a large fleet of the pirates,
+which the English mistook for fishing-boats, they were
+captured.</p>
+<p>"About twenty savage-looking villains," says Mr. Glasspoole,
+"who were stowed at the bottom of the boat, leaped on board us.
+They were armed with a short sword in either hand, one of which
+they layed upon our necks, and pointed the other to our breasts,
+keeping their eyes fixed on their officer, waiting his signal to
+cut or desist. Seeing we were incapable of making any resistance,
+the officer sheathed his sword, and the others immediately followed
+his example. They then dragged us into their boat, and carried us
+on board one of their junks, with the most savage demonstrations of
+joy, and, as we supposed, to torture and put us to a cruel
+death."</p>
+<p>When on board the junk they rifled the Englishmen, and brought
+heavy chains to chain them to the deck.</p>
+<p>"At this time a boat came, and took me, with one of my men and
+an interpreter, on board the chief's vessel. I was then taken
+before the chief. He was seated on deck, in a large chair, dressed
+in purple silk, with a black turban on. He appeared to be about
+thirty years of age, a stout commanding-looking man. He took me by
+the coat, and drew me close to him; then questioned the interpreter
+very strictly, asking who we were, and what was our business in
+that part of the country. I told him to say we were Englishmen in
+distress, having been four days at sea without provisions. This he
+would not credit, but said we were bad men, and that he would put
+us all to death; and then ordered some men to put the interpreter
+to the torture until he confessed the truth. Upon this occasion, a
+Ladrone, who had been once to England and spoke a few words of
+English, came to the chief, and told him we were really Englishmen,
+and that we had plenty of money, adding that the buttons on my coat
+were gold. The chief then ordered us some coarse brown rice, of
+which we made a tolerable meal, having eaten nothing for nearly
+four days, except a few green oranges. During our repast, a number
+of Ladrones crowded round us, examining our clothes and hair, and
+giving us every possible annoyance. Several of them brought swords,
+and laid them on our necks, making signs that they would soon take
+us on shore, and cut us in pieces, which I am sorry to say was the
+fate of some hundreds during my captivity. I was now summoned
+before the chief, who had been conversing with the interpreter: he
+said I must write to my captain, and tell him, if he did not send
+an hundred thousand dollars for our ransom, in ten days he would
+put us all to death."</p>
+<p>After vainly expostulating to lessen the ransom, Mr. Glasspoole
+wrote the letter, and a small boat came alongside and took it to
+Macao.</p>
+<p>Early in the night the fleet sailed, and anchored about one
+o'clock the following day in a bay under the island of Lantow,
+where the head admiral of Ladrones (our acquaintance Paou) was
+lying at anchor, with about two hundred vessels and a Portuguese
+brig they had captured a few days before, and the captain and part
+of the crew of which they had murdered. Early the next morning, a
+fishing-boat came to inquire if they had captured an European boat;
+they came to the vessel the English were in.</p>
+<p>"One of the boatmen spoke a few words of English, and told me he
+had a Ladrone-pass, and was sent by our captain in search of us; I
+was rather surprised to find he had no letter. He appeared to be
+well acquainted with the chief, and remained in his cabin smoking
+opium, and playing cards all the day. In the evening I was summoned
+with the interpreter before the chief. He questioned us in a much
+milder tone, saying, he now believed we were Englishmen, a people
+he wished to be friendly with; and that if our captain would lend
+him seventy thousand dollars till he returned from his cruise up
+the river, he would repay him, and send us all to Macao. I assured
+him it was useless writing on these terms, and unless our ransom
+was speedily settled, the English fleet would sail, and render our
+enlargement altogether ineffectual. He remained determined, and
+said if it were not sent, he would keep us, and make us fight, or
+put us to death. I accordingly wrote, and gave my letter to the man
+belonging to the boat before mentioned. He said he could not return
+with an answer in less than five days. The chief now gave me the
+letter I wrote when first taken. I have never been able to
+ascertain his reasons for detaining it, but suppose he dared not
+negociate for our ransom without orders from the head admiral, who
+I understood was sorry at our being captured. He said the English
+ships would join the Mandarins and attack them."</p>
+<p>While the fleet lay here, one night the Portuguese who were left
+in the captured brig murdered the Ladrones that were on board of
+her, cut the cables, and fortunately escaped through the darkness
+of the night.</p>
+<p>"At day-light the next morning, the fleet, amounting to above
+five hundred sail of different sizes, weighed, to proceed on their
+intended cruise up the rivers, to levy contributions on the towns
+and villages. It is impossible to describe what were my feelings at
+this critical time, having received no answers to my letters, and
+the fleet under-way to sail--hundreds of miles up a country never
+visited by Europeans, there to remain probably for many months,
+which would render all opportunities for negotiating for our
+enlargement totally ineffectual; as the only method of
+communication is by boats that have a pass from the Ladrones, and
+they dare not venture above twenty miles from Macao, being obliged
+to come and go in the night, to avoid the Mandarins; and if these
+boats should be detected in having any intercourse with the
+Ladrones, they are immediately put to death, and all their
+relations, though they had not joined in the crime, share in the
+punishment, in order that not a single person of their families
+should be left to imitate their crimes or avenge their death."</p>
+<p>The following is a very touching incident in Mr. Glasspoole's
+narrative.</p>
+<p>"Wednesday the 26th of September, at day-light, we passed in
+sight of our own ships, at anchor under the island of Chun Po. The
+chief then called me, pointed to the ships, and told the
+interpreter to tell us to look at them, for we should never see
+them again! About noon we entered a river to the westward of the
+Bogue. Three or four miles from the entrance we passed a large town
+situated on the side of a beautiful hill, which is tributary to the
+Ladrones; the inhabitants saluted them with songs as they
+passed."</p>
+<p>After committing numerous minor robberies, "The Ladrones now
+prepared to attack a town with a formidable force, collected in
+row-boats from the different vessels. They sent a messenger to the
+town, demanding a tribute of ten thousand dollars annually, saying,
+if these terms were not complied with, they would land, destroy the
+town, and murder all the inhabitants: which they would certainly
+have done, had the town laid in a more advantageous situation for
+their purpose; but being placed out of the reach of their shot,
+they allowed them to come to terms. The inhabitants agreed to pay
+six thousand dollars, which they were to collect by the time of our
+return down the river. This finesse had the desired effect, for
+during our absence they mounted a few guns on a hill, which
+commanded the passage, and gave us in lieu of the dollars, a warm
+salute on our return.</p>
+<p>"October the 1st, the fleet weighed in the night, dropped by the
+tide up the river, and anchored very quietly before a town
+surrounded by a thick wood. Early in the morning the Ladrones
+assembled in row-boats, and landed; then gave a shout, and rushed
+into the town, sword in hand. The inhabitants fled to the adjacent
+hills, in numbers apparently superior to the Ladrones. We may
+easily imagine to ourselves the horror with which these miserable
+people must be seized, on being obliged to leave their homes, and
+everything dear to them. It was a most melancholy sight to see
+women in tears, clasping their infants in their arms, and imploring
+mercy for them from those brutal robbers! The old and the sick, who
+were unable to fly, or make resistance, were either made prisoners
+or most inhumanly butchered! The boats continued passing and
+repassing from the junks to the shore, in quick succession, laden
+with booty, and the men besmeared with blood! Two hundred and fifty
+women and several children, were made prisoners, and sent on board
+different vessels. They were unable to escape with the men, owing
+to that abominable practice of cramping their feet; several of them
+were not able to move without assistance. In fact, they might all
+be said to totter, rather than walk. Twenty of these poor women
+were sent on board the vessel I was in; they were hauled on board
+by the hair, and treated in a most savage manner. When the chief
+came on board, he questioned them respecting the circumstances of
+their friends, and demanded ransoms accordingly, from six thousand
+to six hundred dollars each. He ordered them a berth on deck, at
+the after part of the vessel, where they had nothing to shelter
+them from the weather, which at this time was very variable--the
+days excessively hot, and the nights cold, with heavy rains. The
+town being plundered of everything valuable, it was set on fire,
+and reduced to ashes by the morning. The fleet remained here three
+days, negotiating for the ransom of the prisoners, and plundering
+the fish-tanks and gardens. During all this time, the Chinese never
+ventured from the hills, though there were frequently not more than
+a hundred Ladrones on shore at a time, and I am sure the people on
+the hills exceeded ten times that number.</p>
+<p>"On the 10th we formed a junction with the Black-squadron, and
+proceeded many miles up a wide and beautiful river, passing several
+ruins of villages that had been destroyed by the Black-squadron. On
+the 17th, the fleet anchored abreast four mud batteries, which
+defended a town, so entirely surrounded with wood, that it was
+impossible to form any idea of its size. The weather was very hazy,
+with hard squalls of rain. The Ladrones remained perfectly quiet
+for two days. On the third day the forts commenced a brisk fire for
+several hours: the Ladrones did not return a single shot, but
+weighed in the night and dropped down the river. The reasons they
+gave for not attacking the town, or returning the fire, were, that
+Joss had not promised them success. They are very superstitious,
+and consult their idol on all occasions. If his omens are good,
+they will undertake the most daring enterprises. The fleet now
+anchored opposite the ruins of the town where the women had been
+made prisoners. Here we remained five or six days, during which
+time about an hundred of the women were ransomed; the remainder
+were offered for sale amongst the Ladrones, for forty dollars each.
+The woman is considered the lawful wife of the purchaser, who would
+be put to death if he discarded her. Several of them leaped
+overboard and drowned themselves, rather than submit to such
+infamous degradation.</p>
+<p>"Mei-ying, the wife of Ke-choo-yang, was very beautiful, and a
+pirate being about to seize her by the head, she abused him
+exceedingly. The pirate bound her to the yard-arm; but on abusing
+him yet more, the pirate dragged her down and broke two of her
+teeth, which filled her mouth and jaws with blood. The pirate
+sprang up again to bind her. Ying allowed him to approach, but as
+soon as he came near her, she laid hold of his garments with her
+bleeding mouth, and threw both him and herself into the river,
+where they were drowned. The remaining captives of both sexes were
+after some months liberated, on having paid a ransom of fifteen
+thousand leang or ounces of silver.</p>
+<p>"The fleet then weighed," continues Mr. Glasspoole, "and made
+sail down the river, to receive the ransom from the town
+before-mentioned. As we passed the hill, they fired several shot at
+us, but without effect. The Ladrones were much exasperated, and
+determined to revenge themselves; they dropped out of reach of
+their shot, and anchored. Every junk sent about a hundred men each
+on shore, to cut paddy, and destroy their orange-groves, which was
+most effectually performed for several miles down the river. During
+our stay here, they received information of nine boats lying up a
+creek, laden with paddy; boats were immediately despatched after
+them. Next morning these boats were brought to the fleet; ten or
+twelve men were taken in them. As these had made no resistance, the
+chief said he would allow them to become Ladrones, if they agreed
+to take the usual oaths before Joss. Three or four of them refused
+to comply, for which they were punished in the following cruel
+manner: their hands were tied behind their backs, a rope from the
+masthead rove through their arms, and hoisted three or four feet
+from the deck, and five or six men flogged them with their rattans
+twisted together till they were apparently dead; then hoisted them
+up to the mast-head, and left them hanging nearly an hour, then
+lowered them down, and repeated the punishment, till they died or
+complied with the oath.</p>
+<p>"On the 28th of October, I received a letter from Captain Kay,
+brought by a fisherman, who had told him he would get us all back
+for three thousand dollars. He advised me to offer three thousand,
+and if not accepted, extend it to four; but not farther, as it was
+bad policy to offer much at first: at the same time assuring me we
+should be liberated, let the ransom be what it would. I offered the
+chief the three thousand, which he disdainfully refused, saying he
+was not to be played with; and unless they sent ten thousand
+dollars, and two large guns, with several casks of gunpowder, he
+would soon put us to death. I wrote to Captain Kay, and informed
+him of the chief's determination, requesting, if an opportunity
+offered, to send us a shift of clothes, for which it may be easily
+imagined we were much distressed, having been seven weeks without a
+shift; although constantly exposed to the weather, and of course
+frequently wet.</p>
+<p>"On the first of November, the fleet sailed up a narrow river,
+and anchored at night within two miles of a town called Little
+Whampoa. In front of it was a small fort, and several Mandarin
+vessels lying in the harbor. The chief sent the interpreter to me,
+saying, I must order my men to make cartridges and clean their
+muskets, ready to go on shore in the morning. I assured the
+interpreter I should give the men no such orders, that they must
+please themselves. Soon after the chief came on board, threatening
+to put us all to a cruel death if we refused to obey his orders.
+For my own part I remained determined, and advised the men not to
+comply, as I thought by making ourselves useful we should be
+accounted too valuable. A few hours afterwards he sent to me again,
+saying, that if myself and the quarter-master would assist them at
+the great guns, that if also the rest of the men went on shore and
+succeeded in taking the place, he would then take the money offered
+for our ransom, and give them twenty dollars for every Chinaman's
+head they cut off. To these proposals we cheerfully acceded, in
+hopes of facilitating our deliverance.</p>
+<p>"The Mandarin vessels continued firing, having blocked up the
+entrance of the harbor to prevent the Ladrone boats entering. At
+this the Ladrones were much exasperated, and about three hundred of
+them swam on shore, with a short sword lashed close under each arm;
+they then ran along the banks of the river till they came abreast
+of the vessels, and then swam off again and boarded them. The
+Chinese thus attacked, leaped overboard, and endeavored to reach
+the opposite shore; the Ladrones followed, and cut the greater
+number of them to pieces in the water. They next towed the vessels
+out of the harbor, and attacked the town with increased fury. The
+inhabitants fought about a quarter of an hour, and then retreated
+to an adjacent hill, from which they were soon driven with great
+slaughter. After this the Ladrones returned, and plundered the
+town, every boat leaving it with lading. The Chinese on the hills
+perceiving most of the boats were off, rallied, and retook the
+town, after killing near two hundred Ladrones. One of my men was
+unfortunately lost in this dreadful massacre! The Ladrones landed a
+second time, drove the Chinese out of the town, then reduced it to
+ashes, and put all their prisoners to death, without regarding
+either age or sex! I must not omit to mention a most horrid (though
+ludicrous) circumstance which happened at this place. The Ladrones
+were paid by their chief ten dollars for every Chinaman's head they
+produced. One of my men turning the corner of a street was met by a
+Ladrone running furiously after a Chinese; he had a drawn sword in
+his hand, and two Chinaman's heads which he had cut off, tied by
+their tails, and slung round his neck. I was witness myself to some
+of them producing five or six to obtain payment!</p>
+<p>"On the 4th of November an order arrived from the admiral for the
+fleet to proceed immediately to Lantow, where he was lying with
+only two vessels, and three Portuguese ships and a brig constantly
+annoying him; several sail of Mandarin vessels were daily expected.
+The fleet weighed and proceeded towards Lantow. On passing the
+island of Lintin, three ships and a brig gave chase to us. The
+Ladrones prepared to board; but night closing we lost sight of
+them: I am convinced they altered their course and stood from us.
+These vessels were in the pay of the Chinese Government, and styled
+themselves the Invincible Squadron, cruising in the river Tigris to
+annihilate the Ladrones!</p>
+<p>"On the fifth, in the morning, the red squadron anchored in a bay
+under Lantow; the black squadron stood to the eastward. In the
+afternoon of the 8th of November, four ships, a brig, and a
+schooner came off the mouth of the bay. At first the pirates were
+much alarmed, supposing them to be English vessels come to rescue
+us. Some of them threatened to hang us to the mast-head for them to
+fire at; and with much difficulty we persuaded them that they were
+Portuguese. The Ladrones had only seven junks in a fit state for
+action; these they hauled outside, and moored them head and stern
+across the bay, and manned all the boats belonging to the repairing
+vessels ready for boarding. The Portuguese observing these
+manoeuvres hove to, and communicated by boats. Soon afterwards they
+made sail, each ship firing her broadside as she passed, but
+without effect, the shot falling far short. The Ladrones did not
+return a single shot, but waved their colors, and threw up rockets,
+to induce them to come further in, which they might easily have
+done, the outside junks lying in four fathoms water, which I
+sounded myself: though the Portuguese in their letters to Macao
+lamented there was not sufficient water for them to engage closer,
+but that they would certainly prevent their escaping before the
+Mandarin fleet arrived!<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/306.jpg" alt=
+"A Ladrone Pirate, cutting off the Heads of the Chinese" height=
+"410" width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>A Ladrone Pirate, cutting off the Heads of the
+Chinese.</i></h4>
+"On the 20th of November, early in the morning, discovered an
+immense fleet of Mandarin vessels standing for the bay. On nearing
+us, they formed a line, and stood close in; each vessel, as she
+discharged her guns, tacked to join the rear and reload. They kept
+up a constant fire for about two hours, when one of their largest
+vessels was blown up by a firebrand thrown from a Ladrone junk;
+after which they kept at a more respectful distance, but continued
+firing without intermission till the 21st at night, when it fell
+calm. The Ladrones towed out seven large vessels, with about two
+hundred row-boats to board them: but a breeze springing up, they
+made sail and escaped. The Ladrones returned into the bay, and
+anchored. The Portuguese and Mandarins followed, and continued a
+heavy cannonading during that night and the next day. The vessel I
+was in had her foremast shot away, which they supplied very
+expeditiously by taking a mainmast from a smaller vessel.
+<p>On the 23d, in the evening, it again fell calm; the Ladrones
+towed out fifteen junks in two divisions, with the intention of
+surrounding them, which was nearly effected, having come up with
+and boarded one, when a breeze suddenly sprang up. The captured
+vessel mounted twenty-two guns. Most of her crew leaped overboard;
+sixty or seventy were taken, immediately cut to pieces, and thrown
+into the river. Early in the morning the Ladrones returned into the
+bay, and anchored in the same situation as before. The Portuguese
+and Mandarins followed, keeping up a constant fire. The Ladrones
+never returned a single shot, but always kept in readiness to
+board, and the Portuguese were careful never to allow them an
+opportunity.</p>
+<p>"On the 28th, at night they sent eight fire-vessels, which, if
+properly constructed, must have done great execution, having every
+advantage they could wish for to effect their purpose; a strong
+breeze and tide directed into the bay, and the vessels lying so
+close together, that it was impossible to miss them. On their first
+appearance, the Ladrones gave a general shout, supposing them to be
+Mandarin vessels on fire, but were very soon convinced of their
+mistake. They came very regularly into the centre of the fleet, two
+and two, burning furiously; one of them came alongside of the
+vessel I was in, but they succeeded in booming her off. She
+appeared to be a vessel of about thirty tons; her hold was filled
+with straw and wood, and there were a few small boxes of
+combustibles on her deck, which exploded alongside of us without
+doing any damage. The Ladrones, however, towed them all on shore,
+extinguished the fire, and broke them up for firewood. The
+Portuguese claim the credit of constructing these destructive
+machines, and actually sent a despatch to the Governor of Macao,
+saying they had destroyed at least one-third of the Ladrone's
+fleet, and hoped soon to effect their purpose by totally
+annihilating them!</p>
+<p>"On the 29th of November, the Ladrones being all ready for sea,
+they weighed and stood boldly out, bidding defiance to the
+invincible squadron and imperial fleet, consisting of ninety-three
+war-junks, six Portuguese ships, a brig, and a schooner.
+Immediately after the Ladrones weighed, they made all sail. The
+Ladrones chased them two or three hours, keeping up a constant
+fire; finding they did not come up with them, they hauled their
+wind, and stood to the eastward. Thus terminated the boasted
+blockade, which lasted nine days, during which time the Ladrones
+completed all their repairs. In this action not a single Ladrone
+vessel was destroyed, and their loss was about thirty or forty men.
+An American was also killed, one of three that remained out of
+eight taken in a schooner. I had two very narrow escapes: the
+first, a twelve pounder shot fell within three or four feet of me;
+another took a piece out of a small brass-swivel on which I was
+standing. The chief's wife frequently sprinkled me with
+garlick-water, which they considered an effectual charm against
+shot. The fleet continued under sail all night, steering towards
+the eastward. In the morning they anchored in a large bay
+surrounded by lofty and barren mountains. On the 2d of December I
+received a letter from Lieutenant Maughn, commander of the
+Honorable Company's cruiser Antelope, saying that he had the ransom
+on board, and had been three days cruising after us, and wished me
+to settle with the chief on the securest method of delivering it.
+The chief agreed to send us in a small gun-boat till we came within
+sight of the Antelope; then the compradore's boat was to bring the
+ransom and receive us. I was so agitated at receiving this joyful
+news, that it was with difficulty I could scrawl about two or three
+lines to inform Lieutenant Maughn of the arrangements I had made.
+We were all so deeply affected by the gratifying tidings, that we
+seldom closed our eyes, but continued watching day and night for
+the boat.</p>
+<p>"On the 6th she returned with Lieutenant Maughn's answer, saying,
+he would respect any single boat; but would not allow the fleet to
+approach him. The chief, then, according to his first proposal,
+ordered a gun-boat to take us, and with no small degree of pleasure
+we left the Ladrone fleet about four o'clock in the afternoon. At
+one P.M. saw the Antelope under all sail, standing towards us. The
+Ladrone boat immediately anchored, and dispatched the compradore's
+boat for the ransom, saying, that if she approached nearer they
+would return to the fleet; and they were just weighing when she
+shortened sail, and anchored about two miles from us. The boat did
+not reach her till late in the afternoon, owing to the tide's being
+strong against her. She received the ransom and left the Antelope
+just before dark. A Mandarin boat that had been lying concealed
+under the land, and watching their manoeuvres, gave chace to her,
+and was within a few fathoms of taking her, when she saw a light,
+which the Ladrones answered, and the Mandarin hauled off. Our
+situation was now a critical one; the ransom was in the hands of
+the Ladrones, and the compradore dare not return with us for fear
+of a second attack from the Mandarin boat. The Ladrones would not
+wait till morning, so we were obliged to return with them to the
+fleet. In the morning the chief inspected the ransom, which
+consisted of the following articles: two bales of superfine cloth;
+two chests of opium; two casks of gunpowder, and a telescope; the
+rest in dollars. He objected to the telescope not being new; and
+said he should detain one of us till another was sent, or a hundred
+dollars in lieu of it. The compradore, however, agreed with him for
+the hundred dollars. Every thing being at length settled, the chief
+ordered two gun-boats to convey us near the Antelope; we saw her
+just before dusk, when the Ladrone boats left us. We had the
+inexpressible pleasure of arriving on board the Antelope at seven,
+P.M., where we were most cordially received, and heartily
+congratulated on our safe and happy deliverance from a miserable
+captivity, which we had endured for eleven weeks and three
+days.</p>
+<p>(Signed) "RICHARD GLASSPOOLE. <i>China, December 8th</i>.
+1809."<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<p>"The Ladrones have no settled residence on shore, but live
+constantly in their vessels. The after-part is appropriated to the
+captain and his wives; he generally has five or six. With respect
+to the conjugal rights they are religiously strict; no person is
+allowed to have a woman on board, unless married to her according
+to their laws. Every man is allowed a small berth, about four feet
+square, where he stows with his wife and family. From the number of
+souls crowded in so small a space, it must naturally be supposed
+they are horridly dirty, which is evidently the case, and their
+vessels swarm with all kinds of vermin. Rats in particular, which
+they encourage to breed, and eat as great delicacies; in fact,
+there are very few creatures they will not eat. During our
+captivity we lived three weeks on caterpillars boiled with rice.
+They are much addicted to gambling, and spend all their leisure
+hours at cards and smoking opium."</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/310.jpg" alt=
+"The War Junks of the Ladrones" height="582" width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>The War Junks of the Ladrones.</i></h4>
+At the time of Mr. Glasspoole's liberation, the pirates were at the
+height of their power; after such repeated victories over the
+Mandarin ships, they had set at nought the Imperial allies--the
+Portuguese, and not only the coast, but the rivers of the celestial
+empire seemed to be at their discretion--and yet their formidable
+association did not many months survive this event. It was not,
+however, defeat that reduced it to the obedience of the laws. On
+the contrary, that extraordinary woman, the widow of Ching-yih, and
+the daring Paou, were victorious and more powerful than ever, when
+dissensions broke out among the pirates themselves. Ever since the
+favor of the chieftainess had elevated Paou to the general command,
+there had been enmity and altercations between him and the chief
+O-po-tae, who commanded one of the flags or divisions of the fleet;
+and it was only by the deference and respect they both owed to
+Ching-yih's widow, that they had been prevented from turning their
+arms against each other long before.
+<p>At length, when the brave Paou was surprised and cooped up by a
+strong blockading force of the Emperor's ships, O-po-tae showed all
+his deadly spite, and refused to obey the orders of Paou, and even
+of the chieftainess, which were, that he should sail to the relief
+of his rival.</p>
+<p>Paou, with his bravery and usual good fortune, broke through the
+blockade, but when he came in contact with O-po-tae, his rage was
+too violent to be restrained.</p>
+<p>O-po-tae at first pleaded that his means and strength had been
+insufficient to do what had been expected of him, but concluded by
+saying,--"Am I bound to come and join the forces of Paou?"</p>
+<p>"Would you then separate from us!" cried Paou, more enraged than
+ever.</p>
+<p>O-po-tae answered: "I will not separate myself."</p>
+<p>Paou:--"Why then do you not obey the orders of the wife of
+Ching-yih and my own? What is this else than separation, that you
+do not come to assist me, when I am surrounded by the enemy? I have
+sworn it that I will destroy thee, wicked man, that I may do away
+with this soreness on my back."</p>
+<p>The summons of Paou, when blockaded, to O-po-tae was in language
+equally figurative:--"I am harassed by the Government's officers
+outside in the sea; lips and teeth must help one another, if the
+lips are cut away the teeth will feel cold. How shall I alone be
+able to fight the Government forces? You should therefore come at
+the head of your crew, to attack the Government squadron in the
+rear. I will then come out of my station and make an attack in
+front; the enemy being so taken in the front and rear, will, even
+supposing we cannot master him, certainly be thrown into
+disorder."</p>
+<p>The angry words of Paou were followed by others, and then by
+blows. Paou, though at the moment far inferior in force, first
+began the fight, and ultimately sustained a sanguinary defeat, and
+the loss of sixteen vessels. Our loathing for this cruel,
+detestable race, must be increased by the fact, that the victors
+massacred all their prisoners--or three hundred men!</p>
+<p>This was the death-blow to the confederacy which had so long
+defied the Emperor's power, and which might have effected his
+dethronement. O-po-tae dreading the vengeance of Paou and his
+mistress, Ching-yih's widow, whose united forces would have
+quintupled his own, gained over his men to his views, and proffered
+a submission to Government, on condition of free pardon, and a
+proper provision for all.</p>
+<p>The petition of the pirates is so curious a production, and so
+characteristic of the Chinese, that it deserves to be inserted at
+length. "It is my humble opinion that all robbers of an
+overpowering force, whether they had their origin from this or any
+other cause, have felt the humanity of Government at different
+times. Leang-sham, who three times plundered the city, was
+nevertheless pardoned, and at last made a minister of state. Wakang
+often challenged the arms of his country, and was suffered to live,
+and at last made a corner-stone of the empire. Joo-ming pardoned
+seven times Mang-hwo; and Kwan-kung three times set Tsaou-tsaou at
+liberty. Ma-yuen pursued not the exhausted robbers; and Yo-fei
+killed not those who made their submission. There are many
+instances of such transactions both in former and recent times, by
+which the country was strengthened, and government increased its
+power. We now live in a very populous age; some of us could not
+agree with their relations, and were driven out like noxious weeds.
+Some, after having tried all they could, without being able to
+provide for themselves, at last joined bad society. Some lost their
+property by shipwrecks; some withdrew into this watery empire to
+escape from punishment. In such a way those who in the beginning
+were only three or five, were in the course of time increased to a
+thousand or ten thousand, and so it went on increasing every year.
+Would it not have been wonderful if such a multitude, being in want
+of their daily bread, had not resorted to plunder and robbery to
+gain their subsistence, since they could not in any other manner be
+saved from famine? It was from necessity that the laws of the
+empire were violated, and the merchants robbed of their goods.
+Being deprived of our land and of our native places, having no
+house or home to resort to, and relying only on the chances of wind
+and water, even could we for a moment forget our griefs, we might
+fall in with a man-of-war, who with stones, darts, and guns, would
+knock out our brains! Even if we dared to sail up a stream and
+boldly go on with anxiety of mind under wind, rain, and stormy
+weather, we must everywhere prepare for fighting. Whether we went
+to the east, or to the west, and after having felt all the
+hardships of the sea, the night dew was our only dwelling, and the
+rude wind our meal. But now we will avoid these perils, leave our
+connexions, and desert our comrades; we will make our submission.
+The power of Government knows no bounds; it reaches to the islands
+in the sea, and every man is afraid, and sighs. Oh we must be
+destroyed by our crimes, none can escape who opposeth the laws of
+Government. May you then feel compassion for those who are
+deserving of death; may you sustain us by your humanity!"</p>
+<p>The Government that had made so many lamentable displays of its
+weakness, was glad to make an unreal parade of its mercy. It was
+but too happy to grant all the conditions instantly, and, in the
+fulsome language of its historians, "feeling that compassion is the
+way of heaven--that it is the right way to govern by
+righteousness--it therefore redeemed these pirates from
+destruction, and pardoned their former crimes."</p>
+<p>O-po-tae, however, had hardly struck his free flag, and the
+pirates were hardly in the power of the Chinese, when it was
+proposed by many that they should all be treacherously murdered.
+The governor happened to be more honorable and humane, or probably,
+only more politic than those who made this foul proposal--he knew
+that such a bloody breach of faith would for ever prevent the
+pirates still in arms from voluntary submitting; he knew equally
+well, even weakened as they were by O-po-tae's defection, that the
+Government could not reduce them by force, and he thought by
+keeping his faith with them, he might turn the force of those who
+had submitted against those who still held out, and so destroy the
+pirates with the pirates. Consequently the eight thousand men, it
+had been proposed to cut off in cold blood, were allowed to remain
+uninjured, and their leader, O-po-tae, having changed his name to
+that of Hoe-been, or, "The Lustre of Instruction," was elevated to
+the rank of an imperial officer.</p>
+<p>The widow of Ching-yih, and her favorite Paou, continued for
+some months to pillage the coast, and to beat the Chinese and the
+Mandarins' troops and ships, and seemed almost as strong as before
+the separation of O-po-tae's flag. But that example was probably
+operating in the minds of many of the outlaws, and finally the
+lawless heroine herself, who was the spirit that kept the
+complicate body together, seeing that O-po-tae had been made a
+government officer, and that he continued to prosper, began also to
+think of making her submission.</p>
+<p>"I am," said she, "ten times stronger than O-po-tae, and
+government will perhaps, if I submit, act towards me as they have
+done with O-po-tae."</p>
+<p>A rumor of her intentions having reached shore, the Mandarin
+sent off a certain Chow, a doctor of Macao, "Who," says the
+historian, "being already well acquainted with the pirates, did not
+need any introduction," to enter on preliminaries with them.</p>
+<p>When the worthy practitioner presented himself to Paou, that
+friend concluded he had been committing some crime, and had come
+for safety to that general <i>refugium peccatorum,</i> the pirate
+fleet.</p>
+<p>The Doctor explained, and assured the chief, that if he would
+submit, Government was inclined to treat him and his far more
+favorably and more honorably than O-po-tae. But if he continued to
+resist, not only a general arming of all the coast and the rivers,
+but O-po-tae was to proceed against him.</p>
+<p>At this part of his narrative our Chinese historian is again so
+curious, that I shall quote his words at length.</p>
+<p>"When Fei-heung-Chow came to Paou, he said: 'Friend Paou, do you
+know why I come to you?'"</p>
+<p>"Paou.--'Thou hast committed some crime and comest to me for
+protection?'"</p>
+<p>"Chow.--'By no means.'"</p>
+<p>"Paou.--'You will then know how it stands concerning the report
+about our submission, if it is true or false?'"</p>
+<p>"Chow.--'You are again wrong here, Sir. What are you in
+comparison with O-po-tae?'"</p>
+<p>"Paou.--'Who is bold enough to compare me with O-po-tae?'"</p>
+<p>"Chow.--'I know very well that O-po-tae could not come up to
+you, Sir; but I mean only, that since O-po-tae has made his
+submission, since he has got his pardon and been created a
+Government officer,--how would it be, if you with your whole crew
+should also submit, and if his Excellency should desire to treat
+you in the same manner, and to give you the same rank as O-po-tae?
+Your submission would produce more joy to Government than the
+submission of O-po-tae. You should not wait for wisdom to act
+wisely; you should make up your mind to submit to the Government
+with all your followers. I will assist you in every respect, it
+would be the means of securing your own happiness and the lives of
+all your adherents.'"</p>
+<p>"Chang-paou remained like a statue without motion, and Fei-heung
+Chow went on to say: 'You should think about this affair in time,
+and not stay till the last moment. Is it not clear that O-po-tae,
+since you could not agree together, has joined Government. He being
+enraged against you, will fight, united with the forces of the
+Government, for your destruction; and who could help you, so that
+you might overcome your enemies? If O-po-tae could before vanquish
+you quite alone, how much more can he now when he is united with
+Government? O-po-tae will then satisfy his hatred against you, and
+you yourself will soon be taken either at Wei-chow or at
+Neaou-chow. If the merchant-vessels of Hwy-chaou, the boats of
+Kwang-chow, and all the fishing-vessels, unite together to surround
+and attack you in the open sea, you will certainly have enough to
+do. But even supposing they should not attack you, you will soon
+feel the want of provisions to sustain you and all your followers.
+It is always wisdom to provide before things happen; stupidity and
+folly never think about future events. It is too late to reflect
+upon events when things have happened; you should, therefore,
+consider this matter in time!'"</p>
+<p>Paou was puzzled, but after being closeted for some time with
+his mistress, Ching-yih's widow, who gave her high permission for
+him to make arrangements with Doctor Chow, he said he would repair
+with his fleet to the Bocca Tigris, and there communicate
+personally with the organs of Government.</p>
+<p>After two visits had been paid to the pirate-fleets by two
+inferior Mandarins, who carried the Imperial proclamation of free
+pardon, and who, at the order of Ching-yih's widow, were treated to
+a sumptuous banquet by Paou, the Governor-general of the province
+went himself in one vessel to the pirates' ships, that occupied a
+line of ten <i>le</i> off the mouth of the river.</p>
+<p>As the governor approached, the pirates hoisted their flags,
+played on their instruments, and fired their guns, so that the
+smoke rose in clouds, and then bent sail to meet him. On this the
+dense population that were ranged thousands after thousands along
+the shore, to witness the important reconciliation, became sorely
+alarmed, and the Governor-general seems to have had a strong
+inclination to run away. But in brief space of time, the long
+dreaded widow of Ching-yih, supported by her Lieutenant Paou, and
+followed by three other of her principal commanders, mounted the
+side of the governor's ship, and rushed through the smoke to the
+spot where his excellency was stationed; where they fell on their
+hands and knees, shed tears, knocked their heads on the deck before
+him, and received his gracious pardon, and promised for future kind
+treatment. They then withdrew satisfied, having promised to give in
+a list of their ships, and of all else they possessed, within three
+days.</p>
+<p>But the sudden apparition of some large Portuguese ships, and
+some Government war-junks, made the pirates suspect treachery. They
+immediately set sail, and the negociations were interrupted for
+several days.</p>
+<p>They were at last concluded by the boldness of their female
+leader. "If the Governor-general," said this heroine, "a man of the
+highest rank, could come to us quite alone, why should not I, a
+mean woman, go to the officers of Government? If there be danger in
+it, I take it all on myself; no person among you need trouble
+himself about me--my mind is made up, and I will go to Canton!"</p>
+<p>Paou said--"If the widow of Ching-yih goes, we must fix a time
+for her return. If this pass without our obtaining any information,
+we must collect all our forces, and go before Canton: this is my
+opinion as to what ought to be done; comrades, let me hear
+yours!"</p>
+<p>The pirates, then, struck with the intrepidity of their
+chieftainess, and loving her more than ever, answered, "Friend
+Paou, we have heard thy opinion, but we think it better to wait for
+the news here, on the water, than to send the wife of Ching-yih
+alone to be killed." Nor would they allow her to leave the
+fleet.</p>
+<p>Matters were in this state of indecision, when the two inferior
+Mandarins who had before visited the pirates, ventured out to
+repeat their visit. These officers protested no treachery had been
+intended, and pledged themselves, that if the widow of Ching-yih
+would repair to the Governor, she would be kindly received, and
+every thing settled to their hearts' satisfaction.</p>
+<p>With this, in the language of our old ballads, upspoke Mrs.
+Ching. "You say well, gentlemen! and I will go myself to Canton
+with some other of our ladies, accompanied by you!" And
+accordingly, she and a number of the pirates' wives with their
+children, went fearlessly to Canton, arranged every thing, and
+found they had not been deceived. The fleet soon followed. On its
+arrival every vessel was supplied with pork and with wine, and
+every man (in lieu it may be supposed, of his share of the vessels,
+and plundered property he resigned) received at the same time a
+bill for a certain quantity of money. Those who wished it, could
+join the military force of Government for pursuing the remaining
+pirates; and those who objected, dispersed and withdrew into the
+country. "This is the manner in which the great red squadron of the
+pirates was pacified."</p>
+<p>The valiant Paou, following the example of his rival O-po-tae,
+entered into the service of Government, and proceeded against such
+of his former associates and friends as would not accept the pardon
+offered them. There was some hard fighting, but the two renegadoes
+successively took the chief Shih Url, forced the redoubtable
+captain, styled "The scourge of the Eastern Ocean" to surrender
+himself, drove "Frog's Meal," another dreadful pirate, to Manilla,
+and finally, and within a few months, destroyed or dissipated the
+"wasps of the ocean" altogether.</p>
+<p>I have already noticed the marked intention of the Chinese
+historian, to paint the character of Paou in a poetical or epic
+manner. When describing the battle with Shih-Url, he says:--</p>
+<p>"They fought from seven o'clock in the morning till one at noon,
+burnt ten vessels, and killed an immense number of the pirates.
+Shih-Url was so weakened that he could scarcely make any
+opposition. On perceiving this through the smoke, Paou mounted on a
+sudden the vessel of the pirate, and cried out: 'I Chang Paou am
+come,' and at the same moment he cut some pirates to pieces; the
+remainder were then hardly dealt with. Paou addressed himself in an
+angry tone to Shih-Url, and said: 'I advise you to submit: will you
+not follow my advice? what have you to say?' Shih-Url was struck
+with amazement, and his courage left him. Paou advanced and bound
+him, and the whole crew were then taken captives."</p>
+<p>"From that period," says our Chinese historian, in conclusion,
+"ships began to pass and repass in tranquillity. All became quiet
+on the rivers, and tranquil on the four seas. People lived in peace
+and plenty. Men sold their arms and bought oxen to plough their
+fields; they buried sacrifices, said prayers on the tops of the
+hills, and rejoiced themselves by singing behind screens during
+day-time"--and (grand climax to all!) the Governor of the province,
+in consideration of his valuable services in the pacification of
+the pirates, was allowed by an edict of the "Son of Heaven," to
+wear peacocks' feathers with two eyes!</p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="THE_LIFE_OF_CAPTAIN_LEWIS"></a>
+<h2>THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN LEWIS.</h2>
+Captain Lewis was at an early age associated with pirates. We first
+find him a boy in company with the pirate Banister, who was hanged
+at the yard arm of a man-of-war, in sight of Port Royal, Jamaica.
+This Lewis and another boy were taken with him, and brought into
+the island hanging by the middle at the mizen peak. He had a great
+aptitude for languages, and spoke perfectly well that of the
+Mosquil Indians, French, Spanish, and English. I mention our own,
+because it is doubted whether he was French or English, for we
+cannot trace him back to his origin. He sailed out of Jamaica till
+he was a lusty lad, and was then taken by the Spaniards at the
+Havana, where he tarried some time; but at length he and six more
+ran away with a small canoe, and surprised a Spanish periagua, out
+of which two men joined them, so that they were now nine in
+company. With this periagua they surprised a turtling sloop, and
+forced some of the hands to take on with them; the others they sent
+away in the periagua.
+<p>He played at this small game, surprising and taking coasters and
+turtlers, till with forced men and volunteers he made up a company
+of 40 men. With these he took a large pink built ship, bound from
+Jamaica to the bay of Campeachy, and after her, several others
+bound to the same place; and having intelligence that there lay in
+the bay a fine Bermuda built brigantine of 10 guns, commanded by
+Captain Tucker, he sent the captain of the pink to him with a
+letter, the purport of which was, that he wanted such a brigantine,
+and if he would part with her, he would pay him 10,000 pieces of
+eight; if he refused this, he would take care to lie in his way,
+for he was resolved, either by fair or foul means to have the
+vessel. Captain Tucker, having read the letter, sent for the
+masters of vessels then lying in the bay, and told them, after he
+had shown the letter, that if they would make him up 54 men, (for
+there were about ten Bermuda sloops,) he would go out and fight the
+pirates. They said no, they would not hazard their men, they
+depended on their sailing, and every one must take care of himself
+as well as he could.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/322.jpg" alt=
+"The Pirate Banister, hanging at the Yard Arm" height="600" width=
+"514"></center>
+<h4><i>The Pirate Banister, hanging at the Yard Arm.</i></h4>
+However, they all put to sea together, and spied a sail under the
+land, which had a breeze while they lay becalmed. Some said he was
+a turtler; others, the pirate, and so it proved; for it was honest
+Captain Lewis, who putting out his oars, got in among them. Some of
+the sloops had four guns, some two, some none. Joseph Dill had two,
+which he brought on one side, and fired smartly at the pirate, but
+unfortunately one of them split, and killed three men. Tucker
+called to all the sloops to send him men, and he would fight Lewis,
+but to no purpose; nobody came on board him. In the mean while a
+breeze sprung up, and Tucker, trimming his sails, left them, who
+all fell a prey to the pirate; into whom, however, he fired a
+broadside at going off. One sloop, whose master I will not name,
+was a very good sailer, and was going off; but Lewis firing a shot,
+brought her to, and he lay by till all the sloops were visited and
+secured. Then Lewis sent on board him, and ordered the master into
+his sloop. As soon as he was on board, he asked the reason of his
+lying by, and betraying the trust his owners had reposed in him,
+which was doing like a knave and coward, and he would punish him
+accordingly; <i>for</i>, said he, <i>you might have got off, being
+so much a better sailer than my vessel</i>. After this speech, he
+fell upon him with a rope's end, and then snatching up his cane,
+drove him about the decks without mercy. The master, thinking to
+pacify him, told him he had been out trading in that sloop several
+months, and had on board a good quantity of money, which was hid,
+and which, if he would send on board a black belonging to the
+owners, he would discover to him. This had not the desired effect,
+but one quite contrary; for Lewis told him he was a rascal and
+villain for this discovery, and he would pay him for betraying his
+owners, and redoubled his strokes. However, he sent and took the
+money and negro, who was an able sailor. He took out of his prizes
+what he had occasion for, forty able negro sailors, and a white
+carpenter. The largest sloop, which was about ninety tons, he took
+for his own use, and mounted her with 12 guns. His crew was now
+about eighty men, whites and blacks.
+<center><img src="./images/324.jpg" alt=
+"The Master Caned by Captain Lewis" height="413" width=
+"600"></center>
+<h4><i>The Master Caned by Captain Lewis.</i></h4>
+After these captures, he cruised in the Gulf of Florida, laying in
+wait for the West India homeward bound ships that took the leeward
+passage, several of which, falling into his hands, were plundered
+by him, and released. From hence he went to the coast of Carolina,
+where he cleaned his sloop, and a great many men whom he had
+forced, ran away from him. However, the natives traded with him for
+rum and sugar, and brought him all he wanted, without the
+government's having any knowledge of him, for he had got into a
+very private creek; though he was very much on his guard, that he
+might not be surprised from the shore.
+<p>From Carolina he cruised on the coast of Virginia, where he took
+and plundered several merchantmen, and forced several men, and then
+returned to the coast of Carolina, where he did abundance of
+mischief. As he had now an abundance of French on board, who had
+entered with him, and Lewis, hearing the English had a design to
+maroon them, he secured the men he suspected, and put them in a
+boat, with all the other English, ten leagues from shore, with only
+ten pieces of beef, and sent them away, keeping none but French and
+negroes. These men, it is supposed, all perished in the sea.</p>
+<p>From the coast of Carolina he shaped his course for the banks of
+Newfoundland, where he overhauled several fishing vessels, and then
+went into Trinity Harbor in Conception Bay, where there lay several
+merchantmen, and seized a 24 gun galley, called the Herman. The
+commander, Captain Beal, told Lewis, if he would send his quarter
+master ashore he would furnish him with necessaries. He being sent
+ashore, a council was held among the masters, the consequence of
+which was, the seizing the quarter master, whom they carried to
+Captain Woodes Rogers. He chained him to a sheet anchor which was
+ashore, and planted guns at the point, to prevent the pirate
+getting out, but to little purpose; for the people at one of these
+points firing too soon, Lewis quitted the ship, and, by the help of
+oars and the favor of the night, got out in his sloop, though she
+received many shot in her hull. The last shot that was fired at the
+pirate did him considerable damage.</p>
+<p>He lay off and on the harbor, swearing he would have his quarter
+master, and intercepted two fishing shallops, on board of one of
+which was the captain of the galley's brother. He detained them,
+and sent word, if his quarter master did not immediately come off,
+he would put all his prisoners to death. He was sent on board
+without hesitation. Lewis and the crew inquired how he had been
+used, and he answered, very civilly. "It's well," said the pirate,
+"for had you been ill treated, I would have put all these rascals
+to the sword." They were dismissed, and the captain's brother going
+over the side, the quarter master stopped him, saying, he must
+drink the gentlemen's health ashore, particularly Captain Rogers'
+and, whispering him in the ear, told him, if they had known of his
+being chained all night, he would have been cut in pieces, with all
+his men. After this poor man and his shallop's company were gone,
+the quarter master told the usage he had met with, which enraged
+Lewis, and made him reproach his quarter master, whose answer was,
+that he did not think it just the innocent should suffer for the
+guilty.</p>
+<p>The masters of the merchantmen sent to Capt. Tudor Trevor, who
+lay at St. John's in the Sheerness man-of-war. He immediately got
+under sail, and missed the pirate but four hours. She kept along
+the coast and made several prizes, French and English, and put into
+a harbor where a French ship lay making fish. She was built at the
+latter end of the war, for a privateer, was an excellent sailer,
+and mounted 24 guns. The commander hailed him: the pirate answered,
+<i>from Jamaica with rum and sugar</i>. The Frenchman bid him go
+about his business; that a pirate sloop was on the coast, and he
+might be the rogue; if he did not immediately sheer off, he would
+fire a broadside into him. He went off and lay a fortnight out at
+sea, so far as not to be descried from shore, with resolution to
+have the ship. The Frenchman being on his guard, in the meanwhile
+raised a battery on the shore, which commanded the harbor. After a
+fortnight, when he was thought to be gone off, he returned, and
+took two of the fishing shallops belonging to the Frenchman, and
+manning them with pirates, they went in. One shallop attacked the
+battery; the other surprised, boarded and carried the ship, just as
+the morning star appeared, for which reason he gave her that name.
+In the engagement the owner's son was killed, who made the voyage
+out of curiosity only. The ship being taken, seven guns were fired,
+which was the signal, and the sloop came down and lay alongside the
+ship. The captain told him he supposed he only wanted his liquor;
+but Lewis made answer he wanted his ship, and accordingly hoisted
+all his ammunition and provision into her. When the Frenchman saw
+they would have his ship, he told her trim, and Lewis gave him the
+sloop; and excepting what he took for provision, all the fish he
+had made. Several of the French took on with him, who, with others,
+English and French, had by force or voluntarily, made him up 200
+men.</p>
+<p>From Newfoundland he steered for the coast of Guinea, where he
+took a great many ships, English, Dutch and Portuguese. Among these
+ships was one belonging to Carolina, commanded by Capt. Smith.
+While he was in chase of this vessel a circumstance occurred, which
+made his men believe he dealt with the devil; his fore and main
+top-mast being carried away, he, Lewis, running up the shrouds to
+the maintop, tore off a handful of hair, and throwing it into the
+air used this expression, <i>good devil, take this till I come</i>.
+And it was observed, that he came afterwards faster up with the
+chase than before the loss of his top-masts.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/328.jpg" alt=
+"Captain Lewis giving a lock of his hair to the Devil" height="600"
+width="376"></center>
+<h4><i>Captain Lewis giving a lock of his hair to the
+Devil.</i></h4>
+Smith being taken, Lewis used him very civilly, and gave him as
+much or more in value than he took from him, and let him go,
+saying, he would come to Carolina when he had made money on the
+coast, and would rely on his friendship.
+<p>They kept some time on the coast, when they quarrelled among
+themselves, the French and English, of which the former were more
+numerous, and they resolved to part. The French therefore chose a
+large sloop newly taken, thinking the ship's bottom, which was not
+sheathed, damaged by the worms. According to this agreement they
+took on board what ammunition and provision they thought fit out of
+the ship, and put off, choosing one Le Barre captain. As it blew
+hard, and the decks were encumbered, they came to an anchor under
+the coast, to stow away their ammunition, goods, &amp;c. Lewis told
+his men they were a parcel of rogues, and he would make them
+refund; accordingly he run alongside, his guns being all loaded and
+new primed, and ordered him to cut away his mast or he would sink
+him. Le Barre was obliged to obey. Then he ordered them all ashore.
+They begged the liberty of carrying their arms, goods, &amp;c. with
+them, but he allowed them only their small arms and cartridge
+boxes. Then he brought the sloop alongside, put every thing on
+board the ship, and sunk the sloop.</p>
+<p>Le Barre and the rest begged to be taken on board. However,
+though he denied them, he suffered Le Barre and some few to come,
+with whom he and his men drank plentifully. The negroes on board
+Lewis told him the French had a plot against him. He answered, he
+could not withstand his destiny; for the devil told him in the
+great cabin he should be murdered that night.</p>
+<p>In the dead of the night, the rest of the French came on board
+in canoes, got into the cabin and killed Lewis. They fell on the
+crew; but, after an hour and a half's dispute, the French were
+beaten off, and the quarter master, John Cornelius, an Irishman,
+succeeded Lewis.</p>
+<p>--"He was the mildest manner'd man,<br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">That ever scuttled ship or cut a
+throat;</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">With such true breeding of a
+gentleman,</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">You never could discern his real
+thought.</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Pity he loved an adventurous life's
+variety,</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">He was so great a loss to good
+society."</span></p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="THE_LIFE_CAREER_AND_DEATH_OF_CAPTAIN_THOMAS_WHITE"></a>
+<h2>THE LIFE, CAREER AND DEATH OF CAPTAIN THOMAS WHITE.</h2>
+He was born at Plymouth, where his mother kept a public house. She
+took great care of his education, and when he was grown up, as he
+had an inclination to the sea, procured 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 merchant 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 Guinea and back to Barbadoes. In his third, he had the
+misfortune to be taken by a French pirate, 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 Guinea coast more
+fit for their purpose, they went on board her and burnt the
+brigantine.
+<p>It is not my business here to give an account of this French
+pirate, any farther than Capt. White's story obliges me, though 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 cold blood, by way of
+diversion.</p>
+<p>White was marked out for a sacrifice by one of these villains,
+who, for what reason I know not, 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 lie 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.</p>
+<p>After some time cruising along the coast, the pirates doubled
+the Cape of Good Hope, and shaped their course for Madagascar,
+where, being drunk and mad, they knocked 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.</p>
+<p>When the ship struck, Capt. White, Capt. Boreman, (born in the
+Isle of Wight, formerly a lieutenant of a man-of-war, but in the
+merchant service when he fell into the hands of the pirates,) Capt.
+Bowen and some other prisoners got into the long-boat, and with
+broken oars and barrel staves, which they found in the bottom of
+the boat, paddled to Augustin Bay, which 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.</p>
+<p>They stayed here a year and a half at the king's expense, 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 such, but the first European vessel
+that came in, he always obliged to take in the unfortunate people,
+let the vessel be what it would; for he had no notion of any
+difference between pirates and merchants.</p>
+<p>At the expiration of the above term, a pirate brigantine came
+in, on board 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 pirate vessel, which
+was commanded by one William Read, who received them very
+civilly.</p>
+<p>This commander went along the coast, and picked up what
+Europeans he could meet with. His crew, however, did not exceed 40
+men. He would have been glad of taking some of the wrecked
+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.</p>
+<p>Read, with this gang, and a brigantine of 60 tons, steered his
+course for the Persian Gulf, where they met a grab, (a one masted
+vessel) of about 200 tons, which was made a prize. They found
+nothing on board but bale goods, most of which they threw overboard
+in search of 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 tossed into the sea!</p>
+<p>In this cruise Capt. Read fell ill and died, and 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 grab, and made a
+ship of her. Here they took in a quantity of fresh provisions,
+which are in this island very plentiful and very cheap, and found a
+twelve-oared boat, which formerly belonged to the Ruby East
+Indiaman, which had been lost there.</p>
+<p>They stayed 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 hailed each other and receiving the same answer from each
+vessel, viz. <i>from the seas,</i> they joined company.</p>
+<p>This vessel was a small French ship, laden with liquors from
+Martinico, first commanded by one Fourgette, to trade with the
+pirates for slaves, at Ambonavoula, on the east side of the island,
+in the latitude of 17 deg. 30 min. and was by them taken after the
+following manner.</p>
+<p>The pirates, who were headed by George Booth, now 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 pirate ship,
+called the Dolphin. Capt. 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 that
+entered. The captain told him that <i>he was a rogue, and had a
+design upon his ship</i>, and the pirates pretended to be so angry
+with this fellow's offering to come on board with arms, that they
+threatened to knock him on the head, and tossing him roughly into
+the boat, ordered him ashore, though they had before taken an oath
+on the Bible, either to carry the ship, or die in the
+undertaking.</p>
+<p>They were all searched, but they however contrived to get on
+board four pistols, which were all the arms they had for the
+enterprise, though Fourgette had 20 hands on board, and his small
+arms on the awning, to be in readiness.</p>
+<p>The captain invited them into the cabin to dinner, but Booth
+chose to dine with the petty officer, though one Johnson, Isaac and
+another, went down. Booth was to give the watchword, which was
+<i>hurrah</i>. Standing near the awning, and being a nimble fellow,
+at one spring he threw himself upon it, drew the arms to him, fired
+his pistol among the men, one of whom he wounded, (who jumping
+overboard was lost) and gave the signal.</p>
+<p>Three, I said, were in the cabin, 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 cabin, hearing
+the pistol, fell upon Johnson, and stabbed him in several places
+with their forks, but they being silver, did him no great damage.
+Fourgette snatched his piece, which he snapped at Isaac's breast
+several times, but it would not go off. At last, finding his
+resistance vain, he submitted, and the pirates 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 humanely, gave him several
+casks of liquor, with arms and powder, to purchase provisions in
+the country.</p>
+<p>I hope this digression, as it was in a manner needful, will be
+excused. I shall now proceed.</p>
+<p>After they had taken in the Dolphin's company, which were on the
+island, and increased their crew, by that means, to the number of
+80 hands, they sailed to St. Mary's, where Capt. Mosson'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.</p>
+<p>Out of her they took water casks and other necessaries; which
+having done, they designed for the river Methelage, on the west
+side of Madagascar, in the lat. of 16 degrees or thereabouts, to
+salt up provisions and to proceed to the East Indies, cruise off
+the islands of St. John, and lie in wait for the Moor ships from
+Mocha.</p>
+<p>In their way to Methelage they fell in (as I have said) with the
+pirate, on board of which was Capt. White. They joined company,
+came to an anchor together in the above named river, where they had
+cleaned, salted and took in their provisions, and were ready to go
+to sea, when a large ship appeared in sight, and stood into the
+same river.</p>
+<p>The pirates knew not whether she was a merchantman 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,
+inexperienced man, who was put in with a nurse.</p>
+<p>The pirates sent their boats to speak with them, but the ship
+firing at them, they concluded it a man of war, and rowed ashore;
+the grab 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 fetched her
+off.</p>
+<p>The captain of the Speaker, for that was the name of the ship
+which frightened the pirates, was not a little vain of having
+forced these two vessels ashore, though he did not know whether
+they were pirates or merchantmen, 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 pirates aground;" which gave handle
+to a satirical 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 frightened two pirate ships ashore, and was taken
+by their two boats afterwards."</p>
+<p>When the Speaker came within shot, she fired several times at
+the two vessels; and when she came to anchor, several more into the
+country, which alarmed the negroes, who, acquainting their king, he
+would allow him no trade, till the pirates living ashore, and who
+had a design on his ship, interceded for them, telling the king,
+they were their countrymen, and what had happened was through 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 fired shot.</p>
+<p>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 Welshman, born in Pembroke, who lived on shore,
+and had belonged to the Charming Mary, of Barbadoes, which went out
+with a commission but was converted to a pirate. He told the purser
+he was his prisoner, and must answer the damage done to two
+merchants who were slaving. The purser answered, that he was not
+commander; that the captain was a hot rash youth, put into 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 used, and the next morning
+sent up to the king with a guide, and peace made for him.</p>
+<p>The king allowed them trade, and sent down the usual presents, a
+couple of oxen between twenty and thirty people laden with rice,
+and as many more with the country liquor, called <i>toke</i>.</p>
+<p>The captain then settled the factory on the shore side, and
+began to buy slaves and provisions. The pirates 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 harbor, 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
+taking the ship.</p>
+<p>After some days the captain of the Speaker came on shore, and
+was received with great civility by the heads of the pirates,
+having agreed before to make satisfaction. In a day or two after,
+he was invited by them to eat a barbacued shoat, which invitation
+he accepted. After dinner, Capt. Bowen, who was, I have already
+said, a prisoner on board the French pirate, 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 his ship, his was a
+good one, and they were resolved to have her, to make amends for
+the damage he had done them."</p>
+<center><img src="./images/338.jpg" alt=
+"Hugh Man wetting the Priming of the Guns." height="446" width=
+"600"></center>
+<h4><i>Hugh Man wetting the Priming of the Guns.</i></h4>
+In the mean while his boat's crew, and the rest of his men ashore,
+were told by others of the pirates, who were drinking with them,
+that they were also prisoners: some of them answered, <i>Zounds, we
+don't trouble our heads what we are, let's have t'other bowl of
+punch</i>.
+<p>A watchword was given, and no boat to be admitted on board the
+ship. This word, which was for that night, <i>Coventry</i>, was
+known to them. At 8 o'clock they manned the twelve-oared boat, and
+the one 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, as he wanted to speak with them. Capt. Booth
+asked what he wanted! He said, "they could never take his ship."
+"Then," said Booth, "we'll die in or alongside of her."--"But,"
+replied the captain, "if you will go with safety, don't board on
+the larboard side, for there is a gun out of the steerage loaded
+with partridge, which will clear the decks." They thanked him, and
+proceeded.</p>
+<p>When they were near the ship they were hailed, and the answer
+was, <i>the Coventry</i>. "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--<i>Pirates, take to your arms my
+lads</i>, and immediately clapped a match to a gun, which, as the
+priming was before wet by the treachery of Hugh Man, only fizzed.
+They boarded in the instant, and made themselves masters of her,
+without the loss of a man on either side.</p>
+<p>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 betrayed
+his ship; for the pirates had both paid him the 100<i>l</i> agreed,
+and kept his secret. The captain having thus lost his ship, sailed
+in that which the pirates gave him, for Johanna, where he fell ill
+and died with grief.</p>
+<p>The pirates having here victualled, they sailed for the Bay of
+St. Augustine, where they took in between 70 and 80 men, who had
+belonged to the ship Alexander, commanded by Capt. James, a pirate.
+They also took up her guns, and mounted the Speaker with 54, which
+made up their number, and 240 men, besides slaves, of which they
+had about 20.</p>
+<p>From hence they sailed for the East Indies, but stopped 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 passed through
+the guard, and when they had 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 a grappling, was
+immediately put in by those who looked after her. There were not
+above half a dozen of the pirates who brought their arms ashore,
+but they plied 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 though he was attacked by many, he behaved himself so well,
+that he got into a little canoe, put off, and reached the
+long-boat.</p>
+<p>In the interim, the little fort the Arabians had, played upon
+the ship, which returned the salute very warmly. Thus they got on
+board, with the loss of Captain Booth and 20 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.</p>
+<p>Things being thus settled, they came to the mouth of the Red
+Sea, and fell in with 13 sail of Moor ships, which they kept
+company with the greater part of the day, but 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 though he said
+little, did not seem inclined, for he was but a young pirate,
+though an old commander of a merchantman. Those who pushed for
+boarding, then desired Captain Boreman, already mentioned, to take
+the command; but he said he would not be a usurper; that nobody was
+more fit for it than he who had it; that for his part he would
+stand by his fuzil, and went forward to the forecastle with such as
+would have him take 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 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, clapped
+her on board and carried her; but night coming on, they made only
+this prize, which yielded them &pound;500 per man. From hence they
+sailed to the coast of Malabar. The adventures of these pirates on
+this coast are already set down in Captain Bowen's life, to which I
+refer the reader, and shall only observe, that Captain White was
+all this time before the mast, being a forced man from the
+beginning.</p>
+<p>Bowen's crew dispersing, Captain White went to Methelage, where
+he lived ashore with the king, not having an opportunity of getting
+off the island, till another pirate ship, called the Prosperous,
+commanded by one Howard, who had been bred a lighterman on the
+river Thames, came in. This ship was taken at Augustin, by some
+pirates from shore, and the crew of their long-boat, which joined
+them, at the instigation of one Ranten, boatswain's mate, who sent
+for water. They came on board in the night and surprised her,
+though not without resistance, in which the captain and chief mate
+were killed, and several others wounded.</p>
+<p>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 continued 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. At Port Dolphin he went <i>off</i>
+in the boats to fetch some of the crew left ashore, 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 touched at Augustin, expecting the ship, but she not
+appearing in a week, the time they waited, the king ordered them to
+be gone, telling them they imposed on him with lies, for he did not
+believe they had any ship: however he gave them 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 the ship, but she not appearing they
+raised their boat a streak, salted the provision the king gave
+them, 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 N.W. for eight months in the year, was so strong they
+found it impossible to get round. Wherefore they got into a harbor,
+of which there are many for small vessels. Here they stayed about
+three weeks or a month, when part of the crew were for burning the
+boat, and travelling over land to a black king of their
+acquaintance, whose name was Reberimbo, who lived at a place called
+Manangaromasigh, in lat. 15 deg. 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 dissuaded 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, conveyed them 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.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/342.jpg" alt=
+"The Murder of the Captain and Chief Mate" height="324" width=
+"500"></center>
+<h4><i>The Murder of the Captain and Chief Mate.</i></h4>
+Here he built a deck on his boat, and lay by three months, in which
+time there came in three pirates with a boat, who had formerly been
+trepanned on board the Severn and Scarborough men-of-war, which had
+been looking for pirates 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 them the boat which
+brought them to Methelage. The time of the current's setting with
+violence to the N.W. 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 harbor and
+staid there a month, maintaining themselves with fish and wild
+hogs, of which there was a great plenty. At length, having fine
+weather, and the strength of the current abating, they got round;
+and after sailing about 40 miles on the east side, they went into a
+harbor, where they found a piece of a jacket, which they knew
+belonged to one of those men who had left them 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
+anchor in convenient harbors every night, till they got as far as
+Manangaromasigh, where king Reberimbo resided, where they went in
+to inquire for their men, who left them at the north end, and to
+recruit with provisions. The latter was given them, but they could
+get no information of their companions.
+<p>From hence they went to the island of St. Mary, where a canoe
+came off to them with a letter directed to any white man. They knew
+it to be the hand of one of their former shipmates. The contents of
+this letter was to advise them to be on their guard, and not trust
+too much to the blacks of this place, they having been formerly
+treacherous. They inquired after their ship, and were informed,
+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.</p>
+<p>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 them lived together in a large house they had built, and
+fortified with about twenty pieces of cannon.</p>
+<p>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 itself, as the English, French, Dutch, &amp;c. They
+made inquiry of their consorts after the different prizes which
+belonged to them, and they found all very justly laid by to be
+given them, if ever they returned, as were what belonged to the men
+who went over land. Captain White, hankering after home, proposed
+going out again in the boat; for he was adverse to settling with
+them; and many others agreed to go under his command; and if they
+could 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 increased 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 tons, and 6 guns, which had been taken by some pirates who
+lived at Maratan, on the east side of the island, and some of the
+Degrave East-Indiaman's crew, to whom the master of her refused a
+passage to Europe; for as he had himself been a pirate, and
+quarter-master to Bowen, in the Speaker, he apprehended their
+taking away his ship. War then existing between England and France,
+he thought they might do it without being called in question as
+pirates. The pirates 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, cleaned
+and tallowed 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.</p>
+<p>Captain White, finding these men proposed joining him, and going
+round to Ambonavoula, to make up a company, it was agreed upon, and
+they unanimously chose him commander. They accordingly put to sea,
+and stood away round the south end of the island, and touched at
+Don Mascarenhas, where he took in a surgeon, and stretching over
+again to Madagascar, fell in with Ambonavoula, and made up his
+complement of 60 men. From hence he shaped his course for the
+island of Mayotta, where he cleaned his ship, and waited for the
+season to go into the Red Sea. His provisions being taken in, the
+time proper, and the ship well fitted, he steered for Babel-Mandeb,
+and running into a harbor, waited for the Mocha ships.</p>
+<p>He here took two grabs laden with provisions, and having some
+small money and drugs aboard. These he plundered of what was for
+his turn, kept them a fortnight by him, and let them go. Soon after
+they espied a lofty ship, upon which they put to sea; but finding
+her European built, and too strong to attempt, for it was a
+Dutchman, they gave over the chase, and were glad to shake them
+off, and return to their station. Fancying they were here
+discovered, 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. A few days after, they
+met with a large ship of about 1000 tons and 600 men, called the
+Malabar, which they chased, kept company with her all night, and
+took in the morning, with the loss of only their boatswain, and two
+or three men wounded. In 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. They therefore filled her away with
+prisoners, gave them provision and sent them away.</p>
+<p>Some days after this, they espied a Portuguese man-of war of 44
+guns, which they chased, but gave it over by carrying away their
+maintopmast, 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 merchantman, which
+they chased with English colors flying. The chase, taking White for
+an English man-of-war or East-Indiaman, 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 detained, and the pirates getting into his boat with their
+arms, went on board and fired on the Portuguese, who being
+surprised, asked if war was broke out between England and Portugal?
+They answered in the affirmative, but the captain could not believe
+them. However they took what they liked, and kept him with
+them.</p>
+<p>After two days they met with the Dorothy, an English ship,
+Captain Penruddock, commander, coming from Mocha. They exchanged
+several shots in the chase, but when they came along side of 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 cargo,
+with what bale 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.</p>
+<p>Soon after they plundered the Malabar ship, out of which they
+took as much money as came to &pound;200 sterling a man, but missed
+50,000 sequins, which were hid in a jar under a cow's stall, kept
+for the giving milk to the Moor supercargo, an ancient man. They
+then put the Portuguese and Moor prisoners on board the Malabar,
+and sent them about their business. The day after they had sent
+them away, one Captain Benjamin Stacy, in a ketch of 6 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, who
+were under the care of Stacy. The children took on for their loss,
+and the captain asked the reason of their tears, was answered by
+Stacy, and the above sum and plate was all the children had to
+bring them up. Captain White made a speech to his men, and told
+them it was cruel to rob the innocent children; upon which, by
+unanimous consent, all was restored to them again. Besides, they
+made a gathering among themselves, and made a present to Stacy's
+mate, and other of 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.</p>
+<p>They came into the bay of Defarr, where they found a ketch at
+anchor, which the people had made prize of, by seizing the master
+and boat's crew ashore. They found a French gentleman, one Monsieur
+Berger, on board, whom they carried with them, took out about 2000
+dollars, and sold the ketch to the chief ashore for provisions.</p>
+<p>Hence they sailed for Madagascar, but touched at Mascarenhas,
+where several of them went ashore with their booty, about
+&pound;1200 a man. Here taking in fresh provisions, White steered
+for Madagascar, and fell in with Hopeful Point where they shared
+their goods, and took up settlements ashore, where White built a
+house, bought cattle, took off the upper deck of 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 more proper vessel for their turn,
+they desisted from working on the ship, and those who had a mind
+for fresh adventures, went on board Halsey, among whom Captain
+White entered before the mast.</p>
+<p>At his return to Madagascar, White was taken ill of a flux,
+which in about five or six months ended his days. Finding his time
+was drawing nigh, he made his will, left several legacies, and
+named three men of different nations, guardian to a son he had by a
+woman in 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 that he might live a better man
+than his father. He was buried with the same ceremony they used at
+the funerals of their companions, which is mentioned 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 honor.</p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="THE_LIFE_ATROCITIES_AND_BLOODY_DEATH_OF_BLACK_BEARD"></a>
+<h2>THE LIFE, ATROCITIES, AND BLOODY DEATH OF BLACK BEARD.</h2>
+Edward Teach was a native of Bristol, and having gone to Jamaica,
+frequently sailed from that port as one of the crew of a privateer
+during the French war. In that station he gave frequent proofs of
+his boldness and personal courage; but he was not entrusted with
+any command until Captain Benjamin Hornigold gave him the command
+of a prize which he had taken.
+<p>In the spring of 1717, Hornigold and Teach sailed from
+Providence for the continent of America, and on their way captured
+a small vessel with 120 barrels of flour, which they put on board
+their own vessel. They also seized two other vessels; from one they
+took some gallons of wine, and from the other, plunder to a
+considerable value. After cleaning upon the coast of Virginia, they
+made a prize of a large French Guineaman bound to Martinique, and
+Teach obtaining the command of her, went to the island of
+Providence, and surrendered to the king's clemency.</p>
+<p>Teach now began to act an independent part. He mounted his
+vessel with forty guns, and named her "The Queen Anne's Revenge."
+Cruising near the island of St. Vincent, he took a large ship,
+called the Great Allan, and after having plundered her of what he
+deemed proper, set her on fire. A few days after, Teach encountered
+the Scarborough man-of-war, and engaged her for some hours; but
+perceiving his strength and resolution, she retired, and left Teach
+to pursue his depredations. His next adventure was with a sloop of
+ten guns, commanded by Major Bonnet, and these two men co-operated
+for some time: but Teach finding him unacquainted with naval
+affairs, gave the command of Bonnet's ship to Richards, one of his
+own crew, and entertained Bonnet on board his own vessel. Watering
+at Turniff, they discovered a sail, and Richards with the Revenge
+slipped her cable, and ran out to meet her. Upon seeing the black
+flag hoisted, the vessel struck, and came-to under the stern of
+Teach the commodore. This was the Adventure from Jamaica. They took
+the captain and his men on board the great ship, and manned his
+sloop for their own service.</p>
+<p>Weighing from Turniff, where they remained during a week, and
+sailing to the bay, they found there a ship and four sloops. Teach
+hoisted his flag, and began to fire at them, upon which the captain
+and his men left their ship and fled to the shore. Teach burned two
+of these sloops, and let the other three depart.</p>
+<p>They afterwards sailed to different places, and having taken two
+small vessels, anchored off the bar of Charleston for a few days.
+Here they captured a ship bound for England, as she was coming out
+of the harbor. They next seized a vessel coming out of Charleston,
+and two pinks coming into the same harbor, together with a
+brigantine with fourteen negroes. The audacity of these
+transactions, performed in sight of the town, struck the
+inhabitants with terror, as they had been lately visited by some
+other notorious pirates. Meanwhile, there were eight sail in the
+harbor, none of which durst set to sea for fear of falling into the
+hands of Teach. The trade of this place was totally interrupted,
+and the inhabitants were abandoned to despair. Their calamity was
+greatly augmented from this circumstance, that a long and desperate
+war with the natives had just terminated, when they began to be
+infested by these robbers.</p>
+<p>Teach having detained all the persons taken in these ships as
+prisoners, they were soon in great want of medicines, and he had
+the audacity to demand a chest from the governor. This demand was
+made in a manner not less daring than insolent. Teach sent
+Richards, the captain of the Revenge, with Mr. Marks, one of the
+prisoners, and several others, to present their request. Richards
+informed the governor, that unless their demand was granted, and he
+and his companions returned in safety, every prisoner on board the
+captured ships should instantly be slain, and the vessels consumed
+to ashes.</p>
+<p>During the time that Mr. Marks was negotiating with the
+governor, Richards and his associates walked the streets at
+pleasure, while indignation flamed from every eye against them, as
+the robbers of their property, and the terror of their country.
+Though the affront thus offered to the Government was great and
+most audacious, yet, to preserve the lives of so many men, they
+granted their request, and sent on board a chest valued at three or
+four hundred pounds.</p>
+<p>Teach, as soon as he received the medicines and his fellow
+pirates, pillaged the ships of gold and provisions, and then
+dismissed the prisoners with their vessels. From the bar of
+Charleston they sailed to North Carolina. Teach now began to
+reflect how he could best secure the spoil, along with some of the
+crew who were his favorites. Accordingly, under pretence of
+cleaning, he ran his vessel on shore, and grounded; then ordered
+the men in Hands' sloop to come to his assistance, which they
+endeavoring to do, also ran aground, and so they were both lost.
+Then Teach went into the tender with forty hands, and upon a sandy
+island, about a league from shore, where there was neither bird no
+beast, nor herb for their subsistence, he left seventeen of his
+crew, who must inevitably have perished, had not Major Bonnet
+received intelligence of their miserable situation, and sent a
+long-boat for them. After this barbarous deed. Teach, with the
+remainder of his crew, went and surrendered to the governor of
+North Carolina, retaining all the property which had been acquired
+by his fleet.</p>
+<p>The temporary suspension of the depredations of Black Beard, for
+so he was now called, did not proceed from a conviction of his
+former errors, or a determination to reform, but to prepare for
+future and more extensive exploits. As governors are but men, and
+not unfrequently by no means possessed of the most virtuous
+principles, the gold of Black Beard rendered him comely in the
+governor's eyes, and, by his influence, he obtained a legal right
+to the great ship called "The Queen Anne's Revenge." By order of
+the governor, a court of vice-admiralty was held at Bath-town, and
+that vessel was condemned as a lawful prize which he had taken from
+the Spaniards, though it was a well-known fact that she belonged to
+English merchants. Before he entered upon his new adventures, he
+married a young woman of about sixteen years of age, the governor
+himself attending the ceremony. It was reported that this was only
+his fourteenth wife, about twelve of whom were yet alive; and
+though this woman was young and amiable, he behaved towards her in
+a manner so brutal, that it was shocking to all decency and
+propriety, even among his abandoned crew of pirates.</p>
+<p>In his first voyage, Black Beard directed his course to the
+Bermudas, and meeting with two or three English vessels, emptied
+them of their stores and other necessaries, and allowed them to
+proceed. He also met with two French vessels bound for Martinique,
+the one light, and the other laden with sugar and cocoa: he put the
+men on board the latter into the former, and allowed her to depart.
+He brought the freighted vessel into North Carolina, where the
+governor and Black Beard shared the prizes. Nor did their audacity
+and villany stop here. Teach and some of his abandoned crew waited
+upon his excellency, and swore that they had seized the French ship
+at sea, without a soul on board; therefore a court was called, and
+she was condemned, the honorable governor received sixty hogsheads
+of sugar for his share, his secretary twenty, and the pirates the
+remainder. But as guilt always inspires suspicion, Teach was afraid
+that some one might arrive in the harbor who might detect the
+roguery: therefore, upon pretence that she was leaky, and might
+sink, and so stop up the entrance to the harbor where she lay, they
+obtained the governor's liberty to drag her into the river, where
+she was set on fire, and when burnt down to the water, her bottom
+was sunk, that so she might never rise in judgment against the
+governor and his confederates.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/354.jpg" alt=
+"The crews of Black Beard's and Vane's vessels carousing on the coast of Carolina"
+     height="330" width="584"></center>
+<h4><i>The crews of Black Beard's and Vane's vessels carousing on
+the coast of Carolina.</i></h4>
+Black Beard now being in the province of Friendship, passed several
+months in the river, giving and receiving visits from the planters;
+while he traded with the vessels which came to that river,
+sometimes in the way of lawful commerce, and sometimes in his own
+way. When he chose to appear the honest man, he made fair purchases
+on equal barter; but when this did not suit his necessities, or his
+humor, he would rob at pleasure, and leave them to seek their
+redress from the governor; and the better to cover his intrigues
+with his excellency, he would sometimes outbrave him to his face,
+and administer to him a share of that contempt and insolence which
+he so liberally bestowed upon the rest of the inhabitants of the
+province.
+<p>But there are limits to human insolence and depravity. The
+captains of the vessels who frequented that river, and had been so
+often harrassed and plundered by Black Beard, secretly consulted
+with some of the planters what measures to pursue, in order to
+banish such an infamous miscreant from their coasts, and to bring
+him to deserved punishment. Convinced from long experience, that
+the governor himself, to whom it belonged, would give no redress,
+they represented the matter to the governor of Virginia, and
+entreated that an armed force might be sent from the men-of-war
+lying there, either to take or to destroy those pirates who
+infested their coast.</p>
+<p>Upon this representation, the Governor of Virginia consulted
+with the captains of the two men-of-war as to the best measures to
+be adopted. It was resolved that the governor should hire two small
+vessels, which could pursue Bleak Beard into all his inlets and
+creeks; that they should be manned from the men-of-war, and the
+command given to Lieutenant Maynard, an experienced and resolute
+officer. When all was ready for his departure, the governor called
+an assembly, in which it was resolved to issue a proclamation,
+offering a great reward to any who, within a year, should take or
+destroy any pirate.</p>
+<p>Upon the 17th of November, 1717, Maynard left James's river in
+quest of Black Beard, and on the evening of the 21st came in sight
+of the pirate. This expedition was fitted out with all possible
+expedition and secrecy, no boat being permitted to pass that might
+convey any intelligence, while care was taken to discover where the
+pirates were lurking. His excellency the governor of Bermuda, and
+his secretary, however, having obtained information of the intended
+expedition, the latter wrote a letter to Black Beard, intimating,
+that he had sent him four of his men, who were all he could meet
+within or about town, and so bade him be on his guard. These men
+were sent from Bath-town to the place where Black Beard lay, about
+the distance of twenty leagues.</p>
+<p>The hardened and infatuated pirate, having been often deceived
+by false intelligence, was the less attentive to this information,
+nor was he convinced of its accuracy until he saw the sloops sent
+to apprehend him. Though he had then only twenty men on board, he
+prepared to give battle. Lieutenant Maynard arrived with his sloops
+in the evening, and anchored, as he could not venture, under cloud
+of night, to go into the place where Black Beard lay. The latter
+spent the night in drinking with the master of a trading-vessel,
+with the same indifference as if no danger had been near. Nay, such
+was the desperate wickedness of this villain, that, it is reported,
+during the carousals of that night, one of his men asked him, "In
+case any thing should happen to him during the engagement with the
+two sloops which were waiting to attack him in the morning, whether
+his wife knew where he had buried his money?" when he impiously
+replied, "That nobody but himself and the devil knew where it was,
+and the longest liver should take all."</p>
+<p>In the morning Maynard weighed, and sent his boat to sound,
+which coming near the pirate, received her fire. Maynard then
+hoisted royal colors, and made directly towards Black Beard with
+every sail and oar. In a little time the pirate ran aground, and so
+also did the king's vessels. Maynard lightened his vessel of the
+ballast and water, and made towards Black Beard. Upon this he
+hailed him in his own rude style, "D--n you for villains, who are
+you, and from whence come you?" The lieutenant answered, "You may
+see from our colors we are no pirates." Black Beard bade him send
+his boat on board, that he might see who he was. But Maynard
+replied, "I cannot spare my boat, but I will come on board of you
+as soon as I can with my sloop." Upon this Black Beard took a glass
+of liquor and drank to him, saying, "I'll give no quarter nor take
+any from you." Maynard replied, "He expected no quarter from him,
+nor should he give him any."</p>
+<p>During this dialogue the pirate's ship floated, and the sloops
+were rowing with all expedition towards him. As she came near, the
+pirate fired a broadside, charged with all manner of small shot,
+which killed or wounded twenty men. Black Beard's ship in a little
+after fell broadside to the shore; one of the sloops called the
+Ranger, also fell astern. But Maynard finding that his own sloop
+had way, and would soon be on board of Teach, ordered all his men
+down, while himself and the man at the helm, who he commanded to
+lie concealed, were the only persons who remained on deck. He at
+the same time desired them to take their pistols, cutlasses, and
+swords, and be ready for action upon his call, and, for greater
+expedition, two ladders were placed in the hatchway. When the
+king's sloop boarded, the pirate's case-boxes, filled with powder,
+small shot, slugs, and pieces of lead and iron, with a quick-match
+in the mouth of them, were thrown into Maynard's sloop.
+Fortunately, however, the men being in the hold, they did small
+injury on the present occasion, though they are usually very
+destructive. Black Beard seeing few or no hands upon deck, cried to
+his men that they were all knocked on the head except three or
+four; "and therefore," said he, "let us jump on board, and cut to
+pieces those that are alive."</p>
+<center><img src="./images/358.jpg" alt="Death of Black Beard."
+height="600" width="488"></center>
+<h4><i>Death of Black Beard.</i></h4>
+Upon this, during the smoke occasioned by one of these case-boxes,
+Black Beard, with fourteen of his men, entered, and were not
+perceived until the smoke was dispelled. The signal was given to
+Maynard's men, who rushed up in an instant. Black Beard and the
+lieutenant exchange shots, and the pirate was wounded; they then
+engaged sword in hand, until the sword of the lieutenant broke, but
+fortunately one of his men at that instant gave Black Beard a
+terrible wound in the neck and throat. The most desperate and
+bloody conflict ensued:--Maynard with twelve men, and Black Beard
+with fourteen. The sea was dyed with blood all around the vessel,
+and uncommon bravery was displayed upon both sides. Though the
+pirate was wounded by the first shot from Maynard, though he had
+received twenty cuts, and as many shots, he fought with desperate
+valor; but at length, when in the act of cocking his pistol, fell
+down dead. By this time eight of his men had fallen, and the rest
+being wounded, cried out for quarter, which was granted, as the
+ringleader was slain. The other sloop also attacked the men who
+remained in the pirate vessels, until they also cried out for
+quarter. And such was the desperation of Black Beard, that, having
+small hope of escaping, he had placed a negro with a match at the
+gunpowder door, to blow up the ship the moment that he should have
+been boarded by the king's men, in order to involve the whole in
+general ruin. That destructive broadside at the commencement of the
+action, which at first appeared so unlucky, was, however, the means
+of their preservation from the intended destruction.
+<p>Maynard severed the pirate's head from his body, suspended it
+upon his bowsprit-end, and sailed to Bath-town, to obtain medical
+aid for his wounded men. In the pirate sloop several letters and
+papers were found, which Black Beard would certainly have destroyed
+previous to the engagement, had he not determined to blow her up
+upon his being taken, which disclosed the whole villainy between
+the honorable governor of Bermuda and his honest secretary on the
+one hand, and the notorious pirate on the other, who had now
+suffered the just punishment of his crimes.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/360.jpg" alt=
+"Black Beard's Head on the end of the Bowsprit" height="600" width=
+"573"></center>
+<h4><i>Black Beard's Head on the end of the Bowsprit.</i></h4>
+Scarcely was Maynard returned to Bath-town, when he boldly went and
+made free with the sixty hogsheads of sugar in the possession of
+the governor, and the twenty in that of his secretary.
+<p>After his men had been healed at Bath-town, the lieutenant
+proceeded to Virginia, with the head of Black Beard still suspended
+on his bowsprit-end, as a trophy of his victory, to the great joy
+of all the inhabitants. The prisoners were tried, condemned, and
+executed; and thus all the crew of that infernal miscreant, Black
+Beard, were destroyed, except two. One of these was taken out of a
+trading-vessel, only the day before the engagement, in which he
+received no less than seventy wounds, of all which he was cured.
+The other was Israel Hands, who was master of the Queen Anne's
+Revenge; he was taken at Bath-town, being wounded in one of Black
+Beard's savage humors. One night Black Beard, drinking in his cabin
+with Hands, the pilot, and another man, without any pretence, took
+a small pair of pistols, and cocked them under the table; which
+being perceived by the man, he went on deck, leaving the captain,
+Hands, and the pilot together. When his pistols were prepared, he
+extinguished the candle, crossed his arms, and fired at his
+company. The one pistol did no execution, but the other wounded
+Hands in the knee. Interrogated concerning the meaning of this, he
+answered with an imprecation, "That if he did not now and then kill
+one of them, they would forget who he was." Hands was eventually
+tried and condemned, but as he was about to be executed, a vessel
+arrived with a proclamation prolonging the time of his Majesty's
+pardon, which Hands pleading, he was saved from a violent and
+shameful death.</p>
+<p>In the commonwealth of pirates, he who goes the greatest length
+of wickedness, is looked upon with a kind of envy amongst them, as
+a person of a most extraordinary gallantry; he is therefore
+entitled to be distinguished by some post, and, if such a one has
+but courage, he must certainly be a great man. The hero of whom we
+are writing was thoroughly accomplished in this way, and some of
+his frolics of wickedness were as extravagant as if he aimed at
+making his men believe he was a devil incarnate. Being one day at
+sea, and a little flushed with drink; "Come," said he, "let us make
+a hell of our own, and try how long we can bear it." Accordingly
+he, with two or three others, went down into the hold, and closing
+up all the hatches, filled several pots full of brimstone, and
+other combustible matter; they then set it on fire, and so
+continued till they were almost suffocated, when some of the men
+cried out for air; at length he opened the hatches, not a little
+pleased that he had held out the longest.</p>
+<p>Those of his crew who were taken alive, told a story which may
+appear a little incredible. That once, upon a cruise, they found
+out that they had a man on board more than their crew; such a one
+was seen several days amongst them, sometimes below, and sometimes
+upon deck, yet no man in the ship could give any account who he
+was, or from whence he came; but that he disappeared a little
+before they were cast away in their great ship, and, it seems, they
+verily believed it was the devil.</p>
+<p>One would think these things should have induced them to reform
+their lives; but being so many reprobates together, they encouraged
+and spirited one another up in their wickedness, to which a
+continual course of drinking did not a little contribute. In Black
+Beard's journal, which was taken, there were several memoranda of
+the following nature, all written with his own hand.--"Such a day,
+rum all out;--our company somewhat sober;--a d--d confusion amongst
+us!--rogues a plotting;--great talk of separation. So I looked
+sharp for a prize;--such a day took one, with a great deal of
+liquor on board; so kept the company hot, d--d hot, then all things
+went well again."</p>
+<p>We shall close the narrative of this extraordinary man's life by
+an account of the cause why he was denominated Black Beard. He
+derived this name from his long black beard, which, like a
+frightful meteor, covered his whole face, and terrified all America
+more than any comet that had ever appeared. He was accustomed to
+twist it with ribbon in small quantities, and turn them about his
+ears. In time of action he wore a sling over his shoulders with
+three brace of pistols. He stuck lighted matches under his hat,
+which appeared on both sides of his face and eyes, naturally fierce
+and wild, made him such a figure that the human imagination cannot
+form a conception of a fury more terrible and alarming; and if he
+had the appearance and look of a fury, his actions corresponded
+with that character.</p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="THE_EXPLOITS_ARREST_AND_EXECUTION_OF_CAPTAIN_CHARLES"></a>
+<h2>THE EXPLOITS, ARREST, AND EXECUTION OF CAPTAIN CHARLES
+VANE.</h2>
+Charles Vane was one of those who stole away the silver which the
+Spaniards had fished up from the wrecks of the galleons in the Gulf
+of Florida, and was at Providence when governor Rogers arrived
+there with two men-of-war.
+<p>All the pirates who were then found at this colony of rogues,
+submitted and received certificates of their pardon, except Captain
+Vane and his crew; who, as soon as they saw the men-of-war enter,
+slipped their cable, set fire to a prize they had in the harbor,
+sailed out with their piratical colors flying, and fired at one of
+the men-of-war, as they went off from the coast.</p>
+<p>Two days after, they met with a sloop belonging to Barbadoes,
+which they took, and kept the vessel for their own use, putting
+aboard five and twenty hands, with one Yeates the commander. In a
+day or two they fell in with a small interloping trader, with a
+quantity of Spanish pieces of eight aboard, bound for Providence,
+which they also took along with them. With these two sloops, Vane
+went to a small island and cleaned; where he shared the booty, and
+spent some time in a riotous manner.</p>
+<p>About the latter end of May 1718, Vane and his crew sailed, and
+being in want of provisions, they beat up for the Windward Islands.
+In the way they met with a Spanish sloop, bound from Porto Rico to
+the Havana, which they burnt, stowed the Spaniards into a boat, and
+left them to get to the island by the blaze of their vessel.
+Steering between St. Christopher's and Anguilla, they fell in with
+a brigantine and a sloop, freighted with such cargo as they wanted;
+from whom they got provisions for sea-store.</p>
+<p>Sometime after this, standing to the northward, in the track the
+old English ships take in their voyage to the American colonies,
+they took several ships and vessels, which they plundered of what
+they thought fit, and then let them pass.</p>
+<p>About the latter end of August, with his consort Yeates, came
+off South Carolina, and took a ship belonging to Ipswich, laden
+with logwood. This was thought convenient enough for their own
+business, and therefore they ordered their prisoners to work, and
+threw all the lading overboard; but when they had more than half
+cleared the ship, the whim changed, and they would not have her; so
+Coggershall, the captain of the captured vessel, had his ship
+again, and he was suffered to pursue his voyage home. In this
+voyage the pirates took several ships and vessels, particularly a
+sloop from Barbadoes, a small ship from Antigua, a sloop belonging
+to Cura&ccedil;oa, and a large brigantine from Guinea, with upwards
+of ninety negroes aboard. The pirates plundered them all and let
+them go, putting the negroes out of the brigantine aboard Yeates'
+vessel.</p>
+<p>Captain Vane always treated his consort with very little
+respect, and assumed a superiority over him and his crew, regarding
+the vessel but as a tender to his own: this gave them disgust; for
+they thought themselves as good pirates, and as great rogues as the
+best of them; so they caballed together, and resolved, the first
+opportunity, to leave the company, and accept of his majesty's
+pardon, or set up for themselves; either of which they thought more
+honorable than to be the servants to Vane: the putting aboard so
+many negroes, where there were so few hands to take care of them,
+aggravated the matter, though they thought fit to conceal or stifle
+their resentment at that time.</p>
+<p>In a day or two, the pirates lying off at anchor, Yeates in the
+evening slipped his cable, and put his vessel under sail, standing
+into the shore; which when Vane saw, he was highly provoked, and
+got his sloop under sail to chase his consort. Vane's brigantine
+sailing best, he gained ground of Yeates, and would certainly have
+come up with them, had he had a little longer run; but just as he
+got over the bar, when Vane came within gun-shot of him, he fired a
+broadside at his old friend, and so took his leave.</p>
+<p>Yeates came into North Eddisto river, about ten leagues to the
+southward of Charleston, and sent an express to the governor, to
+know if he and his comrades might have the benefit of his majesty's
+pardon; promising that, if they might, they would surrender
+themselves to his mercy, with the sloops and negroes. Their request
+being granted, they all came up, and received certificates; and
+Captain Thompson, from whom the negroes were taken, had them all
+restored to him, for the use of his owners.</p>
+<p>Vane cruised some time off the bar, in hopes to catch Yeates at
+his coming out again, but therein he was disappointed; however, he
+there took two ships from Charleston, which were bound home to
+England. It happened just at this time, that two sloops well manned
+and armed, were equipped to go after a pirate, which the governor
+of South Carolina was informed lay then in Cape Fear river
+cleaning: but Colonel Rhet, who commanded the sloops, meeting with
+one of the ships that Vane had plundered, going back over the bar
+for such necessaries as had been taken from her, and she giving the
+Colonel an account of being taken by the pirate Vane, and also,
+that some of her men, while they were prisoners on board of him,
+had heard the pirates say they should clean in one of the rivers to
+the southward, he altered his first design, and instead of standing
+to the northward, in pursuit of the pirate in Cape Fear river,
+turned to the southward after Vane, who had ordered such reports to
+be given out, on purpose to put any force that should come after
+him upon a wrong scent; for he stood away to the northward, so that
+the pursuit proved to be of no effect. Colonel Rhet's speaking with
+this ship was the most unlucky thing that could have happened,
+because it turned him out of the road which, in all probability,
+would have brought him into the company of Vane, as well as of the
+pirate he went after, and so they might have been both destroyed;
+whereas, by the Colonel's going a different way, he not only lost
+the opportunity of meeting with one, but if the other had not been
+infatuated, and lain six weeks together at Cape Fear, he would have
+missed him likewise; however, the Colonel having searched the
+rivers and inlets, as directed, for several days without success,
+at length sailed in prosecution of his first design, and met with
+the pirate accordingly, whom he fought and took.</p>
+<p>Captain Vane went into an inlet to the northward, where he met
+with Captain Teach, otherwise Black Beard, whom he saluted (when he
+found who he was) with his great guns loaded with shot: it being
+the custom among pirates when they meet, to do so, though they are
+wide of one another: Black Beard answered the salute in the same
+manner, and mutual civilities passed between them some days, when,
+about the beginning of October, Vane took leave, and sailed farther
+to the northward.</p>
+<p>On the 23d of October, off Long Island, he took a small
+brigantine bound from Jamaica to Salem in New England, besides a
+little sloop: they rifled the brigantine, and sent her away. From
+thence they resolved on a cruise between Cape Meise and Cape
+Nicholas, where they spent some time without seeing or speaking
+with any vessel, till the latter end of November; they then fell in
+with a ship, which it was expected would have struck as soon as
+their black colors were hoisted; but instead of this she discharged
+a broadside upon the pirate, and hoisted French colors, which
+showed her to be a French man-of-war. Vane desired to have nothing
+more to say to her, but trimmed his sails, and stood away from the
+Frenchman; however, Monsieur having a mind to be better informed
+who he was, set all his sails and crowded after him. During this
+chase the pirates were divided in their resolution what to do.
+Vane, the captain, was for making off as fast as he could, alleging
+that the man-of-war was too strong for them to cope with; but one
+John Rackam, their quarter-master, and who was a kind of check upon
+the captain, rose up in defence of a contrary opinion, saying,
+"that though she had more guns, and a greater weight of metal, they
+might board her, and then the best boys would carry the day."
+Rackam was well seconded, and the majority was for boarding; but
+Vane urged, "that it was too rash and desperate an enterprise, the
+man-of-war appearing to be twice their force, and that their
+brigantine might be sunk by her before they could reach to board
+her." The mate, one Robert Deal, was of Vane's opinion, as were
+about fifteen more, and all the rest joined with Rackam the
+quarter-master. At length the captain made use of his power to
+determine this dispute, which in these cases is absolute and
+uncontrollable, by their own laws, viz., the captain's absolute
+right of determining in all questions concerning fighting, chasing,
+or being chased; in all other matters whatsoever the captain being
+governed by a majority; so the brigantine having the heels, as they
+term it, of the Frenchman, she came clear off.</p>
+<p>But the next day, the captain's conduct was obliged to stand the
+test of a vote, and a resolution passed against his honor and
+dignity, which branded him with the name of coward, deposed him
+from the command, and turned him out of the company with marks of
+infamy; and with him went all those who did not vote for boarding
+the French man-of-war. They had with them a small sloop that had
+been taken by them some time before, which they gave to Vane and
+the discarded members; and that they might be in a condition to
+provide for themselves by their own honest endeavors, they let them
+have a sufficient quantity of provisions and ammunition.</p>
+<p>John Rackam was voted captain of the brigantine in Vane's room,
+and he proceeded towards the Carribbee Islands, where we must leave
+him, till we have finished our history of Charles Vane.</p>
+<p>The sloop sailed for the bay of Honduras, and Vane and his crew
+put her in as good a condition as they could by the way, that they
+might follow their old trade. They cruised two or three days off
+the northwest part of Jamaica, and took a sloop and two perriaguas,
+all the men of which entered with them: the sloop they kept, and
+Robert Deal was appointed captain.</p>
+<p>On the 16th of December, the two sloops came into the bay, where
+they found only one vessel at anchor. She was called the Pearl of
+Jamaica, and got under sail at the sight of them; but the pirate
+sloops coming near Rowland, and showing no colors, he gave them a
+gun or two, whereupon they hoisted the black flag, and fired three
+guns each at the Pearl. She struck, and the pirates took
+possession, and carried her away to a small island called Barnacho,
+where they cleaned. By the way they met with a sloop from Jamaica,
+as she was going down to the bay, which they also took.</p>
+<p>In February, Vane sailed from Barnacho, for a cruise; but, some
+days after he was out, a violent tornado overtook him, which
+separated him from his consort, and, after two days' distress,
+threw his sloop upon a small uninhabited island, near the bay of
+Honduras, where she staved to pieces, and most of her men were
+drowned: Vane himself was saved, but reduced to great straits for
+want of necessaries, having no opportunity to get any thing from
+the wreck. He lived here some weeks, and was supported chiefly by
+fishermen, who frequented the island with small crafts from the
+main, to catch turtles and other fish.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/370.jpg" alt=
+"Vane arrested by Captain Holford" height="553" width=
+"600"></center>
+<h4><i>Vane arrested by Captain Holford.</i></h4>
+While Vane was upon this island, a ship put in there from Jamaica
+for water, the captain of which, one Holford, an old buccaneer,
+happened to be Vane's acquaintance. He thought this a good
+opportunity to get off, and accordingly applied to his old friend:
+but Holford absolutely refused him, saying to him, "Charles, I
+shan't trust you aboard my ship, unless I carry you as a prisoner,
+for I shall have you caballing with my men, knocking me on the
+head, and running away with my ship pirating." Vane made all the
+protestations of honor in the world to him; but, it seems, Captain
+Holford was too intimately acquainted with him, to repose any
+confidence at all in his words or oaths. He told him, "He might
+easily find a way to get off, if he had a mind to it:--I am going
+down the bay," said he, "and shall return hither in about a month,
+and if I find you upon the island when I come back, I'll carry you
+to Jamaica, and there hang you." "How can I get away?" answered
+Vane. "Are there not fishermen's dories upon the beach? Can't you
+take one of them?" replied Holford. "What!" said Vane, "would you
+have me steal a dory then?" "Do you make it a matter of
+conscience," replied Holford, "to steal a dory, when you have been
+a common robber and pirate, stealing ships and cargoes, and
+plundering all mankind that fell in your way! Stay here if you are
+so squeamish?" and he left him to consider of the matter.
+<p>After Captain Holford's departure, another ship put into the
+same island, in her way home, for water; none of the company
+knowing Vane, he easily passed for another man, and so was shipped
+for the voyage. One would be apt to think that Vane was now pretty
+safe, and likely to escape the fate which his crimes had merited;
+but here a cross accident happened that ruined all. Holford
+returning from the bay, was met by this ship, and the captains
+being very well acquainted with each other, Holford was invited to
+dine aboard, which he did. As he passed along to the cabin, he
+chanced to cast his eye down into the hold, and there saw Charles
+Vane at work: he immediately spoke to the captain, saying, "Do you
+know whom you have got aboard there?" "Why," said he, "I have
+shipped a man at such an island, who was cast away in a trading
+sloop, and he seems to be a brisk hand." "I tell you," replied
+Captain Holford, "it is Vane the notorious pirate." "If it be he,"
+cried the other, "I won't keep him." "Why then," said Holford,
+"I'll send and take him aboard, and surrender him at Jamaica." This
+being agreed upon, Captain Holford, as soon as he returned to his
+ship, sent his boat with his mate, armed, who coming to Vane,
+showed him a pistol, and told him he was his prisoner. No man
+daring to make opposition, he was brought aboard and put into
+irons; and when Captain Holford arrived at Jamaica, he delivered up
+his old acquaintance to justice, at which place he was tried,
+convicted, and executed, as was some time before, Vane's consort,
+Robert Deal, who was brought thither by one of the men-of-war. It
+is clear from this how little ancient friendship will avail a great
+villain, when he is deprived of the power that had before supported
+and rendered him formidable.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/372.jpg" alt="Page 372 Illustration"
+height="600" width="501"></center>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="THE_WEST_INDIA_PIRATES"></a>
+<h2>THE WEST INDIA PIRATES</h2>
+<i>Containing Accounts of their Atrocities, Manners of Living,
+&amp;c., with proceedings of the Squadron under Commodore Porter in
+those seas, the victory and death of Lieutenant Allen, the
+interesting Narrative of Captain Lincoln, &amp;c.</i>
+<p>Those innumerable groups of islands, keys and sandbanks, known
+as the West-Indies, are peculiarly adapted from their locality and
+formation, to be a favorite resort for pirates; many of them are
+composed of coral rocks, on which a few cocoa trees raise their
+lofty heads; where there is sufficient earth for vegetation between
+the interstices of the rocks, stunted brushwood grows. But a chief
+peculiarity of some of the islands, and which renders them suitable
+to those who frequent them as pirates, are the numerous caves with
+which the rocks are perforated; some of them are above high-water
+mark, but the majority with the sea water flowing in and out of
+them, in some cases merely rushing in at high-water filling deep
+pools, which are detached from each other when the tide recedes, in
+others with a sufficient depth of water to allow a large boat to
+float in. It is hardly necessary to observe how convenient the
+higher and dry caves are as receptacles for articles which are
+intended to be concealed, until an opportunity occurs to dispose of
+them. The Bahamas, themselves are a singular group of isles, reefs
+and quays; consisting of several hundred in number, and were the
+chief resort of pirates in old times, but now they are all rooted
+from them; they are low and not elevated, and are more than 600
+miles in extent, cut up into numerous intricate passages and
+channels, full of sunken rocks and coral reefs. They afforded a
+sure retreat to desperadoes. Other islands are full of mountain
+fastnesses, where all pursuit can be eluded. Many of the low shores
+are skirted, and the islands covered by the mangrove, a singular
+tree, shooting fresh roots as it grows, which, when the tree is at
+its full age, may be found six or eight feet from the ground, to
+which the shoots gradually tend in regular succession; the leaf is
+very thick and stiff and about eight inches long and nine wide, the
+interval between the roots offer secure hiding places for those who
+are suddenly pursued. Another circumstance assists the pirate when
+pursued.--As the islands belong to several different nations, when
+pursued from one island he can pass to that under the jurisdiction
+of another power. And as permission must be got by those in pursuit
+of him, from the authorities of the island to land and take him, he
+thus gains time to secrete himself. A tropical climate is suited to
+a roving life, and liquor as well as dissolute women being in great
+abundance, to gratify him during his hours of relaxation, makes
+this a congenial region for the lawless.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/374.jpg" alt=
+"A Piratical Vessel destroying a Merchant Ship" height="600" width=
+"599"></center>
+<h4><i>A Piratical Vessel destroying a Merchant Ship.</i></h4>
+The crews of pirate vessels in these seas are chiefly composed of
+Spaniards, Portuguese, French, Mulattoes, Negroes, and a few
+natives of other countries. The island of Cuba is the great nest of
+pirates at the present day, and at the Havana, piracy is as much
+tolerated as any other profession. As the piracies committed in
+these seas, during a single year, have amounted to more than fifty,
+we shall give only a few accounts of the most interesting.
+<p>In November 1821, the brig Cobbessecontee, Captain Jackson,
+sailed from Havana, on the morning of the 8th for Boston, and on
+the evening of the same day, about four miles from the Moro, was
+brought to by a piratical sloop containing about 30 men. A boat
+from her, with 10 men, came alongside, and soon after they got on
+board commenced plundering. They took nearly all the clothing from
+the captain and mate--all the cooking utensils and spare
+rigging--unrove part of the running rigging--cut the small
+cable--broke the compasses--cut the mast's coats to pieces--took
+from the captain his watch and four boxes cigars--and from the
+cargo three bales cochineal and six boxes cigars. They beat the
+mate unmercifully, and hung him up by the neck under the maintop.
+They also beat the captain severely--broke a large broad sword
+across his back, and ran a long knife through his thigh, so that he
+almost bled to death. Captain Jackson saw the sloop at Regla the
+day before.</p>
+<p>Captain Jackson informs us, and we have also been informed by
+other persons from the Havana, that this system of piracy is openly
+countenanced by some of the inhabitants of that place--who say that
+it is a retaliation on the Americans for interfering against the
+Slave Trade.</p>
+<p>About this time the ship Liverpool Packet, Ricker, of
+Portsmouth, N.H., was boarded off Cape St. Antonio, Cuba, by two
+piratical schooners; two barges containing thirty or forty men,
+robbed the vessel of every thing movable, even of her <i>flags</i>,
+rigging, and a boat which happened to be afloat, having a boy in
+it, which belonged to the ship. They held a consultation whether
+they should murder the crew, as they had done before, or not--in
+the mean time taking the ship into anchoring ground. On bringing
+her to anchor, the crew saw a brig close alongside, burnt to the
+water's edge, and three dead bodies floating near her. The pirates
+said they had burnt the brig the day before, and <i>murdered all
+the crew!</i>--and intended doing the same with them. They said
+"look at the turtles (meaning the dead bodies) you will soon be the
+same." They said the vessel was a Baltimore brig, which they had
+robbed and burnt, and murdered the crew as before stated, of which
+they had little doubt. Captain Ricker was most shockingly bruised
+by them. The mate was hung till he was supposed to be dead, but
+came to, and is now alive. They told the captain that they belonged
+in Regla, and should kill them all to prevent discovery.</p>
+<p>In 1822, the United States had several cruisers among the
+West-India islands, to keep the pirates in check. Much good was
+done but still many vessels were robbed and destroyed, together
+with their crews. This year the brave Lieutenant Allen fell by the
+hand of pirates; he was in the United States schooner Alligator,
+and receiving intelligence at Matanzas, that several vessels which
+had sailed from that port, had been taken by the pirates, and were
+then in the bay of Lejuapo. He hastened to their assistance. He
+arrived just in time to save five sail of vessels which he found in
+possession of a gang of pirates, 300 strong, established in the bay
+of Lejuapo, about 15 leagues east of this. He fell, pierced by two
+musket balls, in the van of a division of boats, attacking their
+principal vessel, a fine schooner of about eighty tons, with a long
+eighteen pounder on a pivot, and four smaller guns, <i>with the
+bloody flag nailed to the mast</i>. Himself, Captain Freeman of
+Marines, and twelve men, were in the boat, much in advance of his
+other boats, and even took possession of the schooner, after a
+desperate resistance, which nothing but a bravery almost too daring
+could have overcome. The pirates, all but one, escaped by taking to
+their boats and jumping overboard, before the Alligator's boat
+reached them. Two other schooners escaped by the use of their oars,
+the wind being light.</p>
+<p>Captain Allen survived about four hours, during which his
+conversation evinced a composure and firmness of mind, and
+correctness of feeling, as honorable to his character, and more
+consoling to his friends, than even the dauntless bravery he before
+exhibited.</p>
+<p>The surgeon of the Alligator in a letter to a friend, says, "He
+continued giving orders and conversing with Mr. Dale and the rest
+of us, until a few minutes before his death, with a degree of
+cheerfulness that was little to be expected from a man in his
+condition. He said he wished his relatives and his country to know
+that he had fought well, and added that he died in peace and good
+will towards all the world, and hoped for his reward in the
+next."</p>
+<p>Lieutenant Allen had but few equals in the service. He was
+ardently devoted to the interest of his country, was brave,
+intelligent, and accomplished in his profession. He displayed,
+living and dying, a magnanimity that sheds lustre on his relatives,
+his friends, and his country.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/378.jpg" alt=
+"Horrid Piracy and Murder by a Mexican privateer." height="387"
+width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>Horrid Piracy and Murder by a Mexican "privateer."</i></h4>
+About this time Captain Lincoln fell into the hands of the pirates,
+and as his treatment shows the peculiar habits and practices of
+these wretches, we insert the very interesting narrative of the
+captain.
+<p>The schooner Exertion, Captain Lincoln, sailed from Boston,
+bound for Trinidad de Cuba, Nov. 13th, 1821, with the following
+crew; Joshua Bracket, mate; David Warren, cook; and Thomas Young,
+Francis De Suze, and George Reed, seamen.</p>
+<p>The cargo consisted of flour, beef, pork, lard, butter, fish,
+beans, onions, potatoes, apples, hams, furniture, sugar box shooks,
+&amp;c., invoiced at about eight thousand dollars. Nothing
+remarkable occurred during the passage, except much bad weather,
+until my capture, which was as follows:--</p>
+<p>Monday, December 17th, 1821, commenced with fine breezes from
+the eastward. At daybreak saw some of the islands northward of Cape
+Cruz, called Keys--stood along northwest; every thing now seemed
+favorable for a happy termination of our voyage. At 3 o'clock,
+P.M., saw a sail coming round one of the Keys, into a channel
+called Boca de Cavolone by the chart, nearly in latitude 20&deg;
+55' north, longitude 79&deg; 55' west, she made directly for us
+with all sails set, sweeps on both sides (the wind being light) and
+was soon near enough for us to discover about forty men on her
+deck, armed with muskets, blunderbusses, cutlasses, long knives,
+dirks, &amp;c., two carronades, one a twelve, the other a six
+pounder; she was a schooner, wearing the Patriot flag (blue, white
+and blue) of the Republic of Mexico. I thought it not prudent to
+resist them, should they be pirates, with a crew of seven men, and
+only five muskets; accordingly ordered the arms and ammunition to
+be immediately stowed away in as secret a place as possible, and
+suffer her to speak us, hoping and believing that a republican flag
+indicated both honor and friendship from those who wore it, and
+which we might expect even from Spaniards. But how great was my
+astonishment, when the schooner having approached very near us,
+hailed in English, and ordered me to heave my boat out immediately
+and come on board of her with my papers.--Accordingly my boat was
+hove out, but filled before I could get into her.--I was then
+ordered to tack ship and lay by for the pirates' boat to board me;
+which was done by Bolidar, their first lieutenant, with six or
+eight Spaniards armed with as many of the before mentioned weapons
+as they could well sling about their bodies. They drove me into the
+boat, and two of them rowed me to their privateer (as they called
+their vessel), where I shook hands with their commander, Captain
+Jonnia, a Spaniard, who before looking at my papers, ordered
+Bolidar, his lieutenant, to follow the Mexican in, back of the Key
+they had left, which was done. At 6 o'clock, P.M., the Exertion was
+anchored in eleven feet water, near this vessel, and an island,
+which they called Twelve League Key (called by the chart Key
+Largo), about thirty or thirty-five leagues from Trinidad. After
+this strange conduct they began examining my papers by a Scotchman
+who went by the name of Nickola, their sailing master.--He spoke
+good English, had a countenance rather pleasing, although his beard
+and mustachios had a frightful appearance--his face, apparently
+full of anxiety, indicated something in my favor; he gave me my
+papers, saying "take good care of them, for I am afraid you have
+fallen into bad hands." The pirates' boat was then sent to the
+Exertion with more men and arms; a part of them left on board her;
+the rest returning with three of my crew to their vessel; viz.,
+Thomas Young, Thomas Goodall, and George Reed--they treated them
+with something to drink, and offered them equal shares with
+themselves, and some money, if they would enlist, but they could
+not prevail on them. I then requested permission to go on board my
+vessel which was granted, and further requested Nickola should go
+with me, but was refused by the captain, who vociferated in a harsh
+manner, "No, No, No." accompanied with a heavy stamp upon the deck.
+When I got on board, I was invited below by Bolidar, where I found
+they had emptied the case of liquors, and broken a cheese to pieces
+and crumbled it on the table and cabin floor; the pirates, elated
+with their prize (as they called it), had drank so much as to make
+them desperately abusive. I was permitted to lie down in my berth;
+but, reader, if you have ever been awakened by a gang of armed,
+desperadoes, who have taken possession of your habitation in the
+midnight hour, you can imagine my feelings.--Sleep was a stranger
+to me, and anxiety was my guest. Bolidar, however, pretended
+friendship, and flattered me with the prospect of being soon set at
+liberty. But I found him, as I suspected, a consummate hypocrite;
+indeed, his very looks indicated it. He was a stout and well built
+man, of a dark, swarthy complexion, with keen, ferocious eyes, huge
+whiskers, and beard under his chin and on his lips, four or five
+inches long; he was a Portuguese by birth, but had become a
+naturalized Frenchman--had a wife, if not children (as I was told)
+in France, and was well known there as commander of a first rate
+privateer. His appearance was truly terrific; he could talk some
+English, and had a most lion-like voice.</p>
+<p>Tuesday, 18th.--Early this morning the captain of the pirates
+came on board the Exertion; took a look at the cabin stores, and
+cargo in the state rooms, and then ordered me back with him to his
+vessel, where he, with his crew, held a consultation for some time
+respecting the cargo. After which, the interpreter, Nickola, told
+me that "the captain had, or pretended to have, a commission under
+General Traspelascus, commander-in-chief of the republic of Mexico,
+authorizing him to take all cargoes whatever of provisions, bound
+to any royalist Spanish port--that my cargo being bound to an
+enemy's port, must be condemned; but that the vessel should be
+given up and be put into a fair channel for Trinidad, where I was
+bound." I requested him to examine the papers thoroughly, and
+perhaps he would be convinced to the contrary, and told him my
+cargo was all American property taken in at Boston, and consigned
+to an American gentleman, agent at Trinidad. But the captain would
+not take the trouble, but ordered both vessels under way
+immediately, and commenced beating up amongst the Keys through most
+of the day, the wind being very light. They now sent their boats on
+board the Exertion for stores, and commenced plundering her of
+bread, butter, lard, onions, potatoes, fish, beans, &amp;c., took
+up some sugar box shocks that were on deck, and found the barrels
+of apples; selected the best of them and threw the rest overboard.
+They inquired for spirits, wine, cider, &amp;c. and were told "they
+had already taken all that was on board." But not satisfied they
+proceeded to search the state rooms and forcastle, ripped up the
+floor of the later and found some boxes of bottled cider, which
+they carried to their vessel, gave three cheers, in an exulting
+manner to me, and then began drinking it with such freedom, that a
+violent quarrel arose between officers and men, which came very
+near ending in bloodshed. I was accused of falsehood, for saying
+they had got all the liquors that were on board, and I thought they
+had; the truth was, I never had any bill of lading of the cider,
+and consequently had no recollection of its being on board; yet it
+served them as an excuse for being insolent. In the evening peace
+was restored and they sung songs. I was suffered to go below for
+the night, and they placed a guard over me, stationed at the
+companion way.</p>
+<p>Wednesday, 19th, commenced with moderate easterly winds, beating
+towards the northeast, the pirate's boats frequently going on board
+the Exertion for potatoes, fish, beans, butter, &amp;c. which were
+used with great waste and extravagance. They gave me food and
+drink, but of bad quality, more particularly the victuals, which
+was wretchedly cooked. The place assigned me to eat was covered
+with dirt and vermin. It appeared that their great object was to
+hurt my feelings with threats and observations, and to make my
+situation as unpleasant as circumstances would admit. We came to
+anchor near a Key, called by them Brigantine, where myself and mate
+were permitted to go on shore, but were guarded by several armed
+pirates. I soon returned to the Mexican and my mate to the
+Exertion, with George Reed, one of my crew; the other two being
+kept on board the Mexican. In the course of this day I had
+considerable conversation with Nickola, who appeared well disposed
+towards me. He lamented most deeply his own situation, for he was
+one of those men, whose early good impressions were not entirely
+effaced, although confederated with guilt. He told me "those who
+had taken me were no better than pirates, and their end would be
+the halter; but," he added, with peculiar emotion, "I will never be
+hung as a pirate," showing me a bottle of laudanum which he had
+found in my medicine chest, saying, "If we are taken, that shall
+cheat the hangman, before we are condemned." I endeavored to get it
+from him, but did not succeed. I then asked him how he came to be
+in such company, as he appeared to be dissatisfied. He stated, that
+he was at New Orleans last summer, out of employment, and became
+acquainted with one Captain August Orgamar, a Frenchman, who had
+bought a small schooner of about fifteen tons, and was going down
+to the bay of Mexico to get a commission under General
+Traspelascus, in order to go a privateering under the patriot flag.
+Capt. Orgamar made him liberal offers respecting shares, and
+promised him a sailing master's berth, which he accepted and
+embarked on board the schooner, without sufficiently reflecting on
+the danger of such an undertaking. Soon after she sailed from
+Mexico, where they got a commission, and the vessel was called
+Mexican. They made up a complement of twenty men, and after
+rendering the General some little service, in transporting his
+troops to a place called ---- proceeded on a cruise; took some
+small prizes off Campeachy; afterwards came on the south coast of
+Cuba, where they took other small prizes, and the one which we were
+now on board of. By this time the crew were increased to about
+forty, nearly one half Spaniards, the others Frenchmen and
+Portuguese. Several of them had sailed out of ports in the United
+States with American protections; but, I confidently believe, none
+are natives, especially of the northern states. I was careful in
+examining the men, being desirous of knowing if any of my
+countrymen were among this wretched crew; but am satisfied there
+were none, and my Scotch friend concurred in the opinion. And now,
+with a new vessel, which was the prize of these plunderers, they
+sailed up Manganeil bay; previously, however, they fell in with an
+American schooner, from which they bought four barrels of beef, and
+paid in tobacco. At the Bay was an English brig belonging to
+Jamaica, owned by Mr. John Louden of that place. On board of this
+vessel the Spanish part of the crew commenced their depredations as
+pirates, although Captain Orgamar and Nickola protested against it,
+and refused any participation; but they persisted, and like so many
+ferocious blood-hounds, boarded the brig, plundered the cabin,
+stores, furniture, captain's trunk, &amp;c., took a hogshead of
+rum, one twelve pound carronade, some rigging and sails. One of
+them plundered the chest of a sailor, who made some resistance, so
+that the Spaniard took his cutlass, and beat and wounded him
+without mercy. Nickola asked him "why he did it?" the fellow
+answered, "I will let you know," and took up the cook's axe and
+gave him a cut on the head, which nearly deprived him of life. Then
+they ordered Captain Orgamar to leave his vessel, allowing him his
+trunk and turned him ashore, to seek for himself. Nickola begged
+them to dismiss him with his captain, but no, no, was the answer;
+for they had no complete navigator but him. After Captain Orgamar
+was gone, they put in his stead the present brave (or as I should
+call him cowardly) Captain Jonnia, who headed them in plundering
+the before mentioned brig, and made Bolidar their first lieutenant,
+and then proceeded down among those Keys or Islands, where I was
+captured. This is the amount of what my friend Nickola told me of
+their history.</p>
+<p>Saturday, 22d.--Both vessels under way standing to the eastward,
+they ran the Exertion aground on a bar, but after throwing
+overboard most of her deck load of shooks, she floated off; a pilot
+was sent to her, and she was run into a narrow creek between two
+keys, where they moored her head and stern along side of the
+mangrove trees, set down her yards and topmasts, and covered her
+mast heads and shrouds with bushes to prevent her being seen by
+vessels which might pass that way. I was then suffered to go on
+board my own vessel, and found her in a very filthy condition;
+sails torn, rigging cut to pieces, and every thing in the cabin in
+waste and confusion. The swarms of moschetoes and sand-flies made
+it impossible to get any sleep or rest. The pirate's large boat was
+armed and manned under Bolidar, and sent off with letters to a
+merchant (as they called him) by the name of Dominico, residing in
+a town called Principe, on the main island of Cuba. I was told by
+one of them, who could speak English, that Principe was a very
+large and populous town, situated at the head of St. Maria, which
+was about twenty miles northeast from where we lay, and the Keys
+lying around us were called Cotton Keys.--The captain pressed into
+his service Francis de Suze, one of my crew, saying that he was one
+of his countrymen. Francis was very reluctant in going, and said to
+me, with tears in his eyes, "I shall do nothing but what I am
+obliged to do, and will not aid in the least to hurt you or the
+vessel; I am very sorry to leave you." He was immediately put on
+duty and Thomas Goodall sent back to the Exertion.</p>
+<p>Sunday, 23d.--Early this morning a large number of the pirates
+came on board of the Exertion, threw out the long boat, broke open
+the hatches, and took out considerable of the cargo, in search of
+rum, gin, &amp;c., still telling me "I had some and they would find
+it," uttering the most awful profaneness. In the afternoon their
+boat returned with a perough, having on board the captain, his
+first lieutenant and seven men of a patriot or piratical vessel
+that was chased ashore at Cape Cruz by a Spanish armed brig. These
+seven men made their escape in said boat, and after four days,
+found our pirates and joined them; the remainder of the crew being
+killed or taken prisoners.</p>
+<p>Monday, 24th.--Their boat was manned and sent to the
+before-mentioned town.--I was informed by a line from Nickola, that
+the pirates had a man on board, a native of Principe, who, in the
+garb of a sailor, was a partner with Dominico, but I could not get
+sight of him. This lets us a little into the plans by which this
+atrocious system of piracy has been carried on. Merchants having
+partners on board of these pirates! thus pirates at sea and robbers
+on land are associated to destroy the peaceful trader. The
+willingness exhibited by the seven above-mentioned men, to join our
+gang of pirates, seems to look like a general understanding among
+them; and from there being merchants on shore so base as to
+encourage the plunder and vend the goods, I am persuaded there has
+been a systematic confederacy on the part of these unprincipled
+desperadoes, under cover of the patriot flag; and those on land are
+no better than those on the sea. If the governments to whom they
+belong know of the atrocities committed (and I have but little
+doubt they do) they deserve the execration of all mankind.</p>
+<p>Thursday, 27th.--A gang of the pirates came and stripped our
+masts of the green bushes, saying, "she appeared more like a sail
+than trees"--took one barrel of bread and one of potatoes, using
+about one of each every day. I understood they were waiting for
+boats to take the cargo; for the principal merchant had gone to
+Trinidad.</p>
+<p>Sunday, 30th.--The beginning of trouble! This day, which
+peculiarly reminds Christians of the high duties of compassion and
+benevolence, was never observed by these pirates. This, of course,
+we might expect, as they did not often know when the day came, and
+if they knew it, it was spent in gambling. The old saying among
+seamen, "no Sunday off soundings," was not thought of; and even
+this poor plea was not theirs, for they were on soundings and often
+at anchor.--Early this morning, the merchant, as they called him,
+came with a large boat for the cargo. I was immediately ordered
+into the boat with my crew, not allowed any breakfast, and carried
+about three miles to a small island out of sight of the Exertion,
+and left there by the side of a little pond of thick, muddy water,
+which proved to be very brackish, with nothing to eat but a few
+biscuits. One of the boat's men told us the merchant was afraid of
+being recognized, and when he had gone the boat would return for
+us; but we had great reason to apprehend they would deceive us, and
+therefore passed the day in the utmost anxiety. At night, however,
+the boats came and took us again on board the Exertion; when, to
+our surprise and astonishment, we found they had broken open the
+trunks and chests, and taken all our wearing apparel, not even
+leaving a shirt or pair of pantaloons, nor sparing a small
+miniature of my wife which was in my trunk. The little money I and
+my mate had, with some belonging to the owners, my mate had
+previously distributed about the cabin in three or four parcels,
+while I was on board the pirate, for we dare not keep it about us;
+one parcel in a butter pot they did not discover.--Amidst the hurry
+with which I was obliged to go to the before-mentioned island, I
+fortunately snatched by vessel's papers, and hid them in my bosom,
+which the reader will find was a happy circumstance for me. My
+writing desk, with papers, accounts, &amp;c., all Mr. Lord's
+letters (the gentlemen to whom my cargo was consigned) and several
+others were taken and maliciously destroyed. My medicine chest,
+which I so much wanted, was kept for their own use. What their
+motive could be to take my papers I could not imagine, except they
+had hopes of finding bills of lading for some Spaniards, to clear
+them from piracy. Mr. Bracket had some notes and papers of
+consequence to him, which shared the same fate. My quadrant,
+charts, books and bedding were not yet taken, but I found it
+impossible to hide them, and they were soon gone from my sight.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/388.jpg" alt=
+"A Cave in the Caicos group of the West India Islands" height="392"
+width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>A Cave in the Caicos group of the West India
+Islands.</i></h4>
+Tuesday, January 1st, 1822--A sad new-year's day to me. Before
+breakfast orders came for me to cut down the Exertion's railing and
+bulwarks on one side, for their vessel to heave out by, and clean
+her bottom. On my hesitating a little they observed with anger,
+"very well, captain, suppose you no do it quick, we do it for you."
+Directly afterwards another boat full of armed men came along side;
+they jumped on deck with swords drawn, and ordered all of us into
+her immediately; I stepped below, in hopes of getting something
+which would be of service to us; but the captain hallooed, "Go into
+the boat directly or I will fire upon you." Thus compelled to obey,
+we were carried, together with four Spanish prisoners, to a small,
+low island or key of sand in the shape of a half moon, and partly
+covered with mangrove trees; which was about one mile from and in
+sight of my vessel. There they left nine of us, with a little
+bread, flour, fish, lard, a little coffee and molasses; two or
+three kegs of water, which was brackish; an old sail for a
+covering, and a pot and some other articles no way fit to cook in.
+Leaving us these, which were much less than they appear in the
+enumeration, they pushed off, saying, "we will come to see you in a
+day or two." Selecting the best place, we spread the old sail for
+an awning; but no place was free from flies, moschetoes, snakes,
+the venomous skinned scorpion, and the more venomous santipee.
+Sometimes they were found crawling inside of our pantaloons, but
+fortunately no injury was received. This afternoon the pirates hove
+their vessel out by the Exertion and cleaned one side, using her
+paints, oil, &amp;c. for that purpose. To see my vessel in that
+situation and to think of our prospects was a source of the deepest
+distress. At night we retired to our tent; but having nothing but
+the cold damp ground for a bed, and the heavy dew of night
+penetrating the old canvass--the situation of the island being
+fifty miles from the usual track of friendly vessels, and one
+hundred and thirty-five from Trinidad--seeing my owner's property
+so unjustly and wantonly destroyed--considering my condition, the
+hands at whose mercy I was, and deprived of all hopes, rendered
+sleep or rest a stranger to me.
+<p>Friday, 4th.--Commenced with light winds and hot sun, saw a boat
+coming from the Exertion, apparently loaded; she passed between two
+small Keys to northward, supposed to be bound for Cuba. At sunset a
+boat came and inquired if we wanted anything, but instead of adding
+to our provisions, took away our molasses, and pushed off. We found
+one of the Exertion's water casks, and several pieces of plank,
+which we carefully laid up, in hopes of getting enough to make a
+raft.</p>
+<p>Saturday, 5th.--Pirates again in sight, coming from the
+eastward; they beat up along side their prize, and commenced
+loading. In the afternoon Nickola came to us, bringing with him two
+more prisoners, which they had taken in a small sail boat coming
+from Trinidad to Manganeil, one a Frenchman, the other a Scotchman,
+with two Spaniards, who remained on board the pirate, and who
+afterwards joined them. The back of one of these poor fellows was
+extremely sore, having just suffered a cruel beating from Bolidar,
+with the broad side of a cutlass. It appeared, that when the
+officer asked him "where their money was, and how much," he
+answered, "he was not certain but believed they had only two ounces
+of gold"--Bolidar furiously swore he said "ten," and not finding
+any more, gave him the beating. Nickola now related to me a
+singular fact; which was, that the Spanish part of the crew were
+determined to shoot him; that they tied him to the mast, and a man
+was appointed for the purpose; but Lion, a Frenchman, his
+particular friend, stepped up and told them, if they shot him they
+must shoot several more; some of the Spaniards sided with him, and
+he was released. Nickola told me, the reason for such treatment
+was, that he continually objected to their conduct towards me, and
+their opinion if he should escape, they would be discovered, as he
+declared he would take no prize money. While with us he gave me a
+letter written in great haste, which contains some particulars
+respecting the cargo;--as follows:--<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<p><i>January 4th,</i> 1822.</p>
+<p>Sir,--We arrived here this morning, and before we came to
+anchor, had five canoes alongside ready to take your cargo, part of
+which we had in; and as I heard you express a wish to know what
+they took out of her, to this moment, you may depend upon this
+account of Jamieson for quality and quantity; if I have the same
+opportunity you will have an account of the whole. The villain who
+bought your cargo is from the town of Principe, his name is
+Dominico, as to that it is all that I can learn; they have taken
+your charts aboard the schooner Mexican, and I suppose mean to keep
+them, as the other captain has agreed to act the same infamous part
+in the tragedy of his life. Your clothes are here on board, but do
+not let me flatter you that you will get them back; it may be so,
+and it may not. Perhaps in your old age, when you recline with ease
+in a corner of your cottage, you will have the goodness to drop a
+tear of pleasure to the memory of him, whose highest ambition
+should have been to subscribe himself, though devoted to the
+gallows, your friend,</p>
+<p>Excuse haste. NICKOLA MONACRE.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<p>Sunday, 6th.--The pirates were under way at sunrise, with a full
+load of the Exertion's cargo, going to Principe again to sell a
+second freight, which was done readily for cash. I afterwards heard
+that the flour only fetched five dollars per barrel, when it was
+worth at Trinidad thirteen; so that the villain who bought my cargo
+at Principe, made very large profits by it.</p>
+<p>Tuesday, 8th.--Early this morning the pirates in sight again,
+with fore top sail and top gallant sail set; beat up along side of
+the Exertion and commenced loading; having, as I supposed, sold and
+discharged her last freight among some of the inhabitants of Cuba.
+They appeared to load in great haste; and the song, "O he oh,"
+which echoed from one vessel to the other, was distinctly heard by
+us. How wounding was this to me! How different was this sound from
+what it would have been, had I been permitted to pass unmolested by
+these lawless plunderers, and been favored with a safe arrival at
+the port of my destination, where my cargo would have found an
+excellent sale. Then would the "O he oh," on its discharging, have
+been a delightful sound to me. In the afternoon she sailed with the
+perough in tow, both with a full load, having chairs, which was
+part of the cargo, slung at her quarters.</p>
+<p>Monday, 14th.--They again hove in sight, and beat up as usual,
+along-side their prize. While passing our solitary island, they
+laughed at our misery, which was almost insupportable--looking upon
+us as though we had committed some heinous crime, and they had not
+sufficiently punished us; they hallooed to us, crying out "Captain,
+Captain," accompanied with obscene motions and words, with which I
+shall not blacken these pages--yet I heard no check upon such
+conduct, nor could I expect it among such a gang, who have no idea
+of subordination on board, except when in chase of vessels, and
+even then but very little. My resentment was excited at such a
+malicious outrage, and I felt a disposition to revenge myself,
+should fortune ever favor me with an opportunity. It was beyond
+human nature not to feel and express some indignation at such
+treatment.--Soon after, Bolidar, with five men, well armed, came to
+us; he having a blunderbuss, cutlass, a long knife and pair of
+pistols--but for what purpose did he come? He took me by the hand,
+saying, "Captain, me speak with you, walk this way." I obeyed, and
+when at some distance from my fellow prisoners, (his men following)
+he said, "the captain send me for your <i>wash</i>" I pretended not
+to understand what he meant, and replied, "I have no clothes, nor
+any soap to wash with--you have taken them all," for I had kept my
+watch about me, hoping they would not discover it. He demanded it
+again as before; and was answered, "I have nothing to wash;" this
+raised his anger, and lifting his blunderbuss, he roared out, "what
+the d--l you call him that make clock? give it me." I considered it
+imprudent to contend any longer, and submitted to his unlawful
+demand. As he was going off, he gave me a small bundle, in which
+was a pair of linen drawers, sent to me by Nickola, and also the
+Rev. Mr. Brooks' "Family Prayer Book." This gave me great
+satisfaction. Soon after, he returned with his captain, who had one
+arm slung up, yet with as many implements of war, as his diminutive
+wicked self could conveniently carry; he told me (through an
+interpreter who was his prisoner.) "that on his cruize he had
+fallen in with two Spanish privateers, and beat them off; but had
+three of his men killed, and himself wounded in the arm"--Bolidar
+turned to me and said, "it is a d--n lie"--which words proved to be
+correct, for his arm was not wounded, and when I saw him again,
+which was soon afterwards, he had forgotten to sling it up. He
+further told me, "after tomorrow you shall go with your vessel, and
+we will accompany you towards Trinidad." This gave me some new
+hopes, and why I could not tell. They then left us without
+rendering any assistance.--This night we got some rest.</p>
+<p>Tuesday, 15th. The words "go after tomorrow," were used among
+our Spanish fellow prisoners, as though that happy tomorrow would
+never come--in what manner it came will soon be noticed.</p>
+<p>Friday, 18th commenced with brighter prospects of liberty than
+ever. The pirates were employed in setting up our devoted
+schooner's shrouds, stays, &amp;c. My condition now reminded me of
+the hungry man, chained in one corner of a room, while at another
+part was a table loaded with delicious food and fruits, the smell
+and sight of which he was continually to experience, but alas! his
+chains were never to be loosed that he might go and partake--at
+almost the same moment they were thus employed, the axe was applied
+with the greatest dexterity to both her masts and I saw them fall
+over the side! Here fell my hopes--I looked at my condition, and
+then thought of home.--Our Spanish fellow prisoners were so
+disappointed and alarmed that they recommended hiding ourselves, if
+possible, among the mangrove trees, believing, as they said, we
+should now certainly be put to death; or, what was worse, compelled
+to serve on board the Mexican as pirates. Little else it is true,
+seemed left for us; however, we kept a bright look out for them
+during the day, and at night "an anchor watch" as we called it,
+determined if we discovered their boats coming towards us, to adopt
+the plan of hiding, although starvation stared us in the face--yet
+preferred that to instant death. This night was passed in
+sufficient anxiety--I took the first watch.</p>
+<p>Saturday, 19th.--The pirate's largest boat came for us--it being
+day-light, and supposing they could see us, determined to stand our
+ground and wait the result. They ordered us all into the boat, but
+left every thing else; they rowed towards the Exertion--I noticed a
+dejection of spirits in one of the pirates, and inquired of him
+where they were going to carry us? He shook his head and replied,
+"I do not know." I now had some hopes of visiting my vessel
+again--but the pirates made sail, ran down, took us in tow and
+stood out of the harbor. Bolidar afterwards took me, my mate and
+two of my men on board and gave us some coffee. On examination I
+found they had several additional light sails, made of the
+Exertion's. Almost every man, a pair of canvas trousers; and my
+colors cut up and made into belts to carry their money about them.
+My jolly boat was on deck, and I was informed, all my rigging was
+disposed of. Several of the pirates had on some of my clothes, and
+the captain one of my best shirts, a cleaner one, than I had ever
+seen him have on before.--He kept at a good distance from me, and
+forbid my friend Nickola's speaking to me.--I saw from the
+companion way in the captain's cabin my quadrant, spy glass and
+other things which belonged to us, and observed by the compass,
+that the course steered was about west by south,--distance nearly
+twenty miles, which brought them up with a cluster of islands
+called by some "Cayman Keys." Here they anchored and caught some
+fish, (one of which was named <i>guard fish</i>) of which we had a
+taste. I observed that my friend Mr. Bracket was somewhat dejected,
+and asked him in a low voice, what his opinion was with respects to
+our fate? He answered, "I cannot tell you, but it appears to me the
+worst is to come." I told him that I hoped not, but thought they
+would give us our small boat and liberate the prisoners. But mercy
+even in this shape was not left-for us. Soon after, saw the captain
+and officers whispering for some time in private conference. When
+over, their boat was manned under the commond of Bolidar, and went
+to one of those Islands or Keys before mentioned. On their return,
+another conference took place--whether it was a jury upon our lives
+we could not tell. I did not think conscience could be entirely
+extinguished in the human breast, or that men could become fiends.
+In the afternoon, while we knew not the doom which had been fixed
+for us, the captain was engaged with several of his men in
+gambling, in hopes to get back some of the five hundred dollars,
+they said, he lost but a few nights before; which had made his
+unusually fractious. A little before sunset he ordered all the
+prisoners into the large boat, with a supply of provisions and
+water, and to be put on shore. While we were getting into her, one
+of my fellow prisoners, a Spaniard, attempted with tears in his
+eyes to speak to the captain, but was refused with the answer.
+"I'll have nothing to say to any prisoner, go into the boat." In
+the mean time Nickola said to me, "My friend, I will give you your
+book," (being Mr. Colman's Sermons,) "it is the only thing of yours
+that is in my possession; I dare not attempt any thing more." But
+the captain forbid his giving it to me, and I stepped into the
+boat--at that moment Nickola said in a low voice, "never mind, I
+may see you again before I die." The small boat was well armed and
+manned, and both set off together for the island, where they had
+agreed to leave us to perish! The scene to us was a funereal scene.
+There were no arms in the prisoners boat, and, of course, all
+attempts to relieve ourselves would have been throwing our lives
+away, as Bolidar was near us, well armed. We were rowed about two
+miles north-easterly from the pirates, to a small low island,
+lonely and desolate. We arrived about sunset; and for the support
+of us eleven prisoners, they only left a ten gallon keg of water,
+and perhaps a few quarts, in another small vessel, which was very
+poor; part of a barrel of flour, a small keg of lard, one ham and
+some salt fish; a small kettle and an old broken pot; an old sail
+for a covering, and a small mattress and blanket, which was thrown
+out as the boats hastened away. One of the prisoners happened to
+have a little coffee in his pocket, and these comprehended all our
+means of sustaining life, and for what length of time we knew not.
+We now felt the need of water, and our supply was comparatively
+nothing. A man may live nearly twice as long without food, as
+without water. Look at us now, my friends, left benighted on a
+little spot of sand in the midst of the ocean, far from the usual
+track of vessels, and every appearance of a violent thunder
+tempest, and a boisterous night. Judge of my feelings, and the
+circumstances which our band of sufferers now witnessed. Perhaps
+you can and have pitied us. I assure you, we were very wretched;
+and to paint the scene, is not within my power. When the boats were
+moving from the shore, on recovering myself a little, I asked
+Bolidar, "If he was going to leave us so?"--he answered, "no, only
+two days--we go for water and wood, then come back, take you." I
+requested him to give us bread and other stores, for they had
+plenty in the boat, and at least one hundred barrels of flour in
+the Mexican. "No, no, suppose to-morrow morning me come, me give
+you bread," and hurried off to the vessel. This was the last time I
+saw him. We then turned our attention upon finding a spot most
+convenient for our comfort, and soon discovered a little roof
+supported by stakes driven into the sand; it was thatched with
+leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, considerable part of which was torn
+or blown off. After spreading the old sail over this roof, we
+placed our little stock of provisions under it. Soon after came on
+a heavy shower of rain which penetrated the canvas, and made it
+nearly as uncomfortable inside, as it would have been out. We were
+not prepared to catch water, having nothing to put it in. Our next
+object was to get fire, and after gathering some of the driest fuel
+to be found, and having a small piece of cotton wick-yarn, with
+flint and steel, we kindled a fire, which was never afterwards
+suffered to be extinguished. The night was very dark, but we found
+a piece of old rope, which when well lighted served for a candle.
+On examining the ground under the roof, we found perhaps thousands
+of creeping insects, scorpions, lizards, crickets, &amp;c. After
+scraping them out as well as we could, the most of us having
+nothing but the damp earth for a bed, laid ourselves down in hopes
+of some rest; but it being so wet, gave many of us severe colds,
+and one of the Spaniards was quite sick for several days.</p>
+<p>Sunday, 20th.--As soon as day-light came on, we proceeded to
+take a view of our little island, and found it to measure only one
+acre, of coarse, white sand; about two feet, and in some spots
+perhaps three feet above the surface of the ocean. On the highest
+part were growing some bushes and small mangroves, (the dry part of
+which was our fuel) and the wild castor oil beans. We were greatly
+disappointed in not finding the latter suitable food; likewise some
+of the prickly pear bushes, which gave us only a few pears about
+the size of our small button pear; the outside has thorns, which if
+applied to the fingers or lips, will remain there, and cause a
+severe smarting similar to the nettle; the inside a spungy
+substance, full of juice and seeds, which are red and a little
+tartish--had they been there in abundance, we should not have
+suffered so much for water--but alas! even this substitute was not
+for us. On the northerly side of the island was a hollow, where the
+tide penetrated the sand, leaving stagnant water. We presumed, in
+hurricanes the island was nearly overflowed. According to the best
+calculations I could make, we were about thirty-five miles from any
+part of Cuba, one hundred from Trinidad and forty from the usual
+track of American vessels, or others which might pass that way. No
+vessel of any considerable size, can safely pass among these Keys
+(or "Queen's Gardens," as the Spaniards call them) being a large
+number extending from Cape Cruz to Trinidad, one hundred and fifty
+miles distance; and many more than the charts have laid down, most
+of them very low and some covered at high water, which makes it
+very dangerous for navigators without a skilful pilot. After taking
+this view of our condition, which was very gloomy, we began to
+suspect we were left on this desolate island by those merciless
+plunderers to perish. Of this I am now fully convinced; still we
+looked anxiously for the pirate's boat to come according to promise
+with more water and provisions, but looked in vain. We saw them
+soon after get under way with all sail set and run directly from us
+until out of our sight, and <i>we never saw them again</i>! One may
+partially imagine our feelings, but they cannot be put into words.
+Before they were entirely out of sight of us, we raised the white
+blanket upon a pole, waving it in the air, in hopes, that at two
+miles distance they would see it and be moved to pity. But pity in
+such monsters was not to be found. It was not their interest to
+save us from the lingering death, which we now saw before us. We
+tried to compose ourselves, trusting to God, who had witnessed our
+sufferings, would yet make use of some one, as the instrument of
+his mercy towards us. Our next care, now, was to try for water. We
+dug several holes in the sand and found it, but quite too salt for
+use. The tide penetrates probably through the island. We now came
+on short allowances for water. Having no means of securing what we
+had by lock and key, some one in the night would slyly drink, and
+it was soon gone. The next was to bake some bread, which we did by
+mixing flour with salt water and frying it in lard, allowing
+ourselves eight quite small pancakes to begin with. The ham was
+reserved for some more important occasion, and the salt fish was
+lost for want of fresh water. The remainder of this day was passed
+in the most serious conversation and reflection. At night, I read
+prayers from the "Prayer Book," before mentioned, which I most
+carefully concealed while last on board the pirates. This plan was
+pursued morning and evening, during our stay there. Then retired
+for rest and sleep, but realized little of either.</p>
+<p>Monday, 21st.--In the morning we walked round the beach, in
+expectation of finding something useful. On our way picked up a
+paddle about three feet long, very similar to the Indian canoe
+paddle, except the handle, which was like that of a shovel, the top
+part being split off; we laid it by for the present. We likewise
+found some konchs and roasted them; they were pretty good shell
+fish, though rather tough. We discovered at low water, a bar or
+spit of sand extending north-easterly from us, about three miles
+distant, to a cluster of Keys, which were covered with mangrove
+trees, perhaps as high as our quince tree. My friend Mr. Bracket
+and George attempted to wade across, being at that time of tide
+only up to their armpits; but were pursued by a shark, and returned
+without success. The tide rises about four feet.</p>
+<p>Tuesday, 22d.--We found several pieces of the palmetto or
+cabbage tree, and some pieces of boards, put them together in the
+form of a raft, and endeavored to cross, but that proved
+ineffectual. Being disappointed, we set down to reflect upon other
+means of relief, intending to do all in our power for safety while
+our strength continued. While setting here, the sun was so powerful
+and oppressive, reflecting its rays upon the sea, which was then
+calm, and the white sand which dazzled the eye, was so painful,
+that we retired under the awning; there the moschetoes and flies
+were so numerous, that good rest could not be found. We were,
+however, a little cheered, when, in scraping out the top of the
+ground to clear out, I may say, thousands of crickets and bugs, we
+found a hatchet, which was to us peculiarly serviceable. At night
+the strong north-easterly wind, which prevails there at all
+seasons, was so cold as to make it equally uncomfortable with the
+day. Thus day after day, our sufferings and apprehensions
+multiplying, we were very generally alarmed.</p>
+<p>Thursday, 24th.--This morning, after taking a little coffee,
+made of the water which we thought least salt, and two or three of
+the little cakes, we felt somewhat refreshed, and concluded to make
+another visit to those Keys, in hopes of finding something more,
+which might make a raft for us to escape the pirates, and avoid
+perishing by thirst. Accordingly seven of us set off, waded across
+the bar and searched all the Keys thereabouts. On one we found a
+number of sugar-box shooks, two lashing plank and some pieces of
+old spars, which were a part of the Exertion's deck load, that was
+thrown overboard when she grounded on the bar, spoken of in the
+first part of the narrative. It seems they had drifted fifteen
+miles, and had accidentally lodged on these very Keys within our
+reach. Had the pirates known this, they would undoubtedly have
+placed us in another direction. They no doubt thought that they
+could not place us on a worse place. The wind at this time was
+blowing so strong on shore, as to prevent rafting our stuff round
+to our island, and we were obliged to haul it upon the beach for
+the present; then dug for water in the highest place, but found it
+as salt as ever, and then returned to our habitation. But hunger
+and thirst began to prey upon us, and our comforts were as few as
+our hopes.</p>
+<p>Friday, 25th.--Again passed over to those Keys to windward in
+order to raft our stuff to our island, it being most convenient for
+building. But the surf on the beach was so very rough, that we were
+again compelled to postpone it. Our courage, however, did not fail
+where there was the slightest hopes of life. Returning without it,
+we found on our way an old top timber of some vessel; it had
+several spikes on it, which we afterwards found very serviceable.
+In the hollow of an old tree, we found two guarnas of small size,
+one male, the other female. Only one was caught. After taking off
+the skin, we judged it weighed a pound and a half. With some flour
+and lard, (the only things we had except salt water,) it made us a
+fine little mess. We thought it a rare dish, though a small one for
+eleven half starved persons. At the same time a small vessel hove
+in sight; we made a signal to her with the blanket tied to a pole
+and placed it on the highest tree--some took off their white
+clothes and waved them in the air, hoping they would come to us;
+should they be pirates, they could do no more than kill us, and
+perhaps would give us some water, for which we began to suffer most
+excessively; but, notwithstanding all our efforts, she took no
+notice of us.</p>
+<p>Saturday, 26th.--This day commenced with moderate weather and
+smooth sea; at low tide found some cockles; boiled and eat them,
+but they were very painful to the stomach. David Warren had a fit
+of strangling, with swelling of the bowels; but soon recovered, and
+said, "something like salt rose in his throat and choked him." Most
+of us then set off for the Keys, where the plank and shooks were
+put together in a raft, which we with pieces of boards paddled over
+to our island; when we consulted the best plan, either to build a
+raft large enough for us all to go on, or a boat; but the shooks
+having three or four nails in each, and having a piece of large
+reed or bamboo, previously found, of which we made pins, we
+concluded to make a boat.</p>
+<p>Sunday, 27--Commenced our labor, for which I know we need offer
+no apology. We took the two planks, which were about fourteen feet
+long, and two and a half wide, and fixed them together for the
+bottom of the boat; then with moulds made of palmetto bark, cut
+timber and knees from mangrove trees which spread so much as to
+make the boat four feet wide at the top, placed them exactly the
+distance apart of an Havana sugar box.--Her stern was square and
+the bows tapered to a peak, making her form resemble a flat-iron.
+We proceeded thus far and returned to rest for the night--but Mr.
+Bracket was too unwell to get much sleep.</p>
+<p>Monday, 28--Went on with the work as fast as possible. Some of
+the Spaniards had long knives about them, which proved very useful
+in fitting timbers, and a gimblet of mine, accidentally found on
+board the pirate, enabled us to use the wooden pins. And now our
+spirits began to revive, though <i>water, water</i>, was
+continually in our minds. We now feared the pirates might possibly
+come, find out our plan and put us to death, (although before we
+had wished to see them, being so much in want of water.) Our labor
+was extremely burdensome, and the Spaniards considerably
+peevish--but they would often say to me "never mind captain, by and
+by, Americana or Spanyola catch them, me go and see 'um hung." We
+quitted work for the day, cooked some cakes but found it necessary
+to reduce the quantity again, however small before. We found some
+herbs on a windward Key, which the Spaniards called Spanish
+tea.--This when well boiled we found somewhat palatable, although
+the water was very salt. This herb resembles pennyroyal in look and
+taste, though not so pungent. In the evening when we were setting
+round the fire to keep of the moschetoes, I observed David Warren's
+eyes shone like glass. The mate said to him--"David I think you
+will die before morning--I think you are struck with death now." I
+thought so too, and told him, "I thought it most likely we should
+all die here soon; but as some one of us might survive to carry the
+tidings to our friends, if you have any thing to say respecting
+your family, now is the time."--He then said, "I have a mother in
+Saco where I belong--she is a second time a widow--to-morrow if you
+can spare a scrap of paper and pencil I will write something." But
+no tomorrow came to him.--In the course of the night he had another
+spell of strangling, and soon after expired, without much pain and
+without a groan. He was about twenty-six years old.--How solemn was
+this scene to us! Here we beheld the ravages of death commenced
+upon us. More than one of us considered death a happy release. For
+myself I thought of my wife and children; and wished to live if God
+should so order it, though extreme thirst, hunger and exhaustion
+had well nigh prostrated my fondest hopes.</p>
+<p>Tuesday, 29th.--Part of us recommenced labor on the boat, while
+myself and Mr. Bracket went and selected the highest clear spot of
+sand on the northern side of the island, where we dug Warren's
+grave, and boxed it up with shooks, thinking it would be the most
+suitable spot for the rest of us--whose turn would come next, we
+knew not. At about ten o'clock, A.M. conveyed the corpse to the
+grave, followed by us survivers--a scene, whose awful solemnity can
+never be painted. We stood around the grave, and there I read the
+funeral prayer from the Rev. Mr. Brooks's Family Prayer Book; and
+committed the body to the earth; covered it with some pieces of
+board and sand, and returned to our labor. One of the Spaniards, an
+old man, named Manuel, who was partial to me, and I to him, made a
+cross and placed it at the head of the grave saying, "Jesus Christ
+hath him now." Although I did not believe in any mysterious
+influence of this cross, yet I was perfectly willing it should
+stand there. The middle part of the day being very warm, our mouths
+parched with thirst, and our spirits so depressed, that we made but
+little progress during the remainder of this day, but in the
+evening were employed in picking oakum out of the bolt rope taken
+from the old sail.</p>
+<p>Wednesday, 30th.--Returned to labor on the boat with as much
+vigor as our weak and debilitated state would admit, but it was a
+day of trial to us all; for the Spaniards and we Americans could
+not well understand each other's plans, and they being naturally
+petulant, would not work, nor listen with any patience for Joseph,
+our English fellow prisoner, to explain our views--they would
+sometimes undo what they had done, and in a few minutes replace it
+again; however before night we began to caulk her seams, by means
+of pieces of hard mangrove, made in form of a caulking-iron, and
+had the satisfaction of seeing her in a form something like a
+boat.</p>
+<p>Thursday, 31st.--Went on with the work, some at caulking, others
+at battening the seams with strips of canvas, and pieces of pine
+nailed over, to keep the oakum in. Having found a suitable pole for
+a mast, the rest went about making a sail from the one we had used
+for a covering, also fitting oars of short pieces of boards, in
+form of a paddle, tied on a pole, we having a piece of fishing line
+brought by one of the prisoners. Thus, at three P.M. the boat was
+completed and put afloat.--We had all this time confidently hoped,
+that she would be sufficiently large and strong to carry us all--we
+made a trial and were disappointed! This was indeed a severe trial,
+and the emotions it called up were not easy to be suppressed. She
+proved leaky, for we had no carpenter's yard, or smith's shop to go
+to.--And now the question was, "who should go, and how many?" I
+found it necessary for six; four to row, one to steer and one to
+bale. Three of the Spaniards and the Frenchman claimed the right,
+as being best acquainted with the nearest inhabitants; likewise,
+they had when taken, two boats left at St. Maria, (about forty
+miles distant,) which they were confident of finding. They promised
+to return within two or three days for the rest of us--I thought it
+best to consent--Mr. Bracket it was agreed should go in my stead,
+because my papers must accompany me as a necessary protection, and
+my men apprehended danger if they were lost. Joseph Baxter (I think
+was his name) they wished should go, because he could speak both
+languages--leaving Manuel, George, Thomas and myself, to wait their
+return. Having thus made all arrangements, and putting up a keg of
+the least salt water, with a few pancakes of salt fish, they set
+off a little before sunset with our best wishes and prayers for
+their safety and return to our relief.--To launch off into the wide
+ocean, with strength almost exhausted, and in such a frail boat as
+this, you will say was very hazardous, and in truth it was; but
+what else was left to us?--Their intention was to touch at the Key
+where the Exertion was and if no boat was to be found there, to
+proceed to St. Maria, and if none there, to go to Trinidad and send
+us relief.--But alas! it was the last time I ever saw them!--Our
+suffering this day was most acute.</p>
+<p>Tuesday, 5th.--About ten o'clock, A.M. discovered a boat
+drifting by on the southeastern side of the island about a mile
+distant. I deemed it a providential thing to us, and urged Thomas
+and George trying the raft for her. They reluctantly consented and
+set off, but it was nearly three P.M. when they came up with
+her--it was the same boat we had built! Where then was my friend
+Bracket and those who went with him? Every appearance was
+unfavorable.--I hoped that a good Providence had yet preserved
+him.--The two men who went for the boat, found it full of water,
+without oars, paddle, or sail; being in this condition, and about
+three miles to the leeward, the men found it impossible to tow her
+up, so left her, and were until eleven o'clock at night getting
+back with the raft. They were so exhausted, that had it not been
+nearly calm, they could never have returned.</p>
+<p>Wednesday, 6th.--This morning was indeed the most gloomy I had
+ever experienced.--There appeared hardly a ray of hope that my
+friend Bracket could return, seeing the boat was lost. Our
+provisions nearly gone; our mouths parched extremely with thirst;
+our strength wasted; our spirits broken, and our hopes imprisoned
+within the circumference of this desolate island in the midst of an
+unfrequented ocean; all these things gave to the scene around us
+the hue of death. In the midst of this dreadful despondence, a sail
+hove in sight bearing the white flag! Our hopes were raised, of
+course--but no sooner raised than darkened, by hearing a gun fired.
+Here then was another gang of pirates. She soon, however, came near
+enough to anchor, and her boat pushed off towards us with three men
+in her.--Thinking it now no worse to die by sword than famine, I
+walked down immediately to meet them. I knew them not.--A moment
+before the boat touched the ground, a man leaped from her bows and
+caught me in his arms! <i>It was Nickola</i>!--saying, "Do you now
+believe Nickola is your friend? yes, said he, <i>Jamieson</i> will
+yet prove himself so."--No words can express my emotions at this
+moment. This was a friend indeed. The reason of my not recognizing
+them before, was that they had cut their beards and whiskers.
+Turning to my fellow-sufferers, Nickola asked--"Are these all that
+are left of you? where are the others?"--At this moment seeing
+David's grave--"are they dead then? Ah! I suspected it, I know what
+you were put here for." As soon as I could recover myself, I gave
+him an account of Mr. Bracket and the others.--"How unfortunate,"
+he said, "they must be lost, or some pirates have taken
+them."--"But," he continued, "we have no time to lose; you had
+better embark immediately with us, and go where you please, we are
+at your service." The other two in the boat were Frenchmen, one
+named Lyon, the other Parrikete. They affectionately embraced each
+of us; then holding to my mouth the nose of a teakettle, filled
+with wine, said "Drink plenty, no hurt you." I drank as much as I
+judged prudent. They then gave it to my fellow sufferers--I
+experienced almost immediate relief, not feeling it in my head;
+they had also brought in the boat for us, a dish of salt beef and
+potatoes, of which we took a little. Then sent the boat on board
+for the other two men, being five in all; who came ashore, and
+rejoiced enough was I to see among them Thomas Young, one of my
+crew, who was detained on board the Mexican, but had escaped
+through Nickola's means; the other a Frenchman, named John Cadedt.
+I now thought again and again, with troubled emotion, of my dear
+friend Bracket's fate. I took the last piece of paper I had, and
+wrote with pencil a few words, informing him (should he come there)
+that "I and the rest were safe; that I was not mistaken in the
+friend in whom I had placed so much confidence, that he had
+accomplished my highest expectations; and that I should go
+immediately to Trinidad, and requested him to go there also, and
+apply to Mr. Isaac W. Lord, my consignee, for assistance." I put
+the paper into a junk bottle, previously found on the beach, put in
+a stopper, and left it, together with what little flour remained, a
+keg of water brought from Nickola's vessel, and a few other things
+which I thought might be of service to him. We then repaired with
+our friends on board, where we were kindly treated. She was a sloop
+from Jamaica, of about twelve tons, with a cargo of rum and wine,
+bound to Trinidad. I asked "which way they intended to go?" They
+said "to Jamaica if agreeable to me." As I preferred Trinidad, I
+told them, "if they would give me the Exertion's boat which was
+along-side (beside their own) some water and provisions, we would
+take chance in her."--"For perhaps," said I, "you will fare better
+at Jamaica, than at Trinidad." After a few minutes consultation,
+they said "you are too much exhausted to row the distance of one
+hundred miles, therefore we will go and carry you--we consider
+ourselves at your service." I expressed a wish to take a look at
+the Exertion, possibly we might hear something of Mr. Bracket.
+Nickola said "very well," so got under way, and run for her, having
+a light westerly wind. He then related to me the manner of their
+desertion from the pirates; as nearly as I can recollect his own
+words, he said, "A few days since, the pirates took four small
+vessels, I believe Spaniards; they having but two officers for the
+two first, the third fell to me as prize master, and having an
+understanding with the three Frenchmen and Thomas, selected them
+for my crew, and went on board with orders to follow the Mexican;
+which I obeyed. The fourth, the pirates took out all but one man
+and bade him also follow their vessel. Now our schooner leaked so
+bad, that we left her and in her stead agreed to take this little
+sloop (which we are now in) together with the one man. The night
+being very dark we all agreed to desert the pirates--altered our
+course and touched at St. Maria, where we landed the one man--saw
+no boats there, could hear nothing from you, and agreed one and all
+at the risk of our lives to come and liberate you if you were
+alive; knowing, as we did, that you were put on this Key to perish.
+On our way we boarded the Exertion, thinking possibly you might
+have been there. On board her we found a sail and paddle. We took
+one of the pirate's boats which they had left along-side of her,
+which proves how we came by two boats. My friend, the circumstance
+I am now about to relate, will somewhat astonish you. When the
+pirate's boat with Bolidar was sent to the before mentioned Key, on
+the 19th of January, it was their intention to leave you prisoners
+there, where was nothing but salt water and mangroves, and no
+possibility of escape. This was the plan of Baltizar, their
+abandoned pilot; but Bolidar's heart failed him, and he objected to
+it; then, after a conference, Captain Jonnia ordered you to be put
+on the little island from whence we have now taken you. But after
+this was done, that night the French and Portuguese part of the
+Mexican's crew protested against it; so that Captain Jonnia to
+satisfy them, sent his large boat to take you and your fellow
+prisoners back again, taking care to select his confidential
+Spaniards for this errand. And you will believe me they set off
+from the Mexican, and after spending about as much time as would
+really have taken them to come to you, they returned, and reported
+they had been to your island, and landed, and that none of you were
+there, somebody having taken you off! This, all my companions here
+know to be true.--I knew it was impossible you could have been
+liberated, and therefore we determined among ourselves, that should
+an opportunity occur we would come and save your lives, as we now
+have." He then expressed, as he hitherto had done (and I believe
+with sincerity), his disgust with the bad company which he had been
+in, and looked forward with anxiety to the day when he might return
+to his native country. I advised him to get on board an American
+vessel, whenever an opportunity offered, and come to the United
+States; and on his arrival direct a letter to me; repeating my
+earnest desire to make some return for the disinterested friendship
+which he had shown toward me. With the Frenchman I had but little
+conversation, being unacquainted with the language.</p>
+<p>Here ended Nickola's account. "And now" said the Frenchman, "our
+hearts be easy." Nickola observed he had left all and found us. I
+gave them my warmest tribute of gratitude, saying I looked upon
+them under God as the preservers of our lives, and promised them
+all the assistance which my situation might enable me to
+afford.--This brings me to,</p>
+<p>Thursday evening, 7th, when, at eleven o'clock, we anchored at
+the creek's mouth, near the Exertion. I was anxious to board her;
+accordingly took with me Nickola, Thomas, George and two others,
+well armed, each with a musket and cutlass. I jumped on her deck,
+saw a fire in the camboose, but no person there: I called aloud Mr.
+Bracket's name several times, saying "it is Captain Lincoln, don't
+be afraid, but show yourself," but no answer was given. She had no
+masts, spars, rigging, furniture, provisions or any think left,
+except her bowsprit, and a few barrels of salt provisions of her
+cargo. Her ceiling had holes cut in it, no doubt in their foolish
+search for money. I left her with peculiar emotions, such as I hope
+never again to experience; and returned to the little sloop where
+we remained till--</p>
+<p>Friday, 8th--When I had disposition to visit the island on which
+we were first imprisoned.----Found nothing there--saw a boat among
+the mangroves, near the Exertion. Returned, and got under way
+immediately for Trinidad. In the night while under full sail, run
+aground on a sunken Key, having rocks above the water, resembling
+old stumps of trees; we, however, soon got off and anchored. Most
+of those Keys have similar rocks about them, which navigators must
+carefully guard against.</p>
+<p>Monday, 11th--Got under way--saw a brig at anchor about five
+miles below the mouth of the harbor; we hoped to avoid her speaking
+us; but when we opened in sight of her, discovered a boat making
+towards us, with a number of armed men in her. This alarmed my
+friends, and as we did not see the brig's ensign hoisted, they
+declared the boat was a pirate, and looking through the spy-glass,
+they knew some of them to be the Mexican's men! This state of
+things was quite alarming. They said, "we will not be taken alive
+by them." Immediately the boat fired a musket; the ball passed
+through our mainsail. My friends insisted on beating them off: I
+endeavored to dissuade them, believing, as I did, that the brig was
+a Spanish man-of-war, who had sent her boat to ascertain who we
+were. I thought we had better heave to. Immediately another shot
+came. Then they insisted on fighting, and said "if I would not help
+them, I was no friend." I reluctantly acquiesced, and handed up the
+guns--commenced firing upon them and they upon us. We received
+several shot through the sails, but no one was hurt on either side.
+Our boats had been cast adrift to make us go the faster, and we
+gained upon them--continued firing until they turned from us, and
+went for our boats, which they took in tow for the brig. Soon after
+this, it became calm: then I saw that the brig had us in her
+power.--She manned and armed two more boats for us. We now
+concluded, since we had scarcely any ammunition, to surrender; and
+were towed down along-side the brig on board, and were asked by the
+captain, who could speak English, "what for you fire on the boat?"
+I told him "we thought her a pirate, and did not like to be taken
+by them again, having already suffered too much;" showing my
+papers. He said, "Captain Americana, never mind, go and take some
+dinner--which are your men?" I pointed them out to him, and he
+ordered them the liberty of the decks; but my friend Nickola and
+his three associates were immediately put in irons. They were,
+however, afterwards taken out of irons and examined; and I
+understood the Frenchmen agreed to enlist, as they judged it the
+surest way to better their condition. Whether Nickola enlisted, I
+do not know, but think that he did, as I understood that offer was
+made to him: I however endeavored to explain more distinctly to the
+captain, the benevolent efforts of these four men by whom my life
+had been saved, and used every argument in my power to procure
+their discharge. I also applied to the governor, and exerted myself
+with peculiar interest, dictated as I trust with heartfelt
+gratitude--and I ardently hope ere this, that Nickola is on his way
+to this country, where I may have an opportunity of convincing him
+that such an act of benevolence will not go unrewarded. Previous to
+my leaving Trinidad, I made all the arrangements in my power with
+my influential friends, and doubt not, that their laudable efforts
+will be accomplished.--The sloop's cargo was then taken on board
+the brig; after which the captain requested a certificate that I
+was politely treated by him, saying that his name was Captain
+Candama, of the privateer brig Prudentee of eighteen guns. This
+request I complied with. His first lieutenant told me he had sailed
+out of Boston, as commander for T.C. Amory, Esq. during the last
+war. In the course of the evening my friends were taken out of
+irons and examined separately, then put back again. The captain
+invited me to supper in his cabin, and a berth for the night, which
+was truly acceptable. The next morning after breakfast, I with my
+people were set on shore with the few things we had, with the
+promise of the Exertion's small boat in a day or two,--but it was
+never sent me--the reason, let the reader imagine. On landing at
+the wharf Casildar, we were immediately taken by soldiers to the
+guard house, which was a very filthy place; thinking I suppose, and
+even calling us, pirates. Soon some friends came to see me. Mr.
+Cotton, who resides there brought us in some soup. Mr. Isaac W.
+Lord, of Boston, my merchant, came with Captain Tate, who sent
+immediately to the governor; for I would not show my papers to any
+one else. He came about sunset, and after examining Manuel my
+Spanish fellow prisoner, and my papers, said to be, giving me the
+papers, "Captain, you are at liberty." I was kindly invited by
+Captain Matthew Rice, of schooner Galaxy, of Boston, to go on board
+his vessel, and live with him during my stay there. This generous
+offer I accepted, and was treated by him with the greatest
+hospitality; for I was hungered and he gave me meat, I was athirst
+and he gave me drink, I was naked and he clothed me, a stranger and
+he took me in. He likewise took Manuel and my three men for that
+night. Next day Mr. Lord rendered me all necessary assistance in
+making my protest. He had heard nothing from me until my arrival. I
+was greatly disappointed in not finding Mr. Bracket, and requested
+Mr. Lord to give him all needful aid if he should come there. To
+Captain Carnes, of the schooner Hannah, of Boston, I would tender
+my sincere thanks, for his kindness in giving me a passage to
+Boston, which I gladly accepted. To those gentlemen of Trinidad,
+and many captains of American vessels, who gave me sea clothing,
+&amp;c., I offer my cordial gratitude.</p>
+<p>I am fully of the opinion that these ferocious pirates are
+linked in with many inhabitants of Cuba; and the government in many
+respects appears covertly to encourage them.</p>
+<p>It is with heartfelt delight, that, since the above narrative
+was written, I have learned that Mr. Bracket and his companions are
+safe; he arrived at Port d'Esprit, about forty leagues east of
+Trinidad. A letter has been received from him, stating that he
+should proceed to Trinidad the first opportunity.--It appears that
+after reaching the wreck, they found a boat from the shore, taking
+on board some of the Exertion's cargo, in which they proceeded to
+the above place. Why it was not in his power to come to our relief
+will no doubt be satisfactorily disclosed when he may be so
+fortunate as once more to return to his native country and
+friends.</p>
+<p>I felt great anxiety to learn what became of Jamieson, who, my
+readers will recollect, was detained on board the Spanish brig
+Prudentee near Trinidad. I heard nothing from him, until I believe
+eighteen months after I reached home, when I received a letter from
+him, from Montego Bay, Jamaica, informing me that he was then
+residing in that island. I immediately wrote to him, and invited
+him to come on to the United States. He accordingly came on
+passenger with Captain Wilson of Cohasset, and arrived in Boston,
+in August, 1824. Our meeting was very affecting. Trying scenes were
+brought up before us; scenes gone forever, through which we had
+passed together, where our acquaintance was formed, and since which
+time, we had never met. I beheld once more the preserver of my
+life; the instrument, under Providence, of restoring me to my home,
+my family, and my friends, and I regarded him with no ordinary
+emotion. My family were delighted to see him, and cordially united
+in giving him a warm reception. He told me that after we separated
+in Trinidad, he remained on board the Spanish brig. The commander
+asked him and his companions if they would enlist; the Frenchmen
+replied that they would, but he said nothing, being determined to
+make his escape, the very first opportunity which should present.
+The Spanish brig afterwards fell in with a Columbian Patriot, an
+armed brig of eighteen guns. Being of about equal force, they gave
+battle, and fought between three and four hours. Both parties were
+very much injured; and, without any considerable advantage on
+either side, both drew off to make repairs. The Spanish brig
+Prudentee, put into St. Jago de Cuba. Jamieson was wounded in the
+action, by a musket ball, through his arm, and was taken on shore,
+with the other wounded, and placed in the hospital of St. Jago.
+Here he remained for a considerable time, until he had nearly
+recovered, when he found an opportunity of escaping, and embarking
+for Jamaica. He arrived in safety at Kingston, and from there,
+travelled barefoot over the mountains, until very much exhausted,
+he reached Montego Bay, where he had friends, and where one of his
+brothers possessed some property. From this place, he afterwards
+wrote to me. He told me that before he came to Massachusetts, he
+saw the villainous pilot of the Mexican, the infamous Baltizar,
+with several other pirates, brought into Montego Bay, from whence
+they were to be conveyed to Kingston to be executed. Whether the
+others were part of the Mexican's crew, or not, I do not know.
+Baltizar was an old man, and as Jamieson said, it was a melancholy
+and heart-rending sight, to see him borne to execution with those
+gray hairs, which might have been venerable in virtuous old age,
+now a shame and reproach to this hoary villain, for he was full of
+years, and old in iniquity. When Jamieson received the letter which
+I wrote him, he immediately embarked with Captain Wilson, and came
+to Boston, as I have before observed.</p>
+<p>According to his own account he was of a very respectable family
+in Greenock, Scotland. His father when living was a rich cloth
+merchant, but both his father and mother had been dead many years.
+He was the youngest of thirteen children, and being, as he said, of
+a roving disposition, had always followed the seas. He had received
+a polite education, and was of a very gentlemanly deportment. He
+spoke several living languages, and was skilled in drawing and
+painting. He had travelled extensively in different countries, and
+acquired in consequence an excellent knowledge of their manners and
+customs. His varied information (for hardly any subject escaped
+him) rendered him a very entertaining companion. His observations
+on the character of different nations were very liberal; marking
+their various traits, their virtues and vices, with playful
+humorousness, quite free from bigotry, or narrow prejudice.</p>
+<p>I was in trade, between Boston and Philadelphia, at the time he
+came to Massachusetts, and he sailed with me several trips as my
+mate. He afterwards went to Cuba, and was subsequently engaged in
+the mackerel fishery, out of the port of Hingham, during the warm
+season, and in the winter frequently employed himself in teaching
+navigation to young men, for which he was eminently qualified. He
+remained with us, until his death, which took place in 1829. At
+this time he had been out at sea two or three days, when he was
+taken sick, and was carried into Cape Cod, where he died, on the
+first day of May, 1829, and there his remains lie buried. Peace be
+to his ashes! They rest in a strange land, far from his kindred and
+his native country.</p>
+<p>Since his death I have met with Mr. Stewart, of Philadelphia,
+who was Commercial Agent in Trinidad at the time of my capture. He
+informed me that the piratical schooner Mexican, was afterwards
+chased by an English government vessel, from Jamaica, which was
+cruising in search of it. Being hotly pursued, the pirates deserted
+their vessel, and fled to the mangrove bushes, on an island similar
+to that on which they had placed me and my crew to die. The English
+surrounded them, and thus they were cut off from all hopes of
+escape. They remained there, I think fourteen days, when being
+almost entirely subdued by famine, eleven surrendered themselves,
+and were taken. The others probably perished among the mangroves.
+The few who were taken were carried by the government vessel into
+Trinidad. Mr. Stewart said that he saw them himself, and such
+miserable objects, that had life, he never before beheld. They were
+in a state of starvation; their beards had grown to a frightful
+length, their bodies, were covered with filth and vermin, and their
+countenances were hideous. From Trinidad they were taken to
+Kingston, Jamaica, and there hung on Friday, the 7th of February,
+1823.</p>
+<p>About a quarter of an hour before day dawn, the wretched
+culprits were taken from the jail, under a guard of soldiers from
+the 50th regiment, and the City Guard. On their arrival at the
+wherry wharf, the military retired, and the prisoners, with the
+Town Guard were put on board two wherries, in which they proceeded
+to Port Royal Point, the usual place of execution in similar cases.
+They were there met by a strong party of military, consisting of 50
+men, under command of an officer. They formed themselves into a
+square round the place of execution, with the sheriff and his
+officers with the prisoners in the centre. The gallows was of
+considerable length, and contrived with a drop so as to prevent the
+unpleasant circumstances which frequently occur.</p>
+<p>The unfortunate men had been in continual prayer from the time
+they were awakened out of a deep sleep till they arrived at that
+place, where they were to close their existence.</p>
+<p>They all expressed their gratitude for the attention they had
+met with from the sheriff and the inferior officers. Many pressed
+the hands of the turnkey to their lips, others to their hearts and
+on their knees, prayed that God, Jesus Christ, and the Virgin Mary
+would bless him and the other jailors for their goodness. They all
+then fervently joined in prayer. To the astonishment of all, no
+clerical character, of any persuasion, was present. They repeatedly
+called out "Adonde esta el padre," (Where is the holy father).</p>
+<center><img src="./images/418.jpg" alt=
+"The execution of ten pirates." height="371" width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>The execution of ten pirates.</i></h4>
+Juan Hernandez called on all persons present to hear him--he was
+innocent; what they had said about his confessing himself guilty
+was untrue. He had admitted himself guilty, because he hoped for
+pardon; but that now he was to die, he called God, Jesus Christ,
+the Holy Ghost, the Virgin Mary, and the Saints, to witness that he
+spoke the truth--that he was no pirate, no murderer--he had been
+forced. The Lieutenant of the pirates was a wretch, who did not
+fear God, and had compelled him to act.
+<p>Juan Gutterez and Francisco de Sayas were loud in their
+protestations of innocence.</p>
+<p>Manuel Lima said, for himself, he did not care; he felt for the
+old man (Miguel Jose). How could he be a pirate who could not help
+himself? If it were a Christian country, they would have pardoned
+him for his gray hairs. He was innocent--they had both been forced.
+Let none of his friends or relations ever venture to sea--he hoped
+his death would be a warning to them, that the innocent might
+suffer for the guilty. The language of this young man marked him a
+superior to the generality of his companions in misfortune. The
+seamen of the Whim stated that he was very kind to them when
+prisoners on board the piratical vessel. Just before he was turned
+off, he addressed the old man--"Adios viejo, para siempre
+adios."--(Farewell, old man, forever farewell.)</p>
+<p>Several of the prisoners cried out for mercy, pardon,
+pardon.</p>
+<p>Domingo Eucalla, the black man, then addressed them. "Do not
+look for mercy here, but pray to God; we are all brought here to
+die. This is not built for nothing; here we must end our lives. You
+know I am innocent, but I must die the same as you all. There is
+not any body here who can do us any good, so let us think only of
+God Almighty. We are not children but men, you know that all must
+die; and in a few years those who kill us must die too. When I was
+born, God set the way of my death; I do not blame any body. I was
+taken by the pirates and they made me help them; they would not let
+me be idle. I could not show that this was the truth, and therefore
+they have judged me by the people they have found me with. I am put
+to death unjustly, but I blame nobody. It was my misfortune. Come,
+let us pray. If we are innocent, so much the less we have to
+repent. I do not come here to accuse any one. Death must come one
+day or other; better to the innocent than guilty." He then joined
+in prayer with the others. He seemed to be much reverenced by his
+fellow prisoners. He chose those prayers he thought most adapted to
+the occasion. Hundreds were witnesses to the manly firmness of this
+negro. Observing a bystander listening attentively to the
+complaints of one of his fellow wretches, he translated what had
+been said into English. With a steady pace, and a resolute and
+resigned countenance, he ascended the fatal scaffold. Observing the
+executioner unable to untie a knot on the collar of one of the
+prisoners, he with his teeth untied it. He then prayed most
+fervently till the drop fell.</p>
+<p>Miguel Jose protested his innocence.--"No he robado, no he
+matado ningune, muero innocente."--(I have robbed no one, I have
+killed no one, I die innocent. I am an old man, but my family will
+feel my disgraceful death.)</p>
+<p>Francisco Migul prayed devoutly, but inaudibly.--His soul seemed
+to have quitted the body before he was executed.</p>
+<p>Breti Gullimillit called on all to witness his innocence; it was
+of no use for him to say an untruth, for he was going before the
+face of God.</p>
+<p>Augustus Hernandez repeatedly declared his innocence, requested
+that no one would say he had made a confession; he had none to
+make.</p>
+<p>Juan Hernandez was rather obstinate when the execution pulled
+the cap over his eyes. He said, rather passionately--"Quita is de
+mis ojos."--(Remove it from my eyes.) He then rubbed it up against
+one of the posts of the gallows.</p>
+<p>Miguel Jose made the same complaint, and drew the covering from
+his eyes by rubbing his head against a fellow sufferer.</p>
+<p>Pedro Nondre was loud in his ejaculations for mercy. He wept
+bitterly. He was covered with marks of deep wounds.</p>
+<p>The whole of the ten included in the death warrant, having been
+placed on the scaffold, and the ropes suspended, the drop was let
+down. Nondre being an immense heavy man, broke the rope, and fell
+to the ground alive. Juan Hernandez struggled long. Lima was much
+convulsed. The old man Gullimillit, and Migul, were apparently dead
+before the drop fell. Eucalla (the black man) gave one convulsion,
+and all was over.</p>
+<p>When Nondre recovered from the fall and saw his nine lifeless
+companions stretched in death, he gave an agonizing shriek; he
+wrung his hands, screamed "Favor, favor, me matan sin causa. O!
+buenos Christianos, me amparen, ampara me, ampara me, no hay
+Christiano en asta, tiara?"</p>
+<p>(Mercy, mercy, they kill me without cause.--Oh, good Christians,
+protect me. Oh, protect me. Is there no Christian in this
+land?)</p>
+<p>He then lifted his eyes to Heaven, and prayed long and loud.
+Upon being again suspended, he was for a long period convulsed. He
+was an immense powerful man, and died hard.</p>
+<p>A piratical station was taken in the Island of Cuba by the U.S.
+schooners of war, Greyhound and Beagle. They left Thompson's Island
+June 7, 1823, under the command of Lieuts. Kearney and Newton, and
+cruised within the Key's on the south side of Cuba, as far as Cape
+Cruz, touching at all the intermediate ports on the island, to
+intercept pirates. On the 21st of July, they came to anchor off
+Cape Cruz, and Lieut. Kearney went in his boat to reconnoitre the
+shore, when he was fired on by a party of pirates who were
+concealed among the bushes. A fire was also opened from several
+pieces of cannon erected on a hill a short distance off. The boat
+returned, and five or six others were manned from the vessels, and
+pushed off for the shore, but a very heavy cannonade being kept up
+by the pirates on the heights, as well as from the boats, were
+compelled to retreat. The two schooners were then warped in, when
+they discharged several broadsides, and covered the landing of the
+boats. After a short time the pirates retreated to a hill that was
+well fortified. A small hamlet, in which the pirates resided, was
+set fire to and destroyed. Three guns, one a four pounder, and two
+large swivels, with several pistols, cutlasses, and eight large
+boats, were captured. A cave, about 150 feet deep, was discovered,
+near where the houses were, and after considerable difficulty, a
+party of seamen got to the bottom, where was found an immense
+quantity of plunder, consisting of broadcloths, dry goods, female
+dresses, saddlery, &amp;c. Many human bones were also in the cave,
+supposed to have been unfortunate persons who were taken and put to
+death. A great many of the articles were brought away, and the rest
+destroyed. About forty pirates escaped to the heights, but many
+were supposed to have been killed from the fire of the schooners,
+as well as from the men who landed. The bushes were so thick that
+it was impossible to go after them. Several other caves are in the
+neighborhood, in which it was conjectured they occasionally take
+shelter.</p>
+<p>In 1823, Commodore Porter commanded the United States squadron
+in these seas; much good was done in preventing new acts of piracy;
+but these wretches kept aloof and did not venture to sea as
+formerly, but some were taken.</p>
+<p>Almost every day furnished accounts evincing the activity of
+Commodore Porter, and the officers and men under his command; but
+for a long time their industry and zeal was rather shown in the
+<i>suppression</i> of piracy than the <i>punishment</i> of it. At
+length, however, an opportunity offered for inflicting the latter,
+as detailed in the following letter, dated Matanzas, July 10,
+1823.</p>
+<p>"I have the pleasure of informing you of a brilliant achievement
+obtained against the pirates on the 5th inst. by two barges
+attached to Commodore Porter's squadron, the Gallinipper, Lieut.
+Watson, 18 men, and the Moscheto, Lieut. Inman, 10 men. The barges
+were returning from a cruise to windward; when they were near
+Jiguapa Bay, 13 leagues to windward of Matanzas, they entered
+it--it being a rendezvous for pirates. They immediately discovered
+a large schooner under way, which they supposed to be a Patriot
+privateer; and as their stores were nearly exhausted, they hoped to
+obtain some supplies from her. They therefore made sail in pursuit.
+When they were within cannon shot distance, she rounded to and
+fired her long gun, at the same time run up the bloody flag,
+directing her course towards the shore, and continuing to fire
+without effect. When she had got within a short distance of the
+shore, she came to, with springs on her cable, continuing to fire;
+and when the barges were within 30 yards, they fired their muskets
+without touching boat or man; our men gave three cheers, and
+prepared to board; the pirates, discovering their intention, jumped
+into the water, when the bargemen, calling on the name of 'Allen,'
+commenced a destructive slaughter, killing them in the water and as
+they landed. So exasperated were our men, that it was impossible
+for their officers to restrain them, and many were killed after
+orders were given to grant quarter. Twenty-seven dead were counted,
+some sunk, five taken prisoners by the bargemen, and eight taken by
+a party of Spaniards on shore. The officers calculated that from 30
+to 35 were killed. The schooner mounted a long nine pounder on a
+pivot, and 4 four pounders, with every other necessary armament,
+and a crew of 50 to 60 men, and ought to have blown the barges to
+atoms. She was commanded by the notorious Diableto or Little Devil.
+This statement I have from Lieut. Watson himself, and it is
+certainly the most decisive operation that has been effected
+against those murderers, either by the English or American
+force."</p>
+<center><img src="./images/424.jpg" alt=
+"The Pirates fire into Lieut. Kearney's boat, while reconnoitering the shore"
+     height="357" width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>The Pirates fire into Lieut. Kearney's boat, while
+reconnoitering the shore.</i></h4>
+"This affair occurred on the same spot where the brave Allen fell
+about one year since. The prize was sent to Thompson's Island."
+<p>A British sloop of war, about the same time, captured a pirate
+schooner off St. Domingo, with a crew of 60 men. She had 200,000
+dollars in specie, and other valuable articles on board. The brig
+Vestal sent another pirate schooner to New-Providence.</p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="THE_ADVENTURES_AND_EXECUTION_OF_CAPTAIN_JOHN_RACKAM"></a>
+<h2>THE ADVENTURES AND EXECUTION OF CAPTAIN JOHN RACKAM.</h2>
+This John Rackam, as has been reported in the foregoing pages, was
+quarter-master to Vane's company, till the crew were divided, and
+Vane turned out of it for refusing to board a French man-of-war,
+Rackam being voted captain of the division that remained in the
+brigantine. The 24th of November 1718, was the first day of his
+command; his first cruise was among the Carribbee Islands, where he
+took and plundered several vessels.
+<p>We have already taken notice, that when Captain Woods Rogers
+went to the island of Providence with the king's pardon to such of
+the pirates as should surrender, this brigantine, which Rackam
+commanded, made its escape through another passage, bidding
+defiance to the mercy that was offered.</p>
+<p>To the windward of Jamaica, a Madeira-man fell into the pirate's
+way, which they detained two or three days, till they had their
+market out of her, and then they gave her back to the master, and
+permitted one Hosea Tidsel, a tavern keeper at Jamaica, who had
+been picked up in one of their prizes, to depart in her, she being
+bound for that island.</p>
+<p>After this cruise they went into a small island, and cleaned,
+and spent their Christmas ashore, drinking and carousing as long as
+they had any liquor left, and then went to sea again for more. They
+succeeded but too well, though they took no extraordinary prize for
+above two months, except a ship laden with convicts from Newgate,
+bound for the plantations, which in a few days was retaken, with
+all her cargo, by an English man-of-war that was stationed in those
+seas.</p>
+<p>Rackam stood towards the island of Bermuda, and took a ship
+bound to England from Carolina, and a small pink from New England,
+both of which he brought to the Bahama Islands, where, with the
+pitch, tar and stores they cleaned again, and refitted their own
+vessel; but staying too long in that neighborhood, Captain Rogers,
+who was Governor of Providence, hearing of these ships being taken,
+sent out a sloop well manned and armed, which retook both the
+prizes, though in the mean while the pirate had the good fortune to
+escape.</p>
+<p>From hence they sailed to the back of Cuba, where Rackam kept a
+little kind of a family, at which place they stayed a considerable
+time, living ashore with their Delilahs, till their money and
+provisions were expended, and they concluded it time to look out
+for more. They repaired their vessel, and were making ready to put
+to sea, when a guarda de costa came in with a small English sloop,
+which she had taken as an interloper on the coast. The Spanish
+guard-ship attacked the pirate, but Rackam being close in behind a
+little island, she could do but little execution where she lay; the
+Dons therefore warped into the channel that evening, in order to
+make sure of her the next morning. Rackam finding his case
+desperate, and that there was hardly any possibility of escaping,
+resolved to attempt the following enterprise. The Spanish prize
+lying for better security close into the land, between the little
+island and the Main, our desperado took his crew into the boat with
+their cutlasses, rounded the little island, and fell aboard their
+prize silently in the dead of the night without being discovered,
+telling the Spaniards that were aboard her, that if they spoke a
+word, or made the least noise, they were all dead men; and so they
+became masters of her. When this was done he slipped her cable, and
+drove out to sea. The Spanish man-of-war was so intent upon their
+expected prize, that they minded nothing else, and as soon as day
+broke, they made a furious fire upon the empty sloop; but it was
+not long before they were rightly apprised of the matter, when they
+cursed themselves sufficiently for a company of fools, to be bit
+out of a good rich prize, as she proved to be, and to have nothing
+but an old crazy hull in the room of her.</p>
+<p>Rackam and his crew had no occasion to be displeased at the
+exchange, as it enabled them to continue some time longer in a way
+of life that suited their depraved minds. In August 1720, we find
+him at sea again, scouring the harbours and inlets of the north and
+west parts of Jamaica, where he took several small crafts, which
+proved no great booty to the rovers; but they had but few men, and
+therefore were obliged to run at low game till they could increase
+their company and their strength.</p>
+<p>In the beginning of September, they took seven or eight fishing
+boats in Harbour Island, stole their nets and other tackle, and
+then went off to the French part of Hispaniola, where they landed,
+and took the cattle away, with two or three Frenchmen whom they
+found near the water-side, hunting wild hogs in the evening. The
+Frenchmen came on board, whether by consent or compulsion is not
+certainly known. They afterwards plundered two sloops, and returned
+to Jamaica, on the north coast of which island, near Porto Maria
+Bay, they took a schooner, Thomas Spenlow, master, it being then
+the 19th of October. The next day Rackam seeing a sloop in Dry
+Harbour Bay, stood in and fired a gun; the men all ran ashore, and
+he took the sloop and lading; but when those ashore found that they
+were pirates, they hailed the sloop, and let them know they were
+all willing to come on board of them.</p>
+<p>Rackam's coasting the island in this manner proved fatal to him;
+for intelligence of his expedition came to the governor by a canoe
+which he had surprised ashore in Ocho Bay: upon this a sloop was
+immediately fitted out, and sent round the island in quest of him,
+commanded by Captain Barnet, and manned with a good number of
+hands. Rackam, rounding the island, and drawing round the western
+point, called Point Negril, saw a small pettiaga, which, at the
+sight of the sloop, ran ashore and landed her men, when one of them
+hailed her. Answer was made that they were Englishmen, and begged
+the pettiaga's men to come on board and drink a bowl of punch,
+which they prevailed upon them to do. Accordingly, the company, in
+an evil hour, came all aboard of the pirate, consisting of nine
+persons; they were armed with muskets and cutlasses, but what was
+their real design in so doing we will not pretend to say. They had
+no sooner laid down their arms and taken up their pipes, than
+Barnet's sloop, which was in pursuit of Rackam's, came in
+sight.</p>
+<p>The pirates, finding she stood directly towards them, feared the
+event, and weighed their anchor, which they had but lately let go,
+and stood off. Captain Barnet gave them chase, and, having
+advantage of little breezes of wind which blew off the land, came
+up with her, and brought her into Port Royal, in Jamaica.</p>
+<p>About a fortnight after the prisoners were brought ashore, viz.
+November 16, 1720, Captain Rackam and eight of his men were
+condemned and executed. Captain Rackam and two others were hung in
+chains.</p>
+<p>But what was very surprising, was the conviction of the nine men
+that came aboard the sloop on the same day she was taken. They were
+tried at an adjournment of the court on the 24th of January, the
+magistracy waiting all that time, it is supposed, for evidence to
+prove the piratical intention of going aboard the said sloop; for
+it seems there was no act or piracy committed by them, as appeared
+by the witnesses against them, two Frenchmen, taken by Rackam off
+the island of Hispaniola, who merely deposed that the prisoners
+came on board without any compulsion.</p>
+<p>The court considered the prisoners' cases, and the majority of
+the commissioners being of opinion that they were all guilty of the
+piracy and felony they were charged with, viz. the going over with
+a piratical intent to John Rackam, &amp;c. then notorious pirates,
+and by them known to be so, they all received sentence of death,
+and were executed on the 17th of February at Gallows Point at Port
+Royal.</p>
+<p>Nor holy bell, nor pastoral bleat,<br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">In former days within the
+vale.</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Flapped in the bay the pirate's
+sheet,</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Curses were on the gale;</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Rich goods lay on the sand, and
+murdered men,</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Pirate and wreckers kept their
+revels there.</span></p>
+<p>THE BUCCANEER.</p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="THE_LIFE_AND_EXPLOITS_OF_ANNE_BONNEY"></a>
+<h2>THE LIFE AND EXPLOITS OF ANNE BONNEY.</h2>
+This female pirate was a native of Cork. Her father was an
+attorney, and, by his activity in business, rose to considerable
+respectability in that place. Anne was the fruit of an unlawful
+connexion with his own servant maid, with whom he afterwards eloped
+to America, leaving his own affectionate and lawful wife. He
+settled at Carolina, and for some time followed his own profession;
+but soon commenced merchant, and was so successful as to purchase a
+considerable plantation. There he lived with his servant in the
+character of his wife; but she dying, his daughter Anne
+superintended the domestic affairs of her father.
+<p>During her residence with her parent she was supposed to have a
+considerable fortune, and was accordingly addressed by young men of
+respectable situations in life. It happened with Anne, however, as
+with many others of her youth and sex, that her feelings, and not
+her interest, determined her choice of a husband. She married a
+young sailor without a shilling. The avaricious father was so
+enraged, that, deaf to the feelings of a parent, he turned his own
+child out of doors. Upon this cruel usage, and the disappointment
+of her fortune, Anne and her husband sailed for the island of
+Providence, in the hope of gaining employment.</p>
+<p>Acting a part very different from that of Mary Read, Anne's
+affections were soon estranged from her husband by Captain Rackam;
+and eloping with him, she went to sea in men's clothes. Proving
+with child, the captain put her on shore, and entrusted her to the
+care of some friends until her recovery, when she again accompanied
+him in his expeditions.</p>
+<p>Upon the king's proclamation offering a pardon to all pirates,
+he surrendered, and went into the privateering business, as we have
+related before: he, however, soon embraced an opportunity to return
+to his favorite employment. In all his piratical exploits Anne
+accompanied him; and, as we have already recorded, displayed such
+courage and intrepidity, that she, along with Mary Read and a
+seaman, were the last three who remained on board when the vessel
+was taken.</p>
+<p>Anne was known to many of the planters in Jamaica, who
+remembered to have seen her in her father's house, and they were
+disposed to intercede in her behalf. Her unprincipled conduct, in
+leaving her own husband and forming an illicit connexion with
+Rackam, tended, however, to render her friends less active. By a
+special favor, Rackam was permitted to visit her the day before he
+was executed; but, instead of condoling with him on account of his
+sad fate, she only observed, that she was sorry to see him there,
+but if he had fought like a man he needed not have been hanged like
+a dog. Being with child, she remained in prison until her recovery,
+was reprieved from time to time, and though we cannot communicate
+to our readers any particulars of her future life, or the manner of
+her death, yet it is certain that she was not executed.</p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="THE_ADVENTURES_AND_HEROISM_OF_MARY_READ"></a>
+<h2>THE ADVENTURES AND HEROISM OF MARY READ.</h2>
+The attention of our readers is now to be directed to the history
+of two female pirates,--a history which is chiefly remarkable from
+the extraordinary circumstance of the softer sex assuming a
+character peculiarly distinguished for every vice that can disgrace
+humanity, and at the same time for the exertion of the most daring,
+though brutal, courage.
+<p>Mary Read was a native of England, but at what place she was
+born is not recorded. Her mother married a sailor when she was very
+young, who, soon after their marriage, went to sea, and never
+returned. The fruit of that marriage was a sprightly boy. The
+husband not returning, she again found herself with child, and to
+cover her shame, took leave of her husband's relations, and went to
+live in the country, taking her boy along with her. Her son in a
+short time died, and she was relieved from the burden of his
+maintenance and education. The mother had not resided long in the
+country before Mary Read, the subject of the present narrative, was
+born.</p>
+<p>After the birth of Mary, her mother resided in the country for
+three or four years, until her money was all spent, and her
+ingenuity was set at work to contrive how to obtain a supply. She
+knew that her husband's mother was in good circumstances, and could
+easily support her child, provided she could make her pass for a
+boy, and her son's child. But it seemed impossible to impose upon
+an old experienced mother. She, however, presented Mary in the
+character of her grandson. The old woman proposed to take the boy
+to live with her, but the mother would not on any account part with
+her boy; the grandmother, therefore, allowed a crown per week for
+his support.</p>
+<p>The ingenuity of the mother being successful, she reared the
+daughter as a boy. But as she grew up, she informed her of the
+secret of her birth, in order that she might conceal her sex. The
+grandmother, however, dying, the support from that quarter failed,
+and she was obliged to hire her out as a footboy to a French lady.
+The strength and manly disposition of this supposed boy increased
+with her years, and leaving that servile employment, she engaged on
+board a man-of-war.</p>
+<p>The volatile disposition of the youth did not permit her to
+remain long in this station, and she next went into Flanders, and
+joined a regiment of foot as a cadet. Though in every action she
+conducted herself with the greatest bravery, yet she could not
+obtain a commission, as they were in general bought and sold. She
+accordingly quitted that service, and enlisted into a regiment of
+horse; there she behaved herself so valiantly, that she gained the
+esteem of all her officers. It, however, happened, that her comrade
+was a handsome young Fleming, and she fell passionately in love
+with him. The violence of her feelings rendered her negligent of
+her duty, and effected such a change in her behaviour as attracted
+the attention of all. Both her comrade and the rest of the regiment
+deemed her mad. Love, however, is inventive, and as they slept in
+the same tent, she found means to discover her sex without any
+seeming design. He was both surprised and pleased, supposing that
+he would have a mistress to himself; but he was greatly mistaken,
+and he found that it was necessary to court her for his wife. A
+mutual attachment took place, and, as soon as convenient, women's
+clothes were provided for her, and they were publicly married.</p>
+<p>The singularity of two troopers marrying caused a general
+conversation, and many of the officers honored the ceremony with
+their presence, and resolved to make presents to the bride, to
+provide her with necessaries. After marriage they were desirous to
+quit the service, and their discharge being easily obtained, they
+set up an ordinary under the sign of the "Three Shoes," and soon
+acquired a considerable run of business.</p>
+<p>But Mary Read's felicity was of short duration; the husband
+died, and peace being concluded, her business diminished. Under
+these circumstances she again resumed her man's dress, and going
+into Holland, enlisted into a regiment of foot quartered in one of
+the frontier towns. But there being no prospect of preferment in
+time of peace, she went on board a vessel bound for the West
+Indies.</p>
+<p>During the voyage, the vessel was captured by English pirates,
+and as Mary was the only English person on board, they detained
+her, and having plundered the vessel of what they chose, allowed it
+to depart. Mary continued in that unlawful commerce for some time,
+but the royal pardon being tendered to all those in the West
+Indies, who should, before a specified day, surrender, the crew to
+which she was attached, availed themselves of this, and lived
+quietly on shore with the fruits of their adventures. But from the
+want of their usual supplies, their money became exhausted; and
+being informed that Captain Rogers, in the island of Providence,
+was fitting out some vessels for privateering, Mary, with some
+others, repaired to that island to serve on board his privateers.
+We have already heard, that scarcely had the ships sailed, when
+some of their crews mutinied, and ran off with the ships, to pursue
+their former mode of life. Among these was Mary Read. She indeed,
+frequently declared, that the life of a pirate was what she
+detested, and that she was constrained to it both on the former and
+present occasion. It was, however, sufficiently ascertained, that
+both Mary Read and Anne Bonney were among the bravest and most
+resolute fighters of the whole crew; that when the vessel was
+taken, these two heroines, along with another of the pirates, were
+the last three upon deck; and that Mary, having in vain endeavored
+to rouse the courage of the crew, who had fled below, discharged a
+pistol amongst them, killing one and wounding another.</p>
+<p>Nor was Mary less modest than brave; for though she had remained
+many years in the character of a sailor, yet no one had discovered
+her sex, until she was under the necessity of doing so to Anne
+Bonney. The reason of this was, that Anne, supposing her to be a
+handsome fellow, became greatly enamored of her, and discovered her
+sex and wishes to Mary, who was thus constrained to reveal her
+secret to Anne. Rackam being the paramour of Bonney, and observing
+her partiality towards Mary, threatened to shoot her lover; so that
+to prevent any mischief, Anne also informed the captain of the sex
+of her companion.</p>
+<p>Rackam was enjoined to secrecy, and here he behaved honorably;
+but love again assailed the conquered Mary. It was usual with the
+pirates to retain all the artists who were captured in the
+trading-vessels; among these was a very handsome young man, of
+engaging manners, who vanquished the heart of Mary. In a short time
+her love became so violent, that she took every opportunity of
+enjoying his company and conversation; and, after she had gained
+his friendship, discovered her sex. Esteem and friendship were
+speedily converted into the most ardent affection, and a mutual
+flame burned in the hearts of these two lovers. An occurrence soon
+happened that put the attachment of Mary to a severe trial. Her
+lover having quarrelled with one of the crew, they agreed to fight
+a duel on shore. Mary was all anxiety for the fate of her lover,
+and she manifested a greater concern for the preservation of his
+life than that of her own; but she could not entertain the idea
+that he could refuse to fight, and so be esteemed a coward.
+Accordingly she quarrelled with the man who challenged her lover,
+and called him to the field two hours before his appointment with
+her lover, engaged him with sword and pistol, and laid him dead at
+her feet.</p>
+<p>Though no esteem or love had formerly existed, this action was
+sufficient to have kindled the most violent flame. But this was not
+necessary, for the lover's attachment was equal, if not stronger
+than her own; they pledged their faith, which was esteemed as
+binding as if the ceremony had been performed by a clergyman.</p>
+<p>Captain Rackam one day, before he knew that she was a woman,
+asked her why she followed a line of life that exposed her to so
+much danger, and at last to the certainty of being hanged. She
+replied, that, "As to hanging, she thought it no great hardship,
+for were it not for that, every cowardly fellow would turn pirate,
+and so infest the seas; and men of courage would starve. That if it
+was put to her choice, she would not have the punishment less than
+death, the fear of which kept some dastardly rogues honest; that
+many of those who are now cheating the widows and orphans, and
+oppressing their poor neighbors who have no money to obtain
+justice, would then rob at sea, and the ocean would be as crowded
+with rogues as the land: so that no merchants would venture out,
+and the trade in a little time would not be worth following."</p>
+<p>Being with child at the time of her trial, her execution was
+delayed; and it is probable that she would have found favor, but in
+the mean time she fell sick and died.</p>
+<p>Mary Read was of a strong and robust constitution, capable of
+enduring much exertion and fatigue. She was vain and bold in her
+disposition, but susceptible of the tenderest emotions, and of the
+most melting affections. Her conduct was generally directed by
+virtuous principles, while at the same time, she was violent in her
+attachments. Though she was inadvertently drawn into that
+dishonorable mode of life which has stained her character, and
+given her a place among the criminals noticed in this work, yet she
+possessed a rectitude of principle and of conduct, far superior to
+many who have not been exposed to such temptations to swerve from
+the path of female virtue and honor.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/438.jpg" alt=
+"Mary Read kills her antagonist." height="414" width=
+"600"></center>
+<h4><i>Mary Read kills her antagonist.</i></h4>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="THE_ALGERINE_PIRATES"></a>
+<h2>THE ALGERINE PIRATES.</h2>
+<i>Containing accounts of the cruelties and atrocities of the
+Barbary Corsairs, with narratives of the expeditions sent against
+them, and the final capture of Algiers by the French in</i> 1830.
+<p>That former den of pirates, the city of Algiers is situated on
+the shores of a pretty deep bay, by which the northern coast of
+Africa, is here indented, and may be said to form an irregular
+triangular figure, the base line of which abuts on the sea, while
+the apex is formed by the Cassaubah, or citadel, which answered the
+double purpose of a fort to defend and awe the city, and a palace
+for the habitation of the Dey and his court. The hill on which the
+city is built, slopes rather rapidly upwards, so that every house
+is visible from the sea, in consequence of which it was always sure
+to suffer severely from a bombardment. The top of the hill has an
+elevation of nearly five hundred feet, and exactly at this point is
+built the citadel; the whole town lying between it and the sea. The
+houses of Algiers have no roofs, but are all terminated by
+terraces, which are constantly whitewashed; and as the exterior
+walls, the fort, the batteries and the walls are similarly
+beautified, the whole city, from a distance, looks not unlike a
+vast chalk quarry opened on the side of a hill.</p>
+<p>The fortifications towards the sea are of amasing strength, and
+with the additions made since Lord Exmouth's attack, may be
+considered as almost impregnable. They occupy the entire of a small
+island, which lies a short distance in front of the city, to which
+it is connected at one end by a magnificent mole of solid masonry,
+while the other which commands the entrance of the port, is crowned
+with a battery, bristling with cannon of immense calibre, which
+would instantly sink any vessel which should now attempt to occupy
+the station taken by the Queen Charlotte on that memorable
+occasion.</p>
+<p>On the land side, the defences are by no means of equal
+strength, as they were always considered rather as a shelter
+against an insurrectionary movement of the natives, than as
+intended to repulse the regular attacks of a disciplined army. In
+fact defences on this side would be of little use as the city is
+completely commanded by different hills, particularly that on which
+the Emperor's fort is built, and was obliged instantly to
+capitulate, as soon as this latter had fallen into the hands of the
+French, in 1830.</p>
+<p>There are four gates; one opening on the mole, which is thence
+called the marine gate, one near the citadel, which is termed the
+new gate; and the other two, at the north and south sides of the
+city, with the principal street running between them. All these
+gates are strongly fortified, and outside the three land gates run
+the remains of a ditch, which once surrounded the city, but is now
+filled up except at these points. The streets of Algiers are all
+crooked, and all narrow. The best are scarcely twelve feet in
+breadth, and even half of this is occupied by the projections of
+the shops, or the props placed to support the first stories of the
+houses, which are generally made to advance beyond the lower,
+insomuch that in many places a laden mule can scarcely pass. Of
+public buildings, the most remarkable is the Cassaubah, or citadel,
+the situation of which we have already mentioned. It is a huge,
+heavy looking brick building, of a square shape, surrounded by high
+and massive walls, and defended by fifty pieces of cannon, and some
+mortars, so placed as equally to awe the city and country. The
+apartments set apart for the habitation of the Dey and the ladies
+of his harem, are described as extremely magnificent, and
+abundantly supplied with marble pillars, fountains, mirrors,
+carpets, ottomans, cushions, and other articles of oriental luxury;
+but there are others no less valuable and curious, such as the
+armory, furnished with weapons of every kind, of the finest
+manufacture, and in the greatest abundance, the treasury,
+containing not only a profusion of the precious metals, coined or
+in ingots, but also diamonds, pearls, rubies, and other precious
+stones of great value; and lastly, the store rooms of immense
+extent, in which were piled up the richest silk stuffs, velvets,
+brocades, together with wool, wax, sugar, iron, lead, sabre-blades,
+gun barrels, and all the different productions of the Algerine
+territories; for the Dey was not only the first robber but the
+first merchant in his own dominions.</p>
+<p>Next to the Cassaubah, the mole with the marine forts, presented
+the handsomest and most imposing pile of buildings. The mole is no
+less than one thousand three hundred feet in length, forming a
+beautiful terrace walk, supported by arches, beneath which lay
+splendid magazines, which the French found filled with spars, hemp,
+cordage, cables, and all manner of marine stores. At the extremity
+of the mole, lay the barracks of the Janissaries, entrusted with
+the defence of the marine forts, and consisting of several small
+separate chambers, in which they each slept on sheepskin mats,
+while in the centre was a handsome coffee-room. The Bagnios were
+the buildings, in which Europeans for a long time felt the most
+interest, inasmuch as it was in these that the Christian slaves
+taken by the corsairs were confined. For many years previous to the
+French invasion, however, the number of prisoners had been so
+trifling, that many of these terrific buildings had fallen to
+decay, and presented, when the French army entered Algiers, little
+more than piles of mouldering ruins. The inmates of the Bagnio when
+taken by the French were the crews of two French brigs, which a
+short time before had been wrecked off Cape Bingut, a few French
+prisoners of war made during their advance, and about twenty Greek,
+and Genoese sailors, who had been there for two years; in all about
+one hundred and twenty. They represented their condition as bad,
+though by no means so deplorable as it would have been in former
+days. The prison was at first so close, that there was some danger
+of suffocation, to avoid which the Turks had made holes in the
+walls; but as they neglected to supply these with windows or
+shutters of any kind, there was no means of excluding wind or rain,
+from which consequently they often suffered.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/442.jpg" alt=
+"On board an Algerine corsair." height="396" width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>On board an Algerine corsair.</i></h4>
+We shall only trace these pirates back to about the year 1500, when
+Selim, king of Algiers, being invaded by the Spaniards, at last
+entreated the assistance of the famous corsair, Oruj Reis, better
+known by his European name, Barbarossa, composed of two Italian
+words, signifying <i>red beard</i>. Nothing could be more agreeable
+than the number and hardihood of his naval exploits, had been such
+an invitation to this ambitious robber, who elated by for some time
+considering how he might best establish his power by land.
+Accordingly, attended by five thousand picked men, he entered
+Algiers, made himself master of the town, assassinated Selim, and
+had himself proclaimed king in his stead; and thus was established
+that nest of pirates, fresh swarms from which never ceased to annoy
+Christian commerce and enslave Christian mariners, until its late
+final destruction, by the French expedition in 1830.
+<p>In a piratical career of many centuries, the countless thousands
+who have been taken, enslaved, and perished in bondage by these
+monsters should long ago have drawn upon them the united vengeance
+of all Christendom. Many a youth of family and fortune, of delicate
+constitution has been captured and sold in the slave market. His
+labor through the long hot days would be to cleanse out the foul
+bed of some large empty reservoir, where he would be made to strip,
+and descending into the pond, bring up in his arms the black
+stinking mud, heaped up and pressed against his bosom; or to labor
+in drawing huge blocks of stone to build the mole; or in building
+and repairing the fortifications, with numerous other painful and
+disgusting tasks. The only food was a scanty supply of black bread,
+and occasionally a few decayed olives, or sheep which had died from
+some disorder. At night they were crowded into that most horrid of
+prisons the Bagnio, to sleep on a little filthy straw, amidst the
+most noisome stenches. Their limbs in chains, and often receiving
+the lash. Occasionally an individual would be ransomed; when his
+story would draw tears of pity from all who heard it. Ladies were
+frequently taken by these monsters and treated in the most inhuman
+manner. And sometimes whole families were enslaved. Numerous facts,
+of the most heart-rending description are on record: but our limits
+oblige us to be brief.</p>
+<p>A Spanish lady, the wife of an officer, with her son, a youth of
+fourteen, and her daughter, six years old, were taken in a Spanish
+vessel by the Algerines. The barbarians treated her and both her
+children with the greatest inhumanity. The eldest they kept in
+chains; and the defenceless little one they wantonly treated so
+ill, that the unhappy mother was often nearly deprived of her
+reason at the blows her infant received from these wretches, who
+plundered them of every thing. They kept them many days at sea on
+hard and scanty fare, covered only with a few soiled rags; and in
+this state brought them to Algiers. They had been long confined in
+a dreadful dungeon in the Bagnio where the slaves are kept, when a
+messenger was sent to the Aga, or Captain of the Bagnio, for a
+female slave. It fortunately fell to the lot of the Spanish lady,
+but at the instant when she was embracing her son, who was tearing
+himself from his mother with haggard and disordered looks, to go to
+his imperious drivers; and while in despair she gazed on her little
+worn-out infant, she heard herself summoned to attend the guard of
+the prison to a family that had sent for a female slave. She
+obtained permission to take her little daughter with her. She
+dreaded being refused, and sent back to the horrid dungeon she was
+leaving where no difference was paid to rank, and slaves of all
+conditions were huddled together. She went therefore prepared to
+accept of anything short of these sufferings. She was refused, as
+being in every respect opposite to the description of the person
+sent for. At length her entreaties and tears prevailed; compassion
+overruled every obstacle; and she, with her little girl, was
+accepted. But there remained another difficulty; she had left her
+son chained in the midst of that dungeon from which she had just
+been rescued. Her kind patrons soon learned the cause of her
+distress; but to send for the youth and treat him kindly, or in any
+way above that of a common slave, must hazard the demand of so
+large a ransom for him and his mother, as would forever preclude
+the hope of liberty. He was, however, sent for, and the menial
+offices they were both engaged to perform were only nominal. With
+circumspection the whole family were sheltered in this manner for
+three years; when the war with the Spaniards growing more
+inveterate, the Algerines demanded the youth back to the Bagnio, to
+work in common with the other slaves, in repairing the damages done
+to the fortresses by the Spanish cannon. He was now compelled to
+go, loaded with heavy stones, through the whole of the town; and at
+almost every step he received dreadful blows, not being able to
+hasten his pace from the great weight.</p>
+<p>Overcome at last with ill usage, the delicacy of his form and
+constitution gave way to the excessive labor, and he one morning
+refused the orders of his master, or driver, to rise from the straw
+on which he was stretched, declaring they might kill him if they
+chose, for he would not even try to carry another load of stones.
+Repeated messages had been sent from the Venetian consul's, where
+his mother and sister were sheltered, to the Aga, to return him;
+and when the Algerines found that they had absolutely reduced him
+so near death, they thought it best to spare his life for the sake
+of future ransom. They agreed, therefore, to let him return to the
+Christians. His life was for some time despaired of; but through
+the kind attention he received, he was rescued from the threatened
+dissolution. His recovery was concealed, for fear of his being
+demanded back to work; and a few months after, the Spanish peace of
+1784 being concluded, a ransom was accepted by the Algerines for
+this suffering family, and they were set at liberty.</p>
+<p>These pirates in old times extended their depredations into the
+Atlantic as far as the British Channel. They swarmed in the
+Mediterranean, not only belonging to Algiers, but Tunis, and other
+ports on the coast of Barbary. Their corsairs making descents on
+the coasts of those countries which border on the Mediterranean,
+pillaging the villages and carrying off the inhabitants into
+slavery. The corsairs were vessels of different descriptions; some
+large armed ships, and latterly frigates; others were row gallies
+and the various craft used by the nations which navigate that sea,
+and had been taken by them and added to their marine. Upon the
+slaves being landed at Algiers they were marched to the Dey's or
+Bashaw's palace, when he selected the number which according to law
+belonged to him; and the rest were sold in the slave market to the
+highest bidder. A moiety of the plunder, cargoes and vessels taken
+also belonged to the Dey. Occasionally, a person by pretending to
+renounce his religion, and turning Mahometan would have his
+sufferings mitigated.</p>
+<p>The most desperate attempts were sometimes made to effect an
+escape from these ruthless monsters, which occasionally
+succeeded.</p>
+<p>In 1644 William Oakley and four companions escaped from Algiers,
+in a most miraculous manner, in a canvas boat. There was at this
+time an English clergyman, Mr. Sprat, in captivity, and the
+wretched slaves had the privilege of meeting in a cellar, where he
+would pray with them. Oakley had got into the good graces of his
+master, and was allowed his time by giving his master two dollars a
+month. He traded in tobacco and a few trifling articles, so that a
+strict watch was not kept on his movements. He conceived the
+project of making a canvas boat. He says I now first opened my
+design to my comrades, informing them, that I had contrived the
+model of a boat, which, being formed in pieces, and afterwards put
+together, might be the means of our deliverance. They greedily
+grasped at the prospect; but cooler reflection pointed out
+difficulties innumerable: some of them started objections which
+they thought insuperable, and these I endeavored to overrule.</p>
+<p>We began our work in the cellar which had served for our
+devotions, though it was not the sanctity of the place, but its
+privacy, that induced us to this selection. We first provided a
+piece of wood, twelve feet long, and, that it might escape
+observation, it was cut in two, being jointed in the middle. Next
+we procured the timbers of ribs, which, to avoid the same hazard,
+were in three pieces each, and jointed in two places. The flat side
+of one of the two pieces was laid over the other, and two holes
+bored in every joint to receive nails; so that when united, each
+joint would make an obtuse angle, and approach towards a
+semicircular figure, as we required. We had, in the formation of an
+external covering, to avoid hammering and nailing, which would have
+made such a noise in the cellar as to attract the notice of the
+Algerines, who are insufferably suspicious about their wives and
+slaves. Therefore, we provided as much canvas as would cover the
+boat twice over, and as much pitch, tar and tallow, as would make
+it a kind of tarpaulin; as also earthen pots in which to melt our
+materials. The two carpenters and myself were appointed to this
+service in the cellar. We stopped up all chinks and crevices, that
+the fumes of these substances might not betray us. But we had not
+been long at work, when the smell of the melting materials overcame
+me, and obligated me to go into the streets gasping for breath,
+where meeting with the cool air, I swooned away, and broke my face
+in the fall. My companions, finding me in this plight, carried me
+back, extremely sick and unserviceable. Before long, I heard one of
+them complain of sickness, and thus he could proceed no further;
+therefore, I saw if we abandoned our project this night, it might
+not be resumed, which made me resolve to set the cellar door wide
+open, while I stood sentinel to give notice of approaching danger.
+In this way we finished the whole, and then carried it to my shop,
+which was about a furlong distant.</p>
+<p>Every thing was fitted in the cellar, the timbers to the keel,
+the canvas to the timbers, and the seats to the whole, and then all
+were taken to pieces again. It was a matter of difficulty, however,
+to get the pieces conveyed out of the city; but William Adams
+carried the keel, and hid it at the bottom of a hedge: the rest was
+carried away with similar precautions. As I was carrying a piece of
+canvas, which we had bought for a sail, I looked back, and
+discovered the same spy, who had formerly given us much trouble,
+following behind. This gave me no small concern; but, observing an
+Englishman washing clothes by the sea side, I desired his help in
+washing the canvas. Just as we were engaged with it, the spy came
+up, and stood on a rock exactly over our heads, to watch us.
+Therefore, to delude him, I took the canvas and spread it before
+his face on the top of the rock to dry; he staid his own time, and
+then marched off. Still I was jealous of his intentions, which
+induced me to carry the canvas, when dry, straight back to the
+city, an incident that greatly discouraged my comrades. We also
+procured a small quantity of provisions, and two goat skins full of
+fresh water.</p>
+<p>In the mean time, I paid my patron my wonted visits, kept up a
+fair correspondence, and duly gave him his demands; while I
+secretly turned all my goods to ready money as fast as I could, and
+putting it into a trunk with a false bottom, I committed it to the
+charge of Mr. Sprat who faithfully preserved it for me.</p>
+<p>The place which we chose for joining the boat together was a
+hill about half a mile from the city, thinking by that means the
+better to descry the approach of danger. When the pieces were
+united, and the canvas drawn on, four of our number carried the
+boat down to the sea, where, stripping ourselves naked, and putting
+our clothes within, we carried it as far as we could wade, lest it
+might be injured by the stones or rocks near the shore. But we soon
+discovered that our calculations of lading were erroneous; for no
+sooner had we embarked, than the water came in over the sides, and
+she was like to sink; so that some new device became necessary. At
+last, one whose heart most failed him was willing to be excluded,
+and wished rather to hazard the uncertain torments of land, than
+the certainty of being drowned at sea. However the boat was still
+so deeply laden, that we all concluded that it was impossible to
+venture to sea. At length another went ashore, and she held her
+head stoutly, and seemed sufficiently capable of our voyage.</p>
+<p>Taking a solemn farewell of our two companions left behind, and
+wishing them as much happiness as could be hoped for in slavery,
+and they to us as long life as could be expected by men going to
+their graves, we launched out on the 30th of June 1644, a night
+ever to be remembered. Our company consisted of John Anthony,
+William Adams, John Jephs, John the carpenter and myself. We now
+put to sea, without helm, tackle, or compass. Four of us
+continually labored at the oars; the employment of the fifth was
+baling out the water that leaked through the canvas. We struggled
+hard the first night to get out of the reach of our old masters;
+but when the day broke, we were still within sight of their ships
+in the haven and road-stead. Yet, out boat being small, and lying
+close and snug upon the sea, either was not discovered at all, or
+else seemed something that was not worth taking up.</p>
+<p>On all occasions we found our want of foresight, for now the
+bread which had lain soaking in the salt water, was quite spoiled,
+and the tanned skins imparted a nauseous quality to the fresh
+water. So long as bread was bread, we made no complaints; with
+careful economy it lasted three days, but then pale famine, which
+is the most horrible shape in which death can be painted, began to
+stare us in the face. The expedients on which we fell to assuage
+our thirst rather inflamed it, and several things added to our
+distress. For some time the wind was right against us; our labour
+was incessant, for, although much rowing did not carry us forward,
+still, cessation of it drove us back; and the season was raging
+hot, which rendered our toil insupportable. One small alleviation
+we had in the man whose province it was to bale the water out of
+the boat; he threw it on our bodies to cool them. However, what
+with the scorching of the sun and cooling of the water, our skin
+was blistered all over. By day we were stark naked; by night we had
+on shirts or loose coats; for we had left our clothing ashore, on
+purpose to lighten the boat.</p>
+<p>One of our number had a pocket dial, which supplied the place of
+a compass; and, to say the truth, was not ill befitting such a
+vessel and such mariners. By its aid we steered our course by day,
+while the stars served as a guide by night; and, if they were
+obscured, we guessed our way by the motion of the clouds. In this
+woful plight we continued four days and nights. On the fifth day we
+were at the brink of despair, and abandoned all hopes of safety.
+Thence we ceased our labor, and laid aside our oars; for, either we
+had no strength left to use them, or were reluctant to waste the
+little we had to no purpose. Still we kept emptying the boat, loth
+to drown, loth to die, yet knowing no means to avoid death.</p>
+<p>They that act least commonly wish the most; and, when we had
+forsaken useful labor, we resorted to fruitless wishes--that we
+might be taken up by some ship, if it were but a ship, no matter of
+what country.</p>
+<p>While we lay hulling up and down, our hopes at so low an ebb, we
+discovered a tortoise, not far from us, asleep in the sea. Had the
+great Drake discovered the Spanish plate fleet, he could not have
+been more rejoiced. Once again we bethought ourselves of our oars,
+and silently rowing to our prey, took it into the boat in great
+triumph. Having cut off its head, and let it bleed in a vessel, we
+drank the blood, ate the liver, and sucked the flesh. Our strength
+and spirits were wonderfully refreshed, and our work was vigorously
+renewed. Leaving our fears behind us, we began to gather hope, and,
+about noon, discovered, or thought that we discovered, land. It is
+impossible to describe our joy and triumph on this occasion. It was
+new life to us; it brought fresh blood into our veins, and fresh
+vigor into our pale cheeks: we looked like persons raised from the
+dead. After further exertion, becoming more confident, we were at
+last fully satisfied that it was land. Now, like distracted
+persons, we all leapt into the sea, and, being good swimmers,
+cooled our parched bodies, never considering that we might become a
+ready prey to the sharks. But we presently returned to our boat,
+and from being wearied with the exertion, and somewhat cooled by
+the sea, lay down to sleep with as much security as if it had been
+in our beds. It was fortunately of such short duration that the
+leaking of the boat occasioned no danger.</p>
+<p>Refreshed by sleep, we found new strength for our work, and
+tugged hard at the oar, in hopes of reaching a more stable element
+before night. But our progress was very slow. Towards evening an
+island was discovered, which was Fromentere, having already seen
+Majorca; at least, some of our company, who had navigated these
+seas, declared that it was so. We debated long to which of the two
+our course should be directed; and, because the last discovered was
+much infested with venomous serpents, we all resolved to make for
+Majorca. The whole of that night we rowed very hard, and also the
+next, being the sixth from our putting to sea. The island was in
+sight all day, and about ten at night we came under the land, but
+it consisted of rocks so steep and craggy that we could not climb
+up.</p>
+<p>Whilst under these rocks a vessel approached very near. Let the
+reader conceive our apprehensions, after all our toil and labor, of
+being seized by some Turkish privateer, such as are never off the
+seas. Thus we were obliged to lie close; and, when the vessel had
+passed, we crept gently along the coast, as near as we durst to the
+shore, until finding a suitable place to receive our weather-beaten
+boat.</p>
+<p>We were not insensible of our deliverance on reaching land;
+though, like men just awakened from a dream, we could not duly
+appreciate the greatness of it. Having had no food since we got the
+tortoise, John Anthony and myself set out in search of fresh water,
+and three remained with the boat. Before proceeding far, we found
+ourselves in a wood, which created great embarrassment. My comrade
+wished to go one way, and I wished to go another. How frail and
+impotent a being is man! That we, whom common dangers by sea had
+united, should now fall out about our own inclinations at land. Yet
+so we did. He gave me reproachful words; and it is well that we did
+not come to blows, but I went my way, and he, seeing me resolute,
+followed. The path led to one of those watchtowers which the
+Spaniards keep on the coast to give timely notice of the approach
+of privateers. Afraid of being fired on, we called to the sentinel,
+informing him who we were, and earnestly requesting him to direct
+us to fresh water, and to give us some bread. He very kindly threw
+down an old mouldy cake, and directed us to a well close at hand.
+We drank a little water, and ate a bit of the cake, which we had
+difficulty in swallowing, and then hastened to return to our
+companions in the boat, to acquaint them with our success.</p>
+<p>Though now necessary to leave the boat, we did not do it without
+regret; but this was lulled by the importunate cravings of hunger
+and thirst; therefore, making her fast ashore, we departed.
+Advancing, or rather crawling towards the well, another quarrel
+rose amongst us, the remembrance of which is so ungrateful that I
+shall bury it in silence, the best tomb for controversies. One of
+our company, William Adams, in attempting to drink, was unable to
+swallow the water, and sunk to the ground, faintly exclaiming, "I
+am a dead man!" After much straining and forcing, he, at length,
+got a little over; and when we were all refreshed with the cake and
+water, we lay down by the side of the well to wait for morning.</p>
+<p>When it was broad day, we once more applied to the sentinel, to
+point out the way to the nearest house or town, which he did,
+directing us to a house about two miles distant; but our feet were
+so raw and blistered by the sun that it was long before we could
+get this short journey over; and then, the owners of the house,
+concluding from our garb that we came with a pilfering design,
+presented a fowling-piece, charging us to stand. The first of our
+number, who could speak the language of the country, mildly
+endeavored to undeceive him, saying, we were a company of poor
+creatures, whom the wonderful providence of God had rescued from
+the slavery of Algiers, and hoped that he would show mercy to our
+afflictions. The honest farmer, moved with our relation, sent out
+bread, water and olives. After refreshing ourselves with these, we
+lay down and rested three or four hours in the field; and, having
+given him thanks for his charity, prepared to crawl away. Pleased
+with our gratitude, he called us into his house, and gave us good
+warm bean pottage, which to me seemed the best food I had ever ate.
+Again taking leave, we advanced towards Majorca, which was about
+ten miles distant.</p>
+<p>Next morning we arrived in the suburbs, where the singularity of
+our attire, being barefoot and bare legged, and having nothing on
+except loose shirts, drawn over our coats, attracted a crowd of
+enquirers. We gave a circumstantial account of our deliverance;
+and, as they were willing to contribute to our relief, they
+supplied us with food, wine, strong waters, and whatever else might
+renovate our exhausted spirits. They said, however, that we must
+remain in the suburbs until the viceroy had notice of our arrival.
+We were called before him, and when he had heard the account of our
+escape and dangers, he ordered us to be maintained at his expense
+until we should obtain a passage to our own country; and, in the
+meantime, the people collected money to buy clothes and shoes.</p>
+<p>From Majorca they proceeded to Cadiz, and from thence to
+England, which they reached in safety.</p>
+<p>Several expeditions at different periods were fitted out by
+different European nations to chastise the pirates. The Emperor,
+Charles V., in the plenitude of his power, sailed with a formidable
+armament in the year 1541, and affected a landing. Without doubt he
+would have taken the city, if a terrible storm had not risen, which
+destroyed a great part of his fleet and obliged him to re-embark
+with his shattered forces in the greatest precipitation. The
+exultation of the Algerines was unbounded; they now looked on
+themselves as the special favorites of heaven; the most powerful
+army which had ever attempted their subjection had returned with
+the loss of one third their number, and a great part of its ships
+and transports. Prisoners had been taken in such abundance, that to
+show their worthlessness, they were publicly sold in the
+market-place at Algiers, at an onion a head.</p>
+<p>For nearly a century after this, little occurs of note in
+Algerine history except a constant system of piracy. In 1655 the
+British Admiral Blake gave them a drubbing.</p>
+<p>The French were the next to attack these common enemies of
+Europe. Admiral Duguesne commanded the expedition, and after
+bombarding the place a short time, the Dey himself soon began to be
+terrified at the destruction these new engines of naval war made,
+when an unfavorable wind arising, compelled the fleet to make all
+sail for Toulon.</p>
+<p>Relieved from the terror of immediate destruction, the Algerines
+returned to their old ways, making descents on the coast of
+Provence, where they committed the most dreadful ravages, killing,
+burning and destroying all that came in their way. The Dey also
+recovered, not only his courage, but his humor; for learning what a
+large sum the late expedition against his city had cost, he sent to
+say, "that if Louis would give him half the money, he would
+undertake to burn the whole city to please him." The French
+accordingly sent a new expedition under the same officers the next
+year. Duguesne again sailed, and in front of the city was joined by
+the Marquis D'Affranville, at the head of five other stout ships. A
+council of war was held and an immediate attack resolved upon, in
+consequence of which, the vessels having taken up their stations, a
+hundred bombs were thrown into the town during that day, and as
+many more on the following night, when the town was observed to be
+on fire in several places; the Dey's palace, and other public
+buildings were in ruins; some of the batteries were dismounted, and
+several vessels sunk in the fort. This speedy destruction soon
+determined the Dey and Janissaries to sue for peace; and a message
+to this effect was sent to Duguesne, who consented to cease firing,
+but refused to negociate regarding terms, until all the captives
+taken fighting under the French flag were given up as a preliminary
+step. This was agreed to, and one hundred and forty-two prisoners
+immediately sent off. In the mean time the soldiery becoming
+furious, assassinated the Dey and elected a new one, who ordered
+the flag to be hoisted on the city walls. Hostilities were now
+renewed with greater fury than before, and the French admiral threw
+such volleys of bombs into the city, that in less than three days
+the greatest part of it was reduced to ashes; and the fire burnt
+with such vehemence that the bay was illuminated to the distance of
+two or three leagues. Rendered desperate by the carnage around him,
+the new Dey ordered all the French captives who had been collected
+into the city to be cruelly murdered, and binding Father Vacher,
+the French Resident, hand and foot, had him tied to a mortar and
+fired off like a bomb against the French fleet. This wanton piece
+of atrocity so exasperated Duguesne, that, laying his fleet as near
+land as possible, he continued his cannonade until he had destroyed
+all their shipping, fortifications, buildings; in short, almost the
+whole of the lower town, and about two-thirds of the upper; when
+finding nothing else which a naval force could do, and being
+unprovided for a land expedition, he stood out leisurely to sea,
+leaving the Algerines to reflect over the sad consequences of their
+obstinacy. For several years after this they kept in the old
+piratical track; and upon the British consuls making a complaint to
+the Dey, on occasion of one of his corsairs having captured a
+vessel, he openly replied, "It is all very true, but what would you
+have? the Algerines are a company of rogues, and I am their
+captain."</p>
+<p>To such people force was the argument; and in 1700 Capt. Beach,
+falling in with seven of their frigates, attacked them, drove them
+on shore, and burnt them. Expeditions at various times were sent
+against them, but without effecting much; and most of the maritime
+nations paid them tribute. But a new power was destined to spring
+up, from which these pirates were to receive their first check;
+that power was the United States of America.</p>
+<p>In 1792 his corsairs, in a single cruise, swept off ten American
+vessels, and sent their crews to the Bagnio, so that there were one
+hundred and fifteen in slavery.</p>
+<p>Negociations were at once set on foot; the Dey's demands had of
+course risen in proportion to the number of his prisoners, and the
+Americans had not only to pay ransom at a high rate, with presents,
+marine stores, and yearly tribute, but to build and present to the
+Dey, as a propitiatory offering, a thirty-six gun frigate; so that
+the whole expenses fell little short of a million of dollars, in
+return for which they obtained liberty for their captives,
+protection for their merchant vessels, and the right of free trade
+with Algiers. The treaty was signed September 5th, 1795; and from
+that time, up to 1812, the Dey continued on tolerable good terms
+with Congress; indeed, so highly was he pleased with them, in 1800,
+that he signified to the consul his intention of sending an
+ambassador to the Porte, with the customary presents, in the
+Washington, a small American frigate, at that time lying in the
+harbor of Algiers. In vain the consul and captain remonstrated, and
+represented that they had no authority to send the vessel on such a
+mission; they were silenced by the assurance that it was a
+particular honor conferred on them, which the Dey had declined
+offering to any of the English vessels then in harbor, as he was
+rather angry with that nation. The Washington was obliged to be
+prepared for the service; the corsair flag, bearing the turbaned
+head of Ali, was run up to her main top, under a salute of seven
+guns; and in this respectable plight she sailed up the
+Mediterranean, dropped anchor before the seven towers, where,
+having landed her cargo, she was permitted to resume her own
+colors, and was thus the first vessel to hoist the American Union
+in the Thracian Bosphorus.</p>
+<center><img src="./images/458.jpg" alt=
+"Algerines in the act of firing off the French consul from a mortar at the French fleet"
+     height="345" width="600"></center>
+<h4><i>Algerines in the act of firing off the French consul from a
+mortar at the French fleet.</i></h4>
+In 1812, however, the Dey, finding his funds at a low ebb, and
+receiving from all quarters reports that a wealthy American
+commerce was afloat, determined on trying them with a new war. He
+was peculiarly unfortunate in the time chosen, as the States,
+having about a month previously declared war with Great Britain,
+had, in fact, withdrawn most of the merchant ships from the sea, so
+that the only prize which fell into the hands of the Dey's cruizers
+was a small brig, with a crew of eleven persons. The time at length
+came for putting an end to these lawless depredations, and peace
+having been concluded with England, President Madison, in 1815,
+despatched an American squadron, under commodores Bainbridge and
+Decatur, with Mr. Shaler, as envoy, on board, to demand full
+satisfaction for all injuries done to American subjects, the
+immediate release of such as were captives, the restitution of
+their property, with an assurance that no future violence should be
+offered, and also to negociate the preliminaries of a treaty on
+terms of perfect equality, no proposal of tribute being at all
+admissible. The squadron reached its destination early in June,
+and, having captured an Algerine frigate and brig-of-war, suddenly
+appeared before Algiers, at a moment when all the cruizers were at
+sea, and delivered, for the consideration of the Divan, the terms
+on which they were commissioned to make peace, together with a
+letter from the President to the Dey. Confounded by the sudden and
+entirely unexpected appearance of this force, the Algerines agreed,
+on the 30th of June, to the proposals of a treaty, almost without
+discussion.
+<p>It had long been a reproach to Great Britain, the mistress of
+the sea, that she had tamely suffered a barbarian power to commit
+such atrocious ravages on the fleets and shores of the minor states
+along the Mediterranean. At length a good cause was made for
+chastising them.</p>
+<p>At Bona, a few miles to the east of Algiers, was an
+establishment for carrying on a coral fishery, under the protection
+of the British flag, which, at the season, was frequented by a
+great number of boats from the Corsican, Neapolitan, and other
+Italian ports. On the 23d of May, the feast of Ascension, as the
+crews of all the boats were preparing to hear mass, a gun was fired
+from the castle, and at the same time appeared about two thousand,
+other accounts say four thousand, infantry and cavalry, consisting
+of Turks, Levanters, and Moors. A part of these troops proceeded
+towards the country, whilst another band advanced towards the
+river, where the fishing boats were lying at different distances
+from the sea; and opening a fire upon the unfortunate fishermen,
+who were partly on board and partly on land, massacred almost the
+whole of them. They then seized the English flags, tore them in
+pieces, and trampling them under foot, dragged them along the
+ground in triumph. The men who happened to be in the country saved
+themselves by flight, and declared that they saw the soldiers
+pillage the house of the British vice-consul, the magazines
+containing the provisions, and the coral that had been fished up. A
+few boats escaped, and brought the news to Genoa, whence it was
+transmitted by the agent of Lloyd's in a despatch, dated June
+6th.</p>
+<p>No sooner had the account of this atrocious slaughter reached
+England, than all ranks seemed inflamed with a desire that a great
+and signal punishment should be taken on this barbarian prince, who
+was neither restrained by the feelings of humanity nor bound by
+treaties. An expedition, therefore, was fitted out with all speed
+at Portsmouth, and the command intrusted to Lord Exmouth, who,
+after some delays from contrary winds, finally sailed, July 28th,
+with a fleet complete in all points, consisting of his own ship,
+the Queen Charlotte, one hundred and twenty guns; the Impregnable,
+rear admiral, Sir David Milne; ninety guns; Minden, Superb, Albion,
+each seventy-four guns; the Leander fifty guns, with four more
+frigates and brigs, bombs, fire-ships, and several smaller vessels,
+well supplied, in addition to the ordinary means of warfare, with
+Congreve rockets, and Shrapnell shells, the destructive powers of
+which have lately been abundantly proved on the continent. August
+9, the fleet anchored at Gibraltar, and was there joined by the
+Dutch admiral, Van Cappillen, commanding five frigates and a
+corvette, who had been already at Algiers, endeavoring to deliver
+slaves: but being refused, and finding his force insufficient, had
+determined on joining himself with the English squadron, which it
+was understood was under weigh. Meanwhile, the Prometheus, Captain
+Dashwood, had been sent forward to Algiers to bring off the British
+consul and family; but could only succeed in getting his wife and
+daughter, who were obliged to make their escape, disguised in
+midshipmen's uniform; for the Dey, having heard through some French
+papers of the British expedition, had seized the consul, Mr.
+Macdonnell, and put him in chains; and, hearing of the escape of
+his wife, immediately ordered the detention of two boats of the
+Prometheus, which happened to be on shore, and made slaves of the
+crews, amounting to eighteen men. This new outrage was reported to
+Lord Exmouth soon after leaving Gibraltar, and of course added not
+a little to his eagerness to reach Algiers. He arrived off Algiers
+on the morning of the 27th of August, and sent in his interpreter,
+Mr. Salame, with Lieutenant Burgess, under a flag of truce, bearing
+a letter for the Dey, demanding reparation.</p>
+<p>Meantime, a light breeze sprung up, and the fleet advanced into
+the bay, and lay to, at about a mile off Algiers "It was now," says
+Mr. Salame, in his entertaining narrative, "half-past two, and no
+answer coming out, notwithstanding we had staid half an hour longer
+than our instructions, and the fleet being almost opposite the
+town, with a fine breeze, we thought proper, after having done our
+duty, to lose no more time, but to go on board, and inform his
+lordship of what had happened.</p>
+<p>"Mr. Burgess, the flag-lieutenant, having agreed with me, we
+hoisted the signal, <i>that no answer had been given</i>, and began
+to row away towards the Queen Charlotte. After I had given our
+report to the admiral, of our meeting the captain of the port, and
+our waiting there, &amp;c., I was quite surprised to see how his
+lordship was altered from what I left him in the morning; for I
+knew his manner was in general very mild, and now he seemed to me
+<i>all-fightful,</i> as a fierce lion, which had been chained in
+its cage, and was set at liberty. With all that, his lordship's
+answer to me was, '<i>Never mind, we shall see now</i>;' and at the
+same time he turned towards the officers, saying, '<i>Be
+ready</i>,' whereupon I saw every one with the match or the string
+of the lock in his hand, most anxiously expecting the word
+'<i>Fire</i>'!</p>
+<p>"No sooner had Salame returned, than his lordship made the signal
+to know whether all the ships were ready, which being answered in
+the affirmative, he directly turned the head of the Queen Charlotte
+towards shore, and, to the utter amazement of the Algerines, ran
+across all the batteries without firing or receiving a single shot,
+until he brought up within eighty yards of the south end of the
+mole, where he lashed her to the mainmast of an Algerine brig,
+which he had taken as his direction, and had then the pleasure of
+seeing all the rest of the fleet, including the Dutch frigates,
+taking up their assigned stations with the same precision and
+regularity. The position in which the Queen Charlotte was laid was
+so admirable that she was only exposed to the fire of three or four
+flanking guns, while her broadside swept the whole batteries, and
+completely commanded the mole and marine, every part of which could
+be seen distinctly from her quarter-deck. Up to this moment not a
+shot had been fired, and the batteries were all crowded with
+spectators, gazing in astonishment at the quiet and regularity
+which prevailed through all the British ships, and the dangerous
+vicinity in which they placed themselves to such formidable means
+of defence. Lord Exmouth, therefore, began to conceive hopes that
+his demands would still be granted; but the delay, it appeared, was
+caused by the Algerines being completely unprepared for so very
+sudden an approach, insomuch that their guns were not shotted at
+the moment when the Queen Charlotte swept past them, and they were
+distinctly seen loading them as the other ships were coming into
+line. Anxious, if possible, to spare unnecessary effusion of blood,
+his lordship, standing on the quarter-deck, repeatedly waved his
+hat as a warning to the multitudes assembled on the mole to retire,
+but his signal was unheeded, and at a quarter before three in the
+afternoon the first gun was fired at the Queen Charlotte from the
+eastern battery, and two more at the Albion and Superb, which were
+following. Then Lord Exmouth, having seen only <i>the smoke of the
+gun,</i> before the sound reached him, said, with great alacrity,
+'<i>That will do; fire my fine fellows!</i>' and I am sure that
+before his lordship had finished these words, our broadside was
+given with great cheering, which was fired three times within five
+or six minutes; and at the same time the other ships did the same.
+This first fire was so terrible, that they say more than five
+hundred persons were killed and wounded by it. And I believe this,
+because there was a great crowd of people in every part, many of
+whom, after the first discharge, I saw running away, under the
+walls, like dogs, walking upon their feet and hands.</p>
+<p>"After the attack took place on both sides in this horrible
+manner, immediately the sky was darkened by the smoke, the sun
+completely eclipsed, and the horizon became dreary. Being exhausted
+by the heat of that powerful sun, to which I was exposed the whole
+day, and my ears being deafened by the roar of the guns, and
+finding myself in the dreadful danger of such a terrible
+engagement, in which I had never been before, I was quite at a
+loss, and like an astonished or stupid man, and did not know myself
+where I was. At last his lordship, having perceived my situation,
+said, 'You have done your duty, now go below.' Upon which I began
+to descend from the quarter-deck, quite confounded and terrified,
+and not sure that I should reach the cock-pit alive; for it was
+most tremendous to hear the crashing of the shot, to see the
+wounded men brought from one part, and the killed from the other;
+and especially, at such a time, to be found among the <i>English
+seamen</i>! and to witness their manners, their activity, their
+courage, and their cheerfulness during the battle!--it is really
+most overpowering and beyond imagination."</p>
+<p>The battle continued to rage furiously, and the havoc on both
+sides was very great. There were some awful moments, particularly
+when Algerine vessels so near our line were set on fire. The
+officers surrounding Lord Exmouth had been anxious for permission
+to make an attempt upon the outer frigate, distant about a hundred
+yards. He at length consented, and Major Gossett, of the corps of
+marines, eagerly entreated and obtained permission to accompany
+Lieutenant Richards in the ship's barge. The frigate was instantly
+boarded, and, in ten minutes, in a perfect blaze. A gallant young
+midshipman, although forbidden, was led by his too ardent spirit to
+follow in support of the barge, in which attempt he was desperately
+wounded, his brother officer killed, and nine of the crew. The
+barge, by rowing more rapidly, escaped better, having but one
+killed.</p>
+<p>About sunset the admiral received a message from rear-admiral
+Milne, stating his severe loss in killed and wounded, amounting to
+one hundred and fifty, and requesting that, if possible, a frigate
+might be sent him to take off some of the enemy's fire. The Glasgow
+accordingly was ordered to get under weigh, but the wind having
+been laid by the cannonade, she was obliged again to anchor, having
+obtained a rather more favorable position. The flotilla of mortar,
+gun, and rocket boats, under the direction of their respective
+artillery officers, shared to the full extent of their powers the
+honors and toils of this glorious day. It was by their fire that
+all the ships in the port (with the exception of the outer frigate
+already mentioned) were in flames, which, extending rapidly over
+the whole arsenal, gun-boats, and storehouses, exhibited a
+spectacle of awful grandeur and interest which no pen can describe.
+The sloops of war which had been appropriated to aid and assist the
+ships of the line, and prepare for their retreat, performed not
+only that duty well, but embraced every opportunity of firing
+through the intervals, and were constantly in motion. The shells
+from the bombs were admirably well thrown by the royal marine
+artillery, and, though directed over and across our own men-of-war,
+did not produce a single accident. To complete the confusion of the
+enemy, the admiral now ordered the explosion ship, which had been
+charged for the occasion, to be brought within the mole; but upon
+the representation of Sir David Milne that it would do him
+essential service, if made to act on the battery in his front, it
+was towed to that spot, and blown up with tremendous effect.</p>
+<p>This was almost the final blow;--the enemy's fire had for some
+time been very slack, and now almost wholly ceased, except that
+occasionally a few shots and shells were discharged from the higher
+citadel, upon which the guns of the fleet could not be brought to
+bear. The admiral, who from the commencement had been in the
+hottest of the engagement, and had fired until his guns were so hot
+that they could, some of them, not be used again; now seeing that
+he had executed the most important part of his instructions, issued
+orders for drawing off the fleet. This was commenced in excellent
+order about ten at night, and the usual breeze having set off from
+shore favored their manoeuvre, so that, all hands being employed in
+warping and towing, the vessels were got safely into the bay, and
+anchored, beyond reach of shot, about two o'clock the next
+morning.</p>
+<p>So signal and well contested a victory could not have been
+gained without a considerable loss and suffering. It amounted in
+the English fleet, to one hundred and twenty-eight men killed, and
+six hundred and ninety wounded; in the Dutch squadron, to thirteen
+killed, and fifty-two wounded; grand total, eight hundred and
+eighty-three. But the enemy suffered much more severly; they are
+computed to have lost, in killed and wounded, not less than between
+six and seven thousand men. The loss sustained by the Algerines by
+the destruction in the mole was four large frigates, of forty-four
+guns. Five large corvettes, from twenty-four to thirty guns. All
+the gun and mortar-boats, except seven; thirty destroyed. Several
+merchant brigs and schooners. A great number of small vessels of
+various descriptions. All the pontoons, lighters, &amp;c.,
+Store-houses and arsenal, with all the timber, and various marine
+articles destroyed in part. A great many gun-carriages,
+mortar-beds, casks, and ships' stores of all descriptions.</p>
+<p>Negociations were immediately opened in form; and on the 30th
+August the admiral published a notification to the fleet, that all
+demands had been complied with, the British consul had been
+indemnified for his losses, and the Dey, in presence of all his
+officers, had made him a public apology for the insults offered
+him. On the 1st of September, Lord Exmouth had the pleasure of
+informing the secretary of the Admiralty, that all the slaves in
+the city of Algiers, and its immediate vicinity were embarked; as
+also 357,000 dollars for Naples, and 25,000 dollars for
+Sardinia.</p>
+<p>The number of slaves thus released amounted to one thousand and
+eighty-three, of whom four hundred and seventy-one were
+Neapolitans, two hundred and thirty-six Sicilians, one hundred and
+seventy-three Romans, six Tuscans, one hundred and sixty-one
+Spaniards, one Portuguese, seven Greeks, twenty-eight Dutch, and
+not <i>one Englishman</i>. Were there an action more than another
+on which an Englishman would willingly risk the fame and honor of
+his nation, it would be this attack on Algiers, which, undertaken
+solely at her own risk, and earned solely by the expenditure of her
+own blood and her own resources, rescued not a single subject of
+her own from the tyrant's grasp, while it freed more than a
+thousand belonging to other European powers.</p>
+<p>In August, 1816, the strength of Algiers seemed annihilated; her
+walls were in ruins, her haughty flag was humbled to the dust; her
+gates lay open to a hostile power, and terms were dictated in the
+palace of her princes. A year passed, the hostile squadron had left
+her ports, the clang of the workman's hammer, the hum of busy men
+resounded through her streets, fresh walls had risen, new and more
+formidable batteries had been added; again she resumed her attitude
+as of yore, bid defiance to her foes, and declared war on
+civilization:--again her blood-stained corsairs swept the seas,
+eager for plunder, ready for combat;--Christian commerce once more
+became shackled by her enterprise, and Christian captives once more
+sent up their cry for deliverance. In 1819, her piracies had become
+so numerous that the Congress of Aix-la-Chapelle caused it to be
+notified to the Dey, that their cessation was required, and would
+be enforced, by a combined French and English squadron. His reply
+was brief and arrogant, and the admirals were obliged to leave
+without obtaining the least satisfaction. By menaces, however,
+accompanied by the presence of some cruisers, England, France, and
+the United States caused their flags to be respected.</p>
+<p>Ali, the successor of Amar, had died in 1818, and was succeeded
+by Hassein Pasha, who, from the commencement of his reign, evinced
+the strongest antipathy to the French power. In 1824, he imposed an
+arbitrary tax through all his provinces on French goods and
+manufactures; the consul's house was frequently entered and
+searched in a vexatious manner, contrary to the express
+stipulations of treaties; and, finally, April, 1827, the consul
+himself, having gone at the feast of Bayram to pay his respects,
+was, upon a slight difference of opinion arising during their
+conversation, struck across the mouth with a fly-flap which the Dey
+held in his hand, and in consequence soon after left Algiers, while
+the Dey ordered the destruction of all the French establishments
+along the coast towards Bona, and oppressed in every manner the
+French residents within his dominions. A blockade was instantly
+commenced by the French, and maintained for nearly three years,
+until it was found that they suffered much more by it than the Dey,
+the expense having reached nearly 800,000<i>l</i> sterling, while
+he appeared no way inconvenienced by their efforts, and even
+treated them with such contempt as to order his forts to fire on
+the vessel of Admiral Le da Bretonni&egrave;re, who, in 1829, had
+gone there under a flag of truce to make a final proposal of terms
+of accommodation. So signal a violation of the laws of nations
+could not be overlooked, even by the imbecile administrations of
+Charles X. All France was in an uproar; the national flag had been
+dishonored, and her ambassador insulted; the cry for war became
+loud and universal; conferences on the subject were held; the
+oldest and most experienced mariners were invited by the minister
+at war to assist in his deliberations; and an expedition was
+finally determined on in the month of February, 1830, to consist of
+about thirty-seven thousand men, a number which it was calculated
+would not only be sufficient to overcome all opposition which might
+be encountered, but to enable the French to reduce the kingdom to a
+province, and retain it in subjection for any length of time that
+might be considered advisable. No sooner was this decision
+promulgated, than all the necessary preparations were commenced
+with the utmost diligence. It was now February, and the expedition
+was to embark by the end of April, so that no time could be lost.
+The arsenals, the naval and military workships, were all in full
+employment. Field and breaching batteries were mounted on a new
+principle lately adopted; gabions, earth-bags,
+<i>chevaux-de-frise,</i> and projectiles were made in the greatest
+abundance maps, notes, and all the information that could be
+procured respecting Barbary were transmitted to the war office,
+where their contents were compared and digested, and a plan of
+operations was drawn out. The commissariat were busied in
+collecting provisions, waggons, and fitting out an efficient
+hospital train; a deputy-commissary was despatched to reconnoitre
+the coasts of Spain and the Balearic Islands, to ascertain what
+resources could be drawn from them, and negociate with the king for
+leave to establish military hospitals at Port Mahon. Eighteen
+regiments of the line, three squadrons of cavalry, and different
+corps of artillery and engineers were ordered to hold themselves in
+readiness; four hundred transports were assembled, and chartered by
+government in the port of Marseilles, while the vessels of war,
+which were to form the convoy, were appointed their rendezvous in
+the neighborhood of Toulon. After some hesitation as to who should
+command this important expedition, the Count de Bourmont, then
+minister at war, thought fit to appoint himself; and his etat-major
+was soon complete, Desprez acting as chief, and Tholoz&eacute; as
+second in command. Maubert de Neuilly was chosen provost-marshal,
+De Bartillat (who afterwards wrote an entertaining account of the
+expedition) quarter-master general, and De Carne commissary-general
+to the forces. In addition to these, there were about twenty
+aid-de-camps, orderlies, and young men of rank attached to the
+staff, together with a Spanish general, an English colonel, a
+Russian colonel and lieutenant, and two Saxon officers, deputed by
+their respective governments. There were also a section of
+engineer-geographers, whose business was to survey and map the
+country as it was conquered, "and," says M. Roget, who was himself
+employed in the service we have just mentioned, and to whose
+excellent work, written in that capacity, we are so much indebted,
+"twenty-four interpreters, the half of whom knew neither French nor
+Arabic, were attached-to the different corps of the army, in order
+to facilitate their intercourse with the inhabitants." As the
+minister had determined on risking his own reputation on the
+expedition, the supplies were all, of course, of the completest
+kind, and in the greatest abundance. Provisions for three months
+were ordered; an equal quantity was to be forwarded as soon as the
+army had landed in Africa; and, amongst the other materials
+furnished we observe, in looking over the returns, thirty wooden
+legs, and two hundred crutches, for the relief of the unfortunate
+heroes, a boring apparatus to sink pumps, if water should run
+short, and a balloon, with two aeronauts, to reconnoitre the
+enemy's position, in case, as was represented to be their wont,
+they should entrench themselves under the shelter of hedges and
+brushwood.</p>
+<p>The French effected a landing at Sidy-el-Ferruch, a small
+promontory, about five leagues to the west of Algiers, and half a
+league to the east of the river Massaflran, where it discharges
+itself into the bay. On the 14th of June they all landed without
+opposition.</p>
+<p>After a continued series of engagements and skirmishes the army
+got within cannon shot of Algiers, where they broke ground and
+began entrenching, and the French works being completed, the heavy
+breaching cannon were all mounted; and at day-break on the 4th of
+July, General Lahitte, having assured himself by personal
+inspection that all was ready, ordered the signal rocket to be
+thrown, and at the same moment the whole French batteries opened
+their fire within point blank distance, and with a report which
+shook the whole of Algiers, and brought the garrison, who were
+little expecting so speedy an attack, running to their posts. The
+artillery was admirably served, and from one battery which
+enfiladed the fort, the balls were seen to sweep away at once an
+entire row of Algerine cannoneers from their guns. The Turks
+displayed the most undaunted courage; they answered shot for shot,
+supplied with fresh men the places of such as were slain, stopped
+up with woolsacks the breaches made by the balls, replaced the
+cannon which the French fire had dismounted, and never relaxed
+their exertions for a moment. But the nature of their works was
+ill-calculated to withstand the scientific accuracy with which the
+besiegers made their attack. Every ball now told--the tower in the
+centre was completely riddled by shots and shells; the bursting of
+these latter had disabled great numbers of the garrison. By seven
+o'clock the besieged had begun to retire from the most damaged part
+of their works; by half-past eight the whole outer line of defence
+was abandoned, and by nine the fire of the fort was extinct. The
+Turkish general, finding opposition hopeless, had sent to the Dey
+for commands; and in reply was ordered to retreat with his whole
+remaining force to the Cassaubah, and leave three negroes to blow
+up the fort. The tranquillity with which they performed this fatal
+task deserves record. The French, finding the enemy's fire to fail,
+directed all theirs towards effecting a practicable breach. The
+fort seemed to be abandoned;--two red flags floated still on its
+outside line of defence, and a third on the angle towards the city.
+Three negroes were seen calmly walking on the ramparts, and from
+time to time looking over, as if to examine what progress the
+breach was making. One of them, struck by a cannon-ball, fell, and
+the others, as if to revenge his death, ran to a cannon, pointed
+it, and fired three shots. At the third, the gun turned over, and
+they were unable to replace it. They tried another, and as they
+were in the act of raising it, a shot swept the legs from under one
+of them. The remaining negro gazed for a moment on his comrade,
+drew him a little back, left him, and once more examined the
+breach. He then snatched one of the flags, and retired to the
+interior of the tower; in a few minutes he re-appeared, took a
+second and descended. The French continued to cannonade, and the
+breach appeared almost practicable, when suddenly they were
+astounded by a terrific explosion, which shook the whole ground as
+with an earthquake; an immense column of smoke, mixed with streaks
+of flame, burst from the centre of the fortress, masses of solid
+masonry were hurled into the air to an amazing height, while
+cannon, stones, timbers, projectiles, and dead bodies, were
+scattered in every direction--the negro had done his duty--the fort
+was blown up.</p>
+<p>In half an hour the French sappers and miners were at work
+repairing the smoking ruins, their advanced guards had effected a
+reconnoissance along the side of the hill towards the fort
+Bab-azoona, and their engineers had broken ground for new works
+within seven hundred yards of the Cassaubah. But these preparations
+were unnecessary; the Dey had resigned all further intention of
+resistance, and at two o'clock a flag of truce was announced, which
+proved to be Sidy Mustapha, the Dey's private secretary, charged
+with offers of paying the whole expense of the campaign,
+relinquishing all his demands on France, and making any further
+reparation that the French general might require, on condition that
+the troops should not enter Algiers. These proposals met with an
+instant negative:--Bourmont felt that Algiers was in his power, and
+declared that he would grant no other terms than an assurance of
+life to the Dey and inhabitants, adding that if the gates were not
+opened he should recommence his fire. Scarcely had Mustapha gone,
+than two other deputies appeared, sent by the townsmen to plead in
+their behalf. They were a Turk called Omar, and a Moor named
+Bouderba, who having lived for some time at Marseilles, spoke
+French perfectly. They received nearly the same answer as Mustapha;
+but they proved themselves better diplomatists, for they spoke so
+much to the general of the danger, there would be in refusing the
+Janissaries all terms, and the probability that if thus driven to
+despair they might make a murderous resistance, and afterwards
+destroy all the wealth and blow up all the forts before
+surrendering, that Bourmont, yielding to their representations,
+became less stern in his demands; and Mustapha having returned
+about the same time with the English vice-consul, as a mediator,
+the following terms were finally committed to paper, and sent to
+the Dey by an interpreter.</p>
+<p>"1. The fort of the Cassaubah, with all the other forts
+dependent on Algiers, and the harbor, shall be placed in the hands
+of the French troops the 5th of July, at 10 o'clock, A.M.</p>
+<p>"2. The general-in-chief of the French army ensures the Dey of
+Algiers personal liberty, and all his private property.</p>
+<p>"3. The Dey shall be free to retire with his family and wealth
+wherever he pleases. While he remains at Algiers he and his family
+shall be under the protection of the commander-in-chief. A guard
+shall insure his safety, and that of his family.</p>
+<p>"4. The same advantages, and same protection are assured to all
+the soldiers of the militia.</p>
+<p>"5. The exercise of the Mohammedan religion shall remain free;
+the liberty of the inhabitants of all classes, their religion,
+property, commerce, and industry shall receive no injury; their
+women shall be respected: the general takes this on his own
+responsibility.</p>
+<p>"6. The ratification of this convention to be made before 10
+A.M., on the 5th of July, and the French troops immediately after
+to take possession of the Cassaubah, and other forts."</p>
+<p>These terms were so much more favorable than the Dey could have
+expected, that, of course, not a moment was lost in signifying his
+acceptance: he only begged to be allowed two hours more to get
+himself and his goods out of the Cassaubah, and these were readily
+granted. It may, indeed, be wondered at that he and his Janissaries
+should be allowed to retain all their ill-gotten booty, under the
+name of private property; but Count de Bourmont, though not without
+talent, was essentially a weak man, and was in this instance
+overreached by the wily Moor. The whole of next morning an immense
+number of persons were seen flying from Algiers, previous to the
+entry of the French army, and carrying with them all their goods,
+valuables, and money. They fled by the fort Bab-azoona, on the
+roads towards Constantina and Bleeda; and about a hundred mounted
+Arabs were seen caracolling on the beach, as if to cover their
+retreat. No opposition to it, however, was made by the French
+troops, or by their navy, which had now again come in sight.</p>
+<p>At twelve o'clock the general, with his staff, artillery, and a
+strong guard, entered the Cassaubah, and at the same moment all the
+other forts were taken possession of by French troops. No one
+appeared to make a formal surrender, nor did any one present
+himself on the part of the inhabitants, to inquire as to what
+protection they were to receive, yet, on the whole, we believe the
+troops conducted themselves, at least on this occasion, with signal
+forbearance; and that of the robberies which took place, the
+greater number were perpetrated by Moors and Jews. One was rather
+ingenious. The minister of finance had given up the public
+treasures to commissioners regularly appointed for the purpose.
+Amongst others, the mint was visited, a receipt given of its
+containing bullion to the amount of 25,000 or 30,000 francs, the
+door sealed, and a sentry placed. Next morning the seal was
+perfect, the sentry at his post, but the bullion was gone through a
+small hole made in the back wall.</p>
+<p>The amount of public property found in Algiers, and appropriated
+by the French, was very considerable, and much more than repaid the
+expenses of the expedition. The blockade of the last three years
+had, by interrupting their commerce, caused an accumulation of the
+commodities in which the Algerines generally paid their tribute, so
+that the storehouses at the Cassaubah were abundantly filled with
+wool, hides, leather, wax, lead and copper. Quantities of grain,
+silks, muslins, and gold and silver tissues were also found, as
+well as salt, of which the Dey had reserved to himself a monopoly,
+and, by buying it very cheap at the Balearic Isles, used to sell it
+at an extravagant rate to his subjects. The treasure alone amounted
+to nearly fifty million of francs, and the cannon, projectiles,
+powder magazines, and military stores, together with the public
+buildings, foundries, dock-yards, and vessels in the harbor, were
+estimated at a still larger amount; while the entire expense of the
+expedition, including land and sea service, together with the
+maintenance of an army of occupation up to January, 1831, was
+computed not to exceed 48,500,000 francs; so that France must have
+realized, by her first connection with Algiers, a sum not far short
+of &pound;3,000,000 sterling--a larger amount, we will venture to
+say, than is likely to accrue to her again, even after many years
+of colonization.</p>
+<p>In a few days the Dey had embarked for Naples, which he chose as
+his future place of residence; the Janissaries were sent in French
+vessels to Constantinople; the Bey of Tippery made his submissions,
+and swore allegiance to the French King; orders were issued, and
+laws enacted in his name; the Arabs and Kalyles came into market as
+usual with their fowl and game; a French soldier was tolerably
+safe, as long as he avoided going to any distance beyond the
+outposts; and, on the whole, Algiers the warlike, had assumed all
+the appearance of a French colony.</p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="THE_ADVENTURES_TRIAL_AND_EXECUTION_OF_CAPTAIN_GOW"></a>
+<h2>THE ADVENTURES, TRIAL AND EXECUTION OF CAPTAIN GOW.</h2>
+Captain Gow sailed from Amsterdam, in July, 1724, on board the
+George, galley, for Santa Cruz, where they took in bees'-wax.
+Scarcely had they sailed from that place, when Gow and several
+others, who had formed a conspiracy, seized the vessel. One of the
+conspirators cried, "There is a man overboard." The captain
+instantly ran to the side of the vessel, when he was seized by two
+men, who attempted to throw him over; he however so struggled, that
+he escaped from their hands. One Winter, with a knife, attempted to
+cut him in the throat, but missing his aim, the captain was yet
+saved. But Gow coming aft shot him through the body and throwing
+him over the rail he caught hold of the main sheet; but Gow taking
+up an axe, with two blows so disabled him that he fell into the sea
+and was drowned. The conspirators proceeded to murder all who were
+not in their horrid plot, which being done, James Williams came
+upon deck, and striking one of the guns with his cutlass, saluted
+Gow in the following words: "Captain Gow, you are welcome, welcome
+to your command." Williams was declared lieutenant, and the other
+officers being appointed, the captain addressed them, saying: "If,
+hereafter, I see any of you whispering together, or if any of you
+refuse to obey my orders, let every such man depend upon it, that
+he shall certainly go the same way as those that are just gone
+before."
+<p>Their first prize was the Sarah Snow, of Bristol. After they had
+rifled the vessel and received one man from it, they allowed her to
+prosecute her voyage. The Delight, of Poole, was the next vessel
+that fell into their hands; but they not long after captured two
+others, from one of which they received a quantity of fish, and
+from the other bread, beef, and pork. They also forced two men from
+the latter ship. A French ship, not long after, furnished them with
+wine, oil, figs, oranges, and lemons, to the value of 500<i>l</i>.
+In a short time after, they captured their last prize, and, as she
+made no resistance, they plundered and dismissed her.</p>
+<p>They next sailed for the Orkney Isles to clean, but were
+apprehended by a gentleman of that country, brought up to London,
+and tried before a Court of Admiralty, in May, 1725. When the first
+indictment was read, Gow obstinately refused to plead, for which
+the Court ordered his thumbs to be tied together with whipcord. The
+punishment was several times repeated by the executioner and
+another officer, they drawing the cord every time till it broke.
+But he still being stubborn, refusing to submit to the court, the
+sentence was pronounced against him, which the law appoints in such
+cases; that is, "That he should be taken back to prison, and there
+pressed to death." The gaoler was then ordered to conduct him back,
+and see that the sentence was executed the next morning; meanwhile
+the trials of the prisoners, his companions, went forward.</p>
+<p>But the next morning, when the press was prepared, pursuant to
+the order of the Court the day before, he was so terrified with the
+apprehension of dying in that manner, that he sent his humble
+petition to the Court, praying that he might be admitted to plead.
+This request being granted, he was brought again to the bar, and
+arraigned upon the first indictment, to which he pleaded Not
+guilty. Then the depositions that had been given against the other
+prisoners were repeated, upon which he was convicted, and received
+the sentence of death accordingly, which he suffered in company
+with Captain Weaver and William Ingham.<br>
+&nbsp;</p>
+<center><img src="./images/478.jpg" alt="Gow killing the Captain"
+height="600" width="509"></center>
+<h4><i>Gow killing the Captain.</i></h4>
+The stories of these two men are so interwoven with others, that it
+will be impossible to distinguish many of their particular actions.
+They were, however, proved to have been concerned, if not the
+principal actors, in the following piracies: first, the seizing a
+Dutch ship in August, 1722, and taking from thence a hundred pieces
+of Holland, value 800<i>l</i>.; a thousand pieces of eight, value
+250<i>l</i>. Secondly, the entering and pillaging the Dolphin of
+London, William Haddock, out of which they got three hundred pieces
+of eight, value 75<i>l</i>.; forty gallons of rum, and other
+things, on the twentieth of November in the same year. Thirdly, the
+stealing out of a ship called the Don Carlos, Lot Neekins, master,
+four hundred ounces of silver, value 100<i>l</i>. fifty gallons of
+rum, value 30<i>s</i>. a thousand pieces of eight, a hundred
+pistoles, and other valuable goods. And fourthly, the taking from a
+ship called the England, ten pipes of wine, value 250<i>l</i>. The
+two last charges both in the year 1721. Weaver returned home, and
+came to Mr. Thomas Smith, at Bristol, in a very ragged condition;
+and pretending that he had been robbed by pirates, Smith, who had
+been acquainted with him eight or nine years before, provided him
+with necessaries, and he walked about unmolested for some time. But
+Captain Joseph Smith, who knew him when a pirate, one day met him,
+and asked him to go and take a bottle with him; when they were in
+the tavern he told him that he had been a considerable sufferer by
+his boarding his vessel "therefore," said he, "as I understand that
+you are in good circumstances, I expect that you will make me some
+restitution; which if you do, I will never hurt a hair of your
+head, because you were very civil to me when I was in your hands."
+But as this recompense was never given. Weaver was apprehended and
+executed.&nbsp;
+<hr width="100%">
+<br>
+<a name="PIRATES_SONG"></a>
+<h3>PIRATE'S SONG.</h3>
+<p>To the mast nail our flag it is dark as the grave,<br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or the death which it bears while
+it sweeps o'er the wave;</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Let our deck clear for action, our
+guns be prepared;</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Be the boarding-axe sharpened, the
+scimetar bared:</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Set the canisters ready, and then
+bring to me,</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">For the last of my duties, the
+powder-room key.</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">It shall never be lowered, the
+black flag we bear;</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">If the sea be denied us, we sweep
+through the air.</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Unshared have we left our last
+victory's prey;</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">It is mine to divide it, and yours
+to obey:</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">There are shawls that might suit a
+sultana's white neck,</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And pearls that are fair as the
+arms they will deck;</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">There are flasks which, unseal
+them, the air will disclose</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Diametta's fair summers, the home
+of the rose.</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">I claim not a portion: I ask but as
+mine--</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">'Tis to drink to our victory--one
+cup of red wine.</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Some fight, 'tis for riches--some
+fight, 'tis for fame:</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The first I despise, and the last
+is a name.</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">I fight, 'tis for vengeance! I love
+to see flow,</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">At the stroke of my sabre, the life
+of my foe.</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">I strike for the memory of
+long-vanished years;</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">I only shed blood where another
+shed tears,</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">I come, as the lightning comes red
+from above,</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">O'er the race that I loathe, to the
+battle I love.</span></p>
+<p>FINIS.</p>
+<hr width="100%">
+<h3>INDEX</h3>
+<p>Algerine pirates</p>
+<p>Allen, Lieutenant</p>
+<p>Arabian coast</p>
+<p>Arabian pirates</p>
+<p>Avery, Capt. Henry</p>
+<p>Bahamas</p>
+<p>Bainbridge, Commodore</p>
+<p>Baltic Sea pirates</p>
+<p>Banister, Captain</p>
+<p>Barbary corsairs</p>
+<p>Barrataria, La., pirates</p>
+<p>Benavides, Vincent</p>
+<p>Black Beard</p>
+<p>Bonnet, Major</p>
+<p>Bonney, Anne, female pirate</p>
+<p>Boston, Mass</p>
+<p>Booth, Capt. George</p>
+<p>Bowen, Captain</p>
+<p>Bracket, Joshua</p>
+<p>Charleston, S. C</p>
+<p>Chesapeake, frigate</p>
+<p>Chilian pirates</p>
+<p>Chinese pirates</p>
+<p>Ching, Mistress, female pirate</p>
+<p>Condent, Captain</p>
+<p>Corsairs of the African coast</p>
+<p>Crusades</p>
+<p>Danish and Norman pirates</p>
+<p>Davis, Capt Howel</p>
+<p>Decatur, Commodore</p>
+<p>De Soto, Bernardo</p>
+<p>Dew, Capt. George</p>
+<p>Dungeon Rock, Lynn, Mass</p>
+<p>Dutch girl kept by pirates</p>
+<p>East India Company</p>
+<p>East India piracies</p>
+<p>England, Capt. Edward</p>
+<p>England attacks the Algerines</p>
+<p>England overrun by pirates</p>
+<p>Female pirates</p>
+<p>France ravaged by pirates</p>
+<p>French attack Algiers</p>
+<p>"Friendship" (ship), piracy of</p>
+<p>Germany ravaged by pirates</p>
+<p>Gibbs, Capt. Charles</p>
+<p>Gibraltar, pirates at</p>
+<p>Gibson, Captain</p>
+<p>Gilbert, Pedro</p>
+<p>Glasspoole, Richard, captured by pirates</p>
+<p>Gow, Captain</p>
+<p>Guinea coast, pirates on</p>
+<p>Halsey, Capt John</p>
+<p>Havana, resort for pirates</p>
+<p>"Herculia" (brig), piracy of</p>
+<p>Hornigold, Capt. Benjamin</p>
+<p>Jackson, Captain</p>
+<p>Jackson, General</p>
+<p>Joassamee pirates</p>
+<p>Jonnia, Captain</p>
+<p>Kearney, Lieutenant</p>
+<p>Kidd, Capt. Robert</p>
+<p>Ladrone pirates</p>
+<p>Lafitte, Jean</p>
+<p>Lewis, Captain</p>
+<p>Lincoln, Captain</p>
+<p>Low, Capt. Edward</p>
+<p>Lynn, Mass., pirates</p>
+<p>Mackra, Captain, captured</p>
+<p>Madagascar pirates</p>
+<p>Malay pirates</p>
+<p>Maynard, Lieutenant</p>
+<p>Mediterranean, a resort for pirates</p>
+<p>"Mexican" (brig), piracy of</p>
+<p>Mogul's ships</p>
+<p>"Morning Star" (ship), piracy of</p>
+<p>Newfoundland, piracy at</p>
+<p>New Orleans, battle of</p>
+<p>New York, pirates at</p>
+<p>Norman pirates</p>
+<p>North Carolina coast</p>
+<p>Oakley, William</p>
+<p>"Panda" (schooner)</p>
+<p>Patterson, Commodore, expedition under</p>
+<p>Pirate vessel, description of</p>
+<p>Pirates, cruelty of</p>
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">Dress of</span></p>
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">Executions of</span></p>
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">Song of</span></p>
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">Trials of</span></p>
+<p>Pirate's Glen, Saugus</p>
+<p>Privateering on English coast</p>
+<p>Porter, Commodore</p>
+<p>"Potomac" (frigate), attacks Malay pirates</p>
+<p>Quallah Battoo, Sumatra, pirates of</p>
+<p>Rackam, Capt. John</p>
+<p>Rahmah-ben-Jabir</p>
+<p>Ras-el-Khyma</p>
+<p>Read, Mary, female pirate</p>
+<p>Read, Capt. William</p>
+<p>Ricker, Captain</p>
+<p>Roberts, Capt. Bartholomew</p>
+<p>Rogers, Capt. Woods</p>
+<p>Ruiz, Francisco</p>
+<p>Rumps, Arabia</p>
+<p>Salem, pirates in</p>
+<p>Skinner, Captain, murdered</p>
+<p>Soto, Benito de</p>
+<p>Spanish pirates</p>
+<p>Sumatra pirates</p>
+<p>"Swallow" (man-of-war), captures pirates</p>
+<p>Swedish pirates</p>
+<p>Teach, Edward</p>
+<p>Texan privateers</p>
+<p>Tew, Capt. Thomas</p>
+<p>United States attacks Algiers</p>
+<p>Vane, Capt. Charles</p>
+<p>Veal, Thomas</p>
+<p>"Vineyard" (brig), captured</p>
+<p>Warren, David</p>
+<p>West Indies, piracy in</p>
+<p>White, Capt. Thomas</p>
+<hr class="full" noshade>
+<br>
+<br>
+<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE PIRATES OWN BOOK***</p>
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+*** END: FULL LICENSE ***
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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Pirates Own Book, by Charles Ellms
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: The Pirates Own Book
+
+Author: Charles Ellms
+
+Release Date: April 29, 2004  [eBook #12216]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: US-ASCII
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE PIRATES OWN BOOK***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, L. Barber, and the Project Gutenberg
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team
+
+
+
+THE PIRATES OWN BOOK
+
+Authentic Narratives of the Most Celebrated Sea Robbers.
+
+by
+
+Charles Ellms
+
+1837
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: _A Piratical Scene--"Walking the Death Plank._"]
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+In the mind of the mariner, there is a superstitious horror connected
+with the name of Pirate; and there are few subjects that interest and
+excite the curiosity of mankind generally, more than the desperate
+exploits, foul doings, and diabolical career of these monsters in human
+form. A piratical crew is generally formed of the desperadoes and
+runagates of every clime and nation. The pirate, from the perilous
+nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great
+highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his
+retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons
+of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can
+escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior. The islands of
+the Indian Ocean, and the east and west coasts of Africa, as well as
+the West Indies, have been their haunts for centuries; and vessels
+navigating the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, are often captured by them,
+the passengers and crew murdered, the money and most valuable part of
+the cargo plundered, the vessel destroyed, thus obliterating all trace
+of their unhappy fate, and leaving friends and relatives to mourn their
+loss from the inclemencies of the elements, when they were butchered in
+cold blood by their fellow men, who by practically adopting the maxim
+that "dead men tell no tales," enable themselves to pursue their
+diabolical career with impunity. The pirate is truly fond of women and
+wine, and when not engaged in robbing, keeps maddened with intoxicating
+liquors, and passes his time in debauchery, singing old songs with
+chorusses like
+
+  "Drain, drain the bowl, each fearless soul,
+    Let the world wag as it will:
+  Let the heavens growl, let the devil howl,
+    Drain, drain the deep bowl and fill."
+
+Thus his hours of relaxation are passed in wild and extravagant frolics
+amongst the lofty forests of palms and spicy groves of the Torrid Zone,
+and amidst the aromatic and beautiful flowering vegetable productions of
+that region. He has fruits delicious to taste, and as companions, the
+unsophisticated daughters of Africa and the Indies. It would be supposed
+that his wild career would be one of delight.
+
+But the apprehension and foreboding of the mind, when under the
+influence of remorse, are powerful, and every man, whether civilized or
+savage, has interwoven in his constitution a moral sense, which
+secretly condemns him when he has committed an atrocious action, even
+when he is placed in situations which raise him above the fear of human
+punishment, for
+
+  "Conscience, the torturer of the soul, unseen.
+  Does fiercely brandish a sharp scourge within;
+  Severe decrees may keep our tongues in awe,
+  But to our minds what edicts can give law?
+  Even you yourself to your own breast shall tell
+  Your crimes, and your own conscience be your hell."
+
+With the name of pirate is also associated ideas of rich plunder,
+caskets of buried jewels, chests of gold ingots, bags of outlandish
+coins, secreted in lonely, out of the way places, or buried about the
+wild shores of rivers, and unexplored sea coasts, near rocks and trees
+bearing mysterious marks, indicating where the treasure was hid. And as
+it is his invariable practice to secrete and bury his booty, and from
+the perilous life he leads, being often killed or captured, he can never
+re-visit the spot again; immense sums remain buried in those places, and
+are irrecoverably lost. Search is often made by persons who labor in
+anticipation of throwing up with their spade and pickaxe, gold bars,
+diamond crosses sparkling amongst the dirt, bags of golden doubloons,
+and chests, wedged close with moidores, ducats and pearls; but although
+great treasures lie hid in this way, it seldom happens that any is so
+recovered.
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+
+By the universal law of nations, robbery or forcible depredation upon
+the "high seas," _animo furandi_, is piracy. The meaning of the phrase
+"high seas," embraces not only the waters of the ocean, which are out of
+sight of land, but the waters on the sea coast below low water mark,
+whether within the territorial boundaries of a foreign nation, or of a
+domestic state. Blackstone says that the main sea or high sea begins at
+low water mark. But between the high water mark and low water mark,
+where the tide ebbs and flows, the common law and the Admiralty have
+_divisum imperium_, an alternate jurisdiction, one upon the water when
+it is full sea; the other upon the land when it is ebb. He doubtless
+here refers to the waters of the ocean on the sea coast, and not in
+creeks and inlets. Lord Hale says that the sea is either that which
+lies within the body of a country or without. That which lies without
+the body of a country is called the main sea or ocean. So far then as
+regards the states of the American union, "high seas," may be taken to
+mean that part of the ocean which washes the sea coast, and is without
+the body of any country, according to the common law; and so far as
+regards foreign nations, any waters on their sea coasts, below low water
+mark.
+
+Piracy is an offence against the universal law of society, a pirate
+being according to Sir Edward Coke, _stis humani generis_. As,
+therefore, he has renounced all the benefits of society and government,
+and has reduced himself to the savage state of nature, by declaring war
+against all mankind, all mankind must declare war against him; so that
+every community has a right by the rule of self-defense, to inflict that
+punishment upon him which every individual would in a state of nature
+otherwise have been entitled to do, for any invasion of his person or
+personal property. By various statutes in England and the United States,
+other offences are made piracy. Thus, if a subject of either of these
+nations commit any act of hostility against a fellow subject on the high
+seas, under color of a commission from any foreign power, this act is
+piracy. So if any captain of any vessel, or mariner, run away with the
+vessel, or the goods, or yield them up to a pirate voluntarily, or if
+any seaman lay violent hands on his commander, to hinder him from
+fighting in defence of the ship or goods committed to his charge, or
+make a revolt in the ship, these offences are acts of piracy, by the
+laws of the United States and England. In England by the statute of 8
+George I, c. 24, the trading or corresponding with known pirates, or the
+forcibly boarding any merchant vessel, (though without seizing her or
+carrying her off,) and destroying any of the goods on board, are
+declared to be acts of piracy; and by the statute 18 George II. c. 30,
+any natural born subject or denizen who in time of war, shall commit any
+hostilities at sea, against any of his fellow subjects, or shall assist
+an enemy, on that element, is liable to be punished as a pirate. By
+statute of George II. c. 25, the ransoming of any neutral vessel, which
+has been taken by the captain of a private ship of war, is declared
+piracy. By the act of congress, April 30, 1790, if any person upon the
+high seas, or in any river, haven, or bay, out of the jurisdiction of
+any particular state, commit murder or robbery, or any other offence
+which if committed within the body of a county, would by the laws of the
+United States, be punishable by death, such offender is to be deemed a
+pirate. By the act of congress, 1820, c. 113, if any citizen of the
+United States, being of the crew of any foreign vessel, or any person
+being of the crew of any vessel owned in whole or part by any citizen of
+the United States, shall be engaged in the foreign slave trade, he shall
+be adjudged a pirate. Notwithstanding the expression used in this
+statute, the question, says Chancellor Kent, remains to be settled,
+whether the act of being concerned in the slave trade would be adjudged
+piracy, within the code of international law. In England by the act of
+parliament passed March 31, 1824, the slave trade is also declared to be
+piracy. An attempt has been made to effect a convention between the
+United States and Great Britain, by which it should be agreed that both
+nations should consider the slave trade as piratical; but this attempt
+has hitherto been unsuccessful. In the time of Richard III, by the laws
+of Oberon, all infidels were regarded as pirates, and their property
+liable to seizure wherever found. By the law of nations, the taking of
+goods by piracy does not divest the actual owner of them. By the civil
+institutions of Spain and Venice, ships taken from pirates became the
+property of those who retake them. Piracy is every where pursued and
+punished with death, and pirates can gain no rights by conquest. It is
+of no importance, for the purpose of giving jurisdiction in cases of
+piracy, on whom or where a piratical offence is committed. A pirate who
+is one by the law of nations, may be tried and punished in any country
+where he may be found; for he is reputed to be out of the protection of
+all laws. But if the statute of any government declares an offence,
+committed on board one of their own vessels, to be piracy; such an
+offence will be punished exclusively by the nation which passes the
+statute. In England the offence was formerly cognizable only by the
+Admiralty courts, which proceeded without a jury in a method founded on
+the civil law. But by the statute of Henry VIII. c. 15, it was enacted
+that piracy should be tried by commissioners nominated by the lord
+chancellor, the indictment being first found by a grand jury, of twelve
+men, and afterwards tried by another jury, as at common law. Among the
+commissioners, there are always some of the common law judges. In the
+United States, pirates are tried before the circuit court of the United
+States. Piracy has been known from the remotest antiquity; for in the
+early ages every small maritime state was addicted to piracy, and
+navigation was perilous. This habit was so general, that it was regarded
+with indifference, and, whether merchant, traveller, or pirate, the
+stranger was received with the rights of hospitality. Thus Nestor,
+having given Mentor and Telemachus a plenteous repast, remarks, that the
+banquet being finished, it was time to ask his guests to their business.
+"Are you," demands the aged prince, "merchants destined to any port, or
+are you merely adventurers and pirates, who roam the seas without any
+place of destination, and live by rapine and ruin."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+TABLE OF CONTENTS
+
+
+PREFACE
+
+PREFACE TO THIS EDITION
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+TABLE OF CONTENTS
+
+THE DANISH AND NORMAN PIRATES
+
+ADVENTURES AND EXPLOITS OF CAPTAIN AVERY
+
+HISTORY OF THE JOASSAMEE PIRATES
+
+SKETCH OF THE JOASSAMEE CHIEF--RAHMAH-BEN-JABIR
+
+LIFE OF LAFITTE, THE PIRATE OF THE GULF
+
+THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN ROBERTS
+
+THE LIFE OF CHARLES GIBBS
+
+HISTORY AND EXECUTION OF THE SPANISH PIRATES
+
+THE LIFE OF BENITO DE SOTO
+
+THE ADVENTURES OF CAPT. ROBERT KIDD
+
+BLOODY CAREER AND EXECUTION OF VINCENT BENAVIDES
+
+THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN DAVIS
+
+AUTHENTIC HISTORY OF THE MALAY PIRATES
+
+THE ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN CONDENT
+
+THE LIFE OF CAPT. EDWARD LOW
+
+LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF CAPT. EDWARD ENGLAND
+
+ACCOUNT OF THE LYNN PIRATES
+
+HISTORY OF THE LADRONE PIRATES
+
+THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN LEWIS
+
+LIFE, CAREER, AND DEATH OF CAPT. THOMAS WHITE
+
+LIFE, ATROCITIES, AND BLOODY DEATH OF BLACK BEARD
+
+EXPLOITS, ARREST, AND EXECUTION OF CAPT. CHARLES VANE
+
+THE WEST INDIA PIRATES
+
+ADVENTURES AND EXECUTION OF CAPT. JOHN RACKAM
+
+LIFE AND EXPLOITS OF ANNE BONNEY
+
+ADVENTURES AND HEROISM OF MARY READ
+
+HISTORY OF THE ALGERINE PIRATES
+
+ADVENTURES, TRIAL AND EXECUTION OF CAPTAIN GOW
+
+THE PIRATE'S SONG
+
+
+
+THE DANISH AND NORMAN PIRATES
+
+
+The Saxons, a people supposed to be derived from the Cimbri, uniting the
+occupations of fishing and piracy, commenced at an early period their
+ravages in the German Ocean; and the shores of Gaul and Britain were for
+ages open to their depredations. About the middle of the fifth century,
+the unwarlike Vortigern, then king of Britain, embraced the fatal
+resolution of requesting these hardy warriors to deliver him from the
+harassing inroads of the Picts and Scots; and the expedition of Hengist
+and Horsa was the consequence. Our mention of this memorable epoch is
+not for its political importance, great as that is, but for its effects
+on piracy; for the success attending such enterprises seems to have
+turned the whole of the northern nations towards sea warfare. The Danes,
+Norwegians, and Swedes, from their superior knowledge of navigation,
+gave into it most; and on whatever coast the winds carried them, they
+made free with all that came in their way. Canute the Fourth endeavored
+in vain to repress these lawless disorders among his subjects; but they
+felt so galled by his restrictions, that they assassinated him. On the
+king of Sweden being taken by the Danes, permission was given to such of
+his subjects as chose, to arm themselves against the enemy, pillage his
+possessions, and sell their prizes at Ribnitz and Golnitz. This proved a
+fertile nursery of pirates, who became so formidable under the name of
+"Victalien Broders," that several princes were obliged to arm against
+them, and hang some of their chiefs.
+
+Even the females of the North caught the epidemic spirit, and proudly
+betook themselves to the dangers of sea-life. Saxo-Grammaticus relates
+an interesting story of one of them. Alwilda, the daughter of Synardus,
+a Gothic king, to deliver herself from the violence imposed on her
+inclination, by a marriage with Alf, the son of Sygarus, king of
+Denmark, embraced the life of a rover; and attired as a man, she
+embarked in a vessel of which the crew was composed of other young women
+of tried courage, dressed in the same manner. Among the first of her
+cruises, she landed at a place where a company of pirates were bewailing
+the loss of their commander; and the strangers were so captivated with
+the air and agreeable manners of Alwilda, that they unanimously chose
+her for their leader. By this reinforcement she became so formidable,
+that Prince Alf was despatched to engage her. She sustained his attacks
+with great courage and talent; but during a severe action in the gulf of
+Finland, Alf boarded her vessel, and having killed the greatest part of
+her crew, seized the captain, namely herself; whom nevertheless he knew
+not, because she had a casque which covered her visage. The prince was
+agreeably surprised, on removing the helmet, to recognize his beloved
+Alwilda; and it seems that his valor had now recommended him to the fair
+princess, for he persuaded her to accept his hand, married her on board,
+and then led her to partake of his wealth, and share his throne.
+
+Charlemagne, though represented as naturally generous and humane, had
+been induced, in his extravagant zeal for the propagation of those
+tenets which he had himself adopted, to enforce them throughout Germany
+at the point of the sword; and his murders and decimations on that
+account disgrace humanity. The more warlike of the Pagans flying into
+Jutland, from whence the Saxons had issued forth, were received with
+kindness, and furnished with the means of punishing their persecutor, by
+harassing his coasts. The maritime towns of France were especially
+ravaged by those pirates called "Normands," or men of the North; and it
+was owing to their being joined by many malcontents, in the provinces
+since called Normandy, that that district acquired its name.
+Charlemagne, roused by this effrontery, besides fortifying the mouths of
+the great rivers, determined on building himself a fleet, which he did,
+consisting of 400 of the largest galleys then known, some having five or
+six benches of oars. His people were, however, extremely ignorant of
+maritime affairs, and in the progress of having them taught, he was
+suddenly called to the south, by the invasion of the Saracens.
+
+[Illustration: _Awilda, the Female Pirate._]
+
+Another division of Normans, some years afterwards, in the same spirit
+of emigration, and thirsting, perhaps, to avenge their injured
+ancestors, burst into the provinces of France, which the degeneracy of
+Charlemagne's posterity, and the dissensions which prevailed there,
+rendered an affair of no great difficulty. Louis le Debonnaire had taken
+every means of keeping on good terms with them; annually persuading some
+to become Christians, and then sending them home so loaded with
+presents, that it was discovered they came to be baptized over and over
+again, merely for the sake of the gifts, as Du Chesne tells us. But on
+the subsequent division of the empire among the undutiful sons of Louis,
+the pirates did not fail to take advantage of the general confusion;
+braving the sea almost every summer in their light coracles, sailing up
+the Seine, the Somme, or the Loire, and devastating the best parts of
+France, almost without resistance. In 845, they went up to Paris,
+pillaged it, and were on the point of attacking the royal camp at St.
+Dennis; but receiving a large sum of money from Charles the Bald, they
+retreated from thence, and with the new means thus supplied them,
+ravaged Bordeaux, and were there joined by Pepin, king of Aquitaine. A
+few years afterwards, they returned in great numbers. Paris was again
+sacked, and the magnificent abbey of St. Germain des Pres burnt. In
+861, Wailand, a famous Norman pirate, returning from England, took up
+his winter quarters on the banks of the Loire, devastated the country as
+high as Tourraine, shared the women and girls among his crews, and even
+carried off the male children, to be brought up in his own profession.
+Charles the Bald, not having the power to expel him, engaged the
+freebooter, for 500 pounds of silver, to dislodge his countrymen, who
+were harassing the vicinity of Paris. In consequence of this subsidy,
+Wailand, with a fleet of 260 sail, went up the Seine, and attacked the
+Normans in the isle of Oiselle: after a long and obstinate resistance,
+they were obliged to capitulate; and having paid 6000 pounds of gold and
+silver, by way of ransom, had leave to join their victors. The riches
+thus acquired rendered a predatory life so popular, that the pirates
+were continually increasing in number, so that under a "sea-king" called
+Eric, they made a descent in the Elbe and the Weser, pillaged Hamburg,
+penetrated far into Germany, and after gaining two battles, retreated
+with immense booty. The pirates, thus reinforced on all sides, long
+continued to devastate Germany, France, and England; some penetrated
+into Andalusia and Hetruria, where they destroyed the flourishing town
+of Luni; whilst others, descending the Dnieper, penetrated even into
+Russia.
+
+[Illustration: _A Priest thrown from the Ramparts of an Abbey._]
+
+Meanwhile the Danes had been making several attempts to effect a
+_lodgment_ in England; and allured by its fertility, were induced to try
+their fortune in various expeditions, which were occasionally completely
+successful, and at other times most fatally disastrous. At length, after
+a struggle of several years, their success was so decided, that king
+Alfred was obliged for a time to abandon his kingdom, as we all know, to
+their ravages. They immediately passed over to Ireland, and divided it
+into three sovereignties; that of Dublin fell to the share of Olauf;
+that of Waterford to Sitrih; and that of Limerick to Yivar. These
+arrangements dispersed the forces of the enemy, and watching his
+opportunity, Alfred issued from his retreat, fell on them like a
+thunderbolt, and made a great carnage of them. This prince, too wise to
+exterminate the pirates after he had conquered them, sent them to settle
+Northumberland, which had been wasted by their countrymen, and by this
+humane policy gained their attachment and services. He then retook
+London, embellished it, equipped fleets, restrained the Danes in
+England, and prevented others from landing. In the twelve years of peace
+which followed his fifty-six battles, this great man composed his body
+of laws; divided England into counties, hundreds, and tithings, and
+founded the University of Oxford. But after Alfred's death, fresh swarms
+of pirates visited the shores, among the most formidable of whom were
+the Danes, who spread desolation and misery along the banks of the
+Thames, the Medway, the Severn, the Tamar, and the Avon, for more than a
+century, though repeatedly tempted to desist by weighty bribes, raised
+by an oppressive and humiliating tax called _Danegelt_, from its object;
+and which, like most others, were continued long after it had answered
+its intent.
+
+About the end of the 9th century, one of the sons of Rognwald, count of
+the Orcades, named Horolf, or Rollo, having infested the coasts of
+Norway with piratical descents, was at length defeated and banished by
+Harold, king of Denmark. He fled for safety to the Scandinavian island
+of Soderoe, where finding many outlaws and discontented fugitives, he
+addressed their passions, and succeeded in placing himself at their
+head. Instead of measuring his sword with his sovereign again, he
+adopted the wiser policy of imitating his countrymen, in making his
+fortune by plundering the more opulent places of southern Europe. The
+first attempt of this powerful gang was upon England, where, finding
+Alfred too powerful to be coped with, he stood over to the mouth of the
+Seine, and availed himself of the state to which France was reduced.
+Horolf, however, did not limit his ambition to the acquisition of booty;
+he wished permanently to enjoy some of the fine countries he was
+ravaging, and after many treaties made and broken, received the dutchy
+of Normandy from the lands of Charles the Simple, as a fief, together
+with Gisla, the daughter of the French monarch, in marriage. Thus did a
+mere pirate found the family which in a few years gave sovereigns to
+England, Naples, and Sicily, and spread the fame of their talents and
+prowess throughout the world.
+
+Nor was Europe open to the depredations of the northern pirates only.
+Some Asiatic moslems, having seized on Syria, immediately invaded
+Africa, and their subsequent conquests in Spain facilitated their
+irruption into France, where they pillaged the devoted country, with but
+few substantial checks. Masters of all the islands in the Mediterranean,
+their corsairs insulted the coasts of Italy, and even threatened the
+destruction of the Eastern empire. While Alexis was occupied in a war
+with Patzinaces, on the banks of the Danube, Zachas, a Saracen pirate,
+scoured the Archipelago, having, with the assistance of an able
+Smyrniote, constructed a flotilla of forty brigantines, and some light
+fast-rowing boats, manned by adventurers like himself. After taking
+several of the surrounding islands, he established himself sovereign of
+Smyrna, that place being about the centre of his newly-acquired
+dominions. Here his fortunes prospered for a time, and Soliman, sultan
+of Nicea, son of the grand Soliman, sought his alliance, and married his
+daughter, about AD. 1093. But in the following year, young Soliman being
+persuaded that his father-in-law had an eye to his possessions, with his
+own hand stabbed Zachas to the heart. The success of this freebooter
+shows that the Eastern emperors could no longer protect, or even assist,
+their islands.
+
+Maritime pursuits had now revived, the improvement of nautical science
+was progressing rapidly, and the advantages of predatory expeditions,
+especially when assisted and masked by commerce, led people of family
+and acquirements to embrace the profession. The foremost of these were
+the Venetians and Genoese, among whom the private adventurers,
+stimulated by an enterprising spirit, fitted out armaments, and
+volunteered themselves into the service of those nations who thought
+proper to retain them; or they engaged in such schemes of plunder as
+were likely to repay their pains and expense. About the same time, the
+Roxolani or Russians, became known in history, making their debut in the
+character of pirates, ravenous for booty, and hungry for the pillage of
+Constantinople--a longing which 900 years have not yet satisfied.
+Pouring hundreds of boats down the Borysthenes, the Russian marauders
+made four desperate attempts to plunder the city of the Caesars, in less
+than two centuries, and appear only to have been repulsed by the
+dreadful effects of the celebrated Greek fire.
+
+England, in the mean time, had little to do with piracy; nor had she any
+thing worthy the name of a navy; yet Coeur de Lion had given maritime
+laws to Europe; her seamen, in point of skill, were esteemed superior to
+their contemporaries; and King John enacted that those foreign ships
+which refused to lower their flags to that of Britain should, if taken,
+be deemed lawful prizes. Under Henry III., though Hugh de Burgh, the
+governor of Dover Castle, had defeated a French fleet by casting lime
+into the eyes of his antagonists, the naval force was impaired to such a
+degree that the Normans and Bretons were too powerful for the Cinque
+Ports, and compelled them to seek relief from the other ports of the
+kingdom. The taste for depredation had become so general and contagious,
+that privateers were now allowed to be fitted out, which equipments
+quickly degenerated to the most cruel of pirates. Nay more: on the
+disputes which took place between Henry and his Barons, in 1244, the
+Cinque Ports, who had shown much indifference to the royal requisitions,
+openly espoused the cause of the revolted nobles; and, under the orders
+of Simon de Montfort, burnt Portsmouth. From this, forgetful of their
+motives for arming, they proceeded to commit various acts of piracy, and
+considering nothing but their private interests, extended their violence
+not only against the shipping of all countries unfortunate enough to
+fall in their way, but even to perpetrate the most unwarrantable ravages
+on the property of their own countrymen. Nor was this confined to the
+Cinque Port vessels only; the example and the profits were too
+stimulating to the restless; and one daring association on the coast of
+Lincolnshire seized the Isle of Ely, and made it their receptacle for
+the plunder of all the adjacent countries. One William Marshall
+fortified the little island of Lundy, in the mouth of the Severn, and
+did so much mischief by his piracies, that at length it became necessary
+to fit out a squadron to reduce him, which was accordingly done, and he
+was executed in London; yet the example did not deter other persons from
+similar practices. The sovereign, however, did not possess sufficient
+naval means to suppress the enormities of the great predatory squadrons,
+and their ravages continued to disgrace the English name for upwards of
+twenty years, when the valor and conciliation of the gallant Prince
+Edward brought them to that submission which his royal parent had failed
+in procuring.
+
+Those "harum-scarum" expeditions, the Crusades, were perhaps influential
+in checking piracy, although the rabble that composed the majority of
+them had as little principle as the worst of the freebooters. From the
+time that Peter the Hermit set Europe in a blaze, all ranks, and all
+nations, streamed to the East, so that few vessels were otherwise
+employed than in conveying the motly groups who sought the shores of
+Palestine; some from religious zeal; some from frantic fanaticism; some
+from desire of distinction; some for the numberless privileges which the
+crusaders acquired; and the rest and greater portion, for the spoil and
+plunder of which they had a prospect. The armaments, fitted in no fewer
+than nine successive efforts, were mostly equipped with such haste and
+ignorance, and with so little choice, that ruinous delays, shipwrecks,
+and final discomfiture, were naturally to be expected. Still, the effect
+of such incredible numbers of people betaking themselves to foreign
+countries, advanced civilization, although vast means of forwarding its
+cause were buried in the East; and those who assert that no benefit
+actually resulted, cannot deny that at least some evils were thereby
+removed. Montesquieu says, that Europe then required a general shock, to
+teach her, but the sight of contrasts, the theorems of public economy
+most conducive to happiness. And it is evident, that notwithstanding
+these follies wasted the population of Europe, squandered its treasures,
+and infected us with new vices and diseases, still the crusades
+diminished the bondage of the feudal system, by augmenting the power of
+the King, and the strength of the Commons; while they also occasioned a
+very increased activity in commerce: thus taming the ferocity of men's
+spirits, increasing agriculture in value from the safety it enjoyed, and
+establishing a base for permanent prosperity.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURES AND EXPLOITS OF CAPTAIN AVERY.
+
+
+_Containing an Account of his capturing one of the great Mogul's ship's
+laden with treasure: and an interesting history of a Colony of Pirates
+on the Island of Madagascar._
+
+During his own time the adventures of Captain Avery were the subject of
+general conversation in Europe. It was reported that he had married the
+Great Mogul's daughter, who was taken in an Indian ship that fell into
+his hands, and that he was about to be the founder of a new
+monarchy--that he gave commissions in his own name to the captains of
+his ships, and the commanders of his forces, and was acknowledged by
+them as their prince. In consequence of these reports, it was at one
+time resolved to fit out a strong squadron to go and take him and his
+men; and at another time it was proposed to invite him home with all his
+riches, by the offer of his Majesty's pardon. These reports, however,
+were soon discovered to be groundless, and he was actually starving
+without a shilling, while he was represented as in the possession of
+millions. Not to exhaust the patience, or lessen the curiosity of the
+reader, the facts in Avery's life shall be briefly related.
+
+He was a native of Devonshire (Eng.), and at an early period sent to
+sea; advanced to the station of a mate in a merchantman, he performed
+several voyages. It happened previous to the peace of Ryswick, when
+there existed an alliance between Spain, England, Holland, and other
+powers, against France, that the French in Martinique carried on a
+smuggling trade with the Spaniards on the continent of Peru. To prevent
+their intrusion into the Spanish dominions, a few vessels were
+commanded to cruise upon that coast, but the French ships were too
+strong for them; the Spaniards, therefore, came to the resolution of
+hiring foreigners to act against them. Accordingly, certain merchants of
+Bristol fitted out two ships of thirty guns, well manned, and provided
+with every necessary munition, and commanded them to sail for Corunna to
+receive their orders.
+
+Captain Gibson commanded one of these ships, and Avery appears to have
+been his mate, in the year 1715. He was a fellow of more cunning than
+courage, and insinuating himself into the confidence of some of the
+boldest men in the ship, he represented the immense riches which were to
+be acquired upon the Spanish coast, and proposed to run off with the
+ship. The proposal was scarcely made when it was agreed upon, and put in
+execution at ten o'clock the following evening. Captain Gibson was one
+of those who mightily love their bottle, and spent much of his time on
+shore; but he remained on board that night, which did not, however,
+frustrate their design, because he had taken his usual dose, and so went
+to bed. The men who were not in the confederacy went also to bed,
+leaving none upon deck but the conspirators. At the time agreed upon,
+the long boat of the other ship came, and Avery hailing her in the usual
+manner, he was answered by the men in her, "Is your drunken boatswain on
+board?" which was the watchword agreed between them. Avery replying in
+the affirmative, the boat came alongside with sixteen stout fellows, who
+joined in the adventure. They next secured the hatches, then softly
+weighed anchor, and immediately put to sea without bustle or noise.
+There were several vessels in the bay, besides a Dutchman of forty guns,
+the captain of which was offered a considerable reward to go in pursuit
+of Avery, but he declined. When the captain awoke, he rang his bell, and
+Avery and another conspirator going into the cabin, found him yet half
+asleep. He inquired, saying, "What is the matter with the ship? does
+she drive? what weather is it?" supposing that it had been a storm, and
+that the ship was driven from her anchors. "No, no," answered Avery,
+"we're at sea, with a fair wind and a good weather." "At sea!" said the
+captain: "how can that be?" "Come," answered Avery, "don't be in a
+fright, but put on your clothes, and I'll let you into a secret. You
+must know that I am captain of this ship now, and this is my cabin,
+therefore you must walk out; I am bound to Madagascar, with a design of
+making my own fortune, and that of all the brave fellows joined with
+me."
+
+The captain, having a little recovered his senses, began to understand
+his meaning. However, his fright was as great as before, which Avery
+perceiving, desired him to fear nothing; "for," said he, "if you have a
+mind to make one of us, we will receive you; and if you turn sober, and
+attend to business, perhaps in time I may make you one of my
+lieutenants; if not, here's a boat, and you shall be set on shore."
+Gibson accepted of the last proposal; and the whole crew being called up
+to know who was willing to go on shore with the captain, there were only
+about five or six who chose to accompany him.
+
+Avery proceeded on his voyage to Madagascar, and it does not appear that
+he captured any vessels upon his way. When arrived at the northeast part
+of that island, he found two sloops at anchor, which, upon seeing him,
+slipped their cables and ran themselves ashore, while the men all landed
+and concealed themselves in the woods. These were two sloops which the
+men had run off with from the East Indies, and seeing Avery's ship,
+supposed that he had been sent out after them. Suspecting who they were,
+he sent some of his men on shore to inform them that they were friends,
+and to propose a union for their common safety. The sloops' men being
+well armed, had posted themselves in a wood, and placed sentinels to
+observe whether the ship's men were landing to pursue them. The
+sentinels only observing two or three men coming towards them unarmed,
+did not oppose them. Upon being informed that they were friends, the
+sentinels conveyed them to the main body, where they delivered their
+message. They were at first afraid that it was a stratagem to entrap
+them, but when the messengers assured them that their captain had also
+run away with his ship, and that a few of their men along with him would
+meet them unarmed, to consult matters for their common advantage,
+confidence was established, and they were mutually well pleased, as it
+added to their strength.
+
+Having consulted what was most proper to be attempted they endeavored to
+get off the sloops, and hastened to prepare all things, in order to sail
+for the Arabian coast. Near the river Indus, the man at the mast-head
+espied a sail, upon which they gave chase; as they came nearer to her,
+they discovered that she was a tall vessel, and might turn out to be an
+East Indiaman. She, however, proved a better prize; for when they fired
+at her she hoisted Mogul colors, and seemed to stand upon her defence.
+Avery only cannonaded at a distance, when some of his men began to
+suspect that he was not the hero they had supposed. The sloops, however
+attacked, the one on the bow, and another upon the quarter of the ship,
+and so boarded her. She then struck her colors. She was one of the Great
+Mogul's own ships, and there were in her several of the greatest persons
+in his court, among whom, it was said, was one of his daughters going
+upon a pilgrimage to Mecca; and they were carrying with them rich
+offerings to present at the shrine of Mahomet. It is a well known fact,
+that the people of the east travel with great magnificence, so that
+these had along with them all their slaves and attendants, with a large
+quantity of vessels of gold and silver, and immense sums of money to
+defray their expenses by land; the spoil therefore which they received
+from that ship was almost incalculable.
+
+[Illustration: _Captain Avery engaging the Great Mogul's Ship._]
+
+Taking the treasure on board their own ships, and plundering their prize
+of every thing valuable, they then allowed her to depart. As soon as the
+Mogul received this intelligence, he threatened to send a mighty army to
+extirpate the English from all their settlements upon the Indian coast.
+The East India Company were greatly alarmed, but found means to calm his
+resentment, by promising to search for the robbers, and deliver them
+into his hands. The noise which this made over all Europe, gave birth to
+the rumors that were circulated concerning Avery's greatness.
+
+In the mean time, our adventurers made the best of their way back to
+Madagascar, intending to make that place the deposit of all their
+treasure, to build a small fort, and to keep always a few men there for
+its protection. Avery, however, disconcerted this plan, and rendered it
+altogether unnecessary.
+
+[Illustration: _Captain Avery receiving the three chests of Treasure on
+board of his Ship._]
+
+While steering their course, Avery sent a boat to each of the sloops,
+requesting that the chiefs would come on board his ship to hold a
+conference. They obeyed, and being assembled, he suggested to them the
+necessity of securing the property which they had acquired in some safe
+place on shore, and observed, that the chief difficulty was to get it
+safe on shore; adding that, if either of the sloops should be attacked
+alone, they would not be able to make any great resistance, and thus she
+must either be sunk or taken with all the property on board. That, for
+his part, his ship was so strong, so well manned, and such a
+swift-sailing vessel, that he did not think it was possible for any
+other ship to take or overcome her. Accordingly, he proposed that all
+their treasure should be sealed up in three chests;--that each of the
+captains should have keys, and that they should not be opened until all
+were present;--that the chests should be then put on board his ship, and
+afterwards lodged in some safe place upon land.
+
+This proposal seemed so reasonable, and so much for the common good,
+that it was without hesitation agreed to, and all the treasure deposited
+in three chests, and carried to Avery's ship. The weather being
+favorable, they remained all three in company during that and the next
+day; meanwhile Avery, tampering with his men, suggested, that they had
+now on board what was sufficient to make them all happy; "and what,"
+continued he, "should hinder us from going to some country where we are
+not known, and living on shore all the rest of our days in plenty?" They
+soon understood his hint, and all readily consented to deceive the men
+of the sloops, and fly with all the booty; this they effected during the
+darkness of the following night. The reader may easily conjecture what
+were the feelings and indignation of the other two crews in the morning,
+when they discovered that Avery had made off with all their property.
+
+Avery and his men hastened towards America, and being strangers in that
+country, agreed to divide the booty, to change their names, and each
+separately to take up his residence, and live in affluence and honor.
+The first land they approached was the Island of Providence, then newly
+settled. It however occurred to them, that the largeness of their
+vessel, and the report that one had been run off with from the Groine,
+might create suspicion; they resolved therefore to dispose of their
+vessel at Providence. Upon this resolution, Avery, pretending that his
+vessel had been equipped for privateering, and having been unsuccessful,
+he had orders from the owners to dispose of her to the best advantage,
+soon found a merchant. Having thus sold his own ship, he immediately
+purchased a small sloop.
+
+In this he and his companions embarked, and landed at several places in
+America, where, none suspecting them, they dispersed and settled in the
+country. Avery, however, had been careful to conceal the greater part of
+the jewels and other valuable articles, so that his riches were immense.
+Arriving at Boston, he was almost resolved to settle there, but, as the
+greater part of his wealth consisted of diamonds, he was apprehensive
+that he could not dispose of them at that place, without being taken up
+as a pirate. Upon reflection, therefore, he resolved to sail for
+Ireland, and in a short time arrived in the northern part of that
+kingdom, and his men dispersed into several places. Some of them
+obtained the pardon of King William, and settled in that country.
+
+The wealth of Avery, however, now proved of small service, and
+occasioned him great uneasiness. He could not offer his diamonds for
+sale in that country without being suspected. Considering, therefore,
+what was best to be done, he thought there might be some person at
+Bristol he could venture to trust. Upon this he resolved, and going into
+Devonshire, sent to one of his friends to meet him at a town called
+Bideford. When he had unbosomed himself to him and other pretended
+friends, they agreed that the safest plan would be to put his effects
+into the hands of some wealthy merchants, and no inquiry would be made
+how they came by them. One of these friends told him, he was acquainted
+with some who were very fit for the purpose, and if he would allow them
+a handsome commission, they would do the business faithfully. Avery
+liked the proposal, particularly as he could think of no other way of
+managing this matter, since he could not appear to act for himself.
+Accordingly, the merchants paid Avery a visit at Bideford, where, after
+strong protestations of honor and integrity, he delivered them his
+effects, consisting of diamonds and some vessels of gold. After giving
+him a little money for his present subsistence, they departed.
+
+He changed his name, and lived quietly at Bideford, so that no notice
+was taken of him. In a short time his money was all spent, and he heard
+nothing from his merchants though he wrote to them repeatedly; at last
+they sent him a small supply, but it was not sufficient to pay his
+debts. In short, the remittances they sent him were so trifling, that he
+could with difficulty exist. He therefore determined to go privately to
+Bristol, and have an interview with the merchants himself,--where,
+instead of money, he met with a mortifying repulse; for, when he desired
+them to come to an account with him, they silenced him by threatening to
+disclose his character; the merchants thus proving themselves as good
+pirates on land as he was at sea.
+
+Whether he was frightened by these menaces, or had seen some other
+person who recognised him, is not known; however, he went immediately to
+Ireland, and from thence solicited his merchants very strongly for a
+supply, but to no purpose; so that he was reduced to beggary. In this
+extremity he was determined to return, and cast himself upon the mercy
+of these honest Bristol merchants, let the consequence be what it would.
+He went on board a trading-vessel, and worked his passage over to
+Plymouth, from whence he travelled on foot to Bideford. He had been
+there but a few days, when he fell sick and died; not being worth so
+much as would buy him a coffin!
+
+We shall now turn back and give our readers some account of the other
+two sloops. Deceiving themselves in the supposition that Avery had
+outsailed them during the night, they held on their course to the place
+of rendezvouse; but, arriving there, to their sad disappointment no ship
+appeared. It was now necessary for them to consult what was most proper
+to do in their desperate circumstances. Their provisions were nearly
+exhausted, and both fish and fowl were to be found on shore, yet they
+were destitute of salt to cure them. As they could not subsist at sea
+without salt provisions, they resolved to form an establishment upon
+land. Accordingly making tents of the sails, and using the other
+materials of the sloops for what purposes they could serve, they
+encamped upon the shore. It was also a fortunate circumstance, that they
+had plenty of ammunition and small arms. Here they met with some of
+their countrymen; and as the digression is short, we will inform our
+readers how they came to inhabit this place.
+
+Captain George Dew, and Thomas Tew, had received a commission from the
+Governor of Bermuda to sail for the river Gambia, in Africa, that, with
+the assistance of the Royal African Company, they might seize the French
+Factory situated upon that coast. Dew, in a violent storm, not only
+sprang a mast, but lost sight of his companion. Upon this returned to
+refit. Instead of proceeding in his voyage, Tew made towards the Cape of
+Good Hope, doubled that cape, and sailed for the straits of
+Babel-Mandeb. There he met with a large ship richly laden coming from
+the Indies, and bound for Arabia. Though she had on board three hundred
+soldiers, besides seamen, yet Tew had the courage to attack her, and
+soon made her his prize. It is reported, that by this one prize every
+man shared near three thousand pounds. Informed by the prisoners that
+five other ships were to pass that way, Tew would have attacked them,
+but was prevented by the remonstrances of his quarter-master and others.
+This difference of opinion terminated in a resolution to abandon the
+sea, and to settle on some convenient spot on shore; and the island of
+Madagascar was chosen. Tew, however, and a few others, in a short time
+went for Rhode Island, and obtained a pardon.
+
+The natives of Madagascar are negroes, but differ from those of Guinea
+in the length of their hair and in the blackness of their complexion.
+They are divided into small nations, each governed by its own prince,
+who carry on a continual war upon each other. The prisoners taken in war
+are either rendered slaves to the conquerors, sold, or slain, according
+to pleasure. When the pirates first settled among them, their alliance
+was much courted by these princes, and those whom they joined were
+always successful in their wars, the natives being ignorant of the use
+of fire-arms. Such terror did they carry along with them, that the very
+appearance of a few pirates in an army would have put the opposing force
+to flight.
+
+By these means they in a little time became very formidable, and the
+prisoners whom they took in war they employed in cultivating the ground,
+and the most beautiful of the women they married; nor were they
+contented with one, but married as many as they could conveniently
+maintain. The natural result was, that they separated, each choosing a
+convenient place for himself, where he lived in a princely style,
+surrounded by his wives, slaves and dependants. Nor was it long before
+jarring interests excited them also to draw the sword against each
+other, and they appeared at the head of their respective forces in the
+field of battle. In these civil wars their numbers and strength were
+greatly lessened.
+
+The servant, exalted to the condition of a master, generally becomes a
+tyrant. These pirates, unexpectedly elevated to the dignity of petty
+princes, used their power with the most wanton barbarity. The punishment
+of the very least offence was to be tied to a tree, and instantly shot
+through the head. The negroes, at length, exasperated by continued
+oppression, formed the determination of extirpating them in one night;
+nor was it a difficult matter to accomplish this, since they were now so
+much divided both in affection and residence. Fortunately, however, for
+them, a negro woman, who was partial to them, ran twenty miles in three
+hours, and warning them of their danger, they were united and in arms to
+oppose the negroes before the latter had assembled. This narrow escape
+made them more cautious, and induced them to adopt the following system
+of policy:--
+
+Convinced that fear was not a sufficient protection, and that the
+bravest man might be murdered by a coward in his bed, they labored to
+foment wars among the negro princes, while they themselves declined to
+aid either party. It naturally followed, that those who were vanquished
+fled to them for protection, and increased their strength. When there
+was no war, they fomented private discords, and encouraged them to wreak
+their vengeance against each other; nay, even taught them how to
+surprise their opponents, and furnished them with fire-arms, with which
+to dispatch them more effectually and expeditiously. The consequences
+were, that the murderer was constrained to fly to them for protection,
+with his wives, children, and kindred. These, from interest, became true
+friends, as their own safety depended upon the lives of their
+protectors. By this time the pirates were so formidable, that none of
+the negro princes durst attack them in open war.
+
+[Illustration: _Captain Tew attacks the ship from India._]
+
+Pursuing this system of policy, in a short time each chief had his party
+greatly increased, and they divided like so many tribes, in order to
+find ground to cultivate, and to choose proper places to build places of
+residence and erect garrisons of defence. The fears that agitated them
+were always obvious in their general policy, for they vied with each
+other in constructing places of safety, and using every precaution to
+prevent the possibility of sudden danger, either from the negroes or
+from one another.
+
+A description of one of these dwellings will both show the fears that
+agitated these tyrants, and prove entertaining to the reader. They
+selected a spot overgrown with wood, near a river, and raised a rampart
+or ditch round it, so straight and steep that it was impossible to climb
+it, more particularly by those who had no scaling ladders. Over that
+ditch there was one passage into the wood; the dwelling, which was a
+hut, was built in that part of the wood which the prince thought most
+secure, but so covered that it could not be discovered until you came
+near it. But the greatest ingenuity was displayed in the construction of
+the passage that led to the hut, which was so narrow, that no more than
+one person could go abreast, and it was contrived in so intricate a
+manner, that it was a perfect labyrinth; the way going round and round
+with several small crossways, so that a person unacquainted with it,
+might walk several hours without finding the hut. Along the sides of
+these paths, certain large thorns, which grew on a tree in that country,
+were stuck into the ground with their points outwards; and the path
+itself being serpentine, as before mentioned, if a man should attempt to
+approach the hut at night, he would certainly have struck upon these
+thorns.
+
+[Illustration: _A Pirate and his Madagascar wife._]
+
+Thus like tyrants they lived, dreading, and dreaded by all, and in this
+state they were found by Captain Woods Rogers, when he went to
+Madagascar in the Delicia, a ship of forty guns, with the design of
+purchasing slaves. He touched upon a part of the island at which no ship
+had been seen for seven or eight years before, where he met with some
+pirates who had been upon the island above twenty-five years. There were
+only eleven of the original stock then alive, surrounded with a numerous
+offspring of children and grandchildren.
+
+They were struck with terror upon the sight of the vessel, supposing
+that it was a man-of-war sent out to apprehend them; they, therefore,
+retired to their secret habitations. But when they found some of the
+ship's crew on shore, without any signs of hostility, and proposing to
+treat with them for slaves, they ventured to come out of their dwellings
+attended like princes. Having been so long upon the island, their cloaks
+were so much worn, that their majesties were extremely out at elbows. It
+cannot be said that they were ragged, but they had nothing to cover them
+but the skins of beasts in their natural state, not even a shoe or
+stocking; so that they resembled the pictures of Hercules in the lion's
+skin; and being overgrown with beard, and hair upon their bodies, they
+appeared the most savage figures that the human imagination could well
+conceive.
+
+The sale of the slaves in their possession soon provided them with more
+suitable clothes, and all other necessaries, which they received in
+exchange. Meanwhile, they became very familiar, went frequently on
+board, and were very eager in examining the inside of the ship, talking
+very familiarly with the men, and inviting them on shore. Their design
+was to surprise the ship during the night. They had a sufficient number
+of men and boats to effect their purpose, but the captain suspecting
+them, kept so strong a watch upon deck, that they found it in vain to
+hazard an attempt. When some of the men went on shore, they entered into
+a plan to seize the ship, but the captain observing their familiarity,
+prevented any one of his men from speaking to the pirates, and only
+permitted a confidential person to purchase their slaves. Thus he
+departed from the island, leaving these pirates to enjoy their savage
+royalty. One of them had been a waterman upon the Thames, and having
+committed a murder, fled to the West Indies. The rest had all been
+foremastmen, nor was there one among them who could either read or
+write.
+
+[Illustration: _Captain Avery's Treasure._]
+
+
+
+
+THE REMARKABLE HISTORY OF THE JOASSAMEE PIRATES OF
+THE PERSIAN GULF.
+
+
+_Containing a description of their chief town, Ras El Khyma, and an
+account of the capture of several European vessels, and the barbarous
+treatment of their crews.--With interesting details of the several
+expeditions sent against them, and their final submission to the troops
+of the English East India Company_.
+
+The line of coast from Cape Mussenndom to Bahrain, on the Arabian side
+of the Persian Gulf, had been from time immemorial occupied by a tribe
+of Arabs called Joassamees. These, from local position, were all engaged
+in maritime pursuits. Some traded in their own small vessels to
+Bussorah, Bushire, Muscat, and even India; others annually fished in
+their own boats on the pearl banks of Bahrain; and a still greater
+number hired themselves out as sailors to navigate the coasting small
+craft of the Persian Gulf.
+
+The Joassamees at length perceiving that their local position enabled
+them to reap a rich harvest by plundering vessels in passing this great
+highway of nations, commenced their piratical career. The small coasting
+vessels of the gulf, from their defenceless state, were the first object
+of their pursuit, and these soon fell an easy prey; until, emboldened by
+success, they directed their views to more arduous enterprises, and
+having tasted the sweets of plunder in the increase of their wealth, had
+determined to attempt more promising victories.
+
+About the year 1797, one of the East India Company's vessels of war, the
+Viper, of ten guns, was lying at anchor in the inner roads of Bushire.
+Some dows of the Joassamees were at the same moment anchored in the
+harbor; but as their warfare had hitherto been waged only against what
+are called native vessels, and they had either feared or respected the
+British flag, no hostile measures were ever pursued against them by the
+British ships. The commanders of these dows had applied to the Persian
+agent of the East India Company there, for a supply of gunpowder and
+cannon shot for their cruise: and as this man had no suspicions of their
+intentions, he furnished them with an order to the commanding officer on
+board for the quantity required. The captain of the Viper was on shore
+at the time, in the agent's house, but the order being produced to the
+officer on board, the powder and shot were delivered, and the dows
+weighed and made sail. The crew of the Viper were at this moment taking
+their breakfast on deck, and the officers below; when on a sudden, a
+cannonading was opened on them by two of the dows, who attempted also to
+board.
+
+[Illustration: _A Joassamee Dow in full chase._]
+
+The officers, leaping on deck, called the crew to quarters, and cutting
+their cable, got sail upon the ship, so as to have the advantage of
+manoeuvring. A regular engagement now took place between this small
+cruiser and four dows, all armed with great guns, and full of men. In
+the contest Lieut. Carruthers, the commanding officer, was once wounded
+by a ball in the loins; but after girding a handkerchief round his
+waist, he still kept the deck, till a ball entering his forehead, he
+fell. Mr. Salter, the midshipman on whom the command devolved, continued
+the fight with determined bravery, and after a stout resistance, beat
+them off, chased them some distance out to sea, and subsequently
+regained the anchorage in safety.
+
+Several years elapsed before the wounds of the first defeat were
+sufficiently healed to induce a second attempt on vessels under the
+British flag, though a constant state of warfare was still kept up
+against the small craft of the gulf. In 1804, the East India Company's
+cruiser, Fly, was taken by a French privateer, off the Island of Kenn,
+in the Persian Gulf; but before the enemy boarded her, she ran into
+shoal water, near that island, and sunk the government dispatches, and
+some treasure with which they were charged, in about two and a half
+fathoms of water, taking marks for the recovery of them, if possible, at
+some future period. The passengers and crew were taken to Bushire where
+they were set at liberty, and having purchased a country dow by
+subscription, they fitted her out and commenced their voyage down the
+gulf, bound for Bombay. On their passage down, as they thought it would
+be practicable to recover the government packet and treasure sunk off
+Kenn, they repaired to that island, and were successful, after much
+exertion, in recovering the former, which being in their estimation of
+the first importance, as the dispatches were from England to Bombay,
+they sailed with them on their way thither, without loss of time.
+
+Near the mouth of the gulf, they were captured by a fleet of Joassamee
+boats, after some resistance, in which several were wounded and taken
+into their chief port at Ras-el-Khyma. Here they were detained in hope
+of ransome, and during their stay were shown to the people of the town
+as curiosities, no similar beings having been before seen there within
+the memory of man. The Joassamee ladies were so minute in their
+enquiries, indeed, that they were not satisfied without determining in
+what respect an uncircumcised infidel differed from a true believer.
+
+When these unfortunate Englishmen had remained for several months in the
+possession of the Arabs, and no hope of their ransom appeared, it was
+determined to put them to death, and thus rid themselves of unprofitable
+enemies. An anxiety to preserve life, however, induced the suggestion,
+on their parts, of a plan for the temporary prolongation of it, at
+least. With this view they communicated to the chief of the pirates the
+fact of their having sunk a quantity of treasure near the island of
+Kenn, and of their knowing the marks of the spot, by the bearings of
+objects on shore, with sufficient accuracy to recover it, if furnished
+with good divers. They offered, therefore, to purchase their own
+liberty, by a recovery of this money for their captors; and on the
+fulfillment of their engagement it was solemnly promised to be granted
+to them.
+
+They soon sailed for the spot, accompanied by divers accustomed to that
+occupation on the pearl banks of Bahrain; and, on their anchoring at the
+precise points of bearing taken, they commenced their labors. The first
+divers who went down were so successful, that all the crew followed in
+their turns, so that the vessel was at one time almost entirely
+abandoned at anchor. As the men, too, were all so busily occupied in
+their golden harvest, the moment appeared favorable for escape; and the
+still captive Englishmen were already at their stations to overpower the
+few on board, cut the cable, and make sail. Their motions were either
+seen or suspected, as the divers repaired on board in haste, and the
+scheme was thus frustrated. They were now given their liberty as
+promised, by being landed on the island of Kenn, where, however, no
+means offered for their immediate escape. The pirates, having at the
+same time landed themselves on the island, commenced a general massacre
+of the inhabitants, in which their released prisoners, fearing they
+might be included, fled for shelter to clefts and hiding places in the
+rocks. During their refuge here, they lived on such food as chance threw
+in their way; going out under cover of the night to steal a goat and
+drag it to their haunts. When the pirates had at length completed their
+work of blood, and either murdered or driven off every former inhabitant
+of the island, they quitted it themselves, with the treasure which they
+had thus collected from the sea and shore. The Englishmen now ventured
+to come out from their hiding places, and to think of devising some
+means of escape. Their good fortune in a moment of despair, threw them
+on the wreck of a boat, near the beach, which was still capable of
+repair. In searching about the now deserted town, other materials were
+found, which were of use to them, and sufficient plank and logs of wood
+for the construction of a raft. These were both completed in a few days,
+and the party embarked on them in two divisions, to effect a passage to
+the Persian shore. One of these rafts was lost in the attempt, and all
+on board her perished; while the raft, with the remainder of the party
+reached land.
+
+Having gained the main land they now set out on foot towards Bushire,
+following the line of the coast for the sake of the villages and water.
+In this they are said to have suffered incredible hardships and
+privations of every kind. No one knew the language of the country
+perfectly, and the roads and places of refreshment still less; they were
+in general destitute of clothes and money, and constantly subject to
+plunder and imposition, poor as they were. Their food was therefore
+often scanty, and always of the worst kind; and they had neither shelter
+from the burning sun of the day, nor from the chilling dews of night.
+
+The Indian sailors, sipakees, and servants, of whom a few were still
+remaining when they set out, had all dropped off by turns; and even
+Europeans had been abandoned on the road, in the most affecting way,
+taking a last adieu of their comrades, who had little else to expect but
+soon to follow their fate. One instance is mentioned of their having
+left one who could march no further, at the distance of only a mile from
+a village; and on returning to the spot on the morrow, to bring him in,
+nothing was found but his mangled bones, as he had been devoured in the
+night by jackals. The packet being light was still, however, carried by
+turns, and preserved through all obstacles and difficulties; and with it
+they reached at length the island of Busheap, to which they crossed over
+in a boat from the main. Here they were detained by the Sheikh, but at
+length he provided them with a boat for the conveyance of themselves and
+dispatches to Bushire. From this place they proceeded to Bombay, but of
+all the company only two survived. A Mr. Jowl, an officer of a merchant
+ship, and an English sailor named Penmel together with the bag of
+letters and dispatches.
+
+In the following year, two English brigs, the Shannon, Capt. Babcock,
+and the Trimmer, Capt. Cummings, were on their voyage from Bombay to
+Bussorah. These were both attacked, near the Islands of Polior and
+Kenn, by several boats, and after a slight resistance on the part of the
+Shannon only, were taken possession of, and a part of the crew of each,
+cruelly put to the sword. Capt. Babcock, having been seen by one of the
+Arabs to discharge a musket during the contest, was taken by them on
+shore; and after a consultation on his fate, it was determined that he
+should forfeit the arm by which this act of resistance was committed. It
+was accordingly severed from his body by one stroke of a sabre, and no
+steps were taken either to bind up the wound, or to prevent his bleeding
+to death. The captain, himself, had yet sufficient presence of mind
+left, however, to think of his own safety, and there being near him some
+clarified butter, he procured this to be heated, and while yet warm,
+thrust the bleeding stump of his arm into it. It had the effect of
+lessening the effusion of blood, and ultimately of saving a life that
+would otherwise most probably have been lost. The crew were then all
+made prisoners, and taken to a port of Arabia, from whence they
+gradually dispersed and escaped. The vessels themselves were
+additionally armed, one of them mounting twenty guns, manned with Arab
+crews, and sent from Ras-el-Khyma to cruise in the gulf, where they
+committed many piracies.
+
+In the year 1808, the force of the Joassamees having gradually
+increased, and becoming flushed with the pride of victory, their
+insulting attacks on the British flag were more numerous and more
+desperate than ever. The first of these was on the ship Minerva, of
+Bombay, on her voyage to Bussorah. The attack was commenced by several
+boats, (for they never cruize singly,) and a spirited resistance in a
+running fight was kept up at intervals for several days in succession. A
+favorable moment offered, however, for boarding; the ship was
+overpowered by numbers, and carried amidst a general massacre. The
+captain was said to have been cut up into separate pieces, and thrown
+overboard by fragments; the second mate and carpenter alone were spared,
+probably to make use of their services; and an Armenian lady, the wife
+of Lieut. Taylor, then at Bushire, was reserved perhaps for still
+greater sufferings. But was subsequently ransomed for a large sum.
+
+[Illustration: _The Pirates striking off the arm of Capt. Babcock._]
+
+A few weeks after this, the Sylph, one of the East India Company's
+cruisers, of sixty tons and mounting eight guns, was accompanying the
+mission under Sir Hartford Jones, from Bombay, to Persia; when being
+separated from the rest of the squadron, she was attacked in the gulf by
+a fleet of dows. These bore down with all the menacing attitude of
+hostility; but as the commander, Lieut. Graham had received orders from
+the Bombay government, not to open his fire on any of these vessels
+until he had been first fired on himself, the ship was hardly prepared
+for battle, and the colors were not even hoisted to apprise them to what
+nation she belonged. The dows approached, threw their long overhanging
+prows across the Sylph's beam, and pouring in a shower of stones on her
+deck, beat down and wounded almost every one who stood on it. They then
+boarded, and made the ship an easy prize, before more than a single shot
+had been fired, and in their usual way, put every one whom they found
+alive to the sword. Lieut. Graham fell, covered with wounds, down the
+fore hatchway of his own vessel, where he was dragged by some of the
+crew into a store room, in which they had secreted themselves, and
+barricaded the door with a crow-bar from within. The cruiser was thus
+completely in the possession of the enemy, who made sail on her, and
+were bearing her off in triumph to their own port, in company with their
+boats. Soon after, however, the commodore of the squadron in the Neried
+frigate hove in sight, and perceiving this vessel in company with the
+dows, judged her to be a prize to the pirates. She accordingly gave them
+all chase, and coming up with the brig, the Arabs took to their boats
+and abandoned her. The chase was continued after the dows, but without
+success.
+
+[Illustration: _The Neried Frigate chasing a Fleet of Joassamee Dows._]
+
+These repeated aggressions at length opened the eyes of the East India
+Government, and an expedition was accordingly assembled at Bombay. The
+naval force consisted of La Chiffone, frigate, Capt. Wainwright, as
+commodore. The Caroline of thirty-eight guns; and eight of the East
+India Company's cruisers, namely, the Mornington, Ternate, Aurora,
+Prince of Wales, Ariel, Nautilus, Vestal and Fury, with four large
+transports, and the Stromboli bomb-ketch. The fleet sailed from Bombay
+in September, and after a long passage they reached Muscat, where it
+remained for many days to refresh and arrange their future plans; they
+sailed and soon reached Ras-el-Khyma, the chief port of the pirates
+within the gulf. Here the squadron anchored abreast of the town, and the
+troops were landed under cover of the ships and boats. The inhabitants
+of the town assembled in crowds to repel the invaders; but the firm
+line, the regular volleys, and the steady charge of the troops at the
+point of the bayonet, overcame every obstacle, and multiplied the heaps
+of the slain. A general conflagration was then ordered, and a general
+plunder to the troops was permitted. The town was set on fire in all
+parts, and about sixty sail of boats and dows, with the Minerva, a ship
+which they had taken, then lying in the roads were all burnt and
+destroyed.
+
+The complete conquest of the place was thus effected with very trifling
+loss on the part of the besiegers, and some plunder collected; though it
+was thought that most of the treasure and valuables had been removed
+into the interior. This career of victory was suddenly damped by the
+report of the approach of a large body of troops from the interior, and
+although none of these were seen, this ideal reinforcement induced the
+besiegers to withdraw. The embarkation took place at daylight in the
+morning; and while the fleet remained at anchor during the whole of the
+day, parties were still seen assembling on the shore, displaying their
+colors, brandishing their spears, and firing muskets from all points; so
+that the conquest was scarcely as complete as could be wished, since no
+formal act of submission had yet been shown. The expedition now sailed
+to Linga, a small port of the Joassamees, and burnt it to the ground.
+The force had now become separated, the greater portion of the troops
+being sent to Muscat for supplies, or being deemed unnecessary, and some
+of the vessels sent on separate services of blockading passages, &c. The
+remaining portion of the blockading squadron consisting of La Chiffone,
+frigate, and four of the cruisers, the Mornington, Ternate, Nautilus,
+and Fury, and two transports, with five hundred troops from Linga, then
+proceeded to Luft, another port of the Joassamees. As the channel here
+was narrow and difficult of approach, the ships were warped into their
+stations of anchorage, and a summons sent on shore, as the people had
+not here abandoned their town, but were found at their posts of defence,
+in a large and strong castle with many batteries, redoubts, &c. The
+summons being treated with disdain, the troops were landed with Col.
+Smith at their head; and while forming on the beach a slight skirmish
+took place with such of the inhabitants of the town, as fled for shelter
+to the castle. The troops then advanced towards the fortress, which is
+described to have had walls fourteen feet thick, pierced with loop
+holes, and only one entrance through a small gate, well cased with iron
+bars and bolts, in the strongest manner. With a howitzer taken for the
+occasion, it was intended to have blown this gate open, and to have
+taken the place by storm; but on reaching it while the ranks opened, and
+the men sought to surround the castle to seek for some other entrance at
+the same time, they were picked off so rapidly and unexpectedly from the
+loop holes above, that a general flight took place, the howitzer was
+abandoned, even before it had been fired, and both the officers and the
+troops sought shelter by lying down behind the ridges of sand and little
+hillocks immediately underneath the castle walls. An Irish officer,
+jumping up from his hiding place, and calling on some of his comrades to
+follow him in an attempt to rescue the howitzer, was killed in the
+enterprise. Such others as even raised their heads to look around them,
+were picked off by the musketry from above; and the whole of the troops
+lay therefore hidden in this way, until the darkness of the night
+favored their escape to the beach, where they embarked after sunset, the
+enemy having made no sally on them from the fort. A second summons was
+sent to the chief in the castle, threatening to bombard the town from a
+nearer anchorage if he did not submit, and no quarter afterwards shown.
+With the dawn of morning, all eyes were directed to the fortress, when,
+to the surprise of the whole squadron, a man was seen waving the British
+Union flag on the summit of its walls. It was lieutenant Hall, who
+commanded the Fury which was one of the vessels nearest the shore.
+During the night he had gone on shore alone, taking an union-jack in his
+hand, and advanced singly to the castle gate. The fortress had already
+been abandoned by the greater number of the inhabitants, but some few
+still remained there. These fled at the approach of an individual
+supposing him to be the herald of those who were to follow. Be this as
+it may, the castle was entirely abandoned, and the British flag waived
+on its walls by this daring officer, to the surprise and admiration of
+all the fleet. The town and fortifications were then taken possession
+of. After sweeping round the bottom of the gulf, the expedition returned
+to Muscat.
+
+On the sailing of the fleet from hence, the forces were augmented by a
+body of troops belonging to the Imaun of Muscat, destined to assist in
+the recovery of a place called Shenaz, on the coast, taken by the
+Joassamees. On their arrival at this place, a summons was sent,
+commanding the fort to surrender, which being refused, a bombardment was
+opened from the ships and boats, but without producing much effect. On
+the following morning, the whole of the troops were landed, and a
+regular encampment formed on the shore, with sand batteries, and other
+necessary works for a siege. After several days bombardment, in which
+about four thousand shot and shells were discharged against the
+fortress, to which the people had fled for refuge after burning down the
+town, a breach was reported to be practicable, and the castle was
+accordingly stormed. The resistance still made was desperate; the Arabs
+fighting as long as they could wield the sword, and even thrusting
+their spears up through the fragments of towers, in whose ruins they
+remained irrevocably buried. The loss in killed and wounded was upwards
+of a thousand men. Notwithstanding that the object of this expedition
+might be said to be incomplete, inasmuch as nothing less than a _total_
+extirpation of their race could secure the tranquility of these seas,
+yet the effect produced by this expedition was such, as to make them
+reverence or dread the British flag for several years afterwards.
+
+[Illustration: _The daring Intrepidity of Lieut. Hall._]
+
+At length in 1815, their boats began to infest the entrance to the Red
+Sea; and in 1816, their numbers had so increased on that coast, that a
+squadron of them commanded by a chief called Ameer Ibrahim, captured
+within sight of Mocha, four vessels bound from Surat to that port,
+richly laden and navigating under the British flag, and the crews were
+massacred.
+
+A squadron consisting of His Majesty's ship Challenger, Captain Brydges,
+and the East India Company's cruisers, Mercury, Ariel, and Vestal, were
+despatched to the chief port of the Joassamees, Ras-el-Khyma. Mr.
+Buckingham the Great Oriental traveller, accompanied the expedition from
+Bushire. Upon their arrival at Ras-el-Khyma, a demand was made for the
+restoration of the four Surat vessels and their cargoes; or in lieu
+thereof twelve lacks of rupees. Also that the commander of the piratical
+squadron, Ameer Ibrahim, should be delivered up for punishment. The
+demand was made by letter, and answer being received, Captain Brydges
+determined to go on shore and have an interview with the Pirate
+Chieftain. Mr. Buckingham (says,) He requested me to accompany him on
+shore as an interpreter. I readily assented. We quitted the ship
+together about 9 o'clock, and pulled straight to the shore, sounding all
+the way as we went, and gradually shoaling our water from six to two
+fathoms, within a quarter of a mile of the beach, where four large dows
+lay at anchor, ranged in a line, with their heads seaward, each of them
+mounting several pieces of cannon, and being full of men. On landing on
+the beach, we found its whole length guarded by a line of armed men,
+some bearing muskets, but the greater part armed with swords, shields,
+and spears; most of them were negroes, whom the Joassamees spare in
+their wars, looking on them rather as property and merchandise, than in
+the light of enemies. We were permitted to pass this line, and upon our
+communicating our wish to see the chief, we were conducted to the gate
+of the principal building, nearly in the centre of the town, and were
+met by the Pirate Chieftain attended by fifty armed men. I offered him
+the Mahometan salutation of peace, which he returned without hesitation.
+
+The chief, Hassan ben Rahma, whom we had seen, was a small man,
+apparently about forty years of age, with an expression of cunning in
+his looks, and something particularly sarcastic in his smile. He was
+dressed in the usual Arab garments, with a cashmeer shawl, turban, and a
+scarlet benish, of the Persian form, to distinguish him from his
+followers. There were habited in the plainest garments. One of his eyes
+had been wounded, but his other features were good, his teeth
+beautifully white and regular, and his complexion very dark.
+
+The town of Ras-el-Khyma stands on a narrow tongue of sandy land,
+pointing to the northeastward, presenting its northwest edge to the open
+sea, and its southeast one to a creek, which runs up within it to the
+southwestward, and affords a safe harbor for boats. There appeared to be
+no continued wall of defence around it, though round towers and portions
+of walls were seen in several parts, probably once connected in line,
+but not yet repaired since their destruction. The strongest points of
+defence appear to be in a fortress at the northeast angle, and a double
+round tower, near the centre of the town; in each of which, guns are
+mounted; but all the other towers appear to afford only shelter for
+musketeers. The rest of the town is composed of ordinary buildings of
+unhewn stone, and huts of rushes and long grass, with narrow avenues
+winding between them. The present number of inhabitants may be computed
+at ten thousand at least. They are thought to have at present (1816),
+sixty large boats out from their own port, manned with crews of from
+eighty, to three hundred men each, and forty other boats that belong to
+other ports. Their force concentrated, would probably amount to at
+least one hundred boats and eight thousand fighting men. After several
+fruitless negociations, the signal was now made to weigh, and stand
+closer in towards the town. It was then followed by the signal to engage
+the enemy. The squadron bore down nearly in line, under easy sail, and
+with the wind right aft, or on shore; the Mercury being on the starboard
+bow, the Challenger next in order, in the centre, the Vestal following
+in the same line, and the Ariel completing the division.
+
+A large fleet of small boats were seen standing in from Cape Mussundum,
+at the same time; but these escaped by keeping closer along shore, and
+at length passing over the bar and getting into the back water behind
+the town. The squadron continued to stand on in a direct line towards
+the four anchored dows, gradually shoaling from the depth of our
+anchorage to two and a half fathoms, where stream anchors were dropped
+under foot, with springs on the cables, so that each vessel lay with her
+broadside to the shore. A fire was now opened by the whole squadron,
+directed to the four dows. These boats were full of men, brandishing
+their weapons in the air, their whole number exceeding, probably, six
+hundred. Some of the shot from the few long guns of the squadron reached
+the shore, and were buried in the sand; others fell across the bows and
+near the hulls of the dows to which they were directed; but the
+cannonades all fell short, as we were then fully a mile from the beach.
+
+The Arab colors were displayed on all the forts; crowds of armed men
+were assembled on the beach, bearing large banners on poles, and dancing
+around them with their arms, as if rallying around a sacred standard, so
+that no sign of submission or conquest was witnessed throughout. The
+Ariel continued to discharge about fifty shot after all the others had
+desisted, but with as little avail as before, and thus ended this wordy
+negociation, and the bloodless battle to which it eventually led.
+
+In 1818, these pirates grew so daring that they made an irruption into
+the Indian Ocean, and plundered vessels and towns on the islands and
+coasts. A fleet was sent against them, and intercepted them off Ashlola
+Island, proceeding to the westward in three divisions; and drove them
+back into the gulf. The Eden and Psyche fell in with two trankies, and
+these were so closely pursued that they were obliged to drop a small
+captured boat they had in tow. The Thetes one day kept in close chase of
+seventeen vessels, but they were enabled to get away owing to their
+superior sailing. The cruisers met with the Joassamees seventeen times
+and were constantly employed in hunting them from place to place.
+
+At length, in 1819, they became such a scourge to commerce that a
+formidable expedition under the command of Major General Sir W. Grant
+Keir, sailed against them. It arrived before the chief town in December,
+and commenced operations. In his despatches Gen. Keir says--
+
+I have the satisfaction to report the town of Ras-el Khyma, after a
+resistance of six days, was taken possession of this morning by the
+force under my command.
+
+On the 18th, after completing my arrangements at Muscat, the Liverpool
+sailed for the rendezvous at Kishme; on the 21st, we fell in with the
+fleet of the Persian Gulf and anchored off the island of Larrack on the
+24th November.
+
+As it appeared probable that a considerable period would elapse before
+the junction of the ships which were detained at Bombay, I conceived it
+would prove highly advantageous to avail myself of all the information
+that could be procured respecting the strength and resources of the
+pirates we had to deal with.
+
+No time was lost in making the necessary preparations for landing, which
+was effected the following morning without opposition, at a spot which
+had been previously selected for that purpose, about two miles to the
+westward of the town. The troops were formed across the isthmus
+connecting the peninsula on which the town is situated with the
+neighboring country, and the whole of the day was occupied in getting
+the tents on shore, to shelter the men from rain, landing engineers,
+tools, sand bags, &c., and making arrangements preparatory to commencing
+our approaches the next day. On the morning of the 4th, our light troops
+were ordered in advance, supported by the pickets, to dislodge the
+enemy from a bank within nine hundred yards of the outer fort, which was
+expected to afford good cover for the men. The whole of the light
+companies of the force under Capt. Backhouse, moved forward, and drove
+the Arabs with great gallantry from a date grove, and over the bank
+close under the walls of the fort, followed by the pickets under Major
+Molesworth, who took post at the sand banks, whilst the European light
+troops were skirmishing in front. The enemy kept up a sharp fire of
+musketry and cannon; during these movements, Major Molesworth, a gallant
+officer was here killed. The troops kept their position during the day,
+and in the night effected a lodgment within three hundred yards of the
+southernmost tower, and erected a battery of four guns, together with a
+mortar battery.
+
+The weather having become rather unfavorable for the disembarkation of
+the stores required for the siege, but this important object being
+effected on the morning of the 6th, we were enabled to open three
+eighteen pounders on the fort, a couple of howitzers, and six pounders
+were also placed in the battery on the right, which played on the
+defences of the towers and nearly silenced the enemy's fire, who, during
+the whole of our progress exhibited a considerable degree of resolution
+in withstanding, and ingenuity in counteracting our attacks, sallied out
+at 8 o'clock this evening along the whole front of our entrenchments,
+crept close up to the mortar battery without being perceived, and
+entered it over the parapet, after spearing the advance sentries. The
+party which occupied it were obliged to retire, but being immediately
+reinforced charged the assailants, who were driven out of the battery
+with great loss. The enemy repeated his attacks towards morning but was
+vigorously repulsed. During the seventh every exertion was made to land
+and bring up the remaining guns and mortars, which was accomplished
+during the night. They were immediately placed in the battery, together
+with two twenty-four pounders which were landed from the Liverpool, and
+in the morning the whole of the ordnance opened on the fort and fired
+with scarcely any intermission till sunset, when the breach on the
+curtain was reported nearly practicable and the towers almost untenable.
+Immediate arrangements were made for the assault, and the troops ordered
+to move down to the entrenchments by daylight the next morning. The
+party moved forward about 8 o'clock, and entered the fort through the
+breaches without firing a shot, and it soon appeared the enemy had
+evacuated the place. The town was taken possession of and found almost
+entirely deserted, only eighteen or twenty men, and a few women
+remaining in their houses.
+
+The expedition next proceeded against Rumps, a piratical town, eight
+miles north of Ras-el-Khyma, but the inhabitants abandoned the town and
+took refuge in the hill fort of Zyah, which is situated at the head of a
+navigable creek nearly two miles from the sea coast. This place was the
+residence of Hussein Bin Alley, a sheikh of considerable importance
+among the Joassamee tribes, and a person who from his talents and
+lawless habits, as well as from the strength and advantageous situation
+of the fort, was likely to attempt the revival of the piratical system
+upon the first occasion. It became a desirable object to reduce the
+power of this chieftain.
+
+On the 18th December, the troops embarked at Ras-el-Khyma, at day break
+in the boats of the fleet under command of Major Warren, with the 65th
+regiment and the flank companies of the first and second regiment, and
+at noon arrived within four miles of their destination. This operation
+was attended with considerable difficulty and risk, owing to the heavy
+surf that beat on the shore; and which was the occasion of some loss of
+ammunition, and of a few boats being upset and stove in.
+
+[Illustration: _The Sheikh of Rumps._]
+
+At half past three P.M., having refreshed the men, (says Major Warren)
+we commenced our march, and fording the creek or back water, took up our
+position at sunset, to the northeastward of the fort, the enemy firing
+at us as we passed, notwithstanding that our messenger, whom we had
+previously sent in to summon the Sheikh, was still in the place; and I
+lost no time in pushing our riflemen and pickets as far forward as I
+could without exposing them too much to the firing of the enemy, whom I
+found strongly posted under secure cover in the date tree groves in
+front of the town. Captain Cocke, with the light company of his
+battalion, was at the same time sent to the westward, to cut off the
+retreat of the enemy on that side.
+
+At day break the next morning, finding it necessary to drive the enemy
+still further in, to get a nearer view of his defences, I moved forward
+the rifle company of the 65th regiment, and after a considerable
+opposition from the enemy, I succeeded in forcing him to retire some
+distance; but not without disputing every inch of ground, which was well
+calculated for resistance, being intersected at every few yards, by
+banks and water courses raised for the purpose of irrigation, and
+covered with date trees. The next morning the riflemen, supported by the
+pickets, were again called into play, and soon established their
+position within three and four hundred yards of the town, which with the
+base of the hill, was so completely surrounded, as to render the escape
+of any of the garrison now almost impossible. This advantage was gained
+by a severe loss. Two twenty-four pounders and the two twelves, the
+landing of which had been retarded by the difficulty of communication
+with the fleet from which we derived all our supplies, having been now
+brought on shore, we broke ground in the evening, and notwithstanding
+the rocky soil, had them to play next morning at daylight.
+
+Aware, however, that the families of the enemy were still in the town,
+and humanity dictating that some effort should be made to save the
+innocent from the fate that awaited the guilty; an opportunity was
+afforded for that purpose by an offer to the garrison of security to
+their women and children, should they be sent out within the hour; but
+the infatuated chief, either from an idea that his fort on the hill was
+not to be reached by our shot, or with the vain hope to gain time by
+procrastination, returning no answer to our communication, while he
+detained our messenger; we opened our fire at half past eight in the
+morning, and such was the precision of the practice, that in two hours
+we perceived the breach would soon be practicable. I was in the act of
+ordering the assault, when a white flag was displayed; and the enemy,
+after some little delay in assembling from the different quarters of the
+place, marched out without their arms, with Hussein Bin Alley at their
+head, to the number of three hundred and ninety-eight; and at half past
+one P.M., the British flags were hoisted on the hill fort and at the
+Sheikh's house. The women and children to the number of four hundred,
+were at the same time collected together in a place of security, and
+sent on board the fleet, together with the men. The service has been
+short but arduous; the enemy defended themselves with great obstinacy
+and ability worthy of a better cause.
+
+From two prisoners retaken from the Joassamees, they learnt that the
+plunder is made a general stock, and distributed by the chief, but in
+what proportions the deponents cannot say; water is generally very
+scarce. There is a quantity of fish caught on the bank, upon which and
+dates they live. There were a few horses, camels, cows, sheep, and
+goats; the greatest part of which they took with them; they were in
+general lean, as the sandy plain produces little or no vegetation,
+except a few dates and cocoa-nut trees. The pirates who abandoned
+Ras-el-Khyma, encamped about three miles in the interior, ready to
+retreat into the desert at a moment's warning. The Sheikh of Rumps is an
+old man, but looks intelligent, and is said to be the man who advises
+upon all occasions the movements of the different tribes of pirates on
+the coast, and when he was told that it was the wish of the Company to
+put a stop to their piracy, and make an honest people of them by
+encouraging them to trade, seemed to regret much that those intentions
+were not made known, as they would have been most readily embraced.
+Rumps is the key to Ras-el-Khyma, and by its strength is defended from a
+strong banditti infesting the mountains, as also the Bedouin Arabs who
+are their enemies. A British garrison of twelve hundred men was
+stationed at Ras-el-Khyma, and a guard-ship. The other places sent in
+tokens of submission, as driven out of their fortresses on the margin of
+the sea, they had to contend within with the interior hostile tribes.
+
+[Illustration: _The Pirate Stronghold._]
+
+
+
+
+THE BARBAROUS CONDUCT AND ROMANTIC DEATH OF THE
+JOASSAMEE CHIEF, RAHMAH-BEN-JABIR.
+
+
+The town of Bushire, on the Persian Gulf is seated in a low peninsula of
+sand, extending out of the general line of the coast, so as to form a
+bay on both sides. One of these bays was in 1816, occupied by the fleet
+of a certain Arab, named Rahmah-ben-Jabir, who has been for more than
+twenty years the terror of the gulf, and who was the most successful and
+the most generally tolerated pirate, perhaps, that ever infested any
+sea. This man by birth was a native of Grain, on the opposite coast, and
+nephew of the governor of that place. His fellow citizens had all the
+honesty, however, to declare him an outlaw, from abhorrence of his
+profession; but he found that aid and protection at Bushire, which his
+own townsmen denied him. With five or six vessels, most of which were
+very large, and manned with crews of from two to three hundred each, he
+sallied forth, and captured whatever he thought himself strong enough to
+carry off as a prize. His followers, to the number of two thousand, were
+maintained by the plunder of his prizes; and as the most of these were
+his own bought African slaves, and the remainder equally subject to his
+authority, he was sometimes as prodigal of their lives in a fit of anger
+as he was of his enemies, whom he was not content to slay in battle
+only, but basely murdered in cold blood, after they had submitted. An
+instance is related of his having put a great number of his own crew,
+who used mutinous expressions, into a tank on board, in which they
+usually kept their water, and this being shut close at the top, the poor
+wretches were all suffocated, and afterwards thrown overboard. This
+butcher chief, like the celebrated Djezzar of Acre, affecting great
+simplicity of dress, manners, and living; and whenever he went out,
+could not be distinguished by a stranger from the crowd of his
+attendants. He carried this simplicity to a degree of filthiness, which
+was disgusting, as his usual dress was a shirt, which was never taken
+off to be washed, from the time it was first put on till worn out; no
+drawers or coverings for the legs of any kind, and a large black goat's
+hair cloak, wrapped over all with a greasy and dirty handkerchief,
+called the keffeea, thrown loosely over his head. Infamous as was this
+man's life and character, he was not only cherished and courted by the
+people of Bushire, who dreaded him, but was courteously received and
+respectfully entertained whenever he visited the British Factory. On one
+occasion (says Mr. Buckingham), at which I was present, he was sent for
+to give some medical gentlemen of the navy and company's cruisers an
+opportunity of inspecting his arm, which had been severely wounded. The
+wound was at first made by grape-shot and splinters, and the arm was one
+mass of blood about the part for several days, while the man himself was
+with difficulty known to be alive. He gradually recovered, however,
+without surgical aid, and the bone of the arm between the shoulder and
+elbow being completely shivered to pieces, the fragments progressively
+worked out, and the singular appearance was left of the fore arm and
+elbow connected to the shoulder by flesh and skin, and tendons, without
+the least vestige of bone. This man when invited to the factory for the
+purpose of making an exhibition of his arm, was himself admitted to sit
+at the table and take some tea, as it was breakfast time, and some of
+his followers took chairs around him. They were all as disgustingly
+filthy in appearance as could well be imagined; and some of them did not
+scruple to hunt for vermin on their skins, of which there was an
+abundance, and throw them on the floor. Rahmah-ben-Jabir's figure
+presented a meagre trunk, with four lank members, all of them cut and
+hacked, and pierced with wounds of sabres, spears and bullets, in every
+part, to the number, perhaps of more than twenty different wounds. He
+had, besides, a face naturally ferocious and ugly, and now rendered
+still more so by several scars there, and by the loss of one eye. When
+asked by one of the English gentlemen present, with a tone of
+encouragement and familiarity, whether he could not still dispatch an
+enemy with his boneless arm, he drew a crooked dagger, or yambeah, from
+the girdle round his shirt, and placing his left hand, which was sound,
+to support the elbow of the right, which was the one that was wounded,
+he grasped the dagger firmly with his clenched fist, and drew it back
+ward and forward, twirling it at the same time, and saying that he
+desired nothing better than to have the cutting of as many throats as he
+could effectually open with his lame hand. Instead of being shocked at
+the uttering of such a brutal wish, and such a savage triumph at still
+possessing the power to murder unoffending victims, I knew not how to
+describe my feelings of shame and sorrow when a loud roar of laughter
+burst from the whole assembly, when I ventured to express my dissent
+from the general feeling of admiration for such a man.
+
+[Illustration: _Rahmah-ben-Jabir, a Joassamee Chief._]
+
+This barbarous pirate in the year 1827, at last experienced a fate
+characteristic of the whole course of his life. His violent aggressions
+having united the Arabs of Bahrene and Ratiffe against him they
+blockaded his port of Daman from which Rahmah-ben-Jabir, having left a
+garrison in the fort under his son, had sailed in a well appointed
+bungalow, for the purpose of endeavoring to raise a confederacy of his
+friends in his support. Having failed in this object he returned to
+Daman, and in spite of the boats blockading the port, succeeded in
+visiting his garrison, and immediately re-embarked, taking with him his
+youngest son. On arriving on board his bungalow, he was received by his
+followers with a salute, which decisive indication of his presence
+immediately attracted the attention of his opponents, one of whose
+boats, commanded by the nephew of the Sheikh of Bahrene, proceeded to
+attack him. A desperate struggle ensued, and the Sheikh finding after
+some time that he had lost nearly the whole of his crew by the firing of
+Rahmah's boat, retired for reinforcements. These being obtained, he
+immediately returned singly to the contest. The fight was renewed with
+redoubled fury; when at last, Rahmah, being informed (for he had been
+long blind) that his men were falling fast around him, mustered the
+remainder of the crew, and issued orders to close and grapple with his
+opponent. When this was effected, and after embracing his son, he was
+led with a lighted torch to the magazine, which instantly exploded,
+blowing his own boat to atoms and setting fire to the Sheikh's, which
+immediately afterwards shared the same fate. Sheikh Ahmed and few of his
+followers escaped to the other boats; but only one of Rahmah's brave
+crew was saved; and it is supposed that upwards of three hundred men
+were killed in this heroic contest.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE LIFE OF LAFITTE, THE FAMOUS PIRATE OF THE GULF OF MEXICO.
+
+
+_With a History of the Pirates of Barrataria--and an account of their
+volunteering for the defence of New Orleans; and their daring
+intrepidity under General Jackson, during the battle of the 8th of
+January, 1815. For which important service they were pardoned by
+President Madison._
+
+Jean Lafitte, was born at St. Maloes in France, in 1781, and went to sea
+at the age of thirteen; after several voyages in Europe, and to the
+coast of Africa, he was appointed mate of a French East Indiaman, bound
+to Madras. On the outward passage they encountered a heavy gale off the
+Cape of Good Hope, which sprung the mainmast and otherwise injured the
+ship, which determined the captain to bear up for the Mauritius, where
+he arrived in safety; a quarrel having taken place on the passage out
+between Lafitte and the captain, he abandoned the ship and refused to
+continue the voyage. Several privateers were at this time fitting out at
+this island, and Lafitte was appointed captain of one of these vessels;
+after a cruise during which he robbed the vessels of other nations,
+besides those of England, and thus committing piracy, he stopped at the
+Seychelles, and took in a load of slaves for the Mauritius; but being
+chased by an English frigate as far north as the equator, he found
+himself in a very awkward condition; not having provisions enough on
+board his ship to carry him back to the French Colony. He therefore
+conceived the bold project of proceeding to the Bay of Bengal, in order
+to get provisions from on board some English ships. In his ship of two
+hundred tons, with only two guns and twenty-six men, he attacked and
+took an English armed schooner with a numerous crew. After putting
+nineteen of his own crew on board the schooner, he took the command of
+her and proceeded to cruise upon the coast of Bengal. He there fell in
+with the Pagoda, a vessel belonging to the English East India Company,
+armed with twenty-six twelve pounders and manned with one hundred and
+fifty men. Expecting that the enemy would take him for a pilot of the
+Ganges, he manoeuvred accordingly. The Pagoda manifested no suspicions,
+whereupon he suddenly darted with his brave followers upon her decks,
+overturned all who opposed them, and speedily took the ship. After a
+very successful cruise he arrived safe at the Mauritius, and took the
+command of La Confiance of twenty-six guns and two hundred and fifty
+men, and sailed for the coast of British India. Off the Sand Heads in
+October, 1807, Lafitte fell in with the Queen East Indiaman, with a crew
+of near four hundred men, and carrying forty guns; he conceived the bold
+project of getting possession of her. Never was there beheld a more
+unequal conflict; even the height of the vessel compared to the feeble
+privateer augmented the chances against Lafitte; but the difficulty and
+danger far from discouraging this intrepid sailor, acted as an
+additional spur to his brilliant valor. After electrifying his crew with
+a few words of hope and ardor, he manoeuvred and ran on board of the
+enemy. In this position he received a broadside when close too; but he
+expected this, and made his men lay flat upon the deck. After the first
+fire they all rose, and from the yards and tops, threw bombs and
+grenades into the forecastle of the Indiaman. This sudden and unforeseen
+attack caused a great havoc. In an instant, death and terror made them
+abandon a part of the vessel near the mizen-mast. Lafitte, who
+observed every thing, seized the decisive moment, beat to arms, and
+forty of his crew prepared to board, with pistols in their hands and
+daggers held between their teeth. As soon as they got on deck, they
+rushed upon the affrighted crowd, who retreated to the steerage, and
+endeavored to defend themselves there. Lafitte thereupon ordered a
+second division to board, which he headed himself; the captain of the
+Indiaman was killed, and all were swept away in a moment. Lafitte caused
+a gun to be loaded with grape, which he pointed towards the place where
+the crowd was assembled, threatening to exterminate them. The English
+deeming resistance fruitless, surrendered, and Lafitte hastened to put a
+stop to the slaughter. This exploit, hitherto unparalleled, resounded
+through India, and the name of Lafitte became the terror of English
+commerce in these latitudes.
+
+[Illustration: _Lafitte boarding the Queen East Indiaman._]
+
+As British vessels now traversed the Indian Ocean under strong convoys,
+game became scarce, and Lafitte determined to visit France; and after
+doubling the Cape of Good Hope, he coasted up to the Gulf of Guinea, and
+in the Bight of Benin, took two valuable prizes loaded with gold dust,
+ivory, and Palm Oil; with this booty he reached St. Maloes in safety.
+After a short stay at his native place he fitted out a brigantine,
+mounting twenty guns and one hundred and fifty men, and sailed for
+Gaudaloupe; amongst the West India Islands, he made several valuable
+prizes; but during his absence on a cruise the island having been taken
+by the British, he proceeded to Carthagena, and from thence to
+Barrataria. After this period, the conduct of Lafitte at Barrataria does
+not appear to be characterized by the audacity and boldness of his
+former career; but he had amassed immense sums of booty, and as he was
+obliged to have dealings with the merchants of the United States, and
+the West Indies, who frequently owed him large sums, and the cautious
+dealings necessary to found and conduct a colony of Pirates and
+Smugglers in the very teeth of a civilized nation, obliged Lafitte to
+cloak as much as possible his real character.
+
+[Illustration: _Lafitte and his crew clearing the decks of the
+Indiaman._]
+
+As we have said before, at the period of the taking of Gaudaloupe by the
+British, most of the privateers commissioned by the government of that
+island, and which were then on a cruise, not being able to return to any
+of the West India Islands, made for Barrataria, there to take in a
+supply of water and provisions, recruit the health of their crews, and
+dispose of their prizes, which could not be admitted into any of the
+ports of the United States, we being at that time in peace with Great
+Britain. Most of the commissions granted to privateers by the French
+government at Gaudaloupe, having expired sometime after the declaration
+of the independence of Carthagena, many of the privateers repaired to
+that port, for the purpose of obtaining from the new government
+commissions for cruising against Spanish vessels. Having duly obtained
+their commissions, they in a manner blockaded for a long time all the
+ports belonging to the royalists, and made numerous captives, which they
+carried into Barrataria. Under this denomination is comprised part of
+the coast of Louisiana to the west of the mouths of the Mississippi,
+comprehended between Bastien bay on the east, and the mouths of the
+river or bayou la Fourche on the west. Not far from the sea are lakes
+called the great and little lakes of Barrataria, communicating with one
+another by several large bayous with a great number of branches. There
+is also the island of Barrataria, at the extremity of which is a place
+called the Temple, which denomination it owes to several mounds of
+shells thrown up there by the Indians. The name of Barrataria is also
+given to a large basin which extends the whole length of the cypress
+swamps, from the Gulf of Mexico to three miles above New Orleans. These
+waters disembogue into the gulf by two entrances of the bayou
+Barrataria, between which lies an island called Grand Terre, six miles
+in length, and from two to three miles in breadth, running parallel
+with the coast. In the western entrance is the great pass of Barrataria,
+which has from nine to ten feet of water. Within this pass about two
+leagues from the open sea, lies the only secure harbor on the coast, and
+accordingly this was the harbor frequented by the _Pirates_, so well
+known by the name of Barratarians.
+
+At Grand Jerre, the privateers publicly made sale by auction, of the
+cargoes of their prizes. From all parts of Lower Louisiana, people
+resorted to Barrataria, without being at all solicitous to conceal the
+object of their journey. The most respectable inhabitants of the state,
+especially those living in the country, were in the habit of purchasing
+smuggled goods coming from Barrataria.
+
+The government of the United States sent an expedition under Commodore
+Patterson, to disperse the settlement of marauders at Barrataria; the
+following is an extract of his letter to the secretary of war.
+
+Sir--I have the honor to inform you that I departed from this city on
+the 11th June, accompanied by Col. Ross, with a detachment of seventy of
+the 44th regiment of infantry. On the 12th, reached the schooner
+Carolina, of Plaquemine, and formed a junction with the gun vessels at
+the Balize on the 13th, sailed from the southwest pass on the evening of
+the 15th, and at half past 8 o'clock, A.M. on the 16th, made the Island
+of Barrataria, and discovered a number of vessels in the harbor, some of
+which shewed Carthagenian colors. At 2 o'clock, perceived the pirates
+forming their vessels, ten in number, including prizes, into a line of
+battle near the entrance of the harbor, and making every preparation to
+offer me battle. At 10 o'clock, wind light and variable, formed the
+order of battle with six gun boats and the Sea Horse tender, mounting
+one six pounder and fifteen men, and a launch mounting one twelve pound
+carronade; the schooner Carolina, drawing too much water to cross the
+bar. At half past 10 o'clock, perceived several smokes along the coasts
+as signals, and at the same time a white flag hoisted on board a
+schooner at the fort, an American flag at the mainmast head and a
+Carthagenian flag (under which the pirates cruise) at her topping lift;
+replied with a white flag at my main; at 11 o'clock, discovered that the
+pirates had fired two of their best schooners; hauled down my white flag
+and made the _signal for battle_; hoisting with a large white flag
+bearing the words "Pardon for Deserters"; having heard there was a
+number on shore from the army and navy. At a quarter past 11 o'clock,
+two gun boats grounded and were passed agreeably to my previous orders,
+by the other four which entered the harbor, manned by my barge and the
+boats belonging to the grounded vessels, and proceeded in to my great
+disappointment. I perceived that the pirates abandoned their vessels,
+and were flying in all directions. I immediately sent the launch and two
+barges with small boats in pursuit of them. At meridian, took possession
+of all their vessels in the harbor consisting of six schooners and one
+felucca, cruisers, and prizes of the pirates, one brig, a prize, and two
+armed schooners under the Carthagenian flag, both in the line of battle,
+with the armed vessels of the pirates, and apparently with an intention
+to aid them in any resistance they might make against me, as their crews
+were at quarters, tompions out of their guns, and matches lighted. Col.
+Ross at the same time landed, and with his command took possession of
+their establishment on shore, consisting of about forty houses of
+different sizes, badly constructed, and thatched with palmetto leaves.
+
+When I perceived the enemy forming their vessels into a line of battle I
+felt confident from their number and very advantageous position, and
+their number of men, that they would have fought me; their not doing so
+I regret; for had they, I should have been enabled more effectually to
+destroy or make prisoners of them and their leaders; but it is a
+subject of great satisfaction to me, to have effected the object of my
+enterprise, without the loss of a man.
+
+The enemy had mounted on their vessels twenty pieces of cannon of
+different calibre; and as I have since learnt, from eight hundred, to
+one thousand men of all nations and colors.
+
+Early in the morning of the 20th, the Carolina at anchor, about five
+miles distant, made the signal of a "strange sail in sight to eastward";
+immediately after she weighed anchor, and gave chase the strange sail,
+standing for Grand Terre, with all sail; at half past 8 o'clock, the
+chase hauled her wind off shore to escape; sent acting Lieut. Spedding
+with four boats manned and armed to prevent her passing the harbor; at 9
+o'clock A.M., the chase fired upon the Carolina, which was returned;
+each vessel continued firing during the chase, when their long guns
+could reach. At 10 o'clock, the chase grounded outside of the bar, at
+which time the Carolina was from the shoalness of the water obliged to
+haul her wind off shore and give up the chase; opened a fire upon the
+chase across the island from the gun vessels. At half past 10 o'clock,
+she hauled down her colors and was taken possession of. She proved to be
+the armed schooner Gen. Boliver; by grounding she broke both her rudder
+pintles and made water; took from her her armament, consisting of one
+long brass eighteen pounder, one long brass six pounder, two twelve
+pounders, small arms, &c., and twenty-one packages of dry goods. On the
+afternoon of the 23d, got underway with the whole squadron, in all
+seventeen vessels, but during the night one escaped, and the next day
+arrived at New Orleans with my whole squadron.
+
+At different times the English had sought to attack the pirates at
+Barrataria, in hopes of taking their prizes, and even their armed
+vessels. Of these attempts of the British, suffice it to instance that
+of June 23d, 1813, when two privateers being at anchor off Cat Island, a
+British sloop of war anchored at the entrance of the pass, and sent her
+boats to endeavor to take the privateers; but they were repulsed with
+considerable loss.
+
+Such was the state of affairs, when on the 2d Sept., 1814, there
+appeared an armed brig on the coast opposite the pass. She fired a gun
+at a vessel about to enter, and forced her to run aground; she then
+tacked and shortly after came to an anchor at the entrance of the pass.
+It was not easy to understand the intentions of this vessel, who, having
+commenced with hostilities on her first appearance now seemed to
+announce an amicable disposition. Mr. Lafitte then went off in a boat to
+examine her, venturing so far that he could not escape from the pinnace
+sent from the brig, and making towards the shore, bearing British colors
+and a flag of truce. In this pinnace were two naval officers. One was
+Capt. Lockyer, commander of the brig. The first question they asked was,
+where was Mr. Lafitte? he not choosing to make himself known to them,
+replied that the person they inquired for was on shore. They then
+delivered to him a packet directed to Mr. Lafitte, Barrataria,
+requesting him to take particular care of it, and to deliver it into Mr.
+Lafitte's hands. He prevailed on them to make for the shore, and as soon
+as they got near enough to be in his power, he made himself known,
+recommending to them at the same time to conceal the business on which
+they had come. Upwards of two hundred persons lined the shore, and it
+was a general cry amongst the crews of the privateers at Grand Terre,
+that those British officers should be made prisoners and sent to New
+Orleans as spies. It was with much difficulty that Lafitte dissuaded the
+multitude from this intent, and led the officers in safety to his
+dwelling. He thought very prudently that the papers contained in the
+packet might be of importance towards the safety of the country and that
+the officers if well watched could obtain no intelligence that might
+turn to the detriment of Louisiana. He now examined the contents of the
+packet, in which he found a proclamation addressed by Col. Edward
+Nichalls, in the service of his Brittanic Majesty, and commander of the
+land forces on the coast of Florida, to the inhabitants of Louisiana. A
+letter from the same to Mr. Lafitte, the commander of Barrataria; an
+official letter from the honorable W.H. Percy, captain of the sloop of
+war Hermes, directed to Lafitte. When he had perused these letters,
+Capt. Lockyer enlarged on the subject of them and proposed to him to
+enter into the service of his Brittanic Majesty with the rank of post
+captain and to receive the command of a 44 gun frigate. Also all those
+under his command, or over whom he had sufficient influence. He was also
+offered thirty thousand dollars, payable at Pensacola, and urged him not
+to let slip this opportunity of acquiring fortune and consideration. On
+Lafitte's requiring a few days to reflect upon these proposals, Capt.
+Lockyer observed to him that no reflection could be necessary,
+respecting proposals that obviously precluded hesitation, as he was a
+Frenchman and proscribed by the American government. But to all his
+splendid promises and daring insinuations, Lafitte replied that in a few
+days he would give a final answer; his object in this procrastination
+being to gain time to inform the officers of the state government of
+this nefarious project. Having occasion to go to some distance for a
+short time, the persons who had proposed to send the British officers
+prisoners to New Orleans, went and seized them in his absence, and
+confined both them and the crew of the pinnace, in a secure place,
+leaving a guard at the door. The British officers sent for Lafitte; but
+he, fearing an insurrection of the crews of the privateers, thought it
+advisable not to see them until he had first persuaded their captains
+and officers to desist from the measures on which they seemed bent. With
+this view he represented to the latter that, besides the infamy that
+would attach to them if they treated as prisoners people who had come
+with a flag of truce, they would lose the opportunity of discovering the
+projects of the British against Louisiana.
+
+Early the next morning Lafitte caused them to be released from their
+confinement and saw them safe on board their pinnace, apologizing the
+detention. He now wrote to Capt. Lockyer the following letter.
+
+To CAPTAIN LOCKYER.
+
+_Barrataria, 4th Sept_. 1814.
+
+Sir--The confusion which prevailed in our camp yesterday and this
+morning, and of which you have a complete knowledge, has prevented me
+from answering in a precise manner to the object of your mission; nor
+even at this moment can I give you all the satisfaction that you desire;
+however, if you could grant me a fortnight, I would be entirely at your
+disposal at the end of that time. This delay is indispensable to enable
+me to put my affairs in order. You may communicate with me by sending a
+boat to the eastern point of the pass, where I will be found. You have
+inspired me with more confidence than the admiral, your superior
+officer, could have done himself; with you alone, I wish to deal, and
+from you also I will claim, in due time the reward of the services,
+which I may render to you. Yours, &c.
+
+J. LAFITTE.
+
+His object in writing that letter was, by appearing disposed to accede
+to their proposals, to give time to communicate the affair to the
+officers of the state government, and to receive from them instructions
+how to act, under circumstances so critical and important to the
+country. He accordingly wrote on the 4th September to Mr. Blanque, one
+of the representatives of the state, sending him all the papers
+delivered to him by the British officers with a letter addressed to his
+excellency, Gov. Claiborne of the state of Louisiana.
+
+To Gov. CLAIBORNE.
+
+_Barrataria, Sept_. 4_th_, 1814.
+
+Sir--In the firm persuasion that the choice made of you to fill the
+office of first magistrate of this state, was dictated by the esteem of
+your fellow citizens, and was conferred on merit, I confidently address
+you on an affair on which may depend the safety of this country. I offer
+to you to restore to this state several citizens, who perhaps in your
+eyes have lost that sacred title. I offer you them, however, such as you
+could wish to find them, ready to exert their utmost efforts in defence
+of the country. This point of Louisiana, which I occupy, is of great
+importance in the present crisis. I tender my services to defend it; and
+the only reward I ask is that a stop be put to the proscription against
+me and my adherents, by an act of oblivion, for all that has been done
+hitherto. I am the stray sheep wishing to return to the fold. If you are
+thoroughly acquainted with the nature of my offences, I should appear to
+you much less guilty, and still worthy to discharge the duties of a good
+citizen. I have never sailed under any flag but that of the republic of
+Carthagena, and my vessels are perfectly regular in that respect. If I
+could have brought my lawful prizes into the ports of this state, I
+should not have employed the illicit means that have caused me to be
+proscribed. I decline saying more on the subject, until I have the honor
+of your excellency's answer, which I am persuaded can be dictated only
+by wisdom. Should your answer not be favorable to my ardent desires, I
+declare to you that I will instantly leave the country, to avoid the
+imputation of having cooperated towards an invasion on this point, which
+cannot fail to take place, and to rest secure in the acquittal of my
+conscience.
+
+I have the honor to be
+
+your excellency's, &c.
+
+J. LAFITTE.
+
+The contents of these letters do honor to Lafitte's judgment, and
+evince his sincere attachment to the American cause. On the receipt of
+this packet from Lafitte, Mr. Blanque immediately laid its contents
+before the governor, who convened the committee of defence lately formed
+of which he was president; and Mr. Rancher the bearer of Lafitte's
+packet, was sent back with a verbal answer to desire Lafitte to take no
+steps until it should be determined what was expedient to be done; the
+message also contained an assurance that, in the meantime no steps
+should be taken against him for his past offences against the laws of
+the United States.
+
+At the expiration of the time agreed on with Captain Lockyer, his ship
+appeared again on the coast with two others, and continued standing off
+and on before the pass for several days. But he pretended not to
+perceive the return of the sloop of war, who tired of waiting to no
+purpose put out to sea and disappeared.
+
+Lafitte having received a guarantee from General Jackson for his safe
+passage from Barrataria to New Orleans and back, he proceeded forthwith
+to the city where he had an interview with Gov. Claiborne and the
+General. After the usual formalities and courtesies had taken place
+between these gentlemen, Lafitte addressed the Governor of Louisiana
+nearly as follows. I have offered to defend for you that part of
+Louisiana I now hold. But not as an outlaw, would I be its defender. In
+that confidence, with which you have inspired me, I offer to restore to
+the state many citizens, now under my command. As I have remarked
+before, the point I occupy is of great importance in the present crisis.
+I tender not only my own services to defend it, but those of all I
+command; and the only reward I ask, is, that a stop be put to the
+proscription against me and my adherents, by an act of oblivion for all
+that has been done hitherto.
+
+"My dear sir," said the Governor, who together with General Jackson, was
+impressed with admiration of his sentiments, "your praiseworthy wishes
+shall be laid before the council of the state, and I will confer with my
+August friend here present, upon this important affair, and send you an
+answer to-morrow." At Lafitte withdrew, the General said farewell; when
+we meet again, I trust it will be in the ranks of the American army. The
+result of the conference was the issuing the following order.
+
+[Illustration: _Interview between Lafitte, General Jackson, and Governor
+Claiborne._]
+
+The Governor of Louisiana, informed that many individuals implicated in
+the offences heretofore committed against the United States at
+Barrataria, express a willingness at the present crisis to enroll
+themselves and march against the enemy.
+
+He does hereby invite them to join the standard of the United States and
+is authorised to say, should their conduct in the field meet the
+approbation of the Major General, that that officer will unite with the
+governor in a request to the president of the United States, to extend
+to each and every individual, so marching and acting, a free and full
+pardon. These general orders were placed in the hands of Lafitte, who
+circulated them among his dispersed followers, most of whom readily
+embraced the conditions of pardon they held out. In a few days many
+brave men and skillful artillerists, whose services contributed greatly
+to the safety of the invaded state, flocked to the standard of the
+United States, and by their conduct, received the highest approbation of
+General Jackson.
+
+BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
+
+A PROCLAMATION.
+
+"Among the many evils produced by the wars, which, with little
+intermission, have afflicted Europe, and extended their ravages into
+other quarters of the globe, for a period exceeding twenty years, the
+dispersion of a considerable portion of the inhabitants of different
+countries, in sorrow and in want, has not been the least injurious to
+human happiness, nor the least severe in the trial of human virtue.
+
+"It had been long ascertained that many foreigners, flying from the
+dangers of their own home, and that some citizens, forgetful of their
+duty, had co-operated in forming an establishment on the island of
+Barrataria, near the mouth of the river Mississippi, for the purpose of
+a clandestine and lawless trade. The government of the United States
+caused the establishment to be broken up and destroyed; and, having
+obtained the means of designating the offenders of every description, it
+only remained to answer the demands of justice by inflicting an
+exemplary punishment.
+
+"But it has since been represented that the offenders have manifested a
+sincere penitence; that they have abandoned the prosecution of the worst
+cause for the support of the best, and, particularly, that they have
+exhibited, in the defence of New Orleans, unequivocal traits of courage
+and fidelity. Offenders, who have refused to become the associates of
+the enemy in the war, upon the most seducing terms of invitation; and
+who have aided to repel his hostile invasion of the territory of the
+United States, can no longer be considered as objects of punishment, but
+as objects of a generous forgiveness.
+
+"It has therefore been seen, with great satisfaction, that the General
+Assembly of the State of Louisiana earnestly recommend those offenders
+to the benefit of a full pardon; And in compliance with that
+recommendation, as well as in consideration of all the other
+extraordinary circumstances in the case, I, _James Madison_, President
+of the United States of America, do issue this proclamation, hereby
+granting, publishing and declaring, a free and full pardon of all
+offences committed in violation of any act or acts of the Congress of
+the said United States, touching the revenue, trade and navigation
+thereof, or touching the intercourse and commerce of the United States
+with foreign nations, at any time before the eighth day of January, in
+the present year one thousand eight hundred and fifteen, by any person
+or persons whatsoever, being inhabitants of New Orleans and the adjacent
+country, or being inhabitants of the said island of Barrataria, and the
+places adjacent; _Provided_, that every person, claiming the benefit of
+this full pardon, in order to entitle himself thereto, shall produce a
+certificate in writing from the governor of the State of Louisiana,
+stating that such person has aided in the defence of New Orleans and
+the adjacent country, during the invasion thereof as aforesaid.
+
+"And I do hereby further authorize and direct all suits, indictments, and
+prosecutions, for fines, penalties, and forfeitures, against any person
+or persons, who shall be entitled to the benefit of this full pardon,
+forthwith to be stayed, discontinued and released: All civil officers
+are hereby required, according to the duties of their respective
+stations, to carry this proclamation into immediate and faithful
+execution.
+
+"Done at the City of Washington, the sixth day of February, in the year
+one thousand eight hundred and fifteen, and of the independence of the
+United States the thirty-ninth.
+
+"By the President,
+
+"JAMES MADISON
+
+"JAMES MONROE,
+
+"_Acting Secretary of State_."
+
+The morning of the eighth of January, was ushered in with the discharge
+of rockets, the sound of cannon, and the cheers of the British soldiers
+advancing to the attack. The Americans, behind the breastwork, awaited
+in calm intrepidity their approach. The enemy advanced in close column
+of sixty men in front, shouldering their muskets and carrying fascines
+and ladders. A storm of rockets preceded them, and an incessant fire
+opened from the battery, which commanded the advanced column. The
+musketry and rifles from the Kentuckians and Tennesseans, joined the
+fire of the artillery, and in a few moments was heard along the line a
+ceaseless, rolling fire, whose tremendous noise resembled the continued
+reverberation of thunder. One of these guns, a twenty-four pounder,
+placed upon the breastwork in the third embrasure from the river, drew,
+from the fatal skill and activity with which it was managed, even in
+the heat of battle, the admiration of both Americans and British; and
+became one of the points most dreaded by the advancing foe.
+
+Here was stationed Lafitte and his lieutenant Dominique and a large band
+of his men, who during the continuance of the battle, fought with
+unparalleled bravery. The British already had been twice driven back in
+the utmost confusion, with the loss of their commander-in-chief, and two
+general officers.
+
+Two other batteries were manned by the Barratarians, who served their
+pieces with the steadiness and precision of veteran gunners. In the
+first attack of the enemy, a column pushed forward between the levee and
+river; and so precipitate was their charge that the outposts were forced
+to retire, closely pressed by the enemy. Before the batteries could meet
+the charge, clearing the ditch, they gained the redoubt through the
+embrasures, leaping over the parapet, and overwhelming by their superior
+force the small party stationed there.
+
+Lafitte, who was commanding in conjunction with his officers, at one of
+the guns, no sooner saw the bold movement of the enemy, than calling a
+few of his best men by his side, he sprung forward to the point of
+danger, and clearing the breastwork of the entrenchments, leaped,
+cutlass in hand, into the midst of the enemy, followed by a score of his
+men, who in many a hard fought battle upon his own deck, had been well
+tried.
+
+Astonished at the intrepidity which could lead men to leave their
+entrenchments and meet them hand to hand, and pressed by the suddenness
+of the charge, which was made with the recklessness, skill and rapidity
+of practised boarders bounding upon the deck of an enemy's vessel, they
+began to give way, while one after another, two British officers fell
+before the cutlass of the pirate, as they were bravely encouraging their
+men. All the energies of the British were now concentrated to scale the
+breastwork, which one daring officer had already mounted. While Lafitte
+and his followers, seconding a gallant band of volunteer riflemen,
+formed a phalanx which they in vain assayed to penetrate.
+
+The British finding it impossible to take the city and the havoc in
+their ranks being dreadful, made a precipitate retreat, leaving the
+field covered with their dead and wounded.
+
+General Jackson, in his correspondence with the secretary of war did not
+fail to notice the conduct of the "Corsairs of Barrataria," who were, as
+we have already seen, employed in the artillery service. In the course
+of the campaign they proved, in an unequivocal manner, that they had
+been misjudged by the enemy, who a short time previous to the invasion
+of Louisiana, had hoped to enlist them in his cause. Many of them were
+killed or wounded in the defence of the country. Their zeal, their
+courage, and their skill, were remarked by the whole army, who could no
+longer consider such brave men as criminals. In a few days peace was
+declared between Great Britain and the United States.
+
+The piratical establishment of Barrataria having been broken up and
+Lafitte not being content with leading an honest, peaceful life,
+procured some fast sailing vessels, and with a great number of his
+followers, proceeded to Galvezton Bay, in Texas, during the year 1819;
+where he received a commission from General Long; and had five vessels
+generally cruising and about 300 men. Two open boats bearing commissions
+from General Humbert, of Galvezton, having robbed a plantation on the
+Marmento river, of negroes, money, &c., were captured in the Sabine
+river, by the boats of the United States schooner Lynx. One of the men
+was hung by Lafitte, who dreaded the vengeance of the American
+government. The Lynx also captured one of his schooners, and her prize
+that had been for a length of time smuggling in the Carmento. One of
+his cruisers, named the Jupiter, returned safe to Galvezton after a
+short cruise with a valuable cargo, principally specie; she was the
+first vessel that sailed under the authority of Texas. The American
+government well knowing that where Lafitte was, piracy and smuggling
+would be the order of the day, sent a vessel of war to cruise in the
+Gulf of Mexico, and scour the coasts of Texas. Lafitte having been
+appointed governor of Galvezton and one of the cruisers being stationed
+off the port to watch his motions, it so annoyed him that he wrote the
+following letter to her commander, Lieutenant Madison.
+
+_To the commandant of the American cruiser, off the port of Galvezton_.
+
+Sir--I am convinced that you are a cruiser of the navy, ordered by your
+government. I have therefore deemed it proper to inquire into the cause
+of your living before this port without communicating your intention. I
+shall by this message inform you, that the port of Galvezton belongs to
+and is in the possession of the republic of Texas, and was made a port
+of entry the 9th October last. And whereas the supreme congress of said
+republic have thought proper to appoint me as governor of this place, in
+consequence of which, if you have any demands on said government, or
+persons belonging to or residing in the same, you will please to send an
+officer with such demands, whom you may be assured will be treated with
+the greatest politeness, and receive every satisfaction required. But if
+you are ordered, or should attempt to enter this port in a hostile
+manner, my oath and duty to the government compels me to rebut your
+intentions at the expense of my life.
+
+To prove to you my intentions towards the welfare and harmony of your
+government I send enclosed the declaration of several prisoners, who
+were taken in custody yesterday, and by a court of inquiry appointed
+for that purpose, were found guilty of robbing the inhabitants of the
+United States of a number of slaves and specie. The gentlemen bearing
+this message will give you any reasonable information relating to this
+place, that may be required.
+
+Yours, &c.
+
+J. LAFITTE.
+
+About this time one Mitchell, who had formerly belonged to Lafitte's
+gang, collected upwards of one hundred and fifty desperadoes and
+fortified himself on an island near Barrataria, with several pieces of
+cannon; and swore that he and all his comrades would perish within their
+trenches before they would surrender to any man. Four of this gang
+having gone to New Orleans on a frolic, information was given to the
+city watch, and the house surrounded, when the whole four with cocked
+pistols in both hands sallied out and marched through the crowd which
+made way for them and no person dared to make an attempt to arrest them.
+
+The United States cutter, Alabama, on her way to the station off the
+mouth of the Mississippi, captured a piratical schooner belonging to
+Lafitte; she carried two guns and twenty-five men, and was fitted out at
+New Orleans, and commanded by one of Lafitte's lieutenants, named Le
+Fage; the schooner had a prize in company and being hailed by the
+cutter, poured into her a volley of musketry; the cutter then opened
+upon the privateer and a smart action ensued which terminated in favor
+of the cutter, which had four men wounded and two of them dangerously;
+but the pirate had six men killed; both vessels were captured and
+brought into the bayou St. John. An expedition was now sent to dislodge
+Mitchell and his comrades from the island he had taken possession of;
+after coming to anchor, a summons was sent for him to surrender, which
+was answered by a brisk cannonade from his breastwork. The vessels were
+warped close in shore; and the boats manned and sent on shore whilst the
+vessels opened upon the pirates; the boat's crews landed under a galling
+fire of grape shot and formed in the most undaunted manner; and although
+a severe loss was sustained they entered the breastwork at the point of
+the bayonet; after a desperate fight the pirates gave way, many were
+taken prisoners but Mitchell and the greatest part escaped to the
+cypress swamps where it was impossible to arrest them. A large quantity
+of dry goods and specie together with other booty was taken. Twenty of
+the pirates were taken and brought to New Orleans, and tried before
+Judge Hall, of the Circuit Court of the United States, sixteen were
+brought in guilty; and after the Judge had finished pronouncing sentence
+of death upon the hardened wretches, several of them cried out in open
+court, _Murder--by God_.
+
+Accounts of these transactions having reached Lafitte, he plainly
+perceived there was a determination to sweep all his cruisers from the
+sea; and a war of extermination appeared to be waged against him.
+
+In a fit of desperation he procured a large and fast sailing brigantine
+mounting sixteen guns and having selected a crew of one hundred and
+sixty men he started without any commission as a regular pirate
+determined to rob all nations and neither to give or receive quarter. A
+British sloop of war which was cruising in the Gulf of Mexico, having
+heard that Lafitte himself was at sea, kept a sharp look out from the
+mast head; when one morning as an officer was sweeping the horizon with
+his glass he discovered a long dark looking vessel, low in the water,
+but having very tall masts, with sails white as the driven snow. As the
+sloop of war had the weather gage of the pirate and could outsail her
+before the wind, she set her studding sails and crowded every inch of
+canvass in chase; as soon as Lafitte ascertained the character of his
+opponent, he ordered the awnings to be furled and set his big
+square-sail and shot rapidly through the water; but as the breeze
+freshened the sloop of war came up rapidly with the pirate, who, finding
+no chance of escaping, determined to sell his life as dearly as
+possible; the guns were cast loose and the shot handed up; and a fire
+opened upon the ship which killed a number of men and carried away her
+foretopmast, but she reserved her fire until within cable's distance of
+the pirate; when she fired a general discharge from her broadside, and a
+volley of small arms; the broadside was too much elevated to hit the low
+hull of the brigantine, but was not without effect; the foretopmast
+fell, the jaws of the main gaff were severed and a large proportion of
+the rigging came rattling down on deck; ten of the pirates were killed,
+but Lafitte remained unhurt. The sloop of war entered her men over the
+starboard bow and a terrific contest with pistols and cutlasses ensued;
+Lafitte received two wounds at this time which disabled him, a grape
+shot broke the bone of his right leg and he received a cut in the
+abdomen, but his crew fought like tigers and the deck was ankle deep
+with blood and gore; the captain of the boarders received such a
+tremendous blow on the head from the butt end of a musket, as stretched
+him senseless on the deck near Lafitte, who raised his dagger to stab
+him to the heart. But the tide of his existence was ebbing like a
+torrent, his brain was giddy, his aim faltered and the point descended
+in the Captain's right thigh; dragging away the blade with the last
+convulsive energy of a death struggle, he lacerated the wound. Again the
+reeking steel was upheld, and Lafitte placed his left hand near the
+Captain's heart, to make his aim more sure; again the dizziness of
+dissolution spread over his sight, down came the dagger into the
+captain's left thigh and Lafitte was a corpse.
+
+The upper deck was cleared, and the boarders rushed below on the main
+deck to complete their conquest. Here the slaughter was dreadful, till
+the pirates called out for quarter, and the carnage ceased; all the
+pirates that surrendered were taken to Jamaica and tried before the
+Admiralty court where sixteen were condemned to die, six were
+subsequently pardoned and ten executed.
+
+[Illustration: _Death of Lafitte, the Pirate._]
+
+Thus perished Lafitte, a man superior in talent, in knowledge of his
+profession, in courage, and moreover in physical strength; but
+unfortunately his reckless career was marked with crimes of the darkest
+dye.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN ROBERTS.
+
+
+Bartholomew Roberts was trained to a sea-faring life. Among other
+voyages which he made during the time that he lawfully procured his
+maintenance, he sailed for the Guinea cost, in November, 1719, where he
+was taken by the pirate Davis. He was at first very averse to that mode
+of life, and would certainly have deserted, had an opportunity occurred.
+It happened to him, however, as to many upon another element, that
+preferment calmed his conscience, and reconciled him to that which he
+formerly hated.
+
+Davis having fallen in the manner related, those who had assumed the
+title of Lords assembled to deliberate concerning the choice of a new
+commander. There were several candidates, who, by their services, had
+risen to eminence among their breathren, and each of them thought
+themselves qualified to bear rule. One addressed the assembled lords,
+saying, "that the good of the whole, and the maintenance of order,
+demanded a head, but that the proper authority was deposited in the
+community at large; so that if one should be elected who did not act and
+govern for the general good, he could be deposed, and another be
+substituted in his place."
+
+"We are the original," said he, "of this claim, and should a captain be
+so saucy as to exceed prescription at any time, why, down with him! It
+will be a caution, after he is dead, to his successors, to what fatal
+results any undue assumption may lead; however, it is my advice, while
+be are sober, to pitch upon a man of courage, and one skilled in
+navigation,--one who, by his prudence and bravery, seems best able to
+defend this commonwealth, and ward us from the dangers and tempests of
+an unstable element, and the fatal consequences of anarchy; and such a
+one I take Roberts to be: a fellow in all respects worthy of your esteem
+and favor."
+
+This speech was applauded by all but Lord Simpson, who had himself
+strong expectations of obtaining the highest command. He at last, in a
+surly tone, said, he did not regard whom they chose as a commander,
+provided he was not a papist, for he had conceived a mortal hatred to
+papists, because his father had been a sufferer in Monmouth's rebellion.
+
+Thus, though Roberts had only been a few weeks among them, his election
+was confirmed by the Lords and Commons. He, with the best face he could,
+accepted of the dignity, saying, "that since he had dipped his hands in
+muddy water, and must be a pirate, it was better being a commander than
+a private man."
+
+The governor being settled, and other officers chosen in the room of
+those who had fallen with Davis, it was resolved not to leave this place
+without revenging his death. Accordingly, thirty men, under the command
+of one Kennedy, a bold and profligate fellow, landed, and under cover of
+the fire of the ship, ascended the hill upon which the fort stood. They
+were no sooner discovered by the Portuguese, than they abandoned the
+fort, and took shelter in the town. The pirates then entered without
+opposition, set fire to the fort, and tumbled the guns into the sea.
+
+Not satisfied with this injury, some proposed to land and set the town
+in flames. Roberts however, reminded them of the great danger to which
+this would inevitably expose them; that there was a thick wood at the
+back of the town, where the inhabitants could hide themselves, and that,
+when their all was at stake, they would make a bolder resistance: and
+that the burning or destroying of a few houses, would be a small return
+for their labor, and the loss that they might sustain. This prudent
+advice had the desired effect, and they contented themselves with
+lightening the French vessel, and battering down several houses of the
+town, to show their high displeasure.
+
+Roberts sailed southward, captured a Dutch Guineaman, and, having
+emptied her of everything they thought proper, returned her to the
+commander. Two days after, he captured an English ship, and, as the men
+joined in pirating, emptied and burned the vessel, and then sailed for
+St. Thomas. Meeting with no prize, he sailed for Anamaboa, and there
+watered and repaired. Having again put to sea, a vote was taken whether
+they should sail for the East Indies or for Brazil. The latter place was
+decided upon, and they arrived there in twenty-eight days.
+
+Upon this coast our rovers cruised for about nine weeks, keeping
+generally out of sight of land, but without seeing a sail; which
+discouraged them so, that they determined to leave the station, and
+steer for the West Indies; and, in order thereto, they stood in to make
+the land for the taking of their departure, by which means they fell in,
+unexpectedly, with a fleet of forty-two sail of Portuguese ships, off
+the Bay of Los Todos Santos, with all their lading in for Lisbon;
+several of them of good force, who lay there waiting for two men of war
+of seventy guns each for their convoy. However, Roberts thought it
+should go hard with him but he would make up his market among them, and
+thereupon he mixed with the fleet, and kept his men concealed till
+proper resolutions could be formed; that done, they came close up to one
+of the deepest, and ordered her to send the master on board quietly,
+threatening to give them no quarter, if any resistance or signal of
+distress was made. The Portuguese, being surprised at these threats, and
+the sudden flourish of cutlasses from the pirates, submitted without a
+word, and the captain came on board. Roberts saluted him in a friendly
+manner, telling him that they were gentlemen of fortune, and that their
+business with him was only to be informed which was the richest ship in
+that fleet; and if he directed them right, he should be restored to his
+ship without molestation, otherwise he must expect instant death.
+
+He then pointed to a vessel of forty guns, and a hundred and fifty men;
+and though her strength was greatly superior to Roberts', yet he made
+towards her, taking the master of the captured vessel along with him.
+Coming alongside of her, Roberts ordered the prisoner to ask, "How
+Seignior Captain did?" and to invite him on board, as he had a matter of
+importance to impart to him. He was answered, "That he would wait upon
+him presently." Roberts, however, observing more than ordinary bustle on
+board, at once concluded they were discovered, and pouring a broadside
+into her, they immediately boarded, grappled, and took her. She was a
+very rich prize, laden with sugar, skins, and tobacco, with four
+thousand moidores of gold, besides other valuable articles.
+
+In possession of so much riches, they now became solicitous to find a
+safe retreat in which to spend their time in mirth and wantonness. They
+determined upon a place called the Devil's Island upon the river
+Surinam, where they arrived in safety, and met with a kind reception
+from the governor and the inhabitants.
+
+In this river they seized a sloop, which informed them that she had
+sailed in company with a brigantine loaded with provisions. This was
+welcome intelligence, as their provisions were nearly exhausted. Deeming
+this too important a business to trust to foreign hands, Roberts, with
+forty men in the sloop, gave chase to that sail. In the keenness of the
+moment, and trusting in his usual good fortune, Roberts supposed that he
+had only to take a short sail in order to bring in the vessel with her
+cargo; but to his sad disappointment, he pursued her during eight days,
+and instead of gaining, was losing way. Under these circumstances, he
+came to anchor, and sent off the boat to give intelligence of their
+distress to their companions.
+
+In their extremity of want, they took up part of the floor of the cabin,
+and patched up a sort of tray with rope-yarns, to paddle on shore to get
+a little water to preserve their lives. When their patience was almost
+exhausted, the boat returned, but instead of provisions, brought the
+unpleasing information, that the lieutenant, one Kennedy, had run off
+with both the ships.
+
+The misfortune and misery of Roberts were greatly aggravated by
+reflecting upon his own imprudence and want of foresight, as well as
+from the baseness of Kennedy and his crew. Impelled by the necessity of
+his situation, he now began to reflect upon the means he should employ
+for future support. Under the foolish supposition that any laws, oaths
+or regulations, could bind those who had bidden open defiance to all
+divine and human laws, he proceeded to form a code of regulations for
+the maintenance of order and unity in his little commonwealth.
+
+But present necessity compelled them to action, and with their small
+sloop they sailed for the West Indies. They were not long before they
+captured two sloops, which supplied them with provisions, and a few days
+after, a brigantine, and then proceeded to Barbadoes. When off that
+island they met a vessel of ten guns, richly laden from Bristol; after
+plundering, and detaining her three days, they allowed her to prosecute
+her voyage. This vessel, however, informed the governor of what had
+befallen them, who sent a vessel of twenty guns and eighty men in quest
+of the pirates.
+
+That vessel was commanded by one Rogers, who, on the second day of his
+cruise, discovered Roberts. Ignorant of any vessel being sent after
+them, they made towards each other. Roberts gave him a gun but instead
+of striking, the other returned a broadside, with three huzzas. A
+severe engagement ensued, and Roberts being hard put to it, lightened
+his vessel and ran off.
+
+Roberts then sailed for the Island of Dominica, where he watered, and
+was supplied by the inhabitants with provisions, for which he gave them
+goods in return. Here he met with fifteen Englishmen left upon the
+island by a Frenchman who had made a prize of their vessel; and they,
+entering into his service, proved a seasonable addition to his strength.
+
+Though he did not think this a proper place for cleaning, yet as it was
+absolutely necessary that it should be done, he directed his course to
+the Granada islands for that purpose. This, however, had well nigh
+proved fatal to him; for the Governor of Martinique fitted out two
+sloops to go in quest of the pirates. They, however, sailed to the
+above-mentioned place, cleaned with unusual despatch, and just left that
+place the night before the sloops in pursuit of them arrived.
+
+They next sailed for Newfoundland, arriving upon the banks in June,
+1720, and entered the harbor of Trepassi, with their black colors
+flying, drums beating, and trumpets sounding. In that harbor there were
+no less than twenty-two ships, which the men abandoned upon the sight of
+the pirates. It is impossible to describe the injury which they did at
+this place, by burning or sinking the ships, destroying the plantations,
+and pillaging the houses. Power in the hands of mean and ignorant men
+renders them wanton, insolent and cruel. They are literally like madmen,
+who cast firebrands, arrows and death, and say, "Are not we in sport?"
+
+Roberts reserved a Bristol galley from his depredations in the harbor,
+which he fitted and manned for his own service. Upon the banks he met
+ten sail of French ships, and destroyed them all, except one of
+twenty-six guns, which he seized and carried off, and called her the
+Fortune. Then giving the Bristol galley to the Frenchman, they sailed
+in quest of new adventures, and soon took several prizes, and out of
+them increased the number of their own hands. The Samuel, one of these,
+was a very rich vessel, having some respectable passengers on board, who
+were roughly used, and threatened with death if they did not deliver up
+their money and their goods. They stripped the vessel of every article,
+either necessary for their vessel or themselves, to the amount of eight
+or nine thousand pounds. They then deliberated whether to sink or burn
+the Samuel, but in the mean time they discovered a sail, so they left
+the empty Samuel, and gave the other chase. At midnight they overtook
+her, and she proved to be the Snow from Bristol; and, because he was an
+Englishman, they used the master in a cruel and barbarous manner. Two
+days after, they took the Little York of Virginia, and the Love of
+Liverpool, both of which they plundered and sent off. In three days they
+captured three other vessels, removing the goods out of them, sinking
+one, and sending off the other two.
+
+They next sailed for the West Indies, but provisions growing short,
+proceeded to St. Christopher's, where, being denied provisions by the
+governor, they fired on the town, and burnt two ships in the roads. They
+then repaired to the island of St. Bartholomew, where the governor
+supplied them with every necessary, and caressed them in the kindest
+manner. Satiated with indulgence, and having taken in a large stock of
+everything necessary, they unanimously voted to hasten to the coast of
+Guinea. In their way they took a Frenchman, and as she was fitter for
+the pirate service than their own, they informed the captain, that, as
+"a fair exchange was no robbery," they would exchange sloops with him;
+accordingly, having shifted their men, they set sail. However, going by
+mistake out of the track of the trade winds, they were under the
+necessity of returning to the West Indies.
+
+They now directed their course to Surinam but not having sufficient
+water for the voyage they were soon reduced to a mouthful of water in
+the day; their numbers daily diminished by thirst and famine and the few
+who survived were reduced to the greatest weakness. They at last had not
+one drop of water or any other liquid, when, to their inexpressible joy,
+they anchored in seven fathoms of water. This tended to revive exhausted
+nature and inspire them with new vigour, though as yet they had received
+no relief. In the morning they discovered land, but at such a distance
+that their hopes were greatly dampened. The boat was however sent off,
+and at night returned with plenty of that necessary element. But this
+remarkable deliverance produced no reformation in the manners of these
+unfeeling and obdurate men.
+
+Steering their course from that place to Barbadoes, in their way they
+met with a vessel which supplied them with all necessaries. Not long
+after, they captured a brigantine, the mate of which joined their
+association. Having from these two obtained a large supply, they changed
+their course and watered at Tobago. Informed, however, that there were
+two vessels sent in pursuit of them, they went to return their
+compliments to the Governor of Martinique for this kindness.
+
+It was the custom of the Dutch interlopers, when they approached this
+island to trade with the inhabitants, to hoist their jacks. Roberts knew
+the signal, and did so likewise. They, supposing that a good market was
+near, strove who could first reach Roberts. Determined to do them all
+possible mischief he destroyed them one by one as they came into his
+power. He only reserved one ship to send the men on shore, and burnt the
+remainder, to the number of twenty.
+
+Roberts and his crew were so fortunate as to capture several vessels and
+to render their liquor so plentiful, that it was esteemed a crime
+against Providence not to be continually drunk. One man, remarkable
+for his sobriety, along with two others, found an opportunity to set off
+without taking leave of their friends. But a despatch being sent after
+them, they were brought back, and in a formal manner tried and
+sentenced, but one of them was saved by the humorous interference of one
+of the judges, whose speech was truly worthy of a pirate--while the
+other two suffered the punishment of death.
+
+[Illustration: _Captain Roberts' Crew carousing at Old Calabar River._]
+
+When necessity again compelled them, they renewed their cruising; and,
+dissatisfied with capturing vessels which only afforded them a temporary
+supply, directed their course to the Guinea coast to forage for gold.
+Intoxication rendered them unruly, and the brigantine at last embraced
+the cover of night to abandon the commodore. Unconcerned at the loss of
+his companion, Roberts pursued his voyage. He fell in with two French
+ships, the one of ten guns and sixty-five men, and the other of sixteen
+guns and seventy-five men. These dastards no sooner beheld the black
+flag than they surrendered. With these they went to Sierra Leone,
+constituting one of them a consort, by the name of the Ranger, and the
+other a store-ship. This port being frequented by the greater part of
+the traders to that quarter, they remained here six weeks, enjoying
+themselves in all the splendor and luxury of a piratical life.
+
+After this they renewed their voyage, and having captured a vessel, the
+greater part of the men united their fortunes with the pirates. On board
+of one of the ships was a clergyman, whom some of them proposed taking
+along with them, for no other reason than that they had not a chaplain
+on board. They endeavored to gain his consent, and assured him that he
+should want for nothing, and his only work would be, to make punch and
+say prayers. Depraved, however, as these men were, they did not choose
+to constrain him to go, but displayed their civility further, by
+permitting him to carry along with him whatever he called his own.
+After several cruises, they now went into a convenient harbor at Old
+Calabar, where they cleaned, refitted, divided their booty, and for a
+considerable time caroused, to banish care and sober reflection.
+
+According to their usual custom, the time of festivity and mirth was
+prolonged until the want of means recalled them to reason and exertion.
+Leaving this port, they cruised from place to place with varied success;
+but in all their captures, either burning, sinking, or devoting their
+prizes to their own use, according to the whim of the moment. The
+Swallow and another man-of-war being sent out expressly to pursue and
+take Roberts and his fleet, he had frequent and certain intelligence of
+their destination; but having so often escaped their vigilance, he
+became rather too secure and fearless. It happened, however, that while
+he lay off Cape Lopez, the Swallow had information of his being in that
+place, and made towards him. Upon the appearance of a sail, one of
+Roberts' ships was sent to chase and take her. The pilot of the Swallow
+seeing her coming, manoeouvred his vessel so well, that though he fled
+at her approach, in order to draw her out of the reach of her
+associates, yet he at his own time allowed her to overtake the
+man-of-war.
+
+Upon her coming up to the Swallow, the pirate hoisted the black flag,
+and fired upon her; but how greatly were her crew astonished, when they
+saw that they had to contend with a man-of-war, and seeing that all
+resistance was vain, they cried out for quarter, which was granted, and
+they were made prisoners, having ten men killed and twenty wounded,
+without the loss or hurt of one of the king's men.
+
+On the 10th, in the morning, the man-of-war bore away to round the cape.
+Roberts' crew, discerning their masts over the land, went down into the
+cabin to acquaint him of it, he being then at breakfast with his new
+guest, captain Hill, on a savoury dish of salmagundy and some of his
+own beer. He took no notice of it, and his men almost as little, some
+saying she was a Portuguese ship, others a French slave ship, but the
+major part swore it was the French Ranger returning; and they were
+merrily debating for some time on the manner of reception, whether they
+should salute her or not; but as the Swallow approached nearer, things
+appeared plainer; and though they who showed any apprehension of danger
+were stigmatized with the name of cowards, yet some of them, now
+undeceived, declared it to Roberts, especially one Armstrong, who had
+deserted from that ship, and knew her well. These Roberts swore at as
+cowards, who meant to dishearten the men, asking them, if it were so,
+whether they were afraid to fight or not? In short, he hardly refrained
+from blows. What his own apprehensions were, till she hauled up her
+ports and hoisted her proper colors, is uncertain; but then, being
+perfectly convinced, he slipped his cable, got under sail, ordered his
+men to arms without any show of timidity, dropping a first-rate oath,
+that it was a bite, but at the same time resolved, like a gallant rogue,
+to get clear or die.
+
+There was one Armstrong, as was just mentioned, a deserter from the
+Swallow, of whom they enquired concerning the trim and sailing of that
+ship; he told them she sailed best upon the wind, and therefore, if they
+designed to leave her, they should go before it.
+
+The danger was imminent, and the time very short, to consult about means
+to extricate himself; his resolution in this strait was as follows: to
+pass close to the Swallow with all their sails, and receive her
+broadside before they returned a shot; if disabled by this, or if they
+could not depend on sailing, then to run on shore at the point, and
+every one to shift for himself among the negroes; or failing these, to
+board, and blow up together, for he saw that the greatest part of his
+men were drunk, passively courageous, and unfit for service.
+
+Roberts, himself, made a gallant figure at the time of the engagement,
+being dressed in a rich crimson damask waistcoat and breeches, a red
+feather in his hat, a gold chain round his neck, with a diamond cross
+hanging to it, a sword in his hand, and two pair of pistols hanging at
+the end of a silk sling flung over his shoulders, according to the
+custom of the pirates. He is said to have given his orders with boldness
+and spirit. Coming, according to what he had purposed, close to the
+man-of-war, he received her fire, and then hoisted his black flag and
+returned it, shooting away from her with all the sail he could pack; and
+had he taken Armstrong's advice to have gone before the wind, he had
+probably escaped; but keeping his tacks down, either by the wind's
+shifting, or ill steerage, or both, he was taken aback with his sails,
+and the Swallow came a second time very nigh to him. He had now,
+perhaps, finished the fight very desperately, if death, who took a swift
+passage in a grape shot, had not interposed, and struck him directly on
+the throat. He settled himself on the tackles of a gun; which one
+Stephenson, from the helm, observing, ran to his assistance, and not
+perceiving him wounded, swore at him, and bade him stand up and fight
+like a man; but when he found his mistake, and that his captain was
+certainly dead, he burst into tears, and wished the next shot might be
+his portion. They presently threw him overboard, with his arms and
+ornaments on, according to his repeated request in his life-time.
+
+This extraordinary man and daring pirate was tall, of a dark complexion,
+about 40 years of age, and born in Pembrokeshire. His parents were
+honest and respectable, and his natural activity, courage, and
+invention, were superior to his education. At a very early period, he,
+in drinking, would imprecate vengeance upon "the head of him who ever
+lived to wear a halter." He went willingly into the pirate service, and
+served three years as a second man. It was not for want of employment,
+but from a roving, wild, and boisterous turn of mind. It was his usual
+declaration, that, "In an honest service, there are commonly low wages
+and hard labor; in this,--plenty, satiety, pleasure and ease, liberty,
+and power; and who would not balance creditor on this side, when all the
+hazard that is run for it at worst, is only a sour look or two at
+choking? No,--a merry life and a short one, shall be my motto!" But it
+was one favorable trait in his character, that he never forced any man
+into the pirate service.
+
+The prisoners were strictly guarded while on board, and being conveyed
+to Cape Coast castle, they underwent a long and solemn trial. The
+generality of them remained daring and impenitent for some time, but
+when they found themselves confined within a castle, and their fate
+drawing near, they changed their course, and became serious, penitent,
+and fervent in their devotions. Though the judges found no small
+difficulty in explaining the law, and different acts of parliament, yet
+the facts were so numerous and flagrant which were proved against them,
+that there was no difficulty in bringing in a verdict of guilty.
+
+
+
+
+THE LIFE OF CHARLES GIBBS.
+
+
+_Containing an Account of his Atrocities committed in the West Indies_.
+
+This atrocious and cruel pirate, when very young became addicted to
+vices uncommon in youths of his age, and so far from the gentle reproof
+and friendly admonition, or the more severe chastisement of a fond
+parent, having its intended effect, it seemed to render him still worse,
+and to incline him to repay those whom he ought to have esteemed as his
+best friends and who had manifested so much regard for his welfare, with
+ingratitude and neglect. His infamous career and ignominious death on
+the gallows; brought down the "grey hairs of his parents in sorrow to
+the grave." The poignant affliction which the infamous crimes of
+children bring upon their relatives ought to be one of the most
+effective persuasions for them to refrain from vice.
+
+Charles Gibbs was born in the state of Rhode Island, in 1794; his
+parents and connexions were of the first respectability. When at school,
+he was very apt to learn, but so refractory and sulky, that neither the
+birch nor good counsel made any impression on him, and he was expelled
+from the school.
+
+He was now made to labor on a farm; but having a great antipathy to
+work, when about fifteen years of age, feeling a great inclination to
+roam, and like too many unreflecting youths of that age, a great
+fondness for the sea, he in opposition to the friendly counsel of his
+parents, privately left them and entered on board the United States
+sloop-of-war, Hornet, and was in the action when she captured the
+British sloop-of-war Peacock, off the coast of Pernambuco. Upon the
+return of the Hornet to the United States, her brave commander, Capt.
+Lawrence, was promoted for his gallantry to the command of the
+unfortunate Chesapeake, and to which he was followed by young Gibbs, who
+took a very distinguished part in the engagement with the Shannon, which
+resulted in the death of Lawrence and the capture of the Chesapeake.
+Gibbs states that while on board the Chesapeake the crew previous to the
+action, were almost in a state of mutiny, growing out of the non payment
+of the prize money, and that the address of Capt. Lawrence was received
+by them with coldness and murmurs.
+
+After the engagement, Gibbs became with the survivors of the crew a
+prisoner of war, and as such was confined in Dartmoor prison until
+exchanged.
+
+After his exchange, he returned to Boston, where having determined to
+abandon the sea, he applied to his friends in Rhode Island, to assist
+him in commencing business; they accordingly lent him one thousand
+dollars as a capital to begin with. He opened a grocery in Ann Street,
+near what was then called the _Tin Pot_, a place full of abandoned women
+and dissolute fellows. As he dealt chiefly in liquor, and had a
+"_License to retail Spirits_," his drunkery was thronged with customers.
+But he sold his groceries chiefly to loose girls who paid him in their
+coin, which, although it answered his purpose, would neither buy him
+goods or pay his rent, and he found his stock rapidly dwindling away
+without his receiving any cash to replenish it. By dissipation and
+inattention his new business proved unsuccessful to him. He resolved to
+abandon it and again try the sea for a subsistence. With a hundred
+dollars in his pocket, the remnant of his property, he embarked in the
+ship John, for Buenos Ayres, and his means being exhausted soon after
+his arrival there, he entered on board a Buenos Ayrean privateer and
+sailed on a cruise. A quarrel between the officers and crew in regard to
+the division of prize money, led eventually to a mutiny; and the
+mutineers gained the ascendancy, took possession of the vessel, landed
+the crew on the coast of Florida, and steered for the West Indies, with
+hearts resolved to make their fortunes at all hazards, and where in a
+short time, more than twenty vessels were captured by them and nearly
+_Four Hundred Human Beings Murdered_!
+
+Havana was the resort of these pirates to dispose of their plunder; and
+Gibbs sauntered about this place with impunity and was acquainted in all
+the out of the way and bye places of that hot bed of pirates the Regla.
+He and his comrades even lodged in the very houses with many of the
+American officers who were sent out to take them. He was acquainted with
+many of the officers and was apprised of all their intended movements
+before they left the harbor. On one occasion, the American ship
+Caroline, was captured by two of their piratical vessels off Cape
+Antonio. They were busily engaged in landing the cargo, when the British
+sloop-of-war, Jearus, hove in sight and sent her barges to attack them.
+The pirates defended themselves for some time behind a small four gun
+battery which they had erected, but in the end were forced to abandon
+their own vessel and the prize and fly to the mountains for safety. The
+Jearus found here twelve vessels burnt to the water's edge, and it was
+satisfactorily ascertained that their crews, amounting to _one hundred
+and fifty persons had been murdered_. The crews, if it was thought not
+necessary otherways to dispose of them were sent adrift in their boats,
+and frequently without any thing on which they could subsist a single
+day; nor were all so fortunate thus to escape. "Dead men can tell no
+tales," was a common saying among them; and as soon as a ship's crew
+were taken, a short consultation was held; and if it was the opinion of
+a majority that it would be better to take life than to spare it, a
+single nod or wink from the captain was sufficient; regardless of age or
+sex, all entreaties for mercy were then made in vain; they possessed not
+the tender feelings, to be operated upon by the shrieks and expiring
+groans of the devoted victims! there was a strife among them, who with
+his own hands could despatch the greatest number, and in the shortest
+period of time.
+
+Without any other motives than to gratify their hellish propensities (in
+their intoxicated moments), blood was not unfrequently and unnecessarily
+shed, and many widows and orphans probably made, when the lives of the
+unfortunate victims might have been spared, and without the most distant
+prospect of any evil consequences (as regarded themselves), resulting
+therefrom.
+
+Gibbs states that sometime in the course of the year 1819, he left
+Havana and came to the United States, bringing with him about $30,000.
+He passed several weeks in the city of New York, and then went to
+Boston, whence he took passage for Liverpool in the ship Emerald. Before
+he sailed, however, he has squandered a large part of his money by
+dissipation and gambling. He remained in Liverpool a few months, and
+then returned to Boston. His residence in Liverpool at that time is
+satisfactorily ascertained from another source besides his own
+confession. A female now in New York was well acquainted with him there,
+where, she says, he lived like a gentleman, with apparently abundant
+means of support. In speaking of his acquaintance with this female he
+says, "I fell in with a woman, who I thought was all virtue, but she
+deceived me, and I am sorry to say that a heart that never felt abashed
+at scenes of carnage and blood, was made a child of for a time by her,
+and I gave way to dissipation to drown the torment. How often when the
+fumes of liquor have subsided, have I thought of my good and
+affectionate parents, and of their Godlike advice! But when the little
+monitor began to move within me, I immediately seized the cup to hide
+myself from myself, and drank until the sense of intoxication was
+renewed. My friends advised me to behave myself like a man, and promised
+me their assistance, but the demon still haunted me, and I spurned their
+advice."
+
+In 1826, he revisited the United States, and hearing of the war between
+Brazil and the Republic of Buenos Ayres, sailed from Boston in the brig
+Hitty, of Portsmouth, with a determination, as he states, of trying his
+fortune in defence of a republican government. Upon his arrival he made
+himself known to Admiral Brown, and communicated his desire to join
+their navy. The admiral accompanied him to the Governor, and a
+Lieutenant's commission being given him, he joined a ship of 34 guns,
+called the 'Twenty Fifth of May.' "Here," says Gibbs, "I found
+Lieutenant Dodge, an old acquaintance, and a number of other persons
+with whom I had sailed. When the Governor gave me the commission he told
+me they wanted no cowards in their navy, to which I replied that I
+thought he would have no apprehension of my cowardice or skill when he
+became acquainted with me. He thanked me, and said he hoped he should
+not be deceived; upon which we drank to his health and to the success of
+the Republic. He then presented me with a sword, and told me to wear
+that as my companion through the doubtful struggle in which the republic
+was engaged. I told him I never would disgrace it, so long as I had a
+nerve in my arm. I remained on board the ship in the capacity of 5th
+Lieutenant, for about four months, during which time we had a number of
+skirmishes with the enemy. Having succeeded in gaining the confidence of
+Admiral Brown, he put me in command of a privateer schooner, mounting
+two long 24 pounders and 46 men. I sailed from Buenos Ayres, made two
+good cruises, and returned safely to port. I then bought one half of a
+new Baltimore schooner, and sailed again, but was captured seven days
+out, and carried into Rio Janeiro, where the Brazilians paid me my
+change. I remained there until peace took place, then returned to Buenos
+Ayres, and thence to New York.
+
+"After the lapse of about a year, which I passed in travelling from place
+to place, the war between France and Algiers attracted my attention.
+Knowing that the French commerce presented a fine opportunity for
+plunder, I determined to embark for Algiers and offer my services to the
+Dey. I accordingly took passage from New York, in the Sally Ann,
+belonging to Bath, landed at Barcelona, crossed to Port Mahon, and
+endeavored to make my way to Algiers. The vigilance of the French fleet
+prevented the accomplishment of my design, and I proceeded to Tunis.
+There finding it unsafe to attempt a journey to Algiers across the
+desert, I amused myself with contemplating the ruins of Carthage, and
+reviving my recollections of her war with the Romans. I afterwards took
+passage to Marseilles, and thence to Boston."
+
+An instance of the most barbarous and cold blooded murder of which the
+wretched Gibbs gives an account in the course of his confessions, is
+that of an innocent and beautiful female of about 17 or 18 years of age!
+she was with her parents a passenger on board a Dutch ship, bound from
+Curracoa to Holland; there were a number of other passengers, male and
+female, on board, all of whom except the young lady above-mentioned were
+put to death; her unfortunate parents were inhumanly butchered before
+her eyes, and she was doomed to witness the agonies and to hear the
+expiring, heart-piercing groans of those whom she held most dear, and on
+whom she depended for protection! The life of their wretched daughter
+was spared for the most nefarious purposes--she was taken by the pirates
+to the west end of Cuba, where they had a rendezvous, with a small fort
+that mounted four guns--here she was confined about two months, and
+where, as has been said by the murderer Gibbs, "she received such
+treatment, the bare recollection of which causes me to shudder!" At the
+expiration of the two months she was taken by the pirates on board of
+one of their vessels, and among whom a consultation was soon after held,
+which resulted in the conclusion that it would be necessary for their
+own personal safety, to put her to death! and to her a fatal dose of
+poison was accordingly administered, which soon proved fatal! when her
+pure and immortal spirit took its flight to that God, whom, we believe,
+will avenge her wrongs! her lifeless body was then committed to the deep
+by two of the merciless wretches with as much unconcern, as if it had
+been that of the meanest brute! Gibbs persists in the declaration that
+in this horrid transaction he took no part, that such was his pity for
+this poor ill-fated female, that he interceded for her life so long as
+he could do it with safety to his own!
+
+[Illustration: _Gibbs carrying the Dutch Girl on board his Vessel._]
+
+Gibbs in his last visit to Boston remained there but a few days, when he
+took passage to New Orleans, and there entered as one of the crew on
+board the brig Vineyard; and for assisting in the murder of the
+unfortunate captain and mate of which, he was justly condemned, and the
+awful sentence of death passed upon him! The particulars of the bloody
+transaction (agreeable to the testimony of Dawes and Brownrigg, the two
+principal witnesses,) are as follows: The brig Vineyard, Capt. William
+Thornby, sailed from New Orleans about the 9th of November, for
+Philadelphia, with a cargo of 112 bales of cotton, 113 hhds. sugar, 54
+casks of molasses and 54,000 dollars in specie. Besides the captain
+there were on board the brig, William Roberts, mate, six seamen shipped
+at New Orleans, and the cook. Robert Dawes, one of the crew, states on
+examination, that when, about five days out, he was told that there was
+money on board, Charles Gibbs, E. Church and the steward then determined
+to take possession of the brig. They asked James Talbot, another of the
+crew, to join them. He said no, as he did not believe there was money in
+the vessel. They concluded to kill the captain and mate, and if Talbot
+and John Brownrigg would not join them, to kill them also. The next
+night they talked of doing it, and got their clubs ready. Dawes dared
+not say a word, as they declared they would kill him if he did; as they
+did not agree about killing Talbot and Brownrigg, two shipmates, it was
+put off. They next concluded to kill the captain and mate on the night
+of November 22, but did not get ready; but, on the night of the 23d,
+between twelve and one o'clock, as Dawes was at the helm, saw the
+steward come up with a light and a knife in his hand; he dropt the light
+and seizing the pump break, struck the captain with it over the head
+or back of the neck; the captain was sent forward by the blow, and
+halloed, oh! and murder! once; he was then seized by Gibbs and the cook,
+one by the head and the other by the heels, and thrown overboard. Atwell
+and Church stood at the companion way, to strike down the mate when he
+should come up. As he came up and enquired what was the matter they
+struck him over the head--he ran back into the cabin, and Charles Gibbs
+followed him down; but as it was dark, he could not find him--Gibbs came
+on deck for the light, with which he returned. Dawes' light being taken
+from him, he could not see to steer, and he in consequence left the
+helm, to see what was going on below. Gibbs found the mate and seized
+him, while Atwell and Church came down and struck him with a pump break
+and a club; he was then dragged upon deck; they called for Dawes to come
+to them, and as he came up the mate seized his hand, and gave him a
+death gripe! three of them then hove him overboard, but which three
+Dawes does not know; the mate when cast overboard was not dead, but
+called after them twice while in the water! Dawes says he was so
+frightened that he hardly knew what to do. They then requested him to
+call Talbot, who was in the forecastle, saying his prayers; he came up
+and said it would be his turn next! but they gave him some grog, and
+told him not to be afraid, as they would not hurt him; if he was true to
+them, he should fare as well as they did. One of those who had been
+engaged in the bloody deed got drunk, and another became crazy!
+
+[Illustration: _Gibbs shooting a comrade._]
+
+After killing the captain and mate, they set about overhauling the
+vessel, and got up one keg of Mexican dollars. They then divided the
+captain's clothes, and money--about 40 dollars, and a gold watch. Dawes,
+Talbot and Brownrigg, (who were all innocent of the murder,) were
+obliged to do as they were commanded--the former, who was placed at the
+helm, was ordered to steer for Long Island. On the day following, they
+divided several kegs of the specie, amounting to five thousand dollars
+each--they made bags and sewed the money up. After this division, they
+divided the remainder of the money without counting it. On Sunday, when
+about 15 miles S.S.E. of Southampton Light, they got the boats out and
+put half the money in each--they then scuttled the vessel and set fire
+to it in the cabin, and took to the boats. Gibbs, after the murder, took
+charge of the vessel as captain. From the papers they learnt that the
+money belonged to Stephen Girard. With the boats they made the land
+about daylight. Dawes and his three companions were in the long boat;
+the others, with Atwell, were in the jolly boat--on coming to the bar
+the boats struck--in the long boat, they threw overboard a trunk of
+clothes and a great deal of money, in all about 5000 dollars--the jolly
+boat foundered; they saw the boat fill, and heard them cry out, and saw
+them clinging to the masts--they went ashore on Barron Island, and
+buried the money in the sand, but very lightly. Soon after they met with
+a gunner, whom they requested to conduct them where they could get some
+refreshments. They were by him conducted to Johnson's (the only man
+living on the island,) where they staid all night--Dawes went to bed at
+about 10 o'clock--Jack Brownrigg set up with Johnson, and in the morning
+told Dawes that he had told Johnson all about the murder. Johnson went
+in the morning with the steward for the clothes, which were left on the
+top of the place where they buried the money, but does not believe they
+took away the money.
+
+[Illustration: _Captain Thornby murdered and thrown overboard by Gibbs
+and the steward._]
+
+The prisoners, (Gibbs and Wansley,) were brought to trial at the
+February term of the United States Court, holden in the city of New
+York; when the foregoing facts being satisfactorily proved, they were
+pronounced guilty, and on the 11th March last, the awful sentence of the
+law was passed upon them in the following affecting and impressive
+manner:--The Court opened at 11 o'clock, Judge Betts presiding. A few
+minutes after that hour, Mr. Hamilton, District Attorney, rose and
+said--May it please the Court, Thomas J. Wansley, the prisoner at the
+bar, having been tried by a jury of his country, and found guilty of the
+murder of Captain Thornby, I now move that the sentence of the Court be
+pronounced upon that verdict.
+
+[Illustration: _Gibbs and Wansley burying the Money._]
+
+_By the Court_. Thomas J. Wansley, you have heard what has been said by
+the District Attorney--by the Grand Jury of the South District of New
+York, you have been arraigned for the wilful murder of Captain Thornby,
+of the brig Vineyard; you have been put upon your trial, and after a
+patient and impartial hearing, you have been found Guilty. The public
+prosecutor now moves for judgment on that verdict; have you any thing to
+say, why the sentence of the law should not be passed upon you?
+
+_Thomas J. Wansley_. I will say a few words, but it is perhaps of no
+use. I have often understood that there is a great deal of difference in
+respect of color, and I have seen it in this Court. Dawes and Brownrigg
+were as guilty as I am, and these witnesses have tried to fasten upon me
+greater guilt than is just, for their life has been given to them. You
+have taken the blacks from their own country, to bring them here to
+treat them ill. I have seen this. The witnesses, the jury, and the
+prosecuting Attorney consider me more guilty than Dawes, to condemn
+me--for otherwise the law must have punished him; he should have had the
+same verdict, for he was a perpetrator in the conspiracy.
+Notwithstanding my participating, they have sworn falsely for the
+purpose of taking my life; they would not even inform the Court, how I
+gave information of money being on board; they had the biggest part of
+the money, and have sworn falsely. I have said enough. I will say no
+more.
+
+_By the Court_. The Court will wait patiently and hear all you have to
+say; if you have any thing further to add, proceed.
+
+_Wansley_ then proceeded. In the first place, I was the first to ship on
+board the Vineyard at New Orleans, I knew nobody; I saw the money come
+on board. The judge that first examined me, did not take my deposition
+down correctly. When talking with the crew on board, said the brig was
+an old craft, and when we arrived at Philadelphia, we all agreed to
+leave her. It was mentioned to me that there was plenty of money on
+board. Henry Atwell said "let's have it." I knew no more of this for
+some days. Atwell came to me again and asked "what think you of taking
+the money." I thought it was a joke, and paid no attention to it. The
+next day he said they had determined to take the brig and money, and
+that they were the strongest party, and would murder the officers, and
+he that informed should suffer with them. I knew Church in Boston, and
+in a joke asked him how it was made up in the ship's company; his reply,
+that it was he and Dawes. There was no arms on board as was ascertained;
+the conspiracy was known to the whole company, and had I informed, my
+life would have been taken, and though I knew if I was found out my life
+would be taken by law, which is the same thing, so I did not inform. I
+have committed murder and I know I must die for it.
+
+_By the Court_. If you wish to add any thing further you will still be
+heard.
+
+_Wansley_. No sir, I believe I have said enough.
+
+The District Attorney rose and moved for judgment on Gibbs, in the same
+manner as in the case of Wansley, and the Court having addressed Gibbs,
+in similar terms, concluded by asking what he had to say why the
+sentence of the law should not now be passed upon him.
+
+_Charles Gibbs_ said, I wish to state to the Court, how far I am guilty
+and how far I am innocent in this transaction. When I left New Orleans,
+I was a stranger to all on board, except Dawes and Church. It was off
+Tortugas that Atwell first told me there was money on board, and
+proposed to me to take possession of the brig. I refused at that time.
+The conspiracy was talked of for some days, and at last I agreed that I
+would join. Brownrigg, Dawes, Church, and the whole agreed that they
+would. A few days after, however, having thought of the affair, I
+mentioned to Atwell, what a dreadful thing it was to take a man's life,
+and commit piracy, and recommended him to "abolish," their plan. Atwell
+and Dawes remonstrated with me; I told Atwell that if ever he would
+speak of the subject again, I would break his nose. Had I kept to my
+resolution I would not have been brought here to receive my sentence. It
+was three days afterwards that the murder was committed. Brownrigg
+agreed to call up the captain from the cabin, and this man, (pointing to
+Wansley,) agreed to strike the first blow. The captain was struck and I
+suppose killed, and I lent a hand to throw him overboard. But for the
+murder of the mate, of which I have been found guilty, I am innocent--I
+had nothing to do with that. The mate was murdered by Dawes and Church;
+that I am innocent of this I commit my soul to that God who will judge
+all flesh--who will judge all murderers and false swearers, and the
+wicked who deprive the innocent of his right. I have nothing more to
+say.
+
+_By the Court_. Thomas J. Wansley and Charles Gibbs, the Court has
+listened to you patiently and attentively; and although you have said
+something in your own behalf, yet the Court has heard nothing to affect
+the deepest and most painful duty that he who presides over a public
+tribunal has to perform.
+
+You, Thomas J. Wansley, conceive that a different measure of justice has
+been meted out to you, because of your color. Look back upon your whole
+course of life; think of the laws under which you have lived, and you
+will find that to white or black, to free or bond, there is no ground
+for your allegations; that they are not supported by truth or justice.
+Admit that Brownrigg and Dawes have sworn falsely; admit that Dawes was
+concerned with you; admit that Brownrigg is not innocent; admit, in
+relation to both, that they are guilty, the whole evidence has proved
+beyond a doubt that you are guilty; and your own words admit that you
+were an active agent in perpetrating this horrid crime. Two fellow
+beings who confided in you, and in their perilous voyage called in your
+assistance, yet you, without reason or provocation, have maliciously
+taken their lives.
+
+If, peradventure, there was the slightest foundation for a doubt of your
+guilt, in the mind of the Court, judgment would be arrested, but there
+is none; and it now remains to the Court to pronounce the most painful
+duty that devolves upon a civil magistrate. The Court is persuaded of
+your guilt; it can form no other opinion. Testimony has been heard
+before the Court and Jury--from that we must form our opinion. We must
+proceed upon testimony, ascertain facts by evidence of witnesses, on
+which we must inquire, judge and determine as to guilt or innocence, by
+that evidence alone. You have been found guilty. You now stand for the
+last time before an earthly tribunal, and by your own acknowledgments,
+the sentence of the law falls just on your heads. When men in ordinary
+cases come under the penalty of the law there is generally some
+palliative--something to warm the sympathy of the Court and Jury. Men
+may be led astray, and under the influence of passion have acted under
+some long smothered resentment, suddenly awakened by the force of
+circumstances, depriving him of reason, and then they may take the life
+of a fellow being. Killing, under that kind of excitement, might
+possibly awaken some sympathy, but that was not your case; you had no
+provocation. What offence had Thornby or Roberts committed against you?
+They entrusted themselves with you, as able and trustworthy citizens;
+confiding implicitly in you; no one act of theirs, after a full
+examination, appears to have been offensive to you; yet for the purpose
+of securing the money you coolly determined to take their lives--you
+slept and deliberated over the act; you were tempted on, and yielded;
+you entered into the conspiracy, with cool and determined calculation to
+deprive two human beings of their lives, and it was done.
+
+You, Charles Gibbs, have said that you are not guilty of the murder of
+Roberts; but were you not there, strongly instigating the murderers on,
+and without stretching out a hand to save him?--It is murder as much to
+stand by and encourage the deed, as to stab with a knife, strike with a
+hatchet, or shoot with a pistol. It is not only murder in law, but in
+your own feelings and in your own conscience. Notwithstanding all this,
+I cannot believe that your feelings are so callous, so wholly callous,
+that your own minds do not melt when you look back upon the unprovoked
+deeds of yourselves, and those confederated with you.
+
+You are American citizens--this country affords means of instruction to
+all: your appearance and your remarks have added evidence that you are
+more than ordinarily intelligent; that your education has enabled you to
+participate in the advantages of information open to all classes. The
+Court will believe that when you were young you looked with strong
+aversion on the course of life of the wicked. In early life, in boyhood,
+when you heard of the conduct of men, who engaged in robbery--nay more,
+when you heard of cold blooded murder--how you must have shrunk from the
+recital. Yet now, after having participated in the advantages of
+education, after having arrived at full maturity, you stand here as
+robbers and murderers.
+
+It is a perilous employment of life that you have followed; in this way
+of life the most enormous crimes that man can commit, are MURDER AND
+PIRACY. With what detestation would you in early life have looked upon
+the man who would have raised his hand against his officer, or have
+committed piracy! yet now you both stand here murderers and pirates,
+tried and found guilty--you Wansley of the murder of your Captain, and
+you, Gibbs, of the murder of your Mate. The evidence has convicted you
+of rising in mutiny against the master of the vessel, for that alone,
+the law is DEATH!--of murder and robbery on the high seas, for that
+crime, the law adjudges DEATH--of destroying the vessel and embezzling
+the cargo, even for scuttling and burning the vessel alone the law is
+DEATH; yet of all these the evidence has convicted you, and it only
+remains now for the Court to pass the sentence of the law. It is, that
+you, Thomas J. Wansley and Charles Gibbs be taken hence to the place of
+confinement, there to remain in close custody, that thence you be taken
+to the place of execution, and on the 22d April next, between the hours
+of 10 and 4 o'clock, you be both publicly hanged by the neck until you
+are DEAD--and that your bodies be given to the College of Physicians and
+Surgeons for dissection.
+
+The Court added, that the only thing discretionary with it, was the time
+of execution; it might have ordered that you should instantly have been
+taken from the stand to the scaffold, but the sentence has been deferred
+to as distant a period as prudent--six weeks. But this time has not been
+granted for the purpose of giving you any hope for pardon or commutation
+of the sentence;--just as sure as you live till the twenty-second of
+April, as surely you will suffer death--therefore indulge not a hope
+that this sentence will be changed!
+
+The Court then spoke of the terror in all men of death!--how they cling
+to life whether in youth, manhood or old age. What an awful thing it is
+to die! how in the perils of the sea, when rocks or storms threaten the
+loss of the vessel, and the lives of all on board, how the crew will
+labor, night and day, in the hope of escaping shipwreck and death!
+alluded to the tumult, bustle and confusion of battle--yet even there
+the hero clings to life. The Court adverted not only to the certainty of
+their coming doom on earth, but to THINK OF HEREAFTER--that they should
+seriously think and reflect of their FUTURE STATE! that they would be
+assisted in their devotions no doubt, by many pious men.
+
+When the Court closed, Charles Gibbs asked, if during his imprisonment,
+his friends would be permitted to see him. The Court answered that that
+lay with the Marshal, who then said that no difficulty would exist on
+that score. The remarks of the Prisoners were delivered in a strong,
+full-toned and unwavering voice, and they both seemed perfectly resigned
+to the fate which inevitably awaited them. While Judge Betts was
+delivering his address to them, Wansley was deeply affected and shed
+tears--but Gibbs gazed with a steady and unwavering eye, and no sign
+betrayed the least emotion of his heart. After his condemnation, and
+during his confinement, his frame became somewhat enfeebled, his face
+paler, and his eyes more sunken; but the air of his bold, enterprising
+and desperate mind still remained. In his narrow cell, he seemed more
+like an object of pity than vengeance--was affable and communicative,
+and when he smiled, exhibited so mild and gentle a countenance, that no
+one would take him to be a villain. His conversation was concise and
+pertinent, and his style of illustration quite original.
+
+Gibbs was married in Buenos Ayres, where he has a child now living. His
+wife is dead. By a singular concurrence of circumstances, the woman with
+whom he became acquainted in Liverpool, and who is said at that time to
+have borne a decent character, was lodged in the same prison with
+himself. During his confinement he wrote her two letters--one of them is
+subjoined, to gratify the perhaps innocent curiosity which is naturally
+felt to know the peculiarities of a man's mind and feelings under such
+circumstances, and not for the purpose of intimating a belief that he
+was truly penitent. The reader will be surprised with the apparent
+readiness with which he made quotations from Scripture.
+
+"BELLEVUE PRISON, March 20, 1831.
+
+"It is with regret that I take my pen in hand to address you with these
+few lines, under the great embarrassment of my feelings placed within
+these gloomy walls, my body bound with chains, and under the awful
+sentence of death! It is enough to throw the strongest mind into gloomy
+prospects! but I find that Jesus Christ is sufficient to give
+consolation to the most despairing soul. For he saith, that he that
+cometh to me I will in no ways cast out. But it is impossible to
+describe unto you the horror of my feelings. My breast is like the
+tempestuous ocean, raging in its own shame, harrowing up the bottom of
+my soul! But I look forward to that serene calm when I shall sleep with
+Kings and Counsellors of the earth. There the wicked cease from
+troubling, and there the weary are at rest!--There the prisoners rest
+together--they hear not the voice of the oppressor; and I trust that
+there my breast will not be ruffled by the storm of sin--for the thing
+which I greatly feared has come upon me. I was not in safety, neither
+had I rest; yet trouble came. It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth to
+him good. When I saw you in Liverpool, and a peaceful calm wafted across
+both our breasts, and justice no claim upon us, little did I think to
+meet you in the gloomy walls of a strong prison, and the arm of justice
+stretched out with the sword of law, awaiting the appointed period to
+execute the dreadful sentence. I have had a fair prospect in the world,
+at last it budded, and brought forth the gallows. I am shortly to mount
+that scaffold, and to bid adieu to this world, and all that was ever
+dear to my breast. But I trust when my body is mounted on the gallows
+high, the heavens above will smile and pity me. I hope that you will
+reflect on your past, and fly to that Jesus who stands with open arms to
+receive you. Your character is lost, it is true. When the wicked turneth
+from the wickedness that they have committed, they shall save their soul
+alive.
+
+"Let us imagine for a moment that we see the souls standing before the
+awful tribunal, and we hear its dreadful sentence, depart ye cursed into
+everlasting fire. Imagine you hear the awful lamentations of a soul in
+hell. It would be enough to melt your heart, if it was as hard as
+adamant. You would fall upon your knees and plead for God's mercy, as a
+famished person would for food, or as a dying criminal would for a
+pardon. We soon, very soon, must go the way whence we shall ne'er
+return. Our names will be struck off the records of the living, and
+enrolled in the vast catalogues of the dead. But may it ne'er be
+numbered with the damned.--I hope it will please God to set you at your
+liberty, and that you may see the sins and follies of your life past. I
+shall now close my letter with a few words which I hope you will receive
+as from a dying man; and I hope that every important truth of this
+letter may sink deep in your heart, and be a lesson to you through life.
+
+ "Rising griefs distress my soul,
+  And tears on tears successive roll--
+  For many an evil voice is near,
+  To chide my woes and mock my fear--
+  And silent memory weeps alone,
+  O'er hours of peace and gladness known.
+
+"I still remain your sincere friend, CHARLES GIBBS."
+
+In another letter which the wretched Gibbs wrote after his condemnation
+to one who had been his early friend, he writes as follows:--"Alas! it
+is now, and not until now, that I have become sensible of my wicked
+life, from my childhood, and the enormity of the crime, for which I must
+shortly suffer an ignominious death!--I would to God that I never had
+been born, or that I had died in my infancy!--the hour of reflection has
+indeed come, but come too late to prevent justice from cutting me
+off--my mind recoils with horror at the thoughts of the unnatural deeds
+of which I have been guilty!--my repose rather prevents than affords me
+relief, as my mind, while I slumber, is constantly disturbed by
+frightful dreams of my approaching awful dissolution!"
+
+On Friday, April twenty-second, Gibbs and Wansley paid the penalty of
+their crimes. Both prisoners arrived at the gallows about twelve
+o'clock, accompanied by the marshal, his aids, and some twenty or thirty
+United States' marines. Two clergymen attended them to the fatal spot,
+where everything being in readiness, and the ropes adjusted about their
+necks, the Throne of Mercy was fervently addressed in their behalf.
+Wansley then prayed earnestly himself, and afterwards joined in singing
+a hymn. These exercises concluded, Gibbs addressed the spectators nearly
+as follows:
+
+MY DEAR FRIENDS,
+
+My crimes have been heinous--and although I am now about to suffer for
+the murder of Mr. Roberts, I solemnly declare my innocence of the
+transaction. It is true, I stood by and saw the fatal deed done, and
+stretched not forth my arm to save him; the technicalities of the law
+believe me guilty of the charge--but in the presence of my God--before
+whom I shall be in a few minutes--I declare I did not murder him.
+
+I have made a full and frank confession to Mr. Hopson, which probably
+most of my hearers present have already read; and should any of the
+friends of those whom I have been accessary to, or engaged in the murder
+of, be now present, before my Maker I beg their forgiveness--it is the
+only boon I ask--and as I hope for pardon through the blood of Christ,
+surely this request will not be withheld by man, to a worm like myself,
+standing as I do, on the very verge of eternity! Another moment, and I
+cease to exist--and could I find in my bosom room to imagine that the
+spectators now assembled had forgiven me, the scaffold would have no
+terrors, nor could the precept which my much respected friend, the
+marshal of the district, is about to execute. Let me then, in this
+public manner, return my sincere thanks to him, for his kind and
+gentlemanly deportment during my confinement. He was to me like a
+father, and his humanity to a dying man I hope will be duly appreciated
+by an enlightened community.
+
+My first crime was _piracy_, for which my _life_ would pay for forfeit
+on conviction; no punishment could be inflicted on me further than that,
+and therefore I had nothing to fear but detection, for had my offences
+been millions of times more aggravated than they are now, _death_ must
+have satisfied all.
+
+Gibbs having concluded, Wansley began. He said he might be called a
+pirate, a robber, and a murderer, and he was all of these, but he hoped
+and trusted God would, through Christ, wash away his aggravated crimes
+and offences, and not cast him entirely out. His feelings, he said, were
+so overpowered that he hardly knew how to address those about him, but
+he frankly admitted the justness of the sentence, and concluded by
+declaring that he had no hope of pardon except through the atoning blood
+of his Redeemer, and wished that his sad fate might teach others to shun
+the broad road to ruin, and travel in that of virtue, which would lead
+to honor and happiness in this world, and an immortal crown of glory in
+that to come.
+
+He then shook hands with Gibbs, the officers, and clergymen--their caps
+were drawn over their faces, a handkerchief dropped by Gibbs as a signal
+to the executioner caused the cord to be severed, and in an instant they
+were suspended in air. Wansley folded his hands before him, soon died
+with very trifling struggles. Gibbs died hard; before he was run up, and
+did not again remove them, but after being near two minutes suspended,
+he raised his right hand and partially removed his cap, and in the
+course of another minute, raised the same hand to his mouth. His dress
+was a blue round-about jacket and trousers, with a foul anchor in white
+on his right arm. Wansley wore a white frock coat, trimmed with black,
+with trousers of the same color.
+
+After the bodies had remained on the gallows the usual time, they were
+taken down and given to the surgeons for dissection.
+
+Gibbs was rather below the middle stature, thick set and powerful. The
+form of Wansley was a perfect model of manly beauty.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+HISTORY OF THE ADVENTURES, CAPTURE AND EXECUTION OF THE SPANISH
+PIRATES.
+
+In the Autumn of 1832, there was anchored in the "Man of War Grounds,"
+off the Havana, a clipper-built vessel of the fairest proportions; she
+had great length and breadth of beam, furnishing stability to bear a
+large surface of sail, and great depth to take hold of the water and
+prevent drifting; long, low in the waist, with lofty raking masts, which
+tapered away till they were almost too fine to be distinguished, the
+beautiful arrowy sharpness of her bow, and the fineness of her gradually
+receding quarters, showed a model capable of the greatest speed in
+sailing. Her low sides were painted black, with one small, narrow
+ribband of white. Her raking masts were clean scraped, her ropes were
+hauled taught, and in every point she wore the appearance of being under
+the control of seamanship and strict discipline. Upon going on board,
+one would be struck with surprise at the deception relative to the
+tonnage of the schooner, when viewed at a distance. Instead of a small
+vessel of about ninety tons, we discover that she is upwards of two
+hundred; that her breadth of beam is enormous; and that those spars
+which appeared so light and elegant, are of unexpected dimensions. In
+the centre of the vessel, between the fore and main masts, there is a
+long brass thirty-two pounder, fixed upon a carriage revolving in a
+circle, and so arranged that in bad weather it can be lowered down and
+housed; while on each side of the deck were mounted guns of smaller
+calibre.
+
+This vessel was fashioned, at the will of avarice, for the aid of
+cruelty and injustice; it was an African slaver--the schooner Panda. She
+was commanded by Don Pedro Gilbert, a native of Catalonia, in Spain, and
+son of a grandee; a man thirty-six years of age, and exceeding handsome,
+having a round face, pearly teeth, round forehead, and full black eyes,
+with beautiful raven hair, and a great favorite with the ladies. He
+united great energy, coolness and decision, with superior knowledge in
+mercantile transactions, and the Guinea trade; having made several
+voyages after slaves. The mate and owner of the Panda was Don Bernardo
+De Soto, a native of Corunna, Spain, and son, of Isidore De Soto,
+manager of the royal revenue in said city; he was now twenty-five years
+of age, and from the time he was fourteen had cultivated the art of
+navigation, and at the age of twenty-two had obtained the degree of
+captain in the India service. After a regular examination the
+correspondent diploma was awarded him. He was married to Donna Petrona
+Pereyra, daughter of Don Benito Pereyra, a merchant of Corunna. She was
+at this time just fifteen, and ripening into that slight fullness of
+form, and roundness of limb, which in that climate mark the early
+passing from girl into woman. Her complexion was the dark olive tinge of
+Spain; her eyes jet black, large and lustrous. She had great sweetness
+of disposition and ingenuousness.
+
+To the strictest discipline De Soto united the practical knowledge of a
+thorough seaman. But "the master spirit of the whole," was Francisco
+Ruiz, the carpenter of the Panda. This individual was of the middle
+size, but muscular, with a short neck. His hair was black and abundant,
+and projected from his forehead, so that he appeared to look out from
+under it, like a bonnet. His eyes were dark chestnut, but always
+restless; his features were well defined; his eye-lashes, jet black. He
+was familiar with all the out-of-the-way places of the Havana, and
+entered into any of the dark abodes without ceremony. From report his
+had been a wild and lawless career. The crew were chiefly Spaniards,
+with a few Portuguese, South Americans, and half castes. The cook was a
+young Guinea negro, with a pleasant countenance, and good humored, with
+a sleek glossy skin, and tatooed on the face; and although entered in
+the schooner's books as free, yet was a slave. In all there were about
+forty men. Her cargo was an assorted one, consisting in part of barrels
+of rum, and gunpowder, muskets, cloth, and numerous articles, with which
+to purchase slaves.
+
+The Panda sailed from the Havana on the night of the 20th of August; and
+upon passing the Moro Castle, she was hailed, and asked, "where bound?"
+She replied, St. Thomas. The schooner now steered through the Bahama
+channel, on the usual route towards the coast of Guinea; a man was
+constantly kept at the mast head, on the lookout; they spoke a corvette,
+and on the morning of the 20th Sept., before light, and during the
+second mate's watch, a brig was discovered heading to the southward.
+Capt. Gilbert was asleep at the time, but got up shortly after she was
+seen, and ordered the Panda to go about and stand for the brig. A
+consultation was held between the captain, mate and carpenter, when the
+latter proposed to board her, and if she had any specie to rob her,
+confine the men below, and burn her. This proposition was instantly
+acceded to, and a musket was fired to make her heave to.
+
+This vessel was the American brig Mexican, Capt. Butman. She had left
+the pleasant harbor of Salem, Mass., on the last Wednesday of August,
+and was quietly pursuing her voyage towards Rio Janeiro. Nothing
+remarkable had happened on board, says Captain B., until half past two
+o'clock, in the morning of September 20th, in lat. 38, 0, N., lon. 24,
+30, W. The attention of the watch on deck was forcibly arrested by the
+appearance of a vessel which passed across our stern about half a mile
+from us. At 4 A.M. saw her again passing across our bow, so near that
+we could perceive that it was a schooner with a fore top sail and top
+gallant sail. As it was somewhat dark she was soon out of sight. At
+daylight saw her about five miles off the weather quarter standing on
+the wind on the same tack we were on, the wind was light at SSW and we
+were standing about S.E. At 8 A.M. she was about two miles right to
+windward of us; could perceive a large number of men upon her deck, and
+one man on the fore top gallant yard looking out; was very suspicious of
+her, but knew not how to avoid her. Soon after saw a brig on our weather
+bow steering to the N.E. By this time the schooner was about three miles
+from us and four points forward of the beam. Expecting that she would
+keep on for the brig ahead of us, we tacked to the westward, keeping a
+little off from the wind to make good way through the water, to get
+clear of her if possible. She kept on to the eastward about ten or
+fifteen minutes after we had tacked, then wore round, set square sail,
+steering directly for us, came down upon us very fast, and was soon
+within gun shot of us, fired a gun and hoisted patriot colors and backed
+main topsail. She ran along to windward of us, hailed us to know where
+we were from, where bound, &c. then ordered me to come on board in my
+boat. Seeing that she was too powerful for us to resist, I accordingly
+went, and soon as I got along-side of the schooner, five ruffians
+instantly jumped into my boat, each of them being armed with a large
+knife, and told me to go on board the brig again; when they got on board
+they insisted that we had got money, and drew their knives, threatening
+us with instant death and demanding to know where it was. As soon as
+they found out where it was they obliged my crew to get it up out of the
+run upon deck, beating and threatening them at the same time because
+they did not do it quicker. When they had got it all upon deck, and
+hailed the schooner, they got out their launch and came and took it on
+board the schooner, viz: ten boxes containing twenty thousand dollars;
+then returned to the brig again, drove all the crew into the forecastle,
+ransacked the cabin, overhauling all the chests, trunks, &c. and rifled
+my pockets, taking my watch, and three doubloons which I had previously
+put there for safety; robbed the mate of his watch and two hundred
+dollars in specie, still insisting that there was more money in the
+hold. Being answered in the negative, they beat me severely over the
+back, said they knew that there was more, that they should search for
+it, and if they found any they would cut all our throats. They continued
+searching about in every part of the vessel for some time longer, but
+not finding any more specie, they took two coils of rigging, a side of
+leather, and some other articles, and went on board the schooner,
+probably to consult what to do with us; for, in eight or ten minutes
+they came back, apparently in great haste, shut us all below, fastened
+up the companion way, fore-scuttle and after hatchway, stove our
+compasses to pieces in the binnacles, cut away tiller-ropes, halliards,
+braces, and most of our running rigging, cut our sails to pieces badly;
+took a tub of tarred rope-yarn and what combustibles they could find
+about deck, put them in the caboose house and set them on fire; then
+left us, taking with them our boat and colors. When they got alongside
+of the schooner they scuttled our boat, took in their own, and made
+sail, steering to the eastward.
+
+As soon as they left us, we got up out of the cabin scuttle, which they
+had neglected to secure, and extinguished the fire, which if it had been
+left a few minutes, would have caught the mainsail and set our masts on
+fire. Soon after we saw a ship to leeward of us steering to the S.E. the
+schooner being in pursuit of her did not overtake her whilst she was in
+sight of us.
+
+It was doubtless their intention to burn us up altogether, but seeing
+the ship, and being eager for more plunder they did not stop fully to
+accomplish their design. She was a low strait schooner of about one
+hundred and fifty tons, painted black with a narrow white streak, a
+large head with the horn of plenty painted white, large maintopmast but
+no yards or sail on it. Mast raked very much, mainsail very square at
+the head, sails made with split cloth and all new; had two long brass
+twelve pounders and a large gun on a pivot amidships, and about seventy
+men, who appeared to be chiefly Spaniards and mulattoes.
+
+[Illustration: _Pirates robbing the brig Mexican of Salem, Mass._]
+
+The object of the voyage being frustrated by the loss of the specie,
+nothing now remained but for the Mexican to make the best of her way
+back to Salem, which she reached in safety. The government of the United
+States struck with the audacity of this piracy, despatched a cruiser in
+pursuit of them. After a fruitless voyage in which every exertion was
+made, and many places visited on the coast of Africa, where it was
+supposed the rascals might be lurking, the chase was abandoned as
+hopeless, no clue being found to their "whereabouts."
+
+The Panda after robbing the Mexican, pursued her course across the
+Atlantic, and made Cape Monte; from this she coasted south, and after
+passing Cape Palmas entered the Gulf of Guinea, and steered for Cape
+Lopez which she reached in the first part of November. Cape Lopez de
+Gonzalves, in lat. 0 deg. 36' 2" south, long. 80 deg. 40' 4" east, is
+so called from its first discoverer. It is covered with wood but low
+and swampy, as is also the neighboring country. The extensive bay formed
+by this cape is fourteen miles in depth, and has several small creeks
+and rivers running into it. The largest is the river Nazareth on the left
+point of which is situated King Gula's town the only assemblage of huts
+in the bay. Here the cargo of the Panda was unloaded, the greater part was
+entrusted to the king, and with the rest Capt. Gilbert opened a factory
+and commenced buying various articles of commerce, as tortoise shell,
+gum, ivory, palm oil, fine straw carpeting, and slaves. After remaining
+here a short time the crew became sickly and Capt. Gilbert sailed for
+Prince's Island to recover the health of his crew. Whilst at Prince's
+Island news arrived of the robbery of the Mexican. And the pirate left
+with the utmost precipitation for Cape Lopez, and the better to evade
+pursuit, a pilot was procured; and the vessel carried several miles up
+the river Nazareth. Soon after the Panda left Prince's Island, the
+British brig of war, Curlew, Capt. Trotter arrived, and from the
+description given of the vessel then said to be lying in the Nazareth,
+Capt. Trotter knew she must be the one, that robbed the Mexican; and he
+instantly sailed in pursuit. On nearing the coast, she was discovered
+lying up the river; three boats containing forty men and commanded by
+Capt. Trotter, started up the river with the sea breeze and flood tide,
+and colors flying to take the desperadoes; the boats kept in near the
+shore until rounding a point they were seen from the Panda. The pirates
+immediately took to their boats, except Francisco Ruiz who seizing a
+fire brand from the camboose went into the magazine and set some
+combustibles on fire with the laudable purpose of blowing up the
+assailants, and then paddled ashore in a canoe. Capt. Trotter chased
+them with his boats, but could not come up with them, and then boarded
+the schooner which he found on fire. The first thing he did was to put
+out the fire which was in the magazine, below the cabin floor; here was
+found a quantity of cotton and brimstone burning and a slow match
+ignited and communicating with the magazine, which contained sixteen
+casks of powder.
+
+The Panda was now warped out of the river and anchored off the negro
+town of Cape Lopez. Negociations were now entered into for the surrender
+of the pirates. An officer was accordingly sent on shore to have an
+interview with the king. He was met on the beach by an ebony chief
+calling himself duke. "We followed the duke through the extensive and
+straggling place, frequently buried up to the ankles in sand, from which
+the vegetation was worn by the constant passing and repassing of the
+inhabitants. We arrived at a large folding door placed in a high bamboo
+and palm tree fence, which inclosed the king's establishment, ornamented
+on our right by two old honeycombed guns, which, although dismounted,
+were probably, according to the practice of the coast, occasionally
+fired to attract the attention of passing vessels, and to imply that
+slaves were to be procured. On the left of the enclosure was a shed,
+with a large ship's bell suspended beneath, serving as an alarum bell in
+case of danger, while the remainder was occupied with neatly built huts,
+inhabited by the numerous wives of the king.
+
+"We sent in to notify him of our arrival; he sent word out that we might
+remain outside until it suited his convenience. But as such an
+arrangement did not suit ours, we immediately entered, and found sitting
+at a table the king. He was a tall, muscular, ugly looking negro, about
+fifty years of age. We explained the object of our visit, which was to
+demand the surrender of the white men, who were now concealed in the
+town, and for permission to pass up the river in pursuit of those who
+had gone up that way. He now expressed the most violent indignation at
+our presumption in demanding the pirates, and the interview was broken
+off by his refusing to deliver up a single man."
+
+We will now return to the pirates. While at Prince's Island, Capt.
+Gilbert bought a magnificent dressing case worth nearly a thousand
+dollars and a patent lever watch, and a quantity of tobacco, and
+provisions, and two valuable cloth coats, some Guinea cloth and black
+and green paint. The paint, cloth and coats were intended as presents
+for the African king at Cape Lopez. These articles were all bought with
+the money taken from the Mexican. After arriving at the Nazareth, $4000
+were taken from the trunk, and buried in the yard of a negro prince.
+Four of the pirates then went to Cape Lopez for $11,000, which had been
+buried there. Boyga, Castillo, Guzman, and the "State's Evidence,"
+Ferez, were the ones who went. Ferez took the bags out, and the others
+counted the money; great haste was made as the musquitoes were biting
+intolerably. $5000 were buried for the captain in canvas bags about two
+feet deep, part of the money was carried to Nazareth, and from there
+carried into the mountains and there buried. A consultation was held by
+Capt. Gilbert, De Soto, and Ruiz, and the latter said, if the money was
+not divided, "there would be the devil to pay." The money was now
+divided in a dark room and a lantern used; Capt. Gilbert sat on the
+floor with the money at his side. He gave the mate about $3000, and the
+other officers $1000, each; and the crew from $300 to $500, each. The
+third mate having fled, the captain sent him $1000, and Ruiz carried it
+to him. When the money was first taken from the Mexican, it was spread
+out on the companion way and examined to see if there was any gold
+amongst it; and then put into bags made of dark coarse linen; the boxes
+were then thrown overboard. After the division of the money the pirates
+secreted themselves in the woods behind Cape Lopez. Perez and four
+others procured a boat, and started for Fernando Po; they put their
+money in the bottom of the boat for ballast, but was thrown overboard,
+near a rock and afterwards recovered by divers; this was done to prevent
+detection. The captain, mate, and carpenter had a conversation
+respecting the attempt of the latter, to blow her up, who could not
+account for the circumstance, that an explosion had not taken place;
+they told him he ought to have burst a barrel of powder over the deck
+and down the stairs to the magazine, loaded a gun, tied a fish line to
+the lock and pulled it when he came off in the canoe.
+
+[Illustration: _View of the Negro village on the river Nazareth, and the
+Panda at anchor._]
+
+The Panda being manned by Capt. Trotter and an English crew, commenced
+firing on the town of Cape Lopez, but after firing several shots, a
+spark communicated with the magazine and she blew up. Several men were
+killed, and Captain Trotter and the others thrown into the water, when
+he was made prisoner with several of his crew, by the King, and it
+required considerable negociations to get them free.
+
+[Illustration: _Burying the money on the beach at Cape Lopez._]
+
+The pirates having gone up the river, an expedition was now equipped to
+take them if possible. The long-boat and pinnace were instantly armed,
+and victualled for several weeks, a brass gun was mounted on the bows of
+each, and awnings fixed up to protect the crew from the extreme heat of
+the sun by day, and the heavy dews at nightfall. As the sea-breeze and
+the flood-tide set in, the boats again started and proceeded up the
+river. It was ascertained the war-canoes were beyond where the Panda was
+first taken; for fear of an ambuscade great caution was observed in
+proceeding. "As we approached a point, a single native was observed
+standing near a hut erected near the river, who, as we approached,
+beckoned, and called for us to land. We endeavored to do so, but
+fortunately the water was too shallow to approach near enough.
+
+"We had hardly steered about for the channel, when the man suddenly
+rushed into the bushes and disappeared. We got into the channel, and
+continued some time in deep water, but this suddenly shoaled, and the
+boats grounded near a mangrove, just as we came in sight of a village.
+Our crew jumped out, and commenced tracking the boat over the sand, and
+while thus employed, I observed by means of my glass, a crowd of
+natives, and some of the pirates running down the other side of a low
+point, apparently with the intention of giving us battle, as they were
+all armed with spears and muskets."
+
+The men had just succeeded in drawing the boats into deep water, when a
+great number of canoes were observed coming round the point, and at the
+same instant another large party running down to launch; some more on
+the beach, when they joined those already afloat, in all made above
+twenty-eight canoes, and about one hundred and fifty men. Having
+collected all their forces, with loud whooping and encouraging shouts to
+one another, they led towards us with great celerity.
+
+We prepared instantly for battle; the awnings were got down to allow
+room to use the cutlasses and to load the muskets. The brass guns were
+loaded with grape shot. They now approached uttering terrific yells, and
+paddling with all speed. On board the canoes the pirates were loading
+the guns and encouraging the natives. Bernardo de Soto and Francisco
+Ruiz were conspicuous, in manoeuvring the negro boats for battle, and
+commenced a straggling fire upon the English boats. In them all was
+still, each man had a cutlass by his side, and a loaded musket in his
+hand. On arriving within pistol-shot a well directed fire was poured
+into them, seconded by a discharge of the three pounders; many of the
+balls took effect, and two of the canoes were sunk. A brisk fire was
+kept up on both sides; a great number of the negroes were killed, and a
+few of the pirates; the English loss was small. The negroes now became
+panic-struck, and some paddled towards the shore, others jumped
+overboard and swam; the sharks caught several. Captain Gilbert and De
+Soto were now caught, together with five of the crew; Ruiz and the rest
+escaped to a village, some ways inland, and with the aid of a telescope
+it was perceived the negroes were rapidly gathering to renew the combat,
+urged on by Ruiz and the other pirates; after dislodging them from this
+village, negociations were entered into by the king of Cape Lopez, who
+surrendered Ruiz and several men to Captain Trotter. They were carried
+in the brig Curlew to Fernando Po, and after an examination, were put in
+irons and conveyed to England, and there put on board the British
+gun-brig Savage, and arrived in the harbor of Salem on the 26th August,
+1834. Her commander, Lieut. Loney, waited upon the authorities of Salem,
+and after the usual formalities, surrendered the prisoners into their
+hands--stating that the British Government waived their right to try and
+punish the prisoners, in favor of the United States, against whom the
+principal offence had been committed. The pirates were landed at
+Crowningshield wharf, and taken from thence in carriages to the Town
+hall; twelve of them, handcuffed in pairs, took their places at the bar.
+They were all young and middle-aged, the oldest was not over forty.
+Physiognomically, they were not uncommonly ill looking, in general,
+although there were exceptions, and they were all clean and wholesome in
+their appearance. They were now removed to Boston and confined in
+prison, where one of them, named Manuel Delgarno cut his throat with a
+piece of glass, thus verifying the old proverb, _that those born to be
+hung, will never be drown'd!_
+
+On the 11th of November, Don Pedro Gilbert, _Captain_, Don Bernardo de
+Soto, _Mate_, Francisco Ruiz, _Carpenter_, Nicola Costa, _Cabin-boy,_
+aged 15, Antonio Ferrer, _Cook_, and Manuel Boyga, Domingo de Guzman,
+_an Indian_, Juan Antonio Portana, Manuel Castillo, Angel Garcia, Jose
+Velasquez, and Juan Montenegro, _alias_ Jose Basilio de Castro, were
+arraigned before the Circuit Court of the United States, charged with
+the crime of Piracy. Joseph Perez appeared as _State's evidence_, and
+two Portuguese sailors who were shipped on board the Panda at Prince's
+Island, as witnesses. After a jury was empannelled, Mr. Dunlap, the
+District Attorney, rose and said--"This is a solemn, and also an unusual
+scene. Here are twelve men, strangers to our country and to our
+language, indicted for a heinous offence, and now before you for life or
+death. They are indicted for a daring crime, and a flagrant violation of
+the laws, not only of this, but of every other civilized people." He
+then gave an outline of the commission of the robbery of the Mexican.
+Numerous witnesses were examined, amongst whom were the captain, mate,
+and several seamen of the Mexican, who recognized several of the pirates
+as being the individuals who maltreated them, and took the specie. When
+Thomas Fuller, one of the crew of the Mexican was called upon to
+identify Ruiz, he went up to him and struck him a violent blow on the
+shoulder. Ruiz immediately started up, and with violent gesticulations
+protested against such conduct, and was joined by his companions. The
+Court reprimanded the witness severely. The trial occupied _fourteen
+days_. The counsel for the prisoners were David L. Child, Esq., and
+George Hillard, Esq., who defended them with great ability. Mr. Child
+brought to the cause his untiring zeal, his various and profound
+learning; and exhibited a labour, and _desperation_ which showed that he
+was fully conscious of the weight of the load--the dead lift--he had
+undertaken to carry. Mr. Hillard concluded his argument, by making an
+eloquent and affecting appeal to the jury in behalf of the boy Costa and
+Antonio Ferrer, the cook, and alluded to the circumstance of Bernardo de
+Soto having rescued the lives of 70 individuals on board the American
+ship Minerva, whilst on a voyage from Philadelphia to Havana, when
+captain of the brig Leon.
+
+[Illustration: _Explosion of the Panda._]
+
+If, gentlemen, said he, you deem with me, that the crew of the Panda,
+(supposing her to have robbed the Mexican,) were merely servants of the
+captain, you cannot convict them. But if you do not agree with me, then
+all that remains for me to do, is to address a few words to you in the
+way of mercy. It does not seem to me that the good of society requires
+the death of all these men, the sacrifice of such a hecatomb of human
+victims, or that the sword of the law should fall till it is clogged
+with massacre. _Antonio Ferrer_ is plainly but a servant. He is set down
+as a free black in the ship's papers, but that is no proof that he is
+free. Were he a slave, he would in all probability be represented as
+free, and this for obvious reasons. He is in all probability a slave,
+and a native African, as the tattooing on his face proves beyond a
+doubt. At any rate, he is but a servant. Now will you make misfortune
+pay the penalty of guilt? Do not, I entreat you, lightly condemn this
+man to death. Do not throw him in to make up the dozen. The regard for
+human life is one of the most prominent proofs of a civilized state of
+society. The Sultan of Turkey may place women in sacks and throw them
+into the Bosphorus, without exciting more than an hour's additional
+conversation at Constantinople. But in our country it is different. You
+well remember the excitement produced by the abduction and death of a
+single individual; the convulsions which ensued, the effect of which
+will long be felt in our political institutions. You will ever find that
+the more a nation becomes civilized, the greater becomes the regard for
+human life. There is in the eye, the form, and heaven-directed
+countenance of man, something holy, that forbids he should be rudely
+touched.
+
+The instinct of life is great. The light of the sun even in chains, is
+pleasant; and life, though supported but by the damp exhalations of a
+dungeon, is desirable. Often, too, we cling with added tenacity to life
+in proportion as we are deprived of all that makes existence to be
+coveted.
+
+[Illustration: _Thomas Fuller striking Ruiz in Court._]
+
+  "The weariest and most loathed worldly life.
+  That age, ache, penury and imprisonment
+  Can lay on Nature, is a Paradise
+  To that we fear of Death."
+
+Death is a fearful thing. The mere mention of it sometimes blanches the
+cheek, and sends the fearful blood to the heart. It is a solemn thing to
+break into the "bloody house of life." Do not, because this man is but
+an African, imagine that his existence is valueless. He is no drift weed
+on the ocean of life. There are in his bosom the same social sympathies
+that animate our own. He has nerves to feel pain, and a heart to throb
+with human affections, even as you have. His life, to establish the law,
+or to further the ends of justice, is not required. _Taken_, it is to us
+of no value; given to him, it is above the price of rubies.
+
+And _Costa_, the cabin boy, only fifteen years of age when this crime
+was committed--shall he die? Shall the sword fall upon his neck? Some of
+you are advanced in years--you may have children. Suppose the news had
+reached you, that your son was under trial for his life, in a foreign
+country--(and every cabin boy who leaves this port may be placed in the
+situation of this prisoner,)--suppose you were told that he had been
+executed, because his captain and officers had violated the laws of a
+distant land; what would be your feelings? I cannot tell, but I believe
+the feelings of all of you would be the same, and that you would
+exclaim, with the Hebrew, "My son! my son! would to God I had died for
+thee." This boy _has_ a father; let the form of that father rise up
+before you, and plead in your hearts for his offspring. Perhaps he has a
+mother, and a home. Think of the lengthened shadow that must have been
+cast over that home by his absence. Think of his mother, during those
+hours of wretchedness, when she has felt hope darkening into
+disappointment, next into anxiety, and from anxiety into despair. How
+often may she have stretched forth her hands in supplication, and asked,
+even the winds of heaven, to bring her tidings of him who was away? Let
+the supplications of that mother touch your hearts, and shield their
+object from the law.
+
+After a luminous charge by Judge Story, the jury retired to agree upon
+their verdict, and at 9 o'clock the next morning came in with their
+verdict.
+
+_Clerk_. Gentlemen of the Jury, have you agreed upon your verdict?
+
+_Jury_. We have.
+
+_Clerk_. Who shall speak for you?
+
+_Jury_. Our foreman.
+
+The prisoners were then directed severally to rise as soon as called,
+and receive the verdict of the jury. The Captain, _Pedro Gilbert_, was
+the first named. He arose, raised his hand, and regarded the jury with a
+firm countenance and steady eye.
+
+_Clerk_. Jurors look upon the prisoner; prisoner look upon the jurors.
+How say you, Gentlemen, is the prisoner at the bar, Pedro Gilbert,
+guilty or not guilty?
+
+_Foreman_. GUILTY.
+
+The same verdict was pronounced against _De Soto_ (the mate) _Ruiz_,
+(the carpenter,) _Boyga, Castillo, Garcia_ and _Montenegro_. But
+_Costa_, (the cabin-boy,) _Ferrer_ (the negro,) _Guzman, Portana_, and
+_Velasquez_, were declared NOT GUILTY.
+
+After having declared the verdict of the Jury, the Foreman read to the
+Court the following recommendation to mercy:
+
+"The sympathies of the Jury have been strongly moved in behalf of
+_Bernardo de Soto_, on account of his generous, noble and
+self-sacrificing conduct in saving the lives of more than 70 human
+beings, constituting the passengers and crew of the ship _Minerva_; and
+they desire that his case should be presented to the merciful
+consideration of the Government."
+
+Judge Story replied that the wish of the jury would certainly be
+complied with both by the Court and the prosecuting officer.
+
+"The appearance and demeanor of Captain Gilbert are the same as when we
+first saw him; his eye is undimmed, and decision and command yet sit
+upon his features. We did not discern the slightest alteration of color
+or countenance when the verdict of the jury was communicated to him; he
+merely slightly bowed and resumed his seat. With _De Soto_ the case was
+different. He is much altered; has become thinner, and his countenance
+this morning was expressive of the deepest despondency. When informed
+of the contents of the paper read by the foreman of the jury, he
+appeared much affected, and while being removed from the Court, covered
+his face with his handkerchief."
+
+Immediately after the delivery of the verdict, the acquitted prisoners,
+on motion of Mr. Hillard, were directed to be discharged, upon which
+several of the others loudly and angrily expressed their dissatisfaction
+at the result of the trial. Castillo (_a half-caste_, with an extremely
+mild and pleasing countenance,) pointed towards heaven, and called upon
+the Almighty to bear witness that he was innocent; _Ruiz_ uttered some
+words with great vehemence; and _Garcia_ said "all were in the same
+ship; and it was strange that some should be permitted to escape while
+others were punished." Most of them on leaving the Court uttered some
+invective against "the _picaro_ who had sworn their lives away."
+
+On _Costa_, the cabin boy, (aged 16) being declared "Not Guilty" some
+degree of approbation was manifested by the audience, but instantly
+checked by the judge, who directed the officers to take into custody,
+every one expressing either assent or dissent. We certainly think the
+sympathy expressed in favor of _Costa_ very ill placed, for although we
+have not deemed ourselves at liberty to mention the fact earlier, his
+conduct during the whole trial was characterized by the most reckless
+effrontery and indecorum. Even when standing up to receive the verdict
+of the jury, his face bore an impudent smile, and he evinced the most
+total disregard of the mercy which had been extended towards him.
+
+About this time vague rumors reached Corunna, that a Captain belonging
+to that place, engaged in the Slave Trade, had turned Pirate, been
+captured, and sent to America with his crew for punishment. Report at
+first fixed it upon a noted slave-dealer, named Begaro. But the
+astounding intelligence soon reached Senora de Soto, that her husband
+was the person captured for this startling crime. The shock to her
+feelings was terrible, but her love and fortitude surmounted them all;
+and she determined to brave the terrors of the ocean, to intercede for
+her husband if condemned, and at all events behold him once more. A
+small schooner was freighted by her own and husband's father, and in it
+she embarked for New-York. After a boisterous passage, the vessel
+reached that port, when she learned her husband had already been tried
+and condemned to die. The humane people of New-York advised her to
+hasten on to Washington, and plead with the President for a pardon. On
+arriving at the capital, she solicited an interview with General
+Jackson, which was readily granted. From the circumstance of her
+husband's having saved the lives of seventy Americans, a merciful ear
+was turned to her solicitations, and a pardon for De Soto was given her,
+with which she hastened to Boston, and communicated to him the joyful
+intelligence.
+
+Andrew Jackson, President of the United States of America, to all to
+whom these presents shall come, _Greeting_: Whereas, at the October
+Term, 1834, of the Circuit Court of the United States, Bernardo de Soto
+was convicted of Piracy, and sentenced to be hung on the 11th day of
+March last from which sentence a respite was granted him for three
+months, bearing date the third day of March, 1835, also a subsequent
+one, dated on the fifth day of June, 1835, for sixty days. And whereas
+the said Bernardo de Soto has been represented as a fit subject for
+executive clemency--
+
+Now therefore, I, Andrew Jackson, President of the United States of
+America, in consideration of the premises, divers good and sufficient
+causes me thereto moving, have pardoned, and hereby do pardon the said
+Bernardo de Soto, from and after the 11th August next, and direct that
+he be then discharged from confinement. In testimony whereof I have
+hereunto subscribed my name, and caused the seal of the United States to
+be affixed to these presents. Done at the City of Washington the sixth
+day of July, AD. 1835, and of the independence of the United States and
+sixtieth. Andrew Jackson.
+
+On the fatal morning of June 11th, 1835, Don Pedro, Juan Montenegro,
+Manuel Castillo, Angel Garcia and Manuel Boyga, were, agreeably to
+sentence, summoned to prepare for immediate execution. On the night
+previous, a mutual agreement had been entered into to commit suicide.
+Angel Garcia made the first attempt by trying to open the veins of each
+arm with a piece of glass; but was prevented. In the morning, however,
+while preparations were making for the execution, Boyga succeeded in
+inflicting a deep gash on the left side of his neck, with a piece of
+tin. The officer's eyes had been withdrawn from him scarcely a minute,
+before he was discovered lying on his pallet, with a convulsive motion
+of his knees, from loss of blood. Medical aid was at hand, the gash
+sewed up, but he did not revive. Two Catholic clergymen attended them on
+the scaffold, one a Spanish priest. They were executed in the rear of
+the jail. When the procession arrived at the foot of the ladder leading
+up to the platform of the gallows the Rev. Mr. Varella looking directly
+at Capt. Gilbert, said, "Spaniards, ascend to heaven." Don Pedro mounted
+with a quick step, and was followed by his comrades at a more moderate
+pace, but without the least hesitation. Boyga, unconscious of his
+situation and destiny, was carried up in a chair, and seated beneath the
+rope prepared for him. Gilbert, Montenegro, Garcia and Castillo all
+smiled subduedly as they took their stations on the platform. Soon after
+Capt. Gilbert ascended the scaffold, he passed over to where the
+apparently lifeless Boyga was seated in the chair, and kissed him.
+Addressing his followers, he said, "Boys, we are going to die; but let
+us be firm, for we are innocent." To Mr. Peyton, the interpreter, he
+said, "I die innocent, but I'll die like a noble Spaniard. Good bye,
+brother." The Marshal having read the warrant for their execution, and
+stated that de Soto was respited _sixty_ and Ruiz _thirty_ days, the
+ropes were adjusted round the necks of the prisoners, and a slight
+hectic flush spread over the countenance of each; but not an eye
+quailed, nor a limb trembled, not a muscle quivered. The fatal cord was
+now cut, and the platform fell, by which the prisoners were launched
+into eternity. After the execution was over, Ruiz, who was confined in
+his cell, attracted considerable attention, by his maniac shouts and
+singing. At one time holding up a piece of blanket, stained with Boyga's
+blood, he gave utterance to his ravings in a sort of recitative, the
+burden of which was--"This is the red flag my companions died under!"
+
+After the expiration of Ruiz' second respite, the Marshal got two
+surgeons of the United States Navy, who understood the Spanish language,
+to attend him in his cell; they, after a patient examination pronounced
+his madness a counterfeit, and his insanity a hoax. Accordingly, on the
+morning of Sept. 11th, the Marshal, in company with a Catholic priest
+and interpreter entered his cell, and made him sensible that longer
+evasion of the sentence of the law was impossible, and that he must
+surely die. They informed him that he had but half an hour to live, and
+retired; when he requested that he might not be disturbed during the
+brief space that remained to him, and turning his back to the open
+entrance to his cell, he unrolled some fragments of printed prayers, and
+commenced reading them to himself. During this interval he neither
+spoke, nor heeded those who were watching him; but undoubtedly suffered
+extreme mental agony. At one minute he would drop his chin on his bosom,
+and stand motionless; at another would press his brow to the wall of his
+cell, or wave his body from side to side, as if wrung with unutterable
+anguish. Suddenly, he would throw himself upon his knees on the
+mattress, and prostrate himself as if in prayer; then throwing his
+prayers from him, he would clutch his rug in his fingers, and like a
+child try to double it up, or pick it to pieces. After snatching up his
+rug and throwing it away again and again, he would suddenly resume his
+prayers and erect posture, and stand mute, gazing through the aperture
+that admitted the light of day for upwards of a minute. This scene of
+imbecility and indecision, of horrible prostration of mind, ceasing in
+some degree when the Catholic clergyman re-entered his cell.
+
+At 10 o'clock, the prisoner was removed from the prison, and during his
+progress to the scaffold, though the hue of death was on his face, and
+he trembled in every joint with fear, he chaunted with a powerful voice
+an appropriate service from the Catholic ritual. Several times he turned
+round to survey the heavens which at that moment were clear and bright
+above him and when he ascended the scaffold after concluding his prayer,
+he took one long and steadfast look at the sun, and waited in silence
+his fate. His powers, mental and physical had been suddenly crushed with
+the appalling reality that surrounded him; his whole soul was absorbed
+with one master feeling, the dread of a speedy and violent death. He
+quailed in the presence of the dreadful paraphernalia of his punishment,
+as much as if he had been a stranger to deeds of blood, and never dealt
+death to his fellow man as he ploughed the deep, under the black flag of
+piracy, with the motto of "Rob, Kill, and Burn." After adjusting the
+rope, a signal was given. The body dropped heavily, and the harsh abrupt
+shock must have instantly deprived him of sensation, as there was no
+voluntary action of the hands afterwards. Thus terminated his career of
+crime in a foreign land without one friend to recognize or cheer him, or
+a single being to regret his death.
+
+The Spanish Consul having requested that the bodies might not be given
+to the faculty, they were interred at night under the direction of the
+Marshal, in the Catholic burial-ground at Charlestown. There being no
+murder committed with the piracy, the laws of the United States do not
+authorize the court to order the bodies for dissection.
+
+[Illustration: _Ruiz leaving the Panda._]
+
+
+
+
+THE LIFE OF BENITO DE SOTO THE PIRATE OF THE MORNING STAR.
+
+
+The following narrative of the career of a desperate pirate who was
+executed in Gibraltar in the month of January, 1830, is one of two
+letters from the pen of the author of "the Military Sketch-Book." The
+writer says Benito de Soto "had been a prisoner in the garrison for
+nineteen months, during which time the British Government spared neither
+the pains not expense to establish a full train of evidence against him.
+The affair had caused the greatest excitement here, as well as at Cadiz,
+owing to the development of the atrocities which marked the character of
+this man, and the diabolical gang of which he was the leader. Nothing
+else is talked of; and a thousand horrors are added to his guilt, which,
+although he was guilty enough, he has no right to bear. The following is
+all the authentic information I could collect concerning him. I have
+drawn it from his trial, from the confession of his accomplices, from
+the keeper of his prison, and not a little from his own lips. It will be
+found more interesting than all the tales and sketches furnished in the
+'Annuals,' magazines, and other vehicles of invention, from the simple
+fact--that it is truth and not fiction."
+
+Benito de Soto was a native of a small village near Courna; he was bred
+a mariner, and was in the guiltless exercise of his calling at Buenos
+Ayres, in the year 1827. A vessel was there being fitted out for a
+voyage to the coast of Africa, for the smuggling of slaves; and as she
+required a strong crew, a great number of sailors were engaged, amongst
+whom was Soto. The Portuguese of South America have yet a privilege of
+dealing in slaves on a certain part of the African coast, but it was the
+intention of the captain of this vessel to exceed the limits of his
+trade, and to run farther down, so as to take his cargo of human beings
+from a part of the country which was proscribed, in the certainty of
+being there enabled to purchase slaves at a much lower rate than he
+could in the regular way; or, perhaps, to take away by force as many as
+he could stow away into his ship. He therefore required a considerable
+number of hands for the enterprise; and in such a traffic, it may be
+easily conceived, that the morals of the crew could not be a subject of
+much consideration with the employer. French, Spanish, Portuguese, and
+others, were entered on board, most of them renegadoes, and they set
+sail on their evil voyage, with every hope of infamous success.
+
+Those who deal in evil carry along with them the springs of their own
+destruction, upon which they will tread, in spite of every caution, and
+their imagined security is but the brink of the pit into which they are
+to fall. It was so with the captain of this slave-ship. He arrived in
+Africa, took in a considerable number of slaves, and in order to
+complete his cargo, went on shore, leaving his mate in charge of the
+vessel. This mate was a bold, wicked, reckless and ungovernable spirit,
+and perceiving in Benito de Soto a mind congenial with his own, he fixed
+on him as a fit person to join in a design he had conceived, of running
+away with the vessel, and becoming a pirate. Accordingly the mate
+proposed his plan to Soto, who not only agreed to join in it, but
+declared that he himself had been contemplating a similar enterprise
+during the voyage. They both were at once of a mind, and they lost no
+time in maturing their plot.
+
+Their first step was to break the matter to the other members of the
+crew. In this they proceeded cautiously, and succeeded so far as to
+gain over twenty-two of the whole, leaving eighteen who remained
+faithful to their trust. Every means were used to corrupt the well
+disposed; both persuasion and threats were resorted to, but without
+effect, and the leader of the conspiracy, the mate, began to despair of
+obtaining the desired object. Soto, however, was not so easily
+depressed. He at once decided on seizing the ship upon the strength of
+his party: and without consulting the mate, he collected all the arms of
+the vessel, called the conspirators together, put into each of their
+possession a cutlass and a brace of pistols, and arming himself in like
+manner, advanced at the head of the gang, drew his sword, and declared
+the mate to be the commander of the ship, and the men who joined him
+part owners. Still, those who had rejected the evil offer remained
+unmoved; on which Soto ordered out the boats, and pointing to the land,
+cried out, "There is the African coast; this is our ship--one or the
+other must be chosen by every man on board within five minutes."
+
+This declaration, although it had the effect of preventing any
+resistance that might have been offered by the well disposed, to the
+taking of the vessel, did not change them from their purpose; they still
+refused to join in the robbery, and entered one by one into the boat, at
+the orders of Soto, and with but one pair of oars (all that was allowed
+to them) put off for the shore, from which they were then ten miles
+distant. Had the weather continued calm, as it was when the boat left
+the ship, she would have made the shore by dusk; but unhappily a strong
+gale of wind set in shortly after her departure, and she was seen by
+Soto and his gang struggling with the billows and approaching night, at
+such a distance from the land as she could not possibly accomplish while
+the gale lasted. All on board the ship agreed in opinion that the boat
+could not live, as they flew away from her at the rate of ten knots an
+hour, under close reefed topsails, leaving their unhappy messmates to
+their inevitable fate. Those of the pirates who were lately executed at
+Cadiz, declared that every soul in the boat perished.
+
+[Illustration: _The Pirates carrying rum on shore to purchase slaves._]
+
+The drunken uproar which that night reigned in the pirate ship was in
+horrid unison with the raging elements around her; contention and
+quarrelling followed the brutal ebriety of the pirates; each evil spirit
+sought the mastery of the others, and Soto's, which was the fiend of
+all, began to grasp and grapple for its proper place--the head of such a
+diabolical community.
+
+The mate (now the chief) at once gave the reins to his ruffian tyranny;
+and the keen eye of Soto saw that he who had fawned with him the day
+before, would next day rule him with an iron rod. Prompt in his actions
+as he was penetrating in his judgment, he had no sooner conceived a
+jealousy of the leader than he determined to put him aside; and as his
+rival lay in his drunken sleep, Soto put a pistol to his head, and
+deliberately shot him. For this act he excused himself to the crew, by
+stating to them that it was in _their_ protection he did the act; that
+_their_ interest was the other's death; and concluded by declaring
+himself their leader, and promising a golden harvest to their future
+labors, provided they obeyed him. Soto succeeded to the height of his
+wishes, and was unanimously hailed by the crew as their captain.
+
+On board the vessel, as I before stated, were a number of slaves, and
+these the pirates had well secured under hatches. They now turned their
+attention to those half starved, half suffocated creatures;--some were
+for throwing them overboard, while others, not less cruel, but more
+desirous of gain, proposed to take them to some port in one of those
+countries that deal in human beings, and there sell them. The latter
+recommendation was adopted, and Soto steered for the West Indies, where
+he received a good price for his slaves. One of those wretched
+creatures, a boy, he reserved as a servant for himself; and this boy was
+destined by Providence to be the witness of the punishment of those
+white men who tore away from their homes himself and his brethren. He
+alone will carry back to his country the truth of Heaven's retribution,
+and heal the wounded feelings of broken kindred with the recital of it.
+
+The pirates now entered freely into their villainous pursuit, and
+plundered many vessels; amongst others was an American brig, the
+treatment of which forms the _chef d'oeuvre_ of their atrocity. Having
+taken out of this brig all the valuables they could find, they hatched
+down all hands to the hold, except a black man, who was allowed to
+remain on deck for the special purpose of affording in his torture an
+amusing exhibition to Soto and his gang. They set fire to the brig, then
+lay to, to observe the progress of the flames; and as the miserable
+African bounded from rope to rope, now climbing to the mast head--now
+clinging to the shrouds--now leaping to one part of the vessel, and now
+to another,--their enjoyment seemed raised to its heighest pitch. At
+length the hatches opened to the devouring element, the tortured victim
+of their fiendish cruelty fell exhausted into the flames, and the horrid
+and revolting scene closed amidst the shouts of the miscreants who had
+caused it.
+
+Of their other exploits, that which ranks next in turpitude, and which
+led to their overthrow, was the piracy of the Morning Star. They fell in
+with that vessel near the island Ascension, in the year 1828, as she was
+on her voyage from Ceylon to England. This vessel, besides a valuable
+cargo, had on board several passengers, consisting of a major and his
+wife, an assistant surgeon, two civilians, about five and twenty invalid
+soldiers, and three or four of their wives. As soon as Benito de Soto
+perceived the ship, which was at daylight on the 21st of February, he
+called up all hands, and prepared for attacking her; he was at the time
+steering on an opposite course to that of the Morning Star. On
+reconnoitring her, he at first supposed she was a French vessel; but
+Barbazan, one of his crew, who was himself a Frenchman, assured him the
+ship was British. "So much the better," exclaimed Soto, in English (for
+he could speak that language), "we shall find the more booty." He then
+ordered the sails to be squared, and ran before the wind in chase of his
+plunder, from which he was about two leagues distant.
+
+The Defensor de Pedro, the name of the pirate ship, was a fast sailer,
+but owing to the press of canvas which the Morning Star hoisted soon
+after the pirate had commenced the chase, he did not come up with her so
+quickly as he had expected: the delay caused great uneasiness to Soto,
+which he manifested by muttering curses, and restlessness of manner.
+Sounds of savage satisfaction were to be heard from every mouth but his
+at the prospect; he alone expressed his anticipated pleasure by oaths,
+menaces, and mental inquietude. While Barbazan was employed in
+superintending the clearing of the decks, the arming and breakfasting of
+the men, he walked rapidly up and down, revolving in his mind the plan
+of the approaching attack, and when interrupted by any of the crew, he
+would run into a volley of imprecations. In one instance, he struck his
+black boy a violent blow with a telescope, because he asked him if he
+would have his morning cup of chocolate; as soon, however, as he set his
+studding sails, and perceived that he was gaining on the Morning Star,
+he became somewhat tranquil, began to eat heartily of cold beef, drank
+his chocolate at a draught, and coolly sat down on the deck to smoke a
+cigar.
+
+In less than a quarter of an hour, the pirate had gained considerable on
+the other vessel. Soto now, without rising from where he sat, ordered a
+gun, with blank cartridge, to be fired, and the British colors to be
+hoisted: but finding this measure had not the effect of bringing the
+Morning Star to, he cried out, "Shot the long gun and give it her point
+blank." The order was obeyed, but the shot fell short of the intention,
+on which he jumped up and cursed the fellows for bunglers who had fired
+the gun. He then ordered them to load with canister shot, and took the
+match in his own hand. He did not, however, fire immediately, but waited
+until he was nearly abreast of his victim; then directing the aim
+himself, and ordering a man to stand by the flag to haul it down, fired
+with an air that showed he was sure of his mark. He then ran to haul up
+the Colombian colors, and having done so, cried out through the speaking
+trumpet, "Lower your boat down this moment, and let your captain come on
+board with his papers."
+
+During this fearful chase the people on board the Morning Star were in
+the greatest alarm; but however their apprehensions might have been
+excited, that courage, which is so characteristic of a British sailor,
+never for a moment forsook the captain. He boldly carried on sail, and
+although one of the men fell from a wound, and the ravages of the shot
+were every where around him, he determined not to strike. But unhappily
+he had not a single gun on board, and no small arms that could render
+his courage availing. The tears of the women, and the prudent advice of
+the passengers overcoming his resolution, he permitted himself to be
+guided by the general opinion. One of the passengers volunteered himself
+to go on board the pirate, and a boat was lowered for the purpose. Both
+vessels now lay to within fifty yards of each other, and a strong hope
+arose in those on board the Morning Star, that the gentleman who had
+volunteered to go to the pirate, might, through his exertions, avert, at
+least, the worst of the dreaded calamity.
+
+Some people here, in their quiet security, have made no scruple of
+declaring, that the commanding officer of the soldiers on board should
+not have so tamely yielded to the pirate, particularly as he had his
+wife along with him, and consequently a misfortune to dread, that might
+be thought even worse than death: but all who knew the true state of the
+circumstances, and reflect upon it, will allow that he adopted the only
+chance of escaping that, which was to be most feared by a husband. The
+long gun, which was on a pivot in the centre of the pirate ship, could
+in a few shots sink the Morning Star; and even had resistance been made
+to the pirates as they boarded her--had they been killed or made
+prisoners--the result would not be much better. It was evident that the
+Defensor de Pedro was the best sailer, consequently the Morning Star
+could not hope to escape; in fact, submission or total destruction was
+the only choice. The commanding officer, therefore, acted for the best
+when he recommended the former. There was some slight hope of escaping
+with life, and without personal abuse, by surrendering, but to contend
+must be inevitable death.
+
+The gentleman who had gone in a boat to the pirate returned in a short
+time, exhibiting every proof of the ill treatment he had received from
+Soto and his crew. It appears that when the villains learned that he was
+not the captain, they fell upon and beat him, as well as the sailors
+along with him, in a most brutal manner, and with the most horrid
+imprecations told him, that if the captain did not instantly come, on
+his return to the vessel, they would blow the ship out of the water.
+This report as once decided the captain in the way he was to act.
+Without hesitation he stepped into the boat, taking with him his second
+mate, three soldiers and a sailor boy, and proceeded to the pirate. On
+going on board that vessel, along with the mate, Soto, who stood near
+the mainmast, with his drawn cutlass in his hand, desired him to
+approach, while the mate was ordered, by Barbazan, to go to the
+forecastle. Both these unfortunate individuals obeyed, and were
+instantly slaughtered.
+
+Soto now ordered six picked men to descend into the boat, amongst whom
+was Barbazan. To him the leader addressed his orders, the last of which
+was, to take care to put all in the prize to death, and then sink her.
+
+The six pirates, who proceeded to execute his savage demand, were all
+armed alike,--they each carried a brace of pistols, a cutlass and a long
+knife. Their dress was composed of a sort of coarse cotton chequered
+jacket and trowsers, shirts that were open at the collar, red woollen
+caps, and broad canvas waistbelts, in which were the pistols and the
+knives. They were all athletic men, and seemed such as might well be
+trusted with the sanguinary errand on which they were despatched. While
+the boat was conveying them, Soto held in his hand a cutlass, reddened
+with the blood of the murdered captain, and stood scowling on them with
+silence: while another ruffian, with a lighted match, stood by the long
+gun, ready to support the boarding, if necessary, with a shot that
+would sweep the deck.
+
+As the boarders approached the Morning Star, the terror of the females
+became excessive; they clung to their husbands in despair, who
+endeavored to allay their fears by their own vain hopes, assuring them
+that a quiet submission nothing more than the plunder of the vessel was
+to be apprehended. But a few minutes miserably undeceived them. The
+pirates rapidly mounted the side, and as they jumped on deck, commenced
+to cut right and left at all within their reach, uttering at the same
+time the most dreadful oaths. The females, screaming, hurried to hide
+themselves below as well as they were able, and the men fell or fled
+before the pirates, leaving them entire masters of the decks.
+
+[Illustration: _The mate begging for his life._]
+
+When the pirates had succeeded in effectually prostrating all the people
+on deck, they drove most of them below, and reserved the remainder to
+assist in their operations. Unless the circumstances be closely
+examined, it may be wondered how six men could have so easily overcome a
+crew of English seamen supported by about twenty soldiers with a major
+at their head:--but it will not appear so surprising, when it is
+considered that the sailors were altogether unarmed, the soldiers were
+worn out invalids, and more particularly, that the pirate carried a
+heavy long gun, ready to sink her victim at a shot. Major Logie was
+fully impressed with the folly of opposing so powerful and desperate an
+enemy, and therefore advised submission as the only course for the
+safety of those under his charge; presuming no doubt that something like
+humanity might be found in the breasts even of the worst of men. But
+alas! he was woefully deceived in his estimate of the villains' nature,
+and felt, when too late, that even death would have been preferable to
+the barbarous treatment he was forced to endure.
+
+Beaten, bleeding, terrified, the men lay huddled together in the hold,
+while the pirates proceeded in their work of pillage and brutality.
+Every trunk was hauled forth, every portable article of value heaped for
+the plunder; money, plate, charts, nautical instruments, and seven
+parcels of valuable jewels, which formed part of the cargo; these were
+carried from below on the backs of those men whom the pirates selected
+to assist them, and for two hours they were thus employed, during which
+time Soto stood upon his own deck directing the operations; for the
+vessels were within a hundred yards of each other. The scene which took
+place in the cabin exhibited a licentious brutality. The sick officer,
+Mr. Gibson, was dragged from his berth; the clothes of the other
+passengers stripped from their backs, and the whole of the cabin
+passengers driven on deck, except the females, whom they locked up in
+the round-house on deck, and the steward, who was detained to serve the
+pirates with wine and eatables. This treatment, no doubt hastened the
+death of Gibson; the unfortunate gentleman did not long survive it. As
+the passengers were forced up the cabin ladder, the feelings of Major
+Logie, it may be imagined, were of the most heart-rending description.
+In vain did he entreat to be allowed to remain; he was hurried away from
+even the chance of protecting his defenceless wife, and battened down
+with the rest in the hold, there to be racked with the fearful
+apprehensions of their almost certain doom.
+
+The labors of the robbers being now concluded, they sat down to regale
+themselves, preparatory to the _chef d'oeuvre_ of their diabolical
+enterprise; and a more terrible group of demi-devils, the steward
+declares, could not be well imagined than commanded his attention at the
+cabin table. However, as he was a Frenchman, and naturally polite, he
+acquitted himself of the office of cup-bearer, if not as gracefully, at
+least as anxiously, as ever did Ganymede herself. Yet, notwithstanding
+this readiness to serve the visitors in their gastronomic desires, the
+poor steward felt ill-requited; he was twice frightened into an icicle,
+and twice thawed back into conscious horror, by the rudeness of those he
+entertained. In one instance, when he had filled out a sparkling glass
+for a ruffian, and believed he had quite won the heart of the drinker by
+the act, he found himself grasped roughly and tightly by the throat, and
+the point of a knife staring him in the face. It seems the fellow who
+thus seized him, had felt between his teeth a sharp bit of broken glass,
+and fancying that something had been put in the wine to poison him, he
+determined to prove his suspicions by making the steward swallow what
+remained in the bottle from which the liquor had been drawn, and thus
+unceremoniously prefaced his command; however, ready and implicit
+obedience averted further bad consequences. The other instance of the
+steward's jeopardy was this; when the repast was ended, one of the
+gentlemen coolly requested him to waive all delicacy, and point out the
+place in which the captain's money was concealed. He might as well have
+asked him to produce the philosopher's stone. However, pleading the
+truth was of no use; his determined requisitor seconded the demand by
+snapping a pistol at his breast; having missed fire, he recocked, and
+again presented; but the fatal weapon was struck aside by Barbazan, who
+reproved the rashness with a threat, and thus averted the steward's
+impending fate. It was then with feelings of satisfaction he heard
+himself ordered to go down to the hold, and in a moment he was bolted in
+among his fellow sufferers.
+
+The ruffians indulged in the pleasures of the bottle for some time
+longer, and then having ordered down the females, treated them with even
+less humanity than characterized their conduct towards the others. The
+screams of the helpless females were heard in the hold by those who were
+unable to render them assistance, and agonizing, indeed, must those
+screams have been to their incarcerated hearers! How far the brutality
+of the pirates was carried in this stage of the horrid proceeding, we
+can only surmise; fortunately, their lives were spared, although, as it
+afterwards appeared, the orders of Soto were to butcher every being on
+board; and it is thought that these orders were not put into action, in
+consequence of the villains having wasted so much time in drinking, and
+otherwise indulging themselves; for it was not until the loud voice of
+their chief was heard to recall them, that they prepared to leave the
+ship; they therefore contented themselves with fastening the women
+within the cabin, heaping heavy lumber on the hatches of the hold, and
+boring holes in the planks of the vessel below the surface of the water,
+so that in destroying the unhappy people at one swoop, they might make
+up for the lost time. They then left the ship, sinking fast to her
+apparently certain fate.
+
+[Illustration: _Horrid abuse of the helpless women in the cabin._]
+
+It may be reasonably supposed, bad as their conduct was towards the
+females, and pitiable as was the suffering it produced, that the lives
+of the whole left to perish were preserved through it; for the ship must
+have gone down if the women had been either taken out of her or
+murdered, and those in the hold inevitably have gone with her to the
+bottom. But by good fortune, the females succeeded in forcing their way
+out of the cabin, and became the means of liberating the men confined in
+the hold. When they came on deck, it was nearly dark, yet they could see
+the pirate ship at a considerable distance, with all her sails set and
+bearing away from them. They prudently waited, concealed from the
+possibility of being seen by the enemy, and when the night fell, they
+crept to the hatchway, and called out to the men below to endeavor to
+effect their liberation, informing them that the pirate was away and out
+of sight. They then united their efforts, and the lumber being removed,
+the hatches gave way to the force below, so that the released captives
+breathed of hope again. The delightful draught, however, was checked,
+when the ship was found to contain six feet of water! A momentary
+collapse took possession of all their newly excited expectations; cries
+and groans of despair burst forth, but the sailors' energy quickly
+returned, and was followed by that of the others; they set to work at
+the pumps, and by dint of labor succeeded in keeping the vessel afloat.
+Yet to direct her course was impossible; the pirates having completely
+disabled her, by cutting away her rigging and sawing the masts all the
+way through. The eye of Providence, however, was not averted from the
+hapless people, for they fell in with a vessel next day that relieved
+them from their distressing situation, and brought them to England in
+safety.
+
+We will now return to Soto, and show how the hand of that Providence
+that secured his intended victims, fell upon himself and his wicked
+associates. Intoxicated with their infamous success, the night had far
+advanced before Soto learned that the people in the Morning Star,
+instead of being slaughtered, were only left to be drowned. The
+information excited his utmost rage. He reproached Barbazan, and those
+who had accompanied them in the boarding, with disobeying his orders,
+and declared that now there could be no security for their lives. Late
+as the hour was, and long as he had been steering away from the Morning
+Star, he determined to put back, in the hope of effectually preventing
+the escape of those in the devoted vessel, by seeing them destroyed
+before his eyes. Soto was a follower of the principle inculcated by the
+old maxim, "Dead men tell no tales;" and in pursuance of his doctrine,
+lost not a moment in putting about and running back. But it was too
+late; he could find no trace of the vessel, and so consoled himself with
+the belief that she was at the bottom of the sea, many fathoms below the
+ken and cognizance of Admiralty Courts.
+
+Soto, thus satisfied, bent his course to Europe. On his voyage he fell
+in with a small brig, boarded, plundered, sunk her, and, that he might
+not again run the hazard of encountering living witnesses of his guilt,
+murdered the crew, with the exception of one individual, whom he took
+along with him, on account of his knowledge of the course to Corunna,
+whither he intended to proceed. But, faithful to his principles of
+self-protection, as soon as he had made full use of the unfortunate
+sailor, and found himself in sight of the destined port, he came up to
+him at the helm, which he held in his hand, "My friend," said he "is
+that the harbor of Corunna?"--"Yes," was the reply. "Then," rejoined
+Soto, "You have done your duty well, and I am obliged to you for your
+services." On the instant he drew a pistol and shot the man; then coolly
+flung his body overboard, took the helm himself, and steered into his
+native harbor as little concerned as if he had returned from an honest
+voyage. At this port he obtained papers in a false name, disposed of a
+great part of his booty, and after a short stay set out for Cadiz, where
+he expected a market for the remainder. He had a fair wind until he came
+within sight of the coast near that city. It was coming on dark and he
+lay to, expecting to go into his anchorage next morning, but the wind
+shifted to the westward, and suddenly began to blow a heavy gale; it was
+right on the land. He luffed his ship as close to the wind as possible,
+in order to clear a point that stretched outward, and beat off to
+windward, but his lee-way carried him towards the land, and he was
+caught when he least expected the trap. The gale increased--the night
+grew pitchy dark--the roaring breakers were on his lee-beam--the
+drifting vessel strikes, rebounds, and strikes again--the cry of horror
+rings through the flapping cordage, and despair is in the eyes of the
+demon-crew. Helpless they lie amid the wrath of the storm, and the
+darkened face of Heaven, for the first time, strikes terror on their
+guilty hearts. Death is before them, but not with a merciful quickness
+does he approach; hour after hour the frightful vision glares upon them,
+and at length disappears only to come upon them again in a more dreadful
+form. The tempest abates, and the sinners were spared for the time.
+
+As the daylight broke they took to their boats, and abandoned the vessel
+to preserve their lives. But there was no repentance in the pirates;
+along with the night and the winds went the voice of conscience, and
+they thought no more of what had passed. They stood upon the beach
+gazing at the wreck, and the first thought of Soto, was to sell it, and
+purchase another vessel for the renewal of his atrocious pursuits. With
+the marked decision of his character, he proposed his intention to his
+followers, and received their full approbation. The plan was instantly
+arranged; they were to present themselves as honest, shipwrecked
+mariners to the authorities at Cadiz; Soto was to take upon himself the
+office of mate, or _contra maestra,_ to an imaginary captain, and thus
+obtain their sanction in disposing of the vessel. In their assumed
+character, the whole proceeded to Cadiz, and presented themselves before
+the proper officers of the marine. Their story was listened to with
+sympathy, and for a few days every thing went on to their satisfaction.
+Soto had succeeded so well as to conclude the sale of the wreck with a
+broker, for the sum of one thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars; the
+contract was signed, but fortunately the money was not yet paid, when
+suspicion arose, from some inconsistencies in the pirates' account of
+themselves, and six of them were arrested by the authorities. Soto and
+one of his crew instantly disappeared from Cadiz, and succeeded in
+arriving at the neutral ground before Gibraltar, and six more made their
+escape to the Carraccas.
+
+None are permitted to enter the fortress of Gibraltar, without
+permission from the governor, or a passport. Soto and his companion,
+therefore, took up their quarters at a Posade on the neutral ground, and
+resided there in security for several days. The busy and daring mind of
+the former could not long remain inactive; he proposed to his companion
+to attempt to enter the garrison in disguise and by stealth, but could
+not prevail upon him to consent. He therefore resolved to go in alone;
+and his object in doing so was to procure a supply of money by a letter
+of credit which he brought with him from Cadiz. His companion, more wise
+than he, chose the safer course; he knew that the neutral ground was not
+much controllable by the laws either of the Spanish or the English, and
+although there was not much probability of being discovered, he resolved
+not to trust to chance in so great a stake as his life; and he proved to
+have been right in his judgment, for had he gone to Gibraltar, he would
+have shared the same fate of his chief. This man is the only one of the
+whole gang, who has not met with the punishment of his crimes, for he
+succeeded in effecting his escape on board some vessel. It is not even
+suspected to what country he is gone; but his description, no doubt, is
+registered. The steward of the Morning Star informed me, that he is a
+tall, stout man, with fair hair, and fresh complexion, of a mild and
+gentle countenance, but that he was one of the worst villains of the
+whole piratical crew. I believe he is stated to be a Frenchman.
+
+Soto secured his admission into the garrison by a false pass, and took
+up his residence at an inferior tavern in a narrow lane, which runs off
+the main street of Gibraltar, and is kept by a man of the name of Basso.
+The appearance of this house suits well with the associations of the
+worthy Benito's life. I have occasion to pass the door frequently at
+night, for our barrack, (the Casement,) is but a few yards from it. I
+never look at the place without feeling an involuntary sensation of
+horror--the smoky and dirty nooks--the distant groups of dark Spaniards,
+Moors, and Jews, their sallow countenances made yellow by the fight of
+dim oil lamps--the unceiled rafters of the rooms above, seen through
+unshuttered windows and the consciousness of their having covered the
+atrocious Soto, combine this effect upon me.
+
+In this den the villain remained for a few weeks, and during this time
+seemed to enjoy himself as if he had never committed a murder. The story
+he told Basso of his circumstances was, that he had come to Gibraltar on
+his way to Cadiz from Malaga, and was merely awaiting the arrival of a
+friend. He dressed expensively--generally wore a white hat of the best
+English quality, silk stockings, white trowsers, and blue frock coat.
+His whiskers were large and bushy, and his hair, which was very black,
+profuse, long and naturally curled, was much in the style of a London
+preacher of prophetic and anti-poetic notoriety. He was deeply browned
+with the sun, and had an air and gait expressive of his bold,
+enterprising, and desperate mind. Indeed, when I saw him in his cell and
+at his trial, although his frame was attenuated almost to a skeleton,
+the color of his face a pale yellow, his eyes sunken, and hair closely
+shorn; he still exhibited strong traces of what he had been, still
+retained his erect and fearless carriage, his quick, fiery, and
+malevolent eye, his hurried and concise speech, and his close and
+pertinent style of remark. He appeared to me such a man as would have
+made a hero in the ranks of his country, had circumstances placed him in
+the proper road to fame; but ignorance and poverty turned into the most
+ferocious robber, one who might have rendered service and been an honor
+to his sunken country. I should like to hear what the phrenologists say
+of his head; it appeared to me to be the most peculiar I had ever seen,
+and certainly, as far as the bump of _destructiveness_ went, bore the
+theory fully out. It is rumored here that the skull has been sent to the
+_savans_ of Edinburg; if this be the case, we shall no doubt be made
+acquainted with their sage opinions upon the subject, and great
+conquerors will receive a farther assurance of how much they resemble in
+their physical natures the greatest murderers.
+
+When I visited the pirate in the Moorish castle where he was confined,
+he was sitting in his cold, narrow, and miserable cell, upon a pallet of
+straw, eating his coarse meal from a tin plate. I thought him more an
+object of pity than vengeance; he looked so worn with disease, so
+crushed with suffering, yet so affable, frank, and kind in his address;
+for he happened to be in a communicative mood, a thing that was by no
+means common with him. He spoke of his long confinement, till I thought
+the tears were about to start from his eyes, and alluded to his
+approaching trial with satisfaction; but his predominant characteristic,
+ferocity, appeared in his small piercing black eyes before I left him,
+as he alluded to his keeper, the Provost, in such a way that made me
+suspect his desire for blood was not yet extinguished. When he appeared
+in court on his trial, his demeanor was quite altered; he seemed to me
+to have suddenly risen out of the wretch he was in his cell, to all the
+qualities I had heard of him; he stood erect and unembarrassed; he spoke
+with a strong voice, attended closely to the proceedings, occasionally
+examined the witnesses, and at the conclusion protested against the
+justice of his trial. He sometimes spoke to the guards around him, and
+sometimes affected an air of carelessness of his awful situation, which,
+however, did not sit easy upon him. Even here the leading trait of his
+mind broke forth; for when the interpreter commenced his office, the
+language which he made use of being pedantic and affected, Soto
+interrupted him thus, while a scowl sat upon his brow that terrified the
+man of words: "I don't understand you, man; speak Spanish like others,
+and I'll listen to you." When the dirk that belonged to Mr. Robertson,
+the trunk and clothes taken from Mr. Gibson, and the pocket book
+containing the ill-fated captain's handwriting were placed before him,
+and proved to have been found in his room, and when the maid servant of
+the tavern proved that she found the dirk under his pillow every morning
+on arranging his bed; and when he was confronted with his own black
+slave, between two wax lights, the countenance of the villain appeared
+in its true nature, not depressed nor sorrowful, but vivid and
+ferocious; and when the patient and dignified governor, Sir George Don,
+passed the just sentence of the law upon him, he looked daggers at his
+heart, and assumed a horrid silence, more eloquent than words.
+
+The criminal persisted up to the day before his execution in asserting
+his innocence, and inveighing against the injustice of his trial, but
+the certainty of his fate, and the awful voice of religion, at length
+subdued him. He made an unreserved confession of his guilt, and became
+truly penitent; gave up to the keeper the blade of a razor which he had
+secreted between the soles of his shoes for the acknowledged purpose of
+adding suicide to his crimes, and seemed to wish for the moment that was
+to send him before his Creator.
+
+I witnessed his execution, and I believe there never was a more contrite
+man than he appeared to be; yet there were no drivelling fears upon
+him--he walked firmly at the tail of the fatal cart, gazing sometimes at
+his coffin, sometimes at the crucifix which he held in his hand. The
+symbol of divinity he frequently pressed to his lips, repeated the
+prayers spoken in his ear by the attendant clergyman, and seemed
+regardless of every thing but the world to come. The gallows was erected
+beside the water, and fronting the neutral ground. He mounted the cart
+as firmly as he had walked behind it, and held up his face to Heaven and
+the beating rain, calm, resigned, but unshaken; and finding the halter
+too high for his neck, he boldly stepped upon his coffin, and placed his
+head in the noose, then watching the first turn of the wheels, he
+murmured "_adios todos_," [Footnote: "Farewell, all."] and leaned
+forward to facilitate his fall.
+
+The black slave of the pirate stood upon the battery trembling before
+his dying master to behold the awful termination of a series of events,
+the recital of which to his African countrymen, when he shall return to
+his home, will give them no doubt, a dreadful picture of European
+civilization. The black boy was acquitted at Cadiz, but the men who had
+fled to the Carraccas, as well as those arrested after the wreck, were
+convicted, executed, their limbs severed, and hung on tenter hooks, as a
+warning to all pirates.
+
+[Illustration: _The Rock of Gibraltar._]
+
+
+
+
+THE ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN ROBERT KIDD
+
+
+The easy access to the harbor of New-York, the number of hiding-places
+about its waters, and the laxity of its newly organized government,
+about the year 1695, made it a great rendezvous of pirates, where they
+might dispose of their booty and concert new depredations. As they
+brought home with them wealthy lading of all kinds, the luxuries of the
+tropics, and the sumptuous spoils of the Spanish provinces, and disposed
+of them with the proverbial carelessness of freebooters, they were
+welcome visitors to the thrifty traders of New-York. Crews of these
+desperadoes, therefore, the runagates of every country and every clime,
+might be seen swaggering in open day about the streets, elbowing its
+quiet inhabitants, trafficking their rich outlandish plunder at half or
+quarter price to the wary merchant; and then squandering their
+prize-money in taverns, drinking, gambling, singing, carousing and
+astounding the neighborhood with midnight brawl and revelry. At length
+these excesses rose to such a height as to become a scandal to the
+provinces, and to call loudly for the interposition of government.
+Measures were accordingly taken to put a stop to this widely extended
+evil, and to drive the pirates out of the colonies.
+
+Among the distinguished individuals who lurked about the colonies, was
+Captain Robert Kidd, [Footnote: His real name was William Kidd.] who in
+the beginning of King William's war, commanded a privateer in the West
+Indies, and by his several adventurous actions, acquired the reputation
+of a brave man, as well as an experienced seaman. But he had now become
+notorious, as a nondescript animal of the ocean. He was somewhat of a
+trader, something more of a smuggler, but mostly a pirate. He had traded
+many years among the pirates, in a little rakish vessel, that could run
+into all kinds of water. He knew all their haunts and lurking places,
+and was always hooking about on mysterious voyages.
+
+Upon the good old maxim of "setting a rogue to catch a rogue," Capt.
+Kidd 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 to the command of a government ship, and to be
+employed in cruising upon the pirates, as knowing those seas perfectly
+well, and being acquainted with all their lurking places; but what
+reasons governed the politics 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 pirates, 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 her to Captain
+Kidd; and to give the thing a greater reputation, as well as to keep
+their seamen under better command, they procured the king's commission
+for the said Capt. Kidd, of which the following is an exact copy:
+
+_William Rex_,
+
+"WILLIAM THE THIRD, by the grace of God, King of England, Scotland,
+France and Ireland, defender of the faith, &c. To our trusty and well
+beloved Capt. ROBERT KIDD, commander of the ship the Adventure galley,
+or to any other, the commander of the same for the time being,
+_Greeting_: Whereas we are informed, that Capt. Thomas Too, John
+Ireland, Capt. Thomas Wake, and Capt. William Maze or Mace, and other
+subjects, natives or inhabitants of New-York, and elsewhere, in our
+plantations in America, have associated themselves with divers others,
+wicked and ill-disposed persons, and do, against the law of nations,
+commit many and great piracies, robberies and depredations on the seas
+upon the parts of America, and in other parts, to the great hindrance
+and discouragement of trade and navigation, and to the great danger and
+hurt of our loving subjects, our allies, and all others, navigating the
+seas upon their lawful occasions. Now KNOW YE, that we being desirous to
+prevent the aforesaid mischiefs, and as much as in us lies, to bring the
+said pirates, free-booters and sea-rovers to justice, have thought fit,
+and do hereby give and grant to the said Robert Kidd, (to whom our
+commissioners for exercising the office of Lord High Admiral of England,
+have granted a commission as a private man-of-war, bearing date the 11th
+day of December, 1695,) and unto the commander of the said ship for the
+time being, and unto the officers, mariners, and others which shall be
+under your command, full power and authority to apprehend, seize, and
+take into your custody as well the said Capt. Thomas Too, John Ireland,
+Capt. Thomas Wake, and Capt. Wm. Maze or Mace, as all such pirates,
+free-booters, and sea-rovers, being either our subjects, or of other
+nations associated with them, which you shall meet with upon the seas or
+coasts of America, or upon any other seas or coasts, with all their
+ships and vessels, and all such merchandizes, money, goods, and wares as
+shall be found on board, or with them, in case they shall willingly
+yield themselves; but if they will not yield without fighting, then you
+are by force to compel them to yield. And we also require you to bring,
+or cause to be brought, such pirates, free-booters, or sea-rovers, as
+you shall seize, to a legal trial, to the end they may be proceeded
+against according to the law in such cases. And we do hereby command
+all our officers, ministers, and other our loving subjects whatsoever,
+to be aiding and assisting to you in the premises. And we do hereby
+enjoin you to keep an exact journal of your proceedings in execution of
+the premises, and set down the names of such pirates, and of their
+officers and company, and the names of such ships and vessels as you
+shall by virtue of these presents take and seize, and the quantities of
+arms, ammunition, provision, and lading of such ships, and the true
+value of the same, as near as you judge. And we do hereby strictly
+charge and command you, as you will answer the contrary at your peril,
+that you do not, in any manner, offend or molest our friends or allies,
+their ships or subjects, by colour or pretence of these presents, or the
+authority thereby granted. _In witness whereof_, we have caused our
+great seal of England to be affixed to these presents. Given at our
+court in Kensington, the 26th day of January, 1695, in the 7th year of
+our reign."
+
+Capt. Kidd 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 reader with it.
+
+Previous to sailing, Capt. Kidd buried his bible on the sea-shore, in
+Plymouth Sound; its divine precepts being so at variance with his wicked
+course of life, that he did not choose to keep a book which condemned
+him in his lawless career.
+
+With these two commissions he sailed out of Plymouth in May, 1696, in
+the Adventure galley, of 30 guns, and 80 men; the place he first
+designed for was New-York; in his voyage thither, he took a French
+banker, but this was no act of piracy, he having a commission for that
+purpose, as we have just observed.
+
+When he arrived at New-York, he put up articles for engaging more hands,
+it being necessary to his ship's 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 increased his company to 155
+men.
+
+[Illustration _Captain Kidd burying his Bible._]
+
+With this company he sailed first for Madeira, where he took in wine and
+some other necessaries; from thence he proceeded to Bonavista, 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 rendezvous of pirates. In his way he
+fell in with Capt. Warren, commodore of three men of war; he acquainted
+him with his design, kept them company two or three days, and then
+leaving them, made the best of his way for Madagascar, where he arrived
+in February, 1696, just nine months from his departure from Plymouth.
+
+It happened that at this time the pirate ships were most of them out in
+search of prey; so that according to the best intelligence Capt. Kidd
+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 cruise,
+touching sometimes at the island of Mohila, and sometimes at that of
+Johanna, between Malabar and Madagascar. His provisions were every day
+wasting, and his ship began to want repair; wherefore, when he was at
+Johanna, he found means of borrowing a sum of money from some Frenchmen
+who had lost their ship, but saved their effects, and with this he
+purchased materials for putting his ship in good repair.
+
+It does not appear all this while that he had the least design of
+turning pirate; for near Mohila and Johanna both, he met with several
+Indian ships richly laden, to which he did not offer the least violence,
+though he was strong enough to have done what he pleased with them; and
+the first outrage or depredation I find he committed upon mankind, was
+after his repairing his ship, and leaving Johanna; he touched at a place
+called Mabbee, upon the Red Sea, where he took some Guinea corn from the
+natives, by force. After this, he sailed 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
+Mocha 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 appeared averse to it, he
+ordered a boat out, well manned, to go upon the coast to make
+discoveries, commanding them to take a prisoner and bring him to him, or
+get intelligence any way they could. The boat returned 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 colors.
+
+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 pirates; but now weary of ill success, and fearing
+lest his owners, out of humor at their great expenses, should dismiss
+him, and he should want employment, and be marked 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 ordered a man continually to watch at the mast head, lest
+this fleet should go by them; and about four days after, towards
+evening, it appeared in sight, being convoyed by one English and one
+Dutch man of war. Kidd soon fell in with them, and getting into the
+midst of them, fired at a Moorish ship which was next him; but the
+men-of-war taking the alarm, bore down upon Kidd, and firing upon him,
+obliged him to sheer off, he not being strong enough to contend with
+them. Now he had begun hostilities, he resolved to go on, and therefore
+he went and cruised 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 Englishman; his
+name was Parker. Kidd forced him and a Portuguese that was called Don
+Antonio, which were all the Europeans on board, to take on with him; the
+first he designed 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 drubbed with a naked cutlass, 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 touched at Carawar, a place upon the same coast,
+where, before he arrived, the news of what he had done to the Moorish
+ship had reached 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 Kidd came in, he was suspected to be the person
+who committed this piracy; and one Mr. Harvey and Mr. Mason, two of the
+English factory, came on board and asked for Parker, and Antonio, the
+Portuguese; but Kidd denied that he knew any such persons, having
+secured them both in a private place in the hold, where they were kept
+for seven or eight days, that is, till Kidd sailed from thence.
+
+However, the coast was alarmed, and a Portuguese man-of-war was sent out
+to cruise. Kidd 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
+called Porca, where he watered his 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 Dutchman, called Schipper Mitchell, and chased her under French
+colors, which they observing hoisted French colors too; when he came
+up with her, he hailed her in French, and they having a Frenchman on
+board, answered him in the same language; upon which he ordered them to
+send their boat on board; they were obliged to do so, and having
+examined who they were, and from whence they came, he asked the
+Frenchman who was a passenger, if he had a French pass for himself; the
+Frenchman gave him to understand that he had. Then he told the Frenchman
+that he must pass for captain, and by----, says he, you are the captain;
+the Frenchman 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 belonged to French subjects, according to a commission he had for
+that purpose; though one would think, after what he had already done, he
+need not have recourse to a quibble to give his actions a color.
+
+[Illustration: _Captain Kidd attacks the Moorish fleet._]
+
+In short, he took the cargo, and sold it some time after; yet still he
+seemed to have some fears upon him, lest these proceedings should have a
+bad end; for, coming up with a Dutch ship some time after, when his men
+thought of nothing but attacking her, Kidd opposed 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 grounded against
+Kidd; for Moor, the gunner, being one day upon deck, and talking with
+Kidd about the said Dutch ship, some words arose between them, and Moor
+told Kidd, that he had ruined them all; upon which Kidd, calling him a
+dog, took up a bucket and struck him with it, which breaking his scull,
+he died next day.
+
+But Kidd's penitential fit did not last long; for coasting along
+Malabar, he met with a great number of boats, all of which he
+plundered. Upon the same coast he also fell in with 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 murdered by the natives;
+upon which Kidd 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
+Englishman, by the name of Wright; for the Indians often make use of
+English or Dutchmen to command their ships, their own mariners not being
+so good artists in navigation. Kidd chased her under French colors, and
+having come up with her, he ordered her to hoist out her boat and 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 cargo. Kidd gave the Armenians to understand, that if they would
+offer anything that was worth his taking for their ransom, he would
+hearken to it. Upon which, they proposed to pay him 20,000 rupees, not
+quite L3,000 sterling; but Kidd 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 cargo as came
+to 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 cargo, and when the division was made, it came to
+about L200 a man; and having reserved forty shares to himself, his
+dividend amounted to about L8,000 sterling.
+
+The Indians along the coast came on board and trafficked 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 pirates, they always
+found them men of honor in the way of trade; a people, enemies to
+deceit, and that scorned to rob but in their own way.
+
+Kidd put some of his men on board the Queda Merchant, and with this ship
+and his own sailed for Madagascar. As soon as he had arrived and cast
+anchor, there came on board of him a canoe, in which were several
+Englishmen, who had formerly been well acquainted with Kidd. 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. Kidd 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 belonged to a pirate ship, called the Resolution, formerly the
+Mocha Merchant, whereof one Capt. Culliford was commander, and which lay
+at anchor not far from them. Kidd went on board with them, promising
+them his friendship and assistance, and Culliford in his turn came on
+board of Kidd; and Kidd, 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 sea again.
+
+The Adventure galley was now so old and leaky, that they were forced to
+keep two pumps continually going; wherefore Kidd 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 Capt. Culliford, and
+others absconding into the country, so that he had not above 40 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 reached
+England, and that he was there declared a pirate.
+
+The truth of it is, his piracies so alarmed our merchants that some
+motions were made in parliament, to inquire into the commission that was
+given him, and the persons who fitted him out. These proceedings seem to
+lean a little hard upon Lord Bellamont, who thought himself so touched
+thereby, that he published a justification of himself in a pamphlet,
+after Kidd's execution. In the meantime it was thought advisable, in
+order to stop the course of these piracies, to publish a proclamation,
+offering the king's free pardon to all such pirates as should
+voluntarily surrender themselves, whatever piracies they had been guilty
+of, at any time before the last day of April, 1699--that is to say, for
+all piracies committed eastward of the Cape of Good Hope, to the
+longitude and meridian of Socatora, and Cape Cormorin; in which
+proclamation, Avery and Kidd were excepted by name.
+
+When Kidd 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, as 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 sailed directly for Boston laden with booty, with a crew of
+swaggering companions at his heels. But no sooner did he show himself in
+Boston, than the alarm was given of his reappearance, and measures were
+taken to arrest him. The daring character which Kidd had acquired,
+however, and the desperate fellows who followed like bull-dogs at his
+heels, caused a little delay in his arrest. He took advantage of this to
+bury the greater part of his immense treasure, which has never been
+found, and then carried a high head about the streets of Boston. He even
+attempted to defend himself when arrested, but was secured and thrown
+into prison. Such was the formidable character of this pirate and his
+crew, that a frigate was sent to convey them to England for trial.
+
+Accordingly a sessions of Admiralty being held at the Old Bailey, in May
+1701, Capt. Kidd, Nicholas Churchill, James How, Robert Lumly, William
+Jenkins, Gabriel Loff, Hugh Parrot, Richard Barlicorn, Abel Owens and
+Darby Mullins, were arraigned for piracy and robbery on the high seas,
+and all found guilty except three; these were Robert Lumly, William
+Jenkins and Richard Barlicorn, 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, though they were proved to be concerned 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 piracy. A pirate 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 pirate, 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_.
+
+Kidd was tried 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 Col. Bass, governor of West
+Jersey, to whom they surrendered, being in court, and called upon,
+proved the same. However, this plea was overruled by the court, because
+there being four commissioners named in the proclamation, viz. Capt.
+Thomas Warren, Israel Hayes, Peter Delannoye, and Christopher Pollard,
+Esquires, who were appointed commissioners, and sent over on purpose to
+receive the submissions of such pirates as should surrender, it was
+adjudged no other person was qualified to receive their surrender, and
+that they could not be entitled to the benefit of the said proclamation,
+because they had not in all circumstances complied with the conditions
+of it.
+
+Darby Mullins urged in his defence, that he served 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 commission, 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 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 seemed to be the best defence the thing could bear; but his taking
+a share of the plunder, the seamen's mutinying on board several times,
+and taking upon them to control the captain, showed there was no
+obedience paid to the commission; and that they acted in all things
+according to the custom of pirates and freebooters, which weighing with
+the jury, they brought him in guilty with the rest.
+
+As to Capt. Kidd's defence, he insisted much on his own innocence, and
+the villainy of his men. He said, he went out in a laudable employment
+and had no occasion, being then in good circumstances, to go a pirating;
+that the men often mutinied against him, and did as they pleased; that
+he was threatened to be shot in the 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
+condemned, 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 Kidd'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, proved of no manner of
+service to the prisoner on his trial.
+
+[Illustration: _Captain Kidd hanging in chains._]
+
+As to the friendship shown to Culliford, a notorious pirate, Kidd
+denied, 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 pirate. But the evidence being
+full and particular against him, he was found guilty as before
+mentioned.
+
+When Kidd 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 and wicked people_. And when sentence was
+pronounced, he said, _My Lord, it is a very hard sentence. For my part,
+I am the most innocent person of them all, only I have been sworn
+against by perjured persons_.
+
+Wherefore about a week after, Capt. Kidd, 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.
+
+Kidd died hard, for the rope with which he was first tied up broke with
+his weight and he tumbled to the ground. He was tied up a second time,
+and more effectually. Hence came the story of Kidd's being twice hung.
+
+Such is Captain Kidd's true history; but it has given birth to an
+innumerable progeny of traditions. The report of his having buried great
+treasures of gold and silver which he actually did before his arrest,
+set the brains of all the good people along the coast in a ferment.
+There were rumors on rumors of great sums of money found here and there,
+sometimes in one part of the country sometimes in another; of coins with
+Moorish inscriptions, doubtless the spoils of his eastern prizes.
+
+Some reported the treasure to have been buried in solitary, unsettled
+places about Plymouth and Cape Cod; but by degrees, various other parts,
+not only on the eastern coast but along the shores of the Sound, and
+even Manhattan and Long Island were gilded by these rumors. In fact the
+vigorous measures of Lord Bellamont had spread sudden consternation
+among the pirates in every part of the provinces; they had secreted
+their money and jewels in lonely out-of-the-way places, about the wild
+shores of the sea coast, and dispersed themselves over the country. The
+hand of justice prevented many of them from ever returning to regain
+their buried treasures, which remain to this day thus secreted, and are
+irrecoverably lost. This is the cause of those frequent reports of trees
+and rocks bearing mysterious marks, supposed to indicate the spots where
+treasure lay hidden; and many have been the ransackings after the
+pirates' booty. A rocky place on the shores of Long Island, called
+Kidd's Ledge, has received great attention from the money diggers; but
+they have not as yet discovered any treasures.
+
+
+
+THE BLOODY CAREER AND EXECUTION OF VINCENT BENAVIDES A
+PIRATE ON THE WEST COAST OF SOUTH AMERICA.
+
+
+Vincent Benavides was the son of the gaoler of Quirihue in the district
+of Conception. He was a man of ferocious manners, and had been guilty of
+several murders. Upon the breaking out of the revolutionary war, he
+entered the patriot army as a private soldier; and was a serjeant of
+grenadiers at the time of the first Chilian revolution. He, however,
+deserted to the Spaniards, and was taken prisoner in their service, when
+they sustained, on the plains of Maypo, on the 5th of April, 1818, that
+defeat which decided their fortunes in that part of America, and secured
+the independence of Chili. Benavides, his brother, and some other
+traitors to the Chilian cause, were sentenced to death, and brought
+forth in the Plaza, or public square of Santiago, in order to be shot.
+Benavides, though terribly wounded by the discharge, was not killed; but
+he had the presence of mind to counterfeit death in so perfect a manner,
+that the imposture was not suspected. The bodies of the traitors were
+not buried, but dragged away to a distance, and there left to be
+devoured by the gallinazos or vultures. The serjeant who had the
+superintendence of this part of the ceremony, had a personal hatred to
+Benavides, on account of that person having murdered some of his
+relations; and, to gratify his revenge, he drew his sword, and gave the
+dead body, (as he thought,) a severe gash in the side, as they were
+dragging it along. The resolute Benavides had fortitude to bear this
+also, without flinching or even showing the least indication of life;
+and one cannot help regretting that so determined a power of endurance
+had not been turned to a better purpose.
+
+Benavides lay like a dead man, in the heap of carcasses, until it became
+dark; and then, pierced with shot, and gashed by the sword as he was, he
+crawled to a neighboring cottage, the inhabitants of which received him
+with the greatest kindness, and attended him with the greatest care.
+
+The daring ruffian, who knew the value of his own talents and courage,
+being aware that General San Martin was planning the expedition to Peru,
+a service in which there would be much of desperation and danger, sent
+word to the General that he was alive, and invited him to a secret
+conference at midnight, in the same Plaza in which it was believed
+Benavides had been shot. The signal agreed upon, was, that they should
+strike fire three times with their flints, as that was not likely to be
+answered by any but the proper party, and yet was not calculated to
+awaken suspicion.
+
+San Martin, alone, and provided with a brace of pistols, met the
+desperado; and after a long conference, it was agreed that Benavides
+should, in the mean time, go out against the Araucan Indians; but that
+he should hold himself in readiness to proceed to Peru, when the
+expedition suited.
+
+Having procured the requisite passports, he proceeded to Chili, where,
+having again diverted the Chilians, he succeeded in persuading the
+commander of the Spanish troops, that he had force sufficient to carry
+on the war against Chili; and the commander in consequence retired to
+Valdivia, and left Benavides commander of the whole frontier on the
+Biobio.
+
+Having thus cleared the coast of the Spanish commander, he went over to
+the Araucans, or rather, he formed a band of armed robbers, who
+committed every cruelty, and were guilty of every perfidy in the south
+of Chili. Whereever Benavides came, his footsteps were marked with
+blood, and the old men, the women, and the children, were butchered lest
+they should give notice of his motions.
+
+When he had rendered himself formidable by land, he resolved to be
+equally powerful upon the sea. He equipped a corsair, with instructions
+to capture the vessels of all nations; and as Araucan is directly
+opposite the island of Santa Maria, where vessels put in for
+refreshment, after having doubled Cape Horn, his situation was well
+adapted for his purpose. He was but too successful. The first of his
+prizes was the American ship Hero, which he took by surprise in the
+night; the second, was the Herculia, a brig belonging to the same
+country. While the unconscious crew were proceeding, as usual, to catch
+seals on this island, lying about three leagues from the main land of
+Arauca, an armed body of men rushed from the woods, and overpowering
+them, tied their hands behind them, and left them under a guard on the
+beach. These were no other than the pirates, who now took the Herculia's
+own boats, and going on board, surprised the captain and four of his
+crew, who had remained to take care of the brig; and having brought off
+the prisoners from the beach, threw them all into the hold, closing the
+hatches over them. They then tripped the vessel's anchor, and sailing
+over in triumph to Arauca, were received by Benavides, with a salute of
+musketry fired under the Spanish flag, which it was their chief's
+pleasure to hoist on that day. In the course of the next night,
+Benavides ordered the captain and his crew to be removed to a house on
+shore, at some distance from the town; then taking them out, one by one,
+he stripped and pillaged them of all they possessed, threatening them
+the whole time with drawn swords and loaded muskets. Next morning he
+paid the prisoners a visit and ordered them to the capital, called
+together the principal people of the town, and desired each to select
+one as a servant. The captain and four others not happening to please
+the fancy of any one, Benavides, after saying he would himself take
+charge of the captain, gave directions, on pain of instant death, that
+some one should hold themselves responsible for the other prisoners.
+Some days after this they were called together, and required to serve as
+soldiers in the pirates army; an order to which they consented, knowing
+well by what they had already seen, that the consequence of refusal
+would be fatal.
+
+Benavides, though unquestionably a ferocious savage, was, nevertheless,
+a man of resource, full of activity, and of considerable energy of
+character. He converted the whale spears and harpoons into lances for
+his cavalry, and halberts for his sergeants; and out of the sails he
+made trowsers for half of his army; the carpenters he set to work making
+baggage carts and repairing his boats; the armourers he kept perpetually
+at work, mending muskets, and making pikes; managing in this way, to
+turn the skill of every one of his prisoners to some useful account. He
+treated the officers, too, not unkindly, allowed them to live in his
+house, and was very anxious on all occasions, to have their advice
+respecting the equipment of his troops.
+
+Upon one occasion, when walking with the captain of the Herculia, he
+remarked, that his army was now almost complete in every respect, except
+in one essential particular, and it cut him, he said to the soul, to
+think of such a deficiency; he had no trumpets for his cavalry, and
+added, that it was utterly impossible to make the fellows believe
+themselves dragoons, unless they heard a blast in their ears at every
+turn; and neither men nor horses would ever do their duty properly, if
+not roused to it by the sound of a trumpet; in short he declared, some
+device must be hit upon to supply this equipment. The captain, willing
+to ingratiate himself with the pirate, after a little reflection,
+suggested to him, that trumpets might easily be made of copper sheets on
+the bottoms of the vessels he had taken. "Very true," cried the
+delighted chief, "how came I not to think of that before?" Instantly
+all hands were employed in ripping off the copper, and the armourers
+being set to work under his personal superintendence, the whole camp,
+before night, resounded with the warlike blasts of the cavalry.
+
+The captain of the ship, who had given him the brilliant idea of the
+copper trumpets, had by these means, so far won upon his good will and
+confidence, as to be allowed a considerable range to walk on. He of
+course, was always looking out for some plan of escape, and at length an
+opportunity occurring, he, with the mate of the Ocean, and nine of his
+crew, seized two whale boats, imprudently left on the banks of the
+river, and rowed off. Before quitting the shore, they took the
+precaution of staving all the other boats, to prevent pursuit, and
+accordingly, though their escape was immediately discovered, they
+succeeded in getting so much the start of the people whom Benavides sent
+in pursuit of them, that they reached St. Mary's Island in safety. Here
+they caught several seals upon which they subsisted very miserably till
+they reached Valparaiso. It was in consequence of their report of
+Benavides proceedings made to Sir Thomas Hardy, the commander-in-chief,
+that he deemed it proper to send a ship to rescue if possible, the
+remaining unfortunate captives at Arauca.
+
+Benavides having manned the Herculia, it suited the mate, (the captain
+and crew being detained as hostages,) to sail with the brig to Chili,
+and seek aid from the Spanish governor. The Herculia returned with a
+twenty-four pounder, two field-pieces, eleven Spanish officers, and
+twenty soldiers, together with the most flattering letters and
+congratulations to the worthy ally of his Most Catholic Majesty. Soon
+after this he captured the Perseverance, English whaler, and the
+American brig Ocean, bound for Lima, with several thousand stand of arms
+on board. The captain of the Herculia, with the mate of the Ocean, and
+several men, after suffering great hardships, landed at Valparaiso, and
+gave notice of the proceedings of Benavides; and in consequence, Sir
+Thomas Hardy directed Captain Hall to proceed to Arauca with the convoy,
+to set the captives free, if possible.
+
+It was for the accomplishment of this service that Capt. Hall sailed
+from Valparaiso; and he called at Conception on his way, in order to
+glean information respecting the pirate. Here the Captain ascertained
+that Benavides was between two considerable bodies of Chilian force, on
+the Chilian side of the Biobio, and one of those bodies between him and
+the river.
+
+Having to wait two days at Conception for information, Captain Hall
+occupied them in observing the place; the country he describes as green
+and fertile, and having none of the dry and desert character of the
+environs of Valparaiso. Abundance of vegetables, wood, and also coals,
+are found on the shores of the bay.
+
+On the 12th of October, the captain heard of the defeat of Benavides,
+and his flight, alone, across the Biobio into the Araucan country; and
+also that two of the Americans whom he had taken with him had made their
+escape, and were on board the Chacabuco. As these were the only persons
+who could give Captain Hall information respecting the prisoners of whom
+he was in quest, he set out in search of the vessel, and after two days'
+search, found her at anchor near the island of Mocha. From thence he
+learned that the captain of the Ocean, with several English and American
+seamen had been left at Arauca, when Benavides went on his expedition,
+and he sailed for that place immediately.
+
+He was too late, however; the Chilian forces had already made a
+successful attack, and the Indians had fled, setting fire to the town
+and the ships. The Indians, who were in league with the Chilians, were
+every way as wild as those who arrayed themselves under Benavides. Capt.
+Hall, upon his return to Conception, though dissuaded from it by the
+governor, visited the Indian encampment.
+
+When the captain and his associates entered the courtyard, they observed
+a party seated on the ground, round a great tub of wine, who hailed
+their entrance with loud shouts, or rather yells, and boisterously
+demanded their business; to all appearance very little pleased with the
+interruption. The interpreter became alarmed, and wished them to retire;
+but this the captain thought imprudent, as each man had his long spear
+close at hand, resting against the eaves of the house. Had they
+attempted to escape they must have been taken, and possibly sacrificed,
+by these drunken savages. As their best chance seemed to lie in treating
+them without any show of distrust, they advanced to the circle with a
+good humored confidence, which appeased them considerably. One of the
+party rose and embraced them in the Indian fashion, which they had
+learned from the gentlemen who had been prisoners with Benavides. After
+this ceremony they roared out to them to sit down on the ground, and
+with the most boisterous hospitality, insisted on their drinking with
+them; a request which they cheerfully complied with. Their anger soon
+vanished, and was succeeded by mirth and satisfaction, which speedily
+became as outrageous as their displeasure had been at first. Seizing a
+favorable opportunity, Captain Hall stated his wish to have an interview
+with their chief, upon which a message was sent to him; but he did not
+think fit to show himself for a considerable time, during which they
+remained with the party round the tub, who continued swilling their wine
+like so many hogs. Their heads soon became affected, and their
+obstreperous mirth increasing every minute, the situation of the
+strangers became by no means agreeable.
+
+At length Peneleo's door opened, and the chief made his appearance; he
+did not condescend, however, to cross the threshold, but leaned against
+the door post to prevent falling, being by some degrees more drunk than
+any of his people. A more finished picture of a savage cannot be
+conceived. He was a tall, broad shouldered man; with a prodigiously
+large head, and a square-shaped bloated face, from which peeped out two
+very small eyes, partly hid by an immense superfluity of black, coarse,
+oily, straight hair, covering his cheeks, hanging over his shoulders,
+and rendering his head somewhat the shape and size of a bee-hive. Over
+his shoulders was thrown a poncho of coarse blanket stuff. He received
+them very gruffly, and appeared irritated and sulky at having been
+disturbed; he was still more offended when he learned that they wished
+to see his captive. They in vain endeavored to explain their real views;
+but he grunted out his answer in a tone and manner which showed them
+plainly that he neither did, nor wished to understand them.
+
+Whilst in conversation with Peneleo, they stole an occasional glance at
+his apartment. By the side of the fire burning in the middle of the
+floor, was seated a young Indian woman, with long black hair reaching to
+the ground; this, they conceived, could be no other than one of the
+unfortunate persons they were in search of; and they were somewhat
+disappointed to observe, that the lady was neither in tears, nor
+apparently very miserable; they therefore came away impressed with the
+unsentimental idea, that the amiable Peneleo had already made some
+impression on her young heart.
+
+Two Indians, who were not so drunk as the rest, followed them to the
+outside of the court, and told them that several foreigners had been
+taken by the Chilians in the battle near Chilian, and were now safe. The
+interpreter hinted to them that this was probably invented by these
+cunning people, on hearing their questions in the court; but he advised
+them, as a matter of policy, to give them each a piece of money, and to
+get away as far as they could.
+
+Captain Hall returned to Conception on the 23d of October, reached
+Valparaiso on the 26th, and in two weeks thereafter, the men of whom he
+was in search, made their appearance.
+
+The bloody career of Benavides now drew near to a close. The defeat on
+the Chilian side of the Biobio, and the burning of Arauca with the loss
+of his vessels, he never recovered. At length, in the end of December
+1821, discovering the miserable state to which he was reduced, he
+entreated the Intendant of Conception, that he might be received on
+giving himself up along with his partisans. This generous chief accepted
+his offer, and informed the supreme government; but in the meantime
+Benavides embarked in a launch, at the mouth of the river Lebo, and
+fled, with the intention of joining a division of the enemy's army,
+which he supposed to be at some one of the ports on the south coast of
+Peru. It was indeed absurd to expect any good faith from such an
+intriguer; for in his letters at this time, he offered his services to
+Chili and promised fidelity, while his real intention was still to
+follow the enemy. He finally left the unhappy province of Conception,
+the theatre of so many miserable scenes, overwhelmed with the misery
+which he had caused, without ever recollecting that it was in that
+province that he had first drawn his breath.
+
+His despair in the boat made his conduct insupportable to those who
+accompanied him, and they rejoiced when they were obliged to put into
+the harbor of Topocalma in search of water of which they had run short.
+He was now arrested by some patriotic individuals. From the notorious
+nature of his crimes, alone, even the most impartial stranger would have
+condemned him to the last punishment; but the supreme government wished
+to hear what he had to say for himself, and ordered him to be tried
+according to the laws. It appearing on his trial that he had placed
+himself beyond the laws of society, such punishment was awarded him as
+any one of his crimes deserved. As a pirate, he merited death, and as a
+destroyer of whole towns, it became necessary to put him to death in
+such a manner as might satisfy outraged humanity, and terrify others who
+should dare to imitate him. In pursuance of the sentence passed upon
+him, he was dragged from the prison in a pannier tied to the tail of a
+mule, and was hanged in the great square; his head and hands were
+afterwards cut off, in order to their being placed upon high poles, to
+point out the places of his horrid crimes, Santa Juona, Tarpellanca and
+Arauca.
+
+[Illustration: _The head of Benavides stuck on a pole._]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN DAVIS
+
+
+_With an account of his surprising the Fort at Gambia_.
+
+Davis was born in Monmouthshire, and, from a boy, trained to the sea.
+His last voyage from England was in the sloop Cadogan from Bristol, in
+the character of chief mate. This vessel was captured by the pirate
+England, upon the Guinea coast, whose companions plundered the crew, and
+murdered the captain, as is related in England's life.
+
+Upon the death of Captain Skinner, Davis pretended that he was urged by
+England to become a pirate, but that he resolutely refused. He added,
+that England, pleased with his conduct, had made him captain in room of
+Skinner, giving him a sealed paper, which he was not to open until he
+was in a certain latitude, and then expressly to follow the given
+directions. When he arrived in the appointed place, he collected the
+whole crew, and solemnly read his sealed instructions, which contained a
+generous grant of the ship and all her stores to Davis and his crew,
+requesting them to go to Brazil, and dispose of the cargo to the best
+advantage, and make an equal division of the money.
+
+Davis then commanded the crew to signify whether they were inclined to
+follow that mode of life, when, to his astonishment and chagrin, the
+majority positively refused. Then, in a transport of rage, he desired
+them to go where they would.
+
+Knowing that part of the cargo was consigned to merchants in Barbadoes,
+they directed their course to that place. When arrived there, they
+informed the merchants of the unfortunate death of Skinner, and of the
+proposal which had been made to them. Davis was accordingly seized, and
+committed to prison, but he having never been in the pirate service,
+nothing could be proved to condemn him, and he was discharged without a
+trial. Convinced that he could never hope for employment in that quarter
+after this detection, he went to the island of Providence, which he knew
+to be a rendezvous for pirates. Upon his arrival there, he was
+grievously disappointed, because the pirates who frequented that place
+had just accepted of his majesty's pardon, and had surrendered.
+
+Captain Rogers having equipped two sloops for trade, Davis obtained
+employment in one of these, called the Buck. They were laden with
+European goods to a considerable value, which they were to sell or
+exchange with the French and Spanish. They first touched at the island
+of Martinique, belonging to the French, and Davis knowing that many of
+the men were formerly in the pirate service, enticed them to seize the
+master, and to run off with the sloop. When they had effected their
+purpose, they hailed the other ship, in which they knew that there were
+many hands ripe for rebellion, and coming to, the greater part joined
+Davis. Those who did not choose to adhere to them were allowed to remain
+in the other sloop, and continue their course, after Davis had pillaged
+her of what things he pleased.
+
+In full possession of the vessel and stores and goods, a large bowl of
+punch was made; under its exhilarating influence, it was proposed to
+choose a commander, and to form their future mode of policy. The
+election was soon over, and a large majority of legal votes were in
+favor of Davis, and no scrutiny demanded, Davis was declared duly
+elected. He then drew up a code of laws, to which he himself swore, and
+required the same bond of alliance from all the rest of the crew. He
+then addressed them in a short and appropriate speech, the substance of
+which was, a proclamation of war with the whole world.
+
+They next consulted, what part would be most convenient to clean the
+vessel, and it was resolved to repair to Coxon's Hole, at the east end
+of the island of Cuba, where they could remain in perfect security, as
+the entrance was so narrow that one ship could keep out a hundred.
+
+They, however, had no small difficulty in cleaning their vessel, as
+there was no carpenter among them. They performed that laborious task in
+the best manner they could, and then made to the north side of
+Hispaniola. The first sail they met with was a French ship of twelve
+guns, which they captured; and while they were plundering her, another
+appeared in view. Enquiring of the Frenchmen, they learned that she was
+a ship of twenty-four guns and sixty men. Davis proposed to his crew to
+attack her, assuring them that she would prove a rich prize. This
+appeared to the crew such a hazardous enterprise, that they were rather
+adverse to the measure. But he acquainted them that he had conceived a
+stratagem that he was confident would succeed; they might, therefore,
+safely leave the matter to his management. He then commenced chase, and
+ordered his prize to do the same. Being a better sailer, he soon came up
+with the enemy, and showed his black colors. With no small surprise at
+his insolence in coming so near them, they commanded him to strike. He
+replied, that he was disposed to give them employment until his
+companion came up, who was able to contend with them; meanwhile assuring
+them that, if they did not strike to him, it would most certainly fare
+the worse for them: then giving them a broadside, he received the same
+in return.
+
+When the other pirate ship drew near, they, according to the directions
+of Davis, appeared upon deck in white shirts, which making an appearance
+of numbers, the Frenchman was intimidated, and struck. Davis ordered
+the captain with twenty of his men to come on board, and they were all
+put in irons except the captain. He then despatched four of his men to
+the other ship, and calling aloud to them, desired that his compliments
+should be given to the captain, with a request to send a sufficient
+number of hands to go on board their new prize, to see what they had got
+in her. At the same time, he gave them a written paper with their proper
+instructions, even to nail up the small guns, to take out all the arms
+and powder, and to go every man on board the new prize. When his men
+were on board her, he ordered the greater part of the prisoners to be
+removed into the empty vessels, and by this means secured himself from
+any attempt to recover their ship.
+
+During three days, these three vessels sailed in company, but finding
+that his late prize was a heavy sailer, he emptied her of everything
+that he stood in need of, and then restored her to the captain with all
+his men. The French captain was so much enraged at being thus miserably
+deceived, that, upon the discovery of the stratagem, he would have
+thrown himself overboard, had not his men prevented him.
+
+Captain Davis then formed the resolution of parting with the other
+prize-ship also, and soon afterwards steered northward, and took a
+Spanish sloop. He next directed his course towards the western islands,
+and from Cape de Verd islands cast anchor at St. Nicholas, and hoisted
+English colors. The Portuguese supposed that he was a privateer, and
+Davis going on shore was hospitably received, and they traded with him
+for such articles as they found most advantageous. He remained here five
+weeks, and he and half of his crew visited the principal town of the
+island. Davis, from his appearing in the dress of a gentleman, was
+greatly caressed by the Portuguese, and nothing was spared to entertain
+and render him and his men happy. Having amused themselves during a
+week, they returned to the ship, and allowed the other half of the crew
+to visit the capital, and enjoy themselves in like manner. Upon their
+return, they cleaned their ship and put to sea, but four of the men were
+so captivated with the ladies and the luxuries of the place, that they
+remained in the island, and one of them married and settled there.
+
+Davis now sailed for Bonavista, and perceiving nothing in that harbor
+steered for the Isle of May. Arrived there, he found several vessels in
+the harbor, and plundered them of whatever he found necessary. He also
+received a considerable reinforcement of men, the greater part of whom
+entered willingly into the piratical service. He likewise made free with
+one of the ships, equipped her for his own purpose, and called her the
+King James. Davis next proceeded to St. Jago to take in water. Davis,
+with some others going on shore to seek water, the governor came to
+inquire who they were, and expressed his suspicion of their being
+pirates. Upon this, Davis seemed highly affronted, and expressed his
+displeasure in the most polite but determined manner. He, however,
+hastened on board, informed his men, and suggested the possibility of
+surprising the fort during the night. Accordingly, all his men being
+well armed, they advanced to the assault; and, from the carelessness of
+the guards, they were in the garrison before the inhabitants were
+alarmed. Upon the discovery of their danger, they took shelter in the
+governor's house, and fortified it against the pirates: but the latter
+throwing in some grando shells, ruined the furniture, and killed several
+people.
+
+The alarm was circulated in the morning, and the country assembled to
+attack them; but, unwilling to stand a siege, the pirates dismounted the
+guns, pillaged the fort, and fled to their ships.
+
+When at sea, they mustered their hands, and found that they were seventy
+strong. They then consulted among themselves what course they should
+steer, and were divided in opinion; but by a majority it was carried to
+sail for Gambia, on the coast of Guinea. Of this opinion was the
+captain, who having been employed in that trade, was acquainted with the
+coast; and informed his companions, that there was always a large
+quantity of money deposited in that castle, and he was confident, if the
+matter was entrusted to him, he should successfully storm that fort.
+From their experience of his former prudence and courage, they
+cheerfully submitted to his direction, in the full assurance of success.
+
+Arrived at Gambia, he ordered all his men below, except just so many as
+were necessary to work the vessel, that those from the fort, seeing so
+few hands, might have no suspicion that she was any other than a trading
+vessel. He then ran under the fort and cast anchor, and having ordered
+out the boat, manned with six men indifferently dressed, he, with the
+master and doctor, dressed themselves like gentlemen, in order that the
+one party might look like foremastmen, and the other like merchants. In
+rowing ashore, he instructed his men what to say if any questions were
+put to them by the garrison.
+
+On reaching land, the party was conducted by a file of musqueteers into
+the fort, and kindly received by the governor, who enquired what they
+were, and whence they came? They replied, that they were from Liverpool,
+and bound for the river Senegal, to trade for gum and elephants teeth;
+but that they were chased on that coast by two French men-of-war, and
+narrowly escaped being taken. "We were now disposed," continued Davis,
+"to make the best of our voyage, and would willingly trade here for
+slaves." The governor then inquired what were the principal articles of
+their cargo. They replied, that they were iron and plate, which were
+necessary articles in that place. The governor then said, that he would
+give them slaves for all their cargo; and asked if they had any European
+liquor on board. They answered, that they had a little for their own
+use, but that he should have a hamper of it. He then treated them with
+the greatest civility, and desired them all to dine with him. Davis
+answered, that as he was commander of the vessel, it would be necessary
+for him to go down to see if she were properly moored, and to give some
+other directions; but that these gentlemen might stay, and he would
+return before dinner, and bring the hamper with him.
+
+While in the fort, his eyes were keenly employed to discover the
+position of the arms, and how the fort might most successfully be
+surprised. He discovered that there was a sentry standing near a
+guard-house, in which there were a quantity of arms heaped up in a
+corner, and that a considerable number of small arms were in the
+governor's hall. When he went on board, he ordered some hands on board a
+sloop lying at anchor, lest, hearing any bustle they should come to the
+aid of the castle; then desiring his men to avoid too much liquor, and
+to be ready when he should hoist the flag from the walls, to come to his
+assistance, he proceeded to the castle.
+
+Having taken these precautions and formed these arrangements, he ordered
+every man who was to accompany him to arm himself with two pair of
+pistols, which he himself also did, concealed under their clothes. He
+then directed them to go into the guard-room, and fall into
+conversation, and immediately upon his firing a pistol out of the
+governor's window, to shut the men up, and secure the arms in the
+guard-room.
+
+When Davis arrived, dinner not being ready, the governor proposed that
+they should pass the time in making a bowl of punch. Davis's boatswain
+attending him, had an opportunity of visiting all parts of the house,
+and observing their strength. He whispered his intelligence to his
+master, who being surrounded by his own friends, and seeing the governor
+unattended by any of his retinue, presented a pistol to the breast of
+the latter, informing him that he was a dead man, unless he should
+surrender the fort and all its riches. The governor, thus taken by
+surprise, was compelled to submit; for Davis took down all the pistols
+that hung in the hall, and loaded them. He then fired his pistol out of
+the window. His men flew like lions, presented their pistols to the
+soldiers, and while some carried out the arms, the rest secured the
+military, and shut them all up in the guard-house, placing a guard on
+the door. Then one of them struck the union flag on the top of the
+castle, which the men from the vessel perceiving, rushed to the combat,
+and in an instant were in possession of the castle, without tumult or
+bloodshed.
+
+Davis then harrangued the soldiers, many of whom enlisted with him; and
+those who declined, he put on board the small ships, and to prevent the
+necessity of a guard, or the possibility of escape, carried off the
+sails, rigging and cables.
+
+That day being spent in feasting and rejoicing, the castle saluting the
+ship, and the ship the castle, on the day following they proceeded to
+examine the contents of their prize. They, however, were greatly
+disappointed in their expectations, a large sum of money having been
+sent off a few days before. But they found money to the amount of about
+two thousand pounds in gold, and many valuable articles of different
+kinds. They carried on board their vessel whatever they deemed useful,
+gave several articles to the captain and crew of the small vessel, and
+allowed them to depart, while they dismounted the guns, and demolished
+the fortifications.
+
+After doing all the mischief that their vicious minds could possibly
+devise, they weighed anchor; but in the mean time, perceiving a sail
+bearing towards them with all possible speed, they hastened to prepare
+for her reception, and made towards her. Upon her near approach they
+discovered that she was a French pirate of fourteen guns and sixty-four
+men, the one half French, and the other half negroes.
+
+The Frenchman was in high expectation of a rich prize, but when he came
+nearer, he suspected, from the number of her guns and men, that she was
+a small English man-of-war; he determined, notwithstanding, upon the
+bold attempt of boarding her, and immediately fired a gun, and hoisted
+his black colors: Davis immediately returned the compliment. The
+Frenchman was highly gratified at this discovery; both hoisted out their
+boats, and congratulated each other. Mutual civilities and good offices
+passed, and the French captain proposed to Davis to sail down the coast
+with him, in order to look out for a better ship, assuring him that the
+very first that could be captured should be his, as he was always
+willing to encourage an industrious brother.
+
+They first touched at Sierra Leone, where they espied a large vessel,
+and Davis being the swifter sailer, came first up with him. He was not a
+little surprised that she did not endeavor to make off, and began to
+suspect her strength. When he came alongside of her, she fired a whole
+broadside, and hoisted black colors. Davis did the same, and fired a gun
+to leeward. The satisfaction of these brothers in iniquity was mutual,
+at having thus acquired so much additional strength and ability to
+undertake more formidable adventures. Two days were devoted to mirth and
+song, and upon the third, Davis and Cochlyn, the captain of the new
+confederate, agreed to go in the French pirate ship to attack the fort.
+When they approached, the men in the fort, apprehensive of their
+character and intentions, fired all the guns upon them at once. The ship
+returned the fire, and afforded employment until the other two ships
+arrived, when the men in the fort seeing such a number on board, lost
+courage, and abandoned the fort to the mercy of the robbers.
+
+They took possession, remained there seven weeks, and cleaned their
+vessels. They then called a council of war, to deliberate concerning
+future undertakings, when it was resolved to sail down the coast in
+company; and, for the greater regularity and grandeur, Davis was chosen
+Commodore. That dangerous enemy, strong drink, had well nigh, however,
+sown the seeds of discord among these affectionate brethren. But Davis,
+alike prepared for council or for war, addressed them to the following
+purport: "Hear ye, you Cochlyn and La Boise, (which was the name of the
+French captain) I find, by strengthening you, I have put a rod into your
+hands to whip myself; but I am still able to deal with you both:
+however, since we met in love, let us part in love; for I find that
+three of a trade can never agree long together." Upon this, the other
+two went on board of their respective ships, and steered different
+courses.
+
+Davis held down the coast, and reaching Cape Appolonia he captured three
+vessels, two English and one Scottish, plundered them, and allowed them
+to proceed. In five days after he met with a Dutchman of thirty guns and
+ninety men. She gave Davis a broadside, and killed nine of his men; a
+desperate engagement ensued, which continued from one o'clock at noon
+until nine next morning, when the Dutchman struck.
+
+Davis equipped her for the pirate service, and called her "The Rover."
+With his two ships he sailed for the bay of Anamaboa, which he entered
+about noon, and took several vessels which were there waiting to take in
+negroes, gold, and elephants' teeth. Davis made a present of one of
+these vessels to the Dutch captain and his crew, and allowed them to go
+in quest of their fortune. When the fort had intelligence that they were
+pirates, they fired at them, but without any effect; Davis fired also,
+and hoisted the black colors, but deemed it prudent to depart.
+
+The next day after he left Anamaboa, the man at the mast-head discovered
+a sail. It may be proper to inform our readers, that, according to the
+laws of pirates, the man who first discovers a vessel, is entitled to
+the best pair of pistols in the ship, and such is the honor attached to
+these, that a pair of them has been known to sell for thirty pounds.
+
+Davis pursued that vessel, which, being between him and the shore,
+labored hard to run aground. Davis perceiving this, got between her and
+the land, and fired a broadside at her, when she immediately struck. She
+proved to be a very rich prize, having on board the Governor of Acra,
+with all his substance, going to Holland. There was in money to the
+amount of fifteen thousand pounds, besides a large quantity of merchant
+goods, and other valuable articles.
+
+Before they reached the Isle of Princes, the St. James sprang a leak, so
+that the men and the valuable articles were removed into Davis's own
+ship. When he came in sight of the fort he hoisted English colors. The
+Portuguese, seeing a large ship sailing towards the shore, sent a sloop
+to discover her character and destination. Davis informed them, that he
+was an English man-of-war, sent out in search of some pirates which they
+had heard were in this quarter. Upon this, he was piloted into the port,
+and anchored below the guns at the fort. The governor was happy to have
+Englishmen in his harbor; and to do honor to Davis, sent down a file of
+musqueteers to escort him into the fort, while Davis, the more to cover
+his design, ordered nine men, according to the custom of the English, to
+row him on shore.
+
+Davis also took the opportunity of cleaning and preparing all things for
+renewing his operations. He, however, could not contentedly leave the
+fort, without receiving some of the riches of the island. He formed a
+scheme to accomplish his purpose, and communicated the same to his men.
+He design was to make the governor a present of a few negroes in return
+for his kindness; then to invite him, with a few of the principal men
+and friars belonging to the island, to dine on board his ship, and
+secure them all in irons, until each of them should give a large ransom.
+They were accordingly invited, and very readily consented to go: and
+deeming themselves honored by his attention, all that were invited,
+would certainly have gone on board. Fortunately however, for them, a
+negro, who was privy to the horrible plan of Davis, swam on shore during
+the night, and gave information of the danger to the governor.
+
+[Illustration: _Retreat of the Pirates and Death of Captain Davis._]
+
+The governor occupied the whole night in strengthening the defences and
+posting the men in the most advantageous places. Soon after day-break,
+the pirates, with Captain Davis at their head were discovered landing
+from the boats; and quickly marched across the open space toward the
+fort. A brisk fire was opened upon them from the fort, which they
+returned in a spirited manner. At length, a hand grenade, thrown from
+the wooden veranda of the fort killed three of the pirates; but several
+of the Portuguese were killed. The veranda of the fort being of wood and
+very dry, it was set fire to by the pirates. This was a great advantage
+to the attacking party, who could now distinguish those in the fort
+without their being so clearly seen themselves; but at this moment
+Captain Davis fell, mortally wounded by a musket ball in his belly. The
+fall of their chief, and the determined resistance of those in the fort,
+checked the impetuosity of the assailants. They hesitated, and at last
+retreated, bearing away with them their wounded commander. The
+Portuguese cheered, and led on by the governor, now became the
+assailants. Still the pirates' retreat was orderly; they fired and
+retired rank behind rank successively. They kept the Portuguese at bay
+until they had arrived at the boats, when a charge was made and a severe
+conflict ensued. But the pirates had lost too many men; and without
+their Captain, felt dispirited. As they lifted Davis into the boat in
+his dying agonies he fired his pistols at his pursuers. They now pulled
+with all their might to escape from the muskets of the Portuguese, who
+followed them along the banks of the river, annoying them in their
+retreat to the vessel. And those on board, who expected to hoist in
+treasure had to receive naught but their wounded comrades and dead
+commander.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+AUTHENTIC HISTORY OF THE MALAY PIRATES OF THE INDIAN OCEAN.
+
+
+_With a Narrative of the Expedition against the Inhabitants of Quallah
+Battoo, commanded by Commodore Downes_.
+
+A glance at the map of the East India Islands will convince us that this
+region of the globe must, from its natural configuration and locality;
+be peculiarly liable to become the seat of piracy. These islands form an
+immense cluster, lying as if it were in the high road which connects the
+commercial nations of Europe and Asia with each other, affording a
+hundred fastnesses from which to waylay the traveller. A large
+proportion of the population is at the same time confined to the coasts
+or the estuaries of rivers; they are fishermen and mariners; they are
+barbarous and poor, therefore rapacious, faithless and sanguinary. These
+are circumstances, it must be confessed, which militate strongly to
+beget a piratical character. It is not surprising, then, that the Malays
+should have been notorious for their depredations from our first
+acquaintance with them.
+
+Among the tribes of the Indian Islands, the most noted for their
+piracies are, of course, the most idle, and the least industrious, and
+particularly such as are unaccustomed to follow agriculture or trade as
+regular pursuits. The agricultural tribes of Java, and many of Sumatra,
+never commit piracy at all; and the most civilized inhabitants of
+Celebes are very little addicted to this vice.
+
+Among the most confirmed pirates are the true Malays, inhabiting the
+small islands about the eastern extremity of the straits of Malacca, and
+those lying between Sumatra and Borneo, down to Billitin and Cavimattir.
+Still more noted than these, are the inhabitants of certain islands
+situated between Borneo and the Phillipines, of whom the most desperate
+and enterprising are the Soolos and Illanoons, the former inhabiting a
+well known group of islands of the same name, and the latter being one
+of the most numerous nations of the great island of Magindando. The
+depredations of the proper Malays extend from Junkceylon to Java,
+through its whole coast, as far as Grip to Papir and Kritti, in Borneo
+and the western coast of Celebes. In another direction they infest the
+coasting trade of the Cochin Chinese and Siamese nations in the Gulf of
+Siam, finding sale for their booty, and shelter for themselves in the
+ports of Tringham, Calantan and Sahang. The most noted piratical
+stations of these people are the small islands about Lingin and Rhio,
+particularly Galang, Tamiang and Maphar. The chief of this last has
+seventy or eighty proas fit to undertake piratical expeditions.
+
+The Soolo pirates chiefly confine their depredations to the Phillipine
+Islands, which they have continued to infest, with little interruption,
+for near three centuries, in open defiance of the Spanish authorities,
+and the numerous establishments maintained to check them. The piracies
+of the Illanoons, on the contrary, are widely extended, being carried on
+all the way from their native country to the Spice Islands, on one side,
+and to the Straits of Malacca on the other. In these last, indeed, they
+have formed, for the last few years, two permanent establishments; one
+of these situated on Sumatra, near Indragiri, is called Ritti, and the
+other a small island on the coast of Linga, is named Salangut. Besides
+those who are avowed pirates, it ought to be particularly noticed that a
+great number of the Malayan princes must be considered as accessories to
+their crimes, for they afford them protection, contribute to their
+outfit, and often share in their booty; so that a piratical proa is too
+commonly more welcome in their harbours than a fair trader.
+
+The Malay piratical proas are from six to eight tons burden, and run
+from six to eight fathoms in length. They carry from one to two small
+guns, with commonly four swivels or rantakas to each side, and a crew of
+from twenty to thirty men. When they engage, they put up a strong
+bulwark of thick plank; the Illanoon proas are much larger and more
+formidable, and commonly carry from four to six guns, and a
+proportionable number of swivels, and have not unfrequently a double
+bulwark covered with buffalo hides; their crews consist of from forty to
+eighty men. Both, of course, are provided with spears, krisses, and as
+many fire arms as they can procure. Their modes of attack are cautious
+and cowardly, for plunder and not fame is their object. They lie
+concealed under the land, until they find a fit object and opportunity.
+The time chosen is when a vessel runs aground, or is becalmed, in the
+interval between the land and sea breezes. A vessel underway is seldom
+or never attacked. Several of the marauders attack together, and station
+themselves under the bows and quarters of a ship when she has no longer
+steerage way, and is incapable of pointing her guns. The action
+continues often for several hours, doing very little mischief; but when
+the crew are exhausted with the defence, or have expended their
+ammunition, the pirates take this opportunity of boarding in a mass.
+This may suggest the best means of defence. A ship, when attacked during
+a calm, ought, perhaps, rather to stand on the defensive, and wait if
+possible the setting in of the sea breeze, than attempt any active
+operations, which would only fatigue the crew, and disable them from
+making the necessary defence when boarding is attempted. Boarding
+netting, pikes and pistols, appear to afford effectual security; and,
+indeed, we conceive that a vessel thus defended by resolute crews of
+Europeans or Americans stand but little danger from any open attack of
+pirates whatsoever; for their guns are so ill served, that neither the
+hull or the rigging of a vessel can receive much damage from them,
+however much protracted the contest. The pirates are upon the whole
+extremely impartial in the selection of their prey, making little choice
+between natives and strangers, giving always, however, a natural
+preference to the most timid, and the most easily overcome.
+
+When an expedition is undertaken by the Malay pirates, they range
+themselves under the banner of some piratical chief noted for his
+courage and conduct. The native prince of the place where it is
+prepared, supplies the adventurers with arms, ammunition and opium, and
+claims as his share of the plunder, the female captives, the cannon, and
+one third of all the rest of the booty.
+
+In Nov. 1827, a principal chief of pirates, named Sindana, made a
+descent upon Mamoodgoo with forty-five proas, burnt three-fourths of the
+campong, driving the rajah with his family among the mountains. Some
+scores of men were killed, and 300 made prisoners, besides women and
+children to half that amount. In December following, when I was there,
+the people were slowly returning from the hills, but had not yet
+attempted to rebuild the campong, which lay in ashes. During my stay
+here (ten weeks) the place was visited by two other piratical chiefs,
+one of which was from Kylie, the other from Mandhaar Point under Bem
+Bowan, who appeared to have charge of the whole; between them they had
+134 proas of all sizes.
+
+Among the most desperate and successful pirates of the present day,
+Raga is most distinguished. He is dreaded by people of all
+denominations, and universally known as the "prince of pirates." For
+more than seventeen years this man has carried on a system of piracy to
+an extent never before known; his expeditions and enterprises would fill
+a large volume. They have invariably been marked with singular cunning
+and intelligence, barbarity, and reckless inattention to the shedding of
+human blood. He has emissaries every where, and has intelligence of the
+best description. It was about the year 1813 Raga commenced operations
+on a large scale. In that year he cut off three English vessels, killing
+the captains with his own hands. So extensive were his depredations
+about that time that a proclamation was issued from Batavia, declaring
+the east coast of Borneo to be under strict blockade. Two British sloops
+of war scoured the coast. One of which, the Elk, Capt. Reynolds, was
+attacked during the night by Raga's own proa, who unfortunately was not
+on board at the time. This proa which Raga personally commanded, and the
+loss of which he frequently laments, carried eight guns and was full of
+his best men.
+
+[Illustration: _A Piratical Proa in Full Chase._]
+
+An European vessel was faintly descried about three o'clock one foggy
+morning; the rain fell in torrents; the time and weather were favorable
+circumstances for a surprise, and the commander determined to
+distinguish himself in the absence of the Rajah Raga, gave directions to
+close, fire the guns and board. He was the more confident of success, as
+the European vessel was observed to keep away out of the proper course
+on approaching her. On getting within about an hundred fathoms of the
+Elk they fired their broadside, gave a loud shout, and with their long
+oars pulled towards their prey. The sound of a drum beating to quarters
+no sooner struck the ear of the astonished Malays than they endeavored
+to get away: it was too late; the ports were opened, and a broadside,
+accompanied with three British cheers, gave sure indications of their
+fate. The captain hailed the Elk, and would fain persuade him it was a
+mistake. It was indeed a mistake, and one not to be rectified by the
+Malayan explanation. The proa was sunk by repeated broadsides, and the
+commanding officer refused to pick up any of the people, who, with the
+exception of five were drowned; these, after floating four days on some
+spars, were picked up by a Pergottan proa, and told the story to Raga,
+who swore anew destruction to every European he should henceforth take.
+This desperado has for upwards of seventeen years been the terror of the
+Straits of Macassar, during which period he has committed the most
+extensive and dreadful excesses sparing no one. Few respectable families
+along the coast of Borneo and Celebes but have to complain of the loss
+of a proa, or of some number of their race; he is not more universally
+dreaded than detested; it is well known that he has cut off and murdered
+the crews of more than forty European vessels, which have either been
+wrecked on the coasts, or entrusted themselves in native ports. It is
+his boast that twenty of the commanders have fallen by his hands. The
+western coast of Celebes, for about 250 miles, is absolutely lined with
+proas belonging principally to three considerable rajahs, who act in
+conjunction with Raga and other pirates. Their proas may be seen in
+clusters of from 50, 80, and 100 (at Sediano I counted 147 laying on the
+sand at high water mark in parallel rows,) and kept in a horizontal
+position by poles, completely ready for the sea. Immediately behind them
+are the campongs, in which are the crews; here likewise are kept the
+sails, gunpowder, &c. necessary for their equipment. On the very summits
+of the mountains, which in many parts rise abruptly from the sea, may be
+distinguished innumerable huts; here reside people who are constantly on
+the lookout. A vessel within ten miles of the shore will not probably
+perceive a single proa, yet in less than two hours, if the tide be high,
+she may be surrounded by some hundreds. Should the water be low they
+will push off during the night. Signals are made from mountain to
+mountain along the coast with the utmost rapidity; during the day time
+by flags attached to long bamboos; at night, by fires. Each chief sends
+forth his proas, the crews of which, in hazardous cases, are infuriated
+with opium, when they will most assuredly take the vessel if she be not
+better provided than most merchantmen.
+
+Mr. Dalton, who went to the Pergottan river in 1830 says, "whilst I
+remained here, there were 71 proas of considerable sizes, 39 of which
+were professed pirates. They were anchored off the point of a small
+promontory, on which the rajah has an establishment and bazaar. The
+largest of these proas belonged to Raga, who received by the fleet of
+proas, in which I came, his regular supplies of arms and ammunition from
+Singapore. Here nestle the principal pirates, and Raga holds his head
+quarters; his grand depot was a few miles farther up. Rajah Agi Bota
+himself generally resides some distance up a small river which runs
+eastward of the point; near his habitation stands the principal bazaar,
+which would be a great curiosity for an European to visit if he could
+only manage to return, which very few have. The Raga gave me a pressing
+invitation to spend a couple of days at his country house, but all the
+Bugis' nacodahs strongly dissuaded me from such an attempt. I soon
+discovered the cause of their apprehension; they were jealous of Agi
+Bota, well knowing he would plunder me, and considered every article
+taken by him was so much lost to the Sultan of Coti, who naturally would
+expect the people to reserve me for his own particular plucking. When
+the fact was known of an European having arrived in the Pergottan river,
+this amiable prince and friend of Europeans, impatient to seize his
+prey, came immediately to the point from his country house, and sending
+for the nacodah of the proa, ordered him to land me and all my goods
+instantly. An invitation now came for me to go on shore and amuse myself
+with shooting, and look at some rare birds of beautiful plumage which
+the rajah would give me if I would accept of them; but knowing what were
+his intentions, and being well aware that I should be supported by all
+the Bugis' proas from Coti, I feigned sickness, and requested that the
+birds might be sent on board. Upon this Agi Bota, who could no longer
+restrain himself, sent off two boats of armed men, who robbed me of many
+articles, and would certainly have forced me on shore, or murdered me in
+the proa had not a signal been made to the Bugis' nacodahs, who
+immediately came with their people, and with spears and krisses, drove
+the rajah's people overboard. The nacodahs, nine in number, now went on
+shore, when a scene of contention took place showing clearly the
+character of this chief. The Bugis from Coti explained, that with regard
+to me it was necessary to be particularly circumspect, as I was not only
+well known at Singapore, but the authorities in that settlement knew
+that I was on board the Sultan's proa, and they themselves were
+responsible for my safety. To this circumstance alone I owe my life on
+several occasions, as in the event of any thing happening to me, every
+nacodah was apprehensive of his proa being seized on his return to
+Singapore; I was therefore more peculiarly cared for by this class of
+men, and they are powerful. The rajah answered the nacodahs by saying, I
+might be disposed of as many others had been, and no further notice
+taken of the circumstance; he himself would write to Singapore that I
+had been taken by an alligator, or bitten by a snake whilst out
+shooting; and as for what property I might have in the proa he would
+divide it with the Sultan of Coti. The Bugis, however, refused to listen
+to any terms, knowing the Sultan of Coti would call him to an account
+for the property, and the authorities of Singapore for my life. Our
+proa, with others, therefore dropped about four miles down the river,
+where we took in fresh water. Here we remained six days, every argument
+being in vain to entice me on shore. At length the Bugis' nacodahs came
+to the determination to sail without passes, which brought the rajah to
+terms. The proas returned to the point, and I was given to understand I
+might go on shore in safety. I did so, and was introduced to the rajah
+whom I found under a shed, with about 150 of his people; they were busy
+gambling, and had the appearance of what they really are, a ferocious
+set of banditti. Agi Bota is a good looking man, about forty years of
+age, of no education whatever; he divides his time between gaming, opium
+and cockfighting; that is in the interval of his more serious and
+profitable employment, piracy and rapine. He asked me to produce what
+money I had about me; on seeing only ten rupees, he remarked that it was
+not worth while to win so small a sum, but that if I would fight cocks
+with him he would lend me as much money as I wanted, and added it was
+beneath his dignity to fight under fifty reals a battle. On my saying it
+was contrary to an Englishman's religion to bet wagers, he dismissed me;
+immediately after the two rajahs produced their cocks and commenced
+fighting for one rupee a side. I was now obliged to give the old
+Baudarre five rupees to take some care of me, as whilst walking about,
+the people not only thrust their hands into my pockets, but pulled the
+buttons from my clothes. Whilst sauntering behind the rajah's campong I
+caught sight of an European woman, who on perceiving herself observed,
+instantly ran into one of the houses, no doubt dreading the consequences
+of being recognized. There are now in the house of Agi Bota two European
+women; up the country there are others, besides several men. The Bugis,
+inimical to the rajah, made no secret of the fact; I had heard of it on
+board the proa, and some person in the bazaar confirmed the statement.
+On my arrival, strict orders had been given to the inhabitants to put
+all European articles out of sight. One of my servants going into the
+bazaar, brought me such accounts as induced me to visit it. In one house
+were the following articles: four Bibles, one in English, one in Dutch,
+and two in the Portuguese languages; many articles of wearing apparel,
+such as jackets and trowsers, with the buttons altered to suit the
+natives; pieces of shirts tagged to other parts of dress; several broken
+instruments, such as quadrants, spy glasses (two,) binnacles, with
+pieces of ship's sails, bolts and hoops; a considerable variety of
+gunner's and carpenter's tools, stores, &c. In another shop were two
+pelisses of faded lilac color; these were of modern cut and fashionably
+made. On enquiring how they became possessed of these articles, I was
+told they were some wrecks of European vessels on which no people were
+found, whilst others made no scruple of averring that they were formerly
+the property of people who had died in the country. All the goods in the
+bazaar belonged to the rajah, and were sold on his account; large
+quantities were said to be in his house up the river; but on all hands
+it was admitted Raga and his followers had by far the largest part of
+what was taken. A Mandoor, or head of one of the campongs, showed me
+some women's stockings, several of which were marked with the letters
+S.W.; also two chemises, one with the letters S.W.; two flannel
+petticoats, a miniature portrait frame (the picture was in the rajah's
+house,) with many articles of dress of both sexes. In consequence of the
+strict orders given on the subject I could see no more; indeed there
+were both difficulty and danger attending these inquiries. I
+particularly wanted to obtain the miniature picture, and offered the
+Mandoor fifty rupees if he could procure it; he laughed at me, and
+pointing significantly to his kris, drew one hand across my throat, and
+then across his own, giving me to understand such would be the result to
+us both on such an application to the rajah. It is the universal custom
+of the pirates, on this coast, to sell the people for slaves immediately
+on their arrival, the rajah taking for himself a few of the most useful,
+and receiving a percentage upon the purchase money of the remainder,
+with a moiety of the vessel and every article on board. European vessels
+are taken up the river, where they are immediately broken up. The
+situation of European prisoners is indeed dreadful in a climate like
+this, where even the labor of natives is intolerable; they are compelled
+to bear all the drudgery, and allowed a bare sufficiency of rice and
+salt to eat."
+
+It is utterly impossible for Europeans who have seen these pirates at
+such places as Singapore and Batavia, to form any conception of their
+true character. There they are under immediate control, and every part
+of their behaviour is a tissue of falsehood and deception. They
+constantly carry about with them a smooth tongue, cringing demeanor, a
+complying disposition, which always asserts, and never contradicts; a
+countenance which appears to anticipate the very wish of the Europeans,
+and which so generally imposes upon his understanding, that he at once
+concludes them to be the best and gentlest of human beings; but let the
+European meet them in any of their own campongs, and a very different
+character they will appear. The character and treacherous proceeding
+narrated above, and the manner of cutting off vessels and butchering
+their crews, apply equally to all the pirates of the East India Islands,
+by which many hundred European and American vessels have been surprised
+and their crews butchered.
+
+On the 7th of February, 1831, the ship Friendship, Capt. Endicott, of
+Salem (Mass.,) was captured by the Malays while lying at Quallah Battoo,
+on the coast of Sumatra. In the forenoon of the fatal day, Capt.
+Endicott, Mr. Barry, second mate, and four of the crew, it seems went on
+shore as usual, for the purpose of weighing pepper, expecting to obtain
+that day two boat loads, which had been promised them by the Malays.
+After the first boat was loaded, they observed that she delayed some
+time in passing down the river, and her crew being composed of Malays,
+was supposed by the officers to be stealing pepper from her, and
+secreting it in the bushes. In consequence of this conjecture, two men
+were sent off to watch them, who on approaching the boat, saw five or
+six Malays leap from the jungle, and hurry on board of her. The former,
+however, supposed them to be the boat's crew, as they had seen an equal
+number quit her previous to their own approach. In this they were
+mistaken, as will subsequently appear. At this time a brig hove in
+sight, and was seen standing towards Soo Soo, another pepper port,
+distant about five miles. Capt. Endicott, on going to the beach to
+ascertain whether the brig had hoisted any colors, discovered that the
+boat with pepper had approached within a few yards of the Friendship,
+manned with an unusual number of natives.
+
+It appears that when the pepper boats came alongside of the Friendship,
+as but few of the hands could work at a time, numbers of the Malays came
+on board, and on being questioned by Mr. Knight, the first officer, who
+was in the gangway, taking an account of the pepper, as to their
+business, their reply was, that they had come to see the vessel. Mr.
+Knight ordered them into their boat again, and some of them obeyed, but
+only to return immediately to assist in the work of death, which was now
+commenced by attacking Mr. Knight and the rest of the crew on board. The
+crew of the vessel being so scattered, it was impossible to concentrate
+their force so as to make a successful resistance. Some fell on the
+forecastle, one in the gangway, and Mr. Knight fell upon the quarter
+deck, severely wounded by a stab in the back while in the act of
+snatching from the bulwarks a boarding pike with which to defend
+himself.
+
+The two men who were taking the pepper on a stage, having vainly
+attempted to get on board to the assistance of their comrades, were
+compelled to leap into the sea. One of them, Charles Converse, of Salem,
+being severely wounded, succeeded in swimming to the bobstays, to which
+he clung until taken on board by the natives, and from some cause he was
+not afterwards molested. His companion, John Davis, being unable to
+swim, drifted with the tide near the _boat tackle_, or _davit falls_,
+the blocks being overhauled down near the water; one of these he laid
+hold of, which the Malays perceiving, dropped their boat astern and
+despatched him! the cook sprang into a canoe along side, and in
+attempting to push off she was capsized; and being unable to swim, he
+got on the bottom, and paddled ashore with his hands, where he was made
+prisoner. Gregory, an Italian, sought shelter in the foretop-gallant
+cross-trees, where he was fired at several times by the Malays with the
+muskets of the Friendship, which were always kept loaded and ready for
+use while on the coast.
+
+Three of the crew leaped into the sea, and swam to a point of land near
+a mile distant, to the northward of the town; and, unperceived by the
+Malays on shore, pursued their course to the northward towards Cape
+Felix, intending to go to the port of Annalaboo, about forty-five miles
+distant. Having walked all night, they found themselves, on the
+following morning, near the promontory, and still twenty-five miles
+distant from Annalaboo.
+
+When Mr. Endicott, Mr. Barry, and the four seamen arrived at the beach,
+they saw the crew jumping into the sea; the truth now, with all its
+horrors, flashed upon his mind, that the vessel was attacked, and in an
+instant they jumped on board the boat and pushed off; at the same time a
+friendly rajah named Po Adam, sprang into the boat; he was the
+proprietor of a port and considerable property at a place called Pulo
+Kio, but three miles distant from the mouth of the river Quallah Battoo.
+More business had been done by the rajah during the eight years past
+than by any other on the pepper coast; he had uniformly professed
+himself friendly to the Americans, and he has generally received the
+character of their being honest. Speaking a little English as he sprang
+into the boat, he exclaimed, "Captain, you got trouble; Malay kill you,
+he kill Po Adam too!" Crowds of Malays assembled on both sides of the
+river, brandishing their weapons in a menacing manner, while a ferry
+boat, manned with eight or ten of the natives, armed with spears and
+krisses, pushed off to prevent the officers' regaining their ship. The
+latter exhibited no fear, and flourished the cutlass of Po Adam in a
+menacing manner from the bows of the boat; it so intimidated the Malays
+that they fled to the shore, leaving a free passage to the ship; but as
+they got near her they found that the Malays had got entire possession
+of her; some of them were promenading the deck, others were making
+signals of success to the people on shore, while, with the exception of
+one man aloft, not an individual of the crew could be seen. Three Malay
+boats, with about fifty men, now issued from the river in the direction
+of the ship, while the captain and his men, concluding that their only
+hope of recovering their vessel was to obtain assistance from some other
+ships, directed their course towards Muchie, where they knew that
+several American vessels were lying at anchor. Three American captains,
+upon hearing the misfortunes of their countrymen, weighed anchor
+immediately for Quallah Battoo, determined, if possible, to recover the
+ship. By four o'clock on the same day they gained an anchorage off that
+place; the Malays, in the meantime, had removed on shore every moveable
+article belonging to the ship, including specie, besides several cases
+of opium, amounting in all to upwards of thirty thousand dollars. This
+was done on the night of the 9th, and on the morning of the 10th, they
+contrived to heave in the chain cable, and get the anchor up to the
+bows; and the ship was drifting finely towards the beach, when the
+cable, not being stopped abaft the bitts, began suddenly to run out with
+great velocity; but a bight having by accident been thrown forward of
+the windlass, a riding turn was the consequence, and the anchor, in its
+descent, was suddenly checked about fifteen fathoms from the hawse. A
+squall soon after coming on, the vessel drifted obliquely towards the
+shore, and grounded upon a coral reef near half a mile to the southward
+of the town. The next day, having obtained a convenient anchorage, a
+message was sent by a friendly Malay who came on board at Soo Soo,
+demanding the restoration of the ship. The rajah replied that he would
+not give her up, but that they were welcome to take her if they could; a
+fire was now opened upon the Friendship by the vessels, her decks were
+crowded with Malays, who promptly returned the fire, as did also the
+forts on shore. This mode of warfare appeared undecisive, and it was
+determined to decide the contest by a close action. A number of boats
+being manned and armed with about thirty officers and men, a movement
+was made to carry the ship by boarding. The Malays did not wait the
+approach of this determined attack, but all deserted the vessel to her
+lawful owners, when she was taken possession of and warped out into deep
+water. The appearance of the ship, at the time she was boarded, beggars
+all description; every part of her bore ample testimony of the scene of
+violence and destruction with which she had been visited. The objects of
+the voyage were abandoned, and the Friendship returned to the United
+States. The public were unanimous in calling for a redress of the
+unparalleled outrage on the lives and property of citizens of the United
+States. The government immediately adopted measures to punish so
+outrageous an act of piracy by despatching the frigate Potomac,
+Commodore Downs, Commander. The Potomac sailed from New York the 24th of
+August, 1831, after touching at Rio Janeiro and the Cape of Good Hope.
+She anchored off Quallah Battoo in February 1832, disguised as a Danish
+ship, and came to in merchantman style, a few men being sent aloft,
+dressed in red and blue flannel shirts, and one sail being clewed up and
+furled at a time. A reconnoitering party were sent on shore disguised as
+pepper dealers, but they returned without being able to ascertain the
+situations of the forts. The ship now presented a busy scene; it was
+determined to commence an attack upon the town the next morning, and
+every necessary preparation was accordingly made, muskets were cleaned,
+cartridge-boxes buckled on, cutlasses examined and put in order, &c.
+
+At twelve o'clock at night, all hands were called, those assigned to
+take part in the expedition were mustered, when Lieut. Shubrick, the
+commander of the detachment, gave them special orders; when they entered
+the boats and proceeded to the shore, where they effected a landing near
+the dawn of day, amid a heavy surf, about a mile and a half to the north
+of the town, undiscovered by the enemy, and without any serious accident
+having befallen them, though several of the party were thoroughly
+drenched by the beating of the surf, and some of their ammunition was
+injured.
+
+The troops then formed and took up their line of march against the
+enemy, over a beach of deep and heavy sand. They had not proceeded far
+before they were discovered by a native at a distance, who ran at full
+speed to give the alarm. A rapid march soon brought them up with the
+first fort, when a division of men, under the command of Lieut. Hoff,
+was detached from the main body, and ordered to surround it. The first
+fort was found difficult of access, in consequence of a deep hedge of
+thorn-bushes and brambles with which it was environed. The assault was
+commenced by the pioneers, with their crows and axes, breaking down the
+gates and forcing a passage. This was attended with some difficulty, and
+gave the enemy time for preparation. They raised their warwhoop, and
+resisted most manfully, fighting with spears, sabres, and muskets. They
+had also a few brass pieces in the fort, but they managed them with so
+little skill as to produce no effect, for the balls uniformly whizzed
+over the heads of our men. The resistance of the Malays was in vain, the
+fort was stormed, and soon carried; not, however, till almost every
+individual in it was slain. Po Mahomet, a chief of much distinction, and
+who was one of the principal persons concerned in the outrage on the
+Friendship was here slain; the mother of Chadoolah, another rajah, was
+also slain here; another woman fell at this port, but her rank was not
+ascertained; she fought with the spirit of a desperado. A seaman had
+just scaled one of the ramparts, when he was severely wounded by a blow
+received from a weapon in her hands, but her life paid the forfeit of
+her daring, for she was immediately transfixed by a bayonet in the hands
+of the person whom she had so severely injured. His head was wounded by
+a javelin, his thumb nearly cut off by a sabre, and a ball was shot
+through his hat.
+
+Lieutenants Edson and Ferret proceeded to the rear of the town, and made
+a bold attack upon that fort, which, after a spirited resistance on the
+part of the Malays, surrendered. Both officers and marines here narrowly
+escaped with their lives. One of the natives in the fort had trained his
+piece in such a manner as to rake their whole body, when he was shot
+down by a marine while in the very act of applying a match to it. The
+cannon was afterwards found to have been filled with bullets. This fort,
+like the former, was environed with thick jungle, and great difficulty
+had been experienced in entering it. The engagement had now become
+general, and the alarm universal. Men, women and children were seen
+flying in every direction, carrying the few articles they were able to
+seize in the moments of peril, and some of the men were cut down in the
+flight. Several of the enemy's proas, filled with people, were severely
+raked by a brisk fire from the six pounder, as they were sailing up the
+river to the south of the town, and numbers of the natives were killed.
+The third and most formidable fort was now attacked, and it proved the
+most formidable, and the co-operation of the several divisions was
+required for its reduction; but so spirited was the fire poured into it
+that it was soon obliged to yield, and the next moment the American
+colors were seen triumphantly waving over its battlements. The greater
+part of the town was reduced to ashes. The bazaar, the principal place
+of merchandize, and most of the private dwellings were consumed by fire.
+The triumph had now been completed over the Malays; ample satisfaction
+had been taken for their outrages committed upon our own countrymen, and
+the bugle sounded the return of the ship's forces; and the embarkation
+was soon after effected. The action had continued about two hours and a
+half, and was gallantly sustained both by officers and men, from its
+commencement to its close. The loss on the part of the Malays was near a
+hundred killed, while of the Americans only two lost their lives. Among
+the spoils were a Chinese gong, a Koran, taken at Mahomet's fort, and
+several pieces of rich gold cloth. Many of the men came off richly laden
+with spoils which they had taken from the enemy, such as rajah's scarfs,
+gold and silver chunam boxes, chains, ear rings and finger rings,
+anklets and bracelets, and a variety of shawls, krisses richly hilted
+and with gold scabbards, and a variety of other ornaments. Money to a
+considerable amount was brought off. That nothing should be left undone
+to have an indelible impression on the minds of these people, of the
+power of the United States to inflict punishment for aggressions
+committed on her commerce, in seas however distant, the ship was got
+underway the following morning, and brought to, with a spring on her
+cable, within less than a mile of the shore, when the larboard side was
+brought to bear nearly upon the site of the town. The object of the
+Commodore, in this movement, was not to open an indiscriminate or
+destructive fire upon the town and inhabitants of Quallah Battoo, but to
+show them the irresistible power of thirty-two pound shot, and to reduce
+the fort of Tuca de Lama, which could not be reached on account of the
+jungle and stream of water, on the morning before, and from which a fire
+had been opened and continued during the embarkation of the troops on
+their return to the ship. The fort was very soon deserted, while the
+shot was cutting it to pieces, and tearing up whole cocoa-trees by the
+roots. In the afternoon a boat came off from the shore, bearing a flag
+of truce to the Commodore, beseeching him, in all the practised forms of
+submission of the east, that he would grant them peace, and cease to
+fire his big guns. Hostilities now ceased, and the Commodore informed
+them that the objects of his government in sending him to their shores
+had now been consummated in the punishment of the guilty, who had
+committed their piracies on the Friendship. Thus ended the intercourse
+with Quallah Battoo. The Potomac proceeded from this place to China, and
+from thence to the Pacific Ocean; after looking to the interests of the
+American commerce in those parts she arrived at Boston in 1834, after a
+three years' absence.
+
+
+
+
+THE ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN CONDENT
+
+
+Captain Condent was a Plymouth man born, but we are as yet ignorant of
+the motives and time of his first turning pirate. He was one of those
+who thought fit to retire from Providence, on Governor Rogers' 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 beaten; 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 through the deck
+and kill several of them. He, therefore, taking a pistol in one hand,
+and his cutlass in the other, leaped into the hold. The Indian
+discharged a piece at him, which broke his arm; but, however, he ran up
+and shot the Indian. When he was dead, the crew hacked him to pieces,
+and the gunner, ripping up his belly and tearing out his heart, broiled
+and eat it.
+
+After this, they took a merchantman called the Duke of York; and some
+disputes arising among the pirates, 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 Madeira, laden with
+wine, and 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. Wanting a boom, he took
+out the mainmast of one of these ships to supply the want. Here he took
+upon himself the administration of justice, inquiring into the manner of
+the commanders' behaviour to their men, and those against whom complaint
+was made, he whipped and pickled. He took what provision and other
+necessaries he wanted, and having augmented his company by volunteers
+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 proved 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, and some wounded by his great shot.
+
+The 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, Capt. 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. A few days after he took Spelt, he made prize of a Portuguese,
+laden with bale goods and stores. He rigged the Wright galley anew, and
+put on board of her some of the goods. Soon after he had discharged the
+Portuguese, he met with a Dutch East Indiaman of 28 guns, whose captain
+was killed the first broadside, and took her with little resistance, for
+he had hoisted the pirate's colors on board Spelt's ship.
+
+[Illustration: _Capt. Condent leaping into the hold, to attack the
+Indian._]
+
+He now, with three sail, steered for the island of Ferdinando, where
+he hove down and cleaned the Flying Dragon. Having careened, he put 11
+Dutchmen on board Capt. Spelt, to make amends for the hands he had
+forced from him, and sent him away, making him a present of the goods he
+had taken from the Portuguese ship. When he sailed himself, he ordered
+the Dutch to stay at Ferdinando 24 hours after his departure;
+threatening, 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 hailed him, and he
+answered, _from London, bound to Buenos Ayres_. The Portuguese manned
+his shrouds and cheered him, when Condent fired a broadside, and a smart
+engagement ensued for the space of three glasses; but Condent finding
+himself over-matched, made the best of his way, and being the best
+sailer, got off.
+
+A few days after, he took a vessel of the same nation, who gave an
+account that he had killed above forty 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 Platte. 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 Guinea 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 pirate ship was lost upon it, and
+the pirates 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 mainmast, 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 Guinea coast, and took Capt. Hill, in the
+Indian Queen.
+
+[Illustration: _The Pirates riding the Priests about deck._]
+
+In Luengo Bay he saw two ships at anchor, one a Dutchman of 44 guns, the
+other an English ship, called the Fame, Capt. Bowen, commander. They
+both cut and ran ashore; the Fame was lost, but the Dutch ship the
+pirate 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-Indiaman, of which Mr. Nash, a noted
+merchant of London, was supercargo. Soon after he took a Dutch
+East-Indiaman, discharged the Ostender, and made for Madagascar. At the
+Isle of St. Mary, he met with some of Capt. 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
+with two other pirates he met at St. Mary's, the Cassandra
+East-Indiaman, commanded by Capt. James Macraigh. He continued his
+course for the East-Indies, where he made a very great booty; and
+returning, touched at the island of Mascarenhas, where he met with a
+Portuguese ship of 70 guns, with the viceroy 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 plundered, razed the fort, and
+carried off several men 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 Mascarenhas for a pardon,
+though 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 Mascarenhas, where Condent married the
+governor's sister-in-law, and remained some time; but, as I have been
+credibly informed, he is since come to France, settled at St. Maloes,
+and drives a considerable trade as a merchant.
+
+
+
+
+THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN EDWARD LOW.
+
+
+This ferocious villain was born in Westminster, and received an
+education similar to that of the common people in England. He was by
+nature a pirate; for even when very young he raised contributions among
+the boys of Westminster, and if they declined compliance, a battle was
+the result. When he advanced a step farther in life, he began to exert
+his ingenuity at low games, and cheating all in his power; and those who
+pretended to maintain their own right, he was ready to call to the field
+of combat.
+
+He went to sea in company with his brother, and continued with him for
+three or four years. Going over to America, he wrought in a
+rigging-house at Boston for some time. He then came home to see his
+mother in England, returned to Boston, and continued for some years
+longer at the same business. But being of a quarrelsome temper, he
+differed with his master, and went on board a sloop bound for the Bay of
+Honduras.
+
+While there, he had the command of a boat employed in bringing logwood
+to the ship. In that boat there were twelve men well armed, to be
+prepared for the Spaniards, from whom the wood was taken by force. It
+happened one day that the boat came to the ship just a little before
+dinner was ready, and Low desired that they might dine before they
+returned. The captain, however, ordered them a bottle of rum, and
+requested them to take another trip, as no time was to be lost. The crew
+were enraged, particularly Low, who took up a loaded musket and fired at
+the captain, but missing him, another man was shot, and they ran off
+with the boat. The next day they took a small vessel, went on board her,
+hoisted a black flag, and declared war with the whole world.
+
+In their rovings, Low met with Lowther, who proposed that he should join
+him, and thus promote their mutual advantage. Having captured a
+brigantine, Low, with forty more, went on board her; and leaving
+Lowther, they went to seek their own fortune.
+
+Their first adventure was the capture of a vessel belonging to Amboy,
+out of which they took the provisions, and allowed her to proceed. On
+the same day they took a sloop, plundered her, and permitted her to
+depart. The sloop went into Black Island, and sent intelligence to the
+governor that Low was on the coast. Two small vessels were immediately
+fitted out, but, before their arrival, Low was beyond their reach. After
+this narrow escape, Low went into port to procure water and fresh
+provisions; and then renewed his search of plunder. He next sailed into
+the harbor of Port Rosemary, where were thirteen ships, but none of them
+of any great strength. Low hoisted the black flag, assuring them that if
+they made any resistance they should have no quarter; and manning their
+boat, the pirates took possession of every one of them, which they
+plundered and converted to their own use. They then put on board a
+schooner ten guns and fifty men, named her the Fancy, and Low himself
+went on board of her, while Charles Harris was constituted captain of
+the brigantine. They also constrained a few of the men to join them, and
+sign their articles.
+
+After an unsuccessful pursuit of two sloops from Boston, they steered
+for the Leeward Islands, but in their way were overtaken by a terrible
+hurricane. The search for plunder gave place to the most vigorous
+exertion to save themselves. On board the brigantine, all hands were at
+work both day and night; they were under the necessity of throwing
+overboard six of her guns, and all the weighty provisions. In the storm,
+the two vessels were separated, and it was some time before they again
+saw each other.
+
+After the storm, Low went into a small island west of the Carribbees,
+refitted his vessels, and got provision for them in exchange of goods.
+As soon as the brigantine was ready for sea, they went on a cruise until
+the Fancy should be prepared, and during that cruise, met with a vessel
+which had lost all her masts in the storm, which they plundered of goods
+to the value of 1000_l_. and returned to the island. When the Fancy was
+ready to sail, a council was held what course they should next steer.
+They followed the advice of the captain, who thought it not safe to
+cruise any longer to the leeward, lest they should fall in with any of
+the men-of-war that cruised upon that coast, so they sailed for the
+Azores.
+
+The good fortune of Low was now singular; in his way thither he captured
+a French ship of 34 guns, and carried her along with him. Then entering
+St. Michael's roads, he captured seven sail, threatening with instant
+death all who dared to oppose him. Thus, by inspiring terror, without
+firing a single gun, he became master of all that property. Being in
+want of water and fresh provisions, Low sent to the governor demanding a
+supply, upon condition of releasing the ships he had taken, otherwise he
+would commit them to the flames. The request was instantly complied
+with, and six of the vessels were restored. But a French vessel being
+among them, they emptied her of guns and all her men except the cook,
+who, they said, being a greasy fellow, would fry well; they accordingly
+bound the unfortunate man to the mast, and set the ship on fire.
+
+The next who fell in their way was Captain Carter, in the Wright galley;
+who, because he showed some inclination to defend himself, was cut and
+mangled in a barbarous manner. There were also two Portuguese friars,
+whom they tied to the foremast, and several times let them down before
+they were dead, merely to gratify their own ferocious dispositions.
+Meanwhile, another Portuguese, beholding this cruel scene, expressed
+some sorrow in his countenance, upon which one of the wretches said he
+did not like his looks, and so giving him a stroke across the body with
+his cutlass, he fell upon the spot. Another of the miscreants, aiming a
+blow at a prisoner, missed his aim, and struck Low upon the under jaw.
+The surgeon was called, and stitched up the wound; but Low finding fault
+with the operation, the surgeon gave him a blow which broke all the
+stiches, and left him to sew them himself. After he had plundered this
+vessel, some of them were for burning her, as they had done the
+Frenchman; but instead of that, they cut her cables, rigging, and sails
+to pieces, and sent her adrift to the mercy of the waves.
+
+[Illustration: _The Cruelties practised by Captain Low._]
+
+They next sailed for the island of Madeira, and took up a fishing boat
+with two old men and a boy. They detained one of them, and sent the
+other on shore with a flag of truce, requesting the governor to send
+them a boat of water, else they would hang the other man at the yard
+arm. The water was sent, and the man dismissed.
+
+They next sailed for the Canary Islands, and there took several vessels;
+and being informed that two small galleys were daily expected, the sloop
+was manned and sent in quest of them. They, however, missing their prey,
+and being in great want of provision, went into St. Michael's in the
+character of traders, and being discovered, were apprehended, and the
+whole crew conducted to the castle, and treated according to their
+merits.
+
+Meanwhile, Low's ship was overset upon the careen and lost, so that,
+having only the Fancy schooner remaining, they all, to the number of a
+hundred, went on board her, and set sail in search of new spoils. They
+soon met a rich Portuguese vessel, and after some resistance captured
+her. Low tortured the men to constrain them to inform him where they had
+hid their treasures. He accordingly discovered that, during the chase,
+the captain had hung a bag with eleven thousand moidores out of the
+cabin window, and that, when they were taken, he had cut the rope, and
+allowed it to fall into the sea. Upon this intelligence, Low raved and
+stormed like a fury, ordered the captain's lips to be cut off and
+broiled before his eyes, then murdered him and all his crew.
+
+[Illustration: _The Captain of the Portuguese Ship cutting away the Bag
+of Moidores._]
+
+After this bloody action, the miscreants steered northward, and in their
+course seized several vessels, one of which they burned, and plundering
+the rest, allowed them to proceed. Having cleaned in one of the islands,
+they then sailed for the bay of Honduras. They met a Spaniard coming out
+of the bay, which had captured five Englishmen and a pink, plundered
+them, and brought away the masters prisoners. Low hoisted Spanish
+colors, but, when he came near, hung out the black flag, and the
+Spaniard was seized without resistance. Upon finding the masters of the
+English vessels in the hold, and seeing English goods on board, a
+consultation was held, when it was determined to put all the Spaniards
+to the sword. This was scarcely resolved upon, when they commenced with
+every species of weapons to massacre every man, and some flying from
+their merciless hands into the waves, a canoe was sent in pursuit of
+those who endeavored to swim on shore. They next plundered the Spanish
+vessel, restored the English masters to their respective vessels, and
+set the Spaniard on fire.
+
+Low's next cruise was between the Leeward Islands and the main land,
+where, in a continued course of prosperity, he successively captured no
+less than nineteen ships of different sizes, and in general treated
+their crews with a barbarity unequalled even among pirates. But it
+happened that the Greyhound, of twenty guns and one hundred and twenty
+men, was cruising upon that coast. Informed of the mischief these
+miscreants had done, the Greyhound went in search of them. Supposing
+they had discovered a prize, Low and his crew pursued them, and the
+Greyhound, allowing them to run after her until all things were ready
+to engage, turned upon the two sloops.
+
+One of these sloops was called the Fancy, and commanded by Low himself,
+and the other the Ranger, commanded by Harris; both hoisted their
+piratical colors, and fired each a gun. When the Greyhound came within
+musket shot, she hauled up her mainsail, and clapped close upon a wind,
+to keep the pirates from running to leeward, and then engaged. But when
+the rogues found whom they had to deal with, they edged away under the
+man-of-war's stern, and the Greyhound standing after them, they made a
+running fight for about two hours; but little wind happening, the sloops
+gained from her, by the help of their oars; upon which the Greyhound
+left off firing, turned all hands to her own oars, and at three in the
+afternoon came up with them. The pirates hauled upon a wind to receive
+the man-of-war, and the fight was immediately renewed, with a brisk fire
+on both sides, till the Ranger's mainyard was shot down. Under these
+circumstances, Low abandoned her to the enemy, and fled.
+
+The conduct of Low was surprising in this adventure, because his reputed
+courage and boldness had hitherto so possessed the minds of all people,
+that he became a terror even to his own men; but his behaviour
+throughout this whole action showed him to be a base cowardly villain;
+for had Low's sloop fought half so briskly as Harris' had done (as they
+were under a solemn oath to do,) the man-of-war, in the opinion of some
+present, could never have hurt them.
+
+Nothing, however, could lessen the fury, or reform the manners, of that
+obdurate crew. Their narrow escape had no good effect upon them, and
+with redoubled violence they renewed their depredations and cruelties.
+The next vessel they captured, was eighty miles from land. They used the
+master with the most wanton cruelty, then shot him dead, and forced the
+crew into the boat with a compass, a little water, and a few biscuits,
+and left them to the mercy of the waves; they, however, beyond all
+expectation, got safe to shore.
+
+Low proceeded in his villainous career with too fatal success.
+Unsatisfied with satiating their avarice and walking the common path of
+wickedness, those inhuman wretches, like to Satan himself, made mischief
+their sport, cruelty their delight, and the ruin and murder of their
+fellow men their constant employment. Of all the piratical crews
+belonging to the English nation, none ever equalled Low in barbarity.
+Their mirth and their anger had the same effect. They murdered a man
+from good humor, as well as from anger and passion. Their ferocious
+disposition seemed only to delight in cries, groans, and lamentations.
+One day Low having captured Captain Graves, a Virginia man, took a bowl
+of punch in his hand, and said, "Captain, here's half this to you." The
+poor gentleman was too much touched with his misfortunes to be in a
+humor for drinking, he therefore modestly excused himself. Upon this Low
+cocked and presented a pistol in the one hand, and his bowl in the
+other, saying, "Either take the one or the other."
+
+Low next captured a vessel called the Christmas, mounted her with
+thirty-four guns, went on board her himself, assumed the title of
+admiral, and hoisted the black flag. His next prize was a brigantine
+half manned with Portuguese, and half with English. The former he
+hanged, and the latter he thrust into their boat and dismissed, while he
+set fire to the vessel. The success of Low was unequalled, as well as
+his cruelty; and during a long period he continued to pursue his wicked
+course with impunity.
+
+All wickedness comes to an end and Low's crew at last rose against him
+and he was thrown into a boat without provisions and abandoned to his
+fate. This was because Low murdered the quarter-master while he lay
+asleep. Not long after he was cast adrift a French vessel happened along
+and took him into Martinico, and after a quick trial by the authorities
+he received short shift on a gallows erected for his benefit.
+
+[Illustration: _Low presenting a Pistol and Bowl of Punch._]
+
+
+
+
+LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN EDWARD ENGLAND
+
+
+This adventurer was mate of a sloop that sailed from Jamaica, and was
+taken by Captain Winter, a pirate, just before the settlement of the
+pirates at Providence island. After the pirates had surrendered to his
+Majesty's pardon, and Providence island was peopled by the English
+government, Captain England sailed to Africa. There he took several
+vessels, particularly the Cadogan, from Bristol, commanded by one
+Skinner. When the latter struck to the pirate, he was ordered to come on
+board in his boat. The person upon whom he first cast his eye, proved to
+be his old boatswain, who stared him in the face, and accosted him in
+the following manner: "Ah, Captain Skinner, is it you? the only person I
+wished to see: I am much in your debt, and I shall pay you all in your
+own coin." The poor man trembled in every joint, and dreaded the event,
+as he well might. It happened that Skinner and his old boatswain, with
+some of his men, had quarrelled, so that he thought fit to remove them
+on board a man-of-war, while he refused to pay them their wages. Not
+long after, they found means to leave the man-of-war, and went on board
+a small ship in the West Indies. They were taken by a pirate, and
+brought to Providence, and from thence sailed as pirates with Captain
+England. Thus accidentally meeting their old captain, they severely
+revenged the treatment they had received.
+
+After the rough salutation which has been related, the boatswain called
+to his comrades, laid hold of Skinner, tied him fast to the windlass,
+and pelted him with glass bottles until they cut him in a shocking
+manner, then whipped him about the deck until they were quite fatigued,
+remaining deaf to all his prayers and entreaties; and at last, in an
+insulting tone, observed, that as he had been a good master to his men,
+he should have an easy death, and upon this shot him through the head.
+
+[Illustration: _The Pirates pelting Captain Skinner with Glass
+Bottles._]
+
+Having taken such things out of the ship as they stood most in need of,
+she was given to Captain Davis in order to try his fortune with a few
+hands.
+
+Captain England, some time after, took a ship called the Pearl, for
+which he exchanged his own sloop, fitted her up for piratical service,
+and called her the Royal James. In that vessel he was very fortunate,
+and took several ships of different sizes and different nations. In the
+spring of 1719, the pirates returned to Africa, and beginning at the
+river Gambia, sailed down the coast to Cape Corso, and captured several
+vessels. Some of them they pillaged, and allowed to proceed, some they
+fitted out for the pirate service, and others they burned.
+
+Leaving our pirate upon this coast, the Revenge and the Flying King, two
+other pirate vessels, sailed for the West Indies, where they took
+several prizes, and then cleared and sailed for Brazil. There they
+captured some Portuguese vessels; but a large Portuguese man-of-war
+coming up to them, proved an unwelcome guest. The Revenge escaped, but
+was soon lost upon that coast. The Flying King in despair run ashore.
+There were then seventy on board, twelve of whom were slain, and the
+remainder taken prisoners. The Portuguese hanged thirty-eight of them.
+
+Captain England, whilst cruising upon that coast, took the Peterborough
+of Bristol, and the Victory. The former they detained, the latter they
+plundered and dismissed. In the course of his voyage, England met with
+two ships, but these taking shelter under Cape Corso Castle, he
+unsuccessfully attempted to set them on fire. He next sailed down to
+Whydah road, where Captain La Bouche had been before England, and left
+him no spoil. He now went into the harbor, cleaned his own ship, and
+fitted up the Peterborough, which he called the Victory. During several
+weeks the pirates remained in this quarter, indulging in every species
+of riot and debauchery, until the natives, exasperated with their
+conduct, came to an open rupture, when several of the negroes were
+slain, and one of their towns set on fire by the pirates.
+
+Leaving that port, the pirates, when at sea, determined by vote to sail
+for the East Indies, and arrived at Madagascar. After watering and
+taking in some provisions they sailed for the coast of Malabar. This
+place is situated in the Mogul Empire, and is one of its most beautiful
+and fertile districts. It extends from the coast of Canora to Cape
+Comorin. The original natives are negroes; but a mingled race of
+Mahometans, who are generally merchants, have been introduced in modern
+times. Having sailed almost round the one half of the globe, literally
+seeking whom they might devour, our pirates arrived in this hitherto
+untried and prolific field for their operations.
+
+Not long after their settlement at Madagascar, they took a cruise, in
+which they captured two Indian vessels and a Dutchman. They exchanged
+the latter for one of their own, and directed their course again to
+Madagascar. Several of their hands were sent on shore with tents and
+ammunition, to kill such beasts and venison as the island afforded. They
+also formed the resolution to go in search of Avery's crew, which they
+knew had settled upon the island; but as their residence was upon the
+other side of the island, the loss of time and labour was the only fruit
+of their search.
+
+They tarried here but a very short time, then steered their course to
+Johanna, and coming out of that harbor, fell in with two English vessels
+and an Ostend ship, all Indiamen, which, after a most desperate action,
+they captured. The particulars of this extraordinary action are related
+in the following letter from Captain Mackra.
+
+"_Bombay, November 16th_, 1720.
+
+"We arrived on the 25th of July last, in company with the Greenwich, at
+Johanna, an island not far from Madagascar. Putting in there to refresh
+our men, we found fourteen pirates who came in their canoes from the
+Mayotta, where the pirate ship to which they belonged, viz. the Indian
+Queen, two hundred and fifty tons, twenty-eight guns, and ninety men,
+commanded by Captain Oliver de la Bouche, bound from the Guinea coast to
+the East Indies, had been bulged and lost. They said they left the
+captain and forty of their men building a new vessel, to proceed on
+their wicked designs. Captain Kirby and I concluding that it might be of
+great service to the East India Company to destroy such a nest of
+rogues, were ready to sail for that purpose on the 17th of August, about
+eight o'clock in the morning, when we discovered two pirates standing
+into the bay Johanna, one of thirty-four, and the other of thirty-six
+guns. I immediately went on board the Greenwich, where they seemed very
+diligent in preparation for an engagement, and I left Captain Kirby with
+mutual promises of standing by each other. I then unmoored, got under
+sail, and brought two boats a-head to row me close to the Greenwich; but
+he being open to a valley and a breeze, made the best of his way from
+me; which an Ostender in our company, of twenty-two guns, seeing, did
+the same, though the captain had promised heartily to engage with us,
+and I believe would have been as good as his word, if Captain Kirby had
+kept his. About half an hour after twelve, I called several times to the
+Greenwich to bear down to our assistance, and fired a shot at him, but
+to no purpose; for though we did not doubt but he would join us,
+because, when he got about a league from us he brought his ship to and
+looked on, yet both he and the Ostender basely deserted us, and left us
+engaged with barbarous and inhuman enemies, with their black and bloody
+flags hanging over us, without the least appearance of ever escaping,
+but to be cut to pieces. But God in his good providence determined
+otherwise; for, notwithstanding their superiority, we engaged them both
+about three hours; during which time the biggest of them received some
+shot betwixt wind and water, which made her keep off a little to stop
+her leaks. The other endeavored all she could to board us, by rowing
+with her oars, being within half a ship's length of us above an hour;
+but by good fortune we shot all her oars to pieces, which prevented
+them, and by consequence saved our lives.
+
+"About four o'clock most of the officers and men posted on the
+quarter-deck being killed and wounded, the largest ship making up to us
+with diligence, being still within a cable's length of us, often giving
+us a broadside; there being now no hopes of Captain Kirby's coming to
+our assistance, we endeavored to run a-shore; and though we drew four
+feet of water more than the pirate, it pleased God that he stuck fast on
+a higher ground than happily we fell in with; so was disappointed a
+second time from boarding us. Here we had a more violent engagement than
+before: all my officers and most of my men behaved with unexpected
+courage; and, as we had a considerable advantage by having a broadside
+to his bow, we did him great damage; so that had Captain Kirby come in
+then, I believe we should have taken both the vessels, for we had one of
+them sure; but the other pirate (who was still firing at us,) seeing the
+Greenwich did not offer to assist us, supplied his consort with three
+boats full of fresh men. About five in the evening the Greenwich stood
+clear away to sea, leaving us struggling hard for life, in the very jaws
+of death; which the other pirate that was afloat, seeing, got a warp
+out, and was hauling under our stern.
+
+"By this time many of my men being killed and wounded, and no hopes left
+us of escaping being all murdered by enraged barbarous conquerors, I
+ordered all that could to get into the long-boat, under the cover of the
+smoke of our guns; so that, with what some did in boats, and others by
+swimming, most of us that were able, got ashore by seven o'clock. When
+the pirates came aboard, they cut three of our wounded men to pieces. I
+with some of my people made what haste I could to King's-town,
+twenty-five miles from us, where I arrived next day, almost dead with
+the fatigue and loss of blood, having been sorely wounded in the head by
+a musket-ball.
+
+"At this town I heard that the pirates had offered ten thousand dollars
+to the country people to bring me in, which many of them would have
+accepted, only they knew the king and all his chief people were in my
+interest. Meantime, I caused a report to be spread that I was dead of my
+wounds, which much abated their fury. About ten days after, being pretty
+well recovered, and hoping the malice of our enemies was nigh over, I
+began to consider the dismal condition we were reduced to; being in a
+place where we had no hopes of getting a passage home, all of us in a
+manner naked, not having had time to bring with us either a shirt or a
+pair of shoes, except what we had on. Having obtained leave to go on
+board the pirates with a promise of safety, several of the chief of them
+knew me, and some of them had sailed with me, which I found to be of
+great advantage; because, notwithstanding their promise, some of them
+would have cut me to pieces, and all that would not enter with them, had
+it not been for their chief captain, Edward England, and some others
+whom I knew. They talked of burning one of their ships, which we had so
+entirely disabled as to be no farther useful to them, and to fit the
+Cassandra in her room; but in the end I managed the affair so well, that
+they made me a present of the said shattered ship, which was Dutch
+built, and called the Fancy; her burden was about three hundred tons. I
+procured also a hundred and twenty-nine bales of the Company's cloth,
+though they would not give me a rag of my own clothes.
+
+"They sailed the 3rd of September; and I, with jury-masts, and such old
+sails as they left me, made a shift to do the like on the 8th, together
+with forty-three of my ship's crew, including two passengers and twelve
+soldiers; having no more than five tuns of water aboard. After a passage
+of forty-eight days, I arrived here on the 26th of October, almost naked
+and starved, having been reduced to a pint of water a-day, and almost in
+despair of ever seeing land, by reason of the calms we met with between
+the coast of Arabia and Malabar.
+
+"We had in all thirteen men killed and twenty-four wounded; and we were
+told that we destroyed about ninety or a hundred of the pirates. When
+they left us, they were about three hundred whites, and eighty blacks,
+on both ships. I am persuaded, had our consort the Greenwich done his
+duty, we had destroyed both of them, and got two hundred thousand pounds
+for our owners and selves; whereas the loss of the Cassandra may justly
+be imputed to his deserting us. I have delivered all the bales that were
+given me into the Company's warehouse, for which the governor and
+council have ordered me a reward. Our governor, Mr. Boon, who is
+extremely kind and civil to me, had ordered me home with the packet; but
+Captain Harvey, who had a prior promise, being come in with the fleet,
+goes in my room. The governor had promised me a country voyage to help
+to make up my losses, and would have me stay and accompany him to
+England next year."
+
+Captain Mackra was certainly in imminent danger, in trusting himself and
+his men on board the pirate ship, and unquestionably nothing but the
+desperate circumstances in which he was placed could have justified so
+hazardous a step. The honor and influence of Captain England, however,
+protected him and his men from the fury of the crew, who would willingly
+have wreaked their vengeance upon them.
+
+It is pleasing to discover any instance of generosity or honor among
+such an abandoned race, who bid defiance to all the laws of honor, and,
+indeed, are regardless of all laws human and divine. Captain England was
+so steady to Captain Mackra, that he informed him, it would be with no
+small difficulty and address that he would be able to preserve him and
+his men from the fury of the crew, who were greatly enraged at the
+resistance which had been made. He likewise acquainted him, that his
+influence and authority among them was giving place to that of Captain
+Taylor, chiefly because the dispositions of the latter were more savage
+and brutal. They therefore consulted between them what was the best
+method to secure the favor of Taylor, and keep him in good humor. Mackra
+made the punch to flow in great abundance, and employed every artifice
+to soothe the mind of that ferocious villain.
+
+A single incident was also very favorable to the unfortunate captain. It
+happened that a pirate, with a prodigious pair of whiskers, a wooden
+leg, and stuck round with pistols, came blustering and swearing upon the
+quarter deck, inquiring "where was Captain Mackra." He naturally
+supposed that this barbarous-looking fellow would be his executioner;
+but, as he approached, he took the captain by the hand, swearing "that
+he was an honest fellow, and that he had formerly sailed with him, and
+would stand by him; and let him see the man that would touch him." This
+terminated the dispute, and Captain Taylor's disposition was so
+ameliorated with punch, that he consented that the old pirate ship, and
+so many bales of cloth, should be given to Mackra, and then sank into
+the arms of intoxication. England now pressed Mackra to hasten away,
+lest the ruffian, upon his becoming sober, should not only retract his
+word, but give liberty to the crew to cut him and his men to pieces.
+
+But the gentle temper of Captain England, and his generosity towards the
+unfortunate Mackra, proved the organ of much calamity to himself. The
+crew, in general, deeming the kind of usage which Mackra had received,
+inconsistent with piratical policy, they circulated a report, that he
+was coming against them with the Company's force. The result of these
+invidious reports was to deprive England of his command, and to excite
+these cruel villains to put him on shore, with three others, upon the
+island of Mauritius. If England and his small company had not been
+destitute of every necessary, they might have made a comfortable
+subsistence here, as the island abounds with deer, hogs, and other
+animals. Dissatisfied, however, with their solitary situation, Captain
+England and his three men exerted their industry and ingenuity, and
+formed a small boat, with which they sailed to Madagascar, where they
+subsisted upon the generosity of some more fortunate piratical
+companions.
+
+[Illustration: _Captain Mackra, and the Pirate with a wooden leg._]
+
+Captain Taylor detained some of the officers and men belonging to
+Captain Mackra, and having repaired their vessel, sailed for India. The
+day before they made land, they espied two ships to the eastward, and
+supposing them to be English, Captain Taylor ordered one of the officers
+of Mackra's ship to communicate to him the private signals between the
+Company's ships, swearing that if he did not do so immediately, he would
+cut him into pound pieces. But the poor man being unable to give the
+information demanded, was under the necessity of enduring their threats.
+Arrived at the vessels, they found that they were two Moorish ships,
+laden with horses. The pirates brought the captains and merchants on
+board, and tortured them in a barbarous manner, to constrain them to
+tell where they had hid their treasure. They were, however,
+disappointed; and the next morning they discovered land, and at the same
+time a fleet on shore plying to windward. In this situation they were at
+a considerable loss how to dispose of their prizes. To let them go would
+lead to their discovery, and thus defeat the design of their voyage; and
+it was a distressing matter to sink the men and the horses, though many
+of them were for adopting that measure. They, however, brought them to
+anchor, threw all the sails overboard, and cut one of the masts half
+through.
+
+While they lay at anchor, and were employed in taking in water, one of
+the above-mentioned fleet moved towards them with English colors, and
+was answered by the pirate with a red ensign; but they did not hail each
+other. At night they left the Muscat ships, and sailed after the fleet.
+About four next morning, the pirates were in the midst of the fleet, but
+seeing their vast superiority, were greatly at a loss what method to
+adopt. The Victory had become leaky, and their hands were so few in
+number, that it only remained for them to deceive, if possible, the
+English squadron. They were unsuccessful in gaining any thing out of
+that fleet, and had only the wretched satisfaction of burning a single
+galley. They however that day seized a galliot laden with cotton, and
+made inquiry of the men concerning the fleet. They protested that they
+had not seen a ship since they left Gogo, and earnestly implored their
+mercy; but, instead of treating them with lenity, they put them to the
+rack, in order to extort farther confession. The day following, a fresh
+easterly wind blew hard, and rent the galliot's sails; upon this the
+pirates put her company into a boat, with nothing but a try-sail, no
+provisions, and only four gallons of water, and, though they were out of
+sight of land, left them to shift for themselves.
+
+It may be proper to inform our readers, that one Angria, an Indian
+prince, of considerable territory and strength, had proved a troublesome
+enemy to Europeans, and particularly to the English. Calaba was his
+principal fort, situated not many leagues from Bombay, and he possessed
+an island in sight of the port, from whence he molested the Company's
+ships. His art in bribing the ministers of the Great Mogul, and the
+shallowness of the water, that prevented large ships of war from
+approaching, were the principal causes of his safety.
+
+The Bombay fleet, consisting of four grabs, the London and the Candois,
+and two other ships, with a galliot, having an additional thousand men
+on board for this enterprise, sailed to attack a fort belonging to
+Angria upon the Malabar coast. Though their strength was great, yet they
+were totally unsuccessful in their enterprise. It was this fleet
+returning home that our pirates discovered upon the present occasion.
+Upon the sight of the pirates, the commodore of the fleet intimated to
+Mr. Brown, the general, that as they had no orders to fight, and had
+gone upon a different purpose, it would be improper for them to engage.
+Informed of the loss of this favorable opportunity of destroying the
+robbers, the governor of Bombay was highly enraged, and giving the
+command of the fleet to Captain Mackra, ordered him to pursue and engage
+them wherever they should be found.
+
+The pirates having barbarously sent away the galliot with her men, they
+arrived southward, and between Goa and Carwar they heard several guns,
+so that they came to anchor, and sent their boat to reconnoitre, which
+returned next morning with the intelligence of two grabs, lying at
+anchor in the road. They accordingly weighed, ran towards the bay, and
+in the morning were discovered by the grabs, who had just time to run
+under India-Diva castle for protection. This was the more vexatious to
+the pirates, as they were without water; some of them, therefore, were
+for making a descent upon the island, but that measure not being
+generally approved, they sailed towards the south, and took a small
+ship, which had only a Dutchman and two Portuguese on board. They sent
+one of these on shore to the captain, to inform him that, if he would
+give them some water and fresh provisions, he might have his vessel
+returned. He replied that, if they would give him possession over the
+bar, he would comply with their request. But, suspecting the integrity
+of his design, they sailed for Lacca Deva islands, uttering dreadful
+imprecations against the captain.
+
+Disappointed in finding water at these islands, they sailed to Malinda
+island, and sent their boats on shore, to discover if there was any
+water, or if there were any inhabitants.. They returned with the
+information, that there was abundance of water, that the houses were
+only inhabited by women and children, the men having fled at the
+appearance of the ships. They accordingly hastened to supply themselves
+with water, used the defenceless women in a brutal manner, destroyed
+many of their fruit-trees, and set some of their houses on fire.
+
+While off the island, they lost several of their anchors by the
+rockiness of the ground; and one day, blowing more violently than usual,
+they were forced to take to sea, leaving several people and most of the
+water-casks; but when the gale was over, they returned to take in their
+men and water. Their provisions being nearly exhausted, they resolved to
+visit the Dutch at Cochin. After sailing three days, they arrived off
+Tellechery, and took a small vessel belonging to Governor Adams, and
+brought the master on board, very much intoxicated, who informed them of
+the expedition of Captain Mackra. This intelligence raised their utmost
+indignation. "A villain!" said they, "to whom we have given a ship and
+presents, to come against us! he ought to be hanged; and since we cannot
+show our resentment to him, let us hang the dogs his people, who wish
+him well, and would do the same, if they were clear." "If it be in my
+power," said the quarter-master, "both masters and officers of ships
+shall be carried with us for the future, only to plague them. Now,
+England, we mark him for this."
+
+They proceeded to Calicut, and attempting to cut out a ship, were
+prevented by some guns placed upon the shore. One of Captain Mackra's
+officers was under deck at this time, and was commanded both by the
+captain and the quarter-master to tend the braces on the booms, in hopes
+that a shot would take him before they got clear. He was about to have
+excused himself, but they threatened to shoot him; and when he
+expostulated, and claimed their promise to put him on shore, he received
+an unmerciful beating from the quarter-master; Captain Taylor, to whom
+that duty belonged, being lame in his hands.
+
+The day following they met a Dutch galliot, laden with limestone, bound
+for Calicut, on board of which they put one Captain Fawkes; and some of
+the crew interceding for Mackra's officer, Taylor and his party replied,
+"If we let this dog go, who has overheard our designs and resolutions,
+he will overset all our well-advised resolutions, and particularly this
+supply we are seeking for at the hands of the Dutch."
+
+When they arrived at Cochin, they sent a letter on shore by a
+fishing-boat, entered the road, and anchored, each ship saluting the
+fort with eleven guns, and receiving the same number in return. This was
+the token of their welcome reception, and at night a large boat was
+sent, deeply laden with liquors and all kinds of provisions, and in it a
+servant of John Trumpet, one of their friends, to inform them that it
+would be necessary for them to run farther south, where they would be
+supplied both with provisions and naval stores.
+
+They had scarcely anchored at the appointed place, when several canoes,
+with white and black inhabitants, came on board, and continued without
+interruption to perform all the good offices in their power during their
+stay in that place. In particular, John Trumpet brought a large boat of
+arrack, and sixty bales of sugar, as a present from the governor and his
+daughter; the former receiving in return a table-clock, and the other a
+gold watch, the spoil of Captain Mackra's vessel. When their provisions
+were all on board, Trumpet was rewarded with about six or seven thousand
+pounds, was saluted with three cheers, and eleven guns; and several
+handsfull of silver were thrown into the boat, for the men to gather at
+pleasure.
+
+There being little wind that night, they remained at anchor, and in the
+morning were surprised with the return of Trumpet, bringing another boat
+equally well stored with provisions, with chests of piece-goods and
+ready-made clothes, and along with him the fiscal of the place. At noon
+they espied a sail towards the south, and immediately gave chase, but
+she outsailed them, and sheltered under the fort of Cochin. Informed
+that they would not be molested in taking her from under the castle,
+they sailed towards her, but upon the fort firing two guns, they ran
+off for fear of more serious altercation, and returning, anchored in
+their former station. They were too welcome visitants to be permitted to
+depart, so long as John Trumpet could contrive to detain them. With this
+view he informed them, that in a few days a rich vessel, commanded by
+the Governor of Bombay's brother, was to pass that way.
+
+That government is certainly in a wretched state, which is under the
+necessity of trading with pirates, in order to enrich itself; nor will
+such a government hesitate by what means an injury can be repaired, or a
+fortune gained. Neither can language describe the low and base
+principles of a government which could employ such a miscreant as John
+Trumpet in its service. He was a tool in the hands of the government of
+Cochin; and, as the dog said in the fable, "What is done by the master's
+orders, is the master's action;" or, as the same sentiment is, perhaps,
+better expressed in the legal axiom; "Qui facit per alium facit per se."
+
+While under the direction of Trumpet, some proposed to proceed directly
+to Madagascar, but others were disposed to wait until they should be
+provided with a store ship. The majority being of the latter opinion,
+they steered to the south, and seeing a ship on shore were desirous to
+get near her, but the wind preventing, they separated, the one sailing
+northward and the other southward, in hopes of securing her when she
+should come out, whatever direction she might take. They were now,
+however, almost entrapped in the snare laid for them. In the morning, to
+their astonishment and consternation, instead of being called to give
+chase, five large ships were near, which made a signal for the pirates
+to bear down. The pirates were in the greatest dread lest it should be
+Captain Mackra, of whose activity and courage they had formerly
+sufficient proof. The pirate ships, however, joined and fled with all
+speed from the fleet. In three hours' chase none of the fleet gained
+upon them, except one grab. The remainder of the day was calm, and, to
+their great consolation, the next day this dreaded fleet was entirely
+out of sight.
+
+Their alarm being over, they resolved to spend the Christmas in feasting
+and mirth, in order to drown care, and to banish thought. Nor did one
+day suffice, but they continued their revelling for several days, and
+made so free with their fresh provisions, that in their next cruise they
+were put upon short allowance; and it was entirely owing to the sugar
+and other provisions that were in the leaky ship that they were
+preserved from absolute starvation.
+
+In this condition they reached the island of Mauritius, refitted the
+Victory, and left that place with the following inscription written upon
+one of the walls: "Left this place on the 5th of April, to go to
+Madagascar for Limos." This they did lest any visit should be paid to
+the place during their absence. They, however, did not sail directly for
+Madagascar, but the island of Mascarius, where they fortunately fell in
+with a Portuguese of seventy guns, lying at anchor. The greater part of
+her guns had been thrown overboard, her masts lost, and the whole vessel
+disabled by a storm; she therefore, became an easy prey to the pirates.
+Conde de Ericeira, Viceroy of Goa, who went upon the fruitless
+expedition against Angria the Indian, and several passengers, were on
+board. Besides other valuable articles and specie, they found in her
+diamonds to the amount of four millions of dollars. Supposing that the
+ship was an Englishman, the Viceroy came on board next morning, was made
+prisoner, and obliged to pay two thousand dollars as a ransom for
+himself and the other prisoners. After this he was sent ashore, with an
+express engagement to leave a ship to convey him and his companions to
+another port.
+
+Meanwhile, the pirates received intelligence that a vessel was to the
+leeward of the island, which they pursued and captured. But instead of
+performing their promise to the Viceroy, which they could easily have
+done, they sent the Ostender along with some of their men to Madagascar,
+to inform their friends of their success, with instructions to prepare
+masts for the prize; and they soon followed, carrying two thousand
+negroes in the Portuguese vessel.
+
+Madagascar is an island larger than Great Britain, situated upon the
+eastern coast of Africa, abounding with all sorts of provisions, such as
+oxen, goats, sheep, poultry, fish, citrons, oranges, tamarinds, dates,
+cocoa-nuts, bananas, wax, honey, rice, cotton, indigo, and all other
+fruits common in that quarter of the globe; ebony of which lances are
+made, gums of several kinds, and many other valuable productions. Here,
+in St. Augustine's bay, the ships sometimes stop to take in water, when
+they make the inner passage to India, and do not intend to stop at
+Johanna.
+
+When the Portuguese ship arrived there, they received intelligence that
+the Ostender had taken advantage of an hour when the men were
+intoxicated, had risen upon them, and carried the ship to Mozambique,
+from whence the governor ordered her to Goa.
+
+The pirates now divided their plunder, receiving forty-two diamonds per
+man, or in smaller proportion according to their magnitude. A foolish
+jocular fellow, who had received a large diamond of the value of
+forty-two, was highly displeased, and so went and broke it in pieces,
+exclaiming, that he had many more shares than either of them. Some,
+contended with their treasure, and unwilling to run the risk of losing
+what they possessed, and perhaps their lives also, resolved to remain
+with their friends at Madagascar, under the stipulation that the longest
+livers should enjoy all the booty. The number of adventurers being now
+lessened, they burned the Viceroy, cleaned the Cassandra, and the
+remainder went on board her under the command of Taylor, whom we must
+leave for a little while, in order to give an account of the squadron
+which arrived in India in 1721.
+
+When the commodore arrived at the Cape, he received a letter that had
+been written by the Governor of Pondicherry to the Governor of Madras,
+informing him that the pirates were strong in the Indian seas; that they
+had eleven sail, and fifteen hundred men; but adding, that many of them
+retired about that time to Brazil and Guinea, while others fortified
+themselves at Madagascar, Mauritius, Johanna, and Mohilla; and that a
+crew under the command of Condin, in a ship called the Dragon, had
+captured a vessel with thirteen lacks of rupees on board, and having
+divided their plunder, had taken up their residence with their friends
+at Madagascar.
+
+Upon receiving this intelligence, Commodore Matthews sailed for these
+islands, as the most probable place of success. He endeavored to prevail
+on England, at St. Mary's, to communicate to him what information he
+could give respecting the pirates; but England declined, thinking that
+this would be almost to surrender at discretion. He then took up the
+guns of the Jubilee sloop that were on board, and the men-of-war made
+several cruises in search of the pirates, but to no purpose. The
+squadron was then sent down to Bombay, was saluted by the fort, and
+after these exploits returned home.
+
+The pirate, Captain Taylor, in the Cassandra, now fitted up the
+Portuguese man-of-war, and resolved upon another voyage to the Indies;
+but, informed that four men-of-war had been sent after the pirates in
+that quarter, he changed his determination, and sailed for Africa.
+Arrived there, they put in a place near the river Spirito Sancto, on the
+coast of Monomotapa. As there was no correspondence by land, nor any
+trade carried on by sea to this place, they thought that it would afford
+a safe retreat. To their astonishment, however, when they approached the
+shore, it being in the dusk of the evening, they were accosted by
+several shot. They immediately anchored, and in the morning saw that
+the shot had come from a small fort of six guns, which they attacked and
+destroyed.
+
+This small fort was erected by the Dutch East India Company a few weeks
+before, and committed to the care of 150 men, the one half of whom had
+perished by sickness or other causes. Upon their petition, sixteen of
+these were admitted into the society of the pirates; and the rest would
+also have been received, had they not been Dutchmen, to whom they had a
+rooted aversion.
+
+In this place they continued during four months, refitting their
+vessels, and amusing themselves with all manner of diversions, until the
+scarcity of their provisions awakened them to industry and exertion.
+They, however, left several parcels of goods to the starving Dutchmen,
+which Mynheer joyfully exchanged for provisions with the next vessel
+that touched at that fort.
+
+Leaving that place, they were divided in opinion what course to steer;
+some went on board the Portuguese prize, and, sailing for Madagascar,
+abandoned the pirate life; and others going on board the Cassandra,
+sailed for the Spanish West Indies. The Mermaid man-of-war, returning
+from a convoy, got near the pirates, and would have attacked them, but a
+consultation being held, it was deemed inexpedient, and thus the pirates
+escaped. A sloop was, however, dispatched to Jamaica with the
+intelligence, and the Lancaster was sent after them; but they were some
+days too late, the pirates having, with all their riches, surrendered to
+the Governor of Portobello.
+
+
+
+
+ACCOUNT OF THE LYNN PIRATES
+
+
+_And Thomas Veal, who was buried in his cave by the Great Earthquake_.
+
+In the year 1658 there was a great earthquake in New-England. Some time
+previous, on one pleasant evening, a little after sunset, a small vessel
+was seen to anchor near the mouth of Saugus river. A boat was presently
+lowered from her side, into which four men descended, and moved up the
+river a considerable distance, when they landed, and proceeded directly
+into the woods. They had been noticed by only a few individuals; but in
+those early times, when the people were surrounded by danger, and easily
+susceptible of alarm, such an incident was well calculated to awaken
+suspicion, and in the course of the evening the intelligence was
+conveyed to many houses. In the morning, the people naturally directed
+their eyes toward the shore, in search of the strange vessel--but she
+was gone, and no trace could be found either of her or her singular
+crew. It was afterwards ascertained that, on the morning one of the men
+at the Iron Works, on going into the foundry, discovered a paper, on
+which was written, that if a quantity of shackles, handcuffs, hatchets,
+and other articles of iron manufacture, were made and deposited, with
+secrecy, in a certain place in the woods, which was particularly
+designated, an amount of silver, to their full value, would be found in
+their place. The articles were made in a few days, and placed in
+conformity with the directions. On the next morning they were gone, and
+the money was found according to the promise; but though a watch had
+been kept, no vessel was seen. Some months afterwards, the four men
+returned, and selected one of the most secluded and romantic spots in
+the woods of Saugus, for their abode. The place of their retreat was a
+deep narrow valley, shut in on two sides by craggy, precipitous rocks,
+and shrouded on the others by thick pines, hemlocks and cedars, between
+which there was only one small spot, to which the rays of the sun at
+noon could penetrate. On climbing up the rude and almost perpendicular
+steps of the rock on either side, the eye could command a full view of
+the bay on the south, and a prospect of a considerable portion of the
+surrounding country. The place of their retreat has ever since been
+called the Pirates' Glen, and they could not have selected a spot on the
+coast for many miles, more favorable for the purposes both of
+concealment and observation. Even at this day, when the neighborhood has
+become thickly peopled, it is still a lonely and desolate place, and
+probably not one in a hundred of the inhabitants has ever descended into
+its silent and gloomy recess. There the pirates built a small hut, made
+a garden, and dug a well, the appearance of which is still visible. It
+has been supposed that they buried money; but though people have dug
+there, and in many other places, none has ever been found. After
+residing there some time, their retreat became known, and one of the
+king's cruizers appeared on the coast. They were traced to their glen,
+and three of them were taken, and carried to England, where it is
+probable they were executed. The other, whose name was Thomas Veal,
+escaped to a rock in the woods, about two miles to the north, in which
+was a spacious cavern, where the pirates had previously deposited some
+of their plunder. There the fugitive fixed his residence, and practised
+the trade of a shoemaker, occasionally coming down to the village to
+obtain articles of sustenance. He continued his residence till the great
+earthquake in 1658, when the top of the rock was loosened, and crushed
+down into the mouth of the cavern, enclosing the unfortunate inmate in
+its unyielding prison. It has ever since been called the Pirate's
+Dungeon. A part of the cavern is still open, and is much visited by the
+curious.
+
+This rock is situated on a lofty range of thickly wooded hills, and
+commands an extensive view of the ocean, for fifty miles both north and
+south. A view from the top of it, at once convinces the beholder that it
+would be impossible to select a place more convenient for the haunt of a
+gang of pirates; as all vessels bound in and out of the harbors of
+Boston, Salem, and the adjacent ports, can be distinctly seen from its
+summit. Saugus river meanders among the hills a short distance to the
+south, and its numerous creeks which extend among thick bushes, would
+afford good places to secrete boats, until such time as the pirates
+descried a sail, when they could instantly row down the river, attack
+and plunder them, and with their booty return to the cavern. This was
+evidently their mode of procedure. On an open space in front of the rock
+are still to be seen distinct traces of a small garden spot, and in the
+corner is a small well, full of stones and rubbish; the foundation of
+the wall round the garden remains, and shows that the spot was of a
+triangular shape, and was well selected for the cultivation of potatoes
+and common vegetables. The aperture in the rock is only about five feet
+in height, and extends only fifteen feet into the rock. The needle is
+strongly attracted around this, either by the presence of magnetic iron
+ore or some metallic substance buried in the interior.
+
+The Pirates' Glen, which is some distance from this, is one of Nature's
+wildest and most picturesque spots, and the cellar of the pirate's hut
+remains to the present time, as does a clear space, which was evidently
+cultivated at some remote period.
+
+[Illustration: _The Dungeon Rock and Pirate's Cave, at Lynn, Mass._]
+
+
+
+
+HISTORY OF THE LADRONE PIRATES
+
+
+_And their Depredations on the Coast of China: with an Account of the
+Enterprises and Victories of Mistress Ching, a Female Pirate_.
+
+The Ladrones as they were christened by the Portuguese at Macao, were
+originally a disaffected set of Chinese, that revolted against the
+oppression of the Mandarins. The first scene of their depredations was
+the Western coast, about Cochin China, where they began by attacking
+small trading vessels in row boats, carrying from thirty to forty men
+each. They continued this system of piracy, and thrived and increased in
+numbers under it, for several years. At length the fame of their
+success, and the oppression and horrid poverty and want that many of the
+lower orders of Chinese labored under, had the effect of augmenting
+their bands with astonishing rapidity. Fishermen and other destitute
+classes flocked by hundreds to their standard, and their audacity
+growing with their numbers, they not merely swept the coast, but
+blockaded all the rivers and attacked and took several large government
+war junks, mounting from ten to fifteen guns each.--These junks being
+added to their shoals of boats, the pirates formed a tremendous fleet,
+which was always along shore, so that no small vessel could safely trade
+on the coast. When they lacked prey on the sea, they laid the land under
+tribute. They were at first accustomed to go on shore and attack the
+maritime villages, but becoming bolder, like the Buccaneers, made long
+inland journeys, and surprised and plundered even large towns.
+
+An energetic attempt made by the Chinese government to destroy them,
+only increased their strength; for in their first encounter with the
+pirates, twenty-eight of the Imperial junks struck, and the remaining
+twelve saved themselves, by a precipitate retreat.
+
+The captured junks, fully equipped for war, were a great acquisition to
+the robbers, whose numbers now increased more rapidly than ever. They
+were in their plenitude of power in the year 1809, when Mr. Glasspoole
+had the misfortune to fall into their hands, at which time that
+gentleman supposed their force to consist of 70,000 men, navigating
+eight hundred large vessels, and one thousand small ones, including row
+boats. They were divided into six large squadrons, under different
+flags;--the red, the yellow, the green, the blue, the black and the
+white. "These wasps of the Ocean," as a Chinese historian calls them,
+were further distinguished by the names of their respective commanders:
+by these commanders a certain _Ching-yih_ had been the most
+distinguished by his valor and conduct. By degrees, Ching obtained
+almost a supremacy of command over the whole united fleet; and so
+confident was this robber in his strength and daily augmenting means,
+that he aspired to the dignity of a king, and went so far as openly to
+declare his patriotic intention of hurling the present Tartar family
+from the throne of China, and of restoring the ancient Chinese dynasty.
+But unfortunately for the ambitious pirate, he perished in a heavy gale,
+and instead of placing a sovereign on the Chinese throne, he and his
+lofty aspirations were buried in the yellow sea. And now comes the most
+remarkable passage in the history of these pirates--remarkable with any
+class of men, but doubly so among the Chinese, who entertain more than
+the general oriental opinion of the inferiority of the fair sex. On the
+death of _Ching-yih,_ his legitimate wife had sufficient influence over
+the freebooters to induce them to recognize her authority in the place
+of her deceased husband's, and she appointed one _Paou_ as her
+lieutenant and prime minister, and provided that she should be
+considered the mistress or commander-in-chief of the united squadrons.
+
+This _Paou_ had been a poor fisher-boy, picked up with his father at
+sea, while fishing, by _Ching-yih,_ whose good will and favor he had the
+fortune to captivate, and by whom, before that pirate's death, he had
+been made a captain. Instead of declining under the rule of a woman, the
+pirates became more enterprising than ever. Ching's widow was clever as
+well as brave, and so was her lieutenant Paou. Between them they drew up
+a code of law for the better regulation of the freebooters.
+
+In this it was decreed, that if any man went privately on shore, or did
+what they called "transgressing the bars," he should have his ears slit
+in the presence of the whole fleet; a repetition of the same unlawful
+act, was death! No one article, however trifling in value, was to be
+privately subtracted from the booty or plundered goods. Every thing they
+took was regularly entered on the register of their stores. The
+following clause of Mistress _Ching's_ code is still more delicate. No
+person shall debauch at his pleasure captive women, taken in the
+villages and open places, and brought on board a ship; he must first
+request the ship's purser for permission, and then go aside in the
+ship's hold. To use violence, against any woman, or to wed her, without
+permission, shall be punished with death.
+
+By these means an admirable discipline was maintained on board the
+ships, and the peasantry on shore never let the pirates want for
+gunpowder, provisions, or any other necessary. On a piratical
+expedition, either to advance or retreat without orders, was a capital
+offence. Under these philosophical institutions, and the guidance of a
+woman, the robbers continued to scour the China sea, plundering every
+vessel they came near. The Great War Mandarin, Kwolang-lin sailed from
+the Bocca Tigris into the sea to fight the pirates. Paou gave him a
+tremendous drubbing, and gained a splendid victory. In this battle which
+lasted from morning to night, the Mandarin Kwolang-lin, a desperate
+fellow himself, levelled a gun at Paou, who fell on the deck as the
+piece went off; his disheartened crew concluded it was all over with
+him. But Paou was quick eyed. He had seen the unfriendly intention of
+the mandarin, and thrown himself down. The Great Mandarin was soon after
+taken with fifteen junks; three were sunk. The pirate lieutenant would
+have dealt mercifully with him, but the fierce old man suddenly seized
+him by the hair on the crown of his head, and grinned at him, so that he
+might provoke him to slay him. But even then Paou spoke kindly to him.
+Upon this he committed suicide, being seventy years of age.
+
+After several victories and reverses, the Chinese historian says our
+men-of-war escorting some merchant ships, happened to meet the pirate
+chief nicknamed "The Jewel of the Crew" cruising at sea. The traders
+became exceedingly frightened, but our commander said,--This not being
+the flag of the widow Ching-yih, we are a match for them, therefore we
+will attack and conquer them. Then ensued a battle; they attacked each
+other with guns and stones, and many people were killed and wounded. The
+fighting ceased towards evening, and began again next morning. The
+pirates and the men-of-war were very close to each other, and they
+boasted mutually about their strength and valor. The traders remained at
+some distance; they saw the pirates mixing gunpowder in their
+beverage,--they looked instantly red about the face and the eyes, and
+then fought desperately. This fighting continued three days and nights
+incessantly; at last, becoming tired on both sides, they separated.
+
+To understand this inglorious bulletin, the reader must remember that
+many of the combatants only handled bows and arrows, and pelted stones,
+and that Chinese powder and guns are both exceedingly bad. The pathos
+of the conclusion does somewhat remind one of the Irishman's despatch
+during the American war,--"It was a bloody battle while it lasted; and
+the searjent of marines lost his cartouche box."
+
+The Admiral Ting River was sent to sea against them. This man was
+surprised at anchor by the ever vigilant Paou, to whom many fishermen
+and other people on the coast, must have acted as friendly spies. Seeing
+escape impossible, and that his officers stood pale and inactive by the
+flag-staff, the Admiral conjured them, by their fathers and mothers,
+their wives and children, and by the hopes of brilliant reward if they
+succeeded, and of vengeance if they perished, to do their duty, and the
+combat began. The Admiral had the good fortune, at the onset, of killing
+with one of his great guns the pirate captain, "The Jewel of the Crew."
+But the robbers swarmed thicker and thicker around him, and when the
+dreaded Paou lay him by the board, without help or hope, the Mandarin
+killed himself. An immense number of his men perished in the sea, and
+twenty-five vessels were lost. After his defeat, it was resolved by the
+Chinese Government to cut off all their supplies of food, and starve
+them out. All vessels that were in port were ordered to remain there,
+and those at sea, or on the coast ordered to return with all speed. But
+the pirates, full of confidence, now resolved to attack the harbors
+themselves, and to ascend the rivers, which are navigable for many miles
+up the country, and rob the villages. The consternation was great when
+the Chinese saw them venturing above the government forts.
+
+The pirates separated: Mistress Ching plundering in one place, Paou in
+another, and O-po-tae in another, &c.
+
+It was at this time that Mr. Glasspoole had the ill fortune to fall into
+their power. This gentlemen, then an officer in the East India Company's
+ship the Marquis of Ely, which was anchored under an island about twelve
+miles from Macao, was ordered to proceed to the latter place with a
+boat to procure a pilot. He left the ship in one of the cutters, with
+seven British seamen well armed, on the 17th September, 1809. He reached
+Macao in safety, and having done his business there and procured a
+pilot, returned towards the ship the following day. But, unfortunately,
+the ship had weighed anchor and was under sail, and in consequence of
+squally weather, accompanied with thick fogs, the boat could not reach
+her, and Mr. Glasspoole and his men and the pilot were left at sea, in
+an open boat. "Our situation," says that gentleman, "was truly
+distressing--night closing fast, with a threatening appearance, blowing
+fresh, with a hard rain and a heavy sea; our boat very leaky, without a
+compass, anchor, or provisions, and drifting fast on a lee-shore,
+surrounded with dangerous rocks, and inhabited by the most barbarous
+pirates."
+
+After suffering dreadfully for three whole days, Mr. Glasspoole, by the
+advice of the pilot, made for a narrow channel, where he presently
+discovered three large boats at anchor, which, on seeing the English
+boat, weighed and made sail towards it. The pilot told Mr. Glasspoole
+they were Ladrones, and that if they captured the boat, they would
+certainly put them all to death! After rowing tremendously for six hours
+they escaped these boats, but on the following morning falling in with a
+large fleet of the pirates, which the English mistook for fishing-boats,
+they were captured.
+
+"About twenty savage-looking villains," says Mr. Glasspoole, "who were
+stowed at the bottom of the boat, leaped on board us. They were armed
+with a short sword in either hand, one of which they layed upon our
+necks, and pointed the other to our breasts, keeping their eyes fixed on
+their officer, waiting his signal to cut or desist. Seeing we were
+incapable of making any resistance, the officer sheathed his sword, and
+the others immediately followed his example. They then dragged us into
+their boat, and carried us on board one of their junks, with the most
+savage demonstrations of joy, and, as we supposed, to torture and put us
+to a cruel death."
+
+When on board the junk they rifled the Englishmen, and brought heavy
+chains to chain them to the deck.
+
+"At this time a boat came, and took me, with one of my men and an
+interpreter, on board the chief's vessel. I was then taken before the
+chief. He was seated on deck, in a large chair, dressed in purple silk,
+with a black turban on. He appeared to be about thirty years of age, a
+stout commanding-looking man. He took me by the coat, and drew me close
+to him; then questioned the interpreter very strictly, asking who we
+were, and what was our business in that part of the country. I told him
+to say we were Englishmen in distress, having been four days at sea
+without provisions. This he would not credit, but said we were bad men,
+and that he would put us all to death; and then ordered some men to put
+the interpreter to the torture until he confessed the truth. Upon this
+occasion, a Ladrone, who had been once to England and spoke a few words
+of English, came to the chief, and told him we were really Englishmen,
+and that we had plenty of money, adding that the buttons on my coat were
+gold. The chief then ordered us some coarse brown rice, of which we made
+a tolerable meal, having eaten nothing for nearly four days, except a
+few green oranges. During our repast, a number of Ladrones crowded round
+us, examining our clothes and hair, and giving us every possible
+annoyance. Several of them brought swords, and laid them on our necks,
+making signs that they would soon take us on shore, and cut us in
+pieces, which I am sorry to say was the fate of some hundreds during my
+captivity. I was now summoned before the chief, who had been conversing
+with the interpreter: he said I must write to my captain, and tell him,
+if he did not send an hundred thousand dollars for our ransom, in ten
+days he would put us all to death."
+
+After vainly expostulating to lessen the ransom, Mr. Glasspoole wrote
+the letter, and a small boat came alongside and took it to Macao.
+
+Early in the night the fleet sailed, and anchored about one o'clock the
+following day in a bay under the island of Lantow, where the head
+admiral of Ladrones (our acquaintance Paou) was lying at anchor, with
+about two hundred vessels and a Portuguese brig they had captured a few
+days before, and the captain and part of the crew of which they had
+murdered. Early the next morning, a fishing-boat came to inquire if they
+had captured an European boat; they came to the vessel the English were
+in.
+
+"One of the boatmen spoke a few words of English, and told me he had a
+Ladrone-pass, and was sent by our captain in search of us; I was rather
+surprised to find he had no letter. He appeared to be well acquainted
+with the chief, and remained in his cabin smoking opium, and playing
+cards all the day. In the evening I was summoned with the interpreter
+before the chief. He questioned us in a much milder tone, saying, he now
+believed we were Englishmen, a people he wished to be friendly with; and
+that if our captain would lend him seventy thousand dollars till he
+returned from his cruise up the river, he would repay him, and send us
+all to Macao. I assured him it was useless writing on these terms, and
+unless our ransom was speedily settled, the English fleet would sail,
+and render our enlargement altogether ineffectual. He remained
+determined, and said if it were not sent, he would keep us, and make us
+fight, or put us to death. I accordingly wrote, and gave my letter to
+the man belonging to the boat before mentioned. He said he could not
+return with an answer in less than five days. The chief now gave me the
+letter I wrote when first taken. I have never been able to ascertain his
+reasons for detaining it, but suppose he dared not negociate for our
+ransom without orders from the head admiral, who I understood was sorry
+at our being captured. He said the English ships would join the
+Mandarins and attack them."
+
+While the fleet lay here, one night the Portuguese who were left in the
+captured brig murdered the Ladrones that were on board of her, cut the
+cables, and fortunately escaped through the darkness of the night.
+
+"At day-light the next morning, the fleet, amounting to above five
+hundred sail of different sizes, weighed, to proceed on their intended
+cruise up the rivers, to levy contributions on the towns and villages.
+It is impossible to describe what were my feelings at this critical
+time, having received no answers to my letters, and the fleet under-way
+to sail--hundreds of miles up a country never visited by Europeans,
+there to remain probably for many months, which would render all
+opportunities for negotiating for our enlargement totally ineffectual;
+as the only method of communication is by boats that have a pass from
+the Ladrones, and they dare not venture above twenty miles from Macao,
+being obliged to come and go in the night, to avoid the Mandarins; and
+if these boats should be detected in having any intercourse with the
+Ladrones, they are immediately put to death, and all their relations,
+though they had not joined in the crime, share in the punishment, in
+order that not a single person of their families should be left to
+imitate their crimes or avenge their death."
+
+The following is a very touching incident in Mr. Glasspoole's narrative.
+
+"Wednesday the 26th of September, at day-light, we passed in sight of
+our own ships, at anchor under the island of Chun Po. The chief then
+called me, pointed to the ships, and told the interpreter to tell us to
+look at them, for we should never see them again! About noon we entered
+a river to the westward of the Bogue. Three or four miles from the
+entrance we passed a large town situated on the side of a beautiful
+hill, which is tributary to the Ladrones; the inhabitants saluted them
+with songs as they passed."
+
+After committing numerous minor robberies, "The Ladrones now prepared to
+attack a town with a formidable force, collected in row-boats from the
+different vessels. They sent a messenger to the town, demanding a
+tribute of ten thousand dollars annually, saying, if these terms were
+not complied with, they would land, destroy the town, and murder all the
+inhabitants: which they would certainly have done, had the town laid in
+a more advantageous situation for their purpose; but being placed out of
+the reach of their shot, they allowed them to come to terms. The
+inhabitants agreed to pay six thousand dollars, which they were to
+collect by the time of our return down the river. This finesse had the
+desired effect, for during our absence they mounted a few guns on a
+hill, which commanded the passage, and gave us in lieu of the dollars, a
+warm salute on our return.
+
+"October the 1st, the fleet weighed in the night, dropped by the tide up
+the river, and anchored very quietly before a town surrounded by a thick
+wood. Early in the morning the Ladrones assembled in row-boats, and
+landed; then gave a shout, and rushed into the town, sword in hand. The
+inhabitants fled to the adjacent hills, in numbers apparently superior
+to the Ladrones. We may easily imagine to ourselves the horror with
+which these miserable people must be seized, on being obliged to leave
+their homes, and everything dear to them. It was a most melancholy sight
+to see women in tears, clasping their infants in their arms, and
+imploring mercy for them from those brutal robbers! The old and the
+sick, who were unable to fly, or make resistance, were either made
+prisoners or most inhumanly butchered! The boats continued passing and
+repassing from the junks to the shore, in quick succession, laden with
+booty, and the men besmeared with blood! Two hundred and fifty women
+and several children, were made prisoners, and sent on board different
+vessels. They were unable to escape with the men, owing to that
+abominable practice of cramping their feet; several of them were not
+able to move without assistance. In fact, they might all be said to
+totter, rather than walk. Twenty of these poor women were sent on board
+the vessel I was in; they were hauled on board by the hair, and treated
+in a most savage manner. When the chief came on board, he questioned
+them respecting the circumstances of their friends, and demanded ransoms
+accordingly, from six thousand to six hundred dollars each. He ordered
+them a berth on deck, at the after part of the vessel, where they had
+nothing to shelter them from the weather, which at this time was very
+variable--the days excessively hot, and the nights cold, with heavy
+rains. The town being plundered of everything valuable, it was set on
+fire, and reduced to ashes by the morning. The fleet remained here three
+days, negotiating for the ransom of the prisoners, and plundering the
+fish-tanks and gardens. During all this time, the Chinese never ventured
+from the hills, though there were frequently not more than a hundred
+Ladrones on shore at a time, and I am sure the people on the hills
+exceeded ten times that number.
+
+"On the 10th we formed a junction with the Black-squadron, and proceeded
+many miles up a wide and beautiful river, passing several ruins of
+villages that had been destroyed by the Black-squadron. On the 17th, the
+fleet anchored abreast four mud batteries, which defended a town, so
+entirely surrounded with wood, that it was impossible to form any idea
+of its size. The weather was very hazy, with hard squalls of rain. The
+Ladrones remained perfectly quiet for two days. On the third day the
+forts commenced a brisk fire for several hours: the Ladrones did not
+return a single shot, but weighed in the night and dropped down the
+river. The reasons they gave for not attacking the town, or returning
+the fire, were, that Joss had not promised them success. They are very
+superstitious, and consult their idol on all occasions. If his omens are
+good, they will undertake the most daring enterprises. The fleet now
+anchored opposite the ruins of the town where the women had been made
+prisoners. Here we remained five or six days, during which time about an
+hundred of the women were ransomed; the remainder were offered for sale
+amongst the Ladrones, for forty dollars each. The woman is considered
+the lawful wife of the purchaser, who would be put to death if he
+discarded her. Several of them leaped overboard and drowned themselves,
+rather than submit to such infamous degradation.
+
+"Mei-ying, the wife of Ke-choo-yang, was very beautiful, and a pirate
+being about to seize her by the head, she abused him exceedingly. The
+pirate bound her to the yard-arm; but on abusing him yet more, the
+pirate dragged her down and broke two of her teeth, which filled her
+mouth and jaws with blood. The pirate sprang up again to bind her. Ying
+allowed him to approach, but as soon as he came near her, she laid hold
+of his garments with her bleeding mouth, and threw both him and herself
+into the river, where they were drowned. The remaining captives of both
+sexes were after some months liberated, on having paid a ransom of
+fifteen thousand leang or ounces of silver.
+
+"The fleet then weighed," continues Mr. Glasspoole, "and made sail down
+the river, to receive the ransom from the town before-mentioned. As we
+passed the hill, they fired several shot at us, but without effect. The
+Ladrones were much exasperated, and determined to revenge themselves;
+they dropped out of reach of their shot, and anchored. Every junk sent
+about a hundred men each on shore, to cut paddy, and destroy their
+orange-groves, which was most effectually performed for several miles
+down the river. During our stay here, they received information of nine
+boats lying up a creek, laden with paddy; boats were immediately
+despatched after them. Next morning these boats were brought to the
+fleet; ten or twelve men were taken in them. As these had made no
+resistance, the chief said he would allow them to become Ladrones, if
+they agreed to take the usual oaths before Joss. Three or four of them
+refused to comply, for which they were punished in the following cruel
+manner: their hands were tied behind their backs, a rope from the
+masthead rove through their arms, and hoisted three or four feet from
+the deck, and five or six men flogged them with their rattans twisted
+together till they were apparently dead; then hoisted them up to the
+mast-head, and left them hanging nearly an hour, then lowered them down,
+and repeated the punishment, till they died or complied with the oath.
+
+"On the 28th of October, I received a letter from Captain Kay, brought by
+a fisherman, who had told him he would get us all back for three
+thousand dollars. He advised me to offer three thousand, and if not
+accepted, extend it to four; but not farther, as it was bad policy to
+offer much at first: at the same time assuring me we should be
+liberated, let the ransom be what it would. I offered the chief the
+three thousand, which he disdainfully refused, saying he was not to be
+played with; and unless they sent ten thousand dollars, and two large
+guns, with several casks of gunpowder, he would soon put us to death. I
+wrote to Captain Kay, and informed him of the chief's determination,
+requesting, if an opportunity offered, to send us a shift of clothes,
+for which it may be easily imagined we were much distressed, having been
+seven weeks without a shift; although constantly exposed to the weather,
+and of course frequently wet.
+
+"On the first of November, the fleet sailed up a narrow river, and
+anchored at night within two miles of a town called Little Whampoa. In
+front of it was a small fort, and several Mandarin vessels lying in the
+harbor. The chief sent the interpreter to me, saying, I must order my
+men to make cartridges and clean their muskets, ready to go on shore in
+the morning. I assured the interpreter I should give the men no such
+orders, that they must please themselves. Soon after the chief came on
+board, threatening to put us all to a cruel death if we refused to obey
+his orders. For my own part I remained determined, and advised the men
+not to comply, as I thought by making ourselves useful we should be
+accounted too valuable. A few hours afterwards he sent to me again,
+saying, that if myself and the quarter-master would assist them at the
+great guns, that if also the rest of the men went on shore and succeeded
+in taking the place, he would then take the money offered for our
+ransom, and give them twenty dollars for every Chinaman's head they cut
+off. To these proposals we cheerfully acceded, in hopes of facilitating
+our deliverance.
+
+"The Mandarin vessels continued firing, having blocked up the entrance of
+the harbor to prevent the Ladrone boats entering. At this the Ladrones
+were much exasperated, and about three hundred of them swam on shore,
+with a short sword lashed close under each arm; they then ran along the
+banks of the river till they came abreast of the vessels, and then swam
+off again and boarded them. The Chinese thus attacked, leaped overboard,
+and endeavored to reach the opposite shore; the Ladrones followed, and
+cut the greater number of them to pieces in the water. They next towed
+the vessels out of the harbor, and attacked the town with increased
+fury. The inhabitants fought about a quarter of an hour, and then
+retreated to an adjacent hill, from which they were soon driven with
+great slaughter. After this the Ladrones returned, and plundered the
+town, every boat leaving it with lading. The Chinese on the hills
+perceiving most of the boats were off, rallied, and retook the town,
+after killing near two hundred Ladrones. One of my men was
+unfortunately lost in this dreadful massacre! The Ladrones landed a
+second time, drove the Chinese out of the town, then reduced it to
+ashes, and put all their prisoners to death, without regarding either
+age or sex! I must not omit to mention a most horrid (though ludicrous)
+circumstance which happened at this place. The Ladrones were paid by
+their chief ten dollars for every Chinaman's head they produced. One of
+my men turning the corner of a street was met by a Ladrone running
+furiously after a Chinese; he had a drawn sword in his hand, and two
+Chinaman's heads which he had cut off, tied by their tails, and slung
+round his neck. I was witness myself to some of them producing five or
+six to obtain payment!
+
+"On the 4th of November an order arrived from the admiral for the fleet
+to proceed immediately to Lantow, where he was lying with only two
+vessels, and three Portuguese ships and a brig constantly annoying him;
+several sail of Mandarin vessels were daily expected. The fleet weighed
+and proceeded towards Lantow. On passing the island of Lintin, three
+ships and a brig gave chase to us. The Ladrones prepared to board; but
+night closing we lost sight of them: I am convinced they altered their
+course and stood from us. These vessels were in the pay of the Chinese
+Government, and styled themselves the Invincible Squadron, cruising in
+the river Tigris to annihilate the Ladrones!
+
+"On the fifth, in the morning, the red squadron anchored in a bay under
+Lantow; the black squadron stood to the eastward. In the afternoon of
+the 8th of November, four ships, a brig, and a schooner came off the
+mouth of the bay. At first the pirates were much alarmed, supposing them
+to be English vessels come to rescue us. Some of them threatened to hang
+us to the mast-head for them to fire at; and with much difficulty we
+persuaded them that they were Portuguese. The Ladrones had only seven
+junks in a fit state for action; these they hauled outside, and moored
+them head and stern across the bay, and manned all the boats belonging
+to the repairing vessels ready for boarding. The Portuguese observing
+these manoeuvres hove to, and communicated by boats. Soon afterwards
+they made sail, each ship firing her broadside as she passed, but
+without effect, the shot falling far short. The Ladrones did not return
+a single shot, but waved their colors, and threw up rockets, to induce
+them to come further in, which they might easily have done, the outside
+junks lying in four fathoms water, which I sounded myself: though the
+Portuguese in their letters to Macao lamented there was not sufficient
+water for them to engage closer, but that they would certainly prevent
+their escaping before the Mandarin fleet arrived!
+
+[Illustration: _A Ladrone Pirate, cutting off the Heads of the Chinese._]
+
+"On the 20th of November, early in the morning, discovered an immense
+fleet of Mandarin vessels standing for the bay. On nearing us, they
+formed a line, and stood close in; each vessel, as she discharged her
+guns, tacked to join the rear and reload. They kept up a constant fire
+for about two hours, when one of their largest vessels was blown up by a
+firebrand thrown from a Ladrone junk; after which they kept at a more
+respectful distance, but continued firing without intermission till the
+21st at night, when it fell calm. The Ladrones towed out seven large
+vessels, with about two hundred row-boats to board them: but a breeze
+springing up, they made sail and escaped. The Ladrones returned into the
+bay, and anchored. The Portuguese and Mandarins followed, and continued
+a heavy cannonading during that night and the next day. The vessel I was
+in had her foremast shot away, which they supplied very expeditiously by
+taking a mainmast from a smaller vessel.
+
+"On the 23d, in the evening, it again fell calm; the Ladrones towed out
+fifteen junks in two divisions, with the intention of surrounding them,
+which was nearly effected, having come up with and boarded one, when a
+breeze suddenly sprang up. The captured vessel mounted twenty-two guns.
+Most of her crew leaped overboard; sixty or seventy were taken,
+immediately cut to pieces, and thrown into the river. Early in the
+morning the Ladrones returned into the bay, and anchored in the same
+situation as before. The Portuguese and Mandarins followed, keeping up a
+constant fire. The Ladrones never returned a single shot, but always
+kept in readiness to board, and the Portuguese were careful never to
+allow them an opportunity.
+
+"On the 28th, at night they sent eight fire-vessels, which, if properly
+constructed, must have done great execution, having every advantage they
+could wish for to effect their purpose; a strong breeze and tide
+directed into the bay, and the vessels lying so close together, that it
+was impossible to miss them. On their first appearance, the Ladrones
+gave a general shout, supposing them to be Mandarin vessels on fire, but
+were very soon convinced of their mistake. They came very regularly into
+the centre of the fleet, two and two, burning furiously; one of them
+came alongside of the vessel I was in, but they succeeded in booming her
+off. She appeared to be a vessel of about thirty tons; her hold was
+filled with straw and wood, and there were a few small boxes of
+combustibles on her deck, which exploded alongside of us without doing
+any damage. The Ladrones, however, towed them all on shore, extinguished
+the fire, and broke them up for firewood. The Portuguese claim the
+credit of constructing these destructive machines, and actually sent a
+despatch to the Governor of Macao, saying they had destroyed at least
+one-third of the Ladrone's fleet, and hoped soon to effect their purpose
+by totally annihilating them!
+
+"On the 29th of November, the Ladrones being all ready for sea, they
+weighed and stood boldly out, bidding defiance to the invincible
+squadron and imperial fleet, consisting of ninety-three war-junks, six
+Portuguese ships, a brig, and a schooner. Immediately after the Ladrones
+weighed, they made all sail. The Ladrones chased them two or three
+hours, keeping up a constant fire; finding they did not come up with
+them, they hauled their wind, and stood to the eastward. Thus terminated
+the boasted blockade, which lasted nine days, during which time the
+Ladrones completed all their repairs. In this action not a single
+Ladrone vessel was destroyed, and their loss was about thirty or forty
+men. An American was also killed, one of three that remained out of
+eight taken in a schooner. I had two very narrow escapes: the first, a
+twelve pounder shot fell within three or four feet of me; another took a
+piece out of a small brass-swivel on which I was standing. The chief's
+wife frequently sprinkled me with garlick-water, which they considered
+an effectual charm against shot. The fleet continued under sail all
+night, steering towards the eastward. In the morning they anchored in a
+large bay surrounded by lofty and barren mountains. On the 2d of
+December I received a letter from Lieutenant Maughn, commander of the
+Honorable Company's cruiser Antelope, saying that he had the ransom on
+board, and had been three days cruising after us, and wished me to
+settle with the chief on the securest method of delivering it. The chief
+agreed to send us in a small gun-boat till we came within sight of the
+Antelope; then the compradore's boat was to bring the ransom and receive
+us. I was so agitated at receiving this joyful news, that it was with
+difficulty I could scrawl about two or three lines to inform Lieutenant
+Maughn of the arrangements I had made. We were all so deeply affected by
+the gratifying tidings, that we seldom closed our eyes, but continued
+watching day and night for the boat.
+
+"On the 6th she returned with Lieutenant Maughn's answer, saying, he
+would respect any single boat; but would not allow the fleet to approach
+him. The chief, then, according to his first proposal, ordered a
+gun-boat to take us, and with no small degree of pleasure we left the
+Ladrone fleet about four o'clock in the afternoon. At one P.M. saw the
+Antelope under all sail, standing towards us. The Ladrone boat
+immediately anchored, and dispatched the compradore's boat for the
+ransom, saying, that if she approached nearer they would return to the
+fleet; and they were just weighing when she shortened sail, and anchored
+about two miles from us. The boat did not reach her till late in the
+afternoon, owing to the tide's being strong against her. She received
+the ransom and left the Antelope just before dark. A Mandarin boat that
+had been lying concealed under the land, and watching their manoeuvres,
+gave chace to her, and was within a few fathoms of taking her, when she
+saw a light, which the Ladrones answered, and the Mandarin hauled off.
+Our situation was now a critical one; the ransom was in the hands of the
+Ladrones, and the compradore dare not return with us for fear of a
+second attack from the Mandarin boat. The Ladrones would not wait till
+morning, so we were obliged to return with them to the fleet. In the
+morning the chief inspected the ransom, which consisted of the following
+articles: two bales of superfine cloth; two chests of opium; two casks
+of gunpowder, and a telescope; the rest in dollars. He objected to the
+telescope not being new; and said he should detain one of us till
+another was sent, or a hundred dollars in lieu of it. The compradore,
+however, agreed with him for the hundred dollars. Every thing being at
+length settled, the chief ordered two gun-boats to convey us near the
+Antelope; we saw her just before dusk, when the Ladrone boats left us.
+We had the inexpressible pleasure of arriving on board the Antelope at
+seven, P.M., where we were most cordially received, and heartily
+congratulated on our safe and happy deliverance from a miserable
+captivity, which we had endured for eleven weeks and three days.
+
+(Signed) "RICHARD GLASSPOOLE. _China, December 8th_. 1809."
+
+"The Ladrones have no settled residence on shore, but live constantly in
+their vessels. The after-part is appropriated to the captain and his
+wives; he generally has five or six. With respect to the conjugal rights
+they are religiously strict; no person is allowed to have a woman on
+board, unless married to her according to their laws. Every man is
+allowed a small berth, about four feet square, where he stows with his
+wife and family. From the number of souls crowded in so small a space,
+it must naturally be supposed they are horridly dirty, which is
+evidently the case, and their vessels swarm with all kinds of vermin.
+Rats in particular, which they encourage to breed, and eat as great
+delicacies; in fact, there are very few creatures they will not eat.
+During our captivity we lived three weeks on caterpillars boiled with
+rice. They are much addicted to gambling, and spend all their leisure
+hours at cards and smoking opium."
+
+[Illustration: _The War Junks of the Ladrones._]
+
+At the time of Mr. Glasspoole's liberation, the pirates were at the
+height of their power; after such repeated victories over the Mandarin
+ships, they had set at nought the Imperial allies--the Portuguese, and
+not only the coast, but the rivers of the celestial empire seemed to be
+at their discretion--and yet their formidable association did not many
+months survive this event. It was not, however, defeat that reduced it
+to the obedience of the laws. On the contrary, that extraordinary woman,
+the widow of Ching-yih, and the daring Paou, were victorious and more
+powerful than ever, when dissensions broke out among the pirates
+themselves. Ever since the favor of the chieftainess had elevated Paou
+to the general command, there had been enmity and altercations between
+him and the chief O-po-tae, who commanded one of the flags or divisions
+of the fleet; and it was only by the deference and respect they both
+owed to Ching-yih's widow, that they had been prevented from turning
+their arms against each other long before.
+
+At length, when the brave Paou was surprised and cooped up by a strong
+blockading force of the Emperor's ships, O-po-tae showed all his deadly
+spite, and refused to obey the orders of Paou, and even of the
+chieftainess, which were, that he should sail to the relief of his
+rival.
+
+Paou, with his bravery and usual good fortune, broke through the
+blockade, but when he came in contact with O-po-tae, his rage was too
+violent to be restrained.
+
+O-po-tae at first pleaded that his means and strength had been
+insufficient to do what had been expected of him, but concluded by
+saying,--"Am I bound to come and join the forces of Paou?"
+
+"Would you then separate from us!" cried Paou, more enraged than ever.
+
+O-po-tae answered: "I will not separate myself."
+
+Paou:--"Why then do you not obey the orders of the wife of Ching-yih and
+my own? What is this else than separation, that you do not come to
+assist me, when I am surrounded by the enemy? I have sworn it that I
+will destroy thee, wicked man, that I may do away with this soreness on
+my back."
+
+The summons of Paou, when blockaded, to O-po-tae was in language
+equally figurative:--"I am harassed by the Government's officers outside
+in the sea; lips and teeth must help one another, if the lips are cut
+away the teeth will feel cold. How shall I alone be able to fight the
+Government forces? You should therefore come at the head of your crew,
+to attack the Government squadron in the rear. I will then come out of
+my station and make an attack in front; the enemy being so taken in the
+front and rear, will, even supposing we cannot master him, certainly be
+thrown into disorder."
+
+The angry words of Paou were followed by others, and then by blows.
+Paou, though at the moment far inferior in force, first began the fight,
+and ultimately sustained a sanguinary defeat, and the loss of sixteen
+vessels. Our loathing for this cruel, detestable race, must be increased
+by the fact, that the victors massacred all their prisoners--or three
+hundred men!
+
+This was the death-blow to the confederacy which had so long defied the
+Emperor's power, and which might have effected his dethronement.
+O-po-tae dreading the vengeance of Paou and his mistress, Ching-yih's
+widow, whose united forces would have quintupled his own, gained over
+his men to his views, and proffered a submission to Government, on
+condition of free pardon, and a proper provision for all.
+
+The petition of the pirates is so curious a production, and so
+characteristic of the Chinese, that it deserves to be inserted at
+length. "It is my humble opinion that all robbers of an overpowering
+force, whether they had their origin from this or any other cause, have
+felt the humanity of Government at different times. Leang-sham, who
+three times plundered the city, was nevertheless pardoned, and at last
+made a minister of state. Wakang often challenged the arms of his
+country, and was suffered to live, and at last made a corner-stone of
+the empire. Joo-ming pardoned seven times Mang-hwo; and Kwan-kung three
+times set Tsaou-tsaou at liberty. Ma-yuen pursued not the exhausted
+robbers; and Yo-fei killed not those who made their submission. There
+are many instances of such transactions both in former and recent times,
+by which the country was strengthened, and government increased its
+power. We now live in a very populous age; some of us could not agree
+with their relations, and were driven out like noxious weeds. Some,
+after having tried all they could, without being able to provide for
+themselves, at last joined bad society. Some lost their property by
+shipwrecks; some withdrew into this watery empire to escape from
+punishment. In such a way those who in the beginning were only three or
+five, were in the course of time increased to a thousand or ten
+thousand, and so it went on increasing every year. Would it not have
+been wonderful if such a multitude, being in want of their daily bread,
+had not resorted to plunder and robbery to gain their subsistence, since
+they could not in any other manner be saved from famine? It was from
+necessity that the laws of the empire were violated, and the merchants
+robbed of their goods. Being deprived of our land and of our native
+places, having no house or home to resort to, and relying only on the
+chances of wind and water, even could we for a moment forget our griefs,
+we might fall in with a man-of-war, who with stones, darts, and guns,
+would knock out our brains! Even if we dared to sail up a stream and
+boldly go on with anxiety of mind under wind, rain, and stormy weather,
+we must everywhere prepare for fighting. Whether we went to the east, or
+to the west, and after having felt all the hardships of the sea, the
+night dew was our only dwelling, and the rude wind our meal. But now we
+will avoid these perils, leave our connexions, and desert our comrades;
+we will make our submission. The power of Government knows no bounds; it
+reaches to the islands in the sea, and every man is afraid, and sighs.
+Oh we must be destroyed by our crimes, none can escape who opposeth the
+laws of Government. May you then feel compassion for those who are
+deserving of death; may you sustain us by your humanity!"
+
+The Government that had made so many lamentable displays of its
+weakness, was glad to make an unreal parade of its mercy. It was but too
+happy to grant all the conditions instantly, and, in the fulsome
+language of its historians, "feeling that compassion is the way of
+heaven--that it is the right way to govern by righteousness--it
+therefore redeemed these pirates from destruction, and pardoned their
+former crimes."
+
+O-po-tae, however, had hardly struck his free flag, and the pirates were
+hardly in the power of the Chinese, when it was proposed by many that
+they should all be treacherously murdered. The governor happened to be
+more honorable and humane, or probably, only more politic than those who
+made this foul proposal--he knew that such a bloody breach of faith
+would for ever prevent the pirates still in arms from voluntary
+submitting; he knew equally well, even weakened as they were by
+O-po-tae's defection, that the Government could not reduce them by
+force, and he thought by keeping his faith with them, he might turn the
+force of those who had submitted against those who still held out, and
+so destroy the pirates with the pirates. Consequently the eight thousand
+men, it had been proposed to cut off in cold blood, were allowed to
+remain uninjured, and their leader, O-po-tae, having changed his name to
+that of Hoe-been, or, "The Lustre of Instruction," was elevated to the
+rank of an imperial officer.
+
+The widow of Ching-yih, and her favorite Paou, continued for some months
+to pillage the coast, and to beat the Chinese and the Mandarins' troops
+and ships, and seemed almost as strong as before the separation of
+O-po-tae's flag. But that example was probably operating in the minds of
+many of the outlaws, and finally the lawless heroine herself, who was
+the spirit that kept the complicate body together, seeing that O-po-tae
+had been made a government officer, and that he continued to prosper,
+began also to think of making her submission.
+
+"I am," said she, "ten times stronger than O-po-tae, and government will
+perhaps, if I submit, act towards me as they have done with O-po-tae."
+
+A rumor of her intentions having reached shore, the Mandarin sent off a
+certain Chow, a doctor of Macao, "Who," says the historian, "being
+already well acquainted with the pirates, did not need any
+introduction," to enter on preliminaries with them.
+
+When the worthy practitioner presented himself to Paou, that friend
+concluded he had been committing some crime, and had come for safety to
+that general _refugium peccatorum,_ the pirate fleet.
+
+The Doctor explained, and assured the chief, that if he would submit,
+Government was inclined to treat him and his far more favorably and more
+honorably than O-po-tae. But if he continued to resist, not only a
+general arming of all the coast and the rivers, but O-po-tae was to
+proceed against him.
+
+At this part of his narrative our Chinese historian is again so curious,
+that I shall quote his words at length.
+
+"When Fei-heung-Chow came to Paou, he said: 'Friend Paou, do you know
+why I come to you?'"
+
+"Paou.--'Thou hast committed some crime and comest to me for
+protection?'"
+
+"Chow.--'By no means.'"
+
+"Paou.--'You will then know how it stands concerning the report about
+our submission, if it is true or false?'"
+
+"Chow.--'You are again wrong here, Sir. What are you in comparison with
+O-po-tae?'"
+
+"Paou.--'Who is bold enough to compare me with O-po-tae?'"
+
+"Chow.--'I know very well that O-po-tae could not come up to you, Sir;
+but I mean only, that since O-po-tae has made his submission, since he
+has got his pardon and been created a Government officer,--how would it
+be, if you with your whole crew should also submit, and if his
+Excellency should desire to treat you in the same manner, and to give
+you the same rank as O-po-tae? Your submission would produce more joy to
+Government than the submission of O-po-tae. You should not wait for
+wisdom to act wisely; you should make up your mind to submit to the
+Government with all your followers. I will assist you in every respect,
+it would be the means of securing your own happiness and the lives of
+all your adherents.'"
+
+"Chang-paou remained like a statue without motion, and Fei-heung Chow
+went on to say: 'You should think about this affair in time, and not
+stay till the last moment. Is it not clear that O-po-tae, since you
+could not agree together, has joined Government. He being enraged
+against you, will fight, united with the forces of the Government, for
+your destruction; and who could help you, so that you might overcome
+your enemies? If O-po-tae could before vanquish you quite alone, how
+much more can he now when he is united with Government? O-po-tae will
+then satisfy his hatred against you, and you yourself will soon be taken
+either at Wei-chow or at Neaou-chow. If the merchant-vessels of
+Hwy-chaou, the boats of Kwang-chow, and all the fishing-vessels, unite
+together to surround and attack you in the open sea, you will certainly
+have enough to do. But even supposing they should not attack you, you
+will soon feel the want of provisions to sustain you and all your
+followers. It is always wisdom to provide before things happen;
+stupidity and folly never think about future events. It is too late to
+reflect upon events when things have happened; you should, therefore,
+consider this matter in time!'"
+
+Paou was puzzled, but after being closeted for some time with his
+mistress, Ching-yih's widow, who gave her high permission for him to
+make arrangements with Doctor Chow, he said he would repair with his
+fleet to the Bocca Tigris, and there communicate personally with the
+organs of Government.
+
+After two visits had been paid to the pirate-fleets by two inferior
+Mandarins, who carried the Imperial proclamation of free pardon, and
+who, at the order of Ching-yih's widow, were treated to a sumptuous
+banquet by Paou, the Governor-general of the province went himself in
+one vessel to the pirates' ships, that occupied a line of ten _le_ off
+the mouth of the river.
+
+As the governor approached, the pirates hoisted their flags, played on
+their instruments, and fired their guns, so that the smoke rose in
+clouds, and then bent sail to meet him. On this the dense population
+that were ranged thousands after thousands along the shore, to witness
+the important reconciliation, became sorely alarmed, and the
+Governor-general seems to have had a strong inclination to run away. But
+in brief space of time, the long dreaded widow of Ching-yih, supported
+by her Lieutenant Paou, and followed by three other of her principal
+commanders, mounted the side of the governor's ship, and rushed through
+the smoke to the spot where his excellency was stationed; where they
+fell on their hands and knees, shed tears, knocked their heads on the
+deck before him, and received his gracious pardon, and promised for
+future kind treatment. They then withdrew satisfied, having promised to
+give in a list of their ships, and of all else they possessed, within
+three days.
+
+But the sudden apparition of some large Portuguese ships, and some
+Government war-junks, made the pirates suspect treachery. They
+immediately set sail, and the negociations were interrupted for several
+days.
+
+They were at last concluded by the boldness of their female leader. "If
+the Governor-general," said this heroine, "a man of the highest rank,
+could come to us quite alone, why should not I, a mean woman, go to the
+officers of Government? If there be danger in it, I take it all on
+myself; no person among you need trouble himself about me--my mind is
+made up, and I will go to Canton!"
+
+Paou said--"If the widow of Ching-yih goes, we must fix a time for her
+return. If this pass without our obtaining any information, we must
+collect all our forces, and go before Canton: this is my opinion as to
+what ought to be done; comrades, let me hear yours!"
+
+The pirates, then, struck with the intrepidity of their chieftainess,
+and loving her more than ever, answered, "Friend Paou, we have heard thy
+opinion, but we think it better to wait for the news here, on the water,
+than to send the wife of Ching-yih alone to be killed." Nor would they
+allow her to leave the fleet.
+
+Matters were in this state of indecision, when the two inferior
+Mandarins who had before visited the pirates, ventured out to repeat
+their visit. These officers protested no treachery had been intended,
+and pledged themselves, that if the widow of Ching-yih would repair to
+the Governor, she would be kindly received, and every thing settled to
+their hearts' satisfaction.
+
+With this, in the language of our old ballads, upspoke Mrs. Ching. "You
+say well, gentlemen! and I will go myself to Canton with some other of
+our ladies, accompanied by you!" And accordingly, she and a number of
+the pirates' wives with their children, went fearlessly to Canton,
+arranged every thing, and found they had not been deceived. The fleet
+soon followed. On its arrival every vessel was supplied with pork and
+with wine, and every man (in lieu it may be supposed, of his share of
+the vessels, and plundered property he resigned) received at the same
+time a bill for a certain quantity of money. Those who wished it, could
+join the military force of Government for pursuing the remaining
+pirates; and those who objected, dispersed and withdrew into the
+country. "This is the manner in which the great red squadron of the
+pirates was pacified."
+
+The valiant Paou, following the example of his rival O-po-tae, entered
+into the service of Government, and proceeded against such of his
+former associates and friends as would not accept the pardon offered
+them. There was some hard fighting, but the two renegadoes successively
+took the chief Shih Url, forced the redoubtable captain, styled "The
+scourge of the Eastern Ocean" to surrender himself, drove "Frog's Meal,"
+another dreadful pirate, to Manilla, and finally, and within a few
+months, destroyed or dissipated the "wasps of the ocean" altogether.
+
+I have already noticed the marked intention of the Chinese historian, to
+paint the character of Paou in a poetical or epic manner. When
+describing the battle with Shih-Url, he says:--
+
+"They fought from seven o'clock in the morning till one at noon, burnt
+ten vessels, and killed an immense number of the pirates. Shih-Url was
+so weakened that he could scarcely make any opposition. On perceiving
+this through the smoke, Paou mounted on a sudden the vessel of the
+pirate, and cried out: 'I Chang Paou am come,' and at the same moment he
+cut some pirates to pieces; the remainder were then hardly dealt with.
+Paou addressed himself in an angry tone to Shih-Url, and said: 'I advise
+you to submit: will you not follow my advice? what have you to say?'
+Shih-Url was struck with amazement, and his courage left him. Paou
+advanced and bound him, and the whole crew were then taken captives."
+
+"From that period," says our Chinese historian, in conclusion, "ships
+began to pass and repass in tranquillity. All became quiet on the
+rivers, and tranquil on the four seas. People lived in peace and plenty.
+Men sold their arms and bought oxen to plough their fields; they buried
+sacrifices, said prayers on the tops of the hills, and rejoiced
+themselves by singing behind screens during day-time"--and (grand climax
+to all!) the Governor of the province, in consideration of his valuable
+services in the pacification of the pirates, was allowed by an edict of
+the "Son of Heaven," to wear peacocks' feathers with two eyes!
+
+
+
+
+THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN LEWIS.
+
+
+Captain Lewis was at an early age associated with pirates. We first find
+him a boy in company with the pirate Banister, who was hanged at the
+yard arm of a man-of-war, in sight of Port Royal, Jamaica. This Lewis
+and another boy were taken with him, and brought into the island hanging
+by the middle at the mizen peak. He had a great aptitude for languages,
+and spoke perfectly well that of the Mosquil Indians, French, Spanish,
+and English. I mention our own, because it is doubted whether he was
+French or English, for we cannot trace him back to his origin. He sailed
+out of Jamaica till he was a lusty lad, and was then taken by the
+Spaniards at the Havana, where he tarried some time; but at length he
+and six more ran away with a small canoe, and surprised a Spanish
+periagua, out of which two men joined them, so that they were now nine
+in company. With this periagua they surprised a turtling sloop, and
+forced some of the hands to take on with them; the others they sent away
+in the periagua.
+
+He played at this small game, surprising and taking coasters and
+turtlers, till with forced men and volunteers he made up a company of 40
+men. With these he took a large pink built ship, bound from Jamaica to
+the bay of Campeachy, and after her, several others bound to the same
+place; and having intelligence that there lay in the bay a fine Bermuda
+built brigantine of 10 guns, commanded by Captain Tucker, he sent the
+captain of the pink to him with a letter, the purport of which was, that
+he wanted such a brigantine, and if he would part with her, he would
+pay him 10,000 pieces of eight; if he refused this, he would take care
+to lie in his way, for he was resolved, either by fair or foul means to
+have the vessel. Captain Tucker, having read the letter, sent for the
+masters of vessels then lying in the bay, and told them, after he had
+shown the letter, that if they would make him up 54 men, (for there
+were about ten Bermuda sloops,) he would go out and fight the pirates.
+They said no, they would not hazard their men, they depended on their
+sailing, and every one must take care of himself as well as he could.
+
+[Illustration: _The Pirate Banister, hanging at the Yard Arm._]
+
+However, they all put to sea together, and spied a sail under the land,
+which had a breeze while they lay becalmed. Some said he was a turtler;
+others, the pirate, and so it proved; for it was honest Captain Lewis,
+who putting out his oars, got in among them. Some of the sloops had four
+guns, some two, some none. Joseph Dill had two, which he brought on one
+side, and fired smartly at the pirate, but unfortunately one of them
+split, and killed three men. Tucker called to all the sloops to send him
+men, and he would fight Lewis, but to no purpose; nobody came on board
+him. In the mean while a breeze sprung up, and Tucker, trimming his
+sails, left them, who all fell a prey to the pirate; into whom, however,
+he fired a broadside at going off. One sloop, whose master I will not
+name, was a very good sailer, and was going off; but Lewis firing a
+shot, brought her to, and he lay by till all the sloops were visited and
+secured. Then Lewis sent on board him, and ordered the master into his
+sloop. As soon as he was on board, he asked the reason of his lying by,
+and betraying the trust his owners had reposed in him, which was doing
+like a knave and coward, and he would punish him accordingly; _for_,
+said he, _you might have got off, being so much a better sailer than my
+vessel_. After this speech, he fell upon him with a rope's end, and then
+snatching up his cane, drove him about the decks without mercy. The
+master, thinking to pacify him, told him he had been out trading in that
+sloop several months, and had on board a good quantity of money, which
+was hid, and which, if he would send on board a black belonging to the
+owners, he would discover to him. This had not the desired effect, but
+one quite contrary; for Lewis told him he was a rascal and villain for
+this discovery, and he would pay him for betraying his owners, and
+redoubled his strokes. However, he sent and took the money and negro,
+who was an able sailor. He took out of his prizes what he had occasion
+for, forty able negro sailors, and a white carpenter. The largest sloop,
+which was about ninety tons, he took for his own use, and mounted her
+with 12 guns. His crew was now about eighty men, whites and blacks.
+
+[Illustration: _The Master Caned by Captain Lewis._]
+
+After these captures, he cruised in the Gulf of Florida, laying in wait
+for the West India homeward bound ships that took the leeward passage,
+several of which, falling into his hands, were plundered by him, and
+released. From hence he went to the coast of Carolina, where he cleaned
+his sloop, and a great many men whom he had forced, ran away from him.
+However, the natives traded with him for rum and sugar, and brought him
+all he wanted, without the government's having any knowledge of him, for
+he had got into a very private creek; though he was very much on his
+guard, that he might not be surprised from the shore.
+
+From Carolina he cruised on the coast of Virginia, where he took and
+plundered several merchantmen, and forced several men, and then returned
+to the coast of Carolina, where he did abundance of mischief. As he had
+now an abundance of French on board, who had entered with him, and
+Lewis, hearing the English had a design to maroon them, he secured the
+men he suspected, and put them in a boat, with all the other English,
+ten leagues from shore, with only ten pieces of beef, and sent them
+away, keeping none but French and negroes. These men, it is supposed,
+all perished in the sea.
+
+From the coast of Carolina he shaped his course for the banks of
+Newfoundland, where he overhauled several fishing vessels, and then went
+into Trinity Harbor in Conception Bay, where there lay several
+merchantmen, and seized a 24 gun galley, called the Herman. The
+commander, Captain Beal, told Lewis, if he would send his quarter master
+ashore he would furnish him with necessaries. He being sent ashore, a
+council was held among the masters, the consequence of which was, the
+seizing the quarter master, whom they carried to Captain Woodes Rogers.
+He chained him to a sheet anchor which was ashore, and planted guns at
+the point, to prevent the pirate getting out, but to little purpose; for
+the people at one of these points firing too soon, Lewis quitted the
+ship, and, by the help of oars and the favor of the night, got out in
+his sloop, though she received many shot in her hull. The last shot that
+was fired at the pirate did him considerable damage.
+
+He lay off and on the harbor, swearing he would have his quarter master,
+and intercepted two fishing shallops, on board of one of which was the
+captain of the galley's brother. He detained them, and sent word, if his
+quarter master did not immediately come off, he would put all his
+prisoners to death. He was sent on board without hesitation. Lewis and
+the crew inquired how he had been used, and he answered, very civilly.
+"It's well," said the pirate, "for had you been ill treated, I would
+have put all these rascals to the sword." They were dismissed, and the
+captain's brother going over the side, the quarter master stopped him,
+saying, he must drink the gentlemen's health ashore, particularly
+Captain Rogers' and, whispering him in the ear, told him, if they had
+known of his being chained all night, he would have been cut in pieces,
+with all his men. After this poor man and his shallop's company were
+gone, the quarter master told the usage he had met with, which enraged
+Lewis, and made him reproach his quarter master, whose answer was, that
+he did not think it just the innocent should suffer for the guilty.
+
+The masters of the merchantmen sent to Capt. Tudor Trevor, who lay at
+St. John's in the Sheerness man-of-war. He immediately got under sail,
+and missed the pirate but four hours. She kept along the coast and made
+several prizes, French and English, and put into a harbor where a French
+ship lay making fish. She was built at the latter end of the war, for a
+privateer, was an excellent sailer, and mounted 24 guns. The commander
+hailed him: the pirate answered, _from Jamaica with rum and sugar_. The
+Frenchman bid him go about his business; that a pirate sloop was on the
+coast, and he might be the rogue; if he did not immediately sheer off,
+he would fire a broadside into him. He went off and lay a fortnight out
+at sea, so far as not to be descried from shore, with resolution to have
+the ship. The Frenchman being on his guard, in the meanwhile raised a
+battery on the shore, which commanded the harbor. After a fortnight,
+when he was thought to be gone off, he returned, and took two of the
+fishing shallops belonging to the Frenchman, and manning them with
+pirates, they went in. One shallop attacked the battery; the other
+surprised, boarded and carried the ship, just as the morning star
+appeared, for which reason he gave her that name. In the engagement the
+owner's son was killed, who made the voyage out of curiosity only. The
+ship being taken, seven guns were fired, which was the signal, and the
+sloop came down and lay alongside the ship. The captain told him he
+supposed he only wanted his liquor; but Lewis made answer he wanted his
+ship, and accordingly hoisted all his ammunition and provision into her.
+When the Frenchman saw they would have his ship, he told her trim, and
+Lewis gave him the sloop; and excepting what he took for provision, all
+the fish he had made. Several of the French took on with him, who, with
+others, English and French, had by force or voluntarily, made him up 200
+men.
+
+From Newfoundland he steered for the coast of Guinea, where he took a
+great many ships, English, Dutch and Portuguese. Among these ships was
+one belonging to Carolina, commanded by Capt. Smith. While he was in
+chase of this vessel a circumstance occurred, which made his men
+believe he dealt with the devil; his fore and main top-mast being
+carried away, he, Lewis, running up the shrouds to the maintop, tore off
+a handful of hair, and throwing it into the air used this expression,
+_good devil, take this till I come_. And it was observed, that he came
+afterwards faster up with the chase than before the loss of his
+top-masts.
+
+[Illustration: _Captain Lewis giving a lock of his hair to the Devil._]
+
+Smith being taken, Lewis used him very civilly, and gave him as much or
+more in value than he took from him, and let him go, saying, he would
+come to Carolina when he had made money on the coast, and would rely on
+his friendship.
+
+They kept some time on the coast, when they quarrelled among themselves,
+the French and English, of which the former were more numerous, and they
+resolved to part. The French therefore chose a large sloop newly taken,
+thinking the ship's bottom, which was not sheathed, damaged by the
+worms. According to this agreement they took on board what ammunition
+and provision they thought fit out of the ship, and put off, choosing
+one Le Barre captain. As it blew hard, and the decks were encumbered,
+they came to an anchor under the coast, to stow away their ammunition,
+goods, &c. Lewis told his men they were a parcel of rogues, and he would
+make them refund; accordingly he run alongside, his guns being all
+loaded and new primed, and ordered him to cut away his mast or he would
+sink him. Le Barre was obliged to obey. Then he ordered them all ashore.
+They begged the liberty of carrying their arms, goods, &c. with them,
+but he allowed them only their small arms and cartridge boxes. Then he
+brought the sloop alongside, put every thing on board the ship, and sunk
+the sloop.
+
+Le Barre and the rest begged to be taken on board. However, though he
+denied them, he suffered Le Barre and some few to come, with whom he and
+his men drank plentifully. The negroes on board Lewis told him the
+French had a plot against him. He answered, he could not withstand his
+destiny; for the devil told him in the great cabin he should be murdered
+that night.
+
+In the dead of the night, the rest of the French came on board in
+canoes, got into the cabin and killed Lewis. They fell on the crew; but,
+after an hour and a half's dispute, the French were beaten off, and the
+quarter master, John Cornelius, an Irishman, succeeded Lewis.
+
+  --"He was the mildest manner'd man,
+  That ever scuttled ship or cut a throat;
+  With such true breeding of a gentleman,
+  You never could discern his real thought.
+  Pity he loved an adventurous life's variety,
+  He was so great a loss to good society."
+
+
+
+
+THE LIFE, CAREER AND DEATH OF CAPTAIN THOMAS WHITE.
+
+
+He was born at Plymouth, where his mother kept a public house. She took
+great care of his education, and when he was grown up, as he had an
+inclination to the sea, procured 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 merchant 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 Guinea and back to Barbadoes. In
+his third, he had the misfortune to be taken by a French pirate, 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 Guinea coast more fit for
+their purpose, they went on board her and burnt the brigantine.
+
+It is not my business here to give an account of this French pirate, any
+farther than Capt. White's story obliges me, though 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 cold blood, by way of diversion.
+
+White was marked out for a sacrifice by one of these villains, who, for
+what reason I know not, 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 lie 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.
+
+After some time cruising along the coast, the pirates doubled the Cape
+of Good Hope, and shaped their course for Madagascar, where, being drunk
+and mad, they knocked 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, Capt. White, Capt. Boreman, (born in the Isle of
+Wight, formerly a lieutenant of a man-of-war, but in the merchant
+service when he fell into the hands of the pirates,) Capt. Bowen and
+some other prisoners got into the long-boat, and with broken oars and
+barrel staves, which they found in the bottom of the boat, paddled to
+Augustin Bay, which 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 stayed here a year and a half at the king's expense, 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 such, but the first European vessel that came in, he always obliged
+to take in the unfortunate people, let the vessel be what it would; for
+he had no notion of any difference between pirates and merchants.
+
+At the expiration of the above term, a pirate brigantine came in, on
+board 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 pirate vessel, which was commanded by one
+William Read, who received them very civilly.
+
+This commander went along the coast, and picked up what Europeans he
+could meet with. His crew, however, did not exceed 40 men. He would have
+been glad of taking some of the wrecked 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, steered his course
+for the Persian Gulf, where they met a grab, (a one masted vessel) of
+about 200 tons, which was made a prize. They found nothing on board but
+bale goods, most of which they threw overboard in search of 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
+tossed into the sea!
+
+In this cruise Capt. Read fell ill and died, and 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 grab, and made a ship of her. Here they
+took in a quantity of fresh provisions, which are in this island very
+plentiful and very cheap, and found a twelve-oared boat, which formerly
+belonged to the Ruby East Indiaman, which had been lost there.
+
+They stayed 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 hailed 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 pirates for slaves,
+at Ambonavoula, on the east side of the island, in the latitude of 17
+deg. 30 min. and was by them taken after the following manner.
+
+The pirates, who were headed by George Booth, now 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 pirate ship, called the
+Dolphin. Capt. 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 that entered. The captain told
+him that _he was a rogue, and had a design upon his ship_, and the
+pirates pretended to be so angry with this fellow's offering to come on
+board with arms, that they threatened to knock him on the head, and
+tossing him roughly into the boat, ordered him ashore, though 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 four
+pistols, which were all the arms they had for the enterprise, though
+Fourgette had 20 hands on board, and his small arms on the awning, to be
+in readiness.
+
+The captain invited them into the cabin to dinner, but Booth chose to
+dine with the petty officer, though one Johnson, Isaac and another, went
+down. Booth was to give the watchword, which was _hurrah_. Standing near
+the awning, and being a nimble fellow, at one spring he threw himself
+upon it, drew the arms to him, fired his pistol among the men, one of
+whom he wounded, (who jumping overboard was lost) and gave the signal.
+
+Three, I said, were in the cabin, 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 cabin, hearing the pistol, fell
+upon Johnson, and stabbed him in several places with their forks, but
+they being silver, did him no great damage. Fourgette snatched his
+piece, which he snapped at Isaac's breast several times, but it would
+not go off. At last, finding his resistance vain, he submitted, and the
+pirates 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 humanely, 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 increased their crew, by that means, to the number of 80 hands, they
+sailed to St. Mary's, where Capt. Mosson'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 of
+Madagascar, in the lat. of 16 degrees or thereabouts, to salt up
+provisions and to proceed to the East Indies, cruise off the islands of
+St. John, and lie in wait for the Moor ships from Mocha.
+
+In their way to Methelage they fell in (as I have said) with the pirate,
+on board of which was Capt. White. They joined company, came to an
+anchor together in the above named river, where they had cleaned, salted
+and took in their provisions, and were ready to go to sea, when a large
+ship appeared in sight, and stood into the same river.
+
+The pirates knew not whether she was a merchantman 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, inexperienced man, who was put in
+with a nurse.
+
+The pirates sent their boats to speak with them, but the ship firing at
+them, they concluded it a man of war, and rowed ashore; the grab
+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 fetched her off.
+
+The captain of the Speaker, for that was the name of the ship which
+frightened the pirates, was not a little vain of having forced these two
+vessels ashore, though he did not know whether they were pirates or
+merchantmen, 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
+pirates aground;" which gave handle to a satirical 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 frightened two pirate ships
+ashore, and was taken by their two boats afterwards."
+
+When the Speaker came within shot, she fired several times at the two
+vessels; and when she came to anchor, several more into the country,
+which alarmed the negroes, who, acquainting their king, he would allow
+him no trade, till the pirates living ashore, and who had a design on
+his ship, interceded for them, telling the king, they were their
+countrymen, and what had happened was through 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 fired 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
+Welshman, born in Pembroke, who lived on shore, and had belonged to the
+Charming Mary, of Barbadoes, which went out with a commission but was
+converted to a pirate. He told the purser he was his prisoner, and must
+answer the damage done to two merchants who were slaving. The purser
+answered, that he was not commander; that the captain was a hot rash
+youth, put into 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 used, and the next morning sent up
+to the king with a guide, and peace made for him.
+
+The king allowed them trade, and sent down the usual presents, a couple
+of oxen between twenty and thirty 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 pirates 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
+harbor, 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 taking the ship.
+
+After some days the captain of the Speaker came on shore, and was
+received with great civility by the heads of the pirates, having agreed
+before to make satisfaction. In a day or two after, he was invited by
+them to eat a barbacued shoat, which invitation he accepted. After
+dinner, Capt. Bowen, who was, I have already said, a prisoner on board
+the French pirate, 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
+his ship, his was a good one, and they were resolved to have her, to
+make amends for the damage he had done them."
+
+[Illustration: _Hugh Man wetting the Priming of the Guns._]
+
+In the mean while his boat's crew, and the rest of his men ashore, were
+told by others of the pirates, who were drinking with them, that they
+were also prisoners: some of them answered, _Zounds, we don't trouble
+our heads what we are, let's have t'other bowl of punch_.
+
+A watchword 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 8
+o'clock they manned the twelve-oared boat, and the one 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, as he wanted to
+speak with them. Capt. Booth asked what he wanted! He said, "they could
+never take his ship." "Then," said Booth, "we'll die in or alongside of
+her."--"But," replied the captain, "if you will go with safety, don't
+board on the larboard side, for there is a gun out of the steerage
+loaded with partridge, which will clear the decks." They thanked him,
+and proceeded.
+
+When they were near the ship they were hailed, 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--_Pirates, take to your arms my lads_, and immediately clapped a
+match to a gun, which, as the priming was before wet by the treachery of
+Hugh Man, only fizzed. 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 betrayed his ship;
+for the pirates had both paid him the 100_l_ agreed, and kept his
+secret. The captain having thus lost his ship, sailed in that which the
+pirates gave him, for Johanna, where he fell ill and died with grief.
+
+The pirates having here victualled, they sailed for the Bay of St.
+Augustine, where they took in between 70 and 80 men, who had belonged to
+the ship Alexander, commanded by Capt. James, a pirate. They also took
+up her guns, and mounted the Speaker with 54, which made up their
+number, and 240 men, besides slaves, of which they had about 20.
+
+From hence they sailed for the East Indies, but stopped 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 passed through the guard, and when they had
+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 a
+grappling, was immediately put in by those who looked after her. There
+were not above half a dozen of the pirates who brought their arms
+ashore, but they plied 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 though he was attacked by many, he behaved himself so well, that he
+got into a little canoe, put off, and reached the long-boat.
+
+In the interim, the little fort the Arabians had, played upon the ship,
+which returned the salute very warmly. Thus they got on board, with the
+loss of Captain Booth and 20 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 Moor ships, which they kept company with the
+greater part of the day, but 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 though he said little, did not seem inclined,
+for he was but a young pirate, though an old commander of a merchantman.
+Those who pushed for boarding, then desired Captain Boreman, already
+mentioned, to take the command; but he said he would not be a usurper;
+that nobody was more fit for it than he who had it; that for his part
+he would stand by his fuzil, and went forward to the forecastle with
+such as would have him take 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 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, clapped her on board and carried her; but
+night coming on, they made only this prize, which yielded them L500 per
+man. From hence they sailed to the coast of Malabar. The adventures of
+these pirates on this coast are already set down in Captain Bowen's
+life, to which I refer the reader, and shall only observe, that Captain
+White was all this time before 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 an opportunity of getting off the
+island, till another pirate ship, called the Prosperous, commanded by
+one Howard, who had been bred a lighterman on the river Thames, came in.
+This ship was taken at Augustin, by some pirates from shore, and the
+crew of their long-boat, which joined them, at the instigation of one
+Ranten, boatswain's mate, who sent for water. They came on board in the
+night and surprised her, though not without resistance, in which the
+captain and chief mate were killed, and several others wounded.
+
+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 continued 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. At Port Dolphin he went _off_ in the boats to fetch some of the
+crew left ashore, 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 touched at Augustin, expecting the ship, but she
+not appearing in a week, the time they waited, the king ordered them to
+be gone, telling them they imposed on him with lies, for he did not
+believe they had any ship: however he gave them 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 the ship, but she not appearing they raised their boat a
+streak, salted the provision the king gave them, 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 N.W. for eight months in the
+year, was so strong they found it impossible to get round. Wherefore
+they got into a harbor, of which there are many for small vessels. Here
+they stayed about three weeks or a month, when part of the crew were for
+burning the boat, and travelling over land to a black king of their
+acquaintance, whose name was Reberimbo, who lived at a place called
+Manangaromasigh, in lat. 15 deg. 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 dissuaded 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, conveyed them 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.
+
+[Illustration: _The Murder of the Captain and Chief Mate._]
+
+Here he built a deck on his boat, and lay by three months, in which time
+there came in three pirates with a boat, who had formerly been trepanned
+on board the Severn and Scarborough men-of-war, which had been looking
+for pirates 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 them the boat which brought them to Methelage. The time
+of the current's setting with violence to the N.W. 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 harbor and staid there a month, maintaining themselves with
+fish and wild hogs, of which there was a great plenty. At length, having
+fine weather, and the strength of the current abating, they got round;
+and after sailing about 40 miles on the east side, they went into a
+harbor, where they found a piece of a jacket, which they knew belonged
+to one of those men who had left them 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 anchor in convenient harbors every
+night, till they got as far as Manangaromasigh, where king Reberimbo
+resided, where they went in to inquire for their men, who left them at
+the north end, and to recruit with provisions. The latter was given
+them, but they could get no information of their companions.
+
+From hence they went to the island of St. Mary, where a canoe came off
+to them with a letter directed to any white man. They knew it to be the
+hand of one of their former shipmates. The contents of this letter was
+to advise them to be on their guard, and not trust too much to the
+blacks of this place, they having been formerly treacherous. They
+inquired after their ship, and were informed, 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 them lived
+together in a large house they had built, and fortified with about
+twenty pieces of cannon.
+
+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 itself, as the English, French, Dutch, &c. They made inquiry
+of their consorts after the different prizes which belonged to them, and
+they found all very justly laid by to be given them, if ever they
+returned, as were what belonged to the men who went over land. Captain
+White, hankering after home, proposed going out again in the boat; for
+he was adverse to settling with them; and many others agreed to go under
+his command; and if they could 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 increased 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 tons, and 6 guns, which had been taken by some pirates who
+lived at Maratan, on the east side of the island, and some of the
+Degrave East-Indiaman's crew, to whom the master of her refused a
+passage to Europe; for as he had himself been a pirate, and
+quarter-master to Bowen, in the Speaker, he apprehended their taking
+away his ship. War then existing between England and France, he thought
+they might do it without being called in question as pirates. The
+pirates 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, cleaned and tallowed 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 joining him, and going round
+to Ambonavoula, to make up a company, it was agreed upon, and they
+unanimously chose him commander. They accordingly put to sea, and stood
+away round the south end of the island, and touched at Don Mascarenhas,
+where he took in a surgeon, and stretching over again to Madagascar,
+fell in with Ambonavoula, and made up his complement of 60 men. From
+hence he shaped his course for the island of Mayotta, where he cleaned
+his ship, and waited for the season to go into the Red Sea. His
+provisions being taken in, the time proper, and the ship well fitted, he
+steered for Babel-Mandeb, and running into a harbor, waited for the
+Mocha ships.
+
+He here took two grabs laden with provisions, and having some small
+money and drugs aboard. These he plundered of what was for his turn,
+kept them a fortnight by him, and let them go. Soon after they espied a
+lofty ship, upon which they put to sea; but finding her European built,
+and too strong to attempt, for it was a Dutchman, they gave over the
+chase, and were glad to shake them off, and return to their station.
+Fancying they were here discovered, 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. A few days
+after, they met with a large ship of about 1000 tons and 600 men, called
+the Malabar, which they chased, kept company with her all night, and
+took in the morning, with the loss of only their boatswain, and two or
+three men wounded. In 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. They therefore filled her away with prisoners, gave them
+provision and sent them away.
+
+Some days after this, they espied a Portuguese man-of war of 44 guns,
+which they chased, but gave it over by carrying away their maintopmast,
+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 merchantman, which they chased with English colors
+flying. The chase, taking White for an English man-of-war or
+East-Indiaman, 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 detained, and the pirates
+getting into his boat with their arms, went on board and fired on the
+Portuguese, who being surprised, asked if war was broke out between
+England and Portugal? They answered in the affirmative, but the captain
+could not believe them. 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 shots
+in the chase, but when they came along side of 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 cargo, with what bale 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 plundered the Malabar ship, out of which they took as
+much money as came to L200 sterling a man, but missed 50,000 sequins,
+which were hid in a jar under a cow's stall, kept for the giving milk to
+the Moor supercargo, an ancient man. They then put the Portuguese and
+Moor prisoners on board the Malabar, and sent them about their business.
+The day after they had sent them away, one Captain Benjamin Stacy, in a
+ketch of 6 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,
+who were under the care of Stacy. The children took on for their loss,
+and the captain asked the reason of their tears, was answered by Stacy,
+and the above sum and plate was all the children had to bring them up.
+Captain White made a speech to his men, and told them it was cruel to
+rob the innocent children; upon which, by unanimous consent, all was
+restored to them again. Besides, they made a gathering among themselves,
+and made a present to Stacy's mate, and other of 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 anchor,
+which the people had made prize of, by seizing the master and boat's
+crew ashore. They found a French gentleman, one Monsieur Berger, on
+board, whom they carried with them, took out about 2000 dollars, and
+sold the ketch to the chief ashore for provisions.
+
+Hence they sailed for Madagascar, but touched at Mascarenhas, where
+several of them went ashore with their booty, about L1200 a man. Here
+taking in fresh provisions, White steered for Madagascar, and fell in
+with Hopeful Point where they shared their goods, and took up
+settlements ashore, where White built a house, bought cattle, took off
+the upper deck of 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 more proper vessel for
+their turn, they desisted from working on the ship, and those who had a
+mind for fresh adventures, went on board Halsey, among whom Captain
+White entered before the mast.
+
+At his return to Madagascar, White was taken ill of a flux, which in
+about five or six months ended his days. Finding his time was drawing
+nigh, he made his will, left several legacies, and named three men of
+different nations, guardian to a son he had by a woman in 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
+that he might live a better man than his father. He was buried with the
+same ceremony they used at the funerals of their companions, which is
+mentioned 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 honor.
+
+
+
+
+THE LIFE, ATROCITIES, AND BLOODY DEATH OF BLACK BEARD.
+
+
+Edward Teach was a native of Bristol, and having gone to Jamaica,
+frequently sailed from that port as one of the crew of a privateer
+during the French war. In that station he gave frequent proofs of his
+boldness and personal courage; but he was not entrusted with any command
+until Captain Benjamin Hornigold gave him the command of a prize which
+he had taken.
+
+In the spring of 1717, Hornigold and Teach sailed from Providence for
+the continent of America, and on their way captured a small vessel with
+120 barrels of flour, which they put on board their own vessel. They
+also seized two other vessels; from one they took some gallons of wine,
+and from the other, plunder to a considerable value. After cleaning upon
+the coast of Virginia, they made a prize of a large French Guineaman
+bound to Martinique, and Teach obtaining the command of her, went to the
+island of Providence, and surrendered to the king's clemency.
+
+Teach now began to act an independent part. He mounted his vessel with
+forty guns, and named her "The Queen Anne's Revenge." Cruising near the
+island of St. Vincent, he took a large ship, called the Great Allan, and
+after having plundered her of what he deemed proper, set her on fire. A
+few days after, Teach encountered the Scarborough man-of-war, and
+engaged her for some hours; but perceiving his strength and resolution,
+she retired, and left Teach to pursue his depredations. His next
+adventure was with a sloop of ten guns, commanded by Major Bonnet, and
+these two men co-operated for some time: but Teach finding him
+unacquainted with naval affairs, gave the command of Bonnet's ship to
+Richards, one of his own crew, and entertained Bonnet on board his own
+vessel. Watering at Turniff, they discovered a sail, and Richards with
+the Revenge slipped her cable, and ran out to meet her. Upon seeing the
+black flag hoisted, the vessel struck, and came-to under the stern of
+Teach the commodore. This was the Adventure from Jamaica. They took the
+captain and his men on board the great ship, and manned his sloop for
+their own service.
+
+Weighing from Turniff, where they remained during a week, and sailing to
+the bay, they found there a ship and four sloops. Teach hoisted his
+flag, and began to fire at them, upon which the captain and his men left
+their ship and fled to the shore. Teach burned two of these sloops, and
+let the other three depart.
+
+They afterwards sailed to different places, and having taken two small
+vessels, anchored off the bar of Charleston for a few days. Here they
+captured a ship bound for England, as she was coming out of the harbor.
+They next seized a vessel coming out of Charleston, and two pinks coming
+into the same harbor, together with a brigantine with fourteen negroes.
+The audacity of these transactions, performed in sight of the town,
+struck the inhabitants with terror, as they had been lately visited by
+some other notorious pirates. Meanwhile, there were eight sail in the
+harbor, none of which durst set to sea for fear of falling into the
+hands of Teach. The trade of this place was totally interrupted, and the
+inhabitants were abandoned to despair. Their calamity was greatly
+augmented from this circumstance, that a long and desperate war with the
+natives had just terminated, when they began to be infested by these
+robbers.
+
+Teach having detained all the persons taken in these ships as
+prisoners, they were soon in great want of medicines, and he had the
+audacity to demand a chest from the governor. This demand was made in a
+manner not less daring than insolent. Teach sent Richards, the captain
+of the Revenge, with Mr. Marks, one of the prisoners, and several
+others, to present their request. Richards informed the governor, that
+unless their demand was granted, and he and his companions returned in
+safety, every prisoner on board the captured ships should instantly be
+slain, and the vessels consumed to ashes.
+
+During the time that Mr. Marks was negotiating with the governor,
+Richards and his associates walked the streets at pleasure, while
+indignation flamed from every eye against them, as the robbers of their
+property, and the terror of their country. Though the affront thus
+offered to the Government was great and most audacious, yet, to preserve
+the lives of so many men, they granted their request, and sent on board
+a chest valued at three or four hundred pounds.
+
+Teach, as soon as he received the medicines and his fellow pirates,
+pillaged the ships of gold and provisions, and then dismissed the
+prisoners with their vessels. From the bar of Charleston they sailed to
+North Carolina. Teach now began to reflect how he could best secure the
+spoil, along with some of the crew who were his favorites. Accordingly,
+under pretence of cleaning, he ran his vessel on shore, and grounded;
+then ordered the men in Hands' sloop to come to his assistance, which
+they endeavoring to do, also ran aground, and so they were both lost.
+Then Teach went into the tender with forty hands, and upon a sandy
+island, about a league from shore, where there was neither bird no
+beast, nor herb for their subsistence, he left seventeen of his crew,
+who must inevitably have perished, had not Major Bonnet received
+intelligence of their miserable situation, and sent a long-boat for
+them. After this barbarous deed. Teach, with the remainder of his crew,
+went and surrendered to the governor of North Carolina, retaining all
+the property which had been acquired by his fleet.
+
+The temporary suspension of the depredations of Black Beard, for so he
+was now called, did not proceed from a conviction of his former errors,
+or a determination to reform, but to prepare for future and more
+extensive exploits. As governors are but men, and not unfrequently by no
+means possessed of the most virtuous principles, the gold of Black Beard
+rendered him comely in the governor's eyes, and, by his influence, he
+obtained a legal right to the great ship called "The Queen Anne's
+Revenge." By order of the governor, a court of vice-admiralty was held
+at Bath-town, and that vessel was condemned as a lawful prize which he
+had taken from the Spaniards, though it was a well-known fact that she
+belonged to English merchants. Before he entered upon his new
+adventures, he married a young woman of about sixteen years of age, the
+governor himself attending the ceremony. It was reported that this was
+only his fourteenth wife, about twelve of whom were yet alive; and
+though this woman was young and amiable, he behaved towards her in a
+manner so brutal, that it was shocking to all decency and propriety,
+even among his abandoned crew of pirates.
+
+In his first voyage, Black Beard directed his course to the Bermudas,
+and meeting with two or three English vessels, emptied them of their
+stores and other necessaries, and allowed them to proceed. He also met
+with two French vessels bound for Martinique, the one light, and the
+other laden with sugar and cocoa: he put the men on board the latter
+into the former, and allowed her to depart. He brought the freighted
+vessel into North Carolina, where the governor and Black Beard shared
+the prizes. Nor did their audacity and villany stop here. Teach and some
+of his abandoned crew waited upon his excellency, and swore that they
+had seized the French ship at sea, without a soul on board; therefore a
+court was called, and she was condemned, the honorable governor received
+sixty hogsheads of sugar for his share, his secretary twenty, and the
+pirates the remainder. But as guilt always inspires suspicion, Teach was
+afraid that some one might arrive in the harbor who might detect the
+roguery: therefore, upon pretence that she was leaky, and might sink,
+and so stop up the entrance to the harbor where she lay, they obtained
+the governor's liberty to drag her into the river, where she was set on
+fire, and when burnt down to the water, her bottom was sunk, that so she
+might never rise in judgment against the governor and his confederates.
+
+[Illustration: _The crews of Black Beard's and Vane's vessels carousing
+on the coast of Carolina._]
+
+Black Beard now being in the province of Friendship, passed several
+months in the river, giving and receiving visits from the planters;
+while he traded with the vessels which came to that river, sometimes in
+the way of lawful commerce, and sometimes in his own way. When he chose
+to appear the honest man, he made fair purchases on equal barter; but
+when this did not suit his necessities, or his humor, he would rob at
+pleasure, and leave them to seek their redress from the governor; and
+the better to cover his intrigues with his excellency, he would
+sometimes outbrave him to his face, and administer to him a share of
+that contempt and insolence which he so liberally bestowed upon the rest
+of the inhabitants of the province.
+
+But there are limits to human insolence and depravity. The captains of
+the vessels who frequented that river, and had been so often harrassed
+and plundered by Black Beard, secretly consulted with some of the
+planters what measures to pursue, in order to banish such an infamous
+miscreant from their coasts, and to bring him to deserved punishment.
+Convinced from long experience, that the governor himself, to whom it
+belonged, would give no redress, they represented the matter to the
+governor of Virginia, and entreated that an armed force might be sent
+from the men-of-war lying there, either to take or to destroy those
+pirates who infested their coast.
+
+Upon this representation, the Governor of Virginia consulted with the
+captains of the two men-of-war as to the best measures to be adopted. It
+was resolved that the governor should hire two small vessels, which
+could pursue Bleak Beard into all his inlets and creeks; that they
+should be manned from the men-of-war, and the command given to
+Lieutenant Maynard, an experienced and resolute officer. When all was
+ready for his departure, the governor called an assembly, in which it
+was resolved to issue a proclamation, offering a great reward to any
+who, within a year, should take or destroy any pirate.
+
+Upon the 17th of November, 1717, Maynard left James's river in quest of
+Black Beard, and on the evening of the 21st came in sight of the pirate.
+This expedition was fitted out with all possible expedition and secrecy,
+no boat being permitted to pass that might convey any intelligence,
+while care was taken to discover where the pirates were lurking. His
+excellency the governor of Bermuda, and his secretary, however, having
+obtained information of the intended expedition, the latter wrote a
+letter to Black Beard, intimating, that he had sent him four of his men,
+who were all he could meet within or about town, and so bade him be on
+his guard. These men were sent from Bath-town to the place where Black
+Beard lay, about the distance of twenty leagues.
+
+The hardened and infatuated pirate, having been often deceived by false
+intelligence, was the less attentive to this information, nor was he
+convinced of its accuracy until he saw the sloops sent to apprehend him.
+Though he had then only twenty men on board, he prepared to give battle.
+Lieutenant Maynard arrived with his sloops in the evening, and anchored,
+as he could not venture, under cloud of night, to go into the place
+where Black Beard lay. The latter spent the night in drinking with the
+master of a trading-vessel, with the same indifference as if no danger
+had been near. Nay, such was the desperate wickedness of this villain,
+that, it is reported, during the carousals of that night, one of his men
+asked him, "In case any thing should happen to him during the engagement
+with the two sloops which were waiting to attack him in the morning,
+whether his wife knew where he had buried his money?" when he impiously
+replied, "That nobody but himself and the devil knew where it was, and
+the longest liver should take all."
+
+In the morning Maynard weighed, and sent his boat to sound, which coming
+near the pirate, received her fire. Maynard then hoisted royal colors,
+and made directly towards Black Beard with every sail and oar. In a
+little time the pirate ran aground, and so also did the king's vessels.
+Maynard lightened his vessel of the ballast and water, and made towards
+Black Beard. Upon this he hailed him in his own rude style, "D--n you
+for villains, who are you, and from whence come you?" The lieutenant
+answered, "You may see from our colors we are no pirates." Black Beard
+bade him send his boat on board, that he might see who he was. But
+Maynard replied, "I cannot spare my boat, but I will come on board of
+you as soon as I can with my sloop." Upon this Black Beard took a glass
+of liquor and drank to him, saying, "I'll give no quarter nor take any
+from you." Maynard replied, "He expected no quarter from him, nor should
+he give him any."
+
+During this dialogue the pirate's ship floated, and the sloops were
+rowing with all expedition towards him. As she came near, the pirate
+fired a broadside, charged with all manner of small shot, which killed
+or wounded twenty men. Black Beard's ship in a little after fell
+broadside to the shore; one of the sloops called the Ranger, also fell
+astern. But Maynard finding that his own sloop had way, and would soon
+be on board of Teach, ordered all his men down, while himself and the
+man at the helm, who he commanded to lie concealed, were the only
+persons who remained on deck. He at the same time desired them to take
+their pistols, cutlasses, and swords, and be ready for action upon his
+call, and, for greater expedition, two ladders were placed in the
+hatchway. When the king's sloop boarded, the pirate's case-boxes, filled
+with powder, small shot, slugs, and pieces of lead and iron, with a
+quick-match in the mouth of them, were thrown into Maynard's sloop.
+Fortunately, however, the men being in the hold, they did small injury
+on the present occasion, though they are usually very destructive. Black
+Beard seeing few or no hands upon deck, cried to his men that they were
+all knocked on the head except three or four; "and therefore," said he,
+"let us jump on board, and cut to pieces those that are alive."
+
+[Illustration: _Death of Black Beard._]
+
+Upon this, during the smoke occasioned by one of these case-boxes, Black
+Beard, with fourteen of his men, entered, and were not perceived until
+the smoke was dispelled. The signal was given to Maynard's men, who
+rushed up in an instant. Black Beard and the lieutenant exchange shots,
+and the pirate was wounded; they then engaged sword in hand, until the
+sword of the lieutenant broke, but fortunately one of his men at that
+instant gave Black Beard a terrible wound in the neck and throat. The
+most desperate and bloody conflict ensued:--Maynard with twelve men, and
+Black Beard with fourteen. The sea was dyed with blood all around the
+vessel, and uncommon bravery was displayed upon both sides. Though the
+pirate was wounded by the first shot from Maynard, though he had
+received twenty cuts, and as many shots, he fought with desperate valor;
+but at length, when in the act of cocking his pistol, fell down dead. By
+this time eight of his men had fallen, and the rest being wounded, cried
+out for quarter, which was granted, as the ringleader was slain. The
+other sloop also attacked the men who remained in the pirate vessels,
+until they also cried out for quarter. And such was the desperation of
+Black Beard, that, having small hope of escaping, he had placed a negro
+with a match at the gunpowder door, to blow up the ship the moment that
+he should have been boarded by the king's men, in order to involve the
+whole in general ruin. That destructive broadside at the commencement of
+the action, which at first appeared so unlucky, was, however, the means
+of their preservation from the intended destruction.
+
+Maynard severed the pirate's head from his body, suspended it upon his
+bowsprit-end, and sailed to Bath-town, to obtain medical aid for his
+wounded men. In the pirate sloop several letters and papers were found,
+which Black Beard would certainly have destroyed previous to the
+engagement, had he not determined to blow her up upon his being taken,
+which disclosed the whole villainy between the honorable governor of
+Bermuda and his honest secretary on the one hand, and the notorious
+pirate on the other, who had now suffered the just punishment of his
+crimes.
+
+[Illustration: _Black Beard's Head on the end of the Bowsprit._]
+
+Scarcely was Maynard returned to Bath-town, when he boldly went and made
+free with the sixty hogsheads of sugar in the possession of the
+governor, and the twenty in that of his secretary.
+
+After his men had been healed at Bath-town, the lieutenant proceeded to
+Virginia, with the head of Black Beard still suspended on his
+bowsprit-end, as a trophy of his victory, to the great joy of all the
+inhabitants. The prisoners were tried, condemned, and executed; and thus
+all the crew of that infernal miscreant, Black Beard, were destroyed,
+except two. One of these was taken out of a trading-vessel, only the day
+before the engagement, in which he received no less than seventy wounds,
+of all which he was cured. The other was Israel Hands, who was master of
+the Queen Anne's Revenge; he was taken at Bath-town, being wounded in
+one of Black Beard's savage humors. One night Black Beard, drinking in
+his cabin with Hands, the pilot, and another man, without any pretence,
+took a small pair of pistols, and cocked them under the table; which
+being perceived by the man, he went on deck, leaving the captain, Hands,
+and the pilot together. When his pistols were prepared, he extinguished
+the candle, crossed his arms, and fired at his company. The one pistol
+did no execution, but the other wounded Hands in the knee. Interrogated
+concerning the meaning of this, he answered with an imprecation, "That
+if he did not now and then kill one of them, they would forget who he
+was." Hands was eventually tried and condemned, but as he was about to
+be executed, a vessel arrived with a proclamation prolonging the time of
+his Majesty's pardon, which Hands pleading, he was saved from a violent
+and shameful death.
+
+In the commonwealth of pirates, he who goes the greatest length of
+wickedness, is looked upon with a kind of envy amongst them, as a person
+of a most extraordinary gallantry; he is therefore entitled to be
+distinguished by some post, and, if such a one has but courage, he must
+certainly be a great man. The hero of whom we are writing was thoroughly
+accomplished in this way, and some of his frolics of wickedness were as
+extravagant as if he aimed at making his men believe he was a devil
+incarnate. Being one day at sea, and a little flushed with drink;
+"Come," said he, "let us make a hell of our own, and try how long we can
+bear it." Accordingly he, with two or three others, went down into the
+hold, and closing up all the hatches, filled several pots full of
+brimstone, and other combustible matter; they then set it on fire, and
+so continued till they were almost suffocated, when some of the men
+cried out for air; at length he opened the hatches, not a little pleased
+that he had held out the longest.
+
+Those of his crew who were taken alive, told a story which may appear a
+little incredible. That once, upon a cruise, they found out that they
+had a man on board more than their crew; such a one was seen several
+days amongst them, sometimes below, and sometimes upon deck, yet no man
+in the ship could give any account who he was, or from whence he came;
+but that he disappeared a little before they were cast away in their
+great ship, and, it seems, they verily believed it was the devil.
+
+One would think these things should have induced them to reform their
+lives; but being so many reprobates together, they encouraged and
+spirited one another up in their wickedness, to which a continual course
+of drinking did not a little contribute. In Black Beard's journal,
+which was taken, there were several memoranda of the following nature,
+all written with his own hand.--"Such a day, rum all out;--our company
+somewhat sober;--a d--d confusion amongst us!--rogues a plotting;--great
+talk of separation. So I looked sharp for a prize;--such a day took one,
+with a great deal of liquor on board; so kept the company hot, d--d hot,
+then all things went well again."
+
+We shall close the narrative of this extraordinary man's life by an
+account of the cause why he was denominated Black Beard. He derived this
+name from his long black beard, which, like a frightful meteor, covered
+his whole face, and terrified all America more than any comet that had
+ever appeared. He was accustomed to twist it with ribbon in small
+quantities, and turn them about his ears. In time of action he wore a
+sling over his shoulders with three brace of pistols. He stuck lighted
+matches under his hat, which appeared on both sides of his face and
+eyes, naturally fierce and wild, made him such a figure that the human
+imagination cannot form a conception of a fury more terrible and
+alarming; and if he had the appearance and look of a fury, his actions
+corresponded with that character.
+
+
+
+
+THE EXPLOITS, ARREST, AND EXECUTION OF CAPTAIN CHARLES
+VANE.
+
+
+Charles Vane was one of those who stole away the silver which the
+Spaniards had fished up from the wrecks of the galleons in the Gulf of
+Florida, and was at Providence when governor Rogers arrived there with
+two men-of-war.
+
+All the pirates who were then found at this colony of rogues, submitted
+and received certificates of their pardon, except Captain Vane and his
+crew; who, as soon as they saw the men-of-war enter, slipped their
+cable, set fire to a prize they had in the harbor, sailed out with their
+piratical colors flying, and fired at one of the men-of-war, as they
+went off from the coast.
+
+Two days after, they met with a sloop belonging to Barbadoes, which they
+took, and kept the vessel for their own use, putting aboard five and
+twenty hands, with one Yeates the commander. In a day or two they fell
+in with a small interloping trader, with a quantity of Spanish pieces of
+eight aboard, bound for Providence, which they also took along with
+them. With these two sloops, Vane went to a small island and cleaned;
+where he shared the booty, and spent some time in a riotous manner.
+
+About the latter end of May 1718, Vane and his crew sailed, and being in
+want of provisions, they beat up for the Windward Islands. In the way
+they met with a Spanish sloop, bound from Porto Rico to the Havana,
+which they burnt, stowed the Spaniards into a boat, and left them to
+get to the island by the blaze of their vessel. Steering between St.
+Christopher's and Anguilla, they fell in with a brigantine and a sloop,
+freighted with such cargo as they wanted; from whom they got provisions
+for sea-store.
+
+Sometime after this, standing to the northward, in the track the old
+English ships take in their voyage to the American colonies, they took
+several ships and vessels, which they plundered of what they thought
+fit, and then let them pass.
+
+About the latter end of August, with his consort Yeates, came off South
+Carolina, and took a ship belonging to Ipswich, laden with logwood. This
+was thought convenient enough for their own business, and therefore they
+ordered their prisoners to work, and threw all the lading overboard; but
+when they had more than half cleared the ship, the whim changed, and
+they would not have her; so Coggershall, the captain of the captured
+vessel, had his ship again, and he was suffered to pursue his voyage
+home. In this voyage the pirates took several ships and vessels,
+particularly a sloop from Barbadoes, a small ship from Antigua, a sloop
+belonging to Curacoa, and a large brigantine from Guinea, with upwards
+of ninety negroes aboard. The pirates plundered them all and let them
+go, putting the negroes out of the brigantine aboard Yeates' vessel.
+
+Captain Vane always treated his consort with very little respect, and
+assumed a superiority over him and his crew, regarding the vessel but as
+a tender to his own: this gave them disgust; for they thought themselves
+as good pirates, and as great rogues as the best of them; so they
+caballed together, and resolved, the first opportunity, to leave the
+company, and accept of his majesty's pardon, or set up for themselves;
+either of which they thought more honorable than to be the servants to
+Vane: the putting aboard so many negroes, where there were so few hands
+to take care of them, aggravated the matter, though they thought fit to
+conceal or stifle their resentment at that time.
+
+In a day or two, the pirates lying off at anchor, Yeates in the evening
+slipped his cable, and put his vessel under sail, standing into the
+shore; which when Vane saw, he was highly provoked, and got his sloop
+under sail to chase his consort. Vane's brigantine sailing best, he
+gained ground of Yeates, and would certainly have come up with them, had
+he had a little longer run; but just as he got over the bar, when Vane
+came within gun-shot of him, he fired a broadside at his old friend, and
+so took his leave.
+
+Yeates came into North Eddisto river, about ten leagues to the southward
+of Charleston, and sent an express to the governor, to know if he and
+his comrades might have the benefit of his majesty's pardon; promising
+that, if they might, they would surrender themselves to his mercy, with
+the sloops and negroes. Their request being granted, they all came up,
+and received certificates; and Captain Thompson, from whom the negroes
+were taken, had them all restored to him, for the use of his owners.
+
+Vane cruised some time off the bar, in hopes to catch Yeates at his
+coming out again, but therein he was disappointed; however, he there
+took two ships from Charleston, which were bound home to England. It
+happened just at this time, that two sloops well manned and armed, were
+equipped to go after a pirate, which the governor of South Carolina was
+informed lay then in Cape Fear river cleaning: but Colonel Rhet, who
+commanded the sloops, meeting with one of the ships that Vane had
+plundered, going back over the bar for such necessaries as had been
+taken from her, and she giving the Colonel an account of being taken by
+the pirate Vane, and also, that some of her men, while they were
+prisoners on board of him, had heard the pirates say they should clean
+in one of the rivers to the southward, he altered his first design, and
+instead of standing to the northward, in pursuit of the pirate in Cape
+Fear river, turned to the southward after Vane, who had ordered such
+reports to be given out, on purpose to put any force that should come
+after him upon a wrong scent; for he stood away to the northward, so
+that the pursuit proved to be of no effect. Colonel Rhet's speaking with
+this ship was the most unlucky thing that could have happened, because
+it turned him out of the road which, in all probability, would have
+brought him into the company of Vane, as well as of the pirate he went
+after, and so they might have been both destroyed; whereas, by the
+Colonel's going a different way, he not only lost the opportunity of
+meeting with one, but if the other had not been infatuated, and lain six
+weeks together at Cape Fear, he would have missed him likewise; however,
+the Colonel having searched the rivers and inlets, as directed, for
+several days without success, at length sailed in prosecution of his
+first design, and met with the pirate accordingly, whom he fought and
+took.
+
+Captain Vane went into an inlet to the northward, where he met with
+Captain Teach, otherwise Black Beard, whom he saluted (when he found who
+he was) with his great guns loaded with shot: it being the custom among
+pirates when they meet, to do so, though they are wide of one another:
+Black Beard answered the salute in the same manner, and mutual
+civilities passed between them some days, when, about the beginning of
+October, Vane took leave, and sailed farther to the northward.
+
+On the 23d of October, off Long Island, he took a small brigantine bound
+from Jamaica to Salem in New England, besides a little sloop: they
+rifled the brigantine, and sent her away. From thence they resolved on a
+cruise between Cape Meise and Cape Nicholas, where they spent some time
+without seeing or speaking with any vessel, till the latter end of
+November; they then fell in with a ship, which it was expected would
+have struck as soon as their black colors were hoisted; but instead of
+this she discharged a broadside upon the pirate, and hoisted French
+colors, which showed her to be a French man-of-war. Vane desired to have
+nothing more to say to her, but trimmed his sails, and stood away from
+the Frenchman; however, Monsieur having a mind to be better informed who
+he was, set all his sails and crowded after him. During this chase the
+pirates were divided in their resolution what to do. Vane, the captain,
+was for making off as fast as he could, alleging that the man-of-war was
+too strong for them to cope with; but one John Rackam, their
+quarter-master, and who was a kind of check upon the captain, rose up in
+defence of a contrary opinion, saying, "that though she had more guns,
+and a greater weight of metal, they might board her, and then the best
+boys would carry the day." Rackam was well seconded, and the majority
+was for boarding; but Vane urged, "that it was too rash and desperate an
+enterprise, the man-of-war appearing to be twice their force, and that
+their brigantine might be sunk by her before they could reach to board
+her." The mate, one Robert Deal, was of Vane's opinion, as were about
+fifteen more, and all the rest joined with Rackam the quarter-master. At
+length the captain made use of his power to determine this dispute,
+which in these cases is absolute and uncontrollable, by their own laws,
+viz., the captain's absolute right of determining in all questions
+concerning fighting, chasing, or being chased; in all other matters
+whatsoever the captain being governed by a majority; so the brigantine
+having the heels, as they term it, of the Frenchman, she came clear off.
+
+But the next day, the captain's conduct was obliged to stand the test of
+a vote, and a resolution passed against his honor and dignity, which
+branded him with the name of coward, deposed him from the command, and
+turned him out of the company with marks of infamy; and with him went
+all those who did not vote for boarding the French man-of-war. They had
+with them a small sloop that had been taken by them some time before,
+which they gave to Vane and the discarded members; and that they might
+be in a condition to provide for themselves by their own honest
+endeavors, they let them have a sufficient quantity of provisions and
+ammunition.
+
+John Rackam was voted captain of the brigantine in Vane's room, and he
+proceeded towards the Carribbee Islands, where we must leave him, till
+we have finished our history of Charles Vane.
+
+The sloop sailed for the bay of Honduras, and Vane and his crew put her
+in as good a condition as they could by the way, that they might follow
+their old trade. They cruised two or three days off the northwest part
+of Jamaica, and took a sloop and two perriaguas, all the men of which
+entered with them: the sloop they kept, and Robert Deal was appointed
+captain.
+
+On the 16th of December, the two sloops came into the bay, where they
+found only one vessel at anchor. She was called the Pearl of Jamaica,
+and got under sail at the sight of them; but the pirate sloops coming
+near Rowland, and showing no colors, he gave them a gun or two,
+whereupon they hoisted the black flag, and fired three guns each at the
+Pearl. She struck, and the pirates took possession, and carried her away
+to a small island called Barnacho, where they cleaned. By the way they
+met with a sloop from Jamaica, as she was going down to the bay, which
+they also took.
+
+In February, Vane sailed from Barnacho, for a cruise; but, some days
+after he was out, a violent tornado overtook him, which separated him
+from his consort, and, after two days' distress, threw his sloop upon a
+small uninhabited island, near the bay of Honduras, where she staved to
+pieces, and most of her men were drowned: Vane himself was saved, but
+reduced to great straits for want of necessaries, having no opportunity
+to get any thing from the wreck. He lived here some weeks, and was
+supported chiefly by fishermen, who frequented the island with small
+crafts from the main, to catch turtles and other fish.
+
+[Illustration: _Vane arrested by Captain Holford._]
+
+While Vane was upon this island, a ship put in there from Jamaica for
+water, the captain of which, one Holford, an old buccaneer, happened to
+be Vane's acquaintance. He thought this a good opportunity to get off,
+and accordingly applied to his old friend: but Holford absolutely
+refused him, saying to him, "Charles, I shan't trust you aboard my ship,
+unless I carry you as a prisoner, for I shall have you caballing with my
+men, knocking me on the head, and running away with my ship pirating."
+Vane made all the protestations of honor in the world to him; but, it
+seems, Captain Holford was too intimately acquainted with him, to repose
+any confidence at all in his words or oaths. He told him, "He might
+easily find a way to get off, if he had a mind to it:--I am going down
+the bay," said he, "and shall return hither in about a month, and if I
+find you upon the island when I come back, I'll carry you to Jamaica,
+and there hang you." "How can I get away?" answered Vane. "Are there not
+fishermen's dories upon the beach? Can't you take one of them?" replied
+Holford. "What!" said Vane, "would you have me steal a dory then?" "Do
+you make it a matter of conscience," replied Holford, "to steal a dory,
+when you have been a common robber and pirate, stealing ships and
+cargoes, and plundering all mankind that fell in your way! Stay here if
+you are so squeamish?" and he left him to consider of the matter.
+
+After Captain Holford's departure, another ship put into the same
+island, in her way home, for water; none of the company knowing Vane, he
+easily passed for another man, and so was shipped for the voyage. One
+would be apt to think that Vane was now pretty safe, and likely to
+escape the fate which his crimes had merited; but here a cross accident
+happened that ruined all. Holford returning from the bay, was met by
+this ship, and the captains being very well acquainted with each other,
+Holford was invited to dine aboard, which he did. As he passed along to
+the cabin, he chanced to cast his eye down into the hold, and there saw
+Charles Vane at work: he immediately spoke to the captain, saying, "Do
+you know whom you have got aboard there?" "Why," said he, "I have
+shipped a man at such an island, who was cast away in a trading sloop,
+and he seems to be a brisk hand." "I tell you," replied Captain Holford,
+"it is Vane the notorious pirate." "If it be he," cried the other, "I
+won't keep him." "Why then," said Holford, "I'll send and take him
+aboard, and surrender him at Jamaica." This being agreed upon, Captain
+Holford, as soon as he returned to his ship, sent his boat with his
+mate, armed, who coming to Vane, showed him a pistol, and told him he
+was his prisoner. No man daring to make opposition, he was brought
+aboard and put into irons; and when Captain Holford arrived at Jamaica,
+he delivered up his old acquaintance to justice, at which place he was
+tried, convicted, and executed, as was some time before, Vane's consort,
+Robert Deal, who was brought thither by one of the men-of-war. It is
+clear from this how little ancient friendship will avail a great
+villain, when he is deprived of the power that had before supported and
+rendered him formidable.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE WEST INDIA PIRATES
+
+
+_Containing Accounts of their Atrocities, Manners of Living, &c., with
+proceedings of the Squadron under Commodore Porter in those seas, the
+victory and death of Lieutenant Allen, the interesting Narrative of
+Captain Lincoln, &c._
+
+Those innumerable groups of islands, keys and sandbanks, known as the
+West-Indies, are peculiarly adapted from their locality and formation,
+to be a favorite resort for pirates; many of them are composed of coral
+rocks, on which a few cocoa trees raise their lofty heads; where there
+is sufficient earth for vegetation between the interstices of the rocks,
+stunted brushwood grows. But a chief peculiarity of some of the islands,
+and which renders them suitable to those who frequent them as pirates,
+are the numerous caves with which the rocks are perforated; some of them
+are above high-water mark, but the majority with the sea water flowing
+in and out of them, in some cases merely rushing in at high-water
+filling deep pools, which are detached from each other when the tide
+recedes, in others with a sufficient depth of water to allow a large
+boat to float in. It is hardly necessary to observe how convenient the
+higher and dry caves are as receptacles for articles which are intended
+to be concealed, until an opportunity occurs to dispose of them. The
+Bahamas, themselves are a singular group of isles, reefs and quays;
+consisting of several hundred in number, and were the chief resort of
+pirates in old times, but now they are all rooted from them; they are
+low and not elevated, and are more than 600 miles in extent, cut up into
+numerous intricate passages and channels, full of sunken rocks and coral
+reefs. They afforded a sure retreat to desperadoes. Other islands are
+full of mountain fastnesses, where all pursuit can be eluded. Many of
+the low shores are skirted, and the islands covered by the mangrove, a
+singular tree, shooting fresh roots as it grows, which, when the tree is
+at its full age, may be found six or eight feet from the ground, to
+which the shoots gradually tend in regular succession; the leaf is very
+thick and stiff and about eight inches long and nine wide, the interval
+between the roots offer secure hiding places for those who are suddenly
+pursued. Another circumstance assists the pirate when pursued.--As the
+islands belong to several different nations, when pursued from one
+island he can pass to that under the jurisdiction of another power. And
+as permission must be got by those in pursuit of him, from the
+authorities of the island to land and take him, he thus gains time to
+secrete himself. A tropical climate is suited to a roving life, and
+liquor as well as dissolute women being in great abundance, to gratify
+him during his hours of relaxation, makes this a congenial region for
+the lawless.
+
+[Illustration: _A Piratical Vessel destroying a Merchant Ship._]
+
+The crews of pirate vessels in these seas are chiefly composed of
+Spaniards, Portuguese, French, Mulattoes, Negroes, and a few natives of
+other countries. The island of Cuba is the great nest of pirates at the
+present day, and at the Havana, piracy is as much tolerated as any other
+profession. As the piracies committed in these seas, during a single
+year, have amounted to more than fifty, we shall give only a few
+accounts of the most interesting.
+
+In November 1821, the brig Cobbessecontee, Captain Jackson, sailed from
+Havana, on the morning of the 8th for Boston, and on the evening of the
+same day, about four miles from the Moro, was brought to by a piratical
+sloop containing about 30 men. A boat from her, with 10 men, came
+alongside, and soon after they got on board commenced plundering. They
+took nearly all the clothing from the captain and mate--all the cooking
+utensils and spare rigging--unrove part of the running rigging--cut the
+small cable--broke the compasses--cut the mast's coats to pieces--took
+from the captain his watch and four boxes cigars--and from the cargo
+three bales cochineal and six boxes cigars. They beat the mate
+unmercifully, and hung him up by the neck under the maintop. They also
+beat the captain severely--broke a large broad sword across his back,
+and ran a long knife through his thigh, so that he almost bled to death.
+Captain Jackson saw the sloop at Regla the day before.
+
+Captain Jackson informs us, and we have also been informed by other
+persons from the Havana, that this system of piracy is openly
+countenanced by some of the inhabitants of that place--who say that it
+is a retaliation on the Americans for interfering against the Slave
+Trade.
+
+About this time the ship Liverpool Packet, Ricker, of Portsmouth, N.H.,
+was boarded off Cape St. Antonio, Cuba, by two piratical schooners; two
+barges containing thirty or forty men, robbed the vessel of every thing
+movable, even of her _flags_, rigging, and a boat which happened to be
+afloat, having a boy in it, which belonged to the ship. They held a
+consultation whether they should murder the crew, as they had done
+before, or not--in the mean time taking the ship into anchoring ground.
+On bringing her to anchor, the crew saw a brig close alongside, burnt to
+the water's edge, and three dead bodies floating near her. The pirates
+said they had burnt the brig the day before, and _murdered all the
+crew!_--and intended doing the same with them. They said "look at the
+turtles (meaning the dead bodies) you will soon be the same." They said
+the vessel was a Baltimore brig, which they had robbed and burnt, and
+murdered the crew as before stated, of which they had little doubt.
+Captain Ricker was most shockingly bruised by them. The mate was hung
+till he was supposed to be dead, but came to, and is now alive. They
+told the captain that they belonged in Regla, and should kill them all
+to prevent discovery.
+
+In 1822, the United States had several cruisers among the West-India
+islands, to keep the pirates in check. Much good was done but still many
+vessels were robbed and destroyed, together with their crews. This year
+the brave Lieutenant Allen fell by the hand of pirates; he was in the
+United States schooner Alligator, and receiving intelligence at
+Matanzas, that several vessels which had sailed from that port, had been
+taken by the pirates, and were then in the bay of Lejuapo. He hastened
+to their assistance. He arrived just in time to save five sail of
+vessels which he found in possession of a gang of pirates, 300 strong,
+established in the bay of Lejuapo, about 15 leagues east of this. He
+fell, pierced by two musket balls, in the van of a division of boats,
+attacking their principal vessel, a fine schooner of about eighty tons,
+with a long eighteen pounder on a pivot, and four smaller guns, _with
+the bloody flag nailed to the mast_. Himself, Captain Freeman of
+Marines, and twelve men, were in the boat, much in advance of his other
+boats, and even took possession of the schooner, after a desperate
+resistance, which nothing but a bravery almost too daring could have
+overcome. The pirates, all but one, escaped by taking to their boats and
+jumping overboard, before the Alligator's boat reached them. Two other
+schooners escaped by the use of their oars, the wind being light.
+
+Captain Allen survived about four hours, during which his conversation
+evinced a composure and firmness of mind, and correctness of feeling, as
+honorable to his character, and more consoling to his friends, than even
+the dauntless bravery he before exhibited.
+
+The surgeon of the Alligator in a letter to a friend, says, "He
+continued giving orders and conversing with Mr. Dale and the rest of us,
+until a few minutes before his death, with a degree of cheerfulness that
+was little to be expected from a man in his condition. He said he wished
+his relatives and his country to know that he had fought well, and added
+that he died in peace and good will towards all the world, and hoped for
+his reward in the next."
+
+Lieutenant Allen had but few equals in the service. He was ardently
+devoted to the interest of his country, was brave, intelligent, and
+accomplished in his profession. He displayed, living and dying, a
+magnanimity that sheds lustre on his relatives, his friends, and his
+country.
+
+[Illustration: _Horrid Piracy and Murder by a Mexican "privateer."_]
+
+About this time Captain Lincoln fell into the hands of the pirates, and
+as his treatment shows the peculiar habits and practices of these
+wretches, we insert the very interesting narrative of the captain.
+
+The schooner Exertion, Captain Lincoln, sailed from Boston, bound for
+Trinidad de Cuba, Nov. 13th, 1821, with the following crew; Joshua
+Bracket, mate; David Warren, cook; and Thomas Young, Francis De Suze,
+and George Reed, seamen.
+
+The cargo consisted of flour, beef, pork, lard, butter, fish, beans,
+onions, potatoes, apples, hams, furniture, sugar box shooks, &c.,
+invoiced at about eight thousand dollars. Nothing remarkable occurred
+during the passage, except much bad weather, until my capture, which was
+as follows:--
+
+Monday, December 17th, 1821, commenced with fine breezes from the
+eastward. At daybreak saw some of the islands northward of Cape Cruz,
+called Keys--stood along northwest; every thing now seemed favorable for
+a happy termination of our voyage. At 3 o'clock, P.M., saw a sail coming
+round one of the Keys, into a channel called Boca de Cavolone by the
+chart, nearly in latitude 20 deg. 55' north, longitude 79 deg. 55' west,
+she made directly for us with all sails set, sweeps on both sides (the wind
+being light) and was soon near enough for us to discover about forty men
+on her deck, armed with muskets, blunderbusses, cutlasses, long knives,
+dirks, &c., two carronades, one a twelve, the other a six pounder; she
+was a schooner, wearing the Patriot flag (blue, white and blue) of the
+Republic of Mexico. I thought it not prudent to resist them, should they
+be pirates, with a crew of seven men, and only five muskets; accordingly
+ordered the arms and ammunition to be immediately stowed away in as
+secret a place as possible, and suffer her to speak us, hoping and
+believing that a republican flag indicated both honor and friendship
+from those who wore it, and which we might expect even from Spaniards.
+But how great was my astonishment, when the schooner having approached
+very near us, hailed in English, and ordered me to heave my boat out
+immediately and come on board of her with my papers.--Accordingly my
+boat was hove out, but filled before I could get into her.--I was then
+ordered to tack ship and lay by for the pirates' boat to board me; which
+was done by Bolidar, their first lieutenant, with six or eight Spaniards
+armed with as many of the before mentioned weapons as they could well
+sling about their bodies. They drove me into the boat, and two of them
+rowed me to their privateer (as they called their vessel), where I shook
+hands with their commander, Captain Jonnia, a Spaniard, who before
+looking at my papers, ordered Bolidar, his lieutenant, to follow the
+Mexican in, back of the Key they had left, which was done. At 6 o'clock,
+P.M., the Exertion was anchored in eleven feet water, near this vessel,
+and an island, which they called Twelve League Key (called by the chart
+Key Largo), about thirty or thirty-five leagues from Trinidad. After
+this strange conduct they began examining my papers by a Scotchman who
+went by the name of Nickola, their sailing master.--He spoke good
+English, had a countenance rather pleasing, although his beard and
+mustachios had a frightful appearance--his face, apparently full of
+anxiety, indicated something in my favor; he gave me my papers, saying
+"take good care of them, for I am afraid you have fallen into bad
+hands." The pirates' boat was then sent to the Exertion with more men
+and arms; a part of them left on board her; the rest returning with
+three of my crew to their vessel; viz., Thomas Young, Thomas Goodall,
+and George Reed--they treated them with something to drink, and offered
+them equal shares with themselves, and some money, if they would enlist,
+but they could not prevail on them. I then requested permission to go on
+board my vessel which was granted, and further requested Nickola should
+go with me, but was refused by the captain, who vociferated in a harsh
+manner, "No, No, No." accompanied with a heavy stamp upon the deck. When
+I got on board, I was invited below by Bolidar, where I found they had
+emptied the case of liquors, and broken a cheese to pieces and crumbled
+it on the table and cabin floor; the pirates, elated with their prize
+(as they called it), had drank so much as to make them desperately
+abusive. I was permitted to lie down in my berth; but, reader, if you
+have ever been awakened by a gang of armed, desperadoes, who have taken
+possession of your habitation in the midnight hour, you can imagine my
+feelings.--Sleep was a stranger to me, and anxiety was my guest.
+Bolidar, however, pretended friendship, and flattered me with the
+prospect of being soon set at liberty. But I found him, as I suspected,
+a consummate hypocrite; indeed, his very looks indicated it. He was a
+stout and well built man, of a dark, swarthy complexion, with keen,
+ferocious eyes, huge whiskers, and beard under his chin and on his lips,
+four or five inches long; he was a Portuguese by birth, but had become a
+naturalized Frenchman--had a wife, if not children (as I was told) in
+France, and was well known there as commander of a first rate privateer.
+His appearance was truly terrific; he could talk some English, and had a
+most lion-like voice.
+
+Tuesday, 18th.--Early this morning the captain of the pirates came on
+board the Exertion; took a look at the cabin stores, and cargo in the
+state rooms, and then ordered me back with him to his vessel, where he,
+with his crew, held a consultation for some time respecting the cargo.
+After which, the interpreter, Nickola, told me that "the captain had, or
+pretended to have, a commission under General Traspelascus,
+commander-in-chief of the republic of Mexico, authorizing him to take
+all cargoes whatever of provisions, bound to any royalist Spanish
+port--that my cargo being bound to an enemy's port, must be condemned;
+but that the vessel should be given up and be put into a fair channel
+for Trinidad, where I was bound." I requested him to examine the papers
+thoroughly, and perhaps he would be convinced to the contrary, and told
+him my cargo was all American property taken in at Boston, and consigned
+to an American gentleman, agent at Trinidad. But the captain would not
+take the trouble, but ordered both vessels under way immediately, and
+commenced beating up amongst the Keys through most of the day, the wind
+being very light. They now sent their boats on board the Exertion for
+stores, and commenced plundering her of bread, butter, lard, onions,
+potatoes, fish, beans, &c., took up some sugar box shocks that were on
+deck, and found the barrels of apples; selected the best of them and
+threw the rest overboard. They inquired for spirits, wine, cider, &c.
+and were told "they had already taken all that was on board." But not
+satisfied they proceeded to search the state rooms and forcastle, ripped
+up the floor of the later and found some boxes of bottled cider, which
+they carried to their vessel, gave three cheers, in an exulting manner
+to me, and then began drinking it with such freedom, that a violent
+quarrel arose between officers and men, which came very near ending in
+bloodshed. I was accused of falsehood, for saying they had got all the
+liquors that were on board, and I thought they had; the truth was, I
+never had any bill of lading of the cider, and consequently had no
+recollection of its being on board; yet it served them as an excuse for
+being insolent. In the evening peace was restored and they sung songs. I
+was suffered to go below for the night, and they placed a guard over me,
+stationed at the companion way.
+
+Wednesday, 19th, commenced with moderate easterly winds, beating towards
+the northeast, the pirate's boats frequently going on board the Exertion
+for potatoes, fish, beans, butter, &c. which were used with great waste
+and extravagance. They gave me food and drink, but of bad quality, more
+particularly the victuals, which was wretchedly cooked. The place
+assigned me to eat was covered with dirt and vermin. It appeared that
+their great object was to hurt my feelings with threats and
+observations, and to make my situation as unpleasant as circumstances
+would admit. We came to anchor near a Key, called by them Brigantine,
+where myself and mate were permitted to go on shore, but were guarded by
+several armed pirates. I soon returned to the Mexican and my mate to the
+Exertion, with George Reed, one of my crew; the other two being kept on
+board the Mexican. In the course of this day I had considerable
+conversation with Nickola, who appeared well disposed towards me. He
+lamented most deeply his own situation, for he was one of those men,
+whose early good impressions were not entirely effaced, although
+confederated with guilt. He told me "those who had taken me were no
+better than pirates, and their end would be the halter; but," he added,
+with peculiar emotion, "I will never be hung as a pirate," showing me a
+bottle of laudanum which he had found in my medicine chest, saying, "If
+we are taken, that shall cheat the hangman, before we are condemned." I
+endeavored to get it from him, but did not succeed. I then asked him how
+he came to be in such company, as he appeared to be dissatisfied. He
+stated, that he was at New Orleans last summer, out of employment, and
+became acquainted with one Captain August Orgamar, a Frenchman, who had
+bought a small schooner of about fifteen tons, and was going down to the
+bay of Mexico to get a commission under General Traspelascus, in order
+to go a privateering under the patriot flag. Capt. Orgamar made him
+liberal offers respecting shares, and promised him a sailing master's
+berth, which he accepted and embarked on board the schooner, without
+sufficiently reflecting on the danger of such an undertaking. Soon after
+she sailed from Mexico, where they got a commission, and the vessel was
+called Mexican. They made up a complement of twenty men, and after
+rendering the General some little service, in transporting his troops
+to a place called ---- proceeded on a cruise; took some small prizes off
+Campeachy; afterwards came on the south coast of Cuba, where they took
+other small prizes, and the one which we were now on board of. By this
+time the crew were increased to about forty, nearly one half Spaniards,
+the others Frenchmen and Portuguese. Several of them had sailed out of
+ports in the United States with American protections; but, I confidently
+believe, none are natives, especially of the northern states. I was
+careful in examining the men, being desirous of knowing if any of my
+countrymen were among this wretched crew; but am satisfied there were
+none, and my Scotch friend concurred in the opinion. And now, with a new
+vessel, which was the prize of these plunderers, they sailed up
+Manganeil bay; previously, however, they fell in with an American
+schooner, from which they bought four barrels of beef, and paid in
+tobacco. At the Bay was an English brig belonging to Jamaica, owned by
+Mr. John Louden of that place. On board of this vessel the Spanish part
+of the crew commenced their depredations as pirates, although Captain
+Orgamar and Nickola protested against it, and refused any participation;
+but they persisted, and like so many ferocious blood-hounds, boarded the
+brig, plundered the cabin, stores, furniture, captain's trunk, &c., took
+a hogshead of rum, one twelve pound carronade, some rigging and sails.
+One of them plundered the chest of a sailor, who made some resistance,
+so that the Spaniard took his cutlass, and beat and wounded him without
+mercy. Nickola asked him "why he did it?" the fellow answered, "I will
+let you know," and took up the cook's axe and gave him a cut on the
+head, which nearly deprived him of life. Then they ordered Captain
+Orgamar to leave his vessel, allowing him his trunk and turned him
+ashore, to seek for himself. Nickola begged them to dismiss him with his
+captain, but no, no, was the answer; for they had no complete navigator
+but him. After Captain Orgamar was gone, they put in his stead the
+present brave (or as I should call him cowardly) Captain Jonnia, who
+headed them in plundering the before mentioned brig, and made Bolidar
+their first lieutenant, and then proceeded down among those Keys or
+Islands, where I was captured. This is the amount of what my friend
+Nickola told me of their history.
+
+Saturday, 22d.--Both vessels under way standing to the eastward, they
+ran the Exertion aground on a bar, but after throwing overboard most of
+her deck load of shooks, she floated off; a pilot was sent to her, and
+she was run into a narrow creek between two keys, where they moored her
+head and stern along side of the mangrove trees, set down her yards and
+topmasts, and covered her mast heads and shrouds with bushes to prevent
+her being seen by vessels which might pass that way. I was then suffered
+to go on board my own vessel, and found her in a very filthy condition;
+sails torn, rigging cut to pieces, and every thing in the cabin in waste
+and confusion. The swarms of moschetoes and sand-flies made it
+impossible to get any sleep or rest. The pirate's large boat was armed
+and manned under Bolidar, and sent off with letters to a merchant (as
+they called him) by the name of Dominico, residing in a town called
+Principe, on the main island of Cuba. I was told by one of them, who
+could speak English, that Principe was a very large and populous town,
+situated at the head of St. Maria, which was about twenty miles
+northeast from where we lay, and the Keys lying around us were called
+Cotton Keys.--The captain pressed into his service Francis de Suze, one
+of my crew, saying that he was one of his countrymen. Francis was very
+reluctant in going, and said to me, with tears in his eyes, "I shall do
+nothing but what I am obliged to do, and will not aid in the least to
+hurt you or the vessel; I am very sorry to leave you." He was
+immediately put on duty and Thomas Goodall sent back to the Exertion.
+
+Sunday, 23d.--Early this morning a large number of the pirates came on
+board of the Exertion, threw out the long boat, broke open the hatches,
+and took out considerable of the cargo, in search of rum, gin, &c.,
+still telling me "I had some and they would find it," uttering the most
+awful profaneness. In the afternoon their boat returned with a perough,
+having on board the captain, his first lieutenant and seven men of a
+patriot or piratical vessel that was chased ashore at Cape Cruz by a
+Spanish armed brig. These seven men made their escape in said boat, and
+after four days, found our pirates and joined them; the remainder of the
+crew being killed or taken prisoners.
+
+Monday, 24th.--Their boat was manned and sent to the before-mentioned
+town.--I was informed by a line from Nickola, that the pirates had a man
+on board, a native of Principe, who, in the garb of a sailor, was a
+partner with Dominico, but I could not get sight of him. This lets us a
+little into the plans by which this atrocious system of piracy has been
+carried on. Merchants having partners on board of these pirates! thus
+pirates at sea and robbers on land are associated to destroy the
+peaceful trader. The willingness exhibited by the seven above-mentioned
+men, to join our gang of pirates, seems to look like a general
+understanding among them; and from there being merchants on shore so
+base as to encourage the plunder and vend the goods, I am persuaded
+there has been a systematic confederacy on the part of these
+unprincipled desperadoes, under cover of the patriot flag; and those on
+land are no better than those on the sea. If the governments to whom
+they belong know of the atrocities committed (and I have but little
+doubt they do) they deserve the execration of all mankind.
+
+Thursday, 27th.--A gang of the pirates came and stripped our masts of
+the green bushes, saying, "she appeared more like a sail than
+trees"--took one barrel of bread and one of potatoes, using about one of
+each every day. I understood they were waiting for boats to take the
+cargo; for the principal merchant had gone to Trinidad.
+
+Sunday, 30th.--The beginning of trouble! This day, which peculiarly
+reminds Christians of the high duties of compassion and benevolence, was
+never observed by these pirates. This, of course, we might expect, as
+they did not often know when the day came, and if they knew it, it was
+spent in gambling. The old saying among seamen, "no Sunday off
+soundings," was not thought of; and even this poor plea was not theirs,
+for they were on soundings and often at anchor.--Early this morning, the
+merchant, as they called him, came with a large boat for the cargo. I
+was immediately ordered into the boat with my crew, not allowed any
+breakfast, and carried about three miles to a small island out of sight
+of the Exertion, and left there by the side of a little pond of thick,
+muddy water, which proved to be very brackish, with nothing to eat but a
+few biscuits. One of the boat's men told us the merchant was afraid of
+being recognized, and when he had gone the boat would return for us; but
+we had great reason to apprehend they would deceive us, and therefore
+passed the day in the utmost anxiety. At night, however, the boats came
+and took us again on board the Exertion; when, to our surprise and
+astonishment, we found they had broken open the trunks and chests, and
+taken all our wearing apparel, not even leaving a shirt or pair of
+pantaloons, nor sparing a small miniature of my wife which was in my
+trunk. The little money I and my mate had, with some belonging to the
+owners, my mate had previously distributed about the cabin in three or
+four parcels, while I was on board the pirate, for we dare not keep it
+about us; one parcel in a butter pot they did not discover.--Amidst the
+hurry with which I was obliged to go to the before-mentioned island, I
+fortunately snatched by vessel's papers, and hid them in my bosom, which
+the reader will find was a happy circumstance for me. My writing desk,
+with papers, accounts, &c., all Mr. Lord's letters (the gentlemen to
+whom my cargo was consigned) and several others were taken and
+maliciously destroyed. My medicine chest, which I so much wanted, was
+kept for their own use. What their motive could be to take my papers I
+could not imagine, except they had hopes of finding bills of lading for
+some Spaniards, to clear them from piracy. Mr. Bracket had some notes
+and papers of consequence to him, which shared the same fate. My
+quadrant, charts, books and bedding were not yet taken, but I found it
+impossible to hide them, and they were soon gone from my sight.
+
+[Illustration: _A Cave in the Caicos group of the West India Islands._]
+
+Tuesday, January 1st, 1822--A sad new-year's day to me. Before breakfast
+orders came for me to cut down the Exertion's railing and bulwarks on
+one side, for their vessel to heave out by, and clean her bottom. On my
+hesitating a little they observed with anger, "very well, captain,
+suppose you no do it quick, we do it for you." Directly afterwards
+another boat full of armed men came along side; they jumped on deck with
+swords drawn, and ordered all of us into her immediately; I stepped
+below, in hopes of getting something which would be of service to us;
+but the captain hallooed, "Go into the boat directly or I will fire upon
+you." Thus compelled to obey, we were carried, together with four
+Spanish prisoners, to a small, low island or key of sand in the shape of
+a half moon, and partly covered with mangrove trees; which was about one
+mile from and in sight of my vessel. There they left nine of us, with a
+little bread, flour, fish, lard, a little coffee and molasses; two or
+three kegs of water, which was brackish; an old sail for a covering, and
+a pot and some other articles no way fit to cook in. Leaving us these,
+which were much less than they appear in the enumeration, they pushed
+off, saying, "we will come to see you in a day or two." Selecting the
+best place, we spread the old sail for an awning; but no place was free
+from flies, moschetoes, snakes, the venomous skinned scorpion, and the
+more venomous santipee. Sometimes they were found crawling inside of
+our pantaloons, but fortunately no injury was received. This afternoon
+the pirates hove their vessel out by the Exertion and cleaned one side,
+using her paints, oil, &c. for that purpose. To see my vessel in that
+situation and to think of our prospects was a source of the deepest
+distress. At night we retired to our tent; but having nothing but the
+cold damp ground for a bed, and the heavy dew of night penetrating the
+old canvass--the situation of the island being fifty miles from the
+usual track of friendly vessels, and one hundred and thirty-five from
+Trinidad--seeing my owner's property so unjustly and wantonly
+destroyed--considering my condition, the hands at whose mercy I was, and
+deprived of all hopes, rendered sleep or rest a stranger to me.
+
+Friday, 4th.--Commenced with light winds and hot sun, saw a boat coming
+from the Exertion, apparently loaded; she passed between two small Keys
+to northward, supposed to be bound for Cuba. At sunset a boat came and
+inquired if we wanted anything, but instead of adding to our provisions,
+took away our molasses, and pushed off. We found one of the Exertion's
+water casks, and several pieces of plank, which we carefully laid up, in
+hopes of getting enough to make a raft.
+
+Saturday, 5th.--Pirates again in sight, coming from the eastward; they
+beat up along side their prize, and commenced loading. In the afternoon
+Nickola came to us, bringing with him two more prisoners, which they had
+taken in a small sail boat coming from Trinidad to Manganeil, one a
+Frenchman, the other a Scotchman, with two Spaniards, who remained on
+board the pirate, and who afterwards joined them. The back of one of
+these poor fellows was extremely sore, having just suffered a cruel
+beating from Bolidar, with the broad side of a cutlass. It appeared,
+that when the officer asked him "where their money was, and how much,"
+he answered, "he was not certain but believed they had only two ounces
+of gold"--Bolidar furiously swore he said "ten," and not finding any
+more, gave him the beating. Nickola now related to me a singular fact;
+which was, that the Spanish part of the crew were determined to shoot
+him; that they tied him to the mast, and a man was appointed for the
+purpose; but Lion, a Frenchman, his particular friend, stepped up and
+told them, if they shot him they must shoot several more; some of the
+Spaniards sided with him, and he was released. Nickola told me, the
+reason for such treatment was, that he continually objected to their
+conduct towards me, and their opinion if he should escape, they would be
+discovered, as he declared he would take no prize money. While with us
+he gave me a letter written in great haste, which contains some
+particulars respecting the cargo;--as follows:--
+
+_January 4th,_ 1822.
+
+Sir,--We arrived here this morning, and before we came to anchor, had
+five canoes alongside ready to take your cargo, part of which we had in;
+and as I heard you express a wish to know what they took out of her, to
+this moment, you may depend upon this account of Jamieson for quality
+and quantity; if I have the same opportunity you will have an account of
+the whole. The villain who bought your cargo is from the town of
+Principe, his name is Dominico, as to that it is all that I can learn;
+they have taken your charts aboard the schooner Mexican, and I suppose
+mean to keep them, as the other captain has agreed to act the same
+infamous part in the tragedy of his life. Your clothes are here on
+board, but do not let me flatter you that you will get them back; it may
+be so, and it may not. Perhaps in your old age, when you recline with
+ease in a corner of your cottage, you will have the goodness to drop a
+tear of pleasure to the memory of him, whose highest ambition should
+have been to subscribe himself, though devoted to the gallows, your
+friend,
+
+Excuse haste. NICKOLA MONACRE.
+
+Sunday, 6th.--The pirates were under way at sunrise, with a full load of
+the Exertion's cargo, going to Principe again to sell a second freight,
+which was done readily for cash. I afterwards heard that the flour only
+fetched five dollars per barrel, when it was worth at Trinidad thirteen;
+so that the villain who bought my cargo at Principe, made very large
+profits by it.
+
+Tuesday, 8th.--Early this morning the pirates in sight again, with fore
+top sail and top gallant sail set; beat up along side of the Exertion
+and commenced loading; having, as I supposed, sold and discharged her
+last freight among some of the inhabitants of Cuba. They appeared to
+load in great haste; and the song, "O he oh," which echoed from one
+vessel to the other, was distinctly heard by us. How wounding was this
+to me! How different was this sound from what it would have been, had I
+been permitted to pass unmolested by these lawless plunderers, and been
+favored with a safe arrival at the port of my destination, where my
+cargo would have found an excellent sale. Then would the "O he oh," on
+its discharging, have been a delightful sound to me. In the afternoon
+she sailed with the perough in tow, both with a full load, having
+chairs, which was part of the cargo, slung at her quarters.
+
+Monday, 14th.--They again hove in sight, and beat up as usual,
+along-side their prize. While passing our solitary island, they laughed
+at our misery, which was almost insupportable--looking upon us as though
+we had committed some heinous crime, and they had not sufficiently
+punished us; they hallooed to us, crying out "Captain, Captain,"
+accompanied with obscene motions and words, with which I shall not
+blacken these pages--yet I heard no check upon such conduct, nor could I
+expect it among such a gang, who have no idea of subordination on
+board, except when in chase of vessels, and even then but very little.
+My resentment was excited at such a malicious outrage, and I felt a
+disposition to revenge myself, should fortune ever favor me with an
+opportunity. It was beyond human nature not to feel and express some
+indignation at such treatment.--Soon after, Bolidar, with five men, well
+armed, came to us; he having a blunderbuss, cutlass, a long knife and
+pair of pistols--but for what purpose did he come? He took me by the
+hand, saying, "Captain, me speak with you, walk this way." I obeyed, and
+when at some distance from my fellow prisoners, (his men following) he
+said, "the captain send me for your _wash_" I pretended not to
+understand what he meant, and replied, "I have no clothes, nor any soap
+to wash with--you have taken them all," for I had kept my watch about
+me, hoping they would not discover it. He demanded it again as before;
+and was answered, "I have nothing to wash;" this raised his anger, and
+lifting his blunderbuss, he roared out, "what the d--l you call him that
+make clock? give it me." I considered it imprudent to contend any
+longer, and submitted to his unlawful demand. As he was going off, he
+gave me a small bundle, in which was a pair of linen drawers, sent to me
+by Nickola, and also the Rev. Mr. Brooks' "Family Prayer Book." This
+gave me great satisfaction. Soon after, he returned with his captain,
+who had one arm slung up, yet with as many implements of war, as his
+diminutive wicked self could conveniently carry; he told me (through an
+interpreter who was his prisoner.) "that on his cruize he had fallen in
+with two Spanish privateers, and beat them off; but had three of his men
+killed, and himself wounded in the arm"--Bolidar turned to me and said,
+"it is a d--n lie"--which words proved to be correct, for his arm was
+not wounded, and when I saw him again, which was soon afterwards, he had
+forgotten to sling it up. He further told me, "after tomorrow you shall
+go with your vessel, and we will accompany you towards Trinidad." This
+gave me some new hopes, and why I could not tell. They then left us
+without rendering any assistance.--This night we got some rest.
+
+Tuesday, 15th. The words "go after tomorrow," were used among our
+Spanish fellow prisoners, as though that happy tomorrow would never
+come--in what manner it came will soon be noticed.
+
+Friday, 18th commenced with brighter prospects of liberty than ever. The
+pirates were employed in setting up our devoted schooner's shrouds,
+stays, &c. My condition now reminded me of the hungry man, chained in
+one corner of a room, while at another part was a table loaded with
+delicious food and fruits, the smell and sight of which he was
+continually to experience, but alas! his chains were never to be loosed
+that he might go and partake--at almost the same moment they were thus
+employed, the axe was applied with the greatest dexterity to both her
+masts and I saw them fall over the side! Here fell my hopes--I looked at
+my condition, and then thought of home.--Our Spanish fellow prisoners
+were so disappointed and alarmed that they recommended hiding ourselves,
+if possible, among the mangrove trees, believing, as they said, we
+should now certainly be put to death; or, what was worse, compelled to
+serve on board the Mexican as pirates. Little else it is true, seemed
+left for us; however, we kept a bright look out for them during the day,
+and at night "an anchor watch" as we called it, determined if we
+discovered their boats coming towards us, to adopt the plan of hiding,
+although starvation stared us in the face--yet preferred that to instant
+death. This night was passed in sufficient anxiety--I took the first
+watch.
+
+Saturday, 19th.--The pirate's largest boat came for us--it being
+day-light, and supposing they could see us, determined to stand our
+ground and wait the result. They ordered us all into the boat, but left
+every thing else; they rowed towards the Exertion--I noticed a
+dejection of spirits in one of the pirates, and inquired of him where
+they were going to carry us? He shook his head and replied, "I do not
+know." I now had some hopes of visiting my vessel again--but the pirates
+made sail, ran down, took us in tow and stood out of the harbor. Bolidar
+afterwards took me, my mate and two of my men on board and gave us some
+coffee. On examination I found they had several additional light sails,
+made of the Exertion's. Almost every man, a pair of canvas trousers; and
+my colors cut up and made into belts to carry their money about them. My
+jolly boat was on deck, and I was informed, all my rigging was disposed
+of. Several of the pirates had on some of my clothes, and the captain
+one of my best shirts, a cleaner one, than I had ever seen him have on
+before.--He kept at a good distance from me, and forbid my friend
+Nickola's speaking to me.--I saw from the companion way in the captain's
+cabin my quadrant, spy glass and other things which belonged to us, and
+observed by the compass, that the course steered was about west by
+south,--distance nearly twenty miles, which brought them up with a
+cluster of islands called by some "Cayman Keys." Here they anchored and
+caught some fish, (one of which was named _guard fish_) of which we had
+a taste. I observed that my friend Mr. Bracket was somewhat dejected,
+and asked him in a low voice, what his opinion was with respects to our
+fate? He answered, "I cannot tell you, but it appears to me the worst is
+to come." I told him that I hoped not, but thought they would give us
+our small boat and liberate the prisoners. But mercy even in this shape
+was not left-for us. Soon after, saw the captain and officers
+whispering for some time in private conference. When over, their boat
+was manned under the commond of Bolidar, and went to one of those
+Islands or Keys before mentioned. On their return, another conference
+took place--whether it was a jury upon our lives we could not tell. I
+did not think conscience could be entirely extinguished in the human
+breast, or that men could become fiends. In the afternoon, while we knew
+not the doom which had been fixed for us, the captain was engaged with
+several of his men in gambling, in hopes to get back some of the five
+hundred dollars, they said, he lost but a few nights before; which had
+made his unusually fractious. A little before sunset he ordered all the
+prisoners into the large boat, with a supply of provisions and water,
+and to be put on shore. While we were getting into her, one of my fellow
+prisoners, a Spaniard, attempted with tears in his eyes to speak to the
+captain, but was refused with the answer. "I'll have nothing to say to
+any prisoner, go into the boat." In the mean time Nickola said to me,
+"My friend, I will give you your book," (being Mr. Colman's Sermons,)
+"it is the only thing of yours that is in my possession; I dare not
+attempt any thing more." But the captain forbid his giving it to me, and
+I stepped into the boat--at that moment Nickola said in a low voice,
+"never mind, I may see you again before I die." The small boat was well
+armed and manned, and both set off together for the island, where they
+had agreed to leave us to perish! The scene to us was a funereal scene.
+There were no arms in the prisoners boat, and, of course, all attempts
+to relieve ourselves would have been throwing our lives away, as Bolidar
+was near us, well armed. We were rowed about two miles north-easterly
+from the pirates, to a small low island, lonely and desolate. We arrived
+about sunset; and for the support of us eleven prisoners, they only left
+a ten gallon keg of water, and perhaps a few quarts, in another small
+vessel, which was very poor; part of a barrel of flour, a small keg of
+lard, one ham and some salt fish; a small kettle and an old broken pot;
+an old sail for a covering, and a small mattress and blanket, which was
+thrown out as the boats hastened away. One of the prisoners happened to
+have a little coffee in his pocket, and these comprehended all our means
+of sustaining life, and for what length of time we knew not. We now
+felt the need of water, and our supply was comparatively nothing. A man
+may live nearly twice as long without food, as without water. Look at us
+now, my friends, left benighted on a little spot of sand in the midst of
+the ocean, far from the usual track of vessels, and every appearance of
+a violent thunder tempest, and a boisterous night. Judge of my feelings,
+and the circumstances which our band of sufferers now witnessed. Perhaps
+you can and have pitied us. I assure you, we were very wretched; and to
+paint the scene, is not within my power. When the boats were moving from
+the shore, on recovering myself a little, I asked Bolidar, "If he was
+going to leave us so?"--he answered, "no, only two days--we go for water
+and wood, then come back, take you." I requested him to give us bread
+and other stores, for they had plenty in the boat, and at least one
+hundred barrels of flour in the Mexican. "No, no, suppose to-morrow
+morning me come, me give you bread," and hurried off to the vessel. This
+was the last time I saw him. We then turned our attention upon finding a
+spot most convenient for our comfort, and soon discovered a little roof
+supported by stakes driven into the sand; it was thatched with leaves of
+the cocoa-nut tree, considerable part of which was torn or blown off.
+After spreading the old sail over this roof, we placed our little stock
+of provisions under it. Soon after came on a heavy shower of rain which
+penetrated the canvas, and made it nearly as uncomfortable inside, as it
+would have been out. We were not prepared to catch water, having nothing
+to put it in. Our next object was to get fire, and after gathering some
+of the driest fuel to be found, and having a small piece of cotton
+wick-yarn, with flint and steel, we kindled a fire, which was never
+afterwards suffered to be extinguished. The night was very dark, but we
+found a piece of old rope, which when well lighted served for a candle.
+On examining the ground under the roof, we found perhaps thousands of
+creeping insects, scorpions, lizards, crickets, &c. After scraping them
+out as well as we could, the most of us having nothing but the damp
+earth for a bed, laid ourselves down in hopes of some rest; but it being
+so wet, gave many of us severe colds, and one of the Spaniards was quite
+sick for several days.
+
+Sunday, 20th.--As soon as day-light came on, we proceeded to take a view
+of our little island, and found it to measure only one acre, of coarse,
+white sand; about two feet, and in some spots perhaps three feet above
+the surface of the ocean. On the highest part were growing some bushes
+and small mangroves, (the dry part of which was our fuel) and the wild
+castor oil beans. We were greatly disappointed in not finding the latter
+suitable food; likewise some of the prickly pear bushes, which gave us
+only a few pears about the size of our small button pear; the outside
+has thorns, which if applied to the fingers or lips, will remain there,
+and cause a severe smarting similar to the nettle; the inside a spungy
+substance, full of juice and seeds, which are red and a little
+tartish--had they been there in abundance, we should not have suffered
+so much for water--but alas! even this substitute was not for us. On the
+northerly side of the island was a hollow, where the tide penetrated the
+sand, leaving stagnant water. We presumed, in hurricanes the island was
+nearly overflowed. According to the best calculations I could make, we
+were about thirty-five miles from any part of Cuba, one hundred from
+Trinidad and forty from the usual track of American vessels, or others
+which might pass that way. No vessel of any considerable size, can
+safely pass among these Keys (or "Queen's Gardens," as the Spaniards
+call them) being a large number extending from Cape Cruz to Trinidad,
+one hundred and fifty miles distance; and many more than the charts have
+laid down, most of them very low and some covered at high water, which
+makes it very dangerous for navigators without a skilful pilot. After
+taking this view of our condition, which was very gloomy, we began to
+suspect we were left on this desolate island by those merciless
+plunderers to perish. Of this I am now fully convinced; still we looked
+anxiously for the pirate's boat to come according to promise with more
+water and provisions, but looked in vain. We saw them soon after get
+under way with all sail set and run directly from us until out of our
+sight, and _we never saw them again_! One may partially imagine our
+feelings, but they cannot be put into words. Before they were entirely
+out of sight of us, we raised the white blanket upon a pole, waving it
+in the air, in hopes, that at two miles distance they would see it and
+be moved to pity. But pity in such monsters was not to be found. It was
+not their interest to save us from the lingering death, which we now saw
+before us. We tried to compose ourselves, trusting to God, who had
+witnessed our sufferings, would yet make use of some one, as the
+instrument of his mercy towards us. Our next care, now, was to try for
+water. We dug several holes in the sand and found it, but quite too salt
+for use. The tide penetrates probably through the island. We now came on
+short allowances for water. Having no means of securing what we had by
+lock and key, some one in the night would slyly drink, and it was soon
+gone. The next was to bake some bread, which we did by mixing flour with
+salt water and frying it in lard, allowing ourselves eight quite small
+pancakes to begin with. The ham was reserved for some more important
+occasion, and the salt fish was lost for want of fresh water. The
+remainder of this day was passed in the most serious conversation and
+reflection. At night, I read prayers from the "Prayer Book," before
+mentioned, which I most carefully concealed while last on board the
+pirates. This plan was pursued morning and evening, during our stay
+there. Then retired for rest and sleep, but realized little of either.
+
+Monday, 21st.--In the morning we walked round the beach, in expectation
+of finding something useful. On our way picked up a paddle about three
+feet long, very similar to the Indian canoe paddle, except the handle,
+which was like that of a shovel, the top part being split off; we laid
+it by for the present. We likewise found some konchs and roasted them;
+they were pretty good shell fish, though rather tough. We discovered at
+low water, a bar or spit of sand extending north-easterly from us, about
+three miles distant, to a cluster of Keys, which were covered with
+mangrove trees, perhaps as high as our quince tree. My friend Mr.
+Bracket and George attempted to wade across, being at that time of tide
+only up to their armpits; but were pursued by a shark, and returned
+without success. The tide rises about four feet.
+
+Tuesday, 22d.--We found several pieces of the palmetto or cabbage tree,
+and some pieces of boards, put them together in the form of a raft, and
+endeavored to cross, but that proved ineffectual. Being disappointed, we
+set down to reflect upon other means of relief, intending to do all in
+our power for safety while our strength continued. While setting here,
+the sun was so powerful and oppressive, reflecting its rays upon the
+sea, which was then calm, and the white sand which dazzled the eye, was
+so painful, that we retired under the awning; there the moschetoes and
+flies were so numerous, that good rest could not be found. We were,
+however, a little cheered, when, in scraping out the top of the ground
+to clear out, I may say, thousands of crickets and bugs, we found a
+hatchet, which was to us peculiarly serviceable. At night the strong
+north-easterly wind, which prevails there at all seasons, was so cold as
+to make it equally uncomfortable with the day. Thus day after day, our
+sufferings and apprehensions multiplying, we were very generally
+alarmed.
+
+Thursday, 24th.--This morning, after taking a little coffee, made of the
+water which we thought least salt, and two or three of the little
+cakes, we felt somewhat refreshed, and concluded to make another visit
+to those Keys, in hopes of finding something more, which might make a
+raft for us to escape the pirates, and avoid perishing by thirst.
+Accordingly seven of us set off, waded across the bar and searched all
+the Keys thereabouts. On one we found a number of sugar-box shooks, two
+lashing plank and some pieces of old spars, which were a part of the
+Exertion's deck load, that was thrown overboard when she grounded on the
+bar, spoken of in the first part of the narrative. It seems they had
+drifted fifteen miles, and had accidentally lodged on these very Keys
+within our reach. Had the pirates known this, they would undoubtedly
+have placed us in another direction. They no doubt thought that they
+could not place us on a worse place. The wind at this time was blowing
+so strong on shore, as to prevent rafting our stuff round to our island,
+and we were obliged to haul it upon the beach for the present; then dug
+for water in the highest place, but found it as salt as ever, and then
+returned to our habitation. But hunger and thirst began to prey upon us,
+and our comforts were as few as our hopes.
+
+Friday, 25th.--Again passed over to those Keys to windward in order to
+raft our stuff to our island, it being most convenient for building. But
+the surf on the beach was so very rough, that we were again compelled to
+postpone it. Our courage, however, did not fail where there was the
+slightest hopes of life. Returning without it, we found on our way an
+old top timber of some vessel; it had several spikes on it, which we
+afterwards found very serviceable. In the hollow of an old tree, we
+found two guarnas of small size, one male, the other female. Only one
+was caught. After taking off the skin, we judged it weighed a pound and
+a half. With some flour and lard, (the only things we had except salt
+water,) it made us a fine little mess. We thought it a rare dish, though
+a small one for eleven half starved persons. At the same time a small
+vessel hove in sight; we made a signal to her with the blanket tied to a
+pole and placed it on the highest tree--some took off their white
+clothes and waved them in the air, hoping they would come to us; should
+they be pirates, they could do no more than kill us, and perhaps would
+give us some water, for which we began to suffer most excessively; but,
+notwithstanding all our efforts, she took no notice of us.
+
+Saturday, 26th.--This day commenced with moderate weather and smooth
+sea; at low tide found some cockles; boiled and eat them, but they were
+very painful to the stomach. David Warren had a fit of strangling, with
+swelling of the bowels; but soon recovered, and said, "something like
+salt rose in his throat and choked him." Most of us then set off for the
+Keys, where the plank and shooks were put together in a raft, which we
+with pieces of boards paddled over to our island; when we consulted the
+best plan, either to build a raft large enough for us all to go on, or a
+boat; but the shooks having three or four nails in each, and having a
+piece of large reed or bamboo, previously found, of which we made pins,
+we concluded to make a boat.
+
+Sunday, 27--Commenced our labor, for which I know we need offer no
+apology. We took the two planks, which were about fourteen feet long,
+and two and a half wide, and fixed them together for the bottom of the
+boat; then with moulds made of palmetto bark, cut timber and knees from
+mangrove trees which spread so much as to make the boat four feet wide
+at the top, placed them exactly the distance apart of an Havana sugar
+box.--Her stern was square and the bows tapered to a peak, making her
+form resemble a flat-iron. We proceeded thus far and returned to rest
+for the night--but Mr. Bracket was too unwell to get much sleep.
+
+Monday, 28--Went on with the work as fast as possible. Some of the
+Spaniards had long knives about them, which proved very useful in
+fitting timbers, and a gimblet of mine, accidentally found on board the
+pirate, enabled us to use the wooden pins. And now our spirits began to
+revive, though _water, water_, was continually in our minds. We now
+feared the pirates might possibly come, find out our plan and put us to
+death, (although before we had wished to see them, being so much in want
+of water.) Our labor was extremely burdensome, and the Spaniards
+considerably peevish--but they would often say to me "never mind
+captain, by and by, Americana or Spanyola catch them, me go and see 'um
+hung." We quitted work for the day, cooked some cakes but found it
+necessary to reduce the quantity again, however small before. We found
+some herbs on a windward Key, which the Spaniards called Spanish
+tea.--This when well boiled we found somewhat palatable, although the
+water was very salt. This herb resembles pennyroyal in look and taste,
+though not so pungent. In the evening when we were setting round the
+fire to keep of the moschetoes, I observed David Warren's eyes shone
+like glass. The mate said to him--"David I think you will die before
+morning--I think you are struck with death now." I thought so too, and
+told him, "I thought it most likely we should all die here soon; but as
+some one of us might survive to carry the tidings to our friends, if you
+have any thing to say respecting your family, now is the time."--He then
+said, "I have a mother in Saco where I belong--she is a second time a
+widow--to-morrow if you can spare a scrap of paper and pencil I will
+write something." But no tomorrow came to him.--In the course of the
+night he had another spell of strangling, and soon after expired,
+without much pain and without a groan. He was about twenty-six years
+old.--How solemn was this scene to us! Here we beheld the ravages of
+death commenced upon us. More than one of us considered death a happy
+release. For myself I thought of my wife and children; and wished to
+live if God should so order it, though extreme thirst, hunger and
+exhaustion had well nigh prostrated my fondest hopes.
+
+Tuesday, 29th.--Part of us recommenced labor on the boat, while myself
+and Mr. Bracket went and selected the highest clear spot of sand on the
+northern side of the island, where we dug Warren's grave, and boxed it
+up with shooks, thinking it would be the most suitable spot for the rest
+of us--whose turn would come next, we knew not. At about ten o'clock,
+A.M. conveyed the corpse to the grave, followed by us survivers--a
+scene, whose awful solemnity can never be painted. We stood around the
+grave, and there I read the funeral prayer from the Rev. Mr. Brooks's
+Family Prayer Book; and committed the body to the earth; covered it with
+some pieces of board and sand, and returned to our labor. One of the
+Spaniards, an old man, named Manuel, who was partial to me, and I to
+him, made a cross and placed it at the head of the grave saying, "Jesus
+Christ hath him now." Although I did not believe in any mysterious
+influence of this cross, yet I was perfectly willing it should stand
+there. The middle part of the day being very warm, our mouths parched
+with thirst, and our spirits so depressed, that we made but little
+progress during the remainder of this day, but in the evening were
+employed in picking oakum out of the bolt rope taken from the old sail.
+
+Wednesday, 30th.--Returned to labor on the boat with as much vigor as
+our weak and debilitated state would admit, but it was a day of trial to
+us all; for the Spaniards and we Americans could not well understand
+each other's plans, and they being naturally petulant, would not work,
+nor listen with any patience for Joseph, our English fellow prisoner, to
+explain our views--they would sometimes undo what they had done, and in
+a few minutes replace it again; however before night we began to caulk
+her seams, by means of pieces of hard mangrove, made in form of a
+caulking-iron, and had the satisfaction of seeing her in a form
+something like a boat.
+
+Thursday, 31st.--Went on with the work, some at caulking, others at
+battening the seams with strips of canvas, and pieces of pine nailed
+over, to keep the oakum in. Having found a suitable pole for a mast, the
+rest went about making a sail from the one we had used for a covering,
+also fitting oars of short pieces of boards, in form of a paddle, tied
+on a pole, we having a piece of fishing line brought by one of the
+prisoners. Thus, at three P.M. the boat was completed and put
+afloat.--We had all this time confidently hoped, that she would be
+sufficiently large and strong to carry us all--we made a trial and were
+disappointed! This was indeed a severe trial, and the emotions it called
+up were not easy to be suppressed. She proved leaky, for we had no
+carpenter's yard, or smith's shop to go to.--And now the question was,
+"who should go, and how many?" I found it necessary for six; four to
+row, one to steer and one to bale. Three of the Spaniards and the
+Frenchman claimed the right, as being best acquainted with the nearest
+inhabitants; likewise, they had when taken, two boats left at St. Maria,
+(about forty miles distant,) which they were confident of finding. They
+promised to return within two or three days for the rest of us--I
+thought it best to consent--Mr. Bracket it was agreed should go in my
+stead, because my papers must accompany me as a necessary protection,
+and my men apprehended danger if they were lost. Joseph Baxter (I think
+was his name) they wished should go, because he could speak both
+languages--leaving Manuel, George, Thomas and myself, to wait their
+return. Having thus made all arrangements, and putting up a keg of the
+least salt water, with a few pancakes of salt fish, they set off a
+little before sunset with our best wishes and prayers for their safety
+and return to our relief.--To launch off into the wide ocean, with
+strength almost exhausted, and in such a frail boat as this, you will
+say was very hazardous, and in truth it was; but what else was left to
+us?--Their intention was to touch at the Key where the Exertion was and
+if no boat was to be found there, to proceed to St. Maria, and if none
+there, to go to Trinidad and send us relief.--But alas! it was the last
+time I ever saw them!--Our suffering this day was most acute.
+
+Tuesday, 5th.--About ten o'clock, A.M. discovered a boat drifting by on
+the southeastern side of the island about a mile distant. I deemed it a
+providential thing to us, and urged Thomas and George trying the raft
+for her. They reluctantly consented and set off, but it was nearly three
+P.M. when they came up with her--it was the same boat we had built!
+Where then was my friend Bracket and those who went with him? Every
+appearance was unfavorable.--I hoped that a good Providence had yet
+preserved him.--The two men who went for the boat, found it full of
+water, without oars, paddle, or sail; being in this condition, and about
+three miles to the leeward, the men found it impossible to tow her up,
+so left her, and were until eleven o'clock at night getting back with
+the raft. They were so exhausted, that had it not been nearly calm, they
+could never have returned.
+
+Wednesday, 6th.--This morning was indeed the most gloomy I had ever
+experienced.--There appeared hardly a ray of hope that my friend Bracket
+could return, seeing the boat was lost. Our provisions nearly gone; our
+mouths parched extremely with thirst; our strength wasted; our spirits
+broken, and our hopes imprisoned within the circumference of this
+desolate island in the midst of an unfrequented ocean; all these things
+gave to the scene around us the hue of death. In the midst of this
+dreadful despondence, a sail hove in sight bearing the white flag! Our
+hopes were raised, of course--but no sooner raised than darkened, by
+hearing a gun fired. Here then was another gang of pirates. She soon,
+however, came near enough to anchor, and her boat pushed off towards us
+with three men in her.--Thinking it now no worse to die by sword than
+famine, I walked down immediately to meet them. I knew them not.--A
+moment before the boat touched the ground, a man leaped from her bows
+and caught me in his arms! _It was Nickola_!--saying, "Do you now
+believe Nickola is your friend? yes, said he, _Jamieson_ will yet prove
+himself so."--No words can express my emotions at this moment. This was
+a friend indeed. The reason of my not recognizing them before, was that
+they had cut their beards and whiskers. Turning to my fellow-sufferers,
+Nickola asked--"Are these all that are left of you? where are the
+others?"--At this moment seeing David's grave--"are they dead then? Ah!
+I suspected it, I know what you were put here for." As soon as I could
+recover myself, I gave him an account of Mr. Bracket and the
+others.--"How unfortunate," he said, "they must be lost, or some pirates
+have taken them."--"But," he continued, "we have no time to lose; you
+had better embark immediately with us, and go where you please, we are
+at your service." The other two in the boat were Frenchmen, one named
+Lyon, the other Parrikete. They affectionately embraced each of us; then
+holding to my mouth the nose of a teakettle, filled with wine, said
+"Drink plenty, no hurt you." I drank as much as I judged prudent. They
+then gave it to my fellow sufferers--I experienced almost immediate
+relief, not feeling it in my head; they had also brought in the boat for
+us, a dish of salt beef and potatoes, of which we took a little. Then
+sent the boat on board for the other two men, being five in all; who
+came ashore, and rejoiced enough was I to see among them Thomas Young,
+one of my crew, who was detained on board the Mexican, but had escaped
+through Nickola's means; the other a Frenchman, named John Cadedt. I now
+thought again and again, with troubled emotion, of my dear friend
+Bracket's fate. I took the last piece of paper I had, and wrote with
+pencil a few words, informing him (should he come there) that "I and the
+rest were safe; that I was not mistaken in the friend in whom I had
+placed so much confidence, that he had accomplished my highest
+expectations; and that I should go immediately to Trinidad, and
+requested him to go there also, and apply to Mr. Isaac W. Lord, my
+consignee, for assistance." I put the paper into a junk bottle,
+previously found on the beach, put in a stopper, and left it, together
+with what little flour remained, a keg of water brought from Nickola's
+vessel, and a few other things which I thought might be of service to
+him. We then repaired with our friends on board, where we were kindly
+treated. She was a sloop from Jamaica, of about twelve tons, with a
+cargo of rum and wine, bound to Trinidad. I asked "which way they
+intended to go?" They said "to Jamaica if agreeable to me." As I
+preferred Trinidad, I told them, "if they would give me the Exertion's
+boat which was along-side (beside their own) some water and provisions,
+we would take chance in her."--"For perhaps," said I, "you will fare
+better at Jamaica, than at Trinidad." After a few minutes consultation,
+they said "you are too much exhausted to row the distance of one hundred
+miles, therefore we will go and carry you--we consider ourselves at your
+service." I expressed a wish to take a look at the Exertion, possibly we
+might hear something of Mr. Bracket. Nickola said "very well," so got
+under way, and run for her, having a light westerly wind. He then
+related to me the manner of their desertion from the pirates; as nearly
+as I can recollect his own words, he said, "A few days since, the
+pirates took four small vessels, I believe Spaniards; they having but
+two officers for the two first, the third fell to me as prize master,
+and having an understanding with the three Frenchmen and Thomas,
+selected them for my crew, and went on board with orders to follow the
+Mexican; which I obeyed. The fourth, the pirates took out all but one
+man and bade him also follow their vessel. Now our schooner leaked so
+bad, that we left her and in her stead agreed to take this little sloop
+(which we are now in) together with the one man. The night being very
+dark we all agreed to desert the pirates--altered our course and touched
+at St. Maria, where we landed the one man--saw no boats there, could
+hear nothing from you, and agreed one and all at the risk of our lives
+to come and liberate you if you were alive; knowing, as we did, that you
+were put on this Key to perish. On our way we boarded the Exertion,
+thinking possibly you might have been there. On board her we found a
+sail and paddle. We took one of the pirate's boats which they had left
+along-side of her, which proves how we came by two boats. My friend, the
+circumstance I am now about to relate, will somewhat astonish you. When
+the pirate's boat with Bolidar was sent to the before mentioned Key, on
+the 19th of January, it was their intention to leave you prisoners
+there, where was nothing but salt water and mangroves, and no
+possibility of escape. This was the plan of Baltizar, their abandoned
+pilot; but Bolidar's heart failed him, and he objected to it; then,
+after a conference, Captain Jonnia ordered you to be put on the little
+island from whence we have now taken you. But after this was done, that
+night the French and Portuguese part of the Mexican's crew protested
+against it; so that Captain Jonnia to satisfy them, sent his large boat
+to take you and your fellow prisoners back again, taking care to select
+his confidential Spaniards for this errand. And you will believe me they
+set off from the Mexican, and after spending about as much time as would
+really have taken them to come to you, they returned, and reported they
+had been to your island, and landed, and that none of you were there,
+somebody having taken you off! This, all my companions here know to be
+true.--I knew it was impossible you could have been liberated, and
+therefore we determined among ourselves, that should an opportunity
+occur we would come and save your lives, as we now have." He then
+expressed, as he hitherto had done (and I believe with sincerity), his
+disgust with the bad company which he had been in, and looked forward
+with anxiety to the day when he might return to his native country. I
+advised him to get on board an American vessel, whenever an opportunity
+offered, and come to the United States; and on his arrival direct a
+letter to me; repeating my earnest desire to make some return for the
+disinterested friendship which he had shown toward me. With the
+Frenchman I had but little conversation, being unacquainted with the
+language.
+
+Here ended Nickola's account. "And now" said the Frenchman, "our hearts
+be easy." Nickola observed he had left all and found us. I gave them my
+warmest tribute of gratitude, saying I looked upon them under God as the
+preservers of our lives, and promised them all the assistance which my
+situation might enable me to afford.--This brings me to,
+
+Thursday evening, 7th, when, at eleven o'clock, we anchored at the
+creek's mouth, near the Exertion. I was anxious to board her;
+accordingly took with me Nickola, Thomas, George and two others, well
+armed, each with a musket and cutlass. I jumped on her deck, saw a fire
+in the camboose, but no person there: I called aloud Mr. Bracket's name
+several times, saying "it is Captain Lincoln, don't be afraid, but show
+yourself," but no answer was given. She had no masts, spars, rigging,
+furniture, provisions or any think left, except her bowsprit, and a few
+barrels of salt provisions of her cargo. Her ceiling had holes cut in
+it, no doubt in their foolish search for money. I left her with peculiar
+emotions, such as I hope never again to experience; and returned to the
+little sloop where we remained till--
+
+Friday, 8th--When I had disposition to visit the island on which we
+were first imprisoned.----Found nothing there--saw a boat among the
+mangroves, near the Exertion. Returned, and got under way immediately
+for Trinidad. In the night while under full sail, run aground on a
+sunken Key, having rocks above the water, resembling old stumps of
+trees; we, however, soon got off and anchored. Most of those Keys have
+similar rocks about them, which navigators must carefully guard against.
+
+Monday, 11th--Got under way--saw a brig at anchor about five miles below
+the mouth of the harbor; we hoped to avoid her speaking us; but when we
+opened in sight of her, discovered a boat making towards us, with a
+number of armed men in her. This alarmed my friends, and as we did not
+see the brig's ensign hoisted, they declared the boat was a pirate, and
+looking through the spy-glass, they knew some of them to be the
+Mexican's men! This state of things was quite alarming. They said, "we
+will not be taken alive by them." Immediately the boat fired a musket;
+the ball passed through our mainsail. My friends insisted on beating
+them off: I endeavored to dissuade them, believing, as I did, that the
+brig was a Spanish man-of-war, who had sent her boat to ascertain who we
+were. I thought we had better heave to. Immediately another shot came.
+Then they insisted on fighting, and said "if I would not help them, I
+was no friend." I reluctantly acquiesced, and handed up the
+guns--commenced firing upon them and they upon us. We received several
+shot through the sails, but no one was hurt on either side. Our boats
+had been cast adrift to make us go the faster, and we gained upon
+them--continued firing until they turned from us, and went for our
+boats, which they took in tow for the brig. Soon after this, it became
+calm: then I saw that the brig had us in her power.--She manned and
+armed two more boats for us. We now concluded, since we had scarcely any
+ammunition, to surrender; and were towed down along-side the brig on
+board, and were asked by the captain, who could speak English, "what for
+you fire on the boat?" I told him "we thought her a pirate, and did not
+like to be taken by them again, having already suffered too much;"
+showing my papers. He said, "Captain Americana, never mind, go and take
+some dinner--which are your men?" I pointed them out to him, and he
+ordered them the liberty of the decks; but my friend Nickola and his
+three associates were immediately put in irons. They were, however,
+afterwards taken out of irons and examined; and I understood the
+Frenchmen agreed to enlist, as they judged it the surest way to better
+their condition. Whether Nickola enlisted, I do not know, but think that
+he did, as I understood that offer was made to him: I however endeavored
+to explain more distinctly to the captain, the benevolent efforts of
+these four men by whom my life had been saved, and used every argument
+in my power to procure their discharge. I also applied to the governor,
+and exerted myself with peculiar interest, dictated as I trust with
+heartfelt gratitude--and I ardently hope ere this, that Nickola is on
+his way to this country, where I may have an opportunity of convincing
+him that such an act of benevolence will not go unrewarded. Previous to
+my leaving Trinidad, I made all the arrangements in my power with my
+influential friends, and doubt not, that their laudable efforts will be
+accomplished.--The sloop's cargo was then taken on board the brig; after
+which the captain requested a certificate that I was politely treated by
+him, saying that his name was Captain Candama, of the privateer brig
+Prudentee of eighteen guns. This request I complied with. His first
+lieutenant told me he had sailed out of Boston, as commander for T.C.
+Amory, Esq. during the last war. In the course of the evening my friends
+were taken out of irons and examined separately, then put back again.
+The captain invited me to supper in his cabin, and a berth for the
+night, which was truly acceptable. The next morning after breakfast, I
+with my people were set on shore with the few things we had, with the
+promise of the Exertion's small boat in a day or two,--but it was never
+sent me--the reason, let the reader imagine. On landing at the wharf
+Casildar, we were immediately taken by soldiers to the guard house,
+which was a very filthy place; thinking I suppose, and even calling us,
+pirates. Soon some friends came to see me. Mr. Cotton, who resides there
+brought us in some soup. Mr. Isaac W. Lord, of Boston, my merchant, came
+with Captain Tate, who sent immediately to the governor; for I would not
+show my papers to any one else. He came about sunset, and after
+examining Manuel my Spanish fellow prisoner, and my papers, said to be,
+giving me the papers, "Captain, you are at liberty." I was kindly
+invited by Captain Matthew Rice, of schooner Galaxy, of Boston, to go on
+board his vessel, and live with him during my stay there. This generous
+offer I accepted, and was treated by him with the greatest hospitality;
+for I was hungered and he gave me meat, I was athirst and he gave me
+drink, I was naked and he clothed me, a stranger and he took me in. He
+likewise took Manuel and my three men for that night. Next day Mr. Lord
+rendered me all necessary assistance in making my protest. He had heard
+nothing from me until my arrival. I was greatly disappointed in not
+finding Mr. Bracket, and requested Mr. Lord to give him all needful aid
+if he should come there. To Captain Carnes, of the schooner Hannah, of
+Boston, I would tender my sincere thanks, for his kindness in giving me
+a passage to Boston, which I gladly accepted. To those gentlemen of
+Trinidad, and many captains of American vessels, who gave me sea
+clothing, &c., I offer my cordial gratitude.
+
+I am fully of the opinion that these ferocious pirates are linked in
+with many inhabitants of Cuba; and the government in many respects
+appears covertly to encourage them.
+
+It is with heartfelt delight, that, since the above narrative was
+written, I have learned that Mr. Bracket and his companions are safe; he
+arrived at Port d'Esprit, about forty leagues east of Trinidad. A letter
+has been received from him, stating that he should proceed to Trinidad
+the first opportunity.--It appears that after reaching the wreck, they
+found a boat from the shore, taking on board some of the Exertion's
+cargo, in which they proceeded to the above place. Why it was not in his
+power to come to our relief will no doubt be satisfactorily disclosed
+when he may be so fortunate as once more to return to his native country
+and friends.
+
+I felt great anxiety to learn what became of Jamieson, who, my readers
+will recollect, was detained on board the Spanish brig Prudentee near
+Trinidad. I heard nothing from him, until I believe eighteen months
+after I reached home, when I received a letter from him, from Montego
+Bay, Jamaica, informing me that he was then residing in that island. I
+immediately wrote to him, and invited him to come on to the United
+States. He accordingly came on passenger with Captain Wilson of
+Cohasset, and arrived in Boston, in August, 1824. Our meeting was very
+affecting. Trying scenes were brought up before us; scenes gone forever,
+through which we had passed together, where our acquaintance was formed,
+and since which time, we had never met. I beheld once more the preserver
+of my life; the instrument, under Providence, of restoring me to my
+home, my family, and my friends, and I regarded him with no ordinary
+emotion. My family were delighted to see him, and cordially united in
+giving him a warm reception. He told me that after we separated in
+Trinidad, he remained on board the Spanish brig. The commander asked him
+and his companions if they would enlist; the Frenchmen replied that they
+would, but he said nothing, being determined to make his escape, the
+very first opportunity which should present. The Spanish brig afterwards
+fell in with a Columbian Patriot, an armed brig of eighteen guns. Being
+of about equal force, they gave battle, and fought between three and
+four hours. Both parties were very much injured; and, without any
+considerable advantage on either side, both drew off to make repairs.
+The Spanish brig Prudentee, put into St. Jago de Cuba. Jamieson was
+wounded in the action, by a musket ball, through his arm, and was taken
+on shore, with the other wounded, and placed in the hospital of St.
+Jago. Here he remained for a considerable time, until he had nearly
+recovered, when he found an opportunity of escaping, and embarking for
+Jamaica. He arrived in safety at Kingston, and from there, travelled
+barefoot over the mountains, until very much exhausted, he reached
+Montego Bay, where he had friends, and where one of his brothers
+possessed some property. From this place, he afterwards wrote to me. He
+told me that before he came to Massachusetts, he saw the villainous
+pilot of the Mexican, the infamous Baltizar, with several other pirates,
+brought into Montego Bay, from whence they were to be conveyed to
+Kingston to be executed. Whether the others were part of the Mexican's
+crew, or not, I do not know. Baltizar was an old man, and as Jamieson
+said, it was a melancholy and heart-rending sight, to see him borne to
+execution with those gray hairs, which might have been venerable in
+virtuous old age, now a shame and reproach to this hoary villain, for he
+was full of years, and old in iniquity. When Jamieson received the
+letter which I wrote him, he immediately embarked with Captain Wilson,
+and came to Boston, as I have before observed.
+
+According to his own account he was of a very respectable family in
+Greenock, Scotland. His father when living was a rich cloth merchant,
+but both his father and mother had been dead many years. He was the
+youngest of thirteen children, and being, as he said, of a roving
+disposition, had always followed the seas. He had received a polite
+education, and was of a very gentlemanly deportment. He spoke several
+living languages, and was skilled in drawing and painting. He had
+travelled extensively in different countries, and acquired in
+consequence an excellent knowledge of their manners and customs. His
+varied information (for hardly any subject escaped him) rendered him a
+very entertaining companion. His observations on the character of
+different nations were very liberal; marking their various traits, their
+virtues and vices, with playful humorousness, quite free from bigotry,
+or narrow prejudice.
+
+I was in trade, between Boston and Philadelphia, at the time he came to
+Massachusetts, and he sailed with me several trips as my mate. He
+afterwards went to Cuba, and was subsequently engaged in the mackerel
+fishery, out of the port of Hingham, during the warm season, and in the
+winter frequently employed himself in teaching navigation to young men,
+for which he was eminently qualified. He remained with us, until his
+death, which took place in 1829. At this time he had been out at sea two
+or three days, when he was taken sick, and was carried into Cape Cod,
+where he died, on the first day of May, 1829, and there his remains lie
+buried. Peace be to his ashes! They rest in a strange land, far from his
+kindred and his native country.
+
+Since his death I have met with Mr. Stewart, of Philadelphia, who was
+Commercial Agent in Trinidad at the time of my capture. He informed me
+that the piratical schooner Mexican, was afterwards chased by an English
+government vessel, from Jamaica, which was cruising in search of it.
+Being hotly pursued, the pirates deserted their vessel, and fled to the
+mangrove bushes, on an island similar to that on which they had placed
+me and my crew to die. The English surrounded them, and thus they were
+cut off from all hopes of escape. They remained there, I think fourteen
+days, when being almost entirely subdued by famine, eleven surrendered
+themselves, and were taken. The others probably perished among the
+mangroves. The few who were taken were carried by the government vessel
+into Trinidad. Mr. Stewart said that he saw them himself, and such
+miserable objects, that had life, he never before beheld. They were in a
+state of starvation; their beards had grown to a frightful length, their
+bodies, were covered with filth and vermin, and their countenances were
+hideous. From Trinidad they were taken to Kingston, Jamaica, and there
+hung on Friday, the 7th of February, 1823.
+
+About a quarter of an hour before day dawn, the wretched culprits were
+taken from the jail, under a guard of soldiers from the 50th regiment,
+and the City Guard. On their arrival at the wherry wharf, the military
+retired, and the prisoners, with the Town Guard were put on board two
+wherries, in which they proceeded to Port Royal Point, the usual place
+of execution in similar cases. They were there met by a strong party of
+military, consisting of 50 men, under command of an officer. They formed
+themselves into a square round the place of execution, with the sheriff
+and his officers with the prisoners in the centre. The gallows was of
+considerable length, and contrived with a drop so as to prevent the
+unpleasant circumstances which frequently occur.
+
+The unfortunate men had been in continual prayer from the time they were
+awakened out of a deep sleep till they arrived at that place, where they
+were to close their existence.
+
+They all expressed their gratitude for the attention they had met with
+from the sheriff and the inferior officers. Many pressed the hands of
+the turnkey to their lips, others to their hearts and on their knees,
+prayed that God, Jesus Christ, and the Virgin Mary would bless him and
+the other jailors for their goodness. They all then fervently joined
+in prayer. To the astonishment of all, no clerical character, of any
+persuasion, was present. They repeatedly called out "Adonde esta el
+padre," (Where is the holy father).
+
+[Illustration: _The execution of ten pirates._]
+
+Juan Hernandez called on all persons present to hear him--he was
+innocent; what they had said about his confessing himself guilty was
+untrue. He had admitted himself guilty, because he hoped for pardon; but
+that now he was to die, he called God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, the
+Virgin Mary, and the Saints, to witness that he spoke the truth--that he
+was no pirate, no murderer--he had been forced. The Lieutenant of the
+pirates was a wretch, who did not fear God, and had compelled him to
+act.
+
+Juan Gutterez and Francisco de Sayas were loud in their protestations of
+innocence.
+
+Manuel Lima said, for himself, he did not care; he felt for the old man
+(Miguel Jose). How could he be a pirate who could not help himself? If
+it were a Christian country, they would have pardoned him for his gray
+hairs. He was innocent--they had both been forced. Let none of his
+friends or relations ever venture to sea--he hoped his death would be a
+warning to them, that the innocent might suffer for the guilty. The
+language of this young man marked him a superior to the generality of
+his companions in misfortune. The seamen of the Whim stated that he was
+very kind to them when prisoners on board the piratical vessel. Just
+before he was turned off, he addressed the old man--"Adios viejo, para
+siempre adios."--(Farewell, old man, forever farewell.)
+
+Several of the prisoners cried out for mercy, pardon, pardon.
+
+Domingo Eucalla, the black man, then addressed them. "Do not look for
+mercy here, but pray to God; we are all brought here to die. This is not
+built for nothing; here we must end our lives. You know I am innocent,
+but I must die the same as you all. There is not any body here who can
+do us any good, so let us think only of God Almighty. We are not
+children but men, you know that all must die; and in a few years those
+who kill us must die too. When I was born, God set the way of my death;
+I do not blame any body. I was taken by the pirates and they made me
+help them; they would not let me be idle. I could not show that this was
+the truth, and therefore they have judged me by the people they have
+found me with. I am put to death unjustly, but I blame nobody. It was my
+misfortune. Come, let us pray. If we are innocent, so much the less we
+have to repent. I do not come here to accuse any one. Death must come
+one day or other; better to the innocent than guilty." He then joined in
+prayer with the others. He seemed to be much reverenced by his fellow
+prisoners. He chose those prayers he thought most adapted to the
+occasion. Hundreds were witnesses to the manly firmness of this negro.
+Observing a bystander listening attentively to the complaints of one of
+his fellow wretches, he translated what had been said into English. With
+a steady pace, and a resolute and resigned countenance, he ascended the
+fatal scaffold. Observing the executioner unable to untie a knot on the
+collar of one of the prisoners, he with his teeth untied it. He then
+prayed most fervently till the drop fell.
+
+Miguel Jose protested his innocence.--"No he robado, no he matado
+ningune, muero innocente."--(I have robbed no one, I have killed no one,
+I die innocent. I am an old man, but my family will feel my disgraceful
+death.)
+
+Francisco Migul prayed devoutly, but inaudibly.--His soul seemed to have
+quitted the body before he was executed.
+
+Breti Gullimillit called on all to witness his innocence; it was of no
+use for him to say an untruth, for he was going before the face of God.
+
+Augustus Hernandez repeatedly declared his innocence, requested that no
+one would say he had made a confession; he had none to make.
+
+Juan Hernandez was rather obstinate when the execution pulled the cap
+over his eyes. He said, rather passionately--"Quita is de mis
+ojos."--(Remove it from my eyes.) He then rubbed it up against one of
+the posts of the gallows.
+
+Miguel Jose made the same complaint, and drew the covering from his eyes
+by rubbing his head against a fellow sufferer.
+
+Pedro Nondre was loud in his ejaculations for mercy. He wept bitterly.
+He was covered with marks of deep wounds.
+
+The whole of the ten included in the death warrant, having been placed
+on the scaffold, and the ropes suspended, the drop was let down. Nondre
+being an immense heavy man, broke the rope, and fell to the ground
+alive. Juan Hernandez struggled long. Lima was much convulsed. The old
+man Gullimillit, and Migul, were apparently dead before the drop fell.
+Eucalla (the black man) gave one convulsion, and all was over.
+
+When Nondre recovered from the fall and saw his nine lifeless companions
+stretched in death, he gave an agonizing shriek; he wrung his hands,
+screamed "Favor, favor, me matan sin causa. O! buenos Christianos, me
+amparen, ampara me, ampara me, no hay Christiano en asta, tiara?"
+
+(Mercy, mercy, they kill me without cause.--Oh, good Christians, protect
+me. Oh, protect me. Is there no Christian in this land?)
+
+He then lifted his eyes to Heaven, and prayed long and loud. Upon being
+again suspended, he was for a long period convulsed. He was an immense
+powerful man, and died hard.
+
+A piratical station was taken in the Island of Cuba by the U.S.
+schooners of war, Greyhound and Beagle. They left Thompson's Island
+June 7, 1823, under the command of Lieuts. Kearney and Newton, and
+cruised within the Key's on the south side of Cuba, as far as Cape Cruz,
+touching at all the intermediate ports on the island, to intercept
+pirates. On the 21st of July, they came to anchor off Cape Cruz, and
+Lieut. Kearney went in his boat to reconnoitre the shore, when he was
+fired on by a party of pirates who were concealed among the bushes. A
+fire was also opened from several pieces of cannon erected on a hill a
+short distance off. The boat returned, and five or six others were
+manned from the vessels, and pushed off for the shore, but a very heavy
+cannonade being kept up by the pirates on the heights, as well as from
+the boats, were compelled to retreat. The two schooners were then warped
+in, when they discharged several broadsides, and covered the landing of
+the boats. After a short time the pirates retreated to a hill that was
+well fortified. A small hamlet, in which the pirates resided, was set
+fire to and destroyed. Three guns, one a four pounder, and two large
+swivels, with several pistols, cutlasses, and eight large boats, were
+captured. A cave, about 150 feet deep, was discovered, near where the
+houses were, and after considerable difficulty, a party of seamen got to
+the bottom, where was found an immense quantity of plunder, consisting
+of broadcloths, dry goods, female dresses, saddlery, &c. Many human
+bones were also in the cave, supposed to have been unfortunate persons
+who were taken and put to death. A great many of the articles were
+brought away, and the rest destroyed. About forty pirates escaped to the
+heights, but many were supposed to have been killed from the fire of the
+schooners, as well as from the men who landed. The bushes were so thick
+that it was impossible to go after them. Several other caves are in the
+neighborhood, in which it was conjectured they occasionally take
+shelter.
+
+In 1823, Commodore Porter commanded the United States squadron in these
+seas; much good was done in preventing new acts of piracy; but these
+wretches kept aloof and did not venture to sea as formerly, but some
+were taken.
+
+Almost every day furnished accounts evincing the activity of Commodore
+Porter, and the officers and men under his command; but for a long time
+their industry and zeal was rather shown in the _suppression_ of piracy
+than the _punishment_ of it. At length, however, an opportunity offered
+for inflicting the latter, as detailed in the following letter, dated
+Matanzas, July 10, 1823.
+
+"I have the pleasure of informing you of a brilliant achievement
+obtained against the pirates on the 5th inst. by two barges attached to
+Commodore Porter's squadron, the Gallinipper, Lieut. Watson, 18 men, and
+the Moscheto, Lieut. Inman, 10 men. The barges were returning from a
+cruise to windward; when they were near Jiguapa Bay, 13 leagues to
+windward of Matanzas, they entered it--it being a rendezvous for
+pirates. They immediately discovered a large schooner under way, which
+they supposed to be a Patriot privateer; and as their stores were nearly
+exhausted, they hoped to obtain some supplies from her. They therefore
+made sail in pursuit. When they were within cannon shot distance, she
+rounded to and fired her long gun, at the same time run up the bloody
+flag, directing her course towards the shore, and continuing to fire
+without effect. When she had got within a short distance of the shore,
+she came to, with springs on her cable, continuing to fire; and when the
+barges were within 30 yards, they fired their muskets without touching
+boat or man; our men gave three cheers, and prepared to board; the
+pirates, discovering their intention, jumped into the water, when the
+bargemen, calling on the name of 'Allen,' commenced a destructive
+slaughter, killing them in the water and as they landed. So exasperated
+were our men, that it was impossible for their officers to restrain
+them, and many were killed after orders were given to grant quarter.
+Twenty-seven dead were counted, some sunk, five taken prisoners by the
+bargemen, and eight taken by a party of Spaniards on shore. The officers
+calculated that from 30 to 35 were killed. The schooner mounted a long
+nine pounder on a pivot, and 4 four pounders, with every other necessary
+armament, and a crew of 50 to 60 men, and ought to have blown the barges
+to atoms. She was commanded by the notorious Diableto or Little Devil.
+This statement I have from Lieut. Watson himself, and it is certainly
+the most decisive operation that has been effected against those
+murderers, either by the English or American force."
+
+[Illustration: _The Pirates fire into Lieut. Kearney's boat, while
+reconnoitering the shore._]
+
+"This affair occurred on the same spot where the brave Allen fell about
+one year since. The prize was sent to Thompson's Island."
+
+A British sloop of war, about the same time, captured a pirate schooner
+off St. Domingo, with a crew of 60 men. She had 200,000 dollars in
+specie, and other valuable articles on board. The brig Vestal sent
+another pirate schooner to New-Providence.
+
+
+
+
+THE ADVENTURES AND EXECUTION OF CAPTAIN JOHN RACKAM.
+
+
+This John Rackam, as has been reported in the foregoing pages, was
+quarter-master to Vane's company, till the crew were divided, and Vane
+turned out of it for refusing to board a French man-of-war, Rackam being
+voted captain of the division that remained in the brigantine. The 24th
+of November 1718, was the first day of his command; his first cruise was
+among the Carribbee Islands, where he took and plundered several
+vessels.
+
+We have already taken notice, that when Captain Woods Rogers went to the
+island of Providence with the king's pardon to such of the pirates as
+should surrender, this brigantine, which Rackam commanded, made its
+escape through another passage, bidding defiance to the mercy that was
+offered.
+
+To the windward of Jamaica, a Madeira-man fell into the pirate's way,
+which they detained two or three days, till they had their market out of
+her, and then they gave her back to the master, and permitted one Hosea
+Tidsel, a tavern keeper at Jamaica, who had been picked up in one of
+their prizes, to depart in her, she being bound for that island.
+
+After this cruise they went into a small island, and cleaned, and spent
+their Christmas ashore, drinking and carousing as long as they had any
+liquor left, and then went to sea again for more. They succeeded but too
+well, though they took no extraordinary prize for above two months,
+except a ship laden with convicts from Newgate, bound for the
+plantations, which in a few days was retaken, with all her cargo, by an
+English man-of-war that was stationed in those seas.
+
+Rackam stood towards the island of Bermuda, and took a ship bound to
+England from Carolina, and a small pink from New England, both of which
+he brought to the Bahama Islands, where, with the pitch, tar and stores
+they cleaned again, and refitted their own vessel; but staying too long
+in that neighborhood, Captain Rogers, who was Governor of Providence,
+hearing of these ships being taken, sent out a sloop well manned and
+armed, which retook both the prizes, though in the mean while the pirate
+had the good fortune to escape.
+
+From hence they sailed to the back of Cuba, where Rackam kept a little
+kind of a family, at which place they stayed a considerable time, living
+ashore with their Delilahs, till their money and provisions were
+expended, and they concluded it time to look out for more. They repaired
+their vessel, and were making ready to put to sea, when a guarda de
+costa came in with a small English sloop, which she had taken as an
+interloper on the coast. The Spanish guard-ship attacked the pirate, but
+Rackam being close in behind a little island, she could do but little
+execution where she lay; the Dons therefore warped into the channel that
+evening, in order to make sure of her the next morning. Rackam finding
+his case desperate, and that there was hardly any possibility of
+escaping, resolved to attempt the following enterprise. The Spanish
+prize lying for better security close into the land, between the little
+island and the Main, our desperado took his crew into the boat with
+their cutlasses, rounded the little island, and fell aboard their prize
+silently in the dead of the night without being discovered, telling the
+Spaniards that were aboard her, that if they spoke a word, or made the
+least noise, they were all dead men; and so they became masters of her.
+When this was done he slipped her cable, and drove out to sea. The
+Spanish man-of-war was so intent upon their expected prize, that they
+minded nothing else, and as soon as day broke, they made a furious fire
+upon the empty sloop; but it was not long before they were rightly
+apprised of the matter, when they cursed themselves sufficiently for a
+company of fools, to be bit out of a good rich prize, as she proved to
+be, and to have nothing but an old crazy hull in the room of her.
+
+Rackam and his crew had no occasion to be displeased at the exchange, as
+it enabled them to continue some time longer in a way of life that
+suited their depraved minds. In August 1720, we find him at sea again,
+scouring the harbours and inlets of the north and west parts of Jamaica,
+where he took several small crafts, which proved no great booty to the
+rovers; but they had but few men, and therefore were obliged to run at
+low game till they could increase their company and their strength.
+
+In the beginning of September, they took seven or eight fishing boats in
+Harbour Island, stole their nets and other tackle, and then went off to
+the French part of Hispaniola, where they landed, and took the cattle
+away, with two or three Frenchmen whom they found near the water-side,
+hunting wild hogs in the evening. The Frenchmen came on board, whether
+by consent or compulsion is not certainly known. They afterwards
+plundered two sloops, and returned to Jamaica, on the north coast of
+which island, near Porto Maria Bay, they took a schooner, Thomas
+Spenlow, master, it being then the 19th of October. The next day Rackam
+seeing a sloop in Dry Harbour Bay, stood in and fired a gun; the men all
+ran ashore, and he took the sloop and lading; but when those ashore
+found that they were pirates, they hailed the sloop, and let them know
+they were all willing to come on board of them.
+
+Rackam's coasting the island in this manner proved fatal to him; for
+intelligence of his expedition came to the governor by a canoe which he
+had surprised ashore in Ocho Bay: upon this a sloop was immediately
+fitted out, and sent round the island in quest of him, commanded by
+Captain Barnet, and manned with a good number of hands. Rackam, rounding
+the island, and drawing round the western point, called Point Negril,
+saw a small pettiaga, which, at the sight of the sloop, ran ashore and
+landed her men, when one of them hailed her. Answer was made that they
+were Englishmen, and begged the pettiaga's men to come on board and
+drink a bowl of punch, which they prevailed upon them to do.
+Accordingly, the company, in an evil hour, came all aboard of the
+pirate, consisting of nine persons; they were armed with muskets and
+cutlasses, but what was their real design in so doing we will not
+pretend to say. They had no sooner laid down their arms and taken up
+their pipes, than Barnet's sloop, which was in pursuit of Rackam's, came
+in sight.
+
+The pirates, finding she stood directly towards them, feared the event,
+and weighed their anchor, which they had but lately let go, and stood
+off. Captain Barnet gave them chase, and, having advantage of little
+breezes of wind which blew off the land, came up with her, and brought
+her into Port Royal, in Jamaica.
+
+About a fortnight after the prisoners were brought ashore, viz. November
+16, 1720, Captain Rackam and eight of his men were condemned and
+executed. Captain Rackam and two others were hung in chains.
+
+But what was very surprising, was the conviction of the nine men that
+came aboard the sloop on the same day she was taken. They were tried at
+an adjournment of the court on the 24th of January, the magistracy
+waiting all that time, it is supposed, for evidence to prove the
+piratical intention of going aboard the said sloop; for it seems there
+was no act or piracy committed by them, as appeared by the witnesses
+against them, two Frenchmen, taken by Rackam off the island of
+Hispaniola, who merely deposed that the prisoners came on board without
+any compulsion.
+
+The court considered the prisoners' cases, and the majority of the
+commissioners being of opinion that they were all guilty of the piracy
+and felony they were charged with, viz. the going over with a piratical
+intent to John Rackam, &c. then notorious pirates, and by them known to
+be so, they all received sentence of death, and were executed on the
+17th of February at Gallows Point at Port Royal.
+
+  Nor holy bell, nor pastoral bleat,
+  In former days within the vale.
+  Flapped in the bay the pirate's sheet,
+  Curses were on the gale;
+  Rich goods lay on the sand, and murdered men,
+  Pirate and wreckers kept their revels there.
+
+  THE BUCCANEER.
+
+
+
+
+THE LIFE AND EXPLOITS OF ANNE BONNEY.
+
+
+This female pirate was a native of Cork. Her father was an attorney,
+and, by his activity in business, rose to considerable respectability in
+that place. Anne was the fruit of an unlawful connexion with his own
+servant maid, with whom he afterwards eloped to America, leaving his own
+affectionate and lawful wife. He settled at Carolina, and for some time
+followed his own profession; but soon commenced merchant, and was so
+successful as to purchase a considerable plantation. There he lived with
+his servant in the character of his wife; but she dying, his daughter
+Anne superintended the domestic affairs of her father.
+
+During her residence with her parent she was supposed to have a
+considerable fortune, and was accordingly addressed by young men of
+respectable situations in life. It happened with Anne, however, as with
+many others of her youth and sex, that her feelings, and not her
+interest, determined her choice of a husband. She married a young sailor
+without a shilling. The avaricious father was so enraged, that, deaf to
+the feelings of a parent, he turned his own child out of doors. Upon
+this cruel usage, and the disappointment of her fortune, Anne and her
+husband sailed for the island of Providence, in the hope of gaining
+employment.
+
+Acting a part very different from that of Mary Read, Anne's affections
+were soon estranged from her husband by Captain Rackam; and eloping with
+him, she went to sea in men's clothes. Proving with child, the captain
+put her on shore, and entrusted her to the care of some friends until
+her recovery, when she again accompanied him in his expeditions.
+
+Upon the king's proclamation offering a pardon to all pirates, he
+surrendered, and went into the privateering business, as we have related
+before: he, however, soon embraced an opportunity to return to his
+favorite employment. In all his piratical exploits Anne accompanied him;
+and, as we have already recorded, displayed such courage and
+intrepidity, that she, along with Mary Read and a seaman, were the last
+three who remained on board when the vessel was taken.
+
+Anne was known to many of the planters in Jamaica, who remembered to
+have seen her in her father's house, and they were disposed to intercede
+in her behalf. Her unprincipled conduct, in leaving her own husband and
+forming an illicit connexion with Rackam, tended, however, to render her
+friends less active. By a special favor, Rackam was permitted to visit
+her the day before he was executed; but, instead of condoling with him
+on account of his sad fate, she only observed, that she was sorry to see
+him there, but if he had fought like a man he needed not have been
+hanged like a dog. Being with child, she remained in prison until her
+recovery, was reprieved from time to time, and though we cannot
+communicate to our readers any particulars of her future life, or the
+manner of her death, yet it is certain that she was not executed.
+
+
+
+
+THE ADVENTURES AND HEROISM OF MARY READ.
+
+
+The attention of our readers is now to be directed to the history of two
+female pirates,--a history which is chiefly remarkable from the
+extraordinary circumstance of the softer sex assuming a character
+peculiarly distinguished for every vice that can disgrace humanity, and
+at the same time for the exertion of the most daring, though brutal,
+courage.
+
+Mary Read was a native of England, but at what place she was born is not
+recorded. Her mother married a sailor when she was very young, who, soon
+after their marriage, went to sea, and never returned. The fruit of that
+marriage was a sprightly boy. The husband not returning, she again found
+herself with child, and to cover her shame, took leave of her husband's
+relations, and went to live in the country, taking her boy along with
+her. Her son in a short time died, and she was relieved from the burden
+of his maintenance and education. The mother had not resided long in the
+country before Mary Read, the subject of the present narrative, was
+born.
+
+After the birth of Mary, her mother resided in the country for three or
+four years, until her money was all spent, and her ingenuity was set at
+work to contrive how to obtain a supply. She knew that her husband's
+mother was in good circumstances, and could easily support her child,
+provided she could make her pass for a boy, and her son's child. But it
+seemed impossible to impose upon an old experienced mother. She,
+however, presented Mary in the character of her grandson. The old woman
+proposed to take the boy to live with her, but the mother would not on
+any account part with her boy; the grandmother, therefore, allowed a
+crown per week for his support.
+
+The ingenuity of the mother being successful, she reared the daughter as
+a boy. But as she grew up, she informed her of the secret of her birth,
+in order that she might conceal her sex. The grandmother, however,
+dying, the support from that quarter failed, and she was obliged to hire
+her out as a footboy to a French lady. The strength and manly
+disposition of this supposed boy increased with her years, and leaving
+that servile employment, she engaged on board a man-of-war.
+
+The volatile disposition of the youth did not permit her to remain long
+in this station, and she next went into Flanders, and joined a regiment
+of foot as a cadet. Though in every action she conducted herself with
+the greatest bravery, yet she could not obtain a commission, as they
+were in general bought and sold. She accordingly quitted that service,
+and enlisted into a regiment of horse; there she behaved herself so
+valiantly, that she gained the esteem of all her officers. It, however,
+happened, that her comrade was a handsome young Fleming, and she fell
+passionately in love with him. The violence of her feelings rendered her
+negligent of her duty, and effected such a change in her behaviour as
+attracted the attention of all. Both her comrade and the rest of the
+regiment deemed her mad. Love, however, is inventive, and as they slept
+in the same tent, she found means to discover her sex without any
+seeming design. He was both surprised and pleased, supposing that he
+would have a mistress to himself; but he was greatly mistaken, and he
+found that it was necessary to court her for his wife. A mutual
+attachment took place, and, as soon as convenient, women's clothes were
+provided for her, and they were publicly married.
+
+The singularity of two troopers marrying caused a general conversation,
+and many of the officers honored the ceremony with their presence, and
+resolved to make presents to the bride, to provide her with necessaries.
+After marriage they were desirous to quit the service, and their
+discharge being easily obtained, they set up an ordinary under the sign
+of the "Three Shoes," and soon acquired a considerable run of business.
+
+But Mary Read's felicity was of short duration; the husband died, and
+peace being concluded, her business diminished. Under these
+circumstances she again resumed her man's dress, and going into Holland,
+enlisted into a regiment of foot quartered in one of the frontier towns.
+But there being no prospect of preferment in time of peace, she went on
+board a vessel bound for the West Indies.
+
+During the voyage, the vessel was captured by English pirates, and as
+Mary was the only English person on board, they detained her, and having
+plundered the vessel of what they chose, allowed it to depart. Mary
+continued in that unlawful commerce for some time, but the royal pardon
+being tendered to all those in the West Indies, who should, before a
+specified day, surrender, the crew to which she was attached, availed
+themselves of this, and lived quietly on shore with the fruits of their
+adventures. But from the want of their usual supplies, their money
+became exhausted; and being informed that Captain Rogers, in the island
+of Providence, was fitting out some vessels for privateering, Mary, with
+some others, repaired to that island to serve on board his privateers.
+We have already heard, that scarcely had the ships sailed, when some of
+their crews mutinied, and ran off with the ships, to pursue their former
+mode of life. Among these was Mary Read. She indeed, frequently
+declared, that the life of a pirate was what she detested, and that she
+was constrained to it both on the former and present occasion. It was,
+however, sufficiently ascertained, that both Mary Read and Anne Bonney
+were among the bravest and most resolute fighters of the whole crew;
+that when the vessel was taken, these two heroines, along with another
+of the pirates, were the last three upon deck; and that Mary, having in
+vain endeavored to rouse the courage of the crew, who had fled below,
+discharged a pistol amongst them, killing one and wounding another.
+
+Nor was Mary less modest than brave; for though she had remained many
+years in the character of a sailor, yet no one had discovered her sex,
+until she was under the necessity of doing so to Anne Bonney. The reason
+of this was, that Anne, supposing her to be a handsome fellow, became
+greatly enamored of her, and discovered her sex and wishes to Mary, who
+was thus constrained to reveal her secret to Anne. Rackam being the
+paramour of Bonney, and observing her partiality towards Mary,
+threatened to shoot her lover; so that to prevent any mischief, Anne
+also informed the captain of the sex of her companion.
+
+Rackam was enjoined to secrecy, and here he behaved honorably; but love
+again assailed the conquered Mary. It was usual with the pirates to
+retain all the artists who were captured in the trading-vessels; among
+these was a very handsome young man, of engaging manners, who vanquished
+the heart of Mary. In a short time her love became so violent, that she
+took every opportunity of enjoying his company and conversation; and,
+after she had gained his friendship, discovered her sex. Esteem and
+friendship were speedily converted into the most ardent affection, and a
+mutual flame burned in the hearts of these two lovers. An occurrence
+soon happened that put the attachment of Mary to a severe trial. Her
+lover having quarrelled with one of the crew, they agreed to fight a
+duel on shore. Mary was all anxiety for the fate of her lover, and she
+manifested a greater concern for the preservation of his life than that
+of her own; but she could not entertain the idea that he could refuse to
+fight, and so be esteemed a coward. Accordingly she quarrelled with the
+man who challenged her lover, and called him to the field two hours
+before his appointment with her lover, engaged him with sword and
+pistol, and laid him dead at her feet.
+
+Though no esteem or love had formerly existed, this action was
+sufficient to have kindled the most violent flame. But this was not
+necessary, for the lover's attachment was equal, if not stronger than
+her own; they pledged their faith, which was esteemed as binding as if
+the ceremony had been performed by a clergyman.
+
+Captain Rackam one day, before he knew that she was a woman, asked her
+why she followed a line of life that exposed her to so much danger, and
+at last to the certainty of being hanged. She replied, that, "As to
+hanging, she thought it no great hardship, for were it not for that,
+every cowardly fellow would turn pirate, and so infest the seas; and men
+of courage would starve. That if it was put to her choice, she would not
+have the punishment less than death, the fear of which kept some
+dastardly rogues honest; that many of those who are now cheating the
+widows and orphans, and oppressing their poor neighbors who have no
+money to obtain justice, would then rob at sea, and the ocean would be
+as crowded with rogues as the land: so that no merchants would venture
+out, and the trade in a little time would not be worth following."
+
+Being with child at the time of her trial, her execution was delayed;
+and it is probable that she would have found favor, but in the mean time
+she fell sick and died.
+
+Mary Read was of a strong and robust constitution, capable of enduring
+much exertion and fatigue. She was vain and bold in her disposition, but
+susceptible of the tenderest emotions, and of the most melting
+affections. Her conduct was generally directed by virtuous principles,
+while at the same time, she was violent in her attachments. Though she
+was inadvertently drawn into that dishonorable mode of life which has
+stained her character, and given her a place among the criminals noticed
+in this work, yet she possessed a rectitude of principle and of conduct,
+far superior to many who have not been exposed to such temptations to
+swerve from the path of female virtue and honor.
+
+[Illustration: _Mary Read kills her antagonist._]
+
+
+
+
+THE ALGERINE PIRATES.
+
+
+_Containing accounts of the cruelties and atrocities of the Barbary
+Corsairs, with narratives of the expeditions sent against them, and the
+final capture of Algiers by the French in_ 1830.
+
+That former den of pirates, the city of Algiers is situated on the
+shores of a pretty deep bay, by which the northern coast of Africa, is
+here indented, and may be said to form an irregular triangular figure,
+the base line of which abuts on the sea, while the apex is formed by the
+Cassaubah, or citadel, which answered the double purpose of a fort to
+defend and awe the city, and a palace for the habitation of the Dey and
+his court. The hill on which the city is built, slopes rather rapidly
+upwards, so that every house is visible from the sea, in consequence of
+which it was always sure to suffer severely from a bombardment. The top
+of the hill has an elevation of nearly five hundred feet, and exactly at
+this point is built the citadel; the whole town lying between it and the
+sea. The houses of Algiers have no roofs, but are all terminated by
+terraces, which are constantly whitewashed; and as the exterior walls,
+the fort, the batteries and the walls are similarly beautified, the
+whole city, from a distance, looks not unlike a vast chalk quarry opened
+on the side of a hill.
+
+The fortifications towards the sea are of amasing strength, and with the
+additions made since Lord Exmouth's attack, may be considered as almost
+impregnable. They occupy the entire of a small island, which lies a
+short distance in front of the city, to which it is connected at one
+end by a magnificent mole of solid masonry, while the other which
+commands the entrance of the port, is crowned with a battery, bristling
+with cannon of immense calibre, which would instantly sink any vessel
+which should now attempt to occupy the station taken by the Queen
+Charlotte on that memorable occasion.
+
+On the land side, the defences are by no means of equal strength, as
+they were always considered rather as a shelter against an
+insurrectionary movement of the natives, than as intended to repulse the
+regular attacks of a disciplined army. In fact defences on this side
+would be of little use as the city is completely commanded by different
+hills, particularly that on which the Emperor's fort is built, and was
+obliged instantly to capitulate, as soon as this latter had fallen into
+the hands of the French, in 1830.
+
+There are four gates; one opening on the mole, which is thence called
+the marine gate, one near the citadel, which is termed the new gate; and
+the other two, at the north and south sides of the city, with the
+principal street running between them. All these gates are strongly
+fortified, and outside the three land gates run the remains of a ditch,
+which once surrounded the city, but is now filled up except at these
+points. The streets of Algiers are all crooked, and all narrow. The best
+are scarcely twelve feet in breadth, and even half of this is occupied
+by the projections of the shops, or the props placed to support the
+first stories of the houses, which are generally made to advance beyond
+the lower, insomuch that in many places a laden mule can scarcely pass.
+Of public buildings, the most remarkable is the Cassaubah, or citadel,
+the situation of which we have already mentioned. It is a huge, heavy
+looking brick building, of a square shape, surrounded by high and
+massive walls, and defended by fifty pieces of cannon, and some mortars,
+so placed as equally to awe the city and country. The apartments set
+apart for the habitation of the Dey and the ladies of his harem, are
+described as extremely magnificent, and abundantly supplied with marble
+pillars, fountains, mirrors, carpets, ottomans, cushions, and other
+articles of oriental luxury; but there are others no less valuable and
+curious, such as the armory, furnished with weapons of every kind, of
+the finest manufacture, and in the greatest abundance, the treasury,
+containing not only a profusion of the precious metals, coined or in
+ingots, but also diamonds, pearls, rubies, and other precious stones of
+great value; and lastly, the store rooms of immense extent, in which
+were piled up the richest silk stuffs, velvets, brocades, together with
+wool, wax, sugar, iron, lead, sabre-blades, gun barrels, and all the
+different productions of the Algerine territories; for the Dey was not
+only the first robber but the first merchant in his own dominions.
+
+Next to the Cassaubah, the mole with the marine forts, presented the
+handsomest and most imposing pile of buildings. The mole is no less than
+one thousand three hundred feet in length, forming a beautiful terrace
+walk, supported by arches, beneath which lay splendid magazines, which
+the French found filled with spars, hemp, cordage, cables, and all
+manner of marine stores. At the extremity of the mole, lay the barracks
+of the Janissaries, entrusted with the defence of the marine forts, and
+consisting of several small separate chambers, in which they each slept
+on sheepskin mats, while in the centre was a handsome coffee-room. The
+Bagnios were the buildings, in which Europeans for a long time felt the
+most interest, inasmuch as it was in these that the Christian slaves
+taken by the corsairs were confined. For many years previous to the
+French invasion, however, the number of prisoners had been so trifling,
+that many of these terrific buildings had fallen to decay, and
+presented, when the French army entered Algiers, little more than piles
+of mouldering ruins. The inmates of the Bagnio when taken by the French
+were the crews of two French brigs, which a short time before had been
+wrecked off Cape Bingut, a few French prisoners of war made during
+their advance, and about twenty Greek, and Genoese sailors, who had been
+there for two years; in all about one hundred and twenty. They
+represented their condition as bad, though by no means so deplorable as
+it would have been in former days. The prison was at first so close,
+that there was some danger of suffocation, to avoid which the Turks had
+made holes in the walls; but as they neglected to supply these with
+windows or shutters of any kind, there was no means of excluding wind or
+rain, from which consequently they often suffered.
+
+[Illustration: _On board an Algerine corsair._]
+
+We shall only trace these pirates back to about the year 1500, when
+Selim, king of Algiers, being invaded by the Spaniards, at last
+entreated the assistance of the famous corsair, Oruj Reis, better known
+by his European name, Barbarossa, composed of two Italian words,
+signifying _red beard_. Nothing could be more agreeable than the number
+and hardihood of his naval exploits, had been such an invitation to this
+ambitious robber, who elated by for some time considering how he might
+best establish his power by land. Accordingly, attended by five thousand
+picked men, he entered Algiers, made himself master of the town,
+assassinated Selim, and had himself proclaimed king in his stead; and
+thus was established that nest of pirates, fresh swarms from which never
+ceased to annoy Christian commerce and enslave Christian mariners, until
+its late final destruction, by the French expedition in 1830.
+
+In a piratical career of many centuries, the countless thousands who
+have been taken, enslaved, and perished in bondage by these monsters
+should long ago have drawn upon them the united vengeance of all
+Christendom. Many a youth of family and fortune, of delicate
+constitution has been captured and sold in the slave market. His labor
+through the long hot days would be to cleanse out the foul bed of some
+large empty reservoir, where he would be made to strip, and descending
+into the pond, bring up in his arms the black stinking mud, heaped up
+and pressed against his bosom; or to labor in drawing huge blocks of
+stone to build the mole; or in building and repairing the
+fortifications, with numerous other painful and disgusting tasks. The
+only food was a scanty supply of black bread, and occasionally a few
+decayed olives, or sheep which had died from some disorder. At night
+they were crowded into that most horrid of prisons the Bagnio, to sleep
+on a little filthy straw, amidst the most noisome stenches. Their limbs
+in chains, and often receiving the lash. Occasionally an individual
+would be ransomed; when his story would draw tears of pity from all who
+heard it. Ladies were frequently taken by these monsters and treated in
+the most inhuman manner. And sometimes whole families were enslaved.
+Numerous facts, of the most heart-rending description are on record: but
+our limits oblige us to be brief.
+
+A Spanish lady, the wife of an officer, with her son, a youth of
+fourteen, and her daughter, six years old, were taken in a Spanish
+vessel by the Algerines. The barbarians treated her and both her
+children with the greatest inhumanity. The eldest they kept in chains;
+and the defenceless little one they wantonly treated so ill, that the
+unhappy mother was often nearly deprived of her reason at the blows her
+infant received from these wretches, who plundered them of every thing.
+They kept them many days at sea on hard and scanty fare, covered only
+with a few soiled rags; and in this state brought them to Algiers. They
+had been long confined in a dreadful dungeon in the Bagnio where the
+slaves are kept, when a messenger was sent to the Aga, or Captain of the
+Bagnio, for a female slave. It fortunately fell to the lot of the
+Spanish lady, but at the instant when she was embracing her son, who was
+tearing himself from his mother with haggard and disordered looks, to go
+to his imperious drivers; and while in despair she gazed on her little
+worn-out infant, she heard herself summoned to attend the guard of the
+prison to a family that had sent for a female slave. She obtained
+permission to take her little daughter with her. She dreaded being
+refused, and sent back to the horrid dungeon she was leaving where no
+difference was paid to rank, and slaves of all conditions were huddled
+together. She went therefore prepared to accept of anything short of
+these sufferings. She was refused, as being in every respect opposite to
+the description of the person sent for. At length her entreaties and
+tears prevailed; compassion overruled every obstacle; and she, with her
+little girl, was accepted. But there remained another difficulty; she
+had left her son chained in the midst of that dungeon from which she had
+just been rescued. Her kind patrons soon learned the cause of her
+distress; but to send for the youth and treat him kindly, or in any way
+above that of a common slave, must hazard the demand of so large a
+ransom for him and his mother, as would forever preclude the hope of
+liberty. He was, however, sent for, and the menial offices they were
+both engaged to perform were only nominal. With circumspection the whole
+family were sheltered in this manner for three years; when the war with
+the Spaniards growing more inveterate, the Algerines demanded the youth
+back to the Bagnio, to work in common with the other slaves, in
+repairing the damages done to the fortresses by the Spanish cannon. He
+was now compelled to go, loaded with heavy stones, through the whole of
+the town; and at almost every step he received dreadful blows, not being
+able to hasten his pace from the great weight.
+
+Overcome at last with ill usage, the delicacy of his form and
+constitution gave way to the excessive labor, and he one morning refused
+the orders of his master, or driver, to rise from the straw on which he
+was stretched, declaring they might kill him if they chose, for he would
+not even try to carry another load of stones. Repeated messages had
+been sent from the Venetian consul's, where his mother and sister were
+sheltered, to the Aga, to return him; and when the Algerines found that
+they had absolutely reduced him so near death, they thought it best to
+spare his life for the sake of future ransom. They agreed, therefore, to
+let him return to the Christians. His life was for some time despaired
+of; but through the kind attention he received, he was rescued from the
+threatened dissolution. His recovery was concealed, for fear of his
+being demanded back to work; and a few months after, the Spanish peace
+of 1784 being concluded, a ransom was accepted by the Algerines for this
+suffering family, and they were set at liberty.
+
+These pirates in old times extended their depredations into the Atlantic
+as far as the British Channel. They swarmed in the Mediterranean, not
+only belonging to Algiers, but Tunis, and other ports on the coast of
+Barbary. Their corsairs making descents on the coasts of those countries
+which border on the Mediterranean, pillaging the villages and carrying
+off the inhabitants into slavery. The corsairs were vessels of different
+descriptions; some large armed ships, and latterly frigates; others were
+row gallies and the various craft used by the nations which navigate
+that sea, and had been taken by them and added to their marine. Upon the
+slaves being landed at Algiers they were marched to the Dey's or
+Bashaw's palace, when he selected the number which according to law
+belonged to him; and the rest were sold in the slave market to the
+highest bidder. A moiety of the plunder, cargoes and vessels taken also
+belonged to the Dey. Occasionally, a person by pretending to renounce
+his religion, and turning Mahometan would have his sufferings mitigated.
+
+The most desperate attempts were sometimes made to effect an escape from
+these ruthless monsters, which occasionally succeeded.
+
+In 1644 William Oakley and four companions escaped from Algiers, in a
+most miraculous manner, in a canvas boat. There was at this time an
+English clergyman, Mr. Sprat, in captivity, and the wretched slaves had
+the privilege of meeting in a cellar, where he would pray with them.
+Oakley had got into the good graces of his master, and was allowed his
+time by giving his master two dollars a month. He traded in tobacco and
+a few trifling articles, so that a strict watch was not kept on his
+movements. He conceived the project of making a canvas boat. He says I
+now first opened my design to my comrades, informing them, that I had
+contrived the model of a boat, which, being formed in pieces, and
+afterwards put together, might be the means of our deliverance. They
+greedily grasped at the prospect; but cooler reflection pointed out
+difficulties innumerable: some of them started objections which they
+thought insuperable, and these I endeavored to overrule.
+
+We began our work in the cellar which had served for our devotions,
+though it was not the sanctity of the place, but its privacy, that
+induced us to this selection. We first provided a piece of wood, twelve
+feet long, and, that it might escape observation, it was cut in two,
+being jointed in the middle. Next we procured the timbers of ribs,
+which, to avoid the same hazard, were in three pieces each, and jointed
+in two places. The flat side of one of the two pieces was laid over the
+other, and two holes bored in every joint to receive nails; so that when
+united, each joint would make an obtuse angle, and approach towards a
+semicircular figure, as we required. We had, in the formation of an
+external covering, to avoid hammering and nailing, which would have made
+such a noise in the cellar as to attract the notice of the Algerines,
+who are insufferably suspicious about their wives and slaves. Therefore,
+we provided as much canvas as would cover the boat twice over, and as
+much pitch, tar and tallow, as would make it a kind of tarpaulin; as
+also earthen pots in which to melt our materials. The two carpenters and
+myself were appointed to this service in the cellar. We stopped up all
+chinks and crevices, that the fumes of these substances might not betray
+us. But we had not been long at work, when the smell of the melting
+materials overcame me, and obligated me to go into the streets gasping
+for breath, where meeting with the cool air, I swooned away, and broke
+my face in the fall. My companions, finding me in this plight, carried
+me back, extremely sick and unserviceable. Before long, I heard one of
+them complain of sickness, and thus he could proceed no further;
+therefore, I saw if we abandoned our project this night, it might not be
+resumed, which made me resolve to set the cellar door wide open, while I
+stood sentinel to give notice of approaching danger. In this way we
+finished the whole, and then carried it to my shop, which was about a
+furlong distant.
+
+Every thing was fitted in the cellar, the timbers to the keel, the
+canvas to the timbers, and the seats to the whole, and then all were
+taken to pieces again. It was a matter of difficulty, however, to get
+the pieces conveyed out of the city; but William Adams carried the keel,
+and hid it at the bottom of a hedge: the rest was carried away with
+similar precautions. As I was carrying a piece of canvas, which we had
+bought for a sail, I looked back, and discovered the same spy, who had
+formerly given us much trouble, following behind. This gave me no small
+concern; but, observing an Englishman washing clothes by the sea side, I
+desired his help in washing the canvas. Just as we were engaged with it,
+the spy came up, and stood on a rock exactly over our heads, to watch
+us. Therefore, to delude him, I took the canvas and spread it before his
+face on the top of the rock to dry; he staid his own time, and then
+marched off. Still I was jealous of his intentions, which induced me to
+carry the canvas, when dry, straight back to the city, an incident that
+greatly discouraged my comrades. We also procured a small quantity of
+provisions, and two goat skins full of fresh water.
+
+In the mean time, I paid my patron my wonted visits, kept up a fair
+correspondence, and duly gave him his demands; while I secretly turned
+all my goods to ready money as fast as I could, and putting it into a
+trunk with a false bottom, I committed it to the charge of Mr. Sprat who
+faithfully preserved it for me.
+
+The place which we chose for joining the boat together was a hill about
+half a mile from the city, thinking by that means the better to descry
+the approach of danger. When the pieces were united, and the canvas
+drawn on, four of our number carried the boat down to the sea, where,
+stripping ourselves naked, and putting our clothes within, we carried it
+as far as we could wade, lest it might be injured by the stones or rocks
+near the shore. But we soon discovered that our calculations of lading
+were erroneous; for no sooner had we embarked, than the water came in
+over the sides, and she was like to sink; so that some new device became
+necessary. At last, one whose heart most failed him was willing to be
+excluded, and wished rather to hazard the uncertain torments of land,
+than the certainty of being drowned at sea. However the boat was still
+so deeply laden, that we all concluded that it was impossible to venture
+to sea. At length another went ashore, and she held her head stoutly,
+and seemed sufficiently capable of our voyage.
+
+Taking a solemn farewell of our two companions left behind, and wishing
+them as much happiness as could be hoped for in slavery, and they to us
+as long life as could be expected by men going to their graves, we
+launched out on the 30th of June 1644, a night ever to be remembered.
+Our company consisted of John Anthony, William Adams, John Jephs, John
+the carpenter and myself. We now put to sea, without helm, tackle, or
+compass. Four of us continually labored at the oars; the employment of
+the fifth was baling out the water that leaked through the canvas. We
+struggled hard the first night to get out of the reach of our old
+masters; but when the day broke, we were still within sight of their
+ships in the haven and road-stead. Yet, out boat being small, and lying
+close and snug upon the sea, either was not discovered at all, or else
+seemed something that was not worth taking up.
+
+On all occasions we found our want of foresight, for now the bread which
+had lain soaking in the salt water, was quite spoiled, and the tanned
+skins imparted a nauseous quality to the fresh water. So long as bread
+was bread, we made no complaints; with careful economy it lasted three
+days, but then pale famine, which is the most horrible shape in which
+death can be painted, began to stare us in the face. The expedients on
+which we fell to assuage our thirst rather inflamed it, and several
+things added to our distress. For some time the wind was right against
+us; our labour was incessant, for, although much rowing did not carry us
+forward, still, cessation of it drove us back; and the season was raging
+hot, which rendered our toil insupportable. One small alleviation we had
+in the man whose province it was to bale the water out of the boat; he
+threw it on our bodies to cool them. However, what with the scorching of
+the sun and cooling of the water, our skin was blistered all over. By
+day we were stark naked; by night we had on shirts or loose coats; for
+we had left our clothing ashore, on purpose to lighten the boat.
+
+One of our number had a pocket dial, which supplied the place of a
+compass; and, to say the truth, was not ill befitting such a vessel and
+such mariners. By its aid we steered our course by day, while the stars
+served as a guide by night; and, if they were obscured, we guessed our
+way by the motion of the clouds. In this woful plight we continued four
+days and nights. On the fifth day we were at the brink of despair, and
+abandoned all hopes of safety. Thence we ceased our labor, and laid
+aside our oars; for, either we had no strength left to use them, or were
+reluctant to waste the little we had to no purpose. Still we kept
+emptying the boat, loth to drown, loth to die, yet knowing no means to
+avoid death.
+
+They that act least commonly wish the most; and, when we had forsaken
+useful labor, we resorted to fruitless wishes--that we might be taken up
+by some ship, if it were but a ship, no matter of what country.
+
+While we lay hulling up and down, our hopes at so low an ebb, we
+discovered a tortoise, not far from us, asleep in the sea. Had the great
+Drake discovered the Spanish plate fleet, he could not have been more
+rejoiced. Once again we bethought ourselves of our oars, and silently
+rowing to our prey, took it into the boat in great triumph. Having cut
+off its head, and let it bleed in a vessel, we drank the blood, ate the
+liver, and sucked the flesh. Our strength and spirits were wonderfully
+refreshed, and our work was vigorously renewed. Leaving our fears behind
+us, we began to gather hope, and, about noon, discovered, or thought
+that we discovered, land. It is impossible to describe our joy and
+triumph on this occasion. It was new life to us; it brought fresh blood
+into our veins, and fresh vigor into our pale cheeks: we looked like
+persons raised from the dead. After further exertion, becoming more
+confident, we were at last fully satisfied that it was land. Now, like
+distracted persons, we all leapt into the sea, and, being good swimmers,
+cooled our parched bodies, never considering that we might become a
+ready prey to the sharks. But we presently returned to our boat, and
+from being wearied with the exertion, and somewhat cooled by the sea,
+lay down to sleep with as much security as if it had been in our beds.
+It was fortunately of such short duration that the leaking of the boat
+occasioned no danger.
+
+Refreshed by sleep, we found new strength for our work, and tugged hard
+at the oar, in hopes of reaching a more stable element before night. But
+our progress was very slow. Towards evening an island was discovered,
+which was Fromentere, having already seen Majorca; at least, some of our
+company, who had navigated these seas, declared that it was so. We
+debated long to which of the two our course should be directed; and,
+because the last discovered was much infested with venomous serpents, we
+all resolved to make for Majorca. The whole of that night we rowed very
+hard, and also the next, being the sixth from our putting to sea. The
+island was in sight all day, and about ten at night we came under the
+land, but it consisted of rocks so steep and craggy that we could not
+climb up.
+
+Whilst under these rocks a vessel approached very near. Let the reader
+conceive our apprehensions, after all our toil and labor, of being
+seized by some Turkish privateer, such as are never off the seas. Thus
+we were obliged to lie close; and, when the vessel had passed, we crept
+gently along the coast, as near as we durst to the shore, until finding
+a suitable place to receive our weather-beaten boat.
+
+We were not insensible of our deliverance on reaching land; though, like
+men just awakened from a dream, we could not duly appreciate the
+greatness of it. Having had no food since we got the tortoise, John
+Anthony and myself set out in search of fresh water, and three remained
+with the boat. Before proceeding far, we found ourselves in a wood,
+which created great embarrassment. My comrade wished to go one way, and
+I wished to go another. How frail and impotent a being is man! That we,
+whom common dangers by sea had united, should now fall out about our own
+inclinations at land. Yet so we did. He gave me reproachful words; and
+it is well that we did not come to blows, but I went my way, and he,
+seeing me resolute, followed. The path led to one of those watchtowers
+which the Spaniards keep on the coast to give timely notice of the
+approach of privateers. Afraid of being fired on, we called to the
+sentinel, informing him who we were, and earnestly requesting him to
+direct us to fresh water, and to give us some bread. He very kindly
+threw down an old mouldy cake, and directed us to a well close at hand.
+We drank a little water, and ate a bit of the cake, which we had
+difficulty in swallowing, and then hastened to return to our companions
+in the boat, to acquaint them with our success.
+
+Though now necessary to leave the boat, we did not do it without regret;
+but this was lulled by the importunate cravings of hunger and thirst;
+therefore, making her fast ashore, we departed. Advancing, or rather
+crawling towards the well, another quarrel rose amongst us, the
+remembrance of which is so ungrateful that I shall bury it in silence,
+the best tomb for controversies. One of our company, William Adams, in
+attempting to drink, was unable to swallow the water, and sunk to the
+ground, faintly exclaiming, "I am a dead man!" After much straining and
+forcing, he, at length, got a little over; and when we were all
+refreshed with the cake and water, we lay down by the side of the well
+to wait for morning.
+
+When it was broad day, we once more applied to the sentinel, to point
+out the way to the nearest house or town, which he did, directing us to
+a house about two miles distant; but our feet were so raw and blistered
+by the sun that it was long before we could get this short journey over;
+and then, the owners of the house, concluding from our garb that we came
+with a pilfering design, presented a fowling-piece, charging us to
+stand. The first of our number, who could speak the language of the
+country, mildly endeavored to undeceive him, saying, we were a company
+of poor creatures, whom the wonderful providence of God had rescued from
+the slavery of Algiers, and hoped that he would show mercy to our
+afflictions. The honest farmer, moved with our relation, sent out
+bread, water and olives. After refreshing ourselves with these, we lay
+down and rested three or four hours in the field; and, having given him
+thanks for his charity, prepared to crawl away. Pleased with our
+gratitude, he called us into his house, and gave us good warm bean
+pottage, which to me seemed the best food I had ever ate. Again taking
+leave, we advanced towards Majorca, which was about ten miles distant.
+
+Next morning we arrived in the suburbs, where the singularity of our
+attire, being barefoot and bare legged, and having nothing on except
+loose shirts, drawn over our coats, attracted a crowd of enquirers. We
+gave a circumstantial account of our deliverance; and, as they were
+willing to contribute to our relief, they supplied us with food, wine,
+strong waters, and whatever else might renovate our exhausted spirits.
+They said, however, that we must remain in the suburbs until the viceroy
+had notice of our arrival. We were called before him, and when he had
+heard the account of our escape and dangers, he ordered us to be
+maintained at his expense until we should obtain a passage to our own
+country; and, in the meantime, the people collected money to buy clothes
+and shoes.
+
+From Majorca they proceeded to Cadiz, and from thence to England, which
+they reached in safety.
+
+Several expeditions at different periods were fitted out by different
+European nations to chastise the pirates. The Emperor, Charles V., in
+the plenitude of his power, sailed with a formidable armament in the
+year 1541, and affected a landing. Without doubt he would have taken the
+city, if a terrible storm had not risen, which destroyed a great part of
+his fleet and obliged him to re-embark with his shattered forces in the
+greatest precipitation. The exultation of the Algerines was unbounded;
+they now looked on themselves as the special favorites of heaven; the
+most powerful army which had ever attempted their subjection had
+returned with the loss of one third their number, and a great part of
+its ships and transports. Prisoners had been taken in such abundance,
+that to show their worthlessness, they were publicly sold in the
+market-place at Algiers, at an onion a head.
+
+For nearly a century after this, little occurs of note in Algerine
+history except a constant system of piracy. In 1655 the British Admiral
+Blake gave them a drubbing.
+
+The French were the next to attack these common enemies of Europe.
+Admiral Duguesne commanded the expedition, and after bombarding the
+place a short time, the Dey himself soon began to be terrified at the
+destruction these new engines of naval war made, when an unfavorable
+wind arising, compelled the fleet to make all sail for Toulon.
+
+Relieved from the terror of immediate destruction, the Algerines
+returned to their old ways, making descents on the coast of Provence,
+where they committed the most dreadful ravages, killing, burning and
+destroying all that came in their way. The Dey also recovered, not only
+his courage, but his humor; for learning what a large sum the late
+expedition against his city had cost, he sent to say, "that if Louis
+would give him half the money, he would undertake to burn the whole city
+to please him." The French accordingly sent a new expedition under the
+same officers the next year. Duguesne again sailed, and in front of the
+city was joined by the Marquis D'Affranville, at the head of five other
+stout ships. A council of war was held and an immediate attack resolved
+upon, in consequence of which, the vessels having taken up their
+stations, a hundred bombs were thrown into the town during that day, and
+as many more on the following night, when the town was observed to be on
+fire in several places; the Dey's palace, and other public buildings
+were in ruins; some of the batteries were dismounted, and several
+vessels sunk in the fort. This speedy destruction soon determined the
+Dey and Janissaries to sue for peace; and a message to this effect was
+sent to Duguesne, who consented to cease firing, but refused to
+negociate regarding terms, until all the captives taken fighting under
+the French flag were given up as a preliminary step. This was agreed to,
+and one hundred and forty-two prisoners immediately sent off. In the
+mean time the soldiery becoming furious, assassinated the Dey and
+elected a new one, who ordered the flag to be hoisted on the city walls.
+Hostilities were now renewed with greater fury than before, and the
+French admiral threw such volleys of bombs into the city, that in less
+than three days the greatest part of it was reduced to ashes; and the
+fire burnt with such vehemence that the bay was illuminated to the
+distance of two or three leagues. Rendered desperate by the carnage
+around him, the new Dey ordered all the French captives who had been
+collected into the city to be cruelly murdered, and binding Father
+Vacher, the French Resident, hand and foot, had him tied to a mortar and
+fired off like a bomb against the French fleet. This wanton piece of
+atrocity so exasperated Duguesne, that, laying his fleet as near land as
+possible, he continued his cannonade until he had destroyed all their
+shipping, fortifications, buildings; in short, almost the whole of the
+lower town, and about two-thirds of the upper; when finding nothing else
+which a naval force could do, and being unprovided for a land
+expedition, he stood out leisurely to sea, leaving the Algerines to
+reflect over the sad consequences of their obstinacy. For several years
+after this they kept in the old piratical track; and upon the British
+consuls making a complaint to the Dey, on occasion of one of his
+corsairs having captured a vessel, he openly replied, "It is all very
+true, but what would you have? the Algerines are a company of rogues,
+and I am their captain."
+
+To such people force was the argument; and in 1700 Capt. Beach, falling
+in with seven of their frigates, attacked them, drove them on shore, and
+burnt them. Expeditions at various times were sent against them, but
+without effecting much; and most of the maritime nations paid them
+tribute. But a new power was destined to spring up, from which these
+pirates were to receive their first check; that power was the United
+States of America.
+
+In 1792 his corsairs, in a single cruise, swept off ten American
+vessels, and sent their crews to the Bagnio, so that there were one
+hundred and fifteen in slavery.
+
+Negociations were at once set on foot; the Dey's demands had of course
+risen in proportion to the number of his prisoners, and the Americans
+had not only to pay ransom at a high rate, with presents, marine stores,
+and yearly tribute, but to build and present to the Dey, as a
+propitiatory offering, a thirty-six gun frigate; so that the whole
+expenses fell little short of a million of dollars, in return for which
+they obtained liberty for their captives, protection for their merchant
+vessels, and the right of free trade with Algiers. The treaty was signed
+September 5th, 1795; and from that time, up to 1812, the Dey continued
+on tolerable good terms with Congress; indeed, so highly was he pleased
+with them, in 1800, that he signified to the consul his intention of
+sending an ambassador to the Porte, with the customary presents, in the
+Washington, a small American frigate, at that time lying in the harbor
+of Algiers. In vain the consul and captain remonstrated, and represented
+that they had no authority to send the vessel on such a mission; they
+were silenced by the assurance that it was a particular honor conferred
+on them, which the Dey had declined offering to any of the English
+vessels then in harbor, as he was rather angry with that nation. The
+Washington was obliged to be prepared for the service; the corsair flag,
+bearing the turbaned head of Ali, was run up to her main top, under a
+salute of seven guns; and in this respectable plight she sailed up the
+Mediterranean, dropped anchor before the seven towers, where, having
+landed her cargo, she was permitted to resume her own colors, and was
+thus the first vessel to hoist the American Union in the Thracian
+Bosphorus.
+
+[Illustration: _Algerines in the act of firing off the French consul from
+a mortar at the French fleet._]
+
+In 1812, however, the Dey, finding his funds at a low ebb, and receiving
+from all quarters reports that a wealthy American commerce was afloat,
+determined on trying them with a new war. He was peculiarly unfortunate
+in the time chosen, as the States, having about a month previously
+declared war with Great Britain, had, in fact, withdrawn most of the
+merchant ships from the sea, so that the only prize which fell into the
+hands of the Dey's cruizers was a small brig, with a crew of eleven
+persons. The time at length came for putting an end to these lawless
+depredations, and peace having been concluded with England, President
+Madison, in 1815, despatched an American squadron, under commodores
+Bainbridge and Decatur, with Mr. Shaler, as envoy, on board, to demand
+full satisfaction for all injuries done to American subjects, the
+immediate release of such as were captives, the restitution of their
+property, with an assurance that no future violence should be offered,
+and also to negociate the preliminaries of a treaty on terms of perfect
+equality, no proposal of tribute being at all admissible. The squadron
+reached its destination early in June, and, having captured an Algerine
+frigate and brig-of-war, suddenly appeared before Algiers, at a moment
+when all the cruizers were at sea, and delivered, for the consideration
+of the Divan, the terms on which they were commissioned to make peace,
+together with a letter from the President to the Dey. Confounded by the
+sudden and entirely unexpected appearance of this force, the Algerines
+agreed, on the 30th of June, to the proposals of a treaty, almost
+without discussion.
+
+It had long been a reproach to Great Britain, the mistress of the sea,
+that she had tamely suffered a barbarian power to commit such atrocious
+ravages on the fleets and shores of the minor states along the
+Mediterranean. At length a good cause was made for chastising them.
+
+At Bona, a few miles to the east of Algiers, was an establishment for
+carrying on a coral fishery, under the protection of the British flag,
+which, at the season, was frequented by a great number of boats from the
+Corsican, Neapolitan, and other Italian ports. On the 23d of May, the
+feast of Ascension, as the crews of all the boats were preparing to hear
+mass, a gun was fired from the castle, and at the same time appeared
+about two thousand, other accounts say four thousand, infantry and
+cavalry, consisting of Turks, Levanters, and Moors. A part of these
+troops proceeded towards the country, whilst another band advanced
+towards the river, where the fishing boats were lying at different
+distances from the sea; and opening a fire upon the unfortunate
+fishermen, who were partly on board and partly on land, massacred almost
+the whole of them. They then seized the English flags, tore them in
+pieces, and trampling them under foot, dragged them along the ground in
+triumph. The men who happened to be in the country saved themselves by
+flight, and declared that they saw the soldiers pillage the house of the
+British vice-consul, the magazines containing the provisions, and the
+coral that had been fished up. A few boats escaped, and brought the news
+to Genoa, whence it was transmitted by the agent of Lloyd's in a
+despatch, dated June 6th.
+
+No sooner had the account of this atrocious slaughter reached England,
+than all ranks seemed inflamed with a desire that a great and signal
+punishment should be taken on this barbarian prince, who was neither
+restrained by the feelings of humanity nor bound by treaties. An
+expedition, therefore, was fitted out with all speed at Portsmouth, and
+the command intrusted to Lord Exmouth, who, after some delays from
+contrary winds, finally sailed, July 28th, with a fleet complete in all
+points, consisting of his own ship, the Queen Charlotte, one hundred
+and twenty guns; the Impregnable, rear admiral, Sir David Milne; ninety
+guns; Minden, Superb, Albion, each seventy-four guns; the Leander fifty
+guns, with four more frigates and brigs, bombs, fire-ships, and several
+smaller vessels, well supplied, in addition to the ordinary means of
+warfare, with Congreve rockets, and Shrapnell shells, the destructive
+powers of which have lately been abundantly proved on the continent.
+August 9, the fleet anchored at Gibraltar, and was there joined by the
+Dutch admiral, Van Cappillen, commanding five frigates and a corvette,
+who had been already at Algiers, endeavoring to deliver slaves: but
+being refused, and finding his force insufficient, had determined on
+joining himself with the English squadron, which it was understood was
+under weigh. Meanwhile, the Prometheus, Captain Dashwood, had been sent
+forward to Algiers to bring off the British consul and family; but could
+only succeed in getting his wife and daughter, who were obliged to make
+their escape, disguised in midshipmen's uniform; for the Dey, having
+heard through some French papers of the British expedition, had seized
+the consul, Mr. Macdonnell, and put him in chains; and, hearing of the
+escape of his wife, immediately ordered the detention of two boats of
+the Prometheus, which happened to be on shore, and made slaves of the
+crews, amounting to eighteen men. This new outrage was reported to Lord
+Exmouth soon after leaving Gibraltar, and of course added not a little
+to his eagerness to reach Algiers. He arrived off Algiers on the morning
+of the 27th of August, and sent in his interpreter, Mr. Salame, with
+Lieutenant Burgess, under a flag of truce, bearing a letter for the Dey,
+demanding reparation.
+
+Meantime, a light breeze sprung up, and the fleet advanced into the bay,
+and lay to, at about a mile off Algiers "It was now," says Mr. Salame,
+in his entertaining narrative, "half-past two, and no answer coming out,
+notwithstanding we had staid half an hour longer than our instructions,
+and the fleet being almost opposite the town, with a fine breeze, we
+thought proper, after having done our duty, to lose no more time, but to
+go on board, and inform his lordship of what had happened.
+
+"Mr. Burgess, the flag-lieutenant, having agreed with me, we hoisted the
+signal, _that no answer had been given_, and began to row away towards
+the Queen Charlotte. After I had given our report to the admiral, of our
+meeting the captain of the port, and our waiting there, &c., I was quite
+surprised to see how his lordship was altered from what I left him in
+the morning; for I knew his manner was in general very mild, and now he
+seemed to me _all-fightful,_ as a fierce lion, which had been chained in
+its cage, and was set at liberty. With all that, his lordship's answer
+to me was, '_Never mind, we shall see now_;' and at the same time he
+turned towards the officers, saying, '_Be ready_,' whereupon I saw every
+one with the match or the string of the lock in his hand, most anxiously
+expecting the word '_Fire_'!
+
+"No sooner had Salame returned, than his lordship made the signal to know
+whether all the ships were ready, which being answered in the
+affirmative, he directly turned the head of the Queen Charlotte towards
+shore, and, to the utter amazement of the Algerines, ran across all the
+batteries without firing or receiving a single shot, until he brought up
+within eighty yards of the south end of the mole, where he lashed her to
+the mainmast of an Algerine brig, which he had taken as his direction,
+and had then the pleasure of seeing all the rest of the fleet, including
+the Dutch frigates, taking up their assigned stations with the same
+precision and regularity. The position in which the Queen Charlotte was
+laid was so admirable that she was only exposed to the fire of three or
+four flanking guns, while her broadside swept the whole batteries, and
+completely commanded the mole and marine, every part of which could be
+seen distinctly from her quarter-deck. Up to this moment not a shot had
+been fired, and the batteries were all crowded with spectators, gazing
+in astonishment at the quiet and regularity which prevailed through all
+the British ships, and the dangerous vicinity in which they placed
+themselves to such formidable means of defence. Lord Exmouth, therefore,
+began to conceive hopes that his demands would still be granted; but the
+delay, it appeared, was caused by the Algerines being completely
+unprepared for so very sudden an approach, insomuch that their guns were
+not shotted at the moment when the Queen Charlotte swept past them, and
+they were distinctly seen loading them as the other ships were coming
+into line. Anxious, if possible, to spare unnecessary effusion of blood,
+his lordship, standing on the quarter-deck, repeatedly waved his hat as
+a warning to the multitudes assembled on the mole to retire, but his
+signal was unheeded, and at a quarter before three in the afternoon the
+first gun was fired at the Queen Charlotte from the eastern battery, and
+two more at the Albion and Superb, which were following. Then Lord
+Exmouth, having seen only _the smoke of the gun,_ before the sound
+reached him, said, with great alacrity, '_That will do; fire my fine
+fellows!_' and I am sure that before his lordship had finished these
+words, our broadside was given with great cheering, which was fired
+three times within five or six minutes; and at the same time the other
+ships did the same. This first fire was so terrible, that they say more
+than five hundred persons were killed and wounded by it. And I believe
+this, because there was a great crowd of people in every part, many of
+whom, after the first discharge, I saw running away, under the walls,
+like dogs, walking upon their feet and hands.
+
+"After the attack took place on both sides in this horrible manner,
+immediately the sky was darkened by the smoke, the sun completely
+eclipsed, and the horizon became dreary. Being exhausted by the heat of
+that powerful sun, to which I was exposed the whole day, and my ears
+being deafened by the roar of the guns, and finding myself in the
+dreadful danger of such a terrible engagement, in which I had never been
+before, I was quite at a loss, and like an astonished or stupid man, and
+did not know myself where I was. At last his lordship, having perceived
+my situation, said, 'You have done your duty, now go below.' Upon which
+I began to descend from the quarter-deck, quite confounded and
+terrified, and not sure that I should reach the cock-pit alive; for it
+was most tremendous to hear the crashing of the shot, to see the wounded
+men brought from one part, and the killed from the other; and
+especially, at such a time, to be found among the _English seamen_! and
+to witness their manners, their activity, their courage, and their
+cheerfulness during the battle!--it is really most overpowering and
+beyond imagination."
+
+The battle continued to rage furiously, and the havoc on both sides was
+very great. There were some awful moments, particularly when Algerine
+vessels so near our line were set on fire. The officers surrounding Lord
+Exmouth had been anxious for permission to make an attempt upon the
+outer frigate, distant about a hundred yards. He at length consented,
+and Major Gossett, of the corps of marines, eagerly entreated and
+obtained permission to accompany Lieutenant Richards in the ship's
+barge. The frigate was instantly boarded, and, in ten minutes, in a
+perfect blaze. A gallant young midshipman, although forbidden, was led
+by his too ardent spirit to follow in support of the barge, in which
+attempt he was desperately wounded, his brother officer killed, and nine
+of the crew. The barge, by rowing more rapidly, escaped better, having
+but one killed.
+
+About sunset the admiral received a message from rear-admiral Milne,
+stating his severe loss in killed and wounded, amounting to one hundred
+and fifty, and requesting that, if possible, a frigate might be sent him
+to take off some of the enemy's fire. The Glasgow accordingly was
+ordered to get under weigh, but the wind having been laid by the
+cannonade, she was obliged again to anchor, having obtained a rather
+more favorable position. The flotilla of mortar, gun, and rocket boats,
+under the direction of their respective artillery officers, shared to
+the full extent of their powers the honors and toils of this glorious
+day. It was by their fire that all the ships in the port (with the
+exception of the outer frigate already mentioned) were in flames, which,
+extending rapidly over the whole arsenal, gun-boats, and storehouses,
+exhibited a spectacle of awful grandeur and interest which no pen can
+describe. The sloops of war which had been appropriated to aid and
+assist the ships of the line, and prepare for their retreat, performed
+not only that duty well, but embraced every opportunity of firing
+through the intervals, and were constantly in motion. The shells from
+the bombs were admirably well thrown by the royal marine artillery, and,
+though directed over and across our own men-of-war, did not produce a
+single accident. To complete the confusion of the enemy, the admiral now
+ordered the explosion ship, which had been charged for the occasion, to
+be brought within the mole; but upon the representation of Sir David
+Milne that it would do him essential service, if made to act on the
+battery in his front, it was towed to that spot, and blown up with
+tremendous effect.
+
+This was almost the final blow;--the enemy's fire had for some time been
+very slack, and now almost wholly ceased, except that occasionally a few
+shots and shells were discharged from the higher citadel, upon which the
+guns of the fleet could not be brought to bear. The admiral, who from
+the commencement had been in the hottest of the engagement, and had
+fired until his guns were so hot that they could, some of them, not be
+used again; now seeing that he had executed the most important part of
+his instructions, issued orders for drawing off the fleet. This was
+commenced in excellent order about ten at night, and the usual breeze
+having set off from shore favored their manoeuvre, so that, all hands
+being employed in warping and towing, the vessels were got safely into
+the bay, and anchored, beyond reach of shot, about two o'clock the next
+morning.
+
+So signal and well contested a victory could not have been gained
+without a considerable loss and suffering. It amounted in the English
+fleet, to one hundred and twenty-eight men killed, and six hundred and
+ninety wounded; in the Dutch squadron, to thirteen killed, and fifty-two
+wounded; grand total, eight hundred and eighty-three. But the enemy
+suffered much more severly; they are computed to have lost, in killed
+and wounded, not less than between six and seven thousand men. The loss
+sustained by the Algerines by the destruction in the mole was four large
+frigates, of forty-four guns. Five large corvettes, from twenty-four to
+thirty guns. All the gun and mortar-boats, except seven; thirty
+destroyed. Several merchant brigs and schooners. A great number of small
+vessels of various descriptions. All the pontoons, lighters, &c.,
+Store-houses and arsenal, with all the timber, and various marine
+articles destroyed in part. A great many gun-carriages, mortar-beds,
+casks, and ships' stores of all descriptions.
+
+Negociations were immediately opened in form; and on the 30th August the
+admiral published a notification to the fleet, that all demands had been
+complied with, the British consul had been indemnified for his losses,
+and the Dey, in presence of all his officers, had made him a public
+apology for the insults offered him. On the 1st of September, Lord
+Exmouth had the pleasure of informing the secretary of the Admiralty,
+that all the slaves in the city of Algiers, and its immediate vicinity
+were embarked; as also 357,000 dollars for Naples, and 25,000 dollars
+for Sardinia.
+
+The number of slaves thus released amounted to one thousand and
+eighty-three, of whom four hundred and seventy-one were Neapolitans,
+two hundred and thirty-six Sicilians, one hundred and seventy-three
+Romans, six Tuscans, one hundred and sixty-one Spaniards, one
+Portuguese, seven Greeks, twenty-eight Dutch, and not _one Englishman_.
+Were there an action more than another on which an Englishman would
+willingly risk the fame and honor of his nation, it would be this attack
+on Algiers, which, undertaken solely at her own risk, and earned solely
+by the expenditure of her own blood and her own resources, rescued not a
+single subject of her own from the tyrant's grasp, while it freed more
+than a thousand belonging to other European powers.
+
+In August, 1816, the strength of Algiers seemed annihilated; her walls
+were in ruins, her haughty flag was humbled to the dust; her gates lay
+open to a hostile power, and terms were dictated in the palace of her
+princes. A year passed, the hostile squadron had left her ports, the
+clang of the workman's hammer, the hum of busy men resounded through her
+streets, fresh walls had risen, new and more formidable batteries had
+been added; again she resumed her attitude as of yore, bid defiance to
+her foes, and declared war on civilization:--again her blood-stained
+corsairs swept the seas, eager for plunder, ready for combat;--Christian
+commerce once more became shackled by her enterprise, and Christian
+captives once more sent up their cry for deliverance. In 1819, her
+piracies had become so numerous that the Congress of Aix-la-Chapelle
+caused it to be notified to the Dey, that their cessation was required,
+and would be enforced, by a combined French and English squadron. His
+reply was brief and arrogant, and the admirals were obliged to leave
+without obtaining the least satisfaction. By menaces, however,
+accompanied by the presence of some cruisers, England, France, and the
+United States caused their flags to be respected.
+
+Ali, the successor of Amar, had died in 1818, and was succeeded by
+Hassein Pasha, who, from the commencement of his reign, evinced the
+strongest antipathy to the French power. In 1824, he imposed an
+arbitrary tax through all his provinces on French goods and
+manufactures; the consul's house was frequently entered and searched in
+a vexatious manner, contrary to the express stipulations of treaties;
+and, finally, April, 1827, the consul himself, having gone at the feast
+of Bayram to pay his respects, was, upon a slight difference of opinion
+arising during their conversation, struck across the mouth with a
+fly-flap which the Dey held in his hand, and in consequence soon after
+left Algiers, while the Dey ordered the destruction of all the French
+establishments along the coast towards Bona, and oppressed in every
+manner the French residents within his dominions. A blockade was
+instantly commenced by the French, and maintained for nearly three
+years, until it was found that they suffered much more by it than the
+Dey, the expense having reached nearly 800,000_l_ sterling, while he
+appeared no way inconvenienced by their efforts, and even treated them
+with such contempt as to order his forts to fire on the vessel of
+Admiral Le da Bretonniere, who, in 1829, had gone there under a flag of
+truce to make a final proposal of terms of accommodation. So signal a
+violation of the laws of nations could not be overlooked, even by the
+imbecile administrations of Charles X. All France was in an uproar; the
+national flag had been dishonored, and her ambassador insulted; the cry
+for war became loud and universal; conferences on the subject were held;
+the oldest and most experienced mariners were invited by the minister at
+war to assist in his deliberations; and an expedition was finally
+determined on in the month of February, 1830, to consist of about
+thirty-seven thousand men, a number which it was calculated would not
+only be sufficient to overcome all opposition which might be
+encountered, but to enable the French to reduce the kingdom to a
+province, and retain it in subjection for any length of time that might
+be considered advisable. No sooner was this decision promulgated, than
+all the necessary preparations were commenced with the utmost diligence.
+It was now February, and the expedition was to embark by the end of
+April, so that no time could be lost. The arsenals, the naval and
+military workships, were all in full employment. Field and breaching
+batteries were mounted on a new principle lately adopted; gabions,
+earth-bags, _chevaux-de-frise,_ and projectiles were made in the
+greatest abundance maps, notes, and all the information that could be
+procured respecting Barbary were transmitted to the war office, where
+their contents were compared and digested, and a plan of operations was
+drawn out. The commissariat were busied in collecting provisions,
+waggons, and fitting out an efficient hospital train; a
+deputy-commissary was despatched to reconnoitre the coasts of Spain and
+the Balearic Islands, to ascertain what resources could be drawn from
+them, and negociate with the king for leave to establish military
+hospitals at Port Mahon. Eighteen regiments of the line, three squadrons
+of cavalry, and different corps of artillery and engineers were ordered
+to hold themselves in readiness; four hundred transports were assembled,
+and chartered by government in the port of Marseilles, while the vessels
+of war, which were to form the convoy, were appointed their rendezvous
+in the neighborhood of Toulon. After some hesitation as to who should
+command this important expedition, the Count de Bourmont, then minister
+at war, thought fit to appoint himself; and his etat-major was soon
+complete, Desprez acting as chief, and Tholoze as second in command.
+Maubert de Neuilly was chosen provost-marshal, De Bartillat (who
+afterwards wrote an entertaining account of the expedition)
+quarter-master general, and De Carne commissary-general to the forces.
+In addition to these, there were about twenty aid-de-camps, orderlies,
+and young men of rank attached to the staff, together with a Spanish
+general, an English colonel, a Russian colonel and lieutenant, and two
+Saxon officers, deputed by their respective governments. There were also
+a section of engineer-geographers, whose business was to survey and map
+the country as it was conquered, "and," says M. Roget, who was himself
+employed in the service we have just mentioned, and to whose excellent
+work, written in that capacity, we are so much indebted, "twenty-four
+interpreters, the half of whom knew neither French nor Arabic, were
+attached-to the different corps of the army, in order to facilitate
+their intercourse with the inhabitants." As the minister had determined
+on risking his own reputation on the expedition, the supplies were all,
+of course, of the completest kind, and in the greatest abundance.
+Provisions for three months were ordered; an equal quantity was to be
+forwarded as soon as the army had landed in Africa; and, amongst the
+other materials furnished we observe, in looking over the returns,
+thirty wooden legs, and two hundred crutches, for the relief of the
+unfortunate heroes, a boring apparatus to sink pumps, if water should
+run short, and a balloon, with two aeronauts, to reconnoitre the enemy's
+position, in case, as was represented to be their wont, they should
+entrench themselves under the shelter of hedges and brushwood.
+
+The French effected a landing at Sidy-el-Ferruch, a small promontory,
+about five leagues to the west of Algiers, and half a league to the east
+of the river Massaflran, where it discharges itself into the bay. On the
+14th of June they all landed without opposition.
+
+After a continued series of engagements and skirmishes the army got
+within cannon shot of Algiers, where they broke ground and began
+entrenching, and the French works being completed, the heavy breaching
+cannon were all mounted; and at day-break on the 4th of July, General
+Lahitte, having assured himself by personal inspection that all was
+ready, ordered the signal rocket to be thrown, and at the same moment
+the whole French batteries opened their fire within point blank
+distance, and with a report which shook the whole of Algiers, and
+brought the garrison, who were little expecting so speedy an attack,
+running to their posts. The artillery was admirably served, and from one
+battery which enfiladed the fort, the balls were seen to sweep away at
+once an entire row of Algerine cannoneers from their guns. The Turks
+displayed the most undaunted courage; they answered shot for shot,
+supplied with fresh men the places of such as were slain, stopped up
+with woolsacks the breaches made by the balls, replaced the cannon which
+the French fire had dismounted, and never relaxed their exertions for a
+moment. But the nature of their works was ill-calculated to withstand
+the scientific accuracy with which the besiegers made their attack.
+Every ball now told--the tower in the centre was completely riddled by
+shots and shells; the bursting of these latter had disabled great
+numbers of the garrison. By seven o'clock the besieged had begun to
+retire from the most damaged part of their works; by half-past eight the
+whole outer line of defence was abandoned, and by nine the fire of the
+fort was extinct. The Turkish general, finding opposition hopeless, had
+sent to the Dey for commands; and in reply was ordered to retreat with
+his whole remaining force to the Cassaubah, and leave three negroes to
+blow up the fort. The tranquillity with which they performed this fatal
+task deserves record. The French, finding the enemy's fire to fail,
+directed all theirs towards effecting a practicable breach. The fort
+seemed to be abandoned;--two red flags floated still on its outside line
+of defence, and a third on the angle towards the city. Three negroes
+were seen calmly walking on the ramparts, and from time to time looking
+over, as if to examine what progress the breach was making. One of them,
+struck by a cannon-ball, fell, and the others, as if to revenge his
+death, ran to a cannon, pointed it, and fired three shots. At the third,
+the gun turned over, and they were unable to replace it. They tried
+another, and as they were in the act of raising it, a shot swept the
+legs from under one of them. The remaining negro gazed for a moment on
+his comrade, drew him a little back, left him, and once more examined
+the breach. He then snatched one of the flags, and retired to the
+interior of the tower; in a few minutes he re-appeared, took a second
+and descended. The French continued to cannonade, and the breach
+appeared almost practicable, when suddenly they were astounded by a
+terrific explosion, which shook the whole ground as with an earthquake;
+an immense column of smoke, mixed with streaks of flame, burst from the
+centre of the fortress, masses of solid masonry were hurled into the air
+to an amazing height, while cannon, stones, timbers, projectiles, and
+dead bodies, were scattered in every direction--the negro had done his
+duty--the fort was blown up.
+
+In half an hour the French sappers and miners were at work repairing the
+smoking ruins, their advanced guards had effected a reconnoissance along
+the side of the hill towards the fort Bab-azoona, and their engineers
+had broken ground for new works within seven hundred yards of the
+Cassaubah. But these preparations were unnecessary; the Dey had resigned
+all further intention of resistance, and at two o'clock a flag of truce
+was announced, which proved to be Sidy Mustapha, the Dey's private
+secretary, charged with offers of paying the whole expense of the
+campaign, relinquishing all his demands on France, and making any
+further reparation that the French general might require, on condition
+that the troops should not enter Algiers. These proposals met with an
+instant negative:--Bourmont felt that Algiers was in his power, and
+declared that he would grant no other terms than an assurance of life to
+the Dey and inhabitants, adding that if the gates were not opened he
+should recommence his fire. Scarcely had Mustapha gone, than two other
+deputies appeared, sent by the townsmen to plead in their behalf. They
+were a Turk called Omar, and a Moor named Bouderba, who having lived for
+some time at Marseilles, spoke French perfectly. They received nearly
+the same answer as Mustapha; but they proved themselves better
+diplomatists, for they spoke so much to the general of the danger, there
+would be in refusing the Janissaries all terms, and the probability that
+if thus driven to despair they might make a murderous resistance, and
+afterwards destroy all the wealth and blow up all the forts before
+surrendering, that Bourmont, yielding to their representations, became
+less stern in his demands; and Mustapha having returned about the same
+time with the English vice-consul, as a mediator, the following terms
+were finally committed to paper, and sent to the Dey by an interpreter.
+
+"1. The fort of the Cassaubah, with all the other forts dependent on
+Algiers, and the harbor, shall be placed in the hands of the French
+troops the 5th of July, at 10 o'clock, A.M.
+
+"2. The general-in-chief of the French army ensures the Dey of Algiers
+personal liberty, and all his private property.
+
+"3. The Dey shall be free to retire with his family and wealth wherever
+he pleases. While he remains at Algiers he and his family shall be under
+the protection of the commander-in-chief. A guard shall insure his
+safety, and that of his family.
+
+"4. The same advantages, and same protection are assured to all the
+soldiers of the militia.
+
+"5. The exercise of the Mohammedan religion shall remain free; the
+liberty of the inhabitants of all classes, their religion, property,
+commerce, and industry shall receive no injury; their women shall be
+respected: the general takes this on his own responsibility.
+
+"6. The ratification of this convention to be made before 10 A.M., on the
+5th of July, and the French troops immediately after to take possession
+of the Cassaubah, and other forts."
+
+These terms were so much more favorable than the Dey could have
+expected, that, of course, not a moment was lost in signifying his
+acceptance: he only begged to be allowed two hours more to get himself
+and his goods out of the Cassaubah, and these were readily granted. It
+may, indeed, be wondered at that he and his Janissaries should be
+allowed to retain all their ill-gotten booty, under the name of private
+property; but Count de Bourmont, though not without talent, was
+essentially a weak man, and was in this instance overreached by the wily
+Moor. The whole of next morning an immense number of persons were seen
+flying from Algiers, previous to the entry of the French army, and
+carrying with them all their goods, valuables, and money. They fled by
+the fort Bab-azoona, on the roads towards Constantina and Bleeda; and
+about a hundred mounted Arabs were seen caracolling on the beach, as if
+to cover their retreat. No opposition to it, however, was made by the
+French troops, or by their navy, which had now again come in sight.
+
+At twelve o'clock the general, with his staff, artillery, and a strong
+guard, entered the Cassaubah, and at the same moment all the other forts
+were taken possession of by French troops. No one appeared to make a
+formal surrender, nor did any one present himself on the part of the
+inhabitants, to inquire as to what protection they were to receive, yet,
+on the whole, we believe the troops conducted themselves, at least on
+this occasion, with signal forbearance; and that of the robberies which
+took place, the greater number were perpetrated by Moors and Jews. One
+was rather ingenious. The minister of finance had given up the public
+treasures to commissioners regularly appointed for the purpose. Amongst
+others, the mint was visited, a receipt given of its containing bullion
+to the amount of 25,000 or 30,000 francs, the door sealed, and a sentry
+placed. Next morning the seal was perfect, the sentry at his post, but
+the bullion was gone through a small hole made in the back wall.
+
+The amount of public property found in Algiers, and appropriated by the
+French, was very considerable, and much more than repaid the expenses of
+the expedition. The blockade of the last three years had, by
+interrupting their commerce, caused an accumulation of the commodities
+in which the Algerines generally paid their tribute, so that the
+storehouses at the Cassaubah were abundantly filled with wool, hides,
+leather, wax, lead and copper. Quantities of grain, silks, muslins, and
+gold and silver tissues were also found, as well as salt, of which the
+Dey had reserved to himself a monopoly, and, by buying it very cheap at
+the Balearic Isles, used to sell it at an extravagant rate to his
+subjects. The treasure alone amounted to nearly fifty million of francs,
+and the cannon, projectiles, powder magazines, and military stores,
+together with the public buildings, foundries, dock-yards, and vessels
+in the harbor, were estimated at a still larger amount; while the entire
+expense of the expedition, including land and sea service, together with
+the maintenance of an army of occupation up to January, 1831, was
+computed not to exceed 48,500,000 francs; so that France must have
+realized, by her first connection with Algiers, a sum not far short of
+L3,000,000 sterling--a larger amount, we will venture to say, than is
+likely to accrue to her again, even after many years of colonization.
+
+In a few days the Dey had embarked for Naples, which he chose as his
+future place of residence; the Janissaries were sent in French vessels
+to Constantinople; the Bey of Tippery made his submissions, and swore
+allegiance to the French King; orders were issued, and laws enacted in
+his name; the Arabs and Kalyles came into market as usual with their
+fowl and game; a French soldier was tolerably safe, as long as he
+avoided going to any distance beyond the outposts; and, on the whole,
+Algiers the warlike, had assumed all the appearance of a French colony.
+
+
+
+
+THE ADVENTURES, TRIAL AND EXECUTION OF CAPTAIN GOW.
+
+
+Captain Gow sailed from Amsterdam, in July, 1724, on board the George,
+galley, for Santa Cruz, where they took in bees'-wax. Scarcely had they
+sailed from that place, when Gow and several others, who had formed a
+conspiracy, seized the vessel. One of the conspirators cried, "There is
+a man overboard." The captain instantly ran to the side of the vessel,
+when he was seized by two men, who attempted to throw him over; he
+however so struggled, that he escaped from their hands. One Winter, with
+a knife, attempted to cut him in the throat, but missing his aim, the
+captain was yet saved. But Gow coming aft shot him through the body and
+throwing him over the rail he caught hold of the main sheet; but Gow
+taking up an axe, with two blows so disabled him that he fell into the
+sea and was drowned. The conspirators proceeded to murder all who were
+not in their horrid plot, which being done, James Williams came upon
+deck, and striking one of the guns with his cutlass, saluted Gow in the
+following words: "Captain Gow, you are welcome, welcome to your
+command." Williams was declared lieutenant, and the other officers being
+appointed, the captain addressed them, saying: "If, hereafter, I see any
+of you whispering together, or if any of you refuse to obey my orders,
+let every such man depend upon it, that he shall certainly go the same
+way as those that are just gone before."
+
+Their first prize was the Sarah Snow, of Bristol. After they had rifled
+the vessel and received one man from it, they allowed her to prosecute
+her voyage. The Delight, of Poole, was the next vessel that fell into
+their hands; but they not long after captured two others, from one of
+which they received a quantity of fish, and from the other bread, beef,
+and pork. They also forced two men from the latter ship. A French ship,
+not long after, furnished them with wine, oil, figs, oranges, and
+lemons, to the value of 500_l_. In a short time after, they captured
+their last prize, and, as she made no resistance, they plundered and
+dismissed her.
+
+They next sailed for the Orkney Isles to clean, but were apprehended by
+a gentleman of that country, brought up to London, and tried before a
+Court of Admiralty, in May, 1725. When the first indictment was read,
+Gow obstinately refused to plead, for which the Court ordered his thumbs
+to be tied together with whipcord. The punishment was several times
+repeated by the executioner and another officer, they drawing the cord
+every time till it broke. But he still being stubborn, refusing to
+submit to the court, the sentence was pronounced against him, which the
+law appoints in such cases; that is, "That he should be taken back to
+prison, and there pressed to death." The gaoler was then ordered to
+conduct him back, and see that the sentence was executed the next
+morning; meanwhile the trials of the prisoners, his companions, went
+forward.
+
+But the next morning, when the press was prepared, pursuant to the order
+of the Court the day before, he was so terrified with the apprehension
+of dying in that manner, that he sent his humble petition to the Court,
+praying that he might be admitted to plead. This request being granted,
+he was brought again to the bar, and arraigned upon the first
+indictment, to which he pleaded Not guilty. Then the depositions that
+had been given against the other prisoners were repeated, upon which he
+was convicted, and received the sentence of death accordingly, which he
+suffered in company with Captain Weaver and William Ingham.
+
+[Illustration: _Gow killing the Captain._]
+
+The stories of these two men are so interwoven with others, that it
+will be impossible to distinguish many of their particular actions. They
+were, however, proved to have been concerned, if not the principal
+actors, in the following piracies: first, the seizing a Dutch ship in
+August, 1722, and taking from thence a hundred pieces of Holland, value
+800_l_.; a thousand pieces of eight, value 250_l_. Secondly, the
+entering and pillaging the Dolphin of London, William Haddock, out of
+which they got three hundred pieces of eight, value 75_l_.; forty
+gallons of rum, and other things, on the twentieth of November in the
+same year. Thirdly, the stealing out of a ship called the Don Carlos,
+Lot Neekins, master, four hundred ounces of silver, value 100_l_. fifty
+gallons of rum, value 30_s_. a thousand pieces of eight, a hundred
+pistoles, and other valuable goods. And fourthly, the taking from a ship
+called the England, ten pipes of wine, value 250_l_. The two last
+charges both in the year 1721. Weaver returned home, and came to Mr.
+Thomas Smith, at Bristol, in a very ragged condition; and pretending
+that he had been robbed by pirates, Smith, who had been acquainted with
+him eight or nine years before, provided him with necessaries, and he
+walked about unmolested for some time. But Captain Joseph Smith, who
+knew him when a pirate, one day met him, and asked him to go and take a
+bottle with him; when they were in the tavern he told him that he had
+been a considerable sufferer by his boarding his vessel "therefore,"
+said he, "as I understand that you are in good circumstances, I expect
+that you will make me some restitution; which if you do, I will never
+hurt a hair of your head, because you were very civil to me when I was
+in your hands." But as this recompense was never given. Weaver was
+apprehended and executed.
+
+
+
+
+  PIRATE'S SONG.
+
+  To the mast nail our flag it is dark as the grave,
+  Or the death which it bears while it sweeps o'er the wave;
+  Let our deck clear for action, our guns be prepared;
+  Be the boarding-axe sharpened, the scimetar bared:
+  Set the canisters ready, and then bring to me,
+  For the last of my duties, the powder-room key.
+  It shall never be lowered, the black flag we bear;
+  If the sea be denied us, we sweep through the air.
+  Unshared have we left our last victory's prey;
+  It is mine to divide it, and yours to obey:
+  There are shawls that might suit a sultana's white neck,
+  And pearls that are fair as the arms they will deck;
+  There are flasks which, unseal them, the air will disclose
+  Diametta's fair summers, the home of the rose.
+  I claim not a portion: I ask but as mine--
+  'Tis to drink to our victory--one cup of red wine.
+  Some fight, 'tis for riches--some fight, 'tis for fame:
+  The first I despise, and the last is a name.
+  I fight, 'tis for vengeance! I love to see flow,
+  At the stroke of my sabre, the life of my foe.
+  I strike for the memory of long-vanished years;
+  I only shed blood where another shed tears,
+  I come, as the lightning comes red from above,
+  O'er the race that I loathe, to the battle I love.
+
+FINIS.
+
+
+
+INDEX
+
+Algerine pirates
+
+Allen, Lieutenant
+
+Arabian coast
+
+Arabian pirates
+
+Avery, Capt. Henry
+
+Bahamas
+
+Bainbridge, Commodore
+
+Baltic Sea pirates
+
+Banister, Captain
+
+Barbary corsairs
+
+Barrataria, La., pirates
+
+Benavides, Vincent
+
+Black Beard
+
+Bonnet, Major
+
+Bonney, Anne, female pirate
+
+Boston, Mass
+
+Booth, Capt. George
+
+Bowen, Captain
+
+Bracket, Joshua
+
+Charleston, S. C
+
+Chesapeake, frigate
+
+Chilian pirates
+
+Chinese pirates
+
+Ching, Mistress, female pirate
+
+Condent, Captain
+
+Corsairs of the African coast
+
+Crusades
+
+Danish and Norman pirates
+
+Davis, Capt Howel
+
+Decatur, Commodore
+
+De Soto, Bernardo
+
+Dew, Capt. George
+
+Dungeon Rock, Lynn, Mass
+
+Dutch girl kept by pirates
+
+East India Company
+
+East India piracies
+
+England, Capt. Edward
+
+England attacks the Algerines
+
+England overrun by pirates
+
+Female pirates
+
+France ravaged by pirates
+
+French attack Algiers
+
+"Friendship" (ship), piracy of
+
+Germany ravaged by pirates
+
+Gibbs, Capt. Charles
+
+Gibraltar, pirates at
+
+Gibson, Captain
+
+Gilbert, Pedro
+
+Glasspoole, Richard, captured by pirates
+
+Gow, Captain
+
+Guinea coast, pirates on
+
+Halsey, Capt John
+
+Havana, resort for pirates
+
+"Herculia" (brig), piracy of
+
+Hornigold, Capt. Benjamin
+
+Jackson, Captain
+
+Jackson, General
+
+Joassamee pirates
+
+Jonnia, Captain
+
+Kearney, Lieutenant
+
+Kidd, Capt. Robert
+
+Ladrone pirates
+
+Lafitte, Jean
+
+Lewis, Captain
+
+Lincoln, Captain
+
+Low, Capt. Edward
+
+Lynn, Mass., pirates
+
+Mackra, Captain, captured
+
+Madagascar pirates
+
+Malay pirates
+
+Maynard, Lieutenant
+
+Mediterranean, a resort for pirates
+
+"Mexican" (brig), piracy of
+
+Mogul's ships
+
+"Morning Star" (ship), piracy of
+
+Newfoundland, piracy at
+
+New Orleans, battle of
+
+New York, pirates at
+
+Norman pirates
+
+North Carolina coast
+
+Oakley, William
+
+"Panda" (schooner)
+
+Patterson, Commodore, expedition under
+
+Pirate vessel, description of
+
+Pirates, cruelty of
+
+  Dress of
+
+  Executions of
+
+  Song of
+
+  Trials of
+
+Pirate's Glen, Saugus
+
+Privateering on English coast
+
+Porter, Commodore
+
+"Potomac" (frigate), attacks Malay pirates
+
+Quallah Battoo, Sumatra, pirates of
+
+Rackam, Capt. John
+
+Rahmah-ben-Jabir
+
+Ras-el-Khyma
+
+Read, Mary, female pirate
+
+Read, Capt. William
+
+Ricker, Captain
+
+Roberts, Capt. Bartholomew
+
+Rogers, Capt. Woods
+
+Ruiz, Francisco
+
+Rumps, Arabia
+
+Salem, pirates in
+
+Skinner, Captain, murdered
+
+Soto, Benito de
+
+Spanish pirates
+
+Sumatra pirates
+
+"Swallow" (man-of-war), captures pirates
+
+Swedish pirates
+
+Teach, Edward
+
+Texan privateers
+
+Tew, Capt. Thomas
+
+United States attacks Algiers
+
+Vane, Capt. Charles
+
+Veal, Thomas
+
+"Vineyard" (brig), captured
+
+Warren, David
+
+West Indies, piracy in
+
+White, Capt. Thomas
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE PIRATES OWN BOOK***
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